Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL - WW1 Memorial

World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © Bedford Modern School
further researchy Martin Edwards 2017

With grateful thanks to Bedford Modern School
for allowing the reproduction of various photographs and articles from the Eagle,
the research information supplied by Richard Wildman, the Archivist, the Pupils, Jenny Ulph and many others.

FIRST WORLD WAR

Stone tablets containing 167 incised names originally unveiled 1923. Location: Under covered area between Kaye and Liddle Quads.

From The Eagle Millennium published by BMS.

"... Throughout hostilities The Eagle contained communications from Old Boys ín the various theatres of war and published regular lists of casualties and awards. In every issue the Roll of Honour provided a biography of each OBM killed. which included his war service and achievements at school.

In all, 167 OBMs died on active service just under 14% of those who joined up. The oldest casualty was Lt Col Sir George Farrar. Bt. who had left in 1875. and the best known was Lt Col Edgar Mobbs. DSO. CO of the 7th Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment. His charisma and leadership was transferred from the rugby field to the battlefield and he was killed on 31 July 1917 at Zilleheke in the Battle of Passchendaele. Immiedìately prior to his death he had met Lt Norman Spencer, a fellow OBM. and in the heat of battle the pair had reminisced about rugby and mutual acquaintances at school. Spencer witnessed Mobbs' heroic effort: ‘In the tornado of hostile shelling he got ahead and seeing a number of his men cut down by an undiscovered machine-gun strong-point, he charged to bomb it, certain death under such a terrific hail of shell.’ Mobbs’ body was never found and he is severally commemorated. on the list of the missing at the Menin Gate. on the school memorial tablets, by a public memorial in Northampton, by the sports trophy and by the annual rugby fixture between Northampton and the Barbarians played in his memory. There was a strong feeling at the time that Mobbs deserved a VC for his action. Amongst OBMs that honour belongs to Major George Wheeler who was awarded a posthumous VC for his valour in Mesopotamia in 1915. At the end of the war The Eagle published a comprehensive list of decorations and amongst these were 32 DSO's and 57 MC’s. One member of staff, H E Crane, died of his wounds in October 1916. He taught Modern Languages for a year before volunteering in April 1916, one of the last to do so before conscription was introduced. He was severely wounded in the leg and died in Lincoln Military Hospital soon afterwards."

The following members of Bedford Modern School lost their lives during the Great War. They are commemorated on the School’s War Memorial, which was unveiled in 1923 in the Memorial Hall of the School’s Harpur Street building, and in the Roll of Honour, published in The Eagle, December 1923. A second memorial plaque was added at a later date to include additional names missing from the original memorial. When the School moved to new premises in Manton Lane in 1974 the memorial tablets were removed and now hang on the wall in Memorial Court.

The Roll of Honour has been compiled using sources in the School’s Archives and the records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, including details of where individuals are buried or commemorated and date and area of death (in italics), where known. THis has then been expanded to include as much other information as possible.

In memory of ‘the Old Boys of this School who, as in duty bound, laid down their lives in a great cause’:

* Due to the lack of contemporary detailed sources, some assumptions have had to be made in cross-referencing the names on the School’s Roll of Honour and Memorial with records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

† Included on the WWI Memorial but not in the printed Roll of Honour produced afterwards. A George Phipps, aged 22, died in March 1917 according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but his age does not correlate with the BMS Phipps.

ABIGAIL Edward Arnold
(1907-08), Second Lieutenant, Anti-Aircraft Brigade, Royal Marine Artillery. Accidentally killed at Nieuport whilst examining an unexploded shell which fell on the gun position 17 March 1916 in Belgium. Born Karachi, India 26 September 1894, baptised Christ Church, Karachi, India, 28 October 1894. Son of William James and Annie Abigail; his father was Chaplain H.M. Forces, Kotgarb, Simla, India. In 1901, aged 6, he was a boarder at Church Missionaries Childrens' House, in Limpsfield, Surrey. Ex-Public Schools Battalion, enlisted as London Z/1353 Ordinary Seaman Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 1 February 1915 ; Commissioned Temporary Sub Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 10 March 1915 ; on 26 April 1915 posted to Crystal Palace Depot ; on 18 June 1915 Commissioned ; terminated on transfer as Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines for General Service ; wih draft for British Expeditionary Force 4 November 1915 ; Officer Commanding 'B' Battery Royal Marine Artillery Anti-Aircraft Brigade February to March 1916. Buried in ADINKERKE CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave 1720.
ADAMS Ralph Stuart
(1901-07), Able Seaman J/2403, H.M.S. "Inflexible", Royal Navy. Killed in action in the Dardenells on Thursday 18th March 1915. Aged 22. Born 10 October 1892 in Bedford. Son of Joseph and Alice Mary Adams, of "Brooklands," Alford Rd., Sutton-on-Sea, Lincs, formerly 176, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Native of Bedford. Enlisted in October 1910 for 12 years, aged 18, 5 feet 6 inches, chest 32 inches, hair brown, eyes brown, complexion fresh/fair. In 1901 he was attending Bedford Modern School. In the 1901 census he was a son, aged 8, born Bedford, resident, with his parents an siblings, at 28, Stanley Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was a serving Ordinary Seman, religious denomination Church of England, born in St Martin's, Bedford, serving on HMS "Bacchante." No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Column 9. See also Bedford St Martins and Bedford St Paul's
AGASSIZ Harold Romilly Garnault
(1890-93), [Canadian Archives list him as Harold Roland Garnault, Canadian Death Register as Garnault Henry Roland] Private 193592, 15th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Killed in action just beyond Courcelette Tuesday 26 September 1916, on the Somme. Born 3 August 1878. Husband of Eugine Gassiz, of 136 Silver Birch Avenue, Toronto. Ontario, Canada. Served for 8 months In South Africa with 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles. Attested and passed fit 3 April 1916 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, aged 37 years 6 months, height 5 feet 8 inches, chest 37¼ inches, fair complexion, blue eyes. brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. In 1891 he was aged 9, a scholar, resident with his mother, Jessie Agassiz, in Clarendon Street, Bedford Eastern Ward, Bedford. Buried at COURCELETTE BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot VII. Row E. Grave 30. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 48 - 20
ALLEN Stephen Dexter
(1909-15), Second Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment attached 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in action at Ligny Thilloy 27th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Born 13 January 1899 in Bedford. Son of William and Gertrude M. Allen, of "Morwenstow," 39, Southbourne Rd., Bournemouth. Attended University of Edinburgh Student of Arts, 1915-17. OTC Infantry, October 1916 to August 1917. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 3. See also Bedford St Peters
ANDREWS Horace Gibson
(1905-06), Captain, 8th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 7 June 1917. Admitted to Aspley Heath or Woburn Sands School (mixed) 27 September 1906. In the 1891 census he was aged 1, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents, Gibson and Emma Andrews, at Park Street, Woburn, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 11, born Woburn, resident with his parents, Gibson and Emma Andrews, at Park Street, Woburn, Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 4. Plot XII. Row I. Grave 43. See also Woburn
APTHORPE Harold Wakeley
[Some sources spell his middle name Wakeling e.g. SDGW] (1905-09), Corporal 3069, 1st/8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916, on the Somme. Aged 23. Enlisted Birmingham, resident Bedford. Son of Charles Green Apthorpe and Abigail Apthorpe, of 181, Victoria St., Dunstable. Educated at Bedford Modern School and Saltley College, Birmingham. Headmaster at Cople School, Bedford. Enlisted August 1914, embarked France 22 March 1915. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born Keysoe, Bedfordshire, resident with his parents at School House, Harlington, Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Taught at Barton Manor School (seniors, mixed), Barton-Le-Clay from 27 September 1909, still there 13 July 1910. IN the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Keysoe, Bedfordshire., a Student at Saltley Training College, Saltley, Birmingham. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9 A 9 B and 10 B.
ARMSTRONG George Pierce
(1900-09), Lieutenant, 34th Sikh Pioneers, Indian Army. Died Friday 2 July 1915, in Nord, France. Aged 23. Born 6 December 1891. Son of George Wise Armstrong and Sarah Mary Anne Armstrong, of Marhamchurch, Bude, Cornwall. Born at Southampton. His father was a Captain, Master of the Hospital Carrier S.S. Hildonan Castle, resident 6 Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, according to the Probate details of his will. In the 1901 census he was a boarder, born Southampton, aged 9, resident 9, Dynevor Road, Bedford. Buried in ESTAIRES COMMUNAL CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot II. Row J. Grave 5.
BALL Ernest William
(1910-12), Private 43821, 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds 21st July 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 19. Born and enlisted Bedford. Son of William and Annie Qualia Ball, of 15, Argyll St., Bedford. Buried in BERLIN SOUTH-WESTERN CEMETERY, Berlin, Brandenburg, Germany. Plot XX. Row C. Grave 1. See also Bedford St Peters
BARCOCK Harry William
(1912-13), Private TR/10/25922, 31st (Training Reserve) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City Of London Regiment). Died in the United Kingdom Friday 6 April 1917, in Kent. Aged 18. Born 17 December 1898, baptised 2 April 1899 in Biggleswade. Son of Albert John and Frances Barcock, of High St., Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, and the 1901 census, aged 2, born Sharnbrook, Beds, resident with his parents in High Street, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. Buried in DOVER (ST. JAMES'S) CEMETERY, Kent. Plot L. Row H. Grave 12. See also Sharnbrook

Extract from National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918 - Section XII - Bedford & Northampton

BARCOCK, H.W., Pte, 31st Training Reserve Bn..

He joined in March 1917, and underwent a period of training at Dover. After only four weeks' service with the Colours, he unfortunately died on April 6th, 1917, of spotted fever, contracted whilst in the Army.

"Thinking that remembrance, though unspoke, may reach
him where he sleeps."

High Street, Sharnbrook.

Z1172.

BENNETT, M.C. James Hampton
(1907-09), Surname also spelt BENNET] Second Lieutenant, 4th Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Killed in action Friday 22 September 1916, on the Somme). Born 12 July 1893. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Sheffield, a Student, resident with his parents, John Colin and Alvenia Bennet (sic), at 17 Oaklands Road, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 16 C. See also Bedford St Paul's
BLACKWELL Cyril
(1891-00), Second Lieutenant, 16th Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in action 1 July 1916, on the Somme during the attack on Hawthorn Ridge. Aged 33. Born 7 December 1882. Son of Marion Whelan Blackwell, of Fairfield House, North Avenue, Salisbury, Rhodesia, and the late John Blackwell (B. & N.W. Railways, Bengal, India). No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.
BOON John Charles
(1908-12), Private 45153, 99th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action Thursday 16 November 1916, on the Somme. Aged 21. Born 7 August 1895. Enlisted London. Son of Henry and Margaret E Boon of Mount Pleasant House, Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. Formerly 2887, London Regiment. Enlisted aged 20 years 2 months, height 5 feet 10 inches, chest 33½ inches, attested and passed fit 23 October 1915, to serve in the 5th Battalion, City of London Rifles, transferred to MGC 26 July 1917, embarked France 6 August 1916 as 45153, MGC. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, at school, born Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, resident with his parents at Mount Pleasant, Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. Buried in FRANKFURT TRENCH BRITISH CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL, Somme, France. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 14. See also Aspley Guise.
BOWICK Charles Graham
(1914-15), Civilian from the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Killed at Lilliers 3rd May 1918 in France. Aged 18. Born 10 July 1899, baptised 10 June 1900 at Merton, St Mary, Surrey. Son of John Robie Bowick and Isabel Maud Bowick, of 178, Foster Hill Rd., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 1, born Middlesex, resident with his parents at 71, Pelham Road, Wimbledon, Kingston, Surrey. In the 1911 census he was aged 11, at school, born Southall, resident with his mother at 27 Weldon Crescent Harrow, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex. Emabrked France 19 January 1918. Awarded the British War Medal. Buried in LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VI. Row F. Grave 1. See also Bedford St Peters
BOURNE Ralph
(1905-08), Second Lieutenant, 158th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and Special Reserve. Killed in action Monday 10 September 1917, at Ypres. Born 10 January 1894. Son of Mrs. Ethel M. Bourne, of 101, St. George's Square, London, S.W.1. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born South America, resident with his gandmother and mother at Manor House, Hilderstone, Stone, Staffordshire. Buried in COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row G. Grave 4.
BRICKDALE John Bancel
(1903-10), Private 1211899, 1st Battalion, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Killed in action 4 October 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 23. Born 16 November 1893 in Bedford. Son of Charlotte P. E. Brickdale, of Harding St., Greytown, Natal, South Africa, and the late Commander E. F. Brickdale. Also served at Gallipoli. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Bedford, resident with his widowed mother, Charlotte, at 5, Foster Street, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 1. See also Bedford St Peters
BROOKES Henry Richard
(1894-1903), Lieutenant, 101st Indian Grenadiers, Indian Army. Killed in action Wednesday 4 November 1914, in Tanzania. Born 10 January 1886, baptised 3 February 1886 in Port Blair, Bengal. Son of Octavius Henry and Florence Theodoria Brookes. In the 1901 census he was aged 15, born London, resident with his parents, Octavius H and Florence F Brookes, at 37, Chancer Road, Bedford Eastern Ward St Paul, Bedford. Buried in TANGA MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Tanzania.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 2, Page 41:

BROOKES, HENRY RICHARD, Capt., 101st Grenadiers, I.A., yst. s. of Octavius Henry Brookes, of Chaucer Road, Bedford ; and gdson. of the late Col. William Brookes, Gordon Highlanders ; b. Port Blair, Andamans, 10 January 1886 ; educ. Bedford ; gazetted 2nd Lieut. Bedfordshire Regt., from the Militia, 29 November 1905 : transferred to the Indian Army in 1907 ; was promoted Lieut. 29 February 1908, and Capt. in March, 1915, antedated 29 November 1914 ; served with the Indian Expeditionary Force in German East Africa ; was reported wounded and missing after the fighting at Tanga 4 November 1914, and is now assumed to have been killed in action on that date.

Extract from Bond Of Sacrifice: Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1916, Volume 1, Page 104:

CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARD BROOKES, 101st GRENADIERS, INDIAN ARMY, was born at Port Blair, Andamans, on 10th January, 1886, and was the youngest son of Octavius Henry Brookes, of Chaucer Road, Bedford, and a grandson of the late Colonel William Brookes, Gordon Highlanders, formerly the 75th Stirlingshire Regiment.

Captain Brookes was educated at Bedford and entered the Bedfordshire Regiment from the Militia in 1905, being transferred two years later to the Indian Army and becoming Lieutenant in 1908. His promotion to Captain, dating from 29th November, 1914, was not gazetted until March, 1915. He was a member of the Sports Club, Bangalore.

In the Great War Captain Brookes was serving in German East Africa when he met his death. After the unsuccessful attack upon Tanga on the 4th November, 1914, he was reported missing, and, as no definite news has been received since, his parents have been reluctantly bound to assume that he was killed on that day and buried by the Germans.

The landing and attack were carried out under great difficulties, after giving notice of the intention to bombard what was believed to be an open and undefended town. Owing to the dense bush it was almost impossible to use artillery, and when the advance began, our troops came under a heavy fire from rifles and machine guns.

The 101st Grenadiers, making a fine effort to fill a gap in the firing line due to the difficulty of advancing in line through the dense bush came under exceedingly heavy cross fire of rifles and machine guns, and were unable to advance, but tenaciously held their own. Darkness coming on brought the action to a conclusion, after which our troops withdrew unmolested to an entrenched position a quarter-of-a-mile in the rear. In view of the extreme difficulty of the country in the vicinity of Tanga it was judged inadvisable to attempt a second attack without adequate reinforcements. Orders for embarkation were accordingly issued, and this was carried out without any interference on the part of the enemy.

BROOKES-BALL Julian
(1907-10), Sergeant 577, 26th Battalion, Australian Infantry. Killed instantly in front line trench Saturday 29 July 1916, at Pozieres. Aged 21. Born 24 March 1895 in London. Resident Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Son of Ethel M. Brookes-Ball and Mr W. Brookes-Ball (deceased). Emigrated to Australia aged 16. Sheep farmer. Enlisted 22 March 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MEMORIAL, Somme, France.
BULL Basil Walter
(1880 – 84), Private 490565, 3rd Labour Battalion, Canadian Labour Corps. Wounded by an enemy explosive shell and died the same day Wednesday 1 August 1917, at Ypres. Aged 50. Born 17 November 1866 (attestation papers give year as 1871 - he would have been too old for service otherwise) in Borley, Essex. Son of the Rev. Henry D. E. and Caroline S. Bull, of Borley Rectory, Borley, Essex. Working as a rancher. Attested 10 May 1916 in Vancouver, aged 44 years 6 months (probably lied about his age - see census details), height 5 feet 7½ inches, chest 37 inches, dark complexion, grey eyes, brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. Attended King Edward VII Grammar Boys' School, King's Lynn, in 1877. In the 1871 census he was aged 4, born Essex, son of Henry D E and Caroline S Bull, resident Rectory, Borley, Sudbury, Suffolk. In the 1881 census he was aged 14, born Borley, Essex, a scholar, boarder, resident King Edward VII Grammar Boys' School, King's Lynn. Buried in BLEUET FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row B. Grave 27. Nation Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1251 - 19
BUXTON Richard Percy
(1902-05), Captain, 4th Battalion (Territorial), Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action Saturday 15 June 1918, on the Asiago Plateau, Italy. Aged 29. Born 10 May 1889, baptised Wavendon, Buckinghamshire 1899. Son of Henry and Emily Buxton. Employed on the Teaching Staff, Education Officer's Department, London County Council. In the 1901 census he was aged 11, a scholar, born Leicestershire, resident with his parents at School House, Church End, Wavendon, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. IN the 1911 census he was a Training College Student, born Leicester, aged 21, resident Culham College, Abingdon, Berkshire. Buried in BOSCON BRITISH CEMETERY, Italy. Plot 2. Row A. Grave 5.
CAMPION Walter Ernest
(1882-89), Major, 1st Battalion (15th Foot), The East Yorkshire Regiment. Son of the late Henry Campion, of Bletsoe Castle, near Bedford; born 9th August 1871, Dean Bedfordshire. Educated at Bedford Modern School. Gazetted Second Lieutenant, East Yorkshire Regiment from the Militia, 122th December 1894, promoted to Lieutenant 1st April 1897, Captain 10th May 1900 and Major 16th April 1913. Served in South African (Boer War) 1900-2 with the Mounted Infantry where he was slightly wounded. Took part in operations in the Tansvaal in mAy and June, 1900, including actions neat Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11th and 12th June) : Operation Wittebergen (1st to 29th July), Bothaville and Caledon River (27th to 29th Nov): operations in Transvaal, west of Pretoria, including action at Frederickstad : was in command of the 5th Battalion, Mounted Infantry from February to March 1902 : took part in the operations in Orange River Colony and Cape Colony 30th November 1900 to March 1901 : operations in Orange River Colony March to September 1901 and October 1901 to April 1902, and those in Cape Colony September to October 1901 and April to 31st May 1902 (mentioned in Desptaches [London Gazette 10th September 1901 and 29th July 1902] : brevet of Major : Queen's Medal with four clasps and King's Medal with two clasps); subsequently served in Burma, India, and with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders : was wounded 20th September 1914 but returned to the front, and was subsequently killed in action near Lille, Wednesday 28th October 1914. Aged 43. A commerative plaque is to be found inside on the wall of St Mary's Church, Bletsoe. A wooden battlefield grave marker bearing Walter Campion's name is now in Bletsoe Church. Buried in RATION FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, LA CHAPELLE-D'ARMENTIERES, Nord, France. Special Memorial near Plot VI. Row M. [Soldiers Died in the Great War CD lists him as William Ernest CAMPION]. See also Bletsoe

CHAPMAN Albert Douglas Melvin
(1909-12), Lance Corporal 592879, 2nd/18th Battalion, London Regiment (London Irish Rifles). Killed in action on Sunday, 23 December 1917 in Egypt. Aged 21. Born 19 December 1896 in Bedford and enlisted Bedford, resident Deptford. Son of Mrs. W. Chapman, of Bedford, and the late Mr. Chapman. Formerly 82079, Royal Army Medical Corps. In 1906 he attended Harpur Trust Boys' School, Bedford. Buried in JERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) . Section T. Grave 20. See also Bedford, Priory Methodist Church
CHASE, D.S.O. Archibald Alderman
(1892-1902), Capatin & Battalion Major, Royal Engineers attached Commanding, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 11 March 1917. Aged 32. Born 16 September 1884, baptised 17 October 1884 in Jamalpur, St Mary, Bengal. Son of the late William Hackett Chase and Priscilla Jane Chase; husband of Gladys Maude Chase (nee Waller), married 28 March 1910 in Delhi, Bengal. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O), 3 times Mentioned in Despatches. In the 1901 census he was a Student Boarder, aged 16, born India, resident Waldeck Avenue, Bedford. Buried in AVELUY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot/Row/Section L. Grave 1. See also Eastbourne

Extract from The V.C. and D.S.O. Book - Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923:

CHASE, A. A. (D.S.O. L.G. 14.1.16) ; b. 16.9.84; 3rd s. of late W. H. Chase and P. J. Chase ; educ. Modern School, Bedford, and R.M.A., Woolwich ; m. 1910, Gladys M., d. of Crichton Wailer; one d. ; one s. ; ent. R.E. 29.7.04 ; Lt. 23.3.07 ; Capt. 30.10.14 ; Bt. Major at Thiepval ; Lt.-Col. O.C. R. Sussex Pioneers ; Despatches three times. He fell " mortally wounded by a shell at Irles about 5 p.m. on the 10th March, 1917, when carrying out a reconnaissance with Col. Henderson, R.E. Henderson was killed on the spot, and Chase succumbed the same evening, shortly after reaching hospital, and so died a hero of heroes. He was buried on the 11th in the military cemetery at Aveluy, a small village two miles from Albert" (extract from letter of Brig.-Gen. Richard P. Lee, R.E.). The funeral service was conducted by the Chaplain to the Forces—the 8th Royal Sussex Pioneers—the Rev. R. Douglas Canadine, who wrote that he had laid to rest a " very gallant soldier and gentleman." The Commander of the Division with which Col. Chase was associated, Sir IvorMaxse, also wrote : " I used to look upon Chase as the very best type of British officer in every respect. He was a real leader of men as well as a thoughtful and most capable Staff officer. . . . He possessed that quality which endeared him to all true soldiers, and did much for the division to which he was attached." Col. Chase was recommended for decoration by Col. Evans, and his grandfather, curiously, was decorated by Queen Isabella of Spain on the recommendation of an officer also named Evans.

