Lieutenant
1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 23rd August 1918 aged 35
George was the son of Thomas Abbott of " Oaklands" , Hitchin Road, Stevenage.
The details of his service career and eventual fate are limited but it is known that he was commissioned from the ranks on the 1st July 1917 and arrived on the Western Front on the 16th April 1918.
He was killed in the second Battle of Albert when the Battalion were involved in an assault on a railway cutting near the village of Achiet Le Grand. The village had been occupied by the 7th Bedfordshire Regiment on 17th March 1917 and lost to the Germans on the 25th March 1918 after a defence by the 1st/6th Manchester Regiment. During this period the village was occupied by the British 45th and 49th Casualty Clearing Stations. Achiet station was an allied railhead and was recaptured on the 23rd August 1918 as result of the assault in which Gerorge Abbott was involved. The action cost the lives of 32 men plus an additional 7 who died of their wounds the following day.
George is buried in Gommecourt British Cemetery No.2, Hebuterne, Somme, France. (4.G.30.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
5949
Private
1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 13th November 1916 aged 20
Cuthbert had only been in France for three weeks when he was killed in the Somme sector during the Battle of Ancre. An assault was to be made on a German fortification known as the Schwaben Redoubt. The plan was an attempt by the 5th Army, under General Sir Hubert Gough, to reduce the Beaumont Hamel salient, which had hitherto resisted all assaults. The battalion to which Cuthbert belonged was given the objective of taking some enemy strong-points, which were about 200 yards in front of the redoubt, the so called Hansa Line of trenches. The attack commenced at 5.45am when it was still dark and a heavy mist hung over the battlefield. The going was heavy and the area was honeycombed with shell-holes. The four companies of the battalion reached the first objective and this was soon taken, with many German soldiers being killed or captured. The No.4 Company, despite much confusion and many difficulties, managed to work up the Hansa Line and, supported by the other companies, succeeded in taking the entire line and some of Mill Trench, the final objective, by 7.20 am. Despite heavy shelling and some determined counter attacks the battalion managed to hold onto and consolidate their position but suffered many casualties in doing so. It is uncertain at what point Cuthbert Albone was killed but his body was never recovered and is lost on the battlefields of the Somme. His elder brother, Gilbert, had been killed in the Somme sector a few months earlier. His name also appears on the Walkern village war memorial.
Cuthbert has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
8622
Sergeant
6th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 15th July 1916 aged 28
Gilbert had been an army instructor at both Bedford and Aldershot before the war. He left England on the 30th July 1915 and served continually on the Western Front. He was killed when his battalion attacked the village of Pozieres during the Somme offensive. The attack was headed by the 8th East Lancashire Regiment and supported by the both the 6th Bedfordshire Regiment and the 11th Warwickshire Regiment. Initially, the advance went unopposed but as the two forward battalions went over the crest of the Chalk Pitt they were held up by heavy and accurate machine gun fire. The Bedford’s were forced to dig in about 100 yards from Liniere. Later, it was found that their attack had failed and they had suffered some 244 casualties with 3 Officers and 32 Other Ranks being killed and a further 25 Other Ranks Missing. His younger brother, Cuthbert, was killed in the Somme sector a few months later. Gilbert's name also appears on the Walkern village war memorial.
Gilbert is buried in the Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France. (3.G.21.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
J/39013
Ordinary Seaman
Royal Navy
HMS Vanguard
Died At Sea on the 9th July 1917 aged 18
Frederick Aldridge was born in 1899, the eldest son of Mr & Mrs John Aldridge of Fishers Green Road. His father was a Porter for the Great Northern Railway and, at the time of his son's death, had spent 21 years serving at Stevenage station. After leaving school, Frederick first worked as a News Lad for W.H.Smith & Son following which he went to work at the workshops of the ESA as a factory hand. On the 17th March 1915 young Frederick answered the call of the sea and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy entrant. After the completion of his training he was drafted to HMS Vanguard on the 25th August 1915. He served at Jutland in May 1916 and a short description is given in official records of the ships involvement in the action.
At about 2.30pm on 31st May Vanguard was steaming in a Southerly direction as hard as she could. Then she received the signal from the Commander-in-Chief, " Be prepared to meet the enemy in every respect." The crew waited anxiously as the cruisers of the fleet engaged the German ships. Then Vanguard fired her first round from the 12" guns. Eventually she fired a total of 63 rounds altogether. Soon after she had opened fire, the news was circulated that a German light cruiser had been sunk and that the British destroyers were attacking the Germans. When she came up to the sinking cruiser, which she passed close enough read her name by the unaided eye, she was found to be the " Invincible" one of our own battle cruisers which was, or appeared to have been broken in two parts, the amidships portion. A destroyer was standing by the wreck. She continued firing for 20 minutes during which time she was under fire, and assisted in repulsing a destroyer attack. Many shots passed over her and fell ahead, some of these passed sufficiently close to the Fore Top to make those there duck their heads. She was not hit so suffered no casualties. At about 6.30 pm Vanguard had reduced her speed to 14 knots. It was getting dark and there were no enemy ships in sight. At 9 pm the buzzers went, and the crew returned in haste to their stations expecting a destroyer attack, as it then was dark enough to make such an attack likely. Firing was heard going on astern, which seemed to get louder and louder. At about 10 pm an action was seen to be in progress between a Light Cruiser or Flotilla leader and some destroyers, which took place quite close to the Vanguard and was witnessed by those on watch and then men stationed at her guns.. The cruiser was seen to sink, on fire, the shells as they struck her lighting up her interior, the men on board being clearly visible. The following morning at about 11 am two submarines were reported in the vicinity of Vanguard and she returned to our base.
At 11.20 pm on Monday, 9 July, 1917 HMS Vanguard suddenly blew up, taking over 804 of her crew down with her. An explosion had taken place in one of the two magazines which served turrets 'P' and 'Q'. It is believed that the cause of the explosion was the spontaneous detonation of cordite, which had become unstable. Although there is no specific evidence, it is thought that a fire in an adjacent compartment smouldered, undetected, long enough for some of the cordite near the adjoining bulkhead to overheat to dangerous levels. 804 men were killed with just 3 surviving.
Frederick has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
11919
Private
5th Battalion. Ox & Bucks Light Infantry
Missing In Action on the 25th September 1915 aged 24
Joseph was the son of Joseph & Eliza Allen who lived at 7 Church Lane and was one of ten brothers and sisters. Before enlisting in the Army he worked at the Central Stores in the High Street as a Shop Assistant. At the time of his death, he had two brothers serving in the forces. Jesse, who was in the 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment, and George who was serving in the Royal Navy.
Joseph was posted to the Western Front on the 20th May 1915 and was reported as missing eight weeks later on the 25th September. He is believed to have been killed during a major action when the Brigade was tasked with seizing Bellewarde Farm, Hooge. The Battalion War Diary reports that the attack commenced at 04.20 hours and that “B” Company and part of “A” Company were almost totally destroyed by German shell and machine gun fire during the assault. 270 men were killed or missing with another 184 being wounded. Another brother, Thomas, was killed on the 4th October 1916 whilst serving with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in France.
Joseph has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
55491
Private
10th Service Battalion (1st Rhondda). Welsh Regiment
Killed In Action on the 31st July 1917 aged 21.
Leonard was the son of James & Mary Allen and the husband of Constance Allen of 105 High Street, Stevenage. He first enlisted in the army as Private 52794 of the Somerset Light Infantry and was to eventually lose his life on the first day of a major British offensive, The Third Ypres, or Battle of Passchendaele.
The offensive was launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6 November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. On the 18th July 1917 a heavy preliminary artillery bombardment began which lasted for the ten days prior to the launch of the attack. The bombardment was made by 3,000 guns which expended four and a quarter million shells into the surrounding ground. Given such an onslaught the German Fourth Army fully expected the attack and the element of surprise was entirely lost. Added to this was the fact that the area was suffering the heaviest rains it had seen for 30 years and this, combined with the shelling, turned the ground into a hellish morass.
The Battalion advanced at 03.50 and initially lost direction in the darkness. Despite this initial setback they managed to capture two German trenches. The heavy rain had created indescribable ground conditions and the going was extremely difficult for the troops. In addition, they came under very heavy artillery shelling from the Germans whilst attempting to bring rations up to the men of the Battalion. Further supplies had to be carried forward and at least 10 men of the Battalion died under the weight of their load. It is not known at what point Leonard was killed but it was almost certainly under very trying conditions.
