Photographs Copyright © Gill Cannell and Andrew Dishman 2024

George William

Second Officer, Mercantile Marine Reserve. HM Fleet Messenger ‘Susetta’. Died 14th December 1918, aged 28 years. Only son of (the late) George Gersham and Lizzie Caroline Appleton of ‘Gable End’, 19 Rectory Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Hurst Castle, Lymington, Ham. Commemorated Plymouth Naval Memorial. 30. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Horace Edwin

Private 2813. 8th Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment), formerly 2792 The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 19th June 1916, aged 22 years. Son of Horace William and Jane Bowyer of 39 St Georges Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Dulwich, Sry, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord). II.E.230. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Robert Henry

Blacksmith 156247, Royal Navy. HMS ‘Cressy’. Died 22nd September 1914, aged 46 years. Son of Henry and Elizabeth Brenchley of Broadstairs, husband of Louisa J Brenchley of Richborough Villas, St Peters Park Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Chatham Naval Memorial. 6. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Leslie Charles

Lance Corporal 15583. 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action 27th November 1917, aged 23 years. Son of Alfred Edward and Mary Ann Brisley of 15 Chaucer Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Broadstairs and enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Commemorated Cambrai Memorial. Panel 2. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Job

J Bunce in CWGC, no trace in SDGW. Private 03850. Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Died 27th July 1916, aged 34 years. Son of Henry and Alice Bunce. Husband of Florence Emily Bunce of 25 Chaucer Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Chichester, Ham. Commemorated St Peter in Thanet Churchyard. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

George James

Private 15073. 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, formerly 4744 The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 10th November 1917, aged 38 years. Husband of Maud Jane Butcher of ‘Ethelville’, 4 Belvedere Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Crundale, enlisted and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Tyne Cot Memorial. Panel 143 to 144. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Edward John

Lance Corporal 2853. 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Killed in action 14th May 1915, aged 24 years. Son of Elizabeth Croom of 1 Chapel Place, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Broadstairs, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 46-48 and 50. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Robert Sidney

Private 228612. 1st Battalion, London Regiment attached 2/4th Battalion London Regiment, formerly 266897 Kent Cyclists Battalion. Killed in action 21st March 1918. Born, enlisted and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Pozieres Memorial. Panel 85 and 86. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

John Alexander

Private 203530. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 6th December 1917. Born, enlisted and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Le Cateau Military Cemetery. V.E.11. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Henry John

[Listed as H J Hammond on memorial]. Sergeant 121816, 18th Squadron, Royal Air Force. Killed in action 14th August 1918 while flying in a D.H. 4, Serial number A7856, flown by Lt. J E Kearney, USAS. No known grave. Commemorated Arras Flying Services Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Commemorated on the family grave in Thanet St Peter churchyard. See also also Thanet St Peter and also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Robert Henry

Gunner 130215. 319th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 5th October 1917, aged 41 years. Husband of Maud A F Harty of 57 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Born and enlisted Broadstairs, and resident St Peter in Thanet, Kent. Commemorated Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery. III.F.12. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

John Vivienne

Corporal 2867. 3rd Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 21st November 1918, aged 23 years. Son of (the late) John and Emma E Hesse of 7 Leslie Cottages, Harbour Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated St Peter in Thanet Churchyard. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Herbert Walter

Sergeant 9402. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 31st May 1918, aged 25 years. Husband of Mrs M C Hills of 40 Wearside Road, Lewisham, Lnd. Russian Order of St George (2nd Class). Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.). Born Broadstairs, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Nine Elms British Cemetery. XI.D.9. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Alfred Sidney

Private G/8559. A Company, 10th Battalion, Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 19th October 1916, aged 21 years. Son of Alfred Edward and Julia Hobday of 55 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Born and enlisted Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated St Peter in Thanet Churchyard. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Frederick William

Trumpeter on memorial. No trace SDGW. Driver 1063. C Battery, 222nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died 9th June 1916, aged 19 years. Son of Mrs Susannah Hymers of 3 Buckingham Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Amara War Cemetery. IX.H.10. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Albert

