THE RAINHAM, KENT, WAR MEMORIAL

FIRST WORLD WAR, 1914 – 1918

 

I was born in Rainham in1939, just after the Second World War had been declared; so much of my early childhood was during a war period.  The memorial to the WW 1 fallen soldiers and sailors was a continuous reminder to me of the sacrifices made by these young men and their families.  I had undertaken the research of my family, when I started to wonder if any of those young men had come from some of the families that I had been researching.  Three of my family lines, Mudge, Packer and Boakes are of Kent for as many generations as I could work back. So I thought that there would be a possibility of family connections.  Following this idea led to undertaking genealogical research into the family history of each person on this memorial. 

My start was the short notes that are available on the “ROLL OF HONOUR” web site.  From this information was able to search the 1911 and 1901 censuses to identify their parents and other family members.  From this point I then tried to find out more information about the military actions that they were part of at the time of their death.  I have presented all of the information that I have found in the following notes.

 

BARBARA M. FAIRSERVICE

Prince George, British Columbia

December 2016

INTRODUCTION

 

The men of Rainham represented a variety of military Services. For example, 23 joined the Royal Navy, 12 served with the local, Buffs (East Kent Regiment), two men fought for Australia, and four represented Canadian regiments. Two men, Colour Sergeant's Thomas Swan (AIF), and Francis Baker (Buffs) were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, reveals the age, of the 69 Rainham men, which ranged from 17 to 61years.

 

It also provided addresses and family details of many of the men who fell in the First World War. For example, the memorial includes brothers, fathers, sons and husbands. At least 14 men lived in Station Road, six in Ivy Street, and three from Tufton Road. Others lived in 'cottages' along Bredhurst Road, London Road and other Rainham addresses still present today.

 

The Rainham men listed are buried locally, and throughout the world, including France, Belgium, India, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Russia. Many others have no known Grave. The loss of 99 Rainham men would have had a considerable impact on a small, closely knit population of around 4000 people, dependent upon agricultural labour.

 

We can only imagine how the war touched the lives of so many Rainham families.

For example, see the following three men, who lived in William Street:-

 

Rank    Name    Service    Age    Date of Death    Address

Pte.    Edmund Couchman,    Royal Navy,    20,    27/5/15    69 William Street

Pte.    Albert Coppin,    Lanc. Fus.,    19,    24/5/15    53 William Street

Pte.    John Bolton    Royal Sussex.    22    6/9/18    42 William Street

 

It can be seen, that these men were the same age when the Great War began, and lived nearby each other in the same street.

Their loss would have been tragic for any family, and particularly, as the first two men died within three days of each other.

Rainham would have been continually affected by such casualties, which escalated as the war progressed. For example, the Rainham memorial reveals 7 men lost in 1914, 15 men in 1915, 22 men in 1916, another 22 men in 1917, 24 men in 1918, and 6 during 1919. Another two men recorded on the war memorial died in 1920.Two Rainham men, died when HMS 'Princess Irene' was sunk on 27/5/15, and another three men were lost on the same day, when the Cruiser, HMS 'Natal' went down on the 30/12/15.

 

It may be of interest that 2nd Lieutenant, Harold Greenhalgh recorded on the war memorial, was the Headmaster of the Rainham Council school. The Landlord of the local pub also lost a son.

 

The Rainham memorial records the names of those that died during the War. It does not include the wounded, or all those who also served during the First World War. I am sure many local families, or those with a Rainham connection could add to these details?

Electoral registers would show where more of these people lived? Census and Parish records would reveal more about their families? Local business directories would indicate their occupations? Newspapers of the day may provide photographs of these servicemen, as well as individual details?

 

I hope someone may research this, so that those names recorded on the Rainham memorial, and all the others who served will be remembered. The memorial is not only a record of Rainham’s contribution and sacrifice, but also rich source of local history.






NOTES FOR THEMEN NAMED ON THE RAINHAM WAR MEMORIAL



#15206     ANDERSON, Thomas Henry: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1886 Medway Dis., 2a 599

In the 1891 Census Thomas, age 4yrs was living at Queens Road, Chatham, Medway, Kent with his siblings & parents Thomas & Sarah.

In the 1901 Census Thomas, a Butchers Assistant, with his siblings & parents: Thomas & Sarah were living at 44, The Beacon, Chatham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Thomas, a Butchers Assistant was living at 44 The Beacon, Chatham, with his parents: Thomas, a Plaster & Sarah Jane, and siblings: Ada, 1yrs., Jane, 12yrs., Emma, 7 yrs, Frederick, 5yrs, Minnie, 2yrs.

 

From the "Roll of Honour"  Rainham, War Memorial & Upchurch War Memorial

Lance Corporal 1021, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, Died 14 Sep 1914, aged 28 years. Born Chatham. Enlisted Chatham. Son of Thomas Henry & Sarah Jane Anderson of 9 High Street, Rainham, Kent.  Holder of the Delhi Durbar Medal.  Commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Killed in action: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

From CGC online: La Ferté-sous-Jouarre Memorial to the Missing.
The La Ferté-sous-Jouarre Memorial commemorates 3,740 officers and men of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) who fell at the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne between the end of August and early October 1914 and have no known graves.

The British Expeditionary Force at the Battle of the Marne.

The Battle of the Marne, referred to in the French press as the ‘Miracle of the Marne’, halted the month-long advance of the German forces toward Paris and decisively ended the possibility of an early German victory. The battle also marked the beginning of trench warfare as Allied and German forces entrenched during and after the Battle of the Aisne in mid-September.



#    ASHBY, John Albert George: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1887 Sheppey Dis., 2a 905   

In the 1901 Census at Wall End Cottages, Minster in Sheppey, Sheppey, Kent – John  son, of James A & Ellen, age14yrs, Milk Boy on Farm, Eastchurch, Kent, England

In the 1911 Census at 23 Alma St, Sheerness, Kent - John A G Ashby  Boarder-Single-Male-Hay Binder-age 24yrs-1887 in Eastchurch, Kent.

 

From the "Roll of Honour"  Rainham, War Memorial

Private 21670, 13th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 14th April 1917. Born Eastchurch. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Rainham. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Killed in Action: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

East Surrey Regiment

The Service Battalions were raised as part of Kitchener’s Army. The 10th and 11th were used for auxiliary British Army Service Records purposes and recruiting, but the 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th went to France.

The 13th Battalion arrived in France to fight on the Somme and at Cambrai and Arras. It won its VC at Villers Plouich.  

CWGC – Thiepval Memorial commemorates those who died on the Somme battlefield up to this date. (1918)




#15211 Baker, Bridges James: Born - 6 Nov 1875 Oare, Faversham, Kent.

In the 1891 Census & 1901 Census, Bridges, age 16yrs & 26yrs, a Bricklayer, was living with his parents: Bridges, a Bricklayer & Caroline, at Ivy Street, Rainham and sister, Alice, age 21yrs a Dressmaker.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 435415, 50th Battalion, (Manitoba Regiment).  Died 15th February 1917 aged 41 years.  Born Oare, Faversham, Kent 16th November 1875.  Enlisted Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 22nd June 1915. Son of Bridges & Caroline Baker of Rainham, Kent.  Buried locally in Rainham (St. Margaret Parish Church) Churchyard.

 

Find My Past: Passenger Lists Leaving UK 1890-1960 Transcription:

B.J. Baker, Male, Single, Labourer, Departure 8/10/1911, from Liverpool to Destination Montreal, Canada

Ship name: 'Corsican' - 124191 - Ship Master E Cook - Shipping Line, Allan Line Steamship Co., Ltd., Departure City - Liverpool, Passengers 1240.

   

#15263 BAKER, DCM Frank: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 840

In the 1901 Census Frank (Francis C.) age 11yrs, & his 7 siblings were living at Station Road, Rainham Kent, with their parents: Henry & Agnes Baker.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Company Sergeant Major L/8781, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15th September 1916. Born and resided Rainham. Enlisted Chatham.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919

Killed in Action: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

The Battle of the Somme - 1916

15 September 1916 saw the first-ever use of tanks in the step known as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Image:

Frank Baker - Reg # L/ 8781- Enlisted in (January) 1908, at the age of 18yrs 9mths.

Various documents recording: courses taken, injuries, extension of Service 6yrs., Marriage ‘establishment record’ dated 24 April 1916; Deployment to Rouen 26 Apr 1916;

Killed in Action - 15th September 1916

    Awarded the DCM on 16/11/15 for conspicuous gallantry on the night of 21/09/15 near Jorwand Cottage.   He volunteered to go out and bring in the body of Capt. Colville(sp) who was lying ...... he crept to where Capt. Colville was lying and crawling on.....  (Records are incomplete? burnt)

    Widow of Frank Baker:  Mrs Margaret ……., 53 Heath Rd., Hounslow, Middx.

    Change of address: 154 Cromwell Rd., Hounslow.

   

    *Frank’s death is not recorded on the CWGC indexes. This needs looking into and correcting because his name does appear in Soldiers Died Great War!

    (From `Roll of Honour` Rainham War Memorial – Compiled Copyright – Transcribed (by) David Hughes & Neil Clark 2006)

 

 

#15213 BAKER, James Robert: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1877 Milton Dis., 2a 834

In the 1891 Census James, age 14yrs a Grocers Assistant, with parents George W., a Bootmaker & mother Mary E. and two siblings: Emily and Ada, were living at High Street, Rainham, Kent.

In the 1901 Census James, (Nephew), a Grocers Assistant with Charles & Emily Cooper and family at 135, Fifth Avenue, Paddington, London, England

In the 1911 Census James, a Provision Shop Assistant with wife Mary age 33yrs, married for 4yrs, with 1 live birth-no deaths, and daughter Phyllis Pauline, age 4yrs, were living at 3+rooms at 34 Ely Place E C, (Parish of Liberty of Saffron Hill, Hatton Garden, Ely Rents and Ely Place) London. (Registration District- Holborn)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Gunner 115922, 157th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 21st July 1917. Born Rainham. Enlisted Holborn, London. Buried Kut War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave reference J.26.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

First World War service records 'burnt documents'

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Death Place; Persian Gulf: Theatre of War; Asiatic Theatre.

C.W.G.C. Kut War Cemetery is on the northern edge of the town of Baghdad, Iraq

The Battles of Ramadi were fought between the forces of the British and Ottoman Empires in July and September 1917 during World War I.

 

#15220 BAKER, Percy George: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Milton Dis., 2a 903

    In the 1901 Census Percy G. age 4yrs & his siblings (7) were living at Station Road, Rainham Kent, with their     parents: Henry, a brickfield Labourer, born 1850 in Teynham, Kent & Agnes, born 1856, in Upchurch.

In the 1911 Census, Percy George, Labourer in Brickfield was with his parents: Henry & Agnes Elvira, married 36yrs, with 11 live births-no deaths, living in 4+rooms at 151 Station Road, Rainham, Kent.

   

From "Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Guardsman16380, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 24 May 1915. Born Rainham, Enlisted Chatham. Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave ref: I.C.63

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Died of wounds - France & Flanders - Western European Theatre

C.W.G.C. Chocques Pas de Calais, France.

Was occupied by Commonwealth forces from the late autumn of 1914 to the end of the war. The village was at one time the headquarters of I Corps and from January 1915 to April 1918, No.1 Casualty Clearing Station was posted there. Most of the burials from this period are of casualties who died at the clearing station from wounds received at the Bethune front.



#15218 BARTLET, Edward John: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr 1893 Witney Dis., 3a 917

In the 1901 Census Edward, was living with his parents; John, Brewers labourer, born 1866 & Catherine, born 1868, were living at 4, Bath Road, Neithrop, Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, and his siblings: Edward, Frank, Charlotte, Alfred, & Elsie.

In the 1911 Census Edward, a Stoker-Saw Mills was living with parents and siblings: as 1901 + Frederick & Ernest at Quay Lane Lower Rainham, Rainham, Kent

 

    From "Roll of Honour" Rainham War Memorial

Sapper 24809, 42nd Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers (R.E.). Died 19th March 1916. Age 23. Born Witney, Oxfordshire. Enlisted Chatham.  Resided Lower Rainham. Son of John & Catherine Bartlett (nee Allen - married 1891 John was a brewer's labourer in 1901) of Bloors Wharf Road, Lower Rainham, Kent.  Brother of Frank.  Buried Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave reference - II.B.6.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

    Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

    Edward died of wounds at France & Flanders - Western European Theatre - First World War

    C.W.G.W. Bailleul Communal Cemetery

Bailleul is a large town in France, near the Belgian border. It was a Corps headquarters until July 1917, when it was severely bombed and shelled.




#15219 BARTLETT, Frank Allan: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1895 Banbury Dis., 3a 957

In the 1901 Census Frank, 4, Bath Road, Neithrop, Banbury, Oxfordshire, was living with parents & sibling: ; John, Brewers labourer, born 1866 & Catherine, born 1868, Oxfordshire, England, and his siblings: Edward, Frank, Charlotte, Alfred, & Elsie.

In the 1911 Census Frank, an Under Gardener, was living with parents and siblings also Frederick & Ernest, as in 1901, at 4+rooms at Quay Lane Lower Rainham, Kent.  John & Catherine had been married for 19yrs with 7 live births-no deaths.

 

    From "Roll of Honour" From Rainham War Memorial

Bombardier 140423, 268th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died 31st October 1918. Age 23. Born Bloxham, Oxforshire.  Enlisted Camberwell.  Resided Peckham. Son of John and Catherine Bartlett (nee Allen - married 1891 - John was a brewer's labourer in 1901) of Bloors Wharf Road, Lower Rainham, Kent.  Brother of E. J.  Buried Vichte Military Cemetery, Anzegem, West-Viaanderen, Belgium.  Grave reference - I.B.21.

   

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

    British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Image:

    Enlisted at Camberwell, Surrey on 15th Jan 1917 - He was a Police Constable living at Peckham, Surrey.

    Various Documents inc: list of family (parents & siblings)

    Died of wounds at France & Flanders - Western European Theatre - First World War

    Vichte Military Cemetery, Anzegem,Belgium.

In Vichte Military Cemetery, Rows A and B and part of Row C in Plot I were made in October 1918, by the burial officers of the 9th and 31st Divisions, and the remainder of the cemetery was formed after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the neighbouring battlefields.

 

#15221 BLACK, Ralph Edgar: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Milton Dis., 2a 917

In the 1901 Census Ralph, age 4yrs with his parents: Alfred, a Labourer in Cement Works, born 1867 in Hartlip, Kent & Emiely(sp)born 1865 in Sittingbourne, and siblings: Albert V., Harold W., Ada E., & Mable E., were living at Orchard Str., Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Ralph, a Paper Boy was living in 6+rooms at Orchard Street Rainham Kent, with his parents: Alfred, a Cement Worker & Emily Black, married for 24yrs with 8 live births-2 deaths, and siblings.

   

    From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

    Private 495226, 2nd/2nd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) (Territorial). Died 17th May 1917. Age 20. Born Rainham. Enlisted Sittingbourne. Son of Alfred and Emily M. Black of 11 Hall Street, Colne, Lancashire. Buried Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference - I.F.8.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

    Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

    Ralph born at Rainham, Kent and Enlisted in Sittingbourne, Kent.  

    Ralph was killed in action, at France & Flanders, Western European Theatre

Mory Abbey Military Cemetery: The Commonwealth plots were begun at the end of March 1917 and carried on by fighting units until March 1918, and again in August and September 1918.




#15222 BLACKMAN, Walter: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Strood Dis., 2a 605

In the 1901 Census Walter age 4yrs & siblings: George age 1yr & William age 0., were living with parents: Walter,   Cement labourer age 25ys & wife Annie age 25yrs at 5, Manor Terrace, Halling, Strood, Kent

In the 1911 Census, Walter, Errand Boy is with his parents: Walter & Annie at Essex Terrace Essex Road, Halling Near Rochester, Kent, and siblings: George, William, Robert, Annie, Mabel, Winifred & Hilda. (Ages range from 14yrs down to 2 years.



From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/20187, 16th (Sussex Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 21st September 1918. Born Halling. Enlisted Gravesend. Commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel reference 6

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Walter: Enlisted at Gravesend - Killed in Action/British Expeditionary Force - Western European Theatre.

The Vis-en-Artois Memorial lists 9,843 names of British and South African soldiers with no known grave who were killed during the Advance to Victory, from 8 August 1918 to the Armistice (11 November 1918).



#    BOLTON, John:  Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1881 Hollingbourn 2a 706

In the Census 1881 – 1911 with parents: Thomas, a Gardener & Alice (Ashdown) and siblings: Walter & Alice, at 5+rooms at Lower Street, Sutton Valence, Hollingbourn Dis., Nr. Maidstone, Kent.  John, age 30yrs, was a House Painter-Building & Decorator, in 1911.  His parents: John & Alice had been married for 32yrs with 4 live births-2 deaths.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour" Rainham War Memorial

Guardsman 27328, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 12th October 1917. Born Thurnham. Enlisted Chatham.  Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 9.

 

Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing is for the dead of the First World War in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front, located outside of Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium.

The British, Battle Nomenclature Committee, called the Flanders offensives of 1917, The Battle of Messines 1917 (7–14 June) and The Battles of Ypres 1917 (31 July – 10 November).



#15289 BOTTING, George: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 902 - Botting George

In the 1901 Census, George age 5yrs, and his siblings: (3 boys & 1 girl) were living with their parents at Quay Lane, Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census George, a Market Gardener-Worker, age 14yrs was living with his parents: William, a Farm Labourer & Edith in 5+rooms at No. 2 Vine Cottages, Rainham.  William & Edith had been married for 25yrs with 8 children born & 7 still living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 19576, 12th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 16th September 1916. Born Rainham. Enlisted Maidstone. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre:

C.W.G.C. The Thiepval Memorial commemorates those who died on the Somme battlefield up to this date.

   

   

#15197 BOWRA, Cecil Henry: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1898 Milton Dis., 2a 916 (Rainham)

In the 1901 Census Cecil age 3yrs, was living with his parents: Henry, a bricklayer, & Caroline at Station Road Rainham Kent, with brothers William & Harry.  Also a Monthly Nurse Eleanor Hart, Boarder, age 28 years, born in Rainham.