Leonard is buried in the Welsh Cemetery (Caesars Nose), Boesinghe, Belgium. (1.B.14.)
A Memorial headstone in St Nicholas church is inscribed: “He marches away so bravely his young head proudly held. His footsteps never faltered his courage never failed. Then on the field of battle he calmly took his place. He died for home and Britain and the honour of his race.”
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
36231
Private
6th Battalion. Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 4th October 1916 aged 23.
(Formerly 5950 Hertfordshire Regiment)
Thomas was the son of Joseph & Eliza Allen who lived at 7 Church Lane and was one of ten brothers and sisters.
Initially, he joined the Territorial Army and served as part of the Hertfordshire Regiment. Later he was transfered to the Royal Berkshire Regiment where he served as Private 36321.
On the 4th October 1916, as the Battle of the Somme drew to a close, his Battalion was held in reserve at Authuille Wood and consisted almost entirely of men who had recently joined. The heavy and bitter fighting of the summer battles had cost the Battalion dearly. That morning the Germans attacked the British Trenches near a fortification known as the Schwaben Redoubt, close to the village of Thiepval. It was a fearsome assault with grenades and flamethrowers being heavily employed. Although there was very intense fighting as the British troops battled to regain their positions, which they managed to achieve, the Battalion suffered only two wounded men. Later in the day the area was very heavily shelled by German artillery and a letter from a friend states that Thomas was killed by shellfire whilst on sentry duty. If this is true, then it can be assumed that he was killed after the action of the day, and he was the only casualty the battalion suffered on that day. His brother, Joseph, went missing on the 25th September 1915 whilst serving with the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry in Belgium, he was never seen again.
He is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Somme, France. (3A.F.12.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
Sergeant
2584
1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 18th May 1915 aged 27.
Frederick was the son of William & Emma Ansell of 41 Alleyns Road. He was first posted to France on the 6th November 1914. The No.1 Company supported an attack by the Irish Guards but had only gone 200 yards when they were held up by heavy machine gun and rifle fire. The battalion had to eventually relieve the Guards because they had suffered heavy losses and it is not known at what stage Frederick lost his life. A comrade wrote and told his parents that Fred's last words were, " a piece of dirt has hit me on the head" . It was reported at the time that he was buried between Richebourg St.Vadet & Festubert. However, Frederick has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas De Calais, France. (Panel 47.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
Sergeant 5627
2nd Battalion. Kings Royal Rifle Corps
Died Of Wounds on the 3rd April 1916 aged 29.
Charles was one of seven brothers serving in the services during the First World War of whom one other, Frank, was reported as Missing in Action on the 19th January 1917.
Charles was first posted to France on the 2nd November 1914 and served continuously on the Western Front. On the 3rd April 1916 the Battalion were positioned at Les Brebis. It is believed that Charles was wounded when transport moving along the Loos Road was shelled by German artillery.
Charles is buried in the Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France. (1.T.1)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
Corporal 4740
12th Battalion. Rifle Brigade
Missing In Action on the 19th January 1917 aged 21.
Frank was one of seven brothers serving in the services during the First World War of whom one other, Charles, died of his wounds on 3rd April 1916. Frank was posted to France on the 23rd November 1914 and served on the front line for over two years. Sadly, had he been posted to France a day earlier he would have been entitled to the 1914 Star but the cut-off date was the 22nd November 1914 so, unlike his brother, Frank received the 1914/15 Star.
On the 19th January 1917 the Battalion were in the front line at the village of Bouleau. They suffered from heavy shelling by German artillery as well as a number of British shells that had dropped short of their target. One of the British shells struck a dugout where Frank was sheltering and he was killed. His body was never recovered.
Frank has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier/Face 16B.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
Private 36306
10th Battalion. East Yorkshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 24th March 1918.
(Formerly 10816 Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
William lived at Primrose Hill, Stevenage. Initially, he served in the Army Cyclist Corps as Private 1278 but later was transferred to the East Yorkshire Regiment, probably as a result of significant losses suffered by the Battalion. On the 24th March 1918 the Battalion were located near the village of Ervillers. He was seen by his comrades to be hit by enemy fire but they were unable to maintain contact with him and his body was never recovered.
William has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Arras Memorial, Pas De Calais, France. (Bay 4.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
102678
Airman 2nd Class
Royal Air Force
Died on the 26th November 1918 aged 19
Frederick was the only son of Thomas & Eliza Ashwood of 2 Stanmore Road. His father was a well-known Special Constable in the town. Frederick was employed, before joining the Royal Air Force, as an under groom to Professor Newel of Madeley, Cambridge and joined the Royal Flying Corps on the 7th November 1917. Official records show that his civilian occupation was described as Poultry Rearer. He Died from the effects of Influenza at Sandridge Hospital, whilst still undergoing his training.
As Frederick had not served overseas he was not entitled to any of the Great War campaign medals.
Frederick is buried in the St.Nicholas Churchyard, Stevenage.
34506
Sapper
136th Army Troop Company. Royal Engineers
Died Of Wounds on the 4th January 1916 aged 22.
David had been employed in the family business of Austin & Son, Builders & Carpenters, for seven years before joining the army. He was a popular member of the Holy Trinity church choir. He arrived on the Gallipolli front on the 24th November 1915 and only served on the peninsula for a number of weeks. It is not known how he was wounded but he died on the Hospital Ship, " Assaye" . His younger brother, Thomas, was killed in action on the 8th September 1918 whilst serving in France.
David was later buried at sea and has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. (Panel 23/25.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
GS/75261
Private
9th Battalion. Royal Fusiliers
Killed In Action on the 8th September 1918 aged 19.
A second son, he lived at 10 Alleynes Road, Stevenage and before joining the Army was employed in the family business of Austin & Son, Builders & Carpenters. Thomas received a wound to his legs on the 21st March 1918 and was evacuated to Warrington Hospital. After recovering from his wounds he returned to his unit in time for it to take part in the attack on Epehy. The dawn assault on the enemy trenches was made in the pouring rain and Thomas was killed by machine gun fire after assisting in the taking of the last trench. His elder brother, David, died of his wounds whilst serving in Gallipoli.
Thomas is buried in the Epehy Wood Farm British Cemetery.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
33005
Private
6th Battalion. Leicestershire Regiment
Died on the 27th November 1918 aged 23.
George was the eldest son of George & Susan Barker who lived at 46 Haycroft Road. Before joining the Army he was employed as a Hairdresser by J. Findley in Albert Street. He was attested in December 1915 and joined up on 5th February 1916. Initially he served in the Bedfordshire Regiment but was later transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment. George was posted to France in 1917 and, after serving continuously at the front, took his first leave in January 1918. Following his return to his unit he was wounded in the wrist by a bullet and did not go back to the frontline until the 9th November, just two days before the armistice.
He became ill on his way, having contracted influenza. This soon developed into Pneumonia and, with no medication available at the time to fight the disease, he subsequently died.
George is buried in the Premont British Cemetery, France. (3.E.20.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
235129
Private
25th Battalion. Northumberland Fusiliers
Died on the 28th April 1917 aged 27.
William lived at 3 Church Lane, Stevenage and before joining the Army was employed by Ben Moules of Redcoats Farm. He was also a well-known chorister at the Little Wymondley church.
William was initially enlisted, like many men, into the Bedfordshire Regiment but was later transferred to the Hertfordshire Regiment. Whilst serving with this unit he was wounded in the leg. On making a recovery he rejoined the Hertfordshire’s but was transferred again, this time to the Northumberland Fusiliers.
On the 28th April 1917 the Battalion were positioned near Fampoux. They were ordered to attack German positions in the area and at 4.25am the assault began. However, the Battalion was subjected to devastating machine gun and artillery fire and the assault ground to a halt. At 11.00 am the German troops counter-attacked and Battalion were unable to attain their objective. The Battalion Commanding Officer blamed the loss of the British objective on poorly trained drafts received from England.
William is buried in the London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, France. (Memorial Panel 1.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
3399
Private
No.4 Company. 1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Died Of Wounds on the 9th September 1915.
Official records show that Frederick arrived in France on the 23rd January 1915. After serving on the Western Front for a period of nearly nine months he was wounded on the 5th September 1915, probably as a result of shellfire, whilst the Battalion was in the front line near the village of Cambrin. He died four days later as a result of his injuries.
