Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project 2104

K - M

EDWARD KEAY

 

Edward Keay was born in Walsall. He enlisted in Walsall with the South Staffordshire Regiment – Corporal 28287

 

He was killed in action on 28 May 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 24

 

He has no known grave and was commemorated on the Soissins Memorial

 

Edward Keay is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, (non-parochial) Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

 

This appears to be his only link to Sutton Coldfield.

 

Possibly he worked in the town and for some reason became a member of St Peter’s Church congregation.

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals F/101/B10 page 1166

 

Edward Keay was the son of Elizabeth Keay of 124 Pargeter Street, Walsall and the late Edward Adam Keay

 

1911 census “Hospital Lodge”, Walsall

 

Edward Adam Keay             M         56        Hospital porter                                              b Bloxwich

Elizabeth Keay                     M         54        Married 33 years, 7 children 1 died          b Pelsall

Frank Keay                           U         26        Carpenter                                          b Walsall

William Keay                         U         24        Clerk                                                   b Walsall

Lizzie Keay                           U         22                                                                    b Walsall

Edward Keay                                                17        Clerk in coal trade                            b Walsall

VICTOR JAMES KELLEY

 

Victor James Kelley was born in Minworth. He enlisted on 19 July 1916 at Birmingham with the Liverpool Regiment 1.10 (Scottish) Battalion – Private 358349

 

He had served in France before his death in the Wieltje area of the Ypres Salient.

 

He died on July 1917 at St Mary’s Hospital, London aged 19

 

He was buried at St John’s Church, Walmley Plot 825

 

He is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals H/2/102 – 40 page 8205

 

Victor James Kelley was the youngest son of Mrs H E Hart (formerly Kelley) of “Ash Farm”, Minworth and the late Joseph Kelley

 

“He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.

 

He enlisted on 19 July 1916 and went to France during November 1916.

 

He was ill suffering for four months from rheumatism and blood poisoning and died at St Mary’s Hospital London. He was given a full military funeral.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 21.7.1917)

 

1911 census “Ash Farm”, Minworth

 

Charles Hart                         M         52        Farmer – employer                           b Sutton Coldfield

Harriet Ellen Hart                 M         50        Married 9 years - 1 child                 b Stourbridge

Eva L M White                                  U         28        Step daughter                                               b Minworth

Herbert H Kelley                   U         21        Stepson Civil Engineering student          b Minworth

Frances V E Kelley              U         19        Step daughter – milliner                 b Wishaw

Victor James Kelley                         13        Stepson                                             b Minworth

Charles Vernon Hart                         6        Son                                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Joseph George Kelley        U         27        Adopted son Works on farm                      b Sparkbrook Bham

Joseph Henry Rice              U         21        Farm student                                                b Wednesbury

Sarah Ann Morris                 U         18        Domestic servant                             b Tipton

 

1891 census “Cock Inn”, Wishaw

 

Joseph Kelley                                   M         53        Publican                                            b Bedworth, Warks

Harriet Kelley                                    M         30                                                                    b Stourbridge

Eva L Kelley                                        8                                                                    b Minworth

Joseph G Kelley                                 7                                                                    b Sparkbrook

Elsie M Kelley                                    2                                                                    b Minworth

Henry Smallwood                 U         22        Nephew leather worker                  b Birmingham

Harriet L Eaves                                 14        Nurse                                                 b Minworth

 

In 1881, Joseph Kelley, aged 43, widowed lived at the Queens Arms, Kings Norton with five children from his first marriage.

 

Baptism

 

Victor James Kelley was baptised at Wishaw Church on 24 August 1897.

 

His parents were Joseph and Harriet Ellen Kelley of the Plough Inn, Minworth where Joseph was the publican.

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Private 7531 Victor James Kelley

10th King’s (Liverpool Scottish) Regiment

Died: Sunday 8th July 1917

Aged: 19

 

Private Kelley belonged to the 10th Liverpool Scottish (166th Brigade, 55th Division, VIII Corps).

 

The 55th Division was in the Wieltje area of the Ypres Salient during the spring of 1917.

 

Private Kelley became ill in March 1917 and was eventually evacuated to England in April 1917.

 

He was ill for four months with rheumatism and blood poisoning before he died in St. Mary’s Hospital, London.

 

 

Private Kelley is buried in St. John’s Churchyard, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield - to the left of the entrance of the church extension.

 

“Ash Farm, Minworth.

 

Died of wounds at St. Mary’s Hospital London”

 

He is commemorated on the Walmley Memorial, Walmley Road.

 

 

“Victor James Kelley was born on 18 July 1897. He was the son of Joseph (Publican of the Cock Inn, Flouslough Lane, Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield) and Harriet E. Kelley.

 

Joseph Kelley died in the summer of 1898 and his mother was remarried to Charles Hart (Ash Farm) in the summer of 1901.

 

Victor attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1906 and 1914.

 

At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School he played football for the 1st XI in 1912-13, cricket for the 1st XI in 1913-14 and hockey in 1914. He was a private in the school cadet force.

 

He enlisted on 19 July 1916 at the age of nineteen and was sent to France in November 1916.

 

His brother Lieutenant Herbert H. Kelley served in the 2nd Cheshire Regiment in Bombay, India and at the time of Victor’s death he was suffering from shell shock and typhoid fever.”

 

Herbert Harding Kelley

 

Herbert Harding Kelley enlisted with the Cheshire Regiment 8th Battalion and was sent to Mesopotamia on 23 April 1916

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals C209 page 26 d and Clasp BWVM

 

Herbert Harding Kelley, of Walmley Ash, was registered with the Institute of Civil Engineers.

 

He was on their war lists on 15 September 1916 and then again on 4 December 1923

He died in 1971 in Bournemouth.

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

CHARLES ERNEST KENT

 

Charles Ernest Kent was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 9th Battalion – Private 15568

 

He died on 30 June 1916 in India aged 35 but he also had served in Mesopotamia.

 

He has no know grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B20 page 4147

 

Charles Ernest Kent was the second son of the late Mr William Kent and Mrs Elizabeth Kent of Reddicap Hill

 

“Before the war he had been employed in Sutton Park for five years.

 

He was sent to the east front in April 1916.

 

He died from the effects of the heat.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 14.10.1916)

 

“In loving memory of my dear son, Charles Ernest Kent, who died June 30th 1916 with the 9th RWR in India

 

Too good to be forgotten by his widowed mother.”

 

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 5.7.1919)

 

1911 census 22 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Elizabeth Kent                                  W        67                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William Frank Kent              U         31        Shop keeper/ grocery                                  b Sutton Coldfield

Charles E Kent                     U         30        Bricklayer’s labourer                                   b Sutton Coldfield

Ethel Johnson                                  U         24        Boarder – shop assistant                b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census 22 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

William Kent                         M         56        Bricklayer’s labourer                                   b Sutton Coldfield

Elizabeth Kent                                  M         57                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William Frank Kent              U         21        Journeyman baker                          b Sutton Coldfield

Charles E Kent                     U         20        Bricklayer’s labourer                                   b Sutton Coldfield

Lizzie May Kent                    U         19        Laundress                                         b Sutton Coldfield

 

 

In 1913, William F Kent was a shopkeeper at Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

(Source: 1913 Sutton Coldfield Commerce www.sutton-coldfield.net/commerce.html - Mike Kemble)

 

FRANCIS JOSEPH HENRY HINKS KENT

 

Francis J.H.H. Kent was born in Birmingham or Handsworth (probably on the border). He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 9th Battalion– Private 16786

 

He was killed in action on 25 January 1917 (Mesopotamia) aged 27

 

He was buried at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq, Plot X.I.X.K.3

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B20 page 4147

 

Francis Joseph Henry Hinks Kent was the adopted son of Edmund and Julia Kent of “The Shrubbery”, Doe Bank, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. He was the husband of Mary Kent, formerly Brady.

 

The marriage of Francis J.H.H Kent and Mary Elizabeth Brady was registered December 1913 Leeds 9b 884

 

He was a married man.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 17.2.1917)

 

1911 census “The Hembs”, Great Barr, near Birmingham

 

Residing as a visitor in the household of Thomas Smith, farmer of West Bromwich

 

Francis Kent                         U         21        Insurance agent                               b Handsworth

 

1911 census “The Shrubbery”, Doe Bank, Sutton Coldfield

 

Edmund Francis Kent                     M         63        Retired silversmith                           b Birmingham

Julia Kent                              M         57        Married 36 years - no children       b Birmingham

Rose Webb                           U         19        Domestic servant                             b Cambridge

Elsie Hodgkins                     U         20        Domestic servant                             b West Bromwich

 

1901 census 50 Holyhead Road, Handsworth

 

Edmund F Kent                    M         53        Own means                                      b Birmingham

Julia Kent                              M         47                                                                    b Birmingham

Francis J H H Kent                          11        Adopted son                                     b Birmingham

Maria Rock                            U         19        Domestic servant                             b Tipton

Eliza Bedworth                     U         18        Domestic servant                             b Greets Green

 

1891 census “Ashdene House”, Somerset Road, Handsworth

 

Edmund Francis Kent                     M         44        Retired – own means                                  b Birmingham

Julia Kent                              M         38                                                                    b Birmingham

Francis Kent                                     11 months old                                                           b Birmingham

Lucy Rogerson                     U         22        General servant                               b Salop

 

The marriage of Edmund Francis Kent and Julia Vale was registered March 1875 Birmingham 6d 228

 

Baptism

 

Francis Joseph Henry Hinks Kent was baptised on 21 May 1890 at St Mary’s Church Handsworth.

 

His parents were Edmund Francis and Julia Kent of Murdock Road, Handsworth.

 

Edmund Kent was a gentleman.

 

Probate

 

Francis Joseph Henry Hinks Kent of “The Shrubbery”, Doe Bank, Sutton Coldfield, 9th Royal Warwickshire Regiment ,died 25 January 1917 in Mesopotamia in action.

 

Probate was granted at Birmingham on 16 April 1917 to Mary Elizabeth Kent, widow. 

 

Effects: £588. 8s 2d

ALFRED JOHN KING

 

Alfred John King was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as Private 200813 and received his commission on 29 January 1918 with the North Staffordshire Regiment - Attached to 4th Battalion ‘A’ Company – Second Lieutenant

 

He died of died of wounds on 17 June 1918 aged 22

 

He was buried at the Etretat Churchyard Extension, France, Plot II.E.7

 

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

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/155 page 150

 

Alfred John King was the son of William John and Ada Priscilla King of 1 Highbridge Road, Wylde Green.

 

“His father owned a building and decorating business.” (WML)

 

“In loving memory of Lt. A. King North Staffs Regt, second beloved son of Mr and Mrs W J King of Highbridge Road, Wylde Green who died from wounds received in action June 17th 1918.

 

They miss him most who loved him best.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 21.6.1919)

 

1911 census Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

William John King               M         43        House decorator – employer                      b Sutton Coldfield

Ada Priscilla King                M         47        Married 22 years, 7 children                      b Worcester

Elsie King                              U         19                                                                              b Sutton Coldfield

George Lester King                         17        House decorator                                          b Sutton Coldfield

Alfred John King                              14        Groom                                                            b Sutton Coldfield

William King                                     12                                                                                b Sutton Coldfield

Eleanor King                                                10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Norman King                                                  6                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Dorothy King                                                  3                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

JOHN KING

 

John King was born in Newport, Shropshire. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Kings Royal Rifles 7th Battalion – Rifleman R/16624

 

He died on 16 March 1917 (France & Flanders)

 

He was buried at the Berneville Communal Cemetery, France, Plot 1

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101 B/26 page 3296

 

No further military records for him were found online.

 

John King was the son of Michael and Catherine King of Newport in Shropshire

 

1911 census 36 Desmond Villa, Lyndon Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Boarding in the household of Kate Harley, married, refreshment caterer

 

John King                             U         35        Bricklayer’s labourer                                   b Newport, Salop

 

1901 census 38 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield

 

Boarding in the household of John Lawley, married, Bricklayer – employer of Bilston

 

John King                             U         24        Bricklayer’s labourer                                   b Newport, Salop

 

1891 census Marsh Lane, Newport, Shropshire

 

William Mackie                     M         73        Farm labourer                                               b Ireland

Ann Mackie                           M         70                                                                    b Ireland

Kate King                              M         34        Daughter                                           b Ireland

John King                                         14                                                                    b Newport

Sarah King                                        13                                                                    b Newport

William King                                     11                                                                    b Newport

Harry King                                           7                                                                    b Newport

Dominic King                                                  5                                                        b Newport

 

1881 census Marsh Lane, Newport

 

Michael King                                    M         35        Farm labourer                        b Ireland

Catherine King                     M         24                                                                    b Ireland

John King                                           4                                                                     b Newport

William King                                       2                                                                    b Newport

Mary King                                            0                                                                   b Newport 

GEORGE ARTHUR KITCHEN

 

George Arthur Kitchen was born in Stratford upon Avon.  He enlisted in Birmingham with the Kings Royal Rifles 8th Battalion – Rifleman A/2895

 

He was killed in action on 30 July 1915 (France & Flanders)

 

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

 

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 M/101 B4 page 432 and the 1915 Star Medal M/2b page 101

 

No further military records were found for him online.

 

George Arthur Kitchen was the son of William and Mary Kitchen of 33 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield

 

“He was educated at Town School, Sutton Coldfield.

 

Upon leaving school he worked as a shop assistant for LH Woodhams, Grocers, 42 Parade, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He then worked at the Barrows Stores on Corporation Street in Birmingham.

 

He attended Park Road Congregational Sunday School, Park Road in Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was of small stature and the first time he tried to enlist he was rejected.

 

However he did enlist and was sent to the front on 19 May 1915.

 

He was killed in an attack in which the Germans used burning liquid.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 21.8.1915)

 

1911 census 33 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield

 

W. H. Kitchen                                    M         50        Groom & gardener                           b Stratford on Avon

May or Mary Kitchen                       M         49        Married 27 years, 7 children 2 died          b Smethwick

W. H. Kitchen                                    U         19                                                                    b Kings Heath

G. A. Kitchen                                     15        Grocer’s boy                                     b Stratford on Avon

Emma Kitchen                                  U         21                                                                    b Abberton, Warks

 

The family were not traced on the 1901 or 1891 census.

EDWIN DENNIS KNIGHT

 

Edwin Dennis Knight was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Field Artillery ‘B’ Battery, 242nd Brigade – Gunner 836307

 

He died of wounds on 4 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 20

 

He probably died in a hospital as Boulogne was a major hospital area (CWGC Cemetery History)

 

He was buried at the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Plot IV.B.1

 

He is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial

 

Edwin Dennis Knight was commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Roll of Honour

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals (TF) RFA/148.B page 9589

 

Edwin Dennis Knight was the son of Thomas Henry and Helen Knight of “The Croft”, Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield

 

The family was not traced on the 1911 census

 

1901 census Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield

 

Thomas H Knight                 M         51        Living on own means                                 b Wishaw

Helen Knight                                    M         34                                                                    b Austry, Warks

Thomas H Knight                             10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Frederick Knight                                8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

E Dennis Knight                                5                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Gunner 836307 Edwin Dennis Knight 

‘B’ Battery 242nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died: Friday 4th May 1917

Aged: 20

 

On 20 March 1917 half of the guns available around Arras commenced a massive bombardment along a 20-mile front.

 

Much of the heavy artillery was concentrated behind Vimy Ridge with the First Army having the firepower of seven divisions, eighteen independent artillery brigades and eleven heavy artillery groups available to it.

 

More of this artillery joined in the bombardment on 2 April concentrating on the German occupied villages, such as Vimy, Farbus and Thelus, in front of the Canadian lines.

 

The 242nd Brigade was one of the independent artillery brigades that was attached to the 3rd Canadian Division, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Batteries were equipped with 18 pounder field guns, whilst ‘D’ Battery had 4.5 inch Howitzers.

 

On the night of 19/20 April the guns of 242nd Brigade were being moved forward through Neuville St. Vaast to bring their fire onto Petit Vimy. They came under hostile fire by German 5.9inch and 8inch guns, which caused some casualties.

 

‘B’ Battery was placed in position at map reference S/8 d0570, when an 8inch shell fell in a dugout occupied by the signalers of ‘B’ Battery.

 

Gunner Knight was wounded by this shellfire and was evacuated firstly to a casualty clearing station (probably 6th Casualty Clearing Station in the village of Barlin, south of Bethune) and later to a hospital in Boulogne, where he was to die.

