ASHFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Transcription

1 ASHFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL In 2005 the school s war memorial was re-dedicated. The school did not have the courtesy of inviting the authors of this work to come along and pay their respects to the fallen. This is incredible because 2 men (A.L Ingall and A.S.H Machin) were never actually recorded as war casualties by the government or CWGC. That was until the authors formally submitted their cases to the MoD for belated commemoration. In October 2005 both men were approved by the MoD. Their names will soon be added to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission s roll of honour and both men will now get war graves. Neil Clark provided the school with a complimentary copy of his research in Very oddly this work was never placed alongside the school s book of remembrance. When we enquired where it was no one could tell us! This goes to show how insincere the present school management is The Great War

2 BARTLETT E.S - Attended school 24 th January 1905 to July 1905 Lance Corporal G/902 Edward Stainton BARTLETT. 6 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died Friday 8 th October 1915 aged 22 years. Born Chelsea, London on 6 th May Enlisted Maidstone, Kent. Resided East Farleigh, Kent. Son of W.H and Elizabeth Bartlett of Crossways, Niton, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Formerly 2, Campden Hill Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 95 to 97. On 8 th October 1915 the 6 th West Kent s were in action all day between the Quarries and Hill 70. The Germans began an extremely heavy bombardment which became intense at 1500 hours. The 6 th West Kent s assaulted Gun Trench which was being defended by large numbers of German soldiers. Battalion casualties were heavy 100 men killed or wounded. Edward was killed in the Battle of Loos. BAXTER B.E (brother) Attended school 3 rd May 1906 to July 1908 Private 10/275 Bernard Eyre BAXTER. A Company (West Coast), Wellington Infantry Regiment. New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Died Anzac Beach, Gallipoli, Turkey 29 th April born on 2 nd July 1893 at Hagg Hill Farm, Hinton, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire. Son of Stanley Eyre Baxter of North Lees, Taikawhana, Hopianga, Auckland, New Zealand. Husband of Emma Louisa Baxter (nee Green) of Downhead, Somerset, England. Bernards Wife Emma was the daughter of Stephen Green of Downhead, Somerset. Stanley Eye Baxter (Bernard s father) was born 1861 at Upper Holloway, Highgate, London. Educated at the Shepton Mallet and Ashford Grammar Schools. Bernard left the UK for New Zealand in Upon reaching there he was for 12 months a Cadet at Weraroa Experimental Farm near Levin. When war was declared Bernard immediately answered the call of his mother country and volunteered for overseas service. In August 1914 he moved to Egypt with his ANZAC regiment. Once in Egypt Bernard saw action when Turkish forces attacked the Suez Canal in February On the 25 th April 1915 Bernard landed at Anzac Beach Gallipoli, Turkey under extremely heavy fire. He was killed in action near Anzac Beach 4 days later. Exerts from Defeat at Gallipoli by Nigel Steel (1995) page 133 Part of the Wellington Battalion was sent forward. The New Zealander s were not able even to move into position before being hit by fire from the higher ground to the northeast and, unabated, the fighting continued all day. 2

3 BEVAN R.H Attended school 1911 to 1914 The school book of remembrance incorrectly lists his unit as Northumberland Fusiliers Ashford Private Ralph Henry BEVAN MM. 2/2 nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Formerly (18332) 29 th T.R Battalion. Formerly Northumberland Fusiliers. Died Sunday 15 th September 1918 aged 20 years. Born Ledbury. Enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Resided Ashford. Son of Hugh H.C and J Bevan of The Glebe, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Recorded incorrectly in the school remembrance book as belonging to the Northumberland Fusiliers when died. Ralph is buried in a private family grave plot. When the author found the grave it was in need of urgent restoration. Although it is under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it is a private family plot and they have limited rights to make any changes. This often means that a headstone is allowed to gradually deteriorate. Ralph was awarded the Military Medal (MM) - a high ranking field bravery award. Ralph died of wounds in the UK after being recovered through the medical evacuation chain from France in early Ralph died two years later of his wounds. The 2/2 nd London Regiment was formed in London in September On 23 rd December 1914 it moved to Malta arriving there 31 st December On 27 th August 1915 the battalion left Malta for Alexandria Egypt. On 13 th October 1915 it landed at Helles in Gallipoli, Turkey where it was attached to 2 nd Brigade, Royal Naval Division (RND). In January 1916 it withdrew from Gallipoli for Egypt where it was attached to 53 rd Division. On 24th April 1916 it arrived in France. In June 1916 it was disbanded. 3

4 BERGERSEN H.K Attended school from 14 th April 1911 to 1913 Ashford Private Harold Kirby BERGERSEN. 7 th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Wednesday 24 th April 1918 aged 19 years. Born Ashford 3 rd March Son of Harold and Edith Bergersen of The Kent Arms Hotel (Public House), Station Road, Ashford, Kent. Harold has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, Pozieres, France. Panel reference 28 and 29. In the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford there is a private memorial and grave to Gulbrand BERGERSEN Born Skarnes, Norway 18 th September 1845 Died Ashford 3 rd September 1867 Emma BERGERSEN Died 29 th November 1918 aged 76 years The 7 th Bedfords s were formed at Bedford September It was attached to 15 th Division and posted to Aldershot. In June 1915 it was at Blackdown. On 25 th February 1915 it moved to Colchester with the 18 th Division. In July 1915 the battalion moved to France (18 th Division). On 25 th April 1918 the battalion was reduced to cadre and all it s personnel were posted to 89 th Brigade (30 th Division). 4

5 BRIGGS H.K Attended school from 22 nd February 1900 to Midsummer 1904 Second Lieutenant Harley Knollys BRIGGS. B Battery, 166 th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Formerly Private (552), A Battery, Honourable Artillery Company (H.A.C). Formerly Dover College Officer Training Corps (O.T.C). Died Wednesday 26 th July Born St Leonards, Sussex 16 th January Resided 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, London. Son of Charles Knollys and Fanny Briggs of Boughton Court, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, Kent. Later residing at 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, London. In 1922 Harley s father was living at Deene House, Putney, South London. Buried in the Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, The Somme, France. Grave reference I.E.59. Harley attended the Norton Knatchbull school from 22 nd February 1900 to Midsummer The school retains a letter from his mother advising them of his death. Also educated at Dover College. Harley was well known in the Tenterden area. In January 1915 he gave his home town as being Tenterden. He joined the army 26 th September Harley was commissioned into the R.F.A on 1 st April Harley had a brother Cedric Knolys Briggs who served in the 18 th Hussars. Harley died in The Somme whilst in command of a Trench Mortar platoon. He apparently lost his life trying to save the life of a brother officer. 5