CHRISTIE Wilfrid Sydney

(1908-14), Assistant Motor Engineer, H.M.S. "Sunhill", Mercantile Marine Reserve. Died Tuesday 26 November 1918. Born 15 August 1896. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, at school, born Hinwick, Bedfordshire, son of Andrew and Sarah Christie, resident Park Lane, Blunham, Sandy. Buried in BEDFORD CEMETERY, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Plot/Row/Section E/3. Grave 17. See also Blunham

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1919:

CHRISTIE Wilfred Sydney of Blunham near Sandy Bedfordshire engineer H.M.S. Egmont died 26 November 1918 at the Royal Naval Hospital Portsmouth Administration London 5 April to Andrew Mackie Christie chauffeur. Effects £536 17s. 3d.

CLARE Alfred Frederick
(1896-1905), Lance Corporal G/52054, 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 14 April 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 28. Born, 17 July 1888, and enlisted Bedford. Son of Alfred Howard Clare and Ann Clare, of 9, Foster Hill Rd., Bedford. Formerly G/23616, Royal Fusiliers. In the 1911 census he was aged 22, born Bedford, a Bank Clerk, resident with his parents at 9 Foster Hill Road, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 12, at school, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 82, Silver Street, Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 2, born Bedford, resident with his parents at Howard Street, Bedford. Buried in BOIS-CARRE BRITISH CEMETERY, THELUS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row C. Grave 8. See also Bedford St Peters and Bedford, Priory Methodist Church
COPINGER John Patrick
(1902-05), Second Lieutenant, 4th Battalion(Territorial), Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action Monday 10 September 1917, at Ypres. Aged 29. Born 28 August 1888. Son of Annie Stewart Copinger, of 30, Sherborne Gardens, Ealing, London, and the late Rev. Herbert E. Copinger. In the 1901 census he was aged 12, born Enfield, Middlesex, son of Herbert E and Annie S Copinger, resident The Vicarage, Church End, Ravensden, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 21, born Enfield Lock, Middlesex, a Bank Clerk, visiting Emma Victoria Lediard at 36 Penn Road Villas, Holloway, London N, Islington, London. Originally 5264, 2nd/1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, attested 17 November 1915 resident 30 Sherbourne-gardens, West Ealing, London W, joined 24 November 1915, transferred 25 April 1917. Buried in NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XVI. Row E. Grave 14. See also Ealing War Memorial
CRANE Henry Ernest
(Modern Languages, 1915-16), Private 4839, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 27 October 1916, in 4th Northern General Hospital, Lincoln. Aged 32. Son of John and Elizabeth Crane, of Stoke Newington, London; husband of Irene Crane (nee Parker), of "Ruthven," Monkham's Drive, Woodford, Essex, married 1916. M.A. (Cantab.). In the 1911 census he was aged 26, unmarried, born Stoke Newington, Middlesex, an Assistant Master (Teacher) in Lansdown, Bath. in the 1891 census he is aged 11, a scholar, born Lonjdon, Middlesex, resident with his parents in Osterley Road, Stoke Newington, Hackney, London. IN 1896 he attended Grocers' Company School, Hackney, Middlesex. Buried in 30 October 1916 in LINCOLN (NEWPORT) CEMETERY, Lincolnshire. Plot/Row/Section D. Grave 123.
DAKING Ernest Albert
(1891-98), Rifleman 553200, 16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen's Westminster Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 14 April 1917, in Pas de Calais. Aged 35. Born 28 December 1881 in Boxted, Suffolk, resident Highbury, enlisted Holloway. Son of John Albert and Ellen Maria Daking; husband of Lucy Annie Daking, of "Ellesmere", Regent's Park Rd., Finchley, London. In the 1891 census he was aged 9, born Suffolk, resident with his parents in Callis Street, Boxford, Cosford, Suffolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 19, a boarder, employed as a Wholesale Hosiers Clerk, born Boxford, Suffolk, resident Gresham Street, St Lawrence Jewry, London, Middlesex. IN the 1911 census he was married to Lucy Annie, aged 29, a Salesman, born Boxford, Suffolk, two duaghters, resident at 2 Wallace Road Highbury, Islington, London. Buried in BOOTHAM CEMETERY, HENINEL, Pas de Calais, France. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 15.
DANN Tom Vincent
(1895-1902), Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion (Territorial), South Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 13 October 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Born 1 October 1886 in Bedford. Son of Thomas and Mary E Dann. In the 1891 census he was aged 4, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents in Sidney Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, a boarder, born bedford, Coal Gas Engineer and Draughtsman, resident 1 and 2 Church Street, Lower Gornal near Dudley, Sedgley, Staffordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 73 to 76.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1916:

DANN Tom Vincent of I Church-street Lower Gornal Staffordshire second lieutenant 6th battalion 8th Staffordshire regiment T.F. died 13 October 1915 in France or Belgium in action Administration London 27 January to Ethel Eliza Dann widow. Effects £390 12s. 6d.

DARRINGTON Sydney Samuel
(1899-1902), Private 72296, 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Died of gas shell poisoning Sunday 18 August 1918, in France. Aged 30. Born 2 November 1887, and enlisted, Bedford. Son of John William and Annie Elizabeth Darrington, of 21, St. Mary's Street, Bedford; husband of Alice Gladys Darrington, of 17, Ashburnham Rd., Bedford. Educated Ampthill Road Boys' School, Bedford (1894). Formerly 121185, Royal Flying Corps. He enlisted 23 October 1915 in the Royal Flying Corps, he was resident 21 St. Mary's Street, Bedford, aged 27 years 11 months, a Caterer, unmarried. He married Alice Gladys Baker in Bedford 15 January 1916, they had one daughter. Compulsorily transferred to 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters 24 September 1917. Height 5 feet 75/10 inches, weight 154 lbs, chest 37 inches. In the 1901 census he was aged 13, born Bedford, at school, resident with his parents as 21, St Marys Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 23, unmarried, born Bedford, a Grocer's Assistant, resident with his parents at 21 St Mary's Street, Bedford. Buried in MONT HUON MILITARY CEMETERY, LE TREPORT, Seine-Maritime, France. Plot VII. Row B. Grave 1B. See also Bedford Bunyan Meeting House War Memorial
DEACON William Archie
(1908-09), Private 30219, 7th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Killed in action Wednesday 26 September 1917, at Ypres. Aged 23. Born 21 May 1894, and enlisted, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Son of George and Elizabeth Deacon, of 2, Market Place, Nuneaton. Enlisted 21 August 1914 at Nuneaton, aged 20, as Private 30219 in 7th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, formerly a Dentist's Assitant, unmarried, height 5 feet 7 inches, weight 135½ inches, chest 35½ inches, fresh complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair, regilious denomination Church of England, underwent training at Eastbourne 17-26 April 1915. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Nuneaton, resident Market Place, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. IN the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Nuneaton, a Dentist Pupil, resident with his parents at 2 Market Place, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Buried in YPRES RESERVOIR CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row F. Grave 35.
DENHAM William Malcolm
(1912-16), Second Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Killed as a result of an aeroplane accident 3rd January 1918. Born 18 June 1899. Resident 2 Cutcliffe Grove, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 11, born Hampstead, London, son of Ethel H Denham, resident 7 Spenser Road, Bedford. Admitted to Bedford Modern School 1912. Attested 25 October 1916, aged 18 years 6 months (his casualty form states 17 years 4 months), occupation listed as Miscellaneous Aviator, 3rd Class Air Mechanic 85254, Royal Flying Corps. Height 5 feet 7¾ inches, chest 37 inches, discharged 12 December 1917 at South Franborough, appointed temporary commissioned Second Lieutenant, on General List for duty with the R.F.C. Buried in BEDFORD CEMETERY, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Plot F. Row 5. Grave 79. See also Bedford St Peter's and Bedford Cemetery

Extract from Probate Calendars of England & Wales 1858-1959 - 1918:

DENHAM William Malcolm of 3 Carcliffe (sic - Cutcliffe) Grove Bedford second-lieutenant R.F.C. died 3 January 1918 at Waddington Lincolnshire Administration London 24 August to Frederick Denham merchant. Effects £128 3s. 6d.

DICK Norman Brabazon
(1894-96), Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion attached 17th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's OWn (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 28 April 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Born 1 August 1882, baptised 27 September 1882 in Bathwick, Somerset, son of John Temple and Leonora Jocelyn Dick. Taught at Aldenham School and belonged to the Incorporated Association of Assistant Masters in Secondary School; also taught at Merchant Taylor's School. In the 1911 census he was aged 25, born Brighton, an Assistant Scoolmaster at Aldenham School, Aldenham, Elstree, Hertfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 18, born Brighton, resident with his parents John S and Leonora J B Dick, at 43, Abbotsford Avenue, Tottenham, Edmonton, Middlesex. In the 1891 he was aged 8, born Sussxec, son of John S and L H Jocelyn Dick, resident with his parents in Montpelier Crescent, Brighton, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7.
DICKINS Arthur Herbert
(1898-1907), Sergeant 13583, 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Killed in action Monday 24 May 1915, in the vicinity of Festubert. Aged 24. Born 12 May 1891 [1888 in Candian Records] in Bedford. Son of Alice M. Dickins, of 30 Russell Avenue, Bedford, England, and the late Walter Dickins. Farmer by trade. Unmarried. Attested 22 September 1914 and passed fit 31 August 1914 at Valcartier, Canada, aged 23 years 3 months, height 5 feet 7½ inches, chest 34½ inches, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. No known grave. Commemorated on VIMY MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. National Archives of Canada accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 2506 - 5
DINSLEY Francis Hugill
(1911-16), Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Died Saturday 8 March 1919, in Harrold, Bedfordshire. Aged 20. Born 9 September 1898, baptised 6 Nov 1898 at Grendon, Northamptonshire. Attended Harrold National/Lower School, Harrold Beds 1903-1906. Son of Charles Frederick and Frances Louisa Dinsley (nee Gifkins), of Harrold, Sharnbrook. IN the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Grendon, Northamptonshire, resident with his parents, Charles Fred and Frances Louisa Dinsley, at School House, The Green, Harrold, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, at school, resident with his parents in High Street, Harrold, Bedfordshire. Buried in HARROLD (ST. PETER AND ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire. See also Harrold War Memorial

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 5, Page 52:

DINSLEY, FRANCIS HUGILL, 2nd Lieut., 2nd Battu. Coldstream Guards, only s. of Charles Frederick Dinsley, of Harrold, Sharnbrook, co. Bedford, by his wife, Frances L., dau. of the late J. H. Gifkins ; and gdson. of the late Rev. James Dinsley, of Chorley, and nephew of the Rev. E. V. Dinsley, of Lostock Hall, co. Lancaster ; b. Grendon, co. Northampton, 9 September 1898 ; educ. Bedford Modern School ; enlisted in the Household Battn. in May, 1917 ; received a commission, and was gazetted 2nd Lieut. 4th Coldstream Guards in June, 1918 ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 23 November following, and with the Army of Occupation in Germany from 24 December of the same year, being transferred to the 2nd Battn., and died almost immediately upon his return to England at No. 3 London General Military Hospital, Wandsworth, S.W., 8 March, 1919, of pneumonia, contracted while on active service. Buried in Harrold Churchyard, Sharnbrook. His Commanding Officer (4th Battn.) wrote : " Everything he did he did with all his might, and was so wonderfully keen. He did a great deal for the comfort and amusement of the men, and was greatly liked and respected by them." Unm.

DIX, MC Stephen Hamilton
(1889-92), Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) Commanding 12/13th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action Thursday 4 October 1917, at Ypres. Aged 39. Born 20 August 1878 in St. Thomas, West Indies. Son of Stephen and Annie Hamilton Dix; husband of Ida Mary Dix (nee Turpin), of The Court House, Padstow, Cornwall, married 1909 in Laois, Ireland. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.)[London Gazette 29074 18 February 1915]. Height 5 feet 11 inches, unmarried at time of enlistment. Served in the South African War from 27 July 1901 to 30 October 1902. In the 1881 census he was aged 2, born West Indies, resident with his widowed mother at 30, Gayton Road, Hampstead, London. In the 1891 census he was aged 12, a scholar, resident with his widowed mother in Milton Road, Bedford. IN the Irish census of 2 April 1911 he was aged 33, resident with his wife Ida Mabel and son Lewis at Maryborough, Part of, Green Lane, Maryborough Urban, Queen's Co., Ireland. Buried in TYNE COT CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XLVI. Row B. Grave 1.

Extract from Probate Calendars of England & Wales 1858-1959 - 1918:

DIX Stephen Hamilton of 11 Hartington-place Eastbourne captain 2nd battalion Leinster regiment died 4 October 1917 in France or Belgium Administration (with Will) London 7 December to Ida Mabel Dix widow.
Effects £104 18s. 6d.

DOVER John Percy Newton
(1907-10), Private 205335, 1st/1st Battalion, Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars. Died of wounds Saturday 10 November 1917, in Israel & Palestine. Aged 20. Born 13 December 1896. Enlisted Newport Pagnell. Son of John Thomas and Blanche Isabel Dover, of Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bucks. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, resident with his parents in Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Buried in BEERSHEBA WAR CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Section A. Grave 32. See also Milton Keynes

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, Page 81:

DOVER, JOHN PERCY NEWTON, Trooper, No. 205335, Royal Bucks Hussars, only s. of John Dover, of Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, by his wife, Blanche, dau. of the late Charles Newton ; b. Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, co. Bucks, 13 December 1896 ; educ. Elston School, Bedford ; was a Signalman : joined the Royal Bucks Hussars 21 September 1914 ; served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Egypt and Palestine from 1 September 1915, and died at Beersheba 10 November 1917, from wounds received in action near Ascalon. Buried in the Military Cemetery, Beersheba; unm.

DRAKE Robert John aka Jack Robert
(1906-10), Lance Corporal 30307, 14th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 26 October 1917, at Ypres. Aged 24. Born 12 September 1893 in Marylebone, London, enlisted Huntingdon, resident St Neots. Son of Walter Firmin Drake and Rebecca Drake, of 63, Corn St., Witney, Oxon. Native of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Marylebone, Middlesex, resident with his parents at the Post Office & Drakes Shop, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Huntingdonshire. Formerly 1283, Hunts Cyclist Battalion. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A. See also Eaton Socon
DRUMMOND Eric Grey
(1889-93), Major, 2nd Battalion, 4th Gurkha Rifles, attached to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army. Killed in action Saturday 14 November 1914, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 39. Born 10 September 1875 in Bengal, India, baptised 21 Oct 1875 in Simla, Bengal, India. Son of the late Gen. Henry R. Drummond (Royal Engineers) and Annetta Mcpherson Drummond, of Abernchill, Comrie, Perthshire. Retired from the service at his majority in 1913 and was King's Messenger in 1914 before the Great War. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 12.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, Page 86:

DRUMMOND, ERIC GREY, Major, late 4th Gurkha Rifles, attached 3rd Gurkha Rifles, 4th s. of the late Major-General Henry Drummond, R.E. (Bengal), by his wife, Annette Macpherson, dau. of Capt. Charles Henry Gascoyne Boisragon, and gdson. of the late Col. John Drummond, of Strageath, Abernchill and Balquhandy, Perthshire, C.B. ; b. Simla, India, 10 September 1875 ; educ. Bedford and Sandhurst (passing in and out with honours); gazetted 2nd Lieut. Somerset L.I., 28 September 1895 ; served on the N.W. Frontier of India, 1897-8, during the operations in the Mohmand country ; took part in the engagement near Shabkadr, 9 August 1897 (severely wounded ; medal with clasp) ; gazetted Lieut. Indian Staff Corps, 16 November 1898, and posted to the 4th Gurkhas, 1 April, 1900 ; promoted Capt. 28 September 1908, and Major, 28 September 1913 ; was A.D.C. on the Staff of the Lieut.-Governor of the Punjab, 6 March, 1902-7 ; to the General Officer Commanding Quetta Division, and (18 October 1907) to the Governor of Bombay ; retired 13 November 1913, and was appointed a King's Foreign Service Messenger in 1914. At the outbreak of war was at Constantinople with despatches from the Foreign Office. He had some difficulty in returning to England with despatches from the British Ambassador at Constantinople owing to the activities of the Goeben, but managed to do so and arrived in England via Alexandria and Port Said. He immediately offered his services and was appointed se the 60th Rifles. After serving at Sheerness crossed to France on 8 November 1914 ; and was ordered to join the 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles then in the trenches near Bethune. He only reached his new refit. on 13 November, and was killed the same night; unm. The Rev. Ronald Irving wrote : " Your brother, Major Drummond, arrived here on Thursday last (12 November) and stayed the night in the same mess as I am. On Friday I had to go out to the Brigade Headquarters in which the 2/3 Gurkhas are, so I took him out in a car at 3 p.m. . . . and he went into the trenches that evening. At 9 p.m. the regt., with the' Garhwals.' had to make an attack on the German trenches. Things did not go too well, and the Major, who was the CO., volunteered to lead the men out of the trench, and he had only gone a few yards when he was killed outright from a bullet wound. His body was recovered and I took it yesterday to Bethune Cemetery for interment." Major Drummond was thus only six days in France, and a little over six hours in the trenches when he was killed while gallantly leading his men.