 

Edwin Knight is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Plot 4, Row B, Grave 1

 

The inscription reads: ‘He died that we might live.’

 

Boulogne was another of the British base ports during the Great War.

 

It contained several hospitals and the dead from these were buried in the Cimetiere de L’Est, one of the town’s cemeteries.

 

He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and Walmley Memorial, Walmley Road.

 

“Edwin Dennis Knight was born on 28 May 1896. He was the son of Thomas Henry (living on his own means) and Helen Knight of The Croft, Foulslough Lane, Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield.

 

Edwin attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School from 1906 to 1912 and then Attenton College, Sutton Coldfield.

 

His original service number upon enlisting was 2819.

 

He had two older brothers Thomas H. and Frederick W.

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

EDWARD MIDDLETON KNOTT      Air Force Cross

 

Edward Middleton Knott was born in British Guiana in 1899. He joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet and became a probationer on 18 March 1917 (RFC Naval Wing ((RNAS)) Probationary Flight Officers book) and became a Captain with the Royal Air Force 1st Communication Squadron

 

(Source: Roots web and findmypast.co.uk)

 

He was killed on 3 May 1919 near Croydon. This was whilst flying a plane at Kenley aerodrome.

 

He was buried in Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A.C.413 – this is not a CWWG gravestone

 

 

 

(Photograph courtesy of Birmingham History Forum)

 

The inscription reads:

 

“He whose body lies here was numbered among those who at the call of King and Country left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger and finally passed out of sight of men.

 

By the path of duty and self -sacrifice giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom, let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.

 

Captain Edward M Knott May 3 1919 aged 20”

 

Medal

 

Captain Edward M Knott was awarded the Air Force Cross

 

Edward Middleton Knott was the only son of Dr and Mrs Eleanor Knott of 1 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield

 

 

1 Coleshill Street appears to have been Dr Knott’s home and surgery.

 

Dr Knott is listed at 1 Coleshill Street in the Kelly’s Directory of 1913

 

(Source: www.sutton-coldfield.net/commerce.html  Mike Kemble)

 

Dr Knott was listed at the same address on the 1918 Electoral Roll

 

 

 

“Edward Middleton Knott was educated at Ripley and Cheltenham Colleges.

 

He died at Kenley aerodrome near Croydon whilst attempting to pilot Major General Sir F H Sykes, Controller General of Civil Aviation to Paris with despatches for the peace conference.

 

He left Kenley aerodrome at 2.45pm.

 

The machine, a DH4 plane fitted with a 200hp eagle engine, had barely left the ground when, on a climbing turn, the engine failed and the propeller stopped dead.

 

The aeroplane immediately side slipped and crashed in the centre of the runway.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 10.5.1919)

 

“Edward Middleton Knott broke his neck whilst General Sykes received an injury to one eye and severe bruising.

 

Edward Knott joined the Royal Navy Air Service in 1916 and had seen much overseas service.

 

His parents received a letter of condolence from the Right Honourable Winston Churchill.

 

He received a full military funeral.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 10.5.1919)

 

1911 census “Ripley Court” (school), Ripley, Surrey

 

Edward Knott                                                11        Scholar                                              b Georgetown

 

He was born at Georgetown in British Guiana

 

1911 census 8 Dryborough Mansions, Putney, London

 

Stanley Sproston                 M         36        Political officer for colonial service           b West Coast of Africa

Ada Sproston                                    M         40        Married 6 years - no children        b Norwood, Surrey

Guy Rae                                U         17        Stepson – medical student                        b Bexley

Edward M Knott                    M         43        Surgeon                                                      b Castletown, Co Mayo

Lydia Palmer                         U         36        Housekeeper                                              b Bridgwater

 

1911 census 1 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield

 

Eleanor E. P. Knott              M         38        Married 14 years – 2 children                    b British Guiana

Kathleen Gertrude Knott                14                                                                                 b British Guiana

Alice Graty                             U         50        Cook                                                             b Walsall

Gertrude Wall                                    U         21        Parlour maid                                     b The Sneade, Staffs

Ethel Wall                              U         18        Housemaid                                                    b The Sneade, Staffs

David Thomas Macleod      M         45        Practitioner of medicine, locum                  b Glasgow

 

1901 census Northampton Road, Brixworth, Northamptonshire

 

Edward M Knott                    M         28        Physician and surgeon                  b Ireland

Eleanor C P Knott                M         28                                                                    b British Guiana

Kathleen M Knott                               4                                                                    b British Guiana

Edward M Knott                                  2                                                                    b British Guiana

Rosa Brundle                                   U         26        Nurse                                       b British Guiana

Minnie Salmons                   U         22        housemaid                                        b Padbury, Bucks

 

Marriage

 

Edward Millward (sic) Knott of the British Guiana Medical Service, eldest son of M. O. M Knott MD of Castlebar, Ireland married Eleanor Ethel Pieritz (Nellie) Sproston, daughter of Hugh Sproston. The marriage took place on Saturday 16 November 1895 at St Phillips Church, Demerara, British Guiana and was conducted by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Guiana

 

 

(Argosy News, British Guiana Newspaper 19.11.1895)

 

 

Probate

 

Edward Middleton Knott of 1 Coleshill Street Sutton Coldfield, Captain in RAF, died on 3 May 1919 at Kenley, Surrey.

 

Administration in London on 30 December 1919 was granted to Edward Millward Knott, Medical Practitioner

 

Effects: £278 13s 4d

 

Further information added by Richard and Rosemary Christophers

 

Archivists at Ripley Court School, Surrey

 

Eleanor Knott died in 1934 at Sutton Coldfield.

 

Edward Milward Knott married Gladys Piddocke in 1936.

 

Edward Milward Knott died at Horley on 17 Jul 1952. His estate was worth £19544 2s 0d

 

Ripley Court, Ripley, Surrey - Ripley Court Magazine - Michaelmas Term 1910

 

“Edward Middleton Knott joined the school since the last magazine was published.

 

In 1911 he was awarded a Prize Book. This is held at the Send and Ripley Museum.”

 

Edward Middleton Knott - Service Record

 

TNA ADM 273/12/272

 

Edward M Knott was born on 24 April 1899.  He entered the air service on 16 March 1917 - No 309132

 

On 18 March 1917 he became a Flight Officer, on 29 July 1917 a Sub-Lieutenant and on 1 January 1918 a Flight Lieutenant.

 

His postings were at: Crystal Palace, 25 April 1917; Chingford, 25 June 1917; Cranwell, 15 August 1917; Dover, 25 December 1917; Air Department, 14 January 1918 and the DPD Ferry Pilot.

 

He graduated from Cranwell on 25 July 1917. His flying ability was 1st class; Aerial engineers 80%; Navigation 60%; Gunnery 69.6%; W.T. and photography 63.3%.

 

He had been graduated for one month when he received a special notice on 29 December 1917. He was directed to report at Air Department before proceeding to one month unemployed time.

 

On 2 January 1918 he was certified as fit to resume flying but should be employed at home for 6 months.

 

An operations report of 20 November 1917 stated that he fired about 200 rounds into a company of enemy infantry, killing some and scattering the rest.

In a confidential report from Cranwell dated 12 Jul 1917, it was reported that “he had flown, graduation obtained on form S1547 and recovered for active service. He was a good and keen officer”.

 

16 September 1917 - he had flown 96 hours by then at Dunkirk. He was described as a good pilot officer.

 

29 November 1917 – he had flown at Dunkirk and Dover. He was strongly recommended for promotion.

 

31 December 1917 – he had flown 75.10 more hours.

 

1 April1918 - Wing Commander Courtney reported that he had “conducted himself to my satisfaction.”

 

TNA AIR 76/281/29 - From 1 April 1918 he served in the RAF as ferry pilot. He had a medical on 26 January 1918 and was declared unfit for general service but was fit for home service with flying.

 

On 16 August 1918 he served as a delivery pilot with Communications Squadron.

 

On 1 January 1919 he was awarded the Air Force Cross

 

On 15 March 1919 he flew Brussels for special duties.

 

On 7 April 1919 he flew to Newcastle and on 11 April 1919 was with the Ist Communication Squadron.

 

On 5 May 1919 he was killed in aerial accident.

 

Other details given as in ADM 273/12/272

 

 

Article from ‘The Times (London England), Monday 5 May 1919, page 9

 

 

Further details from the Cheltenham College archives show that Edward Knott was a boarder in Newton House.

 

He entered in Lower 2 Military in September 1913 and left after Middle 5 Military in July 1916.

 

 

The Cheltonian” school magazine for June 1919 reports that the plane was a D.H.4 in perfect condition with a Rolls Royce 375 horse powered engine – one of the best of its type.

 

The plane suddenly gave out and the machine crashed to the ground.

 

Major General Sykes scrambled out of the machine and extricated Knott, but the latter was so severely injured that he died on the way to hospital.

 

Funeral notice from the ‘Times’

 

 

(Source: Richard and Rosemary Christophers, archivists, Ripley Court) 

FREDERICK LAKIN

 

Frederick Lakin was born and lived in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Army Service Corps (A.S.C. Park) - Private M2/149497 (Ref M1/109)

 

Frederick Lakin died on 18 January 1917 (France & Flanders)

 

He was buried at the Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France, Plot II.K.5

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RASC/101.102 page 10341

 

Frederick Lakin was the son of Frank and Lizzie Lakin

 

After the war his parents continued to live at “Rose Cottage”, Doe Bank, Sutton Coldfield (WML)

 

Note: Doe Bank was a very small area of land adjacent to the Lichfield Road at Four Oaks, near to the Four Oaks Railway Station.

 

1911 census “Rose Cottage”, Doe Bank, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Frank Lakin                           M         53        Domestic Gardener                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Lizzie Lakin                           M         55        Married 26 years 6 children 1 died           b Kenilworth

Thomas Henry Lakin                       U         25        Footman and Valet                          b Sutton Coldfield

Frank Lakin                           U         20        Domestic gardener                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Fred Lakin                             U         18        Domestic gardener                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Lakin                                      16        Domestic gardener                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Bertram Lakin                                  13        School                                                           b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census “Rose Cottage”, Doe Bank, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Frank Lakin                           M         43        Domestic Gardener                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Lizzie Lakin                           M         45                                                                    b Kenilworth

Thomas H Lakin                               15                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William C Lakin                                13                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Frank Lakin                                       10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Frederick Lakin                                 8         Domestic Gardener                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur Lakin                                       6                                                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Bertram Lakin                                                3                                                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Henry E Pace                                   W        73        Father in Law                                               b Kenilworth

 

 

Baptism at Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield

 

Frederick Lakin was baptised on 16 October 1892

 

His parents were Lizzie Pace and Frank Lakin and his father worked as a gardener.

WILLIAM LAKIN

 

William Lakin was born in Four Oaks. He enlisted in Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Garrison Artillery 230th Siege Battery – Gunner 91995

 

He was killed in action on 24 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 35

 

“Nothing of significance happened on this day. Temperature was 74 F, 50% cloud cover, rainfall nil” (PDD)

 

He was buried at the Perth (China Wall) Cemetery, Zillbeke, Ypres, Plot II.C.10/11

 

He is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

 

Army Medal Roll

 

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

 

Army Service Record

 

William Lakin was aged 33 years when he enlisted on 10 December 1915 at Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was married, worked as a gardener and lived at Clarence Road, Four Oaks.

 

He was 5’ 10” tall and had a chest measurement of 38”.

 

His wife was Emily Lakin, formerly Lucas and they were married on 26 November 1903 at Little Aston Church near Shenstone.

 

Their children were Thomas, born 1 March 1907, Wilfred, born 24 November 1908, Victor, born 24 November 1910, Sidney, born 22 March 1913 and Winifred Mary, born 18 April 1915.

 

All the children were born in Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was ‘home’ between 5 June 1916 and 27 July 1917 having been sent to the Citadel, Plymouth on 13 June 1916.

 

No. 3 ‘Coy’     Gunner                      05 June 1915

10 ‘Coy’                                              24 June 1916

Siege Depot                                      09 December 1916

B Siege Depot                                              02 February 1917

37 ‘Coy’                                             19 February 1917

11 ‘Coy’                                              25 February 1917

RFA                                                    23 June 1917

O.C.1 depot S Artillery to BEF        27 July 1917 France

O64 RARC posted                          04 August 1917

O.C. 230 Battery to 230 5 btty        17 August 1917

 

Killed in action in the field                         24 August 1917

 

His possessions were sent to his wife and included 2 discs, correspondence, photos, pipe, pocket book, wrist watch, purse and wallet.

 

There were 15 shillings and 12 Francs and 45 centimes in his purse.

 

His medals were sent to his wife in 1921.

 

His wife and five children were awarded 31 shillings a 3 pence a week pension from 11 March 1918.

 

William Lakin was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Lakin and the husband of Emily Lakin.  William Lakin married Emily Lucas on 26 November 1903 at Little Aston Church

 

“He resided in Clarence Road and was married with five children. He was employed as a gardener by Mr Frank Edge of Rosemary Hill Road.

 

He enlisted in 1915 and went to the front in front July 1917. He was reported to have been asleep in a dug out when a shell killed him instantaneously.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield news 15.9.1917)

 

“In loving memory of my dear husband, gunner William Lakin, who fell in action on August 24th 1917.

 

Reunion our abiding hope.”

 

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 23.8.1919)

 

1911 census Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

William Lakin                        M         29        Domestic Gardener                                     b Sutton Coldfield

Emily Lakin                           M         31        Married 7 years, 4 children 1 died            b Sutton Coldfield

Thomas Lakin                                     4                                                                               b Sutton Coldfield

Wilfred Lakin                                       2                                                                              b Sutton Coldfield

Victor Lakin                                         4 months old                                                           b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census Clarence Road, Farm, St James Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles Lakin                                   M         51        Farmer                                               b Sutton Coldfield

Elizabeth Lakin                                 M         52                                                                  b Sutton Coldfield

Phoebe Lakin                                   U         28                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William Lakin                                    U         18        General Labourer                            b Sutton Coldfield

Charles Lakin                                   14                                                                               b Sutton Coldfield

ARTHUR VICTOR LANGSTON

 

Arthur Victor Langston was born in Sparkhill, Birmingham.  He was called up on 25 November 1915 at Sutton Coldfield. He joined the Royal Field Artillery 5th “C” Reserve Brigade – Gunner 130460

 

He was killed in action on 13 March 1920 aged 26

 

He was buried at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A. 131 (Not a CWWG gravestone)

 

The inscription on the grave reads:

 

“Who entered into rest March 13th 1920 after long suffering the result of injuries received in August 1916 in the Great War.”

 

Arthur Victor Langston is commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Roll of Honour

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RFA/275B page 31399

 

Army Service/Pension Records

 

Arthur Victor Langston was called up on 25 November 1915 and attested at Sutton Coldfield. He lived at ‘Kinfair’, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was 22 years and 165 days old and worked as a clerk. He was single and Arthur Langston was his next of kin.

 

He was of fresh complexion, had brown eyes and light brown hair and was described upon discharge as of good character, steady and sober.

 

He was 5’ 8” tall with a chest measurement of 35”.

 

He was posted to the army reserve and then posted on 31 March 1916 to the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner.

 

He was ‘at home’ between 25 November 1916 and 23 July 1916 and in France between 24 July 1916 and 13 September 1916.

 

He returned home on 14 September 1916 until he was discharged from the army due to being no longer fit to serve on 5 June 1917.

 

Attested                                              25 November 1915

To army reserve                                25 November 1915

Posted                                                31 March 1916

No 3 Depot RFA                               02 April 1916

14 reserve battery posted               14 April 1916

RFA posted                                       14 July 1916

20th Reserve B RFA BEF                21 July 1916

Discharged                                       05 June 1917

 

He was sent to Charlton Park Hospital on his return to England.

 

His invaliding disability was Tubular Orchitis according to the medical report of 5 June 1917 (this was tuberculosis of the testes).

 

He was awarded a Silver War Badge on 20 June 1917.

 

He was discharged from the army - 5 ‘C’ Reserve. Bde. ‘RFA’  - Cause of discharge Shell Shock 392 (xvi).

 

Arthur Victor Langston was the son of Arthur and Frances Langston of “Kinfair”, Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

1911 census “Kinfair”, Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Arthur Joseph Langston     M         48        Photo Press engineer- employer  b Edgbaston

Frances Langston               M         49        Married 18 years 2 children                       b Kinver

Arthur Victor Langston                    17        Accounts Clerk                                 b Sparkhill

John Leslie Langston                                   9                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Gunner 130460 Arthur Victor Langston

5th ‘C’ Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died: Thursday 13th March 1920

Aged: 25

 

Gunner Langston had Tubercular orchitis of the right testis that was aggravated by Active Service.

