Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project
2104
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STANLEY FRANCIS SALMON
Stanley Francis Salmon was born at Kingston on Thames, Surrey. He joined
the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, probably in Birmingham as Corporal 488.
He then gained a commission on 19 July 1917 with the Welsh Regiment 9th
Battalion – Second Lieutenant (TP)
Stanley Salmon was killed in action on 19 July 1917 (France & Flanders)
aged 31
He
was buried at the Voormeze Enclosure Cemetery, No 3. Ypres, Plot XVI.C24
Stanley F Salmon 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 Welsh R OFF/138 page 113 and
the 1915 Star Medal L/6 B page 445
He
entered France on 21 November 1915 and gained his commission on 19 July
1917.
Stanley Francis Salmon was the son of David and Mary Salmon of Swansea.
He was the husband of Margaret Lucy Salmon of “Byfleet”, Maney, Sutton
Coldfield.
1911
census 31 Stanmore Road, Edgbaston
Stanley Salmon
U 25
Assistant school master
b Kingston on Thames
1911
census “Training College”, Swansea
David
Salmon
M
59
Principle of college
b Newport, Monmouth
Mary
Salmon
M
59
Married 34 years – 5 children
b Islington, London
Mary
was the Matron of the college.
1901
census “College at Llandingat”, Carmarthenshire
Stanley Salmon
15
Student
b Kingston on Thames
1891
census Kings Road, Kingston on Thames
David
Salmon
M
39
School master
b Newport
Mary
Salmon
M
39
Matron
b Islington
Amelia Salmon
13
b London
Mary
Salmon
11
b London
David
Salmon
10
b London
Dorothy Salmon
8
b London
Stanley Salmon
5
b Surrey
So
far, a marriage for Stanley Salmon to Margaret Lucy has not been found.
ALFRED SALT
Alfred Salt was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal
Warwickshire Regiment – Private 16680
Alfred Salt was killed in action on 3 September 1916 (France & Flanders)
aged 26
“He
was killed in the Battle of Guillemont, Somme.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme
Alfred Salt is also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, (non-
parochial) Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
Alfred Salt (listed as Edward) was awarded the Victory and British
Medals L/104 B29 page 6166
No
further military records were found online.
Alfred Salt was the son of the late Joseph Salt and Sarah Dyde (formerly
Salt) and the husband of Mary Jane Salt of “The Clunes”, Wentworth Road,
Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.
The
marriage of Alfred Salt and Mary J Baugh was registered June 1916
Tamworth 6b 714
They
were married in March 1916, just before Alfred went off to the Somme
(Maureen Crowley)
Alfred and Mary Salt did not have any children (Maureen Crowley).
1911
census 49 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield
Charles Dyde
M
40
Corporation lamp lighter
b Whitchurch, Warks
Sarah
Dyde
M
52
Married 8 years, 1 child
b Perry Barr, Staffs
Alfred Salt
U
21
Stepson Gardener
b Sutton Coldfield
George Salt
U
19
Stepson
Chemist’s shop porter b Sutton Coldfield
Lizzie Salt
16
Stepdaughter
Laundry hand
b Sutton Coldfield
Willie Shorland
10
Grandson
b Wales
Edward Moore
U
17
Lodger
Bricklayer’s assistant
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census 49 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield
Sarah
Salt
W
41
Laundress
b Perry Barr
Joseph Salt
U
19
Corporation horse groom
b Sutton Coldfield
Bertie Salt
U
17
Horse driver
b Sutton Coldfield
Jane
Salt
13
b Sutton Coldfield
Alfred Salt
11
b Sutton Coldfield
George Salt
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Florrie Salt
6
b Sutton Coldfield
Kate
Salt
4
b Sutton Coldfield
Charles W Dyde
U 39
Boarder – Corporation labourer
b Warwickshire
1891
census Birmingham Road, Maney, Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Salt
M
34
Farm servant
b Walmley
Sarah
Salt
M
33
b Perry Barr
Sarah
Salt
10
b New Oscott
Joseph Salt
9
b New Oscott
Bertie Salt
8
b New Oscott
Jane
Salt
3
b New Oscott
Alfred Salt
1
b Maney
Charles Dyde
U
18
Boarder - Farm servant
b Warwickshire
Mary
and Albert Salt in 1916
Maureen Crowley
Maureen Crowley was the daughter of Lizzie Salt.
Maureen kindly shared the photograph of Mary and Albert that was taken
in 1916.
Maureen confirms that the couple did not have any children and that Mary
did not remarry after Albert died.
Maureen can add no further information about the Salt family other than
the fact that Willie Shorland, who is seen on the 1911 census above,
went on to serve in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment between 1919 and
1931.
GEORGE GOODWIN SALT
George Goodwin Salt was the older brother of John Salt – see the next
entry
George Goodwin Salt was born in 1893 at Moseley. He enlisted at Sutton
Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th
Battalion– Private and then Lance Corporal 1271
He
was killed in action on 3 September 1916 aged 23
“He
died during the Battle of Guillemont, Somme.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B29 page 6167 and the
1915 Star Medal L/6 B page 445
He
entered France on 21 November 1915.
George Goodwin Salt was the eldest son of G D & Sarah Salt of Reddicap
Hill, Sutton Coldfield
“He
was educated at Town School. He was the brother of J Salt who also is
serving as a soldier.
He
was employed as a gardener, having learnt his trade at Moor Hall.
He
enlisted at Sutton Coldfield on 29 May 1915.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 21.10.1916)
George Dickenson Salt committed suicide on 23 January 1919.
(Sutton Coldfield News 1.2.1919)
1911
census, “Hillside”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Working for Leah Compton, widow, 44 from Oxford
George Salt
U
18
Domestic gardener
b Birmingham
1911
census “Lilly’s Cottage”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
George Dickenson Salt
M
45
Railway Signalman
b Aston
Sarah
Salt
M
41
b Colveston, Notts
Beatrice Hind Salt
U
19
b Hucknall Torkard
John
Salt
U
15
b Minworth
Mabel
Ethel Salt
13
b Minworth
Florence Maud Salt
11
b Minworth
Gladys Margery Salt
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Percival Salt
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Harold Salt
5
b Sutton Coldfield
Cyril
Salt
4
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Lilly’s Cottage”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
George D Salt
M
34
Railway Signalman
b Aston
Sarah
Salt
M
31
b Colveston, Notts
Beatrice Salt
9
b Hucknall Torkard
George G Salt
8
b Birmingham
Charles E Salt
6
b Minworth
John
Salt
5
b Minworth
Mabel
Salt
3
b Minworth
Florence Salt
1
b Minworth
JOHN
SALT
John
Salt was the brother of George Goodwin Salt – see the previous entry
John
Salt was born at Minworth. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield on 24 August
1914 with the Kings Royal Rifles - Private 1971
John
Salt died of wounds on 25 October 1921 in hospital in Birmingham after
being sick for over a year.
There
were numerous military hospitals set up in Birmingham including those at
Birmingham University, Dudley Road Infirmary and various other sites at
schools or large houses.
By
May 1917, some 8827 military beds were available in Birmingham.
It is
not yet known which hospital looked after John Salt.
His
death was registered December 1921 Kings Norton 6d 19 – age 25
It is
not known where he was buried.
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101 B3 page 387 and the
1915 Star Medal M/2B page 75
He
entered France on 21 May 1915. His service record was not found online.
“John
Salt was the son of the late George Dickenson Salt and Sarah Salt
He
was wounded on the front on 25 June 1915.
It
appears that a shell exploded causing a severe head wound, blindness in
his left eye, deafness in his left ear and a badly injured right hand.
He had forty different wounds.
He
was in a hospital for a year.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 21.10.1916)
“George Dickenson Salt committed suicide on 23 January 1919.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 1.2.1919)
The
death of George D Salt was registered March 1919 Tamworth 6b 789 aged 52
1911
census “Lilly’s Cottage”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
George Dickenson Salt
M
45
Railway Signalman
b Aston
Sarah
Salt
M
41
b Colveston, Notts
Beatrice Hind Salt
U
19
b Hucknall Torkard
John
Salt
U
15
b Minworth
Mabel
Ethel Salt
13
b Minworth
Florence Maud Salt
11
b Minworth
Gladys Margery Salt
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Percival Salt
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Harold Salt
5
b Sutton Coldfield
Cyril
Salt
4
b Sutton Coldfield
Hucknall Torkard is in Nottinghamshire.
1901
census “Lilly’s Cottage”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
George D Salt
M
34
Railway Signalman
b Aston
Sarah
Salt
M
31
b Colveston, Notts
Beatrice Salt
9
b Hucknall Torkard,
George G Salt
8
b Birmingham
Charles E Salt
6
b Minworth
John
Salt
5
b Minworth
Mabel
Salt
3
b Minworth
Florence Salt
1
b Minworth
WALTER BLADEN SAMPSON
Walter Bladen Sampson was born in Sutton Coldfield. He had been a Colour
Sergeant at Birmingham University with the OTC. He enlisted at the
outbreak of war and gained a commission with the Special Reserve of
Officers on 17 August 1914.
He
became a full Lieutenant on 19 November 1915, a temporary Captain and
then a full Captain in May 1916 - Captain (TP) in the Rifle Brigade 13th
Battalion (The Prince Consort’s Own) – his number was not found.
He
was killed in action on 10 July 1916 aged 25.
He
was buried at the Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers La Boisselle Plot
III. J. 28
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)
His
parents presented the church with a stained glass window and a brass
plaque in his honour. The plaque is beside the window.
Brass
Plaque at St Peter’s Church, Maney
(Photograph by Pat Gumbley)
A
memorial service was held in his honour at St Peter’s Church, Maney,
Sutton Coldfield
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded Victory Medal and British Medal – OFF / 51 page 38 and the
1915 Star Medal OFF/116 page 1
Walter Bladen Sampson was the son of Frederick and Louisa Sampson.
“He
was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield.
He
worked in the ‘Jewellery Quarter’ in Birmingham for Allison Chains Ltd.
He
was a member of Sutton Coldfield Swimming Club.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 22 July 1916)
1911
census “Ferndale”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Sampson
M
55
Corn merchant – employer
b Handsworth
Louisa Sampson
M 54
Married 26 years, 10 children 5 died
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Harold Sampson
U 25
Clerk at Bullion dealer
b Sutton Coldfield
Walter Bladen Sampson
U 20
Insurance Co. clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
Margery Sampson
15
b Sutton Coldfield
Mary
Jane Browne
U
29
Cook
b Madeley, Salop
Justina Walker
U 18
House maid
b Barking, London
1901
census “Ferndale”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Sampson
M
45
Grain merchant – employer
b Handsworth
Louisa Sampson
M 44
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick H Sampson
15
b Sutton Coldfield
Herbert H Sampson
14
b Sutton Coldfield
Walter B Sampson
10
b Sutton Coldfield
Margery Sampson
5
b Sutton Coldfield
Unreadable Sampson
3
b Sutton Coldfield
Louisa Showell
U 27
Cook
b Walmley
Alice
Hobbes
14
House maid
b Coleshill
Baptism
Walter Bladen Sampson was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton
Coldfield on 16 November 1890.
The
home address was Avenue Road, Sutton Coldfield and his father was a corn
merchant.
Probate
Walter Bladen Sampson of “Ferndale”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield, a
temporary Captain in HM Army died 10 July 1916 in France in action.
Administration at Birmingham 21 September 1917 to Frederick Harold
Sampson a Lieutenant in HM Army
Effects: £2002.12s 7d
Frederick Harold Sampson
The
only military record for Frederick Harold Sampson was found on the Army
Medal Rolls Index.
Frederick H Sampson served as Private 17566 with the 14th
Hussars.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals CY/121 B p2003
Frederick Sampson appears to have survived the war.
He
lived at “The Hill”, College Road, Sutton Coldfield in 1921 and at “The
Clunes”, Wentworth Road, Sutton Coldfield between 1928 and 1948
(Electoral Rolls).
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Captain Walter Bladen Sampson
13th
Battalion Rifle Brigade
Died:
Monday 10th July 1916
Aged:
25
The
Germans had abandoned the village of La Boisselle on 1 July and set up
their new line in front of Contalmaison, through Mametz Wood and Trones
Wood. The failure of the British to follow up the success here on the 1
July had allowed the Germans to reinforce this southern flank.
At
10pm on 9 July 1916 the 13th Rifle Brigade (111 Brigade, 37th
Division) moved up to La Boiselle to attack this new line, relieving the
8th South Staffordshire Battalion. The dead of the Tyneside
Scottish (who had attacked on the 1 July) lay all around, many with
bolt-covers on their rifles.
The
night of 9 /10 July 1916 was wet and the trenches ran with
mud, but next morning the land steamed under the hot sun. Between 3.30am
and 7.30am the Battalion was subject to heavy shelling.
At
8.45am ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies of the 13th Rifles led the attack followed
by ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies at a distance of 130 yards. The 25th Division
was due to attack on the left and 23rd Division on the right, with a
heavy barrage to support them.
A
runner from the 10th Royal Fusiliers arrived to deliver a
message cancelling the attack. However, the Battalion had already
covered 200 yards to reach the enemy’s third line.
They
inflicted heavy casualties amongst the Germans and captured over 200
prisoners. Without support from artillery and flanking divisions they
had many casualties, but they had still succeeded in taking their
objectives.
The
belated cancellation order finally reached the troops, but as they lay
in holes and trenches for evening and the long crawl back, the British
artillery started to bombard their position. Their presence had been
mistaken for massing German troops; the slaughter was terrible.
Corporal Horace Smith MM - 13th Rifle Brigade, remembers seeing all four
Company Commanders conferring in a shell-hole, after the order to retire
had reached them, when an explosion wiped them out. The Commanding
Officer, Adjutant and over 400 men were casualties. Captain Sampson was
amongst them.
The
remains of the Battalion withdrew to the original German second line
(just beyond the Lochnagar Crater); they had 10 officers and 380 other
ranks killed and many wounded.
Walter Sampson is buried in
Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boisselle Plot III,
Row J, Grave 28.
Walter Bladen Sampson
Walter B Sampson was commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King
Edwards Square and St Peter’s Church, Maney.
“Walter B Sampson was born on 19 October 1890. He was the son of
Frederick Harold (chain manufacturer) and Louisa Sampson of Ferndale,
Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Walter attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1899 and 1907. He
was a keen athlete and footballer, being awarded Victores Ludorum in
1902.
He
continued to win the trophy in the Old Boys’ Race every year until 1915,
when his long record of success was broken.
Walter was one of the founder members of the Vesey’s Old Boys’
Club started by Mr. H Jerrard (Head teacher) just before the war.
He
was also a member of Sutton Swimming Club, winning several prizes at the
annual sports at Blackroot Pool.
Upon
leaving school he was employed by the Royal Insurance Company, but left
for business in the firm of Allison Chains Ltd. in the Jewellery
district.
At
the outbreak of war he was captain of the Heathercourt Football Club and
of the team that played in 1913 - 14 all but one went into war service.
He
was also a Colours-Sergeant in the Birmingham University O.T.C., with
which he had been connected for six years, during which he declined an
offer of a commission.
Upon
enlisting in the army Walter received a commission on 17 August 1914 in
the Special Reserve of Officers.
He
was made full Lieutenant on 19th January 1915, on his
appointment as aide-de-camp to General Hutton and held the same office
in the Head Quarters Staff under General Forester Walker.
In
July 1915 he went to the Front and fought in the Battle of Loos
(September 1915) and remained in the trenches for most of the year
before his death.
He
was gazetted Temporary Captain on 1st February 1916 and
Captain in May 1916.
He
was mentioned in dispatches on June 30 1916, which prompted the Major
-General in charge of the 37th Division to write to him:
“Your
Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have
distinguished yourself by your conduct in the field. I have read their
report with much pleasure.”
It
was noted after his death that “his military career was one of much
promise, and by his death a capable officer has been lost.”
His
body was found, brought in and buried after the Armistice.
He
left £2002.12s 7d in his Will to his father, Fredrick Harold Sampson.
Walter had three brothers who served in the war.
Captain Herbert Henry Sampson FRCS MC was an Old Veseyan who served with
the Royal Army Medical Corps and survived the war.
Second Lieutenant Frederick Harold Sampson (Old Veseyan) was a Corporal
in the Inns of Court O.T.C. based in London. They were an important
officer-training organization. Fred was later commissioned as Second
Lieutenant and survived the war.
His
brother Frank Sampson was an army cadet.
He
also had a sister Marjory.
A
Miss D G Everitt of Herne Bay, Kent wrote to the War Office on 27 July
1916 inquiring after Walter when two of her letters to him went
unanswered. They replied informing her that he had been killed in
action.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
HAROLD ERNEST SANBY
Harold Ernest Sanby was the brother of William Worthington Sanby – see
the next entry
Harold Ernest Sanby was born in Newcastle upon Tyne. He enlisted on 28
August 1914 in Manchester with the Rifle Brigade 9th
Battalion (Prince Consort’s Own) – Sergeant B/1626
He
was killed in action on 9 August 1915 (France & Flanders)
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate
He is
also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/102 B/8 page 1166
Army
Service Record
Harold Ernest Sanby enlisted in Manchester when he was 29 years old.
He
was single and worked as a buyer.
He
has previously served with the Worcestershire Yeomanry Reserve.
He
was sent to Winchester on 29 August 1914 and posted on 1 September 1914.
He
was promoted to acting corporal on 6 April 1915 and to corporal on 6
July 1915.
He
was promoted to sergeant on 6 August 1915 three days before he was
killed.
His
next of kin were Arthur Hill Sanby, father; Ellen Sanby, mother of “The
Gables”, Stratford on Avon; Arthur Auberge Sanby, brother 31 of “The
Gables”, Stratford on Avon; Leslie Ockleston Sanby, brother 28 of “Glen
Gowan”, Willow Avenue, Edgbaston; Gertrude Sanby sister 40 of “The
Gables”; Maud Sanby sister 39 of “Hill Crest”, Field Avenue, Stratford
on Avon and Mrs Duncan Mathieson, sister 29 of “The Gables”.
His
possessions – fountain pen, disc, photos, letter, metal watch and a coin
were sent to his mother at ‘The Gables’ on 21 June 1920.
Harold Ernest Sanby was the son of Mr and Mrs A H Sanby of “Wellfield”,
Sutton Coldfield and the brother of William Worthington Sanby
“He
gave up a good position with a Manchester firm (T H Rigby) to enlist as
a private with a number of his friends.
He
had repeatedly refused a commission.
Whilst in the trenches, the senior sergeant was wounded and Sanby was
placed in charge of the platoon.
Whilst engaged in leading an attack in which the Germans used burning
liquid.
He
was struck on the head by a piece of shell and expired soon after.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 21.8.1915
1911
census 23 Brundrells Road, Chorlton, South Manchester
Annie
Johnson
U 44
Householder
b Bridlington, Yorks
Harrold Ernest Sanby
U 26
Boarder – Waterproof goods buyer
b Newcastle on Tyne
1911
census “Hazelwell Hall”, Kings Heath, Birmingham
Arthur Hill Sanby
M
56
Commercial traveller, cotton manu.
b Manchester
Ellen
Sanby
M
55
Married 33 years, 9 children 1 died
b Manchester
Helen
Sanby
U
21
b Manchester
Leslie O Sanby
U 20
Commercial traveller – sauce maker
b Manchester
William W Sanby
15
b Birmingham
Eleanor Leatham
U
29
Cook
b Dudley
Eveline Moseley
U
18
Housemaid
b Rotherham
1901
census
The
only member of the family that was found was Leslie O Sanby.
He
was at Bourne College, Quinton. He was aged 10 and was a scholar. He was
born in Manchester.
1891
census “Riversdale”, Blackfield Lane, Broughton, Manchester
James
Sanby
M
66
Fine art dealer
b Sutton St Mary, Lanc
Hannah Sanby
M 60
b Gedway, Lancs
Herbert Sanby
U
36
Cashier
b Broughton
Harold E Sanby
7
Grandson
b Newcastle
Helen
Sanby
2
Grand -daughter
b Chorlton cum Hardy
Probate
Harold Ernest Sanby of Brundrells Road, Chorlton cum Hardy died on 9
August 1915 in Flanders killed in action.
Administration was granted in London on 3 March 1916 to Thomas Wilson
cigar maker
Effects: £736 11s 10d
Leslie O Sanby
Leslie O Sanby joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in August 1914 –
Private 15/813
He
was discharged on medical grounds on 24 November 1914
WILLIAM WORTHINGTON SANBY
William Worthington Sanby was the brother of Harold Ernest Sanby – see
the previous entry
William Worthington Sanby was born in Birmingham. He enlisted with the
City Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment on its formation in August
1914 – Lance Corporal 764. He gained a commission on 16 April 1915 with
the Northumberland Fusiliers 20th Battalion (1st
Tyneside Scottish) – Second Lieutenant
“He
was killed in action 1 on July 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 21 whilst
attacking La Boisselle on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.”
(FDOS)
“A
sap mine was exploded at 7.28.am and the 20th battalion
Northumberland Fusiliers attacked down Mash Valley across 800 yards of
no man’s land.
The
attack was cut down by machine gun fire. A few isolated parties made the
front line but were all killed. The total battalion losses for the day
were 584 officers and men.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
William W Sanby is also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
He is
commemorated on the King Edwards Grammar School Roll of Honour (Alison
Wheatley)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals NF/OFF 112 page 241
His
service record was not found online
“William Worthington Sanby was the son of Arthur and Ellen Sanby of “The
Gables”, Stratford upon Avon and previously of Hartopp Road, Sutton
Coldfield.
His
brother Harold Ernest also fell during the war.
He
was educated at King Edwards Grammar School, New Street, Birmingham.
He
joined the 1st City Battalion on its formation and was
granted a commission in the Northumberland Fusiliers in spring 1915. He
went to France in January 1916.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 16.7.1916)
1911
census “Hazelwell Hall”, Kings Heath, near Birmingham
Arthur Hill Sanby
M
56
Commercial traveller – cotton manu.
b Manchester
Ellen
Sanby
M
55
Married 33 years, 9 children 1 died
b Manchester
Helen
Sanby
U
21
b Manchester
Leslie O Sanby
U 20
Commercial traveller – sauce maker
b Manchester
William W Sanby
15
b Birmingham
Eleanor Leatham
U
29
Cook
b Dudley
Eveline Moseley
U
18
Housemaid
b Rotherham
Probate
William Worthington Sanby of “Wellfield”, Hartopp Road, Sutton
Coldfield, Second Lieutenant 20th Battalion Northumberland
Fusiliers died on 1 July 1916 in France.
Administration was granted in Birmingham on 29 December 1916 to Arthur
Hill Sanby, commission agent
Effects: £37 9s 6d
WALTER SCOTT
Walter Scott was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in Birmingham
with the 3rd City Battalion in 1914 (WML)
and transferred to the
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 16th
Battalion – Private 448
He
was killed in action on 27 July 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 23
“The
16th Battalion RWR was involved in action at Delville Wood on
27 July. The temperature was 81 F and it was hazy but becoming clearer
in the afternoon. There was 8 mm of rain.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
He is
also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour
(Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B29 page 6236 and the
1915 Star Medal L/6B page 450
He
entered France on 21 November 1915.
His
service records were not found.
“Walter Scott was the son of Herbert and Clara Scott of “Alderwin
Place”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.
He
attended Green Lanes School and was a member of St Michaels Football
Club.
He
was also a member of St Michael’s Church Bible Class.
Before the war he was employed as a piano tuner and repairer for Messrs
Shaw & Bland, Lozells Road in Birmingham.
He
was attached to the Machine Gun section and went to the front in
November 1915. He was killed instantaneously by shrapnel.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 26.8.1916)
“In
loving memory of Walter, the only son of Mr and Mrs Scott who was killed
in action 27 July 1916. Greatly missed.”