6 The 1901 Census gives Boughton Court, Boughton Aluph Charles BRIGGS 37 Living own means Capel Le Ferne Dover Fanny 39 Deal Harley 9 St Leonards, Sussex Idena 8 St Leonards, Sussex Cedric 2 St Leonards, Sussex Agneeta 3m Boughton Aluph This entry in the 1901 census confirms that Harley resided in Boughton Aluph with his family when he was attending the Ashford Grammar School. BROWNING R.G.S - Attended school from 6 th September 1898 to May 1899 Major Reginald Gordon Snell BROWNING. 6 th Battalion, (Glamorgan Territorial s), Welsh Regiment. Died Saturday 2 nd October Born 26 th October Son of R.A Browning of East Ludworth Villa, Neath, South Wales. Reginald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 77 and 78. Gordon was reported missing in action before his death was confirmed. He was killed in the Battle of Loos. The 6 th Welsh Regiment was formed at Swansea on 4 th August On 29 th October 1914 it landed Havre, France (84 th Brigade, 28 th Division). On 23 rd October 1915 it was moved to 3 rd Brigade, 1 st Division. On 15 th May 1916 the battalion became the Pioneer Battalion of the 1 st Division. CAFFYN J.M Attended school from 18 th September 1893 to Easter 1894 The school book of remembrance incorrectly states Joseph was killed in action Orlestone Hamstreet Corporal Joseph Mannington CAFFYN. Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died of Pneumonia 15 th July Born Northiam, Sussex. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Faversham. Son of Joseph and Clara Caffyn of Post Office, Hamstreet, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Florence Mabel Caffyn of Brynteg Clifton Park, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire. Buried in the Reading (Caversham) Cemetery, Berkshire. Grave reference 2C of E Joseph s name also appears on the Hamstreet and Orlestone civic war memorials. Educated Ashford Grammar School 18 th September 1893 to Easter The 1901 Census gives the following information: The Post Office, Orlestone Joseph CAFFYN Sarah Harry Jeanie Gertrude Daisy Lillian 6

7 Joseph fell victim to the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of He died in a UK Hospital and his body was bought home to where his parents lived (Reading) and buried. Joseph s grandson Don Collick still resided in the Hamstreet area until very recently. Don passed away in 2005 at Court Lodge Farm, Ruckinge. CASTLE H.A Attended school from 17 th January 1913 to December 1916 The school remembrance book incorrectly states that Howard died as a POW in Austria Private 9814 Howard Ambrose CASTLE. D Company, 2 /1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Died Italy Thursday 25 th July Born 9 th October 1898 at Littlestone, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Thirlmere, Littlestone, Kent. Died in Prisoner of war camp in Austria. Son of Edward Ambrose and Catherine Castle of 1 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent. Buried in the Egna Communal Cemetery, Italy. Grave reference 134. Howard was a very talented football player. He captained the school 1 st Eleven football team for 2 years. The Ashfordian of August 1919 lists the exact circumstances of his death He was a member of a group of soldiers who in the Autumn of 1918 disguised themselves as Italian nationals and captured an island in Italy. They were subsequently captured themselves and taken to a prisoner of war camp in Italy. Howard died here shortly after the armistice was signed in November The 2/1 st Battalion H.A.C was formed at Finsbury, London on 2 nd September The battalion landed in France on 3 rd October 1916 with 22 nd Brigade, 7 th Division. On 25 th November 1917 it landed at Legnago, Italy. The battalion remained in Italy right up to the Armistice ( ). CRAMP C Attended school from 16 th September 1910 to 1916 Private G/66738 Charles CRAMP. 6 th Battalion, Queen s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (26321) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 23 rd August 1918 aged 18 years. Born Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Great Chart. Son of Henry and Ruth Cramp of Ivy Cottage, Great Chart, Ashford. Buried in the Meaulte Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave reference G.17. Do Not confuse Charles with this other local man Lance Corporal T/ Charles CRAMP. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives Street, Great Chart Private Arthur CRAMP. Royal Army Medical Corps. Charles was killed in action during the Battle of Amiens. On 22 nd August 1918 the Battalion assembled at Becordel in readiness for an attack the next day. This attack went ahead at 0100 hours (moonlight) on 23 rd August The 18 th Division assaulted enemy positions in and around the Becordel area. The 36 th Division on the left and 47 th Division on the right were outflanked. Casualties were light (for the Great War) about 40 men were wounded or killed. 7

8 EVANS R.B Attended school from 30 th August 1895 to 9 th November 1909 Ashford (Recorded as H.B EVANS) Private G/20355 Richard Burt EVANS. Lewis Gun Section, A Company, 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 5 th Battalion. Died Thursday 9 th August 1917 aged 22 years. Born Ashford 30 th August Enlisted Neath, Glamorgan. Residence Swansea, Wales. Son of David White and Eva Henrietta Evans of Govers Lake, Bishopston, Glamorgan, Wales. Richard has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 2. Attended Ashford Grammar School from 30 th August 1895 to 9 th November His name appears in the A.G.S book of remembrance. The School book of Remembrance incorrectly gives his unit as the 5 th Buffs Richard s father ran an Ironmonger s at number 2 New Rents, Ashford. The family also had businesses in Wales. Richard was first reported missing. His father placed an advert in the Kentish Express asking for information on his sons disappearance. Sadly his sons death was confirmed a few weeks later. The 1901 census gives 2, New Rents, Ashford David W EVANS 53 Ironmonger Glamorgan, Wales Eva H 39 Wittersham Dora W 8 Ashford Adelade 7 Ashford Richard B 5 Ashford Elizabeth M 2 Ashford On the 9 th August 1917 A Company of the 6 th Buffs carried out a raid on enemy positions near Keeling Copse and a trench system known as Long Trench. The Buffs men were caught in enfilade fire from German machine gun positions. 2 officers and a further 35 men were killed in this enterprise. After the raid the Buffs returned to Beaurains Camp. 8

