Stories Archive - Page 129 of 162 - Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

John William Taylor

Surname: Taylor

Other names: John "Jack" William

Locations in this story:
Loughborough, Leicestershire
Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Nottingham University
Canada
Hythe, Kent
Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Story:
John “Jack” William Taylor was born in 1885 in Loughborough, Leicestershire. He was the son of John William Taylor, a Bellfounder, and Ann Mary Bardsley. His siblings included Gerald "Jerry" Bardsley (born 1886), Pryce Taylor (born 1891) and Arnold Bradley (born 1894). The family lived at Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough.

“Jack” attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1893 to August 1901. In the Census of 1901 he appears on the list of boarders at the school. He passed the Cambridge Preliminary and Junior exams and the London Matriculation. On leaving school he entered Nottingham University and obtained the London B.Sc. degree in 1904.

By October 1915 Jack had joined Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment) as a Private (Service No. 101041) and in June 1916 was stationed at Hythe in Kent. He was killed in action on 15th September 1916 in France and his name appears on the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais. His death came two months after that of his brother Arnold and was reported in the Shaftesbury Grammar School magazine: “The brothers Taylor were the nephews of our former Head Master, Mr. Pryce Taylor. Four of them, all sons of Mr. John W. Taylor, of Loughborough, were on active service, and in addition to the two mentioned above, a third (“Pryce”) has since received a bullet wound in the left wrist, and is now in an English Hospital.”

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. Throughout the war a hand-written list was compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Jack's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
 Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1916
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1916

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian
Pryce Taylor
Gerald Bardsley Taylor

Gerald Bardsley Taylor

28th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Canadian Infantry, Durham Light Infantry, Leicestershire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Taylor

Other names: Gerald "Jerry" Bardsley

Story:
Gerald “Jerry” Bardsley Taylor was born in 1886 in Loughborough, Leicestershire. He was the son of John William Taylor, a Bellfounder, and Ann Mary Bardsley. His siblings included John "Jack" William (born 1885), Pryce Taylor (born 1891) and Arnold Bradley (born 1894). The family lived at Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough. “Jerry” attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1893 to July 1902. He was captain of the cricket and football teams, and was “Champion Athlete” in 1901 and 1902. After leaving the school he entered Nottingham University and then, in 1905 went to Canada, where he remained until the outbreak of the war.

The Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine reported: “Jerry Taylor enlisted in a Canadian Infantry Battalion (31st Alberta) soon after the war broke out, and went to the front in September, 1915. He soon rose to be a sergeant, and after the Somme offensive in July, 1916, he came home and took a commission in the Leicestershire Regiment.” In 1918 he was allowed to return to Canada to visit his farm for three months. The first fortnight of September was spent in England before he returned to France.

The report continues: “On Sept. 23rd, a neighbouring battalion of the Durham L.I. applied to his regiment for three officers to go “over the top” with them next day. “Jerry” was one of the three selected, and had scarcely crossed the parapet when he was instantaneously killed by machine gun fire. He was a fine all-round sportsman, and after leaving School played regularly for the Loughborough Corinthians F.C. A magnificent figure of a man, full of life and energy, and yet so gentle and affectionate that he was beloved by all. He is the third of his brothers to die in this war, Arnold having been killed in July, 1916, and John in September, 1916, and we offer our very deepest sympathy to his father and family in their terrible losses.”

He died on 24th September 1918 and was buried at the Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt, Aisne. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals.

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which Gerald served and the date and term in which he left school. Throughout the war a hand-written list was also compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Gerald's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
 Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1918
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1918
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Shastonian
The National Archives
Arnold Bradley Taylor
Pryce Taylor
John William Taylor

Arnold Bradley Taylor

28th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Leicestershire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Taylor

Other names: Arnold Bradley

Locations in this story:
Loughborough, Leicestershire
Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Denstone College, Staffordshire
France & Flanders
Contalmaison, France

Story:
Arnold Bradley Taylor was born in 1894 in Loughborough, Leicestershire. He was the son of John William Taylor, a Bellfounder, and Ann Mary Bardsley. His siblings included John "Jack" William (born 1885), Gerald "Jerry" Bardsley (born 1886) and Pryce Taylor (born 1891). The family lived at Bell Foundry House, Freehold Street, Loughborough. Arnold attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1902 to July 1907. After leaving the school he went to Denstone College, in Staffordshire and then joined the family bell foundry.

