EATON SOCON WAR MEMORIAL
World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © 2000 Martin Edwards
The Memorial stands on
the village green in Eaton Socon and takes the form of an obelisk on
a square plinth with a three-stepped base made from blocks of Darley
Dale stone. Bronze wreaths can be seen on the top of the plinth and
around the base. There are 78 names for World War 1 and 26 for World
War 2. The memorial initially cost £430 to erected and the artists
was Mr Alfred Bowman Yeates. There are three plaques commemorating various
men within the church, one is on the memorial the other two are not
but are listed at the end of the page.
ERECTED
WITH GRATITUDE
TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY
OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
TO SECURE VITORY IN
THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
ADAMS |
Frank
|
Private
30901, 1st/1st, Bedfordshire Yeomanry who died on Sunday, 9th June
1918. Age 21. Son of William Richard and Sarah Ann Adams, of Eaton
Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas
de Calais, France. Grave XI. H. 5A. |
ADAMS |
Frederick
|
Private
33587, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died on Friday,
27th April 1917. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford, resident Eaton
Ford. Formerly 2535, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Commemorated on the
ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5 |
ADDINGTON |
Geoffrey
William |
Second
Lieutenant 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry who died on Saturday,
1st December 1917. Age 19. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Addington,
of Ford House, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in RIBECOURT BRITISH CEMETERY,
Nord, France. Special Memorial B. 9. There is also a plaque within
the parish church commemorating Second Lieutenant Addington which
is in the form of an albaster backboard with a brass plaue. The
inscription reads:
THEIR
NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
IN PROUD AND LOVING MEMORY
OF
GEOFFREY WILLIAM ADDINGTON
2ND LIEUTENANT
2ND DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY
KILLED IN ACTION
AT CANTAING NEAR CAMBRAI
ON
DECEMBER 1ST 1917
AGED 19 |
ANDERSON |
John
Thomas |
Private
6198 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment killed in action on
Friday, 29th January 1915. Born St Neots, enlisted London, resident
Eaton Socon. Buried in FAUQUISSART MILITARY CEMETERY, LAVENTIE,
Pas de Calais, France. Grave F. 10.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 5:
ANDERSON,
J. T., Pte., Royal Berkshire Regt.
He was mobilised in August 1914, and in the following November
was sent to France, where he fought in the Battle of Ypres.
He was unfortunately killed in action at La Bassée
on January 29th, 1915. He was entitled to the 1914 Star, and
the General Service and Victory Medals.
“Thinking
that remembrance, though unspoken, may reach
him where he sleeps.” |
Near
White Lion, Eaton Socon, near St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z1056. |
|
BALL |
Richard
Samuel |
Private
10843 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of wounds on
Saturday, 1st July 1916. Born and resident St Neots, enlisted Bedford.
Buried in PERONNE ROAD CEMETERY, MARICOURT, Somme, France. Grave
II. E. 24.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 12:
BALL,
R. S., Private, 2nd Bedfordsbire Regiment.
Mobilised at the outbreak of hostilities, he was sent to
France in August 1915, and played a prominent part in the
Battles of Givenchy and Loos, and in heavy fighting at Ypres.
He laid down his life for King and Country on July 5th,
1916, shortly aftei the commencement of the Somme Offensive,
and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service
and Victory Medals.
"And doubtless he went in splendid company.”
|
Rose
Cottage, Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z2976/B—Z2977/B. |
|
BALL |
Herbert
Ernest |
Corporal
32950, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of wounds on
Thursday, 26th April 1917. Age 22. Enlisted Bedford, resident St
Neots. Son of James William and Caroline Ball, of Cross Hall Cottage,
St. Neots, Hunts. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais,
France. Bay 5. (obviously brother of below but is his surname BALL
or BALLS probably BALL) |
BALLS |
William
Henry |
Private
233488 1st/2nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) who
was killed in action on Thursday, 3rd May 1917. Age 20. Born Fulham,
enlisted Bedford, resident Staple, St Neots (sic). Son of James
William and Caroline Balls, of Cross Hall Cottage, St. Neots, Hunts.
Formerly 4552, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated
on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 9. (obviously brother
of above but is his surname BALL or BALLS probably BALL) |
BARDELL |
Edward
|
Trooper
1206, Household Battalion formerly 2586, Royal Horse Guards who
died of wounds on Wednesday, 11th April 1917. Born Bedford, enlisted
London. Buried in BROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX, Pas de Calais,
France. Grave I. F. 27. |
BARRINGER |
Corbett
Jesse |
Private
11174, 40th Casualty Clearing Station, Royal Army Medical Corps
who died on Thursday, 17th August 1916 in Salonika. Age 20. Born
Eaton Town, Bedfordshire (Eaton Socon), enlisted Keighley, Yorkshire.
Son of James and Kate Barringer, of Eaton Socon, St. Neots. Buried
in MIKRA BRITISH CEMETERY, KALAMARIA, Greece. Grave 1696. Brother
of below. |
BARRINGER |
Frederick
George |
Private 114624, 235th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Died of
wounds Sunday, 30th December 1917. Age 19. Born and resident Eaton
Socon, enlisted Biggleswade. Son of James and Kate Barringer, of
"Cliftonville", Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts. Formerly 35631, Essex
Regiment. Buried in LE CATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave
V. C. 12. Brother of the above. |
BETTLES |
Charles
|
Private
19024, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Wednesday, 1st December 1915. Born and resident Eaton Socon,
enlisted Bedford. Buried in CITADEL NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, FRICOURT,
Somme, France. Grave V. A. 7. |
BUNDY |
Leonard
|
Corporal
17083 No. 4 Coy, 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (British Columbia
Regiment.) who died on Saturday, 24th April 1915. Age 31. Son of
Mary Bundy, of Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts, and the late George
Bundy. Born 12th January 1884. Enlisted 23rd September 1914. Was
employed as a hospital attendant. Commemorated on the YPRES (MENIN
GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 18 - 28 -
30. For more details of Leonard Bundy
and to see Army paperwork. |
CARRINGTON |
Harold
George |
Private
20731 1st/5th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment who was killed
in action on Friday, 18th August 1916. Age 19. Born Eaton Socon,
enlisted St Neots. Son of George F. and Grace Carrington, of St.