In 1911 Census Cecil, a News Boy was living at 6+rooms at 160 Station Road Rainham Kent, with parents, Henry & Caroline, who had been married for 16yrs with 5 live births, no deaths.



From 'Roll of Honour' Rainham War Memorial

Sergeant 3647, 1st Battalion, at Surrey Regiment, formerly (3807) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

Died 25th April, 1918, Age 20. Born Rainham. Enlisted Rainham, Son of Henry & Carrie (Caroline) Bowra of 162 Station Road, Rainham, Kent.  Buried Morbeque British Cemetery, Nord, France.

       

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

First World War service records 'burnt documents'

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Image:

Enlisted: 20 Sep. Canterbury 1915; Courses achieved: Musketry 1917 1st Class;

Document: Recruitment and Medical Exam; List of Relations still living.

Report: Postings – Aden, Nov 1917, Italy, Dec 1917, France Apr 1918.

Find My Past: Militare Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action, France & Flanders- Western European Theatre



#15290 BURR, Sidney Fred: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1895 Faversham Dis., 2a 888 - Burr Sydney Fred

In 1901 Census Sidney, age 5, was living at Station Road, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with his parents: Henry, a Labourer (Brickfield) & Mary and siblings: John, Thomas, Carrie, Lizzie, Herbert  & George.

In the 1911 Census Sidney, a labourer, was living in 5+ rooms at 234 Station Rd, Rainham with parents: ‘Harry' & Mary, who were married for 34yrs with 10 live births-no deaths, and brother, George.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Guardsman 15348, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 1st November 1914. Born Teynham. Enlisted Chatham. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, Belgium.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action, France & Flanders, Western European Theatre

The Menin Gate Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). The Salient was formed during the First Battle of Ypres in October and November 1914, when a small British Expeditionary Force succeeded in securing the town before the onset of winter, pushing the German forces back to the Passchendaele Ridge.



#15123 CARTER, Ernest George: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1889 Milton Dis., 2a 894

In the 1901 Census Ernest, age 12yrs, was living with parents George, a Chalk Pit labourer & Emma, and 6 siblings at Orchard Street, Rainham, Milton, Kent.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Sep Qtr 1910 Milton Dis., 2a 2106 -  Rose E. Packer & Ernest G. Carter

In the 1911 Census Ernest George, age 21yrs, married, Private, is listed on the HMS "Blanche" of Officers, Crew, and Royal Marines on Board at midnight on Sunday, April 2nd, 1911

 

From 'Roll of Honour' Rainham War Memorial & Upchurch War Memorial

Private CH/15997, Royal Marine Light Infantry. (RMR/B/1983. H.M.S. "Aboukir" Died 22nd September 1914 aged 25 years.  Husband of Rose Elizabeth Rickard? (formerly Carter) of 186 Station Road, Rainham, Kent.  Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel ref. 7.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Ernest Enlisted 25 Sep 1907

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action.

Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920 Transcription:

1914-15 Star, Victory & British War Medals

Killed in action, vessel torpedoed by U-9 in the North Sea

    HMS Aboukir (on.line)

HMS Aboukir was patrolling North Sea in support of a force of destroyers and submarines based at Harwich which protected the eastern end of the English Channel, the supply route between England and France. During the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August, the ship was part of Cruiser Force On the morning of 22 September, Aboukir and her ‘sisters’ Cressy and Hogue were on patrol without any escorting destroyers as they had been forced to seek shelter from bad weather. U-9, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Otto Weddigen had been ordered to attack British transports at Ostend. One torpedo was fired at 06:20 at Aboukir that struck her on the starboard side; Aboukir quickly began listing and capsized <around 06:55 Aboukir lost a total of 527 men.

CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL:

After the First World War, an appropriate way had to be found of commemorating those members of the Royal Navy who had no known grave, the majority of deaths having occurred at sea where no permanent memorial could be provided.  An Admiralty committee recommended that the three manning ports in Great Britain - Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth.

 

* Ernest was married to Rose Packer#7377 -1st cousins 2 times removed of Barbara Tottman #2.

    * Rose is recorded as Rickard on Roll of Honour?

 

#15225 CHAMBERS, Frederick Edwin: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1899 Milton Dis., 2a 950

In the 1901 Census Frederick age 2yrs & brother, Robert were living at Chapel Lane, Rainham, Kent with their parents: Robert, a Wood Cutter in Woods and Elizabeth J.

In the 1911 Census Frederick, a school boy was living in 6+ rooms at Chapel Lane, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: Robert, a Wood Cutter & Elizabeth Jane, and siblings Robert, Elizabeth Ann, Frank Benjamin, Ethel Florence, Amy Ellenor & Sydney Charles.  Parents: Robert & Elizabeth had been married for 14yrs - with 7 live births with 7 still living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 58953, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died 4th November 1918. Age 19. Born Rainham. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Robert and E.J. Chambers of Chapel Lane, Rainham, Kent. Buried Preux-Au-Bois Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave A.21.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920

Frederick Enlistment & Medical Document Recruitment Document

Killed in Action, France & Flanders - Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C.*The village of Preux-au-Bois was captured on the 4th November, 1918, after a severe struggle, by units of the 18th Division and Tanks.



#15357 CHAMPION, Horace John: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 913  

In the 1901 Census Horace age 6yrs and his siblings: Henry & Sydney with their parents John H., a Carpenter & Charlotte were living at 27, Ivy Street, Rainham.

In the 1911 Census Horace J., a Bakers Apprentice and siblings: Henry W., a Wood Sawyer & Sydney G., a Shop Assistant, with parents John, a Joiner & Charlotte,  were living at 6 rooms in #17 Ivy Street, Rainham.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 5914, 7th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 6th August 1915. Age 19. Born Rainham. Enlisted Kingston, Surrey. Son of John and Charlotte Champion of Rainham, Kent. Buried La Treport Military Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave reference - Plot 1. Row G. Grave 2.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Horace Enlisted at Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.

Died of wounds, France & Flanders, Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C  Le Treport a coastal town approximately 30 kilometres north-east of Dieppe. During the First World War, Le Treport was an important hospital centre. No.3 General Hospital was established there in November 1914, No.16 General Hospital in February 1915, No.2 Canadian General Hospital in March 1915, No.3 Convalescent Depot in June 1915 and Lady Murray's B.R.C.S. Hospital in July 1916. These hospitals contained nearly 10,000 beds.

*From the end of the Battles of Ypres and Festubert in May 1915 until the September opening of the Battle of Loos and the French attacks in Champagne, there was no general change in the situation on the Western Front. It was a period of static warfare, where the army suffered average losses of 300 men a day from sniping and shellfire, while they continued to gradually improve and consolidate the trenches.



#15371 CHEAL, Frederick James: Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1879 Tunbridge Dis., 2a 640

In 1881 & 1891Frederick with parents Henry & Mary Ann Cheal and 6 siblings were living at (Sussex Place), 136, Lavender Hill, Tunbridge, Kent.

In 1901, Frederick, a Plumber, was living at 49, Priory Street, Tonbridge, Tonbridge Urban, Kent, with his parents and 2 siblings.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Sep Qtr 1901 Sevenoaks Dis., 2a 1497 - Alice Latter & Frederick James Cheal

In 1911, Frederick, Plumber & Hot Water fitter, was living at 67 Judd Road Tonbridge, Tonbridge Urban, Kent, with his wife, Alice and son, Frederick Stanley age 1yr.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Stoker Petty Officer 286273, HMS “Bacchante”, Royal Navy (RN). Age 38. Husband of Rose Anne Cheal of 49 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Rainham parish churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Royal Navy Log Books of the World War 1 Era

HMS BACCHANTE - June 1917 to April 1919, Central and South Atlantic- Battle Honours: Heligoland 1914, Dardanelles 1915-1916. HMS BACCHANTE was at Chatham Dock on 22 February 1919.

From C.W.G. on.line- Casualty Details.

Petty Officer Stoker; Service No: 286273; Date of Death: 22/02/1919; Age: 38; Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M.S. Bacchante; Grave Reference: New ground; Cemetery: RAINHAM (ST. MARGARET) CHURCHYARD; Additional Information: Husband of Rose Anne Cheal, of 49, Ivy St., Rainham.

Frederick's death is also recorded at:

GRO War Death Navy All Ranks Indices (1914 to 1921) and England & Wales deaths 1837-2007 - Medway Dis., Kent, also the Birth, Marriage & Death (Parish Registers) the latter as Fed J. Cheal.

 

 

#           CHEESEMAN, Albert: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1889 Elham Dis., 2a 1004

In 1901 Census: Albert, born in 1890 at Burham, Kent, was living at Lower Rainham, Cranes Lane, Rainham, with parents: William Ordinary Farm Labourer, born 1851, & Selina, born 1860 and his sister, Lily B. born 1887.

In 1911 Census Albert’s parents: William, a Farm Labourer & Selina, were living in 3+rooms at Cowsted Lane, Lower Rainham, Kent.  They had been married for 29yrs, with 5 live births-3 living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 9950, 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. Died 24th February 1915. Age 25. Born Rochester. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Lower Rainham. Son of William and Selina Cheeseman of Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Born in Rochester, Kent.

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

From: greatwar.co.uk: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Soldiers from practically every British and Commonwealth regiment passed over this spot. Many thousands of them never returned.



#         CHEESEMAN, William Frederick: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1892 Faversham Dis., 2a 873

In the 1901 Census William, age 8yrs, born at Lynsted, Kent, is living at Green Street, Linsted, Faversham, Kent, with his parents William & Eliza and 3 siblings.

In the 1911 Census William, age 18yrs an Assurance Collector living at Green Street, Lynsted, Faversham, Kent, with parents William, Boot Maker-at Home & Eliza, who had been married for 33 years with 6 live births none had died.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private TF/5819, 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 15th September 1916. Age 24. Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted Sittingbourne. Resided Rainham. Son of W and E Cheeseman of Rainham, Kent. Buried Combles

Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave reference V.A.6.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919

Killed in Action, France & Flanders - Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C. Combles

Combles Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. The cemetery was begun in October, 1916.  The first British burials took place in December, 1916

Wikipedia – Historical Information

Combles, north-east of Amiens, was at the centre of much fighting during World War I (1914–1918), with many of its buildings damaged and many of its residents injured or killed, not to mention the numerous casualties among the forces in combat there. Many British soldiers who fell in the war are buried in the local cemetery, and there are numerous war cemeteries in the immediate surrounding area.  46 men are recorded from the Middlesex Regt. Buried at Combles.

   

 

#            CHITTENDEN, C A: 798  

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

No further information currently available

 

British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924

*Chittenden   Charles Alfred  1897(87?)  — 1899-1919 Ashford, Kent, England  



#    CLARKE, William Spooner: Free BMD Norfolk?

    Marriages Ref: Sep Qtr. 1897 Medway Dis., 2a 1173 - Jewis Amelia Emily A   

In the 1901 Census Amelia E Clarke, wife age 24yrs, born 1877 at Rainham, Kent, and daughter, Elsie M Clarke, age 2yrs born 1899 at Rochester, Kent, were living at Station Road, Rainham, Kent.  Unable to locate William in the 1901 Census.

In the 1911 Census William, born in Norfolk age 38yrs, a Chief Stoker R.N. was living at: 5+rooms at 22 Milton Road, Rainham, Kent, with his wife Amelia, and daughters: Elsie age 13yrs born at Rochester, and Lily age 7yrs born at Rainham.  William & Amelia had been married for 14yrs with 1 death of 3 live births.




From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Chief Stoker 152417, H.M.S “Vanguard”, Royal Navy. (RFR/CH/A/1694). Died 9th July 1917. Husband of Amelia E.A. Clarke of 22 Tufton Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference - 23.

‘naval-history.net/index’

On the night of 9 July 1917, HMS Vanguard was anchored in Scapa Flow. In a matter of seconds a devastating internal explosion destroyed the ship, killing all but two of the 845 men on board at the time.

HMS Vanguard, killed and died, casualty lists, July 1917

CLARKE, William, Chief Stoker (RFR A 1694), 152417 (Ch)

 

#    COE, Frank: Free BMD Birth Ref: Mar Qtr. 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 895

In 1891 Frank, age 1yr, born Sittingbourne, and his brother Albert, age 3yrs, born Lynsted, with parents: Henry Mark, age 27yrs, born Lynsted, Labourer in Cement Works, Kent & Elizabeth (Cassam) Coe, age 24yrs, born Strood, Kent, were living at Eastbourne Street, Sittingbourne, Milton, Kent.  Harry and Alice Jane Cassam (brother & sister in-laws) were also with the family.

In the 1901 Census Father: Harry Coe Head Married age 35yrs born Lynsted, Kent 1866, Gardener, was living at,  169, East Street, Sittingbourne, Milton, Kent - * Wife: Elizabeth and sons Frank & Albert are not recorded.

In the 1911 Census, Frank, Boarder, a Grocer Assistant, was living at Newton Cottages, Hogs Hill Lane, Cobham, Surrey.  (Mary Smith, Head, Widow, age 62yrs born 1849 at Corston Bassett, Notts.)

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private F/2229, 23rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 10th October 1916. Age 26. Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted Aldershot, Hampshire. Resided Woolwich, London. Son of Henry Mark Coe and Elizabeth Geach (formerly Coe). Buried Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference - V.A.32.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

When Frank, employed as a Grocers Assistant, enlisted in 1915 at Aldershot, Hampshire in 1915, he gave his address as 2 Charles St., Woolwich, Kent, his mother Elizabeth was living at King Street, Gillingham, Kent.

Killed in Action in France.  His deployment was 342 days.

(Mother-Elizabeth Coe married John Geach - Sep Qtr 1917, at Medway Dis., Ref: 2a 1632)

Notice of personal articles to be sent to Mrs E. Coe, Waterside Lane, Gads Hill, Gillingham. Dated 3rd May 1917.

Receipt acknowledge & signed by Elizabeth Geach in respect of ‘BRITISH WAR MEDAL – 1914-1919’ on 16TH Dec 1920.

Letter dated 11th October, 1920, to Mrs E Geach, 8 Christmas Place, Gillingham, Kent regarding the re-interment from ‘an unsuitable location of the body of your son’ to WARLENCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, 2 ¾ MILES SOUTH WEST OF BAPAUME.

CWGC - Archive Online: Son of Elizabeth Geach(formerly Coe), of 8, Christmas Place, Gillingham, and the late Henry Mark Coe. Native of Sittingbourne, Kent.

CWGC – Historical Information: Warlencourt, the Butte de Warlencourt and Eaucourt-L'Abbaye were the scene of very fierce fighting in 1916. Eaucourt was taken by the 47th (London) Division early in October.

 

#    COOK, Arthur Edward: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Strood Dis., 2a 604

In the 1901 Census, Arthur, age 4yrs was living at 40, Portland Road, Northfleet, Strood, Kent, with 4 siblings and parents: William, born 1870 at London, Middlesex, Cement Miller & Elizabeth, born 1872 Cuxton, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Arthur, age 14yrs was living in 6+ rooms at 7 Roach St., Strood Intra, Kent with his mother Elizabeth and his siblings.  Mother had 10 live births in 10 yrs of marriage, of whom 8 were still living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private S/10327, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28th September 1915. Age 18. Born Strood. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Gillingham. Son of Mr. W and Mrs. E Cook of 73 Gads Hill, Gillingham, Kent. Commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription: (Burnt records)

Enlisted: 3 Oct, 1912 (age17yrs 7mths); Mobilized: 8 Aug: 1914; Landed: France 13 May 1915; Missing, 28 Sep 1915; Company Conduct Sheet:  4 Offences; Statement of Relatives-Living: Mother: Elizabeth Ann, Gillingham, Kent, Father: William, returning from African, West Coast; also 8 siblings.  

    Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action; France & Flanders; Western European Theatre

CWGC – Historical Information: The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. On either side of the cemetery is a wall 15 feet high, to which are fixed tablets on which are carved the names of those commemorated.

 

#       COOMBER, Ernest Edward: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1898 Malling Dis., 2a 665

In 1901 Ernest, age 3yrs was living at Brook Street Alma Place, Snodland, Malling, Kent, with 8 siblings and his parents: Richard, born 1858 at Southborough, Kent, a Bricklayer & Rose, born 1863 at Hadlow, Kent

In 1911 Ernest, a Scholar was living at 5+ rooms at Malling Road, Snodland, Kent, with his parents Richard, a Bricklayer & Rose (married for 28years with 13 live births – 11 still living), and 4 siblings.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Master at Arms 158275(CH), Royal Navy. RFR/CH/A/1694). H.M.S “Campania”. Died 28th May 1917. Buried Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery, Orkney. Grave reference D.15.

 

From: Naval History Homepage and Site Search/World War 1 - Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies: (H.M.S.)Campania, seaplane carrier -  COOMBER, Ernest E, Master at Arms, 158275, illness

Royal Naval Cemetery, Lyness, Hoy.

Scapa Flow was a Royal Naval base during both the First and Second World Wars. Sailors began burying their fallen comrades at Lyness in 1915 and the cemetery remained in use until 1946,

Wikipedia & other Naval sites.

H.M.S. Campania was the former Cunard ship “RMS Campania” which was converted for use as an early aircraft carrier. Her wartime sorties involved anti-Zeppelin and anti-submarine patrolling with her aircraft.  She sank in the Firth of Forth on 5th November 1918 after colliding with a battleships - ROYAL OAK and GLORIOUS.

 

#    COPPIN, Albert: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1895  Tendring Dis., 4a 595

In 1901 Albert, age 5years  living at Bayford Farm, Hamgreen Corner, Upchurch, with 7 siblings and parents Charles, a Mariner & Sarah.

In 1911 Albert, a Brick Labourer, was living at 6+ rooms at 10 Ivy St Rainham Kent, with 4 siblings and parents: Charles, Fishers Oyster Grounds-Worker & Sarah (married for 30 years with 9 live births – no deaths)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 2682, 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Died 24th May 1915. Age 19. Born Brightlingsea, Essex. Enlisted Chatham. Son of Charles H and Sarah A Coppin of 53 William Street, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel reference 33.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Regiment: Lancashire Fusiliers; Battalion: 2nd Battalion; Enlisted at Chatham (Kent)

Birth place: Brightlingsea, Essex.

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

Medal Index Cards Transcription  

Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards.