Private 6590. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 7th November 1915, aged 18 years. Son of Alice Jane Jarman of 25 Clarendon Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Northwood, Ramsgate, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Menin Road South Military Cemetery. III.E.33. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

John Henry

Private 30138. 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action 22nd August 1918, aged 19 years. Son of Henry John and Mary Knott of 22 Chaucer Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Broadstairs and enlisted Canterbury, Kent. Commemorated Bucquoy Road Cemetery. IV.K.3. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Albert Stephen

Private 35994. C Company, 12th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Died 25th August 1918, aged 19 years. Son of Samuel Nash of ‘St Quentin’, West Cliff Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Brother of Percy James Nash. Born Broadstairs and enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Commemorated Adanac Military Cemetery. III.F.14. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Percy James

Private G/37295. 11th Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 1st August 1917, aged 19 years. Son of Samuel Nash of 34 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Brother of Albert Stephen Nash. Born Broadstairs, enlisted Herne Bay and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 11-13 and 14. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity and also Thanet St Peter

Charles William

Private G/1135. 1st Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 25th February 1915. Born Broadstairs, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Loos Memorial. Panel 13 to 15. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Percy William

Lance Corporal 2855. 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Killed in action 31st July 1917, aged 27 years. Son of Alfred and Emma Pantony of 1 Chandos Villa, Dundonald Road, Broadstairs, Kent. Born Broadstairs, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 46-48 and 50. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Robert Charles

Private G/4979. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 11th September 1916. Born Gravesend and enlisted Broadstairs, Kent, resident Great Yarmouth, Nfk. Commemorated Carnoy Military Cemetery. B.3. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

James Henry

Private S/10156. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 23rd March 1915. Born Broadstairs, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Ploegsteert Memorial. Panel 2. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Frank

Possibly Francis Joseph Wales. Private G/9882. 10th Battalion, Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 7th June 1917, aged 28 years. Husband of Kathleen Mary Wales of 31 Bloomsbury Road, Ramsgate, Kent. Born Brixton, Lnd, enlisted and resident Ramsgate, Kent. Commemorated Voormezeele Enclosure No: 3. XIII.E.5. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

Francis John Henry

Private 49209. D Company, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 21st June 1918, aged 19 years. Son of F and H Walsh of Broadstairs, Kent. Born Chichester, Ssx, enlisted Ramsgate and resident Broadstairs, Kent. Commemorated Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension. VI.G.3. See also Broadstairs Holy Trinity

BATES Arthur of Fire Station Broadstairs Kent died 16 August 1941 at Vere-road Broadstairs Probate Llandudno 3 November to Stanley George Rackham local government officer.
Effects £431 1s. 4d.

COCKS Oswald Charles of 119 Desborough-road Eastleigh Hampshire died 25 October 1947 at Preston Hall Hospital Aylesford Kent Administration Winchester 17 February to Nina May Joan Cocks widow. Effects £593 1s. 1d.

IN loving memory of a dear Husband and Father. William Dixon. who passed away, February 5th. 1945, in hospital, Central Mediterranean area.
His trials were many, his pleasures were few;
God alone knows what he went through.
God saw the hill was hard to climb,
So He closed his eves and whispered. " Peace be thine."
From his loving Wife and Children. Howard-road, Broadstairs

IN loving memory of our dear son, Flt.-Lt. Reginald Frederick Dobson, R.A.F., lost on bombing raid over Germany, 23rd February. 1945.
So sadly missed by his loving Mum and Dad.

Elliott, Charles Stanley, Corporal (Acting Sjt)
7887112, 6 Royal Tank Regt.
This N.C.O. having got called into Gall abat while working round inside the Fort with his tank broke a track and became immobile. Soon after he saw another of our tanks commanded by Sgt. Manders about 40 yds. to his left that was on fire. He got out of his tank although still surrounded by enemy and rescued Sgt. Manders and L/ Cpl Wood who had been seriously wounded by an A/Tk rifle fired from the top of a building 15 yds from Sgt. Mander's tank. He laid the two wounded men between his tank and a bank and dismounted a MG and went into action with it, as owing to the position of his tank he found it impossible to man his guns properly from his tank.

