Blackmore: Pratt Family

Received
11 April 2010

Dear Andrew,

My wife is researching our family history and has come across your webpages for Blackmore. I believe the C Pratt you are looking for on the War Memorial is my great uncle, Cecil Pratt.

Christened Arthur Cecil Pratt, but known as Cecil, he was the son of Charles and Laura Pratt, one time residents of Hay Green Farm, Blackmore. His grandparents were Charles and Charlotte Pratt, whose son Rowland Richard Pratt, Cecil's uncle, is also mentioned on your pages.

Cecil was born in 1885 and we know from the 1901 census that he was in Ipswich training to be an engineer. We also know he was injured in the First World War and died in 1918 from injuries sustained during that time, at the age of 33.

Hope this information is of help to you but please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any further help.

Regards

Ian

Replied
13 April 2010

Hello Ian.

Many thanks for contacting me. My notes (some published on the website, some not) show a succession of Pratt family members at Hay Green Farm. Firstly Charles (with Laura and a growing family by 1881), then Sidney (1891 census) then Rowland (in 1911) but no family members present on the 1914 Electoral Roll. I could not find Arthur Cecil on my list of Blackmore baptisms but know that your forebears were churchwardens. Can you confirm his whereabouts in 1891 and whether he was a Blackmore resident?

Are you able to confirm whether Arthur Cecil served in the RAF?

Andrew

Received
13 April 2010

Hello Andrew

Thanks for your email.

Charles and Laura Pratt were Arthur Cecil's parents and Sidney and Rowland were his uncles. The family lived first at Hay Green Farm and then moved to Castle House in Ongar. Arthur Cecil was born at Castle House Farm.

In 1891 he was just six years old and living with his parents at Castle House Farm, although he did later study at The Oakham School, Kingsley, Hants, as did most of his siblings. We know that he preferred to be called Cecil rather than Arthur.

As far as we know he served with the Royal Flying Corps, not the RAF, which was formed later. We have not as yet had the time to be able to verify this with actual documentation although we do have a photograph of him in uniform.

Regards

Ian

Replied
15 April 2010

Dear Ian

Thanks for your e mail. I have found Charles Pratt recorded in the 1890 edition of Kelly’s Directory as a farmer at Castle Farm and Home Farm. I also have found an entry for Charles Pratt on the 1918 Electoral Roll for Chipping Ongar, residing at Castle Farm.

There were no Pratts, as far as I know, living in Blackmore in 1918. The problem I have is linking Arthur Cecil Pratt to Blackmore, particularly since he was born in Ongar and may have not lived in Blackmore, unless you have any evidence to the contrary.

I could not find a commemoration to A C or C Pratt on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

However it would be wrong of me to dismiss this name as the possible entry in the War Memorial because of the strong connection which existed at the time between Grace Pratt, who married Herbert Brown and then Stanley Petrie, the son of the Vicar of Blackmore. We also see the placing of a contemporary memorial window in the church to the memory of her parents and of her late husband. C. Pratt is listed as a survivor, as someone who served who was connected with the parish. Arthur Cecil Pratt could be that connection, even if to my mind somewhat tenuous. There were no laid down rules as to who should and should not be included on parish war memorials. It was a matter of local discretion, that’s why we see names both duplicated and omitted when memorials are listed and compared.

My inclination is to record Arthur Cecil on our list but with a question mark.

What do you think? I would be interested to see whether there is any evidence I am not aware or have missed.

Thanks for your interest and contact.

Regards

Andrew

Received
15 April 2010

Odd that they should include him as a survivor. If he died in England, there are two candidates:
Deaths Dec 1918 Pratt Arthur C 33 Romford 4a 1052
Deaths Mar 1922 Pratt Arthur C 32 Medway 2a 1173
Only the first has the correct age, so we can only assume that the news had not reached the committee by 1919, when the carving was commissioned.

Bruno

Replied
15 April 2010

Bruno

Did you find these on CWGC? If so I must have only looked at 1918. I responded to Ian (see above).

Andrew

Replied
16 April 2010

CWGC does not show him as a casualty. Ancestry only lists army records. So there’s not a lot of help available from these sources.

The RAF Museum holds RFC/RAF WW1 records. The address of the RAF Museum is:

The Royal Air Force Museum, Grahame Park Way, Hendon, LONDON NW9 5LL
Tel: 020 8205 2266

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/

I have submitted the question “Sgt./Mec. [Arthur] Cecil PRATT RAF appears on Blackmore war memorial as a survivor, but we think he may have died 1918 from wounds. Do you have any records on him?”. I will let you know if I receive a reply.

Bruno

Received
18 April 2010

Hi Andrew
I think it is because we know the Pratts had such connections with Blackmore that made me feel that this could possibly be Cecil but quite understand your concerns. Sadly we have no further information at present. However, if the memorial was originally shown with C Pratt my feelings are that this should remain. If it should prove to be Arthur Cecil Pratt, I do know that he was always known as Cecil and not Arthur, even as a young lad.

We still have lots of research to do with regard to our family tree and feel we have just scratched the surface. However, I am not sure if you are aware but Peter Fry, who is also listed as a church warden for Blackmore church, was the brother-in-law of Charles (married to Laura), Rowland and Sydney. Although originally from Somerset, he married Charlotte, sister of the aforementioned and son in law to Charles and Charlotte Pratt.

I do hope this is of some help to you.