Mary's St., Eynesbury, St. Neots, Hunts. Formerly 377, 1st/1st,
Huntingdon Cyclist Battalion. Buried in OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY,
Somme, France. Grave IV. I. 6. |
CHILDERLEY |
Albert
Ernest |
Private
18534, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday,
30th June 1916. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford.
Buried in CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France. Grave
II. K. 6. |
CHESHIRE |
Claude
|
Bombardier
31058, "B" Battery, 177th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery who was
killed in action on Thursday, 12th July 1917. Age 21. Born Luton,
enlisted London. Youngest son of Frederick and Jane Cheshire, of
Shefford, Beds. Buried in VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Ieper,
West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave I. F. 32. |
CHESHIRE |
Frederick
Charles |
Gunner
77541 202nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery who died of
wounds on Thursday, 16th August 1917. Born Dunstable, enlisted Spal;ding,
Lincolnshire. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium. Panel 6 to 7 and 162 |
COOK |
Walter
James Stracey |
Private
268734, 12th Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) who died
of wounds on Tuesday, 27th November 1917. Born and resident St Neots,
enlisted Bedford. Formerly 2301, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Buried in
ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave
P. III. I. 7B. |
COOPER |
George
Willaim |
Private
16601, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday
15th September 1916. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted St.
Neots. Details confirmed by local newspaper cuttings. No known grave.
Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face
2 C. |
COOPER |
Jack |
Lance
Corporal G/29545, 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment who died of
wounds on Tuesday, 14th August 1917. Age 32. Enlisted Eaton Socon,
resident St Neots. Son of Charles and Eliza Cooper; husband of Sarah
Elizabeth Cooper, of 9, Church St., St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in
MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Grave IV. E. 24.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 58:
COOPER,
J., L/Corporal, x6th Middlesex Regiment.
He joined in June 1916, and on conclusion of his
training was three months later drafted overseas. He served
on the Western Front for 11 months, and during that time
saw heavy fighting in different sectors of the line, and
was wounded in action. On August 14th, 1917, he was unfortunately
killed in action near Poperinghe, and was entitled to the
General Service and Victory Medals.
“A costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.” |
Cambridge
Street, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z1796. |
|
COOPER |
Jesse
|
Private
39252, 1st Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire
Regiment). Died of wounds on Tuesday, 29th May 1917. Born Eaton
Socon. Enlisted Huntingdon. Formerly 1480 Huntingdonshire Cyclist
Battalion. Buried in ROCLINCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais,
France. Grave I. C. 14. See also St
Neots |
CORBETT |
John
|
Serjeant
50049, "B" Battery, 59th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery who was
killed in action at Gallipoli on Wednesday, 18th August 1915. Born
St Ives, Huntingodnshire, enlisted Huntingdon. Buried in LALA BABA
CEMETERY, Turkey. Grave III. B. 6. |
COUSINS |
Arthur
Edwin |
Rifleman
391955 2nd/9th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles)
who was killed in action on Wednesday, 26th September 1917. Age
24. Enlisted Loindon, resident Eaton Ford. Son of William and Caroline
Cousins, of 4, Hawthorne Cottages, Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.
Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Panel 151 |
COUSINS |
Frank
|
[Lance
Corporal on memorial] Private 8598, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire
Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday, 20th April 1915. Age 20. Born
Eaton Socon, enlisted and resident St Neots. Son of Caroline Cousins,
of 4, Hawthorn Cottages, Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts., and the
late William Cousins. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL,
Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33 |
CROSS |
Albert
|
Private
202387 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday,
24th April 1918. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted Biggleswade.
Commemorated on the POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 28 and
29 |
DARRINGTON |
Albert
|
Private
19380 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of wounds on
Wednesday, 21st February 1917. Age 21. Born Wyboston, enlisted Bedford,
resident St Neots. Son of Walter and Jane Darrington, of Wyboston,
St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais,
France. Grave XXI. H. 9A. |
DARRINGTON |
John
William |
Private
201169, 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed
in action in Palestine on Friday, 2nd November 1917. Age 22. Born
Wybosoton, enlisted Huntingdon, resident Colmworth, Bedfordshire.
Son of Samuel and Alice Eliza Darrington, of Begwary, Eaton Socon,
Colmworth, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel.
Grave XXII. A. 5. |
DAY |
Charles
|
Lance
Corporal 19021, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in
action Saturday 5th January 1918. Born and resident Eaton Socon,
enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke,
West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 68:
DAY,
C., L/Corporal, 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment.
Mobilised in August 1914, he was immediately drafted to the
Western Front, where, after serving through the Retreat from
Mons, he took part In the Battles of the Marne, Pestubert,
Ypres and Loos and many minor engagements. He fell fighting
on January 5th, 1917. He was entitled to the Mons Star, and
the General Service and Victory Medals.
