Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project 2104

A - C

The following pages (A through to Z) are being added to when information comes in, latest are gravestone images. Since I posted all this information, others hard work, in here we have reached the year 2018 and all that signifies to those who gave the ultimate for our continued freedom. But 100 years later, even that is now being undermined. Did they die in vain?

JAMES ADCOCK.

James Adcock was killed in action on 27 September 1917 in Palestine, aged 32. He was buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Palestine, Plot XXIV A13. He is commemorated on the Birmingham Roll of Honour – James Adcock, Private Norfolk Regiment. He is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial. He is also commemorated on the Whitehouse Common Roll of Honour held at St Chad’s Church, Hollyfield Road Sutton Coldfield.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals K/1/102 page 17

James Adcock was the son of Charles and Sarah Adcock.

James Adcock was the husband of Florence Adcock formerly Canning

The marriage of James Adcock and Florence Canning was registered September 1910 Aston 6d 735

James and Florence Adcock resided at Oxleys Road, Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield according to the Electoral Rolls for 1914/1915

1911 census “Poplar Cottages”, Falsborough Lane, Erdington

James Adcock M 26 Farm labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Florence Adcock M 25 Married 1 year with 2 children b Loxley, Warks

Florence Adcock 3 b Sutton Coldfield

James Adcock 3 months old b Erdington

1901 census “Langley Pool Cottage”, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Adcock M 63 Hedge cutter and fence maker b Wishaw

Sarah Adcock M 55 b Wishaw

Jane Adcock U 25 b Sutton Coldfield

James Adcock 16 Domestic gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Bernard Adcock 12 b Sutton Coldfield

In 1891 the Adcock family lived in the Town centre near to Holy Trinity Church

 


THE SCROLL OF JAMES ADCOCK

THE GREAT, GREAT GRANDSONS OF JAMES ADCOCK

Kindly contributed by David Wilkes, great grandson of James Adcock


The boys were photographed in 2008 -  495 Squadron Air Cadets, Sutton Coldfield

ERNEST ALDRIDGE

Ernest Aldridge was born in Lichfield and enlisted at St Pancras Middlesex with the East Kent Regiment 7th Battalion (BUFFS). At the time he enlisted, he resided at Cadishead, Manchester. He gained the positions of Company Sergeant Major and Acting Warrant Officer - G/870

He was killed in action on 12 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 27.

He died during the first battle of Passchendaele when his company was attacking Poelcapelle. The temperature was 55 degrees F and there was 7.9 mm of rain that day. According to a letter sent from the front after he died, he had been shot by a sniper. He had been wounded in his left shoulder and elbow by shrapnel in July 1916 and returned to the front in March 1917.” (P.D.D.)

Ernest Aldridge had no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 17 at Ypres.

Ernest Aldridge is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church Memorial

He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals E/2/102 B page 78 and 1915 Star Medal E/2/2 B1 page 6.

He entered France on 28 July 1915 and was killed in action 12 October 1917.

Army Service Record

Ernest Aldridge was born in 1890 in Lichfield. He was 24 years old when he enlisted on 6 September 1914 with the BUFFS – East Kent Regiment at St Pancras Middlesex. His occupation was a dining car attendant with the Midland Railway Company. He was 5’ 7 ½” tall and had brown hair and eyes.

He was attached to the 7th Battalion on 9 September 1914. He was appointed as Lance Corporal on 11 November 1914 then promoted to Corporal on 20 February 1915. He became an unpaid Lance Sergeant on 27 April 1915 then a paid Lance Corporal on 29 May 1916. He was promoted to Sergeant on 1 July 1916 (First day of the Battle of the Somme).


He was wounded in action by a gun- shot wound to the shoulder on 13 July 1916 and was sent to England on 15 July 1916. He was reposted to the 3rd Battalion on 29 September 1916 then to the 1st Battalion on 4 March 1917 then to the 7th Battalion on 24 March 1917. He was appointed as Acting Company Sergeant Major on 7 May 1917 and then killed in action on 12 October 1917. His service with the British Expeditionary Force in France was from 28 July 1915 to 15 July 1916 and 4 March 1917 to 12 October 1917. His pension value was 3 years and 37 days. The service record shows that he was a married man. His wife was listed as Emily Howard of 152 Liverpool Road, Cadishead in Lancashire. They were married on 2 September 1916 at Hollinfair, Lancaster.

The marriage of Ernest Aldridge and Emily Howard was registered September of 1916 at Warrington 8c 250.

However, the service record later shows that he had no wife and that his next of kin and blood relatives were as follows: widow – none; father – none; mother Mary Aldridge of 13 Holland Street Sutton Coldfield; children – none; brothers Charles Aldridge of 15 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield, Frederick Aldridge of 24 Nelson Avenue, Portsmouth; Robert Aldridge of 22 Stokenchurch Street, Fulham and sisters Nellie Lewis of 3 Cape Road, St Albans and Alice Aldridge of 13 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield.

There was no trace of Emily Aldridge or Emily Howard after 1917 so it is not known what became of her.

Ernest Aldridge was the youngest son of the late Joseph and of Mary Aldridge.

"His mother resided at 13 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield. He went to school at Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield and prior to enlisting had worked as a dining car attendant for the Midland Railway Company. He had married in September 1916.”   (Sutton Coldfield News 1.12.1917)

1901 census 2 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield

Joseph Aldridge M 51 Carpenter b Lichfield

Mary Aldridge M 53 b Smalley, Derbyshire

Arthur Aldridge U 20 Carpenter b Lichfield

Frederick Aldridge U 17 Carpenter b Lichfield

Robert Aldridge 13 b Lichfield

Ernest Aldridge 10 b Lichfield

Mary Bishop W 25 Daughter b Lichfield

Esther Bishop 1 Grand -daughter b Astley, Warwickshire

1911 census 11 Springfield Place, Leeds (boarding in the household of Martha Jobbing, widow 81)

Ernest Aldridge U 20 Boarder Waiter at Midland Hotel b Lichfield

1911 census 22 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield

Mary Aldridge W 63 Private means b Smalley

Alice Aldridge U 25 Daughter Dressmaker own account b Lichfield

1911 census Beyham Abbey, Lamberhurst, Sussex - in the employ of John Charles Pratt, Marquis of Camden

Robert Aldridge U 25 Footman b Lichfield

Army Service Record for Robert Aldridge

Attached to Ernest Aldridge’s service record was a letter was sent from the Regimental Offices in London to Mr P Aldridge of 28 Saville Road, Lindfield in West Sussex outlining the military history above.

Mr P Aldridge must have also enquired about Robert Aldridge and was referred to the Scots Guards Office at Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Road, London. Robert Aldridge enlisted with the Scots Guards on 8 December 1914 at Fulham – Private Number 15694

He was aged 28, worked as a butler, was married and lived at 46 Bovingham Road, Fulham. He was 5’ 11” tall with a 34 inch chest. His next of kin was Gertrude Aldridge. She was formerly Gertrude Farmer, a spinster and they had married on 8 August 1914 at Flitcham (Norfolk). No children were recorded on the records.

Robert was transferred on 9 December 1914 to the Army Reserve. If he was to be mobilised he would serve with the Scots Guards Reserve, Class B – Private 15694. It appears that he did some kind of service as he was wounded in action on 16 September 1918 in his left shoulder (place of action was not stated). He was discharged on 24 September 1919 with three years and 115 days service.

Robert Aldridge died in London in 1925

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals S9/104 page 47

FRANK LESLIE ALLDAY

Frank Leslie Allday was born in Birmingham and enlisted at Peterborough with the Northamptonshire Regiment 7th Battalion - Private 14735. He was killed in action on 25 September 1915 (France & Flanders), aged 32. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. No military history could be found for Frank Leslie Allday online.

Frank Leslie Allday was commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose, St James Church)

Frank L Allday was also commemorated on the King Edward Grammar School Aston Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

Frank Leslie Allday was the son of Richard and Adelaide Allday of “Braeside”, Thornhill Road, Streetly.

1911 census Thorps Lea Road, Peterborough

Richard Allday M 47 District Manager – retail butchers b Birmingham

Charles Richard Allday U 20 Student b Birmingham

Helen Dorothy Allday U 18 b Birmingham

Frank Leslie Allday 15 Student b Birmingham

Lucy Turner U 18 General servant b Peterborough

1911 census “Hazlecroft”, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield

Charles James Hashton M 26 House builder – employer b Hill, Sutton Coldfield

Frances Norah Hashton M 23 Married under one year b Aston

Adelaide Allday M 46 Mother in law b Birmingham

In 1911, it appears that his parents lived apart but it is not known if they had permanently separated by this time. Adelaide Allday recorded that she had been married for 25 years and had four children, all alive.

1901 census 64 St Peter’s Road, Handsworth

Richard Allday M 37 Butcher – employee b Birmingham

Adelaide Allday M 36 b Birmingham

Frances Norah Allday 13 b Birmingham

Charles Richard Allday 10 b Birmingham

Helen Dorothy Allday 8 b Birmingham

Frank Leslie Allday 5 b Birmingham

On the 1918 Electoral Roll, it seems that Richard Allday lived at “Cremorne Lodge” Cremorne Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield.

Richard Allday died in 1934 aged 70 at Sutton Coldfield, so he did return to the area.

However, it appears that the address given for Frank Leslie Allday at the time he died in 1915, which was “Braeside”, was the address used by his mother up to her death in 1942.

Her Will was proved in Birmingham in 1942. Adelaide Allday of “Braeside”, Thornhill Road, Streetly, widow died on 1.4.1942 at 117 Gravelly Hill North, Erdington. Effects: £182 6s 10d

HENRY EWART GLADSTON ALLEN SHUKER – served as ALLEN


This person proved hard to trace. There was no obvious link to Sutton Coldfield. Patricia McCormack, librarian at Sutton Coldfield Library made the link to Henry Ewart Gladstone Allen Shuker who served as Allen. It is possible that he did live in Sutton Coldfield prior to the outbreak of war.

Henry Ewart Gladstone Allen Shuker – served as Allen enlisted at Stratford in Essex with the Worcestershire Regiment 4th Battalion – Private 11891.

Henry Allen died of wounds on 19 May 1915 at Gallipoli. He was buried at the Port Said Cemetery in Egypt.  He had previously served in the army and was in service when hostilities broke out in 1914.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B page 62 and the 1915 Star Medal L/5 B page 3

He had entered the Balkans theatre of war on 24 April 1915.

Henry Ewart Gladstone Allen Shuker was the son of the late William Allen Shuker and Ada Bent, formerly Carter

The birth of Henry Ewart Gladstone Shuker was registered March 1894 Wolverhampton 6b 650

The marriage of William Shuker and Ada Edith Carter was registered December 1897 Wolverhampton 6b 973

The marriage of Ada Shuker and George Bent was registered June 1899 Birmingham 6d 248

Henry Ewart Gladstone Allen Shuker was not found on the 1911 census but it seems he was possibly serving in the army by then.

His mother, Ada Bent was living in Birmingham

1911 census 59 Dawson Street, Birmingham

George Bent M 73 Stoker b Birmingham

Ada Hannah Bent M 45 Married 11 years -3 children b Hampton in Arden

James Bent 10 b Birmingham

George Bent 6 b Birmingham

Marion Bent 4 b Birmingham

Mary Ann Shuker 15 Step daughter Capstan lathe worker b Birmingham

Lottie Shuker 13 Step daughter b Birmingham

1901 census 14 Warwick Street, Aston

George Bent M 61 Stationery engine driver b Birmingham

Ada Bent M 35 b Ditto

Walter Bent U 20 Son Cycle worker b Ditto

Nellie Shuker 14 Step daughter b Ditto

Elsie Shuker 11 Step daughter b Wolverhampton

William Shuker 9 Stepson b Wolverhampton

Harry Shuker 7 Stepson b Wolverhampton

Ada Shuker 5 Step daughter b Birmingham

Lottie Shuker 3 Step daughter b Birmingham

1891 census Bridge Street, Wednesfield near Wolverhampton

William Shuker M 44 Bricklayer b Wellington, Salop

Ada Shuker M 24 b Barston, Warks

Jennie A Shuker 4 b Birmingham

Florence A Shuker 2 b Birmingham

Elsie A Shuker 3 months old b Wolverhampton

The death of William Allen Shuker was registered December 1898 Aston 6d 178 aged 51

JOSEPH ANDREWS

Joseph Andrews was born in 1894 at Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire and was a resident of Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1914 - Rifleman 53475. He was transferred to the Dorset Regiment – Private 13308 and then to the Royal Irish Rifles - Rifleman 10069. Joseph Andrews was killed in action on 16 June 1918 in Salonika. He was buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery in Palestine, Plot U.41. He went to Salonika in 1915 where he was wounded. He came back to England and upon recovery was again sent to Salonika (according to a letter received from his Lieutenant – Colonel).  "He was killed by a shell on 16 June 1918, aged 26. Death was instantaneous.” (Sutton Coldfield News 31.8.1918)

Joseph Andrews is commemorated on the Whitehouse Common Roll of Honour held at St Chad’s Church, Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals B/104 B11 page 1609 and 1915 Star Medal B/4C page 2

Joseph Andrews was the son of Mr and Mrs William Andrews of 20 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield.

In memory of Private J Andrews, No 2 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield of the Royal Irish Rifles who was killed in action on 16 June 1918”.  (In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 21.6.1918)

Prior to enlisting he was employed by Mr Hargraves of Langley Heath Farm.

1911 census Little Hay, Lichfield

William Andrews M 43 Farm labourer b Fazeley

Alice Andrews M 43 Married 22 years – 9 children b Caldecott, Warks

William Andrews U 21 b Fazeley

Joseph Andrews U 19 b Drayton Bassett

Elizabeth Andrews 15 b Bonehill

John Andrews 12 b Bonehill

Walter Andrews 10 b Bonehill

Mary Andrews 7 b Bonehill

Sarah Andrews 4 b Tamworth

Mabel Andrews 4 months old b Little Hay, Staffs

John Andrews is commemorated on the Whitehouse Common Roll of Honour held at St Chad’s Church, Hollyfield Road Sutton Coldfield.

John Andrews was listed as a Private in the Hampshire Regiment.

However, records were found for seven men called John Andrews who served in the Hampshire Regiment so it was not possible to identify which record was correct.

RICHARD SIDNEY ANGELL Military Medal

Richard Sidney Angell was born in Witton, Aston and enlisted in August 1914 at Birmingham with the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 2nd Battalion and later the 5th Battalion – Lance Sergeant 11543.  He was killed in action on 3 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 21. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He is also commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial and the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B page 72 and the 1915 Star Medal L/4B page 72

Richard Sidney Angell Private 11543 entered the France & Flanders Theatre on 7 April 1915.

It also appears that Richard Sidney Angell was awarded the Military Medal.

The Military Medal Level 3 Gallantry Award was given for gallantry and devotion to duty when under fire in battle on land. On the reverse of the medal is inscribed “For Bravery in the Field”. People awarded this medal could use MM after their names. (National Archives WO 372/1/96690)

Richard Angell was seriously wounded whilst bringing back a wounded comrade from the front and was in England for four months. Once back on the front, he was fatally wounded in 1917. His parents were informed that he was seriously wounded. (SDBD)

Richard Sidney Angell was the son of Richard and Mary Angell

Prior to enlisting, he was employed as a toolmaker for Messrs Perry & Co, Lancaster Street, Steel Pen & Motor Car Manufacturers.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 22.5.1915)

He was educated at Town School Sutton Coldfield. He was a member of the Boldmere Swimming Club and the Aston Water Polo Club.” (Sutton Coldfield News 14.10.1916)

1911 census Walmley Road, Sutton Coldfield

Richard Angell M 44 Barometer maker b Aston

Mary Angell M 42 Married 16 years -2 children b Sutton Coldfield

Richard Sidney Angell 15 b Witton, Aston

Ernest Frederick Angell 12 b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest Frederick Angell

Ernest Angell enlisted on 25 April 1915 with the Royal Army Medical Corps at Birmingham – Private 12262. He was 18 years and 25 days old. He was single and worked as a tool setter. He was 5’9” tall, weighed 126 pounds and had a chest measurement of 36”.  He had a fresh complexion, brown hair and eyes. His next of kin was his father, Richard Sidney Angell of ‘Oak Villa’, Walmley Road, Sutton Coldfield. He was initially declared fit to serve and was sent to Aldershot on 27 April 1915. However, he was discharged from the army on 14 May 1915 on medical grounds. It seems that he had a severe variocele, a painful enlargement of the scrotum.

HARRY CLEMENTS ANSELL


Photograph from the Ansell’s Brewery history website


Harry Clements Ansell was not included on the Sutton Coldfield War Memorial but was commemorated on the St James the Great, Hill Roll of Honour and by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It has therefore been decided to add him to the men who lost their lives as a result of the Great War. Commonwealth War Graves Commission Citation - Remembered with honour at St James the Great, Hill, Sutton Coldfield.  Harry Clements Ansell, Second Lieutenant, MT Royal Army Service Corps died 9 May 1920. Harry Clement Ansell was the son of Edward and Mary Ansell of “Moor Hall”, Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Winifred Mary Ansell of “Hollyfield”, Sutton Coldfield.  Harry Clements Ansell is commemorated on the Ansell’s Brewery Ltd., Roll of Honour that is reproduced in the “Birmingham City Battalions” Book which was edited by Sir William H Bowater, Honorary Colonel of the 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment and published in 1919. Here are the entries for the Ansell family members.

ANSELL HC ASC, MT

ANSELL AE ASC, MT (Albert Edward)

ANSELL A RAF

Albert Edward Ansell South Staffordshire Regiment ASC, T Captain was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/1/8 page 9 and the 1915 Star Medal OFF/157 page 22. He entered France in March 1915.

Army Medal Roll

The only medal card found for Harry Clements Ansell shows that he was enlisted with the 2nd East Kent Regiment Private G24797 and Royal Sussex Regiment L/13235 which does not correspond with the information that he was with the Royal Army Service Corps, but his service records were not found. It could be that he was transferred and was promoted.

The above man was awarded the Victory and British Medals E/2/101 B25 page 5332

There was another index card for Harry Ansell who was serving with the RASC T2/016624 class 2 and entered Egypt on 13 August 1915.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RASC/101/B12 page 169 and the 1915 Star Medal RASC/1B page 399

Harry Clements Ansell was born on 19 August 1879 and baptised on 9 January 1880 at St Peter & St Paul, Aston,

Edward and Mary Ansell were of Moseley Road, Birmingham. Edward was a Maltster.

1911 census Hotel – sea front at Blackpool, Lancashire

Harry Clements Ansell M 31 Brewery Director b Highgate, Bham

Winifred Mary Ansell M 26 Married 2 years – 1 child b Wigan

The marriage of Harry Clements Ansell and Winifred Mary Brown was registered June 1909 Wigan 8c 154

1911 census “Moor Hall”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Edward Ansell M 61 Brewery Director – employer b Birmingham

Mary Ansell M 54 Married 34 years – 5 children 1 died b Handsworth

Albert Edward Ansell U 25 Brewery Assistant b Aston

Vera E Ansell U 19 b Erdington

They had eleven servants

1901 census “Chesterfield”, Sutton Road, Wylde Green

Edward Ansell M 51 Brewery manager & director b Birmingham

Mary Ansell M 44 b Handsworth

Harry C Ansell U 21 Brewery pupil b Birmingham

Dora M Ansell U 19 b Aston

Vera Ansell 9 b Erdington

The family were living at ‘Chesterfield’, Wylde Green in 1891. In 1881 they lived at 412 Moseley Road Birmingham.

Probate

Harry Clements Ansell of Hollyfield Road Sutton Coldfield, gentleman, died 9 May 1920.

Administration at Birmingham 8on October 1920 to Albert Edward Ansell, brewer and Charles York Flewitt, MD. Effects: £109,202, 13s 11d


Obituary in ‘The Birmingham Post’ May 1920

Harry Clements Ansell was buried in the Ansell family plot in St James Church, Mere Green


Photograph Yvonne Moore 2 August 2014

The inscription is badly worn and the gravestone is behind a fence

Thanks go to Tina Ambrose of St James Church for her contribution to this research.


JOHN SAMUEL ARBERY

John Samuel Arbery was born in Aston. He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Birmingham - Private 6984 and was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment 11th Battalion - Private 12214. He died of wounds on 26 September 1916 (France & Flanders).  He probably died in hospital at Etaples. Etaples was a major hospital centre that could handle up to 22,000 wounded at any one time. He was buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery, Plot X1 B 12A. He was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals C/1/103 B page 78 and the 1915 Star Medal C/1/8B page 170

John Samuel Arbery of 313 Highbridge Road was the only son of Joseph and E Arbery.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 7.10. 1916)

1911 census 160 Witton Lane, Aston

Emma Arbery W 56 Cutter off at castings works b Stratford, Essex

John Arbery U 20 Stoker b Aston Manor

Crossed out was married for 20 years, six children - five died

1901 census 62 Manor Road, Aston

Emma Arbery W 44 Cutter off at fire ‘works’ b Stratford Essex

Joseph Arbery U 19 Tool turner at fire ‘works’ b Aston

Emma Arbery 15 Examiner of fires b Aston

John Arbery 10 b Aston

It is not known when or where Joseph William Arbery died. He was not found on the 1901 census.

The family have not yet been found on the 1891 census

The birth of John Samuel Arbery was registered March 1891 Aston 6d 423

The marriage of Joseph William Arbery and Emma Ann Hudson was registered June 1881 West Bromwich 6b 893

Baptisms

Two children were baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Birchfields in Birmingham to parents Joseph William and Emma Arbery. Joseph Arbery worked as a labourer.

Joseph William Arbery and Emma Rebecca Arbery were baptised on 1 July 1883

The address given in 1883 on the parish register was Bevington Terrace, Birchfields, Aston

On the 1881 census, just prior to the above marriage, Emma Hudson, her mother Rebecca Hudson and Joseph Arbery all resided at Bevington Road, Aston

St Peter & St Paul Church, Aston

Mary Alice Arbery was baptised on 31 January 1887

1881 census 1 Court, 6 Bevington Road, Aston

Rebecca Hudson W 50 Military cap maker b Stepney, Middlesex

Emma A Hudson U 24 Daughter Military cap maker b Stratford, Essex

Joseph Arbery U 37 Brother General Labourer b Stepney, Middlesex

It is not clear whether the Joseph Arbery who married Emma Hudson was related to the Joseph Arbery who was seen in the 1881 census.

Baptisms

Rebecca Sarah Arbery was baptised 14 July 1830 at St Dunstan, Stepney in London to parents William and Rebecca Arbery of Ratcliffe Square, Stepney.

Joseph Arbery was baptised on 3 January 1844 to William and Rebecca Arbery of Ratcliffe Square, Stepney.

1861 census Stratford, Tower Hamlets London

Samuel Hudson M 30 Labourer in silk printing b Stratford, Essex

Rebecca Hudson M 30 b Ratcliffe, Middlesex

Emma A Hudson 4 b Stratford

Samuel Hudson 1 b Stratford

In 1871, Rebecca Hudson was a widow living at Charles Street Islington.

Her children Emma and Samuel resided with her.


ERNEST ALFRED ARNOLD

Ernest Alfred Arnold was born in Sutton Coldfield and enlisted at Warwick with the Royal Berkshire Regiment 6th Battalion - Private 21436.  He was killed on the opening day of the Passchendaele Campaign at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge which was 31 July 1917, at the age of 27.  The battalion wrongly believed that Glencorse Wood was held by the British and were met with intense machine gun fire just short of the Menin Road. The temperature was 60 degrees F and there was 21.7mm of rainfall on the day.” (PDD) Ernest has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Ernest Arnold is commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose, St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/105B page 82

Ernest Alfred Arnold was the son of Charles Arnold of “The Slade”, Roughley, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Arnold resided at “The Slade” according to the 1914/14- 1918 Electoral Rolls

1911 census Roughley, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Arnold M 55 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Mary Arnold M 53 Married 31 years- 11 children 4 died b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest Alfred Arnold U 21 Farm labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Samuel Arnold U 18 Farm labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Ivy Gladys Arnold 14 b Sutton Coldfield

Norman Leslie Arnold 11 b Sutton Coldfield

1901 census Roughley, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Arnold M 44 Gardener/ labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Mary Arnold M 43 b Sutton Coldfield

Charles Arnold U 20 Gardener/labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest Arnold 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Samuel Arnold 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Ivy Arnold 4 b Sutton Coldfield

Norman Arnold 2 b Sutton Coldfield

No military records were found for Ernest’s three known brothers.