Frederick is buried in the Chocques Military Cemetery, France. (1.D.90.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
26710
Private
4th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 23rd April 1917 aged 36.
Reuben was killed when the Battalion was called to attack the village of Gravrelle as part of the British offensive at Arras. The battalion went straight through the village gaining its objectives and consolidating its position on the Northern outskirts. Although they were heavily shelled throughout the day and also had to fight of a heavy German counter attack, they succeeded in holding on to their objective despite suffering some 229 casualties.
Reuben was killed at some point during this action, probably from German machine gun fire which accounted for many of the Battalions casualties.
He has no known grave an his name is recorded on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. (Bay 5)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
20097
Lance Corporal
7th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 1st July 1916 aged 29.
Henry was the son of Henry George & Jane Brown and the husband of Ann Brown of 7 Albert Street. He worked in Belgium before the First World War and was one of those who were killed in the most renowned action of the war, the first day of The Battle of the Somme.
The battalion, with the 11th Royal Fusiliers on it's right, led the left of the attack by the 18th Division. They advanced at 7.30 am and within 15 minutes had captured the first line system of German defences, a place called Emden Trench. By the time the objective had been reached every officer in the two leading platoons had fallen but the men pressed on, led by NCOs. The Germans were well protected in their dugouts and put up a fierce resistance. The assaulting battalions carried forward their attack supported by machine-guns and trench mortars which, according to the Divisional history, provided a hurricane bombardment. Eventually, at 9.30am, after an intensely bitter fight the Battalion took their final objectives, the Pommiers Trench & Redoubt, which were filled with German dead. The Battalion had suffered some 321 casualties during the assault.
Henry has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Panel/Pier 2C.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
203268
Private
11th Battalion. Essex Regiment
Missing In Action on the 18th September 1918 aged 24.
Arthur lived at 1 Nottingham road, Stevenage. He was his parent’s eldest son and was married. His wife, at the time of his death, was living in Breach Road, Maulden near Ampthill. He worked at the ESA factory and had joined the Territorial’s before the war as Private 2213. Arthur was mobilised with the Battalion when hostilities broke out. His Regimental number later changed to 265338, and he then transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment. Following the losses suffered by the British army in the Spring of 1918 many men found themselves being transferred to different Regiments. Arthur was transferred to the Essex Regiment where he was a Lewis gunner with his battalion.
He was killed in action at St.Quentin on the 18th September 1918 and, although contemporary reports state that he was buried at the time of his death, Arthur has no known grave.
His name is recorded on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. (Panel.7)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
41297
Private
8th Battalion. North Staffordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 12th April 1918 aged 19.
William lived at 6 Hellards Road, Stevenage and was one of two brothers serving in the forces.
He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment but later was transferred to the North Staffordshire Regiment.
On the 10th April 1918 the Battalion were located near Messines. They were under considerable pressure from the Germans, who had recently begun their Spring Offensive. Official records show that there was some confusion as to the condition of the Battalion, as a result of being involved in heavy fighting. It is believed that William was shot by a sniper.
He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. (Panel 124/125.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
9374
Corporal
2nd Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 30th October 1914 aged 25.
Arthur was a professional soldier who had been drafted to the BEF from South Africa at the outbreak of the war. The battalion arrived at Zeebrugge on the 7th October 1914 and were soon in action.
It is believed he was killed in the 1st Battle of Ypres during the battalion withdrawal from Zandevoorde. On the morning of the 30th October 1914 they came under very heavy shell fire from German artillery. At this point in the war the trenches had not been dug and troops had to take cover in ditches. They found themselves out in the open where they were an easy target for the German guns. His body was never found and he was not confirmed as killed until August 1915.
Arthur has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. (Panel
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star & Clasp, British War Medal & Victory Medal
109991
Gunner
22nd Reserve Battery. Royal Field Artillery
Died on the 6th August 1916 aged 30.
Reuben was the husband of Mrs R S Bygrave of 12 Alleyns Road. The 22nd Reserve Battery was part of 4B Reserve Brigade which was stationed at Boyton, Wiltshire. He was admitted to the Military Hospital at Suttom Veny and his death certificate states that he died from Larcoma of the Testicle and Exhaustion.
As Reuben had nor served overseas he was not entitled to any of the Great War campaign medals.
He is buried in the St.Johns Churchyard, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire. (237.B.2.)
(My Thanks To Simon Bendry For The Use Of His Photograph)
2/Lieutenant
" A" Company. 9th Battalion. East Surrey Regiment
Died Of Wounds on the 28th November 1917 aged 19.
George Carter was born in Weston on the 16th May 1898 the youngest son of John & Clara Carter. After completing his education George became a Gardner by occupation and would have remained so if it had not been for the onset of war. On the 8th September 1914 George Carter, who was now living at 3 Huntingdon Road, Stevenage was attested at Hitchin for service in the Bedfordshire Regiment. He was immediately accepted for military service but, inexplicably, George who was then aged 24, gave his age as 19. This small matter appears to have been of no consequence to the recruiting officer and he was whisked off for a period of basic training. Once his training was complete George was transferred, on the 31st October 1914, to the 11th East Surrey Regiment. Then, on 25th August 1915 George was transferred to the 8th Battalion of the East Surrey Rifles and the following day left for service in France. He remained in France until the 28th January 1916 when he was shipped home.
George remained in England throughout the spring of 1916 until the 28th August when he was posted to the 2nd Battalion of the East Surrey Rifles. The Battalion was serving in Salonika at the time and George remained with them until January 1917 when he returned home to undertake a commission. After returning to England he was accepted at No.19 Officer Cadet Battalion in Purbright on the 15th March 1917 and arrived at Kingston station to begin his new career. After the completion of his training George was posted to the 9th Battalion of the East Surrey Rifles and returned to France on the 25th August 1917.
On the 20th November 1917 the Battalion was situated 2000 yards West of Bellicourt, mid-way between Cambrai and St Quentin, when a trench raiding party was organised. The objective was for the raiding party to capture or kill any enemy troops in the front line and blow in any dugouts that were situated in a sunken road just beyond the front line. There were five parties and George Carter led No.1 party, which contained six other ranks. At 6.30am they set off at the Eastern end of a trench known as Fish Lane to enter the enemy front line and 90 seconds later they were at the entrance to the enemy trenches where they encountered a coil of concertina wire. George Carter cut a gap through the wire and as he did so two German’s threw several grenades towards the party, which killed one of the raiders and wounded George, his senior NCO, Sergeant Bell, and a Private. At this point two other Privates, Mortimer and Bell picked up George Carter and, under enemy fire, carried him back to the British trenches.
Sergeant Bell, although wounded, then attacked the German grenade throwers with his own grenades and killed them both. He then returned to the parties and reorganised them to continue the raid but was ordered to withdraw. The Battalion Commander, Major T H S Swanton, believed that the raiders might have been spotted as they assembled for the attack and commended all those involved for their efforts. Three of the raiders, Lance Corporal Henry Millard, Private Frederick Prested and Private James Hunt were all killed during the action. George Carter was evacuated to No.13 Field Ambulance with multiple wounds and later transferred to No.8 General Hospital in Rouen. George died from the effects of his wounds at 2am on the 28th November 1917. The officer commanding the hospital handed his effects to his mother. He was awarded the Military Cross on 25/04/18 and the citation in the London Gazette read, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid. Whilst cutting the wire on an enemy parapet a bomb very seriously wounded him. Although completely crippled he continued to cheer on his men till he saw that they had entered the enemy trench”.
George Carter is buried in the St.Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. (B.3.19.)
Medal Entitlement: Military Cross, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
18957
Lance Corporal
1st Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
(15th Brigade. 5th Division)
Killed In Action on the 5th September 1916 aged 32.
Albert was the son of Susan Catlin of High Street, Graveley and the husband of Mary Catlin of 47 Alleyns Road. He arrived in France with his Battalion on the 13th May 1915 and was killed during the Battle of Guillemont, which was part of the Somme offensive. Following an attack on Falfemont Farm, a German fortified strong point to the Southeast of an area known as Wedge Wood, the Battalion moved into the trenches along with the 16th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. There was not sufficient room for all the troops and an additional line had to be dug. The Battalion then successfully captured the farm in the early hours of the 5th September 1916. However, there was no part of the farm left standing and, as result no real shelter for the assaulting Battalions, who had to spend the night in the open. Early in the morning the Germans shelled the area and the Battalion suffered many casualties, among which is believed to have been Albert Catlin. He is buried in the Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France. (27.D.1.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
241933
Private
2/5th Battalion. Yorkshire Regiment
Died on the 11th April 1918 aged 42.