(In
Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 26.7.1919)
1911
census “Alderwin Place”, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
Herbert Scott
M
46
Gardener
b Wrenbury, Cheshire
Clara
Scott
M
47
Married 19 years – 1 child
b Sutton Coldfield
Walter Scott
U
18
Piano tuner
b Sutton Coldfield
WALTER JOHN SEATON
Walter John Seaton was born at Kings Lynn, Norfolk. He enlisted at
Sutton Coldfield when he was called up on 13 June 1916 with the Essex
Regiment 66th (Provisional) and later with the 5th
Battalion – Private 5118
He
died 17 on August 1916 aged 37
He
probably died at one of four military hospitals in Ipswich from blood
poisoning following an injection.
The
death of Walter John Seaton was registered September 1916 Ipswich 4a 597
aged 37
He
was buried at St Michaels Church, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield Plot 214
He is
commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour
(Graham Jennings)
The
Army Medal Card and Service Record
These
were not found.
Walter John Seaton was the son of Henry and Mary Seaton of Kings Lynn
and the husband of Eliza Seaton of 262 Highbridge Road, Wylde Green,
Sutton Coldfield.
The
marriage of Walter John Seaton and Eliza James was registered June 1900
Aston 6d 44
“He
was married and had two daughters. He was employed as a button burnisher
at Buttons Ltd, Portland Street in Aston.
He
was a campanologist at St Michaels Church in Boldmere.
He
was called up on 13 June 1916. He died of blood poisoning following an
injection.
A
muffled peal of bells was rung in his memory at the church.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 26.8.1916)
1911
census “Linden Villa”, Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield
Walter Seaton
M
32
Button burnisher
b Kings Lynn
Eliza
Seaton
M
32
Married 11 years – 2 children
b Heath Town, Staffs
Eliza
Seaton
10
b Aston
Frances Seaton
8
b Aston
1901
census Alfred Street, Aston
Walter Seaton
M
22
Button burnisher
b Kings Lynn
Eliza
Seaton
M
22
b Wolverhampton
Eliza
Seaton
3 months old
b Aston
1891
census – not found
1881
census High Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Henry
Seaton
M
46
Master tailor – employs 10 men
b Chelmsford, Essex
Mary
Seaton
M
41
b Stourbridge
Henry
Seaton
14
Tailor’s apprentice
b Ross, Herefordshire
Edith
Seaton
9
b Ross
Fitzgerald Seaton
8
b Ross
Alice
Seaton
6
b St Neots, Huntingdon
Lucy
Seaton
5
b Birmingham
Walter Seaton
2
b Kings Lynn
Claude Seaton
8 months old
b Kings Lyn
HERBERT REGINALD SEELEY
Herbert Reginald Seeley is the correct name on the printed list for the
memorial stone mason and the Roll of Honour for the unveiling of the
memorial in 1922 (Sutton Coldfield Library).
His
name is typed in full on the list.
It is
not clear who Herbert Reginald Seeley is at this time and no one of that
name has been linked to Sutton Coldfield. Various spellings of the name
were researched, to no avail.
There
was Herbert Seeley who served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment-
Private 40573 then the Royal Irish Rifles – Private 16/52705.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals B/104 B22 page 3792
This
Herbert Seeley has not been linked to Sutton Coldfield.
There
was Frederick Herbert Seeley (Sealey) who was born at Alvechurch. He
lived at Sutton Coldfield at the time he was serving in the army.
He
enlisted with the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment – Private
251733
He
died on 2 November 1917 at Palestine.
He
was 32 and the husband of Gertrude Seeley of Newton Regis, Tamworth. He
was commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial.
1911
census 27 School Lane, Kenilworth
Frederick Herbert Sealey
M
25
Gardener
b Alvechurch
Gertrude Sealey
M
30
Married 2 years – 1 child
b Hixon, Staffs
Winifred Jean Sealey
1
b Chiddington, Kent
On
the 1914/1915 Electoral Roll, Frederick Herbert Seeley was living at 67
Park Road, Sutton Coldfield.
This
was the only Herbert Seeley found on the 1911 census with a local
connection
1911
census 16 Dugdale Street, Ladywood, Birmingham
William Seeley
M 38
General labourer
b Smethwick
Jane
Seeley
M
38
b Birmingham
Matilda Seeley
16
b Birmingham
Herbert Seeley
12
b Birmingham
Samuel Seeley
11
b Smethwick
Nellie Seeley
8
b Smethwick
Albert Seeley
7
b Smethwick
Lizzie Seeley
6
b Smethwick
William Seeley
4
b Smethwick
There
is no obvious link for this Herbert Seeley to Sutton Coldfield at this
time.
Herbert Reginald Seeley could have moved to district between 1911 and
the end of the war.
Nothing further can be added about Herbert Seeley at this time.
CHARLES JOHN SHEARS
Charles John Shears was born at Hodstone, Leicestershire. He enlisted on
7 September 1914 at Birmingham with the Dorsetshire Regiment 6th
Battalion – Private 11870
He
spent time with the Royal Engineers and then transferred back to the
Dorsetshire Regiment.
He
died on 24 July 1918 at Union House, Bueruase (sic) Germany whilst he
was a prisoner of war. He had influenza and pneumonia. (CWGC Cemetery
History and Army Records)
He
was buried at the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany, Plot XV.A.29
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals C/2/101 B12 page 768 and the
1915 Star Medal C/2/2/B2 page 97
He
entered France on 13 July 1915.
Army
Service Record
These
are very hard to make out in parts. He lived at Walmley Ash, Minworth
when he signed up on 7 September 1914. He was single and worked as a
railway navvy.
He
was 5’ 7” tall, weighed 139 pounds and had a chest measurement of 37”.
He
was at Warwick between 7 September 1914 and 18 September 1914. He then
went to Dorchester until the 21 September 1914 then to Wareham.
He
was transferred to the Royal Engineers as a third rate railway engineer
on 27 September 1916. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 4 October
1916.
He
went back to the Dorset Regiment on 15 September 1917. He was reported
missing on 21 November 1917 but this was rescinded as a mistake.
He
was captured at Hermies by the Germans on 22 March 1918 and taken to a
prisoner of war camp in Germany.
His
death was posted at 10.30pm on 28 July 1918 on the official German list
and he died from influenza and pneumonia. The death certificate stated
he was 26 and his father was William Henry Shears, a farm labourer of
Moor End Farm in Erdington.
On 10
December 1921 the army were trying to find his next of kin and his
mother was tracked down as living at Hut 28, Minworth Aerodrome. The
Chief Constable of Birmingham was trying to find her on behalf of the
army to give her a letter. The letter is annotated ‘dead’.
“Charles John Shears was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Shears of “Moor
End Farm”, Moor End Lane, Erdington.
He
enlisted in September 1914.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 18.5.1918)
1911
census Curdworth Village (near Sutton Coldfield)
William Henry Shears
M
40
Labourer at sewage farm
b Middleton
Emily
Kate Shears
M
42
Married 20 years, 7 children 2 died
b Northampton
Charles John Shears
U
19
Labourer – railway
b Leicestershire
Jane
Elizabeth Shears
17
b Leicestershire
Thomas Henry Shears
13
b Wilnecote
William Alfred Shears
7
b Curdworth
Ethel
Margaret Shears
1
b Curdworth
German Prisoner of War Camps
Prisoners of War
There
were about 300,000 prisoners of war taken by the Germans. About one
third were sent to camps in Germany.
The
conditions were very poor and harsh despite being monitored by the Red
Cross.
In
June 1917 and July 1918 the Allies and the Germans exchanged hundreds of
prisoners who were deemed unable to fight again. They were exchanged in
the Netherlands.
Even
so, about 12,000 allied soldiers died in captivity from wounds, illness
or harsh treatment.
Many
were forced to work in labour camps.
In
1918 the influenza pandemic affected these weakened soldiers and many,
like Charles John Shears, succumbed to the effects of a severe viral
illness.
During the war, dead prisoners were buried all over Germany near where
they died in 180 burial grounds.
In
1922 it was agreed that all the men buried throughout Germany were
reburied in one of four new cemeteries including the Cologne Southern
Cemetery.
Most
of the reburials took place during 1923.
It is
likely that Charles John Shears was buried near where he died and
reburied at Cologne Southern Cemetery after 1922.
The
allies entered and captured Cologne on 6 December 1918.
(Source: Wikipedia)
HORACE EDGAR SHENTON
Horace Edgar Shenton was born at Hints near Tamworth. He enlisted in
Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th
Battalion – Lance Sergeant 799
He
died of wounds on 27 August 1917 at Chisleden Military Camp (France &
Flanders) aged 38
He
was buried at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot B.C. 33
He
was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour
(Matthew Rhodes)
Horace Edgar Shenton is commemorated on the Boer War Roll of Honour at
Holy Trinity Church
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B page 30 and the 1915
Star Medal L/6B page 457
He
entered France on 21 November 1915 and his medal card shows him as Lance
Corporal and Corporal.
“Horace Edgar Shenton was the youngest son of the late Isaac and Mrs
Mary Shenton of Sutton Coldfield.
He
died at Chisleden Military Camp.
He
was educated at New Hall College.
He
played cricket for Old Maney and Sutton Town Cricket Clubs.
Before the war he was employed in the Automotive Machine Trade. He
served eighteen months in the Boer War with the Worcestershire Yeomanry.
He
enlisted with the City Battalion on its formation in 1914. He was
wounded 31 August 1916 with shrapnel in his back.
He
was in a hospital in Leeds.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 7.10.1916)
“He
became the head of the Battalion Police prior to being wounded.
After
his operation to try to remove the shrapnel he was put on light duties.
His
shrapnel could not be removed after several operations and he died of
his wounds.
He
was given a full military funeral.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 1.9.1917 and 8.9.1917)
Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club Member
Horace Edgar Shenton last played in the 2nd XI on 4 July 1914
against Wolverhampton away.
He
batted at No 6 and scored 18 runs.
He
bowled 6 overs- 1 maiden, 1 wicket for 27 runs
(Peter Bell, Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club)
1911
census Manor Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Mary
Shenton
W
69
b Hill
Horace Edgar Shenton
U 33
Motor engineer
b Hints
1901
and 1891 censuses
The
family were not found
1881
census “The Home Farm”, Hints, Staffordshire
Isaac
Shenton
M
36
Farmer of 380 acres
b Staffs
Mary
Shenton
M
39
b Staffs
Ellen
Elizabeth Shenton
U 18
b Staffs
Ernest Arthur Shenton
7
b Staffs
Horace Edgar Shenton
2
b Staffs
Probate
Horace Edgar Shenton of Manor Hill, Sutton Coldfield died 27 August 1917
at Chiseldon whilst on active service.
Administration was granted at London on 3 May 1918 to Mary Shenton,
widow.
Effects £184 0s 3d
Probate
Ernest Arthur Shenton of Ash Villa, Maney, Sutton Coldfield died 17
October 1898
Administration London 24 July 1918 to Mary Shenton, widow.
Effects £130 12s 6d
THE BRITISH MEDAL AWARDED TO HORACE SHENTON
Courtesy of Pat Knight, medal enthusiast – with thanks
EDWARD SHINE
Distinguished Service Medal
Edward Shine enlisted on 15 July 1904 with the South Staffordshire
Regiment 2nd Battalion – Sergeant 6847. He briefly served
with the North Staffordshire Regiment (Medal Card) and gained a
commission with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and during the Great War
he served with the 15th Battalion – Second Lieutenant 23519
He
was killed in action on 20 October 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 30
He
was buried at the Viesly Communal Cemetery, Plot A1
He
was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (WML)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RWR OFF/150 page 112 and the
1914 Star Medal F/2/5 page 90
His
card is annotated that he was a Sergeant in the South Staffordshire
Regiment – 6849 and briefly with the North Staffordshire Regiment but no
service number is given.
He
then served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as a Second Lieutenant
23519.
He
entered France on 1 November 1914. His service records were not found.
His
medal card is states that C A Shine makes an application for the 1914
Star in respect of the services of her late husband E Shine. This was
dated 30 June 1919.
Edward Shine was the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Shine of
Middlesbrough and the husband of Charlotte A Shine of Sutton Coldfield.
The
marriage of Edward Shine and Charlotte Agnes Purcell- Ellery was
registered March 1913 Tamworth 6b 756
The
death of Charlotte Agnes Shine was registered March 1925 Tamworth 6b 574
aged 41
The
children of Edward and Charlotte Shine
The
birth of Norah C G Shine was registered September 1913 Lichfield 6b 949
The
birth of Edward J Shine was registered March 1915 Tamworth 6b 883
The
birth of Mary E Shine was registered September 1916 Tamworth 6b 777
Charlotte Agnes Purcell- Ellery
She
was the daughter of John Purcell and Jane Ellery. In 1891 the family
were living with Jane’s grandmother, Mary Ellery, a widow and inn keeper
at “The Cup Public House” in Sutton Coldfield.
Charlotte was 7 and born in Birmingham. Charlotte Shine lived at 208
Jockey Road Sutton Coldfield in 1918 (Electoral Roll)
“Edward Shine was serving with the 2nd Battalion, South
Staffordshire Regiment at the outbreak of war.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 13.2.1915)
“He
was wounded in the fleshy part of his left arm on 22 May 1915 and taken
to hospital in Bristol.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 29.5.1915)
“Edward Shine was an original member of the British Expeditionary Force
and fought at Mons and after seeing much action, he was wounded in the
right army at Villers-Cotterets.
He
received the Distinguished Service Medal for carrying a wounded comrade
for 800 yards whilst he was also wounded. This was thought to be the
first such medal awarded to a Sutton Coldfield man.
Once
recovered from his wounds he returned to France and was wounded again.
Whilst back home in Sutton Coldfield recovering from his wounds, he
attached himself to the City Battalion as a drill instructor.
He
saw much heavy fighting at Givenchy, Festubert, Richelbough and Neuve
Chappelle.
He
was granted a commission in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and returned
to France in May 1918.
He
was killed in the early morning of 20 October 1918 whilst leading a
company.
He
was hit with shrapnel and killed instantaneously.
He
was married with three children.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 2.11.1918)
1911
census “Whittington Barracks”, Staffordshire Regiment, near Lichfield,
Staffordshire
Edward Shine
U
23
Soldier
b Middlesborough
1901
census “Children’s Home”, Coleshill, Warwickshire
Edward Shine
14
Tailor
b Middlesborough
1891
census 4 Danby Place, Richmond Street, Huddleston, Middlesborough
Cornelius Shine
M
44
Iron worker – puddler
b Cork, Ireland
Lizzie Shine
M
36
b Bradford, Yorks
Cornelius Shine
8
b Middlesborough
George Shine
6
b Middlesborough
Edward Shine
4
b Middlesborough
John
Shine
1
b Middlesborough
Children’s Home in Coleshill
This
would most certainly have been the Father Hudson home for catholic boys.
Father Hudson was sent to Coleshill as a temporary priest but stayed
there for 35 years. A house was converted near the river Cole and a new
home was built in 1905 known as St Edward’s Home.
The
building of these homes was overseen by the Birmingham Diocesan Rescue
Society for the protection of Homeless and Friendless catholic children
which was formed in 1902.
Many
of these children were sent to Canada to work in service. Some went to
join the army – as would be the case for Edward Shine.
Quite
how he became an inmate at this Coleshill home for catholic boys is a
mystery.
HAROLD REGINALD SHORT
Harold Reginald Short was born in Handsworth. He enlisted in Birmingham
with the Scots Guards – Lance Corporal 8524
He
was killed in action on 11 November 1914 (France & Flanders) during the
first Battle of Ypres (DOAA)
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)
He
was a member of Sutton Coldfield YMCA and is commemorated on their Roll
of Honour (John Day YMCA)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals SG/104 B8 page 1076 and the
1914 Star Medal SG/1 page 233
He
entered France on 13 August 1914.
His
service records were not found online.
Harold Reginald Short was the son of the late James Short and Fanny
Carter, formerly Short
1911
census College Road, Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Carter
M
69
Die maker – employer
b Aston
Fanny
Elizabeth Carter
M
55
Not entered
b Birmingham
Charles Henry Carter
U
31
Die maker
b Aston
Joseph Walter Carter
U
23
Motor tester
b Handsworth
Ethel
Short
U
21
Step daughter
b Birmingham
Harold Short
15
Stepson Toolmaker
b Handsworth
Howard Short
12
b Handsworth
1901
census 10 Aston Terrace, Aston Lane
James
Short
M
61
Licenced victualler
b Birmingham
Fanny
E Short
M
46
b Birmingham
Charlotte Short
U
41
Daughter – barmaid
b Birmingham
Albert Short
U
25
Musician
b Birmingham
Ernest Short
U
20
Clerk for corporation
b Birmingham
Percival Short
U
18
Railway clerk
b Birmingham
Ethel
Short
11
b Birmingham
Harold Short
6
b Birmingham
Victor Short
3
b Birmingham
Howard Short
2
b Birmingham
JAMES
SHOWELL
James
Showell was born in Walmley. He enlisted in November 1914 in Birmingham
with the Royal Garrison Artillery X 48th T.M. Battery –
Gunner 53404
He
was killed in action on 26 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 29 – killed
by a shell (SDBD)
He
was buried at the Beaumetz Crossroads Cemetery near Cambrai, Plot D.13
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/123B page 2232 and the
1915 Star Medal RGA/1B7 page 576
He
entered France on 20 May 1915
Army
Service Record
He
enlisted at the age of 26 years 3 months from 77 Reddicap Heath, Sutton
Coldfield. He worked as a labourer.
He
was sent to Gosport on 18 November 1914. He went to Rouen on 20 May 1915
then on to the 25th Trench Battery on 28 May 1915.
He
next went to the 2nd army school on 14 August 1915 and the 3rd
army school on 17 August 1915.
He
was posted to 100 Trench Battery on 24 October 1915 then to the 45th
Trench Battery.
He
had leave in the UK between 13 December and 21 December 1915.
He
was posted to the 48th Trench Battery on 10 October 1916 and
was in hospital on 11 December 1916. He was at RGA in the Havre on 11
January 1917.
His
next of kin were Ernest Showell 42 of Grove End, Wishaw; John Showell 38
of Hatton Asylum near Warwick and Mrs Louisa Garth 45 of 77 Reddicap
Heath, Sutton Coldfield.
James
Showell was the son of James and Eliza Showell of Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 77 Reddicap Heath, Sutton Coldfield
Louisa Showell
U 39
b Walmley
Ernest Showell
U 34
Builder’s labourer
b Walmley
John
Showell
U
30
Corporation labourer
b Walmley
James
Showell
U 22
Coal dealer’s labourer
b Walmley
1901
census Walmley Village, Sutton Coldfield
James
Anderton Showell
M 53
Bricklayer
b Walmley
Eliza
Showell
M
51
b Lindridge, Kent
Ernest Anderton Showell
U
24
Bricklayer’s labourer
b Walmley
John
Showell
U
20
Carter on farm
b Walmley
James
Showell
12
b Curdworth, Walmley
Ernest Showell
Ernest Showell served with the Royal Army Service Corps – Private 290088
He
survived the war and was awarded the Victory and British Medals RASC/101
B203 page 20795
GEORGE SIMPSON
George Simpson was born in Coleshill. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield
with the Warwickshire Yeomanry – Private 3567 and then transferred to
the West Yorkshire Regiment 1/8th Battalion – Private 52469
He
died of wounds on 26 May 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 36
He
was buried at the Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, France, Plot
II.A.28
He
was commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals 0/2/104 B23 page 2836
His
service record was not found online.
George Simpson was the son of William and Mary Ann Simpson of Coleshill
and the husband of Beatrice Simpson of 5 Hill Village Road, Four Oaks,
Sutton Coldfield.
The
marriage of George Simpson and Beatrice Clough was registered December
1906 Aston 6d 13
1911
census Four Oaks – no road or dwelling listed, Sutton Coldfield
George Simpson
M 30
Gardener
b Coleshill
Beatrice Simpson
M
27
Married 4 years – 1 child
b Hockley, Birmingham
Thomas Simpson
U 24
Brother Groom & gardener
b Coleshill
Josephine Simpson
3
b Four Oaks
1901
census Lower High Street, Coleshill
William Simpson
M
44
Gardener
b Berkswell, Warks
Mary
Simpson
M
49
b Fillongley, Warks
George Simpson
U 20
Gardener
b Coleshill
William Simpson
U
18
Groom
b Coleshill
Thomas Simpson
15
Errand boy
b Coleshill
Minnie Simpson
8
b Coleshill
Florrie Simpson
5
b Coleshill
WALTER ERNEST SIMPSON
Walter Ernest Simpson was born in Bromsgrove. He enlisted at Sutton
Coldfield with the Worcestershire Regiment 14th Battalion –
Private 29667
He
was killed in action 29 April 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B26 page 5707
His
service record was not found online
Walter Ernest Simpson was the son of Walter and Mary Jane Simpson of 73
Reddicap Heath Road, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census “Retlaw House”, Walmley Road, Sutton Coldfield
Walter Simpson
M 48
Waggoner
b Inkberrow, Worcs
Mary
Jane Simpson
M
55
Married 28 years – 6 children
b Tamworth
Annie
Elizabeth Simpson
U
23
Dressmaker
b Nechells, Bham
Walter Ernest Simpson
16
Works on farm
b Bromsgrove
Albert Edward Simpson
12
b Cofton Richards Wor
Probate
Walter Ernest Simpson of 73 Oak Villas, Reddicap Heath Road, Sutton
Coldfield, Private with 14th Worcestershire Regiment died on
29 April 1917 in action in France.
Administration was granted at Birmingham on 2 July 1917 to Walter
Simpson farm labourer.
Effects: £104 16s 4d
JAMES
HENRY SLATER
James
Henry Slater was born in Dudley Wood. He enlisted in Birmingham with the
Worcestershire Regiment 2nd Battalion – Private 35905
He
was killed in action on 29 September 1918 (France & Flanders)
He
was buried at the Pigeon Ravine Cemetery, Epehy, Somme, Plot II.A.7
James
Henry Slater is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B26 page 5738
His
service record was not found online for England and Wales.
The
only link with Sutton Coldfield appears to be that James Henry Slater
living at Walmley Ash according to the 1918 Electoral Roll.
However, the entry for him on ‘Soldiers who died’ index (ancestry.co.uk)
states that he resided at Llandovery, Carmarthen.
The
only Slater family found in Sutton Coldfield in 1911 lived at 77 Coles
Lane.
James
Slater was a widower, aged 41 from Clent. He had two sons Harry, 18 from
Stoke in Worcestershire and Cyril, 10, from Leamington Spa.
There
appears to be no obvious link with the above family to our James Slater
or with Dudley Wood or Llandovery.
Dudley
This
was the only Slater family found from the Dudley area in 1911
1911
census Chapel Street, Hartshill, Dudley
Moses
Slater
M
58
Miner
b Dudley
Charlotte Slater
M 59
Married 40 years, 3 children
b Dudley
Moses
Slater
16
Toolmaker – unemployed
b Dudley
Tom
Slater
11
b Hartshill, Dudley
Jim
Slater
U
23
Glass Blower
b Hartshill, Dudley
In
1901 the family lived at 148 Chapel Street, Dudley.
Jim
Slater was James Slater from Dudley.
It is
possible that Jim Slater moved to Sutton Coldfield after 1911.
At
this time we cannot confirm the identity of James Henry Slater.
|
|
BENJAMIN SMITH
Benjamin Smith was born in Erdington. He enlisted in Birmingham with the
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th
Battalion B Company- Private 460
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.8
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B30 page 6478 and 15
Star Medal L/6B page 470
No
further military records were found for him online.
Benjamin Smith resided at 3 Tintern Villas, 187 Cheshire Road, Smethwick
when he enlisted (SDBD).
