lest we forget - kstm.uk · lest we forget details of those from the parish of kingston st mary who...
TRANSCRIPT
LEST WE FORGET
Details of those from the parish of Kingston St Mary
who gave their lives in two world wars
2
INDEX
Page 3 … First Steps
Page 4… The Public Appeal Leaflet
Page 5 …Newspaper Report of the Unveiling of the Memorial Cross
Page 6….Other War Memorials (The Scout Memorial & Playing Field)
Page 8… The War Dead
Page 38.. The Roll of Service - Listing all men and women from the
parish who served in WW1
Page 43 Abbreviations and sources
Page 44 Addendum – Others with Close Links to the Parish
This booklet was compiled and researched by Ray Stokes on behalf
of the Kingston St Mary History Society.
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy but if you spot any
errors or omissions, can add to the information or supply
photographs, please contact me on –
Tel: 01823 762417 or email [email protected]
3
FIRST STEPS
At a General Meeting of parishioners 28 May 1919, it was resolved that a Memorial should
be erected in the churchyard on a site close to the south gate, to honour the local men who
lost their lives while serving in the First World War.
Mr Frederick Bligh Bond of Bristol, a noted church architect, was employed to design and
supervise the erection of the Memorial Cross. The estimated cost, including bronze tablets
with the names of the Fallen and the architect’s fees was £350.
The following month a printed pamphlet was circulated in the parish (see next page)
appealing for donations. The committee felt it would “add greatly to the value and interest of
the Memorial, if the cost of its erection is shared by every parishioner and by all who have
an interest in Kingston.”
The chairman of the organising committee was the Vicar the Rev Percy Shattock and the
treasurer for the appeal was Mr Louis Hawkings, the headmaster of the school, who had
served in the fledging Royal Naval Air Service during the war.
Mr Bligh Bond produced a sketch plan of the proposed memorial in December 1919 which
met with the approval of the committee and it was erected the following year.
Made of Doulting stone and standing more than 14 feet high, the memorial takes the form
of an octagonal Latin cross on a square plinth and three stepped octagonal base. The
names of the 35 men who died in the First World War appear on plaques on the memorial.
An additional plaque was added after the Second World War listing the names of the eight
men who died in that later conflict and the inscription on the base updated to read: “IN
GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THE MEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR
1914–18 AND IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR.”
The memorial is a Grade 2 listed monument because of its historic interest “as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.” It is described as “a modest but good example of a memorial in the form of a Latin cross”.
It was unveiled during the morning service on Christmas Day 1920 by Colonel Walsh of Kingston, and remains the centre point of the village’s Act of Remembrance each November.
4
5
This account of the unveiling ceremony appeared in the Somerset County Gazette on
Jan 1st 1921
KINGSTON’S FALLEN
DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL CROSS
In commemoration of the men of Kingston who fell in the war a memorial cross has been
erected at the entrance to the parish church. The dedication and unveiling took place at the
morning service on Christmas Day. The cross which is of Doulton (sic) stone, stands about
14 feet in height, and the design is similar to those erected on the battlefields of France and
Flanders. It was designed by Messrs Bligh Bond, Falconer and Baker, the well-known
Bristol architects, and it stands on a plinth at the base of which is inscribed: “In grateful
memory of the men of Kingston who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919.” On
either side of the cross are the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice, their
number being 35.
There was a crowded congregation at the morning service, which was conducted by the
vicar (the Rev P.E.F. Shattock) while Mr C Minett, Taunton town missionary read a portion
of Scripture (Rev. vii.,9, to end). The unveiling of the memorial was to have been performed
by Brigadier-General H.C. Frith C.B., but owing to unforeseen circumstances he was
prevented from attending, his place being taken by Colonel Walsh C.B., of Kingston, who
belongs to a well-known military family. Before the unveiling an eloquent and appropriate
address was delivered in the church by the Bishop of Taunton. Fortunately, the weather
was fine, the sun shining brightly when the congregation assembled around the cross in the
churchyard. Following the singing of the hymn “For All the Saints” Colonel Walsh unveiled
the memorial by releasing a Union Jack with which it was covered. He paid tribute to the
heroism of those who had fallen and to the sacrifice of many who had survived the conflict,
although still suffering from the effects of the hardships and dangers they had endured.
The form of service explained that the cross had been “erected in thankfulness for the gift of
victory; in remembrance of our brothers from this parish who served and suffered in the
war; and especially those who gave their lives.” Their names were as follows – Geoffrey
Francis Arnold, Percival Arthur Berry, Charles Billing, Wilfred Blackmore, Arthur Chidgey,
Sidney Clemow, Victor Dicks, Daniel Dykes, Edward Ferris, Reginald Furzer, William John
Furzer, Ernest Gamblin, Robert Anderson Gault, William George Gillett, William Hakes,
Charles Hayes, Gilbert Hurford, Frederick Elworthy Kidner, William Lowman, William Harry
Lye, John William Miles, Frank Ernest Palfrey, William Ring, Bertie Rowcliffe, William
Samways, Walter Saunders, Walter Sealey, Henry Short, Frederick Sloley, William Edward
Sully, John Charles Templeman, George Totterdell, Frederick George Tucker, Frank
Walford, Frank Woodley.
After the ceremony the Last Post and the Reveille were sounded by ex-Bugle-Major
Hughes of the 2/5th Somerset Light Infantry while the service which followed in the church
concluded with the playing of the National Anthem by the organist (Mr H.J.Treeby).
The cross was subscribed for by the parishioners. After the ceremony wreaths and flowers
were placed at the foot of the memorial by friends and relatives of those who served in the
war.
6
Other Memorials
There are a number of other war memorials in the village although they are not always
immediately recognisable as such.
The Scout Memorial
Just a short distance away from the
cross, is a lantern hanging over the
churchyard gate. It was put up by the
local Scouts to commemorate two of
their former members Geoffrey Arnold
and Frederick Sloley who died in the
First World War. The Scout emblem is
incorporated in the ironwork from which
the lamp hangs and a carved wooden
plaque recording the two men’s names
is set into the gate pillar.
The Village Hall
Although not officially registered as a war memorial, the erection of the hall came about as a result of
events in the village during the Great War (1914-1919).
In 1915 the ladies of the village formed a Christmas Present Working Party (CPWP) to put together
parcels to send to all the soldiers and sailors from Kingston. One later recalled: “Forty of us crammed
into the small reading room at the Club, an atmosphere of bootlaces, smokes, knitting and warmth; for
all those things and many others went into those parcels.” Fund raising events, including whist drives,
dances and jumble sales, were organised to meet the costs.
After the end of the war Miss Arnold, who had been vice-chair of the group, wrote: “How I shall miss it
all. We’d been happy working together.”
However, the village school where many of the social events had been held was not an entirely
suitable venue so it was decided at a meeting in the Vicarage on March 4 1919 “to remain in being
until the Parish Hall be built”.
The ladies stepped up their fund-raising and over the next three years raised a total of £426. After
making donations to the Welcome Home supper for local servicemen on Armistice Day 1920 and the
Memorial fund, they handed over £355 7s 7d (£355.38) towards the cost of the Village Hall which was
eventually opened in October 1923 by the Hon Mrs Mary Herbert. For a detailed account of the
opening ceremony go to the hall website (ksmvillagehall.co.uk).
7
Air Mechanic William Samways
Some memorials are in the most unlikely
places. This plaque stands beside the
drive to Volis Farm, now the home of the
Taylor family.
