ADAM

*

Educated at Marlborough College and at Selwyn College, Cambridge before entering the South East Agricultural College, Wye in October 1912. He left the College in July 1913 having been awarded a college Diploma. Alan went to Cranbrook where he practised as a solicitor. Whilst at Cranbrook in 1911 he joined the 5th Buffs. On the 22nd January 1914 he was promoted Lieutenant. On 29th October 1915 he was promoted Captain. Whilst fighting in Iraq he was recommended for the DSO. He died before it could be given.

Alan’s name appears on page 511 of the University of Cambridge War List 1914-1919.

Mentioned in Dispatches 20th October 1916 and recommended for the DSO.

ADAM

AITCHISON

ALEXANDER

*

Alexander attended Wye from 1904 until 1909 and took the B.Sc degree of London University in Agriculture in 1908. He was an exceptionally good naturalist, knowing the names of plants and songs of birds, and the neighbourhood in Wye where rare plants were likely to be found.

Upon leaving Wye and previous to joining the army, he had been working at Rome, Italy with the International Institute of Agriculture. Christopher preferred to serve as a Private soldier despite being offered a commission in The Buffs.

ALLFREY

*

Educated at Rottingdean and Loretto, and then Wye College where he studied from 1901 to 1905. Upon leaving Wye Hugh farmed at Old Place, Sandhurst, Kent (Near Hawkhurst) and afterwards bought land and farmed at the Old Parsonage, Brenchley, Kent. He hunted considerably with the Mid Kent Staghounds and other local packs. In 1913 he joined the East Kent Yeomanry and on the outbreak of war was mobilised. In September 1915 he was sent to Gallipoli, Turkey where he saw considerable action with his unit. Afterwards in Egypt he saw service against the Senussi, and in April 1916 proceeded to Palestine where his unit the Royal East Kent Yeomanry was re-designated the 10th Battalion, The Buffs.

It is recorded that Hugh was killed instantaneously by a snipers bullet whilst with his battalion in France.

AMOS

Frank was commissioned from the ranks.

ARCHDALE

*

Educated Felsted School and Wye. After leaving Wye he obtained a job under the Colonial Office in Nyasaland as Assistant Director of Agriculture. When in Africa he was an avid big game hunter. Whilst at Wye he played in the College 1st Eleven football and hockey teams.

ATKINSON

*

Educated at Clifton and the South East Agriculture College, Wye. Walter joined the college in the autumn term of 1898 and left in the summer of 1902. He gained a first class diploma and received prizes for general science, botany and chemistry. He was also awarded a National Diploma in Dairying. Upon leaving education Walter went to work under the Lawes Agricultural Trust at Rothampstead and conducted experimental work on wheat-growing for the Miller’s Association. For a short while he lectured at the Reading University Agricultural College. In 1909 he took a farm in conjunction with his brother R.E Atkinson near Battle in Sussex and from this then moved to a smallholding at Checkendon, Oxfordshire.

Will married Miss E. Kate Lelacheur in May 1912. They had 3 sons.

On the outbreak of war Walter enlisted in the Berkshire Yeomanry and was attached to the machine gun section. He spent some time under canvas at Churn Camp and then went into billets where he remained until 14th November 1914. He was gazetted a Temporary Lieutenant in the DCLI and the rest of his training was completed at Falmouth, Devon. Walter was promoted to Captain in May 1915 and then left with his Regiment for Gallipoli, Turkey.

It is reported that Will did not reach the fighting until the 4th July 1915. He spent the next month very heavily engaged in fighting. The day he was killed his unit was in action all day. He did his share nobely.

BADDELEY

*

Percy attended Wye College from February 1912 and left in July 1913.

BARLING

*

Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Attended 3rd Battalion. Formerly Private (2363), 5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Died 12th March 1915. William has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 34.

Educated Beresford House, Gloucester and The Priory, Great Malvern and finally Dean Close Cheltenham before going to the South East Agriculture College in Wye. Upon leaving Wye College William was elected to a fellowship of the Surveyor’s Institute, and became a member of the staff of the Valuation Department, Inland Revenue, Gloucester. He held this post for 3 years.

On the outbreak of war he enlisted as a Private soldier with the 5th battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. He was later selected for a commission and placed on the Officers Reserve list. He went to France with the 6th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment on 19th February 1915 reaching the firing line on the 23rd February 1915. He was then attached to the 3rd battalion of his Regiment.

William was killed bravely leading his platoon in a determined assault against an enemy trench position. A corporal reported that he had stumbled and fallen over an officer whom he believed to be Lieutenant Barling.

BASS

BAXTER

Gordon’s brother Bernard E Baxter was also killed during the Great War.

Gordon was educated at Shepton Mallet Grammar School and afterwards attended the South Eastern Agricultural College at Wye near Ashford.Gordon was serving in the REKMR (Wye Troop) as a Trooper whilst studying at the Wye Agricultural College (1908-1911). When the war broke out he was living in New Zealand and owned a rubber plantation. Gordon immediately joined the King Edwards Horse (part of the New Zealand Army) on 5th February 1915. He eventually arrived in France on 22 April 1915 with his Regiment. At some stage Gordon was transferred into the British Army and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. It was with this British Regiment that Gordon lost his life.