Extract from Bond Of Sacrifice: Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1916, Volume 1, Page 171:

MAJOR ERIC GREY DRUMMOND, LATE 4th (attd. 3rd) GURKHA RIFLES, who was killed in action on the 14th November, 1914, was the fourth son of the late Major-General Henry Drummond, and a grandson of Colonel John Drummond, of Strageath, Perthshire.

He was born on the 10th September, 1875, and was educated at Bedford College, joining the Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry) in September, 1895. In November, 1898, he was transferred to the Indian Army as Lieutenant, and was promoted Captain in 1904. He saw active service on the north-western frontier of India, in the Mohmand Campaign, 1897-98, including the engagement near Shabkadr on the 9th August, 1897, where he was severely wounded. For that campaign he received the medal with clasp. He retired in November, 1913, and was appointed a King's Foreign Messenger, but on the outbreak of war with Germany rejoined the Army, being attached for duty to the 5th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps as Major.

For active service he was attached to the 3rd Gurkha Rifles, which regiment he joined in the trenches on the 13th November, 1914. The same evening, after one attack by our troops had failed, he was standing by the Commanding Officer, who had kept him near him owing to his being new to the trenches. Major Drummond volunteered to lead a second attack, and permission being granted he fell mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men.

He was a member of the Caledonian Club, St. James's Square, and was unmarried.

EDWARDS Arthur David James
(1911-1916), Lance Corporal 36390, "C" Company, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 18 September 1918, on the Somme. Aged 20. Born 21 December 1898 in Kempston, Bedford, enlisted Bedford. Son of Sam Arthur and Laura Caroline Edwards, of 31 Priory Street, Bedford. Enlisted 14 October 1916 as TR/10/25933, 31st Battalion, Training Reserve, aged 17 years 9 months, a Student teacher, resident 31 Priory Street, Bedford, height 5 feet 10 inches, weight 132 lbs, chest 36 inches, transferred 10 October 1917 to 4th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment then 8th Battalion 11 March 1918. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Kempston, Bedfordshire., resident with his parents, Sam A and Laura C Edwards, at 76, Bunyan Road, Town, Kempston, Bedford. Buried in STE. EMILIE VALLEY CEMETERY, VILLERS-FAUCON, Somme, France. Plot II. Row A. Grave 14.
EKINS Albert Walter
(1911-13), Air Mechanic 2nd Class 46133, 100th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Died 6 May 1917, in Nord, France, while serving as observer with 100 Squadron, Izel-le-Hameau; flying an FE.2b. with pilot 2nd Lt. Thomas George Holmes, from Redhill, Surrey (also killed, buried in the plot next to Albert in Douai Cemetery), failed to return from night-bombing sortie against Dorignies Aerodrome. Eleven 100 Squadron aircraft took part in the aerodrome that night, becoming airborne from their airfield at 21.50 hours. Aged 19. Born 27 August 1897. Only son of Albert Alexander and Ada Ekins, of Roxton, St. Neots, Hunts. In the 1911 census he was aged 13 and the 1901 census, aged 3, born Roxton, in 1911 he was at school, resident with his parents at Roxton, Bedfordshire. Buried in DOUAI BRITISH CEMETERY, CUINCY, Nord, France. Plot/Row/Section F. Grave 7. See also Roxton Congretational Chapel and Roxton
EUSTACE William Williamson
(1899-1909), Trooper 1804, 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 7 August 1915, at Gallipoli. Aged 24. Born 29 October 1890 and baptised 28 November 1890 in Wingrave, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. Son of Fred Owen Eustace and Harriet Rebecca Eustace, of 19, Woodstock Rd., Croydon, England. Resident Nannup, Western Australia, Australia. Farmer by trade. Enlisted 27 January 1915, religious denomination Church of England. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Long Marston (sic), Hertfordshire, resident with his parents at 55, Gery Street, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on LONE PINE MEMORIAL, Turkey (including at Gallipoli. . Panel 10.
EVERITT Harold Richard
(1899-1905), Lance Corporal 75418, Scouts Section, 29th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died of wounds Saturday 22 April 1916, at St. John's Ambulancw Brigade Hospital, Etaples, Pas de Calais, France. Aged 25. Born 22 October 1890 in Derby. Son of James S and Ellen S Everitt, of 2, Endsleigh Road, Bedford. Builder by trade. Unmarried. Attested and passed fit 7 November 1914 at Valcartier, Canada, aged 25, height 5 feet 7½ inches, chest 36 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Derby, resident with his parents at 6, Spring Road, College Street, Kempston, Bedford. Emigrated to Canada 29 March 1907 from Liverpool to Halifax, Canada, aboard the "Virginian". Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row B. Grave 8. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 2958 - 27. See also Bedford St. Leonard's Memorial
EVANS William Prince
(1905-06), Corporal 23328, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 11 February 1917, on the Somme. Aged 26. Born 11 August 1891 in Podington, enlisted Ampthill, resident Sharnbrook. Son of John E. Prince Evans and Mary Eliza Prince Evans, of Moat Cottage, Sharnbrook, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents at Church Farm, Podington Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Podington, a carpenter and joiner, resident with his parents at School House, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C. See also Sharnbrook
FARRAR, D.S.O., Bart Sir George Herbert
(1870-75), Colonel, Assistant Quarter Master General to Centre Division of Union of South Africa Forces. Active Citizen Force. Died of wounds 18-5-15, age 56, motor trolley collided with a train at Knibis, near Gibeon, German South West Africa, on 17-5-15. Third son (born 17-6-1859 at Chatteris) of the late Charles Farrar MD, of Chatteris, and Mrs Helen Farrar, of Bedford. An engineer, he went to South Africa in 1879 and lived in the Transvaal. Founder and chairman of East Rand Proprietary Mines Ltd. Took part in Jameson Raid of 1895 and sentenced to death for treason by the Afrikaners, but remitted on payment of £25,000 fine. Awarded DSO (London Gazette 19-4-01) for services during Boer War. Knighted in 1902. MP for Georgetown in the first parliament of Union of South Africa in 1910-11. Created Baronet on 2-2-11. Married Ella Mabel Waylen on 3-6-1893, had six daughters. Bedford Farm Cemetery, Gauteng, South Africa. See also Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Extract from Marquis de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, Volume 1, Part 1, Page 129, the following:

FARRAR, Sir George Herbert 1st Bart D.S.O. Colonel and assistant Q.M General - Central Force, Union Defence Forces, late Hon. Col South African Light Horse. Son of the late Charles Farrar, of Chatteris, co Cambridge, M.D., by his wife Helen, (The Crescent Lodge, Bedford), sister of Sir Frederick Howard and dau of John Howard. Born Chatteris 17-6-1859, educated Bedford Modern School and on leaving there entered the engineering business of his Uncle Sir Frederick Howard going in 1879 to South Africa to the Port Elizabeth and East London branches. Eight years later he and his brothers established themsleves at Johannesburg, where in a few years he became one of the leading men in the mining industry of the Witwatersrand. His cheif enterprise was the formation of the East Rand Proprietary Mines, of which he was chairman from its inception to the day of his death. He was for some time a member of the Legislative assembly of the Transvaal and Leadre of the opposition. For his share in the Jameson raid he was tried for treason and sentenced to death, but the sentence was remitted on payment of a fine of £25000.

When the South African war broke out he raised two Regiments of South African Horse, and was appointed Major, Kaffrarian Rifles, 1-12-1900 and served in this campaign as major on the staff of the Colonial Division 1899-1900. He took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, including the defence of Wepener, operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, aug to sep 1900, operations in the Orange River Colony 1900 including actions at Wittebergen 1-29 July) and in Cape Colony, south of the Orange River. His services were mentioned in despatches ( London Gazette 16th April 1901 ) and he was awarded the Queens medal with 4 clasps and the D.S.O (1900).

After the conclusion of peace in 1902 he took an active part in the work of re-organisation, and when responsible government was granted to the Transvaal, he was unanimously elected leader of the progressive party in the house of assembly, in opposition to the inistry of General Botha. In 1903 he was elected president of the Witwatersrand Chamber of mines, and took a leading part in the negotiations which led up to formation of The Union of South Africa.

He had been knighted in 1902 and on 2-2-1911 was created a Baronet for his services on this occasion.He was M.P. for Georgetown in the first parliament of the Union of South Africa 1910-11 but in dec 1911 business demands in connection with the east rand co compelled him to retire from political work in order to devote his whole energies to the re-organisation of that enterprise.

When the European war broke out he was in England on a visit and was about to join General Sir Hubert Hamiltons staff with the army in Belgium, but the day before he was to have left he was ordered by the authorities to South Africa. On arrival he was appointed to General McKenzies Force with the rank of Colonel and was despatched to German South West Africa as Assistant Q.M-General.

Proceeding to Luderitz Bay in advance of the main force he was engaged in the organisation of the base camp, and subsequently had charge of the restoration of the railway and of providing the water supply to the force, an operation of primary importance in that country.

On 19th May 1915, he was returning from a tour of inspection when the motor trolley in which he was travelling collided with a construction train at Kuibis, near Gidson, German South West Africa, and Sir George succumbed to his injuries early next morning.

Sir George Farrar was one of the best known men in South Africa to whose advancement he had, by legislative work, by attention to mining process, and to practical sympathy with agricultural, powerfully contributed.

He married at Johannesburg 2-6-1893, Ella Mabel ( Chicheley Hall, Newport Pagnell,Bucks & Bedford Farm, near Johannesburg, Transvaal), dau of the late Charles William Waylen, I.M.S. and had six daus, Helen Mabel b 2-10-1894, Muriel Frances b 6-4-1896, Gwendeline b 14-7-1897, Georgina Marjorie b 17-8-1901, Kathleen Elizabeth b 9-5-1907 and Ella Marguerite b 28-4-1911.

FELTS Percival Claude
(1909-11), Second Lieutenant, 6th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Killed in action in RE.8 A3545, with 2nd Lt. T. M. O'Neill (wounded) on Monday 23 July 1917, in Belgium. Aged 22. Born 12 April 1895. Son of James William and Agnes M. Felts, of "The Laurels," Potton, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Potton, at school, resident with his parents at Back Street, Potton, Bedfordshire. Buried in LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XIII. Row B. Grave 21. See also Potton
FREEAR Eric Charles
(1907-14), Second Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 15 April 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 20. Born 19 March 1897. Son of Harry Marshall Freear, and Margaret Ann Freear, of Harpenden, Herts. In the 1901 census he was agd 4, born Harpenden, esident with his parents at Hardwicke Street, Wavendon, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Harpenden, a school boy, resident with his parents in Hardwicke Road, Woburn Sands. Buried in BAILLEUL ROAD EAST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row K. Grave 6. See also Ampthill St Andrews
GOLDSMITH Hubert [Foden] Excel
(1907-12), Private 34943, 2nd Garrison Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Saturday 12 October 1918. Born 3 September 1895, baptised 1 October 1895 in St. Mary, Multan, India. Son of John James Frederick and Annie Goldsmith; stepson of Albina Perfats Goldsmith. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Multan, India, stepson of Albina Perfats Goldsmith, resident 8 Albany Road Bedford, Bedford. Also listed as Corporal 10277, Bedfordshire Regimen in WW! Service Medal and Award Rolls. Buried in GOSFORTH (ST. NICHOLAS) CHURCHYARD, Northumberland. Plot I. Row 8. Grave 10.
GRANT Charles Alfred Richard
(1902-06), Private M2/147687, No. 4 Water Tank Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Died Thursday 28th November 1918. Aged 28. Born 21 November 1890. Son of William Walter and Emily Grant, of 169, Tavistock St., Bedford. In the 1911 census he was agd 20, a Municipal Official Clerk, born Bedford, resident with his parents and siblings at 169 Tavistock Street, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was a son, born Bedford, resident 169 Tavistock Street, Bedford. Buried in AUBERCHICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 24. See also Bedford St Martins
GRANTHAM George Henry
(1905-12), Lance Corporal 3885, "C" Company, 1st/15th Battalion, London Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles). Killed in action Wednesday 15th September 1915 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Enlisted London, resident Bedford. Son of George and Mary Grantham, of 127, Marlborough Rd., Bedford. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 13 C. See also Bedford All Saints

Extract from the Bedfordshire Times and Independent 6 October 1916:

The death in action on the Western front is reported of Lance-corpl. George Henry Grantham, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Grantham, of Marlborough road, Bedford. A promising career at the Modern School ended in his being awarded a Leaving Exhibition, with which he went to a London College. Thence he passed into the Actuarial Department of the National Health Insurance Commission, being placed eleventh in a competitive examination with 400 entrants. While serving in theis Department, he gained the distinction, at the early aged of 21, of Associateship of the Institute of Actuaries. The examination over, he at once "joined up," and on December 2nd, 1915, crossed to France with a draft of the London Regiment (the Civil Service Service Rifles). When the "Great Push" cause he saw considerable fighting, but escaped unhurt until September 15th. 1916, when he met an instantaneous death. At school the boys admired him as a "sticker," and a straight forward fellow, while the Headmaster and Staff looked upon him as one sure to make a name for himself, and do honour to the school. He was quiet and unassuming, but a lad of great strength of character. From his Commanding Officer and from his comrades at the front, Mr. and Mrs. Grantham have received letters bearing witness to the esteem in which he was held by those who have been with him daily during his ten months in France, his comrades mentioning that "he was alwaysbrave, cheerful and a gentleman."

GRAY George Henry
(1891-96), Rifleman R/5819, 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action Friday 29 January 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 34. Born 23 September 1880, Egham Surrey, enlisted London, resident Egham, Surrey. Son of George Gray, of 55, Madeley Rd., Ealing, London, and the late Elizabeth Ann Gray, originally of "Langley", Waltham Avenue, Egham, Surrey. His brother William also fell. Enlisted in 6th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps in 12 October 1914, in London, aged 32, Clerk by trade, unmarried, height 5 feet 6½ inches, chest 35 inches. In the 1901 census he was aged 20, born Egham, Surrey, Ironmonger, resident with his parents at 157, High Street, Egham, Surrey. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 32 and 33.
GREAVES Thomas
(1900-02), Captain, 1st/6th Battalion (Territorial), Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Died of wounds Monday 1 July 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 32. Born 11 October 1885, baptised 8 November 1885 in St Thomas, Brampton, Derbyshire, son of Thomas and Mary Jane Greaves. Son of Thomas and Mary Jane Greaves, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. In the 1891 census he was aged 5, born Derbyshire, resident with his parents, Thomas and Mary Greaves, at Somersale Hale, Dog Hole Lane, Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 25, born Brampton, Derbyshire, a Solicitor, resident with his parents at 166 Old Hall Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Buried in PERNES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row D. Grave 17.
HAMMOND Lionel Gooderham
(1905-08), Private 764320, 1st/28th Battalion (Artists' Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 30 October 1917, at Ypres. Aged 25. Born 17 February 1893 in Stevington, resident Wembley Hill, enlisted Shoreditch.  Son of Robert Thomas and Amelia Hammond, of The Bedford Arms Hotel, Woburn, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born Stevington, resident with his father in Cranes Inn, 3, Turvey, Bedford, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, a Clerk at the Stock Exchnage, unmarried, resident with his parents at Swan Hotel, Woburn Sands. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 153. See also Woburn

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1918:

HAMMOND Lionel Gooderham of the Bedford Arms Hotel Woburn Bedfordshire died 3o October 1917 in Belgium Administration (with Will) London 8 August to Amelia Hammond (wife of Robert Thomas Hammond). Effects £473 6s. 2d.

HARPER Harold Sanders
(1904-08), Lance Corporal 4528, 1st/14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 24. Born 4 October 1891. Enlisted London, resident Bedford. As well as Bedford Modern School he was educated at Ampthill Road Boys' School, Bedford (1898). Son of Albert and Emily Louisa Harper, of 9, St. Mary's St., Bedford. Member of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), teaching at 9, St. Mary's St., Bedford. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9 C and 13 C. See also Bedford St Marys
HARRISON Tom Marriott
(1899-1902), Captain, 3rd Battalion attached 13th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died Tuesday 3 April 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 40. Born 7 August 1876, baptised 3 September 1876 in Redhill, Surrey. Son of Thomas William and Eleanor Harrison, of Redhill, Surrey; husband of E. Ethel Harrison, of 17, Holmbush Rd., Putney, London. In the 1881 census he was aged 4, born Redhill, Surrey, visiting a friend with his widowed mother, Eleanor, in Chart Road, Reigate, Surrey. In the 1901 census he was aged 24, born Reigate, Surrey, an Insurance Clerk, livign with his widowed mother, Eleanor, in Copland Road, Wembley, Hendon, Middlesex. Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVII. Row B. Grave 2.
HART Sidney Arthur
(1908-13), Rifleman 555592, 16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen's Westminster Rifles), London Regiment posted to 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Died of gas poisoning Tuesday 10 September 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 22. Born 28 June 1896 in Bedford, enlisted Bedford. Son of John and Mary A Hart, of 77, Howbury St., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born bedford, resident with his parents at 77, Howbury Street, Bedford. Buried in TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row D. Grave 31.

Extract from National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918 - Section XII - Bedford & Northampton

HART, S. A., Rifleman, 16th London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles).

He joined in April 1917, and underwent a short period of training prior to his being drafted to France, where he saw much heavy fighting at Arras, Ypres, Loos, Beaumont-Hamel and Cambrai. He was badly gassed in action and unfortunately died of gas-poisoning on September 10th, 1918, at Boulogne. He was entitled to the General Service and Victory medals.

"His life for his Country, his soul to God."

77, Howbury Street, Bedford.

Z2777 /A.

HARVEY-KELLY, D.S.O. Hubert Dunstervill
(1901-03), Major, 19th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Irish Regiment. Killed in action over enemy lines Sunday 29 April 1917, in France. Aged 26. Born 9 February 1891 in Devonshire. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) and 3 times Mentioned in Despatches. Passed out from Royal Military College 1910, became Lieutenant 1911. Graduated Central Flying School, Uoparon 13 September 1913. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Teignmouth, Devon, England, serving with the Infantry (2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment) in the Channel Islands. Buried in ROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX, Pas de Calais, France. Special memorial 7.

Extract from The V.C. and D.S.O. Book - Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923:

HARVEY-KELLY, HUBERT DUNSTERVILLE, Lieut., was born 9 February 1891. He joined the Royal Irish Regt. 5 October 1910 ; became Lieutenant 23 October 1912, and Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps Reserve, 14 August 1913. He served in the European War from 1914 to 1918. He was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 18 February 1915] " Hubert Dunsterville Harvey-Kelly, Lieut., Royal Irish Regt., Royal Flying Corps." He became Captain 23 May, 1915 ; Squadron Commander, Royal Flying Corps, and Temporary Major 30 January 1916. His D.S.O. was awarded " for services in connection with operations in the field."

HATT, M.C. Arthur Beach

(1897-1900), Captain, "A" Company, 8th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916, on the Somme. Aged 27. Son of Sir Harry Hatt and Lady Hatt, of Sunnycroft, Bloomfield Park, Bath. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.)[London Gazette 4 November 1915]. In the 1911 census he was aged 22, born Oxford, a Fruitgrower Foreman, boarding at Backside,s Whitford, Axminster, Devon. His death appeared in the Sussex, Eastbourne Gazette Newspaper Notices 1916. Buried in GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE, Somme, France. Plot II. Row M. Grave 4. See also Bath

Extract from London Gazette 4 November 1915, page 10890:

Temporary Lieutenant Arthur Beach Hatt, 8th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry).

For conspicuous gallantry and determination on "Hill 70" on 25th and 26th September, 1915, when with a Serjeant and about six men he held on to his position until practically everyone else in the vicinity had retired.

