WILLESBOROUGH

The Willesborough civic war memorial is a series of brass plaques located on the church organ. At some stage some kind soul has also handwritten a roll of

honour that lists all the men of Willesborough who served in the colours during the Great War. This handwritten book is rather hard to decipher. The book is held

at the St Mary’s Church in Willesborough.

Inside Christchurch (Willesborough) there is a large oak Roll of Honour that contains the names of men of the congregation who served in the colours in the

Great War and men who went on to lose their lives.

The Great War 1914 – 1919

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BAILEY A.E (brother) Lance Corporal L/9592 Archibald Ernest BAILEY. 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28th September 1915. Born Mersham. Resided Willesborough Lees. Son of Samuel Bailey of 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Archibald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Private 18881 Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). On the 28th September 1915 the 2nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at 09.30 hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump.

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BAILEY H.P.A Second Lieutenant Hubert Percy Andrew BAILEY. 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Died 24th November 1917 aged 28 years. Son of George and Katherine Bailey of Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Hubert has no known grave. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial, Cambrai, France. Panel reference 7. Both Hubert’s parents are buried in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Their gravestone also commemorates their sons Hubert’s death in France. George Bailey died 15th May 1942 aged 86 years. Katherine Bailey died 2nd March 1936 aged 82 years. Educated at St Augustine’s College, Ashford and St Xaviour’s College at Bruges in Belgium. Hubert received his military training in the Artist’s Officer Training Corps (OTC) and was sent out to France with his battalion in February 1916. In April 1917 Hubert was appointed to the post of Intelligence Officer to his battalion and in July 1917 Adjutant. He married a French national from Paris in March 1916.

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BAILEY R (brother) Corporal 18881 Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. 8th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly (8993) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 6th June 1918. Born Mersham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Samuel Bailey of 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the La Neuville-Aux-Larris Military Cemetery, Marne, France. Grave reference B.43. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Private 18881 Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

BARNES J Railway Sapper 189175 James William BARNES. 18th Wagon Erecting Company, Railway Operating Division (ROD). Royal Engineers (RE). Died of disease 4th September 1917. Born Sevington, Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Sevington. Son of James and Fanny Barnes of 108, Cudworth Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Calais Southern Cemetery, France. Grave reference Plot H, Row 4, Grave 1. Before the outbreak of war James was working at the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Ashford Railway Rolls of Honour in Ashford Library. The 1901 census gives – Cottage, Sevington James BARNES 78 Agricultural Labourer Kingsnorth Fred 29 Mersham Cottage, Sevington James BARNES 46 Railway Mersham Fanny 36 Tonbridge Alice 9 Sevington James W 7 Sevington

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BARTON F Sergeant 210297 Frank Claude BARTON. 14th Training Depot Station, Royal Air Force (RAF). Died 7th April 1919 aged 29 years. Son of James Henry and Ada Harriet Barton of 1, Bentley Road, South Willesborough, Ashford. Husband of Ida Barton. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford. Grave reference Q.682.

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BEAN C Rifleman 9230 Charles Alfred BEAN. 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Died 28th April 1915. Born Ashford. Son of Richard William and Mary Bean of 57 Canterbury Road, Willesborough, Ashford. Buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord), France. Grave reference I.C.149. Educated at the British School Ashford and then the New Town School in Ashford. Charles was a very strong swimmer gaining several swimming awards in the Ashford area. After leaving school he was employed in the saw mills of the Ashford Railway Works. He joined the Army when aged 19 years. He served for 12 years and finally left after completing his engagement. In 1914 he volunteered for overseas service and rejoined his former regiment. Charles was severely wounded in both legs on Hill 37 by a shell that exploded on the trench he was sheltering in. He died a few days later of these wounds. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives – 57, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough Drummer 220695 James Frederick BEAN. 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. In April 1915 the 1st battalion was in the Plugstreet Wood Sector. On the 15th April it moved to billets on the Bailleul-Steenwerck Road. On the 24th April the battalion entrained at Steenwerck for Poperinghe and there marched to bivouacs near Busseboom. On the 25th April the battalion moved to Vlameringhe and then moved forward to St Jean and positions near Fortuin. This line was held under constant shelling and the battalion dug in on the northern slopes of Hill 37. On the 28th April Hill 37 was being held. The regimental diary state that between the 25th April and 28th April 253 men were killed wounded and missing.

BOOTH B Private G/28702 Bertie Thomas BOOTH. 7th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 24th April 1918 aged 19 years. Born Ashford. Son of C.T and A.J Booth of 152, Hythe Road, Willesborough. Buried in the Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Vilers-Bretonneux, France. Grave reference XE.16. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives – 150 Hythe Road, Willesborough Private G/28702 Bertie Thomas BOOTH. 7th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Bertie’s name also appears on the Christchurch Roll of Honour Plaque in South Ashford. On the 24th April 1918 the Germans attacked in force on the Villers-Bretonneux Plateau. They used tanks together with massive bombardment to capture British forward positions. The 7th West Kent’s were called up from reserve lines and went to the assistance of the 54th Brigade (85th Division). The village of Hangard was the scene of very fierce fighting especially around Hangard Wood. BROOKES C Corporal 6276 Cecil Edmund BROOKS. 8th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 27th May 1917 aged 22 years. Born Court-at-Street, Lympne near Aldington. Enlisted Tunbridge Wells. Resided Tunbridge Wells. Eldest son of Herbert and Lily Brooks of 49, Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Lillie Brookes (nee Maylam) the daughter of William Maylam. Buried Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Grave reference VII.B.9. Cecil was educated at the Aldington School and at Clark’s College, London. Upon leaving school he worked as an Assistant to Mr Harrington a Grocer in Tunbridge Wells. Cecil enlisted on the 26th April 1915 and moved to France in October 1915. Cecil’s commanding officer wrote – “The loss of your son will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Calm and cheerful under most trying circumstances, he discharged all his duties with marked ability, and inspired the confidence of all who knew him. Full well I know how inadequate our sympathy may seem in your great loss. Yet I feel sure you will derive some benefit that your son died only as an English gentleman can do – doing his duty”. Cecil was killed in action on the eve of obtaining his commission. He served on the front line for 18 months before losing his life. BROOKES W Private 4895 William Charles BROOKS. 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Died 31st March 1917 aged 23 years. Enlisted Armoury House, London. Resided Ashford. Son of Mr W.C Brooks of 195, New Town, Ashford, Kent. Buried H.A.C Cemetery, Ecoust-St, Mein, France. Grave reference I.A.22. William was killed in action near Bapaume in France. 8

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BROOKES R Private TF/2717 Robert Henry BROOKS. 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Reported missing in action on 9th May 1915 aged 21 years. Son of Mr F.J Brooks of 28, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Robert has no known grave. His name appears on the Le Touret Memorial, France. Panel reference 20 and 21. Before the war Robert was employed at the Railway Hotel in Hastings, Sussex. On the 6th May 1915 the 5th battalion was at Mesplaux in support trenches behind Rue De Bois. On the 9th May the whole battalion took part in an attack on the Aubers Ridge. The leading companies merely fell victim to murderous machine gun fire. 11 officers and 191 men were wiped out in minutes. At 1800 hours the battalion withdrew to Le Touret. On the 10th May the battalion moved to Bethune.

BRUNGER E Private (formerly Lance Corporal) L/8140 Ernest BRUNGER. 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 3rd Battalion. Missing Assumed to have Died 3rd May 1915. Born Headcorn. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Ernest and Ellen Brunger of 28, Rugby Gardens, Ashford, Kent. Later moved to 101 Willesborough Street, Ashford, Kent. Ernest had a brother Henry Brunger who lived at 70 New Town, Ashford, Kent and two sisters also residing in Newtown, Ashford. Buried in the Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Grave reference VII.D.22. Before the war Ernest was employed as a Boilermaker by the South East and Chatham Railway (SE&CR). He joined the territorial army on 30th November 1905 when aged 18 years and later transferred to the regular Buffs. He served with The Buffs in the following overseas possessions – South Africa (1908), Hong Kong (1908-1910), Singapore (1910) and India (1913). On the 16th November 1914 he was sailing on the SS Ultomia with his battalion who were rushing back from India to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force in France. He arrived home on 16th November 1914 and left for France on 17th January 1915. Ernest was a trained stretcher bearer. He was promoted to a Lance Corporal on the 29th June 1909 but reverted to Private on 10th January 1910 at his own request. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 7, Hardinge Road, Ashford Sapper 540406 Arthur James BRUNGER. 496th Field Company, Royal Engineers. The 1901 census gives – 37, Rugby Gardens, Ashford Ernest BRUNGER 36 Boiler Maker Bethersden Ellen 43 Woodchurch Bessie 16 Headcorn Ernest 14 Bethersden Henry 12 Woodchurch Ellen 8 Hinxhill Arthur 6 Hinxhill On the 1st May 1915 a fresh draft of men arrived from England. On the 3rd May 1915 the enemy shelled Buffs positions at Verlorenhoek. The battalion at this time was commanded by Captain Houblon and he reported many casualties during this day from the abnormal level of shelling. Later in the day the enemy attacked a trench known as D5. This enemy attack could not be

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resisted because the trench was defended by so few Buffs. Captain Howard Smith and Lieutenant G.R Howe leading 80 men held the trench. None of these men were ever seen or heard of again. On the 4th May the battalion withdrew to bivouacs in a wood near Poperinghe. From 22nd April to 4th May the battalion lost 17 officers and a further 702 men killed, wounded or missing. The battalion was more or less completely wiped out in less than 2 weeks! The Germans through the American Embassy notified the British War Office in February 1916 that Ernest’s body was buried at Roulers, Belgium on 3rd May 1915. On 16 February 1916 the War Office wrote to Ernest’s parents in Ashford giving them official confirmation of their sons death – Killled In Action 3rd May 1915.