OLIVER VAUGHTON ARNOLD

Oliver Vaughan Arnold was born at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He enlisted in the Public Schools Corps in September 1914 as a Private. He received his Commission in the Worcestershire Regiment – Second Lieutenant 1211

Oliver Arnold died of wounds on 14 August 1916 in London.

He received the wounds on 11 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

He was buried at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A “C” 375

Oliver Arnold is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Worcester Regiment Medal and the British Medal OFF/ 165 Medal page 193 and the 1915 Star Medal OFF/165 page 28.

He served at Gallipoli and later died in a London Hospital on 14 August 1916 from wounds he received on 11 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. He was 28 years old.” (SDBD)

Oliver Arnold was the son of Mr and Mrs Charles Frederick Arnold of “The Red House”, Hartopp Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He had been educated at Shrewsbury School and worked for the family firm of Auctioneers and Estate Agents at 3 Waterloo Street, Birmingham.

He was the husband of Cybil Arnold of 11 Winchester Road, Swiss Cottage, London.” (Sutton Coldfield News 19.8.1916)

So far, no trace of the marriage between Oliver and Florence Sybil has been traced.

London baptism records show that Oliver Vaughton Arnold was born on 15 March 1888 to parents Charles Frederick and Annie Mary Arnold of 15 George Road, Edgbaston, Warwickshire.

He was baptised on 5 September 1888 at St Saviour, Denmark Hill, London (Middlesex). Charles Arnold was a solicitor.

1911 census “The Red House”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Frederick Arnold M 57 Solicitor – employer b Kings Norton, Worcs

Annie May Arnold M 60 Married 25 years with 2 children b Much Woolton

William Noel Arnold U 24 Solicitor – employee b Edgbaston

Oliver Vaughton Arnold U 23 Auctioneer’s pupil b Edgbaston

Alice House U 29 Housemaid b Oxford

Mary Malins U 35 Cook b Worcs

In 1901, Charles and Annie lived at 14 Frederick Road, Edgbaston. William Noel was at Bromsgrove School as a boarder but Oliver has not been traced at this time. He was probably in Shrewsbury at school.

Probate

Oliver Vaughton Arnold of The Red House, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield surveyor and auctioneer; 2nd Lt. 2nd Bttn. Worcestershire Regiment died 11 August 1916 at the London Free Hospital.

Administration was granted at Birmingham on 18 December 1916 to Florence Sybil Arnold, widow.

Effects: £659.19s 2d.

Death

Florence Sybil Arnold, born 5 October 1882 died in March 1973 at Hove, Sussex.

The Electoral Rolls of 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 show that Florence Sybil Arnold lived at 11 Winchester Road, Camden, London.

Other occupants of the address were Leonard John Gates, Matilda Gates, Thomas Frank Gates and Frank Horace Gates.

A check was made to see if there was a marriage for a Florence ‘Gates’ to Oliver Arnold, but one was not found.

The only William Arnold found listed in the military records with connections to the Birmingham area was William Arnold Bombardier, Royal Garrison Artillery 57911.

He had formerly served as Private 7969 Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

This man is on the Birmingham Roll of Honour.

It is not known if this was William Noel Arnold at this time.

GEORGE ASH

George Ash was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry 2nd Battalion, Royal Naval Division - Private CH/17328 (S). George Ash died on 28 April 1917. George Ash has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. George Ash is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Royal Naval Division Casualties List

Private CH 17328 2nd Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry enlisted (place not stated) on 10 October 1916 aged 33.

He embarked with the Royal Marine Brigade on 15 December 1916 and was drafted for the British Expeditionary Force on 1 February 1917.

He joined the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion on 23 February 1917. He served until he was declared missing and assumed to have died on 28 April 1917.

George Ash was the son of William Ash and the husband of Susan Ash of 172 Hollow (or Holly) Lane, Erdington, Birmingham

The marriage of George Ash and Susan Baggott was registered September 1906 Aston 6d 740

1911 census 14 Little Green Lanes, Erdington (Wylde Green border)

George Ash M 27 General labourer at brick manu b Wylde Green

Susan Ash M 25 Married 4 years with 2 children b Colwell, Worcs

Lillian Gertrude Ash 4 b Erdington

Charles Henry Ash 2 b Wylde Green

William Ash and Hannah Nicholls were not traced on the 1911 census or after that date on available public records.

This appears to be the family of George Ash in 1901

1901 census Sutton Road, Broadfields, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Ash W 59 Wheelwright – Feeble minded b Wylde Green

Hannah Nicholls U 57 Sister in law – housekeeper b Sutton Coldfield

Henry W Ash U 22 Labourer at brick works b Wylde green

George Ash U 17 Brick maker’s labourer b Wylde Green

Charles Ash 14 Strip castor’s assistant b Wylde Green

1891 census Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Ash W 49 Wheelwright b Sutton Coldfield

Hannah Nicholls U 47 Housekeeper b Hill, Sutton Coldfield

Thomas Ash U 20 Labourer b Wylde Green

Henry Ash 13 b Wylde Green

Lily Ash 10 b Wylde Green

George Ash 6 b Wylde Green

Charles Ash 4 b Wylde Green

1881 census Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Ash W 39 Wheelwright b Sutton Coldfield

Hannah Nicholls U 38 Housekeeper b Sutton Coldfield

William Ash 14 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Clara Ash 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Ellen Nicholls 5 b Sutton Coldfield

Henry Nicholls 2 b Sutton Coldfield

Lily Nicholls 2 months old b Sutton Coldfield

 

1871 census Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Ash U 30 Labourer b Wylde Green

Jane Ash 7 Daughter b Sutton Coldfield

Hannah Nicholls U 29 Housekeeper b Sutton Coldfield

Caroline Nicholls 8 b Sutton Coldfield

William Nicholls 4 b Sutton Coldfield

Clara Nicholls 1 b Sutton Coldfield

Maria Ash 3 Niece b Sutton Coldfield


1871 census Poole Street, Aston – working for Mary Ann Vaughan

Caroline Ash M 31 General servant b Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

1861 census “The Dam”, Sutton Coldfield

William Ash M 20 Agricultural labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Caroline Ash M 22 b Hill, Sutton Coldfield

Emma Ash 3 months old b Sutton Coldfield

Marriage

William Ash, 21, bachelor of Erdington married Caroline Nicholls, 22, spinster of Erdington on 11 September 1860 at St Peter and St Paul, Aston.

William Ash was a labourer. His father was Thomas Ash, labourer. William Nicholls, labourer was the father of Hannah Nicholls. The witnesses were Joseph Nicholls and Hannah Nicholls.


Caroline Nicholls/ Ash

Caroline Nicholls/ Ash did not appear on a census after 1871. She possibly died as Caroline Nicholls (born 1838) in 1894 in Aston.

Baptisms

There were two children baptised at Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield to William and Caroline Ash

Emma Ash baptised 31 March 1861

Jane Ash baptised 15 June 1863

Hannah Nicholls

There is no evidence that Hannah Nicholls was ever married.

Hannah Nicholls had an illegitimate child Clara Nicholls baptised on 7 September 1869 at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield


PERCY FREDERICK ATKINS

Percy Frederick Atkins was born in Handsworth and enlisted in Birmingham with the 15th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 15/279. He served as an officer’s orderly. He was killed in action on 4 June 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 29. He was buried at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot I.D.9. Unofficial reports suggest he was killed by a mine explosion. e was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church Memorial . He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes).

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104B page 232 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 13

Percy Frederick Atkins was the son of James Rowland and Bertha Atkins of “Oakleigh”, Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield. He was the husband of Dorothy Atkins

The marriage of Percy F Atkins and Dorothy L Guy was registered March 1916 Tamworth 6b 711

Between 1914 and 1918, his parents were listed on the Electoral Rolls living at “Hillersdon”, Somerville Road Sutton Coldfield

Percy Atkins was educated at Aston Grammar School. He spent five years in Canada prior to enlisting. He was only married three months before he died.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 21.6.1916)

1911 census 72 Trinity Road, Handsworth

James Rowland Atkins M 56 Comm. Traveller – car/cycle trade b Hockley

Bertha Atkins M 48 Married 26 years- 4 children all alive b Aston

Charles Leslie Atkins U 21 Student b Leonard Rd

Gwendoline Bertha Atkins 14 b Westminster Rd

1911 census 17 Fraser Street, Bilston – boarding in the household of Arthur Kitson

Percy Atkins 14 Boarder Painter motor car trade b not stated

1901 census 95 Westminster Road, Handsworth

James Atkins M 49 Commercial Traveller b Birmingham

Bertha Atkins M 39 b Aston

Arnold Atkins 15 Clerk b Handsworth

Percy Atkins 14 Clerk b Handsworth

Gwendoline Atkins 14 b Handsworth

Leslie Atkins 11 b Handsworth

Eliza Baker U 17 Domestic servant b Tipton

LINNAEOUS JAMES BAILEY

Linnaeous James Bailey was born in Smethwick and enlisted at Sutton Coldfield in January 1915 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 1172. He transferred to the Royal Engineers 4th Battalion SPEC. BDE. R.E. Corporal - 113445. He was killed in action on 28 June 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 38. He was buried at the Le Fermont Military Cemetery, Riviere near Arras, Plot II.A.4. L J Bailey is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes).

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RE/101 B/107 page 22756 and RE/6B3 1915 Star Medal page 3359.

He entered the theatre of war in France on 10 October 1915.

innaeous Bailey was the son of Duncan and Nancy Bailey and the husband of May Bailey of 16 Wellington Road, Bearwood near Birmingham.

The marriage of Linnaeous James Bailey and May W Jennings was registered March 1912 Kings Norton 6c 518

The birth of Duncan J Bailey was registered June 1913 Tamworth 6b 906

He was educated at Kidderminster Grammar School. He resided at Holland Cottage, Maney, Sutton Coldfield. He was formerly a member of Brand Hall Golf Club.

He had worked for Messrs Doulton & Co (Potters) at their Birmingham Branch at Granville Wharf, Granville Street for nearly 20 years.

He leaves a wife and a son aged three”.  (Sutton Coldfield News 15.7.1916)

In loving memory of my dear husband L.J. Bailey killed in action in France 28 June 1916.

Ever fondly remembered by his loving wife and little Duncan”. (In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 12.7.1919)

Linnaeous Bailey lived at “Yewhaven”, While Road, Sutton Coldfield (1914/15 Electoral Rolls) and appears to have also owned 242 Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield.

1911 census 154 Poplar Avenue, Edgbaston

Duncan Bailey M 72 Traveller in provisions b Birmingham

Nancy Bailey M 71 Married 55 years 14 children 7 alive b Smethwick

Linnaeous James Bailey U 33 Traveller in sanitary arrangements b Smethwick

Elizabeth Panter W 42 Daughter b Oldbury

Thomas Linnaeous Panter 6 Grandson b Colchester, Essex

Ernest Pearson Bailey 10 Grandson b Leyton, Essex

Sheila Bailey 6 Granddaughter b Lambeth, London

Greta Bailey 4 Granddaughter b Lambeth

SELWYN GLADSTONE BAILEY

Selwyn Gladstone Bailey was born in Willenhall and enlisted at Birmingham with the 16th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 772.

He died on 4 September 1916 in France, aged 30. On the day he died, his Battalion reinforced the 1st Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment and they attempted to storm Falfemont Farm at 5.30 p.m. They were unsuccessful. Falfemont Farm is about 1500 yards south east of Guillemont.  The temperature was 66 degrees F and it was showery all day with 25mm of rain.”(SDBD). Selwyn G Bailey was wounded and taken to the Number 2 Stationary Hospital at Abbeville, France where he died. He was buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Plot IV. D.20. He was commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial. He is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B2 page 289 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 17

Selwyn Gladstone Bailey was the son of Martha and the late Samuel Bailey of 42 Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 16.9.1916)

In 1914/15 the family lived at Boldmere Road and in 1918 at 42 Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield according to the Electoral Rolls

1911 census Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

Samuel Bailey M 55 Grocer – shop owner b Willenhall

Martha Bailey M 57 Married 33 years, 7 children all alive b Presteign, Rad

Selwyn G Bailey U 25 Grocer b Willenhall

Millicent Bailey U 23 b Willenhall

Donald Bailey U 21 Die caster b Willenhall

Horace Bailey 17 Estate Agent b Handsworth

Their other children were Frank, Percy and Samuel.

In 1901 the family remained at Walsall Road, Willenhall. Selwyn was aged 14 and worked in the shop with his father Samuel and his brother Frank.

In 1891 Selwyn Bailey resided with his family at 31 & 32 Walsall Road Willenhall. The family ran a grocery shop.

Probate

Selwyn Bailey of 42 Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield, Private in the 16th (Service) Battalion ,Royal Warwickshire Regiment died on 4 September 1916 at No 2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, France.

Administration was granted at Birmingham in October 1916 to Samuel Pelham Bailey, shop assistant.

Effects: £160

ALFRED HENRY BAINES

Alfred Henry Bailey was born in Aston and enlisted in Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 23008. He transferred to the Machine Gun Corps - Private 85026. He was killed in action on 26 September 1917 (France & Flanders).  He was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood. The temperature was 68 degrees F and there was mist with 0.5mm rainfall on the day he died.” (SDBD). He has no known grave and he was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. He was a member of the congregation at the Reddicap Hill Mission.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals MCG/101 B55 page 4658

Alfred Henry Baines was the son of Frederick and Rosetta Baines.

1911 census 25 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

Frederick Baines M 45 Bricklayer’s labourer b Wolverhampton

Rosetta Baines M 44 Married 24 years 4 children all alive b Birmingham

Alfred Baines U 21 Domestic groom b Aston

Oliver Baines 13 b Aston

Dorothy Baines 10 b Sutton Coldfield

The family lived at Reddicap Hill in 1901. Their fourth child was Elsie who was aged 12, born in Aston.

Oliver John Baines

Oliver John Baines enlisted at Birmingham with the 488 Field Company, Royal Engineers as a Sapper.  Three possible numbers are given for him – 216866, 218806 or 216816. He was discharged on either the 11th or 30 March 1918 from the army on medical grounds. He was 18 years and 10 months old when he joined. He was single and worked as a carpenter. His employers were Vickers Ltd of Birmingham.  He lived at Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield and his father was Frederick Baines of the same address.  He was 5’ 7” tall and his chest measured 33”. His service record is badly damaged but it appears that he served in East Anglia, Harrogate and Darlington. It does not appear that he left England. He was discharged from service on medical grounds at Chatham on 11 March 1918. He does not appear to have been awarded any medals.

There was a record found for Oliver Baines who was a railway porter at Sutton Park whose height was only 5’ 2 ½ inches.

ALFRED BAKER

Alfred Baker was born in Aston. He enlisted with the 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 765.  He died on 30 August 1918 in France, probably in the Picardy or Artois area. He was aged 24. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Panel 3.  lfred Baker – Private 765 RWR has an entry in the Birmingham Roll of Honour.  Private A Baker, 3rd Coy City Battalion is commemorated on page 370 of the ‘Birmingham City Battalions’ book by Sir William H Bowater. This is the Roll of Honour for J H Tucker & Co – his employer. Alfred Baker is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings). He was also commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B2 page 297

Alfred Baker was the son of Ernest and Esther Baker of Chester Road

Alfred Baker of ‘Heathfield’, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield has died aged 24 during active service. He had been educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 20.10. 1918)

There was an Alfred Baker listed at 438 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield on the 1918 Electoral Roll which indicated he was away serving in the military.

He was not listed in the 1920 Electoral Roll.

1911 census “Heathfield”, 438 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield

Ernest Baker M 44 Jeweller b Birmingham

Esther Baker M 43 b Northants

Nellie Baker U 18 Student b Aston

Alfred Baker 17 b Aston

Alice Baker 13 b Aston

Florence Baker 11 b Aston

Dorothy Baker 8 b Erdington

In 1901 the family lived at 124 Watt Road, Handsworth.

Research by David Phillipsishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 765 Alfred Baker

1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Friday 30th August 1918

Aged: 24

At the end of August 1918 the 1st Warwicks (10th Brigade, 4th Division) were involved in the Battle of the Scarpe (sometimes called the Fifth Battle of Arras). The River Scarpe flows east from Arras, and General Horne commanding the British 1st Army attacked along both sides of the river.  On 28 August 1918 the 1st Warwicks started at Feuchy Chapel (east of Arras) and advanced past Monchy north of the Arras-Cambrai road. On 30 August they attacked the southeast corner of the village of Remy (just north of Vis-en-Artois), where ‘Band ‘C Companies were dis-organized by a heavy barrage and machine-gun fire; they suffered severe casualties.

British shelling reduced the German fire allowing ‘D Company to move forward and capture its first and second objectives. They were stopped 100 metres short of their third objective, where they dug in.

The Battalion was relieved that night, when losses were discovered to be so high that the 1st Warwicks were reorganized into two companies. One of these Companies captured the third objective the next day. Casualties for 30 August amounted to 2 officers and 14 men killed 4 officers and 147 men wounded or missing. Alfred Baker is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, east of Arras, Panel 3.  He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and also on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial, Sutton Park.

Alfred Baker was born on 2 February 1894. He was the son of Ernest and Esther Baker.

Alfred attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1907 and 1910.

After leaving school, he was employed in the offices of J H Tucker & Co., Kings Road, Hay Mills in Birmingham who were manufacturers of telephones and switchgear.

At the outbreak of the war Alfred enlisted as Drummer 765 in the 16th Royal Warwickshire Regiment and transferred into the 1st Regiment at a later date.

He was a member of Vesey’s Old Boys Football Club. Alfred had one older sister, Nellie, and two younger sisters, Alice and Florence.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)


HARRY BARBER

Harry Barber was born at Tamworth and enlisted at Worcester with the 4th Battalion ‘Z’ Company, Worcestershire Regiment - Private 12233.

He was killed in action at Achi Baba, Gallipoli, on 9th May 1915 aged 21.  He was buried at the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Plot XII. D. 11. Harry Barber was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church Memorial. He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)


Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B2 page 286 and the 1915 Star Medal L/5 B page 13. The medal card shows that he entered the Balkans Theatre on 25 April 1915 and was born in Tamworth. Harry Barber was the son of Arthur and Lily Barber of 39 Queen Street, Sutton Coldfield.  They were listed at 39 Queen Street, Sutton Coldfield on the 1914/15 to 1918 Electoral Rolls.

1911 census

In 1911, Harry Barber was already enlisted with the 3rd/5th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.

He was stationed at Shaft Barracks, Western Heights, Dover Castle, Dover in Kent.

His family could not be found on the 1911 census but it is assumed that they were living in Sutton Coldfield.

The family were found on the 1901 census

 

1901 census Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Barber M 28 House painter b Fazeley, Staffs

Lily Barber M 30 b Tamworth

Harry Barber 7 b Tamworth

Doris May Barber 4 b Tamworth

Frederick John Barber 2 b Fazeley

Helen Marjorie Barber 6 weeks old b Sutton Coldfield

It does not appear that Frederick John Barber served during the war.

HAROLD BARRATT

Harold Barratt was born in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Birmingham with the 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment in November 1915 - Lance Corporal 1542.  He went to the front in March 1916. He was wounded twice in the nose and neck.  He was killed in action on either the 13 March 1917 or 13 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 26. The army medal rolls give no date of death but the ‘soldiers who died’ index gives March.  His ‘Will’ gives May, which is assumed to be more accurate. It is possible that the probate record has been transcribed incorrectly. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He is commemorated on the Birmingham Roll of Honour.  He is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour. (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B2 page 412

Harold Barratt was the son of William John and Emily Barratt of 60 Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Green Lanes School and the Municipal Technical School and then as a manual training teacher at Aston Lane School.” (Sutton Coldfield News 9.6.1917)

1911 census 60 Penns Lane, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William John Barratt M 58 Jobbing carpenter, own account b Birmingham

Emily Barratt M 57 Married 32 years,8 children all alive b Worcester

Howard Barratt U 26 Carpenter b Sutton Coldfield

Thomas Barratt U 24 Electrician b Sutton Coldfield

Harold Barratt U 20 Jobbing carpenter b Sutton Coldfield

Frank Edward Barratt 15 Jobbing carpenter b Sutton Coldfield


1901 census Walmley Lane, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield

William J Barratt M 48 Jobbing carpenter – own account b Birmingham

Emily Barratt M 47 b Worcester

Howard Barratt 16 Jobbing carpenter b Sutton Coldfield

Thomas Barratt 14 Gentleman’s servant b Sutton Coldfield

Harold Barratt 10 b Sutton Coldfield

Louise Barratt 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Frank Barratt 5 b Sutton Coldfield

An online search for military records for Howard, Thomas and Frank Barratt did not find evidence that they served in WW1.

Probate. Harold Barrett of 60 Penns Lane, Erdington, Lance Corporal 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment died 13 May 1917 killed in action in France.

Probate was granted at Birmingham on 13 August 1917 to William John Barratt, jobbing carpenter.  Effects: £239.3s 11d

JOHN BASTABLE

John Bastable was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the 1/6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 20705

He was killed in action 24 August 1916, during the Battle of the Somme (France & Flanders). He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B2 page 447

No further military records were found online.

John Bastable was the son of John and Elizabeth Bastable of Reddicap Heath Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

1911 census 40 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield

Boarding in the household of John Bunn, Bricklayer

John Bastable U 28 Plumber b Sutton Coldfield

 

1911 census Reddicap Heath Road, Sutton Coldfield

John Bastable M 59 General labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Elizabeth Bastable M 58 Married 32 years- 9 children 1 died b Sutton Coldfield

Harry Bastable U 26 General labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Harriet Bastable U 22 Domestic servant b Sutton Coldfield

William Bastable U 20 Gardener’s assistant b Sutton Coldfield


1901 census Reddicap Heath, Sutton Coldfield

John Bastable M 49 Jobbing gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Elizabeth Bastable M 48 b Sutton Coldfield

Blanche Bastable U 20 Cook – domestic b Sutton Coldfield

John Bastable U 18 Plumber b Sutton Coldfield

Harry Bastable 16 Bricklayer b Sutton Coldfield

Herbert Bastable 14 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Harriet Bastable 12 b Sutton Coldfield

William Bastable 10 b Sutton Coldfield

Maud Bastable 7 b Sutton Coldfield

An online search for Harry, Herbert and William Bastable did not find any military records for them.

ARTHUR CHARLES BATE

Arthur Charles Bate was born at Stoke Holloway, Worcestershire. He enlisted in Birmingham with the 14th Gloucestershire Regiment - Private 21621.  He also served with the Labour Corps – Private 112905. He died on 23 March 1918 (France & Flanders). It is not known where he was buried or commemorated at this time. He was however commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/101 B2 page 308

Arthur Charles Bate was the son of Mr and Mrs George Bate of Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield


1911 census 5 Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Bate M 63 General Labourer b Stockwood, Worcs

Caroline Bate M 64 10 children all alive b Stockwood

William Henry Bate U 29 Farm carter b Stockwood

Ernest Bate U 27 Labourer b Stockwood

Alfred George Bate U 25 Navvy on railway b Stoke Holloway

Walter Bate U 23 Farm labourer b Stoke Holloway

Arthur Charles Bate U 22 Farm labourer b Stoke Holloway

James Bate U 20 Gardener b Callow End, Worcs

 

1901 census Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Bate M 53 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Elizabeth Bate M 54 b Stockwood

William H Bate U 20 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Ernest A Bate U 17 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Alfred G Bate 16 Ag. Lab b Stoke Holloway

Walter Bate 14 Ag. Lab b Stoke Holloway

Arthur C Bate 11 b Stoke Holloway

James Bate 9 b Alvechurch

His brother William H Bate possibly served in the Great War.

