East Knoyle & The Great War 1914-1918

We Remember the young men of our Villagewho served in the Great War and the way war impacted on the people of East Knoyle

Soldiers marching past the now demolished Knoyle House

EDGAR WAREHAM

Born Sept 1887 East Knoyle Mr Harry Wareham and Mrs Laura Wareham (both native to Iwerne Minster Dorset) of Clouds Stables East Knoyle. Brother of Blanche, Cecil, Decimus, Elsie and ErnestMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance1/8 Battalion Manchester Regiment C Coy (also served in Gallipoli and Egypt) Service No: 300699 Rank: Private Killed in action Age 31 on 30 August 1918Theatre of War: Egypt. VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL FRANCE Panel 9HOME ON LEAVEPrivate Edgar Wareham, Manchester Regiment, who has seen active service in Egypt, where he was wounded and has been in France since March last, is home on leave. Western Gazette Friday January 4, 1918ROLL OF HONOURKilled in action in France August 30, Private Edgar Wareham, Manchester Regiment, second son of Mr and MrsWareham of East Knoyle age 31 years. Western Gazette.

GEORGE HEREMON WYNDHAM

Baptised 27 November 1893 St Peter’s Church Cranley Gardens London Son of Colonel G P and Mrs Edwina Virginia Joanna Wyndham of Lowndes Square London SW1Memorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance Family memorial St Mary the Virgin churchyard extension East Knoyle 3rd Battalion Devonshire Regiment Attached 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers : Rank: 2nd LieutenantKilled in action Age 21 on 24 March 1915 Theatre of War: Western EuropeanDRANOUTER CHURCHYARD BELGIUM Grave Ref: 11.B.16

DEATH OF DEVONSHIRE OFFICERBy the death in action of 2nd Lt G H Wyndham, the family of Lord Lecon�eld su�ers yet another loss. Mr Wyndham is the third member of the family to fall in the service of his country. Lt P L Wyndham, Coldstream Guards, his �rst cousin was killed on September 15 and another cousin, Captain the Hon W R Wyndham, Lincolnshire Yeomanry, fell on November 6. Captain the Hon E S Wyndham, lst Life Guards, (brother of Captain W R Wyndham) was wounded in November last. 2nd Lt George Heremon Wyndham, who was born October 1893, was the elder son of Colonel Guy Percy Wyndham M.V.O. late 16th Lancers, and a cousin of the present Lord Lecon�eld. He was gazetted to the 3rd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment last August. His brother is serving with the Kings Royal Ri�e Corps.

PERCY LYULPH WYNDHAM

Born 5 December 1887 CheshireSon of (the late) Rt Hon George Wyndham and Countess Grosvenor of Park Lane London W1. Husband of Diana (nee Lister)Memorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of RemembranceFamily memorial St Mary the Virgin churchyard extension East Knoyle Memorial plaque on wall by village pump Saighton Cheshire3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards. Rank: Lieutenant Killed in action Age 26 on 14 September 1914Theatre of War: France & Flanders LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL FRANCE

EAST KNOYLE - DEATH OF MR PERCY WYNDHAM

The inhabitants of this village were grief-stricken on Wednesday when the news arrived that Lt Percy Wyndham of the Coldstream Guards had died on the battle�eld. It was only some two years ago that the deceased gentleman was married to a daughter of Lord Ribblesdale, and a niece of Mrs Asquith, wife of the Prime Minister. Like his father (the Rt Hon George Wyndham), and his grandfather (the Hon Percy Wyndham), the deceased o�cer had greatly endeared himself to the parishioners, with all of whom he was on intimate terms. The greatest sympathy is felt with Mrs Wyndham in her sad loss. Mr Percy Wyndham was the only child of the late Mr George Wyndham, secretary of State for Ireland, by his marriage with the Countess Grosvenor, mother of the Duke of Westminster, who is also serving at the front. A �ne manly young Englishman, very fond of �eld sports, he was greatly admired at his mother’s home in Cheshire, and also by the tenants of the Clouds Estate in Wiltshire which has had the misfortune to lose three proprietors in a term of �ve years. Details of the deceased gentleman’s death have not yet been received. The Lobby correspondent of the Daily Chronicle wrote in yesterday’s (Thursday) notes as follows: “Just before entering the House this afternoon, Mr Asquith received news of the death on the battle�eld of a young o�cer to whom he was much attached, namely Lt Percy Wyndham, only son of the late Mr George Wyndham. The gallant young o�cer had inherited some of his father’s gifts and charm”. Western Gazette, Friday September 18, 1914

Roll of Honour

With Many Thanks to & For Further ReadingIt has been a great pleasure to reasearch the WW1 history of East Knoyle & to find out about the lives of our lads

who fought bravely and should not be forgotten although out of living memory.