9 FLEMING A (Brother) Attended school from 17 th January 1908 to Christmas 1912 Alexander FLEMING. 14 th Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Date of death presently unknown. Born Woking, Surrey circa Son of Alexander and Mary Fleming (nee Lindsay) of (1901) Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey. Formerly Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Brother of Winifred Fleming of 6 Coleville Square, Bayswater, London. Brother of Mrs B Kenny of 44 Stanhope Gardens, Kensington, London. Brother of Percy Fleming of 7 Glengall Road, Brondesbury, London NW6. Alexander Fleming is not listed as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Because of this we are not able to confirm his army unit. It seems likely that poor Alexander was one of those men who was invalided from the service and died soon afterwards. His death was probably attributable to his war service and therefore his name should have been recorded as a war casualty. Educated Ashford Grammar School, Ashford, Kent. Kyle Tallett has searched the PRO (National Archives) for Alexander s service papers. These were not found which indicates that Alexander was probably not a commissioned officer. 70% of mens service records were destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War. Frank s mother Mary died before It is recorded in the school records that his father was at some point made bankrupt. The 1901 Census gives Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey (St Peter s Parish) Alexander FLEMING 44 Farmer Scotland Aglaia 22 Wife Greece Frank 6 Guildford, Surrey Alexander 5 Woking, Surrey Alison A 11m Woking, Surrey Maude LOWE 15 Chatham, Kent During the Great War the London Scottish maintained two battalion s - 1/14 th London Scottish Messines, Ypres, Loos, Somme, Cambrai, Arras, 2/14 th London Scottish Salonika, Egypt, Palestine. 9

10 FLEMING F (Brother) Attended school from 17 th January 1908 to Christmas 1912 Second Lieutenant Frank FLEMING MM. 4 th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (26 th Brigade, 9 th Division). Formerly Gordon Highlanders. Formerly (N.C.O)(1717) 14 th Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Killed in Action 11 th April Resided 22 Stuart Road, Acton, London. Born 15 th October 1894 at Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Son of Alexander and Mary Fleming of Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Brother of Winifred Fleming of 6 Coleville Square, Bayswater, London. Brother of Mrs B Kenny of 44 Stanhope Gardens, Kensington, London. Brother of Percy Fleming of 7 Glengall Road, Brondesbury, London NW6. The school book of remembrance lists Frank s unit incorrectly as the 14 th (London Scottish) Battalion, London Regiment. Frank did serve in this regiment as a Private soldier. It was probably with the London Scottish that Frank won his MM. This is where the confusion arose. The school obviously thought that Frank was still serving with this unit when he was killed. Frank s mother Mary died before The London Gazette records Frank being awarded the Military Medal 14 th September 1916 (probably for actions at Gommecourt on the Somme 1 st July 1916). After being awarded the MM Frank was commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders. At some stage Frank was transferred into the Seaforth Highlanders. It was with this unit that Frank met his maker Frank s service papers list that he was wounded in action on the 12 th October He was evacuated from Havre in France on the hospital ship Causbrook Castle. The ship docked at Southampton and Frank was taken to a V.A.D hospital to recuperate. Frank proceeded to France with his regiment on 15 th September Frank s death in action was witnessed by one of his men Private J.W RICHARDSON On the 11 th April 1918, in front of Pooege Wood (Plugstreet Wood?) Lieutenant Fleming was shot through the back, we had to retire, when we counter-attacked he was stripped of everything. The 1901 Census gives Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey (St Peter s Parish) Alexander FLEMING 44 Farmer Scotland Aglaia 22 Wife Greece Frank 6 Guildford, Surrey Alexander 5 Woking, Surrey Alison A 11m Woking, Surrey Maude LOWE 15 Chatham, Kent FOSTER A.H Attended school from 22 nd January 1895 to Midsummer 1899 Private Arthur Harold FOSTER. Princess Patricia s Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Died Tuesday 30 th October 1917 aged 36 years. Born Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada 8 th December Enlisted Dundas 11 th March Son of William and Emma Foster of Ripple Vale, Ripple, Dover, Kent. Formerly residing at Filmer House, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel reference 10 to 58. Arthur s name also appears on the Ripple War Memorial and the Bridge War Memorial. 10

11 GREENLAND C.S.W Attended school from 3 rd May 1904 to July 1905 Lieutenant Charles Stirling Walter GREENLAND. 2 nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Formerly Officer Training Corps (O.T.C) St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Died Sunday 9 th May 1915 aged 23 years. Born Kennington, Ashford on 22 nd July Son of The Reverand Charles Albert and Lucy Constance Greenland of Scaynes Hill, Haywards Heath, Sussex. Later residing Chaplains House, Hawks Hill, Caterham, Surrey. Buried in the Bedford House Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Grave reference Enclosure 4, XI.C.4. Educated at Ashford Grammar School and St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Charles father was the vicar of Caterham, Surrey. Charles had a brother Sub Lieutenant G.S Greenland who served on H.M.S Natal. The day that Charles died his battalion was in action at Sanctuary Wood. The battalion held frontline trenches and came under extremely heavy shelling. The enemy attacked from Stirling Castle and poured through the battalion s lines. It is recorded that the 2 nd battalion killed 350 enemy soldiers in this attack and that British trenches were littered with dead soldiers from both sides. After dark the battalion (or what was left of it) withdrew to Hellfire Corner. HALL H.H.S. Attended school 1894 to 1896 (The Remembrance book incorrectly gives Harry Headley Sidney HALL) Captain Harry Sydney Hopton Hadley HALL. 4 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly of the British North Borneo Civil Service. Died Calcutta, India of influenza Thursday 24 th October 1918 aged 36 years. Born 25 th January Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall of Hastings, Sussex. Formerly Little Boys Hall, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Calcutta (Bhowanipore) Cemetery, Calcutta, India. Grave reference O.G.51. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record Harry s unit incorrectly as the 3 rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. This unit remained in Maidstone throughout the war and was used as a recruiting and training unit. Therefore Harry could not possibly have been serving in the 3 rd battalion when he died. In fact the only West Kent battalion to remain in India throughout the duration of the war was the territorial force 1/4 th Battalion. Harry caught Spanish Influenza and died in a British Military Hospital at Calcutta in India. Harry s brother was Commander L.J Hall of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Harry hailed from a rich and well to do Ashford family. 11

