Ongar War Memorial Hospital

Budworth Hall at Ongar closed as a Military Convalescent Hospital on 22nd January 1919. Miss Ethel Jones, of Marden Ash House, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her efforts. In total, 1333 soldiers were received for treatment. Blake Hall, for Officers, closed about the same time.

The population was affected greatly by the War. In December 1918 it was decided to build a Cottage Hospital at Ongar as a memorial. However raising money was difficult and is was not until 1928 that a site in Shelley was purchased and August 1933 before it was finally opened. The building is still in use having gone through a chequered recent history and being officially re-opened in August 2003.

The memorial to the fallen is inside the Hospital and it is not possible just to wander in and take a look. Disturbing those who work for the NHS did not seem fair and there was no bell for Great War enquiries. Unfortunately there does not appear to be a transcription of the names anywhere either.

Links

From the ‘National Archives’ site.
Ongar War Memorial Hospital (A/HW 4)
Situated in the parish of Shelley, this voluntary hospital was opened in 1933, although the decision to build a hospital had originally been taken in 1918. It became a National Health Service hospital in 1948, and was part of Epping Group H.M.C. (1948-63), and later Harlow Group H.M.C. (1963-74)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=037-ahw&cid=0

The debate about a stone War Memorial is a very lively topic in Ongar (Essex). Peter Richards wrote on 14th September 2008: “There are 313 names of men of the Ongar & District who perished in World War 1 only. There are no names of WWII casualties on the Hospital Roll of Honour they are only in St Martins Church, Ongar”.
http://www.ongar.angle.uk.com/forum/?read=2

Channel 4’s ‘Lost Generation’ website
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/L/lostgeneration/search/m-record.jsp?id=58278

Further reading

Aspects of the History of Ongar by the Ongar Millennium History Group

Blackmore: Remembering ... Albert Barker

Albert Edward Barker (born Romford) of the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. No. 32975 died at Peolcappelle on 10th October 1917, aged 38. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, near Ypres, Belgium.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=847044

(See also 'A Daytrip to Flanders' posted on 11 November 2009)

Blackmore: Remembering ... George White

George William White served in the R.M.L.I.. His Ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean, in 1917. He died on 20th January 1918, aged 51, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=3046863.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Ernest Maynard

Before going to War (Lance Corporal) Ernest Maynard had worked in the garden at Stondon Rectory. He was called up in March 1916. He was killed on the French Front on 27th June 1917, serving in the 8th Bedford, No. 1 Platoon, “A” Co. No. 33237. Revd. Reeve wrote, “It appears that he was attached to a Machine Gun which was doing good service when a shell burst among those manning it, killing most of them instantaneously”. He was buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, 1 mile south of North Vermelles, France.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=67701

Blackmore: Remembering ... Alfred Wheal

Alfred J Wheal served with the 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
Northumberland Fusiliers. No. 47250. He was killed in France on 5th June 1917, aged 31, in “No Man’s Land”. He was buried at Arras Memorial.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=776695

Stondon Massey: Remembering ... Herbert Gann

Herbert Walter Gann, the son of Mr James Thomas Gann (the builder) joined the 1st Battalion of the Territorial Engineers in December 1914. He served in the Dardanelles then in France where he was wounded in the counter attack by the Germans at Cambrai (30th November 1917). He died in hospital the following day, aged 23, and was buried at Ruyaulcourt Military Cemetery. Herbert is commemorated on his father’s tombstone in Stondon churchyard.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=266900

Theydon Garnon: War Memorial

The War Memorial Tablet for Theydon Garnon can be found inside the village church on the east wall of the north aisle. It reads:

AMDC
In affectionate remembrance
of those who fell in the Great War
1914 – 1919
The Parish set up this record