 

He left his unit on 22 August 1916 and was hospitalized in Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield.

 

By August 1918 he was making slow progress in Sutton Cottage Hospital.

 

He endured five operations over three and a half years before passing away after great suffering on 13 March 1920.

 

Arthur Langston is buried in Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A, Row U, Grave 131.

 

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

 

“He was born on 13 June 1893 and was the son of Arthur Joseph (Engraver and Photographic Processor) and Frances Langston of ‘Kinfair’, Upper Clifton Road. At one point they lived at 7 Tudor Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was educated at the Town School, Sutton Coldfield from 17 October 1900 until he gained a Scholarship to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in 1905.

 

After leaving school in 1908 he was articled to Messrs. Bowker, Stevens & Co., Chartered Accountants of Birmingham.

 

He was associated with the Y.M.C.A. and Congregational Church and he enjoyed helping raise money for charity.

 

He was very fond of music playing the piano, organ and flute.

 

He assisted with the administration of the Darby Scheme for registering men as potential service in the Armed Forces.

 

Arthur joined the Royal Field Artillery in Sutton Coldfield on 25 November 1915 and was mobilized on 31 March 1916.

 

He was posted to France on 24 July 1916.

 

He joined the 88th Brigade R.F.A. outside Ypres on 2 August 1916.

 

He was posted to 5th ‘C’ Reserve Brigade (a holding unit for wounded or sick gunners) on the 25 September 1916.

 

He was found unfit for further service by a Medical Board on 15 May 1917 and finally discharged as physically unfit on 5 June 1917.”

 

(David Phillips, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

JOHN COLIN LARKINS

 

John Colin Larkins was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted on 30 September 1914 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion as Private 1062 and then became Second Lieutenant on 12 October 1914 and was later promoted to Lieutenant

 

He was killed in action on 4 June 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 22

 

He was buried at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot I.C.43

 

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 OFF/150 page 50 and the 1915 Star Medal OFF/150 page 15

 

John Colin Larkins was the son of Charles John Cooper Larkins and Emily Laura Larkins of “Mayfield House”, Penns, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield

 

“He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and King Edwards Grammar School, New Street, Birmingham.

 

He was employed in the family firm of S C Larkins & Sons, Livery Street Birmingham, Wholesale Drapers.

 

He was a member of Walmley Golf Club and won the Pwllhei Town Golf Cup in the autumn of 1915.

 

He was killed by a shell in his dug out.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 17.6.1916)

 

“His brother is also serving as a Lieutenant in the machine gun corps.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 13.1.1917)

 

“He was killed when his dug out was blown in by an eleven inch armour piercing shells during a trench raid which resulted in six fatalities that day and one to die of his wounds later.”

 

(‘Birmingham Pals’ Book by Terry Carter)

 

1911 census Mayfield Grove, Penns, Erdington

 

Charles John C Larkins          M         47        Man. Director Wholesale Drapers      b Birmingham

Emily Laura Larkins                M         47        Married 22 years, 9 children 1 died    b Birmingham

Lorna Alice Larkins                 U         21                                                                    b Birmingham

Doris Emily Larkins                 U         20                                                                    b Birmingham

John Colin Larkins                  U         16        Apprentice Wholesale Drapery Co.    b Sutton Coldfield

Denis Frank Larkins                            15                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Kathleen Olga Larkins                        13                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Alison Mary Larkins                            12                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Marjorie Deborah Larkins                     8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Eileen Margaret Larkins                        7                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Emily Everiss                          U         36        Domestic Nurse                                  b Moseley

Sarah Plant                             U         26        Cook                                                   b Harborne

 

Probate

 

John Colin Larkins of “Mayfield House”, Penns Lane, 1st Lieutenant RWR, died 4.6.1916 in action in France. Administration in Birmingham 2.9.1916 to Charles John Cooper Larkins, wholesale draper. Effects: £160 11s 10d

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Lieutenant John Colin Larkins

15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment  

Died: Sunday 4th June 1916

Aged: 22

 

Lt. Larkins (Second in Command of B Company) was sheltering in a 12m deep dugout with the Officer Commanding, Captain Archibald Tatlow, during the bombardment.

 

They were buried when the dugout was blown in by eleven-inch armour piercing shells, probably fired by Naval Guns mounted on flatbed railway wagons.

 

John Larkins is buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot 1, Row C, Grave 43

 

The inscription reads: ‘Until the day dawns’

 

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

 

                           John Colin Larkins

 

“John Colin Larkins was born on 10 September 1894. He was the son of Charles John Cooper (S. C. Larkins and Sons Ltd., Wholesale Milliners and Drapers, 10 & 11 Livery Street, Birmingham) and Emily Laura Larkins of Mayfield House, Penns Lane.

 

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

 

He then joined Mr. Richards House; King Edward’s School, Birmingham in 1908 and remained until 1911.

 

He later worked for his father.

 

He was a prominent member of Walmley Golf Club, winning the Pwllheli Town Cup in Pwllheli, North Wales in the autumn of 1913.

 

He attested as Private 1062 and joined the 16th Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 30 September 1914. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and joined the 15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment as Platoon Commander of ‘VI’ Platoon, ‘B’ Company on 12 October 1914.

 

John was gazetted as Lieutenant on 23 November 1915.

 

His brother Lieutenant Dennis F. Larkins originally joined the 14th Royal Warwicks, before being commissioned into the 11th North Staffordshire’s, where he joined the machine-gun section.

 

John’s Colonel (Colonel Colin Harding) made a personal visit to his parents saying that the much-lamented Lieutenant was one of his best officers and friends, and was extremely popular in the regiment, by which his loss would be greatly felt.”

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

 

The information about King Edwards School was verified by Alison Wheatley, KES archivist

PRIMROSE LOGAN LARNACH  (I assume this christian name is genuine, very strange?)

 

Primrose Logan Larnach was born in Birmingham. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 2/6th Battalion – Private 202922

 

He was killed in action on 5 December 1917 (France & Flanders)

 

He has no known grave and was commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial

 

He is also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals

 

Primrose Logan Larnach was the son of John Logan and Mary Larnach.

 

“In ever loving memory of Private P L Larnach who fell in action December 5th 1917

 

Never forgotten by mother, brother and sister”

 

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 7.12.1918)

 

“He resided at “Ivy Cottage”, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

 

His father was an artist and died 6 March 1915 and was named John Logan Larnach.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 13.3.1915

 

1911 census “Ivy Cottage”, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

Mary Larnach                                   M         37        Daily Cook                                        b Aldridge

Primrose Larnach                            13                                                                    b Birmingham

Norman Larnach                              11                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Daisy Larnach                                    7                                                                    b Mere Green

 

Mary Larnach was married for 14 years, 4 children 1 died

 

There was no trace of John Logan Larnach on any census in England or of the family on the 1901 or 1891 census.

 

John Logan Larnach is listed in the Kelly’s Directories for 1883, 1888, 1890 and 1892. He was a lithographic printer at 11 Broad Street, Birmingham. 

 

(Sylvia Williams Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

 

Baptism

 

Primrose Logan Larnach was baptised on 8 May 1898 at Aldridge, Staffordshire.

 

The parents were John Logan Larnach and Mary Ann Larnach. No further details are known.

 

There was another Mary Larnach found on the 1891 census at 29 Wood Street, Ladywood in Birmingham. She was a widow aged 56 and was from Scotland.

 

Her son Ernest Thompson Larnach, singled aged 22 lived with her and he was a clerk from Birmingham.

 

In 1901 Mary and Ernest lived at 41 Gillott Road in Birmingham. Ernest was still single and worked as a brass founder’s clerk.

 

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Private 202922 Primrose Logan Larnach

2nd/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died:  Monday 5th December 1917

Aged: 19

 

The 2nd/6th Warwicks (182nd Brigade, 61st Division) were occupying part of the Hindenburg Line on Welsh Ridge, between Bapaume and Cambrai, at the end of the Battle of Cambrai.

 

The captured German trenches faced the wrong way, which meant that the Germans could attack down their old communication trenches to the old front trench. ‘B’ Company were engaged in heavy fighting on 5 December when Germans attempted to bomb their way down Emden Trench to the 2nd/6th Warwicks.

 

The Battalion was also subject to heavy shelling.

 

The Germans nearly gained the line but were repulsed; it was here that Captain L. L. Greener MC was killed at the end of Emden Trench.

 

There was a lack of ammunition and Mills grenades as these, together with water and rations, had to be fetched 26km from the Quartermasters base, behind the original ‘jumping off’ line.

 

After 12 hours of fighting the Germans were finally driven back.

 

From 2nd to 7th December the Battalion lost 5 officers killed and 11 wounded, with 29 killed, 101 wounded and 2 missing amongst the other ranks, including Private Larnach.

 

Primrose Larnach is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louveral, Nord, Panel P3.

 

He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and All Saints Church Cross, Belwell Lane.

 

“Primrose Logan Larnach was born on 15 March 1898. He was the son of Thomas L (sic), a Clerk and Mary Larnach of Ivy Cottages, Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1909 and 1912.”

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

 

 

Primrose Larnach was a Territorial soldier and was killed in action during the Battle of Cambrai in the defence of the Welsh Ridge on 5th December 1917

 

The German bombers strove throughout the afternoon to advance up the Hindenburg front system and here the 2/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment helped to keep them at bay. 

 

It was a day of hard fighting and heavy losses. 

 

His name appeared on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing.

 

(Sylvia Williams – “Veseyan History”, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

HARRY LAVELLE

 

Harry Lavelle was born in Birmingham. He enlisted on 10 December 1915 aged 40 years with the Lancashire Fusiliers 18th Battalion– Private 3/25562 and was transferred to the Labour Corps on 11 November 1918 – Private 374134 

 

Harry Lavell spent a short amount of time with the Royal Artillery when he was aged 20 years and four months in 1895 – Private 2039

 

Whilst with the Royal Artillery, he served in India for a short time and was discharged on 7 October 1895.

 

He died on 11 November 1918 at home.

 

It appears that he died from the effects of being hit on the head by a mule but it is not stated when this happened.

 

His death was registered December 1918 Tamworth 6b 874 aged 44. He was buried at St James Church in Mere Green, Plot 2.22

 

Photograph Yvonne Moore 2 August 2014

 

Harry Lavelle 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 LC/101 B127 page 12940

 

He was awarded a Silver Badge number 35992, Labour Corps, London District Labour Centre

 

Army Service/ Pension Records

 

These are not easy to read in parts and are quite confusing.

 

It appears that he had a short time serving with the Royal Artillery as Private 2039. He was aged 20 years four months when he enlisted. His father George Lavelle was given as his next of kin.

 

He spent time in India. He was discharged on 7 October 1895.

His service number was RA/2539 with the Royal Field Artillery, Unit 87 Battery.

 

He purchased his discharge from the army.

 

He signed a Short Service Attestation on 10 September 1915 at Sutton Coldfield as Private 374134 with the 3rd Lancashire Fusiliers Royal Field Artillery. He was aged 40 years and 85 days.

 

He lived at Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield and worked as a woodworking machinist for a builder.

 

He was married. He was Church of England.

 

He was 5” 5 ½”, with a 38” chest and weighed 146 pounds. He had a fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair and a scar on his left jaw/chin. (His height varied between 5’ 4 ½ and 5’ 6” on different forms).

 

His wife was his next of kin. She was Elizabeth Lavelle, formerly Lewis.

They were married on 3 April 1915 at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield.

The marriage to Elizabeth Lewis was the second marriage for Harry Lavelle. He was a widower.

His first wife and the mother of his children Harry and Gladys was Mary Jane Carter.

The marriage between Harry Lavelle and Mary Jane Carter took place on 24 September 1895 at Holy Trinity Church. 

 

Harry was a bachelor and his father was George Lavelle.

 

Mary Jane Carter was a spinster and her father was William Carter.

 

Two children were listed – Harry, born 4 November 1901 and Gladys, born 20 January 1909, both in Sutton Coldfield.

 

Mary J Lavelle died at the age of 38 and her death was registered December 1912 Tamworth 6b 480

 

Harry Lavelle was posted to the army reserve on 11 December 1915 and mobilised in May 1916.

 

He was attached on 16 May 1916 to RFA 7th Reserve Battery and posted the next day. He was sent to France.

 

He was transferred to the 3rd Battalion Lancashire Regiment on 17 October 1916 and was posted on 17 July 1916.

 

He spent time in hospital. On 16 May 1916 he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia caused by carrying heavy timber. He stated he felt the hernia happen. He was given a truss to wear on 22 August 1916.

 

He then was transferred to the Labour Corps, Private 752, on 4 October 1916 and then posted on 25 December 1916.

 

He was not fit to carry on fighting. Between 9 March 1917 and 11 April 1917 he was in a Leeds military hospital, again with his hernia.

 

He was at another (unreadable) auxiliary military hospital between 11 April 1917 and 30 April 1917 for an operation on his hernia.

 

He had also been in the General Hospital at Calais and was sent to the UK on the HMS Brighton. This time he suffered from Rheumatic Epilepsy.

 

Between 25 December 1917 and 2 January 1918 he was at the Military Hospital in York with headaches.

 

He was diagnosed with Jacksonian Epilepsy, which in those days was very severe and dangerous.

 

“This is where the epilepsy begins usually in the lower limbs and works its way upwards in spasms.  It can cause severe and long lasting convulsions.

 

This could be caused by a head injury. This could also have been the cause of death as in those days little could be done for severe epilepsy.” (Source: Yvonne Moore)

 

He was subject to a medical on 3 March 1918. He was awarded an interim pension for 52 weeks of 27s 6d.

 

He had another medical at Nottingham on 10 April 1918.

 

He was discharged on 16 May 1918 as no longer fit for war service.

 

This was because he had been kicked in the head by a horse but had continued to work despite suffering dizziness.

 

He had melancholia and lack of self-control. He stated he had never had any sickness before he joined the army.

 

His disability was re-examined on 12 December 1918 at Aldershot.

 

He was finally authorised as medically unfit by the Southern General Hospital, Edgbaston in Birmingham.

 

Pension award

 

He had served in the UK between 16.5.1916 and 9.7.1917 and then in France between 10.7.1917 and 24.12.1917.

 

He had served time in England between 25.12.1917 and 10.4.1918. He had served a total 1 year and 330 days at the time he was discharged.

 

Cause of discharge Sickness Para 392 (xvi) (a) (i)

 

Served Overseas- yes

 

Date of Badge Issue 3 May 1918

 

Age on discharge 42

 

His Military Character was described as good. He was a willing hardworking and sober man. 

 

Disability due to military service (accident)

 

Disablement Pension was awarded on 1.5.1918. The degree of disablement was 100% for haemorrhage in brain which had set up Jacksonian Epilepsy

 

He was awarded a Child’s Allowance for a daughter, Gladys, of 5s 0d.

 

His interim award was 27/6d and for his children, an award of 6/8d. 

 

The interim pension expired on 15.10.1918 and was renewed on 28.9.1918

 

Pensioner Harry Lavelle died on 11 November 1918.

 

Harry Lavelle was the son of George Lavelle.

 

George Lavelle was born in 1850 in Kidderminster but it is not known who he married or where he lived.

 

George Lavelle was not found on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 census returns

 

1911 census “Hazel Dene”, Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield

 

Harry Lavelle                                    M         36        Builders Labourer                            b Warwickshire

Mary Jane Lavelle               M         38        Married 15 years, 6 children 2 died          b Ward End

Percy Lavelle                                                15        Builders errand boy                         b Sutton Coldfield

Ada Lavelle                                       11                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Harry Lavelle                                                  9                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Gladys Lavelle                                    3                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

1901 census Bellwell Lane, Cottage, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield

 

Harry Lavelle                                    M         26       Gardener Domestic                                     b Birmingham

Mary Lavelle                                     M          27                                                                   b Sutton Coldfield

Ada Lavelle                                          1                                                                   b Sutton Coldfield

 

 

Baptisms at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield to parents Harry and Mary Jane Lavelle

 

Percy Harold Lavelle           was baptised on 31 May 1896

 

Enoch Howard Lavelle was baptised on 12 September 1897

 

Ada Winifred Lavelle           was baptised on 08 October 1899

 

Harry Lavelle worked as a groom and the family lived at Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield at the time of these baptisms.

