Stories Archive - Page 145 of 164 - Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

Thomas William Roberts

Surname: Roberts

Other names: Thomas William

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury
France & Flanders
Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Merville, near Bethune, Nord, France
Great Yeatmans, Tout Hill, Shaftesbury
Aberfan, Wales
St. John's Church, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury
Motcombe, Dorset
Tredegar, Wales
Long Cross, Enmore Green

Story:
Thomas (Tom) William Roberts was born in 1884 in Shaftesbury and baptised at St. John's Church, Enmore Green, on 27th July 1884. He was the son of Henry Roberts, a gardener, and Maria Ann Roberts (née Brickell). The family lived at Long Cross, Enmore Green. By 1901 Tom had moved to Aberfan in Wales to work in the coal mines. In 1905 his father Henry died and in 1907 his mother remarried. Maria's new husband was Charles Parsons, whose first wife, Betsie Parsons (née Foot), had also died in 1905. By the 1911 Census, Tom had moved to Tredegar to live with his brother Henry, and his family. Tom was single and described as a Coal Hewer. He enlisted in Tredegar as a Private in the 10th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers (Service No. 20956). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals. He died on 10th November 1917 and was buried at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Merville, near Bethune, Nord, France (grave id. 111.B.17).

In St. John's churchyard in Enmore Green a commemoration was inscribed on the headstone of his mother Maria and her second husband Charles Parsons. It reads:
PRIVATE T. ROBERTS. DIED IN FRANCE NOV.10TH 1917. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

He is also remembered on the war memorials at Motcombe and Enmore Green, Shaftesbury.

Images:

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

Roaby Henry Alfred Stacey

Surname: Stacey

Other names: Roaby Henry Alfred

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury
France & Flanders
Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France
The Mill Cottage, Sisted, Nr. Braintree, Essex
Keepers Cottage, Motcombe, Dorset
Brickhill, Enmore Green
Warmington, Nr. Oundle, Northants
Street Farm, Pebmarsh, Bures, Essex
Braintree, Essex

Story:
Roaby Henry Alfred Stacey was born in 1881 in Motcombe, Dorset, and baptised at Motcombe Parish Church on the 13th February 1881. He was the son of George Stacey, a gamekeeper, and Harriet Jane Stacey (née Foot). They lived at Keepers Cottage, Motcombe. By the 1901 Census, Roaby had moved to Warmington, Nr. Oundle, Northants where he boarded out and worked as a Mason's Labourer. On 18th June, 1903 he married Elizabeth Jane Bosworth at Warmington Parish Church. At the time of the 1911 Census they were living at The Mill Cottage, Sisted, Essex and had, by then, four children: a boy and three girls (a fifth child was born later in 1915). Roaby was working as a forester. His parents were living at Brickhill, Enmore Green.

Roaby enlisted at Braintree, Essex, on 9th June, 1916 as a Private with the 6th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment (Service No. 15945). He served in France & Flanders. and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died on 9th April 1917 and was buried at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. III.H 19). He is remembered on the war memorials at Motcombe and Enmore Green, Shaftesbury. His wife, Elizabeth, moved to Street Farm, Pebmarsh, Bures, Essex, with her five children, and received a widow's pension of £1 3s. 9d. (£1.68p.) per week.

Images:

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

James Young

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Sussex Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Young

Other names: James

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Dorset
France & Flanders
Thiepval Memorial, France
Kit Hill, Fontmell Magna, Dorset
Enmore Green, Shaftesbury
Motcombe, Dorset
Nod Cottage, Petersfield, Hampshire
St. James, Shaftesbury
Chichester, Sussex
Basingstoke, Hampshire

Story:
James Young was born in 1893 in Fontmell Magna and baptised there on 3rd September 1893. He was the son of Alfred Young, a carter on a farm, and Caroline Young (née Francis). At the time of the 1911 Census James was working as a Farm Labourer and living at 99 Kit Hill, Fontmell Magna. On 12th October 1914 he married Beatrice Ellen Brown in Basingstoke, Hampshire. At the time of his enlistment the family were living at Nod Cottage, Petersfield, Hampshire and he was working as an "Under Carter".

James enlisted in Chichester on 14th February 1916, and joined the 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment as a Private (Service No. G/8752). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star medals. He died on 20th August 1916 and his name appears on the Thiepval Memorial in France (Pier and Face 7C). His widow Beatrice was awarded a pension of 15s (75p.) per week for herself and her son. By 1917 she had moved from Petersfield to 2, St James, Shaftesbury. In 1918 she married Frederick Toogood and they lived in Enmore Green. James is remembered on the war memorials at Motcombe and Enmore Green, Shaftesbury.

His brother, Alfred Young, also served but survived the conflict.

Printed Sources: "Fontmell Magna and the First World War", compiled by Chris Bellers, Fontmell Magna Village Archive Society, 2014.