William Samways was the eldest son of
Alfred Edward Samways, a shepherd on
Lord Portman’s estate, and his wife Flora
(nee Watts) who lived at 14 Volis,
Kingston.
After serving with an artillery unit, he
transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He
was killed in action over France less than
three weeks later.
Playing Field
In 1948 the Hon Mrs Mary Herbert of Tetton House gifted into Trust a parcel of land of just
over two acres for the purpose of providing “a recreation ground mainly for the use of
children and young people”.
In 1984 the Trust became a registered charity (No: 288912) under the title “The Kingston
War Memorial”. The Parish Council is the managing trustee with the day to day running of
the playing field being carried out by a volunteer general management committee.
The playing field provides play equipment for children of all ages, a football pitch, croquet
lawn and a small pavilion for small meetings and children’s birthday parties.
It was also the venue for the village’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012 and
Her Majesty’s 90th birthday in 2016.
8
FIRST WORLD WAR
1914 - 1918
The names of 35 men who died in the First World War are inscribed
on the War Memorial Cross.
Twenty-eight died in battle or as a result of wounds - the youngest
Frank Woodley, aged 17, the oldest Sidney Clemow, who was 42.
The other seven died from illness or disease – five of them in the closing
months of the war or just after the Armistice suggesting they may have
been victims of the flu pandemic that swept Europe.
It has been calculated that one in five Kingston men in the 18 to 44 age
group died in the war. Almost every family suffered the loss of a direct
relative or an in-law because many local families were related by marriage.
Details of all these men, their families and links to the village, where known,
are listed.
9
Geoffrey Francis ARNOLD
Captain
1/5 battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in Action
8 March 1916, aged 24
Mesopotamia (now Iraq)
Geoffrey Francis Arnold was the son of brewer Francis Stephen and Mary Elizabeth Arnold (nee
Benson) of Northway House, Kingston Road, and later Crossways, Kingston. He was a pupil at
Blundell’s School, Tiverton, where his name appears on the memorial, and a former member of
Kingston BP Scout troop. His family bought Kingston brewery in the 1880s. His uncle Thomas Percy
Arnold lived at Marsh House from 1904 until his death in 1922.
Captain Arnold was killed during the attack on Turkish-held Dujailah Redoubt during an
unsuccessful attempt to relieve the besieged garrison town of Kut. He has no known grave.
His name is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq, and by the plaque set into the pillar of the
gate to the churchyard at Kingston St Mary.
There is also an engraved brass plaque in St Andrew’s Church, Rowbarton, where he was baptised,
which records that he was attached to the 37 Brigade, Signal Section.
The memorial plaque set into the gate pillar of the church
10
Percival Arthur BERRY
Royal Navy Stoker 2nd class
HMS Vivid
Died
26 February 1919, aged 18
UK
Percival Berry was the youngest of three sons of Henry and Elizabeth Annie Berry (nee Seaward) of
Fulford, Kingston.
HMS.Vivid was the Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport. He died three months after the end of the
war. The cause of his death is not specified but he may have been a victim of the flu pandemic
(Spanish flu) that claimed millions of lives between June 1918 and December 1920.
Stoker Berry is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard.
11
Charles BILLING Private 3/6671
1/5 battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Light Infantry
Died
1 November 1917, aged 19
Egypt
Charles Billing was born at Hele, near Taunton, the middle of five sons of Elias William and Ann
Billing (nee Salter). Soon after his birth the family moved to the Old Tanyard, Kingston. His father
was a farm carter/groom and Charles also worked on a farm starting as a “milk boy”.
In 1915 Elias, despite being 51 years old, volunteered for army service and served in the Somerset
Mule Remount Squadron of the Army Service Corps, a unit that obtained and trained horses &
mules for the Army, but was discharged in March 1916 as unfit because of a long-standing medical
problem (hernia).
It appears his son Charles put his age up to join the Army. He was born in the first months of 1898
and in the 1911 census his age was given correctly as 13. His medal card (below) shows he arrived
overseas on 11 November 1914 when he would have been 16 years old. He died from disease (his
Army record does not specify which illness) almost exactly three years later – at the age of 19.
The 1/5 Somersets left Southampton on 9 October aboard the troopship Alnwick Castle bound for
India, accompanied by two cruisers. It arrived in Bombay on 9 November. Over the next two and a
half years the 1/5 battalion were deployed, in several drafts, to Egypt, Palestine and Mesopotamia
to fight Turkish forces. The battalion lost more than 170 men in battle or as the result of illness.
Private Billing is buried in (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Alexandria.
12
* William BLACKMORE
Trooper 923
C Squadron, 1st battalion West Somerset Yeomanry
Killed in Action
17 October 1915, aged 39
Gallipoli
**Listed on memorial as Wilfred Blackmore**
William Blackmore was the son of George and Marie Blackmore, of Lewes, Sussex, and husband of
Annie Lucy Blackmore (nee Streeter), of Lancaster St., Lewes, Sussex. He had worked as a groom
and coachman but immediately before the war was working as chauffeur to the Austin family who
lived at Blagdon Hill, Taunton. In 1911 William and his wife were living at Brookfield Cottages,
Blagdon Hill. It is not known what connection they had with Kingston St Mary. Possibly he had
worked in the village previously. His name appears on the war memorial at Lewes.
He enlisted in the West Somerset Yeomanry in Taunton in August 1914.Enlisted at Taunton. His
death came just eight days after the battalion landed at Suvla Bay.
Trooper Blackmore is buried in Hill 10 Cemetery, Turkey.
Obituary from the Sussex Express 12 Nov 1915
13
Arthur CHIDGEY
Lance Corporal 20406
6th battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry
Killed in Action
13 June 1915, aged 29
France
Arthur Chidgey was one of nine children of widow Elizabeth Chidgey (nee Daveridge) and the late
John Chidgey of Church Gate, Kingston. Arthur was ‘an estate labourer’. The Chidgeys, an old
established Kingston family, lived in one of the cottages that was demolished to enlarge the
churchyard.
Lance Corporal Chidgey is buried in Le Touquet Railway Crossing Cemetery, France.
Sidney CLEMOW
Private 64452
Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Died of wounds
2 September 1918, aged 42
Bapaume, France
Sidney Clemow was born in Lambeth. He was the son of former hotelier, postmaster and wine
merchant Charles E. Clemow and his wife Annie, who retired to Kingston Cottage (now Davestones)
around 1905. Sidney went to a boarding school in Bideford and then worked as a hotel manager in
Kingston-on-Thames before emigrating to New Zealand where he became a farmer. He and his wife
Daisy Mary Clemow lived at Deep Creek, Oneroa, Auckland. He enlisted and sailed from
Wellington on 21 November 1917 for Liverpool aboard the HMNZT Maunganui.
Private Clemow is buried in the Bancourt Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais
14
Victor DICKS
Private 3/6037
1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Died of wounds
12 July 1916, aged 25
France
Farm labourer Victor Dicks was the second son of Albert and Matilda Dicks of Curland, near Trull.
His father, a labourer, died in 1897, aged 35. Matilda then married George Keitch. They lived at the
Old Rectory, Curland. Victor Dicks married Lottie Holley in Kingston St Mary church in June 1913.
He was wounded during the early stages of the Battle of the Somme when 26 officers and 438
others ranks of his battalion were killed, wounded or missing.
Pte Dicks is buried in the Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.