There was an entry in the ‘soldiers who died’ index’ (ancestry.co.uk) for William Henry Bate residing at Wylde Green but he was born in Cheltenham.

A check for all William / H Bate/s was made on the 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 census as well as birth registrations and there was no evidence that a William H (and variants) was ever born in Cheltenham.

Having seen many military records, the authors feel that the man residing at Wylde Green was in fact the William H Bate, brother of Arthur Charles Bate – see the next entry.


WILLIAM HENRY BATE


William Henry Bate was born at Stockwood, Worcestershire. He enlisted at Birmingham with the 9th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 10817

It appears that an error in his place of birth was made on some military records.  Cheltenham is given as his place of birth. A comprehensive search for a W. H. Bate plus all variations was made to find a man called William Henry Bate born about 1881 at Cheltenham. Such a man was not found. The ‘soldiers who died’ index states that William Henry Bate resided at Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. He was killed in action on 30 September 1915 at Gallipoli, in the Balkans. William Henry Bate is buried at the Chatby Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Alexander, Egypt, Plot D, Grave 135. He was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings). The church records show that William Bate lived at 5 Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Army Medal Roll

. He was awarded the Victory and British Medal L/104 B2 page 457 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 29. He entered the Balkans theatre on 13 July 1915.

No further military records were found online.

William Henry Bate was the son of George and Caroline Bate, and the brother of Arthur Charles Bate.

 

1911 census 5 Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Bate M 63 General labourer b Stockwood, Worcs

Caroline Bate M 64 10 children all alive b Stockwood

William Henry Bate U 29 Farm carter b Stockwood

Ernest Bate U 27 Labourer b Stockwood

Alfred George Bate U 25 Navvy on railway b Stoke Holloway

Walter Bate U 23 Farm labourer b Stoke Holloway

Arthur Charles Bate U 22 Farm labourer b Stoke Holloway

James Bate U 20 Gardener b Callow End, Alvechurch

 

1901 census 5 Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Bate M 53 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Elizabeth Bate M 54 b Stockwood

William H Bate U 20 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Ernest A Bate U 17 Ag. Labourer b Stockwood

Alfred G Bate 16 Ag. Lab b Stoke Holloway

Walter Bate 14 Ag. Lab b Stoke Holloway

Arthur C Bate 11 b Stoke Holloway

James Bate 9 b Alvechurch, Worcs

The family continued to reside at 5 Prospect Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield in 1918 (Electoral Roll)

WALTER BEACH

Walter Beach was born in Birmingham and enlisted with the 12th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery - Gunner 95406. He was killed in action on 12 July 1917 (France & Flanders) at the age of 32. He was buried at the Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, Ypres, Plot I.E. 12 Walter Beach was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA / 152B page 5247

Army Service Record

Walter Beach of 13 Beacon View, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield was born in Birmingham and enlisted at Handsworth on 11 December 1916. He was a widower aged 30 years and 8 months. He was stationed in England between 6.6.16 – 19.11.1916.  He then saw action with the British Expeditionary Force in France between 20.11.1916 – 12.7.1917.

Walter Beach was the son of Emily and the late Daniel Beach of 13 Beacon View, Jockey Road Sutton Coldfield and the husband of the late Gertrude Beach. Walter Beach married Gertrude Russell on 1 June 1902 at All Saints Church, Birmingham. They had one child, Walter who was born on 21 December 1906 at Villa Street, Hockley, Birmingham.

1911 census 13 Beacon View, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield (possibly house number 391)

Walter Beach M 26 Silversmith b Birmingham

Gertrude Emily Beach M 30 Married 9 years 2 children 1 died b Birmingham

Walter Beach 5 b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census 23 (unreadable) Road, Ladywood, Birmingham

Daniel Beach M 55 Jeweller’s porter b Birmingham

Emily Beach M 52 b Birmingham

Evelina Beach U 19 Button warehouse b Birmingham

Walter Beach 16 Silversmith b Birmingham

Deaths

The death of Gertrude E Beach was registered March 1915 Tamworth 6b 604 aged 34.  Walter Beach born on 21 December 1906 died in June 1962 at Sutton Coldfield 9c 2577. It appears that Emily Beach, Walter’s mother lived at 13 Beacon Villas, Jockey Road as she was listed there on the Electoral Roll in 1930. It is probable that she took on the role of looking after Walter junior after his mother and then his father died.

FREDERICK JOHN BEARD

Frederick John Beard was born and enlisted at Sutton Coldfield. He joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment -Private 20977 then transferred to the 33rd Battalion Machine Gun Corps - Private 63122.  He was killed in action on 6 June 1918 (France & Flanders). He was buried at the Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, Ypres, Plot III. B.8. Frederick John Beard was a member of the St James Church and was commemorated on their Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals MGC 101/ B43 page 3736.

No other military records were found for him online.

Frederick John Beard was the son of William and Emma Beard of Hill, Sutton Coldfield

In 1914/15 he resided at “Iona”, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield (Electoral Roll)

In loving memory of Fred Beard, M.G.C. eldest and dearly loved son of Mrs and the late William Beard of “Hill Farm”, Four Oaks, killed near Ypres 7 June 1918.

Never forgotten by mother, sisters and brothers”  (Sutton Coldfield News 7.6.1919)


1911 census 48 High Street, Sutton Coldfield

Living in the household of Lewis Galliemore as a boarder

Fred J Beard U 21 Baker b Sutton Coldfield


1911 census “Hill Farm”, Hill Village, Sutton Coldfield

William Beard M 66 Farmer – employer b Hill

Emma Beard M 56 Married 35 years, 6 children 1 died b Dorsingham, Gloucs

George Joseph Beard U 28 Maltster – employer b Hill

Hilda Catherine Beard U 26 b Hill

No obvious military record was found for George Joseph Beard.

EDWIN THOMAS BEDDOES

Edwin Thomas Beddoes was born in Sutton Coldfield and enlisted in Birmingham in November 1914 with the 2nd Battalion “D” Company, Royal Welsh Fusiliers - Private 17775. He was killed in action on 5 July 1916 (France & Flanders) at the age of 20. He was buried at the Gorre British Cemetery, Beuvry, France, Plot II.A.20.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals J/2/102/B/Y page 2130 and 1915 Star Medal J/2/2B4 page 616

He entered the French theatre of war on 5 May 1915 and was killed in action on 5.7.1916

No further military records were found online.

Edwin Thomas Beddoes was the son of Richard Edwin and Harriet Beddoes of 24 Lyndon Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He attended Town School, Sutton Coldfield.  Before the war he was in charge of an electricity sub-station at Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield.” (Sutton Coldfield News 15.7.16)

In loving memory of our dear son Eddie killed in action 5 July 1916. At Rest” (In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 12 July 1919)


1911 census 24 Lyndon Road, Sutton Coldfield

Richard Edwin Beddoes M 43 Carman with steam laundry b Upton Cresset, Salop

Harriet Beddoes M 46 Married 16 years with 2 children b Cotteridge, Worcs

Edwin Thomas Beddoes 15 Car boy with steam laundry b Sutton Coldfield

Harriet Hilda Beddoes 13 b Sutton Coldfield

Richard Edwin Beddoes married Harriet Handley in 1895.

Richard Beddoes resided at 24 Lyndon Road, Sutton Coldfield in 1914/15 (Electoral Roll)


GEORGE THOMAS BENNETT

George Thomas Bennett was born in Derby. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the 10th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 22477

George Thomas Bennett died on 25 February 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 33.  The cause of his death was chronic bronchitis. He was buried at the Puchevillers British Cemetery, France, Plot VI.C.42.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B3 page 592

No further military records were found online for him.

George Thomas Bennett was the son of George and Emily Bennett of Derby.

George Thomas Bennett was the husband of Ada J Bennett of 1 Oak Cottages, Warstock, near Birmingham.

The marriage of George T Bennett and Ada J Barber was registered September 1911 Solihull 6d 1225

It is not known if they had any children.

On the 1914/15 Electoral Roll George T Bennett was listed as residing at 3 Four Oaks Common Road, Sutton Coldfield.

His widow Ada Bennett continued to live at the same address in 1918 (Electoral Roll)

 

1911 census 3 Crown Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

George Bennett M 27 House painter b Derby


1901 census 39 Cummings Street, Derby

George Bennett M 49 Locomotive fitter b Derby

Emily Bennett M 49 b Derby

George T Bennett U 17 House painter b Derby

Alfred E Bennett 14 Pram finisher b Derby

Arthur W Bennett 10 b Derby

CHARLES BICKLEY

Charles Bickley was the brother of William and Edward Thomas Bickley who both served during the war.  Charles Bickley was born and enlisted at Sutton Coldfield, originally in 1916 with the Household Battalion – Private 3110 (Windsor) and later with the Coldstream Guards 1st Battalion – Private (Guardsman) 22649. He was killed in action on 27 September 1918 (France & Flanders) at the age of 35. He was buried at the Sanders Keep Military Cemetery, Graincourt – Les - Havrincourt, France. Charles Bickley is commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church).



Photograph courtesy of Department du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals CG, 101 B13 page 2264

No further military records were found online

Charles Bickley was the son of John and Mary Bickley and the husband of Fanny Louisa Bickley of 2 Albert Place, High Street, Sutton Coldfield.

Charles Bickley married Fanny Louisa Warren September 1909 Aston 6d 463

Prior to enlisting he worked as a Chauffeur for Mr H Chambers, Motor Engineers of The Parade, Sutton Coldfield.

According to a letter sent by his chaplain, he was killed instantaneously in an attack near Cambrai.” (Sutton Coldfield News 12.10.1918)

 

1911 census 19 Four Oaks Common Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Charles Bickley M 26 Chauffeur for taxi cab b Sutton Coldfield

Fanny Bickley M 27 Married 2 years -1 child b Rugeley

Betty Bickley 9 months old b Sutton Coldfield


WILLIAM ALFRED JAMES BICKLEY

William Bickley was the brother of Charles Bickley and Edward Thomas Bickley who also served in the war.

William Alfred James Bickley was born in Sutton Coldfield and enlisted in Birmingham. He was a driver with the Royal Horse Artillery 15th Brigade “L” BTY –Private 88181

He was killed in action on 4 September 1918. It not clear where he died

He was buried at the Pont D’Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, Armentieres, Plot III.C.27



Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais War Grave Website

Driver, L Battery, 15th Brigade, RHA

Brother of Mr E Bickley 2 West View, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks”

William A J Bickley is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

He is also commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RHA/105 B page 981

William Bickley was the son of the late John and Mary Bickley

In fond remembrance of Driver W Bickley 29th Division Royal Horse Artillery killed in action 2 September 1918, fondly remembered by Mr & Mrs Pheasant & Family”.  (In Memorium, Sutton Coldfield News 6.9.1919)

 

1911 census “Cottage”, Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Mary Anne Bickley W 58 Married 33 years 7 children 1 died b Sutton Coldfield

Edward Thomas Bickley U 30 Gardener & painter b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur G Bickley U 21 Baker b Sutton Coldfield

William A. J. Bickley 17 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield


1901 census “Cottage”, Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Mary A Bickley W 48 Laundress b Sutton Coldfield

Edward T Bickley U 20 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield

John Bickley U 18 Builder’s carter b Sutton Coldfield

Charles Bickley 16 Groom b Sutton Coldfield

Howard Bickley 13 b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Bickley 11 b Sutton Coldfield

William A. J. Bickley 7 b Sutton Coldfield


1891 census Four Oaks Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

John Bickley M 37 Wheelwright b Sutton Coldfield

Mary A Bickley M 38 b Sutton Coldfield

Edward Thomas Bickley 10 b Sutton Coldfield

John Bickley 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Charles Bickley 6 b Sutton Coldfield

Howard Bickley 3 b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Bickley 1 b Sutton Coldfield


1881 census “Walsall Road Farm”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

John Bickley M 27 Wheelwright b Sutton Coldfield

Mary A Bickley M 28 b Sutton Coldfield

Edward Thomas Bickley 8 months old b Sutton Coldfield

John Bickley married Mary Anne Genders December 1877 Aston 6d 617 (probably at St James Church)

John Bickley died in 1893 aged 39.

Edward Thomas Bickley

Army Service Record

His service records show that he had served with the South Staffs Regiment Volunteers but dates were not included. He then enlisted with the Coldstream Guards in Birmingham on 6 November 1915 – Private 17164

He lived in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. He was 5 feet 8 ½ inches tall and his chest measured 35 ½ inches.

His wife was Dorothy Eads and they married at St James Church, Hill on 31 October 1915. They had no children.

It seems probable that Dorothy Eads was the sister or close relative of Agnes Eads who married Edward’s brother Howard in 1921.

He was at Caterham in Surrey from 6.11.1915 until he was posted to France on 29.8.1916. He was home from 17.1.1917 to 25.5.1917 and then sent to France on 26.5.1917 until 29 December 1918 when he was sent home for demobilisation due to illness.

He had been sent to Oxford for three weeks in 1916 with dysentery and had a gas wound in the field on 22.8.1917 in France.

He had myalgia in his left shoulder. He was awarded a pension up to 3.9.1919.


Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals CG/101/B9 page 693.

Edward and Dorothy had a son Kenneth who was born in 1922.

Kenneth lived at 377 Lichfield Road Four Oaks and was listed in the 1982 phone book at that address.

Probate

Edward died on 29 September 1959 at Sutton Coldfield Hospital.

Probate was granted to his widow Dorothy and his son Kenneth. Effects: £752. 2s.


John Bickley

Army Service Record

John Bickley of 2 Four Oaks Common Road, Sutton Coldfield enlisted on 8 December 1915 at Sutton Coldfield with the 10th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

He was aged 33 years and 117 days and worked as a labourer. He was place on the army reserve list.

He then enlisted at the Citadel, Plymouth on 13 June 1916 with the 385 Corps, 38th Siege Battery, Royal Gun Artillery – Gunner 91996

He was 5’ 8” tall. He weighed 131 pounds and had a chest measurement of 37 inches. He had a left variocele and required dental treatment but was otherwise fit to serve. He was Church of England.

His next of kin was his wife, Annie Bickley. She was formerly Annie Streather.

They had married on 13 February 1910 at St James Church in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

They had three children – Irene Mary born 2 March 1910; Nancy Elizabeth born 12 February 1911 and William John born 12 March 1915. They were all born in Sutton Coldfield.

John Bickley was discharged from the army on 29 March 1919. It is not clear where he saw military action.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/150 B page 5023 and clasps

 

1911 census “Garden Cottage”, Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

John George Streather M 51 Bricklayer/builder b Brigstock, Northants

Ann Rebecca Streather M 48 Married 30 years, 5 children 2 died b Brigstock

George Streather U 24 Bricklayer b Brigstock

Annie Bickley M 29 Married 1 year 1 child 0 died b Brigstock

John Bickley M 28 Son in law. Labourer on estate b Sutton Coldfield

Irene Mary Bickley 1 b Sutton Coldfield

The Streather family were to become major house builders in the Sutton Coldfield area.

John Bickley died in 1955 aged 72

Annie Streather (had reverted to her maiden name on her Will) died at “Fotheringhay”, 370 Lichfield Road, Four Oaks on 25 February 1963. She was a widow. Probate was granted in Birmingham on 28 June 1963 with administration to Mildred Jeyes and Marjorie Lancaster Temple. Effects: £9728 2s

Howard Bickley

No conclusive military records were found for Howard. There was an Army Medal Roll for Howard Bickley of the 7th Hussars – Private 196. This Howard Bickley enlisted on 28 February 1907 and was discharged on 27 September 1919.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals HCY/102B page 190

Our Howard Bickley was not found on the 1911 census. It is therefore possible that he did join the 7th Hussars in 1907.

Howard Bickley married Agnes Eads in 1921.

Howard Bickley of 375 Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield died on 20 December 1946. His widow Agnes was granted probate on 13 January 1947 at Birmingham. Effects: £820


SAMUEL JOHN BINNELL

Samuel Binnell was born in West Bromwich and enlisted in Birmingham in 1915 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 24357. He transferred in 1917 to the 7th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment - Private 47971

He died of wounds on 28 March 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 36

He was buried at the Caix British Cemetery in France, Plot I.H.14

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals 1/101 B8 page 1356

Army Service Record

These are very damaged and hard to read in places.

It appears that Samuel John Binnell enlisted as a private with the Warwickshire Regiment in Birmingham on 12 December 1915 and was mobilised that day.

He was 5’ 3 ¾” tall with a chest measurement of 35 inches.

He was posted to France on 5 March 1917. It is not clear what happened in between due to ink blobs.

He was transferred to the 2/4th Northamptonshire Regiment on 25 June 1917. He was posted on 3 March 1918 – again unreadable due to ink blob and was declared missing on 28 February 1918.

He was declared either died from wounds or killed in action on 28 March 1918 (hard to make out) and his next of kin was informed. His widow had four children and was awarded a pension of 33 shillings and 9 pence from 25 November 1918. His wife was Ellen Elizabeth Binnell of “Fern Cottage”, 2 Mere Green Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. She was formerly Ellen Elizabeth Gaskin and they were married on 20 April 1908 at St Thomas Church in Erdington.

Their children were: Mary Agnes born 7 May 1910 at Solihull; Christopher Charles born 6 October 1912 at Acocks Green; Margery Frances born 20 January 1915 at Aston and Dorothy Ellen born 24 April 1918 Sutton Coldfield.

It appears that the notifications and paperwork sent from the army to Ellen Binnell could have got mixed up as she wrote to the army to make enquiries about him:

No 2, The Crescent, Tower Road, Four Oaks 3.3.1922

Dear Sirs,

Having seen the paragraph in the London Daily Mail concerning missing soldiers and relatives I beg to ask you if you could trace my husband Private Binnell of the Northamptonshire Regiment Number 47971.

The identification mark which would tell him is a tattooed crucifix on his chest. He is medium height dark hair brown eyes. Hoping you will give this your special attention and oblige.

Yours truly Mrs E Binnell

A letter was sent to her from the Officer in Charge, Infantry Records, Warley, Northamptonshire Regiment on 11 March 1922 outlining what had happened to him and stating that any personal possessions and medals would be sent to the next of kin.

Samuel John Binnell was the son of Thomas T and the late Agnes Binnell and the husband of Ellen Binnell of 2 Grange Avenue, Tower Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

He lived at “Fern Cottages” Mere Green Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield in 1918 (Electoral Roll).

Probate

Ellen Binnell must have already known about his death from his probate. This was dealt with in London on 5 November 1919.

Samuel John Binnell of 2 Fern Cottage, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield died 28 March 1918 in France, Private with A Company 2/4 Northampton Regiment

Probate to Ellen Elizabeth Binnell, widow and George Gaskin Moulder.

Effects: £389.0s.8d

1911 census Stechford, Yardley (no actual address given)

Samuel Binnell M 28 Labourer & plate layer LNWR b West Bromwich

Nellie Binnell M 27 Married 3 years – 1 child b Stechford

Mary Binnell 11 months old b Yardley

Samuel Binnell was not found on the 1901 census

WILLIAM HENRY BIRD

William Henry Bird was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in September 1914 with the 17th Lancers - Private L/7077. It appears that William Bird was sent to Ireland for training and served as a mounted policeman during the Irish riots. He went to France in October 1915 and for the last two years of the war was based in Marseilles. He had home leave for Christmas 1918 and died from influenza at Marseilles on either 1st or the 28th January 1919 from influenza.  

Army Medal Record states he died on 28th January but other records show 1st January.

William Henry Bird was buried at the Mazargues Cemetery Extension, Marseilles, Plot IV.B.57.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals CC/101 B4 page 163 and 1915 Star Medal CC/3B page 34

William Bird entered the French theatre on 17 October 1915 and died 28 January 1919

No other military history was found for him online.

William Henry Bird was the son of Henry and Mary Ann Bird of 30 Lyndon Road, Sutton Coldfield and later of the “Alms Houses”, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Town School Sutton Coldfield. (Sutton Coldfield News 1.2.1919)

It does not appear that William Bird was married.


1911 census 2 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield

Henry Bird M 53 Bricklayer’s labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Mary Ann Bird M 54 Married 22 years with 1 child b Sutton Coldfield

William Henry Bird 17 Barman – out of employment b Sutton Coldfield

The family lived at the same address on the 1901 census.

The Bird family lived at 2 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield according to the 1914/15 and 1918 Electoral Rolls.

They were listed at the “Alms Houses”, Sutton Coldfield on the 1926 Electoral Roll.

ARTHUR JAMES BLISS


Arthur James Bliss was born at Edgbaston. He enlisted on 7 September 1914 at the Technical School Recruiting Office at Suffolk Street, Birmingham with the 1/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 305963

He was killed in action on 27 August 1916 (France & Flanders)

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Arthur James Bliss is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 34 page 746

Army Service Record

He lived at “Garden View Cottages”, Highbridge Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield at the time he enlisted. He was 19 and worked as a painter. He was single. His medical showed that he was 5’ 5” tall, weighed 126 pounds, had a chest measurement of 33 ½ inches with expansion of 2 ½ inches.  He had brown hair and grey eyes. His medical pronounced him to be fit for general service. He was Church of England. However, he was discharged as non-effective on 22 September 1914 (paragraph 39 v (iii) (c) – no written reason was given.

On the 31 December 1914 Colonel T Matthews of the Commanding Depot of RWR at Budbrook Barracks, Warwick wrote to Arthur’s sister Miss G. M. Bliss at “Garden View Cottage”, Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield.

I would be much obliged if you would answer the following questions and return this paper to me as soon as possible in the envelope enclosed.

If you know the address of this man will you kindly fill in below to enable me to dispose of his entitlement Please add name of regiment.”

His sister replied - Name and date of enlistment: 7.9.14 Birmingham. Regiment number: 6194 Co. 12/10th Service Bttn RWR (late Regiment) and present regiment is 8th Bttn (1st reserves) RWR.

No address was added by his sister on this form.

However, this must have been sorted out and he was re-enlisted with the 1/8th Territorial Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment as Private 305963.

He is listed as residing at Wylde Green on the death notice for him on 27 August 1916 and the medal card rolls index for the same army number.

He died in France. The 1/8th Battalion assaulted part of the Constance Trench on either side of Pole Trench at 7pm but ran into their own barrage and so swerved to the flanks.  Counter- attacks from Pole Trench and from down Constance Trench forced the battalion to withdraw in the Delville Wood/ High Wood area. The temperature was 73 degrees F and rain of 4mm had fallen on the day.” (SDBD)

Arthur James Bliss was the son of James and Emily Bliss of Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

1911 census Highbridge Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

James Bliss M 40 sic Painter & Decorator – own account b Birmingham

Emily Bliss M 40 sic Married 17 years – 2 children b Stourbridge

Arthur James Bliss U 16 Painter & Decorator b Edgbaston

Gladys May Bliss 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Maria Bliss W 76 Mother b Little Haughton, Northants

1901 census Bell Barn Lane, Edgbaston

James Bliss M 27 Painter b Birmingham

Emily Bliss M 28 b Birmingham

Arthur Bliss 6 b Edgbaston

James Bliss was listed at Beacon Villas, Highbridge Road on the 1914/15 Electoral Roll but was not found on the 1918 Electoral Roll for Sutton Coldfield.

PERCY GEORGE BLOCKLEY

Percy Blockley was born at Forden, Montgomery and enlisted at Birmingham with the 8th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment - Private 14909

He was killed in action on 25 September 1915 on the first day of the Battle of Loos.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

Percy George Blockley served with the Princess Charlotte of Wales (Royal Berkshire Regiment) 14909. He entered the French theatre on 7 August 1915. He was killed in action.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/105 B2 page 326 and the 1915 Star Medal L/3B page 48

No further military records were found online.

Prior to the war he was employed as a gardener at “Ashfurlong Hall”, Sutton Coldfield, in the employment of Colonel Wilkinson.

He enlisted at the same time as F. J. Marlow in early 1915.

He was a member of the Sutton Coldfield Gardeners Society.” (Sutton Coldfield News 2.7.1918)

Colonel Wilkinson of “Ashfurlong Hall” was Joseph Henry Wilkinson of Bradford.