William lived at 56 Stanmore Road and before joining the Army was employed as a Gardener. The battalion was part of the Territorial Army and only served in the UK. Whilst in the performance of his duties he caught a serious cold and requested to be sent home so that he could be nursed. His wife looked after him for six weeks but eventually he succumbed to his illness and died
As Noah had not served overseas he was not entitled to any of the Great War medals.
He is buried at St.Nicholas churchyard, Stevenage.
134873
Sapper
“Z” Special Company. Royal Engineers
Killed In Action on the 3rd April 1917 aged 25.
Arthur was the son of Eli & Julia Chamberlain of 125 High Street.
He was serving in “Z” company of the Royal Engineers which was a unit specialising in the use of Gas & Flame Projectors. On the 3rd April 1917 the company were proceeding along the Lille Road near Arras when they were heavily shelled by German artillery, killing Arthur Chamberlain and his Sergeant and seriously wounding their officer, who died three days later from his injuries at a Casualty Clearing Station near Aubigny.
The other casualties were;
Lieutenant Clement Stuart HOGG aged 25 of Clapham, London. He is buried in the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension
19883 Sergeant Richard Reginald FORD M.M. aged 29 of Cullompton, Devon. He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Arras Memorial (Bay 1.)
Arthur is buried in the St.Nicholas British Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France. ( Grave: I.A.1.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
21056
Private
2nd Battalion. Border Regiment
Killed In Action on the 1st July 1916.
William initially joined the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 9619 and was posted to France on the 6th October 1914. He and a another Stevenage man, Harold Holdron were to be killed in the most renowned battle of all, the first day of The Battle of the Somme, where the British army suffered some 60,000 casualties. He fell when his battalion was involved in the assault on Mametz. The attack began at 07.27am with the Battalion being given the task of capturing a series of German trenches named; Danube Trench, Apple Alley, Shrine Alley and Hidden Lane.
The troops met with heavy machine gun fire from the village of Mametz as well as from Fricourt, which was to their left. Eventually, they managed to achieve all their objectives but had suffered 343 casualties, including William Chamberlain. He is buried in the Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz, France. (9.I.4.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
105816
Shoeing Smith
No. 2 Section. Guards Division Ammunition Column.
Royal Field Artillery
Died on the 20th November 1918 aged 32.
Before joining the Army Ernest, who lived at Symonds Green, had been employed by T.G & H.E.Worboys, Timber Merchants in Stevenage. He served as a Blacksmith with the Royal Artillery and was posted to France on the 13th December 1915. Whilst on leave in September 1918 he was married. Two months later he died in hospital of bronchial Pneumonia, probably as a result of contracting influenza. His brother, Seymour, was killed in action on the 24th June 1917. Ernest is buried in the Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery Extension, France. (1.C.10.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
28315
Private
7th Battalion. Northamptonshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 24th June 1917 aged 26.
Seymour was the son of E & J Chambers of Symonds Green and the husband of Annie Chambers of 4 Nottingham Road, Stevenage. His brother, Ernest, died of Pneumonia on the 20th November 1918, probably as a result of contracting influenza.
On the 15th June 1917 his Battalion relieved the 12th Royal Fusiliers in a front line sector close to Hill 60 near Ypres. Action in this area of the Western Front was constant and troops, on both sides, suffered continued daily shelling as well as numerous trench raids. On the 24th June the Battalion were in the process of being relieved in order that they could obtain some respite from these arduous conditions. The relief was heavily shelled and were also subjected to a number of British gas shells, which had fallen short of their target. Although this period at the front had cost the Battalion 30 lives, only Seymour was killed during the relief stage.
Seymour is buried in the Dickebusch Military Cemetery Extension, Ypres, Belgium. (2.A.43.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
41742
Private
8th Battalion. Lincolnshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 10th September 1917 aged 19.
William was the son of Percy John Clark of 55 Walkern Road. He was to lose his life during The Third Ypres, or Battle of Passchendaele.
The offensive was launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6 November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. The area had seen the heaviest rains 30 years and this, combined with the intensive shelling, had turned the ground into a hellish morass.
His Battalion was involved in a heavy period of fighting in theHollebeke sector and, following an action in Rossignol Wood, had moved to a Reserve area near Berthen. It is not yet known how William lost his life.
He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
33644
Private
9th Battalion. East Surrey Regiment
Missing In Action on the 5th August 1917 aged 22.
John was the son of Mr & Mrs J Collins of 48 Alleynes Road. He was a married man and lived with his wife, Daisy, & child at 29 Alleynes Road. Before joining up he was employed for seven years by Mr F.V.Franklin of Rooks Nest Farm. He was to lose his life during a major British offensive, The Third Ypres, or Battle of Passchendaele.
The offensive had been launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on
6th November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. On the 18th July 1917 a heavy preliminary artillery bombardment had begun which lasted for the ten days prior to the launch of the attack. The bombardment was made by 3,000 guns which expended four and a quarter million shells into the surrounding ground. Given such an onslaught the German Fourth Army fully expected the attack and the element of surprise was entirely lost. Added to this was the fact that the area was suffering the heaviest rains it had seen for 30 years and this, combined with the shelling, turned the ground into a hellish morass.
On the 2nd August the Battalion left it’s billets at Dickebusch Camp and moved to positions in Old French trench. By then it had been raining for three days and conditions were very bad with troops waist deep in water and liquid mud. In addition, the German artillery added to the troops misery by intensely shelling the area, causing a considerable number of casualties.
On the 5th August John Collins was among a group of 30 men who were in several forward listening posts. They were attacked by a German raiding party which consisted of about 25-30 heavily armed men. A Lewis gun was used in an attempt to drive off the raiders but this was dropped and became jammed by thick mud. Eventually, the men in three of the posts withdrew through Jordan Trench to a position known as Alarm Weg. A total of fourteen men had been left behind either killed or wounded, including John Collins.
His body was never recovered and he has no known grave. His name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. (Panel 34.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
S/4310
Rifleman
13th Battalion. Rifle Brigade
Died on the 25th January 1917 aged 23.
Cecil was the son of Edward & Eliza Cooper. He Collapsed at Victoria station whilst returning from France for his first leave having served at the Front for 18 months. He was taken to the 2nd London General Hospital where he died having suffered heart failure.
Cecil is buried in the St.Nicholas Churchyard, Stevenage.
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
219160
Master At Arms
Royal Navy
HMS Victory.
Died on the 30th March 1919 aged 33.
Edward was born on the 5th September 1886, the son of Mr & Mrs W Croft. At the time of his death he lived in Southsea with his wife, Alice, and their two children. Edward entered the Royal Navy as a Boy seaman in the Signals branch in 1902. By 1906 he had become a leading seaman and later in 1908-9 took part in the suppression of the Armenian massacres and in the Messina earthquake rescues. In 1911 he was promoted to Petty Officer. He was selected for duty on HMS Renown and served on her between 7th September 1905 to 31st May 1906 where he was the personal Signal of the Prince & Princess of Wales who later became the King Edward & Queen Mary. In 1913 Edward transferred to the Naval Police and later served on HMS Invincible.
He then served in the super dreadnought HMS Agincourt from the outbreak of war until April 1915 after which he was posted to the light cruiser HMS Caroline as acting Master at Arms. Whilst serving with this cruiser he took part in several actions and was involved in the Battle of Jutland during which he suffered shell shock and was sent to Haslar Hospital for recovery.
In January 1917 he was posted to the shore offices of the Dover Submarine Flotilla and whilst there a bomb fell, during an enemy air raid, quite close to him causing a reoccurrence of the shell shock. He returned to Haslar hospital and gradually developed Locomotor Ataxia, which eventually lead to his death in January 1919. He is buried in the Royal Naval Cemetery, Eastney, Southsea. (H.10.24)
331036
Private
10th Battalion. Lancashire Fusiliers.
Died Of Wounds on the 4th June 1918 aged 33.