 

Elizabeth Lavelle continued to live on Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield after the death of her husband.

 

Percy Harold Lavelle

 

Percy Lavelle was the son of Harry and Mary Lavelle. He lived at 16 Station Street, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He joined the Devonshire Regiment on 18 December 1915 – Private 25575. He was aged 17 years and 40 days when he enlisted.

 

He gave his trade as munitions worker. His next of kin was Mr H Lavelle of Mere Green Road, Four Oaks.

 

His height was 5’ 2” and he had a chest measurement of 33 ½”.

 

His service record is hard to make out in parts. It seems that he was sent to France on 18 May 1917.

 

Whilst cleaning his rifle in June 1917, he blew the top of his forefinger on his right hand off.

 

At some point, probably on the 3 July 1917, he was arrested and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for ‘when on active service his conduct was to the prejudice of good … military discipline (hard to read).

 

This was quite possibly due to the fact that the army took the view that the gunshot wound to his finger was self- inflicted, but the records are hard to make out.

 

He was transferred from the 2nd Devonshire Regiment to the Royal Engineers as a Tunneler on 27 March 1918 as Sapper 359747. Further details are hard to make out.

 

It seems that he was taken Prisoner of War after he was captured on 26 April 1918. He was taken to Villiers Brecknel, at Giessen Authority, according to a letter ‘C2’ from the war office which was sent out on 27 May 1918.

 

He was a repatriated as a Prisoner of War and arrived at Leith (Scotland) on 1 December 1918. He was demobilised on 15 March 1919 at the age of 23.

 

He was awarded a pension of 5/6 from 13 March 1919 to 29 January 1919 and 5/- from 3 September 1919 to 8 October 1920.

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals RE/101/B/51 page 34456

 

The marriage of Percy H Lavelle and Gertrude Jones was registered March 1921 Meriden 6d 1028

 

Percy H Lavelle died 21 August 1961 in Birmingham

VALENTINE ALBERT LAWRENCE

 

Valentine Albert Lawrence was born at Finsbury Park in London. He enlisted at Worcester with the Worcestershire Yeomanry - Private 3029 and transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment 1/8th Battalion – Lance Corporal 242341 and 20291

 

He was killed in action on 24 April 1917 (France & Flanders)

 

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 5A and 6C

 

He was a 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/102 B18 page 399

 

Valentine Albert Lawrence was the son of the late Albert Owen Lawrence and Mrs Catherine Wagstaff.

 

He was the stepson of William Wagstaff of “Cliftonville”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

 

“His father was Albert Owen Lawrence who died in 1899.”

 

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 12.5.1917)

 

“He was educated at George Dixon School in Birmingham.

 

He was articled to Messrs Gibson & Ashford, Accountants of 39 Waterloo Street in Birmingham.

 

He enlisted in September 1915 and went to the front in September 1916.

 

He was mentioned in despatches.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 2.6.1917)

 

1911 census 55 Summerfield Crescent, Birmingham

 

William Wagstaff                  M         38        Mech. Eng. Rep. for Bakery                       b Warrington

Catherine Alice Wagstaff    M         41        Married 7 years – 2 children                      b Camden, London Valentine Albert Lawrence                         16        Stepson School                               b Highbury, London

Florence Ellen Wagstaff                   6                                                                    b Wimbledon

Kathleen Rumball Wagstaff                         1                                                                    b Birmingham

Rose Pugh                            U         20        General servant                               b Worcester

 

The marriage of Catherine Alice Lawrence and William Wagstaff was registered March 1903 Kingston Surrey

 

1901 census 90 Benneley Road, Battersea, London

 

C. A. Lawrence                     W        31        Living on own means                                 b Camden

V.A. Lawrence                                                6                                                                    b Highbury

F.W. Lawrence                                    4                                                                    b Highbury

W. M. Rumball                      M         66        Visitor                                                 b Eltham, London

C Rumball                             M         66        Visitor                                                 b St Luke’s, London

A.E Rumball                         W        48        Visitor                                                 b Strand, London

C.M Rumball                                       8        Visitor                                                 b Wandsworth, London

 

In 1871 Catherine Rumball lived at 7a Kings Place, Marylebone in London with her parents William and Catherine Rumball.

 

The marriage of Catherine Rumball and Albert Owen Lawrence was registered March 1894 Islington 1b 276.

 

Albert Owen died in 1899 in London.

 

Probate

 

Valentine Albert Lawrence of “Cliftonville”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, Lance Corporal 8th Battalion Worcester Regiment died 24 April 1917 in action in France.

 

Administration was granted in Birmingham on 25 September 1917 to Catherine Alice Wagstaff (wife of William Wagstaff)

 

Effects: £222.1s.7d 

DONALD LAX

 

Donald Lax was born in Birmingham in 1893. He enlisted with the Worcester Regiment – Sergeant 26156 and then transferred to the Durham Light Infantry 4th Battalion attached to 20th Battalion – Second Lieutenant. He was commissioned on 28 May 1918

 

He was killed in action on 25 October 1918 (France & Flanders)

 

He has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 128 to 131, 162 and 162A

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals DUR LI/OFF 120 page 233

 

He entered the theatre of war in France on 21 June 1916

 

Donald Laz was the son of the late Lorence Charles and Mary Lax.

 

At the time he died in 1916, his mother, Mrs. L.C. Lax lived at 2 Green Lane, Wallasey, Cheshire

 

Donald Lax resided at 127 Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

The marriage of Mary Lamiman Smith and Lorence Charles Lax was registered September 1890 Birmingham 6d 279

 

The birth of Donald Lax was registered March 1893 Birmingham 6d 8

 

So far, Donald Lax has not been found on the 1911 or 1901 census.

 

His father was a musician and worked in the theatrical trade.

 

It seems possible that Donald was looked after by other people when his parents were touring and his name was missed from the census returns.

 

1911 census 10 Cannon Hill, Ladywood, Balsall Heath (Birmingham)

 

Lorence Chas Lax               M         43        Theatre Manager                             b Yorkshire

Mary Lax                                M         41        Married 20 years, 2 children                      b Birmingham 

Lily Mary Lax                         U         19        Typist                                                  b Manchester

Fred Arthur Powles              U         52        Boarder Musical Conductor                       b Bath

 

1901 census 2/269 Ladywood Road, Birmingham

 

Lawrence Lax                                   M         36        Musician                                            b Hull

Mary Lax                                M         34                                                                    b Birmingham

 

1891 census Howard Street, Sheffield

 

Laurence C Lax                   M         26        Professor of music                           b Hull

Mary Lax                                M         23                                                                    b Birmingham

Probate

 

Donald Lax of “Chigwell”, 127 Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield, Second Lieutenant with the Durham Light Infantry died 25 October 1918 in action in France. 

 

Administration (with will) was granted at Birmingham on 29 August to Mary Lax (wife of Laurence Charles Lax)

 

Effects: £72 19s 3d 

HAROLD LEE                               Military Medal

 

Harold Lee was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Sergeant 804

 

He was killed in action on 30 April 1918 (France & Flanders)

 

He was buried at the Tannay British Cemetery Thiennes, France, Plot 2 Row A. Grave 2

 

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

 

He is also commemorated on the King Edwards Grammar School Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B21 page 4356 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1b page 316.

 

He entered France on 21 November 1917

 

He was awarded the Military Service Medal (WML)

 

Harold Lee was the only son of William and Alice Lee of “The Stores”, 1 Birmingham Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.

 

“He was educated at King Edwards Grammar School Aston. Prior to enlisting, he was employed at Baldwins Hardware Stores, Stafford Street Birmingham.

 

He enlisted with the City Battalion on its formation and went to France in November 1915.

 

He was sent to Italy and then back to France. He was killed instantaneously by a fatal wound to the head.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 18.5.1918)

 

Harold Lee was baptised on 11 September 1895 at St Barnabas Church in Erdington

 

1911 census 1 Birmingham Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

                                                                                                            

William Lee                           M         45        Off License Holder - own account            b Erdington

Alice Lee                               M         45        Married 18 years -3 children 1 died          b Erdington

Harold Lee                                        15                                                                    b Erdington

Marion Alice Lee                                8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census Sutton Road, Erdington

 

William Lee                           M         35        German Silver- Ware Worker         b Erdington

Alice Lee                               M         35                                                                    b Erdington

William C Lee                                                 7                                                                    b Erdington

Harold Lee                                          5                                                                    b Erdington

Walter Lee Brother               U         26        Brother                                               b Erdington

 

Probate

 

Harold Lee of 1 Birmingham Road, Wylde Green died 30 April 1918, Sergeant 14th Service Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment in action either in France or Belgium.

 

Administration with Will at Birmingham on 22 November 1918 to William Lee off license holder

 

Effects: £304 8s 4d

GEORGE TOMLINSON LILLEY

 

George Tomlinson Lilley was born in January 1899 in Erdington. He enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps - Private T/4/242499 and transferred to the Kings Royal Rifle Corps 18th Battalion “B” Company – Rifleman A/201817

 

He died of wounds on 24 September 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 18

 

He probably died in hospital as Rouen was a major hospital base (CWWG Cemetery History)

 

He was buried at the St Sever Cemetery Extension Part IV, Rouen, Plot P.III.I.13.B

 

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 M/101 B15 page 1999

 

George Tomlinson Lilley was the son of John and Sarah Lilley of 46 Sycamore Road, Chester Road

 

1911 census 44 Sycamore Road, Erdington

 

John Lilley                            M         54        Plasterer Employer                          b Erdington

Sarah Lilley                           M         53        Married 27 years - 7 children 3 died         b Erdington

Sy Delia Lilley                      U         27        Daughter Barmaid                           b Erdington

Katie Lilley                            U         19                                                                    b Erdington

William Lilley                                    U         21        Plasterer                                            b Erdington              

George Lilley                                                12        School                                               b Erdington

 

1901 census 3 Marsh Lane, Erdington (next to the Royal Oak Inn)

 

John Lilley                            M         45        Plasterer                                            b Birmingham

Sarah Lilley                           M         45                                                                    b Erdington

Sydelia Lilley                                                17        Housemaid                                       b Erdington

William Lilley                                                11                                                                    b Erdington

Kate Lilley                                           9                                                                    b Erdington

George                                                 2                                                                    b Erdington

 

ARTHUR JOHN LILLY

 

Arthur John Lilly was born in Hackney London. He lived in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham in 1914 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 6th Battalion – (Private 343) Second Lieutenant

 

He was killed in action on 4 April 1917 aged 35

 

He was buried at the Saulcourt Churchyard Cemetery, Guyencourt-Saulcourt, France, Plot B1

 

“He was wounded by a rifle grenade on 25 March 1916 in four or five places. He ended up in an Edinburgh hospital. Upon recovery he was commissioned in the 2/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

 

He was killed by a sniper at Tertry when his Battalion was clearing roads and filling in a huge crater”. (PDD)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/150 page 207 and 1915 Star Medal L/7c page 6

 

He entered France on 21 November 1915. His original regiment number as a Private was 343 RWR and TRB TR/7/4

 

Arthur John Lilly was the nephew and adopted son of Mr and Mrs Harry J Lilly of “The Mount”, Sutton Coldfield

 

“He was the Honorary Treasurer of Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club. He was also a member of the Erdington Hockey Club.

 

He was employed in his uncle’s business Lilly & Lilly, Gentlemen’s Outfitters of New Street in Birmingham

 

He enlisted in the City Battalion on its formation in 1914.

 

He went to the front during the autumn of 1915 where he was wounded by a grenade in March 1916 and spent four months in hospital.

 

After recovery he spent four months in officer training and then returned to the front on 2 March 1917.

 

He received a serious scalp wound from a shell and was taken to a dressing station where he died without recovering consciousness.”  (Sutton Coldfield News 14.4.1917)

 

He was a member of Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club

 

“In the Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club score book for 1916 it was noted that A J Lilly played on either 23rd or 30th of September against H Company No 8 O.C. Battalion. He scored 10 runs whilst batting at No 4.

 

He served as Hon. Treasurer for the club from 1906 until he enlisted with the City Battalion.

 

This fits in with him being wounded March 1916 and spending four months in hospital then four months in officer training prior to being commissioned.

 

It was said of him that a more cheerful personality would be hard to find. He was always full of practical jokes and was a good stage comedian. He was one of the club’s best members.

 

The best that could be said about his cricket was that he was a useful bowler with the second 11.”  (Peter Bell Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

 

1911 “The Mount”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Harry John Lilly                    M         51        Hosier & shirt maker                                    b Gillingham, Kent

Grace Lilly                             M         42        Married 20 years- 3 children                      b Handsworth

Evelyn Grace Lilly                U         18                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Winifred Grace Lilly                                     10                                                                    b Gravelly Hill

Doris Ethel Lilly                                  7                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur John Lilly                  U         29        Nephew   Hosiery assistant                      b Hackney, London

Laura Tomb                           U         27        Housemaid                                       b Stourbridge

Alice Robinson                    U         27        Cook                                                   b Brownhills

 

1901 census Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Harry John Lilly                    M         44        Hosier                                                            b Gillingham

Grace Lilly                             M         32                                                                    b Handsworth

Evelyn Lilly                                         8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Winifred Lilly                                       6 months old                                                           b Erdington

Arthur John Lilly                  U         19        Nephew   Hosiery assistant                       b London

 

1891 6 Farley Villas, Woodford, Essex

 

Thomas P Lilly                      M         35        Warehouse man                              b Leicester

Margaret Lilly                                    M         35                                                                    b Scotland

Arthur J Lilly                                        9                                                                    b Hackney, London

Gertrude Lilly                                                  8                                                                    b Hackney, London

Ethel Lilly                                            7                                                                    b Hackney, London

Thomas Lilly                                       7        Nephew                                             b Woodford

Edith Lilly                                          14        Niece                                                  b Woodford

Margaret Lilly                                                  3                                                                    b Hackney, London

 

Probate

 

Arthur John Lilly of “The Mount”, Sutton Coldfield, outfitter, Second Lieutenant HM Territorial Force died 4 April 1917 in France.

 

Administration was granted at Birmingham on 26 May 1917 to Harry John Lilly, outfitter

 

Effects: £526 13s 6d

CHARLES FREDERICK LITTLE

 

Charles Frederick Little was born in January 1878 in Oxford. He enlisted at Warwick with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 5861 and transferred to the East Surrey Regiment 8th Battalion – Private 25176

 

He was killed in action on 19 November 1916 (France & Flanders)

 

“The 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment was involved in the final attack of the Battle of the Somme which ended on the 19th November 1916.

 

The weather consisted of a wet night followed by a gale.” (SDBD)

 

He was buried at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt, France, Plot VIII.C.8

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals E/1/103 page 2086

 

Charles Frederick Little was the son of the late Isaac and Sarah Little of Oxford and the husband of Ada Little

 

Both Isaac and Sarah Little died in Oxford in 1888.

 

The marriage of Charles Frederick Little and Ada Bailey took place on 25 December 1901 at Kenilworth Parish Church

 

Charles Frederick Little aged 23, bachelor, was living at Burton.

 

His occupation was that of labourer and his father was father Isaac Little (deceased), painter

 

Ada Bailey aged 26, spinster was living in Kenilworth. Her father is not known

 

The marriage took place after banns. 

 

The witnesses were Harold Bailey and Sarah Fox

 

(Sylvia Williams, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)

 

 

1911 census Church Street, Middleton, Nr Tamworth

 

Charles Frederick Little       M         33        Waggoner on farm                           b Oxford

Ada Little                               M         35        Married 9 years -no children                      b Warwick

Harold Bailey                                    U         29        Cousin           kitchen range fitter               b Whitechurch, Warks

 

Charles Frederick Little was not found on the 1901 or 1891 census.

 

1881 census 1 Luther Street, Oxford

 

Isaac James Little                M         63        Painter                                               b Biddlestone

Sarah Little                            M         38                                                                    b Balsall Temple

Charles F Little                                   3                                                                    b Oxford, Holy Trinity

No closer link to Sutton Coldfield other than residence at Middleton was found for Charles Frederick Little.

CHARLES LOVELAND

 

Charles Loveland was born in Birmingham. He enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps 22nd Squadron (Observer) – Air Mechanic 2nd Class 94536

 

He was killed in action on 21 September 1917 (Western Front) aged 21

 

“Charles Loveland was flying in a Bristol F2B with 2nd Lieutenant A H Gilbert who was also killed.

 

The temperature was 62 F and rainfall was nil.” (PDD)

 

“He was engaged in an offensive patrol when his plane was involved in an air collision with a Bristol F2B of his own squadron over Ypres at an altitude of 10,000 feet.