Daniel Macpherson DYKES
Private DM2/181324
688th MT Coy, Royal Army Service Corps
Died
6 November 1918, aged 31
Balkans
Born in Glasgow in 1887, Daniel Dykes was the son
of Jane Dykes. He was chauffeur to the Gault family
and moved down from Scotland with them when they
rented Tetton House. He married the family’s nanny
Margaret Waddell in Kingston Church. They had one
son James (Jimmy) Dykes who is buried in Kingston
churchyard.
Pte Dykes is buried in the British Cemetery in Skopje
(now Macedonia). The great majority of those buried
here were men of the RASC (MT) who died of
influenza after the Armistice with Bulgaria.
The commemorative scroll given to the families of
those who died in the First World War, each
personalised at the bottom, in red ink.
15
Edward FERRIS
Private 12331
6th battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in Action
18 August 1916, aged 36
France
Edward Ferris was the son of William and Eliza Ferris of Stall Barton, Kingston.
He married Elizabeth Annie Crabbe in Kingston church and they had four daughters. The family
lived in Lilac Cottage (now called Mallows) in the main street of the village.
Like many local men, he travelled to South Wales (according to family legend he walked there) to
obtain better paid employment and worked as a ‘timber man assistant below ground’ in a colliery.
He enlisted in Pontypridd and arrived in France on 21 May 1915. His unit fought with great
distinction in the two-day Battle of Delville Wood (known to the troops as Devil’s Wood) in northern
France in August 1916. Five officers and 48 other ranks were killed and more than 220 wounded or
missing.
After the war his widow and daughters, who were all under the age of 10 at the time of his death,
left Lilac Cottage and moved into Taunton.
Private Ferris is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France
16
Reginald FURZER
Private First Class
361st Infantry Regt, 91st Infantry Division, US Army
Died
3 October 1918, aged 25
France
Reginald was the younger of two Furzer brothers killed in the war. Reginald emigrated to USA in
1913 and was a pipe fitter in Seattle. He became a US citizen in May 1918 and enlisted in
Washington State. A total of 26,277 Americans died in the Mesue-Argonne offensive (Sept 25 - Nov
1, 1918) and another 96,000 were wounded.
Private Furzer is buried in Mesue-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.
William FURZER
Private A38011
8th battalion Manitoba Regiment, Canadian Army
Killed in Action
3 June 1916, aged 36
Belgium
William Furzer was the eldest son of widow Rebecca Furzer (nee Pugsley) and the late Simeon
Furzer (died 1913) of The Conies, Kingston. William, a labourer, had previously served for 7 years
in the Field Artillery. He emigrated to Canada but following the outbreak of war he enlisted at Port
Arthur, Canada on Dec 18 1915. He was killed in battle in the Ypres Salient and has no known
grave.
Private Furzer’s name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres
Ernest GAMBLIN
Private 22582
1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in Action
8 August 1916, aged 24
Belgium
Farm labourer Ernest Gamblin was the second of four sons of farm worker George Gamblin and his
wife Mary Ann Gamblin (nee White) of Mill Cross, Kingston.
After its terrible losses in the Battle of Albert (1st-14th July), the 1st battalion moved back to the
Ypres Salient. At 10.30pm on 8 August just as they were being relieved at the end of a week in the
front line, the unit diary says “the enemy made a violent gas attack accompanied by heavy shelling”.
A total of 173 suffered from gas poisoning. Of these 33 died.
Pte Gamblin is buried in Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium. This farm was a medical dressing station
and it was in this cemetery that Lt Col John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, wrote perhaps the best
known poem of the war “In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow between the crosses row on row…..”
17
Robert Anderson GAULT
Lieutenant
4th battalion Grenadier Guards
Killed in Action
16 September 1916, aged 19
France
Robert Anderson Gault was the son of Mr Leslie Hamilton Gault and his wife Marion (nee Anderson) of
Tetton House, Kingston.
Of Irish descent, the family lived in Montreal, Canada, where they were wealthy merchants and noted
philanthropists. Mr and Mrs Leslie Gault rented Tetton House in 1914. Their son, born in Canada, had
just finished at Harrow School when the war broke out. He joined the Grenadier Guards in January 1916
and was promoted Lieutenant six days before his death on the Somme. He has no known grave.
Lt Gault’s name appears on the Thiepval memorial, France.
NOTE: A relative Brig Andrew Hamilton Gault, also born in Montreal, was Taunton’s MP from 1924-35
and lived at Hatch Beauchamp. The Hamilton Gault playing fields, in Hamilton Road, Taunton, are
named after the family.
William George GILLETT
Private 27178
7th battalion, Somerset Light Infantry (Formerly Trooper 1964 WSY)
Died
3 November 1918 aged 22
Germany
Farm labourer William Gillett was one of six children of Frank and Anna Maria Gillett (nee Davis). He
was born at Ashill and baptised in the village church on 27 October 1895.
In 1911 he was living with his family at Crabbs, Capland, Hatch Beauchamp, and when he enlisted he
gave his home address as Hayden, Somerset. His connection with Kingston St Mary is not known.
The Taunton Courier of 12 June 1918 reported that Private Gillett was among prisoners of war interned
in Germany. He died just a week before the end of the war. His record is marked “Died of disease”.
He is buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany, which was used for the burial of more than 1,000
Allied POWs.
18
William HAKE
Sergeant 581
6th battalion Leinster Regiment
Died of wounds
12 August 1915, aged 35
Gallipoli, Turkey
Eldest son of labourer Alfred Hake, and his wife Sarah (nee Hines) of Nailsbourne, William, a farm
labourer, joined the Somerset Light Infantry in 1896 and served for seven years – three of them in South
Africa during the Boer War. In 1903 he married Fannie Elizabeth Andrews, of Mill Cross, Kingston, in
Kingston church and the couple had at least two children.
His battalion landed at Suvla Bay on August 6 1915 and over the next six days was involved in the
attacks on Sari Bair (Anzac Cove) and Rhododendron Spur. Losses were high. Sgt Hake was wounded
and died aboard the hospital ship HMHS Neuralia which was anchored off the coast. He was
presumably buried at sea.
Sgt Hake’s name appears on the memorial at Helles in Turkey, for those with no known grave.
NOTE: His widow Fannie later married John Billett and their only son James Billett was killed in the
Second World. See later entry.
19
Charles HAYES
Sergeant 240174
1/5th battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Light Infantry
Died of wounds
24 December 1917, aged 25
Palestine
Charles Hayes – known as Charlie - was the son of William and Bessie Sutton Hayes (nee Langdon) of
Cushuish, Kingston. He was born at Lydeard St Lawrence in 1893 and baptised in the local church on 16
April that year. He moved to Cushuish with his parents and like his father he was a mason working on a
local estate. During November and early December 1917 his battalion was involved in a series of battles
as they advanced towards Jerusalem. Like many other wounded he would probably have been taken
back to the military hospitals in Alexandria in Egypt for treatment. After the war his parents moved to
Portland Street in Taunton.
Sgt Hayes is buried Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery.
Gilbert Henry HURFORD
Private TF202429
22nd battalion Middlesex Regiment
Died of wounds
29 December 1918 aged 21
in Southern Hospital Oxford
Gilbert Hurford was the second of four sons of farmer George Hurford and his wife Elizabeth. He was
born in Bishops Lydeard and baptised in the local church on 31 May 1896. But sometime before 1901
the family moved to Parsonage Farm, Kingston. Before the war, Gilbert worked on his father’s farm.