"A valiant Soldier, with undaunted heart he breasted
life’s last bill." |
Eaton
Socon, Beds. |
|
Z1950/B. |
|
DEAN |
George
|
Private
23502 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. who killed in action
on Friday, 12th October 1917. Son of the late John and Ann Dean,
of Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts. Commemoarted on the TYNE COT MEMORIAL,
Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 4. |
DEAN |
William
|
Acting Corporal 23773 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died
of wounds Saturday, 9th (CWGC & SDGW say 14th) April 1917. Age
24. Born and enlisted Eaton Socon, enlisted Ampthill. Husband of
Nellie Dean, of 31, East St., St. Neots, Hunts. Born 22nd July 1892.
in the 1911 census he was a Flour packer in Mill, born Eaton Socon,
aged 18, son of James and Lizzie Dean and living in Eaton Socon.
Buried in WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY, Pas de Calais,
France. Grave VII. H. 5. Also on the Eaton
Socon War Memorial. Also on the Bedfordshire
Police Memorial. |
DOBNEY |
Arthur
Frederick |
[Not
on SDGW - Note date discrepancies] Private 22549 3rd Battalion,
Bedfordshire Regiment who died of consumption on Tuesday, 13th November
1917. Age 30. Son of Emma Dobney, of Cross Hall Ford, St. Neots,
and the late Josiah Dobney. Buried North-East of Church in EATON
SOCON CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 73:
DOBNEY,
A. F., L/Corporal, 3rd Beds. Regt.
Volunteering in September 1915, was found to be
medically unfit for service overseas, and accordingly was
unsuccessful in his efforts to procure a transfer to the
war zone. However, he was engaged on important work with
his unit, and rendered many valuable services before being
invalided out of the Army in July 1917. He died from consumption
on November 18th, 1917, at Eaton Ford.
“His memory is cherished with pride.”
|
Eaton
Ford, Beds. |
|
Z2015. |
|
DRAKE |
Robert
John aka
Jack Robert |
Lance
Corporal 30307, 14th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment who
was killed in action on Friday, 26th October 1917. Age 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, Beds. Educated Bedford
Modern School (1906-10). 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. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL,
Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A. See
also
Bedford Modern School |
GENTLE |
Reginald
Arthur |
Lance
Corporal 204235 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment who died atn home
on Monday, 10th June 1918. Age 20. Enlisted Bedford. Son of Arthur
and Alice Gentle, of 13, Staploe, St. Neots. Born at Basmead, St.
Neots. Buried in EATON SOCON CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire North of Church.
|
GEORGE |
Albert |
Lance
Corporal 38863 2nd/6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers who was killed
in action on Saturday, 10th November 1917. Born Goodwick (Goodwick
is a farm just outside Eaton Socon), Bedford, enlisted Kettering.
Formerly S/4/110371, Royal Army Service Corps. Commemorated on TYNE
COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 54 to 60
and 163A |
GILL |
William
Francis |
Signalman
J/14818 H.M.S. "Recruit.", Royal Navy who died on Thursday, 9th
August 1917. Age 21. Son of William and Rose Gill, of Eaton Ford,
St. Neots, Hunts. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon.
Panel 21.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 95:
GILL,
W. F., Leading Signalman, R.N., H.M.S. “Recruit.”
Having enlisted in the Navy in 1911, he at once went to
sea at the outbreak of war, and served in the Mediterranean.
He was subsequently with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea
and took part in the BatUe of Jutland on May 31st, 1916,
but unhappily lost his life when H.M.S. " Recruit”
was sunk by a mine on August 9th, 1917. He was entitled
to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory
Medals.
“His life for his Country, his soul to God.”
|
Cross
Hale Ford, St Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z2602/A. |
|
GOODMAN |
John
William |
Private
20996, 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday
19th April 1916. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots.
Formerly Private 19025, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on THIEPVAL
MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C |
GREEN |
William
|
Private
7065, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday
9th November 1914. Age 44. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford, resident
St Neots. Son
of the late William and Elizabeth Green. Commemorated on LE TOURET
MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 and 11 |
HARRIS |
Harry
|
Gunner
30878, 335th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in
action Thursday, 26th September 1918. Born and enlisted St Neots.
Buried in DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Grave IV. H. 5. |
HARRIS |
Sidney
|
Private
103492, 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment)
who was killed in action on Sunday, 21st April 1918. Age 34. Born
Little Paxton, enlisted St Neots, resident Eaton Socon. Son of Thomas
Harris, of Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts; husband of Edith Kate
Hand (formerly Harris), of White Horse Cottages, Eaton Socon. Formerly
29806, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL,
Somme, France. Panel 52 to 54 |
HART |
Sidney
William |
Private
887052 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment.)
who died on Thursday, 22nd March 1917. Born 28th October 1894. Resident
Bresaylor, Saskatawan, born Marylebone, London. Son of Mrs Gertrude
Hart of St Neots, Huntingdonshire. Farmer by trade. Singleman. Enlisted
and passed fit 1st December 1915 at North Battaleford, Canada aged
21. Height 5 feet 7½ inches, girth 36 inches, complexion
dark, eyes blue, hair black; religion Church of England. Buried
in VILLERS STATION CEMETERY, VILLER-AU-BOIS, Pas de Calais, France.
Grave VII. F. 3. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference:
RG
150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4120 - 48 |
HARTOP,
MM |
Ben
|
Private
35599 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Died of wounds on Wednesday,
11th September 1918. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted Biggleswade.