Ypres Salient Battles 1915

The Second Battle of Ypres began in the northern sector of the Ypres Salient. It started on 22 April 1915 when the German Fourth Army carried out a surprise attack against two French divisions holding the Allied Front Line. On that day the warm, sunny spring afternoon was suddenly shattered at 5pm with a devastating and frightening new development in modern warfare: a cloud of poisonous gas. The battle ended on 25th May 1915.



#      COUCHMAN, Frank: Free BMD: Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1895 Milton Dis., 2a 905

In 1901 Frank is living at (Longs Villas), 6, Burley Road, Milton, Milton Next Sittingbourne, with his parents: George, a Labourer in Paper Mills, & Caroline and 7 siblings.

In 1911 Frank is living at 6+ rooms 43 Burley Road Milton Regis, Milton Next Sittingbourne, with his parents: George, a Pockerman(sp) & Caroline and 4 siblings. (George & Caroline had been married for 29 years with 9 live births and 0 deaths

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sergeant SD/1015, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 20th September 1916. Age 21. Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted Hastings. Son of George and Caroline Couchman of Sittingbourne, Kent. Buried Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave reference II.I.5

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Enlisted at Hastings

Killed in action - France & Flanders - Western European Theatre

Medal Index Cards Transcription:

Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards

C.W.G.C. Historical Information: From the outbreak of the war to the summer of 1915, this part of the front was held by French troops, who began the military cemetery in June 1915…. used by Commonwealth field ambulances and fighting units….

 

#15228 CRAMP, Edwin George: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1891 Poplar Dis., 1c 664

    In the 1901 Census Edwin G. age 10yrs., was living at 17, Gibson Street, Greenwich, London, with parents: Robert (1857) Blacksmith & Annie, (1860) born Southwark, Surrey, sister Lydia Ruth, age 4yrs., brother Robert age 1yr and Grandmother-Martha Pearson, widow, age 81yrs

    In 1911 Edwin was in the Royal Navy at ‘Pembroke’ 19 April 1911 to 26th May 1911 at Chatham, Kent.

    Free BMD Marriages Ref: Dec Qtr 1912 Medway Dis., 2a 1509. Edwin George Cramp & Ellen Frances Mantle

   

    From the "Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

    Able Seaman J/1668, Royal Navy, H.M.S. "Natal". Died 30th December 1915 aged 24 years. Son of Robert Gabriel & Annie Cramp of Lambeth, London. Husband of Ellen Frances Cramp, of 14 Coopers Terrace, Rainham, Kent.  Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent.  Panel reference 9.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

    British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924 Image

    ‘Enlisted’ 9th Jun 1908; Rank - Boy; Began full Service as Ordinary Seaman on 24th January 1909; Ships & Dates of Service; V.G. Conduct record;

    WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription.

 Body not recovered for burial

    HMS NATAL: During the afternoon of the 30th December 1915, HMS Natal lying, at anchor in the Cromarty Firth, was sunk by an internal explosion, while under the command of Captain Eric Back with a great loss of life.  421 crew and civilian visitors died in the explosion, including women and children. 400 of the crew survived.  The remains of her wreck are designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act, 1986 as a war grave.

 

    Ellen Frances MANTLE Miss-15227 and Barbara Mavis TOTTMAN Miss-2 are 2nd cousins 2 times removed.

   

 

#15235 CROUCHER, Robert Gort: Free BMD Birth Ref: Mar Qtr. 1898 Milton Dis., 2a 910  

In the 1901 Census Frank, and siblings: Charles, Annie, Frederick, Robert & George with parents: Kate & Frank, a Well Borer Labourer, were living at Milton Road, Rainham.

In the 1911 Census Robert Gort, a Newsboy, & brother, George were living at 36 Milton Road, Rainham, with their mother Elizabeth Kate, Occupation none - Husband: Engineer not at home.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 613075, “A” Company, 19th Battalion, London Regiment. Formerly Private (4148) 2/4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) Died 5th June 1917. Age 19. Born and resided Rainham. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Mr and Mrs F. Croucher of Rainham, Kent. Buried Woods Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave reference III.E.17.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action, France & Flanders, Western European Theatre

    C.W.G.C. - WOODS CEMETERY

Woods Cemetery was begun by the 1st Dorset’s and the 1st East Surreys in April 1915; it was used until September 1917 by units holding this sector.

 

Robert Gort CROUCHER Mr-15235 and William CROUCHER Mr-15239 are 1st cousins.

Charles CROUCHER Mr-15236 is the grandfather of both William & Robert

 

#15238 CROUCHER, William: Free BMD Birth Ref: Jun Qtr. 1899 Milton Dis., 2a 943 (Rainham)

In the 1901 Census William was with his parents: William, a Well Sinkers Labourer & Florence and siblings: Harriet, Amy, Ethel & Clara, living at Drury Lane Rainham Kent,

In the 1911 Census William was with parents: William, a Farm Labourer & Florence and siblings: Harriet, Ethel, Clara & William, Drury Lane Rainham Kent.

 

From the "Roll of Honour"  Rainham Kent Memorial.

Private 42840, 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment.  Formerly (10444) Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 26th April 1918.  Born Rainham. Enlisted Herne Bay.  Resided Rainham. Son of Mr W. Croucher of the Bell Inn, Sutton  Road, Maidstone, Kent.  Buried Gentelles French Military Cemetery, France.  Grave plot unknown - Special Memorial 8 in Hangard Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription

Killed in action, France & Flanders, Western European Theatre

C.W.G.C. Gentelles French Military Cemetery, France

Historical Information:

Gentelles is a village and commune in the Department of the Somme. The cemetery contains 23 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. Two of the burials are unidentified and three graves destroyed by shell fire are represented by special memorials.

Hanguard Military Cemetery:

At the end of March 1918, Hangard was at the junction of the French and Commonwealth forces defending Amiens. From 4 to 25 April, the village and Hangard Wood were the scene of incessant fighting, in which the line was held and the 18th Division were particularly heavily engaged. On 8 August, the village was cleared by the 1st and 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles.

 

William CROUCHER Mr-15239 are 1st cousins.  Robert Gort CROUCHER Mr-15235

Charles CROUCHER Mr-15236 is the grandfather of both William & Robert

 

#    DANIELS, Sidney or Sydney: Free BMD: Births Sep Qtr. 1894 Milton Dis., 2a 852

In the 1901 Census Sidney, age 6yrs, was living at Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: Wardle, a Cement Labourer & Caroline and 6 siblings also Annie Stokes, Mother-In-Law, age 76yrs.

In the 1911 Census Sidney, a labour at Cement Factory, was with his parents (married for 31 years with 10 live births with one death) & siblings living at (5 rooms) 53 William St Rainham Kent.

Sidney’s father: Daniels, Wardell B: Free BMD Deaths Jun 1917 60 Milton Dis., 2a 1284

   

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial Caro

Gunner 755686, “Y” 50th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Formerly Gunner (3007) Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A). Died 23rd August 1918. Born Rainham. Enlisted Hull. Son of Mrs Caroline Daniels of 5 St Johns Cottages, Earls Court, Gillingham, Kent. Buried Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave

Reference- I.N.14

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

    Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

    Died of wounds: France & Flanders: Western European Theater

C.W.G.C.  Glageon Communal Cemetery - France

The village of Glageon was in German occupation during practically the whole of the War.  The Communal Cemetery was used for the burial of German soldiers and Allied prisoners from September, 1914, to August, 1918;



#    DAVISON, Edward Henry: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 914

In 1901 Edward H., age 4yrs was living with his parents: Edward G. a labourer & Eliza K. and 3 siblings at Chapel Cottages, In Street, Hartlip, Kent.

In 1911 Edward, age 14 yrs was living with his parents: Edward, a Farm Labourer & Eliza (married for 17 yrs with 3 live births and 3 remained living) & 1 sibling at 5+ rooms 75 Ivy Street Rainham Kent,

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/20437, “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 26th April 1916. Age 19. Born Hartlip. Enlisted Chelsea, London. Son of Edward George and Eliza Kate Davison of 75 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried Cambrin Churchyard Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference K.6.

 

Military Service & Conflict.

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Edward enlisted at Chelsea, Middlesex Serving in the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Killed in Action: France & Flanders: Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C. Cambrin Churchyard Extension - France

The village of Cambrin housed brigade headquarters until the end of the First World War, it was only about 800 metres from the front line trenches.

Large numbers of graves are grouped by battalion, 115 of the 1st Middlesex (Row H), all dating from 25 September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos.



#15244 Drain, Joe: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1893 Strood Dis., 2a 574 (Rainham)

In the 1901 Census Joe and brother Arthur, (1891-Strood) with their parents: David, (1868-Rainham) a Brickfield labourer & Emma, (1866-Rainham) were living at Rose Cottages, Station Road, Rainham.  Also a Boarder, James W. Doughty, Single, (1882-Hatton, Liverpool) a Shipwright's Apprentice.

In 1911 David, publican, & Emma (married for 21 yrs with 2 live births who were still living) were living at ‘The Cricketers’ Layfield Road Gillingham, Kent.  

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Trooper 408, Household Batalion. Formerly (4207) 1st Life Guards. Died 25th December 1916 (Christmas Day) aged 23 years. Born Strood, Kent. Enlisted Leamington. Resided Gillingham. Son of David and Emma Drain of The Cricketers Inn, Layfield Road, Gillingham, Kent. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference -Pier and Face 1A.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Regiment: Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (incl. Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps)

Enlistment Place: Leamington; Formerly 4207, 1ST L.G. Death-Cause: Killed in action, Death place: France & Flanders, Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

C.W.G.C. The Thiepval Memorial commemorates those who died on the Somme battlefield up to this date.

firstworldwar.com: The Battle of the Somme is famous chiefly on account of the loss of 58,000 British troops (one third of them killed) on the first day of the battle, 1 July 1916, which to this day remains a one-day record.  The attack was launched upon a 30 kilometre front, from north of the Somme river between Arras and Albert, and ran from 1 July until 18 November, at which point it was called off.

William BOWRA Mr-15223 and Joe DRAIN Mr-15244 are 1st cousins.



#    EAMES, Sydney: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1898 Milton Dis., 2a 905

In the 1901 Census & in the 1911 Census Sidney, 13yrs and brothers Percy, Harold, Clarence, Daisy & Delcey and their parents: Edward, age 46yrs, born in London, a Plum(b)er & Glazier & Sarah, age 47yrs, born in Maidstone, they had been married for 25yrs, with 6 live births all still living.  They were living at Bredhurst Lane, Rainham Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Ordinary Seaman J/22307(CH), Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Erin”. Died 20th December 1915. Buried Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery, Orkney. Grave B.1.

 

Erin Class Dreadnought battleship:

HMS Erin, originally she was a Turkish battleship built by Vickers and then commissioned by the Royal Navy at the outbreak of war.

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Birth date given as 11 July 1896. Killed or died by means other than disease, accident or enemy action.  Naval Cemetery, Lyness, Isle of Hoy, Orkneys.  Mother. Sarah A. 1, Filmers Cottages, Bredhurst Lane, Rainham, Kent.

Royal Navy Seaman1899-1919 – Service Record

Enlisted & served on Ganges, Ganges II, Hawke, Pembroke I, Formidable, Pembroke I & Erin. Conduct - Very Good.  Died due to an accidental fall.

 

 

#    EDWARDS, William John Thomas: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1884 Milton Dis., 2a 898

In the 1901 Census William, was living at Lower Rainham, Cranes Lane, Rainham with his parents: John, (1859-Rainham) & Alice, (1865?-Gillingham) and siblings: Rose(1883), Lizzie(1891), Robert(1895), Ann(1897), & Emily(1899).

In the 1911 Census, William was not at home, with the family in 6+rooms at: 207 Station Road, Rainham, Kent,

John Edwards, Clay Labourer, 53 1858, Alice Edwards, 51, 1860, married for 27yrs, with 7 children born all still living: Robert Edwards, Son Single Brickfield Labourer, 16, 1895 & Emily Edwards, Daughter, 12, 1899.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Greaser, Mercantile Marine. H.M.H.T. Orsova (Glasgow). Died 14th March 1917. Age 33. Son of John and Alice Isabelle Edwards of 207 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

H.M.H.T. During the First World War ‘Osova’ was commandeered as a troopship in 1915, carrying Australian soldiers to various theatres of war. On 14 March 1917, she was torpedoed by UC-68 and beached in Cornwall.  Damaged by the mine 3 miles ExS1/2S of Eddystone, in the English Channel, and rebuilt and refloated

C.W.G.C. The Tower Hill Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave. It stands on the south side of the garden of Trinity Square, London, close to The Tower of London.

Mercantile Marine Memorial - WW1-Inscription: ‘To the glory of God and to the honour of twelve thousand of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have no grave but the sea. 1914 – 0918’

 

 

#    15242 ENGLAND, Charles Henry: Free BMD Ref: Births Mar Qtr. 1900 Milton Dis., 2a 940

In the 1901 Census Charles age 1yr with his parents: Charles, Labourer (Brickfield) born 1873, & Emily, born 1879, were living at:  73, Honley Road, Lewisham, London, England.

In the 1911 Census Charles and siblings:  William & Gladys, with parents: Charles, a Brickfield Labourer & Emily Elizabeth Kitney, were living at 250 Station Road, 5+ rooms Rainham, Kent. (Charles & Emily had been married for 12years with 3 live births all still living.)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Leading Aircraftman 249558, Royal Air Force. H.M.S. Vindictive. Died 22nd July 1919. Age 19. Son of Mr C England of 91 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Koivisto General Cemetery and commemorated on the Archangel Memorial, Russian Federation. Panel reference 7.

 

From HMS VINDICTIV on line 22 July 1919

At Biorko-Lat 60.37, Long 28.58-

5.00am: Arrived HMS WATERHEN

7.00am: Hands to bathe

Accidentally drowned while bathing from beach at Sidinsari Island Charles Henry England, Leading Aircraftman RAF

9.30am: Hands employed re embarking provisions

10.35am: Body of Charles Henry England brought on board

11.00am: 2 Officers & 9 Ratings RAF left ship for shore station

 

Charles Henry ENGLAND Mr-15242 and Barbara Mavis TOTTMAN Miss-2 are 3rd cousins 1 time removed.

Charles Henry ENGLAND Mr-15242 is the 2nd great grandson of William MUDGE Mr-204.

Barbara Mavis TOTTMAN Miss-2 is the 3rd great granddaughter of William MUDGE Mr-204.



#    EVERS, Andrew Douglas: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr 1878   Plomesgate Dis., 4a 773  

In the 1901 Census Andrew, age 22yrs, born in Saxmundham, Suffolk, England, Ship’s Cook’s Mate RN, was living at 23, Victoria Road, Milton, Milton Next Sittingbourne, Kent, with mother, Alice E. age 43yrs, born in Essex, and siblings.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Mar Qtr 1904 Milton Dis., 2a 1296 - Annie Snelling & Andrew Evers

In the 1911 Census Andrew, Chief Petty Officer, & wife Annie with sons: James D. age 3yrs & Andrew D. age 0yrs were living at 64 Hythe Road, Milton Sittingbourne, with Annie’s mother: Anne & step-father:  William Akhurst, also Annie Evers, age 33yrs. sister:

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Ship’s Chief Cook 354463, Royal Navy. H.M.S. Natal. Died 30 December 1915. Age 37. Son of James and Alice Evers of Kelvedon, Essex. Husband of Annie Butler (formerly Evers) of 56 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 12.

 

HMS NATAL escorted the royal yacht in 1911–1912 for the newly crowned King George V's trip to India to attend the Delhi Durbar. During World War I the ship was assigned to the 2nd Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet, but did not participate in any battles. Natal was sunk by an internal explosion near Cromarty on 30 December 1915 with the loss of at least 390 crewmen and civilians.

Natal was lying in the Cromarty Firth with her squadron, under the command of Captain Eric Back. The captain was hosting a film party aboard and had invited the wives and children of his officers, one civilian friend and his family, and nurses from the nearby hospital ship Drina to attend. A total of seven women, one civilian male, and three children were in attendance that afternoon.[12]

Shortly after 15:25, and without warning, a series of violent explosions tore through the rear part of the ship. She capsized five minutes later.[13] Examination of the wreckage revealed that the explosions were internal. The divers sent to investigate the ship reported that the explosions began in either the rear 9.2-inch shellroom or the 3-pounder and small arms magazine.[14] The Admiralty court-martial into the causes of her loss concluded that it was caused by an internal ammunition explosion,[15] possibly due to faulty cordite.[16]

WWW.HMS NATAL.

421 crew and civilian visitors died in the explosion, including women and children.  400 of the crew survived.

Cromarty held a commemoration day on 30th September 2015, the 110th anniversary of the launch of H.M.S. Natal. Each of the fifteen H.M.S. Natal graves in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's section of the Cromarty Cemetery were marked with a blue ribbon.  Pupils from Cromarty Primary School placed a single red rose at each grave.



#    FINNES, Ernest: From Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1884 Milton Dis., 2a 877

In the 1901 Census Ernest age 16yrs a Clothiers Apprentice, was living at High Street, Rainham, Kent with his widowed mother Lucy, a Butcher & Shop Keeper, born 1848-Rainham, and siblings: Walter, (incorrectly referred to on the Roll of Honour as father of Ernest – should read William dec.d) John, Herbert, Fanny, Caroline & Edith.  Also Eliza White, Domestic Servant, age 20yrs, born Headcorn, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Ernest was employed at Jones & Higgins, Farrant House/Peckham Lodge, Rye Lane, Peckham, an Assistant, Salesman, Retail Department, of 40 persons.

From Free BMD Marriages Ref: Dec Qtr 1917 Marylebone Dis., 1a 1429 - Ernest Finnes & Nellie Allner

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Lance Sergeant G/5521, 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 23rd March 1918. Age 33. Born Rainham. Enlisted Shepherds Bush, London. Resided Rainham. Son of Walter John and Lucy Finnes of Durland House, Rainham, Kent. Husband of Nellie Finnes of 149 Auckland Hill, West Norwood, London. Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference 16.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription

Ernest served in The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 8th, 7th, 9th Battalion, on the 14 January 1915 at Shepherds Bush

Promoted to Corporal on 26/10/15, Lance Sargeant on 18/6/17, Ernest went missing 23/3/18, and includes a copy of the letter submitted by his widow Nellie regarding the WW1 plaque she should have received.