He joined Army on 9 May 1916 and was initially graded for “field service at home”. However, on 1
December 1916 he was posted to France. He received a gunshot wound to the head and on 2 October
1918 was transferred to 3rd Southern Hospital, Oxford, where he died almost three months later.
Private Hurford is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard
20
Frederick Elworthy KIDNER
Rifleman 2546
No 1 Company, 16th battalion, London Regt (Queen’s Westminster Rifles)
Died of wounds
20 February 1915, aged 26
France
Frederick Kidner was the son of John and Emily Kidner, of Dodhill House, Taunton. His parents
bought the house and farm in 1894. Frederick’s eldest brother William Kidner lived there until 1954
while his sister was well known in the parish for running the local scouts and guides.
According to a family archive (available online) Frederick was born at Nynehead on 16 June 1888
and attended Mary Street House School, Taunton, before going to Sherborne School where he was
a prefect. He won an exhibition to Worcester College, Oxford. In 1912, after gaining his degree, he
went to Russia and joined his uncle’s business. R. & T. Elworthy Co. Ltd. at Elizabethgrad (now
known as Kirovograd in the Ukraine). The firm designed, manufactured and distributed agricultural
machinery on a large scale in Russia and Siberia. With the outbreak of war, he travelled back to
London and joined the QWR being posted to France in Jan 1915. He was shot in the stomach by a
German sniper on the afternoon of 19 February.
Rifleman Kidner died the following day at a Field Ambulance station and is buried at Cite Bonjean
Military Cemetery, Armentières.
Eli William LOWMAN
Private PO 19278
1st battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry
Killed in Action
5 September 1918 aged 21
France
Eli Lowman was born on 29 July 1897, the second of three sons of Mark and Rhoda Lowman (nee
Pring) of Nailsbourne, Kingston, and baptised in St Mary’s church on 10 October 1897.
He joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Portsmouth on 2 March 1916 and was posted to France in
July 1917 but was invalided back to the UK (through illness) on 10 April 1918. He returned to France on
13 May, to re-join the 1st battalion RMLI.
Private Lowman is buried in Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, Pas de Calais.
21
William Harry LYE
Private R/387484
75th Remount Sqn Army Service Corps
Died
24 May 1919 aged 43
UK
William Lye was born in Ilchester, the son of agricultural labourer Charles Lye and his wife Sarah. He
married Elsie Clara Drayton in her home parish of Bishops Lydeard on April 8 1901 and they had at least
two sons. In 1911 the family were living at Stall Barton, Kingston St Mary, and he was working as a
coachman. Later they moved to Grange Cottage, Kingston.
A Remount Squadron consisted approximately 200 soldiers, who obtained and trained horses and mules
for the Army. They were generally older, experienced soldiers used to working with horses. His death six
months after the Armistice suggests he may have been another victim of the Spanish Flu pandemic. He
died in a military hospital at Taunton while on demob leave.
Private Lye is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard
22
William John MILES
Lance Corporal 1387
1st West Somerset Yeomanry
Died
14 January 1916 aged 29
Alexandria, Egypt
William Miles was born on March 8 1886, son of farmer and cattle dealer William and Elizabeth Miles
(nee Blackmore) of Hill Farm, Kingston (the farm occupied the area now known as Kingston Court). He
went to Wellington School and then worked on the farm. He served for five years in the West Somerset
Yeomanry and then enlisted in the Life Guards but was discharged owing to ill-health. He re-joined the
West Somerset Yeomanry on 28 Nov 1915; served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Egypt
and died in the General Hospital, Alexandria, from rheumatic fever contracted while on active service.
One of his officers wrote: “He had done very well during the time in the trenches and I was very sorry to
lose such a good soldier.” He was a keen rugby player and had played for Taunton for three seasons.
LCpl Miles is buried in the Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery
23
Frank Ernest PALFREY
Private M2/177723
406 Mechanical Transport Company Army Service Corps
Died of wounds
21 July 1917 aged 28
Belgium
Frank Palfrey was the son of Metropolitan Police Sergeant Edward Charles Palfrey, who was born in
Kingston, and his wife Maud, from Goathurst. Frank was born in Streatham, London. In October 1909,
he married Lilly Rose Palfrey (nee May). In 1911 he and Lily were living at Comeytrowe, Trull, with his
father, who had retired from the police, and mother. His occupation was given as cab proprietor. At the
time of his death his wife was living in Boweys Lane, Kingston. They had two sons, Clifford and Edward,
who was born only months before his father’s death.
Pte Palfrey is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium
William RING
Private 7967
1st battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry
Killed in Action
19 May 1915 aged 29
Belgium
William Ring was born in Taunton in 1886, the son of farrier James Ring and his wife Sarah (nee
Holford). In 1901 William, then 15, was living with his family in Greenbrook Terrace, Taunton, and
working as an errand boy. His father died in 1903 (at the age of 48). William married Rose Ring (nee
Sealey) of Kingston, in the village church on Christmas Day 1912. On the certificate, he is described as
gardener/groom. Bride and groom both gave their address as Kingston.
He was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres which was fought from 22 April – 25 May 1915 for control of the
strategic Flemish town of Ypres in western Belgium.
Private Ring is buried in First DCLI Cemetery, The Bluff, Ypres, Belgium
Bertie ROWCLIFFE
Private 28240
11th battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed in Action
30 July 1916 aged 22
France
Bertie Rowcliffe was the son of farm labourer Frederick and Sarah Ann Rowcliffe (nee Duddridge) of
Volis, Kingston. He was born at Cheddon Fitzpaine and baptised in the local church on 12 April 1895.
After leaving school he became a labourer on a local farm. He appears in 1911 census as Herbert,
although both the birth and baptismal records give his name as Bertie. He was killed during the Battle of
the Somme and has no known grave.
Private Rowcliffe’s name appears on the Thiepval memorial, France
24
William Alfred SAMWAYS
Airman 1st class (Observer) 14262
49 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
Killed in Action
29 Nov 1917 aged 20
France
William Samways was the eldest son of Alfred Edward Samways, a shepherd on Lord Portman’s
estate, and his wife Flora (nee Watts) of 14 Volis, Kingston. He was born in Bishops Lydeard on 3
Nov 1897, educated at Dowlish Wake Elementary School and became an apprentice Electrical
Engineer.
He joined the Somerset Royal Horse Artillery (Territorial Force) and was called up on mobilization 5
Aug 1914; transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 9 Nov 1917 and was killed in aerial combat
during the fighting near Cambrai.
His Commanding Officer wrote expressing his regret at losing so promising a Gunner Observer and
so good a soldier who was genuinely popular and whose loss was regretted by officers and men
alike. A letter written and signed by six of his comrades stated that they would miss him as a
brother, for he always had a smile and a joke for everyone.
Airman Samways is buried in Cambrai East Military cemetery, France
Walter SAUNDERS
Private 16853
7th battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Died of wounds
19 May 1916 aged 33
Belgium
Husband of Annie Saunders of Nailsbourne He was born at Nether Stowey, his wife at Creech. It is
likely the couple, with their two young children, only moved to Nailsbourne in 1910. Both gave their
occupation as “cowman on farm” in the 1911 census.
On May 19 1916, after a month’s rest in Calais, the 7 SLI went back into the front line astride the Ypres-
Zonnebeke road and immediately came under heavy shell fire that continued through the night.