I consider that this N.C.O. behaved with great coolness and resource. (L.G. 01.1.44)

The sympathy of residents will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Elliott, of Stanley-road, Broadstairs, who have received official information that their youngest son, Captain Charles Stanley Elliott, D.C.M., was killed in action on May 27th, in Libya. whilst serving with the Royal Tank Regiment.

The young soldier enlisted in 1937 and at the outbreak of war was serving in Egypt. In 1939 he spent a few weeks at his home in Broadstairs and has since been on active service with the Middle East Force.

In January, 1941, when holding the rank of sergeant, Captain Elliott was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry and distinguished services, recorded as follows:

"When the tank commanded by this N.C.O. had gained its objective it broke a track and became immobile during operations. Soon after another tank, about 40 yards away, caught fire. Sergeant Elliott got out of his tank, although still surrounded by the enemy, and rescued the two occupants of the burning tank who had been seriously wounded by anti-tank rifle fire from the top of a building 15 yards away. He laid the two wounded men between his tank and a bank and dismounted a machine-gun and went into action with it, as owing to the position of his tank he found it impossible to man his gun properly from his own tank. The courage and resource of this N.C.O. throughout the operation was most outstanding."

It was soon after the award was made that the young soldier was given commission rank.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have three other sons in the Forces.

Mr. Elliott, sen., came to live at Broadstairs a few years ago, when retiring on pension from the London Fire Brigade, holding officer's rank. At the outbreak of war he joined the local auxiliary fire service, but ill-health caused him to retire.

Mr. Elliott was for two years hon. secretary of the Broadstairs and St. Peter's Bowling Club.

Pte. Reginald George Gifford, only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Gifford, of 4 Rumfields-road, Broadstairs, has been killed in an accident in North-West Europe.

An old boy of St. Peter's Church of England School, Pte. Gifford was employed at the Astoria Cinema, Margate, as second operator before the theatre was damaged. He then went to the Regal Cinema, Canterbury, and left there to join the forces in June, 1940.

After training, he was sent to the Middle East as an ammunition tester. He returned to England in March this year, and was trained as a despatch rider in the R.A.O.C. It is believed that he was riding a motor cycle when killed. He was 23 years of age.

Seventeen-year-old Samuel J. Glover, son of Mr. E. J. Glover, a prominent Methodist, was killed in the grounds of the Yarrow Home, where he was working, when German raiders attacked the town at breakfast-time. One high explosive fell at the Yarrow Home and another in the front garden of a house in Ramsgate-road. Much damage to property was caused by the second bomb and Mrs. Lily Gardner and Mr. Alexander Gardner, of 133 Ramsgate-road, received multiple cuts to the face and arms.

GRAHAM Michael David Leslie of 4 Victoria-parade Broadstairs Kent died on or since 28 January 1944 on war service Probate Llandudno 9 November to David Herbert Graham retired shipping clerk. Effects £216 0s. 9d.

HAMMOND Frank of 34 Upton-road Broadstairs Kent died 12 March 1942 Administration Peterborough 25 February to Marjorie Eva May Hammond widow. Effects £210.

ARCHWAY OF HATCHETS
BROADSTAIRS A.F.S. WEDDING

A Broadstairs auxiliary fireman and his bride passed under an archway of hatchets formed by the bridegrooms colleagues when they left Broadstairs Parish Church after their wedding on Tuesday.

The bridegroom was Fireman William David Hammond, of St. George's-road, Broadstairs, and his bride was Mrs. Sarah Anne Goddard, also of St. George's-road, daughter of Mr. S. Perry, of King-street. Ramsgate.

Given away by Mr. P. T. Wood. the bride wore a brown coat and hat with accessories to tone. She was attended by Mrs. Wood. who wore a navy costume.

Following the service, which was conducted by the Rector (the Rev. C. H. Bailey), the bridal car was towed by members of Broadstairs A.F.S. to the Rose Inn, where a reception was held. Those present included Sergt. Goddard, Royal West Kent Regiment, son of Mrs. Goddard, and Miss L. Goddard and Mrs. M. Rirchardson, daughters.