 

The planes left the fifth army front at 06.15 am and collided at 08.15am.” (TSTB)

 

He was buried at the Potijze Chateau Lawn Cemetery, Ypres, Plot F.10

 

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 RFC/101 page 40

 

Charles Loveday was the son of Charles and Prudence Loveland of Florence Avenue, Wylde Green

 

1911 census 10 Florence Avenue, Erdington (Wylde Green border)

 

Charles Loveland                M         50        Gardener domestic                          b Newlands, Worcester

Prudence Loveland             M         47        Married 22 years, 4 children 2 died          b Gaydon, Warwicks

Charles Loveland                            14        Page - domestic                               b Saltley

Harold Loveland                              12                                                                    b Saltley

 

1901 census Green Lanes, Erdington or Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles Loveland                M         40        Coachman domestic                                   b Newlands

Prudence Loveland                         M         36                                                                    b Gaydon, Warks

Charles Loveland                              4                                                                    b Birmingham

Harold Loveland                                2                                                                    b Birmingham

ERNEST ADSHEAD DUDLEY LOXTON

 

Ernest Loxton was born in Teddington, Middlesex. He enlisted firstly with the A Squadron 5th Australian Light Infantry at Toogoolawah, Queensland on 26 October 1914.

 

After he was discharged from that Squadron on 11 November 1914, he re-enlisted with the Australian Infantry 9th Battalion on 6 April 1915 at Mitchell, Queensland –Private 2067

 

(AWM/ANR)

 

He died on 24 April 1918 in France

 

The Australian death index incorrectly states his place of death as Queensland – reference 005235 page 1199

 

He was buried at the Caestre Military Cemetery, France, Plot I.A.7

 

The cemetery index indicates that he was from Queensland and that his father was James Stokes Loxton and his mother was Ada Constance Baldwin (Reference 52350)

 

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

 

The church records state that E. A. D Loxton was a non- parochial parishioner and had served with the RIF (probably the Royal Irish Fusiliers).

 

It is believed that this should actually be AIF – Australian Infantry Forces

 

(Andy Coles, Matthew Rhodes)

 

The parents of Ernest Loxton were James Stokes Loxton and Ada Constance formerly Baldwin.

 

His guardian was Dr Thomas Wilson of “Hazledene”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

 

1891 census 3 Ebury Villas, Teddington, Middlesex

 

James Stokes Loxton          M         33        Chemist and Druggist                     b Wednesbury, Staffs

Ada Constance H Loxton   M         23                                                                    b Stepney, Middlesex

Ernest A Dudley Loxton                    2                                                                    b Teddington, M’sex

Florence Baldwin                            17        Sister in Law                                                 b Limehouse, London

 

Here is the census for Dr Thomas Wilson.

 

Dr Thomas Wilson was the guardian of Ernest Loxton during the time he was a pupil at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

1911 census “Hazledene”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

 

Thomas Wilson                    M         49        MD Specialist                                               b Old Cumdock

Annie Gordon Wilson                     M         46        Married 20 years 0 children                       b Wednesbury

Samuel Henry Loxton                       4        Nephew                                             b not stated

 

Old Cumdock is in Ayrshire, Scotland

 

1901 census 85 Edmund Street, Birmingham

 

Staying as a visitor in the household of John J Haverson, Surgeon

 

Thomas Wilson                    M         39        Dr of Medicine                                              b Scotland

 

His wife was not found on this census.

 

 

1891 census “Selwyn House”, Waterloo Street, Wolverhampton

 

Thomas Walson (sic)                       M         29        Gen Med Practitioner & Surgeon  b Scotland

Annie G Walson (sic)                      M         21                                                                    b Wednesbury

Jane Bruce                           U         50        Housemaid                                       b Walsall

Emma Lockley                      U         17        Cook                                                   b Churchbridge

Samuel Loxton                     M         61        Visitor Architect                                b Wednesbury

Charlotte Loxton                  M         61        Visitor                                                 b Wednesbury

Samuel Loxton                     U         20        Visitor Articled clerk                         b Wednesbury                                 

           

The marriage of Thomas Wilson and Annie Gordon Loxton was registered 1890 September Cannock 

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Private 2067 Ernest Adshead Dudley Loxton

9th Battalion Australian Infantry

Died: Wednesday 24th April 1918

Aged: 29

 

In the Ypres Salient, Armentières was evacuated on 11 April 1918 and General Haig (Commander in Chief) made his famous appeal “...to fight it out! Every position must be held to the last man: there must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall ... each one of us must fight on to the end.”

 

The 9th Australian Battalion (3rd Australian Brigade, 1st Australian Division) was defending the Messines Ridge against overwhelming German numbers.

 

The 3rd Brigade attempted to recapture a spur of the ridge at Méteren near Bailleul. The attack was planned in two phases; the first on the night of 22/23 April 1918, when the Brigade closed in on the flanks half surrounding the Germans, went well.

 

In the second phase on the night of 24/25 April the attempt to close the pincers on the German rear failed due to a lack of artillery support, bright moonlight, and close fighting in well-defended buildings. The Companies were withdrawn to their old line, having suffered considerable casualties.

 

Private Loxton received a shell wound in his left shoulder and a perforated lung. He was evacuated to the Advanced Dressing Station at Caestre, run by the 1st Australian Field Ambulance, but was dead on admission at 6.30am, 24 April 1918.

 

Ernest Loxton is buried in Caestre Military Cemetery, between Cassel and Bailleul, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 7. 

 

He is commemorated in St Peters Church, Maney (Non-parochial).

 

“Ernest was born Kingston (sic – actually Teddington) in the spring of 1889. His Uncle, Dr Thomas Wilson, was his Guardian and he lived at Hazeldean, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. Ernest indicated that his mother was Mrs. Stratton of 39 Lancaster Gate, Paddington in London.

 

He attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1901 and 1904.

 

Ernest served for twelve months in a Territorial unit, the Birmingham Royal Engineers, before emigrating to Australia. He worked as a Railway Hand before enlisting in ‘A’ Squadron, 5th Australian Light Horse at Toogoolawah, Queensland on 26.10.1914. He was voluntarily discharged on 11.11.1914.

 

He enlisted again in the 9th Australian Infantry in Mitchell, Queensland on 6.4.1915. He embarked on His Majesty’s Australian Transport A55 ‘Kyarra’ at Brisbane on 16.4.1915. Private Loxton joined his unit at GABA Tepe, Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 22.6.15.

 

On 18.9.1915 he was reported as Missing but was found and was suffering from Enteric Fever (similar to Typhoid Fever) and was evacuated firstly to Malta and then to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley (near Southampton), England by 16.10.1915.

 

He returned to his unit in England on 8.8.1196 but he became ill again with Colitis (inflammation of the colon) on 1.9.16 being sent to the Northern Central Hospital.

 

On 23.3.1917 he was transferred to the 69th Battalion, but returned to the 9th Battalion on 11.8.1917 and service back in France.

 

He was sick again between 12.12.1915 and 23.1.1918 and then went back to the 9th Battalion to be fatally wounded on 24.4.1918.”

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School) 

THOMAS WILLIAM LUBY

 

Thomas William Luby was born at Fazeley near Tamworth in 1878. He enlisted in the 1st City Battalion (14th Birmingham Battalions) at the outbreak of WW1- Private 14/942.

 

He received a commission in June 1915 with the Worcester Regiment 3rd Battalion - Second Lieutenant.

 

His commission was commemorated in the ‘Birmingham City Battalions’ Roll of Honour Book – 14/942 T W Luby 7 June 1915 page 28

 

“Private T. W. Luby, of Boldmere Road, 1st ‘City’ Battalion has been appointed Second Lieutenant and posted to the 6th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (Reserve of Officers).”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 26 June 1915)

 

He was wounded on 5th July 1915 and then killed in action on 5th October 1916 (France & Flanders)

 

He was buried at the Blighty Valley Cemetery, Authuille Wood, Somme (Picardie), Plot I.E.18.

 

He is commemorated on the Cotton College War Memorial.

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/165 page 183.

 

On the medal record card it states that his father was Mr P Luby Esq. of “Broomfield House”, Fazeley near Tamworth. This card was dated 28 February 1922.

 

Thomas William Luby resided on Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, opposite the Park Hotel (WML)

 

Thomas Luby was the son of Patrick and Margaret Luby of Fazeley in Staffordshire

 

Thomas Luby has not yet been found on the 1911 census.

 

In 1901 he was a patient at the Royal National Hospital for Consumption and Chest Diseases at St Lawrence, Hampshire.

 

He was from Tamworth and worked as a barman at a public house.

 

1911 census “Broomfield House”, Fazeley near Tamworth, Staffordshire

 

Patrick Luby                          M         47        Colliery check weigher foreman   b Tamworth

Margaret Luby                                  M         39        Manageress working man’s club  b Fazeley

Agnes Luby                                      14                                                                    b Fazeley

Margaret Luby                                   9                                                                    b Fazeley

Eileen Luby                                        1                                                                    b Fazeley

Thomas Luby                                    W        77        Father – retired licenced victualler           b Gurleen, Co Mayo

Elizabeth Luby                     U         29        Sister                                                  b Tamworth

 

GEORGE LUCAS

 

George Lucas was born in either Sutton Coldfield or Aldridge. He enlisted at Four Oaks with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 6th Battalion – Private 10523

 

He was killed in action on 27 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 30

 

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

 

He is also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals l/104 B21 page 4526 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 328

 

He entered France on 19 May 1915

 

George Lucas was the son of William and Rose Lucas.

 

George Lucas was married but the marriage has not been confirmed.

 

Only one ‘local’ marriage was found for George Lucas

 

The marriage of George Lucas was registered June 1911 Lichfield 6b 847 to either Kitty Bartram or Edith Dewsbury

 

“George Lucas resided at Clarence Road and was married.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 17.11.1917)

 

“George Lucas resided at “Station Cottages”, Blake Street, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was employed at Little Aston Golf Links as a gardener.

 

He enlisted on 11 January 1915.

 

He was in hospital in England during December 1916 with trench feet and hands. He returned to the front June 1917.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 24.11.1917)

 

  

1911 census Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield 

 

William Henry Lucas                       M         47        Foreman woodman                         b Sutton Coldfield

Rose Lucas                           M         48        Married 26 years – 3 children                    b Aldridge

William Henry Lucas                       U         24        Farm Labourer                                  b Aldridge

George Lucas                       U         23        Gardener                                           b Aldridge 

Percy Cecil Austin               U         21        Mechanical draughtsman              b Aston

 

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

 

William H Lucas                   M         37        Woodman                                          b Sutton Coldfield

Rose Lucas                           M         38                                                                    b Aldridge

William H Lucas                               14                                                                    b Aldridge 

George Lucas                                   13        Telegraph Messenger                     b Aldridge

 

JOSEPH LYNCH

 

Joseph Lynch was born in Birmingham in 1880. He joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Birmingham on 15 November 1898 at the age of 18 – army number 5871.

 

He re-enlisted with the army after he had served his time at Shrewsbury on 27 November 1912 – Special Reserve Kings Shropshire Light Infantry 3rd Battalion Private 6286 and eventually became Colour Sergeant - 24933

 

Joseph Lynch resided at 232 Highbridge Road, Wylde Green (WML)

 

Joseph Lynch was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere Church Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings).

 

Church records confirm that he lived at 232 Highbridge Road at the time he died.

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals J/102 B page 96 and the 1915 Star Medal J/ 4 B1 page 23

 

He entered France on 6 February 1915

 

Army Service Record

 

Joseph Lynch, aged 18 of Birmingham, single, a gas fitter enlisted with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 15 November 1898 - 5871

 

His father was James Lynch of Victoria Road, Aston.

 

He was 5’ 5”tall and weighed 118 pounds. He had a chest measurement of 33”. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and scars on his neck and forehead. He was Church of England.

 

He was sent to Wrexham on 21 November 1898 and posted on 1 March 1899.

 

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 30 October 1899 and to Corporal on 15 August 1902.

 

He was promoted to Lance Sergeant on 18 July 1903 and to Sergeant on 1 January 1901.

 

He was promoted to Colour Sergeant on 6 May 1901 and discharged on 22 April 1911 after 12 years 159 days service.

 

Home:                                    15.11.1898 – 20.12.1899

South Africa:                         31.12.1899 – 18.7.1900

China:                                    19.07.1900 – 09.11.1908

India:                                      10.11.1908 – 12.12.1908

Burma:                                   15.12.1908 – 09.01.1911

Home:                                    21.04.1911 – 22.04.1911

 

He was awarded the South Africa medals and clasps for service in the Cape Colony, Tugela Heights during the relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal Orange Free State.

 

Joseph Lynch then re-enlisted on 27 November 1912 at Shrewsbury with the Special Reserve Kings Shropshire Light Infantry 3rd Battalion – Sergeant 6286 then his number was changed to 24933

 

He was then 33 years 4 months old. He was still single and gave his occupation as gas fitter.

 

He signed up as a Private then was promoted to Lance Corporal on 2 February 1913, to Corporal on 31 January 1913 then to Sergeant on 2 April 1913.

 

Home                         27.11.1912 – 07.08.1914

Mobilised                   08.08.1914 – 03.02.1915 (reserve)

Home                         04.02. 1915

France                                   05.02.1915 – 10.05.1915

Home                         11.05.1915 – 13.08.1915

BEF France              14.08.1915 - 02.01.1916

Home                         03.01.1916 – 04.07.1916

 

He had been hospitalised at Pembroke Dock between 12 September 1914 and 30 September 1914 because of inflammation of the stomach.

 

He was back to England on 10 May 1915 because he had suffered from severe gas poisoning and was discharged from the army as no longer fit to serve on health grounds on 4 July 1916.

 

His next of kin were his brothers – James, address not known and Charles of 43 Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was awarded a pension from 26 June 1916 after a medical at Shrewsbury.

 

His address at discharge was 86 Sheffield Road, Erdington.

 

Joseph Lynch died in Sutton Coldfield in 1920. The death of Joseph Lynch was registered June 1920 Tamworth 6b 465.

 

Joseph Lynch was the son of James and Sarah Lynch.

 

1911 census Roberts Barracks, Quetta, India

 

Joseph Lynch                                   U         31        Infantry Colour Sgt                          b Birmingham

 

He was listed as ‘Absent’ as he was on board ‘HMS Rewa’ en route to England

 

In 1911, his sister Alice Lynch and his sister Agnes Richards, formerly Lynch were living in Erdington

 

1911 census 2 Yew Tree Road, Erdington

 

Harry Richards                     M         46        Stove fitter                                         b Aston

Agnes Richards                   M         38        Married 18 years, 9 children 1 died          b Aston

Violet Richards                                 15                                                                    b Aston

Girty Richards                                               11                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William Richards                                9                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Doris Richards                                   6                                                                    b Birmingham

Lilly Richards                                                  5                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Madge Richards                                 3                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Grace Richards                                  1                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Alice Lynch                           U         23        Sister    Brass capstan hand                      b Aston

 

Agnes Richards worked as an electrical switch maker.

 

James and Sarah Lynch were not found on the 1901 and 1911 censuses. They were found in 1891

 

1891 census 13 Powell Street, Aston

 

James Lynch                                    M         41        Button burnisher                              b Birmingham

Sarah Lynch                         M         41                                                                    b Birmingham

Agnes Lynch                                    U         18        Ammunition maker                          b Birmingham

James Lynch                                                15        Gun filer                                            b Birmingham

Joseph Lynch                                   12                                                                    b Birmingham

Charles Lynch                                    8                                                                    b Birmingham

Ellen Lynch                                         7                                                                    b Birmingham

Alice Lynch                                         2                                                                    b Birmingham

 

The marriage of James Lynch and Sarah Cox took place on 11 December 1871 at St Paul’s Church in Birmingham

SIDNEY MANNALL

 

Sydney Mannall was born on 28 March 1892 in Birmingham. He enlisted with the Canadian Infantry 50th Battalion (Alberta Regiment) – Private 895497

 

He died of wounds on 29 September 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 24

 

He was buried at the Noeux Les- Mines Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Plot II.B.22

 

From the Canada War Graves Register, (Circumstances of Casualty) we learn that he died at No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station from multiple shrapnel wounds. (CWWG History)

Sydney Mannall worshipped at St James Church and is commemorated on their Roll of Honour

(Tina Ambrose, St James Church)

Army Service Record

Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, Attestation Paper

Sydney Mannall of Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Regiment number 895497

He was born on 28 March 1892 at Birmingham, Warwickshire and his father was Samuel Mannall.