We have this picture but it has no name attached to it. We believe that it is possibly Percy Wyndham or a relation of his.

It certainly is a lovely clear photo showing youth and bravery.

If you know who this is, please let us know so a name can be attached before he is nameless forever.

Remembered with HonourCommemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Grateful thanks to Jan Oliver (OPC) To Joan Claydon and of course Tony - for his invaluable books. Village Archives. Edith Young - Histrory of the East Knoyle School.

The National Archives.Tim Hyde & Steve Garrett

Roll of Honour

REGINALD GEORGE LITTLECOTT

Born June 1898 West Cholderton Wilts- at school in 1911 CensusSon of Mr Harry and Mrs Mary Jane Littlecott (both native to Downton Wilts) of Compton Casey Gloucestershire Brother of Albert, Ernest, Frank, Beatrice and ReginaldMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire) Regiment Service No: 24612 Rank: Lance CorporalKilled in action Age 20 on 31 May 1918 Theatre of War: Western EuropeanCHAMBRECY BRITISH CEMETERY FRANCE Ref: 11.D.6

Mr and Mrs Littlecott have o�cially been informed that their son Reginald who was reported missing since May 31st is now con�rmed to be dead. Corporal Littlecott, who was an intelligent lad, was an employee on Clouds Estate. He was Assistant Scout master of the local troop of Boy Scouts having enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment over two years ago and had been in France twelve months. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved. Western Gazette Friday October 25, 1918

ROBERT STANLEY TANSWELL

Born December 1894 East Knoyle - General Labourer in 1911 CensusSon of Mr John and Mrs Louisa Tanswell (both native to East Knoyle) of Holloway East KnoyleBrother of Eleanor, Leonard, Herbert, Charlie, Oliver, Rose, Henry, Blanche & DanielMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of RemembranceRoyal Army Service Corps 303rd Mechanical Transport Coy. Service No: DM2/168978. Rank: Private Died Age 22 on 10 May 1917Theatre of War: Egypt. KANTARA WAR CEMETERY EGYPTGrave Ref: A.145ROLL OF HONOURMay 10 1917 – Accidentally killed in Alexandria Egypt, Private Robert Stanley Tanswell, A.S.C. Motor Transport, while on active service, fourth son of Mr and Mrs John Tanswell of Holloway East Knoyle, age 22. Western Gazette, Friday June 15, 1917

SIDNEY JUKES

Born Mar 1899 East KnoyleSon of Mr Joseph Jukes (native to East Knoyle) and Mrs Elizabeth Jukesof Milton East Knoyle. Brother of Frederick, Janet, Alice, Emma, Beatrice and EllenMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance Royal Air Force (Training Depot Squadron) Rank: LieutenantDied Aged 19 (�ying accident Cheshire) on 27 November 1918 ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION EAST KNOYLE

Sydney was an outstanding student at the village school and then went to study at night school to further his eduction. He was also an active member of the church and is pictured left with Mrs Neville the Rector’s wife in her scout uniform. When WW1 came he volunteered for active service and eventually quali�ed as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps. This was dangerous work as aviation was still in its infancy. As a bomber pilot, Sydney �ew operational sorties in France in 1918 and also became a pilot instructor. He was Tragically killed in a �ying accident in dense fog in Cheshire on 27th November 1918 just after the armistice. At his funeral the RAF provided a miltary band and there were many mourners.