Charles lived at Back Lane, Stevenage and was the son of Charles & Caroline Day. He was married and his wife lived, at the time, in Walkern. He had served for over three years in No.4 Company of the Hertfordshire Regiment and was later transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers, possibly as a result of the losses suffered by the British army in the German Spring Offensive of 1918.
On the 4th June 1918 the Battalion was situated in Beaumont Trench near the village of Beaumont Hamel in the Somme sector of the Western Front. At 2.30am the Battalion positions were subjected to a heavy artillery barrage, under the cover of which the Germans launched a Trench Raid. Three Raiding Parties, containing approximately 40 men, attacked the British positions and initally overwhelmed one part of the trench. However, after a fierce fight they were eventually driven off leaving the Battalion with 13 Killed, 15 Missing and 21 Wounded. including Charles Day. He died later that morning as a result of his injuries.
He is buried in the Acheux War Cemetery, France. (1.D.24)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
25426
Private
4th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Died Of Wounds on the 01/11/17 aged 23.
Herbert was the son of Thomas & Mary Day of 59 Walkern Road and was to lose his life during the closing stages of The Third Ypres, or Battle of Passchendaele.
The offensive had been launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6 November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. The area had suffered the heaviest rains it had seen for 30 years and this, combined with intensive shelling from both sides, had turned the ground into a hellish morass.
The battalion was involved in an attack near Westrozebeke, which is North-west of Ypres. The assault commenced at 05.50am and the going was very bad with many men up to their knees in mud. To make matters worse the Germans were expecting the attack and once it commenced they brought heavy shelling to bear on the advancing British troops. Even those who were not caught in the barrage could not move and were shot by German snipers while sticking in the mud. Little headway was made and the Battalion suffered some 234 casualties, including 157 wounded.
It is believed that Herbert Day was amongst those wounded and died the following day as a result of his injuries.
Herbert is buried in the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium. (12.D.18.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
3/7915
Company Sergeant Major
4th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 12th April 1918.
Alfred arrived in France on the 30th August 1915 and served with the Battalion in many actions on the Western Front.
The German offensive in March 1918 threw the British Army in the Somme region into complete disarray. The speed of the enemy advance often left units cut-off and the fighting was both confused and bitter. During the period 22nd - 27th March the Battalion had been in continuous action and it was during this time that that their commander, Lt.Colonel Collings-Wells received the Victoria Cross. Alfred had been in the thick of the fighting throughout the entire time with only a short period of rest.
On the 3rd April 1918, after some re-organisation, the Battalion took over the sector on the Mesnil Ridge. Here, over the next few days, they were again involved in heavy fighting with German troops who were still attempting to break through the British lines. Alfred was killed, probably as a result of shellfire, when the battalion were in the line at Forceville, South of Mesnil.
Alfred is buried in the Aveluy Wood Cemetery, Mensil-Martinsart, France. (3.G.4.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
4/6668
Private
“A” Company. 2nd Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 30th July 1916 aged 20.
George was the son of Mrs Rebecca Draper of 35 Haycroft Road. He joined the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment and was posted to France on the 8th November 1914. He was later transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment.
He was killed during the Battle of the Somme. The plan of attack was for the 30th Division to attack due East and capture the German second line of defence between Falfemont Farm and Guillemont. The task was a big one where, in one place, the 89th Brigade had to advance for a distance of over a mile of big rolling countryside. Prior to the general advance a subsidiary attack was planned on Maltzhorn Farm. At 22.00 pm on the 29th July the battalion moved up to it's assembly positions South of Bernafoy and Trones Wood. The Germans shelled the battalion with Tear Gas and a new sort of Gas that caused violent stomach pains and headaches amongst the men. " A" Company attacked Maltzhorn Farm with a battalion of French troops and although they did not hold the Farm the attack was deemed a success. About 70 to 80 German troops were taken by surprise in a trench running North to South through the Farm and were, with one exception, all killed. " A" Company returned to the battalion having suffered about 30 casualties of which George Draper was one. Another Stevenage man, Alfred Forder, was to lose his life in the same assault later in the day.
George has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier/Face 2C.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
650949
Corporal
“B” Company. 2/21st Battalion. London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles)
Killed In Action on the 31st March 1918 aged 27.
Harold was the son of Frederick Thomas & Florence Dyke. He was educated at Alleynes School and was also the secretary of the Stevenage Hockey Club. He joined the Surrey Rifles in September 1914 and before his death had served in France, Salonica, Egypt & Palestine.
On the 31st March 1918 the Battalion were located in the Wadi Amman, Syria. Here they were ordered to advance on , and capture, Turkish positions. The assault began at 2.40am and the Battalion soon came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from Turkish positions to their right. “B” Company were ordered to attack these positions which they did so very successfully. They advanced very quickly and soon found themselves well in front of the Battalion and were able to capture 2 machine guns and 80 Turkish prisoners. The Company were then brought back to a Wadi on the Amman road in order that their commanding officer could determine the situation. The action had cost the Battalion 24 men killed or missing and a further 104 wounded.
Harold is buried in the Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria. (F.27.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
Lieutenant
6th Machine Gun Squadron.
19th Hussars
Killed In Action on the 25th March 1918 aged 23.
George was born on the 2nd September 1895, the son of Evelyn Mary Eaton. The family lived at Stevenage Lodge and George had a sister who, at the time of his death, was a renowned violinist. He applied to join the army on the 15th October 1914, at the age of 19 years, having already served three years in the Eton Officer Training Corps. His attestation papers show that he opted for a cavalry regiment, preferably the 19th Hussars. His reasons for wanting to join the cavalry were that he had hunted for several years and had ridden in several steeplechases. George was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into his preferred regiment on the 6th July 1916 and received a temporary promotion to Lieutenant on the 29th July.
This seemingly rapid promotion gives an indication to the high level of casualties being suffered amongst the officer ranks during the summer of 1916. It was on the 14th August 1916 that George joined the 6th Machine Gun Squadron.
The exact circumstances of his death are not yet known. However, it is recorded that after he was killed his body was buried in a position 1250 yards South of Dampcourt, East of Noyon.
A letter sent to his family in October 1920 explains that George was later exhumed and moved to the Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension, France.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
L/10015
Sergeant
1st Battalion. Middlesex Regiment
Killed In Action on the 23rd October 1918 aged 31.
Alfred was the son of John & Julia Emery of 9 North Road and the husband of Ellen Maud Emery of The Vicarage, Thorne, Doncaster. He had only just settled in Doncaster prior to his death. He arrived in France on the 11th August 1914, just a week after the war broke out and served continuously on the Western Front for almost the entire period of the war.
Just two weeks before the Amistace was reached the Battalion were in position near Montay. Here they were ordered to assault German positions located in the forest. Although the Battalion was successful in it’s attack, and 200 German prisoners were captured, their losses were high. Alfred is believed to have been killed by Machine Gun fire.
His brother, Frederick, had been killed on the 19th April 1915 whilst serving in France with the Bedfordshire Regiment.
Alfred is buried in the Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, France. (Special Memorial. B.4.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
4/4560
Private
2nd Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Killed In Action on the 19th April 1915 aged 28.
Frederick was the son of John & Julia Emery of 9 North Road. He arrived in France on the 19th October 1914, some two months after his brother. The battalion was billeted at La Gorgue, a suburb of Estaires, and it was here that Frederick is believed to have been shot by a sniper.
His elder brother, Alfred, was killed on the 23rd October 1918 whilst serving in France with the Middlesex Regiment..
Frederick is buried in the Fauquissart Military Cemetery, Laventie, France. (Grave.F.4.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
22454
Private
3rd Battalion. Grenadier Guards
Died Of Wounds on the 26th September 1916 aged 30.
William was the son of William & Sarah Ann Eyden of Fishers Green.
He was to lose his life during the Battle of Morval. part of the Somme offensive. On the 24th September 1916 the Battalion formed up in the assembly trenches in front of the village of Ginchy. Regimental records show the trenches were so narrow that the men could not sit or lie down in them and had to remain shoulder to shoulder until the following day when, at 12.35, they attacked Ginchy. The assault was held up by uncut wire and four officers went forward to try and cut it by hand. The battalion, led by NCOs, then charged through the gap to take the objective but the cost was high with William being amongst the wounded. He died the next day as a result of his injuries.
William is buried in the St.Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. (B.23.59.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
B/203646
Rifleman
3rd Battalion. Rifle Brigade
Died Of Wounds on the 28th March 1918.
