1914-1918 Archives - Page 129 of 162 - Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

James Arkell Tayler

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

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

Edgar Jesty

2nd December 2017/in 1914-1918 Dorset Yeomanry /by Ann Symons

Surname: Jesty

Other names: Edgar

Locations in this story:
Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
The Farm, Nottington, Broadwey, Dorset
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Gallipoli, Turkey
Helles Memorial, Turkey
St. Nicholas' Church, Broadway, Dorset
St. Mary's Abbey Church, Sherborne, Dorset

Story:
Edgar Jesty was born at Fonthill Gifford in Wiltshire in 1885. He was the son of John Jesse Jesty, a road surveyor & sanitary inspector and Sarah Ann Titt. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from May 1898 to July 1902 and appears in the 1901 Census as a boarder there. He became a farmer and lived at The Farm, Nottington, Broadwey, Dorset. He enlisted as a Trooper in the Dorset (Queen’s Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 571) and was awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and British War medals. He died at Gallipoli on 21st August 1915 and his name appears on the Helles Memorial in Turkey. He is remembered on the Broadwey War Memorial in the churchyard of St. Nicholas’ Church and on the Dorset Queens Own Yeomanry memorial in St. Mary's Church, Sherborne.

As a former pupil his name was 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 Edgar’s name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1919

Images:

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

Jack Wallis Gauntlett

29th November 2017/in 1914-1918 Royal Flying Corps /by Ann Symons

Surname: Gauntlett

Other names: Jack Wallis

Locations in this story:
South Grove Farm, Burbage, Pewsey, Wiltshire
Stapleford, Pewsey, Wiltshire
Middleton Farm, Norton Bavant, Bishopstrow, Wiltshire
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Military Hospital, Warminster, Wiltshire
All Saints Churchyard, Norton Bavant, Wiltshire
Shaftesbury Grammar School, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Story:
Jack Wallis Gauntlett was born in 1898 in Stapleford, Pewsey, Wiltshire and was baptised on 11th April at Stapleford St. Mary. He was the son of George Farmer Gauntlett, a farmer, and Florence Mary Gauntlett. In 1901 the family were living at South Grove Farm, Burbage, Pewsey. By the time of the 1911 Census they had moved to Middleton Farm, Norton Bavant, Bishopstrow, Wiltshire. Jack attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from September 1913 to April 1915 and was a member of the 1914 football team. On leaving school became a farmer.

He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps (Service No. 52597) becoming an Air Mechanic 2^nd Class. In 1917 he went home on leave and directly after returning to camp developed measles, followed by acute broncho-pneumonia. He died at the Military Hospital, Warminster, Wiltshire on 11^th May 1917. Sadly, when Jack was at home on leave he passed the measles infection on to his brother Robert, who also died, aged 2 years.

Jack was buried with full military honours in All Saints Churchyard, Norton Bavant, Wiltshire. He is remembered on the Norton Bavant War Memorial and 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 Jack’s name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1917

Images:

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

Ernest James Mullins

10th November 2017/in 1914-1918 Dorsetshire Regiment, Somerset Light Infantry /by Ann Symons

Surname: Mullins

Other names: Ernest James

Locations in this story:
Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire
Gillingham, Dorset
Blackford, North Cadbury, Somerset
France & Flanders
Thiepval Memorial, France
St. Michael's Church, Blackford, Somerset
Castle Cary, Somerset

Story:
Ernest James Mullins was born, along with his twin sister, Bessie Ada, in 1883 in Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire. He was the son of Adam Mullins, a market gardener, and Sarah Priscilla Mullins (née Galpin), a dressmaker. At the time of the 1901Census he was boarding at Wyke, Gillingham, Dorset and working as a Groom. On 13th October, 1904 Ernest married Ethel Bessie Miles in Gillingham. At the time of the 1911 Census they were living in Blackford, North Cadbury, Somerset where Ernest was working as a farm labourer.

Ernest enlisted in Castle Cary, Somerset, as a Private in the Somerset Light Infantry (Service No. 22569). He later transferred to the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 19046) and served in France & Flanders. He was presumed killed in action at the Somme on 11th January 1917 and his name appears on the Thiepval Memorial in France. He is remembered on the War Memorial and Roll of Honour in St. Michael's Church, Blackford, Somerset.

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