It was reported in the Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine in March 1915 that he had gained a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Leicestershire Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was killed in action on 11th July 1916 near Contalmaison in France. His death was reported in the Shaftesbury Grammar School magazine: “The brothers Taylor were the nephews of our former Head Master, Mr. Pryce Taylor. Four of them, all sons of Mr. John W. Taylor, of Loughborough, were on active service, and in addition to the two mentioned above, a third (“Pryce”) has since received a bullet wound in the left wrist, and is now in an English Hospital. Arnold Taylor was killed by a heavy shell which burst close to him; he had just come back to the trench after helping to bring in the wounded. A fellow-officer, in a letter to his father, says: “he was the most conscientious subaltern in the company, and his loss will sadly be felt by all of us.” Arnold, with his brother Pryce, last visited the School, Whitsun, 1915.”

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which Arnold served and the date and term in which he left school. Throughout the war a hand-written list was also compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Arnold's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:  Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1916
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Shastonian
The National Archives
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Gerald Bardsley Taylor
John William Taylor
Pryce Taylor

James Arkell Tayler

28th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Gloucestershire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Tayler

Other names: James Arkell

Locations in this story:
Northleach, Gloucestershire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
France & Flanders
Oak Leigh, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium

Story:
James “Jim” Arkell Tayler was born in 1896 in Northleach, Gloucestershire. He was the son of Walter Harry Taylor, a farmer, and Elizabeth Arkell. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1909 to April 1912. In the 1911 Census he appears on the list of pupils boarding at Oak Leigh, Cann, the home Walter Ramshaw, a science master at the school. On leaving school he became a farmer.

In 1914 he joined the Gloucester Regiment (Service Nos. 240937 and 3047) as a Private. He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was killed in action on 12th September 1917. His death was reported in the Shaftesbury Grammar School magazine: “Details of Jim Tayler’s death (recorded in our last number) have now been received. A shell pitched at the mouth of his dug-out; he lingered for half an hour and then died, probably more from shock than wounds. His mother received a delightful letter from his platoon sergeant, who said that his absolute unselfishness and cheerfulness under all circumstances made him the most popular man in the section.” His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which Jim served and the date and term in which he left school. Throughout the war a hand-written list was also compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Jim's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
 Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1914
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1917
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1918
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian

Edwin Scammell

28th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Naval Service /by Ann Symons

Surname: Scammell

Other names: Edwin

Locations in this story:
Portsea Island, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Story:
Edwin Scammell was born in 1895 at Portsea Island, Portsmouth, Hampshire. He was the son of John Scammell, a grocer, and Sophia E. Scammell. Edwin attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from January 1910 to December 1913, and at the time of the 1911 Census was a boarder there. While at the school “Ted” was a keen sportsman and played for the football and cricket teams of 1911 and 1912. He was also the school’s “Champion Athlete” in 1912 and won the Half-mile in the Dorset Inter-School Sports that year.

He enlisted in the Naval Service (Service No. 851668), but by November 28th 1917, on “medical advice, was only able to play the part of looker-on” at a school cricket match against the Old Shastonians. His death the following year was reported in the Grammar School magazine: “We also record with deep sorrow the death of E.J. Scammell. His health broke down suddenly, shortly after Christmas, and he died at his home in Portsmouth after a short illness. He was our Champion Athlete in 1912, and was probably the finest all-round sportsman the School has turned out.”

Edwin died as a civilian during the first quarter of 1918 and it can therefore be assumed that he had been discharged from the Naval Service due to illness. His name does not appear on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website or local war memorials, but he was awarded the Victory and British War medals in recognition of his service.

Sadly, his father John died six months later in 1918, and his mother Sophia in 1922.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, February 1913
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1918
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1918

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Shastonian
The National Archives

John Riddey

28th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Honourable Artillery Company /by Ann Symons

Surname: Riddey

Other names: John

Locations in this story:
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
France
Arras Memorial, France
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Story:
John Riddey was born in 1896 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He was the son of John Augustus Riddey, a bank manager, and Mary Riddey (nee Robinson). He lived his very early life in various places finally settling in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, where his father was the local Bank Manager for the Capital & Counties Bank. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from January 1908 to July 1912, and was a boarder there at the time of the 1911 Census. On leaving school he entered a firm of ironfounders.