Major Adam Dickson Bell 4th Hussars
Capt. Atherton Harold Chisenhale-Marsh 9th Lancers
Capt. Philip Everard Graham Marsh RAF
Lieut. James Craig Royal Air Force
Lieut. Harold Clement Montague Lucas 2nd Ghurkuas
Lieut. Walter Austin Rowley 8th Leicestershire
Lieut. St George Swaine Showers 2nd Essex Regt.
Rev. Arthur Henry Marsh Chaplain USA
Sergt. Edward Downham 2nd Battn Kings Royal Rifles
Seaman Arthur Betts Royal Naval Reserve
Pte. Charles Edward Banford 9th Essex
Pte. William Burton 17th Middlesex
Pte. John North Davis Queen Victoria Rifles
Pte. Thomas Edgar 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Jesse Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Percy Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Rfn. Edward Alfred Furlong Kings Royal Rifles
Gunner James Hardy Royal Field Artillery
Pte. Ernest Law 10th Yorks & Lancs Regt.
Pte. Alfred James Love 9th Battn Rifle Brigade
Pte. Ernest Albert Love 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Ernest Ratcliffe 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Albert Edward Shoat Queens (Royal West Surrey) Regt.
Pte. William James Stevens 4th Royal Fusiliers
Pte. Walter Stubbings Royal Army Service Corps
Pte. Samuel Arthur Wade 15th Battn Essex Regt.
Gunner Sidney George Wade Royal Field Artillery

Qui procul bine
Qui ante diem perierunt
Sed milites sed pro patria


There must have been only one person in the area by the name of St George Swaine Showers. Revd. Reeve of Stondon Massey wrote: “Nephew of Mr Swaine Chisenhale Marsh of Gaynes Park Epping. He often visited a relative, Mr Cleave, as a lad who for a while rented the Soap-house [Farm]. He was wounded in July 1916, and for some time in the Military Hospital at Chatham. On Aug 9 1917 he was killed at Bapeausme” [ERO T/P 188/3 f747]. His name also appears on the War Memorial tablet at Doddinghurst.

Magdalen Laver: Blitz Of The Harvest Moon

‘The Blitz of the Harvest Moon’ (24 September to 1 October 1917) was the most intense period of German aid raids on London during the Great War. (see entry, ‘The First Blitz’, 12.9.08). Revd. Edward Reeve, Rector of Stondon Massey, wrote of his experience at the time dodging the shrapnel in Magdalen Laver. Knowing the places personally one can follow his footsteps that moonlit September evening. He wrote in his notes [ERO T/P 188/3]:

3rd October 1917

We have had a succession of nightly raids during the moonlit period.

The evening of Wed Sep 26 was cloudy. This kept off the Germans and we held a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Stondon Church undisturbed by alarms!

On Saturday a number of the enemy appear to have got through to London and to have caused considerable damage. The loss of life and number of personal injuries is not perhaps so great as might have been expected, but the population has been instructed to take shelter, and numbers have been accommodated in underground shelters, and in the corridors of halls of our underground and “Tube” railways.

Guns have been greatly multiplied lately all round London, and here at Stondon we are nearly in the centre of a ring of fire, guns being placed at Epping, North Weald, Fyfield, Radley Green, Swallows Cross, Barretts Corner, Ingatestone, the nearer London suburbs and so round to Epping again. The danger for us is the dropping of our own shells.

On Sunday evening Sept 30 a Harvest Festival Service was held at Magdalen Laver Church and I was invited to preach the sermon. The moon was full, and there was a good congregation. I did not expect the probable Raid till past eight o’clock and most people elected to stay awhile in the building. I was to stay the night with Sir Godfrey Thomas at Wynters, and we had about 1½ mile to walk from the Church. We set out, and had reached the Rectory when the scream of the shells and the roar of the guns all round us suggested shelter there temporarily. A number of pedestrians followed our example. When, after half an hour or more we pursued our way we found in the solid granite highway a hole some 5 inches in diameter and a foot of more in depth made by a falling shell, and we were ready to admit that our delay has been dictated by prudence. Lady Thomas and the other ladies with us were not sorry I think when Wynters was safely reached at a little before nine o’clock. The bombardment lasted about an hour longer.