BAYLY

Noel’s name also appeared on the college Roll of Honour as being treated in a Hampshire War Hospital. This probably meant that at the time the list was compiled, he was wounded and in hospital receiving treatment.

BELLWOOD

BIRCH, MC

Eric was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage and leadership skills.

Before the outbreak of war Eric was employed by the Sudanese government (under British control). On the 16th January 1917 Eric was mortally wounded in action. He died the next day.

BIRKETT

Private 442024, 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment). Died 9th September 1916 aged 31 years. Born 16th July 1885 at Chistlehurst, Kent. Son of Louis and Agnes Birkett of 3, Summer Hill, Chistlehurst, Kent. Husband of Murial Vida Birkett (nee Kelly) of 85, Fairfield Road, Winchester, Hampshire. Harold has no known grave. His name appears on the Vimy Memorial, Vimy, France.

Before the outbreak of war Harold was working as a Clerk. He enlisted direct into the Canadian Army on the 22nd June 1915 at Vernon, British Colombia. There is some discrepancy in his rank as his obituary in the contemporary Chislehurst Times says he was a Sergeant- Instructor, see below:

BIRKETT Sergeant–Instructor Harold Wreford Birkett of the Canadian Infantry, (British Columbia Regiment) was killed in action at Poizeres on Saturday 9th September 1916, aged 31. He was born on July 16th 1885 at Richman Cottage, Church Row, Chislehurst. He was the elder son of Louis and Agnes Birkett. At the time of his death his parents were living at 2 Summer Hill Villas, close to the old water tower, where they lived for more than 25 years.

He was educated at Haileybury, as were his father and brother. He subsequently studied at the South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye, with the intention of farming. After spending 2 years in Borneo, he went to Canada and remained there for 7 years. During that time, in 1912, he married Muriel Pope, the youngest daughter of Arthur Pope, a pharmacist of British Columbia. In the 1911 Canadian Census, Harold Birkett was working as a water bailiff on a farm and was clearly using his agricultural training. By the time he enlisted in 1915 his occupation was given as clerk.

His widow, Muriel, subsequently remarried and settled in England and is shown as Mrs Kelly on the CWGC site. Harold’s father, Louis Birkett was a Wool Broker’s manager and the son of a London surgeon. The family lived in Chislehurst for over 50 years, the parents both living into their nineties, they are buried in the Churchyard of St Nicholas. Harold’s only brother, Norman Wreford Birkett, was also in Canada at the outbreak of war and immediately, on September 23rd 1914, volunteered for the Canadian Expeditionary force. He was only 21 at the time, his occupation was said to be civil engineer. Happily he survived the war, although he had a terrible leg injury and spent nearly a year in hospital in London.

Harold Birkett’s commanding officer wrote sympathetically to his widow Muriel:

‘Your husband was killed quite instantaneously by a shell during heavy bombardment. We buried him behind the trench and marked his grave as well as possible. Your husband was a soldier and a gentleman from head to toe and I am quite sure he would wish to have met no other end than the one he did, facing the enemy. We all feel his loss very keenly because he was so cool and cheerful under all conditions. If there is anything else I can do for you I should be honoured if you would let me know’.

A memorial service was held at St Johns Church, Mill Place,near to the family home.

The Birkett family also lost their daughter Margaret in December 1914 while she was working as a VAD nurse. Louis Birkett, the father of Harold and Margaret, was the Honorary Secretary of the local council War Memorial Committee and played an influential part in the building of the village war memorial.

Having no known grave Harold Birkett is remembered with honour on the VIMY MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais and on the family grave in the St Nicholas churchyard.

BRAILSFORD

BRUCE

*

Captain, 8th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly Baganda Rifles, Uganda Field Force (Africa). Died 9th June 1918. Fourth son of Colonel Edward Bruce C.B, 19th (Fane’s Horse) Lancers, Indian Army. His mother lived at Kingsley, Cherry Garden Avenue, Folkestone, Kent. In 1917 the college was sending his mail to Box 53, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa. Buried Marfaux British Cemetery, The Marne, France. Grave reference VI.D.8.

Educated at Haileybury College, where he became a prefect, and played forward for the 1st XV (Rugby).

Edward wanted to join the army. He took a high place in the Sandhurst examination in July 1912 but to his great dis-appointment was rejected for defective eyesight. He then entered Wye College where he obtained the diploma with honours and several prizes. In 1909 he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Cotton Cultivation in Uganda, Africa. He was in Uganda when the war broke out serving in the Uganda Field Force during his spare time. He remained in the Baganda Rifles until the end of 1916, when he retired from that force and returned to England to apply for a commission in the British Army. This time his application was successful probably because of his sterling service in the Uganda Field Force. He was immediately commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps (MGC). He left for the front in August 1917.