Buried in EUSTON ROAD CEMETERY, COLINCAMPS, Somme, France. Grave
II. F. 3. |
HAWKINS |
Charles
William |
Gunner
196442 64th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died of wounds
on Monday, 8th April 1918. Age 29. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Irthlingborough,
Northamptonshire. Son of Benjamin Hawkins, of Eaton Socon, St. Neots,
Hunts; husband of the late Violet May Hawkins (nee Coles). Formerly
20366, 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Buried in SAILLY-LABOURSE
COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Grave F. 13.
|
HAYNES,
MM |
Leonard
George |
[Memorial
states Private PCY Warwickshire Regiment] Private G/11976 8th Battalion,
The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action Tuesday, 6th February
1917. Born Wyboston, enlisted Brighton, Sussex, resident St Neots.
Husband of E. Day, (formerly Haynes), of Church Walk, St. Neots,
Hunts. Buried in PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE, Pas de
Calais, France. Grave I. L. 46. No mention of MM or Warwickshire
Regiment though. |
HEMMINGS
|
Francis
James [John] |
[Francis
John on CWGC] Private 200271 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
Died of wounds Sunday, 29th July 1917. Age 22. Born, resident and
enlisted Eaton Socon. Son of Mary Ann Thornton (formerly Hemmings),
of Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts., and the late Thomas Hemmings.
Buried in DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY EXTENSION, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium. Grave II. F. 25.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 111:
HEMMINGS,
F. J., Private, 2nd Bedfordshire Regt.
Volunteering in 1914, he was drafted in the following year
to the Dardanelles and took part in the Landing. He was
later sent to France, but after taking part in fighting
on the Somme and at Arras and Cambrai, was killed in action
at Ypres on July 29th, 1917. He was entitled to the 1914-1915
Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals.
"A costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
|
Eaton
Socon. Beds. |
|
Z2820
/A. |
|
HIGGINS |
Fred
William |
Private
19044 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Thursday, 2nd August 1917. Age 30. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted
Bedford, resident Eaton Ford. Husband of Emma Rachel Higgins. Commemoarted
on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Panel 31 and 33
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 112:
HIGGINS,
F. W., Private, Bedfordshire Regiment.
He volunteered in November 1915, and seven months later
reached France, where he fought at Festubert, Givenchy and
Loos. Wounded in January 1916 at Lens, he was invalided
to hospital in England, but on his recovery was drafted
again to the Western Front in August 1916, and took part
in the Somme Offensive and the Battles of Arras, Messines
and Ypres. On August 2nd, 1917, he laid down his life for
King and Country at Passchendaele Ridge. He was entitled
to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory
Medals.
"Great deeds cannot die.:
They with the sun and moon renew their light for ever."
|
Eaton
Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z2831/A—Z2833/A.
|
|
HIGGINS |
William
H |
Seaman
5894/A H.M. Trawler "Killdeer." (Kildare), Royal Naval Reserve who
was accidentally drowned at night on Thursday, 17th May 1917. Age
19. Son of Mrs. Sarah Higgins. Born 8 November 1895 in Bedford.
Nephew of Mrs Luff. 40, Chandos Street, Bedford. Buried in BEDFORD
CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Grave E. 214.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 112:
HIGGINS,
W. H., A.B., R.N., H.M.S. “ Kildare.”
He volunteered at the outbreak of war, and during the first
part of his service was employed on patrol and escort duties
in the North Sea and to Russia. He was accidentally drowned
at night whilst rowing to his ship on May 17th, 1917, and
was buried at Bedford. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star,
and the General Service and Victory Medals.
“His memory is cherished with pride.”
|
Eaton
Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z2831/B—Z2833/B.
|
|
HOITT,
MM |
Sidney
|
Serjeant
8616, 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. (Prince of Wales's
Own) who was killed in action on Saturday, 1st July 1916. Born Cobham,
Gravesend, Kent, enlisted Woolwich. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL,
Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. No mention of MM. |
HOPE |
H C
|
Gunner
R.G.A. - probably
Gunner Horace Pope, Royal Garrison Artillery of Eynesbury. He did
survive the War but sometimes men’s names were inscribed either
by error or to show unity with their fallen comrades. |
HUMPHRIES |
Frederick
Charles |
[Bedfordshire
Regiment on memorial; spelt HUMPHREY on SDGW] Serjeant 48350 162nd
Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) who was killed in action on
Sunday, 29th April 1917. Age 25. Enlisted Bedford, resident Eaton
Socon. Son of Mrs. Ellen Saunders, of 1, Hatchway Close, Eaton Socon,
St. Neots, Hunts. Formerly 4020, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in
GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XXIV. E. 9. |
MARKHAM |
Ernest
Frederick |
Lance
Corporal 202779 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment who was killed
in action on Sunday, 25th August 1918. Age 24. Born and enlisted
Eaton Socon. Son of Fredrick and Mary Ann Markham, of Bushmead Rd.,
Eaton Socon, St. Neots. Formerly 3593, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried
in A.I.F. BURIAL GROUND, FLERS, Somme, France . Grave XV. A. 18.
From
Andy Pay's research into the Marquis de Ruvigny's Roll
of Honour Volume 2, Part 5 , Page 118, the following:
Lance
Corporal Ernest Frederick MARKHAM, number 202779, 6th (Service)
Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment. only son of Frederick Markham by
his wife Mary Ann daughter of Leonard Bundy.
Born
Eaton Socon co Bedford 29-8-1894, educated there, was a labourer.
Joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in May 1914, Served with the Mediterranean
Expiditionary Force at Gallipoli 1915, was invalided home and on
recovery transferred to the Dorsetshire Regiment. Served with the
Expeditioary Force in France and Flanders from Jan 1917 and was
killed in action 25-8-18.