12 HARLOW T.E Attended school from 16 th September 1908 to 1912 Deck Hand DA/13100 Thomas Edward HARLOW. H.M Motor Launch (M.L) 522, Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Formerly (1651) Territorial Force (Army). Comitted Suicide Wednesday 8 th May 1918 aged 24 years. Born Chartham near Canterbury 21 st October Son of Thomas G and Annie Harlow of 13 New Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Thomas s name also appears on the St Leonards School war memorial plaque, St Leonards Road, Hythe, Kent (he was a teacher there). Thomas was educated at the Ashford Grammar School. The school records list his home address as being 108 New Street, Ashford. He was a gifted cricket player and played for the school cricket team from 1911 to It is recorded that Thomas attended Cambridge University after leaving school and obtained a 3 rd class honours degree. His name does not appear on the Cambridge University War List ( ). After leaving university Thomas became a teacher at the St Leonards Church of England School in Hythe. During the war Thomas was called to the colours and served on HMS Victory before being posted to the Motor Launch 522. His personal records state that Thomas whilst of unsound mind, apparently committed suicide by hanging himself in the ship s forecastle. His family brought his body home to Ashford and he was buried quietly in the towns cemetery. The local papers did not report the circumstances of Thomas s sad and tragic demise. It is not known what led Thomas to take his own life. What is known is that he did so whilst on active service and therefore his name deserves to be honoured. 12

13 HORNE J.A Attended the school from 22 nd September 1905 to July 1912 Second Lieutenant John Austin HORNE. 6 th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers). Formerly Lance Cororal (1827) (270152) Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died of pneumonia and influenza at the Delhi Military Hospital, Tidworth, Surrey Saturday 2 nd November 1918 aged 25 years. Born 7 th April Son of William Smart and Ann Elizabeth Horne of Nash Court, Westwell, Ashford, Kent. Buried Westwell Burial Ground, Westwell, Kent. Grave reference far left hand corner. He was a gifted cricketer and captained the school team in 1911 and Before the outbreak of war John was employed at the Kentish Bank in Maidstone as a Clerk. John joined the REKMR in August 1914 and served with that unit as a Trooper in Egypt and Gallipoli, Turkey before being transferred to the 6 th Dragoon Guards. He was commissioned on 6 th April 1918 into the 6 th Reserve Cavalry Regiment. His service records list his movements as Home (UK) 3/9/14-23/9/15 Egypt/Gallipoli 24/9/15-14/6/17 Home (UK) 15/6/17-5/4/18 He was promoted to lance Corporal on 16 th December John died of Influenza and Pneumonia whilst at Tidworth Military Hospital, Surrey. He had a military funeral and the Ashford Grammar School Buglars sounded the Last Post. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives - Nash Court, Westwell William Smart HORNE. Labour Corps. The 1901 census gives Nash Court, Westwell William HORNE 38 Farmer Westwell Ann 35 Canterbury John 7 Westwell Mary 6 Westwell Mabelle 5 Westwell William 11 Westwell Leonard 2 Westwell Elsie 6m Westwell 13

14 HUNTER G.H Attended school from 6 th May 1889 to Easter 1890 Lance Corporal George Harrison HUNTER. 22 nd Battalion, The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (58752) 10 th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died Saturday 2 nd November 1918 aged 41 years. Born Ashford on the 26 th July Enlisted London. Resided Ashford. Son of George Harrison Hunter who was born on 7 th April 1843 and died 9 th April Brother of Carrie and Alice Hunter. Buried Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. Grave reference 18. George was seriously wounded in France and was recovered to the UK where he subsequently died of his injuries. His family buried him in the large family plot. Both his parents are buried alongside George. The 1881 Ashford Census gives 73A High Street, Ashford George H HUNTER (Manager Tailor) Teynham, Kent, 1844 Emma L Ashford 1843 Bessie Stonehouse, Devon 1854 Robert Camber, Sussex 1875 Carrie Ashford 1871 Alice Ashford 1875 George H Ashford

15 HYLAND H.B Attended school from 8 th May 1905 to 1910 Second Lieutenant Herbert Bright HYLAND. 20 th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Attached 100 th Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC) (Inf). Formerly a Trooper in the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Formerly Lance Corporal, O.T.C Sherborne School. Died Wednesday 19 th July 1916 aged 21 years. Born 6 th December Son of Samuel Bright and Ellen Hyland of Beacon House, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent. Herbert has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference 5C.12C. Herbert also attended Sherbourne School where he served in their Officer Training Corps as a Lance Corporal. Herbert was a cattle salesman before the war. He joined the REKMR as a trooper before being commissioned into the Welsh Regiment as a second lieutenant. In 1917 he joined the newly formed Machine Gun Corps and at first was posted to its Headquarters in Grantham. He went to France in March His brother (S.B Hyland) died in tragic circumstances before the outbreak of war in Australia. Herbert s father was a partner in the London firm of solicitors Hyland & Rogers, 81, Cannon Street, London. Herbert s will left 259 to his parents. Herbert was related to the Hyland s of Ashford of Lewis and Hyland fame the drapers in New Rents. 15

16 IGGLESDEN Henry Attended school from 8 th May 1890 to July 1897 (The school remembrance book lists Henry Igglesden with no rank or unit detail) Warrant Officer 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Henry IGGLESDEN MSM. Army Service Corps. General Headquarters (GHQ), Montreuil (Special Intelligence, Censorship and Press). Died 13 th June 1919 aged 39 years (Not July 1919 as recorded in the A.G.S Book of Remembrance) of Appendicitis (14 days) and Peritonitis Toxemia at The Cottage Hospital, Sevenoaks, Kent. Born 94 High Street, Ashford, Kent 21 st February Resided London Road, Westerham, Kent. Husband of Charlotte Igglesden (nee Fuggle). Son of William Igglesden and Elizabeth Igglesden (formerly Stanford or Barnes) of Northbrook, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Later residing 11 North Street, Ashford, Kent. Henry s father William Igglesden was also unsurprisingly a journalist. The first edition of the Kentish Express (then known as the Ashford & Alfred News & General Advertiser) was printed by Henry Igglesden on 14 th July This (earlier) Henry Igglesden bore a 2 sons: William Igglesden (19 February 1852), the father of our Henry Igglesden (a grandson of the founder of the Kentish Express) and Charles Igglesden who went on to become Sir Charles Igglesden an Ashford dignitary and VIP. Attended Ashford Grammar School from 8 th May 1890 to July Harry was a Burra Exhibitionist in Mr Burra (a famous engineer) was closely connected with the AGS. When Mr Burra died, a school scolarship trust was set up to benefit students. Harry obviously benefited from this trust in some way. After leaving the A.G.S Harry attended London University where he was awarded a law degree. Whilst at A.G.S Harry was in the school cricket team (1901). 16