On Tuesday Oct 2nd we heard the heavy drone of German “Gothas” at mid-day, but understand that the raiders met a “warm reception” and returned without reaching London.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Alfred Godding

Bombardier Alfred Godding of the 120th Battery. Royal Field Artillery was killed in France, 8th May 1917. He was buried at Aux Reitz Military Cemetery, south west of Neuville, St. Vaast and 3¾ miles north of Arras.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=530804

Blackmore: Remembering ... James Roast

Private James Roast of Hook End served in the 13th Essex Regiment. He was killed in action at Oppy, France on 28th April 1917, aged 26, and was buried at Arras Memorial.

His name can be found on the War Memorials at both Blackmore and Doddinghurst, and also on the commemorative window inside Blackmore Church.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1620894

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - October 2008

Welcome to this month’s round-up of local history and heritage in and around Blackmore, Essex.

Doddinghurst Priest House Appeal

A £36,000 appeal for the repair of an early sixteenth century timbered framed and weather-boarded building in neighbouring Doddinghurst (Essex) has been launched. Formerly the Priest’s House, it is now the Church Hall standing adjacent as it does to All Saint’s Doddinghurst. (See photo).


School Sold!!

“Subject to contract” the former Blackmore school has been sold. The ‘sold’ board went up on 23rd September 2008. Good news for the village who will receive a sum of money to support the building of a new Youth Facility!


Stone Circle at Ingatestone?

Three websites put forward the same theory that Ingatestone (Essex) once had a stone circle and that the church was built on a pre-Christian knoll. “A sarsen (a hard silicified sandstone of a type also used at Avebury and Stonehenge) was found in the north wall of the church during building work for the organ chamber there in 1905. This stone has since been relocated to the south side of the church.” Another two stones can be found on the corners of Fryerning Lane in the High Street.

“While the smaller stones, some painted white and now scattered along Ingatestone High Street, might not yet be considered important enough to return to the Ingatestone churchyard there are good reasons, on grounds of conservation and heritage, for returning the two large Fryerning Lane stones to their likely place of origin on the church knoll.

“A campaign is underway to achieve this aim and emails of support should be sent to Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council at office@ingatestone-fryerningpc.gov.uk or to Heritage Action at info@heritageaction.org”.

http://alexlangstone.blogspot.com/2008/09/ingatestones-campaign.html
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/70103/ingatestone.html
http://www.heritageaction.org/?page=theheritagejournal


Times Online Archive

Free introductory access to ‘The Times’ archive of newspapers (mentioned in our news round up a few months ago) ended on 18 September. The E mail says:

“All the featured content on our Archive home page and on Times Online will remain free to view, but if you wish to search the Archive there will be a charge to view the results. You can sign up for full access to the Archive in three ways:

“Day pass: £4.95; Monthly membership: £14.95; Annual membership: £74.95.

It has certainly been a useful resource and for a fiver in a single burst does not seem an unreasonable charge.


Essex Record Office

From November 2008, Essex Record Office will be closed to the public for the first two whole weeks for stocktaking. It provides an opportunity for staff training and to check data thus improving the already excellent service given.


Essex Ancestors

‘Essex Ancestors’ is a new project launched by Essex Record Office to publish scans of all parish registers on-line thus enabling people worldwide to research from the comfort of their homes rather than the comfort of the ERO. At present it is necessary to visit the office and view microfiches on a reader. The original copies submitted by churches are not available for public inspection. This is a major project extending the coverage of SEAX, the on line index of resources available in the archive.

Blackmore’s registers are available at the Essex Record Office, but the Burial Register after 1893 is still held in the church safe. I have a transcript for the period 1893 to 1920. Contact me if you would like me to look up any name for you.


Great War commemoration

Readers can hardly miss the fact that this site is commemorating the local history of the First World War. The coverage continues through to 11 November.