Buried
on the Thiepval ridge between Albert and Bapaume. |
MASON |
John
William |
Private
32141 Hertfordshire Regiment died of wounds Saturday, 24th August
1918. Age 23. Born Little Barford, Beds, resident Eaton Socon, enlisted
St neots, Hunts. Son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Mason, of Brewery Cottage,
Eaton Socon, St. Neots. Buried in BAGNEUX BRITISH CEMETERY, GEZAINCOURT,
Somme, France. Grave IV. E. 19.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 155:
MASON,
J. W., Private, 1st Hertfordshire Regt.
He was mobilised with the Territorial Force in August 1914,
and in the following July was drafted to Gallipoli, where
he was at once in action at Suvla Bay, and was wounded.
In January 1916 be was sent to Mesopotamia, and two months
later was again wounded. As a result he was invalided home,
and upon his recovery proceeded to France, where he took
part in further fighting on the Somme front, also at Ypres,
Arras and Cambrai, and fell in action near Amiens on August
24th, 1918. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the
General Service and Victory Medals.
"The path of duty was the way to glory."
|
Brewery
Cottage, Eaton Socon, near St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z3492.
|
|
MEDLOW |
Charles
Walter |
Private
G/28105, 12th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment).
Killed in action 26th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born
and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots. Buried in HEATH CEMETERY,
HARBONNIERES, Somme, France. Grave VII. L. 6.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 158:
MEDLOW,
C. W., Private, Middlesex Regiment.
He joined in May 1916, and completing his training in the
following August was drafted to the Western Front, where
he took part in several engagements. He made the supreme
sacrifice, being killed in action on September 26th, 1916,
and was entitled to the General Service and Victory Medals.
“Great deeds cannot die:
They with the sun and moon renew their light for ever.”
|
Wyboston,
Beds. |
|
Z3538
/B.
|
|
MURFIN |
William
|
Private
2690 attached 72nd Trench Mortar Battery, East Surrey Regiment who
was killed in action on Tuesday, 26th December 1916. Age 24. Born
and enlisted St Neots. Son of Leader Murfin, of Eaton Ford, St.
Neots, Hunts. Buried in PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE,
Pas de Calais, France. Grave II. A. 7.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 164:
MURFIN,
W., Private, 9th East Surrey Regiment.
He volunteered in September 1914, and early in
the following year was drafted to France, where he took
part in the Battles of Festubert and Loos, and other important
engagements. He made the supreme sacrifice on December 26th,
1916, and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General
Service and Victory Medals.
"He died the noblest death a man may die:
Fighting for God and right and liberty."
|
Eaton
Ford, Beds. |
|
Z3619
/B.
|
|
OAKLEY |
Frank
|
Private
235099 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who was killed in action
on Saturday, 19th January 1918. Enlisted Eaton Socon. Son of Mrs.
A. E. Huckle, of Eaton, Socon, St. Neots, Hunts. Formerly 5263,
Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in BEAUMETZ CROSS ROADS CEMETERY,
BEAUMETZ-LES-CAMBRAI, Pas de Calais, France. Grave D. 17. |
PAGE |
Albert
William |
Private
17090, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died on Friday,
15th September 1916. Age 23. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Page, of
Cross Hall Cottages, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in GUILLEMONT ROAD
CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme, France. Grave XIII. P. 2. |
PAYNE |
Charles
Arthur |
Private 3/6173, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed
in action on Saturday, 20th February 1915. Born and resident Wyboston,
enlisted St Neots. Son of Mr. A. Payne, of Wyboston, St. Neots,
Hunts. Buried in R.E. FARM CEMETERY, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium. Grave I. B. 2. |
PAYNE |
Job
|
Private
45434, 15th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who died of wounds on Tuesday,
3rd September 1918. Born Wyboston, Eaton Socon (sic), enlisted St
Neots. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme,
France. Grave VII. B. 1 17. |
REYNOLDS |
Edward
|
[Please
Note: The dates here do not tally but have been pulled from different
sources] Private 427600 2nd, Canadian Infantry Works Company
who died on Monday, 9th September 1918. Born 10th June 1894 in London.
Farmer by trade. Single man. Only son of Edward and Gertrude Reynolds.
His family had land in Eaton Socon, Little Paxton and Hail Weston
from the 18th century, which he inherited, when a minor, on his
father's death. He went with his sister to Canada.
At
the outbreak of World War I he volunteered for the Canadian Army
enlisting 14th September 1915 at Moose Jaw, Canada, and came to
England with the 2nd Canadian contingent from there being sent
to France in 1915. He was 21 years and 3 months when he enlisted,
5 feet 7 inches tall with a girth of 37½ inches. His complexion
was medium, eyes grey and hair black; his religion is given as
Church of England.
He
received a severe wound to his head from a shell fragment sustained
during the advance on Feustubert in May 1915? (enlisted 14th September
1915) from which he never recovered and it resulted in his premature
death. (It was noted that if he had been wearing a metal helmet,
which was introduced later in the war, his injuries might not
have been so severe and he might have survived.) He had two operations,
one in Boulougne and another in London but he was permanently
liable to periodic seizures and therefore was invalided out of
the Army. He returned to Vancouver in 1916. It was while under
the effects of a brain seizure he met with a fatal accident and
died on 11 September 1917 (Account taken from St Neots Advertiser.)
His
name has also been inscribed, together with his father's and uncle's,
on his grandfather's gravestone in Hail Weston Churchyard. Also
Edward who died 11 September 1917 of wound received in France,
aged 26. Buried in SUN QUARRY CEMETERY, CHERISY, Pas de Calais,
France. Grave F. 12. National Archives of Canada Accessions Reference:
RG
150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 8206 - 12
Extract
from St Neots Advertiser 19th October 1917
DEATH
OF MR. EDWARD REYNOLDS.