BUCKINGHAM

*

Educated at Exeter School and then Kelly College, Tavistock before entering Wye College in 1910. He stayed at Wye until 1913. At the outbreak of war Thomas volunteered for army service as a Private soldier. He served in the Devonshire Regiment as a Private for 2 months before being selected for a commission in October 1914. Proceeding to India with his Regiment, he took part in the Mesopotamian Campaign and was invalided home suffering from wounds in September 1916. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he joined a battalion of the Devonshire Regiment at the front in France where he fell leading his men.

To start with Thomas was reported Missing in Action but this was eventually changed to Killed in Action. He was obviously a very gallant and brave man…

BUDDEN

Harold’s name appears on the Ashford Baptist Church Memorial, Station Road, Ashford. It is unclear why his name was not placed on the town centre memorial in Church Road. He probably attended that church in Ashford whilst a student at Wye.

Harold lost hisl ife in the Salonika campaign Greece. More men died here of Malaria than died as a consequence of enemy action.

BUTLER

CAIRNES

CHESNEY

CLEMENT

COLOMB

*

Educated at Haileybury, and went to Wye in the Autumn of 1904. He stayed until 1907, and then went to Canada, where he experienced some of the roughest times. Later, on his return, he studied singing in Dublin, Ireland and London, and was successful in getting pretty continuous engagements in the Moody Manners and other operatic companies in town, and on tour in the provinces. In December 1913, he married Miss Maud BESANT.

On the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 4th Battalion, London Regiment and was first stationed at Malta and then proceeded to France. His wound was in the arm, but blood poisoning set in and he sadly died in hospital at Aldershot, Hampshire.

CRISP

Reginald enlisted direct from Wye College in August 1914. He served in India and Iraq (with the 5th Battalion) before losing his life in France with the 7th battalion.

The day that Reginald died his battalion was being bussed to St Nicholas east of Boves. From Boves they marched to Gentelles. That night the battalion took over frontline trenches south east of Villers Bretonneux.

DAGGE

DAHSE

*

Gunner 1127 or 9128, South African Field Artillery. Formerly “H” Company (Ashford), 1st Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died in Tanzania, Africa of heart failure following a scorpian sting on the 9th September 1916. Born 1877. Son of J.F.J Dahse of Honor Oak, South East London. In 1917 the college was sending his mail to P.O, Hermon, Cape Colony, South Africa. Buried Morogoro Cemetery, Tanzania, East Africa. Grave reference II.A.12.

Educated at the Junior School Bradfield College. He left Bradfield in 1893 and was awarded a Kent (Junior) Scholarship at the Wye Agricultural College. Stephen was a gifted cricketer and footballer playing for the college in both 1st teams. In 1896 Stephen captained the 1st eleven cricket team. In 1896 he joined “H” Company of the 5th Buffs based in Ashford. After leaving Wye he went to Cape Colony, South Africa and on the outbreak of war was manager of the Hermon Works of the Hermon Piquetberg Line Co Limited. In April 1916 he joined the South African Field Force, and went through a course of training at Potchefstroom, South Africa. Sailing then for German East Africa he landed at Kilindini with the first reinforcements and was soon in the thick of the fighting. As the war progressed Stephen’s health started to fail. A sting from a scorpian resulted in heart failure.

DAVENPORT

*

Educated at Lockers Park and Rugby School. He attended the S.E.A College at Wye for nearly 4 years (May 1907 until December 1910) after which time he obtained a job with the government as a Surveyor and was sent to the Frederated Malay States in 1911. In April 1915 Leonard returned to the UK where he took a commission in the Royal Irish Fusiliers on the 15th June 1915. He left for France on the 29th May 1916.

On the 5th September 1916 the 7th battalion was in action all day at Angle Wood and Falfemont Farm. The battalion objective for their attack was Combles Trench. Machine Gun fire was intense and many men were cut down as they left their trenches. On the 6th September 1916 the battalion withdrew under heavy fire to Angle Wood. It is recorded that the battalion lost 273 men killed, missing and wounded. One of those men was Leonard.

DOWDELL

DURLACHER, MC

Philip was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage and leadership skills.

EDWARDS

FAIRBAIRN

*

According to the Agricola magazine Andrew was captured by the German’s and was sent to a POW Camp where he died of his wounds. This seems a little inplausable considering that he is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery.

FAIRWEATHER

*

FEATHERSTONE

Second Lieutenant, No 2 Special Company. Royal Engineers (RE). Formerly (Pioneer 130877) Royal Engineers. Formerly (Private 3304) 8th Battalion, London Regiment. Died 2nd September 1917 aged 23 years. Son of Arthur Breckon and Mabel Featherstone of 43, Broseley Grove, Sydenham, London. Buried Aeroplane Cemetery, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Grave reference I.B.13.

FIGGIS, MC

Captain, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly (Private 1535), 5th Battalion, The Buffs. Died 27th August 1918 aged 25 years. Son of Thomas Phillips Figgis and Caroline Mary Figgis of Campden Hill, Kensington, London. Husband of Ethel Lizzie Winning Cleland Figgis of School House, Rowallan, Kilmarnock, Scotland. Buried Meaulte Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference F.25.