Benjamin Smith was the son of Benjamin Marion and Fanny Smith of 187
Cheshire Road, Smethwick and later of 17 Holifast Road, Wylde Green,
Sutton Coldfield.
1911
census 17 Holifast Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
Benjamin Marion Smith
M
43
Railway Clerk
b Erdington
Fanny
Smith
M
38
Married 18 years with two children
b Burton on Trent
Benjamin Smith
U 17
Clerk at meat company
b Erdington
Joseph Morris Smith
8
b Erdington
CHARLES CYRIL SMITH
Charles Cyril Smith was the brother of Gerald Sidney Smith – see the
next entry
Charles Cyril Smith was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted first with
the Warwickshire Regiment as Private C88 (medal card index) and then
transferred to the Shropshire Light Infantry 5th Battalion –
Second Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 25 September 1915 (France & Flanders)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Menin Gate
He is
also commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour
(Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
RWR
Private C88 and Shropshire Light Infantry Second Lieutenant
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/16 page 153 and the 1915
Star Medal OFF/16 page 23
His
service record was not found.
Charles Cyril Smith was the son of the late Frederick Thomas Smith and
Ada Sophia Smith
1911
census 32 Harman Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
Ada
Sophia Smith
W
55
b Amblecote, Staffs
Frederick John Smith
U 24
Time keeper for gas department
b Moseley
Charles Cyril Smith
U
18
Chartered accountant’s audit clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
Gerald Sydney Smith
17
Metal merchant’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Westonville”, Walsall Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Frederick T Smith
M
50
Merchant’s clerk
b Birmingham
Ada S
Smith
M
44
b Amblecote
Frederick J Smith
14
b Moseley
Charles C Smith
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Gerald S Smith
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Hannah Higgs
U
56
General servant
b Halesowen
GERALD SYDNEY SMITH
Gerald Sydney Smith was the brother of Charles Cyril Smith – see the
previous entry.
Gerald Sydney Smith was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the
Machine Gun Corps 153rd Company (Infantry) – Second
Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 13 November 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried at the Hunters Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, Somme, Plot 2
Due
to the fact that he died on 13 November 1916 and that this cemetery is
for soldiers of the 51st Highland Division (who captured
Beaumont Hamel), it appears
that he was attached to that division.
(CWWG
Cemetery History)
Gerald Sydney Smith 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/22T page 165
He
entered France on 14 May 1915
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Gerald Sydney Smith was the son of the late Frederick Thomas Smith and
Ada Sophia Smith of Harman Road, Wylde Green
1911
census 32 Harman Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
Ada
Sophia Smith
W
55
b Amblecote, Staffs
Frederick John Smith
U 24
Time keeper for gas department
b Moseley
Charles Cyril Smith
U
18
Chartered accountant’s audit clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
Gerald Sydney Smith
17
Metal merchant’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Westonville”, Walsall Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Frederick T Smith
M
50
Merchant’s clerk
b Birmingham
Ada S
Smith
M
44
b Amblecote
Frederick J Smith
14
b Moseley
Charles C Smith
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Gerald S Smith
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Hannah Higgs
U
56
General servant
b Halesowen
HARRY
CARTER SMITH
Harry
Carter Smith was born at Bath in 1898. He enlisted at Kensington with
the London Regiment, 13th Islington Battalion – Private
492891
He
was killed in action on 23 August 1918 near Boyelles (France & Flanders)
aged 20
He
has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial
He
was 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 TP/13/101 B3 page 285A
His
Army Service Records were not found online.
Harry
Carter Smith was the son of Henry Joseph and Alice Ellen Smith of “The
Bungalow”, Kenelm Road, Sutton Coldfield
He
lived at Holborn Circus in London when war broke out and enlisted at
Kensington.
1911
census “The Bungalow”, Kenelm Road, Sutton Coldfield
Henry
Joseph Smith
M
44
Commercial traveller in drapery
b Downham, Essex
Alice
Ellen Smith
M
33
Married 13 years, 4 children 1 died
b East Ham, Essex
Harry
Carter Smith
12
b Bath, Somerset
Leslie William Smith
9
b Bath, Somerset
Kenneth Frederick Smith
1
b Sutton Coldfield
Nellie Norris
U
23
Domestic servant
b Market Drayton
May
Bakeley
U
18
Nursemaid
b West Bromwich
THOMAS SMITH
Thomas Smith was born in Ross, Herefordshire. He enlisted at Warwick
with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/8th Battalion –
Private 5935
He
was killed in action on 27 July 1916 (France & Flanders)
“The
1.8th Battalion RWR bombed forward just south of the Ovillers
– Courcelette track.
The
temperature was 81 F and it was hazy, becoming clearer in the
afternoon.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
Thomas Smith is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
He
worshipped at St James Church and is commemorated on their Roll of
Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B31 page 6573
His
service records were not found online.
Thomas Smith was the son of Thomas John and Martha Smith of Ross in
Herefordshire.
1911
census Church Lane, Hill (Mere Green), Sutton Coldfield
Emma
Wilden
W
56
b Ross, Herefordshire
Thomas Smith
U
27
Nephew Cab driver
b Ross
1901
census 40 St James Street, Cheltenham
William G Wilden
M
47
Inn keeper
b Malvern Link, Worcs
Emma
Wilden
M
46
b Ross
Lizzie Robinson
U
33
Niece Assists in business
b Ross
Kate
Robinson
3
Niece’s daughter
b Cheltenham, Gloucs
Thomas Smith
17
Nephew Assists in business
b Ross
1891
census Clean Hill, Ross, Herefordshire
John
Smith
M
56
Stone mason
b Ross
Martha Smith
M
45
b Ross
William Wilden
M 37
Stone cutter
b Malvern Link
Emma
Wilden
M
36
b Ross
George Smith
U
18
Iron monger’s porter
b Ross
Emily
Smith
12
b Ross
Thomas Smith
7
b Ross
1881
census Clean Hill, Ross, Herefordshire
Thomas J Smith
M 36
Stone mason
b Ross
Martha Smith
M
28
b Ross
Emily
Smith
2
b Ross
GORDON SPENCER
Military Medal
Gordon Spencer was born at Stratford on Avon. He enlisted on 7 April
1915 at Moseley with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (City Battalion) –
Private 20410 and 2033291. He was transferred on 6 April 1916 to the
Royal Berkshire Regiment 1st Battalion – Private 50642 and
16/1351
He
was killed in action on 3 August 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried at the St Amand British Cemetery, France, Plot V.A.13
Army
Medal Roll
In
addition to his Military Medal he was awarded the Victory and British
Medals L/105 B17 page 2989 and the 1915 Star Medal L/3C page 59
Army
Service Record
He
joined up on 7 October 1915 at Moseley. He was 19 years old and single.
He
lived at 24 Riland Road and worked as an electrician.
He
was 5’ 3 ½” tall, weighed 117 pounds and had a chest measurement of 35 ½
inches.
He
was posted to France on 21 November 1915.
He
was transferred to the Berkshire Regiment on 6 April 1916.
He
was wounded in the field on 27 July 1916 with a gun -shot wound to his
right forearm plus shock.
He
was sent to No 14 Field Hospital and Wimereux on 30 July 1916.
He
was then sent to St John’s Hospital in Hastings on 31 July 1916.
He
suffered a contusion to his face on 15 August 1917.
He
suffered a shell wound to his right wrist and was in hospital in
Hastings between 18 December 1917 and 12 February 1918.
He
was back with his regiment on 14 April 1918 and was killed in action on
3 August 1918.
His
medals plus effects which included disc, letters, postcards, photos and
a mirror were sent to his father on 20 December 1920.
His
Military Medal had been sent to his father on 18 November 1918.
“Gordon Spencer was the son of Ernest Edward and Ada Spencer of 24
Riland Road, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was educated at Town School.
Prior
to the war he was employed by the Electricity Department of Sutton
Coldfield Borough.
He
enlisted with the City Battalion April 1915.
He
had been serving in France for two years and had been wounded three
times.
According to a letter from his officer he was killed instantaneously and
had a military funeral.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 31.8.1918)
“In
loving memory of Private Gordon Spencer, M.M. aged 21 killed in action
at Monchy on 3 August 1918.
Only
son of Mr and Mrs Spencer 24 Riland Road, Sutton Coldfield
(In
Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 2.11.1919)
1911
census 24 Riland Road, Sutton Coldfield
Ernest Edward Spencer
M 37
Carpenter
b Adderbury, Oxon
Ada
Spencer
M
46
Married 15 years – 4 children
b Wakefield, Yorks
Gordon Spencer
14
Office boy at coal merchant’s
b Stratford on Avon
Edith
Annie Spencer
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Ada
Norah Spencer
9 months old
b Sutton Coldfield
ALBERT HENRY SPOKES
Albert Henry Spokes was born in Birmingham. He enlisted at Birmingham
with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps – Private 033975
He
died on 1 November 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 35 from pneumonia
He
was buried at the Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France, Plot
DIV.62.II.G.3
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RAOC/1C1 B26 page 2875
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Albert Henry Spokes was the son of John William and Emily Spokes of
Birmingham and the husband of Caroline Spokes of “Poplars”, Avenue Road,
Sutton Coldfield.
The
marriage of Albert H Spokes and Caroline Hadland was registered December
1905 Birmingham 6d 330
Caroline Spokes resided at Avenue Road in 1918 and 1921 (Electoral
Rolls)
1911
census 167 Newtown Row, Birmingham
Albert Henry Spokes
M
28
Pawnbroker, jewellery/clothing
b Birmingham
Caroline Spokes
M
30
Married 5 years – 1 child
b Birmingham
Muriel Ethel Spokes
3
b Birmingham
Alice
Stokes
16
General servant
b Hill Top, Staffs
1901
census 167 Newtown Row, Birmingham
Boarding in the household of Hannah Easthope, 23, pawnbroker’s
manageress from Burton on Trent
Albert H Spokes
U
18
Commercial clerk
b Birmingham
Harold A Spokes
14
b Birmingham
1891
census 167 Newtown Row, Birmingham
John
William Spokes
M
36
Pawnbroker
b Birmingham
Emily
Spokes
M
34
b Birmingham
Albert H Spokes
8
b Birmingham
Harold A Spokes
4
b Birmingham
Eliza
Horton
14
Nursemaid
b Birmingham
Baptism at St George’s Church, Newtown, Birmingham
Albert Henry Spokes was born on 9 February 1883 at 81 Newtown Row and
baptised on 25 February 1883.
His
parents were John William and Emily Spokes.
His
father was a telegraph clerk.
JOHN
STARKEY
John
Starkey was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Birmingham with the
Gloucestershire Regiment 12th (Service) (Bristol) Battalion –
Private 16706
He
died of wounds on 17 October 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 34
He
was buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot I.F.13
He
probably died in hospital as Abbeville was a major hospital base (CWWG
Cemetery History)
John
Starkey worshipped at St James Church, Hill and is commemorated on their
Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/107 B25 page 4479
His
service records were not found online.
John
Starkey was the stepson of John William and Francis Starkey and the
husband of Ellen Starkey of Brickyard Lane, Greet, Winchcombe in
Gloucestershire.
It is
not clear who exactly were the parents of John Starkey.
The
marriage of John Starkey and Ellen Blandford was registered June 1908
Aston 6d 550
1911
census 55 Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield
John
Fisher
M
59
Gardner
b Winchcombe, Gloucs
Fanny
Fisher
M
59
b Perry Barr
Gertrude Fisher
U
19
Daughter
b Shustoke, Warks
John
Starkey
M
28
Son of late wife – gardener
b Erdington
Ellen
Starkey
M
28
Married 2 years – 1 child
b Winchcombe
Albert Starkey
2
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Reservoir” (Lodge), Nether Whitaker, Shustoke, Warwickshire
William John Fisher
M
44 (sic)
Reservoir keeper
b Winchcombe
Fanny
Fisher
M
44 (sic)
b Perry Barr
John
Starkey
U
19
Woodwork labourer
b Erdington
Ethel
Fisher
11
b Shustoke, Warks
Gertrude Fisher
9
b Shustoke
1891
census Shustoke, Warwickshire
John
Fisher
M
38
Gardener
b Winchcombe
Frances Fisher
M 38
b Perry Barr
Ethel
Fisher
1
b Shustoke
1881
census
John
Starkey was not found.
John
Fisher was not found.
MARK
JOHN STEELY
Mark
John Steely was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Birmingham with the
Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 5th Battalion –
Private 22594
He
was killed in action on 30 September 1917 (France & Flanders)
“The
temperature was 67 F and rainfall nil.” (PDD)
He
was buried at the Bethleem Farm West Cemetery, Messines, Ypres, Plot E.5
Mark
John Steely was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll
of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Photograph by Peter Moore 2014
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B18 page 3583
His
service record was not found online.
Mark
John Steely was the son of John and Sarah Ann Steely of 1 Yew Tree
Villas, Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Bertha
Steely.
The
marriage of Mark John Steely and Bertha Tomlinson was registered June
1916 Aston 6d 842
“Mark
John Steely lived at 13 Mason Road, Erdington.
He
was a married man.
Before the war, he worked in the parcels office of the LNWR.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 22.10.1917)
1911
census Yew Tree Villas, Sheffield Road, Sutton Coldfield
John
Steely
M
52
Gardener
b Corley, Warks
Sarah
Ann Steely
M
54
Married 27 years, 6 children
b Fillongley, Warks
Arthur Steely
U
24
Clerk on railway
b Walmley
Mark
John Steely
U
20
Clerk on railway
b Erdington
Harry
Steely
U
18
Assistant butcher
b Erdington
Fanny
Steely
16
Nurse
b Erdington
Probate
Mark
John Steely of 13 Mason Road, Erdington, Private with the 5th
Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry died on 30 September 1917
in action in France.
Administration was granted in Birmingham on 18 January 1918 to Bertha
Steely, widow
Effects: £79 18s
ALFRED STEVENS
Military Medal
Alfred Steven was born at Shirley, Warwickshire. He enlisted with the
Royal Army Medical Corps 99th Field Ambulance – Private 74412
He
died at Keighley Military Hospital on 30 April 1918 from wounds.
He
was buried at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery, Plot A.C.307 – this is not a
CWWG headstone.
Alfred Stevens is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of
Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Military Medal in 1917.
He
was also awarded the Victory and British Medals RAMC/101 B100 page 7742
and the 1915 Star Medal RAMC/7B page 530
He
entered France on 16 November 1915.
His
service records were not found online.
Alfred Stevens was the son of John and Kate Stevens of Shirley,
Warwickshire and the husband of Edey Winifred Baugham Stevens of
“Mullion”, Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield
The
marriage of Alfred Stevens and Edey Winifred B Cooper was registered
September 1914 Tamworth 6b 896
Edey
Cooper was the daughter of Alfred W Cooper. She was born in 1891 in
Warwick.
His
father in law was Alfred William B Cooper of “Mullion”, Holland Road. He
was a house decorator.
“Alfred Stevens was married but had no children.
Before the war he was employed at the Britannic Assurance Head Office.
He
was awarded the Military Medal for carrying wounded soldiers whilst
under shell fire continuously for 72 hours after having being hit
himself.
Whilst at home on leave in August 1917, the Britannic Assurance awarded
him a gold watch and chain for his bravery and for winning his military
medal.
He
was wounded in the chest on 5 April 1917 and went to a Base hospital
then was shipped to England on 18 April.
He
died at the Keighley War Hospital in Yorkshire 30 April 1918.
A
funeral service was held at St Peter’s Church, Maney followed by a full
military funeral at Sutton Coldfield Cemetery.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 11.5.1918)
1911
census Balsall Heath Road, Shirley, Warwickshire
Kate
Stevens
W
60
b Birmingham
Edward Stevens
U 30
b Banbury, Oxford
Alfred Stevens
U
22
Assurance clerk
b Shirley, Warks
George Stevens
U 20
Merchant’s clerk
b Shirley
Hannah Jones
16
Account’s clerk
b Shirley
1901
census 48 Gladstone Road, Aston
John
R Stevens
M 56
Cashier at iron works
b Berkshire
Kate
Stevens
M
50
b Birmingham
Edward Stevens
U 20
Clerk
b Oxford
Frances Stevens
17
b Shirley
Alfred Stevens
12
b Shirley
George Stevens
10
b Shirley
John
Stevens
7
b Shirley
Percival Stevens
6
b Shirley
Probate
Alfred Stevens of “Mullion”, Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield, Private in
the 99th Field Ambulance RAMC died 30 April 1918 at the
Keighley War Hospital.
Probate was granted at Birmingham on 27 July 1918 to Edey Winifred
Baugham Stevens, widow.
Effects: £72 2s 17d
THOMAS HAROLD STONEHOUSE
Thomas Harold Stonehouse was the Great Uncle of Peter Moore (Royal
Sutton Coldfield Great War Project).
Thomas Harold Stonehouse was born in 1895 in Sutton Coldfield. He
enlisted at Birmingham on 26 August 1914 (WML) with the Kings Royal
Rifle Corps 9th Battalion – Rifleman A/1967
He
was killed in action on 16 July 1915 (France & Flanders) aged 20 (Ypres)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Menin Gate Panels 51 & 53
Thomas H Stonehouse is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield United
Reform Church Roll of Honour
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101 B 13 page 387 and 1915
Star Medal M/JB page 75
Army
Service Record
(Harold) Thomas Stonehouse enlisted on 26 August 1914 at Birmingham with
the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
He
lived at 41 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield. He was single aged 19. His
occupation was that of silversmith.
He
was 5’ 4 ½ inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. His chest measurement was
34”. He had a fresh complexion with grey eyes and brown hair.
He
had scars on both sides of his neck and on the right side of his face.
He was Church of England.
He
was sent to Winchester on 27 August 1914 and posted on 30 August 1914 to
the 9th Battalion.
He
remained in England until 19 May 1915 and was killed in action on 16
July 1915 at Ypres.
His
father was sent his medals on 25 February 1920.
Thomas Harold Stonehouse was the son of Thomas and May E Stonehouse of
41 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield
“Sutton Coldfield News 10 July 1915”
Private Tom Stonehouse of the King’s Royal Rifles, writes to his parents
in Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield.
“We
are just having a few days rest after a rough time last week. It wasn’t
half an experience that shell fire. I don’t want to experience it like
that again anyway.
Last
week we had to take rations and water up to the trenches every night; it
is the worst job in the war, and they have guns and snipers set on the
trench we have to go up.
You
know John Salt, who came down for me once. He was very badly hit one
night on that job. A shell burst right in front of him.
He is
hospital now… that’s another score to wipe off, when we get the chance.
Ypres is all a mass of ruin just as though an earthquake had shook the
lot down. The sights I have seen – it’s too horrible to think about. I
shouldn’t like to tell you all I have seen.
I
shall be glad when we get the chance to get at them. They run like the
devil when our soldiers make a charge.
The
John Salt referred to in the letter is, we understand, a Whitehouse
Common man. Rifleman Stonehouse enlisted in August last.”
1911
census 41 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Stonehouse
M
44
Brazier silversmith
b Sutton Coldfield
May
Emily Stonehouse
M
35
Married 18 years – 8 children
b Sutton Coldfield
Jack
Reginald Stonehouse
17
Brazier silversmith
b Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Harold Stonehouse
16
Gardener
b Sutton Coldfield
Norman James Stonehouse
10
b Sutton Coldfield
Vera
Ann May Stonehouse
5
b Sutton Coldfield
Winifred Mary Stonehouse
3
b Sutton Coldfield
Frank
Leonard Stonehouse
2
b Sutton Coldfield
Ida
Elizabeth Stonehouse
10 months old
b Sutton Coldfield
The
eighth child was William Ernest Stonehouse, 11. He was staying with his
Aunt and Uncle William and Sarah Baker at Sherifoot Lane, Hill, Sutton
Coldfield.
Thomas Harold Stonehouse was listed on the 1913/1914 Electoral Roll at
41 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield.
THOMAS HAROLD STONEHOUSE
THE
PLAQUE OF THOMAS HAROLD STONEHOUSE
THE
STONEHOUSE FAMILY IN 1910 AT 41 TAMWORTH ROAD
Tom
is on the back row furthest right and his brother Jack is next to him
Jack
Reginald Stonehouse
Jack
Stonehouse served with the Royal Army Medical Corps as Private 1855
He
entered France 27 May 1915 and was discharged from the army on 26 May
1919
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RAMC/ 101/ B47 page 3358 and
the 1915 Star Medal RAMC 13B page 1056
Jack
survived the war but experienced ill health after being gassed and died
on 13 March 1933 aged 39.
Jack
Stonehouse married Florence Oakey in 1920 at Sutton Coldfield
They
had five children – Kathleen, Douglas, Reginald, Irene and Dorothy.
Jack
Reginald Stonehouse
THOMAS STONEHOUSE
Thomas Stonehouse was a first paternal cousin to Thomas Harold
Stonehouse. (Stonehouse family tree - Yvonne Moore)
Thomas Stonehouse was born in Prescot in Lancashire. He enlisted at
Birmingham on 3 June 1912 with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1st
Battalion – Private 19. He was re-attested in 1914 with the Royal Welsh
Fusiliers 1st and then 2nd Battalion, ‘A’ Company
as a Private and was promoted – Lance Corporal 4715
He
was killed in action on 6 July 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried originally at the Force Chateaux Cemetery which was 2 ½ miles
East of Bethune and reinterred in 1920 at the Gorre British Cemetery,
Beuvry, France, Plot II.A.21 (service record)
Thomas Stonehouse 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 J/2/102 B page 74 and the
1914 Star Medal J/2/4/ page 258.
He entered France on 6 October 1914.
Army
Service Record
These
are badly burnt in many places.
Thomas Stonehouse joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 3 June 1912 in
Birmingham.
He
was 17 years old and lived at Shenstone Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton
Coldfield.
He
worked as a town labourer (presumably for the Corporation).
He
had previously worked as a railway porter at Wylde Green Railway Station
(LNWR) for five months and had been made redundant (a reference was
obtained by the army).
He
was 5’ 4 and 3/8” tall, weighed 122 pounds, had a chest measurement of
33 inches. He had grey eyes and brown hair and was Church of England.
He
was declared fit to serve in the army reserve at Birmingham.
He
was sent to Wrexham and drilled between 3 June 1912 and 2 November 1912.
He
then went for musketry training. He was in the UK on 19 March 1914 and
mobilised on 5 August 1914.
He
was posted again on 1 November 1914 to France with the 1st
Battalion then re-joined the 2nd Battalion on 22 April 1915.
He
was posted again on 3 May 1915.
He
was in the field on 15 July 1915 then sent to the Field Ambulance at St
Omar on 6 October 1915.
He
was on a charge for two days on 2 August 1915 for being discourteous on
parade.
He
was promoted to Lance Corporal on 6 October 1915.
He
had leave between 6 January 1916 and 13 January 1916.
He
was killed in action on 6 July 1916.
His
next of kin was his mother Emily Stonehouse of 6 Shenstone Villas,
Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield.
His
mother was sent his personal possessions, his medals and memorial
scrolls.
Thomas Stonehouse was the son of William and Emily Stonehouse of 6
Shenstone Villas, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield.
“He
is reported to have been killed by a shell. He had been at the front
since August 1914.
His
mother was presented with his 1914 Star Medal by the Mayor of Sutton
Coldfield.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 2.8.1919)
1911
census 22 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield
William Stonehouse
M
41
Silversmith
b Sutton Coldfield
Emily
Stonehouse
M
40
Married 22 years - 6 children 1 died
b Dublin
William John Stonehouse
U 19
Rubber tester
b Shorncliffe, Kent
Thomas Stonehouse
16
Assistant land surveyor
b Prescot Lancs
Annie
Stonehouse
13
b Birmingham
Ernest Stonehouse
11
b Birmingham
Ethel
Stonehouse
7
b Sutton Coldfield
ERNEST STORER
Ernest Storer was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield
with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Private
28438
He
was killed in action on 7 May 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 19
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Arras Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B32 page 6783
His
service record was not found online.