Extract from Sussex, Eastbourne Gazette Newspaper Notices 12 July 1916:

CAPTAIN ARTHUR BEACH HATT
___

Captain Arthur Beach Hatt, Somerset Light Infantry (killed in action on July 1), was the elder son of the Mayor of Bath (Alderman H. T. Hatt), and nephewof Miss Beach, of Langley House, Enys-road, Eastbourne. Major Scott, Commandant of his battalion, in a message to Alderman Hatt, says:- "The last I heard of your son he was badly hit, and the stretcher-bearers were trying to get him in. He was perfectly splendid, leading his comoany up to the first line of the German trenches, and smiling and saying, 'Come on, you fellows, we've got them now.' The battalion were splendid for the way they went through the machine-gun fire, whcih opened the moment we came out. They eventually went through four lines of trenches, thous, alas! I was not there to see it through." Captain Hatt won the MIlitary Cross for gallantry at Loos in September. His brother, Captain Edward Beach Hatt, of the Somerset Light Infantry, was recently wounded.
       Deceased was presented with the Military Cross by the King at the investiture at Buckingham Palace in June last. The official statement with reference to the award was as under:- "For conspicuous gallantry and determination on 'Hill 70' on 25th and 26th September, 1915, when with a Serjeant and about six men he held on to his position until practically everyone else in the vicinity had retired."

Extract from Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 15 July 1916:

THE MAYOR'S SON
____

CAPTAIN ARTHUR HATT KILLED
____

FELL IN ACTION ON JULY 2nd.
____

From the letter which the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Hatt) received from Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Scott on Friday last it was evident that his elder son, Captain Arthur Beach Hatt, of the Somerset Light Infantry, had been seriously wounded. His Commandant's letter left Captain Hatt's fate undecided, but the slight hope entertained that he might be alive was removed by a telegram which the Mayor received on Saturday evening from Mrs. William Jackman. That lady being in London undertook to call at the War Office and when she inquired there late on Saturday was informed that information had just come through that Captain Arthur Hatt was killed. She immediately, as promised, wired to the Mayor. On Sunday morning His Worship received information of the sad intelligence that his son was killed on Sunday, July 2nd, in the form of an official telegram from the War Office, which also expressed the Army Council’s deep sympathy.
Though he had spent comparatively little time in Bath during recent years, many citizens beyond the immediate circle of his family’s friends had come to know the fine young officer, who had now made the supreme sacrifice.
Captain Hatt, who was 27 years of age, was educated at the Dean Close Memorial School, Cheltenham, and decided to adopt horticulture as his profession. To become thoroughly proficient in all branches of the industry he spent several years abroad. He at first studied in Holland and from there went to Celle, in Hanover, for twelve months, afterwards taking the horticultural course at the Horticultural College, Wittstock, Brandenburg. From Germany, Mr. Hatt travelled into France, spending some time in that country to become conversant with the system of intensive culture. Returning to Eng¬land he became a manger of a fruit farm near Seaton, Devon, and then took a fruit farm at Lilworth, near, Pershore, Worcestershire, in partnership with Mr. Stanley Shackell, son of Mr. J. S. Shackell. of Sswainswick, an old school fellow. When the war broke out Mr. Arthur Hatt was at once intensely desirious of bearing arms and in the autumn of 1914 enlisted in the Southdown Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. In three weeks he had made sergeant, then intermediate steps of lance-corporal and corporal being missed. In February last year he was given a commission as temporary second-lieutenant in the Service Battalion of the Somerset L.I. He obtained his second star before the regiment went aboard and was Lieutenant in charge of a platoon during the British Advance last September. In that capacity he won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry, and devotion at Loos on September 25, and a few days after this evidence of his valour, was promoted Captain, his promotion dating from September 29. Captain Hatt came home on leave during the winter and was also in Bath two months ago. While he was proceeding on board the boat to return to France he received a telegram telling him he was to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace on May 17. He did so and had the pleasure of being decorated by the King with the Military Cross.
Lieut. -Colonel J. W. Scott, who commands Captain Hatt's battalion, in accordance with his promise, immediately on oncoming London wrote again to the Mayor. In this he says: Just before leaving France, another officer of the ____ came down and I obtained further information concerning your son from him. Apparently they brought your son back into our line, but be only lived few hours. I say apparently because the young officer was suffering from shell shook, though he seemed quite clear about it." Colonel Scott mentions that he himself has "a bullet in the leg, nothing of any consequence.”
The deceased officer had a splendid voice and in the winter of 1914-15 sang at one of the concerts given in the Pump Boom Annexe for the entertainment of Kitchener's Army then in Bath. When at home, the late Rev. C. E. Doudney, knowing Mr. Hatt's vocal ability, always enlisted his assistance in the choir at St. Luke's. At that church on Sunday no mention was made by name of Captain Hatt, but the Vicar, the Rev. H. W. Doodney, referring to the hymns sung, said they had been chosen in memory of the heroes who had fallen, including one who was well-known to that congregation.
At Manvers Street Baptist Church on Sunday morning the Pastor, the Rev. T. Hayward, made sympathetic allusion to the Chief Magistrates bereavement his prayers.

… the article continues but has not been transcribed further

HAWKES Frederick James
(1886-92), Private 14469, 1st Regiment, South African Infantry. Died Sunday 24 March 1918, on the Somme. Aged 40. Son of George and Rosamond May Hawkes (nee Brooks). Educated at Bedford Modern School. Born 15 January 1878 in Bedford, baptised 17 February 1878 in St. Paul's, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 23, born Bedford, a Draper's Assistant, resident High Street, New Windsor, Berkshire. In the 1881 census he was aged 3, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 47, High Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 32, born Bedford, a Draper in a Silk Department, boarding at 75 Hallam Street, St Marylebone, London. Buried in HEM FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, HEM-MONACU, Somme, France. Plot II. Row A. Grave 14.
HAYNES Albert Edward
(1905-09), Lance Corporal 304203, 1st/5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade), London Regiment. Killed in action between 6 and 10 September 1916, on the Somme. Aged 24. Born 17 March 1891 in Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire., enlisted Hornsey. Son of William and Susan Haynes, of 12, Lindsell Crescent, Toun Field, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. in The 1891 census he was under 1 year of age, resident with his parents, William and Susan Haynes, at Frog Hall, Village, Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Old Warden, Bedfordshire., resident with his parents, William and Susan Haynes, at 66, Cemetery Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. On 6 September 1909 he was a teacher at Biggleswade Board (Holmead Middle) School (boys), Biggleswade. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Old Warden, a School Teacher, resident with his parents in High Street, Biggleswade. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9 D. See also Biggleswade.
HOLDING Leonard de Wilde
(1906-08), Lance Corporal 43058, 153rd Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of gunshot wounds to the head Wednesday 18 July 1917, in Nord, France. Aged 26. Born 20 January 1891 in St. Edmunds, Northampton, enlisted Northampton. Son of Matthew Henry and Edith Holding, of 49, Billing Road, Northampton. Enlisted 29 August 1914, aged 23 years 8 months, born Northampton, resident Northampton, Engineer by trade, promoted to Lance Corporal 19 May 1917, height 5 feet 6¾ inches, weight 121 lbs, chest 34½ inches, fresh complexion, grey eyes, brown hair. In the 1891 census he was aged under 1 year, resident with his parents at Cyril Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, resident with his parents at 5, Spencer Parade, Northampton St Giles, Northampton. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Northampton, an Engineer's Apprentice, resident with his widowed mother at 49 Billing Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire. resident with his parents at 5, Spencer Parade, Northampton St Giles, Northampton. Buried in HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot III. Row D. Grave 28.
HOPKINS Lionel Raymond
(1907-11), Private T/1400, "A" Company, 1st/10th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died from fractured skull received in a fall Thursday 27 April 1916, in India. Aged 21. Born 26 July 1894 in Turvey, enlisted Battersea, Surrey. Son of George Edward and Francis Maud Hopkins, of 1 Burnham Rd., St. Albans, Hertfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Turvey, resident with his parents at School House, High Street, Turvey, Bedford, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Turvey, a scholar, resident with his parents at The School House, Turvey, Bedfordshire. From 2 January 1912 he was a teacher at Elstow Board/Lower School. Attested 1 November 1912 at Battersea, aged 18 years 3 months, resident St John's Green?, Battersea, London S.W., born Turvey, Bedfordshire, height 6 feet 1 inch, chest 38 inches, passed fit for service 14 November 1912. Buried in KALA KHAN CEMETERY, NAINITAL, India. Grave 74A.
HORTON Paul Frederick
(1896-1906), Private 351092, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Died of wounds 28th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 29. Born 20 April 1888 in Bedford, resident and enlisted Pudsey, Yorkshire. Son of Thomas Frederick and Minna Horton, of 30, St. Peter's, Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 2, resident with his parents at Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Attended Manchester University: 1906; M. A. (2nd Class History Honours) 1910. Assistant Minister at Fulneck Church. Enlisted March 1916; 3rd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment; transferred to 9th Battalion Royal Scots. In the 1911 census he was aged 22, born St Paul's, Bedford, a Theological Student, resident with his parents at 30 St Peters Street, Bedford. Buried in MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VI. Row F. Grave 10. See also Bedford St Peters and Manchester University
HOWARD Cedric Stewart
(1907-10), Second Lieutenant, "F" Company, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action during the attack on Thiepval and Schwaben Redoubt Thursday 28 September 1916, on the Somme. Aged 22. Born 4 March 1894 and baptised 13 May 1894 at Willenhall, Staffordshire. Son of Albert and Helen Alice Howard, of 10, Cutcliff Place. Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Willenhall, Staffordshire, resident with his parents at 10, Cutcliffe Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Willenhall, Staffordshire, an Auctioneer's Pupil, resident with his parents at 10 Cutcliffe Place, Bedford. Buried in MILL ROAD CEMETERY, THIEPVAL, Somme, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 1. See also Bedford All Saints.
HOWE Claude Arthur
(1912-13), Captain, 4th (Denbighshire) Battalion (Territorial), Royal Welsh Fusiliers attached to 1st/5th Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 30 November 1917, in Nord, France. Aged 21. Born 17 October 1896 in Brockley, Kent. Son of Annie Howe, of 33, Goldington Rd., Bedford, and the late Frank Howe. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Brockley, a school boy, resident with his parents, Frank and Annie Lock Howe, at Kewstoke, Beaconsfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 5.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, Page 88, the following:

HOWE, CLAUDE ARTHUR, Capt. and Adjutant, The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attd. 1/5th (Territorial) Battn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regt., yr. and only surv. s. and child of the late Frank Howe, General Secretary National Council of Y.M.C.A., by his wife, Annie (33, Goldington Road, Bedford), dau. of the late Alfred Corby ; and brother to Sapper C. Howe (q.v.) ; b. Brockley, co. Kent, 17 Oct. 1896 ; educ. St. Albans Grammar School, and Leeds University, where he matriculated at the age of 16 ; joined the Artists' Rifles 1. Jan. 1916 ; gazetted 2nd Lieut. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers the following July; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Oct. of the same year, being attached the Loyal North Lancashire Regt. ; was reported missing and wounded at Gloucester Road, Epehy, 30 Nov. 1917, and is now assumed to have been killed in action on that date. His Commanding Officer wrote : " He was a very promising young officer and a great favourite of mine . . . and was a most popular officer." Unm.

HUMPHREY Ernest Graham
(1907-14), Second Lieutenant, 48th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and South Staffordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 29 March 1918, on the Somme. Aged 21. Born 27 October 1896 and baptised 8 December 1896 in Northampton. Son of the late Rev. William John Humphrey, M.A., and of Mrs. Ellen Humphrey, of 23, Hereford Rd., Acton, London. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, living with his widowed mother in Bugbrooke Road, Kislingbury, Northampton. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, at school, resident with his widowed mother at 166 Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Buried in DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION NO. 1, Somme, France. Plot III. Row A. Grave 18.
INGRAM Arthur Charles
(1909-11), Captain, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment attached 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 26 March 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 23. Born 20 February 1895. Son of Elizabeth Ingram, of The Lodge, Latchmere Rd., Kingston-on-Thames, and the late Charles Ingram. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.
JAMES Arthur Leslie
(1911-16), Private 38566, 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 29 September 1918. Aged 19. Born 18 January 1899 in Bedford and enlisted Bedford. Son of Walter Thomas and Sarah Ann James, of 112, Gladstone St., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Bedford, resident with his parents, at 22, Gladstone Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, born Bedford, att school, resident with his parents at 2 Gladstone Street, Bedford. Buried in GOUZEAUCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot X. Row A. Grave 19. See also Bedford St Martins
JOHN Lenox William McClure
(1895-99), Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 24 September 1916, on the Somme. Aged 34. Son of Gen. John (Duke of Cornwall's Light Inf.), and Mrs. Edith John; husband of Muriel Augusta Gay (formerly John), of Snape, Wadhurst, Sussex, married 1908. In the 1911 census he was aged 28, born Penge, Kent, a Fruit Planter, resident with his wife, Ada Muriel Augusta John (nee Gay), and his parents-in-law, Alfred Henry and Ada Key Gay, at The Rectory, Worting, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 25.
JOHNSTON Alfred Roy
(1903-13), Second Lieutenant, 20th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and General List. Killed in action 24th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 21. Born 17 May 1895 and baptised 26 July 1896 in Bedford. Son of Lavinia Teresa Johnston, of 1, Oaklands Rd., Bedford, and the late G. M. Johnston. In the 1901 census he is aged 5, born bedford, resident with his parents, George Marwood and Lavinia Teresa Johnston, at 46, Gery Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he is aged 15, at school, born Bedford, resident with his parents, George Marwood and Lavinia Teresa Johnston, at 1 Oaklands Road, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. See also Bedford St Peters
KEMP Frederick Sydney Albert
(1907-11), Sapper 72347, 7th Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers. Died at 24th Casulaty Clearing Station, Italy, Wednesday 18 December 1918. Aged 24. Born 4 December 1894 and baptised 24 February 1895 in Bedford. Son of Frederick George and Rose Kemp, of 57, Foster Hill Rd., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 17, Hartington Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Bedford, at school, resident with his parents at 88 Salisbury Street, Bedford. Buried in MONTECCHIO PRECALCINO COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Italy. Plot 10. Row C. Grave 9. See also Bedford St Peters and Bedford St Paul's

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1919:

KEMP Frederick Sydney Albert of 88 Salisbury-street Bedford sapper No. 72347 Royal Engineers died 18 December 1918 at 24th C.C.S. Italy Administration Northampton 12 December to Frederick George Kemp bootmaker.
Effects £154 19s. 2d.

KENEALY Michael
(1907-12), Sergeant 350168, 7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment attached to 4th Battalion, King's Arican Rifles. Killed in action Saturday 23 February 1918, in Kampala, Uganda. Born 28 April 1896 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, resident Moor Lane, London E.C., enlisted Sun Street, London. Previously lived in Spring Road, Kemspton, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Pertenhall, Bedfordshire, resident with his parents Michael and Harriet Kenealy, at 38, Spring Road, Kempston, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, born Bedford, resident with his parents Michael and Harriet Dennis Kenealy, at 38, Spring Road, Kempston, Bedford. Originally landed in France 18 August 1915. Commemorated in KAMPALA (NAKAWA ROAD) CEMETERY, Uganda. Special memorial, buried in Bombo Military Grave, Uganda.
KERR Henry
(1901-09), Private 2145, "B" Company, 4th Battalion, Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action Monday 28 June 1915, at Gallipoli. Aged 23. Born 31 October 1891 in St. James, Jamaica, enlisted Edinburgh, resident Glasgow. Son of W. L. and Amy Kerr, of "Kenya," Halfway Tree, Jamaica, British West Indies; mother then resident at 15 Kildovan Terrace, Ibrox, Glasgow, and also 15 Courthope Road, Wimbledon, Surrey. Attested 7 September 1914, aged 22 years 11 months, born St. James, Jamaica, resident 15 Kildovan Terrace, Glasgow, unmarried, his father was dead, he was a student, height 5 feet 10 inches, weight 145 lbs, chest 38 inches, fresh complexion, grey eyes, brown hair. Embarked on H.M.T. Empress of Britain from Liverpool for Gallipoli 23 May 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL,Turkey (including at Gallipoli. . Panel 26 to 31.
KING Oliver Charles
(1898-99), Lance Corporal 15035, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 25 September 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Born 27 January 1882, and baptised 14 March 1882, in Thurleigh, enlisted Northampton. In the 1891 census he was aged 9, a scholar, resident with his parents, Charles and Ann King, at Park Farm, Brook End, Keysoe, Bedford, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 19, born Thurleigh, a Bank Clerk, resident with his parents, Charles and Ann King, at Park Farm, Keysoe, Bedford, Bedfordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 91 to 93. See also Keysoe
KNOX Andrew Ronald
(1897-1900), Second Lieutenant, 185th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action Sunday 12 December 1915, on the Somme. Aged 33. Born 8 July 1882, and baptised 15 August 1882, in Nuneaton. Son of James and Florence Knox, of The Chase, Nuneatonn; younger brother of James Meldrum Knox (below). In the 1891 census he was aged 9, resident with his parents, James and Florence Elizabeth Knox, at Roseleigh, Hinckley Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Buried in ALBERT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 4.
KNOX, D.S.O. and Bar James Meldrum

(1893-95), Lieutenant Colonel, 1st/7th Battalion (Territorial), Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Died of wounds Monday 23 September 1918. Aged 40. Born 10 April 1878. Eldest son of James Knox, J.P., of The Chase, Nuneaton; husband of Dorothy Marian Knox (nee Iles), of Hinckley Road, Nuneaton, married 1904 at Nuneaton; older brother of Andrew Ronald Knox (above). Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) and Bar. In the 1881 census he was aged 3, born Nuneaton, resident with his parents, James and Florence Elizabeth Knox, at 6, Attleborough Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. In the 1891 census he was aged 12, resident with his parents, James and Florence Elizabeth Knox, at Roseleigh, Hinckley Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 32, born Nuneaton, a Brick And Tile Manufacturer, resident with his wife Dorothy Marioan and their daughter and two sons, at Castlemere Hinckley Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Buried in GRANEZZA BRITISH CEMETERY, Italy. Plot 1. Row E. Grave 9.

Extract from The V.C. and D.S.O. Book - Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923:

KNOX, J. M. (D.S.O. L.G. 1.1.17) (Bar, L.G. 24.9.18); b. 10.4.78 ; s. of James and Elizabeth Knox ; the eldest of nine brothers, six of whom served in the European War. One brother was killed in action, and another, Lt. K. Knox, R.E., was the first Nuneaton man to win the Victoria Cross. He m. D. M., d. of Dr. Isles, of Watford ; educ. Nuneaton Grammar School ; Bedford Modern School ; ent. 1/7th R. War. R. (Vol.), 4.11.99 ; Lt. 1900 ; Capt., 1904 ; Major, 1914 ; served S. African War, 1902 ; Queen's Medal, 5 clasps ; Europ. War ; Despatches five times ; Bt. Lt.-Col. 1.1.18 ; served first in France, and was killed in action in Italy in Sept. 1918.

LAKE Osmond
(1907-10), Private 5283, 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Died of Acute Appendicitis 9 November 1917. Aged 23. Born 16 July 1894. Resident Luton, enlisted Armoury House, London. Unmarried. Son of George and Annie Laura Lake, of 4, Union Street, Luton. Admitted to Bedford Modern School September 1907. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Wanstead, Essex, an Apprentice to Carpenter, son of George and Laurie Lake, resident 4, Union Street, Luton. Attested 17 November 1915 at Armoury House, Finsbury, London, resident 4, Union Street, Luton, son of George Lake, aged 24 years 5 months, height 5 feet 10 inches, chest 34 inches. Posted and embodied 17 November 1915, embarked Southampton 1 October 1916, disemabrked at Havre 3 October 1916, proceeded to Front 4 October 1916. Buried in HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot III. Row F. Grave 35. See also Luton

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, Page 102, the following:

LAKE, OSMOND, Private, No. 5283, 2nd Battn. The Honourable Artillery Company (T.F.), eldest s. of George Lake, of Luton, Corn Merchant, by his wife, Annie Laurie ; b. Wanstead, co. Essex, 16 July, 1894 ; educ. Skinner's School, Tunbridge Wells, and Modern School, Bedford ; entered his father's business in Jan. 1912 ; joined the Honourable Artillery Company in Nov. 1915 ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Oct. 1918, and died at No. 15 Casualty Clearing Station 9 Nov. 1917, of acute peritonitis, contracted while on active service. Buried in the Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery ; unm.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1918:

LAKE Osmond of 4 Union-street Luton Bedfordshire private H.A.C. died 9 November 1917 in France Administration London 9 July to George Lake corn merchant.
Effects £226 4s. 2d.