The address of his next of kin was given as Mere Green Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.

 His occupation was that of Motor Repairer for a farmer and he was single.

 He attested on 6 January 1917 and his attestation was approved on 8 January 1917 and finally approved on 22 January 1917.

 His age was 24 years 9 months.

 He was 5 ft 5 in tall with a chest measurement of 34”. His complexion was fair, eyes blue and hair light brown. He was Church of England.

 No medal roll was found for him.

 Sydney Mannall was the son of Samuel and Catherine Mannall of “Chestnut Cottage”, Mere Green Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 1911 census 12 Church Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 Samuel Mannall                      M         46        Gardener domestic                             b Sudbourne, Suffolk

Katherine Mannall                   M         42        Married 18 years, 4 children 2 died    b Drayton, Staffs 

Sydney Mannall                      U         18        Grocer’s Porter                                   b Birmingham

Harold Mannall                        U         15        Fruiterers Assistant                             b Sutton, Warwickshire

 1901 census “Private Cottage”, Little Sutton, Sutton Coldfield

 Samuel Mannall                      M         36        Gardeners Labourer                           b Sudbourne, Suffolk

Katherine Mannall                   M         32                                                                    b Canwell, Staffs

Sydney Mannall                                    8                                                                    b Birmingham

Harold Mannall                                      5                                                                    b Little Sutton

EDWARD BAGULEY MARKWICK

 

Edward Baguley Markwick was born in Birmingham. He enlisted at Fulham in Middlesex with the Royal Engineers 2nd Signal Company – Corporal 28798

 

He died on 9 November 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 22

 

From the Sutton Coldfield News we learn that he died from pneumonia at the No. 45 Casualty Clearing Station.

 

He was buried at the Awoingt British Cemetery, near Cambrai, Plot III.D.14

 

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

 

He is 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 RE/101 B page 97 and the 1914 Star Medal RE/1 page 757

 

He was awarded a clasp - Clasp/1/1263 on 23 April 1920

 

He entered France on 15 October 1914.

 

Edward Baguley Markwick was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Annie Marwick of “Broadfields”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

In 1918 the family lived at “St Michaels”, Maney Hill Road, Maney (1918 Electoral Roll)

 

“He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. He lived with his parents.

 

He enlisted in September 1914 and was a Despatch Rider with the Royal Engineers.

 

He was sent home in February 1917 with rheumatic fever and returned to France in March 1918.

 

He died at 4pm on 9 November 1918 from pneumonia at No 45 Casualty Clearing Station.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 16.11.1918)

 

1911 census Maney Hill Road, Maney, Sutton Coldfield

 

Edward Markwick                   M         43        Manager at Stove and Grate Works b Oldbury, Staffs

Elizabeth Ann Markwick         M         43        Married 16 years, 3 children all alive  b Liverpool, Lancs

Edward Baguley Markwick                15                                                                    b Aston

Harold Ernest Markwick                     10                                                                    b Wylde Green

Hubert Henry Markwick                       8                                                                    b Wylde Green

Alice Amos                              U         21                                                                    b Walsall

 

1901 census “East Grove”, Highbridge Road, St Michael’s, Boldmere

 

Edward Markwick                   M         33        Manager Stove and Grate Works      b Oldbury, Staffs

Elizabeth A Markwick                         M         33                                                                    b Liverpool, Lancs

Edward B Markwick                             5                                                                    b Aston, Birmingham

Harold E Markwick                               2                                                                    b Wylde Green

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Corporal 28798 Edward Baguley Markwick

2nd Signal Company, Royal Engineers

Died: Saturday 9th November 1918

Aged: 22

 

The 2nd Signal Company was part of the 2nd Division; VI Corps took part in the Battle of the Selle during October/November 1918.

 

It would normally have a total strength of 162 men of which 14 were corporals. One sergeant and 8 corporals served with the Dispatch Riders Group. 

 

Corporal Markwick contracted pneumonia and was sent to the 45th Casualty Clearing Station at Awoingt. It was here that he died.

 

Edward Markwick is buried in Awoingt British Cemetery, east of Cambrai, Plot 3, Row D, Grave 14

 

His grave is inscribed    ‘What more could he give.’

 

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

 

“Edward B Markwick was born on 9 February 1893. He was the eldest son of Edward (Manager of the Range Grate Works) and Elizabeth Annie Markwick of “Broadfields”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and later of ‘St. Michaels’, Maney Hill Road.

 

Edward attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1905 and 1912.

 

He enlisted in September 1914 and was sent to Chatham and Aldershot for training and then to France at the start of October 1915.

 

He saw considerable service and at one time was a Sergeant Dispatch Rider in the Royal Engineers.

 

In February 1917 he was invalided out of France with rheumatic fever, spending time in the Allerton Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital where his mother (a member of Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps) was working. 

 

He recovered and returned to France in March 1918.

 

Writing to Mr. Markwick from the 45th Casualty Clearing Station, Medical Officer F. M. Carter says:

 

“I am very sorry to tell you your son, Corporal E. B. Markwick died in hospital at 4 p.m. today. He was admitted to hospital suffering with pneumonia.

 

Everything was done that was possible, but nothing seemed to help, and he passed peacefully away. He sent his love when I told him I was writing and said he would write soon.

 

With much sympathy.”

 

The Medal Card Index at the National Archives shows that Edward was an Acting Sergeant at the time of his death.

 

He had a younger brother Harold E. Markwick.”

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

FRANCIS JOHN MARLOW

 

Francis John Marlow was born in Warwick. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Berkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion (Princess Charlotte of Wales) – Sergeant 15411

 

He died of wounds 3 April 1918 (France & Flanders) at Rouen

 

He probably died at a casualty clearing station as Rouen was a major hospital centre. (CWWG Cemetery History)

 

He was buried at the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Plot PVIII.I.4B

 

“Prior to the war he was employed as a gardener at Ashfurlong Hall, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at the same time as P Blockley in early 1915.” (WML)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/105 B12 page 2095 and the 1915 Star Medal L/3B page 300 

 

He entered France on 25 July 1915

 

Francis John Marlow was the son of John and Jane Marlow.

 

“Francis J Marlow was a member of the Sutton Coldfield Gardeners Society.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 12.5.1917)

 

“Francis J Marlow was a gardener in the employ of Colonel Wilkinson of “Ashfurlong Hall”.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 27.4.1918)

 

In 1911, Colonel Joseph Henry Wilkinson, 65 from Bradford lived at Ashfurlong Hall.

 

He was the Chairman of a Wholesale Drapery Company and was an employer.

 

At that time he did not list any gardeners in his employ who resided at the Hall.

 

Francis Marlow and his family were not found on the 1911 census.

 

1901 census 1 Broad Street, Warwick

 

John Marlow                           M         38        Gardener not domestic                       b Warwick

Jane Marlow                           M         33                                                                    b Alveston, Warks

Francis John Marlow                            8                                                                    b Warwick

Amy Louise Marlow                              7                                                                    b Warwick

Grace Lucy Marlow                              5                                                                    b Warwick

William George Marlow                        2                                                                    b Warwick

Annie Elizabeth Marlow                        2 months old                                                 b Warwick

 

William George Marlow

 

William George Marlow served as Private 181544 in the Machine Gun Corps

GEORGE RUSSELL COURTNEY MARTIN

 

George R C Russell was born on 25 July 1891 in London. He enlisted on September 1914 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion (Territorials) as a Second Lieutenant then became a Lieutenant (service number not known)

 

He was killed in action on 1 July 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 25 during the attack on the Quadrilateral Redoubt, near Serre

 

He was first buried by the Germans but after the War his body was moved to Miraumons Communal Cemetery, Row C Grave 5

 

He is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial

 

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

 

His Army Service and Medal Index Card were not found online.

 

George Russell Courtney Martin was the only son of Mr and Mrs G Martin of “Hartopp Court”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

“He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Lickey Hill School and Repton.”

 

He obtained his commission at the outbreak of war and was sent to the front in February 1916.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 15.7.1916)

 

The family were not found on the 1911 census

 

1901 census Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield

 

George Martin                         M         51        Saddlery/Harness Manu. Employer   b London

Marion Martin                          M         39                                                                    b St Helier, Jersey

George R Martin                                   9                                                                    b London

Kathleen Martin                                     2                                                                    b Aldridge

John Martin                             U         22        Nephew – assists in business b London

Agnes Steps                            U         21        Lady’s housekeeper                            b Northants

Jane Fincher                           U         21        Monthly nurse                                     b Hereford

Eliza Foster                             U         23        House maid                                         b Aston

Rachel Harris                          U         23        House maid                                         b Staffs

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Second Lieutenant George Russell Courtney Martin

1st/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died: Saturday 1st July 1916

Aged: 24

 

The 1st/6th and 1st/8th Territorial Battalions of the Royal Warwicks (temporarily attached to the 11th Brigade, 4th Division), were to attack over the Redan Ridge between the villages of Serre and Beaumont Hamel.

 

They faced the formidable German strongpoint known as the Quadrilateral in land now occupied by the Serre Road No. 2 Cemetery.

 

The 1st/8th led off into No Man’s Land followed after a few minutes by the 1st/6th. Shells and machine guns decimated the ranks, but the Battalions still made good their objectives; the Quadrilateral and cutting beyond it.

 

The 31st Division on their left and the rest of the 4th Division on their right could not attain their objectives. By 11.00am there was only one officer, 2nd Lt. J G Cooper, who remained untouched in the vicinity of the Quadrilateral.

 

There were a handful of Warwicks left, amongst heaps of dead and dying, to defend the position from counter-attacks from the front and both flanks. In the evening the remaining troops were ordered to withdraw.

 

The 1/8th Royal Warwicks lost their CO, Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Innes and suffered 588 casualties - 170 of which were never found.

 

The 1/6th suffered 457 casualties, with 110 men never found.

 

George Martin is buried in the Miraumont Communal Cemetery, Row C, Grave 5

 

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

 

“George R. C. Martin was born on 25 July 1891. He was the son of George and Marion Martin of Hartopp Court, Hartopp Road.

 

George attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1901 and 1903.

 

He moved to Lickey Hills School and in 1906 to Repton School, Burton-on-Trent.

 

In 1908 he was employed as a saddler in his father’s firm. 

 

He enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd/6th Royal Warwicks in September 1914.

 

He was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant in 1915 and attached to the 1st/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

 

He was sent to France on 16 February 1916.

 

He was mistakenly reported to be a prisoner at Schwarmstedt, near Hanover in Germany in November 1917, but he had been buried in the Miraumont Cemetery by the Germans on 1 July 1916.

 

He left £58 10s 0d to his parents.” 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

EDWIN HAROLD MATTHEWS

 

Edwin Harold Matthews was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the City Battalions (Royal Warwickshire Regiment) at the outbreak of war- Private 14/448. He went to the front in May 1915.

 

He received a commission in Liverpool in August 1915 and became a Second Lieutenant on 1 September 1915 with the King’s Liverpool Regiment 1/7th Battalion.

 

He was killed in action on 8 August 1916 aged 27.

 

He was killed in an attempt to capture Guillemont Village at 4.20 a.m. on 8 August 1916.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/49 page 242

 

He entered France on 26 May 1915.

 

The index card is annotated that his service records were not found.

 

Edwin Harold Matthews was the son of Mr and Mrs J. W. Matthews of “Brook House”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

“He was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.

 

He was employed at Messrs Lunt ‘Manchester warehousemen’, Old Square, Birmingham.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 26.8.1916)

 

1911 census Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

John William Matthews           M         66        Grocer – employer                             b Sibford, Warks

Annie Wade Matthews            M         62        Married 36 years – 5 children             b Birmingham

Arthur Roland Matthews         U         25        Grocer’s assistant                               b Sutton Coldfield

Edwin Harold Matthews          U         21        Draper’s assistant                               b Sutton Coldfield

Lilley Rowley                           U         29        Domestic servant                                b Armitage

 

1901 census Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

John William Matthews           M         55        Grocer- employer                               b Sibford, Warks

Annie Matthews                      M         52                                                                    b Birmingham

Charles Matthews                   U         19        Grocer’s assistant                               b Sutton Coldfield

John H Matthews                    U         18        Draper’s assistant                               b Sutton Coldfield

Howard S Matthews               U         16        Hosier’s assistant                                b Sutton Coldfield

Arthur R Matthews                              15                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Edwin H Matthews                              11                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Fanny Walker                          U         20        General servant                                  b Sutton Coldfield

 

John William Matthews, Grocer of High Street Sutton Coldfield was listed in the 1913 Kelly’s Directory

 

(‘1913 Commerce’ section of www.sutton-coldfield.net/commerce.html Mike Kemble)

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

 

Second Lieutenant Edwin Harold Matthews

1st/7th The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment

Died: Tuesday 8th August 1916

Aged: 26

 

The 55th (West Lancashire) Division containing the King’s Liverpool Battalions held the right of the Front line where it joined the French 6th Army.

 

Opposite them were Guillemont and Ginchy, which were still held by the Germans.

 

On 8 August at 4.20am one Regular and three Territorial (1st/5th, 1st/7th and 1st/8th) Battalions attacked supporting the French attack on their right.

 

Thick heavy mist mingled with the smoke and fumes of a blanket of shellfire that stopped them literally dead.

 

A few gallant parties broke through but were cut down by machine-gun fire before they could reach the German line.

 

Even so a few men reached what was left of the village of Guillemont for a while and a small section of trench (called Cochrane Alley) was captured.

 

The German reserves attacked and the remains of the British Battalions were overwhelmed, with terrible casualties.

 

Edwin Matthews is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 9A, 9B and 10 B.

 

He is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield War memorial and the Roll of Honour of St Peters Church, Maney.

 

“Edwin H Matthews was born on 7 September 1889 at Church Hill Cottage, Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was the son of John William (a Grocer in the High Street, he owned five other shops in Birmingham) and Annie Wade Matthews of Brook House, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1899 and 1905.

 

After leaving school he became a draper at Richard Lunt & Co Ltd., Old Square, Birmingham which was a wholesale warehouse.

 

Private 14/448 Edwin Matthews enlisted in the 1st Birmingham Regiment (14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment) on 9 September 1914.

 

He was commissioned into the King’s (Liverpool Regiment) on 1 September 1915.

 

Edwin’s brother Private 15/260 Arthur Matthews was invalided out of the 15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1916 after suffering from rheumatism.

 

He had three other older brothers; Charles, John and Samuel.”

 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)

LESLIE HERBERT MATTHEWS

 

Leslie Herbert Matthews was born in Handsworth and lived in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 2/6th Battalion – Second Lieutenant 641

 

He was killed in action on 28 March 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 28

 

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme Plot Panel 18 and 19

 

Army Medal Roll

 

Leslie Herbert Matthews was awarded the Victory and British Medals RWR OFF/150 page 204 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 342

 

He entered France on 21 Nov 1915. He gained his commission on 30 October 1917.

 

His next of kin was listed as his father H Matthews of “The Braes”, Mulroy Road, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire

 

“Leslie Herbert Matthews was the only son of Henry Matthews of “The Braes”, Mulroy Road and the late Louisa Matthews.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 13.4.1918)

 

1911 census 42 Havelock Road, Handsworth, Staffs

 

Henry Matthews                     M         54        Goldsmith & Jeweller – employer      b Worcester

Louisa Ann Matthews              M         62        Married 27 years – 4 children             b West Bromwich

Irene Muriel Matthews             U         25                                                                    b West Bromwich

Ethel Louise Matthews            U         23        Office clerk                                         b Handsworth

Leslie Herbert Matthews         U         21        Working Goldsmith                             b Handsworth

Dorothy May Matthews          U         18        Typist                                                   b Handsworth

 

In 1901 the family lived at 42 Havelock Road in Handsworth

 

1891 census 117 Leonard Road, Handsworth

 

Henry Matthews                      M         36        Travelling Jeweller                              b Worcester

Louisa Matthews                     M         42                                                                    b West Bromwich

Irene M Matthews                                 5                                                                    b Handsworth

Ethel L Matthews                                  3                                                                    b Handsworth

Leslie H Matthews                                1                                                                    b Handsworth

HAROLD GRAHAM MAYO

Harold Graham Mayo was born at Hill, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham 1915 with the Rifle Brigade – Private S/9962 and was transferred in September 1915 to the Machine Gun Corps 61st Company – Lance Corporal 6292

He was killed in action on 30 November 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 23

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial

Harold Mayo was a worshipper at St James Church, Hill

He 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 MGC/101 B3 page 280

 Harold Mayo was the only son of Elizabeth Mayo of 13 Church Lane, Mere Green and the late Herbert Mayo

 “Prior to enlisting he was employed as a wood working machinist for Mr Hills, a builder in Four Oaks.