Private Saunders is buried in Potijze Cemetery, near Ypres.
25
Walter Edwin John SEALEY
Private 46688
11th battalion (Midland Pioneers) Leicestershire Regiment
formerly Royal Engineers
Died of wounds
15 Nov 1917 aged 36
London
The Sealey family had lived in Kingston since the early 18th century. Walter, a carpenter and joiner,
was the son of Albert and Mary Sealey of Yarford. He was born on 10 November 1881 and baptised
in St Mary’s, Kingston, the following month. He married Alice Best in her home town of Niton, Isle of
Wight, in 1908 and at the time of the census in 1911 he and Alice were living in Yarford. Alice died
in August 1916, at the age of 30. Her death was registered in the Isle of Wight. Walter died in King
George’s Hospital, Stamford Street, London, from a gunshot wound to the spine received in action
in France on October 27th 1917. He left a son, Albert Henry Sealey, aged 3 years, as an orphan.
Pte Sealey was buried in St John’s churchyard in Niton, Isle of Wight, his wife’s home town, where
his name appears on the war memorial.
Henry SHORT
Guardsman 21304
3rd battalion Grenadier Guards
Died of wounds
30 June 1916 aged 22
Belgium
Henry Short was born in Studley, near Calne, Wilts, the son of gardener Henry Short and his wife Isabel,
and baptised in Christ Church, Derry Hill, Wilts, on 16 Dec 1894.
At the time of the 1911 census Henry, then aged 16, was living with his parents in Rumsey House
Lodge, Calne, and working as a gardener. No known connection with Kingston but he enlisted in
Taunton and went to France with his regiment on 27 July 1915. It is likely he was wounded in the vicinity
of the Elverdinghe Chateau, north west of Ypres, which was occupied by the Guards Division. He was
taken to No 9 Field Ambulance station but they were unable to save him.
Guardsman Short is buried in Ferme-Oliver Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium.
26
Frederick SLOLEY
Private PLY/17415
188th Brigade Machine Gun Company, Royal Marine Light Infantry
Died of wounds
26 November 1916 aged 18
England
Frederick Sloley was the third son of William and Mary Sloley of Harrises Cottages, Hillcommon,
previously of Vine Cottage, Kingston, Frederick was a member of Kingston Scout troop and is one of two
former scouts commemorated by the lantern and plaque at the south gate of the churchyard.
When he enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 5 Oct 1914 his age was given as 17. In fact, he
was only 16. It is likely that like many other patriotic young men in the early stages of the war, he lied
about his age. The records show he was born in April 1898 and baptised in St Mary’s Church, Kingston,
the following month.
In August 1916, he suffered appendicitis. After treatment, he re-joined his unit in Sept 1916 and was
badly wounded on 13 Nov 1916. He was invalided to UK on 20 Nov 1916. He died in King George
Hospital, London, six days later as the result of gunshot wounds to the back, abdomen and spine.
Private Sloley is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard.
27
William Edward James SULLY Military Medal
Lance Corporal PLY/17696
2nd battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry
Killed in Action
26 October 1917 aged 20
Belgium
Walter Sully was born on 9 April 1897, the eldest son of Samuel and Mary Ann Sully (nee Pilton) of
Nailsbourne. He was baptised in 1 May in Kingston Church.
He enlisted on 16 Nov 1914, just months after the outbreak of war, and was part of the Mediterranean
Expeditionary Force that landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, on 21 October 1915.
His unit later deployed to the Western Front. He was listed as wounded, missing presumed dead during
the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). During this battle, he was awarded the Military Medal for
gallantry in the presence of the enemy (London Gazette 4/2/1918). He has no known grave.
Lance Corporal Sully’s name appears on the Memorial Wall at the Tyne Cot cemetery, Belgium.
John Charles TEMPLEMAN
Private 8146
1st battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in Action
26 August 1914 aged 25
France
John Templeman was born in Dinnington, near Hinton St George, the son of Charles and Charlotte
Templeman (nee Venn). At the time of the 1901 census he was staying with his maternal grandparents
in Staple Fitzpaine.
In 1911 he was serving with the Somerset Light Infantry and was stationed at Jellalabad Barracks in
Mount Street, Taunton. As a regular soldier, he would have been in the first drafts to France with the
British Expeditionary Force (BEF) almost immediately after the declaration of war ( Aug 4 1914).
The Somersets landed in France on Aug 23. Three days later they suffered heavy losses as they tried to
halt the German advance at Le Cateau, with 19 men killed, 150 wounded and 100 missing.
The Somerset Memorial Book, listing the thousands of soldiers from the county who died in WW1, gives
his home address as Kingston. His name also appears on the War Memorial Cross in the churchyard
and Book of Service in the church. But his connection with the village is unknown.
Private Templeman has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial.
This memorial, in north east France, commemorates the 3,740 officers and men of the BEF who fell in
the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne , between the end of August and early October
1914.
28
George TOTTERDELL
Guardsman 8014
1st battalion, Coldstream Guards
Killed in Action
14 Sept 1914 aged 24
France
George Totterdell was one of five children of thatcher Robert Gadd Totterdell and his wife Mary Jane
Totterdell (nee Hobbs) of Tetton Gate, Kingston. His father died in 1907. Four years later, at the time of
the 1911 census, George was serving with the Coldstream Guards in Victoria Barracks, Windsor. As a
serving trained soldier at the outbreak of war (4 Aug 1914), he would have been among the first to be
drafted to France to try to halt the advance by the Germans army which had far greater numbers and
was better equipped.
Guardsman Totterdell has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre
memorial in Seine-et-Marne, France.
Guardsman Totterdell’s medal card showing he arrived in France
on 13 August 1914 – just nine days after Britain declared war.
29
Frederick George TUCKER
Private 17568
F Company, 2nd battalion, Dorset Regiment
Killed in Action
25 March 1917 aged 19
Mesopotamia (now Iraq)
Frederick Tucker was the son of farm worker James and Annie Tucker (Eastment) of Tainfield Cottage,
Nailsbourne. Previously the family had lived in Soap House (on the Kingston to Taunton road).
Frederick was baptised in St Mary’s Church, Kingston, on 27 June 1897. After schooling, he worked as a
farm labourer and a gardener at Tetton House. Before the war he had been living in Bournemouth and
enlisted in Poole.
Private Tucker has no known grave. His name appears on the memorial at Basra, Iraq.
30
Frank WALFORD
Gunner 95552
248th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Died of wounds
4 October 1917 aged 37
in Belgium
Frank Walford was born in Spaxton, the son of the late Charles and Hannah Walford, and baptised in the
local church on 1 Feb 1880. He was given the names Francis Frederick and although he uses these
names on census documents, all the military records give his name as Frank. In 1901 he was living his
family at Peartwater, Spaxton, and working as a labourer on a farm. But by 1908 he had obtained a job
as a farm carter and on 4 November married Clara Crouch in Broomfield church. In 1911 they were
living in Culverhay Cottages, Wiveliscome, but sometime later moved to Nailsbourne.
He attested his willingness to serve in the army on 23 Feb 1916 in Taunton – when he was 35 years and
one month old, and was immediately placed on the reserve. He was called up on 5 June 1916 but
remained in the UK until 15 Feb 1917 when he was posted to France. His death occurred during the
Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele).