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BURCH G Gunner 70770 George Sidney BURCH. 293rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 9th November 1917 aged 32 years. Born 2nd August 1885 at the Good Intent, Public House, Frith Road, Aldington, Kent. Son of Charles and Kate Burch of 103 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough. Buried in the Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference VI.B.27. The Good Intent Public House has also been called the Black Rabbit. George was related to F.A Barling who appears on the Ashford and Aldington lists. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives – Frith Road, Aldington Private 33665 Frederick BURCH. East Surrey Regiment Private 5925 Thomas BURCH. Royal Sussex Regiment

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BURGESS J Lance Corporal L/9719 James Henry BURGESS. 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 13th July 1915. Born South Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided South Willesborough. Buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference I.D.107. James died of wounds whilst being treated in a Base Hospital at Bailleul. BUTCHER R Lance Corporal 8078 Robert Leslie BUTCHER. E Company, 2nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Formerly (3 years) Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Died 27th April 1915 aged 25 years. Born 14th December 1889 at Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Son of Alfred and Mary Butcher. Brother of Harry James Butcher of 39 Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Robert has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 57. Before the outbreak of war Robert was employed as a Steam Fitter (probably at the Ashford Railway Yards). Robert enlisted in the Canadian Army on 22nd September 1914.

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COLLINS H Private 35272 Harry COLLINS. 12th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 21st September 1916. Enlisted Lincoln. Buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’abbe, France. Grave reference IV.E.53. On the 16th September the battalion marched to Pommiers Redoubt via Fricourt. At 2100 hours it moved up to releive battalion’s of the 43rd Brigade coming out the line. A number of frontline trenches were occupied near Flers including Switch and Gap Trenches. On the 22nd September the battalion was releived by 9th Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) and withdrew to bivouacs north-west of Bernafay Wood. It appears that Harry may have been killed near Flers (Switch/Gap Trench).

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CHITTENDEN A Lance Corporal Alfred George CHITTENDEN. 7th Company, 1st Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC). Formerly 100th Winnipeg Grenadiers (militia). Formerly (4 years) Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Died 30th October 1917 aged 30 years. Born 27th February 1887 at Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Son of William Chittenden of 1, Queens Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Nephew of Mr E Paine of Christchurch Road, Ashford. Buried in the Poelcapelle British Cemetery. Grave reference XXVII.D.2. Before the war Alfred worked in the boiler shop Locomotive Department at the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Works in Ashford (SE&CR). He left that employment in 1912 and went to Canada to become a Blacksmiths Helper. On the outbreak of war Alfred volunteered for overseas service and came over to Shorncliffe, Folkestone with his unit. His death was reported in the Kentish Express and it was stated that he died a hero’s death. CRUST A Private 106171 Albert Edward CRUST. 1s Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles (Saskatchewan Regiment). Formerly Canadian Local Militia. Died 5th June 1916 aged 28 years. Born 24th November 1889 at Ashford, Kent. Son of William Albert A and Charlotte Crust of 63, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Leper, Belgium. Grave reference IX.F.16. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 63 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Sergeant 240541 Arthur James CRUST. 5th Devonshire Regiment. Captain Ernest Walter CRUST. 1st Royal Berkshire Regiment. Colonel 265310 Sydney Thomas CRUST. 1st Kent Battalion. Before the outbreak of war Edward was employed as a Builder in Canada. He enlisted on the 30th December 1914 and voluteered for overseas service. Both Albert’s parents are buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery. Albert’s name appears on his parents headstone as a private family tribute. It states that Albert was killed in action at Mount Elio with the Canadians.

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DAVIS F.S Private 105530 Francis (Frank) Shirley DAVIS. 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died 9th April 1917 aged 25 years. Born 15th August 1891 at London. Adopted son of Mr. Jerry Smith of Summerhill Laundry, Willesborough. Formerly Walnut Tree House, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Nine Elms Military Cemetery, Thelus. Grave reference IV.A.3. Frank’s name also appears on the Christchurch Roll of Honour. Frank was educated at the Willesborough School. When he left school he went to work for Mr Stedman the Chemist in Ashford. About two years before the outbreak of war Frank went to Canada to join Mr Smith’s other son who was farming at Beckenham near Saskatchewan in Canada. Enlisting in the Canadian Infantry on the 9th December 1915 at Regina, Sask he came to England in 1915.

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DOWLE G Private 8854 George Crispin DOWLE. “B” Company, 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Died 9th May 1915 aged 29 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Dover. Son of John O and Annie E Dowle of 48, Church Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Brother of Charles Dowle of 14, West Street, Ashford, Kent. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Le Touret Memorial, France. Panel reference 27 and 28. George was a popular member of the local church bell ringers and the choir. He worked in the Ashford Railway Yards as a Coachbuilder. He completed 8 years service in the army 3 days before he was killed. His father John Dowle served in the 2nd Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment for many years. It is recorded that George lost his life fighting at Richebourg in France with his battalion. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 14, West Street, Ashford Private 243651 Charles James DOWLE. 5th Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). 48 Church Road, Willesborough Private 45150 Frank Hubert DOWLE. Durham Light Infantry. On the 8th May 1915 the 1st battalion left Les Choquaux and moved into assembly trenches behind Rue du Bois. The next day (9th May) Lt Col W.D Sanderson led an attack at 0700 hours. This attack was met with very substantial rifle fire from the front and flank. The battalion withdrew to its start point and then made another attack in the afternoon. The following trenches were occupied during the attack – Tin Cross, The Cinder Track. At 0300 hours the next day the battalion assembled at Chocolat Menier Corner before retiring to billets at Long Cornet. 244 men were killed, wounded and missing.

DOWN F.T Dover Marine Private G/5100 Frederick Thomas DOWN. 8th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 26th September 1915 aged 33 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Husband of Mrs F Down of 27, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. Before the outbreak of war Frederick worked for the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company as a Painter. He left a widow with 4 children. The day that Frederick died his battalion the 8th Buffs were in the vicinity of Mazingarbe. During the whole of September 1915 the battalion alternated between billets in Mazingarbe and frontline trenches at Loos or Carency.

DRURY F Lance Corporal L/8663 Frederick DRURY. 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28th or 29th September 1915 aged 25 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Newtown, Ashford. Son of Mr Drury of Herbert Road, South Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. SDGW lists his date of death as 26th September 1915. Frederick was educated at the South East and Chatham Railway School in Ashford. On leaving school Frederick went to work in the Ashford Railway Works. He worked here for 4 years as a Coachmaker before joining the army in 1911. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 238, New Town, Ashford Shoeing Smith 231302 Gordon William Thomas DRURY. Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars. Private 1984 Henry George DRURY. 13th Hussars. The Kentish Express newspaper reported Frederick’s death. He was killed in action whilst firing a machine gun. Apparently, a German Sniper shot him through the head and Frederick died instantly.

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On the 28th September 1915 the 2nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at 09.30 hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump. DUNSTER J Private T/3726 James DUNSTER. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 11th January 1917. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided South Ashford. James has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference 6. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 13 Francis Road, Ashford Private 28732 Frank Loader DUNSTER. 1st Royal West Kent Regiment. Gunner 169293 William Harold DUNSTER. 513th Seige Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. On the 11th January 1917 the 5th battalion were in the vicinity of the Sanna I Yat Lines on the right bank of the River Tigris. The Buffs got orders to clear the Khadaira Bend which involved heavy fighting. The regimental history states that 4 men were killed and a further 4 wounded. One of those killed was James.

