Blackmore. War Memorial. Those Who Came Home

It is unusual that a War Memorial lists those men who returned from active service during the First World War.  At Blackmore there are 81 men listed.  This has been posted on this site before, but is your relative on the list? Also posted to the Facebook site 'Blackmore Memories'.  In alphabetical order:

War Memorial Survivors	Name
Pte. H. Allen Border	Henry Allen
Gr. G. Attridge R.N.	George Attridge
A/B S. Ball R.N.	?
Pte. A. Boyd R.A.M.C.	Arthur Walsingham Boyd
A/B S. Brazier R.N.	Samuel John Brazier
Gr. J. Brinkley R.G.A.	Jack Brinkley
Str. E. Brown R.N.	Edmund John Brown
Pte. W. Brown Roy. Fus.	William Brown
Pte. W. Burr  R.A.S.C.	William Burr
Pte. R. Chapman  Middlesex	Robert Brook Chapman
Pte. W. Chumbley Essex	(1) William Thomas (or 2) William Jeremiah (or 3) Walter Thomas (or 4) William Chumbley
Pte. A. Chumbley Middsx.	Alfred Chumbley
Pte. W. Chumbley R.A.S.C.	(1) William Thomas (or 2) William Jeremiah (or 3) Walter Thomas (or 4) William Chumbley
Pte. L. Chumbley M.G.C.	Leonard George Chumbley
A/B G. Farmer R.N.	George Henry Charles Farmer
Pte. H. Game K. Liverpl.	Henry Game
P-Offr. A. Griffiths R.N.	Alfred John Griffiths
Major H.C.C. Hackney R.A.M.C. (T.F.)	Henry Charles Coutts Hackney
Pte. A. Hart Norfolk	Alfred Stokes Hart
Pte. G. Hasler Essex	George Hasler
Pte. J. Horrex Devon	James Horrex
Capt. J.H.Hull Essex	James Henry Hull
Pte. A. Humphreys  Norfolk	Albert Humphreys
A/M L. Ingram R.N.E.S.	Leslie Ingram
Sec-Lt. R. Ingram R.A.F.	Rudolph Ingram
Sub-Lt. A.L.Jasper R.N.R.	Alfred Leslie Jasper
Sec-Lt. C.V. Jasper M.G.C.	Charles Victor Jasper
Gr. A. Jobson R.G.A	Alfred Jopson
Gr. G. Knight M.G.C.	(1) George William (or 2) George Knight
Pte. T. Livings Essex	Thomas Livings
P-Offr D. Martin R.N.	Daniel Martin
Pte S. Martin Suffolk	Stanley Martin
Sgt. H. Matthews R.A.F.	Herbert Matthews
Pte. A. McLaren  R.A.S.C.	(1) Alex (2) Alexander McLaren
Corpl. C. Miller Essex	Charles Miller
Pte. G. Miller Essex	George Miller
Gr. F. Monk R.G.A.	Frederick Walter Monk
Corpl. J. Monk Essex	Frank James Monk
A/B E. Murkin R.N.	Edward James Murkin
Str. J. Murkin R.N.	John Murkin
Cpl./Mec. G. Newcombe R.A.F.	George Cyril Newcombe
A/M A. Ovel R.A.F.	Albert George Ovel
Pte. E. Ovel R.A.S.C.	Ernest James Ovel
Pte. H. Ovel Essex	Herbert Charles Ovel
Pte. C. Pagram R.A.S.C.	Charles Joseph Pagram
Cpl. J. Pagram R.A.S.C.	Jubilee Major (aka Major Jubilee) Pagram
Corpl. P. Pagram Essex	(1) Percival Philip Wilfred (or 2) Percival William Pagram
Pte. H. Pavitt A.C.C.	Henry Joseph Pavitt
Pte. F. Penson Essex	Frank Charles Penson
Lieut. Col W.G. Pigott  O.B.E. Rifle Bde.	Wellesley George Pigott
Sgt./Mec. C. Pratt R.A.F.	? Arthur Cecil Pratt
Pte. E. Puddephatt R.W. Surrey	Ernest Thomas Puddephatt
Pte. H. Rayner Roy. Fus.	Harry Rayner
Pte. A. Roast Bedford	Arthur Charles Roast
Drv. P. Roast R.A.S.C.	Percy Walter Roast
Gr.T. Roast Tank C.	Thomas James Roast
Sgt. W. Sankey R.A.S.C.	William Henry Sankey
Str. F. Saye R.N.	Frederick Saye
Pte. F. Smith  Labour C.	Frederick Smith
Pte. C. Stiff  Essex	Charles Thomas Stiff
Spr F. Surridge R.E.	Frank Surridge
Pte. E. Wager Roy. Fus.	Ernest John Wager
Pte. G. Wash Roy. Fus.	George Wash
Spr. T. West R.E.	Thomas Freeman West
L/Cpl. A. Wheal M.G.C.	Albert Edward Wheal
Str. A Wheal R.N	Arthur Charles Wheal
Pte. H. White Essex	Harry James White
Tr. B. Whitmore Essex Yeo.	Bertram Whitmore
Tr. R. Whitmore 15th Hus.	Reginald Robert Whitmore
Pte. F. Wilson  Essex	Frederick Walter Wilson