 He enlisted in the rifle brigade in April 1915 then five months later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps.

 He went to France in February 1916 and fought on the Somme.

 He had a previous lucky escape when a bullet hit his cigarette case which doubled up.

 He was reported missing November 30th 1917.”

 (Sutton Coldfield News 12.10.1918)

 1911 census Church Lane, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield

 Herbert Mayo                          M         52        Gardener domestic                             b Sparkbrook, Bham

Eliza Mayo                              M         45        Married 19 years, 2 children 1 died    b Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 Harold Graham Mayo was not found on the 1911 census

 1901 census Church Lane, Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 Herbert Mayo                          M         41        Bricklayer’s labourer                           b Sparkhill, Bham

Eliza Mayo                               M         35                                                                    b Hill

Harold G Mayo                                     6                                                                    b Hill

CHARLES ROY McANDREW

 

Charles Roy McAndrew was born in Birmingham. He enlisted with the Staffordshire Yeomanry in February 1911 and then transferred to the Warwickshire Yeomanry on 28 July 1915. He served as Private and was promoted to Lance Corporal and then Second Lieutenant. His army number was 2758

 

He was killed in action on 21 September 1918 aged 26

 

He was buried at the Epehy Wood Farm Cemetery, Plot VI.D.16

 

Charles Roy McAndrew is commemorated on the Aston Grammar School Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

 

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 WY OFF/188 page 27 and the 1915 Star Medal CY/1/B5 page 339

 

Army Service Record

 

Charles McAndrew was aged 19 years 2 months when enlisted (recalled from reserve).

 

His occupation was that of Clerk and he worked at the Metropolitan Bank, Bridge Street in Walsall – this was where his father was the Bank Manager in 1911.

 

His vision and physical development were good. He was 5 ft 9 in tall. He originally enlisted in February 1911 with the Staffordshire Yeomanry.

 

He was transferred to the Warwickshire Yeomanry on 28 July 1913. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 4 March 1915.

 

Charles Roy McAndrew was the son of Charles and Fanny Linda McAndrew of “The Mount”, Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

“He was educated at Aston Grammar School.

 

After leaving school he worked for the Metropolitan Bank.

 

He was a member of the Park Road Congregational Church.

 

Prior to the war he had been in the Staffordshire Yeomanry.

 

He was called up on 5 August 1914 for active service.

 

He spent twelve months in the UK. He then went to Egypt for a year before returning to the UK to take his commission.

 

He sailed for Palestine on 27 August 1917 and remained there until May 1918.

 

He survived a torpedo attack on HM Transport Ship ‘Leasow Castle’ on 25 May 1918 and was one of the few survivors.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 5.10.1918)

 

1911 census “The Mount”, Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles McAndrew                 M         50        Bank Manager Metropolitan Bank      b Birmingham

Fanny Linda McAndrew         M         49        Married 23 years- 3 children 1 died    b Birmingham

Charles Roy McAndrew         U         19        Bank Clerk Metropolitan Bank           b Birmingham

Linda May McAndrew            U         17                                                                    b Birmingham 

 

T MERCER (possibly Thomas)

 

This man has not been identified.

 

On the Sutton Coldfield United Reform Church, Roll of Honour, there is a Thomas Mercer who is listed as serving with the Kings Royal Rifles.

 

It is quite possible that this was a mistake and that the only Mercer was William Mercer – see the next entry, who did serve with the Kings Royal Rifles.

 

Extensive searches for T or Thomas Mercer who served with the Kings Royal Rifles who had links to Sutton Coldfield proved fruitless.

 

There was a Thomas Mercer who served in the Rifle Brigade – as Private S1612.

 

This man entered France on 21 July 1915.

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/102 B 14 page 1861 and the 1915 Star Medal M/26 page 340.

 

His medal index card states he was killed in action.

 

We were unable to establish where he was born and where he lived.

 

There was Thomas Mercer born in Bordesley, Birmingham who served with the 5th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment – Private 8966.

 

We were unable to establish where he was living at the time of the war and do not know if he was killed or survived.

 

There was Thomas Mercer who served in the South Staffordshire Regiment 3rd Battalion -Private 200496.

 

He lived at 16/Court 5, Ford Street Birmingham. He enlisted on 4 September 1914 in Birmingham at the age of 33.

 

It appears that he was discharged with a pension on 10 January 1919. He worked at Joseph Gillette & Son, Victoria Works in Birmingham after the war.

 

There was Thomas Daniel Mercer, son of Edward and Elizabeth, who was found on the 1911 census at 394 Marsh Lane in Erdington.

 

He was born In Sutton Coldfield but did not die until 1968.

 

There was Thomas Mercer who lived at 50 Gravelly Lane in Erdington in 1911.

 

He was married, aged 31 and worked as a barman. He was born in Birmingham.

 

This Thomas Mercer was found at 33 Lime Grove, Erdington on the 1919 and subsequent Electoral Rolls so can be eliminated as a potential soldier.

 

Finally this man, Tom Mercer, was found on the 1911 census

 

1911 census 32 Kings Road, Hay Mills, Birmingham

 

Tom Mercer                            M         28        Bread baker                                        b Wellesbourne

Sarah Alice Mercer                 M         30        Married 4 years 2 children- 1 died      b Birmingham

Florence Winifred                               11 months                                                       b Sutton Coldfield

Mary Wall                                W         63        Mother in law                                      b Northants

 

His link to Sutton Coldfield was the fact that his daughter Florence was born there in about 1910.

 

It is not clear if this Tom Mercer died during the Great War.

WILLIAM MERCER

 

William John Mercer was born in London. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Kings Royal Rifles 9th Battalion – Rifleman A/1970

 

He was killed in action on 16 July 1915 (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 M/101/B3 page 387 and the 1915 Star Medal M/JB page 76

 

No further military records were found for him online.

 

“William Mercer was the son of William and Ada Mercer of 14 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 24.7.1915)

 

William Mercer enlisted in the Kings Royal Rifles with Thomas Harold Stonehouse – see his entry.

 

1911 census 14 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield

 

William Mercer                        M         34        Bricklayer’s labourer                           b Sutton Coldfield

Ada Mercer                             M         34        Laundry and Ironing                            b London

Ellen Elizabeth Mercer                        15                                                                    b London

William John Mercer                           17                                                                    b London

Violet Mercer                                                  10                                                                    b London

Frederick Arthur Mercer                       6                                                                    b London

 

The couple had been married for 18 years. They had 7 children, three of whom had died.

 

1901 census 89 Albert Road, Willesden, Middlesex

 

William Mercer                        M         25        Bricklayer’s labourer                           b Sutton Coldfield

Ada Mercer                             M         24                                                                    b Notting Hill

William Mercer                                      7                                                                    b Kilburn

Nellie Mercer                                        5                                                                    b Kilburn

Ernest Read                                          8        Visitor                                                  b Kilburn

 

Baptisms

 

William John Mercer was baptised on 9 January 1895 at St Augustine, Paddington in London.

 

His parents were William John and Ada Mercer of 89 Albert Road. William was a labourer

 

Also on the same day was a baptism for Arthur Mercer to William and Ellen Mercer of 89 Albert Road, Willesden.

 

1891 census 89 Albert Road, Willesden, Middlesex

 

William Mercer                        M         41        Bricklayer’s labourer                           b Atherstone

Ellen Mercer                           M         40                                                                    b Burton on Trent

Mary Mercer                           U         20                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Joseph Mercer                        U         18                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William Mercer                                    14                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Robert Mercer                                                12                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Ellen Mercer                                         8                                                                    b Kilburn

 

 

1881 census 2 Rupert Road, Willesden, Middlesex

 

William Mercer                        M         30        Labourer                                              b Burton on Trent

Ellen Mercer                           M         31                                                                    b Burton on Trent

Mary E Mercer                                   10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Joseph H Mercer                                  8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

William J Mercer                                   4                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Robert Mercer                                                  2                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

1871 census Curdworth, Minworth Village

 

William Mercer                        M         23        Labourer                                              b Atherstone

Ellen Mercer                           M         22                                                                    b Burton on Trent

 

ROBERT MERRY

 

Robert Merry was born in Hanley, Stoke on Trent. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion – Private 242331 (Territorial)

 

He was killed in action on 27 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 36

 

“On the day the temperature was 57 degrees F with cloud cover and rainfall of 15.3mm.” (PDD)

 

He has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West Flanders

 

Robert Merry 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 B23 PJ page 4836

 

Robert Merry was the son of William and Grace Merry of Stoke on Trent and the husband of Kate Elizabeth Merry.

 

The marriage of Robert Merry and Kate Elizabeth Goodenough was registered March 1907 Aston 6d 522

 

“Robert Merry was married and lived at 48 Lower Queen Street, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was an employee of Sutton Coldfield Corporation.

 

He was a Member of the Church of England Brotherhood.

 

He was wounded in leg and was at Dudley Road Hospital for a time.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 25.11.1916)

 

“In loving memory of my dear husband Private R Merry, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, killed in action 27.8.17.

 

Also his mother and mother in law, sisters and sisters in law and brothers in law”

 

(In Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 13.9.1919)

 

1911 census 48 Lower Queen Street, Sutton Coldfield

 

Robert Merry                                      M         29        Coal Porter                                          b Stoke, Hanley

Kate E Merry                          M         26        Charwoman                                        b Birmingham

 

The couple had been married for four years. They had one child who had died.

 

1891 census 29 Avery Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent

 

William Merry                          M         45        Milk seller                                            b Hanley

Grace Merry                           M         44                                                                    b Hanley

Annie Merry                            U         18        Potter’s stilt maker                              b Hanley

Mary E Merry                                                 16        Potter’s paper printer maker               b Hanley

Minnie Merry                                       14                                                                    b Hanley

William T Merry                                  12                                                                    b Hanley

Robert Merry                                        9                                                                    b Hanley

 

ARTHUR BERNARD MILLER

 

Arthur Miller was the brother of Frederick Miller – see next entry

 

Arthur Bernard Miller was born in Ashted, Aston. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion – Private 258

 

He died at the Cambridge Military Hospital on 15 May 1916, from wounds received in France on 30 April 1916

 

He was buried at Erdington Abbey (Not a CWWC gravestone) Plot A1 (Roman Catholic Abbey)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B23 page 4860 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 345

 

He entered France on 21 November 1915 and died of wounds.

 

Arthur Bernard Miller was the son of Laurence and Annie Miller of Erdington.

 

“He lived at Ashted when he joined the army.

 

His parents resided at “Stoneleigh”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was educated at Highgate College, London.

 

He was employed as a traveller for his father’s firm, L Miller, Coal Merchants of Curzon Street Wharf, Birmingham.

 

He was sent to the front during the autumn of 1915.

 

He was attached to the machine gun section.

 

On the night of 29th/30th April he was on sentry duty when an artillery bombardment took place.

 

Taking cover in a dugout, a shell caused a timber frame to fall on his helmet resulting in a fractured skull, broken collar bone and two broken ribs.

 

He was taken to a base hospital then to the Canadian Hospital.

 

He was finally sent to the Cambridge Military Hospital where he died.

 

The cause of death was subdural haemorrhage and fractured skull.

 

He was given a full military funeral.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 27.5.1916)

 

1911 census “Stoneleigh”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Lawrence Miller                      M         59        Coal merchant – employer                 b Birmingham

Annie Miller                             M         59        Married 28 years, 9 children 2 died    b Wolverhampton

Arthur Miller                            U         25        Traveller - Coal merchant                   b Birmingham

Marion Miller                           U         22                                                                    b Birmingham

Walter Miller                            U         20        Assists in business                              b Birmingham

Raymond Miller                      U         18        Assists in business                              b Birmingham

Agnes Dunn                            U         22        General servant                                  b Wolverhampton

 

 

 

1891 census High Street, Erdington

 

Laurence Miller                       M         39        Coal merchant                                    b Birmingham

Annie Miller                             M         39                                                                    b Wolverhampton

Arthur Miller                                          5        Scholar                                                b Birmingham

Frederick Miller                                     4                                                                    b Birmingham

Marion Miller                                         2                                                                    b Erdington

Wilfred Miller                                         1 month old                                                   b Erdington

 

Probate

 

Arthur Bernard Miller of “Stoneleigh”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield Private 15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment died on 15 May 1916 at the Military Hospital Cambridge.

 

Administration was granted at Birmingham on 12 July 1916 to Lawrence Miller coal merchant

 

Effects: £289

FREDERICK GEORGE MILLER

 

Frederick George Miller was the brother of Arthur Bernard Miller.

 

Frederick George Miller was born in Birmingham in 1887. He appears to have served with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse during the Great War according to his probate record.

 

He died on 1 April 1918 in France.

 

It is not known if he was buried in France or if he is commemorated on a memorial.

 

His army medal index card and service records were not found online.

 

“He resided at “Stoneleigh”’, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.” (WML)

 

Probate

 

Frederick George Miller of “Stoneleigh”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, Corporal with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse died 1 April 1918 in France. Administration with Will in London was granted on 25 January 1919 to Marion Miller, spinster. Effects: £176.6s

 

Frederick George Miller was the son of Lawrence and Annie Miller.

 

There was one entry on the 1911 census that might have been Frederick George Miller.

 

At “The Badminton Club”, 100 Piccadilly, London resided Frederick George Miller aged 23. He was a Solicitor’s Clerk. It is not clear where he was born.

 

There were many ‘residents’ living at the club and men would use it as lodgings.

 

He was not found on the 1901 1911 census.

 

1911 census “Stoneleigh”, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield

 

Lawrence Miller                      M         59        Coal merchant – employer                 b Birmingham

Annie Miller                             M         59        Married 28 years, 9 children 2 died    b Wolverhampton

Arthur Miller                            U         25        Traveller - Coal merchant                   b Birmingham

Marion Miller                           U         22                                                                    b Birmingham

Walter Miller                            U         20        Assists in business                              b Birmingham

Raymond Miller                      U         18        Assists in business                              b Birmingham

Agnes Dunn                            U         22        General servant                                  b Wolverhampton

 

1891 census High Street, Erdington

 

Laurence Miller                       M         39        Coal merchant                                    b Birmingham

Annie Miller                             M         39                                                                    b Wolverhampton

Arthur Miller                                          5        Scholar                                                b Birmingham

Frederick Miller                                     4                                                                    b Birmingham

Marion Miller                                         2                                                                    b Erdington

Wilfred Miller                                         1 month old                                                   b Erdington

 

Lord Strathcona’s Horse

 

This Canadian Regiment had served in the Boer War and returned to London in 1909 and was disbanded. At the start of WW1 it was again mobilised and began training in Britain in 1915.

 

The regiment served during the Battle of the Somme as the Imperial Service Regiment, Canadian Cavalry Brigade attached to the 2nd Indian Cavalry Division. In November 1916 they were amalgamated into the British 4th Army and were sent to the Somme in 1917.

 

On 31 March 1918 they took part in the ‘last great cavalry charge’ during the Battle of Moreuil Wood. They lost many men that day so it can be assumed that Frederick took part in this battle.

 

HORACE BROOKS MILLNER

 

Horace Millner was born in Birmingham. He enlisted at Aston with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/8th Battalion – Private 2184

 

He was killed in action on 18 August 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 22

 

“The 1/8th Battalion - attached to the 48th Division - were involved in an attack in the High Wood/ Delville Wood area but no specific mention of the 1/8th Battalion was made in the day records.

 

On the day, the temperature was 70 F and it was overcast with 1mm of rain.” (SDSD)

 

He was buried at the Pont- Du- Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, France, Plot II.A.2

 

Horace Brooks Millner is commemorated on the St Michaels Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B23 page 4893

 

Horace Brooks Millner was the son of Thomas Henry Millner and the late Adeline Sarah Millner.

 

The family lived at “Rose Cottage”, Court Lane, New Oscott.

 

“According to his Commanding Officer he was shot in the head by a stray bullet.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 16.9.1916)

 

1911 census “Rose Cottage”, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield

 

Thomas H Millner                   M         41        Fender Fitter - Iron                              b Birmingham

Annie Eleanor Millner              M         23        Married 4 years- 2 children                 b Birmingham

Clifford Millner                        U         18        Brass worker                                       b Birmingham

Horace Millner                        U         17        Brass Dresser                                     b Birmingham

Thomas Millner                                     7                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Howard Millner                                      2                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Noel Millner                                         13                                                                    b Birmingham

Pollie Millner                                        12                                                                    b Matlock

May Millner                                           9                                                                    b Birmingham

 

The family was not found on the 1901 or 1891 census.