Killed in action, France & Flanders, Western European Theatre.

Pozieres Memorial, which relates to the period of crisis in March and April 1918 when the Allied Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and the months that followed before the Advance to Victory, which began on 8 August 1918.

The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died in France during the Fifth Army area retreat on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. The Corps and Regiments most largely represented are The Rifle Brigade with over 600 names, The Durham Light Infantry with approximately 600 names, and the Machine Gun Corps with over 500, The Manchester Regiment with approximately 500 and The Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery with over 400 names.




#    Foster, William Henry: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 809

    In the 1901 Census William, age 11yrs, born in Chatham, Kent England, was living at 48 Melbourne Road, Chatham, Kent, with his parents: William, (1857, Sheerness) a Brazier (Brassworker) (1858, Barnade) & Hannah Foster and 3 sisters: Ethel, Maud & Mabel

In the 1911 Census William Henry, a Shipwright Apprentice, & his siblings: Ethel Maria, Maud, a Milliner & Mable Ann, a Tailoress, all born in Chatham, Kent, with parents: William Henry, Braizer & Hannah Maria, living at 151 Glencoe Road Chatham, Chatham, Kent.

 

(NOT SURE ABOUT THIS INFO! Is this the right family for William Henry?)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Stoker 2nd Class K/31505, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Pembroke”. Died 28th March 1916. Age 26. Son of Mrs Ann Elizabeth Foster of 7 Gordon Terrace, East Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery. Grave reference - Naval. 24. 1260.

 

Find My Past. Military Service & Conflict:

British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924 Transcription:-

William Henry Foster, Born 27th Nov, 1890, born: Rainham, Kent – Ag. Labourer. Age 26. 5’ 6”; Hair, Black; Eyes, Blue; Complexion, Fresh.

             Date and Period of Engagement: 13th Mar 1916 to 28th Mar 1916: Hostilities. Conduct: VG.

Ship & Service: Pembroke II; Rating Stoker. DW, CSM, 28/3/16 from Cerebra. Spinal Meningitis.

 
   

 

#    FRENCH, Joseph Robert: From Free BMD Birth Ref: Dec Qtr. 1879 Portsea Dis., Hampshire. 2b 527

In the 1901 Census, Joseph, Member Of Crew – Royal Marines - Private “Prince George”  Royal Navy At Sea and in Ports Abroad; List of the Officers, Crew, Royal Marines and of ALL OTHER PERSONS ON BOARD on the NIGHT of SUNDAY, MARCH 31ST, 1901.

In the 1911 Census, Emma, wife was living in 3+ rooms at Cowsted Lane, Lower Rainham, Rainham, Kent, with children: Charles (Cabilla), Ada & Daisy (French).

    Free BMD Marriage Ref: Joseph & Ethel Jane E. (Cabella) Mar Qtr. 1906 Tendring Dis., Essex. 4a 738   

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private CH/16365, Royal Marine Light Infantry. H.M.S. “Cressy”. Died 22nd September 1914. Age 31. Son of Joseph and Mary French of Portsmouth. Husband of Emma J.E. French of Lower Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 7.

 

Find My Past. Military Conflict & Service

Royal Marines 1899-1919 Transcription:

Birth date: 15 Dec 1879 – (Portsea) Portsmouth, Hampshire. Next-of-Kin (F) Joseph -, Burnt Oak Cottage, Medway, Gillingham, Kent. Enlisted as a boy – underage from 1895-1897 – Various deployments.

Service number(s): 10357, 14547, 16365; Division(s): Royal Marine Light Infantry: Portsmouth, Royal Marine Light Infantry: Chatham, Royal Marine Light Infantry: Chatham.

Date(s) of enrolment: 15 Feb 1895, 15 Feb 1895, 20 Jan 1910

Joseph Re-enlisted”: 20 Jan 1910 with 12yrs 6 days previous service, as Private, into the Royal Marine Light Infantry: Chatham Division. Next-of-Kin: Emma J. Ethel (Mitchell?), Cowsted Lane, Lower Rainham, Kent.

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Rating: Pte. Service: R.M.L.I.  Ship/unit: HMS Cressy.  Death date: 22/09/1914. Cause of death: Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action. Body not recovered for burial.  

Location of grave: Not recorded.

Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920 Transcription:

Medals: 1914-15 Star, Victory & British War Medals.  Issued to his widow. Cause of Death:  Killed in action, vessel torpedoed by U-9 in the North Sea. British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918 Image.

 

#6906 GILBERT, William: From Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1884 Maidstone Dis., 2a 720

In the 1901 Census William, was living with his parents: William, a Carpenter & Joiner & Kate at 35, Weston Road, Strood Intra, Strood, Kent

In the 1911 Census William, a Labourer/Gardener, was living in 3+ rooms at 15 Broad Walk, Rainham, Kent, with his mother Kate.  His parents had been married for 28yrs.  Father is not recorded in the census at this address. (In 1911 Census William, Carpenter & Joiner is staying at Bredhurst Lane, Rainham Kent, with his Brother-in-law & family)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private T/4511, “D” Company, 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died India 23rd September 1916. Age 32. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Rainham. Son of William and Kate Gilbert of 27 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Ranikhet New Cemetery. Commemorated on the Madras 1914-1918 War Memorial, Chennai, India. Face 7.

 

Find My Past. Military Conflict & Service:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Enlisted: Canterbury, Kent; Theatre of war: Asiatic Theatres (India)

From Ranikhet WW1 Memorial

PTE William Gilbert, 4thBn The Buffs No 4511, Who Died At Ranikhet, On the 23rd Day of September, 1916, Erected By His Comrades.  



#13861 GILES, George William:  Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1879 Milton Dis., 2a 81

In the 1901 Census, George, an unloader (Cement Worker) with his siblings: Edward, Thomas, Bertie & Frederick were living at Station Rd., Rainham, Kent, with parents Edward, Carman (Corn Merchant) & Ann.

In the 1911 Census, George, a Lodger, Navy Works, living at 6 Pleasant Row, Pleasant Road, Southend on Sea, Essex.  Lodging at the same address were: Richard Randall, Henry Ransley & Fred Giles, Navy workers from Kent)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 63414, 20th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 29th October 1916. Born London. Enlisted and resided St Pancras, London. Brother of Mr E.H. Giles of Devonshire House, Newington, Kent. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Regiment: Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment); Cause of death: Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre; Notes: FORMERLY 6131, 4/1ST LONDON REGT.

Medal Index Cards Transcription:

Archive reference: WO372/8; Archive reference description: Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards; Image link: Record set: World War One British Army medal index cards.



#    GODDEN, Harold: 1898 SittingbourneF

In the 1901 Census Harold age 3yrs, born Sittingbourne, was living at 3 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent with his Grandmother: Ann Godden, age 66yrs, born Newington, Kent, and her daughters: Elizabeth, age 42yrs, a Nurse, & Edith age 26yrs also son Henry age 31yrs, a Factory Store Worker.

In the 1911 Census, Harold (R(e)uben) was living in 5+ rooms at 7 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent, England with widowed Grandmother Ann (born 1835).

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private S/9150, 1st Battalion, Queen`s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 26th March 1915. Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted Chatham. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, Belgium.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Cause of death: Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C. 10-13 March: Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Indian forces play a key role in Commonwealth gains to the south of the Ypres Salient.



#    GOLDSMITH, Frederick William: Free BMD Birth Ref: Mar Qtr. 1859

In the 1901 Census, Frederick, a Shipwright, age 43yrs born 3 Feb 1859(Free BMD), at Woolwich, Kent was living at 61, Invicta Road, Sheerness, Sheppey, Kent with wife Sarah Goldsmith, 33yrs born 1868, at Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Frederick, age 53yrs, a Royal Navy Shipwright, with wife Sarah, age 43yrs, married for12 years and one child born: son Frederick, age 8 yrs born 1903 at Sheerness, Kent were living in 7+rooms at 2 Danley Villas, Halfway Road, Minster Sheppey, Minster in Sheppey, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Shipwright 1st Class 91771, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Wildfire”. Died 28th May 1920 aged 61 years. Husband of Sarah Goldsmith of 21 Junction Road, Gillingham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Sheerness (Isle of Sheppey) Cemetery, Kent. Grave reference EE.24.

Frederick was probably a long serving sailor who possessed skills that were in demand during the war. This may explain how a man of 61 came to be serving in the colours.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Rating: Ship(wrigh)t 1st (Pens(ione)r); Service: R.N.; Ship/unit: HMS Wildfire; Cause of death: Died from disease.

 

 

#15245 GOODING, Ide: Free BMD Births ref:  Dec Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 917

In the 1901 Census Ide & siblings: Amy, Herbert, were with parents: Herbert, a Brickfield Labourer & wife Amy were living at Shakespeare Road, Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Ide, Grocers Errand Boy, & siblings: Amy, a dressmaker, & Herbert, & Muriel, parents: Herbert, an Assurance Agent & wife Amy in 4+ rooms at 59 Broad Walk, Rainham, Kent.

Herbert & Amy had been married for 17yrs with 4 live births and 4 still living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Gunner 122295, 256th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Formerly (1235) 2/1st (County of Kent), RGA. Died 3rd October 1917. Age 21. Born Rainham. Enlisted Rochester. Resided Rainham. Son of Herbert Ide Gooding and Amy Gooding of 59 Broad Walk, Rainham, Kent. Buried Buffs Road Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave reference E.6.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Cause of death: Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

    Medal Index Cards Transcription:

Archive reference: WO372/8; Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards.

 

#    GOODWIN, A. J.:

    From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial (No further information currently)

In the 1891 Census, Alfred J. Goodwyn, born in India was living at Holly Tree House, Franklin Road, Gillingham, Kent with his parents: father- Henry E., age 35yrs Captain Royal Engineers, born at Ilfracombe, Devon, England, mother-Margaret, age 41yrs, born in Ireland, and sisters: Mary & Margaret, ages 6 & 5yrs born in India and brother, William H., age 0yrs, born at Bath, Somerset, England.  There were two female servants in the house.

In the 1901 Census, Alfred Goodwyn, a Student, at Prior Park Mansions & Colleges (Catholic Boarding School)

Widecombe St Thomas A’Becket, Bath, Somerset.

 

Find My Past: British Army Service Records

Regimental records of officers’ services 1775-1914 Transcription:

w.w.w. Sherwood Foresters left India at the beginning of WW1 arriving at Le Havre in 1914, as part of 24th Brigade in 8th Div.

              Service No:  122082; Sherwood Foresters (1st Battalion): 1905-1920.

Next of kin: Major H. E. Goodwyn(Parent), St Helens, Jersey, C.I.

Return of all …. Commissioned Officers:……. Alfred John Goodwyn – 2nd Lieutenant – 22yrs

British Royal Air Force, Airmen’s service records 1912-1939

Alfred John Goodwyn, 1889, Bangalor, India, Retired Army Officer, 23 Jan 1918, age 29yrs.

Royal Air Force Muster Roll 1918 Transcription:

1918/O1/O1Transfer to R.A.F. RESERVE; Trade Re: Classification: Driver(M.T.) A. Mech.3 24/01/18.

 

Free BMD Death Ref: 7c 329 Dec Qtr. 1956 Weston super Mare Dis., Somerset. Age 68yrs.



#14947 GOODWIN, John Rayner: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr 1879 Medway Did., 2a 517 (John Ranald)

In the 1901 Census- “cottage next Mariners” Lower Rainham Rd., John Goodwin, River Clay Digger was with his parents & siblings: Alfred, Eliza, Lavinia, Emily, Albert, Henry, & Horace.

(1911 John was not recorded at Lower Rainham Rd., with widowed mother: Frances and daughter: Emily Ann, sons: Henry Frederick & Frederick Horace.)

In the 1911 Census John, a labourer Contractor was recorded 'Away from Home' boarding at 20 Scotts Villas Southend Essex, Prittlewell, Essex,

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Deck Hand 4477SD, Royal Naval Reserve. H.M. Trawler Burnley. Died 25th November 1916. Age 38. Son of George and Frances Goodwin of Lower Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 19.

 

w.w.w. Burnley in the Great War.info

H.M Trawler Burnley was sunk with all on board, on the 25th November 1916, when she hit a mine, which was one of twelve laid the previous day by the German submarine UC4 (Oberleutnant zur See Howaldt) as part of Sperre (minefield 203) The same minefield later claimed HM Trawler Tervani on the 5th December

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription: Military Service & Conflict.

Cause of death: Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action; Cemetery: Body not recovered for burial.

 

#    GORE, Sidney George: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr 1891 Faversham Dis., 2a 859

In the 1901 Census, Sidney, born 1893, was living at 6, Acacia Terrace, Borden, Kent with parents: James, & Sarah and 2 sisters.

In the 1911 Census, Sidney, a Dry Cab Boy at Lloyds Paper Mills, was living in 5+rooms at Maple Cottages, London Road, Milton Regis, Milton Next Sittingbourne, with parents: James, age 56yrs, born Broadstairs & Sarah, age 56, born Teynham, married for 36years with 10 live births and8 still living, also siblings: Kate Francis, age 21yrs, Dressmaker & Margaret Jane, age 18yrs, Dressmaker.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/2029, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 10th October 1918. Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted London. Buried Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave reference I.A.17.

 

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Cause of death: Died of wounds; Death place: British Expeditionary Force; Theatre of war: Western European. Theatre.

Roisel Communal Cemetery: The Cemetery is on the east side of the road to Villers-Faucon, (Somme, France) and the Cemetery Extension is immediately to the north of the Communal Cemetery.

Roisel town was occupied by British troops in April, 1917, and evacuated after a strong defence by the 66th (East Lancashire) Division in the evening of the 22nd March, 1918. It was retaken in the following September Theatre.



#    GREENHALGH, Harold Fifield: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1877 Preston Dis., Lancs. 8e 608

In the 1901 Census Harold was a Boarder, with Benjamin & Celia Bishop, 51 Belmont Road, Gillingham, Kent

In the 1911 Census Harold, age 33yrs, Head Master Council School, Rainham, Kent was living in 6+rooms at 45 Wakeley Road, Rainham, Kent, with wife Annie, 30yrs, born New Brompton, Kent, and daughter, Constance, under 1yr of age, born Rainham.  Harold & Annie had been married for 8yrs with one child born and still living.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial [Actual spelling is GREENHALCH on memorial]

Second Lieutenant, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Died 9th April 1918. Age 41. Son of John Greenhalgh of Preston. Husband of Mrs Annie Greenhalgh of “Templestowe” 141 Nelson Road, Gillingham, Kent. Buried Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave reference X.A.3.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

World War One British Army medal index cards

Service No: 40491; Private, Second Lieutenant; East Yorkshire Regiment, Army Ordnance Depot; 40491, Rank: Private, Corps: East Yorkshire Regiment; Rank: Second Lieutenant, Corps: Army Ordnance Depot:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action

Britain, Trade Union Members, Service & Casualties 1914-1918 Transcription:

National Union of Teachers War Record (Publication).National Union of Teachers; Union branch: Chatham, Kent.

Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Between the beginning of March, 1918 and the 12th October, 1918, the period of the German offensive in Flanders, the British counter attacks and the final advance of August-September. The burials in these cases were carried out almost entirely by fighting units.



#    HADLOW, Albert Bert: Free BMD Births Ref., Mar Qtr. 1896, Milton Dis., 2a 866 (Albert BURT)

In the 1901 Census, Edward B. (Albert?) is with parents: George, a Farm Labourer Carter & Frances at Milton Road, Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Berty Albert, age 15yrs, Farm Labourer, was living with his father, George, 55yrs, born Harrietsham, Kent, a general Labourer, in 4+rooms at 1 Pudding Lane Rainham Kent.  Also at the address were Borders: Mary Ann Wright, Housekeeper, age 55yrs, & George Naylor, age 46yrs, a Bargeman.

 

    From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Gunner 63217, Clearing Office, Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A). Died 16th March 1918. Age 22. Son of George Thomas and Frances Mary Hadlow of Rainham, Kent. Buried locally in Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

First World War service records 'burnt documents'   

Enlistment Document – Next-of-Kin: Brother George Thomas Hadlow, 63 Park Road, Regents Park, London.

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery; Unit / Battalion: Clearing Office; Year: 1915.

WO 363 Campaignes, Medals and Decorations.

Army Form: 268 Proceedings for Discharge.  Date: 25/1/18. Place: Dover;…being no longer…fit for war.

Service.

Casualty Form: Measles & Laryngitis.



#    HAIGH, George William: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1890  Medway Dis., 2a 591

    In the 1901 Census, George W. , was living at 85, Gillingham Road, Gillingham, Medway, Kent, with his parents William, a Ship Joiner, mother Florence and siblings: Gertrude & John.

    In the 1911 Census, George W. an Engine Fitter at Royal Dockyard, & siblings: Gertrude age 19yrs, a Dressmaker, & John, age 14yrs, were now living in 5+rooms at 7 Glanville Road Gillingham Kent, with parents: William age 48yrs, born Clifton York, Yorks, a Ships Joiner at Royal Dockyard, & Florence, age 49 they had been married for 6 years, with 6 live births with 3 still living.

    Free BMD Marriages Ref:  Dec 1912 Milton Dis.  2a 2269 - Florence Palmer & George William Haigh

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Electrical Artificer 3rd Class M/3964, Royal Navy. H.M.S. Natal. Died 30th December 1915. Age 25. Son of William and Florence Haigh (nee Flood) of 7 Glanville Road, Gillingham, Kent. Husband of Florence Haigh of 242 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent.

Panel reference 12.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924 Transcription:

Enlistment: 5 December 1911 (for) 12yrs; Ships George served in.  George died when ship was sunk.  Body not recovered for burial.

Wikipedia HMS Natal(Legacy)

(One known survivor was that of Chief Stoker Griffiths of St Anne's Farm Pembroke, Pembrokeshire who had escaped through a port hole.)

 

#    HOLDSTOCK, Herbert Frederick Victor: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1897 Croydon Dis., 2a 275

In the 1901 Census the Holdstock family: Herbert F., & his siblings: Lily B. age 13yrs., Rowland Ed. age 11yrs., George Edw. age 6yrs., & Amelia L., age 2yrs., and parents: Edwin C., age 41yrs, Superintendent ‘Singers Sewing Machines’ born Kingsnorth, Kent &  Louisa Holdstock, age 34yrs., born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, were living at 11, Gibbs Road, Grimsbury, Banbury, Oxfordshire.