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves CommissionRemembered with Honour

OLIVER SNOOK

Born Dec 1892 East Knoyle- Stable Help in 1911 Census Son of Mr Edward Wilberforce Snook (native to East Knoyle) and Mrs Alice Mary Snook (native to Wookey Somerset) of East Knoyle. Brother of Dick and AnneMemorial plaque in St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village12th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)- Service No: 5150 Rank: SergeantKilled in action Age 24 on 6 December 1916 Theatre of War: Western European- PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY FRANCE Grave Ref: 1.K.36

ERNEST TANSWELL

Born March 1881 Rockbourne Hants - General Labourer in 1911 CensusHusband of Sarah Jane Tanswell (nee Small, native to East Knoyle) of Upton Road East Knoyle. Father of Alfred and ElizabethMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance 1/6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Formerly 31612 Worcestershire Regiment) Service No: 30509 Rank: PrivateDied of wounds Age 36 on 13 October 1917Theatre of War: France & Flanders. BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY FRANCE Memorial Ref: V111.1.52

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of my dear husband Pte E Tanswell, Warwick Regiment, of East Knoyle, died of wounds October 13, 1917 age 36. Buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. Love cannot die, although we miss his hand clasp, miss his loving smile, our hearts are broken, yet a little while and we shall be within the pearly gate. God strengthen us, God help us, while we wait. Western Gazette, Friday October 11, 1918

Roll of HonourPERCIVAL HENRY HILL

Born December 1894 East KnoyleSon of Mr John Henry Hill (native to Portsmouth) and Mrs Elizabeth Ann Hill (native to Bristol) of 78 Parkstone Avenue Parkstone Dorset. Brother of Walter Geo�rey, Edith, Ernest, Pamela and William Ralph8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. Regimental No: 16355 Rank: CorporalKilled in action Age 21 on 31 March 1916Theatre of War: Western European: YPRES MENIN GATE MEMORIAL BELGIUM- Panels 21 and 31

WALTER GEOFFREY HILL

Born March 1896 East KnoyleSon of Mr John Henry Hill (native to Portsmouth) and Mrs Elizabeth Ann Hill (native to Bristol) of 78 Parkstone Avenue Parkstone Dorset. Brother of Percival Henry, Edith, Ernest, Pamela and William Ralph 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards Regimental No: 10920. Rank: PrivateKilled in action Age 20 on 15 September 1916 Theatre of War: Western European THIEPVAL MEMORIAL SOMME FRANCE Pier and Face 7D and 8D

FRANK WILLIAM KNIGHT

Born June 1896 Long Newnton WiltsSon of Mr William Thomas Knight and Mrs Sarah Louise Knight (both native to Devizes) of 72 Wise Lane East Knoyle. Brother of Elsie Louisa, Agnes May, Annie Mabel & Frederick ThomasMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment) - Service No: 12050 Rank: Private Killed in action Age 22 on 30 May 1918 Theatre of War: France & FlandersSOISSONS MEMORIAL FRANCE

JAMES HENRY LAMPARD

Born March1899 East Knoyle Son of Mr William Thomas and the late Mrs Mary J Lampard (nee Beal) (both native to East Knoyle) of Rose Cottage The Green East Knoyle. Brother of William, Elizabeth, Tom Samuel, Dorothy and EdithMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village16th Battalion Devonshire Regiment Service No: 291486. Rank: PrivateKilled in action Age 18 on 3 December 1917 - Theatre of War: EgyptJERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY Ref: A.51

TOM SAMUEL LAMPARD

Born September 1894 East KnoyleSon of Mr William Thomas and the late Mrs Mary J Lampard (nee Beal) (both native to East Knoyle) of Rose Cottage The Green East Knoyle. Brother of William, Elizabeth, James Henry, Dorothy and EdithRoyal Navy HMS Cressy Service No: SS/111443 Rank: Stoker lst ClassDied Age 20 on 22 September 1914 - Theatre of war: At sea PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL HAMPSHIREPanel Ref: 4

FRED JOLLIFFE

Born June 1894 East Knoyle Son of Mr William G Jolli�e (native to East Knoyle) & Mrs Caroline M Jolli�e(native to Marnhull Dorset) of The Green East Knoyle. Brother of Louisa, Minnie, Edwin, Victor, Reginald & DorothyMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment) Service No: 9101 Rank: Private Died Age 21 on 18 May 1915Theatre of War: France & Flanders YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL BELGIUMPanel 53

IN MEMORIAM

In ever loving memory of our dear sons and brothers Victor and Fred Jolli�e who were killed in France. Two lonely years have passed away since our great sorrow came, two noble heroes true and brave, peacefully asleep in soldiers’ graves, could we have only said goodbye it would not have seemed so hard. In Jesus keeping they are safe. Never forgotten by their sorrowing father, mother, sisters and brothers. Western Gazette, Friday June 15, 1917