Essex Record Office is holding a one day conference on 1 November entitled ‘Sad Shires and Bugles’, which will cover the impact of the First World War on Essex. For more information, contact the staff at ERO. The cost for the day is £12. The Historical Association, Essex branch report that: “The branch is pleased to announce that Dr Paul Rusiecki, our Programme Secretary, is having his book published by the Essex Record Office in October. Its title is The Impact of Catastrophe: the People of Essex and the First World War. He will be a speaker in the Sad Shires and Bugles Conference on 1st November at ERO.”
http://d599790.u27.ukisp.com/resources/he_resource_1203_17.html

At the Keene Hall, Galleywood, the local historical society is putting on an exhibition, ‘The Great War – Galleywood and Beyond’ on 8 November 2008. Follow this link for information.
http://www.essexinfo.net/galleywoodhistoricalsociety/exhibitions/

Thanks to this entry on a blog …
http://www.spaghettigazetti.com/2008/09/bbc-commemorates-90th-anniversary-of.html
… I discovered that the BBC will be extensively covering the anniversary of the close of the First World War, from 1 to 11 November. More information can be found on:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/remembrance/
Follow this link to the Press Release
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/09_september/15/remembrance.shtml
As part of the project, Ancestry “are waiving their charges for the month of November for people to search the remaining British Army First World War service and pension records (otherwise only available by visiting National Archives in Kew) and the British Army First World War "medal rolls" online”.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Harry Riglin

Private Harry Riglin of the 7th Batt. Suffolk Regt. No. 44024 was Believed to have been killed at Monchy, East of Arras, on or about 28th April 1917, aged 31. He was buried at Arras Memorial.

His name can be found on the War Memorials at both Blackmore and Doddinghurst, and also on the commemorative window inside Blackmore Church.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=1620805

Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (11)

Extract from ‘Notes For A Parish History’ (ERO T/P 188/3) written by Revd. E. H. L Reeve of Stondon Massey (Essex).

30th September 1918

Great Victories’ have been persistently won by the Allies in France and Flanders during the past week, all along the line from the coast, from Dixmude to Roulers to Lille and Cambrai and thus on to St Quentin and Reims to Verdun and the Mense. British, French and American have all shared in the wonderful progress, and among our own forces honours are shared by the Home and Colonial troops.

Next entry: 12th October 1918

Blackmore: Remembering ... Ian Miller

Lieutenant Arthur Ian Miller of the 6th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles was either killed or died of wounds in Gallipoli on 30th September 1916, aged 19. He was buried at Menes, but later his body was removed to Struma Military Cemetery, Salonika, Greece.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=333477

Stondon Massey: Remembering ... Robert Ellis

Robert Ellis was the elder brother of Harry who came through the war. Revd Reeve visited him on 23rd December 1918. He wrote: “I have today seen Pte. Robert Ellis, the eldest son of our village servant of the same name. He was formerly page-boy at Stondon Place, then a carpenter in the employ of Mr J T Gann. He went to France in a live Regiment in 1915, but being slightly wounded and suffering from trench fever was sent to the base. On his recovery he was employed in the aerodrome sheds and being a clever tradesman he rapidly acquired the necessary mechanical knowledge. He liked the work, and describes graphically the minute details which had to be dealt with in refitting injured “planes” in the repairing sheds: each case having of course to be sent out “perfect to the last nut”. Sometimes from 10 to 20 aeroplanes would have to be repaired in a day, and sent out for further service. Ellis was up at the fighting line when he was badly “gassed”. The Germans had been shelling the station for some hours, but suddenly the shells were changed for gas bearers, and as none of the workers were ready with their anti-gas helmets many were instantly suffocated. He himself remembers nothing till he found himself in hospital at Boulogne. His heart and lungs had been badly affected, and he can only walk a short distance, and cannot sleep except when propped up in a sitting posture.