In the 1911 Census, Herbert was living in 5+rooms at 40 Orchard Street, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: Edwin C., a Political Agent, mother Louisa, married for 17yrs., with 4 live births and no deaths, his siblings: George, Amelia & Reginald.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Air Mechanic 3rd Class 199429, Royal Air Force. Number 1 Supply Depot, RAF. Died 21st February 1919. Buried nearby in Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Royal Air Force, Airmen's service records 1912-1939

Birth Date: 11 May 1897

Attestation date: 20 Jun 1918; Occupation: Watchmaker Apprentice; Attestation age: 21yrs.

Next-of-Kin; Father Edwin C. Holdstock, 40 Orchard Street, Rainham, Kent.

Died: 21/2/19  1SD/98 Woolich Hospital. – France from 14-7-18





#    HOLDSTOCK, Laurence Samuel: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1897 Medway  Dis., 2a 621

In the 1901 Census, Law(u)rence, age 3yrs, is living with parents: Charles, age 32yrs, born Newigton, a Brickfield labourer & Lavinia, age 26yrs, Born Iwade, Kent, and siblings: Lillian, age 6yrs & Charles, age 4yrs were living at Breach Lane, Lower Halstow, Milton, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Law(u)rence, age 13yrs was living in 5+rooms at Rayham Cottages Eastchurch, Sheppey, Eastchurch, Kent with father Charles, Farm Labourer & ‘Kate’ married for 17yrs, with 9 live births and 2 deaths,  with children: Charles age 14ys, Ivy age 8yrs,  Vera age 6yrs, Phyllis age 3yrs, Marjorie age 2yrs.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private L/10448, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th April 1916. Age 18. Born Luton, Chatham. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Rainham. Son of Charles and Lavinia? Holdstock of 41 Station Road, Rainham, Chatham, Kent. Commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

WO 363 - First World War service records 'burnt documents'

Enlistment: Laurence records his birth date as 21st Oct 1896.  Enlistment Date: 10/05/1915

Posting: 23 Mar 1916

Names & Addresses of ALL LIVING RELATIVES – Copy printed

Embarked: 22 Mar 1916 Serving with Unit 1/04/16 – 7/04/16 - Killed in Action

Memorial Scroll: July 15th 1920 – Receipt acknowledgement by Charles Holdstock (Father)

Killed in action: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

Actions in the Spring of 1916 (Western Front)

14 February – 13 June 1916. Localised operations seeking tactical advantage. They include fighting when the Germans first used Phosgene gas, and the loss and recapture of high ground east of Ypres in the Battle of Mount Sorrel.



#    HOLLOWAY, Thomas Charles: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr 1893 Medway Dis., 2a 606

In the 1901 census Thomas, age 7yrs, born New Brompton, was living at High Street, Rainham, Kent with parents: Joseph T., age  38yrs, Coachman ‘domestic’ born Chatham, & Caroline, age 39yrs, born Herne Bay, Kent, and siblings: Joseph age 11yrs, Jessie age 17yrs, Florence age 14yrs & Elizabeth  age 4yrs. Family recorded as HollAway.

In the 1911 Census Thomas C., a, Worker in Corn Warehouse, with parents: Joseph, Gardener Domestic & Caroline, married for 28yrs with 5 live births and no deaths, were living in 6+ rooms at 78 High Street, Rainham, Milton, Kent with brother Joseph T. & sister Christiana.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

[Listed as C T HOLLWAY on memorial] Gunner 915536, “D” Battery, 336th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died 1st July 1917. Age 24. Enlisted and resided Sittingbourne, Kent. Son of Joseph Thomas and Caroline Holloway of 78 High Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

First World War service records 'burnt documents'

    Enlistment: 31 December 1914 – Age: 21yrs 8mths -Trade: Gas Fitter

Non-effective: Discharged - Medically Unfit – 15 January 1915; Medical reasons for Discharge.

 

#    HUBBARD, James William: 6th April 1895, Rainham Kent.

In the 1901 Census, James (Jim) age 6yrs was living at Station Road, Rainham, Milton, Kent,  with mother Emma, age 33yrs born Upchurch, Kent & sisters: Ellen age 9yrs, Lucy age 7yrs & Jessie born 1901. Children all born in Rainham, Kent.  Father, James William, age 36yrs, (Born Gillingham) Master ‘on board vessel’ ‘Morning’ on the night of Sunday, March 31st, 1901 at Rochester St. Margaret’s, Medway, Kent,

In the 1911 Census, James was at Shore Base ‘Ganges’, on the night of Sunday 2 April, 1911, Shotley, Suffolk.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Leading Seaman J/11372, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Lark”. Died 16th February 1918. Age 22. Son of James William Hubbard of 252 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 28.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924

? Enlisted & Served (Boy): ‘Ganges’ – 22 Feb 1911 to 28 Apr 1911 (

‘Impregnable’ 29 Apr 1911 & 27 Oct 1911 to 11 Nov 1911

‘Dreadnought’ 12 Nov 1911etc….  ?  )

‘Pembroke’ & ‘Africa’ A.B. 1912 –1914  

‘Didi ?Leudral’ 1914 to  Feb 1917‘

‘Pembroke’ & ‘Victory’ Shore Bases 1917  

‘Seasiden’ Jan 1918 to 16 Feb 1918 -- Washed overboard & Drowned.

HMS Lark; …..  Drowned; Body not recovered for burial;

Relatives notified: Mother. Emma, 252 Station Rd., Rainham, Kent

HMS GANGES

From 1905 until 1976, HMS Ganges was an uncompromising training establishment for the Royal Navy, designed to turn boys into sailors fit to serve in His/Her Majesty's fleet.




#15248 KEUTENIUS, James William:  Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1884 Milton Dis., 2a 863

In the 1901 Census, James, a Cement Factory Labourer, age 16yrs was living at Linton Cottages, Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents, Edward, a Brickfield Labourer & Jane, with siblings: William J., age24yrs, Albert E., age22yrs, & Lettice H., age 17yrs. All gave Rainham, as birth place.

In the 1911 Census, James, a Cement Labourer, age 26yrs was living with his parents: Edward & Jane and brother, Albert, at 223 Station Road, Rainham, Kent.  Also Mary Freeman, Visitor, Female - 21yrs, born 1890 Yorkshire Stockton on Tees.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Jun Qtr 1911 Milton Dis., 2a 2055 – Mary Freeman & James William Keutenius

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Leading Trimmer 3034ST, Royal Naval Reserve. H.M.P.M.S. “Ascot”. Died 10th November 1918. Age 34. Son of Edward and Jane Keutenius of 223 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference - 31.

 

Find my Past Military Service & Conflict:

R.N.R. Ship/unit HM Paddle Minesweeper Ascot; Cause of death: Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action. Body not recovered for burial; Relatives notified: Wife: Mary. 9, Milton Rd, Rainham, Kent.

w.w.w. Notes on HMPMS Ascot:

H.M.P.M.S “Ascot” was a “Racecourse” Class Paddle Steamer Minesweeper which had the sad distinction of being the last RN vessel sunk by a U-boat in WW1. She was torpedoed off the Farne Islands.



#    KITNEY, Albert Charles Cyril: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 911

In the 1901 Census Albert, age 4yrs was living at Lower Rainham Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: James, born 1854-Thornham, Kent, a Farm Labourer, Sarah (Savage), born 1858- born Chingford, Essex and sister Florence, born 1894-Hollingbourne, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Albert(Cyril) age 15ys, working in Cement Factory, living in 5+ rooms at Cottage, Lower Rainham, Kent with parents James, a Farm labour, & Sarah, (they had been married for 19yrs – with 3 births 2 living)  and a Boarder Joseph Sage, Widower, Wood Cutter, age 70yrs, & Beatrice Hills, Relative, age 1year

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Rifleman R/8062, 8th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps ((K.R.R.C). Died 6th July 1915. Born Rainham. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Rainham. Son of Mrs Sarah Kitney of Pump Lane, Lower Rainham, Rainham, Kent. Buried St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave reference A.6.32.

 

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British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription

First World War service records 'burnt documents'

Enlisted into King’s Royal Rifle Corps.  9 Dec 1914 – Served with BEF.

Died of wounds: 6 July 1915 (Rouen)

Next-of-Kin: James Kitney, Father, Pump Lane, Rainham Kent.

CWGC Cemetery: St. Sever, Rouen, France.

There are two Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries on the outskirts where burials from the hospitals took place.  St. Sever Cemetery, 3081 burials and St. Sever Cemetery Extension, 8656 burials.




#    LOCKYER, W C or W G? No further information currently available

Possibly this man – Aircraft Mechanic 1st Class F/7129 Alfred George LOCKYER. Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Died 14th April 1917.  Buried Plaine French National Cemetery, France.

 

#    MARTIN, James Charles: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 862

In the 1901 Census, James, Chilham, Kent, was at, Red Brick Cottages, Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: Robert, a Wheelwright, born: 1859-Yalding & Winifred, born 1862-Wye, and siblings: Michael. Alfred, Frank, Ernest, Charles, Winifred, Sam & Enos.

(In the 1911 Census, Parents: Robert & Winifred with James’s siblings were living at 2 Pleasant Terrace Whitstable Road Faversham, Faversham Within, Kent)

In the 1911 Census, James, at Depot ‘Blenheim’

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Jun Qtr. 1916 Eastry Dis., 2a 2413  Winifred L Rogers & James Martin

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial Stoker 1st Class SS/104258, Royal Navy. (RFR/CH/B/8314) H.M.S “Derwent”. Died 2nd May 1917. Age 28. Son of Mr and Mrs R Martin of Rainham, Kent. Husband of Winifred L. Martin of Doves Corner, Tilmanstone, Eastry, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 24.

 

w.w.w. H MS Blenheim was a Blake-class armoured cruiser launched in 1890, used as a depot ship from 1907

HMS Blenheim was used as a destroyer depot ship from May 1908 serving with the flotillas in the Mediterranean. during the war was sent to Mudros in March 1915 to take part in the Dardanelle's campaign.

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924

Enlisted for 5yrs in 1906: N.O.K: Mother Winifred Martin, 96 Lady Dane, Faversham, Kent:  Wounded 13 May 1915; in the Dardanelles; N.O.K. Informed 14 May 1915   – Invalided home…. Service locations….continued serving from Aug 1914.

w.w.w. HMS Derwent: In the spring of 1917 as the convoy system was being introduced the 1st Flotilla was employed in escort duties for convoys through the English Channel for the remainder of the war. On 2 May 1917 she struck a contact mine, laid by German submarine UC-26, off Le Havre, France. She sank 2 cables north of Whistle Buoy at position 49°31′N 00°02′W with the loss of 58 officers and men.






#    MATTOCKS Thomas: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qrt.  1886 Milton Dis., 2a 993

In the 1901, Census, Thomas, a drapers Assistant, born 1886 was living at Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents George, b: 1846 & Emma (Blundy) b: 1855 and siblings.  (Family recorded as MaLLocks)

(In the 1911 Census, the parents of Thomas, George, an Insurance Agent-Prudential & Emma, were living in 6+rooms at 5 Wakeley Road Rainham Kent, married for 36yrs with 12 live births, 8 still living)

In the 1911, Census, Thomas, a Draper, was boarding at 16 Leghorn Road, Plumstead, London,(the home of Albert, Machinist, Wood Working, & Amy Allen, from Woolwich & Plumstead, respectively with their 3 children and two other Boarders)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sergeant 682, 17th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 25th March 1918. Age 32. Son of G.T. Mattocks of Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Medal Index Cards Transcription: Rank: Private & Sergeant

Service record:    Soldier Number: E/682, Rank: Private, Corps: Royal Fusiliers

Service record 2: Soldier Number: E/682, Rank: Sergeant, Corps: Royal Fusiliers

The Royal Fusiliers in the Great War: The Long, Long Trail:

The 17th (Empire) Battalion was raised by a body of gentlemen styled "The British Empire Committee."

The motive which drew them together in August, 1914, was the desire to assist in the raising of troops; and

their first intention was to raise a cavalry regiment on the lines of the Imperial Light Horse. After various communications with the military authorities it was found that cavalry were not desired, but the Committee were authorised on August 30th, 1914, to raise a battalion of infantry to be designated the Empire Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.

C.W.G.C. The Arras Memorial commemorates 34,795 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died from the spring of 1916 until 7 August 1918, and who have no known grave. Most of the casualties commemorated here were killed during the Allied offensive during the Battles of Arras in April and May 1917 and during the German attack on the Allied Front from 21 March 1918.

 

#    MILLEN, Albert: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1889  Faversham Dis., 2a 856

In the 1901 Census, Albert, was living at Colkins, Boughton under Blean, Faversham, Kent, with his parents: William, General Labourer & Emma and his siblings.

In the 1911 Census, Albert and 6 siblings were living in 5+rooms at Clock House Cottage, Boughton Faversham, Boughton under Blean, Kent, with parents: William, born 1857 at Lenham, Kent, Farm Labourer & Emma, born 1859 at London, married for 32yrs, 13 children born with one death,.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/21832, 10th Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (24557) Northamptonshire Regiment. Died 24th February 1917. Born Broughton, Faversham. Enlisted Faversham.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

    Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

Another man recorded on Soldiers Died Great War (Killed in Action) who appears not to have been placed on the CWGC index!



#13516 NAYLOR, Maurice Edmund: Free BMD Birth Ref: June Qtr. 1892 Milton Dis., 2a 884

In the 1901 Census Maurice, with siblings: Rosetta, Arthur, Alfred, Frances, Olive, Edith & Walter were living at High Street, Rainham, with parents: Alfred, born 1860, Rainham, a Plate Layer Ry & Eliz., born 18?, Rodmersham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Maurice, Farm Labourer and siblings: Olive, Edith May, Walter Leonard, with parents: Alfred John, born 1860 & Elizabeth Charlotte, born 1862, married for 31yrs, with 9 live births, all still living, was living in 8+rooms at 32 London Road, Rainham.  Also daughter, Rosetta Ann, age 30, now married to Robert Wade, (Son-in-law)Mariner, born 1882, Bognor, Sussex and their son, Robert Alfred, born Rainham 1908 and unnamed son, under one month old.  Visiting was Henry Joseph Jarvis, Single, Male, Railway Platelayer, age25yrs, born 1886 Gillingham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private T/241836, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 24th July 1917. Age 25. Born Rainham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Rainham. Son of Alfred John and Elizabeth Charlotte Naylor of 35 London Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave reference X.D.12.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

M.E.F. – Asiatic Theatres

C.W.G.C. Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, The North Gate Cemetery was begun In April 1917 and has been greatly enlarged since the end of the First World War by graves brought in from other burial grounds in Baghdad and northern Iraq, and from battlefields and cemeteries in Anatolia where Commonwealth prisoners of war were buried by the Turks.

 

#     NICHOLS, Harry: Free BMD Births Ref: Births Dec 1893 Milton Dis.,  2a 837

In the 1901 Census, ‘Henry’ age 1yr? born Rainham, was with his mother Sarah, age 33yrs born in Faversham, living at Station Road, Rainham, also siblings: George, age15yrs, Susan, age 12yrs, Edward, age 10yrs , Thomas, age 7yrs, & Joseph, age 5yrs.

In the 1911 Census, Harry (Nicholls) was living 6+rooms at 73 Henry St., Rainham, with his mother: Sarah Ann Elizabeth, who had been married for 26yrs, with 11 live births one of whom had died.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Stoker 1st Class K/30487, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Pembroke”. Died 28th April 1917 aged 19 years at the Naval Hospital, Hull. Son of Mr and Mrs J Nichols of 73 Henry Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent. (Spelt NICHOLLS in the parish registers)

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Royal Navy & Royal Marines-WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription

Pembroke: 18/Jan/16 to 29/Apr/16 - Stoker 11

Royal Oak:  18/Feb/17 to 19/Apr/17 - Stoker 1

Pembroke   20/Apr/17 to 28/Apr/17 -    “

DOB: 30 Aug 1894; Rainham; Died from Disease; Mother: Sarah, Pear Tree Cottage…..

 

#NUTT, Henry William: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Medway Dis., 2a 616

In the 1901 Census, Henry, was living at 57, Hartington Street, Chatham, Medway, Kent, with his parents: Henry, Engine Driver (Stationary) & Louisa.

In the 1911 Census, Henry, a Taylor(‘s) Apprentice, was boarding at 10 Mills Terrace Chatham, Chatham, Kent, with Boarder-Father, Henry, age 43yrs, born Barnsbury, Middlesex , sisters Ethel & Edith (18 & 12yrs, born Chatham, Kent.), they were boarding with Henry’s Sister Eliza Stratford & husband Stephen.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Rifleman 10945, 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (K.R.R.C). Died 9th May 1915. Age 19. Born Chatham. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Rainham. Son of Louis and H.A. Nutt of 7 Tufton Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

 

Find My Past Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died of wounds: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

The Battles of Ypres, 1915 (Second Ypres)

Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards

Le Touret Memorial The memorial commemorates men who died in the area but who have no known grave. They include the many missing of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10-13 March 1915), the first large scale British offensive on the Western Front.

www.King’s Royal Rifle Corps -The Battles of Ypres, 1915 (Second Ypres)

22 April – 25 May 1915: The Battles of Ypres, 1915. Often known as the Second Battle of Ypres, this began with surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the battle developed into the second epic in that area. British Second Army withdraws to a shorter line near Ypres.



#    ORCHARD, John: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1867 Leighton B. Dis., 3b 418

In the 1871 Census, John age 4yrs was living at The Green, Soulbury, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England

with his parents: Joseph, a Shepherd & Martha, and siblings: Emma, Charles, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Harriet 7 George, all born in Buckinghamshire (except Harriet, in Staffordshire)

In the 1901 Census, NOT FOUND

In the 1911 Census, John, a Stoker-Petty Officer-Royal Navy, age 43yrs, born Soulbury, Buckinghamshire, with wife, Alice Maud Mary, age 34yrs, married 3yrs, born Chatham, no children born, was living in 4+rooms at 31 Ivy Street Rainham Kent, Rainham, Kent,

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Petty Officer Stoker 170472, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Princess Irene”. Died 27th May 1915. Age 49. Son of Joseph and Martha Orchard of Ladbury, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Husband of Alice Orchard of 2 Percy Villas, Bredhurst Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 11.