With
much regret we learn of the death of Mr. Edward Reynolds which
occurred in Vancouver British Columbia. Mr. Reynolds was a son
of the late Mr. Edward Reynolds, of Paxton Hall, and owner of
the Reynolds Estate, he was unmarried and leaves two sisters.
When the war broke out he was in Canada, where he had been living
for some years, and he at once patriotically joined a Canadian
Contingent, and went to France, where he took part in some strenuous
fighting, and was severely wounded in the head. For a long time
he was in a serious condition, but ultimately made some progress
towards recovery, and spent a considerable period of his convalescence
at St. Neots. Eventually he was discharged from the Army as medically
unfit and returned to Canada. Evidently he had never really recovered
from his wound, for death was caused by the results of it. His
age was 26.
Extract
from St Neots Advertiser 2nd November 1917
|
REYNOLDS |
Wilfred
George |
Lance
Corporal G/50583, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex
Regiment) who was killed in action on Saturday, 28th April 1917.
Born Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL,
Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 187:
REYNOLDS,
W. G., L/Corporal, Essex Regiment and Middlesex Regiment.
After volunteering in April 1915 he underwent a
period of training before proceeding to the Western Front
in the following November, and there saw much heavy fighting
at Festubert and in various other sectors. He was reported
missing, and is believed to have been killed in action at
Arras in April 1916. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star.
and the General Service and Victory Medals.
“His life for his Country, his soul to God”
|
Eaton
Socon. Beds. |
|
Z3949.
|
|
SEARLE |
John
|
Private
22657, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Wednesday, 18th April 1917. Born St Neots, enlisted Ampthill,
resident Eaton Ford. Son of Walter (below). Commemorated on LOOS
MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 41
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 198:
SEARLE,
J., Private, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment.
After volunteering in July 1915, he completed
a period of training, and in the following year was drafted
overseas. During his service on the Western Front he took
part in the Somme Offensive, and later in the Battles of
Arras and Vimy Ridge, He made the supreme sacriflce, being
killed in action on April 16th, 1917, and was entitled to
the General Service and Victory Medals.
"Whilst we remember, the sacrifice is not in vain"
|
Eaton
Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z4111/A.
|
|
SEARLE |
Walter
|
Sapper
133335, 4th Prov. Company, Royal Engineers who died in the United
Kingdom on Monday, 22nd November 1915. Age 55. Born and enlisted
St Neots. Husband of Elizabeth Searle, of Eaton Ford, St. Neots,
Hunts; father of John (above). Wnlisted with Royal Engineers early
September 1915, aged 55. Buried in FORT PITT MILITARY CEMETERY,
Kent. Grave 1345.
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 198:
SEARLE,
W., Sapper, Royal Engineers.
He volunteered in November 1915, but whilst in training
he was unfortunately taken seriously ill, and died in hospital
at Chatham on the 21st of the same month, after only thrc
weeks with the Colours.
“Thinking that remembrance, though unspoken, maY reach
him where he sleeps.” |
Eaton
Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. |
|
Z4111/B
|
|
SMITH |
Corbet
Charles |
Private
23477, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Sunday, 29th April 1917. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford,
resident Northampton. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais,
France. Bay 5. |
SMITH |
Samuel
|
Private
20675, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment who was killed in action
on Monday, 22nd October 1917. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford.
Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. |
SMYTHE |
Rudolph
Meade |
Captain,
5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of wounds on Wednesday,
13th October 1915. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel
54 and 218 |
THORNHILL,
MC |
George
Robert |
Lieutenant,
1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) who was killed in
action on Thursday, 22nd October 1914. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT
MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 2. No mention
of MC. |
THORNHILL,
DSO |
John
Evelyn |
Brevet
Lieut-Colonel Seaforth Highlanders attached to The Staff who died
on Wednesday, 2nd October 1918. G.S.O. II. Buried in GIBRALTAR (NORTH
FRONT) CEMETERY, Gibraltar. Grave C. 4044.
From
the book "Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923",
published by Naval and Military Press:
THORNHILL,
J. E. (D.S.O. L.G. 14.1.16); b. 7.4.80; educ.
Cheltenham Coll.; 2nd Lt., Sco. R., 6.12.99; transferred Seaforth
Highrs. 20.12.99; Lt., Seaforth Highrs., 21.1.01; Capt., Seaforth
Highrs., 24.2.06; Adjt., T.F., 15.3.13 to 8.2.16; Major 1.9.15
; served S. African War, 1900-2 ; Queen’s Medal, 3 clasps
King’s Medal, 2 clasps; Europ. War; Despatches. He died
2.10.18.
From
the London Gazette 14th January 1916:
"War
Office, 14 Jan. 1916. Hist Majesty the King has been graciously
pleased to approve of the undermentioned Honours and Rewards for
distinguished service in the field, with effect from 1 Jan. 1916,
inclusive. To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
....
THORNHILL,
JOHN EVELYN, Major, Seaforth Highlanders.
...."
|
THORNTON
|
Frederick
Charles |
Private G/38407, "C" Company, 2nd Battalion, The Queen's (Royal
West Surrey Regiment) who was killed in action on Friday, 26th October
1917. Enlisted Eaton Socon, resident Eynesbury. Son of Joseph Thornton,
of Eaton-Socon, St. Neots; husband of Alice Thornton (nee Walton),
of Eynesbury, St. Neots, Hunts. Formerly 5260, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Panel 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A |
TOWNSEND
|
Arthur
Darrington |
Private
8296, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Saturday, 7th November 1914. Born and resident Wyboston, enlisted
Bedford. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France.