Pte. J. Wiltshire Essex	Jacob Wiltshire
Pte. F. Wood  R.A.S.C.	Fred Wood
Gr. W. Wood R.F.A.	William Wood
Pte. G. Woollard  Essex	George Arthur Woollard
Ft. Sgt. J. Woollard D.S.M. R.A.F.	James Robert Woollard
A/B W. Woollard R.N.	William Walter Woollard
Pte. F. Wray R. W. Surrey	Fred Wray
Pte. G. Wray Labour C.	George Robert Wray
Pte. J. Wray Essex	Joseph Wray
Pte. A. Wright  Essex	Archibald Major Peter Wright

Blackmore. Remembrance 100. Poppy Trail and Display - Until 21 November

" ... And in the morning. We Will Remember Them".  Photographs taken shortly after sunrise today of the amazing and thought-provoking Poppy Trail and Display devised by members of the congregation of The Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore.

Blackmore. Remembrance 100. Twenty-one days. Twenty-one names. (3) Edwin Alexander

Edwin Alexander

War Memorial: Place and inscription Blackmore War Memorial: A/B E. Alexander RN St Laurence Blackmore Window:  Edwin Alexander Ongar & District War Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour (Blackmore) [ERO A10815]

Rank: Able Seaman

Regiment: H.M. Submarine "E36".  Service No:J/12975 [CWGC]

Service Details: -

Personal and family information: Foster son of Emma Bass, of Vine Cottage, Blackmore, Ingatestone, Essex. [CWGC] Little is known about Edwin Alexander. The most local Birth is Sep 1895. Alexander Edwin James. Hackney. 1b 540. [statutory register] 1901 Census: Emma Bass (aged 44, born Radwinter), foster mother to Edwin Alexander, is recorded as living in ‘Cottage’ somewhere near to the Post Office in Blackmore village.  She was married to Jabez Bass (aged 54, born Little Dunmow) and at that time had two foster children: Horton Wright (age 7, born Blackmore) and Dora Lynn (age 1, born London). Emma Bass, Chelmsford Road, was baptised as an adult at The Baptist Church, Blackmore, on 31st May 1896 and received into membership the following week [ERO T/B 324/1]. Emma Bass listed as voter (for the first time) in the Electoral Register for Blackmore in 1918.  Emma recorded as living in ‘The Village’. Other Bass named is Jabez (husband). [ERO C/E 2/1/1]. It is not clear whether the fostering arrangement implied any relationship to Edwin Alexander.

Date of Death: 19th January 1917 [CWGC]

Age: 23

Where died: HMS E36 was sunk in a collision with HMS E43 off Harwich in the North Sea. There were no survivors.

Place of Burial or Commemoration: Memorial: Chatham Naval Memorial. Grave No: 21 [CWGC]

List of Sources: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Essex Record Office,

Mrs Bass

Blackmore. Remembrance 100. Twenty-one days. Twenty-one names. (2) Walter Brazier

Walter Brazier

War Memorial: Place and inscription Blackmore War Memorial: Stoker W Brazier R.N. Church Window: Walter Brazier Ongar & District War Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour (Blackmore) [ERO A10815]

Rank: Stoker

Regiment: 1st Class Royal Navy.  H.M.S. "Laertes.".  Service No: 311704 [CWGC]