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EARL R Gunner 111956 Reginald EARL. “VX” Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 2nd May 1918 aged 27 years. Son of John and Jane Earl (nee Wells) of 2 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent. Born Hythe. Resided Willesborough. Buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference XXVIII.B.9A. Reginald’s name also appears on his parents grave in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. John Earl died 26th January 1926 aged 70 years. Jane Earl died 15th February 1925 aged 73 years. Reginald’s mother Jane was originally from Hildenborough in Kent. Landed France June 1916 posted to 1st Seige Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. His service records show Reginald was wounded but they are too faded to make out any detail. After recovering from wounds he was posted to No2 Reinforcing Depot and then from 9 January 1918 to 359 Siege Battery, RGA. Finally on 7 February 1918 Reginald was drafted to “TM” Battery, RGA in France. It is not known how his CWGC came to record “VX” battery? The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 2 Romney Road, Willesborough Private 013906 Archibald EARL. Army Ordnance Corps. Bombardier 164258 Arthur EARL. M Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Stoker K/29340 John Edward EARL. HMS Pembroke II, Royal Navy. Messenger Percy EARL. 49th S.S.A, HMS Hindustan, Royal Navy. 69 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough Sergeant 9822 Frederick EARL. 1st Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

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Here is Reginald Earl and Family (we don’t know which one is Reginald)

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ERRIDGE F Private L/9418 Frank ERRIDGE. 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 3rd May 1915. Born Polegate, Eastbourne, Sussex. Resided Willesborough. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – Claremont Villa, Ashford Corporal CN/12889 Thomas ERRIDGE. Royal Marines. HMS Glory. On the 1st May 1915 a fresh draft of men arrived from England. On the 3rd May 1915 the enemy shelled Buffs positions at Verlorenhoek. The battalion at this time was commanded by Captain Houblon and he reported many casualties during this day from the abnormal level of shelling. Later in the day the enemy attacked a trench known as D5. This enemy attack could not be resisted because the trench was defended by so few Buffs. Captain Howard Smith and Lieutenant G.R Howe leading 80 men held the trench. None of these men were ever seen or heard of again. On the 4th May the battalion withdrew to bivouacs in a wood near Poperinghe. From 22nd April to 4th May the battalion lost 17 officers and a further 702 men killed, wounded or missing. The battalion was more or less completely wiped out in less than 2 weeks!

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FAGG W Gunner 22700 William John FAGG. 230th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 28th June 1917. Born Ash, Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Chatham. Buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference XIV.C.8A. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 4 Aylesford Place, Willesborough Sergeant 203169 William Thomas FAGG. 4th Royal West Kent Regiment.

FAWCETT T Private G/39928 Thomas FAWCETT. 1st Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 27th September 1917. Born York, Yorkshire. Resided Ashford. Thomas has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A. On the 25th September 1917 the 1st battalion moved up to Wizernes from Berlencourt where it had spent the past 2 weeks training. From Wizernes it went into the Branhoek area. The regimental history (C.T Akinson) states that on the night of the 27th their camp was bombed by German aircraft. Two men were killed and a further 20 were wounded. It is possible that Thomas was one of those killed.

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FISHER H Leading Seaman SS/81 Herbert Lawrence FISHER. Royal Mount Naval Barracks, Royal Navy (RN). Died 16th March 1921 aged 36 years. Albert died of T.B (Phthisis). Born Folkestone 10th August 1884. Herbert died at 74 Albemarle Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Herbert’s brother-in-law Frank H Newton was present at the time of his death. Formerly residing (1918) at 55 Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford with a Private 243652 Richard Kemp Barnard (5th West Surrey’s). Buried 19th March 1921 at Willesborough Cemetery, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference – Q 631. Herbert is also commemorated on the Willesborough War Memorial as H FISHER. It appears that he must have called himself Herbert when in fact his birth name was Albert. Herbert’s death is NOT recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This means he has no official commemoration! At the time of his death he was registered as a Naval Pensioner. Herbert contracted T.B whilst a serving sailor and died of the same disease after being invalided from the Royal Navy. His death was therefore atributable to his war service. In October 2003 we submited this case to the MoD for consideration of a belated commemoration. We regret to report that the Naval Historical Branch has REJECTED this case! They gave the reason as “death not attributable to war service”. Before the outbreak of war Albert was employed as a Plumbers Mate and Postman. Albert’s death certificate reference is – EAST ASHFORD/BRA16/313. He is listed as a Naval Pensioner and former Postman. Herbert enlisted into the Royal Navy on 2nd October 1903 and served on H.M.S Andromeda and H.M.S Achilles. He completed his 5 year contract and retired on 9th October 1908. On the outbreak of war in 1914 Herbert was mobilized from the Royal Fleet Reserve and was sent to H.M.S Pembroke in Chatham to assist with training new sailors. He remained there from late 1914 to 31st December 1918.

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FLINT G Able Seaman Sussex/Z/336 George H Benjamin FLINT. Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). Died 7th August 1916. Son of H Flint of Horsham, West Sussex. Buried in the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference I.C.15. The Anson battalion (188th Brigade) arrived Acheux from St Pol on the 4th

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FLINT A * MoD Approved this man March 2008 following our intervention Private 347 Alfred FLINT. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly Imperial Yeomanry (Boer War) 1900-1902. Formerly (7878) 1st Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs, (East Kent Regiment). Died 26th April 1920 Appendicitis (blood poisoning) aged 44 years. Husband of Sarah Bessee Martha Flint of 18 Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Brother of L Lewis, 1 Avenue Gardens, Dover, Kent. Buried Ashford (Wilesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference - 9848 - ARM 396 - YQ89626. The cost of Alfred’s funeral was paid for in full by his wife Sarah. Her repeated requests to be re-imbursed were turned down in the first instance. In 1921 the full costs were finally paid back by the War Office. Alfred’s name is NOT recorded as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but his name DOES appear on the Willesborough civic war memorial and roll of honour. His death was widely reported in the local papers which mentioned that his cause of death was as a consequence of his service during the war. Alfred served in the Imperial Yeomanry (1st Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs) from 2 November 1892 until 30 November 1896. He saw extensive service with the Buffs (Volunteers) (Imperial Yeomanry) during the South African (Boer) War 1899-1902. He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with a clasp for Cape Colony and the Kings South Africa Medal with clasp 1899-1902. His service papers confirm he served there from 1900 until January 1902. Alfred re-enlisted into the Territorial Force (5th Buffs) in 1908 as a Private soldier. The 5th Buffs were based at Ashford’s Drill Hall in Newtown Road. Prior to the outbreak of war Alfred was employed in the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Yards as a Machinist. In his spare-time he served in the Territorial Force at Ashford Drill Hall with his former regiment (5th Buffs). He never returned to employment after he was discharged from the army because of health problems. On 2 December 1914 Alfred moved to India with the 5th Buffs. He remained in India until 11 September 1916 when he was sent home unfit for further war service. (total service in India 1

year 180 days). His battalion had moved to Mesopotamia earlier and it appears that when the battalion moved, Alfred must have still been ill and remained in India being treated in hospital. When Alfred arrived back in the UK he was discharged unfit for further war service and awarded a Silver War Badge (SWB) indicating that the authorities recognised that his injuries or illness at the time of discharge was due to his war service. For some unknown reason Alfred was NOT awarded an army pension at this time which is surprising given the circumstances. It is probably that the authorities only credited him with 2 years war service during the Great War. The fact he served in the Territorial Force for so many years (including full time service during the Boer War) was not taken into consideration. Obviously this was a huge mistake because AFTER Alfred had died his wife was awarded a full Widows Pension. There is good evidence of a complete admin “cock up” because his wife also had to request his Territorial Efficientcy Medal after he had died! When Alfred was discharged unfit for further war service he was awarded a Silver War Badge (SWB) indicating illness or injury as a consequence of war service. After Alfred died his wife embarked on a tedious campaign to obtain a widows war pension. She wrote her husband “had been sick ever since he returned from India in 1916”. This matter was dealt with by the Widows Appeal Section, Ministry of Pensions, Victoria Tower Gardens, London (evidenced by a letter dated 10 November 1920. Our first feeling that was the cause of death was not related to his war service. But having looked closer it became obvious that was not the full story - His wife wrote to the authorities on countless occasions before going to formal appeal where the decision finally went in her favour. The Ministry of Pensions eventually over-turned the previous adjudications which denied her a war widows pension. It must have been so damn hard for her trying to bring up Alfred’s kids on her own! As if she hadn’t had enough to contend with losing her husband. It is highly probable that his death certificate does not give the full cause(s) of death. Alfred’s wife was adament that here husband was ill ever since he arrived home from India. We think that Alfred deserves his sacrifice to be recognised by the country he served so gallantly in two conflicts (Boer War/Great War). He should be given the benefit of any doubt, not that there can be much doubt because the Ministry of Pensions awarded his wife a widows war pension. It was notoriously hard to have Ministry of Pensions adjudications overturned therefore the evidence his wife produced must have been extremely compelling. Alfred’s service papers record some of his wifes written protestations as well as the final appeal ruling in her favour. Letter from Sarah Flint 2 May 1920 to Army “I received discharge papers quite safe. Sorry to have not written by return but I quite forgot. I have had such an upset. My husband passed away at the Ashford Cottage Hospital on 26th April. He leaves a widow and 4 young children. He has been ill ever since he came home from India.” Yours Faithfully Sarah Flint This letter clearly infers that Alfred never returned to ful health after he was discharged from the army.