VICTOR HENRY JOLLIFFE

Born Sept 1897 East Knoyle Son of Mr William G Jolli�e (native to East Knoyle) & Mrs Caroline M Jolli�e (native to Marnhull Dorset) of The Green East Knoyle. Brother of Louisa, Minnie, Fred, Edwin, Reginald & DorothyMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment) Service No: 10381 Rank: Private Killed in action Age 17 on 3 March 1915Theatre of War: France & Flanders Remembered with honourLE TOURET MEMORIAL FRANCE Panels 33 & 34

EDWIN WILLIAM JOLLIFFE

Born March 1896 East KnoyleSon of Mr William G Jolli�e (native to East Knoyle) & Mrs Caroline M Jolli�e (native to Marnhull Dorset) of The Green East Knoyle. Brother of Louisa, Minnie, Fred, Victor, Reginald & DorothyMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in Village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance.12th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry Service No: 42286 Rank: Private Died Age 22 on 21 October 1918Theatre of War: France & FlandersASCQ COMMUNAL CEMETERY FRANCE - Grave Ref: A.7

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Remembered with Honour

EDWARD DEWEY SMALL

Born June 1892 East Knoyle - Farm Labourer in 1911 Census.Son of Mr Thomas and Mrs Elizabeth Ann Small (both native to East Knoyle). Brother of Lily and AlbertMemorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of RemembranceCorps of Military Police Mounted Branch Service No: P/2005 Rank: A/Lance CorporalDied Age 23 on 15 July 1916 - Theatre of War: Balkan SALONIKA (LEMBET ROAD) MILITARY CEMETERY GREECE - Grave Ref 255

WILLIAM GEORGE CADDY

Born March 1896 East Knoyle Son of Mr James Caddy (native to Crewkerne) and the late Mrs Rosanna Caddy (native to Cardi�) of 12 Richard Street Cilfynydd Pontypridd Glamorgan. Brother of Bertie, Bessie, Marion & Winifred. 10th Battalion Welsh Regiment/Regimental No: 30465 Rank: Lance CorporalKilled in action Age 21 on 2 June 1917 -Theatre of War: France & Flanders. -ESSEX FARM CEMETERY BELGIUMGrave Ref: 111.C.2

WILLIAM JOHN CLIFFORD

Born March 1885 East Knoyle Son of Mr John Cli�ord (native to Stow on the Wold Glos) and Mrs Francis Emily Cli�ord (native to Shipton Oxon) of Charlton Kings Gloucestershire, formerly resident in East Knoyle. Brother of Tom and Lily. Husband of Mrs Charlotte Winifred Cli�ord (nee Bond) of Charlton Kings Gloucestershire1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment Service No: 8055 Rank: PrivateKilled in action Age 29 on 13 October 1914.Theatre of War: France & Flanders :LE TOURET MEMORIAL PAS DE CALAIS FRANCE:Panel Ref: 10 and 11

EDWIN JAMES DURRANT

Born March 1894 Stourton Caundle Dorset Son of Mr James Durrant & Mrs Isabella Durrant (both native to Stourton Caundle) of East Knoyle. Brother of Mary, Sidney, Alice, William, Louisa, Annie, Beatrice and Florence.Memorial plaque St Mary’s Church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 2/1st Bucks Battalion (Formerly 1978 Dorset Regiment) Regimental No: 5416 Rank: PrivateDied of wounds Age 22 on 20 Jul 1916 Theatre of War: Western EuropeanMERVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY FRANCE Memorial Ref: X1.A.37

GEORGE ELLIOTT

Born June 1885 East KnoyleSon of Mr George Elliott and the late Mrs Florence Elliott (both native to East Knoyle) formerly of Upton East Knoyle. Brother of Elizabeth, Rose, Edith and William. Husband of Mrs E Elliott of Netherhampton Wilts1st King’s Dragoon Guards attached 1st Life Guards Regimental No: 5958: Rank: TrooperDied Age 30 on 21 September 1916. Theatre of War: Western EuropeanABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION SOMME FRANCE Grave Ref: 1.E.3.