Service Details: -

Personal and family information: Walter Brazier’s name appears in the St Laurence, Blackmore ‘Sunday School Admission Register’ with “age” recorded as “19/11/85”.  [ERO D/P 266/28] Walter Brazier was born in Highwood in 1885/6, the son of Walter and Sarah Brazier. The following parish registers were checked for a baptism without success: Blackmore, Highwood, Roxwell, Writtle, Mountnessing. 1901 Census. Fingrith Hall Road, Blackmore Walter Brazier. Head. Married. [Age] 40. [Occupation] Pitman (gravel). [Born] Chelmsford Sarah Brazier.  Wife. Married. [Age] 39. [Born] Ingrave Walter Brazier.  Son.  [Age] 15.  [Born]: Highwood Florence Brazier.  Dau.  [Age] 11.  [Born] Mountnessing Mary Brazier.  Dau.  [Age] 9.  [Born] Blackmore Samuel Brazier.  Son.  [Age] 6.  [Born] Blackmore Joseph Brazier.  Son  [Age] 3.  [Born] Blackmore Laura Brazier.  Dau.  [Age] 1.  [Born] Blackmore 1914 Electoral Roll. Walter Brazier recorded as living at “High house” [ERO C/E 1/2/26] Florence Brazier married Ernest John Wager, named as one who served on the War Memorial.  Likewise Samuel Brazier, who returned. [Barbara Dawes, 3.11.18]

Date of Death: 28th August 1914 [CWGC}

Age: 29

Where died: Laertes became part of the 3rd destroyer flotilla based at Harwich.  She took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28th August 1914, where she was seriously damaged suffering four shell strikes. The most serious struck the boiler room, killing Walter Brazier and one other, temporarily cutting off all steam supplies to the engines and leaving the ship motionless. Another shot destroyed the middle funnel, while a gun was also hit. The ship managed to restore some power but had to be towed back to England.

Place of Burial or Commemoration: Memorial Reference: R.N. Plot. 5. Cemetery: Shotley (St. Mary) Churchyard

List of Sources: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Essex Record Office.

Barbara Dawes wrote on the Blackmore Memories Facebook page: "My gt-uncle, his sister Florence was my Nan. He actually died on the first day of the very first naval battle of WW1, which somehow seems even more tragic, hardly had a chance to serve. What a waste."

Blackmore. Poppy Display and Trail - Work In Progress

Photographs taken today of work in progress installing Poppy Trail and Display at Priory Church of St Laurence.  Part of Remembrance 100 commemoration of the end of the First World War.  Available to see until 21 November 2018.

Blackmore. Remembrance 100. Twenty-one days. Twenty-one names. (1) Ian A Miller

Ian A Miller (or Millar)
War Memorial: Place and inscription Blackmore War Memorial: Sec Lieut A. I. Miller M.M. R.I.R. Church window: 2nd Lt Ian Miller Ongar & District War Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour (Blackmore) as I Miller [ERO A10815] Commemorated at Appledore, Kent
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Lieutenant Royal Irish Rifles.  6th Battalion [CWGC].
Service Details: Medal card: E Kent M Rif Pte 1522 R Ire Rif Sec Lt Capt dec’d 30/9/16. Victory/British ø off 59 15e 15 Star ø off 59 25                 IVXd/1711 22 NW/7/18358 First theatre Gallipoli 7/7/15 Contact Mrs Jenkins, Ardmore, Appledore, Kent. [Ancestry.com] The Struma River flows through Bulgaria southward to the Greek frontier, then south-east into the Aegean Sea. From the Allied base at Salonika, a road ran north-east across the river to Seres, and it was this road that the right wing of the Allied army used for the movements of troops and supplies to the Struma front during the Salonika Campaign. The Salonika Force arrived in 1915, and dug-in until the summer of 1916, by which time the international force had been reinforced and joined by Serbian, Russian and Italian units. The Bulgarian attempt at invasion of Greece in July was repulsed near Lake Doiran. At the beginning of Oct 1916, the British in co-operation with her allies on other parts of the front, began operations on the River Struma towards Serres. The campaign was successful with the capture of the Rupell Pass and advances to within a few miles of Serres.  Ian Millar died in the operations in the Struma valley and the capture of Jenikoj. Quote from diary of David Campbell, MC: In our sector the main attack was carried out by the 37th Division and our Battalion was allotted the task of guarding their left flank.  We crossed the Struma at dawn (It having been bridged in the meantime by the R.E’s) and at first met with little opposition.  Then the company on my right came under fire and their advance was checked.  My company was sheltering under a high bank and our Second in Command Major Graham, who happened to be with me, would not let me proceed further until we made an effort to subdue the hostile fire.  There was a field of all mealies on my left front but straight ahead of me the ground was clear.  I had a company of machine guns with me so we first got them to rake the mealies with their fire.  By then, I had climbed to the top of the bank and through my field glasses I spotted the sniping post that was causing the trouble.  In a matter of seconds, I had the machine guns on to it and was watching their fire, from the strike of the bullets, converging on the spot.  There was no more fire from that post and we were able to continue our advance unimpeded.  But we had lost one officer killed, Miller and two officers wounded O'Halloran and McQueen and several other ranks.  Miller was a great favourite in the Battalion and we deeply mourned his loss.  Quote from the history of the first seven battalions the Royal Irish Rifles (Now The Royal Ulster Rifles) in the great war vol. II By Cyril Falls Formerly Captain, General Staff, 36th (Ulster) Division: The attack was a complete success, the Bulgar outposts being driven in before their troops in reserve realized what was happening.  By 8.45 the force was digging in upon its position.  But the enemy quickly recovered.  A first counter-attack was beaten off by machine-gun fire at 11 a.m.  An hour later another, from Jenikoj, directed upon Zir, was checked, but not without some difficulty, by the troops of the 81st Brigade.  At 12.23 p.m. Colonel Becher reported that in view of the aggressive spirit shown by the enemy, his force was none too strong.  Later in the afternoon the Cyclist Company was moved across to his right flank, and he also brought up his reserve platoon to close a small gap between his force and the 81st Brigade.  His casualties had been not inconsiderable for fighting of this nature, one officer, Lieutenant Miller, having been killed, and 2 officers, Lieutenant A. T. M. Poore and 2nd-Lieutenant H. O’Halloran, and 16 other ranks wounded.  The Bulgars had apparently lost heavily in their counter-attacks. WW1 casualty Second Lieutenant Ian Miller or Millar - the further details from Belfast are: Army List March 1916 Column 1494b 6th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Millar I.A. commission date 30 Nov 1914  [This line actually appears as "*Millar I.A. 30 Nov 1914".] IRELAND’S MEMORIAL RECORDS 1914- 19 MILLAR, IAN ARTHUR. Rank, 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles, 6th Batt, died of wounds, September 30, 1916. [rurmuseum@yahoo.co.uk]
Personal and family information: 1901 unhelpful, as no Irish coverage. 1911 Census.  Ian A. Millar (aged 14) is a pupil boarding at The Grammar School, Cranbrook, Kent.  He was born in Dublin. Blackmore connection unknown.
Date of Death: 30th September 1916
Age: 19 or 20
Where died: Died of wounds
Place of Burial or Commemoration: Struma Military Cemetery.
List of Sources: Ancestry.com, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, various websites