 

It is not known when Adeline died or when Thomas Married Annie Eleanor.

 

ERNEST REGINALD MILLWARD

 

Ernest Reginald Millward was the brother of Henry Charles Millward – see next entry

 

Ernest Reginald Millward was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 20211 in July 1916 and was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps - Corporal 57482

 

He was killed in action on 30 August 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 23

 

He was buried at the St Martin Calvaire British Cemetery, St Martin-Sur- Cojeul, Plot II.B.11

 

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

 

Army Records

 

These were not found online using both regiments and numbers

 

Ernest Reginald Millward was the son of Mr Charles and Susannah Millward of “Maryville”, Elms Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

“He was educated at Town School. Prior to enlisting he worked at Messrs Knight & Keeley, Electricians, New Street Birmingham.

 

He enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in July 1916 but transferred to Machine Gun Corps before going to France.

 

According to a letter from his officer he was shot through the head by a sniper.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 21.9.1918)

 

1911 census 6 Church Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles Millward                     M         57        Gardener domestic                             b Bromsgrove

Susannah Maria Millward       M         52        Married 30 years - 9 children 1 died) b Camphill, Bham

Norman Leonard Millward      M         23        Under Club Steward                           b Sutton Coldfield

Bertie Herbert Millward           M         20        Golf professional                                 b Sutton Coldfield

Maud Ethel Millward                U         18                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest Reginald Millward                    15         Gardener domestic                            b Sutton Coldfield

George Sydney Millward                    13                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Norman Eric Millward                           2 ½ months old         Grandson                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

Bertie Herbert Millward had been married for 3 ½ years.

 

He had 2 children but one had died. It is not known who his wife was or where she was living. 

 

1901 census 7 Church Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles A Millward                  M         40        Head Gardener                                   b Bromsgrove

Susana Millward                     M         41                                                                    b Birmingham

Frank A Millward                     U         20        Gardener                                             b Blackheath, Staffs

Fredk W Millward                    U         18        Postman                                              b Kings Heath, Worcs

Henry C Millward                                15        Groom                                                 b Balsall Heath, Worcs

Norman L Millward                              13        Green Grocer’s errand boy                b Sutton Coldfield

Bertie H Millward                                10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Maud E Millward                                   8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest R Millward                                 5                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Sidney Millward                                    1                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

 

HENRY CHARLES MILLWARD

 

Henry Charles Millward was the brother of Ernest Reginald Millward – see previous entry

 

Henry Charles Millward was born in Balsall Heath. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Worcestershire Regiment – Private 32619 and was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Private 380367

 

He was killed in action on 17 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 30

 

He was buried at the Hooge Crater Cemetery Zillebeke, Ypres, Plot VIII.J.14 

 

“On the day he died the temperature was 56 F and was clear with rainfall of 7.1mm.” (PDD)

 

Henry Charles Millward 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 C/1/103 B19 page 1883

 

Henry Charles Millward was the son of Charles and Susannah Millward of “Maryville”, Elms Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

He was the husband of Rose Scholey (formerly Millward) of Netherhill, Saskatchewan, Canada.

 

The marriage of Henry Charles Millward has not been found.

 

“Henry Millward resided at Coleshill Street.

 

He was married with a son aged 8.

 

Before enlisting he was employed as a gardener for Mr H. Cant of Maney.

 

He was called up early in 1916 and was sent to the front in April 1917.

 

One of his letters home said that he had been slightly gassed and after treatment in hospital was on light duties.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 22.12.1917)

 

1911 census Coleshill St, Sutton Coldfield

 

Henry Charles Millward          M         25        Under domestic gardener                   b Balsall Heath

Rose Millward                         M         24        Married 3 years – 1 child                    b Brownhills 

Bernard Charles Millward                     1                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

 

1901 census 7 Church Hill, Sutton Coldfield

 

Charles A Millward                  M         40        Head Gardener                                   b Bromsgrove

Susana Millward                     M         41                                                                    b Birmingham

Frank A Millward                     U         20        Gardener                                             b Blackheath, Staffs

Fredk W Millward                    U         18        Postman                                              b Kings Heath, Worcs

Henry C Millward                                15        Groom                                                 b Balsall Heath, Worcs

Norman L Millward                              13        Green Grocer’s errand boy                b Sutton Coldfield

Bertie H Millward                                10                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Maud E Millward                                   8                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Ernest R Millward                                 5                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

Sidney Millward                                    1                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield

VINCENT HAROLD MORGAN

 

Vincent Harold Morgan was born at Stonehouse in Gloucestershire. He enlisted at Stonehouse at the start of the war with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 16th Battalion– Private 408

 

He was killed in action 3 September 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 22

 

“He died during the Battle of Guillemont (Somme).” (SDBD)

 

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, Pier and Face 9A, 9B and 10B

 

Vincent H Morgan is commemorated on the YMCA Sutton Coldfield Roll of Honour (John Day, YMCA)

 

Army Medal Roll

 

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B23 page 4972 and the 1915 Star Medal L/1B page 356

 

He entered France on 21 November 1915.

 

Vincent Harold Morgan was the only son of George and Matilda Morgan

 

“Vincent Harold Morgan resided at 13 Tudor Road, Sutton Coldfield.

 

Private Vincent Harold Morgan, whose death in action on 3 September we announced last week.

 

Private Morgan was the only son of Mr and Mrs G Morgan of “Ivydene”, Tudor Road and was 22 years of age.

 

He was one of the first to join the City Battalions and before the war he was a clerk in the offices of Elsby Cable Co, Livery Street in Birmingham.

 

He was a member of the YMCA and was associated with the Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church where a brief mention of the sad occurrence was made in prayers on Sunday last.”

 

(Sutton Coldfield News 7.10.1916)

 

The family had also lived at “Ellesmere”, Green Lanes, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.

 

1911 census 200 Frederick Road, Aston

 

George Morgan                      M         51        Asst Supd Prudential Assurance Co   b Wellington, Salop

Matilda Louise Morgan           M         49        Married 28 years, 4 children 1 died    b Yarpole, Hereford

Emily Jane Helen Morgan      U         22                                                                        b Stonehouse, Gloucs

Matilda Ethel Maud Morgan   U         20        Commercial clerk for drapery              b Stonehouse

Vincent Harold Morgan                       16        Engineer at warehouse                       b Stonehouse

 

JOHN FLETCHER MOORE

John Fletcher Moore was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with either the Gloucestershire or Warwickshire Regiment in February 1917 and was attached to the Somerset Light Infantry 1st Battalion in September 1917– Private 28211

He died of wounds on 6 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 19

He sustained his wounds during the Battle of Brondscinde.

He probably died at a casualty clearing station as there were three based in the vicinity (CWWG Cemetery History)

He was buried at the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Ypres, Plot V.G.8

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals C/2/102 B13 Page 1530

John Fletcher Moore is commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Roll of Honour (David Phillips)

John Fletcher Moore was the son of Edwin and Eliza May Moore of “Wyvern Grange”, Sutton Coldfield

1911 census “Wyvern Grange”, Barker Road, Sutton Coldfield

Henry Butler                            M         69        Ret. Merchant, Saddlery & Hardware            b Walsall

Sarah Butler                            M         67        Married 48 years, 7 children               b Netherton, Worcs

Eliza May Moore                     W         41        1 child alive                                         b Walsall

John Fletcher Moore                          12        Grandson                                            b Sutton Coldfield

1901 census Barker Road, Sutton Coldfield

Edwin Moore                           M         34        Brewer                                                b Aston

Eliza M Moore                         M         30                                                                    b Coventry

John F.L. Moore                                    2                                                                    b Sutton Coldfield 

 

Research by David Phillips

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Private 28211 John Fletcher Moore

1st Somerset Light Infantry Regiment

Died: Saturday 6th October 1917

Aged: 19

 

The 1st Somerset Light Infantry and 1st Hampshire Regiment (11th Brigade, 4th Division) attacked alongside the 10th Brigade (that had contained Private Cavit in the 1st Royal Warwicks), north of the Langemarck-Poelcapelle Road, on 5 October.

They assaulted Kangaroo Trench at 6.00am and reached the road with little trouble. Germans sheltering in rocks and fire from Lemnos House held up the attack until they were dealt with.

The Somerset’s and East Lancs out-flanked Ferdan House and were only metres short of their objectives, when they were racked by machine-gun fire from a point near 19 Metre Hill.

Private Moore was wounded and taken back to the 47th Casualty Clearing Station used called Dozinghem) by the 4th Division.

Here he died of wounds, the next day.

John Moore is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Westvleteren, Plot, Row G, Grave 8

The grave is inscribed ‘Thy will be done’.

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

John Fletcher Moore

“John Fletcher Moore was born on 5 August 1898.

He was the son of Edwin (a Brewer) and Eliza May Moore (the daughter of the late Henry Butler, brewer) of Wyvern Grange, Barker Road, Sutton Coldfield.

John attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1910 and 1914.

He enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment at the beginning of February 1917 and was attached to the Somerset Light Infantry Regiment in September 1917.

It is not clear if he joined the Gloucestershire Regiment or the Warwickshire Regiment in the first instance.

He was about to train for a commission at the time of his death.” 

(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School) 

WILFRED ENGLEBERT MOORE

Wilfred Englebert Moore was born in Sunderland. He enlisted with the South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th Battalion – Captain

He died of wounds on 11 March 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 35 probably at a casualty clearing station

He was buried at the St Ouen Communal Cemetery, France, Plot C.8

St Ouen is a village and commune in the Dept. of the Somme with a railway station on the branch line from Longpre to Doullens.  The 3rd Casualty Clearing tation was posted here in April/May 1916 and the 39th Casualty Clearing Station from May to July 1916.

Wilfred Englebert Moore is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

He is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church, South Parade

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/157 page 30 and the 1915 Star Medal OFF/157 page 7

He entered France on 2 March 1915. It is not stated when he enlisted and his service records were not found.

Wilfred Englebert Moore was the son of Joseph and Sarah Moore of “The Sycamores”, Sutton Coldfield

“Captain Wilfred Englebert, 1/5th Battalion Staffs Regiment, died of wounds on 11 March 1916.

He was aged 35 and was the son of Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth Moore of Sutton Coldfield.

He was a native of Sunderland and had lived in Sutton Coldfield for twelve years.

He worked for the family firm, Messrs Cole and Moore, Trunk Manufacturers of Saltley.

He was due to be married to Miss McKewan of Digby Road, Sutton Coldfield.

He obtained his commission in 1907 with the South Staffordshire Regiment (Territorial Reserves).

He was promoted to Captain in April 1914 and was sent to the front in France on 2 March 1915.

He was accidentally killed by a bomb exploding in a man’s hands, which killed or wounded 4 officers and 9 men. He was wounded in the chest which caused an abscess to form in his lung. This led to bronchial pneumonia.”

(Sutton Coldfield News March 1915)

1911 census “The Sycamores”, Sutton Coldfield

Joseph Moore                         M         66        Private Means                                     b Sunderland

Sarah Elizabeth Moore           M         64        Married 34 years, 5 children 1 died    b London

Wilfred Englebert Moore         U         30        Metal Track Manufacturer                  b Sunderland

Ella Mary Moore                     U         26                                                                    b Sunderland

Ann Hunter                              W         55        Guest- Private means                         b Sunderland

In 1881 the family lived at 6 Claremont Terrace in Sunderland. Joseph Moore was a draper/ employer and in 1891 the family lived at High Street, Barton on Humber where Joseph ran a Grocery shop.

Probate

Captain Wilfred Englebert Moore of “The Sycamores”, Sutton Coldfield died 11 March 1916 in France/Belgium

Administration was granted in Birmingham on 30 May 1916 to William Raymond Moore, gentleman (his brother who was born in 1887)

Effects: £2,052.14.5d. 

HARRY MORRELL 

Harry Morrell was born at Canwell, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1st Battalion- Private 8950

He was killed in action on 12 October 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 20

“At 2.05 pm the 1st Battalion RWR advanced nearly 500 yards and dug in south of Hazy Trench about 1000 yards east of Lesboeufs. In the evening an enemy counter was repelled.

The new trench was called Antelope Trench. The temperature was 61 F and it was dull but dry.” (SDBD)

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier & Face 9A, 9B and 10B

Harry Morrell worshipped at St James Church, Hill. He is commemorated on their Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose, St James Church)

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L.104B23 page 4979 and the 1915 Star Medal L/IB 357

He entered the Balkans on 13 July 1915 and then served in France.

Harry Morrell was the son of Henry and Catherine Morrell of “The Post Office”, Canwell

1911 census “Post Office”, Canwell, Sutton Coldfield

Henry Morrell                          M         52        Milk Deliverer                                      b Draycott, Derby

Catherine Morrell                    M         52        Married 26 years – 5 children             b Worthan, Shropshire

Nellie Morrell                           U         24        Post Mistress                                      b Hopwas, Tamworth

Bessie Morrell                                     16        Post Office Assistant                          b Weeford

Harry Morrell                                       15        Assistant Gardener                             b Weeford

Margarate Morrell                               14        School                                                 b Weeford

PERCY JOHN MORRIS 

Percy John Morris was born in Aston. He enlisted in Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th Battalion – Lance Corporal 256

He was killed in action on 4 June 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 22

He was buried at the Faubourg D-Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot I.D.4

Army Medal Roll

He was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/ 104 B24 page 4994 and the 1915 Star Medal

Star L/IB page 357

He entered France on 21 November 1915

Percy John Morris is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)

He is also commemorated on the King Edwards Grammar School, Aston Roll of Honour (Sylvia Williams)

Percy John Morris was the son of Vincent H Morris of “The Oaks”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

“He was educated at King Edwards School, Aston.

After school he joined the staff of Goodwin & Co (Export Merchants), Lionel Street in Birmingham.

His superior officer said of him that he was a most energetic N.C.O especially at sniping. He was a wonderful shot.”

(Sutton Coldfield News 1.7.1916)

1911 “The Oaks”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield

Vincent Henry Morris              M         50        Colliery Agent                                      b Kingswinford

Emily Gertrude Morris            M         52        Married 28 years, 6 children, all alive b Birmingham 

Harold Vincent Morris             U         26        Jewellery Factory Hand                     b Aston Manor

Sydney Solomon Morris         U         25        Electrician                                           b Aston Manor

Alfred Victor Morris                 U         23        Litho Designer                                     b Aston Manor

Caroline Emily May Morris     U         21                                                                     b Handsworth

Percy John Morris                              17        Foreign Merchant (export)                  b Aston Manor

Dorothy Gertrude Morris                    13        School                                                 b Aston Manor 

ALFRED MUTLOW 

Alfred Mutlow was born in Knowle, Warwickshire. He enlisted at Burton on Trent with the North Staffordshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion – Private 241299

He was killed in action 1 July 1916 (France & Flanders)

“He was killed during an attack on Gommecourt on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.” (FDOS)

“The 1/6th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment attacked to the north of Gommecourt at 7.20am.

A smoke screen was released but at first it was so thick that many men lost their way.

Moreover, no man’s land was cut up and muddy and the wire was intact or repaired.

They were met at the wire by hand grenades and fierce rifle fire. A few managed to reach the German front-line trench but were soon driven out.

Behind them the second and third waves were caught in a fierce barrage and machine gun cross-fire.” (SDBD)

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

Alfred Mutlow 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 F/104 B21 page 2569

Alfred Mutlow was the son of Mrs Julia Mutlow of 1 Yew Tree Road (off Sheffield Road) and George Mutlow

1911 census 15/185 Park Lane, Aston

Margaret Sweeny                   U         40        Button sorter                                       b Birmingham

Beatrice Gosling                                 15        Press worker                                       b Birmingham

George Mutlow                       M         37        Gardener                                             b Birmingham

Julia Mutlow                            M         37        Sister 13 years 4 children 1 died        b Birmingham

Eric Mutlow                                           9        Nephew                                               b Birth not stated

Alfred Mutlow                                      15        Nephew                                               b Birth not stated

The family were not found on the 1901 or 1891 censuses.

It is not known if George Mutlow had died by 1916 but his death registration was not found.

Alfred Mutlow was the great uncle of Suzanne Lord (Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)