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