Blackmore. Poppy Trail to Take Shape This Week

An unusual view this morning of the monument to Thomas Smyth (d.1592) surrounded by poppies awaiting placement over the church and across the churchyard of The Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore. Work will begin on Tuesday, 30 October, with the full display available to view for 21 days from 1-21 November 2018.

To coincide with the Poppy Trail, this site will feature the 21 men who died during the First World War and commemorated on the War Memorial.  Twenty-one days: twenty-one names.

Blackmore. Remembrance 100 Community Commemoration. Details of events this November

Remembrance 100 – Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green

In August of 2017 parishioner Jenny Dodd suggested that we mark 100 Years since the Armistice by covering the porch of St Laurence Church, Blackmore, with knitted poppies made by members of the community in Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green. She was hopeful that people would knit a few each and if we were lucky we would get around 1500 or maybe even 2000!

Remembrance Sunday still seems to resonate with the majority of people and the project has evolved. It has captured the imagination, not only of local people and groups, but also people from Spain, Canada and New Zealand who have been knitting poppies for this significant event.

From the 1^st of November until the 21^st over 6250 knitted poppies along with a further 1000 poppies made from plastic bottle bottoms will be displayed on the church and in the churchyard. A ‘Poppy Trail’, around areas of the churchyard, will evoke emotion as people journey around a moving and informative experience. Along the trail there will be information points with facts and background material relating to the First World War, the British Legion and the significance of the poppy along with moving poems both old and new. The trail will visit the graves of local people who died in, or as a result of, the war. The final two stops on the trail will allow people to reflect on the scale and enormity of the sacrifice made by millions of service people worldwide and those of the local community.

From the 8^th November until the 13^th, floral tributes sponsored by local people, groups and businesses will be on display inside the church. Created by local people, these will pay tribute to individuals, and depict scenes and aspects of the war.

On the 9^th of November at 7.30 in the evening a talk ‘For King & Country: Blackmore during the First World War’ will be given in St Laurence church.

There will also be an act of remembrance at Our sister church, St. Peter & St. Paul’s Stondon Massey on Saturday 10^th November at 5:30pm which will be a chance to reflect on the 100 years since the armistice with music, poetry and art.

 

All events are free but any donations will be given to the Royal British Legion.

Our key aims for this Remembrance 100 event are to remember those who have given their lives in the first world war and all subsequent wars, to highlight the works of the British Legion and raise money for their continued work and to help everyone to understand the enormity of the sacrifices made and continue to be made to preserve our way of life today.