IN MEMORIAMIn loving memory of my dear husband, Trooper George Elliot of Te�ont Magna, Kings Dragoon Guards, died in Abbeville Hospital France September 21st 1916 of appendicitis, Aged 30. Inserted by his sorrowing wife and little son. (Western Gazette, Friday November 24 1916)

JAMES FREDERICK ALFRED FLETCHER

Born Dec 1895 East Knoyle Son of Mr Henry Fletcher (native to East Knoyle) & Mrs Amy E Fletcher (native to Winterslow Wilts) of St Mary Bourne Andover Hampshire. Brother of Charles, William and Mary2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire) RegimentService No: 21254 Rank: Lance CorporalDied of wounds Age 21 on 28 April 1917-Theatre of War: France & Flanders. BUCQUOY ROAD CEMETERY FICHEUX FRANCE Grave Ref: I.C.23

Roll of HonourBelow is a list of Men connected to East Knoyle have lost their lives in the Great War

26 men were lost from this small community, amongst them brothers Edwin, Fred and Victor Joliffe; Percy and Walter Hill; James and Tom Lampard

GERALD SIDNEY FORWARD

Born Sept 1889 Zeals WiltshireSon of Mr Sidney James Forward and Mrs Lucy ForwardHusband of Mrs Bertha Forward (nee Mallett, native to Zeals) of Park Cottage East Knoyle. Father of MaryMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance52nd (Grad) Battalion South Wales Borderers (Formerly 5710 Su�olk Regiment) Service No: TR/4/64728. Rank: Private Died Age 29 on 10 November 1918 Theatre of War: Home Remembered with honourST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION EAST KNOYLE Grave Ref: 240

WILLIAM JOHN FRICKER

Born Sept 1889 East Knoyle Son of Mr James Fricker (native to Donhead St Andrew) and Mrs Annie Fricker(native to East Knoyle) of Milton East Knoyle. Brother of Frederick, Elsie and Alfred.Memorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance5th Battalion Princess Charlotte of Wales’ (Royal Berkshire Regiment)Service No: 23678 .Rank: Private Killed in action Age 26 on 19 October 1916. Theatre of War: France & FlandersRemembered with honour. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL FRANCE Pier & Face 11.D

ROBERT ERIC GRIFFITHS

Born March 1896 East KnoyleSon of Mr John Gri�ths and Mrs Augusta Mary Gri�ths (nee Brockway, native to East Knoyle) of St Mary’s Cottage South Drive Wokingham BerkshireWar Memorial in village10th Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)Regimental No: G/10059 Rank: PrivateDied Age 20 on 13 April 1916Remembered with honourWANDSWORTH (EARLSFIELD) CEMETERY LONDONScreen Wall GB.18.136

ALBERT JOHN HARRIS

Born June 1892 Semley WiltsSon of Mr Frederick Harris (native to Melbury Abbas Dorset) and Mrs Emily Harris (nee Burt, native to Semley) of Holloway East Knoyle. Brother of Henry, Jane, Martha, Eliza, Frederick, Alice and FrankMemorial plaque St Mary’s church; War Memorial in village; Salisbury Cathedral Book of Remembrance. 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards Service No: 10884 .Rank: PrivateKilled in action Age 24 on 16 September 1916.Theatre of War: Western European. GUARDS’ CEMETERY LESBOEUFS FRANCE. Grave Ref: X111.L.2

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT

Killed in action in France September 14-16th, Private Albert Harris, Coldstream Guards, son of Mr & Mrs Harris of Holloway East Knoyle, Age 24. Western Gazette, Friday November 3, 1916

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Remembered with Honour

THOMAS WILLIAM GARRETTBorn 1882 Died 1949

Thomas William Garrett was born in 1882, the son of George and Jane Garrett of East Knoyle.As a young man he enlisted in the Royal Marines, serving for five years from 1904 to 1908.On his return to the village he worked as a Bricklayer on the Wyndham estate until the outbreak of war in 1914 when, as a reservist, he was immediately called up, serving on land and at sea for the whole of the War.On demobilisation he returned to East Knoyle with an exemplary service record to seek work. A reference given by the Agent of the Wyndham estate described him as a “reliable, honest and sober man”.Married to Eliza they had four children: Gladys, Mary and Doris, followed by a son Frederick who established a sawmill in Leigh Lane on the site of what is now Old Mill Close. The mill operated until circa 1994 since when the site was developed in its current form by the family who still live in Leigh Lane or villages close to East Knoyle.Thomas died in 1949 aged 67 and is buried in East Knoyle.

Above, Thomas’ demolisation character certificate showing his very good character and throughly trustworthy.

Left- Thomas’ medals including the Victory Medal on the left.