LAUGHTON Joseph Thornton
(1907-10), Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 29 September 1918, in France. Aged 22. Born 16 December 1895, baptised 10 May 1896 in St. Paul Kensington. Son of Thomas and Beechie Laughton, of 16, Lansdowne Rd., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born South kensington, London, resident with his mother, Beechie Laughton, at 5, St. Mark's Grove, South kensington. In the 1911 census he was a boarder, aged 15, an Auctioneer's Apprentice, born South Kensington, London, resident 67 Pembroke Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Section S. Plot V. Row D. Grave 5.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1919:

LAUGHTON Joseph Thornton of 27 Chaucer-road Bedford second-lieutenant 1st battalion Bedfordshire regiment died 29 September 1918 at Rouen France Administration Northampton 26 May to Beechie Laughton widow. Effects £137 19s. 5d.

LEES Thomas Prior
(1883-92), Major, 9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen Victoria's Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 21 April 1915 in France & Flanders. Aged 41. Born 3 September 1874. Son of Alfred and Rosa Matilda Lees, of Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 16, born Bedfordshire, a scholar, resident with his parents in St. Peters Street, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 26, born Bedford, 1st Class Clerk Civil Sgt Commissioners, resident with his parents iat 55, Goldington Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 36, unmarried, a Class 1 Clerk, resident 23 Oakwood Court, Kensington W, London. No kinown grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 54. See also Bedford St Peters and Elstow Church

Extract from The Bond of Sacrifice Volume 2 January to June 1915

MAJOR THOMAS PRIOR LEES, 1/9th (COUNTY OF LONDON) BATTN. THE LONDON REGIMENT, (QUEEN VICTORIA'S RIFLES) (T.F.), younger son of the late Alfred Lees and Mrs. Lees, of Bedford, was born on the 3rd September, 1874, at the Old Priory, Bedford.

He was educated at Bedford Modern School, under the Rev. R. B. Poole, P.D. He was head of the school, and proceeded to Clare College, Cambridge, where he was eighth Senior Optime, and took the degree of M.A. He then entered the Civil Service, and on mobilisation he was Assistant Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Burlington Gardens, London. He was fond of tennis, rowing, and music, and studied naval and military history. He joined the Victoria and St. George's Rifles in March, 1889, becoming Lieutenant in September, 1900; Captain in March, 1905 ; and Major in August, 1913; and passed the Army examinations for Field rank. He landed in France with his battalion (now the Queen Victoria's Rifles) in November, 1914, proceeding straight to the trenches, in which he remained, with the usual rest periods, all through the winter. On the night of the 20th-21st April the enemy took the trenches on the top of Hill 60. Major Lees organised and led a night assault with rather more than 100 of his men, afterwards reinforced to 150, drove the Germans out, found he was the senior officer left alive on the hill, and proceeded to conduct the defence. For some hours the enemy made repeated attempts to drive our men out by heavy artillery and machine-gune (sic) fire, bombing and infantry attacks, which were all repulsed. Between 4 and 5 a.m. on the 21st the situation became critical. He left his trench and crossed under a heavy fire to the trenches held by the Bedfordshire Regiment, which the Germans were assaulting, and he was shot through the head and heart while giving orders to hold on, only ten yards from the enemy. He fell into the arms of a Sergeant of the Bedfords and never spoke again. Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Shipley, C.M.G., writes: “He died like a hero, having retaken and made good a position of primary importance which the enemy were on the point of reoccupying. His last gallant charge was as he would have wished it—to the assistance of his county Regiment., the Bedford Regiment. The last words I heard him speak as he led his company off into the trenches were: Now, remember, if anyone is wounded, the others must carry-on—not stop with him. If I am hit, go on I ' It was his initiative and courageous behaviour that has enabled us to hold on to the position. I cannot even attempt to tell you what a stupendous loss this is to the Regiment and myself, but we must console ourselves by remembering and trying to emulate your brother's unswerving devotion to duty and the unflinching gallantry shown by him in all times of stress. His life so earnestly devoted to others will live in our memories for all time."

On the advanced detachment of the Queen Victoria's Rifles being relieved after this action they were found to have lost over seventy-five per cent, of their number killed mid wounded.

Memorial in Elstow Church reads:

TO
THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF
THOMAS PRIOR LEES
MAJOR – QUEEN VICTORIA RIFLES.
SON OF ALFRED AND ROSA LEES.
FELL ON HILL 60 NEAR YPRES
APRIL 21ST, 1915, AGED 41
IMMOTA FIDES

LEGGE Hubert Charles
(1886-91), [Listed as Herbert Charles LEGGE on SDGW and Army Service Records] Sapper 185189, 79th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 1 December 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 40. Born 21 Mar 1877, and enlisted, Bedford. Husband of Gertrude L. Legge, of 1, Foster Hill Rd., Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 14, born bedford, a scholar, resident with his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Legge, in Harpur Street, Bedford.In the 1901 census he was aged 24, a Carpenter & Joiner, resident with his wife, Gertrude, at 39, Bickerton Road, Islington, London. In the 1911 census he was aged 34, married to Gertrude with one daughter, born Bedford, a House Joiner, resident 24, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Enlisted 1916, aged 39 years 5 months, resident at 1 Foster Hill Road, Bedford, a Carpenter & Joiner, served in the South African War (1899-1902), married Gertrude Lousa Rowles in Bedford 4 June 1900, height 5 feet 6½ inches, chest 39 inches, went to France 19 April 1917. Buried in BLEUET FARM CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row B. Grave 24. See also Bedford St Peters.
LINNELL Robert McGheyne
(1889-99), Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died Wednesday 17 March 1915. Born Burton on Trent, Staffordshire. In the 1891 census he was aged 10, a scholar, resident with his parents, John E and Emmeline E Linnell, in Main Street, Pavenham, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 20, a Medical Student (Cambridge), resident with his parents, John E and Emmeline E Linnell, at The Vicarage, Main Street, Pavenham, Bedford. Commemorated on the same headstone as W HUCKLE in Bedford Cemetery. Symbolic gravestone erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as they were not allowed to erect these at the real place of burial which was in Pavenham (St. Peter) Churchyard, Bedfordshire. Special Memorial. Grave 385. Captain Robert Linnell’s father who was the Vicar at the time at Pavenham who took the service and both men are actually buried at Pavenham. See also Bedford Cemetery and also Pavenham
LUTYENS Charles Graeme
(1902-03), Captain, 6th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action, while leading a bayonet charge up the slopes of Sari Bair Monday 9 August 1915, in Turkey. Aged 28. Born 11 July 1887. Son of Charles and Emily Lutyens, of Great Amwell, Ware, Herts. Born at Hascombe, Surrey. In the 1911 census he was aged 23, born Haswick, Surrey, a Lt East Lancashire Regiment, unmarried, resident with is parents, at The Grove, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire. Buried in NEW ZEALAND NO.2 OUTPOST CEMETERY, Turkey (including at Gallipoli. . Section I. Grave 1.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 2, Page 207, the following:

LUTYENS, CHARLES GRAEME, Capt., 2nd (59th Foot), attd. 6th (Service), Battn. The East Lancashire Begat., eldest s. of Charles Lutyens, of Great Amwell, co. Herts, by his wife, Emily, dau. of John Bard, of Annandale, New York ; and gdson. of Capt. Charles Henry Augustus Lutyens, of Thursley, 20th Regt. ; b. Thursley, Godalming. co. Surrey, 11 July, 1887 ; educ. Bedford ; gazetted 2nd Lieut. East Lancashire Regt. from the Militia, 20 June, 1908 ; promoted Lieut. 21 Sept. 1911. and Capt. 8 Nov. 1914 ; joined the 2nd Battn. at Mhow, India, 29 April, 1911, and went with them to South Africa ; was home on leave when war broke out in Aug. 1914, and was detained in England to train the 6th Battn., with which he went to Gallipoli 13 June, 1915, and was killed in action, while leading a bayonet charge up the slopes of Sari Bair, 9 Aug. following. Buried on the beach at Anzac ; unm.

MANTON Henry Hector
(1906-08), [SDGW states Private] Sergeant TT/03540, 2nd Vet. Hospital, Royal Army Veterinary Corps attached 250th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died Friday 12 January 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 22. Born 9 December 1895, baptised 6 January 1895, in Bedford. Enlisted Bedford. Son of Henry and Kate Manton, of The Hop Pole, Cauldwell Street, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, at school, resident with his parents at 27, Alexandra Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born St. Paul's, Bedford, assisting his father who was a General Dealer, resident with his parents at 98 Tavistock Sreet, Bedford. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Plot V. Row F. Grave 42. See also Bedford St Marys
MARSHALL Augustus De La Pere

(1903-08), Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 22 May 1915, in Belgium. Aged 22. Born 23 November 1892 in Melbourne, Australia. Son of John Hamilton Marshall, of Lenox Ave, Melbourne, Australia and Blanche Marshall of 73 Muswell Hill London; brother of John Marshall (below). Embarked for France with Artists Rifles in 1914. Employed in Royal Mail Shipping Offices, London. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born Walworth, Surrey, resident with his parents, Richard George and Eliza Jane Marshall, at 25, Searles Road, St George the Martyr Southwark, St Saviour Southwark, London. No known grave. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 5 and 6.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 1, Page 247, the following:

MARSHALL, AUGUSTUS DE LA PERE, 2nd Lieut., 2nd Battn. East Lancashire livid., 2nd s. of the late John Harcourt Hamilton Marshall, by his wife, Blanche Isabella (73, Muswell Road, Muswell Hill, N.), dau. Augustus De la Pere Robinson, of Cloughkeating Castle, co. Tipperary ; b. Melbourne, Australia, 23 Nov. 1892; educ. Seapoint School, Cape Town, and Bedford Modern School. He joined the 28th London Territorials (Artists' Rifles), 16 April, 1912, and on the outbreak of war volunteered for foreign service, and went to France, 26 Oct. 1914. He was given a commission as 2nd Lieut., and was posted to the 2nd East Lancashires, 27 March, 1915. He was killed in action during the attack on Aubers Ridge, near Fromelles, 9 May, 1915 ; and was buried in "Cameron Lane," off the La Bassée Road, near Neuve Chapelle ; unm. He was a keen cricketer and hockey player. He won his Second Cricket XI when at Bedford, was Capt. of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Cricket Club, and Vice-Capt. of the Bowes Park Hockey Club.

MARSHALL John Hamilton
(1903-07), Second Lieutenant, 8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23 October 1916, on the Somme. Aged 26. Eldest son of John Hamilton Marshall, of Lenox Avenue, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia, and Blanche Marshall, of 73, Muswell Rd., Muswell Hill, London; brother of Augustus (above). Born 7 December 1889. Embarked for France with the Artists' Rifles in 1914. Employed in the Royal Mail Shipping Office, London. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 C.
MARTIN, MM Guy Stanislaus
(1908-12), Acting Second Corporal 25002, 5th Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action Sunday 25 August 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 23. Born 28 June 1895 in the Straits Settlements, Singapore. enlisted Chatham, Kent, resident Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Second son of William and Sarah Elizabeth Martin, of "Maydencroft," Ampthill, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, at school, born Straits Settlements, Singapore, resident with his parents at 4, Preston Road, Bedford. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Buried in ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 19. See also Singapore Cenotaph and Ampthill St Andrew's.
McPHERSON Donald William
(1888-94), Major, 62nd Punjabis, Indian Army. Killed in action Thursday 16 November 1916, in Egypt. Aged 37. Born 8 July 1879. Son of the late Donald William and Hermione May McPherson; husband of Sybil Lilian Winifred McPherson (nee Webb), of 14, Elsworthy Rd., Hampstead, London, married Hampstead 1909. Mentioned in Despatches. Buried in SUEZ WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section A. Grave 66.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1917:

MCPHERSON Donald William of 25 Elsworthy-road South Hampstead Middlesex major H.M. Indian Army died 16 November 1916 at Abu Garrad Sinai in Egypt Administration (with Will) London 4 April to Sybil Lilian Winifred Mcpherson widow. Effects £708 13s. 4d.

McWHA Archibald John aka Archie
(1904-05), Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Killed Friday 5 January 1917. Born 7 March 1892 in Koyah, Cachar, India. Lived at 146, Holland Road, Kensington, London W. Acquired his Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certifcate 31 March 1916 at Military School, Brooklands. In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born India, resident with his mother, Martha McWha, in 65, Ashbrunham Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Cachar Assam India, an Engineering Apprentice at Queens Engineering Works, Bedford, resident with his mother, Martha H McWha, at 75 Ashburnham Road, Bedford. Buried in SHORNCLIFFE MILITARY CEMETERY, Kent. Plot/Row/Section M. Grave 424.
MILES Robert Patrick
(1891-93), Captain, 1st Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds Wednesday 30 December 1914, in Nord, France. Aged 35. Born 11 December 1879. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Fenton Miles; husband of Nora Passy (formerly Miles)(nee Vane-Stow), of 69, Philbeach Gardens, Earls Court, London, married 19 November 1907 in Trimulgherry, Madras, India. Educated at Bedford Modern School and Marlborough College. Height 6 feet 3/8 inches, married. Spoke Urdu, Persian and French. In the 1881 census he was aged 1, born Shirehampton, Gloucestershire, resident The Priory, Westbury upon Trym, Barton Regis, Gloucestershire. Buried in ESTAIRES COMMUNAL CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 3.

Extract from The Bond of Sacrifice Volume 1 September to December 1914

CAPTAIN ROBERT PATRICK MILES, 2nd BATTN. THE KING'S (SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY), was born at The Lawn, Shirehampton, Gloucestershire, on the 11th December, 1879, the son of Robert Fenton Miles, of The Old Bank (Union of London and Smith's), Bristol. He was related to Sir H. R. Miles, Bart., of Leigh Court, and was a godson of the late General Sir Patrick Macdougall, at one time Commander-in-Chief in Canada.
Captain Miles was educated at Marlborough, where he gained some athletic distinction, and joined the Yorkshire Light Infantry in August, 1899, becoming Lieutenant in January, 1901. He served in the South African War, being present at operations in the Orange Free State and at Paardeberg ; actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain). Vet and Zand Rivers ; in the Orange River Colony, Cape Colony, and the Transvaal. He received the Queen's medal with four clasps and the King's medal with two clasps. He also had the medal for King George's Durbar in India. In October, 1907, he was appointed Superintendent of Gymnasia for the Southern Army, India, in which country he served for ten years.
He was a good all-round athlete, and very interested in Army boxing, he was also fond of big-game shooting, in which he was indulging while on leave in British East Africa when the war broke out.
On his return he was attached to the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, as the 1st Battalion (to which he had been transferred) of his own regiment had already gone to the front. He was shot in the trenches on the 30th December, 1914, and was buried at Estaires.

MOBBS, D.S.O. Edgar Robert

Picture courtesy & copyright BMS

(1892-98), Lieutenant Colonel, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action in the Battle of Passchendale on Tuesday, 31 July 1917 charging an enemy machine-gun post. Aged 35. Born 29 June 1882, baptised 28 July 1882 in Northampton. Son of Oliver L. and Elizabeth Anne Mobbs, of Northampton. Former England International Rugby Football player. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). In the 1891 census he was aged 8, born Northamptonshire, a scholar, resident with his parents at The Avenue, St Giles, Northampton, Northamptonshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 18, born Northamptonshire, an Accountant (Chartered), resident with his mother at Dartmouth Road, Olney, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was unmarried, aged 29, born Northampton, a Manager of a Motor Garage, resident with his widowed father in Dartmouth Road, Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on Yres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 43 and 45.

Life size (three-quarter) posthumous portrait by Barbara Chamier, originally unveiled 1925 Location: Corridor adjacent to School Entrance Foyer.

In Northampton there is a memorial to Edgar Mobbs as he played his rugby there.

Extract from The V.C. and D.S.O. Book - Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923:

MOBBS, E. R. (D.S.O. L.G. 1.1.17) ; s. of Oliver Mobbs, of Northampton ; educ. Bedford Modern School. He received permission to raise a company, and so great was his popularity in Northampton, where for six years he had been Captain of the Rugby Football Club, that in a fortnight he got together 250 men, most of them trained athletes. Joining as a Private, he became Captain before the training period was ended, and in May, 1917, was gazetted Lt.-Col. of his battalion. The battalion had its baptism of fire at Loos in 1915, and when Col. Parkin, who was in command, was killed, Capt. Mobbs took charge in a very difficult and trying position. He was wounded in the fighting on the Somme in 1916. He was fatally wounded on 31.7.17, having first completed his 35th year. "Such was his heroic devotion to duty that evenwhen so seriously wounded that he had only ten minutes to live he wrote out map references of the position of the guns which were checking any advance." Col. Mobbs was a great football player. He appeared in all the international matches 1908-9. In 1909-10 he played against Ireland, and was Captain of the England Fifteen which defeated France in Paris. He was a Member of the Committee of English Rugby Union.

From 'The Millennium Eagle' published by BMS.

"It has been ninety years since Edgar Mobbs played rugby for England. At school he was regarded as the greatest sportsman BMS ever produced and was a hero to every man and boy who played, and loved the game, of rugby football. He had a natural aptitude for the game, to which he added great technical skill. Since he could run 100 yards in a little over 10 seconds, it was not surprising that he became a wing three-quarter of genius.

In 1904 he was invited to play at Northampton and only a year later he was made captain. He played for the East Midlands and the Barbarians before being awarded an England cap against Wales in 1909. The new cap was said to be majestic and full of a will to win: his legendary status was born. In 1909 he captained his country against the touring Australians.

Mobbs was a charismatic leader and at the outbreak of the First World War he personally raised a company of volunteers of the Northampton Regiment, known as 'Mobbs Own'. He was killed in the battle of Passchendale, charging an enemy machine-gun post. Today there stands a memorial to him in Northampton bearing the words '...By subscriptions of admirers the world over, to the memory of a great and gallant soldier and sportsman, Lieutenant-Colonel E R Hobbs.' His name is also commemorated in the annual Mobbs Memorial Match between the East Midlands and the Barbarians."

MONYPENNY, M.C. Phillips Burney Sterndale Gybbon
[Many variations of all names transcribed in archive documents] (1913-14), Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached to 1st Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action Friday 28 June 1918, in Nord, France. Aged 20. Born 29 April 1898. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.) [London Gazette 1 January 1918]. Embarked France 28 August 1916. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, at school with his three brothers, born Bengal, India, resident with his aunt at 2 Burnaby Road, Bedford. Buried in THIENNES BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Row D. Grave 1.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1923:

GYBBON-MONYPENNY Phillips Burney Sterndale of 5/74 Kensington-gardens Square Middlesex died 28 June 1918 in France Administration London 12 October to Herbert d'Arblay Gybbon-Monypenny teaplanter. Effects £161 17s. 3d.