On Saturday the news was received officially by Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Holmes, of 77, Gladstone-road, Broadstairs, that their only son, Squadron-Leader Frederick Arthur Holmes, D.F.C., R.A.F., had been reported missing from an operational flight over enemy territory. He had been serving with the R.A.F. since 1937. Until quite recently he had been engaged in instructional courses at a home station. His wife was serving with the W.A.A.F.

Squadron-Leader Holmes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallant and distinguished services in the Waziristan operations from January 15th to September 15th, 1937. At that time he was a Pilot-Officer stationed at Miramshah, Fort Waziristan, India. Although then only 23 years of age, he had an exciting service career behind him.

On one occasion his machine was shot down by tribesmen on the North-west Frontier of India.

He attended Chatham House School, Ramsgate, and was popular with both the staff and the pupils.

A fine swimmer and sportsman he was a popular competitor at the annual water sports held at Broadstairs, his most notable success being the fact that he was the winner of the pillow fight on the pole for six successive years.

While still at school he studied wireless telegraphy and was an expert on short-wave transmission and receiving. He made many DX contacts in all parts of the world

Reported Missing.—Sqdn.-Ldr. Frederick Arthur Holmes, D.F.C.. R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Holmes, of 77 Gladstone-road, Broadstairs, has been reported missing from an operational flight over enemy territory. An old boy of Chatham House School, Ramsgate, Sqdn.-Ldr. Holmes has served in the R.A.F. since 1937. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in connection with the Waziristan operations in 1937.

MINED SHIP.
Broadstairs Man Feared Lost.

It is feared that a Broadstairs man lost his life when the British ship "Wood-town" sank in the North Sea last week after striking a German mine.

He was Mr. Lionel Goldsmith Jones, of 8, York-street, Broadstairs, who was serving as a second mate on the vessel.

Survivors of the "Woodtown" disaster have said that Mr. Jones was below deck when the explosion occurred and that he was not picked up by any rescue craft.

A comparatively young man—he was only 36--Mr. Jones had only recently rejoined the merchant service. He was very popular among a wide circle of acquaintances in the town, being both a member of the Broadstairs and District Rifle Club and the Broadstairs Banjo, Mandoline and Guitar Club. In the latter organisation he had held the office of president.

Mr. Jones leaves a widow. to whom the deepest sympathy will be extended

BLOWN UP
AT SEA
BROADSTAIRS VICTIM OF THE WAR

Retiring from the merchant service with the rank of Chief Officer when he married, Mr. Lionel Goldsmith Jones, though still a young man, came to Broadstairs with his bride and opened a tobacco and confectionery shop at 8 York-street.

While at Broadstairs he took an active part in the formation of the local Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar Club, of which he became secretary, and, a first-class shot, he was also a popular member of the first team of the Broadstairs Rifle Club.

On the outbreak of war he responded to the country's call and joined the merchant fleet reserve.

Last week, making his first voyage as mate on the steamer Woodtown, 794 tons, he passed the town in which he had made his home.

Later, when he had gone off duty and retired to his bunk, there was an explosion and the ship was blown to pieces.

Mr. Jones was one of the nine members of the crew who lost their lives. The four survivors, after being picked up by a steamer, were afterwards transferred to a lifeboat and landed in another east coast town.

Mr. Jones leaves a widow and a son aged four to mourn the loss of a gallant seaman who gave his life for his country.

KEEVIL Jack of Lynmouth 57 St. Peters Park-road Broadstairs Kent died 7 September 1941 at Tobruk North Africa Administration London 8 October to Florence May Keevil widow.
Effects £1239 1s. 7d.

KING Richard Ledger of Melrose 52 Stanfield-road Bournemouth died 8 February 1944 on war service Administration (with Will) Llandudno 16 November to Joan Mena King widow.
Effects £146 5s.

Serving with the Seaforth Highlanders in the Middle East, Cpl. Alexander Patrick Lawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Lawson, of 6 Walmsley-road, Broadstairs, has sacrificed his life in an attempt to save some of his colleagues.