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DEATH CERTIFICATE Alfred FLINT Machinist Railway

1. Appendicitis (1.5 months) 2. Faecal Fistula ?

Death registered by his wife – Sarah B.M Flint of 18 Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. __________________________________________________________________________ The 1881 Census – St John Villas, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent Alfred FLINT 6 Willesborough 1875 Albert STANLEY 19 Edward 17 Elizabeth 3 Jeremiah 60 Mary A 12 Rose 59 Sarah A 10 Sussanah 15 Thomas 25 After Alfred had died his wife wrote to the Army asking why he had not been awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal after 18 years volunteer service. The Army wrote back explaining that there had been an error due to the outbreak of war in 1914 and that this had resulted in the medal not being awarded on time! In any event the medal was sent to his widow almost immediately. At the same time she was awarded a full Widows War Pension by the Minstry of Pensions. Someone had obviously made a huge mistake by not awarding a Disability Pension to Alfred when he was discharged from the Army. The same mess up resulted in his Terrorial Medal not being awarded.

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FLISHER P.G Dover Marine Private 32834 Percival (Percy) George FLISHER. 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. Formerly (9100) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 27th April 1918 aged 23 years. Born Willesborough. Resided Willesborough. Son of Mr Flisher of 2, Gow Comer House, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Arneke British Cemetery. Grave reference I.D.17. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 2 Boys Hall Road, Willesborough Private 241563 Albert Edward FLISHER. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

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FOAM G.L Private G/76258 George Lewis FOAM. 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (20894) 4th Battalion, National Reserve. Formerly Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI). Died 18th August 1920 aged 28 years. Resided 52 York Road, Walmer, Deal, Kent. Son of George Albert Foam of 52 York Road, Walmer, Kent. Husband of Margaret Foam of 106 The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference - Q.697. George voluntarily enlisted into the National Reserve on 23rd October 1914. George died from the effects of being gassed in France. His name does not appear on the list of casualties in the regimental history. The 1st battalion arrived home in the UK on 23rd April 1919. It would appear that poor George died of wounds that he received in France towards the end of the Great War. His death was attributable to war service and accordingly his death was recorded by the CWGC.

FOREMAN W.H Private 1221 William Henry FOREMAN. 23rd Battalion, Australian Infantry (AIF). Died 4th August 1916. William has no known grave. His name appears on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Panel reference 1221. Educated at the New Town School, Ashford. Henry left Ashford when he was 14 years old.

GOWER W.L.C Private 9777 William Lewis Charles GOWER. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Tuesday 10th October 1916 aged 19 years. Son of Mr L.J and Emily Annie Gower of 51 Herbert Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Longueval Road Cemetery, The Somme, France. Grave reference A.5. Prior to the outbreak of war William was employed by the Ashford Co-operative Society as an Assistant Butcher. He enlisted in March 1916 and went to France in August 1916. On the 7th October 1916 the 6th battalion attacked the enemy at Gueudecourt not far from Albert. The battalion moved forward on the Rainbow Trench system under extremely heavy shelling and machine gun fire. When the battalion withdrew at midnight, the battalion came away just 40 strong! Nearly 400 men had been wounded or killed. On the 13th October the battalion moved to Pommiers Redoubt. It seems likely that William later died of wounds he received whilst attacking the Rainbow Trench (3 days earlier).

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GRANT R Robert GRANT. Royal Scots Fusiliers. Killed in Action October 1914. NO TRACE The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 15 Albemarle Road, Willesborough Private G/23524 William GRANT. 6th Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

HAYWARD F Private G/9869 Frederick George HAYWARD. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 3rd Battalion. Died 22nd January 1915 aged 21 years. Born South Willesborough. Son of Samuel Hayward of 8, Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N.49. Frederick’s headstone is located under a large tree. The headstone when visited in 2003 was becoming very worn. Frederick passed away at the V.A.D Hospital Ashford in 1915 from the effects of trench exposure. Before the outbreak of war Frederick was employed in the sawmill at the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Railway Works in Ashford. Local paper reported his sad end – He went through the earlier battles without a scratch, but the hardship of trench life told upon his health. Sometimes the mud and water came up to his waist, and the exposure and privation overcame him. For two days and nights he lay, under heavy shell fire and had to be dragged out by his colleagues. It took 4 days to bring him home to Ashford. He lingered on between life and death for nearly five weeks. In the end he died in agony after much suffering… 34

HICKMAN P Private G/20148 Percy George HICKMAN. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 8th Battalion. Died 16th May 1918 aged 23 years. Born New Romney. Resided Willesborough. Son of Albert and Alice Hickman of the Knoll, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Percy has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Panel reference 16. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 106 Hythe Road, Willesborough Private Arthur Albert HICKMAN. 7th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private Ernest Arthur HICKMAN. 6th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 18 Rugby Road, Ashford Private 202887 Stanley HICKMAN. 4th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 16 Whitfield Road, Ashford Sapper 540408 Douglas HICKMAN. 496th (Kent Fortress) Field Coy, Royal Engineers. On the 10th May 1918 the battalion was resting at Acheux. On the 13th May it moved into frontline trenches near Albert. On the 16th May D Company carried out a successful raid on the enemy with 4 officers and 96 men. Two German listening posts were captured then the company took a stretch of frontline trenches. The battalion lost 5 men killed and 11 were wounded. HILLS N Private 1063050 Nelson HILLS. 54th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment). Formerly (4 years) 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 8th August 1918 aged 26 years. Born 6th June 1892 Ashford. Son of Thomas William Hills of 112, Osborne Road, Willesborough, Kent. Nelson has no known grave. His name appears on the Vimy Memorial, France. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 112 Osborne Road, Willesborough Sergeant 9407 Fred HILLS. 1st Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Lance Corporal 43006 Harry HILLS. Machine Gun Corps. Leading Seaman 234932 Walter Richard HILLS. Chatham, Royal Navy. Before the outbreak of war Nelson was a labourer. When living in Ashford Nelson served in the 5th Buffs. He enlisted direct into the Canadian army on the 5th December 1916. It is thought that Nelson may have joined up at Peterborough and that he never actually went to Canada.

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HOGWOOD C Private 240104 Charles Edward HOGWOOD. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 10th January 1920 aged 23 years. Son of Charles Thomas and Emily Jane Hogwood of 91, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q.768. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 91 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Private 240104 Edward Charles HOGWOOD. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private 240255 Thomas Henry HOGWOOD. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). This man’s name appears in the Willesborough book of remembrance and states that he died from the effects of being gassed which is surprising bearing in mind that the 5th battalion were never in France where gas was widely used. The 5th battalion finally returned home to Kent from Iraq in January 1920. HULSE W Chief Petty Officer 149859 William Arthur HULSE. HMS “Otranto”. Royal Navy. Died 6th October 1918 aged 45 years. Son of George and Rose Ellen Hulse. Husband of Nellie Hulse of 54, Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Kilchoman Military Cemetery, Isle of Islay, Scotland. Grave reference 2.3. Arthur was drowned off the coast of West Scotland when HMS Otranto (an armed merchant cruiser) collided with the P&O Liner SS Kashmir in thick fog. The ship drifted ashore on Islay and was wrecked. There were 367 survivors but over 351 men tragically lost their lives (including of course Arthur). It is unusual for an armed merchant cruiser to have had so many men on board. I have now established that the ship was transporting American troops from New York which would explain why so many troops were on board.