According to the records he suffered a shell wound with lacerations to the right thigh. He died in No 10
Casualty Clearing Station.
Gunner Walford is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
NOTE: According to Army records his widow Clara was given a pension of 26/6d (£1.35) a week to keep
herself and her three children, aged 7, 2 and one.
Frank WOODLEY
Lance Corporal 5604
2nd battalion Rifle Brigade
Killed in Action
9 May 1915 aged 17
France
Son of gardener Henry Woodley and his wife Lucy Emily (nee Venn) of 5 Alpha Cottages, Kingston St
Mary. Frank was born at Otterford, in the parish of Pitminster, and at the time of the census in 1911 was
working as a telegraph boy at the Post Office in Blagdon Hill. He enlisted in Hounslow, Middlesex.
According to his family, he lied about his age when he volunteered for military service. At the time of his
death he would have been only 17.
He was killed during the Battle of Aubers Ridge, south of Armentières in north east France, when his unit
was one of the lead battalions in the attack on well-prepared German positions. The British suffered
more than 11,000 casualties during the day, many of them killed within yards of their own front line.
Lance Corporal Woodley has no known grave. His name appears on the memorial at Ploegsteert,
Belgium
NOTE: His father Henry, aged 40, enlisted for Army service in December 1915, just six months after his
son’s death. He was placed on the reserve and eventually called up in July 1918 and posted to an Army
Service Corps Horse Transport unit. He did not serve outside the UK and was discharged in February
1919. His service record is stamped “No longer physically fit for war service” although it gives no reason.
31
SECOND WORLD WAR
1939-1945
The names of eight men from the parish who died in the
Second World War are inscribed on a plaque on the war
memorial in the churchyard.
Five of these men died while serving at sea, either in the
Royal Navy or as gunners on merchant ships. The youngest
was 19 years old.
32
James Lovelace BILLETT
Corporal 7946680
Royal Tank Regiment (RAC)
Killed in Action
23 January 1945 aged 22
Holland
James Billett was the son of John Billett and Fanny Elizabeth Billett (formerly Hake) of Kingston. Buried
in the Mook War cemetery, near Nijmegen. Most of those buried here were killed during the advance into
Germany during the winter months of 1944/1945
NOTE: His mother Fanny lost her first husband William Hake in WW1 (see earlier entry) and then
married John Billett, of Hob Lane, Kingston, in 1919. James Billett was the only child of her second
marriage which lasted just six years. Her second husband John Billett, a GWR railway porter, died in
1925. Family sources say he was struck by a lorry on December 25th and died the following day. Fanny
lived in Verbena Cottage, Kingston, for some years until her death in April 1957.
Marcus William FURZER
Able Seaman Gunner D/JX 528900
Royal Navy
Killed in action
16 August 1944 aged 19
off East Africa
Known as Billy, he was the son of Sidney and Edith V. Furzer (nee Berry) of Parks Cottages, Parsonage
Lane, Kingston, Somerset, and a nephew of the Furzer brothers who died in the First World War.
Initially he was based at HMS President III, a shore station beside the Thames that trained Royal Navy
gunners to serve aboard defensively equipped Merchant ships.
He was serving as a gunner on the 7,037 ton steam ship Empire Lancer which was sailing unescorted
from Durban to the UK via Aden carrying a cargo of copper and military stores. She was torpedoed and
sunk by U boat U-862 off Mozambique. Forty-two of her 79 crew died. The 37 survivors landed in
Portuguese East Africa ten days later.
AB Furzer’s name appears on Plymouth Naval Memorial commemorating those with no known grave,
most deaths having occurred at sea.
33
Robert Gairdner
Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Artillery
Killed
14 March 1944 aged 39
London
Robert Gairdner was the husband of Anne Savile Gairdner (nee Bailey) of Kingston Manor (married
1940).
Born in 1904, he was the son of Charles Dalrymple Gairdner and Beatrice Mary Gairdner (nee Ballock),
and was educated at Charterhouse and Cambridge. He became a stockbroker in Glasgow, where he
held a Territorial Army commission and rose to command the 80th Lowland Field Regiment, Royal
Artillery.
While serving in France, he was mentioned in despatches. He returned to this country to a staff post and
was killed in London during an air raid.
Lt Col Gairdner is buried in St Mary’s churchyard, Kingston St Mary, south-west of the church tower and
is also commemorated by a window in the north aisle of the church.
34
Max Frederic ISAAC
Lieutenant Royal Navy
HMS Cossack
Killed in action
23 October 1941 aged 31
in the Mediterranean
Max Isaac was born in Birkenhead in Cheshire, the eldest child of marine surveyor Gilbert J. Isaac and
his wife Florence. In the Royal Naval Reserve List, he is shown as a midshipman in 1926, a sub
lieutenant in 1931 and a lieutenant in 1934.
He was married on April 12 1938 at Christ Church, Radyr, Cardiff, to Stella Corner, whose father
Harry Corner, a wholesale clothier with a business in Taunton, bought Larch Cottage, Kingston St
Mary, for the couple who are seen in the photograph enjoying a pre-war stroll along an unknown
promenade.
In October 1941 Lt Isaac was serving aboard HMS Cossack, a destroyer on convoy escort duties in the
Mediterranean when she was torpedoed by a U-boat. A total of 159 crew died and 29 were injured.
Cossack remained afloat but sank the next day.
Lt Isaac’s name appears on Portsmouth Naval Memorial commemorating those who have no known
grave because they died at sea.
Following her husband’s death Stella Isaac continued to live alone in Larch Cottage (on the left just
past Quantock Rise on the road between Mill Cross and Upper Cheddon) until she moved into a
residential home in Bishops Hull where she died in January 2011.
35
Foster Moverley (Peter) McRAE
Surgeon Lieutenant
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
HMS. Mahratta
Killed in Action
25 February 1944 aged 28
Barentz Sea, off northern Norway
Son of Sydney Spencer Redgrave McRae and Sophie Moverley McRae. Peter McRae was an
accomplished cricketer who played 25 times for Somerset between 1936 and 1939. A right-handed
batsman he scored 972 runs including one century and four 50s.
Born in Buenos Aires, where his father had business interests, he came to England with his mother and
older sister Sheila in 1919. He went to school at Christ’s Hospital (1926-34) before studying medicine at
St Mary’s in London.
With his parents abroad much of the time, many of his holidays were spent in Kingston, staying with the
Vicar, the Rev Percy Shattock and his wife Ethel who treated him as an “adopted” son. It is possible the
Vicar was a distant relative since his father also had the unusual forename of Foster.
HMS Mahratta was escorting an Arctic convoy when she was attacked by a German U boat and sank off
northern Norway. Although other ships were quickly on the scene, there were only 16 survivors - 220
crew lost their lives in the freezing Barentz Sea.
In “1941–1945 The Arctic Lookout”, Noel Simon recounts the story of McRae's actions after the sinking:
“Having managed to climb onto one of the few Carley floats to have come through the sinking, he set
about hauling the others aboard. The float soon became overcrowded. Remarking almost casually:
‘There's not enough room for us all’ the doctor slipped over the side into the sea and was never seen
again.”
Lt McRae’s name appears on Plymouth Naval Memorial.
36
Albert Thomas NATION
Leading Stoker D/KX 91438 Royal Navy
HMS Trinidad
Killed in Action
14 May 1942 aged 25
Albert Nation was the son of George and Anne Nation (nee Bond) of Fulford, Kingston; husband of Betty
Maud Nation (nee Holland) of Plymouth.