The scale of the cost of human life in the First World War is astounding. Coupled with those who suffered life changing injuries and the suffering of the families, friends and indeed sometimes whole communities this is something that we should all remember and reflect upon. Wars have not ceased and these sufferings continue. Our service men and women risk their lives on a daily basis often in peace keeping roles in other countries. We owe them and all who have served before them a great debt for our freedom and the way of life we enjoy in our country.

There is no cost to remember. The price has already been paid. At the going down of sun and in the morning we will remember them.

Doddinghurst Talk on Remembrance Day, Sunday 11 November 2018. 2.30pm

History Talk in All Saints’ Church, Doddinghurst,  on Remembrance Sunday

Caroline Seville writes:

"As I am sure you are all aware, Sunday, November 11^th, 2018, will be 100 years to the day since the end of the First World War.

"At 10.15 there will a Service of Remembrance in the church, followed by two minutes silence round the War Memorial at 11 o’clock and in the afternoon there will be a talk about how the war affected the people in and around Doddinghurst. Of course, the village was a much smaller place then, even though the parish included what is now Fox Hatch. Between 1911 and 2011 the population increased from 371 to 2,832. For those 371 men, women and children there was much hardship between 1914 and 1918 and I have unearthed stories about individuals which are truly heart breaking. There are 10 names inscribed on the War Memorial, some of which are also inscribed on the Blackmore War Memorial, as they lived on the parish border or their families were involved in both villages.  Many more returned from the front. How had their lives changed? And what about the families who were left behind? What was life like for them?

"It is important that we remember and recognise the great sacrifices made by our forebears. I do hope you will be able to come to ‘Bombs and Brothers, Raids and Rationing’. There will be a slide show to illustrate and enhance the talk.  It takes place in the church at 2.30 and tea and homemade cake will be served afterwards in Priest House, right next to the War Memorial. The cost is £4, payable at the door, and all proceeds will go towards the upkeep of our ancient village church."

Blackmore: Armistice Centenary Commemoration

Members of the congregation at St Laurence, Blackmore began work today putting the many knitted poppies onto wire frames.  This is one of six panels to be placed on the roof of the porch.

The Church will be open to view the Remembrance Displays from Thursday 8 November to Tuesday 13 November. Times daily 10.30am – 4pm except Sunday, 12.30 - 4.00pm, and Tuesday 10.30am – 12.30pm.   There will be a talk on Friday 9 November commencing 7.30pm.  The Remembrance Sunday service will be held in church after the two minutes' silence at the War Memorial.

Blackmore: First World War Centenary Commemoration

For King and Country: Blackmore during the First World War

Sunday 11 November 2018 will be a significant day in the life of this country because it marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.  At 11 o’clock that day millions of people will pause, stand around local War Memorials, to remember the cessation of hostilities in which over 888,000 lives were lost.

Blackmore is commemorating the weekend with a remarkable and moving tribute by covering the exterior of the church and the path leading from the Lych Gate with thousands of poppies.  Something like 4000 poppies form the commemoration, which have been handmade by many volunteers.

The Church Flower Guild will also be providing a beautifully themed Flower Festival.  

Also in preparation is a talk about the life and times of the people of Blackmore during the First World War.  The talk will be held on Friday 9 November.  It will be free, followed by tea and coffee.  There is will a retiring collection.

The Church will be open to view the Remembrance Displays from Thursday 8 November to Tuesday 13 November. Times daily 10.30am – 4pm except Sunday, 12.30 - 4.00pm, and Tuesday 10.30am – 12.30pm.

The Remembrance Sunday service will begin, as usual, at 10.45am at the War Memorial continuing at The Priory Church of St Laurence after the observance of two minutes’ silence.

In commemoration of the centenary of the end of the First World War

For King and Country: Blackmore during the First World War

The Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore

Friday 9 November

7.30pm

A talk by local historian Andrew Smith

which will include photos and extracts from diaries, letters etc.

For King and Country: Blackmore during the First World War

A talk to be given on Friday 9 November, 7.30pm, at the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore.  Including refreshments and retiring collection. Part of Blackmore's commemoration of the end of the First World War.

Blackmore History website closed

I have closed the considerably out of date website, and will continuing posting things here and on my personal Facebook page.

Blackmore: First World War Commemoration Talk - Friday 9 November

Extremely honoured to be asked by members of the congregation at St Laurence, Blackmore to do a talk on Friday 9 November in commemoration of the end of the First World War.  Big gig!

Willingale Ring Saved and now On Display

Good news.  Epping Forest District Museum was able to secure the funding to buy the Willingale Ring.  It has just gone on display at Waltham Abbey: https://www.spacehive.com/willingaletreasure