 

Find my Past: Military Service & Conflict

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Birth date recorded: 21 Feb 1868 – Saulbury? Bucks.

Cause of death: Killed or died by means other than disease, accident or enemy action

Cemetery: Body not recovered for burial

Relative notified: Wife: Maud Alice; 31 London Road, Rainham, Kent.

Wikipedia: H.M.S. Princess Irene: The ship was completed at Dumbarton, Scotland, in 1914 but, before she was able to leave for the Pacific, was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and converted into a Minelayer. She was 5,900 tons, 395'x54'x28' launched 20 October 1914. Based at Sheerness in Kent, she was in the River Medway on 27th May 1915 when she blew up as a result of a catastrophic internal explosion.

(More information can be found of this disaster, on the web)

 

#    PACK, Sidney Robert: Free BMD Births Ref:  Sep Qtr. 1899 Milton Dis., 2a 961

In the 1901 Census, Sydney, was living with his parents, Leonard & Emma, and 4 siblings at Quay Lane, Rainham, Milton, Kent

In the 1911 Census, Sidney was living at 5 Dury (High Dewar Rd) Lane, with his parents Leonard & Emma, and 3 siblings. Also Stephen Foreman, widower, age 69yrs (Father-in-law of Leonard).

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/35535, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th October 1918. Age 19 Born Rainham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Rainham. Son of Leonard and Emma Pack of 5 High Dewar Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France. Grave reference VI.P.4.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

    Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

CWGC: Bellicourt British Cemetery is in the village of Bellicourt in the commune of Riviere, in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais, 10 kilometres south-west of Arras. . On 29 September - 2 October 1918, the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal was fought. The 46th (North Midland) Division stormed the Hindenburg Line at Bellenglise and captured 4,000 prisoners and 70 guns



#    PAUL, Leonard: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr 1889 Edmonton Dis., 3a 445 - Born 31 January 1889

In the 1901 Census, Leonard, age 12yrs, born Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was living at ‘Magpies’, Harmondsworth, Staines, Middlesex, with his parents Harry, age 37yrs, a Station Sergeant, Metropolitan Police, born Waltham Abbey, Essex, & Mary M. age 38yrs, born Clerkenwell, Middlesex.  Also siblings: William H. age 16yrs, Ivy, age 15yrs & Stuart, age 6yrs.

In the 1911 Census, Leonard, Soldier/Ambala India/Overseas Military, Ships And Overseas Establishments.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Farrier Sergeant 52089, 5th “C” Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died 25th May 1918. Age 29. Son of Harry and Mary Martha Paul of “Myrtle Cottage,” Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

WO 364 - First World War pension claims:

Discharged 21 May 1917 at Charlton Park. (to) Myrtle Cottage, 86 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent.

Born 31 January 1889 - No longer fit for War Service.  Exemplary service for 8yrs 276dys.

Champaigns, Medals & Decorations: Expeditionary Force: France 1914-15-16-17

Casualty Form-Active Service Copy of Document: Enlisted 19.8.08 – Farrier Sergeant/Driver/Sergeant.

Served in India & France. Diagnosed: Tubercle Lung 17 April 1917 - Originated in France…….

“Will require sanatorium treatment.”

 

#    PAYNE, Charles Henry:  Free BMD Births Ref:  Dec Qtr. 1895 Medway Dis., 2a 596

In the 1901 Census, Charles Henry was living at 71, Gads Hill, Gillingham, Medway, Kent, with parents: John, a labourer at Cement Factory, born 1868 Exeter, Devon & Fanny, born 1871 Broadway, Dorset and siblings: John Francis born 1896 Newbridge, Ireland and Percival Wm, born 1897 Chatham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Charles Henry was not with the family.  Father-John Payne, Cement Works Labourer, born Ottery St Mary Devon, Mother-Fanny, siblings John Francis born 1896 Newbridge, Ireland,  Winnie Elsy Mable, born 1902 Gillingham, Lilian Mary Jane, born 1906 Gillingham, Aubrey James, born 1909 Gillingham, William George, 1909 born Gillingham, Christina Kathleen, born 1911 Gillingham, were living at 2 Waterside Lane Gillingham, Gillingham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Corporal G/18889, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (2620) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 3rd August 1917. Age 22. Born Chatham. Enlisted Tonypandy, Wales. Son of John and Fanny Payne of 6 Flint Cottages, East Rainham, Kent. Brother of John (below). Buried Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference I.J.16.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription

Original: Casualty Form-Active Service; Reg. No. (2620) 18889; Enlisted: a) 5.9.14; Terms of Service:  Duration of War; Details of service, promotions and sickness. France Service from 6.10.15

Died of wounds-SW ? Legs Arms & Abdomen.

Letter/& receipts from parent acknowledging receipt of medals etc….

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died of wounds: Death place; France & Flanders: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre:

Supplementary Notes: FORMERLY 2620, BUFFS.

Monchy British Cemetery, France. Monchy village, a relatively high and commanding position, was captured by Commonwealth forces on 11 April 1917. The cemetery was begun at once and continued in use as a front-line cemetery until the German offensive of March 1918, when it fell into their hands. It was recaptured by the Canadian Corps on 26 August and used again for a month.

 

#    PAYNE: John Francis: Birth: 1894/5 Ireland.

In the 1901 Census, John Francis was living at 71, Gads Hill, Gillingham, Medway, Kent, with parents: John, a labourer at Cement Factory & Fanny, and siblings..

In the 1911 Census, John was living at 2 Waterside Lane Gillingham, Gillingham, Kent, with his parents: John, a Cement Factory & Fanny Payne, with 3 sisters & two brothers.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private L/9784, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 3rd May 1915. Age 21. Born Curragh, Kilare, Ireland. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Rainham. Son of John and Fanny Payne of 6 Flint Cottages, East Rainham, Kent. Brother of Charles (above). Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, Belgium.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

WO 363 - First World War service records 'burnt documents'

Attestation Papers: 13 May 1911

Killed in action: Death place; France & Flanders: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre

Military History Sheet: Casualty Form declared Missing.

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription

John was age 17yrs when he enlisted at Chatham on 1.5.11 into the regular Army (The Buffs) from the Special Reserve/Territorial Force.  His NOK:  Parents & Brothers living at Waterside Lane, Gillingham.  Service in the Buffs begins 1.5.12

Letter/& receipts from parent acknowledging receipt of ‘medals’

(Included in this file, extra documents for A? Gore, #9783 died 9.10.16)



#    PENFOLD, Jesse William K: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Milton Dis., 2a 908  

In the 1901 Census, Jesse W. (Kohn) age 4yrs was living at 32, Shakespeare Road, Sittingbourne, Milton, Kent., with his parents: John Kohn, 39yrs, born Germany, a (Sausage) Skin Dresser & Sarah (Jane ) Kohn (Penfold) age 26yrs, and son Henry, age 1yr. Also Wm Osterwald, Boarder, age 35, b. Germany, a Skin Dresser.

In the 1911 Census, Jesse’s parents: John & Sarah with children, born in Sittingbourne, Ruby, age 9yrs,  Douglas, age 6yrs living at Upland Farm, Church Lane, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Corporal 1187, Household Battalion. Formerly (3990) 1st Life Guards. Died 12th October 1917. Age 21 Born Sittingbourne. Enlisted London. Resided Rainham. Son of Mrs S. Kohn of 272 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 3.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (incl. Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps)

Killed in action: Death place; France & Flanders: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre.

Battle of Third Ypres / Passchendaele – July 21 – November 6, Western Front. The battle which typified the later image of the Western Front as a bloody, muddy waste of life for the British.

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards.



#    PILCHER, Ernest: Free BMD Birth Ref: Dec Qtr. 1898  W. Ashford Dis., 2a 799

In the 1901 Census, Ernest, age 2yrs, was living at Woodbine, Western Avenue, Ashford, West Ashford, Kent, with his parents: Ernest T., a Leather Cutter, born 1865 Ashford, Kent & Annie E. G., born 1868 Ashford and two brothers: William J. age 3yrs & Harry S. age 7mths.

In the 1911 Census, Ernest, age 11yrs, was living at 4+rooms 29 Shakespeare Road Rainham Kent, with parents: Ernest, a Wallpaper Hanger and Annie, married for 15yrs with 5 live births all living, also brothers:  William, born 1898, Sidney, born 1901, Lester, born 1904 and sister: Avis,  born 1905. (Family recorded as PITCHER)

   

    From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Driver 110286, 56th Brigade, Small Arms Ammunition Section, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died Iraq 13th September 1916 aged 18 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Sittingbourne. Son of Ernest and Annie E Pilcher of 2 “Gladwyn”, Bredhurst Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried in the Basra War Cemetery, Basra, Iraq. Grave reference VI.W.17.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict –

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery

Died: Death place; Mesopotamia: Theatre of war; Asiatic Theatres

    Basra War Cemetery: Basra is a town on the west bank of the Shatt-al-Arab, 90 kilometres from its mouth in the Persian Gulf.

The Mesopotamian Front: These include the many epic struggles fought along the banks of the River Tigris; from the seemingly unstoppable advance of the British throughout 1915 to the resurgence of their Turk opposition in 1916 culminating in the British humiliation at Kut-al-Amara in April 1916. British fortunes revived however with the appointment of Sir Frederick Stanley Maude as regional Commander-in-Chief, as success after success finally led to complete British victory in the region in October 1918.

   

# 15334 RALPH, George: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1898 Milton Dis., 2a 575

In the 1901 Census George, age 3yrs, born Rainham & siblings: Ada, born 1894, May, born 1897, Walter, born 1899, & Herbert, born 1901, with  parents: Edward, a Chief Stoker RN, born 1870 East Farleigh, & wife, Clara, born 1874 Rainham, were living at Station Rd., Rainham. Clara’s father & brothers: Alfred Kitney, born 1828 (past work) William, born 1869 a Navvy & Harry, born 1872,  a Labourer – Cement, were also there.

In the 1911 Census George & siblings: Ada, May, Walter, Herbert, Albert, Violet & Evelyn with parents: Edward, a Naval Pensioner/Labourer, age 41yrs, & wife Clara, and his brother, Arthur, were living in 5+rooms at 46 Orchard Street Rainham Kent, Rainham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 33546, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 18th July 1917. Age 19. Born Rainham. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Edward and Clara Ralph of Court Farm Cottages, West Wickham, Kent. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel reference - Bay 6.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Death: Killed in action

Death place: France & Flanders

Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

 

Clara KITNEY/ RALPH Miss-8920 and Barbara Mavis TOTTMAN Miss-2 are 1st cousins 3 times removed.



#    RAY, Wilfred (Edmond): Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1897 E. Ashford Dis., 2a 835  

In the 1901 Census, Wilfred E. (was living at Upper Street, Leeds, Hollingbourn, Kent, with parents: William, a Brickfield’s Labourer, and Mary and brother Amos G. (Family recorded as ROY)

In the 1911 Census, Wilfred(Edmund) (Recorded as NAY) age 13yrs, was living at a house of 5+ rooms, Vicarage Garden, Hartlip, Sittingbourne, Kent,  with parents: William, 53yrs, a Gardener-Domestic, and Mary 47yrs and brother Amos George, 16yrs.  William & Mary had been married for 23yrs with 2 children now livin, from 3 births.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sapper 912, No 4 (Kent Fortress) Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE). Died 23rd September 1914. Age 17. Born Eastwell, Ashford. Enlisted Gillingham. Resided Rainham. Son of William and Mary A. Ray of 1 Coronation Villas, Maidstone Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Sheerness (Isle of Sheppey) Cemetery, Kent. Grave reference C. 175.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Death place; Home

British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-191: Accidently shot while on service at Sheerness.

Sheerness (Isle of Sheppey) Cemetery is situated on the road from Sheerness to Queenborough, Kent.  The cemetery contains 128 scattered First World War graves.

 

#    RAYNER, Sidney Robert: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1894 Fulham Dis., 1a 3[14]5   

In the 1901 Census, Sidney R. born Fulham, was living at 29, Allestree Road, Fulham, London, with parents: Samuel, a Retired School Teacher, born 1846 Chelsea, Middlesex, & Elizabeth S., born 1860 East Farleigh, Kent, with siblings: Alice E. 20yrs, Harry 12yrs, & Frederick W. 8yrs.

In the 1911 Census, Sidney, a Farm Labourer was living with his widowed mother: Elizabeth age 51yrs at 2+rooms at 103 High St, Rainham, Kent. Elizabeth, had been married 26yrs, with 6 live births, with 2 deaths.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sapper 1000, No 2 (Kent Fortress) Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE). 19th November 1914. Age 20. Born Chelsea, London. Enlisted Gillingham. Resided Rainham. Son of Mrs E.S. Rayner of 1 Ivy Street Rainham, Kent. Buried locally in the Gravesend Cemetery, Kent. Grave reference 4900.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Death place; Home:

British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918 Transcription:

Died 19th November 1914, of Heart failure, contracted while on Service.

 

#15231 ROOF, Alfred James: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1880 Milton Dis., 2a 806

In the 1901 Census Alfred, born? Funton, Kent 1882, was boarding at Perseverance Cottages, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with Arthur & Emily Costen & family.  John Nicholls was also boarding there.  (The men were Brickfield labourers)

Free BMD Marriages Ref: - Sep Qtr 1904 Medway Dis., 2a 1395 Florence Emma Brown & Alfred James Roof

In the 1911 Census Alfred James, a Cement Labourer, born Upchurch & wife Florence Emma, married for 6yrs with 3 live births, all living, were living in 4+rooms at Waterside Lane, Gillingham, Kent, with daughters: Florence Lilian, age 5yrs, Hilda Esther Frances, age 3yrs & Ellen Elizabeth age 1yr.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 32129, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 23rd March 1918. Born Upchurch. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Gillingham. Buried Chauny Communal Cemetery Extension, Aisne, France. Grave reference 2.C.10.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action: Death place; France & Flanders: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre

Chauny Communal Cemetery Extension, Aisne, France.  Chauny is a commune 35 kilometres west of Laon.

Historical Information:

The Extension was made after the Armistice for the burial of remains brought in from the battlefields of the Aisne and from the following smaller cemeteries in the surrounding countryside:-

 

#    RUSSELL, Thomas C: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1896 Milton Dis., 2a 878

In the 1901 Census, Thos C., was living at Tufton Road, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with his parents: Edward, a Brickmaker, born 1864 Strood, Kent & Harriet, born 1868 Lower Halstow, Kent, with siblings: Edward J. age 9yrs, Agnes M. age 6yrs, and Eliz W. age 1yr.

In the 1911 Census, Thoma(s), a Cement (worker) was living in 5+ rooms at 101 Station Road, Rainham Kent, with his parents Edward, a Labourer (in) Brickfield & Harritt(sp), married for 22yrs, with 4 live births & 3 still living, and sister, Elsie.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Lance Corporal, 11th Battalion, Queen`s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly Private (2205) Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died 24th March 1917. Born Rainham. Enlisted Sittingbourne. Brother of Edward J. Russell. Buried Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave reference AA.19.

   

Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, From Ieper town centre the Dikkebusseweg (N375), is reached via Elverdingsestraat. The New Military Cemetery was begun in February 1915 and was used until May 1917 by fighting units and field ambulances, with a few further burials taking place in March and April 1918. The Extension was used from May 1917 to January 1918.

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict.

    British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

    Enlistment Medical Report; Military History Sheet; Home 1914 to1916, B.E.F. from 21 Sep 1916.

N.O.K. Father: Edward Russell Acknowledgement of medals and effects by Edward & Harriet (parents),

Casualty Service History. 1914 – 1918.  List of effects prior to posting with B.E.F.



#    SAWKINS, John: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1877 Faversham Dis., 2a 753

In the 1901 Census, John, a Leading Stoker 2 Class, from list of Officers, Crew, Royal Marines & others on board the HMS ‘Sans Pareil’  - a Battle Ship 1st Class, on the night of Sunday March 31st, 1901 at Sheerness. (Abstract list shows 482+1 Doctor on board)

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Dec Qtr 1910 Medway Dis., 2a 1403 Mabel Caroline Black & John Sawkins

In the 1911 Census, John, Chief Stoker (Royal Navy) with wife Mabel Caroline (Black), was living in 1+rooms at 49 Charlotte St, Devonport, Devon.  They had been married for less than one year.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Chief Stoker 280187, Royal Navy. H.M.S “Negro”.  Died 21st December 1916. Age 39. Son of John and Alice Sawkins of Nonington, Dover, Kent. Husband of Mabel Caroline Black (formerly Sawkins) of 5 Edward VII Villas, Bredhurst Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference17.

Also commemorated at Nonington (St Mary the Virgin) Church, Kent.

Awarded Navy LS&GC Medal and Naval General Service Medal (Persian Gulf).

 

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WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

On board Ship, HMS Negro: Killed or died by means other than disease, accident or enemy action

Cemetery: Body not recovered for burial; Location of grave: Not recorded

Relatives notified; Wife. Mabel C., 31, Station Rd., RAINHAM, Kent.

w.w.w. HMS Hoste

On the morning of 20 December 1916, HMS Hoste suffered a failure of her steering gear at high speed, almost colliding with several other ships, and was detached to return to Scapa with the destroyer HMS NEGRO (1916) as escort. At about 01:30 hr on 21 December, in extremely poor weather, with gale force winds and a heavy sea, Hoste‍ '​s rudder jammed again, forcing the ship into a sudden turn to port. NEGRO following about 400 yards (370 m) behind, collided with Hoste. The collision knocked two depth-charges off Hoste‍ '​s stern  which exploded, badly damaging the rear end of Hoste and blowing in the bottom of NEGRO"S hull, flooding her engine room.  NEGRO sank quickly, and despite the efforts of the destroyer HMS Marmion 1915 to rescue survivors, 51 officers and men of NEGRO'S crew were killed



#    SELLEN, Herbert 'Bertie' Leonard: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1898 Milton Dis., 2a 898

In the 1901 Census, Birtie(sp) was living at Rainham Mark, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with his parents: William, an Agricultural Labourer, born 1861 Teynham, & wife, Cordelia(Caroline), born 1866 Sittingbourne, and siblings: Willam E. age 6yrs., Ettie M. age 10yrs., Alice E. 7yrs., & Elsie E. 4yrs.