Images:

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

James Gatehouse Brickell

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Lancaster (Kings Own) /by Ann Symons

Surname: Brickell

Other names: James Gatehouse

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury
Greece
Karasouli Military Cemetery, Polykastro, Greece
Enmore Green, Dorset
Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
New Road, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
Pearse Ravine Cemetery
King's Lane, Motcombe, Dorset

Story:
James Gatehouse Brickell was born in 1882 in Shaftesbury. His name was registered as 'James' but he was baptised at Motcombe Church, on 31st December, 1882, with the additional christian name of Gatehouse. He used both names throughout his life. He was the son of Elijah Brickell, a Plasterer, and Anne Elizabeth Brickell (née Gatehouse). By 1901 James had moved to Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire to live with his sister. On the 24th July, 1904, he married Bessie Harriett Bailey in Rickmansworth. By the time of the 1911 Census they had a daughter, were living in Rickmansworth and he was working as a Plasterer. His parents were living in Kings Lane, Motcombe. Later in that year Bessie died and in 1915 he married Annie Margaret Sears. They lived at 239 New Road, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth.

James enlisted in Bedford on 1st December, 1915, but was not mobilized until 5th June, 1916, as a Private in the 3rd Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment (Service No. 25611). On the 29th October, 1916, he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment (Service No. 26503). At the time of his death 20th May 1917 he was serving in Greece with the 9th (S) Battalion, 'C' Company of the Regiment. He was was buried initially at a small cemetery called Pearse Ravine Cemetery near the Serbian border but in 1919 the 74 bodies from that site were transferred to Karasouli Military Cemetery, Polykastro, Greece (grave id. E.1182) along with bodies from other battlefield sites.

At the time of his death his wife, Annie, was still living at 239 New Road, and was granted a widow's pension the equivalent to 93p for herself and James' daughter. James was awarded the Victory and British War medals and is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset.

Images:

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

Walter Frederick Gibbons

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Somerset Light Infantry /by Ann Symons

Surname: Gibbons

Other names: Walter Frederick

Locations in this story:
Acton, Middlesex
France & Flanders
Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery,Hainaut, Belgium
Church Road, Acton, Middlesex
Motcombe, Dorset
Taunton
Sunningdale Park, Windsor
Chiswick, Middlesex
Heston, Middlesex
Tooting Graveney, Wandsworth
West Ealing, Middlesex

Story:
Walter Frederick Gibbons was born in 1880 in Acton, Middlesex. He was the son of Arthur Gibbons, a house decorator, and Mary Ann Gibbons ( née Powley). By 1901 Walter's mother was living with her father in Chiswick whilst his father, Arthur, had been placed in the Heston, Middlesex, workhouse and was described as an 'imbecile'. He later died in 1906. Walter had by then found work as a Domestic Stable Helper at Sunningdale Park, Windsor. On the 23rd December, 1908, he married Sarah Ellen (known as Nellie) Arnold at Tooting Graveney, Wandsworth, London.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Walter was a Regular Soldier in the Somerset Light Infantry (Service No. 5371) based at The Barracks, The Depot, 13th Prince Albert's Light Infantry & Military Hospital, Mount Street, Taunton, at which time he held the rank of Sergeant. His wife was living in married quarters also in Taunton. Walter's mother was then living in West Ealing, Middlesex. In the First World War Walter served in France & Flanders and at the time of his death he was with the 1st Battalion of the Regiment. He died on 1st March 1915 and was buried at Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium, in Flanders (grave id. I C 2). He was awarded the Victory, British War and 14 Star medals and was posthumously Mentioned in Dispatches on 22nd June 1915. He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset. His wife is recorded in the 1939 Register as living at 'Clovelly' in Motcombe, (near the village shop.)

Images:

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

Richard Eustace Grosvenor

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Horse Artillery /by Ann Symons

Surname: Grosvenor

Other names: Richard Eustace

Locations in this story:
Christchurch, Hampshire
France
Vermelles British Cemetery, Vermelles, Pas de Calais, France
Motcombe, Dorset
Haileybury, School, Ashwell, Herts.
Nowshera, North West Frontier, India
Royal Military Academy, Woolwich Common

Story:
Richard Eustace Grosvenor was born on 27th January, 1883, in Christchurch, Hampshire. He was the son of Richard de Aquila Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge, and his second wife, Eleanor Beatrice Grosvenor (née Hamilton-Stubber). Richard attended at Haileybury School, Ashwell, Herts, and by 1901 had become a 'Gent Cadet' at The Royal Military Academy, Woolwich Common. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single and a Regular Soldier serving with the Royal Field Artillery at Nowshera, North West Frontier, India. He was commissioned in the Royal Horse Artillery and at the time of his death held the rank of Captain. His mother died in 1911 and his father in 1912. The eldest son, Hugh, became the new Baron Stalbridge.

Richard was posted to France on 6th November, 1914. He was awarded the Military Cross, Victory, British War and 14 Star medals as well as being Mentioned in Despatches. He died on 13th October 1915 and was buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, Vermelles, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. I.H.14). He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset, on the Roll of Honour at Haileybury School and the Royal Artillery Commemoration Roll.