Panel 10 and 11
Extract
from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918",
Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 224:
TOWNSEND,
A. D., Pte., 2nd Bedfordshire Regt.
He was mobilised in August 1914, and was immediately drafted
to France. There he took part in the Battle of Mons and
the subsequent Retreat, and did excellent work until he
was unf ortunatey killed in action on November 8th, 1914.
He was entitled to the Mons Star, and the General Service
and Victory Medals.
“Courage, bright hopes, and a myriad dreams, splendidly
given.” |
Wyboston,
Beds. |
|
Z4447. |
|
USHER |
Horace
|
Private
9772 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment who was killed in
action on Monday, 21st December 1914. Born Staplehoe, Bedfordshire,
enlisted Bedford. Buried in PONT-DU-HEM MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE,
Nord, France. Grave X. B. 5. |
WATTS |
Albert
George |
Lance
Corporal 16081 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed
in action on Saturday, 25th May 1918. Age 22. Born and resident
Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots. Son of Charles and Eliza Ann Watts,
of The Black Horse, Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts. Commemorated
on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 28 and 29 |
WHIDDETT |
Frank
|
[No
entry on SDGW] Serjeant 10221 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment
who died on Friday, 8th June 1917. Age 30. Son of Alfred and Ethel
Whiddett; husband of Catherine Freeman (formerly Whiddett), of 3,
Harringay Terrace, Eaton Socon. Born at Sheerness. Buried Near North-West
corner of Church in EATON SOCON CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire. |
WHITE |
Frank
M |
Private
1484, 1st Huntingdonshire (Cyclists) Battalion, Army Cyclist Corps
attached to Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry who was
killed in action Tuesday, 15th August 1916. Born St Neots, enlisted
Huntingdon, resident Eaton Socon. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL,
Somme, France. Pier and Face 12 C |
WILES |
Charles
|
Private
43060 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action
on Monday, 1st July 1918. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Huntingdon,
resident St Neots. Formerly 1161, Hunts Cyclist Battalion. Commemorated
on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 28 and 29 |
1939-1945
THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT |
ASBURY |
Stanley
Victor |
Serjeant
14545320 Intelligence Corps who died on Saturday, 13th July 1946.
Age 24. Son of Albert Victor Thomas Asbury and Dora Elizabeth Asbury,
of St. Neots, Huntingdonshire. Buried in MADRAS WAR CEMETERY, CHENNAI,
India. Grave 7. A. 11. |
ASPLIN |
John
Henry |
Flying
Officer 170020 Air Gnr. 34 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died on Thursday, 23rd November 1944. Age 22. Son of Henry James
Asplin and Faith Magdalene Asplin, of Wyboston, Bedfordshire. Buried
in BUDAPEST WAR CEMETERY, Hungary. Collective grave IV. E. 1-7.
|
BAKER |
Harry
William James |
Private
5954493 4th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment.) who
died on Tuesday, 23rd November 1943. Age 23. Son of Harry James
Baker and of Catherine Baker, of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. Commemorated
on ATHENS MEMORIAL, Greece. Face 5. |
BEDFORD |
Frederick
John |
Fusilier
14601377 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment.)
who died on Sunday, 27th February 1944. Age 34. Son of Mr. and Mrs.
J. Bedford, of St. Neots, Huntingdonshire; husband of C. M. Bedford,
of Eaton Socon, Huntingdonshire. Commemorated on CASSINO MEMORIAL,
Italy. Panel 5. |
BIRDSALL |
William
|
Flying
Officer 124844 Pilot 90 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died on Thursday, 23rd September 1943. Age 20. Son of Herbert
William and Kathleen Charlotte Birdsall, of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire.
Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY, Germany. Collective grave 11. A.
15-19. |
BREWER |
Keith
John |
Picture
courtesy & Copyright © Mr & Mrs P Presland
2002 |
Private
3197649 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers who
died on Wednesday, 19th July 1944. Age 23. Son of William
and Clara L. Brewer; husband of Helen C. Brewer, of Newton
Stewart, Wigtownshire. Buried in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE
WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Grave I. A. 19. Bom at Duloe,
Beds., on 1 1 May 1 921, youngest son of William and Clara
Brewer. He went to Eaton Socon school and on leaving school
worked for Wrycrofts Builders, St. Neots. When work became
scarce in the area he went to work in Scotland where he
met and married Helen from Newton Stewart in March 1944.
He joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderers on 15th January
1942 and took part in the D-Day landings, landing on Sword
Beach. On 19 July 1944 he was killed in a battle on the
outskirts of Caen, France. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,
France and Germany Star and War Medal 1939-45. |
|
BREWER |
William
|
Ralph
Brewer (left) with his
twin brother William.
Picture courtesy & Copyright
© Mr & Mrs P Presland 2002
|
Private
5950369 2nd Battalion. The Hertfordshire Regiment., Bedfordshire
and Hertfordshire Regiment who died on Wednesday, 22nd January
1941. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brewer, of Staploe. Buried
in EATON SOCON CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Row 1. Grave 18.
Born at Duloe, Beds. On 9th November, 1917, son of William
and Clara Brewer, and was one of twins. He went to Eaton
Socon school and on leaving school worked as an electrician
until joining the Beds. & Herts. Regiment on 15th January
1940. On 16th May 1940 he was posted to the 10 Holding Battalion
and subsequently to the 2nd Battalion, where he served as
a Dispatch Rider in the south of England. On 22 January
1941 he was killed in a Road Traffic Accident at Eastleigh,
near Southampton, whilst on duty. He was awarded the 1939-45
War Medal and was a single man.