MOUAT-BIGGS John Alborough
(1903-11), Captain, 3rd Battalion attached to 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 22 March 1918, at Clary, Nord, France as a German Prisoner of War. Aged 22. Born 15 February 1894 in Bideford, Devon. Son of Mrs. L. B. Mouat-Biggs, of 28, Pickwick Rd., Dulwich Village, London. Buried in HONNECHY BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 29.
MULLER Carl Wihelm Albert
[Charles William Albert]
(1907-12), [Note the two sets of names one in English] Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 5th October 1916. Aged 19. Born 7 February 1897. Son of Frederick Charles Theophilus and Priscilla Muller, of Eastern Bengal Railways, Kanchrapara, Bengal, India. In the 1911 census he is aged 14, at school, born Bangalore, India, resident with his mother, Priscilla, and his siblings, at 132 Foster Hill Road Bedford. Buried in VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row E. Grave 12. See also Bedford St Peters.
NORTH, M.C. Neville Marriott
(1905-07), Captain, 5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action Monday 27 May 1918. Aged 28. Born 18 February 1891. Son of Frances North, of 5, Goldington Avenue, Bedford. and the late Harry North. No known grave. Commemorated on SOISSONS MEMORIAL, Aisne, France. In the 1901 cenus he was aged 10, born Kimberley, South Africa, living with his aunt at Ash Grove, Woodhouse Christchurch, Yorkshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Cape Colony, a Civil Engineering Student, boarding at The Scale, Barden Via Bolton Abbey, Skipton, Yorkshire. The records exist for him as a Civil Engineer Records, 15001-15200 (1916 April - 1917 April) specifically 10 November 1916 when he is listed as living at 2 Chillingham Road N, Heaton, Newcastle-On-Tyne. See also Bedford St Paul's

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1919:

NORTH Neville Marriott of 5 Goldington-avenue Bedford captain 5th Northumberland Fusiliers died 27 May 1918 in France killed in action Administration (limited) Northampton 15 November to Frances North (wife of Harry North) attorney of the said Harry North.
Effects £661 15s.11d.

ODELL, M.M. Percy John
(1895-96), Private 33035, 5th Battalion [CWGC] or 6th Battalion [SDGW], Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action Monday 9 October 1916, in Pas de Calais, France. Born 28 June 1879 and baptised 23 July 1879 in Newport Pagnell, enlisted Aylesbury, resident Newport Pagnell. Son of John and Elizabeth Annie Odell, of High St., Newport Pagnell, Bucks. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). In the 1881 census he was aged 1, born Newport Pagnell, resident with his parents at 14, St John Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1891 census he was aged 11, resident with his parents in High Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 31, born Newport Pagnell, an Ironmongers Assistant, resident with his parents at 13 High Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Buried in BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row K. Grave 5. See also Newport Pagnell

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1917:

ODELL Percy John of Blair House Newport Pagnell Buckinghamshire corporal in H.M. Army died between 6 and 9 October 1916 in France on active service Probate London 1 February to John Odell and Reginald Thomas Odell ironmongers. Effects £701 0s. 1d.

OLIVER Egbert Conrad
(1900-04), Lieutenant, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Missing, later reported killed in action Monday 5 February 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 29. Born 13 October 1887 and baptised 4 December 1887 in Bombay, India. Son of Norman Robert Dicey Oliver and Egbertha Sophia Margaret Oliver (now Mrs. Wilson), of Campbell St., Fort Beaufort, South Africa. In the 1901 census he was a ward, aged 13, at B.M.S. Boarding House, 16, Chancer Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 23, single, born Goa, Portuguese India, Assistant Paymaster, on board H.M.S. Albermarle, docked at Portland, Weymouth, Dorset. Commissioned a Temporary Lieutenant Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 25 October 1915 ; with Anson Battalion at Blanford 10 May 1916; with draft for British Expeditionary Force 2 September 1916, joined Hood Battalion 7 September 1916. His aunt, Mrs Mary Alice Biscoe, was listed as resident Merton, Bath Road, Camberley. Religious denomination Church of England. Buried in QUEENS CEMETERY, BUCQUOY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row G. Grave 10.
OWEN Thomas

(1902-10), Private G/49, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died in United Kingdom Sunday 30 May 1915. Born Bedford, enlisted Horsham. Son of William and Annie Owen of Bedford. Buried in BEDFORD CEMETERY, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire. Plot/Row/Section/Area K/3. Grave 170.

[Note: There are several Thomas Owen in Bedford at that time and is has been dififcult to determine any further details for this man]

PARR Denis Fillingham
(1908-13), Second Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Killed in action Friday 7 July 1916, on the Somme. Aged 19. Born 3 February 1897, baptised 17 April 1897 at St. James, Nottingham. Son of George and Alice Mary Parr, of Cliff House, The Park, Nottingham; brother of Edgar (below). In 1901 he was aged 4, resident with his parents at Cliff House, Lenton Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A. See also Notts. Amateur C.C. Memorial

EXtract from Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 15 July 1916:

MISSING.

Second-Lieutenant D. F. Parr.

Mr. George Parr, of Cliff House, Lenton-road, The Park, has received information that his youngest son, Second-Lieutenant Dennis Fillingham Parr, of the Sherwood Foresters, has been missing since July 7th. Educated at Bedford Modern School, and subsequently articled to a solicitor, he volunteered for service when 17 years of age, and received a commission in the Sherwoods in August, 1914. He proceeded to the front about two months ago.

PARR Edgar Bryan
(1906-09), Second Lieutenant, 11th Battalion, Prince Of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment). Died of wounds Saturday 21 October 1916, on the Somme. Aged 24. Born 29 July 1892, baptised 12 October 1892 at St. James, Nottingham. Son of George Parr, of Cliff House, The Park, Nottingham, and the late Alice Mary Parr; brother of Denis (above). In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Nottingham, a Student Practical Engineering, resident with his parents at 33 Lenton Road, the Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. In 1901 he was aged 8, resident with his parents at Cliff House, Lenton Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. Buried in DARTMOOR CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT, Somme, France. Plot II. Row E. Grave 11.
PARSONS Edward Osmond
(1905-10), Petty Officer Motor Mechanic F/3129, Armoured Car Division (Dardanelles), Royal Naval Air Service. Died on board "Dundee Castle" from dysentery and septic fingers Sunday 10 October 1915, in the Mediteranean. Aged 23. Born 22 September 1892 at Emberton, Newport Pagnell, baptised 20 November 1892 at Emberton, Buckinghamshire. Son of William and Mary Parsons, of Emberton, Olney, Bucks. Formerly a school teacher. Enlisted 18 January 1915 for the duration of hostilities, height 5 feet 7 inches, chest 34 inches, brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, a school boy, born Emberton, resident with his parents at Front Street, Emberton, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Buried in PIETA MILITARY CEMETERY, Malta. Plot A. Row XIII. Grave 3. See also Emberton and Wolverton John Radcliffe School
PAUL Edgar Newton
(1903-05), Captain, 6th Battalion attached to 12th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action Friday 28 December 1917, in Belgium. Born 9 January 1891. Son of James Adkins Paul, of 30 Avenue Du Bel Air, Colombes, Seine, France. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 115 to 119 and 162A and 163A.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1918:

PAUL Edgar Newton of 129 Rue Victor Hugo Colombes Seine France died 28 December 1917 in Flanders Administration London 31 August to James Adkins Paul shipping agent. Effects £192 9s. 5d.

PAUL Herbert James
(1906-10), Second Lieutenant, 12th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action Tuesday 20 November 1917, in Nord, France. Aged 19. Born 20 October 1898 in St. Neots, Huntingdonshire, enlisted Peterborough, resident Huntingdonshire. Son of James Adkins Paul and Ada Catherine Paul, of 7, Rue Marechal Gallieni, Houille, Seine et Oise, France. In the 1911 census he was a baorder, aged 12, born France, at school, resident Oxon Headmaster, Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 9.
PENTELOW Frank
(1903-04), Private 959, "B" Squadron, Northamptonshire Yeomanry. Killed in action Friday 5 February 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 26. Born 22 November 1889. Son of the late William and Annie Pentelow, of Huntingdon. His brother Sidney Victor Pentelow also fell. In the 1891 census he was aged 1, resident with his father in Market Square, St Neots, Huntingdonshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 11, born St. neots, Huntingdonshire, resident with his parents at 66, High Street, Huntingdon St John, Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 21, a butcher, born St. Neots, boarding at 31 Richmond Road, Paddington, London. Buried in VIEILLE-CHAPELLE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, LACOUTURE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row A. Grave 8. See also Huntingdon All Saints and Huntingdon Town Hall
PETTIT William Henry

(1907-10), Private 5807, 3rd/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Born 23 April 1895 in Newport Pagnell, Bucks, enlisted Bletchley, Bucks, resident Newport Pagnell, Bucks. Died Friday 28 April 1916, in Sherington, Buckinghamshire. Aged 21. Son of Richard and Kate Pettit, of The Walnuts, Newport Pagnell. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Newport Pagnell, resident with his parents at 5, High Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Buried in the south-west part of SHERINGTON (ST. LAUD) CHURCHYARD, Buckinghamshire. See also Newport Pagnell

PHILBRICK Bertie Raymond
(1890-92), Captain, 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died Saturday 9 September 1916, in Belgium. Born 23 February 1874 in Devynock, Breconshire, Wales. Husband of Lillie R. Philbrick, of 8, Bellevue Court, Oak Bay, Victoria, British Columbia. Before enlisting he was a Civil Servant. Enlisted and passed fit 1 February 1915 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, married, resident 2932 Robinson Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, aged 40 years 11 months, height 5 feet 11¼ inches, chest 43 inches, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair, religious denomination Church of England. Buried in RIDGE WOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row K. Grave 1. National Archives of Canadan Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7786 - 35
PHILBRICK Edward Hooper
(1890-98), Lieutenant, 395th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Died Wednesday 6 November 1918, in Essex. Born 1880 in Swansea, Glamorganshire, Wales. He was the son of Thomas Philbrick, a Contractors Agent, born 1844 in Reading, Berkshire, and his wife Isabel, born 1850 in Cahore, Punjab, India. Edward Hooper was born in 1880 in Swansea, Glamorganshire Wales. He had three siblings, Llewellyn, born 1872 in Reading Berkshire, Bertie Raymond, born 1874 at Devynock, Breconshire, Wales, Charlotte, born 1878 in Morrieton, Glamorganshire, Wales. At the time of the 1881 Census the family were resident at 5, Tubs Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent. In the 1891 Census Thomas, was still shown as a Contarctor, but now lived without his family as a Boarder at 25, Earl Howe Street, Leicester. In the 1901 Census Thomas, is now shown as a Contractor for Public Works, resident with his two sons Bertie Raymond and Edward Hooper both shown as Assistant Contractors, living at 19, Lincoln Street, Leicester. On the 31st January 1920 the Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester published a Roll of Honour in which Edward is shown to have been a pupil at the school between the years 1889 and 1890. Edward Hooper died of pneumonia in Shoeburyness Military Hospital, Essex. His brother Bertie Raymond was killed in action in Belgium.Buried in SOUTH SHOEBURY (ST. ANDREW) CHURCHYARD, Essex.
PHILPOT Francis Edward
(1906-07), Private 2850, 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 9 May 1915. Born 24 November 1891 in Jersey, Channel Islands, enlisted Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born St. Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands, resident with his parents George Edward and Jane Philpot at Mebtary Arsenal, St Mary, Jersey, Channel Islands. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born St Melades, Jersey Channel, Islands, an Insurance Agent, resident with his widowed mother (a publican), at Red Lion, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire. On 18 January 1914, aged 22, he married Eva Ida Andrews at Thurleigh. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 34. See also Thurleigh
PHIPPS George Alfred
(1890-98), Lieutenant, Royal Sussex Regiment †.. His Service record is in the National Achives - WO 339 - Officers' Services, First World War, Regular Army And Emergency Reserve Officers - cannot locate him as a fallen soldier. Can find no other matching information.
POLLARD Alfred Gordon
(1896-1904), Second Lieutenant, 9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion (Territorial), Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders). Killed in action 16th May 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 27. Born 20 June 1889 in Buckingham. Son of Herbert and Amelia Eliza Pollard, of 8, Woburn Rd., Bedford; brother of George Herbert Pollard (below). In the 1891 census he was aged 1, born Buckingham, resident with his parents in Bridge Street, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 11, born Buckingham, resident with his parents at 49, Cauldwell Street, Bedford. Buried in BROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 24. See also Bedford St Marys
POLLARD George Herbert
(1896-02), Second Lieutenant, 9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion (Territorial), Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) attached Royal Flying Corps. Died of wounds in German hands Thursday 7 June 1917. Born 6 October 1887 in Buckingham. Son of Herbert and Amelia Eliza Pollard, of 8, Woburn Rd., Bedford; brother of Alfred Gordon Pollard (above). In the 1891 census he was aged 3, born Buckingham, resident with his parents in Bridge Street, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. Buried in HARLEBEKE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Harelbeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XIV. Row A. Grave 1. See also Bedford St Marys
PONTING Daniel
(1896-02), Air Mechanic 2nd Class 7350, Royal Flying Corps. Presumed Prisoner of War 30 May 1916. Died on march from Kut-el-Amara Friday 1 June 1917, in the Middle East. Born 16 April 1886 in Plymouth, Devon, baptised 5 May 1886 at St Andrew, Plymouth, Devon. Son of Daniel and Miriam Howard Ponting, of 212, Footscray Rd., New Eltham, London. Electrical Engineer. Attested 5 August 1915, aged 29 years 3 months, address given as 12 College Houses, New Eltham, Kent height 5 feet 91/10 inches, chester 36 inches. In the 1901 census he was aged 14, born Plymouth, Devon, a schoolboy, resident with his parents at Amhurstis, Hurst Grove, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 25, born Devon, unmarried, Electrical And Mechanical Engineer, resident with his widowed mother at 25 Grafton Road, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq. Panel 6 and 61. See also Bedford All Saints
PRENTICE Howard
(1908-13), Private G/8871, 11th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action Friday 30 November 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 22. Born 23 October 1895 in Bedford, enlisted London, resident North London. Son of Walter and Louisa Alice Prentice, of 50, Hurst Grove, Bedford. In the 1901 census he as aged 5, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 50, Hurst Grove South, Bedford. In the 1911 census he as aged 15, born Bedford, at school, resident with his parents at 50, Hurst Grove, Bedford. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 9. Also commemorated on his brother’s grave at Bedford Cemetery Bedfordshire. Grave L. 140. See also Bedford All Saints and also Bedford Cemetery.
PROCTOR Claud Ambrose
(1898-1900), Private 103163, 102nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died of shrapnel wounds to the legs at No. 22 Vasualty Clearing Station 10 August 1917, at Ypres. Born 1 July 1890 [NAC state different] at Knebworth, Hertfordshire. Son of Mrs. Florence Cecilia Proctor, of 7, Leighton Mansions, Queens Club Garden, Kensington, London W. Attended Bedford Grammar School 1903. Attested 16 October 1915 at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, aged 24, Carpenter by trade, height 5 feet 9 inches, chest 37½ inches, medium complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, religious denomination Church of England, resident Tender Island, british Columbia, Canada. In the 1891 census he was aged under one year, son of Franjk and Florence Proctor, resident Caxton Villa, Park Road, Knebworth, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. In the 1901 census he was a boarder, aged 10, school boy, born Knebworth, resident St. Cuthbert's College, Boy's School, Sparken Hill, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters & Joiners, aged 20 years 1 month, born 1890, admitted to union 27 July 1910, union branch Vancouver 2, British Columbia, Canada, he had spent 4 years in the trade. Buried in BRUAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Row H. Grave 21. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7997 - 43
RICKETTS James Vincent
(1901-03), Born 15 August 1887. Son of Duncan Ricketts. Further investigation required.
ROBERTS Algernon Bruce
(1904-06), Guardsman 22596, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action Monday 25 September 1916, on the Somme. Aged 25. Born and enlisted Manchester. Son of Ephraim John and Sarah Jane Roberts, of Meppershall, Shefford, Bedfordshire. IN the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Meppershall, Bedfordshire, an Apprentice Etching & Process Engraving, resident with his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah Jane and Abraham Barnes, at 11 Sumac Street, Clayton, Manchester. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 D. Further investigation required.
ROBINSON James Allan
(1912-14), Private 66413 - subsequently renumbered 104708, 1st/6th Battalion (Territorial), Northumberland Fusiliers. Died Thursday 11 April 1918, in Belgium probably at Estaires; he took a colleague to a dressing station, walked out and was never seen again. Born 3 May 1899 Born 3rd May 1899 at Carshalton, Surrey 7th child of John William Bird Robinson and Annie Sewell Joyce (5 siblings born at West End Farm, Kempston), enlisted Harrow, Middlesex. Also educated at Pavenham Church of England / Lower School, Pavenham, Bedfordshire (1902-08) and Stevington British/Lower School (1909). In the 1901 census he was aged 1, born Sutton, Surrey, resident with his parents in West Cottage, Main Street, Pavenham, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 2. See also Pavenham
ROBSON Edgar
(1892-95), Captain, 1st Battalion attached to 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. Died Thursday 3 December 1917, in Nord, France. Aged 36. Son of John Stephenson Robson and Mary Robson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. In the 1911 census he was an Army Officer (captain), 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, aged 31, born Newcastle on Tyne Northumberland, single, based at Napier Barracks, Lahore, India. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY, NORD, Nord, France. Plot D. Row 2. Grave 2.
ROLFE William Lionel Steward
(1908-14), Lance Corporal 67633, 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died of wounds Monday 9 September 1918. Aged 20. Born 1 March 1898, resident and enlisted Bedford. Son of Mr. & Mrs. William Ed. Rolfe of Cranfield, Beds Formerly 32077 Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Section R. Plot II. Row H. Grave 3. See also Bromham Road Methodist Church
ROSE, MC Algernon Winter
(1893-00), Captain, Royal Air Force and Essex Yeomanry. Died in Hermitage R.A.F. Hospital, Hastings Tuesday 29 October 1918. Aged 36. Born Hastings, Sussex. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Rose; husband of Winifred Mitchell Ellis (formerly Rose)(nee Mitchell), of Bedford House, Chiswick, London, married 1913 in St. George, Hanover Square, London. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.), "2nd Lt. Algernon Winter Rose, Yeo. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He maintained communication by despatch riders when his signalling equipment had been destroyed by shell fire. Although wounded he worked continuously, showing great courage and determination." [London Gazette 18 June 1917] In the 1911 census he is aged 28, born Cambridge, an Architect, unmarried, visiting at Millfields House, South Weald, Essex. Address on Service record was 25 Montpelier Square, Knightsbridge, London S.W.7. Buried in QUENDON CHURCHYARD, Essex.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1919:

ROSE Algernon Winter of 54 Bedford-gardens Kensington Middlesex died 29 October 1918 at Hermitage R.A.F. Hospital Hastings Probate London 2 April to Winifred Hadley Rose widow. Effects £5679 2s. 10d.

ROSHER John Henry
(1900-05), Lance Corporal 1128, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 20 March 1915 in the trenches at St. Eloi. Aged 24. Son of Mr. Walter J. and Mrs. Marionne W. Rosher, of 37, Weston Park, Crouch End, London, formerly of St. Cuthbert's Street, Bedford. Native of Bedford. Born 10/12 June 1890 in London. Civil Engineer. Passed fit 21 August 1914 and attested in Ottowa 25 August 1914, aged 24 years 2 months, height 5 feet 10 inches, chest 40 inches, fair complexion, grey eyes, brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born London, resident with his parents at 13, St Michaels Road, Bedford. Buried in VOORMEZEELE ENCLOSURE NO.3, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row K. Grave 6. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 8464 - 64
SAUNDERS, MC Reginald Arthur
(1908-09), Captain, 1st Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action Tuesday 14 March 1916, in Belgium. Aged 21. Born 19 March 1894 in LOndon, baptised 17 Juned 1894 at Tufnell Park St George, Islington. Son of Arthur and Annie Saunders, of 10, Regent's Park Rd., Gloucester Gate, London. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Islington, Middlesex, resident with his parents at 4, Huddleston Road, Islington, London. In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Islington, London, a Clerk, resident with his parents at 10 Regent's Park Road, St Pancras, London. Passed his Royal Aero Club Certificate 16 April 1915 in a Maurice Farman Biplane at Military School, Shoreham. Buried in LA CLYTTE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row A. Grave 17.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1916:

SAUNDERS Reginald Arthur of 10 Regents Park-road Middlesex captain attached Royal Flying Corps died 14 March 1916 in France on active service Administration London 28 June to Arthur Saunders assistant town clerk. Effects £210 6s. 4d.