Arthur lived at the Fisherman public house and before joining up was employed by T.Briden & Son. He initially served as Private R/21640 of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. The cause of his death is not currently known, other than the fact that he died as a result of injuries received in action. This was an extremely chaotic time for the British army following the surprise attack by German forces along a wide front in the Somme sector on the 21st March 1918. It took many days for the British troops to recover from the assault and re-establish themselves into a cohesive force.
Arthur is buried in the Cayeux Military Cemetery, Somme, France.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
Midshipman
Royal Navy
HMS Irresistible
Died At Sea on the 18th March 1915 aged 17.
Ivan Fellowes was born on the 16th January 1898, the youngest son of Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Fellowes KCB and Margaret Fellowes. The family lived at Woodfield Park, Stevenage. He entered the service with the Royal Navy in January 1911, aged 13 and joined the crew of HMS Irresistable at the outbreak of war in August 1914.
On 19th February, 1915, Admiral Carden began his attack on the Dardanelles forts. The assault started with a long range bombardment followed by heavy fire at closer range. As a result of the bombardment the outer forts were abandoned by the Turks. The minesweepers were brought forward and managed to penetrate six miles inside the straits and clear the area of mines. Further advance up into the straits was now impossible. The Turkish forts were too far away to be silenced by the Allied ships. The minesweepers were sent forward to clear the next section but they were forced to retreat when they came under heavy fire from the Turkish batteries. On the night of 8th March the undetected Turkish minelayer, Ausret, laid many mines in the area of the Dardanelle’s Narrows. On 18th March eighteen battleships entered the straits. The fleet included Queen Elizabeth, Lord Nelson, Agamemmon, Inflexible, Ocean, Irresistible, Prince George and Majestic from Britain and the Gaulois, Bouvet and Suffren from France. At first they made good progress until the Bouvet struck a mine, heeled over, capsized and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Soon afterwards two more ships, Irresistible and Ocean also hit mines. Most of the men in these two ships were rescued but by the time the Allied fleet retreated, over 700 men had been killed.
His elder brother, Rupert was killed in action on the Western Front on the 21st August 1918 whilst serving with the Coldstream Guards.
Ivan has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Rupert Caldwell Butler FELLOWES
Captain
No.4 Company. 1st Battalion. Coldstream Guards
Killed In Action on the 21st August 1918 aged 24.
Rupert was born on the 12th May 1894 the third son of Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Fellowes KCB and Margaret Fellowes. The family lived at Woodfield Park, Stevenage. He became a student of Balliol College, Oxford and on the 19th August 1914 applied for service in an Infantry regiment.
Rupert was commissioned into the Guards on the 19th November 1914 and promoted to Lieutenant on the 20th February 1915. He was posted to France on the 20th May of that year and on his arrival in France he became the ADC to the General Officer Commanding the 14th Division.
On the 15th September 1916 Rupert received a gunshot wound to his right thigh and was evacuated to a field hospital. Four days later he was taken aboard the SS Lanfranc at Le Harve and sailed to Southampton. He remained on sick leave until the 3rd March 1917 during which time he resided at the Bachelor Club in Piccadilly, London. On the 2nd of April that year he was declared fit for Home Service and it was not until the 4th June that a medical board decided Rupert was fit for overseas service. He was then ordered to report to Victoria Barracks, Windsor in preparation for returning to France. He then served continuously on the Western Front until his death.
At 7pm on the 20th August 1918 the Battalion left Saulty by lorry and headed toward Moyenneville. They arrived at a point along the Boiry - Moyenneville road at about 9.30pm and debussed. Tea, rum and cigarettes were issued to the troops after which they set off in Company order to their respective assembly positions. Rupert Fellowes was in command of No.4 Company, which was in place at a point known as S.27.Central in support of No.1 Company. The Battalion was in position by 3am with zero hour being set for 4.55am and was to be supported by ten tanks from the 12th Battalion of the Tank Corps.
A thick mist started to set in prior the attack and the tanks had great difficulty in finding their assembly points. At zero hour No’s 1, 2 & 4 Companies set off towards their objectives but by this time the fog was impenetrable and was worsened by a smoke barrage laid down by the artillery making it impossible to see any further than three yards in front. By 6.30am the Battalion had covered the fog bound 1000 yards and captured their objectives but described their tank support as being of little or no assistance. Up to this point they had suffered only 10 casualties but shortly afterward the German artillery rained down on Moyenneville and the casualties began to mount up. It was during this initial action that Rupert Fellowes was killed.
Rupert is buried in the British Cemetery in Bac-Du-Sud, France. (3.A.30).
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
17523
Private
2nd Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 30th July 1916 aged 30.
Alfred was the son of Alfred & Emma Forder of 55 Haycroft Road. He arrived in France on the 9th June 1915. The plan of attack was for 30th Division to attack due East and capture the German second line of defence between Falfemont Farm and Guillemont. The task was a big one where, in one place, the 89th Brigade had to advance for a distance of over a mile of big rolling countryside. Prior to the general advance a subsidiary attack was planned on Maltzhorn Farm. At 22.00 pm on the 29th July the battalion moved up to it's assembly positions South of Bernafoy and Trones Wood. The Germans shelled the battalion with Tear Gas and a new sort of Gas that caused violent stomach pains and headaches amongst the men. " A" Company attacked Maltzhorn Farm with a battalion of French troops and although they did not hold the Farm the attack was deemed a success. About 70 - 80 German troops were taken by surprise in a trench running North to South through the Farm and were, with one exception, all killed.
" A" Company returned to the battalion having suffered about 30 casualties. By this time a fog had come up and made things extremely difficult for the assaulting troops to determine the line of attack. This was then compounded by heavy shelling from the German artillery and the whole attack started in a very lose direction. After much confusion the fog lifted at about 11.00 am and it was discovered that the attack had failed. The subsidiary attack and the main assault had cost the battalion over 200 casualties. It is not known whether Alfred Forder was killed in the subsidiary or main assault, as his body was never recovered from the battlefield. George Draper, another Stevenage man, was to also be lost in the same attack.
Alfred Forder has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier/Face 2C.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
8118
Private
2nd Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Died on the 21st January 1918.
Henry was born in 1887, the only son of Mr H C Forder of 31 North Road. On the 12th November 1904, at the age of 18 years and 10 months, Henry, then employed as a
Labourer, joined the Bedfordshire Regiment at Hitchin.
In February 1906 Henry was posted with the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment to India, where the Commander of the Jhansi Brigade reported that the Battalion was in very good order and that discipline was good. On the 5th December 1907 the Battalion boarded the Troopship “Assaye” and embarked for service in Aden, where they served for a further 12 months. It was here, in February 1908, that Henry received his certificate of education. Then, on the 8th December 1908, the Battalion boarded the Troopship “Rohilla”with the following contingent; 18 Officers, 1 Lady, 2 Warrant Officers, 1 Armourer Quartermaster Sergeant, 42 Sergeants, 16 Drummers, 37 Corporals, 575 Privates & 2 Children. The ship arrived at Southampton on the 23rd December 1908 and proceeded, the same day, to Colchester.
Henry also saw service in Bermuda between January 1910 and January 1912 when he was posted to South Africa, where he served until March 1913 when he returned to Home service.
With the outbreak of the First World War Henry was posted to France on the 16th August 1914 with the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. The Battalion marched out of Le Harve to the cheers of the local population and encamped outside of the town. On the 16th August the Battalion moved, by train, to Le Cateau where they then marched a further 5 miles to billets in Pommereuill. During their service here the Battalion were involved in a number of engagements with German troops but were eventually forced to retreat, suffering a number of casualties.
Henry suffered a sprain to his right foot on the 6th September 1914 and was returned to the UK on the 10th September 1914, where he was admitted to hospital in Clacton.. He remained in hospital until the 8th November when he was posted back to France, joining the 2nd Battalion at Bailleul on the 12th November 1914. He then served with the Battalion throughout the winter of 1914/15 and on the 9th January 1915 was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, achieving the rank of Corporal three weeks later. He was appointed the rank of Lance Sergeant on the 15th May 1915 and, eventually, was promoted to Sergeant on the 25th September 1915.
Henry was admitted to No.97 Field Ambulance on the 28th March 1916, suffering from Laryngitis. He was sent to the 30th Division Rest Station, where he remained until 2nd April when he was posted back to his unit.