Ernest Storer was the only son of Arthur and Jane Storer of 375 Boldmere
Road, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 19 Sheffield Road, Erdington
Arthur Storer
M
40
Plasterer
b Sutton Coldfield
Jane
Storer
M
40
Married 18 years, 3 children 1 died
b Aldershot
Elsie
Storer
16
Dressmaker
b Erdington
Ernest Storer
13
b Erdington
FREDERICK STREATHER
Frederick Streather was born at Brigstock, Northampton. He enlisted at
Sutton Coldfield on 2 March 1916 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment –
Private 41272. He was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles – Private
52632 then he served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers 9th
Battalion (North Irish Horse) – Private 43501
He
was killed in action on 1 October 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 19
He
was buried firstly at a small unspecified burial ground then exhumed and
reinterred in 1920 at the Dadizeele New British Cemetery, near Menin,
Plot II.C.18
Frederick Streather is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals B/103 B13 page 1698
Army
Service Record
In
places this is hard to read and follow.
It
seems that he signed up at Sutton Coldfield on 2 March 1916 and had a
medical examination on 27 March 1916 at Curzon Hall in Birmingham.
He
was 18 and worked as a builder’s labourer. He was single.
He
lived at “Mauntley”, Mere Green Road and his next of kin was his father
Charles Herbert Streather.
It
seems that he was sent to Rouen on 8 April 1916 and transferred to the
Royal Irish Rifles 10th Battalion.
He
was in England on 9 October 1917 and sent to France on 2 April 1918 with
the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
His
father was sent a letter in 1920 explaining that his son’s body would be
exhumed from the small unspecified burial ground where he was originally
buried and reinterred at the Dadizeele Cemetery.
His
father was sent his medals and scroll on 19 September 1920.
His
next of kin were listed as Charles and Elizabeth Streather of Mere Green
Road; Herbert Garfield Streather 31 and Harry Streather 28 of Mere Green
Road; Lizzie Tidmas 27 of 48 High Street, Sutton Coldfield; Isabella
Streather 25 of Mere Green Road and Gertrude Gaunt 22 of 44 High Street,
Sutton Coldfield.
Note:
Lizzie Tidmas was the wife of George James Tidmas who died on 16
December 1918
Frederick Streather was the son of Charles Herbert and Elizabeth
Streather of “Heathfield Cottage”, Walsall Road, Four Oaks, Sutton
Coldfield
1911
census “The Poplars”, Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield
Charles Herbert Streather
M
45
Bricklayer
b Brigstock, Northants
Elizabeth Ann Streather
M
43
Married 24 years, 6 children
b Oundle, Northants
Herbert Garfield Streather
U
22
Bricklayer
b Brigstock
Harry
Streather
U
20
House painter
b Brigstock
Gertrude Streather
14
b Brigstock
Frederick Streather
11
b Brigstock
1901
census Lyvedon Road, Brigstock, Northants
Charles Herbert Streather
M
35
Builder – employer
b Brigstock
Elizabeth A Streather
M
33
b Oundle
Herbert G Streather
12
b Brigstock
Harry
Streather
10
b Brigstock
Lizzie Streather
8
b Brigstock
Helena Streather
6
b Brigstock
Gertrude Streather
4
b Brigstock
Frederick Streather
1
b Brigstock
Harry
Streather
Harry
Streather joined the Royal Engineers – Sapper 51523.
He
enlisted at Birmingham on 10 September 1914.
He
was demobilised on 25 May 1919 to “Chatham”, Mere Green Road, Four Oaks,
Sutton Coldfield.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RE/101 B23 page 4955 It
appears that Frederick Streather was a cousin of George Streather. The
Streather family became well known house builders in the area.
GEORGE STREATHER
George Streather was born at Thrapston, near Brigstock in
Northamptonshire. He enlisted at Birmingham firstly with the King’s Own
Yorkshire Light Infantry – Private 49321 and was transferred to the
Royal Engineers 78th Field Company – Sapper 179307
He
died of wounds on 28 March 1918 (France & Flanders)
He
was buried at the Doullens Communal Cemetery, Extension No 1, France,
Plot V.D.27
He is
commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RE/101 B215 page 52943
His
service record was not found online.
George Streather was the son of John and Ann Streather of Sutton
Coldfield
1911
census “Garden Cottage”, Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
John
George Streather
M
51
Brick layer
b Brigstock, Northants
Ann
Rebecca Streather
M
48
Married 30 years 5 children 2 died
b Brigstock
George Streather
U
24
Brick layer
b Brigstock
Annie
Bickley
M
29
Daughter Married 1 year, 1 child
b Brigstock
John
Bickley
M
28
Son in law Labourer on estate
b Sutton Coldfield
Irene
Mary Bickley
1
b Sutton Coldfield
John
Bickley served in the army with the 358 Corps, 38th Siege
battery, Royal Gun Artillery as Gunner 91996.
He
survived the war and died in 1955.
He
married Annie Streather in 1910.
It
appears that George Streather was a cousin of Frederick Streather.
The
Streather families went on to be major house builders in Sutton
Coldfield.
ALBERT G SYLVESTER
Albert Sylvester was born in Birmingham. It seems that he was a career
soldier. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Field Artillery 4th
Brigade– Gunner /Acting Bombardier 56700
He
died on 4 July 1917 (Mesopotamia) aged 27 from diahorrea (Army Medal
Card Index)
He
was buried at the Baghdad (North Gate) Cemetery, Iraq, Plot VI.G.6
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RFA/187 B page 17411 and the
1914 Star Medal RFA/37 page 42
He
was awarded a Clasp 2/3027.
He
entered France on 14 October 1914 and died on 4 July 1917 from
diahorrea.
His
service records were not found so it is not known when he actually
joined the army prior to the 1911 census.
1911
census Royal Field Artillery, India – place not stated
Albert Sylvester
U
22
Gunner- absent en route to
b Birmingham
Ranikes, India
1911
census “Railway Inn”, Station Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Sylvester
W
53
Publican
b Birmingham
Maud
Sylvester
U 23
Assists in business
b Birmingham
Nellie Sylvester
U
18
b Birmingham
Horace Sylvester
13
b Birmingham
1901
census 177 Nechells Park Road, Birmingham
Thomas Sylvester
M
43
Cycle maker
b Birmingham
Sarah
Sylvester
M
42
b Birmingham
Maud
Sylvester
13
b Birmingham
Albert Sylvester
12
b Birmingham
Nellie Sylvester
8
b Birmingham
Horace Sylvester
3
b Birmingham
Probate
Albert Sylvester of the “Kings Arms”, Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield
died 4 July 1917 at Basra, Mesopotamia
Administration was granted at Birmingham on 13 April 1926 to Maud
Sylvester, spinster
Effects: £247 5s 7d
SIDNEY AUGUSTAS TURNER TAYLOR
Sidney Taylor was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the Royal
Warwickshire Regiment at the outbreak of the war. He then gained his
commission with the Worcestershire Regiment 12th Battalion –
Second Lieutenant. He was attached to the Machine Gun Corps 218th
Company
He
died of wounds on 17 April 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 25
He
was injured at Gouzeaucourt on 3 April 1917
He
was buried at the St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Plot: Officers B.5.30
Sidney Taylor is commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll/ Army Service Record
These
were not found online.
Sidney Taylor was the eldest son of Sidney Middleton Taylor and Mary
Elizabeth Taylor of Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
“He
was educated at Lickey Hills School and Uppingham School.
He
was a director of Messrs Heaton & Taylor Ltd of Birmingham, Wholesale
Shoe Mercers based in Crooked Lane, Birmingham.
He
was a member of Sutton Coldfield Swimming Club and a member of
Handsworth Rugby Club.
He
joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at the outbreak of war and was
gazetted to the Worcestershire Regiment in January 1915.
He
was previously wounded in the autumn of 1915 at the Hohenzollern Redoubt
(Battle of Loos).
He
transferred to the Machine Gun Corps in autumn 1916 and was sent back to
the UK for training.
He
returned to the front in March 1917 and was hit by a bullet whilst
trying to aid his wounded section sergeant.
His
parents were able to visit him before he died.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 28.4.1917)
“Sidney Taylor has been commemorated on the glass memorial window at All
Saints Church, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks.”
(Sutton Coldfield news 17.5.1919)
1911
census – the family were not found.
1901
census “Luttrell House”, Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Mary
E Taylor
M
40
b Erdington
Sidney E Taylor
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Cecil
M Taylor
6
b Sutton Coldfield
Eliza
Cooper
U
26
Cook
b Coleshill
Winifred Cox
U
19
Housemaid
b Edgbaston
1901
census 5 Queen Street, Glasgow
Sidney M Taylor
M
41
Visitor - Button manufacturer
b Aston
1891
census “Holly Cottage”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks
Sidney M Taylor
M
31
Haberdasher – employer
b Birmingham
Mary
E Taylor
M
30
b Erdington
Emily
Yates
U
19
Domestic servant
b Oxford
The
marriage of Sidney Middleton Taylor and Mary (surname not found) was
registered September 1890 Aston 6d 561
In
1881 and 1871, Sidney Middleton Taylor lived at “The Larches” in Mere
Green, Sutton Coldfield with his parents Samuel and Selina Taylor.
Samuel Taylor was a factor/ employer from Birmingham.
They
had at least eleven children.
BERTIE LEONARD TEASDALE
Bertie Leonard Teasdale was born in Walmley. He enlisted in Birmingham
with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 2/6th Battalion –
Private 3578
He
was killed in action on 19 July 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried at the Royal Irish Rifles Graveyard, Laventie, France, Plot
VI.1.11
He is
commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals l/104 B33 page 6970
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Bertie Leonard Teasdale was the son of Thomas Teasdale of 6 Walmley
Cottages, Penns Lane, Walmley.”
(Sutton Coldfield news 2.9.1916)
1911
census 6 Walmley Cottages, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Joseph Teasdale
M 57 (sic) Railway
platelayer
b Four Oaks
Mary
Ann Teasdale
M
68
Married 4 years – no children
b Birmingham
Bertie Leonard Teasdale
16
Assistant milk seller
b Walmley
Norman Frank Teasdale
8
Grandson
b Walmley
1901
census Walmley Village, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Teasdale
M
44
Platelayer on railway
b Four Oaks
Hannah Teasdale
M
49
b Evesham, Worcs
Thomas Teasdale
U
20
Labourer
b Walmley
Walter Teasdale
14
b Walmley
Albert Teasdale
11
b Walmley
Amelia Harris
U
20
Niece Domestic
servant
b Evesham, Worcs
|
|
PERCY
HORACE THACKER
Percy
Horace Thacker was born in Wall, near Shenstone. He enlisted in August
1915 at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 15th
Battalion – Private 16/1498
He
was killed in action on 3 September 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 19
“He
died during the Battle for Guillemont, Somme.” (SDBD)
He
was buried at the Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, Plot XXV.D.6
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B33 page 6982
His
service record was not found online.
Percy
Horace Thacker was the son of Frances William and Emma Etta Thacker of
12 Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
“Percy H Thacker was a member of the congregation of the Reddicap Hill
Mission.” (WML)
“The
family moved to Sutton Coldfield in 1914.
Percy
Thacker was a member of the Church of England Brotherhood.
He
had belonged to a ‘boy scout’ troop that was connected to the Kingsbury
Colliery.
Before the war he had worked as a blacksmith for Mr Oldenhall of Jockey
Road, Sutton Coldfield.
He
enlisted in the City Battalion in August 1915 and was sent to the front
in March 1916.
He
had been treated for shell shock at the end of July 1916.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 28.10.1916)
1911
census 19 Piccadilly, Kingsbury, Warwickshire
Francis William Thacker
M
40
Colliery carpenter
b Brownhills
Emma
Etta Thacker
M
42
Married 20 years, 9 children 1 died
b Hammerwich
Rose
Alice Thacker
15
Domestic servant
b Wall, Staffs
Percy
Horace Thacker
13
b Wall
Evelyn Thacker
11
b Wall
Victoria Thacker
9
b Wall
Gladys Thacker
7
b Wall
William Henry Thacker
4
b Wall
1901
census Wall Lane, Shenstone, Staffordshire
Frank
Thacker
M
30
Carpenter & joiner
b Brownhills
Emma
Thacker
M 32
b Hammerwich
Alfred Thacker
7
b Wall
Alice
Thacker
5
b Wall
Percy
Thacker
3
b Wall
Evelyn Thacker
1
b Wall
SYDNEY/ SIDNEY HERBERT THORNTON
Sidney (1911 census) Herbert Thornton was born in Sutton Coldfield. He
enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 10th
Battalion – Private 202201
He
died of wounds on 9 June 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 19
He
probably died at a casualty clearing hospital (CWWG Cemetery History)
He
was buried at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Plot
XIV.H.2
He
was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour
(Matthew Rhodes)
Photograph by Peter Moore 2014
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B33 page 7044
His
service record was not found online.
Sidney Herbert Thornton was the son of Charles and Mary Thornton of 55
Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield.
1911
census 60 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield
Charles Thornton
M 53
Estate man – fencer/wood cutter
b Sutton Coldfield
Mary
Thornton
M
48
Married 27 years, 11 children 1 died
b West Bromwich
Walter Thornton
U
22
Painter in building trade
b Sutton Coldfield
Florence Thornton
16
b Sutton Coldfield
George Thornton
14
Gardener’s boy
b Sutton Coldfield
Sidney Thornton
13
b Sutton Coldfield
May
Thornton
10
b Sutton Coldfield
Hubert Thornton
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Ethel
Thornton
6
b Sutton Coldfield
GEORGE JAMES TIDMAS
(incorrect on the memorial - Tidman)
George James Tidmas was born at Pedmore, Stourbridge in 1889. He
enlisted with the Machine Gun Corps 33rd Company – Sergeant
60819
He
died on 16 December 1918 aged 29
The
Machine Gun Corps 33rd Company amalgamated with the 11th
Company on 28 February 1918.
They
served along the western front during 1918 but some soldiers also served
in Egypt.
It is
not clear where George Tidmas died.
As he
is buried at his local church, it is possible that he died of wounds in
England.
George J Tidmas is buried at St James Church, Four Oaks, Plot 2.20
He is
commemorated on the St James Church Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St
James Church)
Flowers are left on his grave on each Remembrance Sunday but it is not
known who puts them there.
Photograph by Yvonne Moore 2 August 2014
George James Tidmas was the son of Thomas and Ellen Tidmas of
Stourbridge.
He
was the husband of Lizzie Tidmas of 44 High Street, Sutton Coldfield
The
marriage of George J Tidmas and Lizzie Streather was registered March
1917 Tamworth 6b 519
Lizzie Tidmas was the sister of Frederick Streather – see his entry
George James Tidmas and Lizzie Streather had one child who was Dorothy
Maud Tidmas.
The
birth of Dorothy Maud Tidmas was registered June 1918 Tamworth 6b 701
The
marriage of Dorothy Maud Tidmas and Reginald G Record took place in
Sutton Coldfield in 1947 at St James Church.
(Tina
Ambrose St James Church)
No
further trace of Dorothy and Reginald Record was found.
1911
census 1 Limekiln Row, Codnor Park, Nottinghamshire
Charles Howes
M 47
Bricklayer
b Droitwich
Mary
Howes
M
48
Married 25 years 8 children 1 died
b Eckington
John
Howes
U
18
Canal labourer
b Codnor Park
Charles Howes
15
Engineer
b Codnor Park
Matilda Howes
13
b Codnor Park
Frances Howes
10
b Condor Park
Jessie Howes
7
b Condor Park
George Tidmas
U 20
Nephew Canal labourer
b Stourbridge
1901
census 33 Church Street, Kidderminster
Henry
Hares
M
45
Labourer for town council
b Kinver
Matilda Hares
M
44
b Eckington
George J Tidmas
10
Nephew
b Pedmore, Worcs
1891
census Pedmore, Stourbridge, Worcestershire
Thomas Tidmas
M 34
Bricklayer
b Leamington
Ellen
Tidmas
M
40
b Eckington
William Tidmas
12
b Pedmore
Ellen
Tidmas
10
b Pedmore
Maud
Tidmas
8
b Pedmore
Louisa Tidmas
6
b Pedmore
Margaret Tidmas
5
b Pedmore
John
H Tidmas
3
b Pedmore
George J Tidmas
0
b Pedmore
1901
census Lyvedon Road, Brigstock, Northamptonshire
Charles Herbert Streather
M
35
Builder – employer
b Brigstock
Elizabeth A Streather
M
33
b Oundle
Herbert G Streather
12
b Brigstock
Harry
Streather
10
b Brigstock
Lizzie Streather
8
b Brigstock
Helena Streather
6
b Brigstock
Gertrude Streather
4
b Brigstock
Frederick Streather
1
b Brigstock
WILLIAM HENRY TOMBS
William Henry Tombs was born on 21 August 1879 at Little London,
Walsall. He first enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment –
Private 24403. He then transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment 1st
Battalion – Private 41210
He
was killed in action on 31 July 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 37
He
was buried at the Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Ypres, Plot II.B.6 (also
known as Zandvoorde – the Flemish spelling on some modern maps)
Photograph by Peter Moore 2014
“He
resided at 11 Church Lane, Hill (St James Road now) and prior to the war
he was a gardener in Four Oaks for 14 years.” (WML)
It
appears likely that William Henry Tombs died in what is now called ‘The
Third Battle of Ypres’.
“From
the Worcestershire Regiment Archives we learn that the 1st
Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment were involved in the first
phase of the battle that ran from the early hours of 30 July 1917 (03.50
hours) to the 2 August 1917.
This
action became known as ‘The Battle for Pilckem Ridge.”
The
British guns redoubled their fire from the first light of dawn and the
gun-fire rose in intensity whilst along the whole front of the Salient
the British infantry ‘went over the top’. Following close behind the
‘creeping barrage’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies of the 1st
Worcester’s swept forward over the enemy’s front and support line where
they met little opposition.
A
tunnel under the road behind the line was captured easily and 40
‘cowering’ prisoners were taken.” (Worcestershire Regiment Archives)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B29 page 6306
William Henry Tombs was the son of William and Hannah Tombs
1911
census 11 Church Lane, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield
William Henry Tombs
M
32
Gardener – domestic
b Walsall
Hannah Tombs
M 31
Married 9 years, 5 children 1 died
b Walsall
Florence Annie Tombs
8
b Walsall
Leslie Tombs
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Frank
Tombs
4
b Sutton Coldfield
William Henry Tombs
2
b Sutton Coldfield
William Henry Tombs married Hannah Hall on 9 February 1902 at the Parish
Church of Caldmore, Walsall
1901
census 240 Sandwell Street, Walsall
William Henry Tombs
M
44
Brown Saddler
b Walsall
Sarah
Ann Tombs
M
40
b Walsall
William Henry Tombs
U
21
Leather worker
b Walsall
George Tombs
U 20
Spring bit forger
b Walsall
Joseph Tombs
U
19
Spur rowel filer
b Walsall
Frank
Tombs
13
b Walsall
Charles Tombs
8
b Walsall
Annie
Tombs
1
b Walsall
William Henry Tombs was the grandfather of Dr Brian Hoyle
Brian
has shared some additional materials.
“William Henry Tombs was born on 21 August 1879 at his mother’s home in
Little London, Walsall. He was the eldest child of a large family. The
1911 census shows us that he was one of eleven children born to his
mother but only four had survived – William Henry, Joseph Thomas, Frank
and Charles Horace.
His
parents were William Henry (1857 – 1929) and Sarah Ann formerly Porter
(1861- 1943) who were married on 24 May 1880 at Walsall (nine months
after William Henry junior was born). William Henry Tombs senior was a
brown saddler working in the leather industry of Walsall.
The
grandfather of William Henry Tombs (junior) was John Tombs (1834 – 1885)
who moved away from the Welland area of south Worcestershire circa 1850
to the Birmingham area. John Tombs was an agricultural worker who sought
employment in the industrial midlands.
He
married Ellen Holder in 1854 in Walsall. They lived at Sandwell Street
in Walsall where they built up a thriving grocery and bakery business.
Some of their children worked in the leather and metal work industries
of Walsall.
William Henry Tombs, born 1879, grew up and was schooled in Walsall and
worked for a time in the leather industry. His wife Hannah Hall was born
in 1882 at Tunstall, Staffordshire. After their marriage in February
1902, she gave birth to their first child Florence Annie later that
month.
At
the time they were married William was working as a domestic gardener.
They lived at 34 Sandwell Street, Walsall for a short time.
They
soon moved to 11 Church Lane, Mere Green. Between 1903 and 1916 eight
more children were born to the couple with two dying in infancy.
In
1881 William Henry and his family boarded at the White Lion Inn,
Sandwell Street in Walsall. His father was 24 and worked as a brown
saddler and his mother was 21. William was 1 and he had a brother not
yet one named George.
The
White Lion Inn was run by George and Mary Porter, the parents of Sarah
Ann Porter.
In
1891 the family lived at 105 West Bromwich Road, Walsall. By this time
these children had been born: Joseph Thomas, 8; Frank, 3; and Arthur
aged 1, all born in Walsall. John had been born in 1884 but died in
1886.
William and Hannah Tombs had four children after the 1911 census: Ada
born 1911, Elizabeth born 1914, Joseph born 1915 and Lilian born 1916.
They were all born at Sutton Coldfield.
Hannah Tombs died on 3 July 1922 at 11 Church Lane, Sutton Coldfield.
This was the day before her 40th birthday.
She
was buried in in unmarked grave in a corner of the churchyard at St
James Church.
Several of her children had been baptised at St James Church.
Florence died in 1978 at Sutton Coldfield; Leslie died in 1964 at
Walsall; Nellie died in 1906 at Sutton Coldfield; Frank died in 1975 at
Birmingham; William Henry died 1995 at Brisbane Australia; Ada died in
1983 at Birmingham; Joseph died in 1915 at Sutton Coldfield and Lilian
died in 1985 at Lichfield.
William and Hannah Tombs had four children after the 1911 census: Ada
born 1911, Elizabeth born 1914, Joseph born 1915 and Lilian born 1916.
They were all born at Sutton Coldfield.
Hannah Tombs died on 3 July 1922 at 11 Church Lane, Sutton Coldfield.
This was the day before her 40th birthday.
Florence died in 1978 at Sutton Coldfield; Leslie died in 1964 at
Walsall; Nellie died in 1906 at Sutton Coldfield; Frank died in 1975 at
Birmingham; William Henry died 1995 at Brisbane Australia; Ada died in
1983 at Birmingham; Joseph died in 1915 at Sutton Coldfield; Elizabeth
died at Slough in 2000; and Lilian died in 1985 at Lichfield.
The
seven who survived to adulthood married and produced numerous
descendants.
Up to
the start of the war, the family appear to have experienced a period of
stability, apart from the loss of Nellie in 1906.
After
William enlisted, Hannah remained in Mere Green, looking after her
children. When William was killed on 31 July 1917 she was left a widow
with seven children aged 15 years to 1 year to bring up alone.
At
the time, many residents, especially women living without the wages of a
husband, took in lodgers or boarders.
It
appears that this is what Hannah did to make ends meet. Three more
children were born to Hannah at 11 Church Lane after William’s death:
Eileen Gladys born in 1919; Nancy born in 1921 and Muriel born in 1922.
The
father/s of these children was not given on their birth certificates.
Hannah Tombs died on 3 July 1922 aged 39 on the day after Muriel was
born.
A
neighbour, Elizabeth Genders of 21 Church Lane was present at Muriel’s
birth and Hannah’s death.