In 1911, living at “Ashfurlong Hall”, Joseph Wilkinson was 66 and the chairman of a public company. His wife was Marianne aged 36.

The Hall had 19 rooms and they employed five servants.

Percy George Blockley was the son of David and Sarah Blockley

1911 census “Pentre Villa”, Leighton, Welshpool, Montgomery

Working for Thomas Edgar Hickman, auctioneer and estate agent

Percy George Blockley 16 General servant b Forden, Montgomery

 

1901 census “Bank Cottage”, Forden, Montgomeryshire

David Blockley M 41 Road labourer b Forden, Montgomery

Sarah Blockley M 42 b Forden

Thomas Blockley 12 b Forden

Harry Blockley 9 b Forden

Elsie Blockley 8 b Forden

Percy Blockley 6 b Forden

Ernest Blockley 3 b Forden

Frederick Blockley 2 b Forden

EWART THOMAS BOUGH

Ewart Thomas Bough was born in Sutton Coldfield and enlisted in Birmingham with Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 5992. He transferred to the 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry - Private 16320.

He died in Salonika from Malaria on 23 November 1918, aged 36

He was buried at the Mikra Cemetery, Salonika, Greece, Plot 910

Ewart Thomas Bough is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals C/1/101. B page 87

No further military records were found online.

Ewart Thomas Bough was the son of William and Catherine Bough

 

1911 census “Plants Buildings”, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

William Bough M 68 Park Keeper b Chaddesley Corbett

Catherine Bough M 68 Married 36 years – 2 children b Boldmere

Percy William Bough U 32 Butcher’s assistant b Boldmere

Ewart Thomas Bough U 29 Barman b Boldmere


1901 census 195 Moseley Road, Deritend Birmingham - Working for Geoffrey Shakespeare, Tavern manager

Ewart Bough U 19 Barman b Sutton Coldfield

 

1891 census The Coldfield, Sutton Coldfield

William Bough M 48 Park Keeper b Chaddesley Corbett

Catherine Bough M 48 b Sutton Coldfield

Percy W Bough 12 b Sutton Coldfield

Ewart Bough 9 b Sutton Coldfield

It does not appear that Ewart Bough was married.

His parents were listed on the Electoral Roll in 1914/15 at Plants Building, Jockey Road and a Mary Ann Bough was residing at 271 Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield according to the 1930 Electoral Roll.

Percy William Bough

It appears that Percy W Bough enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 6236.

It is not known where he served as his army service records were not found online.

However, he was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B/4 page 818 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B 55 class Z

Percy William Bough married Alice Clay in Sutton Coldfield in 1917. Alice Bough died in 1947 in Sutton Coldfield.

Percy William Bough then married Annie E Fereday in 1949 in Manchester. Annie E Bough died in 1962 in Sutton Coldfield.

Percy William Bough died on 19 December 1963 at Good Hope Hospital. He lived at 11 Western Road.

ALFRED PERCY BOWER

Alfred Percy Bower was born in Birmingham. He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 1017. He later became a Second Lieutenant with the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry – army number not known

He was killed in action on 1 November 1918 (France & Flanders).

He was buried at the Preseau Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Plot B1

Alfred Percy Bower is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

Alfred Percy Bower was originally enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 1017.

He was transferred to the Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry, 11th Battalion on 30 April 1918 when he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.

He first served in France on 21 November 1915.

He was awarded the Victory and British (Somerset L I) Medals OFF/40 page 170 and 1915 Star Medal L/10B6 page 34.

His medals were sent to his sister Mrs Hollis at 10 Haseley Road, Handsworth.

His link with Sutton Coldfield is not very clear although it appears that he was listed on the 1918 Electoral Roll as residing at “Conoor”, Walmley Road.


Alfred Percy Bower 
(Source: ancestry.co.uk)

Alfred Percy Bower was the son of Charles and Rachel Bower of Handsworth

1911 census 29 Lansdowne Road, Handsworth

Charles Alfred Bower M 52 2nd class Supt. Postal telegraph b Kings Norton

Rachel Bower M 51 Married 30 years -4 children b Carmarthen

Nellie Laura Bower U 25 Senior telegraph clerk b Birmingham

Alfred Percy Bower U 18 Temporary postal sorting clerk b Birmingham

Agnes Hastings 14 Domestic servant b Minworth

 

1901 census 116 Grove Lane, Handsworth

Charles A Bower M 41 Postal telegraph clerk b Kings Norton

Rachel Bower M 41 b Carmarthen

Alice Bower U 18 Telephone clerk b Birmingham

Marnie F Bower 17 Brass founder’s clerk b Birmingham

Nellie L Bower 15 b Birmingham

Alfred P Bower 8 b Birmingham

British Postal Service Appointments Archives

In 1912 Alfred Percy Bower sat the examination to join the Post office.

He was accepted to work in Birmingham – Entrance number E15207

Probate

Alfred Percy Bower of 9 Lansdowne Road, Handsworth, Second Lieutenant Somerset Light Infantry died on 1 November 1919 in France.

Administration with will was granted in Birmingham in December 1919 to Alice E Hollis (his sister).

Effects: £464. 19s. 2d

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM HENRY BOWERS

Christopher Bowers was born in Aston. He enlisted as a Pilot Sergeant (Corporal) in the Royal Air Force (Royal Flying Corps) 2 (Aux) School of Ariel Gunnery – number 932. He died whilst flying in action on 1 May 1917, probably in Scotland. The type of plane he flew was an FE26. He is buried at the Girvan, Ayrshire (Doune) Cemetery in Scotland Plot D1. Christopher William H Bowers is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial


Great Britain Royal Aero Club Aviators Certificates 1910 – 1950


Record Card and Photograph 1916

Christopher William Henry Bowers was the son of William and the late Mary Bowers

 

1911 census “Adderley House”, Arden Road, Saltley Birmingham

William Richard Bowers W 42 Superint. Engineer in Ammunition b Croydon, Surrey

Christopher W Bowers U 17 Apprentice Engineer b Aston

Victor S Bowers 13 b Saltley

Margaret Randall W 48 Housekeeper b Buckinghamshire

 

1901 census College Road, Aston

William R Bowers M 32 Engineer ammunition works b Croydon, Surrey

Mary Bowers M 32 b Devises Wilts

Christopher W Bowers 7 b Birmingham

Victor Bowers 3 b Birmingham

William R Bowers remarried in September 1911 to Emma Geiger.

 

In 1916 he lived at “Medina”, Signal Hayes Road.

He died in 1929 at the General Hospital in Birmingham.

In 1929 he was living at 72 Station Street, Sutton Coldfield (Electoral Roll).



JOHN FREDERICK BRADBURY

John Frederick Bradbury was born in Ladywood, Birmingham and enlisted on 10 November 1915 at Sutton Coldfield, originally with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 15581 and then transferred to the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 2nd Battalion - Private 25344

He was killed in action on 1 October 1918 (France & Flanders) at the age of 22

He is buried at the Anneux British Cemetery, France – Plot IV.B.29

J Bradbury is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B3 page 486.

No further military history was found for him online.

According to a letter from his officer and chaplain, he was killed instantaneously by a machine gun bullet.

His mother was Mary Bradbury of 4 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 12.10.1918)

Family history

John Bradbury is listed at 4 Coles Lane on the 1918 Electoral Roll and this was his mother’s address when he died.

However, neither John nor Mary Bradbury could be positively identified on the 1911 and 1901 census.

They were not found on the 1918 Electoral Roll for 4 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

It is not known when they moved to Sutton Coldfield.


FREDERICK WILLIAM BRADFORD

Frederick William Bradford was born and lived in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Lichfield with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards - Private 7496

He was killed in action on 26 October 1917 at Ypres (France & Flanders).

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals SG/104B page 84 and the 1914 Star Medal SG/1 page 27.

He was disembarked to France on 13 August 1914.

It appears that he joined the Scots Guards as a boy soldier as he was found in Egypt with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards in 1911

No further military records were found for him online.

Frederick William Bradford was the son of John and Sarah Bradford.

The family resided at 10 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield.

In cherished memory of dear Billy, 1st Scots Guards, killed in action in France on October 26th 1914. Sadly missed by his sorrowing parents, sister and brother.” (In Memorium: Sutton Coldfield News 25.10.1919)

1911 census 1st Battalion Scots Guards – EGYPT (overseas posting)

Frederick Bradford 16 Boy soldier b Sutton Coldfield

 

1911 census 10 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield

John Bradford M 44 Club Steward b Pontypool, S Wales

Sarah Bradford M 39 Married 20 years with 3 children b Hardwick, Gloucs

Lillian Bradford U 19 Manages fruit shop b Bamfurlong, Gloucs

Charles Bradford U 17 Groom b Bamfurlong, Gloucs

The family were not found on the 1901 census

HENRY WILFRED BRASSINGTON

Henry W Brassington was born in Aston. He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion – Private 255

He was killed in action on 3 September 1916 in the Battle of Guillemont on the Somme.

He was buried at the Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, Somme; Plot XX1V K.4

Henry W Brassington is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals – L/104 B4 page 906

Henry Wilfred Brassington was the son of Henry and Louisa Brassington

He was educated at King Edwards School Birmingham, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield and Ratcliffe College, Leicester.

He was a member of Boldmere Swimming Club. He was a member of Boldmere Church. He is commemorated on the memorials for the church and swimming club.

He was employed by Messrs Lister Lea & Sons, Architects.

Two years before the war he had a bicycle accident resulting in a series of operations on his foot which left him more or less handicapped.

After initial army training his foot again gave him problems and he was put on a list awaiting discharge. He volunteered for work on a hospital ship but that fell through. Then he was suddenly drafted to the front in June 1916.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 10.3.1917)


1911 census 201 Station Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

Henry B Brassington M 43 Architect – employer b Birmingham

Louisa Brassington M 40 Married 15 years – 2 children b Aston Manor

Henry W Brassington 14 b Aston Manor

Basil E Brassington 11 b Aston Manor

Bertha M Brough U 22 Domestic servant b Penkridge


1901 census “St Wilfred”, Station Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

Henry B Brassington M 33 Architect assistant b Birmingham

Louisa Brassington M 30 b Aston

Henry W Brassington 4 b Aston

Basil E Brassington 1 b Aston

Sarah Growse M 71 Mother in law b Worcester

Henry Bernard Brassington served as a Sutton Coldfield Town Councillor during the 1930’s.

Henry Bernard Brassington died on 7 September 1942 at 7 Vernon Road, Edgbaston. His son Basil was an executor. The estate was worth £43,126.3s.

Louisa Brassington died in on 26 May 1928 at the Woodleigh Nursing Home, Wylde Green.

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 255 Henry Wilfred Brassington

15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Sunday 3rd September 1916

Aged: 19

The British Fourth and Sixth Armies were to attack the spur that overlooked Combles at twelve noon on Sunday September 3rd 1916. The main part of the spur was covered by Leuze Wood, whilst the tip of the spur was protected by Falfemont Farm.

The 13th Brigade, consisting of the 14th and 15th Royal Warwicks and 2nd Kings Own Scottish Borderers, had as its objective a line running from Wedge Wood to Point 48, including Falfemont Farm.

The 2nd KOSBs made a preliminary attack at 9.00am and disappeared from view. It was assumed that they had gained their objective, but in reality most were either dead or wounded in front of the German barbed wire.

The artillery support needed for the KOSBs had been used to deal with a German counter-attack further south. The 2nd KOSBs suffered nearly 300 casualties as they were cut down by machine-gun and rifle fire.

At 12 noon the main attack commenced. Two platoons of C Company 14th Royal Warwicks attacked the German line in the valley to the right of Wedge Wood.

It ground to a halt in No Mans Land and the remaining two platoons of C Company moved up to support them. At 1.00pm the A and B Companies of the 14th and 15th Royal Warwicks renewed their attack on Falfemont Farm.

With Falfemont Farm still in German hands the 14th Royal Warwicks attacking to its left lost heavily to machine-gun fire. The attack in front of the farm was even more disastrous as the supporting creeping barrage, fired from the British artillery, started behind the advancing troops. The attack soon came to a halt on the slopes to the Farm.

As darkness approached on the 3 September the 15th Royal Warwicks made their way back to Casement Trench their original jumping off point.

They had suffered 66 killed and 165 wounded, whilst the 14th Royal Warwicks lost 86 killed and 216 wounded.

Very few of those killed are buried in any known grave and are now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Henry Brassington is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, Plot 24, Row K, Grave 4

His gravestone is inscribed ‘R.I.P.

Henry Brassington was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial situated at King Edwards Square and also on the on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial, Sutton Park.

Henry Wilfred Brassington was born on 18 October 1886 in Aston but lived most of his life in Sutton Coldfield.

He was the son of Henry Bernard (architect at James & Lister, Lea & Sons) and Louisa Brassington of St. Wilfreds, 201 Station Road, Wylde Green in Sutton Coldfield.

Henry entered Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in 1906 and upon leaving school in 1911 he was educated at Ratcliffe College, near Leicester between January and July 1912.

In 1912 he injured his foot in a cycle accident and despite a series of operations it was still proving troublesome.

Ignoring the problem he enlisted in the 3rd Birmingham Battalion (16th Royal Warwickshire Regiment) at the outbreak of war.

He managed his initial training well but after the move to Bolton Hall, Wensleydale (where the Battalion became part of the 32nd Division), his foot began to give him trouble. He was transferred into the 17th (Reserve) Battalion to await a discharge. He tried to volunteer to work on a hospital ship but that fell through.

Whilst waiting for a discharge he was put in a draft of soldiers and sent out to join the 15th Royal Warwicks in June 1916.

The Ratcliffian still recorded Henry as missing in January 1917 but he had been killed in the attack on Falfemont Farm on 3 September 1916.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

RAYMOND DOUGLAS BRATT

Raymond Bratt was born in Handsworth. He resided in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Leamington Spa with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps – TT 02274 and later was transferred to the 12th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry - Lance Corporal 37911.

He died of wounds on 24 September 1918 (France & Flanders) at the age of 25.

He possibly died at a casualty clearing station as there were three based in Doingt at that time (C.W.G.C. Cemetery History).

He was buried at the Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, Perronne, France, Plot I.B.40

He was commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

He is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals C/2/102 B20 page 2540

No further military history was found for him online.

Raymond Douglas Bratt was the son of Arthur John and Amelia Harriett Bratt of 7 Western Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.

 

1911 census “Holly Lodge”, Western Road, Sutton Coldfield

Arthur John Bratt M 45 ‘Tinman’ Furniture Manufacturer b Aston

Amelia Harriett Bratt M 44 b Aston

Raymond Douglas Bratt U 18 Die punching for printing trade b Handsworth

Ernest Reginald Bratt 14 Wholesale jewellery warehouse boy b Handsworth

Cyril John Bratt 13 b Handsworth

Evelyn May Bratt 11 b Handsworth

Gordon Eustace Bratt 9 b Sutton Coldfield

Phyllis Christina Bratt 6 b Sutton Coldfield

Kenneth Vincent Bratt 6 months old b Sutton Coldfield

The couple had been married for 18 years. They had 9 children, two of whom had died

In 1901 the family lived at “Laburnum”, Western Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Baptism

Raymond Douglas Bratt was born on 3 February 1983 and baptised at St Silas, Lozells, Birmingham, on 9 April 1893.

The family lived at “Highwood”, 93 Holly Road, Handsworth at the time of his birth.

EDGAR JOHN BROMWICH

See also the information about his brothers William H Bromwich and Harold Ellson Bromwich who served in the war and survived and his brother Leslie Frank Bromwich who was killed in action on 4 June 1916

Edgar John Bromwich was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion - Private 312. He was killed in action on 4th June 1916 aged 26 (France & Flanders).  Unofficial reports suggest that he was killed by a mine explosion He was buried at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot I.D. 14

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B5 page 979 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 64.

The card is annotated ‘Killed in Action’.

Edgar John Bromwich was the son of William and Helen Bromwich and he resided at 25 High Street, Sutton Coldfield.

1911 census 25 High Street, Sutton Coldfield

William Bromwich M 50 Baker/confectioner/employer b Sutton Coldfield

Helen Bromwich M 52 Married 26 years - 7 children b Sutton Coldfield

William H Bromwich U 23 Baker b Sutton Coldfield

Edgar J Bromwich U 21 Clerk b Sutton Coldfield

Harold E Bromwich 15 b Sutton Coldfield

Margery H Bromwich 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Louisa Burton M 28 Servant b Walsall


1901 census 25 High Street, Sutton Coldfield

William Bromwich M 40 Master Baker employer b Sutton Coldfield

Helen Bromwich M 42 b Sutton Coldfield

Elsie S Bromwich 15 b Sutton Coldfield

William H Bromwich 13 b Sutton Coldfield

Edgar J Bromwich 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Hilda A Bromwich 9 b Sutton Coldfield

Harold E Bromwich 5 b Sutton Coldfield

Leslie F Bromwich 4 b Sutton Coldfield

Margery H Bromwich 1 b Sutton Coldfield

Emma Harrison U 28 Shop assistant b Sutton Coldfield

Annie Phillips 15 General Servant b Norton Canes

Ada Hawkins 13 General Servant b Weeford

Probate

Administration of the estate of Edgar John Bromwich was granted to William Bromwich, confectioner on 14 August 1916 at Birmingham.

Effects: £366 16s 9d

William H Bromwich

William H Bromwich served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 242981

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104B5 page 981. He survived the war.

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 15/312 Edgar John (Eddie) Bromwich

15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Sunday 4th June 1916

Aged: 26

Private E. Bromwich was in the front-line trench when the German mine blew. He was at first reported missing for several days, as the Germans had taken prisoners, but he was later confirmed as dead.Eddie Bromwich is buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras Plot 1, Row D, Grave 14

The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.

He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square

Edgar attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1904 and 1905.

After school, he worked for the Birmingham Gas Company at their Sutton Coldfield office for three years and then at their Head office for three more years.

He then joined his father in Bromwich Catering (bakers, confectioners, grocers and sellers of boots and shoes).

He was a keen footballer and swimmer.

He enlisted in the 2nd Birmingham Battalion (15th Royal Warwicks) on 4 September 1914.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

 

Harold Ellson Bromwich

Harold Ellson Bromwich joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and served as a Sergeant, Corporal and Second Lieutenant – number 311

He entered the war in France on 21 November 1915. He was wounded in 1916 and was in hospital.

He survived the war and was discharged on 28 May 1918

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104B5 page 979

He was awarded the 1915 Star Medal L/10 B page 638


LESLIE FRANK BROMWICH

Leslie Frank Bromwich was the brother of Edgar John Bromwich who was also killed in the war

Leslie Frank Bromwich was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion - Lance Corporal 308

He was killed in action on 4 June 1916 France & Flanders at the age of 19. Unofficial reports suggest that he was killed by a mine

He was buried at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras - Plot 1.C.62

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the 1915 Star Medal R78/8C page 606

Leslie Frank Bromwich was the son of William and Helen Bromwich.

Leslie was born on 13 January 1897 and went to Handley Castle School, Worcester after leaving Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School where he attended between 1907 and 1911, where he was successful as a scholar and sportsman.

He was articled to Messrs. Squires and Co.; chartered accountants, Colmore Row, Birmingham in 1913 and he gave promise of a brilliant career. He enlisted in the 2nd Birmingham Battalion (15th Royal Warwicks) on 4 September 1914.

One of Leslie and Edgar’s comrades wrote to his parents: We all feel their loss very keenly, but this consoling thought I would offer you - and to my mind it is a great consolation - they both died nobly doing their duty.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 24.6.1916)


1911 census 25 High Street, Sutton Coldfield

William Bromwich M 50 Baker/confectioner/employer b Sutton Coldfield

Helen Bromwich M 52 Married 26 years -7 children b Sutton Coldfield

William H Bromwich U 23 Baker b Sutton Coldfield

Edgar J Bromwich U 21 Clerk b Sutton Coldfield

Harold E Bromwich 15 b Sutton Coldfield

Margery H Bromwich 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Louisa Burton M 28 Servant b Walsall

 

1901 census 25 High Street, Sutton Coldfield

William Bromwich M 40 Master Baker employer b Sutton Coldfield

Helen Bromwich M 42 b Sutton Coldfield

Elsie S Bromwich 15 b Sutton Coldfield

William H Bromwich 13 b Sutton Coldfield

Edgar J Bromwich 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Hilda A Bromwich 9 b Sutton Coldfield

Harold E Bromwich 5 b Sutton Coldfield

Leslie F Bromwich 4 b Sutton Coldfield

Margery H Bromwich 1 b Sutton Coldfield

Emma Harrison U 28 Shop assistant b Sutton Coldfield

Annie Phillips 15 General Servant b Norton Canes

Ada Hawkins 13 General Servant b Weeford

Probate
The estate of Leslie Frank Bromwich was proved in Birmingham on 14 August 1916 to be administered by William Bromwich, confectioner. Effects: £246.12s

YMCA

Leslie Frank Bromwich was a member of the YMCA. The YMCA sent a letter in September 1916 to his parents sending their condolences for the loss of both of their sons.  (John Day, Sutton Coldfield YMCA, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Lance Corporal 308 Leslie Frank Bromwich

15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Sunday 4th June 1916

Aged: 19

Lance Corporal L. Bromwich of ‘VIIPlatoon, ‘B Company was in the front-line trench when the German mine blew.

Leslie Bromwich is buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot 1, Row C, Grave 62

The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.

Leslie Bromwich is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and also on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial, Sutton Park.

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

EDWARD BROWN

Edward Brown was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion - Lance Corporal 1093

He also acted as a bugler and barber in the army. He was reported missing on 23 July 1916 and assumed killed in action on that date.

He was killed at the Battle of the Somme. He was aged 30. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B5 page 1020 and the 1915 Star Medal L.1B page 67

He entered the France theatre of war on 21 November 1915

Edward Brown was the son of Edward and Emma Brown. He was the husband of Georgina Brown

The marriage of Edward Brown and Georgina Whitehouse was registered September Aston 6d 668

Before the war he worked as a bricklayer.” (Sutton Coldfield News 21.7.1917)

Edward (Ted), the dearly beloved husband of Georgina Brown, killed in action 23 July 1916.  Sadly missed by wife, children, mother, sisters and brothers”.

(In Memorium: Sutton Coldfield News 2.8.1919)

Edward Brown lived at 7 Riland Avenue, Sutton Coldfield in 1914/15 (Electoral Roll)

 

1911 census 47 Reddicap Heath, Sutton Coldfield

Edward Brown M 24 Bricklayer b Sutton Coldfield

Georgina Brown M 25 Married 2 years - 1 child b Sutton Coldfield

Edward Ivan Brown 1 b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census “The Hawthorns”, Lower Queen Street, Sutton Coldfield

Edward Brown M 49 Gardener b Sutton Coldfield

Emma Brown M 47 b Oldbury, Worcs

Mary Brown U 21 Waitress b Alrewas, Staffs

Frank Brown 16 Painter b Alrewas

Edward Brown 14 Postal messenger b Sutton Coldfield

Isabel Brown 10 b Sutton Coldfield

Florence Brown 9 b Sutton Coldfield

Leonard Brown 6 b Sutton Coldfield

John Brown 2 b Sutton Coldfield

HARRY SEYMOUR BROWN

Harry Seymour Brown was born in Derby. He enlisted at Suffolk Street, Birmingham with the Royal Army Service Corps in 1915- Private 256 and 11384. He later transferred to the 21st Battalion Rifle Brigade - Rifleman 203607 and 3959.

He had previously served in the army during the Boer War in South Africa.

He was sent to Egypt in 1915, soon after re-enlisting.

He died on 19 November 1918 in India from Influenza, at the age of 48.

He was buried at the Fyzabad Cantonment Cemetery and is commemorated on the Madras War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals TP/105 B2 page 178

Army Service Record

He enlisted at Suffolk Street, Birmingham on 21.8.1914 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 5th Battalion.

He was transferred to the 21st Rifle Brigade (Midlands) on 25.9.1915 – Private 256. He had previously served with the ASC

He was aged 41 and lived at “Malvern House”, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He was married. His place of birth was Derby. He worked as a butcher.