JORDAN G.D Dover Marine Private G/26698 George Daniel JORDAN. 5th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly 2nd Battalion. Drowned Iraq 1st November 1918. Born Smeeth. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Ashford. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference 29. George’s name also appears on the Ashford Railwayman Roll of Honour (Ashford Library). It states that George died by drowning. George was employed by the SE&CR before the outbreak of war. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 15 Romney Road, Willesborough Driver 330342 Edward William JORDAN. H.T, Army Service Corps. 43 Romney Road, Willesborough Private 133017 James Thomas JORDAN. Machine Gun Corps. On the 31st October 1918 the Turkish army agreed to an Armistice having been totally defeated. The 5th battalion commanded by Colonel Frazer moved forward to Mosul. At this time there were only 17 officers and just over 400 men left in the field. It would appear that George probably died of disease (as most casualties did in this theatre). JORDAN W Sergeant G/19033 Walter Edmund JORDAN. 10th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment. Died 21st September 1917 aged 36 years. Son of Horace Jordan of 5, Albion Place, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent. Husband of Edith Gertrude Jordan of Malt Cottage, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent. Walter has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 106 to 108. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 15 Romney Road, Willesborough Driver 330342 Edward William JORDAN. H.T, Army Service Corps. 43 Romney Road, Willesborough Private 133017 James Thomas JORDAN. Machine Gun Corps. In September 1917 the 10th battalion held the frontline near Dikebusch.

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KANE E.J Corporal 10460 Edward John KANE MM. “D” Company, 2nd Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Died 22nd September 1916 aged 32 years. Born Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland. Enlisted Shornecliff, Folkestone. Resided Ashford. Son of John and Winifred Kane. Buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France. Grave reference I.F.7. Edward was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for bravery in the field. It is recorded that Edward served in the army for over 18 years. The day that Edward died his battalion was in the vicinity of Bethune and Chocques. KILBY A.J Corporal 38946 Alfred John KILBY. 8th Battalion, 8th Battalion, King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Died 23rd October 1918 aged 30 years. Born Folkestone. Enlisted Margate. Son of Henry and Mary Kilby of Folkestone. Husband of Mrs C Kilby of 61, Albermarle Road, Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Capelle-Beaudignies Road Cemetery, France. Grave reference A.5. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 61 Albemarle Road, Willesborough Corporal 02667 Alfred John KILBY. A.O. (Unknown A.O unit) Alfred’s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. LANCEFIELD F.C Dover Marine Private 2660 Frank Cecil LANCEFIELD. 82nd Field Ambulance (1/2nd Home Counties Field Ambulance). Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) V. Died in Salonica (Greece) 27th February 1917. Born Willesborough. Son of George and Louisa Lancefield of 102, Willesborough Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Salonika (Lembet Road) Cemetery, Greece. Grave reference 858. Before the outbreak of war Frank was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name does NOT appear on the Ashford Railway Rolls of Honour but it does appear on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 4 Boys Hall Road,Willesborough Sapper 262473 Albert Edward LANCEFIELD. 300th Field Coy, Royal Engineers. Rifleman 324967 Frederick Charlie LANCEFIELD. 6th London Regiment. Driver T4/242996 William John LANCEFIELD. Army Service Corps. 102 The Street, Willesborough Private 204573 Arthur Mark LANCEFIELD. South Staffordshire Regiment. Private 72660 George James LANCEFIELD. Royal Army Medical Corps. 38

LINKINS A.A Private T/271157 Arthur Albert LINKINS. 10th (Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 12th September 1918. Resided 51, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough. Son of Thomas and Mary Linkins of 4, Rugby Gardens, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ste Emilie Valley Cemetery, Villers-Faucon, France. Grave reference II.E.14. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 51 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Private 271157 Arthur LINKINS. 10th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private 30284 Ernest LINKINS. 5th Royal West Kent Regiment. The 1901 census gives – 4, Rugby Gardens, Ashford Thomas LINKINS 43 Stoker Wye Mary 40 Mersham Bertha 14 Willesborough Ernest 7 Gravesend Arthur 4 Gravesend Martha 12 Willesborough On the 2nd September 1918 the 10th battalion attacked enemy positions in strength around Moislains. A number of men were killed and wounded. On the 7th September 1918 the 10th battalion Buffs were releived from frontline duties and went into reserve. On the 10th September it was in the village of Villers Faucon. It remained here for 4 days (until the 14th). This ties in with where Arthur is buried.

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MANKTELOW C Lance Corporal G/15694 Charles Alfred MANKTELOW. 2/4th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly Kent Composite Battalion. Formerly The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Palestine (Israel) 8th May 1917 aged 35 years. Born Marden, Kent. Enlisted Ashford. Resided South Willesborough. Son of Frank Mantelow. Husband of Mrs D Manktelow of 62, Gladstone Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Gaza, Israel. Grave reference XXX.E.11. Before the outbreak of war Charles was employed as a Newsagent and Stationer in Ashford. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 62 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough Private 114060 Percy MANKTELOW. Royal Army Medical Corps. One evening in May 1917 the 2/4th battalion suffered casualties when a German aeroplane winding its way down the Sheikh Abbas Ridge dropped a bomb with deadly effect right into the middle of D Company. This bomb inflicted 70 casualties 40 of whom were killed on the spot. Many other died of wounds later on.

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MARIS L Dover Marine Private G/56 Leonard Phillip MARIS. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 17th July 1916. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Godalming, Surrey. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Grave reference IV.A.1. Leonard died of his wounds whilst a Prisoner of War in Germany. At the time of his death he was newly married and lived in Willesborough with his wife. Before the war he worked in the Ashford Railway Works (SE&CR). His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial but NOT on Ashford’s railway tribute. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 26 Church Road, Willesborough Sapper 1472 Sydney Ernest MARIS. Royal Engineers. 24, Church Road, Willesborough Lance Corporal 2400221 Walter MARIS. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 16 Torrington Road, Ashford Sergeant 4873 John William MARIS. Field Remount Section. Leonard may have been captured in this earlier engagement –

At 01.15 hours on the 3rd July 1916 orders were received that the village of Ovillers was to be attacked and taken. At 02.15 hours the British bombardment commenced. At 03.15 hours the 6th Buffs alongside the 6th Queen’s and the 6th West Kent’s went forward with the 7th Est Surrey’s in support. The enemy responded with violent retalatory shelling which caused quite a few casualties. Very heavy flanking machine gun fire met the Buffs from the left and the battalion found itself caught up on German wire in front of their objective. Very few men reached the German trench and the few that did could not consolidate their captured position and were forced to withdraw. The battalion’s casualties for the 3rd July was 11 officers and 263 men killed, missing or wounded. Many men’s bodies were never recovered.

MARSH R Driver T/33168 Richard MARSH. Number 1 Depot Company (Aldershot), Army Service Corps (ASC). Died 9th January 1916 aged 21 years. Born Willesborough. Resided Brabourne. Son of John William and Mary Ann Marsh of Great Rusham Farm, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N.74. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List lists many many men with the name Marsh. It states on his headstone that Richard died from the effects of being gassed in France.

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MARSHALL A.E.D Private G/13401 Arthur Ernest Dyer MARSHALL. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 11th April 1917 aged 41 years. Born Mersham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Willesborough. Husband of Annie Marshall of 83, Christchurch Road, Ashford. Buried in the Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun. Grave reference III.C.10. This mans death was reported in the Kentish Express. It is incredible that this man’s name was left off the town war memorial. On the 9th April 1917 the Battle of Arras commenced. The 6th battalion was involved in fighting a sub-battle known as the Battle of The Scarpe. On the 11th April 1917 The Buffs went into captured German trenches near Monchy and spent the day clearing up the battlefield and burying the dead. Arthur was probably wounded on the 9th April 1917 and succumbed to his wounds 2 days later.

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MARTIN L Private 45062 Leonard William MARTIN. 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. Formerly (9965) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 1st November 1918 aged 31 years. Born Willesborough. Husband of F.L Martin of 16, The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Kezelberg Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference I.C.21. Educated in the Willesborough Council School. Before the outbreak of war Leonard was employed for 14 years by W.E Allen (Inspector) as an Assistant in the Weights and Measures Department. He joined the 3rd Buffs in May 1916 and went to France the following November. He was transferred into the RIF in 1917. He was wounded by Machine Gun Bullet and taken to the Australian Hospital at Rouen in France. He died shortly after of his injuries. He left a widow and 1 small daughter. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 16 The Street, Willesborough Private 54062 Leonard William MARTIN. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

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McALPINE A.W Lance Corporal L/8871 Archibald William McALPINE. “A” Company, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28th September 1915 aged 26 years. Born Willesborough. Son of Mrs E McAlpine of 159, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Archibald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. Educated at the Ashford County School. Archibald was married to his wife on 10th January 1915 at the St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Winchester, Hampshire. His wifes name was Verronica Campbell and she came to live in Ashford after they were married. He joined The Buffs at Canterbury on 10th September 1910 seeing service in Singapore, Wellington and Cannore. He returned to England on 24th December 1914 and crossed over to France with his battalion on 17th January 1915. He suffered from severe frost bite on both his feet whilst fighting in the trenches near La Bassee and was sent home to Ashford to recover. He returned to his battalion on 29th April 1915 being involved in all fighting engagements up to the date of his death. On the 28th September 1915 the 2nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at 09.30 hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump.