The
informant of Muriel’s death in 1923 was W Bagley of 31 Wiggington Road,
Wiggington, just north of Tamworth. This was the place that Muriel died.
Brian
holds a marriage certificate showing that Nancy Tombs was married.
Nancy
Tombs aged 20 of 4 East View, Glascote married Samuel George Ghent on 7
March 1942 at Tamworth parish church.
Samuel George Ghent was 19, a fitter of 7 Spinning School Lane,
Tamworth. He was the son of Samuel Ghent, a corporation labourer,
Nancy
Tombs was born 19 May 1921 and died as Nancy Ghent in Sutton Coldfield
on 14 April 1998.
Her
death certificate gives Tombs as her maiden name, her correct birth
date, and details of her husband Samuel George Thomas Ghent, an engineer
of 13 Albion Street, Tamworth.
Samuel Ghent, born about 1889, died at Lichfield in 1968.
Nancy
and Thomas Ghent had two children, but further details are withheld.
Florence Annie married in 1921 from 11 Church Lane. Leslie married in
1925, Frank in 1930 and Ada in 1933. They had all lived in the Mere
Green area.
William Henry Tombs emigrated to Australia in 1926 and was married to
Alice Myrtle Dakin at Gympie in Queensland in 1931. He died near
Brisbane in 1995.
Elizabeth moved away in 1937 to Slough and was married in 1940 and again
in 1979.
Lilian was married in the Sutton Coldfield area in 1945.
Numerous descendants of William Henry and Hannah Tombs are still living
in England and Australia.
Joseph Thomas Tombs (1882 – 1945)
Joseph Thomas Tombs, a younger brother of William Henry Tombs, also
served during the Great War.
He
was gassed but survived. He later became a gardener.
It
appears that Joseph T Tombs served with the South Staffordshire Regiment
– Private 26141 and the Royal Army Service Corps – R/387637.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RASC/101 B272 page 28061.
Francis Tombs
The
youngest of four sons of Joseph Tombs was Francis Leonard who was born
on 17 May 1924. Francis attended the Elmore Green School in Walsall and
the University of London. He was an industrialist and a politician. He
specialised in electricity generation.
He
was the chair of the South of Scotland Electricity Board, the
Electricity Council and Rolls Royce. He was also the President of the
Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1981.
He
was awarded a Doctorate of Science on 2 December 1985 and was made an
Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology in 1991.
He
was made a Life Peer in 1990 and took the title “Baron Tombs of
Brailes”.
William Henry Tombs was a cousin of Lord Tombs, their fathers being
brothers. Further details are withheld.”
Church Lane, Mere Green
Brian
notes that other men who lived in Church Lane also died in the Great War
and are recorded in this project.
“These were Samuel Mannall of 12 Church Lane; William Collett Godwin of
13 Church Lane in 1901 and Harold Graham Mayo who lived at 13 Church
Lane in 1911.
In
1911, Samuel Mannall was a domestic gardener as was Harold Mayo’s late
father.
The
Tombs, Mannall and Mayo families lived next door to each other in a
terrace of 21 houses.
Nine
heads of household were domestic or jobbing gardeners in 1911.
Mere
Green and the Sutton Coldfield area was undergoing a house building boom
between the 1890’s and the start of the new century, continuing even
during the Great War.”
Elizabeth Tombs (1914 – 2000) was Brian Hoyle’s mother.
Many
thanks go to Brian for sharing his family history.
(Dr
Brian Hoyle, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)
Photographs taken at Zantvoorde Cemetery, Belgium 2012
The
photographer was Joan Isaac
The
gravestone marked with the cross and tribute was that of William Henry
Tombs
BERTRAM RUSSELL TOWNLEY
Bertram Russell Townley was born in Simla, India. He served with the
Indian Army Reserve of Officers – Supply and Transport Corps and was
attached to the South Persian Rifles– Captain
He
died on 7 November 1918 aged 26 at Shiraz from Influenza (Indian Army
Officer Index of Deaths)
He
was buried at the Tehran War Cemetery, Iran, Plot I.F.10
“Captain Bertram Russell Townley of the Indian Army Reserve of officers
Supply & Transport corps, attached to the South Persian Rifles died of
influenza on 7 November 1918 at Shiraz.
He
was the son of Mr and Mrs G Townley of “The Exchange”, Simla, Punjab,
India.”
(Indian Army Officer Deaths Records)
Bertram Russell Townley is commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar
School Roll of Honour
Bertram Russell Townley is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney,
(non -parochial) Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
The
Indian Authority issued the Victory and British Medals to Mrs Townley,
mother on 22 June 1922
Bertram Russell Townley was the son of George and Minnie Townley
Baptism
Bertram Russell Townley was born on 4 June 1892 at Simla. He was
baptised on 16 July 1892 at Simla.
He
was the son of George and Minnie Townley of Simla. George Townley was a
general merchant.
Bertram Russell Townley was not seen on an England census. His mother
was found on the 1911 census
1911
census “Westwood”, Victoria Road, Sutton Coldfield
Wentworth Harrison
M
33
School master
b Kensington, London
Beatrice Harrison
M
26
Married 3 years no children
b Simla, India
Minnie Townley
W 48
Mother in law
b India
1911
census “Fradley House”, Victoria Road, Sutton Coldfield
- was
boarding with Charlotte Taylor.
Felix
Lionel Townley
U
22
Electrical engineer
b Simla, India
1911census Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield
Claude Frank Townley
15
Pupil
b Punjab, India.
1911
census Allerton High School for Girls, Sutton Coldfield
Irene
Townley
13
Pupil
b India
1901
census Ryde, Isle of Wight
George Townley
M 44
General merchant in India
b London
Minnie Townley
M
38
b Agra, India
Beatrice Townley
16
b Simla
Claude Townley
5
b Simla
Irene
Townley
3
b Simla
Ellen
Draper
U
20
General servant
b Ryde, Hampshire
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Captain Bertram Russell Townley
Indian Army Reserve of Officers, Supply and Transport Corps
Attached to South Persia Rifles
Died:
Thursday 7th November 1918
Aged:
26
Captain Townley was a member of the Supply and Transport Corps (attached
to the South Persia Rifles) based in Shiraz, south-western Iran.
The
Supply and Transport Corps was responsible for feeding both soldiers and
horses and for transporting food, forage, equipment and munitions.
The
Shiraz Column (which included one squad of South Persia Rifles cavalry
and one squad of South Persia infantry) was formed to open the difficult
road through high mountain passes to Bushire on The Gulf coast to help
relieve the garrison there.
The
Qashqai Tribe was in revolt under Shah Saulat ud-Dowleh who threatened
the British interests in the area.
The column under Colonel Orton fought several skirmishes between
23 October and 18 November 1918 when the influenza epidemic was severe
enough to prevent any further fighting.
At
its peak influenza had hospitalized 1,453 men (including half of the
medical personnel) in Shiraz.
Bertram Townley died of influenza in Shiraz.
The
influenza pandemic was to kill up to 20 million in 1918. In India some
12,500,000 or 4% of its population died and fifty times as many were
sick.
Bertram Townley is buried in
Tehran War Cemetery, Iran, Plot 1, Row F, Grave 10.
He
was originally buried in Shiraz British Cemetery: Grave 18.
However, many graves were relocated in the Tehran War Cemetery when it
was built in the British Embassy residential compound in 1962.
He is
commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and
St Peter’s Church, Maney.
“Bertram Townley was born on 4 June 1892 at Simla, India.
He
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. G Townley of The Exchange, Simla, Punjab,
India.
He
attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1904 and 1907.
His
brother Second Lieutenant Felix Townley was killed during the 3rd Battle
of Ypres on 26 October 1917, whilst serving with the 14th Royal
Warwickshire Regiment.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
FELIX
LIONEL TOWNLEY
Felix
Lionel Townley was the brother of Bertram Russell Townley.
Felix
Townley was born in Simla, India in 1888. He enlisted with the Royal
Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Corporal 1142,
Sergeant.
He
gained his commission on 11 February 1917 as Second Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 26 October 1917 (France & Flanders)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Felix
Townley is commemorated on the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Roll of
Honour (David Phillips)
He is
also commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, and (non-parochial)
Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RWR/OFF 150 page 185 and the
1915 Star Medal l/8/B page 527
He
entered France on 21 November 1915.
His
mother’s address on the index card was “Westwood”, Coleshill Road,
Sutton Coldfield then it was changed to “Roseberry Cottage”, Malvern
Link, Worcestershire.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.Felix Lionel Townley was the
son of George and Minnie Townley of Simla, India
Baptism
Felix
Lionel Townley was born on 5 May 1888 at Simla and baptised there on 9
June 1888.
His
parents were George and Minnie Townley and his father was a merchant.
1911
census “Fradley House”, Victoria Road, Sutton Coldfield
Charlotte Taylor
W
57
Private means
b Sutton Coldfield
Felix
Lionel Townley
U
22
Boarder Electrical engineer
b Simla, India
1911
census “Westwood”, Victoria Road, Sutton Coldfield
Wentworth Harrison
M
33
School master
b Kensington, London
Beatrice Harrison
M
26
Married 3 years no children
b Simla, India
Minnie Townley
W 48
Mother in law
b India
1911census Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield
Claude Frank Townley
15
Pupil
b Punjab, India.
1911
census Allerton High School for Girls, Sutton Coldfield
Irene
Townley
13
Pupil
b India
1901
census Ryde, Isle of Wight
George Townley
M 44
General merchant in India
b London
Minnie Townley
M
38
b Agra, India
Beatrice Townley
16
b Simla
Claude Townley
5
b Simla
Irene
Townley
3
b Simla
Ellen
Draper
U
20
General servant
b Ryde, Hampshire
Probate
Felix
Lionel Townley of “Westwood”, Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield, Second
Lieutenant Royal Warwickshire Regiment died 26 October 1917 in Flanders.
Administration was granted in London on 22 February 1918 to Minnie
Townley, widow.
Effects: £170 17s 2d
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Second Lieutenant Felix Lionel Townley
14th
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died:
Friday 26th October 1917
Aged:
29
By 22
October 1917 the First Battle of Passchendaele was over; it had brought
virtually no gain on the ground but had cost massive losses of men.
The
German front had been hammered by shellfire, with particular attention
paid to the pillboxes and blockhouses.
At
5.40am on Friday 26 October 1917 the Second Battle of Passchendaele
began. The 14th Royal Warwick’s (13th Brigade, 5th Division) were
attacking the remains of Polderhoek Chateau (north of Gheluvelt on the
Menin Road), which they had been attempting to take since.
On 9
October 1917 there were many blockhouses in the area, which became known
as Tower Hamlets.
The
15th Royal Warwicks in the centre stormed the chateau through mud that
was waist deep in places, whilst the 14th Warwicks on the left were held
up by the Reutelbeek until they linked with the 15th.They captured over
100 prisoners.
The
remnants of the Battalions, their guns choked with mud, were unable to
resist the German counter-attack at 10.00am and had no alternative but
to withdraw.
Between 24 and 27 October 1917 the 14th Royal Warwicks lost 78 men
killed (5 officers, including 2nd Lt. F L Townley), 8 died of wounds and
162 wounded. The majority of those killed have no known grave.
Felix
Townley is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 23 and 28 and 163A.
He is
commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and
St Peters Church, Maney.
“Felix Townley was born on 6 May 1888. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. G.
Townley of The Exchange, Simla, Punjab, India.
Felix
attended Bordon Grammar School, Kent in 1901 and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar
School between 1904 and 1906.
When
he left school he worked as an electrical engineer for Verrity Ltd.,
Aston and later for the General Electric Company, Chapel Bar,
Nottingham.
He
joined the 14th Royal Warwicks in 1914 as Private 14/1142. He was
promoted to Corporal on 6 October 1915, then to Sergeant on 23 July 1916
and was commissioned on 11 February 1917.
He
spent four days in hospital from 12 November 1916.
Felix
was killed with his servant Private 20166 Frank Box.
His
brother Captain Bertram Russell Townley was attached to the South Persia
Rifles.
He
died of influenza in Iran (then known as Persia) on 7 November 1918,
four days before the Armistice.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
ALFRED JOHN TOY
Alfred John Toy was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Four Oaks
with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 6th Battalion – Private
5188
He
was killed in action on 18 August 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 25
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
He is
also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B33 page 7133
His
service records were not found online.
Alfred Toy was the son of Alfred and the late Elizabeth Toy of
Blackberry Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census “Sunnyside”, Walsall Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Alfred W Toy
W
51
Wheelwright
b Sutton Coldfield
Alfred John Toy
U
19
Cabinet maker – joiner
b Sutton Coldfield
Harry
Oliver Toy
16
Gardener’s boy
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Cottage”, Blackberry Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Alfred Toy
M
46 (sic) General domestic servant
b Sutton Coldfield
Elizabeth Toy
M
51
b Leicester
Ethel
Toy
14
b Sutton Coldfield
Alfred J Toy
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Harry
Toy
6
b Sutton Coldfield
It
does not appear that Alfred John Toy was married.
DAVID
WILLIAM TUFFLEY
Distinguished Conduct Medal
David
William Tuffley was born in Moreton in the Marsh. He joined the City
Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (14th Battalion) at
the outbreak of the war – Sergeant 118
He
died at home from the effects of wounds caused by gas on 21 December
1918 aged 40
He
was buried in the Sutton Coldfield Cemetery Plot C.C.120
Army
Medals
He
was awarded the 1914-1915 Star Medal, the British and Victory Medals and
the Distinguished Conduct Medal during his service in the Great War.
“He
had been awarded the Queens South Africa Medal for service during the
Boer War 1899-1902, the Cape Colony Medal for service in South Africa
between 11 October 1899 and 31 May 1902 and the Orange Free State Medal
for service in South Africa between 28 February 1900 and 21 May 1902.
He
was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal for having served for
12 years in the Territorial Force with consistent good conduct and
attending the required camps and training – 197 Sgt. 2/SMF A RAMC -
South Midland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
David
William Tuffley is commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield South African
War Memorial. This was originally situated in the Town Hall but is now
at Holy Trinity Church. He is listed as Bugler D W Tuffley.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 26.10.1907)
1914-1915 STAR MEDAL (LEFT) AND BRITISH WAR MEDAL (RIGHT)
TERRITORIAL EFFICIENCY MEDAL
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL – RED AND BLUE RIBBON
BRITISH VICTORY MEDAL – RAINBOW RIBBON
DAVID
WILLIAM TUFFLEY PLAQUE
DAVID
WILLIAM TUFFLEY SCROLL
Sutton Coldfield News 3.3.1917
“A
letter received by a resident of Sutton from a relative at the front
remarks incidentally that Sergeant Tuffley has been given a commission
in the Transport Battalion. The promotion has not been gazetted but the
source of the information is such that there is very reason for
accepting it as fact.
Sergeant Tuffley is a man for whom many Sutton people feel the greatest
respect, for his actions throughout the Great War have been highly and
practically patriotic. In the early days of the conflict, when the local
police force was depleted by several reserve men being called to the
colours, Tuffley signed on as a special constable, and a smart man he
made at the business.
Those
under whom he worked had nothing but praise for his efforts. Then when
the call for men for the army became more pressing Tuffley, who saw
service with the South Staffordshire Volunteers in the Boer War,
enlisted in one of the city battalions, and was speedily made corporal.
When
his battalion left Sutton for another training ground he was placed in
charge of the transport arrangements and his promotion to the rank of
sergeant followed in due course. Now he is apparently to be further
honoured, and those who knew him will extend to him their hearty
congratulations.
In
civil life Tuffley was a master haulier, and all his men but one
enlisted long ago. The last one was taken some four weeks back, and a
substitute provided.
The
business is being managed by Mrs Tuffley during her husbands’ absence.”
Extract from the 14th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
War Diary 1 January 1918
St
Giorgid Brenta
“The
weather conditions remain very cold and there was a heavy fall of snow
during the night.
The
officers, N.C.O’s and men of H.Q. Coy saw the New Year in with a supper
followed by a concert.
The
following N.C.O’s have been mentioned in despatches: 14/355 Sgt C J
Brown, 14/1181 Sgt D W Tuffley, 30366 Sgt B V Davies.”
NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS DATES UNKNOWN
BUGLER TUFFLEY
CAMP
PHOTOGRAPHS
Many
thanks go to Jane Guest, the grand - daughter of David William Tuffley
for kindly contributing and sharing these wonderful records. There are
other memorabilia not included for those who may be interested.
“David Tuffley was the son of David and Rhoda Tuffley. David Tuffley
resided at 151 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for having realised that
whilst in action there was a grave danger of running short of
ammunition. He volunteered to take a lorry to the relief. On the way he
encountered heavy shelling and machine gun fire but got through with
400,000 rounds. Had had previously been Mentioned in Despatches whilst
serving in Italy.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 15.6.1918)
“He
was educated at Town School Sutton Coldfield
He
served in the Boer War in South Africa between 1901 and 1901. He joined
the Territorials and the City Battalion in 1915. He served time on the
Somme and at Ypres. He then went to Italy in November 1917 and back to
France in 1918.
Before the war he was a coal merchant and haulage contractor. His wife
took over the running of the business during the war and after his
death. He passed away at his residence after three months illness.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 28.12.1918)
The
marriage of David William Tuffley and Ada Carpenter was registered
December 1898 Walsall 6b 1291
Ada
Carpenter was the aunt of Gabriel Carpenter who died during the Great
War. See his entry.
1911
census 151 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield
David
William Tuffley
M
33
Coal merchant & haulier – employer
b Moreton in the Marsh
Ada
Tuffley
M
35
Married 12 years with 2 children
b Bridgtown, Cannock
Frederick Tuffley
11
b Sutton Coldfield
William Tuffley
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Gabriel Carpenter
13
Nephew Grocer’s errand boy
b Aston (Sic)
David
and Ada Tuffley had another child, Ada whose birth was registered
December 1913 Tamworth 6b 879.
Ada
Tuffley junior married Raymond W Guest in 1935 in Sutton Coldfield.
Their daughter is Jane Guest.
1911
census 2 House, 2 Court, Soho Road, Handsworth
David
Tuffley
M
62
Builder’s general labourer
b Longborough
Betsy
Tuffley
M
52
Married 18 years- 1 child
b Aston
Sarah
Tuffley
17
Photo frame coverer
b Springhill, Birmingham
A
marriage for David and Betsy Tuffley was not found.
In
1901 they lived at 6 Prospect Terrace, Springhill, Birmingham. David was
working as a navvy.
David
Tuffley died in Handsworth in 1927 and Betsy Tuffley died in 1934 in
Birmingham
1901
census 151 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield
Ada
Tuffley
M
25
At home
b Bridgtown
Frederick Tuffley
1
b Sutton Coldfield
Harry
Robinson
U 23
Boarder Bricklayer’s labourer
b Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Humpherson
U
23
Boarder Bricklayer’s labourer
b Middleton
Annie
Asprey
U
23
Visitor
b Sutton Coldfield
1891
census 29 Thomas Street, Kings Norton – boarding in the household of Dan
Randall
David
Tuffley
W
42
Bricklayer’s labourer
b Longborough Gloucs
David
Tuffley
12
b Moreton in the Marsh
1881
census Private House, Longborough, Gloucestershire
Jane
Tuffley
W
62
Pauper
b Longborough Gloucs
David
Tuffley
M
32
Farm labourer
b Longborough Gloucs
David
Tuffley
2
Grandson
b Moreton in the Marsh
The
death of William Tuffley was registered December 1878 Kings Norton 6c
325
The
death of Jane Tuffley was registered June 1885 Stow on the Wold 6a 257
The
marriage of David William Tuffley and Rhoda Hine was registered March
1871 Shipston on Stour 6d 628
Rhoda
Hine was born in 1851 in the Shipston on Stour area (near to Alcester on
the Warwickshire and Gloucestershire borders) but no trace of her was
made on any subsequent census.
There
were other Hine families, including James and Sarah Hine who lived in
Moreton in the Marsh on the 1881 census and named their new born
daughter Rhoda.
It
appears that David and Rhoda Tuffley had a daughter Jane Rhoda who was
baptised at Alcester on 20 March 1873. They lived at Birch Abbey and
David worked in drainage.
Her
birth registration was not found. And no further trace of her was found.
It is assumed she died in infancy.
It
also appears that after David William Tuffley was born in 1879 either
Rhoda Tuffley died and her death registration was not found or the
couple split up.
There
was no further trace of Rhoda Tuffley or Rhoda Hine until a marriage and
Banns was found in London. The bride was Rhoda Tuffley but the online
details are limited.
Rhoda
Tuffley married John William Carpenter at St Mary Battersea London on 28
November 1887.
John
Carpenter was a bachelor of 220 Bridge Road and Rhoda Tuffley claimed to
be a spinster.
They
were married after banns. It is not known if John William Carpenter was
related to Ada Carpenter.
1871
census “Cottage”, Longborough, Gloucestershire
William Tuffley
M
52
Farm labourer
b Donnington, Gloucs
Jane
Tuffley
M
52
b Nepton, Worcs
Thomas Tuffley
U 27
Farm labourer
b Longborough
David
Tuffley
22
Farm labourer
b Longborough
William Tuffley
13
Grandson Farm labourer
b Longborough
George Mills
4
Grandson
b Worcs
1861
census Longborough Village, Gloucestershire
William Tuffley
M
42
Ag Lab
b Donnington
Jane
Tuffley
M
42
b Worcs
George Tuffley
U 20
Ag lab
b Worcs
Thomas Tuffley
17
Ag lab
b Longborough
David
Tuffley
12
Field labourer
b Longborough
William Tuffley
3
Grandson
b Longborough
1851
census Longborough Village, Gloucestershire
William Tuffley
M
32
Ag lab
b Donnington
Jane
Tuffley
M
32
b Blackley, Worcs
Mary
Tuffley
17
Field labourer
b Longborough
Paul
Tuffley
12
Field labourer
b Longborough
George Tuffley
10
b Longborough
Eliza
Tuffley
7
b Longborough
Thomas Tuffley
5
b Longborough
David
Tuffley
2
b Longborough
1841
census Longborough, Gloucestershire
William Tuffley
20
Ag lab
b Y
Jane
Tuffley
20
b N
Sarah
Tuffley
9
b Y
Mary
Tuffley
7
b Y
Hannah Tuffley
5
b Y
Paul
Tuffley
2
b Y
George Tuffley
5 months old
b Y
A
marriage for William and Jane Tuffley was not found.
They
had children from a very young age so possibly they were married by
licence.
They
may not have married but lived as man and wife.
CHARLES TURNER
Charles Turner was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton
Coldfield with the Worcestershire Regiment – Private 37370 and
transferred to the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 2nd
Battalion – Private 28700
He
was killed in action on 4 April 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 27
He
was buried at the Noeux Les- Mines Communal Cemetery Extension, France,
Plot I.P.21
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B19 page 3837
His
Army Service Record was not found online
Charles Turner was the son of John and Elizabeth Turner of “The Alms
Houses”, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Clara Turner
(nee Wilkins)
Marriage
A
marriage was not found between a Charles Turner and a Clara Wilkins.
The
only marriage found locally was Charles Turner and Clara Godwin which
was registered December 1916 Tamworth 6b 711
It
seems possible that Clara was a widow.
1911
census “Hillwood”, Hill, Sutton Coldfield
John
Turner
M
65
Labourer on farm
b Northampton
Elizabeth Turner
M
61
Married 30 years, 8 children 3 died
b Hillwood, Hill
Charles Turner
U 21
Man servant/ general labourer
b Hillwood, Hill
RUSSELL SANDON TURNER
Russell Sandon Turner was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the
City Battalion at the start of the war - Royal Warwickshire Regiment 5th
Battalion as a Private 14/314.