The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was over 37 million. There were over 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history. The total number of deaths includes about 10 million military personnel and about 7 million civilians. The Entente Powers (also known as the Allies) lost about 6 million military personnel while the Central Powers lost about 4 million. At least 2 million died from diseases and 6 million went missing, presumed dead. About two-thirds of military deaths in World War I were in battle. Nevertheless, disease, including the Spanish flu and deaths while held as prisoners of war, still caused about one third of total military deaths.

Statistics

He continued to help with the Sunday school. Mrs Ruby Jay remembers: “All of us children up at the Green went to Sunday School at 2o’clock taken by Mr Lampard. Afterwards he used to take us for a walk in the woods to look at the flowers or to gather nuts in season”.

The Chapel closed in 1966 but he continued to take an interest in the Church until his death in 1973, the service taken by the Reverend Edith Young, last pastor of the United Reformed Church at the other end of the village and the writer of the “Histroy of East Knoyle School” where so much of this invaluble information about the war has come from.

Above -The Lampard Family in 1914 Henry, Reginald in Marine Uniform, Mabel (daughter) and Eleanor.

Left - Reginald Lampard in 1956 at a wedding with his wife Elsie.

Thomas George HydeBorn 1877 - Died December 1952.

Orginally from Bedfordshire but probably moved to East Knoyle as a Game-keeper employed on one of the Estates. He was married to Annie Harriet (Sanger) and they had two children, Cyril and Alice and they lived at Upton Cottage. Their son Cyril went to the village school.

Thomas joined the war on 19th October 1916 and may have been called up. He went to Devizes to sign up at the age of 30 years and 10 months. He joined the Labour Corps and his registration number was 84235 141.

He served in France for 157 days reaching the rank of Lance Corporal on 18th January 1918. Tim (Hyde) his great grandson believes that he looked after the horses at the front because of his experience.

We can see Thomas’ Enrolment Record showing that he passed his medical. He stood at 5ft 6.5 inches and was passed fit to serve.

He was demobilized to Fovant on 26th March 1919 and was awarded the Victory medal.

Thomas’ son Cyril at East Knoyle School 1909front row 2nd left

After the WarThe war ended on 11th November 1918 when the armistice was signed although the peace treaty was not signed until the following June. At the school the National Anthem was sung and prayers said around the flag pole. In October (1919) an offical week’s holiday was granted to the children at the King’s request. Round the country celebrations took a place; in nearby Tisbury, there was a children's procession, followed by a tea-party, and dancing.

Demobilisation started, many local soldiers being demobilised from the camp at Fovant, some not reaching home until the following year.

A change in the fundamental traditional structure of the village began to change after 1918. Death duties and land taxes soared and estates over £2 million were taxed at 40%. Many landowners including the Wyndhams at Clouds decided to sell off surrounding farms to reduce their estates. By 1921 a quarter of land in England had been sold changing the tradional class structure forever. Many sons of the aristocracy and landed classes had fought and lost lives whilst leading their battalions and were often the first to fall.

The War Memorial

The memorial cross, designed by Mr Herbert Maryon, warden of Wantage Hall, University College Reading, was erected at Knoyle House Corner. Of slender design, rising 16ft from a plinth. On the front of the square base is the inscription “To the Glory of God and in memory of the men of this parish who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914-1918”. On one side panel are the words “Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” and the opposite panel records the names of the men commemorated. The cross was erected as a memorial to their bravery, to record their great deeds, and to perpetuate their memory. It was hoped that this memorial would bring to their children and their children’s children, the knowledge that in these days the inhabitants of East Knoyle did their duty to their King and Country.

Additions were made as part of the memorial scheme to the Village Hall. A kitchen, bar and cloakrooms were added as a further memorial. The Trustees of the Seymour Estate made the handsome gift of £1,000 and the balance of £450 was raised by subscriptions. Over 20 young men of East Knoyle were lost but many survived and came home to carry on their lives. Whether they were ever the same again, we shall never know. Here are some stories of men from our Village who came home.

REGINALD BERKLEY LAMPARDBORN 25TH OCTOBER 1896

In the census of 1911, Reginald was 15 and was working as a shepherd in East Knoyle. He lived with his family at The Green. At the outbreak of war he was determined to join up as soon as he turned 18, joining the Royal Marines. He took part in the campaign against the Turks in 1915 at Gallipolli, designed to capture the capital of Constantinople and to create a safe southern sea link for our Imperial Russian Allies. Bad planning and atrocious conditions led to disaster and death was a constant companion and Reginald came under heavy fire when moving from his trench. He did not discover until later that his rifle could not be fired. Despite this he survived though many of his comdrades were killed either by snipers or insanitary conditions. The Allies lost 140,000 dead or wounded.