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MITCHELL A Private L/8441 Albert MITCHELL. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 27th May 1916 aged 28 years. Born Lower Hardres, Canterbury. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Wye. Son of Albert John and Elizabeth Mitchell of “Brenchley’s”, Harrietsham, Kent. Buried in the Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference II.S.10. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – Frogbrook, Wye Private 25217 George Bert Edward MITCHELL. Army Veterinary Corps.

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MOORMAN F Private L/8056 Frederick George MOORMAN. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15th September 1916 aged 27 years. Born Newtown, Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Third son of Mr Moorman of The Poplars, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 5D. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 48 Curtis Road, Willesborough Private 240427 Edward MOORMAN. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Corporal 495025 George MOORMAN. Royal Army Medical Corps. On the 15th September 1916 the 1st battalion was engaged in a major action at Morval on The Somme. The battalion moved forward from frontline trenches and attacked a heavily fortified enemy redoubt known as “The Quadrilateral” which was located on the edge of Bouteaux Wood. This was one of the first actions where tanks were used in force by the British. The Buffs were tasked with supporting the 8th Bedford’s and the 2nd York and Lanc’s. The Buffs were pinned down in shell holes and suffered enormous casualties - 6 officers and 53 men killed and a further 190 men wounded. During the night the battalion withdrew to a trench running south east to Guillemont

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OSBORNE H.V Hinxhill Lance Corporal G/27682 Herbert Victor OSBOURNE. 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 28th November 1917 aged 21 years. Born Polegate, Sussex. Enlisted Ashford. Son of Charles Henry and Alice Osborne of “Spiders Castle Cottage”, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference LVIII.A.39. Herbert’s name appears on a private headstone in the Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. The headstone records – Arthur Randall who died 5th March 1921, William Tiltman and Herbert Osbourne Killed in Action in France. Finally a Henry Robert Marsh appears who died on 12th November 1936 aged 34 years. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 99 Mead Road, South Willesborough Gunner 37001 Frederick OSBORNE. 28th Battery, Royal Field Atillery.

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OVENDEN F Private G/21416 Franklin Walter OVENDEN. 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 16th July 1917 aged 31 years. Born Mersham. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Ashford. Son of Edward and Audrey Ovenden of Ashford, Kent. Husband of Mrs J.E.V Ovenden of 4, Christchurch Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Grave reference I.L.12. Franklyn’s name also appears on his parents headstone in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. On the 3rd July 1917 the Buffs left Doullens by train for Hupoutre and then marched to Ottawa Camp at Ouderdom a couple of miles west of Dickebusch. On the 7th July the battalion was moved into frontline trenches. Here the battalion came under gas shell attack. A raid was arranged for the 14th July but had to be cancelled because the supporting artillery could not be bought into action due to gassing. On the 16th July the battalion went into camp at Chateau Segard. The regimental diary states that 61 men were killed or wounded between the 1st July and the 16th.

PAIGE B.W Private 275580 Bert (Albert) William PAIGE. 6th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died 27th March 1917 aged 20 years. Enlisted West Ham, London. Resided Plaistow, London. Son of Mrs F Paige of Flat 4, Jubilee Street, Stepney, London. Bert has no known grave. His name appears on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panel reference 33 to 39. PHILPOTT W.G Private G/25322 William George PHILPOTT. 11th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 31st July 1917 aged 36 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Richard and E Philpott. Husband of Ellen Philpott of 13, Silver Hill, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Voormezeele Enclosure Number 3, Belgium. Grave reference XVI.B.20. On the 31st July 1917 the 11th battalion was near the Ypres Canal. From 24th to the 31st it suffered 80 casualties, mainly incurred by a fighting patrol sent out to investigate that the Germans had withdrawn from a nearby fortification. The report proved wrong and the 11th battalion paid the price. PILCHER H Private G/6678 Henry PILCHER. 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 12th February 1917 aged 24 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Thomas and Emily Pilcher of 21, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. Grave reference VIII.B.192. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 11 Cudworth Road, Willesborough Sapper 54062 Alfred Frederick PILCHER. 78th B.G.W Company, Royal Engineers. 51 Bath Road, South Willesborough Trooper 5110 Ernest PILCHER. 10th Royal Hussars.

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PLEDGE H.A Private G/29512 Herbert Allan PLEDGE. 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Born 2nd September 1899. Died 9th August 1918 aged 18 years 10 months. Born Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of George and Edith Pledge of Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ville-Sur-Ancre Communal Cemetery Extension, The Somme, France. Grave reference B.13. Herbert’s name also appears on a private family memorial in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Herbert’s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. Educated at the Ashford Grammar School, Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent from 21st October 1901 to 1905. His name appears in the schools book of remembrance as H.P Pledge. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 1 Hunter Road, Willesborough Sergeant 07779 William George PLEDGE. Army Ordnance Corps. On the 8th August 1918 the 6th battalion was in the vicinity of Morlancourt on the Somme. It spent the day in readyness at Fravillers and in the evening moved to Marett Wood west of Morlancourt with orders to attack the next morning. On the 9th the battalion went forward along the Morlancourt – Ville Sur Ancre Road. The battalion immediately ran into murderous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. The attack was a success however the battalion lost 200 men in the fight. The 6th Battalion’s Sergeant 358 T.J Harris MM won a Victoria Cross in this action by single handedly storming a machine gun nest.

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POST R.J Lance Sergeant 3532 Reginald James POST. 19th (Queen Alexandra’s Own Royal) Hussars. Died 11th February 1916 aged 27 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Alfred and Fanny Post of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Chocques Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference I.H.96. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 46 Earlsworth Road, South Willesborough Private 10593 Sydney Edgar POST. 1st Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 21 Romney Road, Willesborough Sapper 201654 Sydney George POST. Royal Engineers.

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RAYNER E.G Lance Corporal 36100 Edward George RAYNER. 63rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (G/9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21st March 1918. Born Willesborough 15th January 1886. Enlisted Ashford. Son of James Rayner of 9 Wellesley Villas, Ashford, Kent. Formerly of Aldington. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference bay 10. Attended Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford and played in the school cricket team in 1901,1902 and 1903. His name appears in the school book of remembrance. After leaving school Edward became a Grazier. Edward enlisted into the army on 1st March 1916 and was posted to the Buffs Depot in Canterbury for training. At some stage Edward transferred from The Buffs into the Machine Gun Corps. He embarked at Folkestone for Boulogne on 9th July 1916. On the 11th July 1916 he joined Base Depot at Camiers. His service record reveals he was hospitalised on a few occasions during active service – 6th November 1916 No 55 Company To hospital 21st January 1917 Septic Heal Discharged 18th January 1917 10th February 1917 Etaples Septic Heal and knee 19th February 1917 Admitted Hospital 9th March 1917 Discharged Hospital 28th March 1917 Joined Base Depot Camiers 17 July 1917 Escourt Wounded 1st September 1917 Posted 189 Coy, M.G.C 23 March 1918 63rd Coy, M.G.C Wounded The Norton Knatchbull School records shows Edward’s next of kin as being James Rayner of Aldington. His father obviously moved to Ashford at a later date. The 1881 census gives the following information – Gladstone Road, Willesborough – James RAYNER (Grocer) born 1851, Agnes Rayner (wife) aged 28, Elizabeth Rayner aged 2, Annie S Rayner aged 4, Stephen Sharke aged 41. Stephen Sharke appears to have been James assistant in the grocery business.

The Ashford Diirectory of 1896 gives the following information for Aldington - J. Rayner, Grocer and Butcher

Edward’s name also appears on a private family memorial in the old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford –

Edward Died 4th April 1885 aged 75 years Elizabeth D Died 30th June 1854 aged 38 years James Died 25th August 1920 aged 70 years (Father) Agnes Died 4th November 1933 aged 83 years (mother) Edward George RAYNER Killed in Action 1918 RIDDLES E.H Private S/10006 Edwin Henry RIDDLES. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 18th March 1916. Born Brookland, Lydd. Enlisted Ashford. Resided 11, New Street, Ashford, Kent. Edwin has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives – 141 New Street, Ashford Private L/9175 Roger Ernest RIDDLES. 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 6th battalion went into the Givenchy area in January 1916 and remained here until easter. On the 6th March 1916 the battalion was in action near to the Hohenzollern Redoubt. This attack was made by C Company from three captured craters. At 1800 hours C Company went forward but were held up by a barrage of bombs and mud found to be knee deep. A company of 6th West Kent’s were called in to support the attack. The enemy then counter-attacked and this was fought off by 7th East Surrey’s. It was on this day that Lance Corporal W.R COTTER of the 6th Buffs won the Buffs only Great War Victoria Cross. ROBERTS R (Brother) Leading Airman 244301 Robert ROBERTS. 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). Died 4th May 1921 aged 20 years (after the war had ended). Son of George and Mary Roberts of 92, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Cologne, Germany. Grave reference VII.A.19. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 92 Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private 25018 William ROBERTS. Grenadier Guards.

