Stories Archive - Page 60 of 162 - Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

Hubert Frank Ford

29th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Ford

Other names: Hubert Frank

Locations in this story:
Dean, Woodcutts, Wiltshire
Sixpenny Handley, Dorset
Sutton Waldron, Dorset
Boscombe, Hampshire
Poole, Dorset
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Story:
Hubert Frank Ford was born at Dean, Woodcutts, Wiltshire, on 17 Jul 1893 and baptised at Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, on 20 Aug 1893 the son of Sidney Ford and Flora Ford (nee Fanner). He lived his early life in the area and by 1911 was living at Sutton Hill Cottages, Sutton Waldron, Dorset. He had enlisted and served with the Territorial Force of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment (Service No. 206421) and the 5th Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment (Service No. 2056). He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. It is not known in which theatre of war he served but on his discharge was awarded the British War Medal only. His father had died in 1917 and by the 1921 census he was living with his widowed mother in Fontmell magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, described as a Gamekeeper (out of work). He possibly married an Edith Maud Cummins and there was one child born in 1931 but beyond that no marriage record can be found. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 58 Palmerston Road, Boscombe, Hampshire, working as a Lorry Driver at a Cordite Factory. His wife, Edith, died in 1940. He is recorded as marrying a second time to Audrey Stella Salanson in the Poole, Dorset, Registry area in 1942. His death was recorded at the Salisbury, Wiltshire, Registry in 1985.

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Samuel Fred Dennis

29th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Dennis

Other names: Samuel Fred

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire
East Orchard, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Christchurch, Hampshire
Lewes, Sussex
Hove, Sussex
Brighton, Sussex

Story:
Samuel Fred Dennis was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 25 Mar 1881 the son of John Charles Dennis and Mary Penninaly Dennis (nee Myall). He lived his early life in various local places including, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset; Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, and East Orchard, Shaftesbury. His marriage to Ethel Rowland was recorded at the Christchurch, Hampshire, Registry on 12 Mar 1903. They went on to have five children. He had previously served in the Territorial's with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry. He had re-enlisted on 10 Dec 1915 and was placed on Reserve and issued with Armband No. V16269 (which signified publicly his willingness to serve). He was finally embodied on 9 Jul 1917 and joined the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment (Cavalry) as a Private (Service No. 213403). He served for a very short time in the UK only and was discharged as being permanently unfit on 2 Oct 1917. No medals were issued or any Silver War Badge. He went to live with his wife and family at 1 Malling Hill Villas, Lewes, Sussex. The 1921 Census shows him Boarding at 42 West Hill Street, Brighton, Sussex, described as a cattle Dealer then, by the time of the 1939 Register, his address was recorded as 68 Brunswick Road, Hove, Sussex, described as a Cattle Dealer (Patient). This address was a Nursing Home. His death was recorded at the Hove, Sussex, Registry in 1939.

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Ernest Crocker

29th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Crocker

Other names: Ernest

Locations in this story:
Hinton St. Mary, Dorset
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Lindfield, Alton, Hampshire

Story:
Ernest Crocker was born in Hinton St. Mary, Dorset, on 23 May 1893 the son of Sidney T. Crocker and Annie Crocker (nee Fry). He lived his early life in Parish Road, Hinton. St. Mary, until, by 1911, the family had moved to Blackmore Common, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Ernest had enlisted and served with the (Royal) Army Service Corps (Service No. M2/080100). He rose to the rank of Warrant Officer (Class 1) and was with the 20th Auxiliary Petrol Company. It is not known in which theatre of war he served but on his discharge was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 'Imadene', Lindfield, Alton, Hampshire, working as a Chauffeur (possibly at the Bordon, Hampshire, Military Camp). He was described as married although no obvious marriage record can be found.