In the 1911 Census, Bertie Leonard, age 12yrs, with parents: William, a Working Foreman on Fruit Plantation, with wife Cordelia, married for 23yr, with 7 live births & 5 still living, and siblings: Alice Edith, William Ernest, & Elsie Elizabeth, living in 4+ rooms at Platters Farm, Rainham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/17562, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 9th September 1916. Enlisted Rainham, Kent. Buried in Caterpillar Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France. Plot XVI. Row A. Grave 18.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action: Death place; British Expeditionary Force: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre

Caterpillar Valley Cemetery lies a short distance west of Longueval on the south side of the road to Contalmaison.   Caterpillar Valley was the name given by the army to the long valley which rises eastwards, past "Caterpillar Wood", to the high ground at Guillemont.

The 2nd battalion landed in France as part of 2nd Brigade in the 1st Division in August 1914 and fought through the war on the Western Front.[7] It took part in the Battle of Mons in August 1914, the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, the Battle of the Aisne in September 1914 and the First Battle of Ypres in November 1914 as well as the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915.[8] The battalion took part in the Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1916,



#    SELLEN, William A: Free BMD Births Ref: Births Jun Qtr. 1897 Milton Dis., 2a 859

In the 1901 Census, William, age 3yrs was with his parents: William, a Miller-Cement, mother, Emily and sister Winnfrid age 0yrs at Station Road, Rainham, Milton, Kent  (Family recorded as SELLIN)

In the 1911 Census, William, age 13yrs was with his widowed father, William, a Miller-Cement Factory Worker & sister, Winnifred, 10yrs, boarding at the Water Works House, Rainham,Kent, (the residence of George T. Mattocks, Waterworks/Engineer & wife Ellen, who had been married for 12 yrs without children, they lived in a 5+roomed house)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sapper 541982, 13th Pontoon Park Company, Royal Engineers (R.E). Formerly Sapper (T/2969) Royal Engineers. Died 8th October 1918. Enlisted Gillingham. Resided Rainham. Buried Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Section O. Grave 267.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription

Died: Death place; Egypt: Theatre of war; Egyptian Theatre:

CWGC – Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt

This cemetery is within the Old Cairo cemetery area, which is situated approximately 5 kilometres south east of the centre of Cairo. The cemetery area is on the south side of the road Salah Salem, which runs west/east from the River Nile towards the green park area approximately 2 kilometres beyond and eventually towards the Citadel.

Historical Information;

At the outbreak of the First World War, Cairo was headquarters to the United Kingdom garrison in Egypt. With Alexandria, it became the main hospital centre for Gallipoli in 1915 and later dealt with the sick and wounded from operations in Egypt and Palestine.





#     SHARMAN, John Robert Belton: Free BMD Births Ref:  Jun Qtr. 1898 Gravesend Dis., 2a 555

In the 1901 Census, John, age 2yrs & his brother Frederick, age 4yrs both born at Gravesend Kent & parents: Frederick, a Stoker in Navy, age 27yrs born Deptford, Kent & Elizabeth, 25yrs born Deptford, Kent were living at 5, The Terrace, Milton, Gravesend, Kent,

In the 1911 Census, John, age 12yrs was living in 4+rooms at 51 Broad Walk Rainham Kent, with brothers: Horace age 9yrs, & Leonard, age 5yrs & mother Sarah Elizabeth age 36yrs, Married for 14yrs, with 4 live births

with no deaths. (Father Frederick, H.M. Navy Chief Stoker, was not at home.)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

In the 1911 census John Robert SHARMAN, was the son of Sarah Elizabeth SHARMAN, aged 12, born Gravesend, resident 51 Broad Walk, Rainham. No further information currently available.

   

    Find My Past: Military Service &  Conflict

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription:

Series-WO 363-WO 363 - First World War service records ‘burnt Documents

1918 age 20yrs: Residence town; Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

Record of Service Paper: As a (Royal Scots) Reservist : Full Name: John Robert Belton Sharman; Age: 20yrs 26 days; Trade: Machine Driller; Married; Hilda Stevens; Edinburgh-10th May 1916; Children: Hilda Elizabeth born: 17 Apr 1917 & George Frederick born 6 April 1918.

19 Apr, 1928: Correspondence regarding Memorial Plaque & Scroll to (father) Frederick, 34 Dawes St., Gillingham, Kent, that the application sent by (wife) Mrs. H. Sharman will get consideration.

As the widow has since remarried – the memorials will be sent to relative(s) now living.  

Included in the record is a completed form listing family members. inc. Grandparent; Parents; Wife & children with addresses.

Admitted into the Regular Army – Called up – 20th May 1918 – The Royal Scots #62660

Ministry of Pensions-?ation and Medical History Sheet of the late John R.  B. Sharman 26 Mar 1919

Field Service Record: Died 14/2/19 In No.1.Aus.CC.S France.

Widow recorded a pension of 20/5 (widow with1 Child)-Copy of Death Certificate of George Frederick 4 mths.

Copy of Telegram- Copy of Active Service-Casualty-Form

Personal property and Medals to be sent to Mrs H. Sharman, 9 Saxton St., Gillingham, Kent. 12 Aug 1919



#    SHEAFF, Arthur Robert: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1895 Milton Dis., 2a 923

In the 1901 Census, Arthur, age 6yrs was living with his parents: Thomas & Mary and his brother Thomas H., at Lower Road, Rainham, Kent. (All born in Rainham, Kent)

In the 1911 Census, Arthur, age 16yrs a Farm Labourer was living with his parents: Thomas, born 1869 & Mary, born 1873 and his brother Thomas H.,  born 1893, at Pump Lane, Lower Rainham, Kent

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/9090, 8th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 6th January 1917. Age 21. Born and enlisted Rainham. Resided Lower Rainham. Son of Mr T.W and Mrs M.A. Sheaff of Chapel House, Lower Rainham, Chatham, Kent. Buried Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference - VI.A.53.

   

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died of wounds; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

    Historical Information

For much of the First World War, Bethune was comparatively free from bombardment and remained an important railway and hospital centre.  The 33rd Casualty Clearing Station was in the town until December 1917.

 

#    SIMMONDS, George Walter: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1889 Milton Dis., 2a 884:

In the 1901 Census, George, 11yrs born 1890 Upchurch, was living at 3, Gordon Terrace, Hoo, St Werburgh Hoo,  Kent with his parents: George, a Water Barge-Captain, born 1863 New Brompton, Kent & Ada Elizabeth, born 1864 Gillingham, Kent and siblings: Emily born 1887, Ernest born 1895, Nellie born 1897 & Albert born 1899.  

In the 1911 Census,

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Lance Corporal 23222, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 22nd September 1916. Born Upchurch, Kent. Enlisted Faversham. Buried St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave reference B.20.39.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died of wounds: Death place; France & Flanders: Theatre of war; Western European Theatre:




#    SIMMONDS, William Ernest:  Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 855  (?Simmons)

In the 1901 Census, William, age 11yrs born Rainham and siblings: Alfred, born 1893 Rainham, & Nellie, born 1895 Rainham, were living at Station Road, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with father: William, age 30yrs, born Bredhurst, Kent, working on his own account as a Carrier(Farm), & Alice Simmons, born 1880 Maidstone, Kent., sister, Housekeeper.

In the 1911 Census, William, age 20yrs, working at the Business (w/mother) and siblings: Alfred, Nellie, and Leonard, age 14yrs working with mother, & Alice, age 12yrs were living in 4+ rooms at Crown Cottage, Upchurch, Kent with mother: Lucy (Kitney) Simmons, with 6 live births and 5 living, Widow, Coal Merchant, age 46yrs born Bredhurst.   (William Tapley  Simmons  34yrs –Free BMD Deaths Mar Qtr 1905  Milton Dis., 2a 648)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Lance Corporal L/9795, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 11th August 1916. Born Rainham. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Rainham. Son of Mrs A.T. Partridge of 266 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Couin British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference II.C.5.

The CWGC and MIC both show surname as SIMMONS.

 

    Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died of wounds: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

C.W.G.C. The Couin British Cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the field ambulances of the 48th (South Midland) Division, and was used by units and field ambulances during the Battle of the Somme in 1916



#    SKINNER, Percy Arthur: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1895 Milton Dis., 2a 825

In the 1901 Census, Percy, age 5yrs, and siblings: Blanche, born 1892, George, born 1894,  Albert, born 1898 & Berty, born 1900, as living at Station Road, Rainham, Kent with his parents: George, age 30yrs, a Cooper at Cement Factory & Ada, age 26yrs, family all born in Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, P(ercy), age 15yrs, and siblings: B, G, P, A, B, S, F.  were as living in 5+rooms at 233 Station Road, Rainham, Kent with their parents: G(eorge), a Cooper, age 40yrs & A(da), age 36yrs married for ?yrs with 7 births all still living. Family is only recorded by initial in the image.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 128108, 62nd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (MGC) (Infantry). Formerly (45978) Suffolk Regiment. Died 3rd September 1918. Age 23. Born Rainham. Enlisted Rochester. Resided Strood. Son of Mr and Mrs G Skinner of 233 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Bac-du-Sud British Cemetery, Bailleulval, Somme, France. Grave reference -III.F.3.

 

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Died of wounds; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

Bac-du-Sud British Cemetery contains 688 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. There are also 55 German war graves.



#15253    SMITH, Frederick: Free BMD Births Ref: Ref: Sep Qtr. 1897 Milton Dis., 2a 905

In the 1901 Census Frederick, age 4yrs, was living at Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with his parents: George, born 1859 & Ann, born 1862 Upchurch, and siblings: Thomas, born 1891, Rhoda, born 1893, Albert, born 1895,

& Doris, born 1900 (all born in Rainham)

In 1911 Frederick and parents: George, a Farm labourer & wife Ann, married for 30yrs with 13 live births, 7 still living,  were living at 4+rooms at 35 Ivy Street, Rainham, with children: Thomas, Albert, Doris, Emma(n), Percy, & Alice also I(saac) Apps widower & pensioner - Father-in-law of Ann's sister, Frances Apps.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/6454, 8th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 14th September 1916. Age 19. Born Rainham. Enlisted Chatham. Son of George and Ann Smith of 35 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried nearby in the Rainham (St Margaret) Churchyard, Rainham, Kent.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict.

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Died: Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.



#15254    SPRINGATE, Percy:  Free BMD Birth Ref: Milton Dis., Mar Qtr. 1884 2a 908

In the 1901 Census, Percy (Wheelwright), with parents: George, a Wheelwright, & Rebecca, were living at High Street, Rainham.

    In the 1911 Census Percy, a Carpenter, was lodging with Edwards family in East Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

In the 1911 Census Percy's mother, Rebecca, age 65ys a widow, with 6 live births, 5 still living, was living in 6+rooms at 24 London Road, Rainham with children: Jessie, age 36yrs, Assistant School Teacher; James A., age 31yrs, Coach Builder; George, age 29yrs Clerk at Cement Works & Archibald, age 25yrs, Bank Clerk.  Also Margaret Gooding, age 43yrs, a K.E.Cmmittee, Schoolmistress, born 'At Sea - HMS Lord Clyde' was boarding with the family.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Sergeant 302276, 8th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. Died 21st August 1918. Age 34. Born Rainham 10th March 1884. Enlisted Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 14th September 1915. Son of George and Rebecca Springate of 24 London Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Rosieres Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave reference I.E.7.




Rosieres was the scene of heavy fighting between the French Sixth Army and the German First Army at the end of August, 1914. It came within the British lines in February 1917.

With the advance to the Hindenburg Line in the spring of 1917, Rosieres became part of the back area; but in the German offensive of March 1918, it was reached by the enemy on the 26th. It was defended on the 27th, in the Battle of Rosieres, by the 8th Division and the 16th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery; but these troops had to be withdrawn in the night. On the 9th August, after a stubborn defence, the village was retaken by the 2nd Canadian Division and Tanks.



#15342 STILL, John: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr. 1893 Strood Dis., 2a 533

In the 1901 Census, John, 8yrs, was living with his parents: John, age 45yrs born 1856, in Luton, Kent, a Bricklayers Labourer & Maria, age 40yrs born 1861, Luton, Surrey, at 5, Ivy Street Albert Terrace, Rainham, Milton, Kent, and 6 siblings: Charles, a Sailor in R. Navy, age 18yrs., Mary A., Rose, Sarah, William & Alice, all born in Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census (John not found in records) Parents: John, Labourer/Farm, & Maria, married for 32yrs with 9 live births all still living,with daughter Alice May, age 13yrs, were living in 4+rooms at 6 Gorden Terrace, Rainham.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private L/8688, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th October 1916. Born Luton, Chatham, Kent. Enlisted Chatham. Resided Luton, Chatham, Kent. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference - Pier and face 5D.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action: Death place France & Flanders: Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

 

#     STRINGER, Phillip Charles: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1890 W. Ham Dis., 4a 112

In the 1901 Census, Phillip, age 11yrs was living at 49, Redriffe Road, West Ham, Essex with his parents Charles, age 53yrs, a Labourer in Shipyard and Elizabeth

In the 1911 Census, Phillip(s), a Hair Dresser age 21yrs, was living at 34 Park Road West Ham, West Ham, Essex, with his parents: Charles, a Dockyard Labourer & Elizabeth, married for 40yrs with 3 live births all still living.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Mar Qtr 1916  W.Ham Dis., 4a 516  Violet Constance (G)Cowland & Phillip Stringer

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Rifleman 6875, 21st Battalion, London Regiment. Formerly (4227) 5th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 22nd December 1916. Age 21. Born Plaistow, London. Enlisted Stratford, London. Resided Plaistow, London. Son of Charles and Elizabeth Stringer. Husband of Violet Constance Stringer 0f 18 Norman Road, Leytonstone, Essex. Buried Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Ieper, Belgium. Grave reference VI.Q.5.

 

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Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription:

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

Medal Cards Index transcription:

Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards

Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Ieper.  Railway Dugouts Cemetery is 2 Kms west of Zillebeke village, where the railway runs on an embankment overlooking a small farmstead, which was known to the troops as Transport Farm. Advanced Dressing Stations were placed in the dugouts and the farm.

 

#14559    SWAN, Frederick Charles: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr. 1888 Milton Dis., 2a 857

In the 1901 Census Frederick 3yrs was visiting George, a Barge Captain & wife Maria Mannering at Red Brick Cottages, Rainham, Kent, this was next door to his parents, Benjamin & Sarah Swan.

In the 1911 Census - Military Service Records - Frederick was serving on HMS Calypso from 29 July 1909 –

23 Aug 1911.

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Milton Dis., Mar Qtr 1914, 2a 1529 -  Ethel E. Rossiter & Frederick C. Swan

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Milton Dis., Jun  Qtr 1919,  2a 2838 -  Ethel E. Swan (Rossiter) & Edward J. Ashby.

 

From the "Roll of Honour" Rainham War Memorial

Stoker 1st Class SS/104622, Royal Navy.  (RFR/CH.B/8411) H.M.S. "Raglan".  Died 20th January 1918.  Age 29.   Husband of Ethel Emily Ashby (formerly Swan) of 74 William Street, Rainham, Kent.  Commemorated on the

Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent.  Panel reference 29.

 

w.w.w. HMS Calypso: HMS Calypso was a corvette (designated as a third-class cruiser from 1887[2]) of the Royal Navy and the name ship of her class. Built for distant cruising in the heyday of the British Empire, she served as a warship and training vessel until 1922, when she was sold.

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British Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1924 Transcription:

Birth Date: 15, Sept 1888; Service began 5 February 1907; Served on several Ships; Re-enlisted: 3 February1912.

Serving on HMS Raglan from: 3 June 15 to 20 Jan 1918.

w.w.w. H.M.S. Raglan - the first class of big gun monitors to be commissioned for the Royal Navy during the First World War. They were, sent into action to the Dardanelles. Continually supporting the troops with gunfire, in October Raglan embarked a R.N.A.S. Short 166 aircraft designed specifically for shipboard use, to help spot the shooting of the monitors firing on Gallipoli town. A little after half seven, 20 January 1918, Raglan sighted the two German ships – Goeben & Breslau - and at 07:35 signalled "GOBLO" by wireless, the code that the breakout of the two ships had occurred.  A hit from Goeben pierced the tall armoured barbette and killed a number of the gun crew, having detonated the ready use charges.  127 men from Raglan were killed while 93 survived.  Goeben was also mined and was forced to beach herself on the Turkish shore, where she effectively became a non-combatant.



#15344    SWAN, DCM, Thomas Raynor:  Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1890 Milton Dis., 2a 838 (Swan, Thomas Rainer)   

the 1901 Census, (T)Rayner, and siblings:  Emma, Lily,  Victoria, Mildred & Flo, with their parents: Benjamin, born 1857, a General Labourer & wife Sarah, born 1859, living at Red Brick Cottages, Rainham, Kent, also Edward Swan, father of Benjamin, a Widower, age 83yrs, Labourer.

In the 1911 Census Thomas R., Stoker, was with the Royal Navy At Sea and in Ports Abroad Country Ships And Overseas Establishments. From the list of Officers, Crew, and Royal Marines on board 'HMS Black Prince' at Midnight of April 2nd 1911.  (Some members of the crew marked as LEAVE BREAKING AT GIBRALTER on Census being taken at midnight)

 

Military Service & Conflict

Royal Navy Seamen 1899-1919 Transcription:

HMS Black Prince was built at the Thames Iron Works Blackwall, and laid down on the 3rd June 1903, launched 8th November 1904 and completed 17th March 1906.

Thomas served in the Royal Navy from 4 April 07- on the 'Acheron' Rating: Stoker 2nd class, ??, 'Leviathon' & 'Black Prince' when he became Rating: Stoker 1st class, also serving on Shore at Pembroke II, 'Lord Nelson' & Pembroke II, when he transferred to RFR Chatham, B 8576, to 14 April 1913.

w.w.w.HMS Black Prince: HMS Black Prince was a Duke of Edinburgh-class armoured cruiser built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1900s. She was stationed in the Mediterranean when the First World began.