Lenox was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for leadership skills and courage.

The circumstances of Lenox’s death is described on page 366 of the Buffs Regimental history (Moody). He was killed in action somewhere near to Bernafay Wood on the Somme. A further 10 other ranks were also killed on the same day.

FRAMPTON

Captain, 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Died 24th April 1918 aged 32 years. Son of Colonel W.P Frampton 9Late 59th Foot) and his wife Mrs Bayer Frampton of Newton Hall, Clitheroe, Yorkshire. William has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 42 and 43.

FURLEY

Second Lieutenant, 1st (Bucks) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI). Formerly Private, 16th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen’s Westminsters). Died Tuesday 25th January 1916 aged 27 years. Youngest son of the Reverand Henry Furley of Mount Sandford, Southborough, Kent. Buried in the Hebuterne Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference I.A.10.

Robert attended the South East Agricultural College in Wye from 1909 until 1911.

Roberts father was a former rector of Kingsnoth Parish Church. On the outbreak of war Robert enlisted in the 16th London Regiment (Queen’s Westminsters) and received his commission in the summer of 1915. He went out to France on the 5th January 1916 and 20 days later was hit in the forhead by a snipers bullet. At the time he was killed he was observing enemy positions from a captured trench.

GETTING

Captain, 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Died 28th or 29th September 1915 aged 24 years. Only child of Henry F and Ann Ethel Getting of Hollington, Ross, Herefordshire. Eric has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 93 to 95.

Educated at May Place Preparatory School, Malvern Wells and Bradfield College, Berkshire. Eric was gazetted from the special reserve of officers in January 1914 9before the outbreak of war). He was immediately posted to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was transferred to the 1st battalion in October 1914.

Eric was killed in the Battle of Loos of 1915.

GIBSON

Second Lieutenant, 5th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Formerly (4633) 28th Battalion, London Regiment. Died 5th May 1917 aged 23 years. Son of Charles Mervyn and Charlotte Mary Gibson of 55, Queens Road, Beckenham, Kent. Buried Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, Near La Bassee, France. Grave reference III.B.20.

GIFFARD

Major, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died 10th November 1918 aged 31 years. Son of Henry Rycroft and Cecillia Martha Giffard of Lockeridge House, Marlborough. Buried Awoingt British Cemetery. Grave reference III.D.6.

Edmund was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palme (France) for bravery in the field.

GOLDRING

Private 40757, 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Formerly (17518) Cyclist Corps. Died 2nd September 1918 aged 20 years. Born Kingston, Surrey. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent. Son of Thomas Pamphilon and Annie Goldring of Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey. Buried Varennes Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference III.C.26.

GOODWIN

Private 202040, 8th Battalion, Tank Corps. Formerly (68830) Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Died 24th March 1918 aged 20 years. Born Brixton, London. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Ashford. Son of Thomas H. Goodwin of 59, Norbury Court Road, Norbury, London. Henry has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 10.

GORDON

Captain, 5th Battalion attached Adjutant, 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). On the evening of 9th June 1917 the battalion had just relieved the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers when he was killed in action when a shell fell close to HQ. Aged 26. Born on 8th January 1891 in Sherborne. Son of George and Mary Gordon, of Wincombe Park, Wilts, and The Barn House, Sherborne, Dorset. Educated at Durnford House, Wellington College and the South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye, Kent. Attended Wye College from January 1910 and left Christmas 1911. Whilst at Wye he captained the cricket team in 1911 and was also a member of the hockey team. Whilst at Wellington he played for two years in the cricket XI and also represented his school in the Public Schools’ Racket competition at Queen’s Club. Member of the M.C.C. and of the Free Foresters and for several seasons played for the Dorset County XI. On 15th August 1914 he obtained a commission with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers and served on the Western Front from 9th February 1915 with the 12th (Service) Battalion and later became adjutant. At the beginning of 1917, he was admitted to hospital suffering from appendicitis. After recovering from an operation to remove his appendix he returned to the Front in May. Buried in RENINGHELST NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row C. Grave 23. See also Lord's Cricket members WW1, Sherborne Abbey, Dorset and Durnford School, Langton Matravers, Dorset War Memorial

Extract from Du Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, volume 4, page 66:

GORDON, GERARD MONTAGUE, Capt. and Adjutant, The Royal Fusiliers, 3rd and yst. s. of George Henry Gordon, of The Barn House, Sherborne, and Wincombe Park, Shaftesbury, J.P. co. Wilts and Dorset. Chairman of the Dorset War Agricultural Committee, by his wife, Mary, dau. of Francis Stanier, of Biddulph, co. Stafford ; b. Sherborne, 8 Jan. 1891 ; educ. at Durnford House ; Wellington College, and the South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye, co. Kent ; obtained a commission 15 Aug. 1914 ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Feb. 1915, and was killed in action 9 June, 10 Buried in the Military Cemetery at Reninghelst, near Ypres. A brother officer wrote : "He was one of the bravest men I have met out here, and his sense of duty in returning to the front so soon after his recent operation filled us all with the deepest admiration. He was always so merry and bright, and a great favourite with us all," and another of his Regiment : "His parting from us has caused a deep cloud over the battalion, because he was one of the best, and one we could ill afford to lose." While at Wellington he played for two years in the cricket eleven, and represented his school in the Public Schools' Racket Competition at Queen's Club. He was a member of the M.C.C. and of the Free Foresters, and for several seasons did good service for the Dorset County XI. He was a fine horseman and took high honours as an athlete ; unm.