17 Henry and Elizabeth Igglesden had 4 children 1. William Igglesden (Our Henry Igglesden s Father) 2. Elizabeth Igglesden 3. Charles Igglesden (Later Sir Charles Igglesden) 4. Kate Igglesden Henry Igglesden married Charlotte Igglesden (nee Fuggle) in Charlotte Fuggle was from a famous hop growers who came from the Kent Weald (Marden and Staplehurst areas). The Fuggle hop is named after this family. Prior to his death Henry was a Newspaper Reporter in Maidstone which is not entirely surprising given the fact that his Grandfather founded the Kentish Express newspaper and his father was also a newspaper man. DEATH CERTIFICATE Henry IGGLESDEN September Qtr, 1919, Sevenoaks, 2a, 693, aged 39 years Newspaper Reporter 1. Appendicitis (14 days) 2. Peritonitis Toxemia (7 days) Death registered by his son E.H Igglesden of London Road, Westerham, Kent 1881 Census gives 94 High Street, Ashford, Kent Mary Ann BURBRIDGE 14 Harriet HORTON 19 Elizabeth IGGLESDEN 29 Henry IGGLESDEN 1 Mabel IGGLESDEN 3 William IGGLESDEN 29 Hugh W.J MILLINGS 29 Elizabeth STAMFORD 61 When Henry left the Ashford Grammar School in 1897 he was on the staff of the Kentish Express representing it at Maidstone and Canterbury. Upon the outbreak of war Henry immediately volunteered for the army and entered the Army Service Corps as a writer in The story goes that Harry was sent to France in 1916 where he served with the Intelligence Department at General Headquarters (GHQ). He held a very confidential post under General s Haig and French. He was Mentioned in Dispatches (M.I.D) for this intelligence work and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in 1918 and the French Medalle dille d Honneur en Avec Glaives. On returning to Ashford from the war, Harry returned to the Kentish Express newspaper and was in charge of the Maidstone branch. Harry was suddenly taken ill and died of appendicitis. He left a widow and 6 children! The trustees of the A.G.S obviously felt that Harry s death was in part due to his war service and this seems the reason why his name was placed in the book of remembrance. We are unable to identify a link between his service in the British Army and his death! There is no way that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission would accept this man as a casualty of war. We have 17

18 therefore taken the decision not to put this case forward for Ministry of Defence (M.O.D) adjudication. 18

19 19

20 INGALL Alfred Leslie Attended school from 19 th June 1888 to Christmas 1892 The School book of Remembrance incorrectly states Alfred was killed in France Bombardier L/31913 Alfred Leslie INGALL. 179 th (Deptford) Battery, 81 st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died Cancer of the stomach 19 th June 1917 aged 40 years. Died at 42 High Street, Ashford. Resided (1915) at 27, Ladywell Park, London. Son of Joseph and Julia Ingall of 42, High Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried - 22 nd June 1917 in the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference The Commonwealth War Graves Commission did not record Alfred s death. He was discharged on medical grounds (Invalided) from the army on the 15 th May 1917 when it was found that he had cancer of the stomach. After being invalided from the service he died of the same disease only 1 month later! His death was attributable because on the balance of probability Alfred contracted the disease whilst on duty. Neil Clark presented his case to the CWGC in September On 23 rd October 2005 the CWGC wrote to Neil Clark stating that Alfred s case had been approved and that his name was being added to the roll of honour. Death Certificate reference West Ashford/ASH29/170. Both Alfred s parents are buried in the same grave plot. The grave has gradually fallen apart and Alfred s name can now hardly be read. Neil Clark would very much like this man s grave to be renovated. Alfred s name also appears on The Centrepiece war memorial plaque, Bank Street, Ashford. He obviously attended that church before the outbreak of war. Interestingly his name appears on the memorial as LESLIE ALFRED INGALL not Alfred Leslie Ingall. Alfred s name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School Roll of Honour. He attended that school from 1888 to

21 Before the outbreak of war Alfred was employed as a Grocer s Assistant in Ashford. He enlisted at Deptford in South London on 7 th June 1915 aged 37 years. The WW1 medal rolls show that Alfred did serve overseas on active service and that he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The 1881 Census gives 42 High Street, Ashford Joseph INGALL Sheffield, Yorkshire 1837 Julia London 1832 Joseph M 1868 Ashford Frank E 1870 Ashford Percy A 1871 Ashford Sidney H 1873 Ashford Alfred L 1877 Ashford 21

22 KENNEDY L Attended school from 22 nd January 1900 to Christmas 1901 Second Lieutenant Samuel Lancelot Richard Alexander Edgar KENNEDY. 8 th Battalion, (Post Office Rifles). London Regiment. Formerly Private (2335) 9 th Battalion, (Artists Rifles), London Regiment. Died 15 th September 1916 aged 32 years leading his platoon in the capture of High Wood, The Somme, France. Born West Kensington, London 18 th January Resided 51, Downhams Hill, Hampstead, London. Son of Captain Alexander Charles Kennedy (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) and Anna Frances Issabella Kennedy. His next of kin whilst at the school was a Miss Hall of Torfield, Reigate, Surrey. His mother was Mrs Kennedy of 51, Downshire Hill, London. He was known simply as Lancelot Kennedy by those at his school. Buried High Wood Cemetery, The Somme, France. Lancelot s name appears on Volume 1 Page 164 of De Ruvignys Roll of Honour. Upon leaving Ashford Grammar School Lancelot went to work for the Alliance Assurance Company Limited and remained with them for 9 years. On 22 nd April 1907 he enlisted in the territorial force (Victoria and St George Rifles) and served with them until Upon the outbreak of war Lancelot rejoined his battalion in London as a Lance Corporal. On 29 th July 1915 Lancelot was gazetted a Second Lieutenant. On the 13 th September 1916 the 8 th battalion were in Becourt Wood on the Somme. On the 14 th September the battalion assembled at High Wood in readiness for an attack. The day that Lancelot was killed his battalion was in action near High Wood. They advanced at hours and entered Flag Line (140 th Brigade s second objective) on the right of the assault. The battalion remained in action until 29 th September Upon withdrawing it was found that 300 men had been wounded or killed. Lancelot appears to have been killed leading his men somewhere near High Wood on the Somme. 22