While on Arctic convoy HMS Trinidad, a light cruiser, was badly damaged during an engagement with
German destroyers when she was hit by one of her own torpedoes which had a faulty gyro system. After
it was launched, the torpedo went in a wide arc and returned to hit Trinidad killing 32 men. The ship
managed to limp into Murmansk for temporary repairs. Sailing back to UK, under escort and at reduced
speed, Trinidad was attacked by dive bombers and sank on 15 May.
Leading Stoker Nation’s name appears on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Francis Richard VILLIS
Sergeant 5670432
7th battalion Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps
Killed in Action
7 June 1944, aged 31
France
Francis Villis was the son of wood sawyer Francis Henry Villis and his wife Edith Maud Villis (n ee
Slocombe). He was born at Stogursey in December 1913 and baptised the following month. He was
married to Kathleen Jessie Villis (nee Kerton) of Kingston, Somerset.
The 7th battalion Parachute Regt (which had been formed in 1942 from the 10th Somerset Light Infantry)
parachuted into Normandy just after midnight on D Day (6th June). Their task was to relieve the glider-
borne troops who had captured the bridges across the river Orne and the Caen Canal.
They successfully defended the bridges from repeated German attacks despite being understrength
because many of their men and much equipment had been dropped miles away from the target. They
were eventually relieved in the early hours of 7th June having lost 19 killed and 36 wounded.
Sergeant Villis is buried in Hermanville Cemetery.
37
John WELCH
Gunner 4268877
1/1 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery
Died 30 July 1942 aged 26
at sea
John Welch was born in Durham, the son of Benjamin Archibald and Jane Welch (nee Nixon). He was
married to Beatrice Mary Welch (nee Nation) of Kingston, Somerset.
He joined the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers but transferred to RA and trained as a gunner on
Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (DEMS). Of the 14,000 army gunners who served at sea
protecting the ships that brought essential supplies to Britain, at least 1,236 lost their lives. His death is
officially recorded as being “at sea” but it is not known on which ship he was serving.
Gunner Welch’s name appears on Portsmouth Naval Memorial commemorating those with no known
grave.
NOTE: His wife Beatrice Mary was the sister of Albert Thomas Nation (see previous page). In the space
of three months she lost her husband and brother
38
The Roll of Service
Having erected the Memorial Cross to commemorate those who died in the First World War
(1914-1919), it was decided to compile a book giving the names of all those from Kingston
St Mary who served in the armed forces or were involved in war work.
The Roll of Service was ordered in July 21 1923 at a cost of £3 15 shllings (£3.75). Bound
in a soft leather cover and hand written on parchment, the book contains the names of
more than 200 villagers, including nine women. The names of the fallen are denoted by a
red asterisk.
One or two of the names are out of alpabetical order or have been added later and the
wrong Clemow brother was marked as having died. A pencil circle in the original book
marks the error.
The frontispiece of the list is reproduced here – with a typed list of the names put into the
correct order. A key to the regiments is given at the end.
39
* Asterisk marks the names of the fallen
Abbott, Robert SLI
Ackland, Francis WSY
Arnold, Frederick OTC.
*Arnold, Geoffrey SLI.
Arnold, Reginald ASC
Berry, Bertie RN
Berry, Charles WSY
Berry, Edgar RGA
Berry, Fred RN
Berry, Henry RDC
Berry, Jack KOLI
Berry, Marcus W Yorks
*Berry, Percy RN
Bickham, Reginald SLI
Bidgood, Harry SLI
Bidgood, Herbert ASC
Biffen, Alfred WSY
Billett, Charles Canadians
Billing, Archibald WSY
*Billing, Charles, SLI
Billing, William R. Vety Corps
Bishop, Alfred, Hants
Bishop, Clifford, SLI
Bishop, William, Berks
*Blackmore, Wilfred, WSY
Bond, Charles SLI
Bowering, Cyril WSY
Bowering, William, Norfolk Y
Bradbury, Claude WSY
*Briggs, William SLI
Bromfield, Harry R Vety Corps
Bryer, George WSY
Burford, Frederick Worcesters
Burrows, Jack SLI
Burrows, Mark SLI
Burrows, Stanley ASC
Buswell, Martin SLI
Butter, Charles RGA
Caddick, Charles SLI
Caddick, Frederick SLI
Caddick, George SLI
Carnall, Frederick RE
Chamberlain, Thomas Worcesters
* Chidgey, Arthur SLI
Chidgey, James SLI
Chipling, William Devons
Clemow, Don NZMGC
*Clemow, Sidney NZR
Clermow, William RNVR
Coles, Samuel RE
Court, Frank DCLI
Court, John WSY
Curry, James, Rifle BDE
Daly, William RN
*Dicks, Victor SLI
40
*Dykes, Daniel ASC
Eden, Frederick (MBE) Mil Mission
Ewins, Henry SLI
Farmer, Frederick RHA
Farmer, George SLI
* Ferris, Edward SLI
Foyle, Frederick ASC
Foyle, Percy Dorsets
Fudge, George RGA
Fudge, Gilbert SLI
Fudge, Joseph Worcesters
Fudge, William RGA
Furzer, Bert SLI
Furzer, Ernest RMLI
Furzer, Harry DCLI
* Furzer, Reginald US Army
Furzer, Sidney (MM) Rifle Bde
* Furzer, William Canadians
Gamblin, Albert ASC
*Gamblin, Ernest SLI
Gamblin, Henry SLI
*Gault, Anderson Gren Gds
*Gillett, William WSY
Greed, Edmund WSY
Greed, Francis SLI
Grunter, Herbert RN
Hake, Frank RN
Hake, Jack, Cycle Corps
*Hake, William, Leinsters
Haste, John, RGA
Hawkings, Louis, RNAS
Hawkins, Lawrence, Glosters
Hawkins, William SLI
*Hayes, Charles SLI
Hayes, Robert SLI
Hole, Charles, Worcesters
Holley, Stanley RFA
Holley, William, Devons
Hooper, George ASC
Hosegood, William ASC
Humphris, Frederick Irish Gds
Hurford, Edward WSY
*Hurford, Gilbert Middx
Hurley, Gilbert RE
Huxley, Henry RFA
Huxman, William RGA
Jarvis, William RAF
*Kidner, Frederick Qn’s Westm R
Kidner, William RE
Knowles, Tom DCLI
Knowles, William DCLI
Leach, Daniel RAMC
Leach, Egerton WSY
Leach, Frank RAMC
Leach, Stanley WSY
Leakey, Albert RAMC
Leakey, Frank RAMC
Leakey, Harold 11th Hussars
Leatherby, William SLI
Lowman, Cecil RN
Lowman, Gilbert RN
Lowman, Hubert WSY
*Lowman, William RMLI
41
Lyddon, Herbert SLI
*Lye, William ASC
Manning, Fred Hants
Marks, Sydney WSY
Matravers, Samuel ASC
Matthews, John SLI
Mears, Edward Canadians
Mears, William Canadians
*Miles, William WSY
Mountstephens, Charles SLI
Nowles, Frederick SLI
Nutting, Harry SLI
Palfrey, Albert RE
Palfrey, Alfred RMLI
Palfrey, Ben SLI
Palfrey, Edward 6th DG
Palfrey, Eland, Devons
*Palfrey, Frank ASC
Palfrey, Harry RGA
Palfrey, James, ASC
Palfrey, Leslie RE
Palfrey, Sidney SLI
Parsons, Frank MP
Parsons, Harry ASC
Parsons, William Devons
Perrott, Thomas RN
Phillips, Frank RAMC
Pollard, Henry Devons
Porter, Charles SLI
Pugsley, Frederick WSY
Pugsley, Harry Australians
Pursey, Sidney Herts
*Ring, William DCLI
*Rowcliffe, Bertie Berks
Rowcliffe, Charles SLI