GORDON

No further information currently available

GRAHAM-CLARKE

Second Lieutenant, 9th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Attended 6th Battalion, Border Regiment. Died 1st July 1916 (First day of the Battle of The Somme).

GRANT

Captain, 99th Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly Royal Fusiliers. Died 27th July 1916 aged 22 years. Son of J.B and Jesse Grant of The Firs, Warnham, Sussex. Buried Serre Road Cemetery Number 2, The Somme, France. Grave reference XX.A.8.

GRANT

*

No further information currently available.

Attended Wye College briefly from October 1904 until 1905. He returned to Wye in 1907 leaving again in 1910.

GRANT

Second Lieutenant, 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Died 29th September 1915 aged 20 years. Son of Colonel H.G Grant and Mrs Isabel Grant. William has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 112 to 115.

GREENWELL

Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Attended 17th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Died 19th July 1918. Buried Godewaersvelde British Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference II.A.9.

GREIG

Lieutenant James Gordon HAMILTON-GREIG. “D” Company, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly (Private) 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 13th August 1915 aged 20 years. Born Welling, Kent. Son of J.C Hamilton Greig and K Hamilton Greig of 19, Portland Court, Great Portland Street, London. Buried Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (North), France. Grave reference I.D.34.

GRELLIER

*

Second Lieutenant, 51st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Formerly (Gunner 625471) Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Died 31st October 1918 aged 33 years. Resided 6, Queen Annes Gate, Westminster, London. Son of Harley Mair Grellier and Edith Louisa Grellier of St Martin’s Croft, Epsom, Surrey. Buried Poix-Du-Nord Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference II. B. 22.

Gordon joined the college in 1905 and left in 1908. He was a member of the Surveyor’s Institute and upon leaving Wye went to work for his fathers firm in Westminster, London. Upon the outbreak of war he joined the army and was commissioned into the Royal Garrison Artillery as a battery commander. In October his battery was East of Cambrai in France. He was killed instantly when a shell splinter struck him the day after he arrived in France and only 11 days before the armistice.

Informartion supplied by Liz Manterfield:

GRELLIER Gordon Harley, 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in Action 31 October 1918, aged 33

Gordon was born on 16 March 1885 (FRC reference: June 1885 Epsom 2a 16 ) at Downside, Epsom, the eldest son of Mr Harley Mair Grellier and his wife Edith Louisa. (FRC reference for their marriage: Sept 1875 Lambeth 1d 468). His birth was announced in the Times.

In 1891 the family were living at Downside, St Martin’s Road, Epsom. Harley Grellier was a 40 year old surveyor. His wife, Edith Louisa, was 38. Their eldest child, Alice M was 7 years old and had been born in the little village of Worth in Sussex. Gordon was 6, Norman and Bernard, identical twins, were 4, Florence was 2 and Cecil was 7 months old. Grandmother, Ann Grellier aged 76 also lived with them and they employed a cook, a nurse and a housemaid.

In 1901 Alice was not at home but the other children and grandmother Ann were still living with Harley and Edith at Downside, Epsom. Harley was still a surveyor. No servants were recorded living in the house.

Gordon (and his twin brothers) attended Epsom College for five years, where he served in the school Cadet Corps from 1900. In 1905 he went to Wye Agricultural College until 1908 where he was awarded the diploma and Surveying prize. He became a pupil of Tristram Eve of JR Eve and Sons, Surveyors, after which he became a partner in the firm of Messrs Grelliers, surveyors in Queen Anne’s gate, London. He was a professional associate of and qualified for a fellowship of the Surveyors Institute Great George St London. He was living at 6 Queen Anne’s Gate, London.

Before the war he had joined the Inns of Court OTC on 9 March 1909 as Private 354, but he had to retire in May 1910 for a business engagement.

He signed up for the duration of the war in on 14 November 1916, enlisting at Kingston on Thames, and was appointed Gunner no 625471 in the HAC Siege Battery on 15 November 1916. His enrolment papers record that he was 31 yrs and 8mths old, 5ft 7 7/8ins in height, 36 ins chest with 3½in expansion, he weighed 138lbs, had a vaccination mark on his left arm and had good physical development.

Although he had married to Viva Melicent Hamley, daughter of Mr and Mrs ET Harley of Sunning Hill Epsom at St Martin’s church, Epsom on 4 July 1912 (FRC reference: Sep 1912 Epsom 2a 41) and supplied her name as his next of kin, he said that her whereabouts were unknown. They did not have any children.