23 KNIGHT A.R Attended school 1901 to July 1905 Sub Lieutenant Alfred (or Arthur) Robert KNIGHT. Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy (RN). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). Died Monday 13 th November 1916 aged 27 years. Born Son of Alfred Richardson Knight of 63, Hardinge Road, Ashford, Kent. Alfred has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference 1A. Alfred attended the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School and his name appears on their war roll of honour. Before the outbreak of war Alfred was working for the Bank of Montreal in London. The Hawke Battalion was a Royal Navy infantry unit that fought alongside the army. In the UK the Hawke battalion was based at Blandford in Dorset. Alfred disembarked his ship at Boulogne on 7 th July On the 8 th July 1916 he arrived at RND base depot Etaples and was sent into the field. The Hawke battalion s movements on the Somme were as follows 24 th October 1916 Front line trenches at Englebelmer 30 th October Hedauville 31 st October 1916 Puchevillers 4 th November 1916 Hedauville 6 th November 1916 Mesnil 13 th November 1916 Attack on Beaucourt. Leading waves cut down by machine gun fire. 15 th November 1916 Withdrew from frontline trenches casualties numbered 419 men. Alfred was killed somewhere near Grandcourt on the Somme in France. 23

24 MACHIN A.S.H Attended school from 18 th January 1907 to May 1909 Private TR/ Albert Sidney Haydn MACHIN. 102 nd Training Reserve Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. (23 rd Reserve Brigade. Aldershot). Died 20 th September 1918 aged 19 years of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (T.B). Born 11 th July Resided 19, Barrow Hill Road, St John s, London. Son of Albert Edward and Stella Mary Machin of 170, Station Road, Redhill, Surrey. Formerly Gladwyn, Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried 23 rd September 1918 in a private family plot at the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. Grave reference Albert died at Woolpack Farm, Westwell, Ashford. Albert is now waiting for a new war grave headstone which was ordered in Albert s death was not recorded as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Albert contracted T.B whilst serving in the army. He died of the SAME disease after being invalided. His death was attributable. His name was submitted to the Ministry of Defence in September On 23 rd October 2005 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirmed that the MoD had approved a belated commemoration. Death Certificate reference West Ashford/CH16/260. Albert s name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull roll of honour. He attended that school from 1907 to His name also appears on the Ashford St Mary s Plaque. Albert s father Albert Edward Machin was born on 29 th January He died at Holfontein, South Africa on the 20 th February 1904 aged 37 years. Albert Sidney Haydn had a brother who died aged 10 months Gerald Douglas Machin born 9 th February 1903 died December 1903 aged only 10 months. Albert enlisted in the army on 25 th August 1917 at White City, London. When Albert was discharged from the army on 22 nd October 1917, his home address was given as 19, Barrow Hill Road, St John s Wood, London. The Royal Army Medical Corps at Connaught Hospital in Aldershot, Hampshire confirmed that Albert was unfit for further war service because of Pulmonary T.B. Albert was swiftfully invalided from the service and died of the same disease 11 months later. His death was attributable. The 102 nd Training Reserve Battalion was formed in 1915 as the 27 th and 28 th battalion s, Middlesex Regiment. Both drew their held strength from existing depot companies of the 17 th, 23 rd, 20 th and 21 st Battalions of the Middlesex Regiment. In December 1915 both reserve units (27 th and 28 th ) were at Northampton in the 23 rd Reserve Brigade. On the 1 st September 1916 both battalions were re-formed into the 101 st and 102 nd Training Reserve Battalions of the Middlesex 24

25 Regiment respectively. Both battalions were at that time based at Aldershot. Both battalions remained in the 23 rd Reserve Brigade which was a home service (reserve) infantry unit consisting almost entirely of young soldiers completing their training. MAYNARD H.C - Attended school from 22 nd September 1899 to Midsummer 1904 The School book of Remembrance incorrectly gives his unit as the Royal Engineers Private G/18997 Henry Cyril (Cecil) MAYNARD. 11 th Battalion, Queen s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly Royal Engineers (RE). Died Sunday 27 th October Born 30 th December Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford, Kent. Son of Henry R Maynard of Cannon Street, Lydd. Husband of Mrs E.R.W Maynard of 290, Kingsland Road, London. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Koln, Germany. Henry s name appears on page 43 of the National Union of Teachers (N.U.T) War Record He was a teacher at the South Eastern & Chatham Railway School in Willesborough before the outbreak of war. Henry attended the Ashford Grammar School (Norton Knatchbull) from September 1899 until He was a very talented footballer and played for a number of Ashford based teams. In 1910 Henry qualified as a referee with the Kent County Football Association. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives Christchurch Road, Ashford Sergeant Hubert George MAYNARD. Royal Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C). Henry was taken prisoner by the Germans in 1918 and taken to a Prisoner of War camp in Austria where he subsequently died. It is likely that he died of Spanish Influenza. 25

26 MORTON D.E Attended school from 21 st September 1906 to Easter 1913 Private 1391 Edgar Douglas MORTON. Waldershare Troop, 1/1 st Squadron, Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (Yeomanry) (REKMR). Died 22 nd May 1915 aged 19 years. Born 7 th June 1895 at South Kensington, London. Enlisted Broad Oak, Canterbury. Resided Kennington. Son of Edgar and Eleanor Jane Morton of The Studio, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the North East Corner of St Mary s Churchyard, Kennington. The headstone was erected by his family in In 2005 the headstone was tilting badly. Edgar s name appears on page 261 of De Ruvigny s Roll of Honour. His name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull School book of remembrance. Edgar s mother Eleanor was the daughter of Edward John Wall of Great Chesterford. On leaving school Edgar went to work at the Canterbury Motor Works. On 7 th September 1914 Edgar joined the Waldershare Troop of the REKMR. He was posted to Canterbury and billeted at the Canterbury Polo Ground during the Autumn and winter. Records show that Edgar was a good all round shot and a gifted sportsman. The 1/1 st Squadron REKMR were still at Canterbury in May They remained here until September when they moved to Gallipoli Turkey. The 1901 census gives Church Lane, Kennington Edgar MORTON 39 years Artist/Sculp Marylebone, London Eleanor 41 years Great Chesterford, Essex Nora A 7 years Hempstead, London Edgar D 5 years Hempstead, London There is a relatively modern road in Kennington known as Studio Close located off Church Road. It is possible that this road was named after Edgar s parents dwelling. Edgar contracted pneumonia and pleurisy while on active service. He died at the Canterbury V.A.D Hospital. The headmaster of the Ashford Grammar School Mr A.S Lamprey wrote One of the best boys I Have ever known. His commanding officer Major Ffrench Blake wrote Morton was a general favourate, and we all mourn the loss of a young but keen soldier. 26