Writing to his parents. Cpl. Lawson's captain says "Your son met his death when he tried to help some of his comrades. It was a gallant and most unselfish effort that he made for he must have known the danger he ran. Our padre held a service and your son, with other comrades, was buried with full military honours."

Cpl. Lawson was 22 years old and he joined the Army in November, 1939. Fighting in France, he was evacuated from Cherbourg and went to the Middle East last June. Prior to the war he visited Australia twice and India as a printer on a P. & O. liner.

The padre of the unit also wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Lawson and said: "On behalf of the battalion and myself, sincere sympathy. He was killed by an enemy mine while going to the aid of others. He is buried in a little cemetery near the sea. The battalion held him in high esteem, for he was an excellent soldier and a most valuable man at his work and an excellent example to other young men not so highly endowed as himself. I am sure it will help you to have courage to bear your great loss to remember his courage and his excellent service in a cause which will one day bring great blessing to mankind. Though. he is gone from us his name will live."

Extract from Kirriemuir Observer and General Advertiser, 10 June 1943, page 1:

Kirrie Soldier's Gallantry.

Serving with the Seaforth Highlanders in the Middle East, Cpl. Alexander Patrick Lawson, son of Mr and Mrs A. G. Lawson, 6 Walmsley Road, Broad-stairs, and grandson of the late Mr and Mrs Peter Lawson, 47 Forfar Road, Kirriemuir, has sacrificed his life in an attempt to save some of his colleagues. Writing his parents, Cpl. Lawson's captain says, "Your son met his death when he tried to help some of his comrades. It was a gallant and most I unselfish effort that he made for he must have known the danger he ran. Our padre held a service and your son, with other comrades, was buried with full military honours in a little cemetery near the sea." Cpl. Lawson, who was a native of Kirriemuir, was 22 years old, and he joined the Army in November, 1939. Fighting in France, he was evacuated from Cherbourg and went to the Middle East a year ago this month.

L/Cpl. Ronald Lithauer, aged 21, Royal Corps of Signals, an old boy of Chatham House School, Ramsgate, reported mising at Hong Kong. His mother, Mrs. Hall, of Stoneleigh, Granville-road, Broadstairs, received the news the day before the death of her husband, Mr. Bruce Hall.

FORMERLY a private school teacher at Ramsgate, L.-Corpl. Ronald Lithauer, Royal Corps of Signals son of Mrs. H. Hall. of Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, is a prisoner in Japan.

He was reported missing at Hong Kong. and recently sent a broadcast message home from a camp at Osaka.

Lost at Sea.—According to an official report, A/B John Harry Morgan, of the Merchant Navy, eon of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Morgan, of Crawford-road, Broadstairs, was not among the survivors of a vessel sunk by enemy action who were landed at an overseas port. A/B Morgan was only 19 years old and had been in the Merchant Service since April, 1940. His father is a corporal in the R.A.F

An Old Ruymian, P.C. Gordon D. Morrison is one of 16 police officers to whom the King's police medal for gallantry has been awarded.

Morrison, who lived at Crowhill, Broadstairs, joined the Metropolitan Police Force when he left Chatham House School.

Gordon Donald Morrison came to England in 1933 from Darjeeling, India, where his parents lived and where he had been to school.

His athletic record at school was outstanding for he represented Chatham House at soccer, Rugby and cricket. Like most, sporting boys he was extremely popular with his school-Mates.

In 1934 he played for the 2nd XV at Rugby, the 2nd XI at football and the 1st XI at cricket. The following year he was awarded his football and cricket colours.

Morrison was made a prefect in 1936 and distinguished himself further In the field. He was made vice-captain of the school cricket XI.

Morrison was in Searles House and in 1936 he won the highest honour that a boy can gain inside his house —the house captaincy. The year 1937 brought a further honour in the shape of the captaincy of the school soccer XI.

Unlike most athletes, Morrison was a studious boy and when in the 3rd Form he was awarded the form prize. He was always keen on dramatics and achieved his ambition when he played the part of the chief shepherd in the school Nativity play.