SEDGWICK Arthur Edward
(1902-06), Captain, 5th Battalion (London Rifle Brigade) The London Regiment (Territorial Force). Wounded while leading his company in an attack on Leuze Wood near Combles on 10 September 1916 and died in the Field Ambulance on the following day, Sunday 11 September 1916. Aged 25. Second son of William George Sedgwick, of Byfield, a draper, by his second wife Jane, daughter of William Thompson, of Eydon ; and brother to Private H Sedgwick (q.c.) (below); born Byfield, Northants, 26th October 1891. In 1901 he was aged 9, born Byfield, Northamptonshire, resident with his parents, William G and Jane Sedgwick, in Main Street, Byfield, Daventry, Northamptonshire. Buried in LA NEUVILLE BRITISH CEMETERY, CORBIE, Somme, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 7.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 2, Page 271, the following:

SEDGWICK, ARTHUR EDWARD, Capt., 5th Battn. (London Rifle Brigade) The London Regt. (T.F.), 2nd s. of William George Sedgwick, of Byfield, Draper, by his wife, Jane, dau. of William Thompson, of Eydon ; and brother to Private H. Sedgwick (q.v.); b. Byfield, co. Northampton, 26 Oct. 1891 ; educ. Bedford Modern School, and was afterwards employed as a Warehouseman with Messrs. Cook, Son et Co., St. Paul's Churchyard ; joined the London Rifle Brigade in 1910 ; volunteered for foreign service on the outbreak of war in Aug. 1914 ; obtained a commission as 2nd Lieut. 26 Feb. 1915 ; was promoted Lieut. 1 Feb. 1916, and Capt. Aug. following ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Nov. 1914 ; spent most of the winter of 1914-15 at Ploegsteert ; was wounded and gassed 2 May, 1915, while the regiment was holding trenches at Ypres, where they had relieved the Canadians after the first gas attack by the Germans ; went back to France in Aug. 1916, and was again wounded while leading his company in an attack on Leuze Wood near Combles on 10 Sept. 1916, and died in the Field Ambulance on the following day, Sunday. Buried at Corbie. His Colonel wrote : " Since he came to us in the 3rd Battn. he has been quite invaluable, and I got to know and appreciate his qualities more fully. He was a born soldier, and, beside that, a most charming comrade ; one does not often come across men like him. I have to mourn the loss of a very gallant friend," and his Major : " We all miss him terribly ; he was a most gallant and excellent officer, and I always knew that any duty or order entrusted to him would be carried out. He had a most charming personality and was universally popular with everyone." A brother officer also wrote : " After dark the night he was wounded, I was in my trench when I heard his familiar voice call my name, and I found him lying on a stretcher.• He knew that he would not live, but his thoughts were not for himself at all, but only for the regiment and for those of us still left unharmed." He was a first-class cricketer and tennis player, being captain of the first tennis team at Messrs. Cook, Son & Co., and took part in the march to Brighton made by a company selected from the L.R.B. in the summer of 1914, when they broke the record for that distance, formerly held by the London Scottish ; unm.

SEDGWICK Harold

(1907-1909), Private 15584, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 27 September 1915, Pas de Calais. Born 4 March 1895 in Byfield, Northants, enlisted Northampton. Son of William George Sedgwick, of Byfield, a draper, by his second wife Jane, daughter of William Thompson, of Eydon ; and brother to Captain A. E. Sedgwick (q.c.) (above). In 1901 he was aged 6, born Byfield, Northamptonshire, resident with his parents, William G and Jane Sedgwick, in Main Street, Byfield, Daventry, Northamptonshire. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 91 to 93.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 2, Page 271, the following:

SEDGWICK, HAROLD, Private, No. 15584, D Company, 7th (Service) Battn. The Northamptonshire Regt., 4th s. of William George Sedgwick, of Byfield, Draper, by his wife, Jane, dau. of William Thompson, of Eydon ; and brother to Capt. A. E. Sedgwick (q.v.); b. Byfield, co. Northampton, 4 March, 1895 ; educ. Bedford Modern School, and Alderman Newton's, Leicester, where he passed the Senior Oxford Examination, and was one of the head boys, being captain of the cricket XI. ; was employed in the Counting House at Messrs. Hitchcock, Williams R Co., St. Paul's Churchyard, for about a year, then obtained a berth in the Northampton branch of Messrs. Lloyd's Bank ; joined the 7th Northants in Sept. 1914, to which Battn. the 200 men recruited by E. R. Mobbs, the County Footballer, were attached as D Company, ; went to France in Aug. 1915 ; was reported wounded and missing after the fighting at Loos 27 Sept. following, and is now assumed to have been killed in action on that date. His Captain wrote : " I am sorry to say that your son is missing. I think a lot of 16 Platoon got cut off by the Germans, and I expect taken prisoners. I hope he is safe. He was such a good fellow in every way." Unm.

SETCHELL Alfred Knight
(1908-16), Second Lieutenant, 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died 21 March 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 20. Born 12 Feb 1898. Son of Alfred and Jessie Laura Setchell, of 16, Spenser Rd., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 3, resident with his parents at 136, Howbury Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 13, born Bedford, at school, resident with his parents at 136 Howbury Street, Bedford. Attested as 29967, Bedfordshire Regiment, aged 18 years 4 months, resident 21 Spencer Road, Bedford, June 1916, became Second Lieutenant, Norfolk Regiment 20 August 1917. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3. See also Bedford St Peters
SHELTON Kenneth
(1909-10), Lieutenant temporary Captain, Royal Flying Corps and 3rd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 14 February 1918. Born 5 July 1898, baptised 25 September 1898 in Bedford, resident Bedford, son of Thomas and Emma Shelton. When admitted to BMS he was resident 68 Harpur Street, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Bedford, resident with his parents, Thomas and Emma Shelton, at 46, Tavistock Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census his family had moved, he was aged 12, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 5 Sweyn Road Margate, Kent. Mentioned in despatches 20 May 1918. Buried in ROYE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot III. Row A. Grave 9. See also Bedford St Peters
SHOULER Edward James Battams
(1895-01), Lieutenant, HMS Viking, Royal Navy. Killed when lost with his ship off Dover Saturday 29 January 1916. Aged 29. Born 9 September 1885, baptised 20 August 1886 at Melton Mowbray. Son of John Brown Shouler and Isabel Mary Shouler, of Flitwick, Bedfordshire. Native of Melton Mowbray. Midshipman 14 October 1904, Acting Sub-Lieutenant 25 May 1908, Sub-Lieutenant 14 October 1910, Lieutenant 14 October 1912 - all in Royal Naval Reserve, re-enlisted 1 June 1914 as Lieutenant, Royal Navy. Resident Flitwick. In the 1911 census he was aged 25, unmarried, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, born Melton Mowbray, Leicestershiire, billeted in Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 11. See also Flitwick
SIMS Harry Ernest
(1904-09), [Listed as Harry Edward Sims on CWGC] Private 6987, Royal Army Medical Corps attached to 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action Friday 25 September 1914, in France. Born 22 February 1896 in St. Martins, Bedford, enlisted Bedford, entered France 13 August 1914. Son of John and Jane Simms, of 87 Stanley Street, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Bedford, resident with his parents, John and Jane Sims, at 87, Stanley Street, Bedford. In the 1911 censdus he was aged 15, born Bedford, a Student of Shorthand, visiting at Church End, Felmersham, Bedfordshire. In 1913 he was a Clerk in Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et-Marne, France. See also Bedford St Martin's
*SMITH Frederick John
(1906-10), Born 2 September 1893. possibly Second Lieutenant, London Regiment. Died 2 October 1916, Somme. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. This needs further investigation, the only man for the London Regiment with that name is a Private on CWGC.
*SMITH Frank Wareing

(1897-99), Born 16 December 1883, birth registered in Bedford 1st Quarter 1884. Son of Thomas Wareing and Clara Smith of Stevington; his father was a farmer. In the 1891 census he was aged 7, a schoolboy, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents at Farm House and Buildings, Silver Street, Stevington. possibly Sapper, Royal Engineers. Died 31 January 1915, Pas de Calais. Buried in Le Touret Military Cemetery. Needs further invstigation

SMITH George Lander
(1896-04), Lieutenant 13686, 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died Monday 29 May 1916, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 29. Born 29 November 1887. Son of George Thomas (a schoolmaster) and Ellen Smith, of Wassewa, Manitoba, formerly of 87 Goldington Road, Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 3, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents in Chaucer Road, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 13, born Bedford, resident with his parenst at 81, Goldington Road, Bedford. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row A. Grave 2. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9048 - 2.
SPILLER William John
(1913-15), Private G/52031, 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City Of London Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 14 April 1917, Pas de Calais. Born 7 April 1897 in Colyton, Devon, resident Ware, Hertfordshire, enlisted Bedford. Son of George John and Edith Bessie Spiller, of Southill, Bedfordshire. Formerly Private STK/2599, Royal Fusiliers. In the 1911 census he was aged 13, born Colyton, Devon, at school, resident with his parents at Dairy Farm, Southill Park, Southill, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3. See also Southill
STAFFORD Claude Charles

(1899-08), Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 13 October 1914, Pas de Calais. Aged 23. Born 29 November 1891 in Bedford. Son of Mrs. Florence Stafford, of Bedford, and the late Charles Calvert Stafford. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Bedford, an Auctioneer Pupil, resident with his parents, Charles Calvert and Florence Stafford, at 11, Bushmead Avenue, Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born bedford, resident with his parents at 83, St Johns Street, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France.

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice: Officers Died in the Great War 1914-1916:

2nd LIEUTENANT C. C. STAFFORD, RESERVE OF OFFICERS, att. 2nd BATTN, BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, was killed in action on the 13th October, 1914. He joined the Reserve of Officers in September, 1913.

STEELE Robert Henry Lewis
(1891-94), Sergeant TF/291027, 1st/7th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 29 March 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 35. Born 16 April 1883. Resident Shepherd's Bush, Middlesex, resident Ravenscourt Park, Middlesex. Son of Robert R. and Caroline Steele; husband of Lucy Emily Steele, of "Raewood," Baring Rd., Lee, London, married at Staines 16 April 1915, one son, Robert, born 21 July 1917. Formerly served in the Royal Marine Light Infantry under a pseudonym of Robert Henry from 7 May 1899, purchased his discharge 13 July 1904. Buried in AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 41.
STEWART Gerald
(1906-09), Captain, 1st/6th (Morayshire) Battalion (Territorial), Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's). Killed in action Monday 9 April 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 25. Born 14 Feb 1892 in Weston Underwood. Son of William Stephen and Marjory Stewart, of Weston Underwood, Olney, Bucks; brother of Weston (below). In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire, resident with his parents in High Street, Weston Underwood, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Weston Underwood, a Farmer's Son Working On Farm, resident with his sister, Elsbeth, at Peasants Nest, Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire. Buried in MAROEUIL BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 12. See also Weston Underwood

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, Page 263, the following:

STEWART, GERALD, 2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.), 1/6th (Territorial) Battn. The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's). 3rd s. of William Stephen Stewart, of Weston Underwood, by his wife, Marjory, dam of William Robertson ; b. Weston Underwood, Co. Buckingham, 14 Feb. 1892 ; educ. Bedford Modern School: was engaged In farming ; joined the Bedfordshire Yeomanry 9 Sept,. 1914 ; obtained a commission, and was gazetted 2nd Lieut. Seaforth Highlanders 20 March, 1915; promoted Temp. Capt. 15 Nov. 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 1 July, 1916, and was killed in action at the Battle of Arras 9 April, 1917. Buried in the British Military Cemetery, Maroeuil, near Arras. His Commanding Officer, lieut.-Col. MacDonald, wrote " Lieut. Stewart was in command of his company in the battle, and right well did he lead and inspire his men. Wherever there was a dangerous situation be faced, he was there setting a fine example to his men. He showed all the finest qualities of a British officer, and we in the battalion all are proud of him." Unm.

STEWART Weston
(1905-07), Captain, 1st/4th (Ross Highland) Battalion (Territorial) attached to 1st/6th (Morayshire) Battalion (Territorial), Seaforth Highlanders. Died of wounds in German hands Wednesday 27 March 1918. Aged 24. Born 27 May 1893 in Weston Underwood. Son of William Stephen and Marjory Stewart, of Weston Underwood; brother of Gerald (above). In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire, resident with his parents in High Street, Weston Underwood, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Weston Underwood, a Farmer's Son Working On Farm, resident with his parents at The Grange Farm, Weston, Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire. Buried in BEAULENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, LIGNY-THILLOY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 7. See also Weston Underwood
STIMSON Frank Molyneux
(1910-12), Private 203356, 9th Battalion, King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry). Killed in action Wednesday 23 October 1918, in Nord, France. Aged 23. Born 20 October 1895 in Wressell, Howden, Yorks, baptised 15 January 1896 at Wresell, enlisted Hull. Son of Frank and Frances M. Stimson, of Station Rd., Flitwick, Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Formerly 1803, East Riding Yorkshire Yeomanry. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Wressle (sic), visiting with his mother at 85, Plane Street, Sculcoates, Yorkshire. On 5 October 1912 he was at the County Agricultural Institute, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire. Buried in ROMERIES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot VI. Row E. Grave 15.
STODDART Frederick William

(1887-89), Captain, 1st Battalion, Duke Of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment). Killed in action Tuesday 27 October 1914, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 39. Son of Col. William Stoddart (Madras Stafl Corps); husband of Marguerite Fanny Stoddart (nee Williams), of 35, Queen's Gardens, Ealing, London, married 1905 in the Brentford Registration District. Also served with the Wiltshire Regt. in China during the Boxer Rising. Awarded Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. In the 1911 census he was aged 39 [note age difference at death], born Stoehill, Suffolk, Captain in the Army (Regulars), married to Marguerite Fanny Stoddart, resident 44 Coleshill Terrace, Llanelly (sic), South Wales. [No BMS record available] No known grave. Commemorated onLE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 33 and 34.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, Page 199, the following:

STODDART, FREDERICK WILLIAM, Capt., 1st Battn. (62nd Foot) The Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regt.), eldest s. of the late Colonel W. Stoddart, of Bedford, Madras Staff Corps ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders, and was killed in action near Neuve Chapelle 27 Oct. 1914.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1916:

STODDART Frederick William of 5 Staff Colony Hut Tidworth Hampshire died 27 October 1914 in action abroad Administration (with Will) London 5 December to Marguerite Fanny Stoddart widow.
Effects 138 5s. 5d.

SWAFFIELD Hugh

(1895-96), Sapper 154494 , Royal Engineers. Born in Ampthill 25 January 1879. Son of Henry Richard James Swaffield, head of the well-known Ampthill auctioneers Swaffield & Co.; his brother Richard Nash Swaffield attended Bedford Modern School 1895-1897. After a year of active service he was discharged on 29 March 1918 as medically unfit for duty. he spent time in the County of Middlesex War Hospital, Napsbury, and was diagnosed with “general paralysis of insane”. Previously served in the West Yorkshire Regiment and saw action in Africa 1891/1900. His death notice in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph (no local announcement?) notes he died after a long illness resulting from shell shock. His death was registered in Biggleswade which includes Arlesey probably dying in the 3 Counties Asylum. Buried 16 September 1917 in BEDFORD CEMETERY, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. See also Ampthill St Andrew

Served in the South African War 1899-1902. This letter was sent while he served in South Africa, dated 14th Febreuary 1901, it is rather poignant. Hugh is asking his parents views on his trying to get passed medically fit to go out to fight in South Africa. '...I did not rush into it like a bull or with my eyes shut either I seriously thought the matter over before I wrote to mother on the first occasion. To start with you know that I've always been as keen as mustard on this sort of thing...I heard the captain of our Battalion say the other night to the Captain of my company when they were discussing me that I being in an Architects office was the very man they wanted...I had a talk for hours with Turnell...he said it was not his place to say I was not to go...We...went down to headquater last evening to drill & had a huge crowd cheering & making a din for about 11/2 hours, as far as I know at present we shall go to Chatham in about a week...We have not sworn in yet as we have to undergo another medical examination...I had a letter from Ben Harrison this morning who has been out there about 14 months & he seems to be having a grand time although of course rough. Young Iack who is living with me is going to try & get passed into the Yeomany either tomorrow or Saturday...I feel as happy as a kid with a new toy & if I get a decent letter from Father in his own hand writing I shall be doubly so...shall stick to work as long as possible. We are going to have a lot of drill at nights this next week & some rifle shooting on some of the afternoons'

SYMONDS Bertram Oliver
(1905-09), Second Lieutenant, 34th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action Wednesday 21 August 1918, in Belgium. Aged 24. Born 19 December 1893. Son of G. F. and E. M. Symonds, of 1, Cutcliffe Place, Bedford. Formerly Private 817/47769, Bedford Yeomanry. Buried in VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XIV. Row G. Grave 5. See also Bedford All Saints
TAYLOR Albert Alexander
(1908-09), Private 851, 1st/1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Killed in action Saturday 12 February 1916. Aged 21. Born 19 May 1894, and resident, Clifton, enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Francis Albert and Eleanor Annie Taylor, of Clifton; husband of Winifred Taylor, of Bakery, Clifton. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Clifton, a Baker Working At Home, resident with his parents in Central Street, Clifton, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Buried in VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row M. Grave 9. Also commemorated on Clifton War Memorial and Bedfordshire Yeomanry War Memorial

Extract from National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918 - Section V - Luton

TAYLOR, A. A., Trooper, Bedfordshire Lancers.

He was mobilised from the Army Reserve in August 1914, and in the following June embarked for France. He was eagaged with his unit on important duties in various sectors and fought in the Battles of Loos, St. Eloi and other operations. He was killed in action in the vicinity of Loos on February 12th, 1916, and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals.

Home Farm, Clifton, Shefford.

 

Z3028/B.

TAYLOR Gordon Annesley
(1884-91), Captain, 1st Battalion, Prince Of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians). Killed in action Sunday 14 February 1915, at Ypres. Aged 40. Born 22 June 1874 Thana, Bombay, India. Husband of Antoinette Geraldine Taylor (nee Dare), c/o 9A, Sackville St., Piccadilly, London, married 1902 in Hastings, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 36, married, born Thana, Bombay, India, based with the military as a Captain, 1st Battalion, Leinster Regiment at Jullundur, Punjab, India. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 44.
TAYLOR Lancelot Fredrick
(1887), Master, "Westminster" (London), Mercantile Marine (Royal Naval Reserve Retired). Killed at sea Thursday 14 December 1916, when his ship was sunk by an enemy submarine. Aged 43. Born 23 April 1873 in Wells-Next-the-Sea, baptised 29 May 1973 at Wells Next the Sea, son of Frederick Eyres and Nancy Violet Taylor. His last address was listed as Roseband, South Woodford, Essex. Was originally a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve 27 March 1903, then Lieutenant 8 April 1909. In the 1891 census he was aged 17, born Norfolk, a Sailor Merchant Service, resident with his widowed mother in The Grove, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1917:

TAYLOR Lancelot Frederick of Ivyholm Buckingham-road South Woodford Essex lieutenant R.N.R. died 14 December 1916 at sea Probate London 27 April to Charles William Waters and John Baptist Nino esquires.
Effects £2749 9s. 6d.