Ralph
Brewer is still alive (2003) and has given his permission
for publication of these details for which we thank him.
|
|
DICKENS |
William
Hendy |
Chief
Petty Officer D/J 77124 H.M.S. Gloucester, Royal Navy who died on
Thursday, 22nd May 1941. Age 39. Son of Charles Hite Dickens and
Mary Ann Dickens, of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. Commemorated on
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 45, Column 2. |
FREEMAN |
John
Raymond |
Private
5952062 8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment who died on Tuesday,
18th June 1940. Age 21. Son of John William and Catherine Freeman,
of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. Buried in LEUVEN COMMUNAL CEMETERY,
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. Row A. Grave 8. |
GRAY |
Harold
John |
Able
Seaman C/J 109086 H.M.S. Avenger, Royal Navy who died on Sunday,
15th November 1942. Age 34. Son of William Harold and Caroline Emma
Gray; husband of Norah Alberta Edwardene Gray, of St. Neots, Huntingdonshire.
CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 54, 1. |
HARTOP |
Edward
Ben |
Trooper
10602975 C Sqn., 4th Regiment., Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C. who
died on Saturday, 11th November 1944. Age 27. Son of Ben Hartop,
and of Florence May Hartop, of Eaton Ford, Bedfordshire. Buried
in MELDOLA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Grave I, E, 17. |
MORTIMER |
Jack
Edawrd |
Lance
Serjeant 6100192 Royal Artillery who died on Monday, 29th May 1944.
Age 32. Son of Hector and Annie Maria Mortimer, of St. Neots, Huntingdonshire.
Buried in CASERTA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Grave I, E, 5. |
PAYNE |
Arthur
John |
Leading
Aircraftman 1144434 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on
Monday, 13th August 1945. Age 23. Son of Thomas and Jessie Payne;
husband of Gladys May Payne, of Bath, Somerset. ROXTON (ST. MARY
MAGDALENE) CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire, N.W. of Church, near Lych gate.
|
RITCHIE |
John
Norman |
Private 5951177 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment who died
on Wednesday, 10th November 1943. Buried in ST. NEOTS CEMETERY,
Huntingdonshire. Section B. 1. Grave 810. |
SCALES |
Kenneth
James |
Flight
Sergeant 1434761 434 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who
died on Saturday, 29th January 1944. Age 21. Son of James Thomas
Scales and Ruby Elizabeth Scales; husband of Joyce Eileen Scales,
of Dover. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 222.
|
SHOESMITH |
Stanley
|
Rifleman
14558215 7th (1st Battalion. The London Rifle Brigade) Battalion,
Rifle Brigade who died on Sunday, 30th July 1944. Age 19. Son of
Samuel and Florence Grace Shoesmith, of Eaton Socon, Huntingdonshire.
Buried in AREZZO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Grave VI. A. 28. |
THODY |
John
Thomas |
Corporal
5952663 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment who
died on Saturday, 28th August 1943. Age 24. Buried in KANCHANABURI
WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Grave 4. B. 28. |
USHER |
Ernest
Douglas |
Private
5884710 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment who died on Tuesday,
27th February 1945. Age 24. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY,
Germany. Grave 48. G. 11. |
USHER |
Sidney
Eric |
Private
6025417 2/5th Battalion, Essex Regiment who died on Wednesday, 1st
July 1942. Age 22. Son of Sidney Charles and Rose Elizabeth Usher,
of Eaton Socon, Huntingdonshire. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL,
Egypt. Column 64. |
WHITLOCK |
Lawrence
|
Private
14794329 13th (2/4th Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment) Battalion,
Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. who died on Tuesday, 3rd April 1945.
Age 19. Son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Whitlock, of Eaton Socon, Huntingdonshire.
Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Germany. Buried in 33.
A. 7. |
Hand
made Christmas Card
sent from the scene of conflict. |
Commemorated
in the parish church but not on the memorial |
SQUIRE |
Sidney
William |
Commander-in-Chiefs
Bodyguard (South Africa 1899-1902). Severaly wounded near Kindley
3rd January 1901 and died of enteric fever in Kroonstadt Hospital
24th February 1901. Aged 37. The plaque in the parish church is
dimaond shaped and made from brass, it reads:
IN
LOVING
MEMORY OF
SIDNEY WILLIAM SQUIRE
VOLUNTEER IN THE
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S BODYGUARD
WHO WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED NEAR KINDLEY JAN 3
& DIED OF ENTERIC FEVER IN KROONSTADT HOSPITAL/
S AFRICA FEB 24TH 1901
AGED 37
"HERE HAVE WE NO
CONTINUING CITY" |
JOHNSTON |
Claude Errington
Longden |
Major,
Royal Artillery. There was originally a stained glass window with
a badge of Royal Artillery within the church which was unveiled
in April 1926. The church was destroyed by fire in 1930 and rebuilt
in 1932, with only the dedication panel surviving.
THE
NORTH AISLE WINDOW WAS DEDICATED IN
MEMORY OF JOHN HUTCHISON PEPPERCORN
& JANE ELIZABETH HIS WIFE & OF THEIR SONS
WILLIAM ALEXANDER AND JOHN ARTHUR
CUTHBERT OSCAR ALSO OF THEIR SON IN LAW
CLAUDE ERRINGTON LONGDEN JOHNSTON
MAJOR, ROYAL ARTILLERY, IN THE YEAR OF
OUR LORD 1926
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE |
Last updated
21 March, 2021
|