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Albert Edward Andrews

28th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Andrews

Other names: Albert Edward

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Yeovil, Somerset

Story:
Albert Edward Andrews was born in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 4 Feb 1901 and baptised there on 7 Apr 1901 the son of Edward Charles Andrews and Phoebe Ellen Andrews (nee Matthews). He spent his whole life, apart from Military Service, in Fontmell Magna living at 31 Mill Street. He had enlisted and joined the Royal Marines (Service No. 8046). It is not known where he served nor can a medal record be found. His marriage to Edith A. Dockerill was registered in Shaftesbury, Dorset, in 1936. At the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 31 Mill Street, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, working as an Agricultural Labourer. His death was registered in Yeovil, Somerset, in 1979. His brother, Harry Charles Andrews, also served in the conflict.

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Harry Charles Andrews

28th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Andrews

Other names: Harry Charles

Locations in this story:
Heatherland, Poole, Dorset
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Market Lavington, Wiltshire
Egypt
Devizes, Wiltshire
Hounslow, London

Story:
Harry (sometimes known as Henry) Charles Andrews was born in Heathlands, Poole, Dorset, on 19 Apr 1889 and baptised there on 30 Jun 1889 the son of Edward Charles Andrews and Phoebe 'Ellen' Andrews (nee Matthews). He lived much of his early life in Albert Road, Heathland, Poole, and later, by 1901, in Mill Street, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He married Edith Davis at Market Lavington, Wiltshire, on 18 Oct 1913 giving Fontmell Magna as his residence. He enlisted and joined the Gloucestershire Yeomanry as a Private (Service No. 2040) and later served in Egypt from 20 Apr 1915 with the Corps of Hussars (Service No. 235121). He was discharged on 16 May 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 5 Oak Lane, Easterton, Devizes, Wiltshire, described as a Small Holder (Poultry) and Incapacitated. His death was recorded at the Hounslow, London, Registry in 1969. His brother, Albert Edward Andrews, also served in the conflict.

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Stanley Harold Edwards

28th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Edwards

Other names: Stanley Harold

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Iwerne Minster, Dorset
Blandford, Dorset
Evesham, Worcestershire

Story:
Stanley Harold Edwards was born in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 22 Apr 1886 the son of George Edwards and Mary Jane Edwards (nee Burden). He lived all his early life in West Street, Fontmell Magna. He enlisted and joined the Territorial Unit of the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 2562), Once he was embodied as a Gunner he was given a new Service No. 860453. It is not known in which theatre of war he served but on his discharge was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. The Absent Voters List of 1918 registered an address in Iwerne Minster, Dorset, as his residence. The 1921 Census shows him boarding in The Stables, Iwerne Minster, working as an Estate Foreman - Carpenter. He married Carrie Rose at the Parish Church, Blandford, Dorset, on 24 Dec 1921. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at Overbury, Evesham, Worcestershire, working as an Estate Clerk of Works as well as a volunteer ARP Warden. His death was recorded in Evesham on 5 Apr 1951.

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Henry George Coombs

25th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Coombs

Other names: Henry George

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Bedchester, Shaftesbury, Dorset
France & Flanders
Bournemouth, Hampshire

Story:
Henry George Coombs was born at Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 17 Nov 1892 the son of William Stephen Coombs and Susannah Coombs (nee Still). He lived much of his early life at Hampton Gate, Bedchester, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He enlisted on 11 Dec 1915 but was not mobilised until 8 Feb 1916 and served with the Devonshire Regiment as a Private (Service Nos. 211487 & 23990). He was later transferred to the East Lancashire Regiment (Service No. 33293). He served in France and Flanders and was eventually discharged on 27 Sep 1919. He qualified for the Victory and British War Medals. His marriage to Lilian Mabel Tuffin was registered in Bournemouth, Hampshire, in 1935. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 8 Hazell Avenue, Bournemouth, Hampshire, working as a Nursery Gardener. He died in Bournemouth in 1980. His brother, Frederick Thomas Coombs, also served in the conflict.