Whilst in the HAC he served at home:
15 November 1916 309 Siege Battery as a gunner
9 December1916 30/A Depot
31 Mar 1917, 309(Res) HAC Siege Battery
4 April 1917-2 June 1916 Reinforcing Siege Depot at Stowlangtoft, Catterick
26 October1917 Trowbridge

In December 1916 he had three vaccinations. Early in 1917 he experienced trouble with his right knee and spent from 11 Mar to 15 May 1917 in Horton War hospital. An x-ray on 17 March showed contusion. Whilst in hospital the tragic news arrived that 2nd Lt William Morris Vincent, husband of his sister Florence, had been killed.

He obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the RGA serving in the 51st Seige Battery Royal Garrison Artillery and was formally discharged as a gunner on 17 Mar 1918. He attended the Royal Artillery Cadet School. On 24 October 1918 he embarked at Southampton, arriving the next day at Havre. He went up to the front, east of Cambrai on 30 October but was killed instantly by a shell splinter the next day, only hours after his arrival. He was 33.

He was buried, at Poix du Nord, France. He is listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom, the Epsom College and St Mary's, Ewell Memorials, and also on the Wye SE Agricultural College War Memorial. Appears in Agricola Magazine Vol 3. To be investigated.

His effects included: a wallet, purse chain, wrist watch, pocket torch, pocket knife, cigarette case, cigarette holder, officer’s advance book,, cheque book, army book 439, a pair of gloves, pair of shoes, 4 large buttons, 6 small buttons, khaki handkerchief, tie pin pencils and keys. The probate for his estate had been granted to his father but unfortunately he died of pneumonia at St Martins Croft Epsom on 19 November 1921 and his brothers had to administer the probate for their father and the remaining estate of their brother. His estate was valued at £2429. It is interesting to note that his twin brothers joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in 1915, and were each awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.

GRIFFIN

Captain, Royal Field Artillery. Attended 21st Seige Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 7th July 1917 aged 38 years. Born Pell Wall, Staffordshire. Son of Marten Harcourt Griiffin and Isabel Elizabeth Griffin of Langfield, Bude, Cornwell. Buried Mendinhem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference I.F.12.

Educated at Marlborough and C.C.C Oxford University. Before the outbreak of war Reginald was employed as a 1st Class Clerk in the Colonial Office.

HADDON

Captain. 2/7th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Died as a prisoner of war 20th April 1918 aged 25 years.

HAGGER

Private 2764. 41st Battalion, Australian Infantry (AIF). Died 30th October 1918.

HAMMERTON

Private 2034. 4th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. Died 28th September 1915.

HARDCASTLE

Captain. 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI). Died 30th July 1916 aged 23 years.

HARDY

*

Captain. “D” Company, 7th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Formerly Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 23rd July 1915 aged 33 years.

HATFIELD, MC

*

Captain. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly Royal East Kent Yeomanry. Died 21st September 1918.

HATHORN

Second Lieutenant. Indian Army Reserve of Officers. 76th Punjabis. Died 14th July 1915 aged 24 years.

HEALE

Captain. 10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). Died 3rd May 1917.

HILLS

Second Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment. Died 5th September 1916 aged 21 years.

HOGBEN

Second Lieutenant. Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Died 23rd October 1917 aged 18 years.

HOLYMAN

Second Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 9th March 1917.

HOOD-DANIEL

Captain. “C” Company (Ashford), 2/5th (Home Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Former Private. Died 28th January 1917 aged 35 years.

HOPCROFT

Sergeant 281346. 2/4th Battalion, London Regiment. Died 14th May 1917 aged 20 years.

HOPKINS

*

Second Lieutenant. 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Formerly 9th Battalion. Died 26th September 1915.

HORTON

No further information currently available

HUGHES

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Second Lieutenant Guy Wiley Hughes © IWM (HU 116018)

Second Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, Duke Of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) formerly Charterhouse School, Officer Training Corps (O.T.C). Died of wounds 31 December 1914. Aged 23 years. Son of George and Emily Hughes, of "Fieldhead," Wimbledon Park, London. O.T.C., Charterhouse. Buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord), Nord, France. Row F. Grave 4. See also Charterhouse School War Memorial.

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice, Officers Who Died in the Great War, 1914-1916, Volume 1, page 198:

2nd LIEUTENANT GUY WILEY HUGHES, RESERVE OF OFFICERS. attd. 4th BATTN. THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT), was the son of George Hughes, Esq., and was born at Bushey Heath on the 26th February, 1892.

He was educated at Charterhouse, where he was Monitor of Gownboys, and leaving there in 1911 he proceeded to the South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye, as his taste lay in the direction of agriculture, and he intended to take to it as a profession. Here he became head Student, and gained great popularity among all with whom he came in contact there. He regularly represented the College at Association football, having been Captain of the team in his last year, and also in lawn tennis. As proof of the general confidence reposed in hint he was elected Secretary of the Union Society of the College in his final year. He obtained his diploma in 1914.

Having taken his "A" certificate at Charter-house, he joined the Reserve of Officers, and on the outbreak of the war he was called up for service and attached to the 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, proceeding with it to the Continent on the 15th October, 1914.