Australian Commonwealth Military Forces: Thomas enlisted (22 Aug.1914) in the Australian Forces as a Private in the 5th Battalion, Machine Gun Section. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A3, 'Orvieto' on 21 October 1914. Thomas was mentioned in Despatches.

In 1917 a further 76,836 Australians became casualties in battles, such Bullecourt, Messines, and the four-month campaign around Ypres, known as the battle of Passchendaele.



From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Company Sergeant Major (C.S.M) 275, 2nd Company, Australian Machine Gun Corps. Died 20th September 1917. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 31.

 

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M) for bravery in the field.

 

 

#    TAYLOR, Henry: Free BMD Births Ref: Medway Dis., Jun Qtr. 1891 2a 612 (Taylor, Henry Thomas)

In the 1901 Census, Henry, 10yrs, was living at 23, Salisbury Road, Chatham, Medway, Kent, with his parents: Thomas M Taylor, 34yrs born 1867, a Chargeman Shipwrights H M Dockyard Chatham, & wife Alice H. 34yrs born 1867, also siblings: Mable & Herbert, also Benjamin Flux, Father-In-Law, Widower, 75yrs, born 1826, Hampshire, Shipwright (Retired).

In the 1911 Census, Henry Thomas Taylor, Head, Single, Electrical Fitter in Testing Room, 20yrs, born 1891, was living in 6+rooms at 23 Hillside Road, Chatham, Kent, with Herbert Taylor, Brother, Single, Shipwright Ass(istant) in Boat House, 17yrs  1894, Chatham, Kent, & Mabel Taylor, Sister, Single, 21yrs, born 1890. All born in Chatham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 8546, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (O.B.L.I). Died 22nd November 1915. Born Chatham. Enlisted Chatham. Commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Killed in action; Death place: Persian Gulf Theatre of war Asiatic Theatres;

Basra Memorial is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission war memorial near Zubayr, Iraq. The memorial commemorates 40,682 Commonwealth forces members who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign, from the Autumn of 1914 to the end of August 1921, and whose graves are not known.

The Telegraph: 10 Nov 1913 The graveyard in Basra has been left without a single one of its 4,000 headstones still standing after repeated vandalism and looting in the years since the fall of Saddam Hussein.



#    TAYLOR, Henry William: Free BMD Births Ref:  Dec Qtr 1878  W. Ashford Dis., 2a 725

Free BMD Marriages Ref: Sep Qtr  1900 Strood Dis., 2a 1205 Elizabeth Jane Freelove & Henry William Taylor

In the 1901 Census, Henry W Taylor, age 22yrs born 1879, Wagoner On Farm, born Egerton, Kent, was living at Petticoat Lane, Chalk, Strood, Kent, with wife, Elizabeth J Taylor, age  20yrs, born 1881 - Maidstone, Kent,  and Alice F Taylor, Daughter, age 1yr born 1900 - Strood, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Henry Taylor, General Labourer, age 33yrs, born 1878, at Pluckly, Kent, was living in 4+rooms at 13 Windmill St., Frindsbury, Rochester, Frindsbury Extra, Kent, with (wife) Elizabeth Taylor, born 1831 Maidstone, married for 11yrs, with 6 live births with 4 still living, a Workwoman On Farm, age 31yrs, born 1880, Maidstone, Kent, also William Freelove, Brother In Law, Single, General Labourer, age 29yrs born 1882, Rochester, Kent, also children of Henry & Elizabeth (incorrectly recorded as Freelove - on the transcription) Alice, School, age 10yrs, born 1901, at Rochester, Kent, Elizabeth, School, age 9yrs, born 1902, Chalk, Kent, William, School, age 6yrs,born 1905, Frindsbury, Kent, Rosey, age 3yrs, born 1908, Frindsbury, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Petty Officer 285969, Royal Navy. H.M.S. “Racoon”. Died 9th January 1918. Age 40. Husband of Elizabeth A. Taylor of 218 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 29.

 

HMS Racoon - 96 members of the crew of HMS Racoon, died when the ship was wrecked on the Irish coast on the 9th January 1918 during a blizzard.




#15347    TILLS, Albert Edward: Free BMD Births Ref: Jun Qtr. 1899 Milton Sis., 2a 950  

In the 1901 Census, Albert E. was living at High Street Broad Walk, Rainham, Milton, Kent, with parents:

John W Tills, a Chalk Quarry - Clay - Labourer, age 38yrs born 1863, at London, Middlesex, and Eliza Tills age 34yrs born 1867 at Rainham, Kent, and Albert’s siblings: Mary A., age 14yrs, born 1887, Caroline S., age 11yrs 1890, Eleanor, age 8yrs, born 1893, Lottie, age 6yrs, born 1895, William G H., age 4yrs 1897 and Albert E., Tills age 1yr born 1900 -  all the children were born at Rainham, Kent,  

In the 1911 Census Albert E. age 11yrs, with his parents & siblings: were living in 5+rooms at Vine Cottages Rainham Kent William Tills, Farm Labourer 48yrs born 1863, London Chelsea, & Eliza Tills, 42yrs born 1869, married for 25yrs with 9 live births all living; Eleanor Tills,  General Servant, 18yrs born 1893, William Tills, Farm Labourer, 14yrs born 1897, David Tills, 9yrs born 1902, Doris Tills, 6yrs born 1905. (Mother & children all born in Rainham, Kent)

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 42845, 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Formerly (10449) Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 26th May 1918. Age 19. Born Rainham. Enlisted Herne Bay. Resided Rainham. Son of Mr W Tills of 7 Vine Cottages, Quay Lane, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.

 

From Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Death date recorded as 26 APR, 1918

Cause of death: Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre

C.W.G.C. Pozieres Memorial, which relates to the period of crisis in March and April 1918 when the Allied Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and the months that followed before the Advance to Victory, which began on 8 August 1918.

 

  

#    TRIGG, H. J.: Free BMD Births Ref: Mar Qtr. 1897 Faversham Dis., 2a 901

In the 1901 Census, ‘Harry’, age 5yrs, born Northfleet, Kent, and siblings: Florence, age 16yrs, Maud, age11yrs, Esther, born 1892, William, age 7yrs, Elizabeth, age 2yrs & Thomas age 0yrs, all born in  Gravesend. Parents William, age 39yrs born Northfleet & Alice Trigg age 36yrs born Gravesend, living at 2 Garrick Street, Gravesend, Kent.

In 1911 Census Henry/Harry is recorded twice: at home with parents and also away as a boarder.

In the 1911 Census, ‘Harry’ age 15yrs, was recorded as living 4+rooms at 27 Dorset Place, Lawn Road, Northfleet, Kent, with parents William & Alice Maud married for 22yrs, with 10 live births 9 still living, also 6 siblings: now including Stephen, age 6yrs, Rosali, age 3yrs & Louisa May, age 1yr with Elizabeth & Esther.

In the 1911 Census, Henry John, age 14yrs, born Barham, Kent, was a Farm Labourer, Boarding at Shelvin Lane, Wootton, Near Canterbury, Kent, with Harry Marshall, age 30yrs, a Shepherd & Cow Man, with wife Mary, age 33yrs, and their daughter, Elsie, age 2yrs & Cecil Marshall-Brother, age 27yrs.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private CH/19420, Royal Marine Light Infantry. 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division (RND). Died 7th September 1916. Buried Tranchee De Mecknes Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference J.6.

 

Find My Past:  Military Service & Conflict

WW1 Naval Casualties Transcription:

Cause of death: Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action.

Relatives notified: Mother, C.M. 46 Albert T(erra)ce, Rainham, Kent.

Royal Marines 1899-1919 Image:  Admiralty: Royal Marines: Registers of Service & Conflict:

Enlisted: 7 Nov, 1914, born at Stone, Faversham, Kent; Under Age to 7th Feb 1915; Credit of 83 days towards Engagement, Badges & Pension; N.K. H.G. Trigg, 46 Albert Terrace, Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent; Recruit Depot: Deal; Embarked: 24 Jun, 1915; Character: VG.; Killed in Action 7 Sep, 1916. Drills passed.

Royal Naval Division 1914-1918 Transcription

Service history: Draft for MEF 18/8/15, joined 1st RM Bn. 2/9/15-2/10/15 to Works Dept. Lancashire Landing, rejoined 1st RM Bn. 3/1/16-7/9/16 DD

Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920 Transcription

Henry John, Trigg; No: Private. CH/19420; Rank:  Unit or regiment: 1st Royal Marine Battalion; Service branch:

Royal Marine Light Infantry;

Medals: 1914-15 Star, Victory & British War Medals; Issued: Father; DOD: 7-9-1916

Cause Of Death: Killed in action (by an enemy 5.9" shell which fell amongst the 1st Royal Marine Battalion whilst they were coming out of the front line between 8.30am & 9.30am killing 7 Other Ranks RMLI in total).

Notes: Draft for MEF 18/8/15, joined 1st Royal Marine Battalion 2/9/15-2/10/15 to Works Dept. Lancashire Landing, rejoined 1st Royal Marine Battalion 3/1/16-7/9/16 Discharged Dead.

Commemoration: Tranche de Mecknes Cemetery, Aix-Noulette (FR 559)

Notes: Next-of-Kin: Father, H.G., 327 Station Rd., Rainham, Kent, later, Mother C.M., 46 Albert Terrace, Rainham, Kent.

 

#    UDEN, Reginald John: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr 1896 Blean Dis., 2a 843  

In the 1901 Census, Reginald, age 4yrs, and his brother, Claud age 7yrs, both born Whitstable, Kent, were living with their widowed mother, Rose, a General Shop Keeper, ‘working at home on her own account’, age 28yrs, born Dargate, Kent, at 57, Burrit Street, Rochester St Margaret Intra, Medway, Kent, also her niece, Mabel Foreman age 0yrs, born Rochester, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, Reginald, a Male Barber Lather Boy, age 15yrs & brother, Claude, Grocers Apprentice, age 17yrs  & (step-brother) Sidney Beaumont, at School, age 8yrs, born Rainham, Kent, were living 4+rooms at 2 Bennetts Cottages, Station Road, Rainham, Kent, with their mother, Rose Beaumont, widow, General Shop Keeper, she had 3 live births with no deaths.

   

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Lance Corporal G/15700, 7th Battalion, The Buffs, (East Kent Regiment). Died 18th November 1916. Age 20. Born Whitstable. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Rainham. Son of Frederick John and Rose Ann*Bennet* (formerly Uden)  of Pampa Cottage, Rainham, Kent. Buried Stump Road Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme, France. Grave reference A.46.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre;

C.W.G.C: Stump Road, Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme, France.

The village of Grandcourt was reached by men of the 36th (Ulster) Division on the 1st July 1916, but it could not be held. In 1916 they were in action on The Somme in The Battle of Albert capturing their objectives near Montauban,…….. It was occupied by the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on the 7th February 1917, after a series of local attacks begun in November 1916. Stump Road Cemetery was made by the 7th Buffs in the following month.

   

                       

#    WALL, Edward James: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr 1896 Eastry Dis., 2a 986

In the 1901 Census, Edward J. age 4yrs, born Ash, Kent with parents: father, Thomas F(rederick) age 31yrs, an Agricultural Labourer, born Woodnesborough, Kent & mother, Rosina age 28yrs born London, and siblings:

Florence G. age 7yrs born Ash, Kent, & Sidney T. age 5yrs, born Ash, Kent, was living at Volunteer Cottages, Rainham, Milton, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Edward, age 14yrs, with parents: Fredrick, Chalk Labour, age 41yrs & Rosina age 38yrs & his siblings: Sidney, age 16yrs, Labourer General, born Ash, Kent & Fredrick, age 6yrs, born Rainham. Kent, was living at 1Tufton Road Rainham Kent, Rainham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private G/18529, 11th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (3023) Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died 20th April 1917. Age 19. Enlisted Rainham. Resided Rainham. Son of Frederick and Rosina Wall of 1 Tufton Road, Rainham, Kent. Buried Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave reference E. 41.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict:

British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Records (2 files)

Attestation: Territorial Force, No. 3093/18529, to serve in R.E.K.M.R., 4year term

Service postings: from 29 May 1915 to 11 Oct 1916. Transferred to R.W.K. 14.X.16 to 20 Apr 1917

Killed in Action.  Various pieces of correspondence from mother requesting funds. Statement of ‘living relatives’ as requested by military.

Killed in action; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre.

Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium: The New Military Cemetery was begun in February 1915 and was used until May 1917 by fighting units and field ambulances.

 

#15257 WALLIS, Albert Edward: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr 1899 Hollingbourn Dis., 2a 837

In the 1901 Census, Albert E., age 5yrs with his parents: George T. a Dairy Man, age 46yrs, born Ticehurst,& wife Ellen, and siblings: Emma, age 17yrs, Emly, age 11yrs & Elizabeth, age 8yrswere living at (Dairy) Station Road, Rainham, Kent.  (The family are recorded as WALLACE)

In the 1911 Census, Albert, a Dairy Worker, with parents: George, a Dairyman and Ellen, married for 36yrs with 8 live births with 2 deaths, and siblings: Emily, a  Milliner Assistant & Elizabeth, a Dairy Worker were living at 7+ rooms at 6 Station Road Rainham Kent.

 

From the "Roll of Honour" Rainham War Memorial

Sergeant 57528, 20th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment). Died 5th March 1917. Age 21. Born Rainham 20th October 1894.  Enlisted Toronto, Canada 11th November 1914. Son of George Thomas and Ellen Wallis of Rainham, Kent.  At the time of his enlistment Albert's parents lived at 11 High Street, Rainham.  Buried Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St-Eloi, Pas de Calais, France.  Grave reference IV.E.21.

 

Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St-Eloi, France.

A large-scale trench raid on 13 February 1917, involving 900 men from the 4th Canadian Division, resulted in 150 casualties. An even more ambitious trench raid on 1 March 1917, once again by the 4th Canadian Division, failed and resulted in 637 casualties including two battalion commanders and a number of company commanders killed. Canadian graves are an overwhelming majority in the cemetery, Plots V and VI containing the graves of men killed in the capture of Vimy Ridge in April 1917.



#    WARNER, Cecil Freeman Sidney: Free BMD Births Ref: Sep Qtr 1899 Hollingbourn Dis., 2a 837

In the 1901 Census, Cecil, age 1yr, born Bredhurst, Kent with brother, Alfred age 4yrs, born Boxley, Kent was living at Bredhurst Street, Bredhurst, Hollingbourn, Kent, and their parents: Alfred, age 27yrs, Hoopmaker(Coop), born Boxley, Kent & Minnie, age 26yrs, born Burhan, Kent, also Alfred Warner (Grand Father,) married, age 52yrs, Hoopmaker, born Surrey, England, & Edward Skilton (Boarder) Single, age 48yrs, Hoopmaker, born Dorking, Surrey.

In the 1911 Census, Cecil, age 11yrs, born Bredhurst, with brothers: Alfred, age 14yrs, born Bredhurst?, and Lenard, age 9yrs, born Bredhurst, and sister, Freeda, age 4yrs, born Rainham, was living in 4+rooms at Bredhurst Lane, Rainham Kent, with parents: Alfred, a Hoopmaker (Wooden Hoop) age 38yrs, born Boxley, & Minnie, age 37yrs, born Burham, Kent, married for 15yrs with 4 live births and 0 deaths.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Private 58246, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died 29th September 1918. Age 19. Born Bredhurst, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Mr A Warner of Lime Tree Cottage, Maidstone Road, Rainham, Kent. Commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel reference 7.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Soldiers died in the Great War 1914-1919 Transcription

Death Place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre;




#15353    WEBB, Herbert: Free BMD Births Ref: Dec Qtr 1894 Milton Dis.,  2a 854

In the 1901 Census, Herbert, age 6yrs, born, Rainham, was living at High Street Broad Walk, Rainham, Kent

with his parents: Frederick A Webb,  age 40yrs, Cement Labourer, born Langley, Kent, & Mary A Webb 39 1862 born Rainham, Kent., and siblings:  Edith M., age 16yrs, Charles E., (Jobbing Labourer) age 14yrs, Frederick A., age 11yrs., also Abraham Botting, Boarder, age 29yrs., Cement Labourer, (brother of Mary Ann) all born at Rainham, Kent.

In the 1911 Census Herbert, Horse Driver On Farm, age 16yrs, born Rainham, was living at 81 Broad Walk Rainham Kent, with parents: Frederick Austin Webb, Waggoner On Farm, age 50 yrs., & Mary Ann Webb, age 49yrs., and brother: Charles Webb, Labourer, age 24yrs all born at Rainham, Kent.

 

From the 'Roll of Honour"  Rainham War Memorial

Bombardier 67123, 135th Battery, 32nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died 25th March 1917. Age 22. Born Rainham. Enlisted Chatham. Son of Frederick Austin Webb and Mary Ann Webb of 91 Ivy Street, Rainham, Kent. Buried Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference I.J.3.

 

Find My Past: Military Service & Conflict

Cause of death: Died of wounds; Death place: France & Flanders; Theatre of war: Western European Theatre;

Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension-Aubigny-en-Artois is a village approximately 15 Kms north-west of Arras on the road (N39) to St. Pol.  The 42nd Casualty Clearing Station buried in it during the whole period, the 30th in 1916 and 1917, the 24th and 1st Canadian in 1917 (during the capture of Vimy Ridge by the Canadian Corps) and the 57th in 1918.

Comments   

#3 David Auger 2018-08-30 14:54
Hi Barbara

I live in Rainham and think this is a great resource. As far as Bridges James Baker is concerned, is it possible to find out from local resources about his brief time in Canada before he returned to Europe?

Regards, David Auger
#2 Barbara Fairservice 2018-06-29 17:24
Sorry - with my parents & Grandparents left Rainham in 1953 then lived in Herne Bay until marriage in 1960. followed by Maidenhead and Berkshire before emigration to B.C. Canada.
#1 Barbara Fairservice 2018-06-28 04:00
From Canada:
I would be delighted to receive any further information regarding the names of those and any family descendants,
mentioned in the records for the Rainham, Kent - War Memorial.

Barbara Fairservice (nee.Tottman) lived in Rainham before emigrating to Canada in 1974.

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