Morrison. who left school in 1936 to join the Metropolitan Police, is now aged 21.

Educated at St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Sub-Lieut. (A) P. E. Opdall, son of Mrs. Opdall, of Rosemary-avenue. Broadstairs, has met his death as the result of an accident while serving with the Royal Navy.

Joining the Navy in 1939, Sub-Lieut. Opdall would have been 21 years of age next month. His father, Mr. Peter Opdall, who served with the Black Watch during the last war, died a few weeks before his son was born.

News has reached his mother of the accidental death while on active service of her son, Sub-Lieut. (A.) P. R. Opdall, R.N., of No. 47, Rosemary-avenue, Broad-stairs. Sub-Lieut. Opdall, who would have celebrated his 21st birthday next month, joined the Navy in 1939.

He was educated at St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate.

His father, Mr. Peter Opdall, served during the last war with the Black Watch, and died a few weeks before the birth of his son

PEMBLE Robert Walter of 102 Beacon-road St. Peters Broadstairs Kent died 16 August 1941 in an ambulance on the way to Hospital Broadstairs Administration Llandudno 18 September to Millie Doreen Pemble widow.
Effects £142 11s. 3d.

Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Pollard, of 46 Whitfield-avenue, St. Peter's, have received news that their only son, Sgt. Herbert Eugene Pollard, R.A.F., has been posted as missing from air operations.

Herbert, aged 19, is an old boy of St. Peter's School and a former member of the Thanet A.T.C. Squadron. After leaving school he worked for a Ramsgate chemist. He joined the R.A.F. in February last year and after eight months training passed out as a flight engineer, becoming a member of the crew of a Lancaster bomber.

Writing to Sgt. Pollard's parents, the commanding officer of his squadron says "our son was an extremely capable engineer and was always most keen and enthusiastic in the performance of his duties. He was capable and determined and I held a high opinion of him."

Extract from East Kent Times and Mail, 31 May 1944, page 4:

Reported Missing.

Sergeant Herbert Eugene Pollard. R.A.F., only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Pollard. of Whitfield-avenue, Broadstairs, has been posted as missing from air operations. The young airman was 19 years of age and is an old boy of St. Peter's Church of England School. On leaving school he was employed by a Ramsgate tradesman. From the A.T.C. he joined the Royal Air Force in February, 1943. and after eight months' training he passed out as a flight engineer and was engaged with the Lancaster bombers

PRICKETT Donald Charles of Ebor House Walden-road Broadstairs Kent died 7 September 1941 on war service Administion Llandudno 2 January to Charles Prickett company director. Effects £324 5s. 10d. Revoked 26 January 1942.
New Grant 31 March 1942

ROWE Harold of 5 Balliol-road Reading-street Broadstairs Kent died 15 June 1942 on war service Administration Llandudno 23 November to Lilian Bertha Rowe (wife of Harold Rowe).
Effects £144 10s. 2d.

RUFFLES Douglas Garnett of 29 Livingstone-road St. Peters Broadstairs Kent died 20 July 1944 on war service Probate Llandudno 23 November to William Alfred Ruffles corporation employee. Effects £214 11s. 10d.

Younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Ruffles, of 29 Livingstone-road, St. Peter's, L/Cpl. Douglas Ruffles has been killed in action while serving with an infantry regiment in Normandy.

L/Cpl. Ruffles, who attended St. Peter's School, was 26 years old. He entered the Army in December, 1939.

Formerly a milk rounds-man at St. Peter's, he was well-known in Thanet as a cricketer and footballer, being a member of the St. Peter's Old Boys Club.

SIMPSON John Kenneth Alastair of 8 Hollingbury-gardens Findon Valley Worthing died 18 January 1944 on war service Administration Llandudno 24 February to Jane Smith Simpson widow. Effects £425 5s. 5d.

TREASURED memories of my dear husband, Percy Charles Ralph Spice. killed by enemy action August 16th. 1941. Never forgotten by his loving war.
IN loving memory of our dear Father, Percy Charles Ralph Spice, killed by enemy action August 16th. 1941. From Len, Barbara, Don and Daphne.