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ROBERTS W (Brother) Private 25018 William ROBERTS. 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 24th August 1918 aged 20 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Son of George and Mary Roberts of 92, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the St Hilaire Cemetery Extension, Frevent, France. Grave reference K.23. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 92 Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private 25018 William ROBERTS. Grenadier Guards. The Frevent area housed a Casualty Clearing Station during the war and it is likely that William died here of his wounds whilst being treated.

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RUANE B.T Lance Corporal S/9359 Bert Thomas RUANE. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15th September 1916 aged 27 years. Born Charing, Kent. Son of William and Mary Ruane of Willesborough, Ashford. Formerly residing St Mary’s Road, Faversham, Kent. Husband of Lucy Ruane of The Street, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Serre Road Cemetery No 2, France. Grave reference XXXIII.F.8. His father William was at one time the butler to Colonel Groves of Charing, Kent. Bert lived at number 7, Lees Road in Willesborough, Ashford. Before the outbreak of war he worked for Mr Salmon the Grocer and Postmaster in Hythe Road, Willesborough. Bert was a first class marksman and he was selected for duty at the coronation of King George. The 1901 census gives – The Laundry, Smeeth Frances RUANE 40 Laundress Washer Leigh, Kent William 17 Gardener Boxley, Kent Margaret 15 Maidstone Gertrude 13 Hollingbourne Bertie T 9 Charing John D 7 Charing Charles E 1 Smeeth Robert H 2days Smeeth On the 15th September 1916 the 1st battalion was engaged in a major action at Morval on The Somme. The battalion moved forward from frontline trenches and attacked a heavily fortified enemy redoubt known as “The Quadrilateral” which was located on the edge of Bouteaux Wood. This was one of the first actions where tanks were used in force by the British. The Buffs were tasked with supporting the 8th Bedford’s and the 2nd York and Lanc’s. The Buffs were pinned down in shell holes and suffered enormous casualties - 6 officers and 53 men killed and a further 190 men wounded. During the night the battalion withdrew to a trench running south east to Guillemont.

SETTATREE I Dover Marine Private SD/2410 Issac SETTATREE. 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died Sunday 21st May 1916 aged 23 years. Born Westwell. Enlisted Hastings. Son of George and Margaret Settatree of 88, Canterbury Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Bethune Town Cemetery, Bethune, France. Grave reference V.D.8. Before the outbreak of war Issac was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial. The 1901 census gives – Grocers Shop, Westwell George SETTATREE 41 Grocer Farmer Westwell M…. 42 Hothfield Robert D 20 Grocers Asst Westwell Lilian R 18 Westwell Charles George 16 Westwell Mary Ann 12 Westwell Issac 7 Westwell Florence 4 Westwell Victor 1 Westwell SKINNER H Railway Marine Sapper 541435 Harry J SKINNER. 496th (Kent Fortress) Company, Royal Engineers (RE). Died Saturday 31st March 1917. Born Battersea, London. Enlisted Gillingham, Kent. Resided Ashford. Buried in the Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Suez Canal, Egypt. Grave reference F.28. Before the outbreak of war Harry was working as a Apprentice in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Rolls of Honour. His name also appears on the Dover Marine tribute. Harry served in Gallipoli, Turkey and Egypt. The 496th Company was called the 2nd (Kent) Company, Kent Fortress Royal Engineers (KFRE) until 1917. It was attached to the 74th Division until May 1917 when it was moved to the 75th Division.

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SMITH J Private G/15741 John (Jack) S SMITH. “C” Company, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 30th March 1917 aged 19 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Son of Frederick and Amy Louisa Smith of 78, Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. We are in touch with Jack’s present family who very kindly provided us with Jack’s photo (above). John’s father (Frederick) and two brothers (Bennett and Frederick) served in the army during the Great War. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 78 Romney Road, Willesborough Bennett SMITH. Royal Air Force. Private 53042 Frederick SMITH. Manchester Regiment.

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STEWART W Private 25911 William Charles STEWART. 1st Reserve Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Formerly (G/9178) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 25th September 1916 aged 22 years. Born Battersea, London. Enlisted Ashford. Son of William Stewart of 89, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N.111. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 89 Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private 540230 Percy STEWART. 10th Field Troop, Imperial Camel Corps.

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SWALLOW A Private Arthur Edward SWALLOW. 21st Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Formerly Royal Navy. Died 8th/9th April 1916 aged 37 years. Son of Sarah Jane Swallow of 153 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 10,26,28. It is recorded that Arthur was killed by a shell that burst near him as he was leaving a trench. Previous to joining the Canadian Army, Arthur had served 12 years in the Royal Navy. Upon leaving the Royal Navy Arthur worked in the SE&CR Railway Yards at Ashford. It is not known how Arthur came to serve in the Canadian Army. His father was a long serving Sailor in the Royal Navy and served during the Crimean War. Arthur’s father was killed in the Royal Navy whilst exploring with Sir John Franklyn. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 6 Golden Square, Tenterden Corporal 244528 Percy William SWALLOW. Royal Engineers. TIMSON A.J.W Private 241739 Alfred Jesse W TIMSON. 5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died 11th December 1917 aged 38 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Grimsby. Resided Ashford. Brother of W.W.H Gower of 51, Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Cambrin Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference M.16. Before the outbreak of war Alfred was employed as a Bricklayer by Mr Newport, Builder of Christchurch Road, Ashford. Alfred joined the army on 20th March 1916. He moved to France on 25th June 1916. His sister living in Ashford was his only family living at the time of his death.

VELVICK C.E Private T/4461 Charles Edward VELVICK. 2/4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of disease 7th February 1916. Born Staplehurst, Kent. Resided Willesborough. Enlisted Deal. Son of Charles and Mary Jane Velvick of 3, Lees Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Dover (St James) Cemetery, Dover, Kent. This burial plot in Dover was used obstensively by the Western Heights Military Hospital in Dover. There are also quite a few men buried here from the Citadel which was used as a Buffs training depot. Both the 3rd and 9th battalion’s Buffs were stationed here during the Great War. Charles is buried in a plot near to another Ashford man - Alfred SOUTHERN who is from Aldington – Private S/10394 Alfred Richard SOUTHERN. 3rd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 20th February 1915. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 94 Albemarle Road, Willesborough 2208 Nelson Alfred VELVICK. Royal Marine Engineers. Woodbury Cottages, Tenterden Private Percy Edward VELVICK. Royal Welsh Regiment. Prestonden Row, Tenterten Private 54378 Thomas James VELVICK. 17th Welsh Regiment. The 1901 Census gives – Near The Church, Kingsnorth Charles VELVICK 37 Cattleman Farm Tenterden Mary Jane 34 Canterbury Charles E 8 Staplehurst Elizabeth 5 Tenterden In 1896 E VELVICK was living at 34, Christchurch Road, Ashford. VENESS G Private 1354 G.W VENESS. “A” Squadron, 11th (Prince Albert’s Own) Hussars. Died 11th May 1919 aged 31 years. Son of Amy Goodsell. Husband of Edith Kate Carter (Formerly Veness) of 9, Broad Oak, Heathfield, Sussex. Buried nearby in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q.811. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – Kilndown, Goudhurst Driver 123315 John VENESS. Royal Field Artillery.

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WATSON F Railway Sergeant Major Class 1 (SSM) S2/02600 Francis WATSON. “C” Company, Aldershot, Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Died 21st July 1919 aged 58 years (a very old soldier indeed). Son of James and Mary Ann Watson of Aldershot, Hampshire. Husband of Alice Watson of 51, Gladstone Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q.804. Before the outbreak of the war Francis was working in the Ashford Rail Yards. His name appears on the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Works Rolls of Honour. According to records Francis was 58 years of age when he died. This was a very advanced age for a serving soldier. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 52 Gladstone Road, Willesborough Private 240447 Albert WATSON. 5th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). S.S.M 52 SR/02600 Francis WATSON. Army Service Corps.