He was later posted to the Western Front and fell victim to a German gas attack with serious effects. He was awarded three medals: 1914 Star, The British War Medal (1914-1916) and the Victory Medal although Reginald did not apply for his.

He had strong Christian values and after the armistice and demo-bilsation he sought to become a Church of England Lay Reader but was not successful. He then applied to the Primitive Method-ists and was successful and along with his wife Elsie began service in East Knoyle’s Methodist Chapel until curtailed by illness.

During the War

Almost immediately on the outbreak of the war, Clouds House became a Miltary Headquarters, sentries were on guard in the lanes and areoplanes flew overhead. The Headmaster of the school, Mr Barnes, wrote in his note book, “Battery of artillery passed this afternoon in front of the school. The Children were allowed in the playground to see this as well as two areoplanes which hovered overhead”. Mr Barnes read to the children each day from the newspaper of the events of the Great European War in progress. Often large scale miltary manoeuvres took place in the village and children were given the day off (see supplement cover). Sometimes members of the forces billeted in the village came to the school to talk to the children about their experiences.

As the war carried on, life in East Knoyle had to adapt to the void left behind by the men folk. Women began to work the fields in place of the men and sometimes the children would not turn up for school, the headmaster noting the poor attendance due to children used as labour in the fields. Growing food to supply the forces became a priority and the children helped the effort by foraging for blackberries and fruit in the fields to be sent to a Jam factory in Hampshire to be made into conserves and sent to the front.

Nurse Wells of Mere paid an offical visit to the school to examine various children in the village hall. The nurse had overtaken the work normally done by the Doctors as they were, having joined the army, not available.

Below - Children outside the school and village hall in 1917.

Ladies, children and older men had to work the land and to provide food for the troops. Hills and slopes not usually used for farming were ploughed up to grow the extra food needed.Below: Miltary Manoeuvres outside Knoyle House

Great Britain was still basking in the glory of its Colonial Exploits and recent wars had not affected the stability of the country. As war broke out on 4th August 1914 our army was very small compared to the conscripted armies of Germany and France and as Belgium was invaded there was alarm that our national security and way of life may be affected. The British Army had only the strength of 710,000 men including reserves and 80,000 regular troops ready for war. The Territorial army was mobilised immediately, the Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers having Knoyle men in their ranks. There was a universal desire to serve the country in its time of need and the voluntary nature of recruitment into the armed services between 1914 and the introduction of conscription in 1916 drew men into uniform from every social milieu. Every trade, occupation and class were represented.

The government began a campaign to encourage young men to join the army using the famous Kitchener Posters that have now become iconic “Your Country Needs You” and newspapers with adverts and many were compelled to enlist. It was generally believed that because of our “Superior Might” and past exploits that the war would be over by Christmas. There were many reasons why they chose to enlist, patriotism was acccepted as the main reason but thousands enlisted simply for three square meals a day. Others were pressurised into joining up or even shamed whilst others just wished to escape problems at home. Some sought an adventure with their “mates” or joined with work colleagues, or to escape unemployment or for a better future.

Many of the Gentry bought commissions in the Army taking their horses with them, becoming the Officers with a wave of enthusiasm and patriotism.

Horses were requistioned into the war from farmers to be used in the war effort leaving a void in the fields and farms.

The general feeling was that Britain had to be defended against the over-bearing and aggressive Germany and national sovereignty and the international rule of law had to be respected.

None realised the fateful war of attrition and loss of life that would be reality of war. The development of war munitions and trench warfare that lead to the decimation of a generation of young men. Many fit and strong young men were just 18 or above and had not been far from home before they were sent in thousands to the war fronts to face the enemy.

They enlisted locally at Salisbury, Shaftesbury or Devizes signing enlistment papers and going through a medical procedure. The teacher of the school, Mr Barnes, went to sign up but was rejected because of ill health.

In 1916 conscription was introduced to bolster up our armies and many had to leave. In January 1916 conscription became compulsory for single men aged 18-40 and later in May also to married men. A quote from a scholar of the school in later years:

“When I was a boy I heard my elders talking about the war and how one of them was in a ploughing team on the downs when Hannam Miles (Estage Agent for Clouds Estate) appeared with call up papers for one of the team who unhitched his horse and departed for the farm stables with the parting words ‘Bye Bill I shan’t be coming back’. He didn’t within weeks he was dead.”