He
was promoted to Second Lieutenant on 7 September 1915 (confirmed in
October 1915) and again to Captain in July 1016
He
was killed in action on 4 October 1917 (France & Flanders)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial
He is
also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
He
attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and is commemorated on their Roll
of Honour (David Phillips)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/150 page 19c and the 1915
Star Medal OFF/150 page 27
He
entered France on 16 October 1915.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
His
medals were sent to his widow at “Copsewood”, Tudor Hill, Sutton
Coldfield.
Russell Sandon Turner was the son of James Sandon Turner and the late
Alicia Turner of Four Oaks.
He
was the husband of Cicely May Turner, formerly Grove.
Russell Sandon Turner and Cicely May Grove were married Holy Trinity
Church, Sutton Coldfield on 28 June 1917
Cicely May Grove was the sister of Percival Allen Grove - see his entry
“He
was educated at Newhall College and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.
He
was a member of Sutton Coldfield Hockey and Swimming Clubs.
Before enlisting he was the Secretary of the Aston Chain & Hook Co.
based on Bromford Lane, Erdington.
He
enlisted in the City Battalion and was commissioned about October 1915.
He
was promoted to Captain July 1916.
Whilst acting as a machine gun officer, he was wounded in the back
whilst endeavouring to recover lost guns.” (Sutton Coldfield News
13.10.1917)
1911
census “Woodbank”, Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
James
Sandon Turner
M 58
Retired gun maker
b Birmingham
Maria
Turner
M
57
Married 9 years
b Sutton Coldfield
Nora
Turner
U
27
b Edmonton, M’sex
Charles Harold Turner
U 24
Accountancy clerk
b Edmonton
Kinbury Gilman
W 61
Visitor private means
b Sutton Coldfield
Agnes
Bullock
U
20
Housemaid
b Norton Caines
Rose
Hampton
U 24
Cook
b Whittington
Russell Sandon Turner was not found on the 1911 census
1901
census Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
–
only four siblings at home, no parents listed
Florence Turner
U
22
b Wylde Green
Arthur J Turner
U
22
Mechanical engineer
b Wylde Green
Russell S Turner
U
18
Art metal worker
b Wylde Green
Hilda
Turner
12
b London
Olive
L Bill
U
22
Visitor
b Walsall
1891
census “Claremont”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
James
Sandon Turner
M 38
Gun maker
b Birmingham
Alicia Turner
M
40
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Turner
15
b Aston
Edith
Turner
14
b Aston
Florence Turner
12
b Sutton Coldfield
Arthur Turner
10
b Sutton Coldfield
Russell S Turner
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Nora
Turner
7
b Edmonton
Charles Turner
4
b Edmonton
Hilda
Turner
2
b Edmonton
Susan
Deakin
U
21
General servant
b Hampshire
May
Falkener
U
21
Nurse
b Brownhills
Probate
Russell Sandon Turner of “Woodbank”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield,
Lieutenant, Acting Captain, 5th Battalion Royal Warwickshire
Regiment died 4 October 1917 in Belgium.
Probate was granted in London 2on 3 May 1918 to Arthur James Turner,
rivet manufacturer
Effects: £1776 10s 7d
Previous marriage
The
marriage of Russell Sandon Turner and Madeline Daghmar Tucker was
registered September 1907 Aston 6d 748
Madeline Turner died on 21 August 1909 aged 25.
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Captain Russell Sandon Turner
1st/5th Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died:
Thursday 4th October 1917
Aged:
35
The
1st/5th Warwicks (143rd Brigade, 48th Division, XVIII Corps) were to the
north east of St Julien when their Brigade attacked on 4 October 1917.
The 143rd Brigade consisted of the 1/5th on the right, 1/6th in the
centre, 1/7th on the left, with the 1/8th in support.
At
6.00am the British barrage fell, the intense noise wiped out hearing,
but the accuracy of fire prevented any reply. The 1/5th Warwicks went
over the top and advanced into the mud.
Captain Turner fell, almost at the starting point, leading ‘C’ Company
into battle. The Battalion was caught in a belt of snipers and
machine-guns in shell holes and the battle broke up into a series of
duels between small isolated parties.
They
persevered and captured Vale House and Winzig, but the left company took
severe casualties from heavy fire from a machine-gun post. 150 Germans
were captured, but the four Battalions lost 12 officers killed, 15
wounded and 1 missing, with 765 other ranks as casualties.
Russell Turner is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial Panel
P23-28 and 163A.
He is
commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and
All Saints Church Cross, Belwell Road.
“Russell Turner was the son of Major James Sandon (Gun Manufacturer) and
the late Alicia Turner of Wood Bank, Hartopp Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Russell attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1892 and 1896.
After
leaving school he was employed as a secretary in the Aston Chain and
Hook Company, Birmingham.
He
was a member of the Sutton Swimming Club and the Sutton Hockey Club.
His
wife Madeline Daghmar died on August 21st 1909 aged 25.
He
enlisted as Private 14/314 in ‘12’ Section, ‘III’ Platoon, ‘A’ Company,
14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment at the start of the war.
He
was commissioned into the 1/5th Warwicks on 7 September 1915
and made Captain in July 1916.
He
was wounded in 1916 when as Machine-gun officer he was trying to recover
lost guns.
Russell had three brothers and
four sisters.
His
brother-in-law was Second Lieutenant Percival Allen Grove, also an Old
Veseyan, who was killed in the war.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
GUY
EGLINGTON VAUGHTON
Guy
Eglington Vaughton was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted with the
Inns of Court Officers Training Corps Essex Regiment – Lance Corporal
6929. He gained his commission in 1916 with the Essex Regiment 8th
(Cyclist) Battalion – Second Lieutenant
He
was killed in action 20 November 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried at the Marcoing British Cemetery, near Cambrai, Plot II.C.5
He
worshipped at St James Church, Hill and is commemorated on their Roll of
Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals ER/OFF/110 page 183
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Guy
Eglington Vaughton was the only son of Thomas Albert and Clara Vaughton
of “Ley Hill House”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and later of “Melrose
House” near Lichfield.
He
was educated at Lickey Hill School and Uppingham School then at Oriel
College, Oxford.
Soon
after the outbreak of war he joined the Inns of Court O.T.C and received
a commission in the Essex Regiment in 1916.
He
went to France on 2 May 1917.
He
took part in the attack on Langemarck (Passchendaele).
He
was previously reported missing on 21 November 1917 in the attack on
Cambrai but is now reported killed.” (Sutton Coldfield News 13.7.1918)
1911
census “Uppingham School”, Rutland
Guy
Vaughton
14
Pupil
b Sutton Coldfield
1911
census “Ley Hill House”, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Albert Vaughton
M 52
Manufacturing goldsmith - employer
b Birmingham
Clara
Vaughton
M 51
Married 25 years, 2 children
b Rushall, Staffs (sic)
Violet Weston
U
32
General servant
b Brownhills
Hetty
Weston
16
General servant
b Brownhills
1901
census “Bronygan”, Llanfarfechan, Caernarvonshire
Richard Evans
M
51
Foreman in store
b Llanfarfechan
Mary
Evans
M
50
b Bootle, Lancs
Emily
Smith
U
27
General domestic servant
b London
Clara
Vaughton
M 41
Visitor
b Sutton Coldfield (sic)
Dorothy Vaughton
13
Visitor
b Sutton Coldfield
Guy E
Vaughton
4
b Sutton Coldfield
We do
not know the relationship between Clara Vaughton and Richard and Mary
Evans.
It is
possible that the Vaughton family were on holiday in Wales.
1901
census Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas A Vaughton
M
42
Gold and Silversmith
b Birmingham
Sarah
Insley
U
35
Cook
b Sutton Coldfield
Annie
Corbett
U
19
Housemaid
b Winslow, Bucks
1891
census Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Albert Vaughton
M 32
Manufacturing jeweller
b Birmingham
Clara
Vaughton
M 31
b Sutton Coldfield (sic)
Dorothy Vaughton
3
b Sutton Coldfield
Florence Lay
U
25
Domestic servant
b Wolverhampton
Probate
Guy
Eglington Vaughton of “Ley Hill House”, Sutton Coldfield, Second
Lieutenant in HM Army, died on or since 20 November 1917 in France.
Administration with Will was granted at Birmingham on 5 February 1919 to
Oliver Howard Vaughton manufacturer.
Effects: £273 15s 11d |
|
SAMUEL JOHN VYSE
Samuel John Vyse was born in Birmingham. He enlisted in the Royal Navy
in 1909 and was promoted to Stoker 1st Class in 1913 - No
K11/25 serving on ‘HMS Tipperary’.
Samuel John Vyse was killed in action at sea on 1 June 1916 aged 24
whilst serving on ‘HMS Tipperary’.
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
“HMS
Tipperary was a Faulknor Class destroyer which was purchased by the
Royal Navy at the start of the war. It was launched on 5 March 1915 and
completed in May 1915. It was the second flotilla leader with the third
destroyer flotilla in the Harwich Force.
It
was the leader of the fourth flotilla in May 1916, directly supported by
the Grand Fleet. The Captain was C T Wintour.
The
ship was subject to determined torpedo attacks from 23.20 hours on 31
May 1916 and was sunk on 1 June 1916 by a 5.9 inch fire from the second
battery of the German dreadnought ‘SMS Westfalen’.
This
was during the Battle of Jutland. There was a loss of 185 hands out of
197 men.” (Wikipedia)
Samuel John Vyse is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll
of Honour (Mathew Rhodes)
“Samuel John Vyse was the son of Samuel and Florence Nightingale Vyse of
50 Newhall Street, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was the second of three sons and both of his brothers served in the
army.
He
enlisted with the navy in 1909 and was promoted to Stoker 1st
Class in 1913.
His
parents owned a green grocery shop on Lower Parade, Sutton Coldfield.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 8.6.1916)
Vyse
and Son, Greengrocers were in business at Lower Parade in 1913
(Source: Mike Kemble
http://www.sutton-coldfield.net/commerce.html)
1911
census 54 Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield
Samuel Vyse
M
56
Fruiter’s shop
b Birmingham
Florence Vyse
M
54
Married 33 years, 10 children 1 died
b Birmingham
Mary
Ann Vyse
U 23
b Birmingham
Frederick Vyse
17
Fruiter’s shop assistant
b Birmingham
Florence Vyse
10
b Birmingham
Charley Dayman
U 21
Fruiter’s assistant
b Birmingham
1901
census 207 Aston Road, Aston, Birmingham
Samuel Vyse
M
43
Carter
b Birmingham
Florence Vyse
M
42
b Birmingham
Edward Vyse
U
20
Fruiter/ greengrocer own account
b Birmingham
Ada
Vyse
U
18
Cycle enameller
b Birmingham
Charlotte Vyse
16
b Birmingham
Mary
Vyse
13
b Birmingham
Amelia Vyse
11
b Birmingham
Samuel Vyse
9
b Birmingham
Frederick Vyse
7
b Birmingham
Florence Vyse
10 months old
b Birmingham
Emma
Dodd
W
75
Mother in law
b Birmingham
WALTER WADEY
Walter Wadey was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Birmingham on
30 May 1915 with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (City) 10th
Battalion – Private 19280
He
was killed in action on 6 June 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 32
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B34 page 7293
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Walter Wadey was the son of William and Maria Wadey of Rectory Road,
Sutton Coldfield.
He
was the husband of Frances J Wadey, formerly Williams of 2 Birmingham
Road, Sutton Coldfield. (1922 WML)
The
marriage of Walter Wadey and Frances J Williams was registered March
1914 Tamworth 6b 567
No
children were registered as born to the couple.
“He
was educated at Town School.
Prior
to enlisting, he was employed as a gardener for Mrs Rollason of
“Redcroft”, Chester Road.
He
enlisted in the City Battalion on 30 May 1915 and was sent to the front
in July 1916.
He
was wounded in June 1917 and was back in England at various hospitals.
He
returned to the front in April 1918 and was killed a few weeks later.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 31.8.1918)
1911
census, Boot Hill, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield
William Wadey
M 79
Retired blacksmith
b Horsham, Sussex
Maria
Wadey
M
63
Married 41 years, 9 children, all alive
b Braunston, Northants
Arthur Wadey
U
39
Baker’s confectioner
b Attleborough, Warks
Walter Wadey
U
24
Gardener
b Sutton Coldfield
Ernest Wadey
U
18
Stockbroker’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census “Wheatmoor Farm”, Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield
William Wadey
M 69
Blacksmith
b Horsham
Maria
Wadey
M
52
b Braunston
Walter Wadey
14
b Sutton Coldfield
Celia
Wadey
11
b Sutton Coldfield
Ernest Wadey
8
b Sutton Coldfield
EUSTACE BERTRAM WAGSTAFF
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff was born in Bentley Heath, near Knowle in
Warwickshire. He enlisted at Rugby with the Royal Engineers 69th
Field Company – Sapper 42245
He
was killed in action on 6 April 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 20
He
was buried at the Senlis Communal Cemetery Extension near Albert, Plot
I.D.17
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff 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 RE/101/B100 page 21311 and
the 1915 Star Medal Re/2B page 610
He
entered France on 31 May 1915.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff was the son of William Charles and Harriet
Wagstaff of 26 Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 2 Florence Avenue, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
William Charles Wagstaff
M
43
Coachman – domestic
b Foleshill, Warks
Harriett Wagstaff
M
40
Married 19 years – 4 children
b Kenilworth
William Charles Wagstaff
U
19
Gardener – domestic
b Highton, Kent
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff
13
b Bentley Heath Warks
Winifred Gladys Wagstaff
3
b Wylde Green
Marjorie Wagstaff
3 months old
b Wylde Green
1901
census “Hall Cottages”, Stalford Estate, Stalford, Staffordshire
William C Wagstaff
M
33
Coachman
b Foleshill
Harriett Wagstaff
M
30
b Kenilworth
William C Wagstaff
9
b Highton
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff
3
b Solihull
Baptism at Knowle Parish Church
Eustace Bertram Wagstaff was born on 13 March 1897 at Bentley Heath.
He
was baptised on 28 November 1897.
His
parents were William Charles and Harriett Wagstaff.
His
father worked as a coachman.
ALBERT EDWARD WAKEFIELD
Albert Edward Wakefield was born in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield. He
enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with the Norfolk Regiment – Private 32133
and later served with the Worcestershire Regiment 1/7th
Battalion – Private 41382
He
was killed in action on 17 August 1917 (France & Flanders)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial
He
attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and is commemorated on their Roll
of Honour (David Philips)
He
worshipped at St James Church and is commemorated on their Roll of
Honour (Tina Ambrose)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/102 B29 page 6494
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Albert Edward Wakefield was the son of William Alfred and Florence
Wakefield of Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield.
“He
was educated Town School and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.
He
resided at Mere Green Road, Four Oaks.
A
Memorial Service was held at St James Church in his memory.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 1.9.1917)
1911
census “Church View”, Mere Green Road, Hill, Sutton Coldfield
William Alfred Wakefield
M 51
Gardener
b Sussex
Florence Wakefield
M
46
Married 21 years – 6 children
b Hertfordshire
Percy
Wakefield
16
Railway porter LNWR
b Warks
Albert Edward Wakefield
13
b Warks
Arthur Stanley Wakefield
12
b Warks
Hilda
Victoria Wakefield
10
b Warks
Dorothy Rose Wakefield
8
b Warks
Irene
Florence Wakefield
2
b Warks
James
Blythe
U
34
Lodger
Bricklayer’s labourer
b Staffs
Thomas Hands
U 46
Lodger
Farm labourer
b Staffs
1901
census “Private Cottage”, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield
William Wakefield
M
40
Gardener
b West Chilterton
Florence Wakefield
M
36
Charwoman
b Walkern, Herts
Percy
Wakefield
6
b Stratford on Avon
Albert E Wakefield
4
b Boldmere
Arthur S Wakefield
2
b Mere Green
Elizabeth Wakefield
W
66
Mother
b Stourton, Warks
West
Chilterton is in Sussex
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Private 41382 Albert Edward Wakefield
1st/7th Worcestershire Regiment
Died:
Friday 17th August 1917
Aged:
20
The
fighting was fierce in an attempt to capture the village of St Julien
just to the south of Langemarck.
On 16
August 1917, the 1st/5th Gloucester’s of the 48th Division (to which the
1st/7th Worcestershire’s were attached) struggled to capture the last
house in the north of St. Julian.
They
were caught in crossfire from Hillock Farm and Maison du Hibou.
The
former building fell to the 1st/1st Bucks.
Everywhere there were bodies, English and German, in all attitudes and
stages of decomposition.
Private Wakefield was killed when a company of Worcester’s launched an
unsuccessful attack on Maison du Hibou at 2.30am 17 August. 1917.
Albert Wakefield is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke
Panel 75 to 77.
He is
commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square.
“Albert Wakefield was born on 27 October 1896.
He
was the son of William (Domestic Gardener) and Florence (Charwoman)
Wakefield of “Church View Cottages”, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Albert attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1908 and 1910.
On
the 29 September 1910 he transferred to Town Boy’s School.
He
originally enlisted as Private 32133 in the Norfolk Regiment.
He
had two brothers, Percy and Arthur.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
ROBERT WILLIAM WALDRON
Robert William Waldron was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Four
Oaks with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 11th Battalion
(Attached to the 15th Entrenching Company)
– Private 16314
He
died of wounds on 22 March 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 23
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial
He
was also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals l/104 B34 page 7321
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Robert William Waldron was the son of William and F Waldron of Clarence
Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.
In
1918 he was residing at “Garden Cottage”, Clarence Road (Electoral
Roll).
1911
census “Walton Cottage”, Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
William Waldron
M
52
Foreman engineer/toolmaker
b Arley Kings, Worcs
Florence Waldron
M
45
Married 28 years, 8 children
b Hockley
Phillip Waldron
U
27
Traveller in cattle feed
b Saltley
Florence Waldron
U
23
b Erdington
Dorothy Waldron
U
21
Clerk in milk trade
b Erdington
Marjorie Waldron
U
19
Milliner’s assistant
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Waldron
U
18
Gardener at nursery
b Birmingham
Robert William Waldron
16
Carpenter
b Sutton Coldfield
Kathleen Waldron
4
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield
William Waldron
M
42
Mechanical engineer
b Arley Kings
Florence Waldron
M
35
b Birmingham
Phillip Waldron
17
News boy
b Washwood Heath
Gertrude Waldron
15
Shop assistant
b Saltley
Florence Waldron
13
b Erdington
Dorothy Waldron
11
b Erdington
Marjorie Waldron
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Frederick Waldron
8
b Birmingham
Robert Waldron
6
b Sutton Coldfield
ERIC
ARTHUR WALKER
Eric
Arthur Walker was born at Knowle on 24 April 1895. He joined the 1st
Warwickshire Yeomanry ‘B’ Squadron on 1 March 1913 when he was 17 years
and 11 months old - Private 1963.
He
gained his commission on 26 February 1915 with the Shropshire Light
Infantry 9th Battalion
(Attached to the 6th
Battalion and also the 2nd Battalion) – Second Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 29 December 1915 (France & Flanders) aged 20
He
was buried at the Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, near Armentieres, Plot
II.G.23
He is
commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
There
is a stained glass memorial window at Holy Trinity Church, Sutton
Coldfield, erected in his honour.
Eric
Walker is commemorated on page 302 of the ‘Birmingham City Battalions’
Book of Honour edited by Sir W H Bowater.
He is
listed as one of five who worked for Abingdon Ecco Ltd, Tyseley who died
out of 57 who enlisted from the company.
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals KSLI/OFF 161 page 150 and the
1915 Star Medal OFF/161 page 23
He
entered France on 16 October 1915.
He
gained his commission on 26 February 1915.
No
further records were found online.
“Eric
Arthur Walker was the son of Thomas and Theresa Walker of 12 Church
Road, Edgbaston.
He
was born at Knowle on 24 April 1895.
He
moved to Sutton Coldfield in 1907 and resided at “Avoncroft”, Four Oaks.
He
was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and Denstone College.
On
leaving school he joined the Warwickshire Yeomanry.
He
obtained his commission in February 1915 with the Shropshire Light
Infantry.
He
was killed whilst trying to locate a sniper.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 2.12.1916)
1911
census “Avoncroft”, Luttrell Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Walker
M 52
Buckle & Clasp manufacturer/ Emp.
b Birmingham
Theresa Walker
M 52
Married 27 years – 4 children
b Cheltenham
Eric
Walker
15
Manufacturer’s assistant
b Knowle, Warks
Ida
Reeve
U
27
Companion/ help
b Tamworth
Bertram English
16
Visitor - At school
b Edgbaston
Sarah
Fairfield
U
25
General servant
b Brownhills
1901
census Temple Road, Knowle, Warwickshire
Thomas Walker
M
42
Buckle manufacturer
b Birmingham
Theresa Walker
M
42
b Cheltenham
Dorothy Walker
16
b Birmingham
Gilbert Walker
13
b Moseley
Eric
Walker
5
b Knowle
Baddesley Clinton
Richard John Lloyd is a member of the Western Front Association.
He is
an expert on the Walker family and Baddesley Clinton.
“Eric
Walker’s sister, Florence (born in 1886 at Moseley) married into the
Ferrers- Walker family who owned Baddesley Clinton.
Baddesley Clinton is now owned by the National Trust.
Eric’s father made belt buckles for military use.
His
oldest son, Gilbert worked at the factory during the war.
The
factory was bombed during WW2.
The
Walker family received letters from Eric’s Colonel, Captain and Chaplain
after he died.
His
Captain had told Eric to ‘keep his head down’.”
(Richard Lloyd Western Front Association, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great
War Project)
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Second Lieutenant Eric Arthur Walker
9th
attached to the 6th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Died:
Wednesday 29th December 1915
Aged:
20
The 6th
K.S.L.I. (60th Brigade, 20th Division) had taken
part in the Battle of Loos (September 1915) and were now holding the
trenches at la Boutillerie, south of Armentieres – 70 yards from the
Germans.
Second Lieutenant Walker, who was described by Lt.-Col. E A Wood as
‘utterly without fear’, was determined to locate a sniper.
Despite warnings from his company commander, Captain Stanley Thomas, he
was shot through the head.
His
comrades located the marksman in a tree, trained a machine-gun on it,
and within seconds of opening fire the culprit was seen to fall from the
branches.
Private 12268 William Lewis, who had been Eric’s servant, was sniped and
wounded in the same section of trench on 30th December 1915.
He died the next day.
Eric
Walker is buried in Rue-Petillon
Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, Plot 2, Row G, Grave 23
He is
commemorated on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square, All
Saints Church Cross, Belwell Lane and also on a window in Holy Trinity
Church, Sutton Coldfield.
“Eric
Walker was born on 24 April 1895. He was the son of Thomas and Theresa
Sarah Walker of Avon Croft, Luttrell Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield.
The family later moved to The Elms, Station Road, Lapworth.
Eric
attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1907 and 1908.
Eric
was a chorister at Holy Trinity Church and after leaving Bishop Vesey’s
Grammar School he attended Warwick School for a short while, before
moving to Denstone College where he was a member of Officer Training
Corps.
He
trained as a motor engineer at the Abingdon Works, Tyseley before being
employed by his father T. Walker Ltd, a successful buckle and clothing
fittings manufacturer of Brook Street, Birmingham.
He
was a fair horseman and he enlisted as Private 1963 in the 1st
Warwickshire Yeomanry, ‘B’ squadron on 1 March 1913 aged 17yrs and 11
months. He was discharged in Norwich on 25 February 1915 and was
commissioned into the KSLI on 26 February 1915. He went to France in
September 1915 and joined ‘B’ Company.