27 PALMAR H.J Attended school from 22 nd June 1895 to Midsummer 1897 Guardsman Hubert John PALMAR. 5 th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 19 th June Son of William and Annie Palmar of Ninn Farm, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Great Chart (St Mary) Churchyard. Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference - North West end of church. The 1901 census gives Ninn Farm, Great Chart William PALMAR 56 Farmer Bethersden Annie 53 Bethersden Ashley 19 Farmers son Great Chart Hubert 17 School Great Chart William W 15 Great Chart Hubert held the school s cricket ball throwing record having thrown nearly 109 yards in Hubert was wounded in action whilst serving with his battalion on the Somme in France. Hubert was evacuated through the medical chain and was eventually recovered back to the UK. Hubert died of his wounds and was buried locally by his family. 27

28 PLEDGE H.A- Attended school from 1910 to 1915 The school book of remebrance incorrectly lists his unit as 9 th Buffs Private G/29512 Herbert Allan PLEDGE. 6 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly 9 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Born 2 nd September Died 9 th August 1918 aged 18 years 10 months. Born Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of George and Edith Pledge of Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ville-Sur- Ancre Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave reference B.13. Herbert s name also appears on a private family memorial in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Herbert s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives 1 Hunter Road, Willesborough Sergeant William George PLEDGE. Army Ordnance Corps. On the 8 th August 1918 the 6 th battalion was in the vicinity of Morlancourt on the Somme. It spent the day in readyness at Fravillers and in the evening moved to Marett Wood west of Morlancourt with orders to attack the next morning. On the 9 th the battalion went forward along the Morlancourt Ville Sur Ancre Road. The battalion immediately ran into murderous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. The attack was a success however the battalion lost 200 men in the fight. The 6 th Battalion s Sergeant 358 T.J Harris MM won a Victoria Cross in this action by single handedly storming a machine gun nest. It is thought that Herbert was related in some way to the owners of the Pledges Mill, Victoria Road, Ashford. A Henry Sturgess Pledge built the mill along the railway line in Victoria Road. This enabled the firm to turn out high quality flour and to compete in a what was then a highly competitive market. In 1984 the mill was sadly destroyed by fire. 28

29 RAYNER E.G - Attended School 1898 to 1903 Ashford Wye College St Mary s Lance Corporal Edward George RAYNER. 63 rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (G/9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21 st March Born Willesborough 15 th January Enlisted Ashford. Son of James Rayner of 9 Wellesley Villas, Ashford, Kent. Formerly of Aldington. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference bay 10. Attended Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford and played in the school cricket team in 1901,1902 and His name appears in the Norton Knatchbull School book of remembrance. After leaving school Edward became a Grazier in the Ashford area. Edward enlisted into the army on 1 st March 1916 and was posted to the Buffs Depot in Canterbury for training. At some stage Edward transferred from The Buffs into the Machine Gun Corps. He embarked at Folkestone for Boulogne on 9 th July On the 11 th July 1916 he joined Base Depot at Camiers. His service record reveals he was hospitalised on a few occasions during active service 6 th November 1916 No 55 Company To hospital 21 st January 1917 Septic Heal Discharged 18 th January th February 1917 Etaples Septic Heal and knee 19 th February 1917 Admitted Hospital 9 th March 1917 Discharged Hospital 28 th March 1917 Joined Base Depot Camiers 17 July 1917 Escourt Wounded 1 st September 1917 Posted 189 Coy, M.G.C 23 March rd Coy, M.G.C Wounded The Norton Knatchbull School records shows Edward s next of kin as being James Rayner of Aldington. His father obviously moved to Ashford at a later date. The 1881 census gives Gladstone Road, Willesborough 29

30 James RAYNER (Grocer) born 1851 Agnes Rayner (wife) aged 28 Elizabeth Rayner aged 2 Annie S Rayner aged 4 Stephen Sharke aged 41 Stephen Sharke appears to have been James assistant in the grocery business. The Ashford Directory of 1896 gives the following information for Aldington - J. Rayner, Grocer and Butcher Edward s name also appears on a private family memorial in the old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford Edward Died 4 th April 1885 aged 75 years Elizabeth D Died 30 th June 1854 aged 38 years James Died 25 th August 1920 aged 70 years (Father) Agnes Died 4 th November 1933 aged 83 years (mother) Edward George RAYNER Killed in Action 1918 ROBERTS F.W Attended School 16 th June 1906 to April 1912 Westwell Captain Frederick William ROBERTS MC. 10 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 1 st October 1917 aged 22 years. Son of Reverand Henry Boys Roberts Vicar of Westwell Church, Westwell, Ashford, Kent. Buried Kortrijk (St Jan) (Courtrai), Belgium. Grave reference B.27. Attended the Ashford Grammar School from 16 th June 1906 to April His name appears on the school s book of remembrance. Awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage and leadership skills. There is an additional private family memorial to this man in the parish church. Frederick died in a German Prisoner of War (POW) Camp after being captured in an enemy trench raid on 20 th September 1917 when the 10 th West Kent s attacked the enemy at Tower Hamlets outside Ypres, Belgium. 30