He was examined in Birmingham on 2.12.1914. He was 5’ 4 ½” tall, weighed 119 pounds and his chest measured 34”.

He was declared fit to be placed on Class III National Reserve as qualifying prior to 11.8.1914 which he signed on 30.1.1915.

On 4.10.1915 he signed the Imperial Foreign Service Obligation to be transferred to the Territorial Force at the Midland Battalion HQ, Halton Camp.

He was at ‘home’ between 2.12.1914- 29.12.1915. He was embarked on 30.12.1915 to Devonport. He was disembarked at Alexandria on 14.1.1916. He was embarked at Suez on 18.9.1918 and disembarked at Bombay on 1.10.1918.

On 10 November 1918 he was admitted to hospital at Fyzabad with influenza and died on 19 November 1919.

His widow was Laura Ellen Brown of “Malvern House”, 6 Park Road, Sutton Coldfield.

His children were Annie born 23.9.1899; Muriel born 22.7.1903; Harry born 16.11.1904 and Margaret born 5.10.1906.

His parents were Edward and Emma Brown of “Melrose”, Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield.

His living siblings were Frank 36, Leonard 21, John 18, Ellen 40, Letitia 37, Isabel 25 and Florence 22.

On 21.8.1919 his regimental plaque and scroll were sent to his widow along with his personal effects consisting of cards, letters, photos, wrist watch and pince-nez.

Laura Ellen Brown and her children were awarded an army pension of 30s 10d on 9 June 1919.

Harry Seymour Brown was the son of Mr & Mrs Brown of “Melrose”, Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield. He was the husband of Laura Brown.

Marriage at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield on 7 June 1898

Harry Seymour Brown Bachelor aged 27, Army Service Corps, resident at Woolwich.

Father Edward Brown, labourer

Laura Ellen Badland Spinster aged 26, resident at Sutton Coldfield.

Father Joseph Badland – deceased.

He was married with four children.

He had worked as a butcher for Mr Evans, Butchers of 34 Parade, Sutton Coldfield and in 1915 for Mr H Harrison, Builder of Jockey Road.” (Sutton Coldfield News 22.11.1919)

In loving memory of my dear husband H. S. Brown who died in India from influenza November 19th 1918

Ever lovingly remembered by his wife and children; also father, mother, brothers and sisters”.

(In Memorium: Sutton Coldfield News 1919)

 

1911 census 10 Park Road, Sutton Coldfield

Harry Seymour Brown M 39 Carter for general haulier b Derbyshire

Laura Ellen Brown M 39 Married 12 years – 4 children b Liverpool

Annie Brown 12 b Woolwich

Muriel Brown 7 b Sutton Coldfield

Harry Seymour Brown 4 b Sutton Coldfield

Margaret Brown 4 b Sutton Coldfield

JOHN RAYMOND BROWN

John Raymond Brown was born in Clapham, Middlesex. He lived in Erdington. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 5th Battalion - Corporal 10912

He was killed in action on 22 June 1915 (France & Flanders).

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate.

John Raymond Brown was also commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B3 page 565 and 1915 Star Medal L/4B page 29

No further military history was found online.

John Raymond Brown was the son of John and Annie Brown of “Eldon Lodge”, Penns Lane, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield

The family appear to have moved to Penns Lane, Walmley after 1911.

 

1911 census 3 Anderton Road, Aston

John Brown M 41 Manager- coach builders b Birmingham

Annie Brown M 46 Married 16 years, 6 children all alive b Birmingham

Raymond Brown 16 b London

Marjorie Brown 13 b Birmingham

Stella Brown 9 b Birmingham

Joan Brown 7 b Birmingham

Frank Brown 4 b Birmingham

Nancy Brown 3 b Birmingham

Alice Bates U 23 General servant b Tipton

ROLAND BUSHELL

Roland Bushell was born in Handsworth. He received his commission in December 1916 and was a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery (Territorial) 282nd Brigade. He has two regimental numbers – SMFA Bde Gnr 3425 and RFA. T.F. 836681.  He was sent to France in January 1917. He was sent home in June 1917 as the result of an accident when an ammunition wagon drove over him, then he was sent back to the front in August 1917.

His Colonel wrote that on 26 September 1917 Roland Bushell was rendering aid to an injured man when he was severely wounded when a shell burst. He died soon afterwards.

Roland Bushell died of wounds on 26 September 1917.

He was buried at the Gwalia Cemetery, Ypres, (Poperinge), Plot II.C.16

Roland Bushell is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the RFA Victory and British Medals OFF/132 page 512 E

He was serving in Belgium at the time he died. His medals were sent to May Ellis, widow of Flat 5, St Aubyns Court, St Aubyns, Hove Sussex on 16 March 1922.

Roland Bushell was the only son of Mr and Mrs Herbert Bushell of “Shillingford”, Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. And the husband of May Bushell.

Roland Bushell, bachelor aged 25, manufacturing jeweller of Hambleton near Malvern married May Ellis, spinster of 27 Broadham Gardens, Hampstead, London at Trinity Church, Hampstead on 5 October 1912. His father was Herbert Bushell, manufacturing jeweller and her father was Edward Ellis, tapestry merchant.

In 1911, May Ellis lived at Bayswater in a women’s hostel. She was a draper’s typist. She had been born in London

He was the husband of Mrs M Bushell of 58 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham and he was educated at Greenhill School, Moseley, Birmingham.”

(Sutton Coldfield News 13.10.1917)

 

1911 census “Hambleton House”, Upper Colwall, Herefordshire

Herbert Bushell M 51 Manufacturing jeweller – employer b Birmingham

Agnes Juliet Bushell M 48 Married 22 years with 3 children b Handsworth

Roland Bushell U 23 Manufacturing jeweller – employer b Handsworth

Eva Bushell U 20 b Handsworth

Minnie Bushell 11 b Moseley

Annie Brydges U 22 Cook b Tedstone, Warks

Annie Pritchard U 19 Housemaid b Lubley, Worcs


In 1901 the Bushell family lived at The Hawthorns, Coppice Road, Moseley, Birmingham

Probate

Roland Bushell of 58 Hagley Road, Birmingham 2nd Lieutenant RFA died 26 September 1917 in Belgium.

Probate was granted at Birmingham on 6 March 1917 to May Bushell, widow. Effects: £3362.10s

FRANK STANDLEY BUTLER

Frank S Butler was born in Lichfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the 8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 2626. He was later transferred to the 1/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment and given a new number - Private 331034

He was killed in action on 17 August 1917 during the Battle of Langemarck (France & Flanders) aged 20.

On the day he died the temperature was 72 degrees F, the weather was clear and there was no rainfall.” (SDBD)

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial

He was also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104B6 page 1175 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 79

Army Service Record

These are rather damaged but Frank Butler enlisted at Aston Barracks, Birmingham on 4 September 1914. He was aged 19. He was 5’ 6 ½ “tall and had a chest measurement of 34 ½”. He was found fit for service. He was a grocer’s assistant of 20 Beech Road, Erdington, Birmingham.  He was embodied to 8 Unit on 4.9.1914. He was reposted to 18th Unit on 3.2.1917 and then to the 1/8th Unit on 20.6.1917. He was in England between 4.9.14 – 21.3.1915 then posted to France between 22.3.1915 and 5.7.1916. He had been slightly wounded on 7 January 1916. He was reposted between 6.7.1916 – 15.6.1917 and then again between 16.6.1917 – 17.8.1917, the day he was killed in action. In all he served 2 years and 348 days in service.  The War Office wrote to both his father (1.12.1917) and his mother Sarah Jane Butler (21.7.1920) about his personal effects, sending his plaque and scroll and forwarding any medals due. Frank Standley Butler was the son of Frank Cox Butler and Sarah Jane Butler.

 

1911 census 20 Beech Road, Erdington

Frank Cox Butler M 43 Wire salesman b Derby

Winnie D Butler 16 Daughter b Lichfield

Frank Standley Butler 14 Son Grocer’s errand boy b Lichfield

Nancy Mary Butler 9 Daughter b Lichfield

Thomas William Butler 3 Son b Lichfield

Sarah Jane Butler was not traced on the 1911 census.

In 1901, Frank Standley Butler was living with his grandparents Joseph and Sarah Standley at 30 Bakers Lane, Lichfield.

His grandfather was a self -employed brewer from Lichfield.

Frank and Sarah Butler were listed as residing at 20 at Beech Road, Erdington on the 1914/15 and 1918 Electoral Rolls

JOSEPH HENRY CAPENER

Joseph Henry Capener was born in Birmingham. He enlisted in Winchester at the outbreak of war with the Kings Royal Rifles 11th Battalion – Rifleman R/6254

He was sent to the front in May 1915. He was badly burnt in February 1917 and hospitalised in England. He returned to the front in May 1917.

He died of wounds on 8 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 24.

He probably died at a casualty clearing station was there were three based in the vicinity.

He was buried at the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Ypres, Plot II.F.9

He is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes).

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101B21 page 2615 and the 1915 Star Medal M/2B page 523.

Army Service Record - The quality of the records is very poor and hard to read.

He joined at Winchester on 4.11.1914 but his address is not filled in. He was posted on 10.11.1914 to France. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 18.11.1915 and to Corporal on 1.9.1916. He asked to be demoted back to rifleman on 12.12.1916.

He was wounded in action on 15 September 1916 and suffered burns on 7 February 1917. He was sent to England between 23 February 1917 and 23 May 1917.

His next of kin was Amelia Capener of “Midland Cottages”, Hewell Road, Barnt Green near Bromsgrove.

After Joseph died, his mother was sent his effects of knife, watch/guard and strap, a case, photos, his disc and his purse. She was also sent his medals as well as the regimental scroll and plaque. In addition, she was also sent the Princess Mary Christmas 1914 gift that had been sent to every soldier serving at that time.

Joseph Capener was the only son of Louis and Amelia Capener.

Joseph Capener moved to Sutton Coldfield from Barnt Green after the 1911 census and prior to enlisting had worked as a gardener for Mr E. J. Wood of Broomie Close, Sutton Coldfield. He resided at 71 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield before he enlisted.” (Sutton Coldfield News 18.8.1917)


1911 census “Midland Cottages”, Hewell Road, Barnt Green near Bromsgrove

Amelia Capener W 49 b Birmingham

Ellen Capener U 25 Domestic servant b Birmingham

Harry Capener U 18 Gardener b Birmingham

Amelia had been married for 29 years prior to being widowed. She had five children, two of whom had died. This had been crossed out by the enumerator.


1901 census “House Lodge”, Lindhurst, Lickey near Bromsgrove

Louis Capener M 38 Domestic gardener b Cleeve, Gloucs

Amelia Capener M 39 b Birmingham

Ellen Capener 15 b Birmingham

Elsie Capener 12 b Birmingham

Harry Capener 8 b Birmingham

GABRIEL CARPENTER

Gabriel Carpenter was born in Bridgtown in Cannock. He enlisted in Birmingham with the 3100 Warwickshire Infantry (T.F.) and then transferred to the Machine Gun Corps 100th Company - Private 164472

He was killed in action on 29 September 1918 (France & Flanders).

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-Artois Memorial, Panel 10

He was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals MGC C/101 B 108 page 8974



GABRIEL CARPENTER - SCROLL AND PLAQUE


GABRIEL CARPENTER


HIS GRANDPARENTS GABRIEL AND MATILDA CARPENTER


With many thanks to Jane Guest, grand -daughter of David and Ada Tuffley for sharing these photographs, medals and information about her family.

Gabriel Carpenter was the son of the late Gabriel and Emma Carpenter, formerly Robinson and the grandson of Gabriel and Matilda Carpenter, formerly Beech. Gabriel Carpenter was the husband of Gertrude E Sumner. The marriage of Gabriel Carpenter and Gertrude E Sumner was registered December 1915 Aston 6d 1338. It is not known what happened to Gertrude Carpenter or if the couple had any children.

In 1911 Matilda Carpenter lived at 27 Spring Street, Cannock.

Matilda later went to live with her daughter Ada Tuffley at 151 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

Matilda died in Sutton Coldfield in 1940 aged 100.


1911 census 151 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield

David William Tuffley M 33 Coal merchant & haulier – employer b Moreton in the Marsh

Ada Tuffley M 35 Married 12 years with 2 children b Bridgtown, Cannock

Frederick Tuffley 11 b Sutton Coldfield

William Tuffley 7 b Sutton Coldfield

Gabriel Carpenter 13 Nephew Grocer’s errand boy b Aston - incorrect

 

1901 census Spring Street, Bridgtown, Cannock

Matilda Carpenter W 61 b Wyrley Bank, Staffs

Ernest A Carpenter U 32 Postman b Bridgtown

William Carpenter U 21 Edge tool works warehouseman b Bridgtown

Matilda Carpenter U 19 b Bridgtown

Gabriel Carpenter 3 Grandson b Bridgtown


1891 census Cross Street, Bridgtown, Cannock

Gabriel Carpenter M 59 Edge tool maker b Churchtown

Matilda Carpenter M 51 b Churchtown

Ambrose Carpenter U 22 Edge tool worker b Bridgtown

Percy Carpenter U 20 Edge tool worker b Bridgtown

Gabriel Carpenter U 18 Edge tool maker b Bridgtown

Benjamin Carpenter 13 b Bridgtown

William Decimus Carpenter 11 b Bridgtown

Mabel Carpenter 9 b Bridgtown


Churchtown and Bridgtown are suburbs of Cannock

Gabriel Carpenter (senior) of Bridgtown, Cannock, died on 19 June 1891

However, his Will was only proved in London on 7 August 1924 with administration to Betsy Carpenter, Spinster. Effects: £82.4s.2d

Gabriel Carpenter married Emma Robinson on 8 November 1896 at St Clements Church, Nechells in Birmingham.

Gabriel was a bachelor aged 24 and worked as an edge tool make.

He resided at 23 Argyll Street Nechells. His father was Gabriel Carpenter, deceased, a tool grinder.

Emma Robinson was a spinster aged 30 of 52 Railway Terrace, Nechells. Her father was William Robinson, deceased a die forger,

Gabriel and Emma Carpenter were not found on the 1901 and 1911 census.

Gabriel Carpenter, born 1873, however died in 1923 in Cannock.

David William Tuffley

David William Tuffley, husband of Ada Carpenter, also died as a result of the Great War.

See his entry below for further details

ARTHUR CARTER

Arthur Carter was born and enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 10th Battalion - Private 21024

He was killed in action on 20 September 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 32.

He was buried at the Bedford House Cemetery Enclosure No 4, Zillebeke, Plot XII.L.19

He was killed at the Battle of the Menin Road.

The 10th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment were the reserve regiment for the 57th Brigade which attacked just east of Battle Wood.

The temperature was 66 degrees F and it was overcast with no rainfall.” (SDBD)

Arthur Carter is commemorated on the Whitehouse Common Roll of Honour at St Chad’s Church, Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B6 page 1258

No other military records were found online.

Arthur Carter was the youngest son of Mrs Carter of Whitehouse Common Road, Sutton Coldfield”.  (Sutton Coldfield News 10.11.1917)

 

1911 census Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Carter M 64 Farm labourer b Sutton Coldfield

Ellen Carter M 63 Married 31 years with 4 children b Curdworth

Arthur Carter U 26 Waggoner for general haulier b Sutton Coldfield

Ellen Carter M 23 Married 1 year no children b Sutton Coldfield

Esmey Carter 2 Grand -daughter b Sutton Coldfield

William Townsend M 37 Son in law – cowman on farm b Coynton, Warks

John Mason U 66 Boarder – labourer on farm b Sutton Coldfield

EDWARD CARTWRIGHT

Edward Cartwright was born at Tipperary, Cork in Ireland on 19 June 1899. He enlisted with the Royal Air Force 104 Squadron - Lieutenant

He was killed in action on 22 August 1918 aged 19 (Western Front)

He was buried at the Roppenheim Communal Cemetery (France) at the west end immediately right of the entrance.

On the day he died, he was flying a DH9 with Lieutenant A.G.L. Mullen who was also killed.

104 Squadron suffered their heaviest losses of the war on 22 August 1918 losing seven DH9 planes on a bombing raid on Mannheim.

They were attacked on their way to the objective and again whilst bombing. At one point there were perhaps forty enemy fighters engaging them. Two DH9’s e lost before Mannheim and another five over it.” (Source: ‘The Sky Their Battlefield’ by Trevor Henshaw – reproduced online)

Edward Cartwright was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church Memorial

He was also commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Roll of Honour (David Phillips)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals BV C225

No further military records were found online for Edward Cartwright. However, it was recorded that he was “Mentioned in Dispatches” whilst serving with the 104 Squadron.

Edward Cartwright was born on 19 June 1899 and was the son of Thomas James and Ann Cartwright of “Erlescote”, Victoria Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

1911 census “The Croft”, Woodlands Park Road, Kings Norton

Thomas James Cartwright M 55 Estate agent – employer b Ashton under Lyme

Ann Cartwright M 47 Married 22 years – 5 children b Ashton under Lyme

Tom Ashton Cartwright U 21 Electrical engineer – council b Denbigh

Walter Harold Cartwright U 19 Estate agent office assistant b Tipperary, Cork

Harry Bertram Cartwright U 16 Student b Tipperary, Cork

James Dennis Cartwright 14 Student b Tipperary, Cork

Edward Cartwright 11 Student b Tipperary, Cork

Jane Cartwright U 22 Cook b Aston

James Dennis Cartwright

James Dennis Cartwright was a Second Lieutenant with the 1/5 South Staffordshire Regiment – no service number was found.

He entered the war in France on 4 June 1916.

He was wounded on 3 July 1916 and returned to England

The Cartwright family were listed at 104 Victoria Road on the 1914/15 Electoral Roll and 1918 Electoral Roll.

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Lieutenant Edward Cartwright

104th Squadron, Royal Air Force

Died: Thursday 22nd August 1918

Aged: 19

104th (Bomber) Squadron, commanded by Major J C Quinnell, were equipped with the DeHaviland 9 (DH.9). The squadron’s motto ‘STRIKE HARDwas particularly apt because it was engaged in continuous and heavy attacks with heavy losses during 1918.  At dawn on 22nd August 1918 Nos. 104 and 99 Squadrons set of for Mannheim. The climb to 12,000 feet exhausted a great deal of fuel and seven crippled machines soon retired. The remaining machines of No. 99 Squadron attacked Hagneau Aerodrome, leaving No. 104 Squadron more prone to German interceptor scouts attacking from 14,000 ft.

From Major General Trenchard’s monthly report to the War Office

On the 22nd August ten machines of No.104 Squadron reached the Badische Aniline und Soda Fabrik chemical works at Mannheim and dropped bombs from 11,500 ft. On their way to Mannheim the formation was very heavily attacked and lost two machines. Severe fighting continued over the objective, but useful results were observed. Seven bombs burst on the Factory and four fires broke out.

One direct hit was scored on a large new building immediately south of the Factory, and a fire was also caused in a Factory on the east of the River. The hostile machines pressed their attack throughout the return journey and five more of our machines fell. The enemy lost three machines during the fighting, and others were driven down out of control.

Lt. Cartwrights aircraft (D5729) was seen to spin down shortly after the target. He was acting formation leader at the time. With eleven men prisoners of war and three killed in action, the broken squadron was scratched from the Order of battle.

The Independent Force flew 2,865 hours, dropped 100 tons of bombs and destroyed 19 hostile aircraft during August 1918. However, it had 27 machines missing with a high proportion of those being DH 9s; questions were being asked about the effectiveness of this aircraft.

Edward Cartwright is buried in Roppenheim Communal Cemetery, Bas-Rhin, France. He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square.

Edward Cartwright attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1912 and 1916. He was known as Paddy II to his school friends. He was a sergeant in the cadets, football captain and Blue House captain in 1916. During a visit to the school in the spring of 1918 he described with great enthusiasm the first direct hit he obtained on a filing factory and the ‘bust-upthat followed. Edward had been 'Mentioned in Despatches' while with 104 Squadron.

Paddy is buried with Lieutenant Arnold George Leighton Mullen of the 5th Durham Light Infantry, attached to 104th Squadron, who was the observer of the aircraft. His older brother 2nd Lt. J D Cartwright survived the War.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

HOWARD PARKER CASHMORE

Howard Parker Cashmore was born in Aston on 28 May 1885.

He originally enlisted with the Imperial Territorial Yeomanry of Staffordshire County (according to his attestation record in Canada which was in his own handwriting). However, other records suggest he enlisted with the Warwickshire Yeomanry as a trooper. He served for a total of three years as a trooper.  He ended up in the 42nd Battalion of the Quebec Regiment of the Canadian Infantry – Private 472066

Howard enlisted in the 65th Battalion Canadian Infantry on 14 June 1915 in Wadena, Saskatchewan, stating his trade as electrical engineer.

He was granted harvest leave’ between 31 July and 15 September 1915 and sailed from Montreal in the “S. S. Corsican” on 25 September 1915, arriving in England on 4 October 1915. He was transferred to the 7th Field Company, 3rd Divisional Canadian Engineers as a sapper on 5 February 1916 and embarked for France on 3 April 1916.

He had been at the Front for two months when, on 10 June 1916, he was sent to the 3rd Divisional Rest Station with shell shock, returning to his unit on 15 June 1916. On 1 April 1917 Howard was transferred to the 42nd Battalion (The Canadian Black Watch) in time for their attack on Vimy Ridge.

From 15 May 1917 another spell was spent at Base, presumably with shell shock, and he rejoined his unit on 19 May 1917. He was killed in action less than a month later on the 9 June 1917. He was aged 31 when he died.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

Army Service Record

Howard Parker Cashmore was buried at La Chaudiere British Military Cemetery, Vimy, France, Plot III, Grave 1, Row 7

He had served on the front in France for eighteen months. He had been hospitalised when suffering from shell shock twice. He had just come back to the front from hospital when he was killed during the night of 8th/ 9th June 1917. According to his Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force papers, he was born on 28 May 1885 in Birmingham and he was an electrical engineer. The address was in Quebec but is hard to make out. His wife was Beatrice Mary Cashmore. Howard was 5’ 7 ½” tall and had a chest measurement of 37 ½”. He had a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was C of E and was declared fit for service.  According to the Canadian War Graves Circumstances of Casualty records, he was killed by a shell during a raid on enemy positions on the early morning of June 9 1917 at La Folie Sector, close to Lens, France.

Howard Cashmore was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs W Cashmore of “Wynyates”, Station Road, Wylde Green.

He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. He emigrated to Canada where he worked as a farmer. He was a keen amateur photographer.

He left a widow and a young son. His wife lived at 25 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield at the time of his death.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 28.7.1917)


1911 census 69 Station Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Cashmore M 58 Gun manufacturer – employer b Birmingham

Mary Hannah R Cashmore M 55 Married 21 years – 3 children b Aston

Marjorie Ruth Cashmore U 21 b Wylde Green

Florence Brown U 32 Domestic servant b Lichfield

Edith Cooper U 19 Domestic servant b Dordon


1901 census Station Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

William Cashmore M 48 Gun maker b Birmingham

Mary H R Cashmore M 45 b Aston

William F Cashmore U 19 Gun maker b Erdington

Howard P Cashmore 15 b Aston

Marjorie R Cashmore 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Mary Martin U 30 Domestic servant b Rowley

Baptism

Howard Parker Cashmore was baptised on 18 June 1885 at St Peter & St Paul, Aston.

His parents were William and Mary Hannah Ruth Cashmore of ‘The Village’, Aston.

His father was a gun maker.

Shipping manifest

Howard Parker Cashmore sailed on the Empress of Britain on March 12 1908 from Liverpool to St John, New Brunswick, Canada.

He sailed as a single man

THE CANADIAN WAR GRAVE COMMISSION RECORD FOR HOWARD PARKER CASHMORE

Research by David Phillips. Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 472066 Howard Parker Cashmore

42nd Battalion Canadian Infantry

(Quebec Regiment - the Canadian Black Watch)

Died: Saturday 9th June 1917

Aged: 31

On the night of 8/9 June the 42nd Battalions objective in a Brigade Raid were the German Acorn (Front Line) and Adept (Second line) trenches 75yards west of the Lens-Arras railway on the outskirts of Avion (north of Vimy) and hold them for a time before retiring.