SPRIGGE John James Gregory of Daisy Green Lexden Heath near Colchester died 9 March 1943 on war service Administration Ipswich 23 October to Edith Josephine Hornby (wife of Arthur Herbert Hornby). Effects £172 2s. 3d.

STEED John Robert Arthur of 13 Vicarage-street St. Peters Broadstairs Kent died 7 February 1943 on war service Administration Llandudno 2 May to Elgitha Kathleen Steed (wife of Alfred James Steed). Effects £170 4s. 5d.

TURRELL Robert Sydney of 235 Beacon-road St. Peters Broadstairs Kent died on or since 12 September 1944 on war service Administration Llandudno 5 February to Ruth Ethel Turrell widow. Effects £311 8s. 11d.

MIDDLE EAST DEATH.

The many friends of Frederick Arthur Watling, aired 55, of 21, Albion-street. Broadstairs, to whom be was known as "Bill." will be sorry to learn of his death on November 10th of this year in the Middle East following a short illness.

He was due home for leave in month's time. He had been abroad for four years when he was taken suddenly ill. but it was thought that an operation would save his life. Unfortunately his heart was not strong enough to stand the strain of his illness.

Before enlistment be assisted in his father's business and was an ex-scholar of Broadstairs Church of England School.

He was the son of the well-known Broadstairs fishmonger, F. W. Watling, and leaves a widow and one child.

LIFE FOR COUNTRY.
Flight-Sergeant L. H. Wrightson, of Broadstairs.

The many friends of Ft/Sergt. Leslie Howard Wrightson, R.A.F., who was reported missing on 21st June of last year, will regret to learn that his relatives have received official information that it is now presumed that he had lost his life on that date.

Ft/Sergt. Wrightson, aged 27 years, was the third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Wrightson. of the Lord Nelson Inn, Broadstairs. His eldest brother is licensee of the " Duke of Kent." King-street, Ramsgate.

He was educated at the Bradstowe College. Broadstairs, and on leaving school joined the firm of Messrs. Daniels (Kent) Ltd., estate agents and auctioneers, of Broadstairs.

It was five years ago that he joined the Royal Air Force. He leaves a widow and young daughter,

BRADSTONIANS' WEDDING.
Wrightson — Morris.

At Folkestone Parish Church on Monday, the wedding took place of Mr. Leslie Howard Wrightson, third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Wrightson, of the Lord Nelson Inn, Broadstairs, and Miss Mary Yvonne (Molly) Morris, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Morris, of 1, East Cliff-gardens, Folkestone. and formerly of Broadstairs.

The bridegroom is now a pilot sergeant in the R.A.F. stationed at Cranfleld, Bedfordshire. He was for several years on the staff of Messrs Daniels (Kent) Ltd., estate agents and auctioneers of Broadstairs.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Hyla Holden.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a two-piece costume in navy blue cloque, navy blue hat with eye veil, and navy blue shoes. Her shower bouquet was of pink tulips.

The bridesmaid was Miss Biddy Morris (sister of bride), whose dress was of clover coloured angora, with a black hat, shoes and gloves, and her bouquet was of mauve tulips.

The bride's mother's dress was of burnt orange crepe de chene, with brown fur-trimmed coat, hat, shoes and gloves to match. and she carried a spray of small yellow chrysanthemums.

Mr. A. L. Wrightson, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man.

Following the service a reception was held at the home of the bride's parents, and later in the day the happy couple left for Wengen, Switzerland, where the honeymoon is being spent.

The bride's travelling attire consisted of a tailored brown dress, with rust cravat and sash, fur coat in brown calf (the bridegroom's gift), brown hat, shoes and handbag to match.

The bride's present to the bridegroom was a set of silver backed hair brushes in leather case, engraved with his initials, and the bridegroom's gift to the bridesmaid was an evening bracelet

Mr. and Mrs. Wrightson were the recipients of over 50 presents, besides many congratulatory messages.