WEBB C.F Lance Corporal 8414 Frederick WEBB. 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died 4th October. Twin son of Mr C.M Webb of 7 Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Frederick’s death was reported in the Kentish Express newspaper. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 70 Cudworth Road, Willesborough Private 241579 Ernest George WEBB. 1st Garrison Batalion, Devon’s, Royal Army Medical Corps. WELLINGS T Marine Marine Able Seaman 208679 Thomas Alfred WELLINGS. HMS “Paragon”. Royal Navy (RN). Died 19th March 1917 aged 33 years. Son of Thomas and Maria Wellings of 131, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Dover (St James) Cemetery, Dover, Kent. Grave reference L.V.17. Before the outbreak of war Thomas was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine War Memorial. HMS Paragon was a Acaster class destroyer built 21st February 1913. On 18th March 1917 it was sunk by enemy gunfire in the Straights of Dover. Paragon was patrolling to the south west of 11A buoy. Lt J Bowyer RN the ships commanding officer met 4 enemy destroyers and engaged them. Almost immediately Paragon was hit by a torpedo in her engine room. Within 8 minutes she broke in half and then sank. As she sank, her own depth charges exploded killing many of the survivors in the water. There were only 10 survivors. WESTON H Lance Corporal 9019 Herbert WESTON. 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Died 26th September 1914. Born Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire. Enlisted London. Herbert has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial. Herbert’s name appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. On the 21st September 1914 the 1st battalion had 2 companies in trenches around the Quarries on the Mont Faucon Ridge. The remaining 2 companies were in reserve at Vendresse. On the 26th September 1914 the enemy attacked in strength and broke through battalion lines. Furious hand to hand fighting resulted and one man was recorded fighting with a table fork. 100 men were killed outright and a further 100 were wounded. Their defence of the Quarries was compared by Major General S.H Lomax with Rorkes Drift (1879). On the 27th September the battalion withdrew to billets at Coilly.

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WILSON W Second Lieutenant Wilfred Charles WILSON. 1/5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers). Formerly (1 year 75 days) (Trooper 1890) B Squadron, 2/1st Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died 9th August 1916. Born 63 Albany Mansions, Battersea Park, London 24 February 1897. Son of Herbert (a farmer and landowner)) and Alice Wilson (nee Russell) of Dargate Street, Faversham, Kent. Formerly 27 Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Wilfred has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Also sometimes known as Charles Wilfred Wilson? Wilfred’s father died 1st May 1917 at 60 Talgarth Road, West Kensington, London. Another address linked to his father was Woodgate, South Street, Faversham, Kent. Educated St Augustines School, Ashford, Kent. Joined the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles as a Trooper in the Ashford Territorial Force Company 7 September 1914. Discharged upon being commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment 20 November 1915. Wilfred’s will stated that his personal effects be sent to Mrs Gower at 76 The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. On the 20th July 1916 the 5th battalion moved from Sombrin to Bouquemaison. On the 25th it entrained at Candas for Mericourt on The Somme and from there marched to Ville-sous-Corbie. On the 27th it was in Sandpit Camp. A few days later the battalion moved to Citadel Camp. On the 9th August 1916 the battalion was holding reserve line trenches at Trones Wood during 166th Brigade’s attack on Guillemont. On the 12th August the battalion went to Maltz Horn Farm.

WOOD W Private 55824 William Isaac WOOD. 142nd Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly (11530) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 24th December 1916. Born Liverpool. Enlisted Watford, Herts. Buried in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium. Grave reference VI.R.8. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 124 Gladstone Road, Willesborough Sergeant 13388 Albert Edward WOOD. Army Veterinary Corps. 25 Romney Road, Willesborough

65Leading Seaman 217503 Walter WOOD. HMS Victory, Royal Navy.

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WOODCOCK N Private T/1132 Norris WOODCOCK. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th January 1916 aged 20 years. Born Bethersden. Resided Willesborough. Son of Richard and Edith Woodcock of 36, Osborne Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Norris has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference 6. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 36 Osborne Road, Willesborough Private 160397 Lawrence (Junior) WOODCOCK. M Battery, 13th Division, Royal Garrison Artillery. Norton Lane, Bethersden Driver 26312 Ashley Frederick WOODCOCK. Army Service Corps. 17 Hamilton Road, Willesborough Driver 208839 Harry WOODCOCK. Royal Garrison Artillery. On the 6th January 1916 a signal came from Kut saying that large numbers of Turkish troops were moving downstream of the River Tigris towards Sheikh Saad. An aircraft spotted the troops entrenching both sides of the river. The Tigris Corps of which the Buffs was part of moved to meet the enemy. The 5th battalion attacked the Turk positions head on and by nightfall it became obvious the attack could not succeed. The next day 7th January the Buffs alongside The Black Watch and The Seaforth Highlanders were again ordered to attack in strength. As the British moved forward under heavy fire the Turks attempted to encircle the Tigris Corps. By nightfall the position remained stalemate. It was later discovered that the Turks had withdrawn upstream. British Army casualties at Sheikh Saad were over 4,000 men. It appears that Norris may have been wounded on the 6th January and then died of his wounds the next day.

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YATES F Dover Marine Sapper 541542 Frederick YATES. 497th Field Company (Kent Fortress). Royal Engineers (RE). Died 23rd May 1917 aged 20 years. Born Canterbury. Enlisted Gillingham. Son of Mr W.F Yates of The Crown and Anchor Public House, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 1. Before the outbreak of war Frederick was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway tribute but NOT on Ashford’s Railway Works Rolls of Honour. Frederick had seen service in Egypt before being sent to France.

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YOUNG H.E Sergeant L/9289 Horace Edward YOUNG. 8th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 18th August 1916 aged 26 years. Born Willesborough. Resided 128 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Kent. Horace has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 5D. On the 18th August 1916 the 8th battalion attacked in Deville Wood on The Somme. Their stated objective was to capture Machine Gun House and another enemy held trench known as ZZ Trench. The battalion was divided into mixed companies for the attack and one company of the Royal Fusiliers were placed in Trones Wood to act as reserve. At 02.45 hours the battalion plunged into Delville Wood. The enemy was found to be unprepared and many enemy soldiers surrendered (including a few naked men). All objectives were captured and consolidated. 1 officer and 38 men were killed and 6 officers and 297 men were wounded. A further 16 men were missing feared killed.

ROLL OF HONOUR Christchurch

Willesborough

There is a large oak roll of honour plaqu on the wall inside the church. The Great War men’s plaque is affixed to the wall near to the side entrance whereas the small Second World War plaque has been renegated to an inconspicuous area behind the church organ. The plaque with the past vicars names is affixed where everyone can see it! The WW2 plaque should be displayed alongside the Great War plaque…

SERVED AND DIED BOOTH Bertie T DAVIS Frank S ERRIDGE Frank PLEDGE Herbert A (A.G.S List him as H.P PLEDGE) SMITH John S WESTON Herbert KILBY Alfred J MEN WHO SERVED IN THE COLOURS ALLEN F.H ALLEN L.F ALLEN R.F ALLIN F AMES H.R AMON G.H AMOS G.T AMOS W.C BARNARD R.K BARTON E BROTHERS R.J BUTCHER R.J BUTCHER H.J BUTCHER T.C CAPELING A.E CAPELING W.F CARLETON H.G COPPARD A.A COPPARD E.J COVENEY A.V.F.G CRUST G.W CRUST J DITCHER A.T EARNSHAW W ELDRIDGE W.H FIELD H.A.J

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FINN C.G FINN R.J FISHER H.L – (This man died of T.B and is on Ashford Town Memorial as A.L FISHER) FREED W.H GAMMON E.A GAMMON H.A.W GAMMON P GOWER P GOWER H.G GRANT N HAWKINS W.F HEAD A.E HEAD H HILLS A.A HILLS T.W HOWLAND R HUNTLEY S.A JAMIESON J JOHNSON A LLOYD C MORLEY F.C MORLEY J NEWTON F.H NEWTON W.H NEWTON E.H NEWTON E.C OLIVER W.F OWEN F PETTMAN A.E PETTMAN J.F PHILLIPS W PLEDGE W.C POPE G PULLEN T.H QUESTED F.C RANSLEY A SMITH B SMITH F.S (Senior) SMITH F STACE R.F STANLEY C.A TOMSETT W.H WARMAN A WHEELER W.G WHITEHEAD J.A WICKS W.G WILDE F THE MISSES (Nurses) EARL K.V HOOK F.S MUMMERY B.D QUESTED D.A.M

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LOST MEN

ASHMAN F.W Private 28817 Frank William ASHMAN. 11th Battalion, Border Regiment. Formerly (86927) Middlesex Regiment. Died 2nd December 1917 aged 20 years. Born Brabourne. Resided Westernhanger near Hythe. Son of William Henry and Catherine Maria Ashman of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 85 to 86. Frank’s death on active service is commemorated on his parents grave in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford. Frank’s father William Henry Ashman died 5th December 1943 aged 77 years. His mother Catherine Maria Ashman died 4th February 1938 aged 62 years. BA