On the 11th July 1916, Henry was wounded at Trones Wood but remained at duty.
On the 15th August 1916 he was Reduced To The Ranks as a result of Inefficiency. There currently appears to be no explanation for this event
On the 25th February 1917 Henry was admitted to No.96 Field Ambulance suffering with Dyspepsia. He was sent to 30th Division Rest Station on 26th February. His condition grew worse and he was eventually sent to No.22 General Hospital at Camiers on the 10th March 1917. On the 15th March Henry boarded the Hospital Ship Gloucester Castle and returned to England.
He was admitted to the Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital and on the 28th March 1917 was subject of a medical board, where it was determined that he was suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis and that he was no longer fit for war service. Henry was discharged from the Army on the 18th April 1917 under Para.392 (XVI) of Kings Regulations. He was awarded the Silver Wound Badge and returned to civilian life.
Henry Forder died in Ware Hospital on the 21st January 1918 from Pulmonary Tuberculosis, which, a local newspaper report claimed, was as a result of the effects of being gassed and exposure. Henry is buried in the St.Nicholas Churchyard, Stevenage. A local newspaper also claimed that Henry was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in January 1918 but official records do not substantiate this claim.
Henry is buried in the St.Nicholas Churchyard, Stevenage.
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal & Silver Wound Badge
20950
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
88 Squadron. Royal Air Force
Missing In Action on the 27the September 1918 aged 19.
Cuthbert Foster was born on the 18th October 1898 and lived at 39 Walkern Road, Stevenage. After completing his education Cuthbert began work as a Bank Clerk but by this time the war had begun and he was carried along with the wave of patriotism, like so many young men of his generation. Shortly after his 18th birthday he volunteered for military service and joined the Army in February 1917 as a Private.
In November 1917 he was selected for a commission in the RFC and soon began his pilot training. During his flying training he suffered two crashes, both of which he managed to survive which, with flying still in it's infancy, was something of an achievement in itself. Despite these setbacks Cuthbert eventually graduated as a pilot on the 27th February 1918 and after gaining his " wings" was swiftly posted to " C" Flight of No.88 Fighter Squadron, which had only recently been formed. The men of the squadron departed for France aboard the " HM Australind" on the 16th April 1918, arriving at Le Harve the following day.
Although they were quickly taken to their final destination, Berques-Capelle aerodrome, the squadron's aircraft did not arrive there until the 25th April with their first offensive operation being flown the next day. The Squadron moved to Drionville aerodrome on the 19th July for short period after, which they moved to Serny aerodrome, arriving there on the 2nd August 1918.
Local newspaper reports state that during his time at the front Cuthbert was credited with shooting down six enemy aircraft and was responsible for damaging a great many more. Although squadron records indicate that he flew many types of aircraft including the DH6, Sopwith Pup and BE12, as well as the Bristol Fighter there is only one entry in the 1918 log which credits Cuthbert with the destruction of an enemy aircraft. This was on the 4th September when he, and his Observer, Lieutenant B H Smyth, were in combat with a Fokker biplane over Seclin. The enemy aircraft was seen to dive to the ground out of control to, it must be assumed, and it’s destruction.
On the 27th September 1918 Cuthbert climbed aboard his Bristol F2b fighter, E2153, along with his observer, Sergeant Thomas Proctor (212137) a 31 year-old from Belfast. Along with four other aircraft they were to perform an escort role for aircraft of No.103 Squadron who were on a bombing mission. During the flight they were attacked by a number of enemy aircraft and Cuthbert was seen to perform a double loop whilst out manoeuvring a German aircraft that was on his tail. Having done this successfully he was last seen in full control of his machine but flying low and heading for the British lines. It was assumed at the time that his aircraft was suffering from engine trouble and that he was attempting to make his way back to base. Sadly, neither Cuthbert, his observer, nor the aircraft were ever seen or heard of again.
His name is recorded on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, Pas-De-Calais, France. (Addenda Panel)
53260
Private
11th Battalion. Manchester Regiment
Died Of Wounds on the 21st May 1918.
John was a married man who lived at 1 Springfield Passage and before the war had been employed at the Worbeys timber yard in Trinity Place. He was also one of five brothers who were serving in the Army all of whom had been either wounded or gassed, some both. He died from a serious gunshot wound to his thigh.
John is buried in the Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France. (5.H.2B.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
17550
Private
6th Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 15th July 1916 aged 19.
Frederick was the son of Jesse & Gertrude Game of “Hillcot”, Letchmore Road. Before the war he was employed at W.H.Smith & Son, the newsagent. He was posted to France on the 30th July 1915 and was killed when his battalion attacked Pozieres during the Somme offensive. The attack was headed by the 8th East Lancashire Regiment and supported by the both the 6th Bedfordshire's and the 11th Warwickshire Regiment. Initially, the advance went unopposed but as the two forward battalions went over the crest of the Chalk Pitt they were held up by heavy and accurate machine gun fire. The Bedford’s were forced to dig in about 100 yards from Liniere. Later, it was found that their attach had failed and they had suffered some 244 casualties with 3 Officers and 32 O/R's killed and a further 25 O/R's Missing, including Frederick Game.
He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier/Face 2C.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
233508
Private
2nd Battalion. London Regiment
Died on the 29th May 1919 aged 31.
Cecil Gardners’ military career was a relatively short one. He enlisted in the Army on the 19th April 1916 at the age of 28 and following his initial training was posted to the 2nd Entrenching Battalion of the City of London Royal Fusiliers. He embarked for service in France on the 29th August 1916, arriving in Le Harve the next day. After initial acclimatisation he joined his unit on the 18th September in the Combles sector of the Somme. At this point in the war the Battle of the Somme was well under way and fighting in the area was both bitter and heavy. On the 27th September, just 10 days after his arrival, Cecil was wounded by shellfire and received serious injuries to his left buttock and foot. His wound was serious enough for a decision to be made to remove his left leg. After a long process of recovery he was finally discharged from service in the Army on the 20th June 1917.
Cecil died from the effects of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on the 29th May 1919. He is buried at St.Nicholas churchyard, Stevenage.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal, Silver Wound Badge.
265126
Sergeant
1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 31st July 1917 aged 23.
Harry, who initially served in the Regiment as Private 1773, arrived in France on the 6th November 1914. He served continuously with his Regiment and was to lose his life on the first day of a major British offensive, The Third Ypres, or Battle of Passchendaele.
The offensive was launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6 November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. The village of St. Juliaan lies on the Hanebeek, one of the small streams that drains the fields in this area. On the 18th July 1917 a heavy preliminary artillery bombardment began which lasted for the ten days prior to the launch of the attack. The bombardment was made by 3,000 guns which expended four and a quarter million shells into the surrounding ground. Given such an onslaught the German Fourth Army fully expected the attack and the element of surprise was entirely lost. Added to this was the fact that the area was suffering the heaviest rains it had seen for 30 years and this, combined with the shelling, turned the ground into a hellish morass.
The Battalion were in support of an attack on the Langemarck Line and at 03.45am the planned assault began. It had three objectives to achieve known as Blue, Black & Green and units of the 116th Brigade easily captured the first two objectives, preparing the way for the forward companies of the Hertfordshire battalion, to take the third objective.
At 05.00am they left their assembly positions to attack their objective, which lay over the crest of a ridge. As they made their way forward they came under heavy fire from both German machine guns and snipers but after eliminating a German strongpoint moved up towards St.Julian, which was only lightly held. The battalion crossed the Steenbeek with some difficulty and two of its supporting Tanks became bogged down in the mud. Things then went from bad to worse. A pre-arranged artillery barrage never materialised due to the guns being unable to move forward over the muddy terrain and the German barbed wire defences, which were fifteen feet deep in some places, were found to still be intact.
It was soon realised that ground could only be won by section " rushes" supported by the unit’s own fire. The Cheshire Regiment were on the right of the battalion but the Black Watch, who were due to cover the left flank, had been seriously delayed. This left the Hertfordshire's seriously exposed and the Germans exploited this by bringing a hurricane of fire down upon the stricken troops. This was followed by a German counter-attack and by 10.30 am it was clear that the objective could not be achieved. Casualties were very heavy with 459 men being killed, missing or wounded.
Harry has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
122721
Driver
66 Divisional Ammunition Column. Royal Field Artillery
Died on the 8th October 1918 aged 21.