Images:

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

Ernest John Inkpen

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Engineers /by Ann Symons

Surname: Inkpen

Other names: Ernest John

Locations in this story:
Egypt
Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Ismalia, Egypt
Behind Town, Shillingstone, Dorset
Shaftesbury
Motcombe, Dorset

Story:
Ernest John Inkpen was born on 3rd August, 1895 in Shillingstone, Dorset, and was baptised there on 27th October, 1895. He was the son of John Reece Bradford Inkpen, a Postman, and Martha Inkpen (née Newman). His siblings included Walter, (b.1887), and Bertram, (b.1898), both of whom died in the war. At the time of the 1911 Census Ernest was single, working as an Office Clerk and living at Behind Town, Shillingstone, Dorset.

He enlisted at Shaftesbury on 18th December, 1914, as a Private in the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 12640). He later transferred, as a Sapper, to the Royal Engineers (Service No. 173268), on 20th April 1916 and joined the 276th Railway Company, Heavy Artillery, based in Ismalia, Egypt. He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals. He died on 9th September 1916 from Enteric Fever and was buried at Ismalia War Memorial Cemetery, Ismalia, Egypt (grave id. A.7). He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset, and also on the War Memorial at the Church of the Holy Rood, Shillingstone. Whilst his brother, Walter, also appears on the Motcombe memorial, there is no mention in the area of his brother, Bertram.

Images:

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

Walter Inkpen

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Dorsetshire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Inkpen

Other names: Walter

Locations in this story:
Gallipoli, Turkey
Helles Memorial, Turkey
Behind Town, Shillingstone, Dorset
Motcombe, Dorset
Shaftesbury
Exeter

Story:
Walter Inkpen was born on 1st July 1887, in Shillingstone, Dorset, and was baptised there on 11th September, 1887. He was the son of John Reece Bradford Inkpen, a Postman, and Martha Inkpen (née Newman). His siblings included Ernest John, (b. 1895) and Bertram (b. 1898) both of whom died in the war. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a clerk and living at Behind Town, Shillingstone, Dorset.

He enlisted at Shaftesbury on 8th September, 1914 and joined the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 11001) as a Private but rapidly rose through the ranks to Sergeant by 1st April 1915. He served at Gallipoli and was awarded the Victory, British War and 14/15 Star medals. He was killed in action at Gallipoli and his name appears on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey (Panel 136 to 139). He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset, and on the War Memorial at the Church of the Holy Rood, Shillingstone, Dorset. Whilst his brother, Ernest, also appears on the Motcombe memorial there is no mention of Bertram. When the 1914/15 Star was sent to his family in 1920, his mother had to remind the authorities that he was a Sergeant not a Private as inscribed on the medal. This was put right by the Records Office in Exeter and a new medal issued in August, 1921.

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Ernest John Inkpen

Arthur John Parsons

10th June 2017/in 1914-1918 Gloucestershire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Parsons

Other names: Arthur John

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury
Motcombe, Dorset
St. Mary's Church Extension Cemetery, Motcombe
Sunnyside, Motcombe, Dorset
Royds Hall War Hospital, Lindley, Huddersfield

Story:
Arthur John Parsons was born in Motcombe, Dorset, on 3rd July 1898 and baptised there on 27th July, 1898. He was the son of John Parsons, a Farmer, and Emily Catherine Parsons (née Watts). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, a Scholar and living at Sunnyside, Motcombe, Dorset. He enlisted in Shaftesbury as a Private in the 12th (Service) (Bristol) Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment (Service No. 38914). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He had been wounded in France and repatriated back to England. He died of his wounds after the war on 16th January, 1919, at Royds Hall War Hospital, Lindley, Huddersfield and was buried on 22nd January, 1919, in the Extension Cemetery of St. Mary's Church, Motcombe (grave id. B.3.I). He is remembered on the Motcombe War Memorial, Dorset. His brother, George Thomas Parsons, also apparently served towards the end of the conflict and survived.

Images:

Links to related web content / sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
George Thomas Parsons

Alfred Fanner

9th April 2017/in 1914-1918 Hampshire Regiment /by Ann Symons

Surname: Fanner

Other names: Alfred

Locations in this story:
Ludwell, Wiltshire
Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire
France & Flanders
Charlton, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire
Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France
Southampton

Story:
Alfred Fanner was born in 1891 in Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, and baptised there on 28th October, 1891. He was the son of James Alfred Fanner and Louisa Fanner (née Ingram). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single and working as a cowman on a farm and living with his brother Frederick, in Charlton, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Southampton as a Private in the 1st Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment (Service No. 10944). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals. He died on 17th June 1918 and was buried at the Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. 1.A.23). His home address at the time of death was Hill View, 28 Charlton, Donhead St. Mary and he is remembered on the war memorial at Ludwell.

Images:

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