He enlisted on 25 Nov 1914 as a Private in the Honourable Artillery Company (Service No. 2669) and served in the Lewis Gun Section. In October 1915 the Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine reported that “John Riddey was wounded in the thigh in France on September 30th while guarding a bridge,” and that, after passing through various field hospital units in France, he was at the time recovering in an English Hospital. In February 1917 it was reported that he had recovered from his wounds and had returned to duty in France on 25 Oct 1916. His death was recorded there on 29th April 1917 but there is no record of his body being recovered for burial. The Grammar School magazine informed its readers that “John Riddey was hit on the head by a bullet when advancing over the open with his gun.” John's personal effects that could be found were returned to his father but, despite further inquiries by his parents, certain other known possessions could not be located. He was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals and his name appears on the Arras Memorial in France (Bay 1).

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which John served and the date and term in which he left school. Throughout the war a hand-written list was also compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to John's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, February 1917
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1917
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian

1914 Shaftesbury Grammar School Athletics Team

Victor Charles Prince

10th December 2017/in 1914-1918 London Regiment, Rifle Brigade /by Ann Symons

Surname: Prince

Other names: Victor Charles

Locations in this story:
Salisbury, Wiltshire
St. Ann Street, Salisbury
Choir School, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Drewsteignton, Devon
Bouchavenes, Arras, France
Vis-En-Artois Cemetery Memorial, France

Story:
Victor Charles Prince was born in 1898 in Salisbury, Wiltshire. He was the son of William John Prince, a baker, and Agnes Jane Prince. The family lived at 66 St. Ann Street, Salisbury. In 1906 Victor was admitted to the Choir School at Salisbury Cathedral and at the time of the 1911 Census was a boarder there. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1913 to December 1915. He was an outstanding sportsman and was a member of the school football team in 1913, 1914 and 1915 (Captain). He was also a member of the cricket team in 1914 and 1915. He represented the school in the Dorset Inter-School sports, winning the 100 Yards, 220 Yards and Quarter Mile in 1914 and 1915. He was a founder member of the school Cadet Corps and became Platoon Sergeant. He was an assistant librarian in the school library and passed the Cambridge Junior Locals in 1915. On leaving school he entered the Salisbury branch of the London City and Midland Bank.

In August 1916 Victor joined the Rifle Brigade and in December received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion London Regiment. On 14th December 1917 he was posted to France. In August 1918 he returned on leave and visited the Shaftesbury Grammar School Cadet Camp at Drewsteignton. He returned to France and on 1st September 1918 was killed in action at Bouchavenes, south of Arras. According to the school magazine, “When killed, he was gallantly leading his men into action; he had already previously been wounded and had refused to go back, and he and his greatest friend were killed by the same shell.” In January 1919 it was announced in the London Gazette that he had been awarded the M.C. This was for the action in which he lost his life.

Victor’s name appears on the Vis-En-Artois Cemetery Memorial (Panel 10). He is also remembered on the Salisbury War Memorial, the memorials in St. Martin’s Church and the Choir School and on the Roll of Honour in St. Thomas' Church in Salisbury.

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. Throughout the war a hand-written list was compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Victor's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1918
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1919

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian

Charles Henry Morris Platt

6th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Flying Corps, Royal Warwickshire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Platt

Other names: Charles Henry Morris

Locations in this story:
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, Nord, France
Middleton Hall, Leeds, Yorkshire

Story:
Charles Henry Morris Platt was born on 4th August 1898 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He was the son of Arthur William Platt, a schoolmaster, and Annie Sophia Morris. Sadly, Charles’ father died on 13th November 1898 and his mother in 1905. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from January 1909 to December 1914 and appears on the 1911 Census as a boarder. While at the school he was a keen sportsman and played for the cricket team in 1913 and 1914. He was also member of the school football team in 1912, 1913 and 1914. In the Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine he was described as “Centre Half. – After playing forward for two years, changed to centre half, and was a great success. Tackles well, and feeds his forwards with judgment. A good shot. Wants a little more pace.”