He was killed when looking for a missing private outside his trench on the 31st December, 1914, and was buried in a churchyard at Bailleul. His father received many appreciative letters from those with whom 2nd Lieutenant Hughes had been associated, including his House Master at Charterhouse, the Principal and other authorities of Wye College, and the Vicar of Wye. His Colonel wrote: "He was very popular with us all, and as an officer most reliable and keen,and one in whom I had the most perfect confidence." His Major, the Captain of his company (himself wounded), and his Company Sergeant-Major also sent letters of sympathy and regard.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, volume 1, page 196:

HUGHES, GUY WILEY, 2nd Lieut., 4th Battn. Middlesex Regt.. yst. s. of George Hughes, of Fieldhead, Wimbledon, by his late wife, Emily, dau. of William Edward Wiley, of The Rookery, Erdington; b. Kensington, 28 Feb. 1892; educ. Charterhouse; gazetted 2nd Lieut. to the Reserve of Officers Hon the O.T.C. March, 1913; attd. to the 4th Middlesex after the outbreak of war; went to France, 17 Oct. 1914, and died at Bailleul, 31 Dec. 1914, of wounds received in action the previous day; unm. His brother, Capt. A. E. Wiley Hughes, when attd. to the 3rd Royal Fusiliers, was wounded twice in France.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

HUGHES Guy Wiley of Fieldhead Arthur-road Wimbledon Park Surrey 2nd lieutenant in 4th battalion Middlesex regiment died 31 December 1914 at Bailleul Pas de Calais in France Administration London 5 March to George Henry Hughes merchant. Effects £1738 1s. 10d. Further grant 25 September 1924.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

HUGHES Guy Wiley of Fieldhead Arthur-road Wimbledon Park Surrey died 31 December 1914 in France Administration London 25 September to Alan Wiley Hughes merchant.
Effects £200. Former Grant P.R. March 1915.

IPSWICH

*

Lieutenant 1560 (The Viscount Ipswich) FITZROY. Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and 4th Battalion (Pioneers), Coldstream Guards. Formerly (Private) 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 23rd April 1918 aged 33 years. Son of the Earl of Euston and grandson of the 8th Duke of Grafton. Husband of Auriol, Vicountess Ipswich of Whittlebury, Towchester, Northamptonshire.

JAY

Private T/240487. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly (1763) The Buffs. Died 15th February 1917 aged 23 years.

JEMMETT

*

Lieutenant. 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly (Sergeant 1564) in the 2/5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 15th March 1918 aged 32 years.

JOHNSON

Second Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 9th March 1917.

KEABLE

*

Second Lieutenant. 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Died 25th September 1915 aged 26 years.

KIBLER

The ONLY Kibler recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is this man – Private 7350 John William KIBLER. 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 23rd March 1918.

KIPPS

Lieutenant. Royal Army Service Corps (ASC). Attended 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died 22nd August 1918 aged 23 years.

LEGGAT

Private TF/1780. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th January 1916.

LEWIS

Captain. 2nd Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 19th October 1914 aged 33 years.

MATTHEWS

*

Second Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Formerly The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 14th March 1915 aged 21 years.

MEADE

Second Lieutenant. 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Died 11th July 1916 aged 20 years.

MILLER

Second Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry). Formerly 9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment. Formerly (Private 1139) Royal Fusiliers. Died 4th September 1916 aged 27 years.

MITCHELL

*

Lieutenant. 10th (Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly Royal East Kent Yeomanry (REKMR). Died 19th November 1917 aged 41 years.

MITCHELL

Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI). Attended 4th Battalion. Formerly (Private 1370) Royal Sussex Regiment. Formerly 2LT Army Cyclists Corps. Died 22nd November 1917 aged 25 years.

MITCHELL

This is the only man that could be identified - Lieutenant Gilbert Robert MITCHELL-INNES. “A” Squadron, 19th (Queen Alexandra’s Own Royal) Hussars. Died 13th May 1915 aged 20 years.

MONK

Private PO/19748 Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI). Died 28th October 1918 aged 19 years.

MONROE

*

Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Attached 1st Battalion. Formerly (Private 1555) 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 14th May 1915 aged 21 years.

MONTGOMERY

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Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion, Connaught Rangers. Attended 2nd Battalion. Died 22nd December 1914.

MORGAN

Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS) 355031. 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Formerly (8121) Hertfordshire Regiment. Ex (1719) SQMS Montgomeryshire Yeomanry. Died Egypt 14th February 1918 aged 46 years.

NELSON

Private 295566 (Signaler). 4th Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Formerly (2620) West Kent Yeomanry. Died Thursday 11th April 1918 aged 20 years.

NICHOLSON

Second Lieutenant. 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. Formerly (Private 2440) London Regiment. Died 27th September 1915.

NICKALLS

Corporal T/240393. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 21st January 1916 aged 50 years.

OWEN

Private 55485. 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Formerly (2280) Mongomeryshire Yeomanry. Died 13th March 1917 aged 22 years.