Eric
had an older brother Gilbert J. and two sisters Dorothy M. and Florence
M.A (she married a descendant of the family Thomas Ferrers-Walker who
gave Baddesley Clinton, near Knowle, to the National Trust in 1980.)”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
FRANCIS BERNARD WARD
Francis Bernard Ward was born in Erdington. He enlisted in Birmingham
with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps – Corporal 10984
He
died of wounds on 29 April 1915 at Macclesfield, Derbyshire aged 21
He
was buried St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Plot 1363
Francis Bernard Ward is commemorated on the St Michaels’s Church,
Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101 B13 page 1610 and the
1914 Star Medal M/3 page 126
He
entered France on 13 August 1914.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Francis Bernard Ward the son of Francis J Ward of Erdington.
Francis B Ward lived at 18 Sycamore Road, Erdington and at the Post
Office, Boldmere.
He
fought during the retreat from Mons.
He
was wounded at Cuinchy whilst on outpost duty at night.
He
was hit by shrapnel which injured his leg.
He
died at Macclesfield Military Hospital from septic poisoning.
He
received a full military funeral at St Michael’s Church, Boldmere.
All
the pall bearers were from the 2nd City Battalion, Royal
Warwickshire Regiment, who were based in Sutton Park.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 22.5.1915)
1911
census 178 Aubrey Road, Small Heath, Birmingham
Boarding in the household of Robert Griffith
Francis Bernard Ward
U
17
Warehouse clerk motor trade
b Erdington
1901
census 12 Stockland Road, Erdington
Francis J Ward
W 40
Draughtsman – own account
b Edge Hill
Francis B Ward
7
b Erdington
CYRIL
WARMINGTON
Cyril
Warmington was born in Lichfield. He enlisted at Birmingham with the
Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 5th Battalion –
Lance Corporal 10914
He
was killed in action on 30 July 1915 (France & Flanders) aged 20
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Menin Gate
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B 19 page 3972 and the
1915 Star Medal L/4B page 395
He
entered France on 20 May 1915.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Cyril Warmington was the son of Henry George and Mary Elizabeth
Warmington of 71 Mason Road, Erdington
He
was killed in action near Ypres.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 28.8.1915)
“Cyril Warmington worked at the G.E.C before the war (General Electric
Company).
He
had been a member of the Scouts.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 11.9.1915)
1911
census Wylde Green (address not stated), Sutton Coldfield
Henry
George Warmington
M 51
Commercial traveller – brewery
b Badsey, Worcs
Mary
Elizabeth Warmington M 50
Married 26 years, 9 children 5 died
b Lichfield
Harry
Warmington
U
24
Clerk for butcher
b Lichfield
Arthur Warmington
U
21
Clerk for brewery
b Lichfield
Leonard Warmington
U
18
Works for motor garage
b Lichfield
Cyril
Warmington
16
Clerk for electric company
b Lichfield
Leonard Warmington
Leonard Warmington joined the 15th Battalion Royal
Warwickshire Regiment on 25 May 1915 at Birmingham.
He
served as Private 15/1252.
He
was transferred to Royal West Kent Regiment as Private GS/21823
He
worked as a cinematograph operator at the time he enlisted.
He
entered France on 21 November 1915 and was demobilised on 24 March 1919.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals GSE/2/103 B10 page 840 and
the 1915 Star Medal C/2/1C page 54
FRANK
WARWOOD
Frank
Warwood was born in Lichfield. He enlisted with the Coldstream Guards -
Private 11140
He
died in 1920 aged 23
The
death of Frank Warwood was registered June 1920 Meriden Warwickshire 6d
625
The
circumstances of his death were not discovered. However there were
various VAD Auxiliary hospitals in the Meriden area as well as the
Coventry Hospital which had a soldiers ward for 30 men.
It
seems possible that he was injured and taken to a military hospital
where he eventually succumbed to his wounds or illnesses.
It is
not known where Frank Warwood was buried.
Frank
Warwood is commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals CG/101/B5 page 271 and 1915
Star Medal CG/10 page 158
He
entered France on 22 November 1915. His medal card states that he was
discharged but does not give a date.
His
service record was not found online.
Frank
Warwood was the son of John and Mary Warwood of Walmley Ash, Sutton
Coldfield
Frank
Warwood was registered to vote in 1918 at Walmley Ash (Electoral Roll).
1911
census “Emily Cottages”, Walmley Ash, Sutton Coldfield
John
Warwood
M 44
Farm labourer
b Great Barr
Mary
Ann Warwood
M
42
Married 22 years -8 children
b Penkridge
William Warwood
17
Farm labourer
b Lichfield
Frank
Warwood
14
Errand boy
b Lichfield
Ralph
Warwood
12
b Lichfield
Elsie
Warwood
9
b Lichfield
Ada
Warwood
5
b Lichfield
Harry
Warwood
1
b Walmley Ash
1901
census Weeford Village, near Sutton Coldfield
John
Warwood
M 34
Cowman on farm
b Great Barr
Ann
Warwood
M
32
b Penkridge
Annie
Warwood
11
b Aldridge
John
Warwood
9
b Aldridge
William Warwood
7
b Swinfen, Lichfield
Frank
Warwood
4
b Swinfen
Ralph
Warwood
2
b Swinfen
CHARLES JOHN WASHBOURNE
Charles John Washbourne was born in Acocks Green. He enlisted with the
Royal Fusiliers 20th Battalion – Private 10936 and
transferred to the Royal Fusiliers 13th Battalion – Private
64387
He
was killed in action on 16 November 1916 (France & Flanders) aged 33
“The
13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers were involved in action at
Beaumont Hamel on 16th November 1916. The temperature was 41
F and it was clear and cold.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
Charles Washbourne is also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Charles J Washbourne is commemorated on the Aston Grammar School Roll of
Honour (Sylvia Williams)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals TP/104 B20 page 2728
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Charles John Washbourne was the son of Ann Washbourne of “Hindecliffe”,
Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and the late Albert Washbourne
1911
census Bracebridge Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
Albert Washbourne
M
61
General provider/retail shop- Emp.
b Birmingham
Ann
Washbourne
M 62
Married 44 years, 12 children 5 died
b Birmingham
Gertrude Washbourne
U
32
b Birmingham
Charles John Washbourne
U 28
Home furnishings buyer
b Acocks Green
Gladys Washbourne
U
23
b Yardley
Harriet Whitehouse
U
34
Cook
b Bridgtown, Staffs
Elsie
Whitehouse
U
27
General servant
b Walsall Wood
1901
census “Blythe Terrace”, Sutton Road, Erdington
Albert Washbourne
M
51
Draper & House furnishings seller
b Birmingham
Ann
Washbourne
M 52
b Birmingham
Gertrude Washbourne
U
22
b Birmingham
Beatrice Washbourne
U
19
b Birmingham
Charles John Washbourne
U 18
Hardware merchant’s clerk
b Acocks Green
Gladys Washbourne
13
b Yardley
Caroline Brayley
U
26
Cook
b Cardiff
Mary
Blackmore
U 26
Housemaid
b Salisbury
Probate
Charles John Washbourne of “Hindecliffe”, Bracebridge Road, Sutton
Coldfield, Private 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers died on or
since 16 November 1916 in France.
Probate was granted at Birmingham on 14 June 1918 to Albert Washbourne
and Albert Edgar Washbourne general providers
Effects: £2242 17s 2d.
OSWALD WATSON
Oswald Watson was born in Birmingham. He enlisted at Birmingham with the
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Battalion – Private 12752
He
was killed in action on 22 August 1915 (Gallipoli)
“The
7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment were involved in
the Suvla Campaign in the Balkans.” (GCS)
“The
7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment were involved in
the Suvla Campaign in the Balkans.” (GCS)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Helles Memorial,
Gallipoli
Oswald Watson was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere,
Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals F/101 B6 page 621 and the
1915 Star Medal f/2B7 page 563
He
entered the Balkans on 21 July 1915
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Oswald Watson was the son of Walter and Jane Watson of Sutton Coldfield
1911
census “Violette”, Jockey Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
Walter Watson
M
61
Lithographic artist – printer’s trade
b Birmingham
Jane
Watson
M
61
Married 39 years, 8 children 1 died
b Birmingham
Oswald Watson
U 32
Clerk at brass foundry
b Birmingham
Harold Watson
U 25
Lithographic artist – printer trade
b Birmingham
1901
census 28 Station Road, Handsworth
Walter Watson
M
51
Lithographic artist
b Birmingham
Jane
Watson
M
50
b Birmingham
Elizabeth Watson
U
27
Teacher of music
b Birmingham
Robert Watson
U 25
Lithographic artist
b Birmingham
Frederick Watson
U
23
Machinist/engineer
b Birmingham
Oswald Watson
U 21
Clerk
b Birmingham
Percy
Watson
U
19
Lithographic artist
b Birmingham
Elsie
Watson
14
b Birmingham
CHARLES WEBB
Charles Webb was born at Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at
Birmingham with the Royal Field Artillery – Private 62656 and
transferred to the Rifle Brigade 7th Battalion (Prince
Consort’s Own) – Rifleman S/11321
Charles Webb died on 28 October 1918 whilst a prisoner of war in Germany
28 October 1918 aged 22 (WML)
He
was buried at the South Western Cemetery, Stahnsdorf near Berlin,
Germany, Plot III.E.1
“The
South Western Cemetery was one of four sites where, between 1924 and
1925, the graves from 146 smaller burial grounds in Germany (1176
Soldiers) were reburied.” (CWWG Cemetery History)
It is
hard to say exactly where he was serving when he was captured. His
brigade was active on the Somme during 1917 and 1918 along the
Hindenburg Line, Arras, Langemarck, Passchendaele and the Battles of St
Quentin and Avre.
The
brigade was largely disbanded in 1918 due to diminished numbers. (Rifle
Brigade archives online)
Charles Webb worshipped at St James Church, Hill and is commemorated on
their Roll of Honour (Tina Ambrose St James Church)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/102 B18 page 2461 and 1915
Star Medal M/1B page 825
He
entered France on 20 July 1915. His card is annotated - “Died”.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Charles Webb was the son of the late Alfred and Hannah Webb of
“Drakeford Cottage”, Tower Road, Four Oaks
1911
census Church Lane, Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Hannah Webb
W
56
b Hill
William Webb
U
22
Gardener
b Hill
Alfred Webb
U
19
Carpenter’s apprentice
b Hill
Charles Webb
15
Milkman’s assistant
b Hill
1901
census “Private Cottage”, Back Lane, Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Alfred Webb
M
47
Gardner
b Brinkley, Cambs
Annie
Webb
M
46
Charwoman
b Hill Wood, Hill
William Webb
12
b Ley Hill, Hill
Arthur Webb
11
b Back Lane, Hill
Alfred Webb
9
b Back Lane
Charles Webb
5
b Back Lane
Cliff
Webb is related to Charles Webb.
Cliff’s grandfather was Alfred Webb, the brother of Charles Webb.
(Cliff Webb, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)
GEORGE THOMAS WEBB
George Thomas Webb was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted in
Birmingham on 17 November 1914 with the Royal Garrison Artillery as a
gunner. He was promoted on 25 February 1917 with the 158th
Siege Battery – Bombardier 53460
He
died of wounds on 26 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 20
He
was buried at the Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery, Ypres, Plot B.11
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/123B/3 page 2237 and the
1915 Star Medal RGA/3/B3 page 946
He
entered France on 21 August 1915
Army
Service Record
He
enlisted with the RGA at Birmingham on the 17 November 1914 and sent to
Gosport the next day.
He
was attested at RGA A.2 Depot on 21 July 1916
He
worked as a bricklayer’s labourer and was single.
He
was 5’ 6 ½” tall, weighed 126 ½ pounds and had a chest measurement of 36
½”. He had a scar above his left eye and nose from being kicked by a
horse.
His
next of kin were his parents George and Sarah Webb and his siblings
John, Edward, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Kathleen and Grace – all of 9
Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was embodied at Southampton on 20 August 1915 and sent to Le Havre on 21
August 1915.
He
was in hospital in the field between 26 March 1916 and 4 April 1916 with
bronchitis.
He
had leave in the UK between 1 May 1916 and 8 May 1916.
He
was a patient at the 4th London General Hospital, Denmark
Hill between 1 July 1916 and 3 August 1916. He was being treated for
wounds.
He
was promoted to Bombardier on 25 February 1917.
He
was in the 1st Stationery Field Hospital on 14 July 1917 with
a gun- shot wound to the abdomen. He was sent to Rouen on 21 July 1917
on his way to England.
He
died of wounds on 26 October 1917 but the details are not given other
than he was with the BEF in France.
“George Thomas Webb was the son of Mr and Mrs George Webb of 9
Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was educated at Town School and went to work for Messrs Atkins & Sons
Grocers & Provision Dealers, 50 ‘The Parade’, Sutton Coldfield after
leaving school.
He
then went on to learn bricklaying with Mr Aston in Erdington.
He
enlisted when he was aged 17 ¾ and went to the front about November 1916
aged 18 ½. He was a gun layer.
He
was wounded in the stomach in about November 1916 and was at home for
the last time.
According to his officer he was killed by a shell splinter from a
hostile shell landing in front of his gun.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 24.11.1917)
1911
census “Ivy Cottages”, Reddicap Hill, Sutton Coldfield
George Webb
M
44
Bricklayer’s labourer
b Hints, Staffs
Sarah
Webb
M
40
Married 20 years, 8 children all alive
b Bibley, Derbyshire
John
William Webb
U
19
Boot repairer
b Tamworth
Sarah
L Webb
17
General servant
b Sutton Coldfield
Lizzie D Webb
16
Laundry maid
b Sutton Coldfield
George Thomas Webb
14
Errand boy
b Sutton Coldfield
Amy E
Webb
9
b Sutton Coldfield
Edward J Webb
5
b Sutton Coldfield
Evelyn A Webb
4
b Sutton Coldfield
Kathleen Webb
2
b Sutton Coldfield
JOHN
WEBB
John
Webb was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton Coldfield with
the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 14th Battalion – Private
20734
He
was killed in action on 4 June 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 37
He
was buried at the Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux – En- Gohelle, France,
Plot V.D.23
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B35 page 7517
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
John
Webb was the son of John and Alice Webb of Wylde Green, Sutton
Coldfield.
He
was the husband of Ellen Webb of 71 Greenford Avenue, Hanwell in London.
The
marriage of John Webb and Ellen Driscoll was registered June 1910 Aston
6d 560
1911
census 149 Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield
John
Webb
M
30
Plumber
b Sutton Coldfield
Ellen
Webb
M
37
Married under 1 year – no children
b Birmingham
1911
census Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
John
Webb
M
54
Carpenter
b Alfrick, Worcs
Alice
Webb
M
46
Married 31 years, 8 children 2 died
b Wylde Green
Alice
Webb
U
28
Laundry maid
b Wylde Green
Leonard Webb
16
Butcher’s assistant
b Wylde Green
1901
census Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield
John
Webb
M
45
Carpenter
b Alfrick, Worcs
Alice
Webb
M
46
b not known
John
Webb
U
20
Plumber
b Sutton Coldfield
Alice
Webb
18
Laundry maid
b Sutton Coldfield
Walter Webb
12
b Sutton Coldfield
Leonard Webb
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Ethel
Webb
4
b Sutton Coldfield
JOSEPH WILLIAM WEBB
Joseph William Webb was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at
Birmingham in September 1914 with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Light Infantry 7th Battalion – Lance Corporal 17916
He
was killed in action on 9 May 1917 (Salonika) aged 26
He
was buried at the Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece, Plot VI.G.29
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/106 B20 page 4021 and the
1915 Star Medal L/4B page 436
He
entered France on 21 September 1915.
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Joseph William Webb was the son of Thomas and Harriet Webb of
Curdworth, late of Sutton Coldfield.
He
was employed at the General Electric Co., Witton.
He
enlisted in September 1914 and first saw service on the Western Front
then was sent to Salonika.
He
was wounded in August 1916.”
(Sutton Coldfield news 16.6.1917)
1911
census Boot Hill, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Webb
W
59
Farm labourer
b Hints, Staffs
Charles Webb
U
31
Carter for haulier
b Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Webb
U
20
Cycle mechanic- retail
b Sutton Coldfield
Alice
Webb
U
26
Daughter
b Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Webb
10
Grandson
b Nottingham
John
Barren
15
Nephew Grocer’s porter
b Walsall
Albert Thompson
U
22
Boarder Furniture porter
b Ebbw Vale, Wales
The
family were not found on the 1901 census
1891
census Sutton Coldfield (no address given)
Thomas Webb
M
39
Ag Lab
b Hints
Harriet Webb
M
41
b Whitacre, Warks
Charles Webb
11
b Sutton Coldfield
Harriet Webb
8
b Sutton Coldfield
Alice
Webb
6
b Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Webb
8 months old
b Sutton Coldfield
JAMES
GORDON WEBSTER
James
Gordon Webster was born in Erdington. He enlisted at Birmingham with the
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 9th Battalion – Private 4092
He
was killed in action on 19 April 1916 (Mesopotamia) aged 28
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq
He is
commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour
(Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B35 page 7532 and the
1915 Star Medal L/8B page 562
He
entered the Balkans on 13 July 1915
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
James
Gordon Webster was the son of John and Ada Webster of 9 Beacon View,
Jockey Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 9 Beacon View, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield
John
Webster
M
57
General labourer
b Erdington
Ada
Webster
M
52
Married 23 years, 5 children 1 died
b Sutton Coldfield
Daisy
Webster
U
18
Printing/book binding
b Sutton Coldfield
Elsie
Webster
16
Printing/book binding
b Sutton Coldfield
James
Gordon Webster was obviously away from home but was not found under
James or Gordon on the 1911 census.
His
parents had listed him on the census return but this was crossed out by
the enumerator
The
family were not found in 1901
1891
census Court Lane, Sutton Coldfield (New Oscott)
John
Webster
M
37
Gardener
b Erdington
Ada
Webster
M
32
b Sutton Coldfield
James
Webster
2
b Erdington
George Webster
4 months old
b Sutton Coldfield
George Butler
U
24
Lodger
Farm labourer
b Erdington
STANLEY BENJAMIN WESTWOOD
Military Cross and the
French Croix de Guerre
Stanley Benjamin Westwood was born in Bromyard. He enlisted with the
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6 Battalion – Private 2484. He
gained his commission with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment – Second
Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 15 April 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
was buried at the Vielle Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture,
France, Plot III.E.17
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Military Cross (WML) and the French Croix de Guerre.
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/57 page 118 and the 1915
Star Medal L/10B2 page 785
He
entered France on 22 March 1915
His
card is annotated “Mrs Frances Robinson on behalf of Mrs Westwood
applies for medals 7 February 1921. The address was “Glenthorn”, Mulroy
Road, Sutton Coldfield.
The
medal card is annotated - Father T E Westwood, Park Road Studio, Sutton
Coldfield
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Stanley Benjamin was the son of Thomas and Henrietta Westwood of “The
Birches”, Sutton Coldfield
“He
was the only son of Mr and Mrs T Westwood of “Studley”, Park Road,
Sutton Coldfield.
Prior
to the war he was employed at the General Electric Company.
He
enlisted during the first two weeks of the war. He was promoted to
sergeant and second lieutenant.
He
had been wounded five times up to 23 March 1918. The first wound
required nine months in hospital.
He
was awarded the French Croix De Guerre.
He
was granted his commission in the field and was transferred to the Loyal
North Lancashire Regiment.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 23.3.1918)
“In
loving memory of our dearly loved only boy Lieutenant Stanley Westwood
MC. Croix De Guerre 1.4 Loyal North Lancs.
Late
of 1/6th Warwicks, he was killed on 15 April 1918 while
rescuing a wounded comrade. He was 21.
Never
forgotten by his mother, dad and only sister Winnie.
(In
Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 26.4.1918)
1911
census 56 Riland Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas E Westwood
M
49
Carpenter for corporation
b Kingswinford
Henrietta Westwood
M
49
Married 16 years, 2 children
b Kingswinford
Stanley Westwood
14
Accountant’s Clerk
b Bromyard
Winnie Westwood
12
b Bromyard
Ivy
Davis
6
Boarder
b Kings Norton
WILFRED HENRY WHEELER
Wilfred Henry Wheeler was born in Birmingham. He enlisted in August 1914
with the Royal Army Medical Corps – Driver 1993 then transferred to the
South London Regiment – Lance Corporal 306163.
He
gained his commission on 17 December 1917 with the South Staffordshire
Regiment attached to 4th Battalion – Second Lieutenant
“He
joined his old territorial unit the day after war was declared – Sutton
Section RAMC.” (WML)
He
was killed in action on 26 April 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 23
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial
He is
commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of Honour
(Graham Jennings)
He is
also commemorated on the Aston Grammar School Roll of Honour (Sylvia
Williams)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/157 page 172 and the 1915
Star Medal TP/37C page 32
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Wilfred Wheeler was the son of Alfred and Jane Wheeler of “Penrhyn”, 47
Western Road, Wylde Green.
He
was educated at Aston Grammar School.
Prior
to the war, he was articled to an architect and surveyor.
He
enlisted in August 1914 with his old territorial unit.
He
was invalided home in October 1916.
He
was then transferred to the Rifle Brigade and obtained a commission.
He
returned to France on 11 April 1918.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 11.5.1918)
1911
census “Penarth”, Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield
Alfred Henry Wheeler
M
43
Inspector of weights & measures
b Kings Norton
Jane
Wheeler
M
43
Married 20 years – 4 children
b Birmingham
Maggie Wheeler
U 19
Shorthand typist metal trade
b Birmingham
Wilfrid Henry Wheeler
16
Architect’s pupil
b Birmingham
Florence Wheeler
9
b Birmingham
Alfred Wheeler
2
b Sutton Coldfield
Alfred Wheeler worked for Birmingham Corporation.
ERNEST WHITE
Ernest White was the father of Ernest Arthur Gordon White – see the next
entry
Ernest White was a career soldier and served originally with the Royal
Warwickshire Regiment – Sergeant 1020 and later with the 5th
Battalion Princess Charlotte of Wales (Royal Berkshire) Regiment –
Colour Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major – 20655
Ernest White died on 21 May 1916 at the Isle of Wight aged 47
His
death was registered June 1916 Isle of Wight 2b 766 aged 47
He is
buried at the Parkhurst Military Cemetery, Isle of Wight, Plot XI. A. 94
Ernest White is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll
of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal and Service Records
These
were not found online.
It
appears that Ernest White was born about 1869 in the Summerhill area of
Birmingham (Ladywood).
His
parents were Edward and Maria Jane White. Edward White was a surgeon.
In
1916 Maria Jane White lived at 80 Sheffield Road, Wylde Green.
Ernest White has not been found on the 1911, 1901 or 1891 census.
1891
census 50 Broomwood Road, Battersea, London
Jane
B White
W
57
Living on own means
b Birmingham
Alice
White
U
25
Board school teacher
b Birmingham
1881
census 69 Summerhill Road, Birmingham St Paul
Edward White
M
48
Surgeon MRCS
b Birmingham
Jane
B White
M
47
b Birmingham
Edward White
16
b Birmingham
Alice
White
15
b Birmingham
Ernest White
12
b Birmingham
Annie
Hampton
U 23
General servant
b Hill Top, Staffs
Probate
Ernest White of 80 Sheffield Road, Erdington died 21 May 1916 in
England.
Probate was granted in London on 23 August 1916 to Maria Jane White
widow and David White, chemist
Effects: £1 12s 7d
ERNEST ARTHUR GORDON WHITE
Ernest A G White was the son of Ernest White – see the previous entry
Ernest White was born in Mandalay, Burma in about 1898. He enlisted in
Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/7th
Battalion – Private 1171
He
was killed in action on 1 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 19
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres
Ernest A G White is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere,
Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals l/104 B36 page 7618 and the
1915 Star Medal L/8B page 570
He
entered France on 21 November 1915.
His
Army Service Record was not found online,
Ernest White was the son of the late Colonel Sergeant Ernest and Mrs
Maria Jane White of 80 Sheffield Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield
It is
assumed that he lived at 80 Sheffield Road with his parents before he
died.