The Raid was a success with twenty six prisoners and two machine guns captured.

German shelling of the captured trenches caused: killed 4 other ranks; wounded 2 officers and 45 other ranks. 9 officers and 420 other ranks from the battalion took part in the raid.

Private Cashmore died on the night of 8/9 June 1917.

Howard Cashmore is buried in La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, Vimy, Plot 3, Row F, Grave 1

The inscription reads: “Death divides but memory clings".

He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and St Peters Church, Maney.

After school he served in the Staffordshire Yeomanry for three years and was considered a good shot.

Howard emigrated to Canada in 1909 and became a farmer.

He was a keen and highly successful amateur photographer, producing some remarkably artistic results.

His elder brother emigrated to Australia.

He was married to Beatrice Mary Cashmore (nee Gibbs) who had moved from Margo, Saskatchewan to 25 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield in 1915.

Howard and Beatrice Mary Cashmore had one son.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

HOWARD VICTOR CASHMORE

The Sutton Coldfield War Memorial does not list Howard Victor Cashmore, but he is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings). It has been decided that he should be commemorated in this research.

Howard Victor Cashmore was born on 4 February 1896 in Birmingham. He enlisted in Birmingham with the 1st /8th TA Battalion T A, Warwickshire Regiment (South Midland Division) – Private 3157, later promoted to Sergeant.

Howard Victor Cashmore died on 1 July 1916 in France and Flanders. He was killed in action.

He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Panel 9A, 9B and 10B.

Howard Victor Cashmore is also commemorated on the Royal Warwickshire Regiment ‘Book of Remembrance’ at St Mary’s Church, Warwick, and the ‘Birmingham Book of Remembrance’ at the Birmingham Hall of Remembrance.

Howard V Cashmore is commemorated on the King Edward Grammar School, Aston Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

He is listed in ‘The Somme and the Ancre 1916-1917, part VIII of the Campfield- Chilton Records’

Sgt Howard Victor Cashmore 3157 1st/ 8th Bn. RWR died 1.7.1916

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B6 page 1890 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 84

The Battalion

The 1st/ 8th Battalion were based at Aston Cross. They had just left for summer camp when war was declared and they were instantaneously recalled back to Birmingham. They were mobilised on 5 August 1914 and moved with the brigade to Chelmsford in Essex during the second week of August. They commenced training and were then sent to Folkestone en route to Boulogne, France on about 22 March 1915. They then moved on to Cassel on about the 3 April 1915.

They were concentrated with the division and on 13 May 1915 formed the 143rd Brigade 48th (South Midland) Division. In June 1916 Howard Victor Cashmore was promoted to sergeant. The Battalion progressed to the Somme Salient and saw action during the Battle of the Somme (1.7.1916 – 18.11.1916) at the first phase known as the Battle of Albert (1.7.16 – 13.7.16). During the first day of the battle, while assaulting the German defensive line known as the Quadrilateral (Heidenkop),

Howard Victor Cashmore was killed in action. He was aged 20.” (David Eason and Graham Jennings, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

Howard Victor Cashmore was the son of Herbert Henry and Ellen Eliza Cashmore

 

1911 census “Braemore”, Little Green Lanes, Erdington

Herbert Henry Cashmore M 52 Foreman joiner worker b Hatton, Warwickshire

Ellen Eliza Cashmore M 51 Married 30 years – 11 children b Clifford Chambers

Herbert Maurice Cashmore U 29 Public librarian city council b Birmingham

Horace Edgar Cashmore U 25 House painter/ paper hanger, emp. b Birmingham

Percy George Cashmore U 22 Plumber – employer b Birmingham

Barry Augustus Cashmore U 20 Plumber b Birmingham

Frank Harry Cashmore U 17 Designer of art metal work b Birmingham

Howard Victor Cashmore 15 House painter/paper hanger b Birmingham

Olive Maud Cashmore 12 b Birmingham

Dorothy May Cashmore 10 b Birmingham

Frederick Charles Cashmore 6 b Smethwick

Clifford Chambers is in Gloucestershire


1901 census 54 Eliot Street, Nechells St Clement, Birmingham

Herbert H Cashmore M 42 Carpenter b Hatton, Warks

Ellen E Cashmore M 41 b Clifford Chambers

Herbert M Cashmore U 19 Library assistant b Birmingham

Ernest A Cashmore U 17 Clerk at whiskey distillery b Birmingham

Archibald Cashmore 16 Carpenter b Birmingham

Percy G Cashmore 12 b Birmingham

Barry A Cashmore 10 b Birmingham

Frank H Cashmore 7 b Birmingham

Howard V Cashmore 5 b Birmingham

Olive M Cashmore 2 b Birmingham

Dorothy M Cashmore 5 months old b Birmingham

Herbert Henry Cashmore married Ellen Eliza Morris on 19 December 1880 at Islington

Baptism at St Clements Church, Nechells

Howard Victor Cashmore was born on 4 February 1896 and baptised on 8 March 1896 to parents Herbert Henry and Ellen Eliza Cashmore of 54 Eliot Street. Herbert was a joiner.

Horace Edgar Cashmore

Horace Edgar served with the Berkshire Regiment then transferred to the Labour Corps -Private 26869

He lived at 493 Belchers Lane Ideal Village, Birmingham. He was aged 30 when he enlisted. He worked as a decorator. He was 5’ 4 ½ inches tall and had a chest measurement of 36”.

He was attested on 11 December 1915 at Reading (Army Reserve) and then posted on 10 June 1916. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 7 September 1916.

He was transferred to the Labour Corps on 28 April 1917 and posted on 5 June 1917.

He was promoted to Corporal on 1 December 1917 and acting sergeant on 30 November 1918. He was discharged on 25 February 1919.

His wife was Elsie Helena Hart. They were married on 30 May 1914 at Ward End Church, Birmingham

Horace Edgar Cashmore of 4 Hatfield Road, Weston Super Mare died on 15 December 1959 at the Mendip Hospital in Wells.

Probate was at Bristol on 18 January 1960 with administration to Barclays Bank Ltd. Effects: £1836 2s 10d

Ernest Albert Cashmore

Ernest Albert Cashmore served with the Royal Flying Corps – 32218

He enlisted on 14 June 1916 at Birmingham at the age of 32 years 11 months.

He lived at 34 Sycamore Road, Erdington. He was married and worked as a carpenter.

His wife was Fanny nee Boswell and they were married on 6 June 1908 at St Clements Church, Nechells.

They had one daughter, Nellie who was born on 28 December 1912.

Ernest Cashmore was posted to the G. E. A. campaign on 10 October 1916 until 28 November 1917.

He was discharged from service on 21 January 1919 as he was no longer medically fit to serve.

JOHN CASHMORE

John Cashmore was born in Shustoke and enlisted at Warwick with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 9th Battalion – Private 4766

He was killed in action on 10 August 1915 at Gallipoli (Balkans).

The 9th Battalion had been involved in the Suvla landings.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli – Panel 35-37

John Cashmore was commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals – L/104 B6 page 1891 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 85

No further military history was found online.

John Cashmore was the son of William and Emma Cashmore of 9 Four Oaks Common Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

1911 census 9 Common Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

William Charles Cashmore M 53 Gardener b Coleshill

Emma Cashmore M 52 Married 20 years, 8 children 2 died b Over Whittaker

John Cashmore 16 Errand boy at hardware shop b Shustoke

Frank Cashmore 12 b Shustoke

Alfred Cashmore 7 b Shustoke

Coleshill, Over Whitaker and Shustoke are in Warwickshire


1901 census Back Lane, Shustoke, Warwickshire

William Cashmore M 43 Waggoner on farm b Coleshill

Emma Cashmore M 42 b Over Whittaker

Daniel Cashmore U 18 Navvy b Shustoke

Percy Cashmore 13 b Shustoke

William Cashmore 10 b Shustoke

Harry Cashmore 8 b Shustoke

John Cashmore 6 b Shustoke

Frank Cashmore 2 b Shustoke

SYDNEY NORTON CAVIT

Sydney Norton Cavit was born in Wolverhampton on 9 April 1898. He enlisted on 13 May 1916 at Warwick with the 7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Reserve) - Private 6225. He was transferred to the 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 30 August 1917 – Private 267663.

Sydney Norton Cavit was killed in action on 4 October 1917 (France & Flanders)

His army service records state that he was buried about half a mile SW of Langemarck and ¾ of a mile North of Ypres – this was the Cement House Cemetery at Langemarck, Ypres, Plot VIII.F.8

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L104/B6 page 1309

Army Service Record

He was 18 years and one month old when he first enlisted at Warwick. He lived at “Mostyn”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. He was a student.

He was 5’ 8” tall and has a chest measurement of 35 ½”.

After attestation he was posted to the 7th reserve on 14 May 1916 then posted on 28 July 1916 to the front (France & Flanders).

He was then re-posted on 30 August 1917 to the 1st Battalion and given a new number – 267663.

Two identity discs were sent to Mr Joseph Cavit of 31 Stirling Road, Edgbaston

Sydney Norton Cavit was the son of Joseph John Cavit and Frances Ellen Cavit.

John Cavit was a Manager and House Furnisher and the family lived at Mostyn, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks Sutton Coldfield and later at 31 Stirling Road, Edgbaston in Birmingham.

He attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1912 and 1916. Sydney achieved the Leaving Exhibition award from the school in 1916.

He attested in the 3/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment from school on 13 May 1916 at the age of 18 years and 1month and joined the Army Reserve. On 24 November 1916 he was posted to the 7th RWR.

On 22 August 1917 he embarked for Rouen, France and was posted to the 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 30 August 1917.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)


1911 census “Mostyn”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Joseph John Cavit M 56 Furniture salesman b Northampton

Frances Ellen Cavit M 52 Apartment letting b Pottersbury, N’hants

Alice Ann Cavit U 32 Dentist’s assistant b Wolverhampton

Edith Mary Cavit U 19 Elementary school teacher b Wolverhampton

Dorothy Elaine Cavit U 17 b Wolverhampton

Sydney Norton Cavit 12 b Wolverhampton

Joseph and Frances had been married for 23 years.

The family were not found on the 1901 census.

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 267663 Sydney Norton Cavit

1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Thursday 4th October 1917

Aged: 19

The 1st Royal Warwicks, (10th Brigade, 4th Division) were attacking to the North of the Langemarck-Poelcapelle Road.  The long-term aim was to attack through the Houthulst Forest and outflank the northern end of the Passchendaele Ridge. The attack commenced at 6.00am with the Warwicks in reserve.  The Laudetbeek Marsh and 19 Metre Hill were crossed and consolidated. At 3.00pm the Germans counter-attacked but were beaten off when the 1st Warwicks and 1st East Lancs came to assist, together with enfilade fire from the 29th Division on their left. Two companies of the 1st Warwicks filled a gap between the 4th and 29th Divisions.  Private Cavit and 13 other ranks were killed in the fighting. Sydney Cavit is buried in Cement House Cemetery, Langemarck: Plot 8, Row F, Grave 8. Sydney Cavit is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square.  (David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

GEORGE NELSON CHAMBERLAIN

George Nelson Chamberlain was born in Little Sutton, Hill, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham in May 1915 with the Royal Army Service Corps 629th Company – 27th Motor Corps, Motor Mechanic– M2/100210

He was killed in action on 28 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 28.

He had been in an ambulance convoy when he was killed.

He was buried at the Rocquigny Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt near Baffume – Plot I.B.16

George Nelson Chamberlain is commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

George Chamberlain was commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RASC/101 B68 page 6900 and the 1915 Star Medal RASC/5B4 page 3784

George Nelson Chamberlain was the son of George and Alice Chamberlain of “The Grange”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. He was the husband of Alice Chamberlain.

George Nelson Chamberlain married Elizabeth A Johnson on 22 May 1915 in Sutton Coldfield.

It is not known if George Nelson and Elizabeth Chamberlain had any children.

He got married on 22 May 1915. His wife’s mother lived at the “Halfway House Public House”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks. The wedding reception was held at the Halfway House and the honeymoon was in London.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 16.9.1916)

He was the eldest son of George and Alice Olive Chamberlain. He enlisted in May 1915 and went to the front in August 1915.

He was a motor mechanic in the R.A.S.C. and his last home leave was in November 1916.” (Sutton Coldfield News 1.9.1917)


1911 census Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield (no abode specified)


George Chamberlain M 51 Grocer/ general dealer own account b Sutton Coldfield

Alice Olive Chamberlain M 48 Assists with business b Worcester

Nelson Chamberlain U 21 Motor engineer – own account b Sutton Coldfield

William Chamberlain U 18 Motor engineer – own account b Sutton Coldfield

Olive Chamberlain 16 Apprentice – hard to read b Sutton Coldfield

Reginald Chamberlain 14 Apprentice motor engineer b Sutton Coldfield

Alfred Davies U 23 Boarder b Redditch

George and Alice had been married for 22 years. They had five children, one of whom had died.

In 1901 the Chamberlain family lived at Little Sutton where George Chamberlain was a farmer of his own account. The farm name is not specified

Alfred Davis also served during the Great War and was killed in action on 3 September 1918 in France.

See his entry below.

REGINALD BERTRAM CLIVE CHOPPING

Reginald Chopping was born in 1893 at Grassingdale in Lancashire. He enlisted with the 2nd City Battalion in Birmingham 1914 and later was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Brigade 15th Battalion - Private 163. He served as a signaller.

He was killed in action on 28 August 1916, at Delville Wood (France & Flanders) aged 23.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

He is also commemorated on the Four Oaks Memorial.

He worshipped at St James Church and is commemorated on their Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals – L/104 BY page 1394 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 93

Reginald Chopping was born at Grassingdale, Lancashire and was the son of Walter Clive and Alice Maud Reynolds Chopping of “Fairlight”, 177 Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham and was employed at the National Provincial Bank, Bennetts Hill Birmingham.” (Sutton Coldfield News 16.9.1916)

Baptism

Reginald Bertram Clive Chopping was born on 4 May 1893 at Grassingdale and baptised on 28 May 1893 at St Paul’s Church in Liverpool to Walter and Alice Chopping.

His father was an agent and the family lived at 15 Marmion Road, Liverpool.


1911 census “Fairlight”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

Walter C Chopping M 51 Private means b London

Alice Chopping M 47 Married 21 years – 2 children I died b Pembroke

Reginald Chopping 17 Bank Clerk b Liverpool

Mary Bird U 21 Domestic servant b Cannock


1901 census “Fairlight”, 177 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

Walter Clive Chopping M 41 Ret. Agent in office furniture b Old Kent Road

Alice M Chopping M 37 b Pembroke

Gordon Chopping 9 b Liverpool

Reginald C Chopping 7 b Liverpool

Alice Storer U 22 Domestic servant b Brownhills

The Old Kent Road is in London

Probate

Reginald Bertram Clive Chopping of “Fairview”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, Private 15th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment died 28 August 1916 in action in France.

Administration at Birmingham with Will in November 1916 to Alice Maud Reynolds Chopping, wife of Walter Clive Chopping.

Effects £490 9s 0d

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 163 Reginald Bertram Clive Chopping

15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Monday 28th August 1916

Aged: 23

On the evening of the 27th August 1916 the 15th Warwicks were digging new front line trenches near Falfemont Farm. This farm was described as one of the strongest redoubts ever made by the engineering skills of the Germans according to the divisional history. It lay 2.5km in front of Combles (the mid-September target) and next to Wedge Wood. They worked under heavy shelling and suffered 14 killed. They returned to their former positions during the day whilst the German artillery did their best to destroy the new line. On the evening of the 28th August they went forward to repair the damage and strengthen the trenches. Patrols were sent forward to study the wire in front of Falfemont Farm. Another 34 casualties were suffered on that day. Reginald had gone up to the Front Line with the machine gunners, where he was killed. Reginald Chopping is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial: Pier and Face 9A, 9B and 10 B. He is also commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and St James Church, Mere Green.

Reginald Bertram Chopping attended the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. He entered Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in 1902 and after leaving the school in 1907 he attended Deans Close School, Cheltenham for four years, the last two spent in the Officers Training Corps. His brother Gordon was also a pupil at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. He died in 1904 aged 13. Reginald Chopping was employed by the National Provincial Bank, Bennett’s Hill in Birmingham.

He joined the ‘IIIPlatoon, ‘A Company, 2nd Birmingham Battalion (15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment) in September 1914 and he later became a signaler.

After he died, the Chaplain of the Field Ambulance attached to the Battalion wrote to his parents He was a great personal friend of mine, and in his quiet way had a great influence with his company. He was always a quiet, conscientious Christian, never made a complaint, and was always the first to do anything that was wanted nothing upset him”. Walter Clive Chopping was a hardware agent for coffin furniture.”  (David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

CHARLES PHILLIP CLARK

Charles Phillip Clark was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Erdington with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion - Private 164

He was killed in action on 3 September 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 22

He died during the Battle of Guillemont on the Somme.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B7 page 1416 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 94

No further military records were found online.

Charles Clark was the son of Sydney George and Mary Clark who resided at “Iraq”, Birmingham Road, Middleton near Tamworth in 1916.

 

1911 census “Hawthorns”, Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield

Sydney Clark M 44 Debt collector for credit - draper b Birmingham

Mary Clark M 50 Married 17 years with two children b Rudge, Salop

Charles Phillip Clark 16 Warehouse lad cycle trade b Erdington

Cyril John Clark 15 Electrical worker b Handsworth

Eleanor Farmer U 43 Visitor b Rudge, Salop

The family were not found on the 1901 census.

ALBERT WILLIAM CLARKE

Albert William Clarke was born at Allesley near Coventry. He resided in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Worcestershire Regiment 2nd Battalion – Private 52283

He was killed in action on 4 July 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 19.

He was buried at the Nine Elms Cemetery, Poperinge in Belgium, Plot XI.F.5

Albert William Clarke was a church official at St James Church, Hill.

He was commemorated on their Roll of Honour. (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B6 page 1230

No further military history was found online.

Albert William Clarke was the son of Albert John and Sarah Alice Clarke of “The Beeches”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks Sutton Coldfield.

In loving memory of Private Albert W Clarke, aged 19, killed in action in France July 4th 1918.  Eldest and dearly loved son of Mr and Mrs A. J. Clarke

Sadly missed by Mother and Dad and Brother. Re-Union our abiding hope” (Sutton Coldfield News In Memorium – date not known)


1911 census “The Beeches”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Albert John Clarke M 42 Domestic gardener b Tamworth

Sarah Alice Clarke M 41 Married 3 years with 2 children b Smethwick

Albert William Clarke 12 b Allesley

Arthur John Clarke 9 b Sparkhill Birmingham

ARTHUR CLARKE

Arthur Clarke was born in Walsall. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was formerly Private 24388 and was transferred to the Gloucestershire Regiment 13th (Service) (Forest of Dean) Battalion (Pioneers) - Private 38091. He was killed in action on 17 September 1917 aged 33. On the day he died, the temperature was 67 degrees F, it was overcast but there was no rainfall on 17 September 1917.” (SDBD)

He was buried at the Voomezeele Enclosures, Ypres, Plot I.J.7

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/101 B5 page 925

No further military records were found online.

Arthur Clarke was the husband of Alice Clarke of 22 Riland Road, Sutton Coldfield

(Alice Clarke was the sister of Alfred Higgs).

The marriage of Arthur Clarke and Alice Higgs was registered June 1910 Aston 6d 488

He was educated at Town School, Sutton Coldfield, and prior to enlisting had worked as a milkman for Mr Hancox of Belwell Lane Four Oaks.

He joined the army under the Derby Scheme on 10 March 1917.

His officer wrote that he and a number of others were in charge of some trolleys on a trench when a shell burst amongst them, killing him instantly.”

(Sutton Coldfield News 1.12. 1917)

 

1911 census 45 Ryland (sic) Road, Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Clarke M 26 Milkman b Walsall

Alice Clarke M 24 Married under 1 year. 1 child b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Clarke 7 months old b Sutton Coldfield

Harriet Clarke W 60 Mother b Manchester

William Glover U 19 Boarder – milkman b Sutton Coldfield


1901 census 1 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

John Glover W 50 Carter for farm b Fillongley, Warks

William Glover 9 Ag Lab b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Clarke 16 Boarder – farm labourer b Walsall

Harriet Clarke W 54 Housekeeper b Manchester

Arthur Clarke (plus variations of surname) was not found on the 1891 census.

In 1891, Harriet Clarke, a widow aged 45 worked as a domestic servant for James Hargreaves.

James Hargreaves was a Railway Agent and they lived at 29 Fellows Road, Blackburn, Lancashire.

NATHANIEL FUHRMANN CLARKE

Nathaniel F Clarke was born in Wellington, New Zealand. He became a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Flying Corps (13th Training Squadron).

He was accidentally killed whilst flying on 1 June 1917 aged 32.

He was flying a BE2e with Air Mechanic First Class W Fozard who was also killed. On the day he died he had landed to enquire about his position due to fog. when he took off, the plane nosedived into the ground.

He was buried in Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot B “C” 251 (this is not a Commonwealth War Grave).

He was born in New Zealand in 1885 and moved to the UK in 1886. He was educated at Bromsgrove School. Upon leaving school he went to work for Messrs George Clarks Marine Engineering Works in Sunderland.

He then went to Chile to work in the nitrate fields then after that contract ended he became an assistant manager for the Aranoa Railway Company. At the start of the war he asked to be released from his contract but was not released until late 1916.

He was married and had one daughter. His wife was Anita B Clarke and she resided at 108 Oakwood Court Kensington London. His parents were Mr and Mrs Edward F Clarke of “Enderwood”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

He was the brother of F. A. Clarke (Frederic Alexander) who received a military medal whilst serving as a stretcher bearer with the New Zealand Forces” (Sutton Coldfield News 12.1.1918).

He was born at Wellington New Zealand. He worked and lived in Chile and later lived in London.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 9.6.1917)

GREAT BRITAIN ROYAL AERO CLUB AVIATION CERTIFICATE AND PHOTOGRAPH

Nathaniel Fuhrmann Clarke was commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

He is also commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Nathaniel Fuhrmann Clarke was the son of Edward and Edith Clarke

We can follow his life after he arrived in England before the 1891 census and was sent to live with an aunt and uncle. He was born in New Zealand.


1891 census “The Oaks”, Woodmanston, Surrey

Harry B James M 45 South American Merchant b Walsall

Lucy C James M 39 b Bloomsbury, London

Inez James 6 b Chile

Adrian James 10 months old b Marylebone, London

Nathaniel F Clarke 5 Nephew b Wellington, NZ

Francis J Clarke 3 Nephew b Wellington, NZ

The family employed 9 live-in servants.

In 1901, Nathaniel F Clarke was a boarder at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire. He was 15 and was born in Wellington New Zealand.

 

1901 census 59 Stanmore Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Edward F Clarke M 43 Consulting civil engineer b Bloomsbury, London

Edith E Clarke M 43 b Wellington, NZ

Mary A Clarke 12 b Aldridge

Frederic A Clarke 9 b Sutton Coldfield

Constance M Clarke 7 b Sutton Coldfield

Grace L Clarke 1 b Edgbaston


1911 census “Enderwood”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

Edward F Clarke M 53 Consulting civil engineer b Bloomsbury, London

Edith Emily Clarke M 53 Married 28 years 7 children 2 died b Wellington, NZ

Mary Acland Clarke U 22 b Aldridge

Frederic Alexander Clarke U 19 Pupil to farmer b Sutton Coldfield

Grace Lawford Clarke 11 b Birmingham


Shipping manifest

The Ship Orita arrived at Liverpool on 25 September 1916 from Chile, last stopping at Rio Janero.

Nathaniel Fuhrmann Clarke aged 30, Accountant of Victoria Chambers, 5a Temple Row; Birmingham was a first class passenger along with his wife Anita Beatrice Clarke aged 33 and daughter Frances Beatrice Clarke aged 1. It appears that Victoria Chambers, 5a Temple Row, Birmingham was the company address of his father Edward F Clarke as he is listed there in various trade directories. The couple must have got married abroad as no marriage in the UK was found for them.