OWEN-HOLDSWORTH, MC

Second Lieutenant, 101st Squadron, Royal Air Force and General List. Formerly Air Mechanic 3rd Class (68258), Royal Flying Corps. Died 12th April 1918, aged 19 years. Born Marden. Son of Herbert Lacy Owen-Holdsworth and Winifred Owen-Holdsworth of Westfield, Battle, Sussex. He attended Wye Agricultural College in 1912 and gained an honours degree in fruit growing. He was awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). Buried St Pierre Cemetery, Amiens, Somme, France. Plot XII. Row G. Grave 1. He is listed on three Kent War memorials, namely, Marden, South Eastern Agricultural College (Wye) and Wye College (Ashford).

London Gazette Issue 29974 6 March 1917 page 8 “General List. Cadet James Philip Owen-Holdsworth to be temp. 2nd Lt. (on prob.) for duty with R.F.C. 12 Feb. 1917.”

London gazette Issue 30162 3 July 1917 page 2

“12th June 1917. Temp. 2nd Lt. (on prob.) J. P. Owen-Holdsworth, Gen. List.”

London Gazette Issue 30813 23 July 1918 page 99 (Supplement to the London gazette, 26 July 1918 – page 8831)

AWARDED THE MILITABY CROSS.

“T./2nd Lt. James Philip Owen-Holdsworth, Gen. List and E.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the last six months he has carried out fifty-two bombing raids on the enemy lines of communication, their aerodromes and their rest billets, often flying in very bad weather. Descending to a low altitude he has obtained several direct hits, both on their hangars and their billets. On several occasions he has returned with his machine riddled with bullets. He has set a fine example of courage and determination.

PATTERSON

Lieutenant. 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Formerly 11th Battalion. 28th December 1917 aged 25 years.

PAVITT

Lance Corporal 69163. C Company, 1st Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 21st September 1918 aged 19 years.

PENN

*

Second Lieutenant. 6th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade. Atached Somerset Light Infantry. Died 11th February 1915 aged 28 years.

POLE-CAREW

Lieutenant. 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI). Attended 16th Battalion. Formerly 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Died 6th November 1917 aged 21 years.

POLLARD

Sergeant 203171. 2/4th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly Kent Composite Battalion. Formerly (1295) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 4th November 1917 aged 21 years.

POPPLE

Second Lieutenant. 15th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Attended 16th Battalion. Died 26th June 1916 aged 21 years.

PRETTY

*

Lieutenant. 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died 11th May 1915 aged 23 years.

PRITCHARD

*

Captain. Staffordshire Yeomanry. Died Egypt 26th October 1918 aged 35 years.

PURVIS

Captain. 3rd Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Attended 2nd Battalion. Died 14th March 1917.

RAYNER

Lance Corporal 36100. 63rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (G/9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21st March 1918.

REEVE

ROSHER

*

Flight Lieutenant. Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Formerly Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Died 27th February 1916.).

ROTHWELL

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Lieutenant. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 21st January 1916 aged 28 years.

RUNCIMAR

Second Lieutenant. 9th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC). Died 22nd October 1915.

SCOTT

Private T/240474. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 24th February 1917 aged 23 years.

SHEPHERD

Lieutenant. 1/4th Battalion, King’s African Rifles. Died 12th November 1917.

SHERRIFF

*

Lieutenant. 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Died 26th April 1915 aged 24 years.

SIMON

Captain. 2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Died 17th August 1915 aged 27 years.

SITZLER

Private T/202909. 1st Battalion, The Buffs 9East Kent Regiment). Died 28th April 1918.

SKELTON

*

Captain. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly West Kent Yeomanry. Died of fever in Iraq 20th March 1918 aged 30 years.

SMITH

*

Second Lieutenant. 10th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Attended 9th Battalion. Formerly 11th Battalion. Died 15th September 1916 aged 25 years.

STAHL

Lieutenant Commander H.M Trawler “King Emperor”. Royal Navy (RN). Died 4th February 1916.

STEVENS

Second Lieutenant. 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th August 1918 aged 19 years.

SWAYNE

Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 30th September 1915 aged 30 years.

TRIMMER

Second Lieutenant. 1st (Bucks) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI). Died 21st July 1916 aged 19 years.

VAN ROOYEN

Private T/1580. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 27th October 1915.

VAUGHAN

Driver L/20744. XII Corps Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died 20th October 1918 aged 23 years.

WATERER

Second Lieutenant. 6th Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). Formerly Royal Engineers (RE) and the Royal Monmouthshire. Died 11 October 1918 aged 25 years.

WICKHAM

Captain. 6th Battalion, Connaught Rangers. Died 18th April 1916 aged 25 years.

WILSON

Captain. 2/4th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 19th April 1917 aged 30 years.

WOOD

*

Lance Corporal 2113. 23rd Battalion, London Regiment. Died 26th May 1915 aged 35 years.

WORTHINGTON

*

Lieutenant. 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI). Died 16th September 1914 aged 27 years.

WRIGHT

Private 9795. 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Died 3rd May 1917 aged 20 years.