They
lived there in 1916 according to the probate record for his father.
Edward White was only found on the 1881 census
1881
census 69 Summerhill Road, Birmingham St Paul
Edward White
M
48
Surgeon MRCS
b Birmingham
Jane
B White
M
47
b Birmingham
Edward White
16
b Birmingham
Alice
White
15
b Birmingham
Ernest White
12
b Birmingham
Annie
Hampton
U 23
General servant
b Hill Top, Staffs
FRED
WHITE
Fred
White was born in Charmouth, Dorset (1911 census). He grew up in Sutton
Coldfield. He enlisted at Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire
Regiment 2nd Battalion – Private 16/1782
He
was killed in action on 28 October 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 21
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Fred
White was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney, Roll of Honour
(Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B36 page 7620
His
Army Service Record was not found online (as Fred or Frederick).
Fred
White was the adopted son of Francis Joseph and Amy Claydon of 20
Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 20 Holland Street, Sutton Coldfield
Francis J Claydon
M
32
Jeweller’s enameller
b Sutton Coldfield
Amy
Elizabeth Claydon
M 29
Married 5 years no children
b Sutton Coldfield
Joseph Thickbroom
W
55
Father in law Retired timber merch.
b Sutton Coldfield
Fred
White
15
Adopted son Jeweller’s enameller
b Charmouth, Dorset
The
origins of Fred/Frederick White were not found prior to the 1911 census
1901
census “Ivy Villa”, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield
Thomas Claydon
M 49
Carpenter foreman
b Sutton Coldfield
Charlotte Claydon
M
57
b Sutton Coldfield
Francis J Claydon
U
22
Jeweller’s enameller
b Sutton Coldfield
Alice
Claydon
17
Pupil teacher
b Sutton Coldfield
George Claydon
15
Architect’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
Bernard Clayton
13
b Sutton Coldfield
We do
not know the circumstances that led to Fred White becoming the adopted
son of Thomas and Charlotte Clayton.
ALBAN
LESLIE WILKINS
Alban
Leslie Wilkins was born at Hill, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at
Birmingham on 25 August 1914 with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps 2nd
Battalion - Rifleman 11883
He
was killed in action on 1 July 1916 (France & Flanders)
He
was buried at the Marac British Cemetery, Grenay, Plot I.K.30
Alban
Leslie Wilkins was commemorated on the St Peter’s Church, Maney,
(non-parochial) Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals M/101 B13 page 1698 and the
1915 Star Medal M/3B page 1059
He
entered France on 29 November 1914.
Army
Service Record
Parts
of his record exist but it is often hard to read.
He
enlisted at Birmingham on 25 August 1914. At the time he enlisted he
lived at 386 Boldmere Road.
On 19
April 1916 his mother was still at that address as she wrote to the army
from that address requesting information about her son as he had been in
hospital but she had not heard what was happening to him.
“I
had a report from you on 31 March to say my son rifleman L Wilkins 11883
2nd Battalion KRRC was ill at the 4th Station
Hospital at St Ouves (sic).
On
the 7th of April I had a short note to say he was ill in
hospital.
The
latest news I have heard from you is that he was discharged from 4th
Station Hospital to duty on 24 March 1916, which I was led to
believe was the case.
I am
sorry to trouble you but if you could let me know whether he is in
hospital and where, I should be glad.
Mrs M
Wilkins.”
Letters were sent from the army to his mother stating that he was killed
in action on 1 July 1916. He died in the field from a gun -shot wound to
the shoulder.
His
scroll, plaque, Victory and British Medals as well as his 1915 Star
Medal were forwarded to Margaret Wilkins, his widowed mother who was
then living at 36 Widley Street, Cosham, Hants (1922).
1911
census 39 Sycamore Road, Erdington
Bernard Wilkins
M
50
Plasterer
b Sutton Coldfield
Margaret Wilkins
M
41
Married 21 years, 6 children
b Devon
Annie
Wilkins
U
21
General domestic servant
b Sutton Coldfield
Alban
Leslie Wilkins
U
18
General labourer
b Sutton Coldfield
Florence Wilkins
15
Laundry girl
b Sutton Coldfield
Eleanor Wilkins
13
b Sutton Coldfield
Arthur Howard Wilkins
11
b Sutton Coldfield
A
poem written by Alban Leslie Wilkins (5th Battalion KRRC) was
published in the in Sutton Coldfield News on 18 September 1915.
JOHN
MORRIS WILLIAMS
John
Morris Williams was born at Harrington, Derbyshire. He enlisted on 21
May 1915 at Nuneaton with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private
11978 and he was promoted and transferred on 20 April 1916 to the
Machine Gun Corps 24th Company – Sergeant 31978
He
was killed in action on 27 May 1918 (France & Flanders) aged 24
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Soissons Memorial
He is
also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals MGC/101 B23 page 2311
Army
Service Record
John
Morris Williams enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at
Nuneaton on 21 May 1915.
He
lived at “Park Side Cottage”, Streetly Lane, Four Oaks. He was 20 years
and 10 months old. He worked as a baker and was single.
He
was sent to Warwick on the same day. He was posted on 15 July 1915 to
France.
He
was promoted to Lance Corporal on 6 November 1916 and to Corporal on 22
January 1916.
He
then was promoted to Sergeant on 17 April 1916 and transferred to the
Machine Gun Corps on 20 April 1916.
He
reverted to private on 26 August 1916 at his own request but was again
promoted to Lance Corporal on 18 August 1917.
He
served with the BEF in France from 4 March 1917, leaving Folkestone on
the way to Boulogne and then on to base at Camiers.
He
reverted back to private on 24 March 1917 when he was sent back to base
camp and joined 24th Company on 31 March 1917.
He
failed to comply with an order on 8 June 1917 and was docked 6 day’s
pay.
He
was again promoted to Corporal on 5 January 1918 and to Sergeant on 9
February 1918.
He
had leave in the UK between 7 January and 21 January 1918.
He
was killed in action on 27 May 1918.
His
medals and effects were sent to R Williams of Roughley.
His
next of kin had been listed as Richard and Laura Williams plus his
siblings William Henry 24, a discharged soldier; George 13, Alice
Broadbent 21 of 7 St John Square, Wolverhampton and his grandfather
Morris Williams of Welshpool.
John
Morris Williams was the son of Richard and Laura Williams of Roughley,
Sutton Coldfield
1911
census 19 Broadway, Shifnal, Shropshire
Richard Williams
M
37
Labourer on farm
b Montgomeryshire
Laura
Williams
M 37
Married 19 years, 4 children
b Liverpool
John
Morris Williams
16
Labour on farm
b Harrington, Derby
William Henry Williams
15
Blacksmith’s assistant
b Harrington,
George Francis Williams
5
b Shifnal
WILLIAM ALFRED WILLIAMS
William Alfred Williams was born at New Oscott (Perry Barr). He enlisted
at Birmingham with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 11th
Battalion – Private 17814
He
was killed in action on 13 August 1916 (France & Flanders)
“The
11th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment made an
unsuccessful frontal attack on ‘Intermediate Trench’ on the night of 12th/13th
August and then were relieved on the 13th August.
The
temperature was 81 F and it was windy.” (SDBD)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
William Alfred Williams is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church,
Boldmere, Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B36 page 7777
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
William Alfred Williams was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Williams of
“Park View”, Jockey Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield.
(WML)
(Boldmere church records)
1911
census “Park View”, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield
Richard Williams
M
57
Dairyman
b Ford, Salop
Elizabeth Williams
M
56
Married 32 years – 9 children 4 died
b Shrewsbury, Salop
Bertha Williams
U
26
Draper’s assistant
b Atterbury, Salop
Janet
Williams
17
b Drayton Bassett
Alfred Williams
15
b Perry Barr
1901
census “Princess Alice Orphanage Lodge”, New Oscott, Perry Barr
New
Oscott formed the boundary of Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire,
Birmingham and Perry Barr which was then in Staffordshire.
Richard Williams
M
47
Groom at orphanage
b Ford, Salop
Elizabeth Williams
M
46
b Shrewsbury
Bertha Williams
16
b Atterbury
Janet
Williams
7
b Drayton Bassett
William Alfred Williams
5
b Perry Barr
ROWLAND MURRAY WILSON-BROWNE
Rowland Murray Wilson-Browne was born at Perry Barr. He enlisted with
the Royal Flying Corps 21st Squadron – Pilot Second
Lieutenant
He
was killed whilst flying a BE2c on the Western Front aged 19
He
went missing during a bombing raid on 21 July 1916. He was captured by
the Germans and died of wounds whilst held a Prisoner of War by the
Germans.
“12
Squadron were bombing the junction and rail bridge at Aubigny - Au- Bac
escorted by 23 Squadron.
They
were shot down in combat with two ‘Fokkers’.” (TSTB)
He
was buried at the Vis – En - Artois Communal Cemetery, France
“The
Germans made an extension, (now removed) at the east end of the Long
Narrow Cemetery and in the communal cemetery itself they buried an RFC
officer who fell in July 1916.
The
exact position of the grave is not known and a special memorial is
erected near the east end of the cemetery.”
(CWWG
Cemetery History)
Rowland Murray Wilson Browne is commemorated on the St Peter’s Church,
Maney, Roll of Honour (Matthew Rhodes)
“Rowland Murray Wilson- Browne was the son of Arthur and Camilla
Wilson-Browne of “Ravenscliffe”, Sutton Coldfield.
He
was educated at Solihull Grammar School and King Edward Grammar School,
Birmingham.
He
lived at “The Crag”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Whilst at King Edwards School, he won the gymnastic Open Championship
for three years running.
He
was a member of Sutton Coldfield Swimming and Cricket Clubs and also the
Dolobran Athletic Club.
At
the outbreak of war, he worked for a short time at the Daimler Works in
the Aerodrome department.
He
passed all his tests for his pilot certificate in one day.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 21.10.1916)
1911
census “The Crag”, Manor Road, Sutton Coldfield
Arthur E Wilson Browne
M
44
Manufacturer tinware foundry, owner
b Birmingham
Camilla M Wilson Browne
M
37
Married 15 years – 5 children
b Watford
Agnes
Wilson Browne
12
b Sutton Coldfield
Dudley Wilson Browne
7
b Sutton Coldfield
Eileen Wilson Browne
6
b Sutton Coldfield
Frank
Wilson Browne
4
b Sutton Coldfield
Frances Hastilow
U
21
General servant
b Sale, Chesh
Lizzie Bird
U
44
General servant
b Oldbury, Worcs
Rowland was not found on the 1911 census. He probably was boarding at
school.
1901
census “Overdale”, Tudor Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Arthur E Wilson Browne
M
35
Tin plate manufacturer – owner
b Birmingham
Camilla Wilson Browne
M 28
b Watford
Roland M Wilson Browne
4
b Perry Barr
Agnes
Wilson Browne
2
b Sutton Coldfield
Alice
Beddard
U
22
Nurse
b Sutton Coldfield
Gertrude Abbott
U
21
Cook
b Oxford
SYDNEY JOSEPH WINKLEY
Sydney Joseph Winkley
was
born in 1896 in Handsworth. He enlisted on 4 September 1914 with the
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion – Second
Lieutenant
He
was killed in action on 1 July 1916 (France & Flanders) (Somme) aged 21
“On
the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916, Sydney’s Brigade
was attached to another Division for the attack in the Serre area.
The
left flank was enfiladed from Serre by machine gun fire and was forced
to fight off a bombing attack also from the direction of Serre.
He
was killed during the capture of a German strongpoint known as the
Quadrilateral Redoubt.” (SDBD) (Joy Timbrell)
He
has no known grave and was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
Sydney Joseph Winkley is also commemorated on the Four Oaks War Memorial
Sydney Joseph Winkley was a member of the YMCA and was commemorated on
their Roll of Honour (John Day)
He
attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School was is commemorated on their Roll
of Honour (David Phillips)
Sydney Joseph Winkley appears on the photograph of ‘V’ Platoon in the
City Battalions (Royal Warwickshire Regiment) Book of Honour.
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals OFF/150 page 187
He
entered France on 24 March 1916
His
medals were sent to his mother, Mrs W Winkley on 16 June 1922 who lived
at “Pinehurst”, West Cliff Gardens, Bournemouth – as annotated on the
index card. “Sydney Joseph Winkley was the son Mr and Mrs William
Winkley of “Darnel Hurst”, Hartopp Road, Sutton Coldfield.
His
father, William Winkley is a precious stone dealer.
Sydney Winkley was educated at Warwick School and at Bishop Vesey’s
Grammar School.
He
was in business with his father after he left school.
He
obtained a commission at the outbreak of war.
He
was sent to the front around February 1916.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 15.7.1916)
1911
census “Warwick School”, St Nicholas, Warwick
Sydney Winkley
15
Scholar
b Handsworth
1911
census “Darnel Hurst”, Hartopp Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
William Winkley
M
51
Precious stone dealer - employer
b Birmingham
Winifred Winkley
M
45
Married 22 years, 7 children 2 died
b Great Bridge, Staffs
William Leonard Winkley
U
21
Clerk for father
b Handsworth
Bernard Percival Winkley
17
Clerk for father
b Handsworth
Winifred Madge Winkley
12
b Handsworth
Alice
Edna Winkley
8
b Handsworth
May E
Walker
U
28
Cook
b Whittington, Warks
Florence Hayes
U 19
Housemaid
b Hednesford, Staffs
Sydney Joseph Winkley was the great uncle of Joy Timbrell
Joy
added this information
Sydney Winkley enlisted at the age of 19 years 3 months in the 2nd
City Battalion (15th Royal Warwickshire Battalion) on 4
September 1914 in response to an appeal by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham.
His
name appeared on the daily list of volunteers for this Battalion printed
in the Birmingham Post.
He
became a Platoon Sergeant 15/289 in ‘V’ Platoon, ‘B’ Company on 12
October 1914 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 2 October
1915.
He
joined the 1st/6th Royal Warwicks on 8 May 1916.
(Joy
Timbrell, Royal Sutton Coldfield Great War Project)
Sydney Joseph Winkley War Medals
Joy
Timbrell holds these medals
Sydney Joseph Winkley with thanks to Joy Timbrell
Probate for William Winkley
William Winkley of “Darnel Hurst”, Hartopp Road, Four Oaks and of Vyse
Street Birmingham, diamond merchant died on 1 May 1918 at “Darnel
Hurst”.
Probate was granted at Birmingham on 11 September 1918 to Winifred
Winkley widow, William Leonard Winkley, diamond merchant and Arthur
Winkley, wedding ring manufacturer
Effects: £5045 2s 3d
Bernard Percival Winkley
Bernard Percival Winkley enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment
12th Brigade (Local Reserve) – Private 15/275
He
enlisted at Birmingham on 14 September 1914.
He
was not sent abroad but served with the 17th Local Reserve at
Command Depot, No 2 Camp, Sutton Coldfield (Sutton Park) from 22
November 1915.
He
was discharged as medically unfit to serve on 29 August 1916.
He
had injured the front of his right knee in a motor accident and this was
inflamed.
Bernard also attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and is listed on
their ‘Survivors of the Great War’ Roll of Honour
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
Research by David Phillips
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Second Lieutenant Sydney Joseph Winkley
1st/6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died:
Saturday 1st July 1916
Aged:
20
The
1st/6th and 1st/8th Territorial Battalions of the Royal Warwicks
(temporarily attached to the 11th Brigade, 4th Division), were due 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.
Sydney Winkley is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial,
Pier
and Face 9A 9B and 10B.
Sydney J Winkley is commemorated
on the Sutton Coldfield Memorial, King Edwards Square and on the All
Saints Church Cross, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks.
“Sydney Joseph Winkley was born in the summer of 1896.
He
was the son of William (precious stone dealer) and Winifred Winkley of
Darnel Hurst, Hartopp Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Sydney attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1903 and 1909.
He
enlisted at the age of 19 years and 3 months in the 2nd City Battalion
(15th Royal Warwickshire Battalion) on 4 August 1914.
He
became Platoon Sergeant 15/289 in ‘V’ Platoon, ‘B’ Company on 12 October
1914.
He
was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 2 October 1915.
He
joined the 1st/6th Royal Warwicks on 8 May 1916.
His
father died just before his son was killed on the Somme.”
(David Phillips Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School)
HARRY
IRWIN WOODWARD (Also known as Hervey/Henry)
Harry
Irwin Woodward was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Erdington
with the City Battalion on its formation in 1914 - Royal Warwickshire
Regiment 14th Battalion – Lance Corporal 723
He
died on 6 June 1917 at a military hospital in Lancashire aged 23
His
death was registered June 1917 Warrington Lancashire 8c 232 aged 23
He
was buried at St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Grave 060 (Graham Jennings)
Harry
Irwin Woodward is commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere,
Roll of Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B37 page 7911 and 1915
Star Medal L/8B page 597
He
entered France on 21 November 1915
His
card is annotated that his widow was sent his sent medals on 11 November
1922.
Harry
Irwin Woodward was the son of Samuel and Eliza Woodward of 266
Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield and the husband of Gladys Woodward.
The
marriage of Henry I Woodward and Gladys M Dawson was registered
September 1915 Aston 6d 1113
It
does not appear that the couple had any children.
“He
was a member of St Michael’s Boldmere Football Club and Boldmere
Swimming Club.
Prior
to the war he was employed at Mr. Elson, Boot Repairer, Station Street,
Sutton Coldfield.
He
enlisted with the City Battalion on the day of its formation.
He
was married in September 1915 during his final leave.
He
went to the front in November 1915.
He
was sent home after twenty months active service, without leave, as he
was suffering from a nervous breakdown. He died quite suddenly at a
military hospital.
He
was given a full military funeral.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 16.6.1917)
1911
census Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield
Samuel Woodward
M
38
Coachman
b Shipston on Stour
Eliza
Woodward
M 40
Married 18 years, 3 children 1 died
b Fladbury, Worcs
Harry
Irwin Woodward
17
Boot Repairer
b Sutton Coldfield
1901
census Highbridge Road, Sutton Coldfield
Samuel Woodward
M
28
Coachman
b Shipston on Stour
Eliza
Woodward
M 30
b Fladbury
Hervey (sic) I Woodward
7
b Sutton Coldfield
William H Woodward
4
b Sutton Coldfield
Ernest J Woodward
1
b Sutton Coldfield
RAYMOND WOODWARD
Raymond Woodward was born in Birmingham or Wishaw. He enlisted at Warley
in Essex with the Northamptonshire Regiment 7th Battalion –
Corporal 17249
He
died of wounds on 5 November 1918 (France & Flanders)
He
was buried at the Awoingt British Cemetery near Cambrai, Plot III.E.10
He is
commemorated on the Walmley War Memorial
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals K/1/101 B6 page 937 and the
1915 Star Medal K/1/2 B4 page 448
He
entered France on 1 September 1915
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
Raymond Woodward was the son of Mr W Woodward of “Fox Hollies”, Langley
Heath Road, Walmley.
1911
census Bulls Lane, Wishaw near Birmingham
William Woodward
M
59
Gamekeeper
b Crowle, Worcs
Mary
Woodward
M 55
Married 33 years – 7 children
b Connington, Herts
William Woodward
U
23
Gardener
b Carver St, Bham
Walter Woodward
U
18
Gardener
b Bulls Lane, Wishaw
Agnes
Woodward
U 29
b Himbleton, Worcs
These
crossed out names are of grown up children that have left home and were
entered in error.
They
have been crossed out by the enumerator.
1911
census Higher Nynehead, Somerset
Living in the household of Thomas Coles 49, farm hand
Raymond Woodward
U
21
Gamekeeper
b Birmingham
1901
census Bulls Lane, Wishaw
William Woodward
M
49
Gamekeeper
b Crowle, Worcs
Mary
Woodward
M 45
b Connington, Herts
Arthur Woodward
U
21
General labourer
b Himbleton, Worcs
William Woodward
13
b Birmingham
Raymond Woodward
11
b Bulls Lane, Wishaw
Walter Woodward
8
b Bulls Lane, Wishaw
Percy
Woodward
6
b Bulls Lane, Wishaw
Albert Woodward
U
20
Boarder General labourer
b Himbleton, Worcs
FRANK
WRIGHT
Frank
Wright was the brother of James Wright – see next entry
Frank
Wright was born in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted at Sutton
Coldfield with the Royal Garrison Artillery 23rd Siege
Battery – Gunner 135785
He
was killed in action on 19 August 1917 (France & Flanders) aged 27
He
was buried at the Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery, Ypres, Plot C.23
Frank
Wright was commemorated on the St Michael’s Church, Boldmere, Roll of
Honour (Graham Jennings)
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals RGA/177 B page 7689
His
Army Service Record was not found online.
“Frank Wright was the son of William and the late Emma Wright of
“Mayfield”, 68 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield and the brother of James
Wright who was also killed in the war.
He
was educated at Green Lanes School.
He
attended St Michael’s Church, Boldmere and was a former secretary of the
St Michael’s Boldmere Football Club.
He
was employed as a clerk in the office of the Midland Vinegar Brewery,
Tower Road, Aston.
He
offered to enlist under the Derby Scheme in November 1915 but was
rejected due to poor eyesight.
He
was later called up for re-examination and passed for garrison duty and
was then then re- assigned for general service.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 15.9.1917)
1911
census Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield
William Wright
M
57
Gardener
b Coleshill, Warks
Emma
Wright
M
54
Married 30 years, 6 children 3 died
b Norton Lindsey
Emma
Maud Wright
U
22
Armature minder – electrical works
b Sutton Coldfield
Frank
Wright
U
20
Manufacturer’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
James
Wright
17
Apprentice in jewellery trade
b Sutton Coldfield
Norton Lindsey is in Warwickshire.
JAMES
WRIGHT
James
Wright was the brother of Frank Wright – see previous entry
James
Wright was born in Sutton Coldfield. He enlisted first at Sutton
Coldfield with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment – Private 739 and after a
time of being unfit to serve was re-enlisted at Warwick with the Royal
Warwickshire Regiment 2/7th Battalion – Private 267992
He
died of wounds on 5 April 1918 at St Quentin (France & Flanders) aged 24
He
was buried at the St Souplet British Cemetery, Plot II.BB.13
Army
Medal Roll
He
was awarded the Victory and British Medals L/104 B37 page 7977
Army
Pension Record
James
Wright was 21 years 5 months old when he enlisted on 22 September 1914.
He
was single and lived at “Mayfield”, Boldmere.
He
was 5’ 7 ¼” tall, weighed 123 pounds and had a chest measurement of 35”.
He
had a fresh complexion with brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was
Church of England.
He
served at home between
22 September 1914 and 28 May 1915.
He
was discharged from the army on 28 May 1915 because he was no longer fit
for service at home or abroad.
He
had a variocele which he refused to have operated on.
His
later army records are not included with his pension forms.
“James Wright was the son of William and the late Emma Wright of
“Mayfield”, 68 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield and the brother of Frank
Wright who was also killed.
He
was a Signaller with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.”
(Sutton Coldfield News 15.9.1917)
“In
loving memory of Signaller James Wright RWR who died from wounds at St
Quentin on April 5th 1918 also Gunner Frank Wright RGA killed
in action August 19th 1917.
Sadly
missed by father and sister.”
(In
Memorium Sutton Coldfield News 5.6.1919)
1911
census Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield
William Wright
M
57
Gardener
b Coleshill, Warks
Emma
Wright
M
54
Married 30 years, 6 children 3 died
b Norton Lindsey
Emma
Maud Wright
U
22
Armature minder – electrical works
b Sutton Coldfield
Frank
Wright
U
20
Manufacturer’s clerk
b Sutton Coldfield
James
Wright
17
Apprentice in jewellery trade
b Sutton Coldfield
Norton Lindsey is in Warwickshire. |