THOMPSON Frederic George
(1897-05), Temporary 2nd Lieutenant, 7th Battalion attached 6th, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday [SDGW states 10th] 11th April 1917. Aged 28. Born 24 Sep 1888 and baptised 17 October 1888 in Bedford. Son of Louisa Sarah Thompson, of 79, Castle Rd., Bedford, and the late Frederic Thompson. In the 1911 census he was aged 22, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 80, High Street, Bedford. In the 1891 census he was aged 2, born Bedfordshire, resident with his parents in High Street, Bedford. Employed by Barclays Bank, Luton. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5. See also Bedford St. Paul's and Luton
THOMPSON Philip Aloysius Xavier Murray
(1903-5), Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached to 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Killed in action Saturday 21 August 1915. Born 24 January 1889. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including at Gallipoli). Panel 98 to 102.
THOMSON Frank Palmer
(1902-10), [Listed as THOMPSON on SDGW] Lance Corporal 203945, 3rd/4th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 7 July 1917, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 23. Born 27 April 1894 in Bedford, enlisted Bedford. Son of Alfred Palmer and Alice Kate Thomson, of Holly Croft, Flitwick, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 39, Castle Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Bedford, a Butcher, resident with his parents at 54, Castle Road, Bedford. Buried in SUNKEN ROAD CEMETERY, FAMPOUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 3.
THOMSON Wardlaw Ivor
(1911-14), Second Lieutenant, 27th Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and General List (on probation). Killed in an aero accident Wednesday 6 June 1917, death registered in Fareham, Hampshire. Aged 19. Born 18 August 1897. Only son of Mrs. M. Ethel Thomson and the late W. B. Thomson, of Wynberg, Cape Town. Became 2nd Lieutenant on Probation 10 May 1917 [London Gazette 29 May 1917, page 5309] Buried in CAMBERWELL OLD CEMETERY, Camberwell, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London. Plot 69. Grave 17172.
TRAPP Andrew
(1910-13), Lieutenant, 41st Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action Tuesday 23 April 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 23. Born 3 November 1895 in Moscow, Russia. Son of Charles John and Olga Trapp, of Bushmead, St. Neots, Hunts. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, a Russian Resident, a Boarder at Bedford Modern School, boarding at 97, Ashburnham Road, Bedford. Buried in ANZIN-ST. AUBIN BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 1.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1918:

TRAPP Andrew of Bushmead Eaton Socon Bedfordshire lieutenant R.F.A. died 23 April 1918 in France Administration Northampton 2 August to Charles John Trapp gentleman. Effects £192 13s. 9d.

TREVOR-ROPER Charles Cadwaladr
(1895-1900), Captain, 8th (Isle of Wight Rifles) Battalion attached to 14th (Service) Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Born 9 February 1884, baptised 27 March 1884 in Mold, Flintshire. Died of wounds Friday 3 August 1917, at Ypres. Aged 33. Son of George Edward and Harriett Trevor-Roper, of Mold, Flintshire; husband of Gertrude Alice Trevor Roper, of Plas Teg, Mold, Flintshire. His son Richard Dacre Trevor-Roper, DFC., DFM. fell in the 1939-1945 War. Buried in DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row A. Grave 30.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, Page 172, the following:

TREVOR-ROPER, CHARLES CADWALADR, of Plas Teg, FlintShire, Capt., 8th (Territorial), attd. 14th (Service), Battn. The Hampshire Regt., elder s. of the late George Edward Trevor-Roper, of Rhual Isa, Mold, by his wife, Harriette (Donnlngton Square, Newbury), dau. of Richard Trevor-Roper ; and brother to Private Geoffrey Trevor-Roper (q.v.); b. Mold, co. Flint, 9 Feb. 1884. in 1901 he succeeded to the Plas Teg Estate on the death of his uncle, Colonel Charles James Trevor-Roper ; educ. Bedford, and at Clare College, Cambridge ; was a Student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Gower Street; played in London under H. B. Irving, with whose company he went on tour to Australia in 1911. He was formerly a Lieut. in the Royal Welch Fusiliers ; gazetted Capt. 14 Dec. 1914 ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Sept. 1916, and died at an advanced dressing station 3 Aug. 1917, from wounds received in action at Ypres on the previous day. Buried in the Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Ypres. His Commanding Officer wrote : " He had done his duty nobly in the attack for three days under most trying conditions. He was popular with the whole brigade, and loved by the men and officers of his company." He m. at Enfield, London, 8 April, 1913, Gertrude Alice (6, Templeton Place, London, S.W.), dau. of William George Clabby, Indian Latour Corps, formerly Assistant Inspector-General, Bombay District Police, and had three children : Richard Dacre, b. 19 May, 1915 Elizabeth Alice, b. 7 Jan. 1914, and Anne, b. 10 Sept. 1916.

TURNER Montagu Alwyne Fisher
(1902-03), [Listed as Alweyne Montague Fisher TURNER on SDGW] Lance Corporal 3532, 2nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action Sunday 25 April 1915, at Ypres. Aged 22. Born Kashmir, India, enlisted London. Son of Alweyne Turner (Barrister-at-Law), and of Violet F. Turner, of 34, The Goffs, Eastbourne. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 4. Plot XVI. Row A. Grave 9.
WALKER John Croxton
(1903-06), Second Lieutenant, 3rd/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 3 September 1916, on the Somme. Born 3 May 1890 in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Employee of London and River Plate Bank, Buenos Aires, left September 1915. At the time of his birth his father James C Walker was a Hotel Keeper at Bedford Arms Hotel, Woburn. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Newport, Pagnell, resident with his parents, James C and Mary A Walker, at 86, High Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, a Clerk, resident with his brother and sister at Great White End Farm, Latimer, Buckinghamshire. Buried in KNIGHTSBRIDGE CEMETERY, MESNIL-MARTINSART, Somme, France. Row A. Grave 17.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1916:

WALKER John Croxton of the Holt Aspley Guise Bedfordshire second lieutenant H.M. Army died 3 September 1916 in France Probate London 14 November to Frederick Walker and Joseph Hill farmers. Effects £147 8s. 6d.

WALKER Walter Arthur Beaumont
(1900-06), Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached to 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 30 October 1914, on the Somme. Aged 22. Born 1 March 1892 in Dilrugahm, Upper Assam, Bengal, India, and baptised 31 May 1892, in Assam, Bengal, India. Son of Richard Beaumont and Margaret Julia Walker. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row A. Grave 22.

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice: Officers Died in the Great War 1914-1916, Volume 1, page 470-471:

2nd LIEUTENANT WALTER ARTHUR BEAUMONT WALKER, ARMY SERVICE CORPS, attd. 2nd BATTN. THE BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, son of Richard Beaumont Walker, Ranchi, Chota Nagpur, India, was born at Dilrugahm, Upper Assam, on the 24th March, 1892.

He was educated at Bedford Grammar School, where he got his colours for the 2nd Rugby XV, and also played in many matches for the First XV. He was keen on all outdoor sports, and latterly belonged to the Rosslyn Park Football Club.

He joined the 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant in 1912, obtaining his step in May, 1914, and on the outbreak of war was attached for active service to the 2nd Battalion, taking part with it in the retirement from Mons and the subsequent battles of the Marne, the Aisne, and La Basset. While defending a trench at the latter place on the 25th October, 1914, he was struck in the abdomen by a rifle bullet, and died from his wound on the 30th at Havre.

2nd Lieutenant Walker used to say his motto was " Blood and Iron," which he appeared to live up to. He was never known to grumble at hardships or pain. When he was lying wounded on a stretcher in a communication trench for several hours during the fighting he constantly spoke cheerfully to the supports and reserves who had to pass him on their way to the fire trench.

In the " London Gazette " of the 13th October, 1914, Lieutenant Walker was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the A.S.C. to date from 14th August, 1914, but continued to serve with his original regiment until his death.

WARDEN Edmund Oscar
(1891-92), Captain, 12th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action Monday 28 June 1915, at Gallipoli. Born 19 July 1876 and baptised at Chittagong, Christ Church, Bengal, son of Walter and Florence Geraldine Warden. Husband of May Josephine Warden (nee Hood), married in Kingston Registration District 1907. In the 1891 census he was aged 14, born India, boarder, schoolboy, at Bedford County School, Kemspton, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 34, married, born St Lawrence Intra, Clacutta, India, a Colonial Civil service Political Captain s/R & C, resident with his parents and wife at 4 Brockenhurst Road, Ramsgate, Kent. In 1900 he was a Captain with the Gold Coast Regiment, listed in Hart's as Essex Regiment. Buried in TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot I. Row D. Grave 10. See also Elstow, Bedford County School

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1915:

WARDEN Edmund Oscar of Navano Gold Coast West Africa died 28 June 1915 at the Gallipoli Peninsula Turkey Probate London 2 October to May Josephine Warden widow. Effects £1123 14s. 2d.

WAREING Eric Neal
(1905-12), [Spelt WARING on SDGW] Private G/28034, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action Tuesday 10 April 1917, Pas de Calais. Aged 19. Born 10 January 1898 and baptised 6 March 1898 in Bedford, enlisted Bedford, resident Dunstable. Son of Lois Wareing, of 48, Victoria St., Dunstable, Bedfordshire., and the late Charles Edward Wareing. In the 1901 census he was aged 3, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 99, High Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged, born St. Paul's, bedford, at school, resident with his uncle and aunt, Frank George and Hannah Maria Wareing, at 99 High Street Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. See also Bunyan Meeting
WATSON Henry James Arthur
(1903/09-13), Lieutenant, 5th Battalion attached to 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 23 August 1918. Aged 23. Born 4 May 1895. Grandson of Henry and Jane E Tebbs, son of Mary (May) Ellen Watson, of 59, Goldington Rd., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Bedford, resident with his mother and grandparents at 59, Goldington Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Bedford, at school, resident with his mother and grandparents at 59, Goldington Road, Bedford. Buried in ADANAC MILITARY CEMETERY, MIRAUMONT, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 12. See also Bedford St. Paul's
WEBB, MC Charles Parker
(1890-96), Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached to 11th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action Monday 23 July 1917, Belgium. Aged 36. Born 20 July 1882 in the Kensington Registration District, London, baptised 6 August 1882 at Kensington St Barnabas, Kensington and Chelsea, London. Son of Elizabeth C. M. Webb, of 6, Blenheim Park Rd., South Croydon, and the late George Parker Webb. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). In the 1891 census he was aged 8, resident with his mother in St Peter's, Bedford. Served with Royal Naval Reserve, on 6 March 1901 became Midshipman, 31 January 1908 became Acting Sub Lieutenant, resigned 15 July 1910. Buried in BUS HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Row E. Grave 8.
WEBB John Timms
(1896-1903), Second Lieutenant, 6th (City of London) Battalion (Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 9 May 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 27. Born 21 February 1888 at Mount Pleasant, Redditch, Worcestershire, and baptised 30 May 1888 at St. Stephen, Redditch, Worcester. Son of Sarah Webb, of 1, Chobham Rd., Ottershaw, Chertsey, Surrey, and the late William Webb. A Civil Servant. In the 1891 census he was aged 3, born Mount Pleasant, Redditch, Worcestershire, resident with his widowed mother, at Headley, Ipsley, Warwickshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 13, a scholar, born Redditch, Worcestershire, resident with his widowed mother at 206, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 23, a Civil Servant, born Reddicth, Worcestershire, resident with his widowed mother at 329 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey. Buried in BROWN'S ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY, FESTUBERT, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 10.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1915:

WEBB John Timms of 329 Ewell-road Surbiton Surrey second lieutenant 6th battalion London regiment died 9 May 1915 in France Administration (with Will) London 1 September to Lilian Mary Thompson (wife of Henry Frank Thompson). Effects £827 11s.

WHEELER, VC George Godfrey Massey

(1886-91), Major, 7th Hariana Lancers, Indian Army. Killed in action Tuesday 13 April 1915. Aged 42. Born 31 January 1873 in India. Husband of Nellie Maud Massy Wheeler, of 5, Gwydyr Mansions, Hove, Sussex, married 27 March 1900 at St Thomas, St Marylebone, Westminster, Middlesex. . Awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.). In the 1891 census he is aged 18, born India, resident with his parents, George and Margaret A Wheeler, in Linden Road, Bedford his father was a Major General in the Bengal Staff Corps). He is listed in the British Army Lists, 1902 and 1912. Buried in BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot III. Row C. Grave 22.

The BMS citation reads: "On 12 April 1915 at Shaiba, Mesopotamia, Major Wheeler took out his squadron in an attempt to capture a flag which was the centre-point of a group of the enemy who were firing on one of our picquets. He advanced, attacked the enemy's infantry with the lance, and then retired while the enemy swarmed out of hidden ground, and formed an excellent target for the Royal Artillery guns. On 13 April Major Wheeler led his squadron to the attack of the North Mound. He was seen far ahead of his men, riding straight for the enemy's standards but was killed in the attack. Awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his valour in Mesopotamia in 1915."

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29281, dated 31st August 1915, records the following:

'For most conspicuous bravery at Shaiba, Mesopotamia. On the 12th April, 1915, Major Wheeler asked permission to take out his Squadron and attempt to capture a flag, which was the centre point of a group of the enemy who were firing on one of our picquets. He advanced and attacked the enemy's infantry with the Lance, doing considerable execution among them. He then retired while the enemy swarmed out of hidden ground and formed an excellent target to our Royal Horse Artillery guns. On the 13th April, 1915, Major Wheeler led his Squadron to the attack of the "North Mound". He was seen far ahead of his men riding single-handed straight for the enemy's standards. This gallant Officer was killed on the Mound.'

See the Wikipedia Reference site for more details and picture.

There is a life size (three quarter) posthumous portrait by Barbara Chamier, originally unveiled 1925 at the Bedford Modern School, location is as for Lt Col Mobbs. NOTE: Bedford School also had a Major G Wheeler VC, who survived (no relation to the OBM Wheeler).

Picture courtesy & copyright BMS
The Second World War Memorial (1948), with portrait of
Major Wheeler VC. This picture was taken in 1953 and
forms part of the BMS Archives.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1915:

WHEELER George Godfrey Massy lately stationed at Poona in India a major 7th Hariana Lancers (Indian Cavalry) died 13 April 1915 near Shaiba in Mesopotamia Probate London 22 May to Nellie Maud Wheeler widow.
Effects £1630 10s.

WHITE Vivian Robert
(1896-1900), Lance Sergeant 51694, 9th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry). Killed in action Friday 9 August 1918, in Pas de Calais, France. Enlisted Bedford, resident Goring-On-Thames. Born 3 September 1883 and baptised 8 March 1884 at Albourne, Sussex Son of Robert Godlonton and Frances Amelia White, of 44, Castle Road, Bedford. Formerly 1228, 1st/1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. In the 1901 census he was aged 17, born Albourne, Sussex, a Bank Clerk, resident with his parents at 46, Castle Road, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 27, born Albourne, Sussex, an Artist, living with his brother, Claude Vernon White, at 32, Clovelley Mansions, Grays Inn Road, London W.C. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10.
WHITEMAN George Worley
(1905-11), Second Lieutenant, 3rd/4th (London) Howitzer Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 30th July 1917. Aged 21. Born 29 August 1895 in Bedford. Son of Hazer and Caroline Whiteman, of 1, Westmill Villas, Stotfold, Baldock, Herts. In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Bedford, resident with his parents at 62, Queens Street, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Bedford, at school, resident with his parents at 62 and 64, Queens Street, Bedford. At the outbreak of war he was a resident of Hove, Sussex. Buried in LA CLYTTE MILITARY CEMETERY, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row F. Grave 1. See also Bedford St Peters and Hove, Sussex
WIGHTON Charles
(1896-97) Captain, "E" Company, 1st Battalion, Newfoundland Regiment and Forestry Corps. Killed in action Thursday 25 November 1915, in Turkey. Aged 35. Born 18 October 1880 and baptised 8 November 1880 at St Patrick, Fort William, Bengal, India. Youngest son of the late Col. Edward Wighton (Royal Field Artillery) and Anna Rose Wighton, of Calcutta, India; brother of Margaret Wighton, of 7, Nevern Place, Earls Court, London. Embarked S.S. Stephane, 22 April 1915 as a Lieutenant, recommended for Captain 17 October 1915 approved 23 November 1915 backdated to 17 October 1915. Emabrked at St. John's, newfoundland 3 October 1914, disembarked Alexandria 1 September 19156, embarked for Gallipoli 13 September 1915. In the 1891 census he was aged 10, born India, a scholar, resident with his mother at Clarendon Street, Bedford. Buried in AZMAK CEMETERY, SUVLA, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Grave lost, Special Memorial 28. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Royal Newfoundland Regiment and Forestry Corps, RG38-A-2-e, Finding Aid 38-27, Reel T-18007, Volume 481
WILEY Evelyn Otway Scarlett
(1907-10), Lieutenant, 12th Battalion attached to 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Died, but not in action, Thursday 7 November 1918, in Italy. Aged 25. Born 4 September 1893. Son of William Thomas and Alice Maude Wiley, of Morville Point, Cape Town, South Africa. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Cape, South Africa, resident with his parents at 7, Ladbroke Gardens, Kensington, London. Buried in TEZZE BRITISH CEMETERY, Italy. Plot 5. Row B. Grave 10.
WILLIAMS Leonard Vincent
(1905-09), Captain, 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Killed in action Saturday 26 May 1917, in Greece. Aged 24. Born 27 September 1892. Son of Leonard and Margaret E. Williams, of 27, Sidney Rd., Bedford. Native of Swansea. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Cape Colony, South Africa, a Student, son of Leonard and Margaret Elizabeth Williams, resident 27, Sidney Road, Bedford. Buried in KARASOULI MILITARY CEMETERY, Greece. Section A. Grave 128. See also Bedford St. Paul's.
WINDSOR Leslie St Lawrence
(1900-08), Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 10 June 1915, at Ypres. Aged 22. Born 23 June 1892. Son of the late Herbert Bolten Windsor and of Eleanor Wynne Windsor, of 28, Windsor Rd., Palmers Green, London; younger brother of Mark Gillham Windsor (below). Formerly Corporal 951, London Regiment. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born High Barnet, Hertfordshire, resident with his widowed mother at 212, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 21.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, Page 241, the following:

WINDSOR, LESLIE ST. LAWRENCE, 2nd Lieut., 2nd Battn. (12th Foot) The Suffolk Regt., s. of the late Herbert Bolton Windsor, of the Stock Exchange, by his wife, Eleanor Wynne, dau. of the late John Bendle, of Ryde, Isle of Wight; b. High Barnet, co. Hertford, 23 Jan. 1892; educ. Bedford Modern School; was an Insurance Clerk; joined the Artists' Rifles in 1910 ; was called up on mobilization 4 Aug. 1914; gazetted 2nd Lieut. 2nd Battn. The Suffolk Regt. in Jan. 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders, and was killed in action at Ypres 10 June, 1915, while taking over charge of a machine gun. Buried in a garden on the Ypres— Menin Road; unm.
WINDSOR Mark Gillham
(1900-08), Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Died of wounds Wednesday 10 March 1915, in Pas de Calais, France. Aged 24. Born 21 June 1890 and baptised 10 August 1890 in Barnet, Hertfordshire. Son of Eleanor Wynne Windsor, of 28, Windsor Rd., Palmers Green, London, and the late Herbert Bolten Windsor; older brother of Leslie St. Lawrence Windsor (above). In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born High Barnet, Hertfordshire, resident with his widowed mother at 212, Foster Hill Road, Bedford. Buried in VIEILLE-CHAPELLE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, LACOUTURE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row C. Grave 5.
YOUNG George Walter
(1905-14), Captain, 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 27 May 1918, in Aisne, France. Aged 21. Born 1 September 1896 and baptised 15 November 1896 in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Son of George Thomas Young and Eleanor Young, of 8, High Street, Tring, Herts; elder brother of Marcus (below). In 1896 the family were resident in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Tring, resident with his parents at 8, High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SOISSONS MEMORIAL, Aisne, France. See also Tring War Memorial
YOUNG Marcus Ernest
(1905-16), Second Lieutenant, X/58 Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Died Sunday 24 March 1918, Aisne, France. Aged 19. Born 12 May 1898 in Tring, Buckinghamshire. Son of George Thomas Young and Eleanor Young, of 8, High Street, Tring, Herts; younger brother of George (above). In the 1901 census he was aged 4, born Tring, resident with his parents at 8, High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, a boarder at school, born Tring, resident 1 Waldeck Avenue, Bedford. Buried in CHAUNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION, Aisne, France. Grave lost. Special memorial. See also Tring War Memorial

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