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

Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (8)

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

25th September 1918

No raids have been made during the full moon the enemy apparently having too much to think of elsewhere. Our aeroplanes are very active, and the droning of a number of them round the house through the night hours have lulled us to sleep with a feeling of security.

I have had a letter from Pte A Watts whose parents live in the village. He is in the Royal Herbert Hospital in Woolwich having been wounded in the right hand and thigh on the Arras front in France.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Ernest Martin

Ernest C Martin (known as ‘Nib’) of the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme on 25th September 1916. He was buried near Crones Wood.

Blackmore: Remembering ... William Rudling

William Edward Rudling of the 2nd Suffolk Regiment No. 27046 “Y” Co. was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme. August 1916.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=810486

Blackmore: Remembering ... Herbert Game

Private Herbert Charles Game served in the East Surrey Regiment No. 1040 “D” Co. He was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme, France on 16th August 1916 aged 25.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=750694

Stondon Massey: Remembering ... William Chantry

William Chantry died in the final months of the War from sickness contracted. He had served in France where “much depended on the initiative and courage of individuals”. (An account of his return home on leave was recorded by Revd. Reeve on 8th August 1918).

Unusually, I can find no record of him on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Sad Shires and Bugles

The Essex Record Office is holding a one-day conference on 1 November 2008 entitled ‘Sad Shires and Bugles’, which will cover the impact of the Great War on Essex. Speakers will include Dr Paul Rusiecki, author of the soon to be published book, ‘The Impact of Catastrophe: the People of Essex and the First World War (1914-1920); Ken Crowe (Southend Museum); Stuart Halifax (University of Oxford) and Grahame Harris (Essex Record Office). Tickets which cost £12 for the day (10.00am to 4.30pm) are available from the ERO.

Moreton: Aircraft Hangar

In the pretty village of Moreton, near Ongar, there is a tatty shed probably due for demolition soon. It is an old aircraft hangar from North Weald Airfield.

North Weald Airfield Museum

North Weald Airfield Museum is based at Ad Astra House, the former station office of RAF North Weald. The Flight Station was opened in 1916, two years before the designation of the Royal Air Force, and closed in 1964.

The Museum has five rooms. Room 1 covers the period 1916 to 1939; Room 2, the Battle of Britain; Room 3, the civilians at war; Room 4 is dedicated to the allies who were based at North Weald and Room 5, events post World War II including the Cold War.

The Flight Station opened in August 1916 and was manned by a wing of the 39 Squadron, part of the operation at Suttons Farm and Hainault. The Commanding Officer was Major T C R Higgins. Their objective was to prevent Zeppelin attacks on London by means of two hour patrols with small 80hp biplanes called BE2c’s. With no radio signal and rudimentary cockpit instruments this was dangerous work. (Remember that manned flight began only in 1903). It was in this craft that W Leefe Robinson, F Sowtrey and W J Tempest shot down three Zeppelins in flames (see entry, ‘Zeppelins Over Essex’, 29.8.08). Room 1 tells us that Tempest crash landed his plane at North Weald after shooting down the Zeppelin over Potters Bar.

Having lost air supremacy, the Germans responded the following summer with a more formidable force: the Gotha bi-planes attacked London in June and July 1917 (see entry, ‘First Blitz’, 12.9.08). The Gothas were able to fly at a much greater altitude which meant that the ‘planes North Weald had could not engage with the enemy. In September 1917 the airfield was equipped with Bristol Fighters but saw no action until the attack by Gothas on the night of 19 May 1918. Lieutenant Arkell flying a Bristol Fighter, and a Sopwith Camel flown by the 78 Squadron, engaged with a Gotha which was brought down at East Ham. That Whitsunday was the last air raid of the war over London. The Squadron moved to France that summer and was disbanded on 16 November 1918 following the Armistice.

The North Weald Airfield Memorial, is a Debt of Honour to the 250 people who died while stationed on the airfield. Visitors to the Museum are given a folded A3 card containing their names. Eight personnel died during the First World War.

The Museum is run by volunteers and is open at weekends during the summer. Follow this link for more information.
http://www.removablemedia.com/northweald/

Bibliography:
F W G Hitchcock. The History of the RAF at North Weald.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Alfred Ellis

Private Alfred Ellis of Hook End served in the 1st Essex Regiment. He was killed in action at Gallipoli in June 1916. His name is remembered on the church window but not the War Memorial.

Blackmore: Remembering ... Gerald Wellesley Piggott

2nd Lieutenant Gerald Wellesley Pigott lived at Blackmore House, Hook End. He served in the 127th Battery, Royal Field Artillery and was killed in action in the second battle for Ypres. 14th May 1915, Aged 18. His father, Wellesley G Pigott, related in a letter to Revd. Reeve that the War Office could not allow his body to be brought home and laid to rest in Doddinghurst churchyard. A memorial service was held instead on 21st May 1915 with Rev. Adams (Doddinghurst rector) and Reeve taking part.

His name heads the list on the War Memorials at both Blackmore and Doddinghurst. He is also commemorated on Blackmore’s War Memorial window.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=197817

Blackmore: Remembering ... Walter Brazier

Walter Brazier, Stoker. 1st Class, served on the Royal Navy. H.M.S. "Laertes." He was killed at the Bight of Heligoland, 28th August 1914 and was buried at Shotley Cemetery.

The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=397778

Blackmore: War Memorial Window

Situated in what is now the Vestry of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, is a memorial window to those who died in the First World War. From 1907 to 1988 this was the window to the Lady Chapel. It depicts St Michael and St George and bears the inscription: “To the Greater Glory of God and in memory of those connected with this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 19. 2nd Lt. Gerald W Piggott, 2nd Lt. Ian Miller, Alfred Ellis, Herbert C Game, William E Rudling, Ernest C Martin, Arthur J Nash, Edwin Alexander, Harry Riglin, James Roast, Alfred Godding, Alfred Wheal, Ernest A Maynard, George W White, Herbert Miller, Edward Barker, Walter Herbert Wash RN, W H Scudder, Walter Brazier”.

The following is recorded in the Vestry Minute Book [ERO D/P 266/11]:

A meeting of Parishioners was held in the Church Hall in Tuesday February 25th 1919 with respect to the erection of a painted window in Blackmore Church in memory of those connected with the parish who had fallen during the War … [was] adopted unanimously.

The window lists all casualties except for Charles Wash (the brother of Walter Herbert Wash who was included) and brothers, David and Ted (Edward) Sutton. The deaths of Frank Monk (who died in 1921) and Jacob Wiltshire (who died in 1923) post-date the installation of the memorial.

Alfred Ellis’ name appears on the window but not on the War Memorial.