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Frederick Thomas Coombs

25th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Coombs

Other names: Frederick Thomas

Locations in this story:
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Bedchester, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Plymouth, Devon
East Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon

Story:
Frederick Thomas Coombs was born in Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 25 Oct 1885 and baptised there on 22 Nov 1885 the son of William Stephen Coombs and Susannah Coombs (nee Still). He spent his early life in Fontmell Magna until by 1901 he had moved to Hampton Gate, Bedchester, Shaftesbury, Dorset, where he was working as a Thatcher's Labourer. He enlisted with the Royal Marines Light Infantry on 9 Apr 1902 as a Private (Service No. 11531). He married Maud Penaluna at the Wesleyan Chapel, Edgecombe Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon, on 8 May 1905. It is not known in which theatres of war he served but qualified for the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star. By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 139 Beacon Park Road, Plymouth, Devon, working as a Flour Mill Storeman. He died in Plymouth in 1973. His brother, Henry George Coombs, also served in the conflict.

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Lucius George Gibbs

25th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Gibbs

Other names: Lucius George

Locations in this story:
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Yeovil, Dorset
Gillingham, Dorset
India
Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset
East Stour. Dorset

Story:
Lucius George Gibbs was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 3 Jun 1882 and baptised at St. James Church on 2 Jul 1882 the son of Edwin George Gibbs and Mary Gibbs (nee Matthews). He lived most of his early life at Blynefield Farm, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset. By 1901 he was boarding in Yeovil, Somerset, whilst employed as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer. He volunteered for the Territorial Force of the Dorsetshire Regiment on 14 Dec 1896 (Service No. 22) and attended the regular annual training camps thereafter. By the time of the outbreak of WW1 he held the rank of Sergeant. He was embodied on 4 Aug 1914 and on 26 Sep 1914 was promoted to Lance Sergeant. He served for a period in India where, in due time, he was again promoted to Lance Colour Sergeant and served with the 1/4th Battalion. He returned to the UK on 18 Nov 1915 and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant with the 13th (Reserve) Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was discharged on 8 May 1919 whilst holding the rank of Acting Captain. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star. He had married Marjorie Mary Burnell at the Parish Church, Gillingham, Dorset, on 25 Jan 1916. He became the Gillingham, Dorset, Relieving Officer and Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. The 1921 Census shows him living at High Bridge Mill, East Stour, Dorset. Regrettably his wife died in 1932 and by the 1939 Register he was living at Butts Knap, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He died in Shaftesbury on 31 Aug 1949 and was buried at St. Rumbolds Church, Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 3 Sep 1949. His sister, Ada Prudence, had served with the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment as a Nurse during the war and his brothers, Alwin Thomas Gibbs, Walter Matthews Gibbs DCM, and Claude Victor Gibbs, served in the conflict, Claude had been a Prisoner of War for some of the time.

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Montague William George Wareham

25th September 2020/in 1914-1918 /by Chris Stupples

Surname: Wareham

Other names: Montague William George

Locations in this story:
Horton, Dorset
Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Waitemata, Auckland, New Zealand
Jutland

Story:
Montague William George Wareham was born in Horton, Dorset, on 5 May 1895 and baptised there on 30 Jun 1895 the son of George Wareham and Emily Wareham (nee Sturgess). By 1911 he had moved to Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, where he was living with his step father. He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 25 Aug 1911 as a Boy Class 2 (Service No. J13694). He rose to the rank of Able Seaman and served in various ships and shore establishments during his service (particularly at the Battle of Jutland aboard HMS Duke of Edinburgh) eventually being discharged on 30 Sep 1920 in order to transfer to the New Zealand Navy and awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star. Shortly after his discharge he emigrated to New Zealand where he married Louisa Victoria De Carle at North Head, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand, on 20 May 1922. By 1928 he is recorded as living at Milford, Waitemata, Auckland. He remained in the Auckland area for the rest of his life (apart from a short visit to the UK in 1954) and died on 20 Jul 1968 and later buried in the Purewa Cemetery, Auckland, on 23 Jul 1968.

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