Probate

Nathaniel F Clarke 2nd Lieutenant RFC died 1.6.1917 at Wokingham, Berkshire.

Probate was granted on 16.10.1918 in London to Anita Beatrice Clarke, widow. Effects: £2246. 19s. 10d

NORMAN CLEAVE

Norman Cleave was born in Aston. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall in December 1915 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 10th Battalion– Private 210858. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion (Territorial).

He was killed in action at Mons on 8 November 1918 at the age of 21.

He was buried at the Malplaquet Communal Cemetery, Taisnieres- Sur- Hon. The Plot is west of the main path.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RWR.OFF.158 page 231 and the R & F Roll L/104B7 page 1475.

He entered the theatre of war in France on 8 August 1916.

He was awarded RWR Colours on 27 August 1918.

No further military records were found online.

Norman Cleave was the son of Mr and Mrs Walter Cleave of “The Bracken”, Somerville Road, Sutton Coldfield.

On the 1918 Electoral Roll, the family lived at “Winstanton”, Goldieslie Road, Sutton Coldfield.


1911 census 70 Tennyson Road, Bordesley, Birmingham

Walter Cleave M 39 Manager at athletic goods maker b Birmingham

Marie Kate Cleave M 41 Married 15 years – 3 children b Birmingham

Eric Walter Cleave 14 b Birmingham

Norman Cleave 13 b Birmingham

Bessie Cleave 3 b Birmingham

Annie Pincher U 18 General servant b Walsall

Eric Walter Cleave

It appears that Eric Cleave also joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 27684

No other military records were found but he did have an Army Medal Card.

The only details given are that he was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B7 page 1475

Eric Walter Cleave survived the war and married Winifred M Bunch in South Birmingham in 1930

Probate

Eric Walter Cleave of “The Peak”, College Road, Maney, Sutton Coldfield died on 26 December 1953 at the Cottage Hospital, Sutton Coldfield.

Administration was granted in Birmingham in December 1954 to Winifred Maud Cleave, widow.

Effects: £6022.12s.6d

BERTRAM EVELYN GEORGE CLIBBERY

Bertram Clibbery was born in Birmingham. He enlisted with the 49th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) - Sergeant 432331. His Canadian military history is not available to search online. Therefore the circumstances of his military service are unclear. However, he sailed to Montreal aboard the ‘S. S. Teutonic’ on 1 November 1906 departing from Liverpool. He was single and gave no occupation on the manifest.


He sailed back to Liverpool from Halifax, Nova Scotia arriving at Liverpool on 21 December 1911. He was listed as single and his occupation was that of clergyman. His death was registered during the March quarter of 1919 at Petersfield, Hampshire. It is believed that he died from influenza. Bertram Clibbery was buried at Birmingham General Cemetery (Key Hill), Icknield Street, Hockley, Plot K.666. Bertram Clibbery is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

George E. G. Clibbery was the son of the late George and Mary Clibbery

Baptism

Bertram Evelyn George Clibbery was baptised on 6 April 1881 at Ashted – St James the Less. His parents were George and Mary Ann Clibbery of Webster Street. George Clibbery was a cooper. 

1911 census 5 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield

Mary Ann Clibbery W 54 b Birmingham

William Joseph Clibbery U 31 Brewers Clerk b Birmingham

George Albert Clibbery U 27 Cabinet maker b Birmingham

Ethel Kate Clibbery U 22 Shop assistant b Birmingham

John Charles Clibbery U 18 Die sinker apprentice b Birmingham

Marion Clibbery 15 b Birmingham

 

1901 census 30 Snow Hill, Birmingham – in the household of John Armitage, licenced victualler

Bertram Clibbery U 20 Barman b Birmingham


1891 census – not found

 

1881 census 43 Webster Street, Aston

George Clibbery M 24 Cooper b Birmingham

Mary A Clibbery M 24 b Birmingham

William Clibbery 1 b Birmingham

Bertram Clibbery 1 month old b Birmingham

Probate

Bertram Evelyn George Clibbery of 5 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield died on 18 February 1919 at the Military Hospital, Bramshott, Hampshire. Administration was granted at Birmingham on 9 June 1933 to Ethel Kate Lane (wife of William Lane). Effects: £887. 13s. 4d

Ethel Kate Lane was the sister of Bertram Clibbery. She married William Lane in 1916 at Sutton Coldfield.  Ethel Kate Lane was also the executor of William Joseph Clibbery of 5 Holland, Street, Sutton Coldfield who died on 15 April 1912. Administration granted in Birmingham on 20 May 1933 to Ethel Kate Lane (wife of William Lane). Effects: £765. 0s. 0d

FREDERICK HENRY COBB

Frederick Henry Cobb was born in Kings Lynn. He resided in Four Oaks. He enlisted in Sutton Coldfield with the Welsh Regiment – Private 73575 Durham Light Infantry 1/6th Battalion – Corporal 91642

He died on 1 November 1918 whilst he was a Prisoner of War in Germany.

He was buried at the Quedlinburg Cemetery but this cemetery was later relocated to the Niederzehren Cemetery, Cassel in Germany, Plot VIII.D.19

Army Medal Roll

These show that Frederick H Cobb was firstly a Corporal with the Welsh Regiment Private 73575 and then a Corporal with the Durham Light Infantry Number 96142.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals O/1/103 B29 page 5701

Army Service Record

Frederick Henry Cobb of “Belwell House”, Four Oaks was aged 29 years and 8 months on enlistment. He worked as a tailor, outfitter and cycle exporter. He was married.

He had previously served in the army with the (unreadable) Hussars. He requested that he be posted to either- the RFC, (unreadable) ASC or Machine Gun Corps as a hearing signaller.

He enlisted in Sutton Coldfield on 31 January 1917 and was approved as fit for service on 5 February 1917 at Grove Park.

His wife was Alice Eveline Cobb, formerly Bate. They were married at the Wesleyan Trinity Church in Walsall on 3 April 1912. They had a child – William Bate Cobb who was born on 19 December 1915 at Four Oaks.

Frederick H Cobb was not found on the 1911 England or Wales census. Possibly he was serving with the Welsh Regiment at this time.

In 1918 he resided at “Belwell House”, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. Prior to the war he had run a business as a tailor at “Belwell House”, Belwell Lane, so presumably had lived above the premises.

In loving memory of Frederick H Cobb who died at Quedlinbergh, Germany on November 1st 1918 Fondly remembered by his wife, Eveline A. Cobb of “Belwell House”, Four Oaks” (In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 1.11.1919)


1901 census Long Row, Grimston, Norfolk

Charles Cobb M 41 Saddler b Thaxton, Norfolk

Jane Cobb M 37 b Kings Lynn

Frederick H Cobb 13 b Kings Lynn

Walter P Cobb 9 b Kings Lynn

Bertie W Cobb 6 b Kings Lynn


1891 census Brick Yard, Kings Lynn, Norfolk

Charles Cobb M 30 Harness maker b Thaxton

Jane Cobb M 28 b Kings Lynn

Charles H Cobb 5 b Kings Lynn

Frederick H Cobb 3 b Kings Lynn

WILLIAM THOMAS COCKBILL

Thomas Henry Cockbill was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Field Artillery – Gunner/ Driver 66645

He was killed in action on either the 23 April 1917 according to the Sutton Coldfield News or on 13 July 1917 according to his army medal index card.

He was buried at the Bunyans Cemetery, Tilloy- Les- Mofflaines, near Arras, Plot B.7

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RFA/199 B page 19713 and the 1915 Star Medal RFA/6.A.B. page 4894.

William Thomas Cockbill was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cockbill.

He went to the front in early 1915. He was wounded twice, first he suffered a hand wound on his 21st birthday that required two weeks in hospital in France and then he suffered from shrapnel wounds in the leg.

He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs T. H. Cockbill of “The Blabbs”, Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Town School.

He was a choirboy with the Reddicap Hill Mission.

Prior to going to war, he worked for Mr J. Clifford, a farmer in Walmley.

His officer stated that he was killed instantaneously by a bomb.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 12.5.1917)

In loving memory of our dear son Gunner William Thomas Cockbill, Royal Field Artillery, killed in action April 23rd 1917.

Over the ocean where a brave young soldier sleeps

There is a dear old house in England where a mother often weeps

Not one day have we forgotten him since he bade his last farewell

But someday we hope to meet him, where no passing tears are shed.

From Mother, Dad, brothers and sisters.” (In Memorium, Sutton Coldfield News 26.4.1919)


1911 census “Blabbs Cottages”, Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield

Thomas Henry Cockbill M 42 Dustman for corporation b Long Marston

Elizabeth Cockbill M 42 Married 17 years, 7 children all alive b Bloxwich, Staffs

William Thomas Cockbill U 17 Butcher – shop b Sutton Coldfield

Ellen Elizabeth Cockbill U 18 Domestic servant b Sutton Coldfield

Marjorie Cockbill 15 b Sutton Coldfield

Frank Henry Cockbill 11 b Sutton Coldfield

Annie Cockbill 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Samuel James Cockbill 6 b Sutton Coldfield

Alfred Joseph Cockbill 3 weeks old b Sutton Coldfield

Long Marston is in Gloucestershire, south of Stratford upon Avon.

Thomas Henry Cockbill was listed at “The Blabbs” on the 1914/15 and the 1918 Electoral Rolls.

WILLIAM JOSEPH COFIELD

William Joseph Cofield was born in Aston. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Army Service Corps – Private 273741 and he transferred to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 1/4th Battalion – Private 35713. He died on 4 May 1917 at sea. He was on board the hired transport boat “Transylvania” (14,315 tons) when it was sunk by a submarine off Cape Vado, a few miles south of Savona.  The ship was en-route to Salonika with reinforcements. In addition to the crew, there were 398 casualties. (C.W.G.C History) (But see below from more recent research found online).


Troops boarding Transylvania Marseilles 1917

William Joseph Cofield is commemorated on the Savona Town Memorial, Italy.

The Transylvania was an anchor liner being used as a troop ship. It left Marseilles on 3 May 1917 and was torpedoed by a U63 a few miles off Savona, Italy. The engine room was hit by the first torpedo. It was carrying about 3400 people, including 69 nurses who were all saved. A destroyer had come alongside to rescue the people on board when a second torpedo caused more severe damage. One and a half hours later it sank with either 412 or 413 souls lost (records seem to differ).” (Source: Wikipedia)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the British Medal C/1/101 A2 page 59

William Joseph Cofield was the son of William and Elizabeth Cofield and the husband of Amy Sutch. The marriage of William Joseph Cofield and Amy Beatrice Sutch was registered December 1902 Solihull 6d 1219

 

1911 census 4 Oxford Villas, Chester Road, New Oscott

William Joseph Cofield M 29 Saw piercer- jewellery/ metalwork b Aston

Amy Beatrice Cofield M 32 Married 9 years with 1 child b Halesowen

Mary Winsome Cofield 3 b Shirley, Warks

Polly Sabel U 40 Boarder – drapery assistant b Rowley Regis


1901 census 99 Ninevah Road, Handsworth

William John Cofield M 54 Saw piercer b Birmingham

Elizabeth Cofield M 40 b Birmingham

William Joseph Cofield U 19 Saw piercer b Birmingham

Mabel Mildred Cofield 12 b Birmingham

Frederick John Cofield 8 b Sutton Coldfield

Probate

William Joseph Cofield of 116 Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield, a Private in the 1/4th Duke of Cornwall’s Regiment, died on or since 4 May 1917 at sea.

Probate granted at Birmingham on 17 January 1918 to Amy Beatrice Cofield, widow.

Effects: £768. 12s. 4d

HARRY ALBAN PALMER COHEN

Harry Alban Palmer Cohen was born in Harborne Birmingham. He resided in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Rifle Brigade 7th Battalion “A” Company – Rifleman B/1908.  He was killed in action on 21 March 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 21. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. Harry Cohen was also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory Medal B/1908 (page not given) which was sent to his parents address.

Army Service Record

These survive but are in a very poor state and hard to read.

Harry Cohen, born in Harborne, signed up on 29 August 1914 at Birmingham. He was aged 19 years and 20 days. His trade was fitter in the motor industry and he had served his apprenticeship with the Wolseley Motor Company.

He was transferred to Winchester on 1 September 1914 and posted on 3 September 1914 – presumably to France as place is left blank. He had leave in England between 15 January 1916 and 7 February 1916. He was reported missing on 21 March 1918.

A letter was sent to his mother Maude Cohen of “Vesey’s Manor House”, Sutton Coldfield on 8 December 1918 enquiring about where to send his belongings. These items, including his ‘Princess Mary’s Gift’ from Christmas 1914 were sent on 27 June 1919 from Winchester.

He was the son of John Alban Cohen and Maude Cohen of “Vesey’s Manor House”, Sutton Coldfield and Pratchett Street, Birmingham.

He was reported missing on 21 March 1918 at St Quentin. He was preparing to take up his commission as an officer when he was killed. He left his apprenticeship at the Wolseley Works in August 1914 to enlist with the army.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 30.8.1919)

In 1918, he was listed on the Electoral Roll (on military service) at 33 Eastern Road, Sutton Coldfield.


1911 census 71 Gillott Road, Birmingham

John Cohen M 40 Rate collector, Parish of Birmingham b Birmingham

Maude Cohen M 38 Married 16 years, 5 children, 1 died b Birmingham

Harry Cohen 14 b Birmingham

Richard Cohen 10 b Birmingham

John Cohen 2 b Birmingham

Roger Cohen 1 b Birmingham

Winnie Taylor U 19 Domestic servant b Birmingham

 

1901 census Rotton Park Road, Birmingham

John Cohen M 30 Accountant’s clerk b Birmingham

Maude Cohen M 28 b Birmingham

Harry Cohen 4 b Birmingham

Richard Cohen 7 months old b Birmingham

Edith Gibbs U 18 Housemaid b Birmingham

CYRIL GEORGE COLBOURN

Cyril George Colbourn was born at Lea Moors in Staffordshire. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - Private 23158 and was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps 62nd Company – Private 86609. He was killed in action on 4 October 1917 (France & Flanders) in the Battle of Broodseinde. On the day he died the temperature was 60 degrees F. It was overcast with 4.6mm of rainfall.” (SDBD) Cyril Colbourn has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Cyril George Colbourn was commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals MCG/101 B56 page 4734

Army Service Record

Cyril Colbourn of 5 Hill Cottage, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks was aged 18 years old and single when he signed up on 19 November 1915 in Birmingham. His occupation was that of book binder.

He was 5’ 8” tall with a chest measurement of 33 inches. He was of fair complexion. He had a ‘congenital myocardia’ (heart defect) but was declared fit to serve.

His personal effects and medals were sent to his parents on 4 May 1922.

Cyril Colbourn was the son of John William and Elizabeth Colbourn of 5 Hill Cottages, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

He previously resided at “Hill View”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield (1914/15 Electoral Roll)

In ever loving memory of our dearly loved son Cyril George who fell in action 4.10.1917. The influence of his life will ever live in the hearts of all at home”.

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 4.10.1919)

1911 census “Hill Cottages”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

John William Colbourn M 39 Brick layer for builder b Bilston, Staffs

Elizabeth Colbourn M 37 Married 16 years 6 children- 1 died b Walsall

Cyril George Colbourn 13 School & hairdresser’s assistant b Walsall

Ethel Mary Colbourn 12 b Walsall

Victor William Colbourn 10 b Walsall

Lucy Elizabeth Colbourn 6 b Walsall

Mary Alice Colbourn 3 b Sutton Coldfield

1901 census “Victoria Terrace”, Bloxwich, Walsall

John W Colbourn M 29 Brick layer b Bilston

Elizabeth Colbourn M 27 b Walsall

Cyril Colbourn 3 b Bloxwich

Ethel Colbourn 2 b Bloxwich

FREDERICK WILLIAM COLE

Frederick William Cole was born in Sutton Coldfield. He had been a reservist in the Warwickshire Yeomanry – Private 60159. He attested at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 16th Battalion – Private 43452.

He was killed in action on 10 October 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 18. (Some online records state he died on 14 October 1918)

He was buried at the Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot III.A.2

He was commemorated on the Roll of Honour of the Methodist Church, South Parade, Sutton Coldfield.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B7 page 1542

Frederick William Cole was the son of Frank and Mary Cole of “Ballaglas”, Royal Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Town School, Sutton Coldfield. He was a member of the Wesleyan Chapel, Parade, Sutton Coldfield where he had attended Sunday School.

Prior to enlisting he was in the employ of Mr C F Marston, Architect & Surveyor of Masonic Hall Chambers Sutton Coldfield.

After enlisting with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, he underwent training at Dover and went to the front on 11 August 1918.” (Sutton Coldfield News 26.10.1918)


1911 census 110 Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield

Frank Cole M 48 House plumber b Bilston, Staffs

Mary Walters Cole M 46 Married 23 years – 5 children b Bilston

Dora Mary Cole U 22 Typist b Bilston

Elizabeth Harriet Cole U 20 Serving maid b Bilston

Phoebe Annie Cole U 17 Improver to dressmaker b Sutton Coldfield

Isaac Cole 15 Boy help in builders yard b Sutton Coldfield

Frederick William Cole 11 b Sutton Coldfield


In 1901 the family lived at 8 Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Isaac Cole

The military records were found for Isaac Cole who survived the war.

He enlisted at Brierley Hill on 7 September 1914 with the 5th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment – Private 9084 at the age of 19 years 1 month. He was single, lived at “Ballaglas”, Royal Road, Sutton Coldfield and was employed by A Wood of Sutton Coldfield as a carpenter.

He was 5’ 10” tall, had grey/brown eyes and a 33 ½ inch chest measurement. He was of fair health. He had 6/6 right eye vision with glassed but ‘bad’ eyesight in the left eye.

He was posted to France 1.5.1915 – 27.12.1915 with the 5th Battalion. He was then transferred to the 28th Battalion on 21.5.1916. He was in hospital between 26.10.1915 – 13.12.1915 because of a gun- shot wound to the abdomen sustained on 13.10.1915. He was demobilised to the army reserve on 12 March 1919.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals F/101 B18 page 2260 and 1915 Star Medal F/2B1 page 78

ALBERT HENRY COLES

Albert Coles was born at Packington in Warwickshire. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Berkshire Regiment – Private 25731 and was transferred to the Welsh Regiment 13th Battalion - Private 55409

He died of wounds on 7 September 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 37.

He probably died at a casualty clearing station as there were two based in Varennes in September 1919 (C.W.G.C. Cemetery History)

He was buried at the Varennes Cemetery, Plot III.H.17

Albert Coles was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals J/1/104 B19 page 7259

No further military records were found online.

Albert Henry Coles was the son of John and Eliza Coles from Oxfordshire and the husband of Emily Florence Coles of 64 Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield.

The marriage of Albert Coles and Emily Florence Clapton-Withers was registered March 1912 Chipping Norton 3a 1399

It is not known if the couple had any children

Albert Coles was living at 52 Duke Street in 1918 (Electoral Roll) and was listed as being on military service.

1911 census 52 Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield

Eliza Coles W 70 b Oxfordshire

Albert Coles U 30 Jobbing gardener b Packington, Warks

Eliza Coles had 10 children of whom five had died.

1901 census 52 Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield

Eliza Coles W 60 Charwoman b Roxton, Oxfordshire

Susannah Coles U 22 Domestic servant b Roxton, Oxfordshire

Albert Coles U 20 Railway labourer b Packington

1891 census “Witton Farm Cottage”, Witton Farm, Aston

John Coles M 62 Ag Lab b Roxton

Eliza Coles M 50 b Roxton

Louisa Coles 15 b Statton, Oxfordshire

Albert Coles 11 b Little Packington

Beatrice Gilbert 4 Grand- daughter b Little Sutton

AUSTIN VERNON COLEMAN

Austin Vernon Coleman was born on 15 June 1897 at Edgbaston Birmingham. He enlisted at Handsworth with the Royal Army Medical Corps – Private 90806

He died on 17 October 1917 (Salonika) aged 20 at the 60th General Hospital.

He was buried at the Kirechkő- Hortakői Military Cemetery, Greece, Plot 22

He was commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

Private A V Coleman is commemorated on page 234 of the ‘Birmingham City Battalions’ book by Sir William H Bowater.

He is listed on his employers page who were Wilkinson & Riddell Ltd.

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RAMC/101 B26 page 1824

Army Service Record

Austin Vernon Coleman was aged 19 years and one month when he enlisted at Handsworth with the RAMC on 26 May 1915. He was single and worked as a salesman. His religion was Unitarian. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. His chest measurement was 34 inches. His medical was conducted at Holt in Norfolk. Whilst serving in the army he was twice hospitalised for influenza – between 2 April 1916 and 28 April 1916 and between 15 August 1916 and 17 August 1916.  He was re-posted to the Regular Army Eastern Command on 7 February 1917. He was then admitted to the 60th General Hospital on 18 August 1917 with dysentery. Telegrams were sent to the war office: on 2 September 1917 he was dangerously ill.  On 8 September 1917 there was no change; on 15 September 1917 he was critical; on 29 September 1917 he was slightly improved; on 6 October 1917 there was no change. He died on 17 October 1917 of dysentery.

A cable was sent to his father Mr Frank Cobden Coleman at (presumably his business premises) at 56 St Agnes Road, Moseley from the Woking War Station.

On 9 February 1918, Austin Coleman’s personal effects were sent to his father at the above address.

They included:

a body belt, letters, 2 note books, diary, dictionary, safety razor with blade in a case, pocket knife, pair of folding scissors, pencil case, postcards, pair woollen socks, pair woollen gloves, clothes brush, identity disc, tobacco pouch, woollen scarf, 13 handkerchiefs – 2 with lace edges, metal watch, leather pocket wallet, 3 pairs of spectacles in cases, brushes, prayer book and a chess set in a bag.

On 23 September 1919, his regimental plaque and scroll were sent to his father at Llanrhos.

On 7 February 1922 his Victory and British Medals were sent to his father at 69 Station Road Wylde Green.

Austin Coleman was the younger son of Mr and Mrs Frank Cobden Coleman of “Llanrhos”, Four Oaks Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Epworth College, Rhyll and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.

Prior to enlisting he was in the service of Messrs Wilkinson & Riddell, Warehousemen & Wholesale Drapers, 42 Cherry Street, Birmingham.

He went to Salonika in about May 1917 and contracted dysentery and was ill for two months before he died.

His elder brother had also served as a Private in the Cyclists Corps.” (Sutton Coldfield News 27.10.1917)

1911 census “Llanrhos”, Four Oaks Road, Sutton Coldfield

Frank C Coleman M 43 Wholesale bespoke tailor, employer b Burslem

Gertrude Coleman M 42 Married 16 years – 3 children b Birmingham

Stanley A Coleman 15 b Birmingham

Austin V Coleman 13 b Birmingham

Gertrude Coleman 6 b Birmingham

 

1901 census 26 Selwyn Road, Rotton Park, Birmingham

Frank C Coleman M 33 Wholesale clothier – employer b Burslem

Gertrude Coleman M 32 b Aston

Stanley Coleman 5 b Birmingham

Austin Coleman 3 b Birmingham

Stanley A Coleman

There was an Army Medal Card for Stanley A. Coleman – Private 3811 19 London Rifles/ Private 12/44744 Royal Irish Rifles.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals B/104 B 20 page 3299

No further information was found for Stanley A. Coleman.

 

Research by David Phillips  Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 90806 Austin Vernon Coleman

60th General Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps

Died: Wednesday 17th October 1917

Aged: 20

From January 1916 the Headquarters for the XVI Corps was based at Kirechkoi, 2km northeast of Salonika.  In September 1916 the 60th, 65th and 66th General Hospitals were set up in the area; the high and healthy country was thought to suit the treatment of the soldiers suffering from illness. Private Coleman was admitted into the hospital where he served on 18 August 1917 with dysentery. He was reported as Dangerously illon 25 August 1917 and his condition fluctuated over the next two months. He died of dysentery on 17 October 1917. Austin Coleman is buried in Kirechkoi-Hortakoi Military Cemetery, Greece, Grave 22.  The influenza epidemic of the autumn of 1918 filled three-quarters of the cemetery.  Austin Coleman is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and All Saints Church Cross, Belwell Lane.