On leaving school Charles went to Sandhurst. He passed out in 1916 and received a commission in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Flying Corps Section, with the rank of 2nd. Lieutenant. He trained as a pilot and having “got his wings”, was posted to France. While with the 52nd Squadron he died there on 23rd November 1917, having “collided with another machine on the edge of a cloud,” according to the school magazine. He was buried at Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, Nord, France (grave. Id. II.D.25). His effects and medals (Victory and British War) were sent to his sister Kathleen Platt, who was living at Middleton Hall, Leeds at the time.

As a former pupil his name is recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School memorial in Shaftesbury School. Throughout the war a hand-written list was compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Charles’s name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1917
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1918

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian

Colin Mitchell

4th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Rifle Brigade /by Ann Symons

Surname: Mitchell

Other names: Colin

Locations in this story:
Mere, Wiltshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Fletchin, France
Pozieres Memorial, France
France & Flanders

Story:
Colin Mitchell was born in Mere, Wiltshire on 29th March 1890 and was baptised on 18th September 1890. He was the son of John Thomas Mitchell, a farmer, and Emma Mitchell. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from February 1901 and he appears on the 1901 Census as a boarder there. His father died in in 1902 and was buried at the Parish Church in Mere on 27th June. After leaving school in 1906 Colin entered the Wilts and Dorset Bank. By the time of the 1911 Census he had moved to a boarding house in New Street, Somerton, Somerset whilst working at the local branch of the bank.

On 18th August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, Colin joined the 8th Rifle Brigade as a Rifleman (Service No. B/567) and on 18th August 1914 he was posted to France. On the 4th January 1916 he was invalided back to the UK for unspecified reasons and was re-posted to France on 26th September 1916. His medical record shows him being wounded from a grenade on 13th October 1916. He was also beset by dermatitis (possibly due to trench life).

In 1916 Colin published Trampled Clay, a book of war poetry. The volume was published by Erskine MacDonald and included Hooge, which describes one of the first uses of flamethrowers in battle. Colin died at Fletchin in France on 22nd March 1918 and his name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, France (Panel 81 to 84). He is remembered on the Mere War Memorial and on the Shaftesbury Grammar School Memorial in Shaftesbury School. He was awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and British War medals.

A "First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces" was produced by Shaftesbury Grammar School in September 1915. It shows the regiment in which Colin served and the date and term in which he left school. His name was also included on a hand written list of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving during the war. An asterix can be seen next to Colin's name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1914
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1918
First List of Old Shastonians Serving in H.M. Forces, September 1915
Trampled Clay, by Colin Mitchell, pub.Erskine MacDonald, 1916
Mitchell Family History by Mervyn Mitchell

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian

Harry Thomas Liversidge

4th December 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Navy /by Ann Symons

Surname: Liversidge

Other names: Harry Thomas

Locations in this story:
Salisbury, Wiltshire
French Mill Lane, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Salisbury General Infirmary, Salisbury, Wiltshire
London Road Cemetery, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Story:
Harry Thomas Liversidge was born in the registration district of Salisbury on 21st December 1897. He was the son of George Liversidge, an iron moulder, and Ellen Liversidge. In 1901 the family were living at Long Cross, Enmore Green and by 1911 they had moved to French Mill Lane, Cann, Shaftesbury. Harry attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1909 to July 1912. He joined the Royal Navy on 16th April 1914 (Service No. J/30404) and in June 1916 was serving as a Wireless Operator on H.M.S. Yarmouth. He served on at least twelve different ships became a leading Telegraphist. His final ship was H.M.S. Victory. He contracted Tuberculosis and while still serving in the Navy he died of the disease at Salisbury General Infirmary on 25th April 1920. His military record describes his conduct throughout his service as "very good". He was buried at Salisbury (London Road) Cemetery. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory and British War medals.

As a former pupil his name was recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School war memorial, now in Shaftesbury School. Throughout the war a hand-written list was also compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving during the war. Usually an asterix was placed next to the name of anyone who had died. This was not the case with Harry, probably because he died quite a long time after the end of the war. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1916
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1920

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Shastonian