Walter was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Gates of Park Farm, Aston. He had been married for two years at the time of his death and lived at 52 Alleynes Road, Stevenage. He had formerly been employed as a gardener at Shephall Bury gardens. Walter died of pneumonia at a French hospital on 8th October 1918, possibly as a result of contracting influenza.
Walter is buried in the Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. (3.A.25.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
265923
Sergeant
1st Battalion. Hertfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 30th March 1918 aged 26.
George was the son of Harry & Ann Gray of 20 Hellards Road. He initially served as Private 3265 and was posted to France on the 21st January 1915 where served continually with the Battalion and took part in the Battles of Festubert and Loos. The Battalion were transferred, just two days before the Battle of the Somme began, to the 39th Division in the Ypres sector and did not return to the Somme until August 1916. In early 1917 the Territorial Regiments went through a re-numbering process and George was given the number 265923.
On the 21st March 1918 the Germans began a major offensive against the British Armies in the Somme sector, the attack fell on the British line between Arras and St.Quentin. The 1st Hertfordshires had recently transferred to the 116th Brigade, 39th Division and were being held in reserve near Gurlu Wood. The Battalion moved forward to positions near Villers Faucon to support the troops of the 16th Division who were retreating under the ferocity of the enemy attack. The following day the Battalion were heavily engaged in the recapture of St.Emilie but were later ordered to withdraw to line near Tincourt. There was much confused fighting during the retreat and many casualties were suffered. The situation had become dire for the British Army by this time and the retreat was turning into a rout. On the 23rd March the remnants of the Battalion had crossed the Somme River and by the morning of the 24th there were only eight officers left in command.
It was at this point that the Germans pushed forward between Clery and Rancourt and the 116th Brigade were forced back. Part of the Battalion had been cut-off and completely surrounded and were, eventually, to be taken prisoner. The remaing men of the Battalion fell back under the continuing pressure of the enemy advance and by now almost all control had been lost. The roads had become congested with transport and the various retreating units had become inextricably mixed. Gaps had appeared in the British lines and these were being exploited by the Germans who, on some occasions, had appeared in front of the retreating British, adding to the confusion. By the 27th March the Brigades of the 39th Division had lost contact with their Headquarters, which was practically surrounded. By this time the 166th Brigade was in a position on some high ground near Morcourt. Casualties had continued to mount and by this time there were just four officers remaining to command the troops.
On the morning of the 28th March the 39th Division began to withdraw but found that German troops were in their line of retreat. The 166th Brigade, including the remnants of the 1st Hertfordshire Battalion, attacked the village of Wiencourt in an effort to force their way through. The men advanced with great determination but the assault soon fizzled out due to the sheer lack of troops and no proper supporting fire from artillery. By the evening the men of the Battalion, reported to still be in good spirits, had reached a position near the River Luce. The withdrawal continued throughout the 29th with the Battalion assembling in a wood about a mile north-west of Aubercourt.
The following day the confused fighting continued resulting in further casualties, including George Gray. Ironically, he was to lose his life on the day that the 39th Division were relieved by the troops of the 18th Division. Between the 21st and 30th March the men of the 1st Hertfordshires had withdrawn a distance of 30 miles, as the crow flies. They had marched many more than this and had been fighting almost continuously all the way. George had seen much action on the Western Front and this is where he remains as his body was never found, and he has no known grave.
His name is recorded on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. (Panel 89/90.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
358084
Gunner
62nd Siege Battery. Royal Garrison Artillery (TF)
Died Of Wounds on the 14th October 1917 aged 36.
William was the son of George & Emma Green of 17 North Road.
He died on the 14th October 1917 from the effects of Gas Poisioning. .
He is buried in the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium. (9.I.6.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
Captain
1/3rd Battalion. Gurkha Rifles. Attached to 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles
Killed In Action on the 16th May 1915.
The cause of his death is not currently known. Buried in St.Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, France.
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
19448
Private
1st Battalion. Bedfordshire Regiment
Missing In Action on the 27th July 1916 aged 20.
George was the son of Charles & Hannah Haggar of Wallington, Baldock. He was posted to France on the 3rd November 1915 and was killed in the attack on Longueval during the Battle of the Somme. The battalion suffered heavy casualties from gas shelling during the advance to the forward positions and again at the assembly line. There was considerable action in the area and a German artillery barrage brought down a “hurricane” of fire on the men of “B” & “D” Companies, who each lost over 50% of their men.
George has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Theipval Memorial, France. (Pier/Face 2C.)
Medal Entitlement: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal
Cecil Gorden Hawkes
42544
Private
11th Battalion. Essex Regiment
Killed In Action on the 21st April 1918.
(Formerly 13307 Bedfordshire Regiment)
Cecil was performing one of the most dangerous front line tasks, that of company runner. This involved the carrying of messages to and from forward positions, often across open ground, in order to keep commanders updated on the current state of any action. The Battalion were in position at Zillebeke Lake in the Ypres sector, which was part of the Dolls House line. The Germans attacked the sector with a barrage of gas shells which resulted in 10 casualties, one of whom, Cecil Hawkes, died.
Cyril is buried in the Ramparts Cemetery, Lille Gate, Ypres, Belgium. (Grave. J.9.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
5223
Private
59th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Died Of Wounds on the 7th July 1916 aged 24.
(Formerly 22307 Bedfordshire Regiment)
Robert was the son of Charles & Mary Hemmings and the husband of Clara Hemmings (nee Carpenter). He lived with his wife and two children in Mulberry Cottage, Knebworth. After he was seriously wounded his wife visited him in hospital in Bolougne. He was later transferred to a hospital in Leicester where he later died from the effects of his wounds.
Robert is buried in the Welford Road Cemetery, Leicester. (O1.290.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
4/7089
Private
1/4th Battalion. West Riding Regiment
Died on the 19th December 1916 aged 19.
Henry was the son of Henry & Elizabeth Heskins of 72 Basils Road.
His Battalion were stationed at Halloy, where they were undergoing training and the exact circumstances of his death are not yet known but it is believed that he may have died from disease.
He is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. (20.J.1A.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
G/19015
Private
6th Battalion. East Kent Regiment
Died Of Wounds on the 24th May 1917 aged 19.
Harold was the only son of Thomas & Annie Hewes. Between the 8th and 16th May 1917 the Battalion were in position near the village of Roeux, outside of Arras. During this period they were very heavily shelled by German artillery and it is believed that Harold was amongst the wounded. He died on the 24th May as a result of his injuries.
Harold is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. (25.D.10A.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
2276
Private
1/5th Battalion. London Regiment
Missing In Action on the 1st July 1916 aged 23.
Harold Douglas Holdron was born on the 24th October 1892 in Portsmouth, the son of Priscilla & George Holdron. Having spent his early years and received his initial education in the coastal city, the family then moved to Stevenage and resided at “Raveloe”, No.8 Green Street, where Harold enrolled as a pupil at Alleynes Grammar School to continue his schooling.
Having completed his education he obtained employment as a stockbrokers clerk at the Baltic Exchange in the City of London, where he was working when war broke out in August 1914. On the wars commencement he attempted to enlist with the H.M. Forces, but was found to be unfit for military service and was refused admission on medical grounds. The exact cause of this is yet unknown.
Harold continued in his civilian job for the next 11 months until, on the 4th June1915, he entered the Head Quarters of the 5th London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade), a Regiment of the Territorial Army, in Sun Street, and this time the medical inspection failed to reveal, or overlooked, the flaw that caused the refusal in August 1914. He paid the £1 annual subscription for what the Corps regards as, “the privilege of membership to its ranks”, and voluntarily enlists as Rifleman No. 2276, being initially assigned to the Regiments 3rd Battalion for training.He spent the next 6 months training with the 3rd Battalion until, on the 11th November 1915, he was posted to the Western Front with a reinforcement draft to the 1st Battalion, joining it wintering in the bleak trenches of the frozen mire of the Ypres salient where he was assigned to ‘D’ Company, No.14 Platoon, and where he was to have his first experiences of the line.
After trench tours in the Ypres sector for the next 2 months the Battalion was withdrawn from the line and moveed 30 miles to the rear to the Abbeville district where its sister London Territorial regiments are forming the new 56th (London) Division. On arrival the Battalion became one of the constituent units of the new 169th (Infantry) Brigade