31 ROBINSON C - Attended school from 20 th September 1907 to 1912 The school book of remembrance incorrectly states killed in France Rifleman Cyril ROBINSON. 9 th (Queen Victoria s Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment. Died 26/27 th September Born Ashford. Enlisted London. Resided Corringham. Resided (1901) 122 Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent. Cyril has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 151. There is some confusion as to Cyril s correct date of death. He was probably killed in action in a night attack and no one quite knew which day he was killed. Educated at the British School in Ashford and later the Ashford Grammar School from 20 th September 1907 to Whilst at the Ashford Grammar School Cyril was a very keen cricketer and played for the cricket team in His name appears in the School Book of Remembrance. Upon leaving education Cyril trained as a foundry worker in Ashford and immediately before the outbreak of war was working as a foundry foreman. The 9 th London Regiment was formed at Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London 4 th August 1914 (3 rd London Brigade, 1 st London Division). August 1914 to Bullswater, Pirbright, Surrey. September 1914 to Crowborough, Sussex. Landed France November 1914 (13 th Brigade, 5 th Division). On 10 th February 1916 moved to 169 th Brigade, 56 th Division in the Hallencourt area. On 1 st February 1918 moved to 175 th Brigade, 58 th Division where it absorbed the 2/9 th battalion. The battalion stayed on the Western Front for the duration of the war although it was attached to quite a few different Brigades and Divisions. Cyril was killed during the Third Battle of Ypres (1917) in Belgium NOT France. SIMS F.C Attended school 19 th January 1912 Private G/97001 Frederick Charles (Cecil) SIMS. C Company, 2 nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Reported missing and presumed dead Monday 27 th May Born 4 th August 1899 at Seacombe, Cheshire. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford, Kent. Son of Alfred and Alice Annie Sims of 3, Queen Street, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France. Educated Ashford Grammar School from 19 th January 1912 to His name appears on the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School War Roll of Honour. The School Book of Remembrance gives Frederick Charles SIMS whereas the CWGC list Frederick Cecil SIMS. Upon leaving school Frederick went to work with his father and became an articled Surveyor. It is believed that Frederick s father ran his own successful surveying business in the Ashford and London areas. The 2 nd Middlesex was a regular army formation. On the outbreak of war it was garrisoned in Malta. The battalion returned to Hursley Park in September 1914 and was placed in 23 rd Brigade, 8 th Division. Landed France 7 th November 1914 (B.E.F). It remained on the Western Front for the duration of the war. 31

32 THIMANN R.P Attended school 16 th September 1908 to Christmas 1908 Airman 1 st Class Ralph Phoebus THIMANN. 9 th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Proven, Belgium. Died Friday 12 th October 1917 aged 20 years. Born 30 th June Son of Reverend Israel Phoebus Thimann of 14, High Street, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Mrs M.K Thimann of The Chase, Manor Drive, Wembley Park, London. Buried in the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium. Grave reference XI.H.12. Ralph s father Israel Philbus Thimann was the church minister of the Congregational Church that stood in Ashford until There is a plaque commemorating Ralph s father in the Centrepiece Church, Bank Street, Ashford. Israel died 12 th January 1912 aged 48 years. The word Caterham Valley appears on the school records. This might be the area where he met his death. 9 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was formed 8 th December 1914 at St Omer France. On 22 nd March 1915 it was disbanded and absorbed by 2,5,6 and 15 Squadron s. On 1 st April 1915 it was re-formed at Brooklands and went to Proven in Belgium. On 1 st April 1918 it became 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) operating from Proven, Belgium. It was disbanded on 31 st December 1919 at Castle Bromwich. On 1 st April 1924 it was re-formed at Upavon. 32

33 33

34 VIDLER J.A Attended school from 6 th May 1910 to Midsummer 1911 (BROTHER) Private T/1746 John Alfred VIDLER. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 7 th January Born Newchurch, Kent on 8 th March Enlisted Ashford. Resided Kennington, Ashford. Son of George Vidler of Forestmere, Kennington Lees, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave reference XXXI.D.9. John s father was a farmer and grazier in Kennington. John had a sister who died of TB before the outbreak of war. On the 6 th January 1916 a signal came from Kut saying that large numbers of Turkish troops were moving downstream of the River Tigris towards Sheikh Saad. An aircraft spotted the troops entrenching both sides of the river. The Tigris Corps of which the Buffs was part of moved to meet the enemy. The 5 th battalion attacked the Turk positions head on and by nightfall it became obvious the attack could not succeed. The next day 7 th January the Buffs alongside The Black Watch and The Seaforth Highlanders were again ordered to attack in strength. As the British moved forward under heavy fire the Turks attempted to encircle the Tigris Corps. By nightfall the position remained stalemate. It was later discovered that the Turks had withdrawn upstream. British Army casualties at Sheikh Saad were over 4,000 men. 34

35 VIDLER P.A Attended school from 24 th April 1909 to December 1909 (BROTHER) Private 2192 Percy Arthur VIDLER. Royal East Kent Yeomanry (Duke of Connaught s Own Mounted Rifles). Died Gallipoli Wednesday 8 th December Born Blackmanstone 4 th August Enlisted Herne, London. Son of George Vidler of Forestmere, Kennington Lees, Ashford, Kent. Formerly The Elms Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Resided Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey. Grave reference C.385. His father was a farmer and grazier in Kennington. Percy was apprencticed to Messrs Lewis and Hylands, New Rents, Ashford before the outbreak of war. He had a younger brother serving in the Persian Gulf. A letter from Lewis and Hyland s of Ashford stated We have heard with extreme regret that your son has been killed. We assure you of our deepest sympathy. He was a thoughtful lad and doubtless had a successful career in front of him, and it seems hard that such high hopes should thus be cut off. Words at such times are altogether inadequate to bring the comfort you need, but you will, we feel sure, find consolation in the fact that he has made the supreme sacrifice and given his life for his country in a just and honourable cause. He has died so that others may live. The REKMR was in the forward area of Fusilier Bluff when Percy was killed. 35

36 WARD E.J Attended School from 16 th September 1904 to July 1906 Rifleman 68 Edward (Eddie) John WARD. H Company, 5 th (London Rifle Brigade) Battalion, London Regiment. Died Tuesday 8 th December 1914 aged 23 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted London. Resided St Pancras, London. Son of John and Kate Ward of 7 Somerset Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Rifle House Cemetery, Plugstreet Wood, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Grave reference IV.E.3. The Norton Knatchbull School listed his home address as being number 15, Somerset Road, Ashford, not number 7. Prior to the outbreak of war, Edward was employed by Lloyds Bank first of all at the Ashford Branch and then after being promoted he went to work at the Southsea branch. He eventually went to work in Westgate Kent with the Lloyds Bank before being finally moved to their London headquarters. It appears that Edward had a bright future as a bank worker. He was a keen amateur dramatics participant and was also a very gifted Cricket Player. While at the Ashford Grammar School he held the school record for batting having scored 163 Not Out on one occasion. He went onto play cricket for his bank s team and eventually for Ashford Town itself. On the 1 st December 1914 the 5 th London Regiment were at Armentieres having baths. On the 2nd December the battalion moved to Plugstreet Wood South of Ypres. It would appear that Eddie was killed near Plugstreet Wood which accounts for the fact he was buried in Rifle House Cemetery. 36