“Ellis speaks of the variety and deadly character of the poisonous gasses. Almost every day changes were made to the chemicals provided as the antiseptics in the gas-helmets. The baneful influence of the gas extended to 12 or 14 miles and could be detected on the brighter parts of rifle or bayonet or regimental buttons. Within a closer radius the poisonous effect was visible upon the vegetable crops, which would turn yellow, and upon rats and mice which could be found in fields and hedgerows”.

Robert James Ellis died of his injuries, aged 45, and was buried in Stondon Churchyard, on 15th February 1919. His brother, Harry, returned from France, following the funeral.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2757730

Doddinghurst: War Memorial

The War Memorial Tablet for Doddinghurst can be found inside the village church on the south wall.

It reads:

Dulce Est Pro Patria Mori
To the Glory of God and in ever honoured memory
Of the following officers and men
Who laid down their lives for their country
In the Great War, 1914 – 1918

2nd Lieut. Gerald Pigott RFA
Lieut. S St George Swaine Showers Essex Regt.
Pte. Arthur Benton Essex Regt.
Pte James Roast Essex Regt.
Pte Arthur Hammond Essex Regt.
Pte. Harry Benton Middlesex Regt.
Pte. George Everett Suffolk Regt
Pte. Harry Riglin Suffolk Regt.
Pte. George Hammond Suffolk Regt.
Pte. Herbert Miller E. Surrey Regt.

“Their Name Liveth For Evermore”


The War Memorial tablet includes the names of men also commemorated on the War memorial at Blackmore: Gerald Pigott (see entry 18.9.08), James Roast (see entry 2.10.08), Harry Riglin (see entry 1.10.08) and Herbert Miller (see entry 21.10.08).

St George Swaine Showers’ name also appears on the War Memorial tablet at Theydon Garnon. I do not know of his connection with Doddinghurst. There must have been only one person in the area of that name and rank. Revd. Reeve of Stondon Massey wrote: “Nephew of Mr Swaine Chisenhale Marsh of Gaynes Park Epping. He often visited a relative, Mr Cleave, as a lad who for a while rented the Soap-house [Farm]. He was wounded in July 1916, and for some time in the Military Hospital at Chatham. On Aug 9 1917 he was killed at Bapeausme” [T/P 188/3 f747].

This leads me to believe that there are several errors of omission and commission on memorials across the area, of Essex and probably the country as a whole.

Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (10)

Extract from ‘Notes For A Parish History’ (ERO T/P 188/3) written by Revd. E. H. L Reeve of Stondon Massey (Essex).

27th September 1918

School Children are everywhere employed gathering the blackberries in School Hours under the control of their Teachers. The fruit is packed in baskets provided of regulation size an sent by rail to the Army jam factories, while cheques are sent to the teachers and payment authorized to the children of threepence per pound, a strict account having to be returned to the Authorities of money expended and weight received and despatched.

Next entry: 30th September 1918

Epping: Remembering ... Peter Goodey

Today we remember Peter Goodey, born Stondon Massey, but remembered on the War Memorial at Epping.

GOODEY, Peter J. (29347) Private 1st/8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died 27th September 1917 Age 19
Commemorated WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE
Born in Stondon Massey. Son of Francis and Emily Goodey of Magdalen Laver, he enlisted in Epping and initially joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and died of wounds in September 1917.
Taken for the following site:
http://www.fylde.demon.co.uk/duffell2.htm

Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (9)

Extract from ‘Notes For A Parish History’ (ERO T/P 188/3) written by Revd. E. H. L Reeve of Stondon Massey (Essex).

26th September 1918

There are now some 25 aeroplanes at North Weald aerodrome. About 40 men are attached to each ‘plane for refitting etc: and some 1500 will probably be eventually at the station if it becomes a Flying School.

Over 400 Officers have passed through the Convalescent Hospital at Blake Hall since its inauguration in 1916 – 18 months ago.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Edwin Alexander

Able Seaman Edwin James Alexander served on Submarine E.36 No. J12975 and was killed in the North Sea, aged 23, on 17th January 1917. He is commemorated at Chatham.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=3052018