By the end of the war 1 in 4 of the total male population had joined up which was over 5 million, 2.67 million had joined as volunteers and nother 2.77 million were conscripted after 1916.

The Hull family at Sheephouse Farm in 1916. Edwin Hull is standing at the left and next are Mr Gray, Sammy Matthews, Ted Coombes and other members of the Hull family. Mr Charles Jefford is holding the horses which he hid from the miltary contractors seeking to requisistion suitable horses to the front.

From Daily Mail - 5th August 1914

East Knoyle And The Great War

East Knoyle Prior to 1914

Life in East Knoyle had continued in the same way for centuries and was a thriving rural population with people working on the land or in the service of the large stately houses. With the advent of the steam train in Gillingham in 1859, some inhabitants would have migrated to the major towns and cities for employment opportunities. Those that remained would work on the farms or in the service of the three principle houses. The resident families of the time were the Seymours at Knoyle House, The Wyndhams at the newly built Clouds House and the Milfords at the Rectory. They were patrons of the School, Church and Village Institutions and lived privileged well connected lives.

Knoyle House

Knoyle House had been in the Seymour family since the 16th century but the family’s fortunes were in decline and the estate and house had been rented out to a series of tennants. In 1914 at the time of the war the resident was Beatrix, Dowager Countess of Pembroke and she was the last inhabitant of the house and resided there thirty years. She was a very active patron of the village school.

Clouds House

Before the 1880’s the Seymours had been the leading family in East Knoyle but the Wyndhams arrived in 1888 and built a grand house on the site of land purchased from the Seymours. They then became tthe principal family. Percy Wyndham built an Arts & Crafts property at great expense which burnt down soon afterwards to be replaced by the house we see today. Clouds would have been the main employer in the Village in 1914.

Knoyle House pictured from Wise Lane showing the size of the property .(Village Archives)

The Rectory

Robert Milford, the Rector and his wife played an active part in village life, not only looking after his paritioners but actively involed in festivals, club days, and establishing the scouts in East Knoyle. They empolyed a governess, maids, a coachman, gardeners, dressmakers and a cowman.In 1912 Mr Neville and his wife became the Rector of the church and would remain until 1932.

By Dawn Small

These large estates and houses were a major source of employment in East Knoyle and the Community thrived. The village supported three publichouses, several shops, had a school, village hall, cricket and football team. The football team played on land now used by the bypass. This photographwas taken in 1912 of the young men of this village. We don’t know their names but many of them must have answered the call to defend their country.

Five of the Wyndham family were to die in the war and during the latter part of the war, the house was made available as a convalescent home to wounded servicemen. As the family struggled to up keep the house during the war it was leased out to a series of tenants.

At this time of National Commemoration when communities large and small across the country are looking back at the momentous events of a century ago, we in the local Branch of the RBL welcome this opportunity to sponsor the special WW1 edition of the Village Newsletter to mark the contribution that East Knoyle - like countless other villages - made during World War 1.

The aim has been to combine family records and official sources to illuminate the lives of those who served and returned, those remembered on the village War Memorial, and those on the home front who kept the fabric of village work and home life together.

Our local Branch of the RBL was established in 1921. Known then as the British Legion it was established to remem-ber the dead and provide care and support to veterans and their families. It should be remembered that 88% of those who put on uniform between 1914-18 survived, many of them with terrible wounds and mental issues. Nearly a century later the work of providing life-long support to the serving personnel, veterans and their families of today continues as many of the challenges they face are similar to those who returned in 1918.

That is why your continued generous response to the annual Poppy Appeal, highlighted in the main body of the Village Newsletter, is so important as it enables the four pillars of welfare, comradeship, representation and Remembrance that underpin the work of the RBL to continue for the next hundred years.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the families of the village who responded to our appeal for personal memorabilia, and the immense contribution of Jan Oliver, OPC for East Knoyle, Wiltshire and of course the VN Editors Dawn and Martin, and Ron Clark from our branch of the RBL for all the extra work they have taken on in producing this memorable edition.

Mike WaterhouseChairmanEast Knoyle, Semley and Sedgehill BranchRoyal British Legion

Illustration by Charlybelles