Rowcliffe, Ernest WSY
Rowcliffe, Frederick ASC
Rowcliffe, Joseph RE
Salisbury, Arthur SLI
*Samways, William RFC
Saunders, Ernest, RDC
*Saunders, Walter SLI
*Sealey, George RE
Selway, Harry RFA
Short, Henry Gren Gds
*Sloley, Frederick RMLI
Sloley, Walter SLI
Sloley, William Cycle Corps
Sly, Edward Red Cross
Smitheram Cecil, Rifle Bde
Smitheram, John WSY
Spear, James SALH
Spear, Stanley SALH
Spear, William WSY
Steevens, William RN
Sully, John Devon
*Sully, William (MM) RMLI
Sydenham, John Worcesters
Tantum, George Life Gds
Tantum, Mortimer RASC
Tavener, John SLI
*Templeman, John SLI
Thomas, Albert Devons
Thomas, Fred RAMC
42
Thomas, James ASC
Thomas, Robert SLI
Thomas, William Devons
Totterdell, Frank WSY
*Totterdell, George Coldstream Gds
Totterdell, Harry Coldstream Gds
Totterdell, James Berks
Totterdell, Robert Devons
Totterdell, William Canadians
Tottle, John RNR
Treeby, Henry SLI
*Tucker, Fred Dorsets
Tucker, Harry WSY
Tucker, Leonard WSY
Tucker, Sidney RAMC
Tucker, Reginald, RFA
Walford, Frank RGA
Walsh, Theobald Lomax SLI
Warren, Leonard SLI
Wells, Alfred 9th Lancers
White, Edward RN
White, Edward G SLI
White, ErnestRE
White, Robert Gren Gds
Wilson-Steele, John Chaplain
*Woodley, Frank Rifle Bd
Woodley, Harry ASC
Wyatt, Henry RMLI
Yandle, Henry RMLI
Yandle, Walter Hussars
Young, Herbert ASC
Women’s Auxiliary Forces
Kidner, Sybil, VAD
Leakey, Mabel, WAAC
Mear, Dorothy, WAAC
Palfrey, Lilian, WRAF
Platt, Edith, VAD (France)
Platt, Evelyn, VAD
Platt, Mabel, VAD
Smitheram, Mabel, Munitions
Thurstan, Violetta, MM, Br Red Cross
43
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
The information in this booklet has come from many sources, including: -
Soldiers Died in the Great War (1914-1918)
Somerset County Memorial Book 1914-1919
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Royal British Legion: Roll of Honour
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls
British Army WW1 Service Records
UK Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects 1901-1929
Birth, Marriage and Death Registers
Parish Registers
Census returns 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911
The 1939 Register
Somerset Light Infantry 1914-1919 (Everard Wyrall)
Book of Remembrance 5th Battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset LI
Absent Voters Taunton 1919
Newspaper archives
ASC = Army Service Corps RGA = Royal Garrison Artillery
DCLI – Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry RHA = Royal Horse Artillery
KOLI = King’s Own Light Infantry RMLI = Royal Marine Light Infantry
MP = Military Police RN = Royal Navy
NZMGC = New Zealand Machine Gun Corps RNR = Royal Navy Reserve
NZR = New Zealand Regt SALH = South African Light Horse
OTC = Officer Training Corps SLI = Somerset Light Infantry
RAMC = Royal Army Medical Corps VAD = Voluntary Aid Detachment
RE = Royal Engineers WAAC = Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps
RFA = Royal Field Artillery WRAF = Women’s Royal Air Force
RFC = Royal Flying Corps WSY = West Somerset Yeomanry
44
ADDENDUM
Nursing Sister Violetta THURSTAN MM
British Red Cross Society
Violetta Thurstan appears in the parish’s Roll of Service in WW1. It is not known whether she ever
lived in the village although she visited friends, including Miss Eden at the Grange, and played a
part in local events.
At the opening of the village hall in 1923 thanks were given to Miss Violetta Thurstan and Miss Eden for their donation of the “very charming and artistic pictures which grace the walls.” Violetta Thurstan achieved national fame as a Red Cross nurse in the First World War. Born Anna
Violet Thurstan in Ore, Sussex, on 4 Feb 1879, the daughter of Dr. Edward Paget Thurstan and
Anna Wilhelmina Reid, she trained as a nurse at The London Hospital and The Children’s Hospital,
Shadwell.
She went to Belgium early in the Great War and was subsequently ordered by the Germans to
leave Brussels when it fell. She then volunteered to worked with the Russian Red Cross. While
treating a wounded soldier she was hit in the leg by shrapnel and returned to England to
convalesce. During this time, she wrote a book of wartime experiences, Field Hospital and Flying
Column.
She returned to Belgium to become matron of a hospital at De Panne, only five miles from the front,
dealing with severe cases straight from the trenches. In 1917 she moved to a dressing station in a
farmhouse at Coxyde. When this building was bombed, despite being concussed by falling
masonry, she continued to evacuated the patients for which she was given the Military Medal.
In later life she moved to Cornwall, became an expert weaver and promoted the use of vegetable dyes, writing a book on the subject. She died at Penryn in 1978.
45
Jack Wilfrid GILL
Major
51st Royal Tank Regiment
Killed in Action
4 September 1944 aged 33
Italy
Although he does not appear on the village memorial Jack Gill had a very close family association
with the parish because his father and step-mother lived at Nailsbourne.
Jack Gill was born in Taunton, the only child of schoolmaster Edwin “Ted” Gill, who was deputy
head of Priory Boys School, and his wife May (Salmon). While he was still at school, his mother died
and his father married Betty Wolfenden and they moved to Orchard Cottage, Nailsbourne.
His son went on to Taunton School where he was Head Boy and won a scholarship to Bristol
University which he represented at rugby and cricket. On graduating, he became the history and
games master at the West Central School in Bath. A year later, in 1937, he married Evelyn
Moggridge, whose father was head of local building contractors TH Moggridge and Sons.
With the outbreak of war, he volunteered to join the Army and was commissioned in July 1941 and
posted to the 51st Royal Tank Regiment (RTR). He was promoted Lieutenant in 1943 and sailed
with the regiment to North Africa. After being hit by shrapnel at Pichon in Tunisia he was treated in a
military hospital and returned to his regiment which in April 1944 landed in Italy and was involved in
the ferocious battles to take Monte Casino and break the German’s defensive Adolf Line. For his
part in this action he was mentioned in despatches.
On 3 September he led his squadron in an attack on the Gothic Line, near Rimini. They successfully
crossed two rivers but had to remain on the objective all day, waiting for support. At night they
pulled back to the reverse side of the crest. He was out of his tank and talking to his second-in-
command when a shell landed in the tank harbour and killed both of them.
Major Gill, who left a wife and two daughters Barbara and Judith “Vicky”, is buried at Gradara
Cemetery, near Rimini. His name appears on the war memorials in Vivary Park, Taunton School
and the Temple Methodist Church.