Austin Coleman attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 2nd May 1907 and 11th April 1911. In May 1911 he went to Epworth College, Rhyll and then worked as a salesman in Messrs. Wilkinson and Riddell, wholesale drapers based at 42 Cherry Street, Birmingham.  Austin Coleman attested in the Royal Army Medical Corps Territorial Force at Handsworth, as Private 256 on 26 May 1915, a month before his eighteenth birthday. He joined the 3/1st North Midland Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, later transferring into the 2/1 N.M.M.B.F.A. as a Bearer with the number 90806.He was posted to the R.A.M.C. Regular Army Authority Eastern Command on 7 February 1917 and then on to Aldershot as an advanced party to the 60th General Hospital on 20 May 1917. Austin travelled to Salonika on 8 June 1917. His elder brother Private Stanley Allforth Coleman had been serving in the Cyclists Corps but after an illness trained as a signaler.  He also had a younger sister Gertrude Maude.”(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

FREDERICK HENRY DOUGLAS COLLIER

Frederick Henry Douglas Collier was born in Erdington. He resided in Wylde Green. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1st Battalion (City) at the start of the war – Private 23959

He was killed in action on 11 April 1917 (France & Flanders)

He was buried at the Fampoux British Cemetery (near Arras), Plot A.41

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B7 page 1577

Frederick Collier was the son of Mr Frederick H Collier and Mrs Edith R Collier, formerly of 28 Silverbirch Road, Erdington.

In 1917 his family lived at “Oakdene”, Orchard Road, Erdington (Electoral Rolls).

He was baptised at Boldmere Parish Church and confirmed at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield.

He resided at “Bradley”, Mayfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Before his death he had been wounded on the Somme on 22 July 1916 and had only been back on duty a short time before he was killed.”(Sutton Coldfield News 16.6.1917)

Frederick Collier attended King Edwards School, Birmingham.” (Alison Wheatley, archivist King Edward School)

1911 census, “Bradley”, Mayfield Road, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield

Frederick Harrison Collier M 39 Druggist & Dry Salter b Moreton, Here

Edith Rosetta Collier M 39 Married 18 years – 6 children 3 died b Erdington

Frederick H D Collier 17 Clerk at accountant’s b Erdington

Doris Marian Collier 14 b Erdington

Leonard Roy Collier 11 b Erdington

Beryl C Collier 10 b Erdington

Kenneth Campbell Collier 9 b Erdington

Aubrey Lloyd Collier 2 b Sutton Coldfield

ARTHUR A COLLINS

Arthur Collins was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 15th Battalion - Private 16200 (Lewis Gunner)

He died of wounds on 9 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 24

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial

He was also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B7 page 1581

Arthur A Collins was the son of Mrs Susan Butler, formerly Collins of 37 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

When he enlisted he resided at Balsall Heath and was employed by Messrs Guest & Co., Pork Butchers of ‘The Parade’, Sutton Coldfield.

1911 census 222-223 Broad Street, Birmingham

This was the premises of S Ward Ltd, Lard Refiners/ Ham Curers

Charles Muffet M 39 Manager b Bromley, Kent

Arthur Collins U 16 Assistant b Boldmere

1911 census Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

Walter Butler M 49 Market Gardener b Erdington

Susan Butler M 50 Market Gardener b Birmingham

Emma Collins U 20 Market Gardener b Erdington

William H Collins U 18 Market Gardener b Wylde Green

Thomas Butler 11 b Wylde Green

Walter Butler 8 b Wylde Green

1901 census 37 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

Walter Butler M 39 Market Gardener b Erdington

Susan Butler M 40 b Birmingham

Annie Butler 13 b Erdington

Thomas Butler 1 b Boldmere

Harry Collins 12 b Erdington

Emma Collins 10 b Erdington

William Collins 5 b Boldmere

Elizabeth Hyde U 59 Aunt – housekeeper b Birmingham

1891 census Court Lane, Erdington

William H Collins M 34 Market Gardener b Erdington

Susan Collins M 29 b Birmingham

Harry Collins 2 b Erdington

Emma Collins 2 months old b Erdington

Elizabeth Bazeley 14 Domestic servant b Aston

William Henry Collins died in the June quarter of 1896 aged 39

Susan Collins married Walter Butler in early 1899

FRANK HOWARD COLLYER

Frank Howard Collyer was born in Daventry, Northamptonshire. He resided at Godalming, Surrey. He enlisted at Westminster in 1910 – Trooper 1428. He was a trooper with the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues).

Army Service Record

Trooper Collyer received gun - shot wounds to his forearm, both thighs and a fracture to his left femur.

He was laid out in the open for 50 hours before being rescued.

He was evacuated to the 2nd field ambulance on 15 May and then to the 13th General Hospital Boulogne on 24 May.

He then was shipped to the Endell Military Hospital, Bloomsbury in London, which was run by female staff.

His leg was amputated on 2 October 1915.

He had improved by 9 October but succumbed to heart failure and septicaemia on 11 October 1915 aged 25.

Burial

Frank Howard Collyer was buried at the Godalming New Cemetery, Surrey, Plot KJ 1163

Frank Howard Collyer is commemorated on the memorial window of the Sutton Coldfield Congregational Church and on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Roll of Honour

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals JHC/1038 page 23 and the 1914 Star Medal JHC/1 page 6

Here is his entry in the De Ruvigney Roll of Honour


It is not clear form the above article if Frank Howard Collyer attended both Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and King Edward VI School

Frank Howard Collyer was the son of the Rev. Frank and Sarah Collyer

1911 census “The Combermere Barracks”, St Leonard’s Road, Windsor

Frank Howard Collyer U 20 Trooper b Daventry

1891 census 47 Sheaf Street, Daventry, Northamptonshire

Frank W Collyer M 28 Congregational Minister b Leicester

Sarah Collyer M 31 b Birmingham

Frank H Collyer 16 months old b Daventry

Ellen Ashwell 16 Domestic servant b Daventry

Frank and Sarah Collyer have not been found on the 1901 or 1911 census.

The marriage of Frank Collyer and Sarah Gosling was registered December 1889 Birmingham 6d 336

Research by David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Trooper 1428 Frank Howard Collyer

A Squadron Royal Horse Guards

Died: Monday 11th October 1915

Aged: 25

The Royal Horse Guards (8th Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division, and V Corps) were being used as a dismounted Cavalry Forceby May 1915.

During 5 8 May the German XXVII Corps were pressing home their attacks against the British

28 Division pushed it back from Frezenburg towards Wieltje and Potijze to the East of Ypres supported by a ceaseless artillery barrage.

The 3rd Cavalry division relieved the British 28 Division in trenches north of the Menin Road between Verlorenhoek and Hooge on 12 May. They faced the German 53rd and 54th Reserve Divisions.

The Battalion Diary 13 May:

Germans opened heavy shell fire at 4am on the front trenches and also on the reserve trenches. Part of 7th Brigade driven out of their trenches and retired leaving a gap in the front line which was occupied by the Germans. At 10am we were ordered to counter attack.

The RHG counter attacked from a position in the rear of Railway Wood northeast of Witte Poort Farm. The attack was successful in not only recapturing lost ground but also reaching the German front line trenches.  Casualties for the attack were 5 officers and 12 other ranks killed, 6 officers and 85 other ranks wounded and 15 missing. Trooper Collyer received gun-shot wounds to his forearm, both thighs and a fracture of the left femur during the attack and lay out in the open for 50 hours before rescue.

On the 15th May he was evacuated to the 2nd Field Ambulance and on the 24th May to the 13th General Hospital, Boulogne.

On 25th May he was transshipped to the Military Hospital, Endell Street, Bloomsbury (which was run by female staff).

On 2nd October his leg was amputated and by the 9th he was much improved.

He died of heart failure and septicemia at 2.50pm on October 11th.

Frank Collyer is buried in Godalming New Cemetery, Surrey, England, Plot KJ, Grave 1163

He is also remembered on the Memorial Window in the Sutton Congregational Church and on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square.

Frank Howard Collyer was born at 45, Sheaf Street, Daventry in the autumn of 1890 and was the son of the Reverend Frank William and Sarah Collyer (later of 19 Sugden Road, Clapham Common, London).

His father was the Father Pastor of the Sutton Congregational Church from 1896 to 1907.

Frank was a keen sportsman and very good long distance runner.

In 1907 he went to Johannesburg, South Africa with his father and joined the Witwatersrand Rifles.

On his return to England he enlisted in the Royal Horse Guards on 19th August 1910, giving his trade as Salesman.

He was qualified as a scout.

His father, who lived at The Manse, Bridge Street, Godalming, was with his son when he died.

He felt the death of his son very much, his heart was affected and he broke down.

He died in May 1918 and is buried with his son.”

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

BERNARD CHARLES COLYER

Bernard Charles Colyer was born in Berkhampstead Hertfordshire. He lived in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Garrison Artillery 14th Siege Battery – Gunner 163201

He died of wounds on 12 May 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 23.

He probably died at the 5th Casualty Clearing Station (CWGC Cemetery History)

He was buried at the Aire Communal Cemetery, France, Plot II.J.26

Bernard C Colyer is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/196/B page 9615

No further military history was found online.

Bernard C Colyer was the son of Joseph Charles and Eliza Colyer of “Yew Tree Cottage”, Bull Lane, Walmley

His parents and sister are buried at Wishaw Church near Sutton Coldfield

In 1918 he was listed on the Electoral Rolls as residing at Springfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

His parents were listed at Springfield Road on the 1919 Electoral Roll and had moved to Yew Tree Cottage by 1920.

1911 census 36 Deakin Road, Erdington

Joseph Charles Colyer M 38 Greengrocer and Milkman b Berkhampstead

Eliza Colyer M 38 Married 17 years – 2 children b Wolverhampton

Bernard Charles Colyer 16 Assists in business b Berkhampstead

Violet Eliza Colyer 4 b Erdington

1901 census 25 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield

Joseph Charles Colyer M 28 Circular Sawyer b Berkhampstead

Eliza Colyer M 28 b Wolverhampton

Bernard Charles Colyer 6 b Berkhampstead

William Thomas Colyer U 19 Circular Sawyer b Berkhampstead

WILFRED COOMBE

The correct surname spelling is taken from his father’s own writing on the 1911 census. He had been listed as Wilfrid Coombs. Wilfred Coombe was born in Erdington, Birmingham. He enlisted in Birmingham and then later attested at Plymouth as a Gunner with the Royal Gun Artillery – Gunner 121435. He was injured and died of his wounds on 11 July 1917, aged 19. He was buried at the Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium, Plot 1.1.28.

Birmingham Roll of Honour

Wilfred Coombe Wireless operator RGA

He is also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/170B page 7011 and RGA Clasp page B7011

Army Service Record

His service records show that he enlisted on the 31 May 1916 in Birmingham and was sent into the army reserve.

He lived at 8 High Street Erdington and his next of kin was his father, William Coombe of the same address. He had been conscripted at the age of 18 years and 91 days. He was a printer by trade. He was a single man. He was 5’ 11 inches tall and his chest measurement was 33 ½ inches. He then was re-attested at The Citadel in Plymouth with the Number 3 Depot RGA on 10 October 1916 (re-joined his colours). He was posted to the front on the same day.  His effects were sent to his father and comprised: 2 discs, letters, postcards, pipe, notebook, metal watch (broken) and case, pair gold rimmed glasses in case, pair of scissors, cotton bad, 3 or 5 coins, belt, purse, tobacco pouch and pocket book.

Wilfred Coombe was the son of William and Elizabeth Coombe

He resided on Sutton Road (Erdington/Sutton Coldfield border) prior to enlisting.

1911 census 8 High Street, Erdington, Birmingham

William Coombe M 52 Gardener b Whitbourne, Here

Elizabeth Coombe M 52 Married 25 years – 3 children b Coseley, Staffs

Louisa Coombe U 22 Tailoress b Sutton Coldfield

Gertrude Coombe U 19 b Sutton Coldfield

Wilfred Coombe 13 b Erdington

1901 census 27 South Road, Erdington

William Coombe M 47 Groom and gardener b Whitbourne

Elizabeth Coombe M 42 b Coseley

Louisa Coombe 12 b Boldmere

Gertrude Coombe 9 b Boldmere

Wilfred Coombe 3 b Erdington

MATTHEW SYDNEY CORBY

Matthew Sydney Corby was born at Levenshulme in Lancashire. He resided in Birmingham. He enlisted in March 1916 at Birmingham with the Worcestershire Regiment 4th Battalion – Lance Corporal 30435

He died of wounds on 13 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 36.

He probably died at a casualty clearing station as three were based in the vicinity (CWGC Cemetery History)

The 4th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment attacked on 9 October 1917 in the Battle of Poelcapelle just north of Langemarck and they met strong opposition from pillboxes along the railway embankment.

The Battalion came out of line on 11 October 1917.

He was buried at the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Ypres, Plot XII.F.13

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B7 page 1464

No further military history was found online.

He was the son of Jane Corby of “St Luke’s Vicarage”, 5 Endsleigh Gardens, Plymouth and the late Matthew Corby who had been a solicitor in Birmingham.

Matthew Sydney Corby gained a B.A degree at the University of Durham (Law).

He resided at 13 Montague Street, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

He was a deputy Magistrate’s Clerk at Sutton Coldfield Magistrates Court.

He was also a partner in a solicitor’s firm, Messrs Herd, Nutt, Baker & Corby, whose offices were at Prudential Buildings, Corporation Street, Birmingham.

He was the Honorary Secretary of the Birmingham & Edgbaston Debating Society.

He had served in the Somme campaign and was invalided home and then returned to the front in May 1917.” (Sutton Coldfield News 3.11.1917)

1911 census 13 Montague Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Jane Corby W 60 Private means b Redruth, Cornwall

Lucy May Corby U 31 b Handsworth

Matthew S Corby U 29 Solicitor b Levenshulme, Lancs

John Ernest Corby U 29 Engineer b Levenshulme

Joyce Hagley U 20 Domestic servant b Old Hill, Staffs

Probate

Matthew Sydney Corby of 13 Montague Road, Edgbaston, solicitor, a Lance Corporal in the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment died 13.10.1917 in Flanders. Probate in Birmingham 24.12.1917 to Jane Corby, widow

Effects: £1349. 14s.4d

There is no evidence to suggest that Matthew Sydney Corby was married. It appears therefore that Jane Corby was his mother. She was also given probate for her late husband’s Will in 1909.

HAROLD JEROME COUCH

Harold Jerome Couch was born Aston. He lived at Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Sergeant 599

He was killed in action on 30 July 1916 aged 19

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 9A 9B and 10B

Harold J Couch is commemorated on the King Edward Grammar School, Aston, Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

Harold Jerome Couch was also commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

Army Medal Roll

He was listed as Private/Lance Corporal and latterly Sergeant.

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B8 page 1717 and 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 116.

No further military records were found online.

Harold J Couch was the son of George and Elizabeth Couch of 46 Mayfield Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.

He was educated at Aston Grammar School having won a scholarship whilst attending Green Lanes School, Sutton Coldfield.

He was an assistant scout master with the Boldmere Troop. He was a member of the Boldmere Swimming Club.

At the time he enlisted he was serving his articles with Messrs Banwell and Wakeman, Quantity Surveyors of 3 Newhall Street, Birmingham.

At the front, he was engaged on sniping and observation duties.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 19.8.1916)

His parents resided at “Ashleigh” 258 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield in 1914 and 1918 (Electoral Rolls).

1911 census “Ashleigh”, Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Couch M 38 Assurance clerk b Oswestry

Elizabeth Couch M 38 Married 15 years – 4 children b Birmingham

Harold Jerome Couch 14 b Aston

Hilda Couch 12 b Wylde Green

George Leslie Couch 11 b Wylde Green

Edward Arnold Couch 11 months old b Wylde Green

1901 census “Belvue Villas”, Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Couch M 28 Assistant cashier insurance office b Oswestry

Elizabeth Couch M 28 b Birmingham

Harold J Couch 4 b Aston

Hilda Couch 2 b Wylde Green

George L Couch 11 months old b Wylde Green

FRANK HENRY CRIPPS

Frank Henry Cripps was born at Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Shropshire Light Infantry 5th Battalion – Private 16330

He was killed in action on 25 September 1915 (France & Flanders)

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Panel 47 and 49

Frank H Cripps was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church Memorial

He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (non-parochial) (Matthew Rhodes)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals J/1/102 B6 page 1565 and 1915 Star Medal J/1/8/B2 page 385

No further military records were found online.

Frank Henry Cripps was the son of Edward and Joanna Cripps of Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Alice E Cripps

The marriage of Frank Henry Cripps and Alice E Burton was registered September 1911 Basingstoke 2c 468

It appears that Frank and Alice Cripps only had one child, Arthur Edward Cripps.

It is thought that Frank Cripps also lived at “The Reddicroft”, Sutton Coldfield.

In 1914 he was registered on the Electoral Roll as living at 50 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield

1911 census Church Lane, Wishaw, Warwickshire

Frank Henry Cripps M 23 Horse driver on farm b Wishaw

Alice Eliza Cripps M 23 Married 1 year 1 child b West Bromwich

Arthur Edward Cripps 2 months old b Wishaw

John Cripps W 67 Visitor b Westbury, Bucks

1901 census 6 Church Lane, Wishaw

Edward Cripps M 62 Cattle man b Oxford

Anna Cripps M 57 b Westbury, Bucks

Edward F Cripps 16 Carter on farm b Wishaw

Frank H Cripps 13 Carter on farm b Wishaw

Baptism

Frank Henry Cripps was baptised at Wishaw Church on 29 May 1885.

His parents were Edward and Joanna Cripps.

Edward Cripps worked as a labourer.

GEORGE WILLIAM CROSS

George William Cross was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Berkshire Regiment - Private 27090 and transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1st Battalion - Private 21345

He died of wounds on 11 April 1917 France & Flanders

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 3

George William Cross is commemorated on the Boldmere Swimming Club Memorial.

He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (non-parochial) (Matthew Rhodes)

He is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B9 page 1806

George Cross was the son of George Cross of Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Edith Cross of “Over Norton”, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield

The marriage of George William Cross and Edith Scott was registered December 1911 Aston

George and Edith Cross had three known children. Evelyn M Cross birth registered December 1911 Aston 6d 469. Edith M Cross birth registered December 1913 Aston 6d 734. James Cross birth registered December 1914 Birmingham 6d 332

1911 census “Rose Cottage”, Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Cross M 65 Jobbing gardener b Aston

Ann Cross M 57 b Sutton Coldfield

Rose Cross U 19 b Boldmere

Harry Cross 15 b Boldmere

1911 census 75 Clevedon Road, Balsall Heath

Working in the household of Robert Thomas Tisdale, 66, Whip Thong maker of Birmingham

George William Cross U 28 Chauffeur/ gardener b Boldmere

1901 census “Rose Cottage”, Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield

George Cross M 55 Gardener b Aston

Ann Cross M 47 b Sutton Coldfield

Mabel F Cross U 21 b Boldmere

Florence M Cross U 19 School Teacher b Boldmere

George William Cross U 17 Domestic Gardener b Boldmere

Rose H Cross 9 b Boldmere

Harry Cross 5 b Boldmere

ARTHUR CROWTHER

Arthur Crowther was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted on 3 February 1915 at Jung, Victoria, Australia with the Australian Infantry 22nd Battalion – Private 732

He died from the effects of wounds on 2 November 1915 aged 27.

He was buried at the Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta, Plot D II 3

He was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (non-parochial) (Matthew Rhodes)

Arthur Crowther was the son of Daniel Charles and Katherine Lovell Crowther of 56 Eastern Road, Sutton Coldfield

He was educated at Town School, Sutton Coldfield. After school he went to work for Messrs Swain & Clayton, Jewellers and Enamellers, Warstone Lane in Birmingham and later for two years as a groom.

He emigrated to Australia in about 1911 and was involved in agriculture at Jung Jung, Victoria.

He enlisted in February 1915 and was posted in Egypt in May 1915.

A chaplain writing to his brother stated that he was admitted to St Elmo’s Hospital in Malta on 2 November 1915 with a serious gun- shot wound to the head and although an operation was carried out he died without regaining consciousness from the time the injury was sustained.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 27.11.1915)

1911 census “Hazledene”, Eastern Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

Daniel Charles Crowther M 69 Bricklayer b Cheltenham

Katherine Lovell Crowther M 59 Married 35 years, 8 children all alive b Sidmouth, Devon

Elizabeth Mary Crowther U 31 Dressmaker b Sutton Coldfield

Kate Goss Crowther U 28 Elementary school teacher b Sutton Coldfield

Bertram Cecil Crowther 17 Accountant’s clerk b Sutton Coldfield

1901 census “Mullion”, Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield

Catherine Lovell Crowther M 49 b Sidmouth

Stephen Charles Crowther U 22 Clerk b Sidmouth

Elizabeth Mary Crowther U 21 b Sutton Coldfield

Kate Goss Crowther U 18 School pupil teacher b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Crowther 12 b Sutton Coldfield

Bertram Cecil Crowther 7 b Sutton Coldfield

In 1901, Daniel Charles Crowther was boarding at 14 Tayler Road Aston. He was working as a bricklayer.

Shipping manifest 2 March 1911 Ship ‘Geelong’, P & O Liner London to Melbourne, Australia


HMAT Geelong

Arthur Crowther 22 Farmer single man travelling alone

1914 Electoral Roll for Wannon, Victoria, Australia

Arthur Crowther of Jung – labourer

Elizabeth Anne Crowther – home duties. Presumably his wife whom he married in Australia

Bertram Charles Crowther joined the 21st London Regiment/Army Pay Corps - Private 2166/ 20482

Bertram Crowther was awarded the Victoria and British Medals APC C/101 B page 169

Bertram Crowther died on 25 January 1952 in Wakefield Yorkshire.

NORMAN CROZIER

Norman Crozier was born in Handsworth. He enlisted at Manchester with the Royal Army Service Corps - Reserve Supply Personnel Depot - Private S/ 365306

He lived at Levenshulme, Lancashire at the time he enlisted.

He died on 16 January 1918 aged 33.

He died in the UK on active service (Home) – he drowned in Southampton Docks.

Norman Crozier was buried at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A. 392 (Not a Commonwealth War Grave)

No army records were found for him online including his medal card.

Norman Crozier was commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

He is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (non-parochial) (Matthew Rhodes)

Norman Crozier was the son of William and Emily Crozier and the husband of Flora Crozier of “Bradley”, Mayfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

The marriage of Norman Crozier and Flora Crisp was registered March 1913 Huddersfield 9a 517

Norman Crozier resided at “Bradley”, Mayfield Road, Sutton Coldfield according to the 1914/15 Electoral Roll

1911 census “Somerfield”, Sutton Coldfield (road not stated)

William Armstrong Crozier M 56 Master Goldsmith - employer b County Tyrone

Emily Bell Crozier M 56 Married 32 years, 4 children, all alive b Spalding, Lincs

Dora Crozier U 27 b Handsworth

Norman Crozier U 26 Goldsmith – own account b Handsworth

Ida Crozier U 19 b Handsworth

The family were not found on the 1901 census.

The baptisms of all four children of William and Emily Crozier took place at St Silas Church, Lozells near Handsworth

Herbert Carson Crozier baptised 2 June 1880. Resident at 57 Barker Street – father commercial traveller

Dora Kathleen Crozier baptised 6 May 1883. Resident at Burbury Street – father manager

Norman Crozier baptised 15 October 1884. Resident 31 Burbury Street – father manager

Ida Emily Crozier baptised 24 February 1892. Resident 127 Hall Road – father Jeweller’s manager

Probate

Norman Crozier of 55 Burnage Hall Road, Levenshulme, Private ASC, who was last seen alive on 15 January 1918 and who was found drowned on 16 January 1918 in the Southampton Docks, Southampton.

Administration with Will granted at London on 22 March 1918 to Flora Crozier, widow. Effects: £1320