Regards
Ian

Replied
19 April 2010

Hello Ian

Thanks for your e mail. Just in case I might have given a misunderstanding please be assured that C Pratt will be recarved on the War Memorial when it is refurbished this summer. There are no plans to add or delete names. The Group is keen that names, where faded are properly recorded.

A member of the Project Group is following up other possible leads. If we turn up anything we will write to you.

I was not aware of the connection of Peter Fry with the Pratt family.

Best Wishes

Andrew

Received
21 April 2010

Hi Andrew
Thanks for your email.
If we discover any more we will also let you know.
Many thanks.
Ian

Blackmore: Petrie Connection

Further research on a church window at Blackmore has revealed the connection between Herbert Brown, who died in the First World War, the Pratt family and Revd. Walter Layton Petrie, the parish Vicar between 1888 and 1922.

The Parish Council is having the War Memorial cleaned and re-engraved and some villagers are keen to correctly record the names and remember those whose names, for whatever reason, were not included on the memorial when it was unveiled in November 1920. Any information on Herbert Brown would be gratefully received.

An earlier blog entry queries a possible connection between Revd. Petrie and dedication of a war memorial window to a Lt. Herbert Brown. (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2008/08/blackmore-petrie-connection.html).

Subsequently a reader of the blog advised that Herbert James Brown is commemorated on the Christ Church Lee memorial in the London Borough of Lewisham, now housed at the Local History and Archives Centre, Lewisham and is on their war memorial website at http://lewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com/memorial:lee-christ-church-war-memorial

The citation for Lieutenant Herbert James Brown may be found on the following link: http://lewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com/person:brown-herbert-james

Viz:
“Dates:
(1884 - 1917)
War Service:
Lt. in the 1st/7th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died in Israel 06 Nov 1917, aged 33.
Location of Memorial:
Christ Church WW1 War Memorial and Beersheba War Cemetery and Window at St Laurence, Blackmore, Essex inscribed
I have not found so great faith in Israel.
In memory of Herbert James Brown Lieut. Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Killed in action in Palestine Nov. 6th 1917. Given by his widow.
Details:
Born Mar Q 1884 Lewisham RD. Husband of Grace E. Petrie (formerly Brown)[nee Pratt Married Sep Q 1911 Ongar RD][Grace remarried Mar Q 1919 St Martin RD Stanley Layton Petrie], of St. Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland. Native of Essex. Stanley was vicar of St Barnabas, Sunderland from 1915 until 1929, when he became vicar of Holy Trinity, Stockton on Tees, where he remained until after 1931. Herbert and Grace children: Peggy E [Mar Q 1915 Lewisham RD].”

Herbert Brown was born in Lee in 1884 and married Grace E Pratt in 1911. They had one child Peggy, born 1915. Following the death of her husband Grace married for a second time, to Stanley L Petrie.

The Pratt Family lived in Blackmore.

Rowland Richard Pratt was born in Navestock, Essex, in 1848. His wife, Clara (nee Patmore) was born in Takeley, Essex about 1855. Rowland was the son of Charles & Charlotte Pratt. Clara was the daughter of William & Phoebe Patmore. Rowland & Clara's three children were Clifford, Ethel & Grace.

In the 1911 census we find Grace Evelyn Pratt, aged 29, living at Hay Green Farm, Blackmore.

The family comprised:

Rowland Richard Pratt. Head. Married. M. 62. Occupation: Independant [Independent]. Born: Narestork [Navestock], Essex
Clara Rebecca Pratt. Wife. Married 34 years. F. 55. Occupation: At home. Born: Lakely [Takely], Essex
Rowland Clifford Pratt. Son. Single. M. 21. Working at home on farm. Born: Doddinghurst, Essex
Grace Evelyn Pratt. Daughter. Single. F. 29. Working at home on farm. Born: Narestork [Navestock], Essex

My notes show that Rowland Pratt was a Churchwarden at the Parish Church in Blackmore in 1907. He was buried at Blackmore, 8 May 1913, aged 64.
Clara, his wife, was buried at Blackmore, 22 April 1912, aged 57.

Grace married Herbert Brown at Blackmore on 15th July 1911. . Herbert Brown, then aged 27, was an Engineer from Blackheath. His father was Ernest James Brown, a brick manufacturer. Grace Pratt, aged 30, was a Blackmore resident. Her father, Rowland Richard Pratt, describes his profession as ‘Gentleman’ [ERO D/P 266/1/12].

The Memorial Window in the south aisle of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, records on the left side Herbert James Brown:

“I have not found so great faith in Israel.

“In memory of Herbert James Brown Lieut. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Killed in action in Palestine Nov 6th 1917. Given by his widow. [i.e. Grace Petrie nee Brown nee Pratt]

Herbert Brown was not a Blackmore resident as far as I am aware.

Grace later married Walter Layton Petrie’s son, Stanley, of St Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland.

On the right hand of the window is inscribed:

“Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me.
“To the memory of Rowland Richard and Clara Rebecca Pratt. Given by their three children”.

The information from the 1911 census therefore confirms the identity and relationship of the people commemorated. The window was given, principally, by Grace Petrie, daughter-in-law of the serving Parish Vicar.

Blackmore: Pratt Family (2)

In previous correspondence (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search?q=pratt) the suggestion that C Pratt carved on the War memorial is Arthur Cecil Pratt was discussed. There is no conclusive evidence for this, and one lead followed through was contact with the RAF Museum. Bruno Giordan wrote, “If he died in England, there are two candidates:
Deaths Dec 1918 Pratt Arthur C 33 Romford 4a 1052
Deaths Mar 1922 Pratt Arthur C 32 Medway 2a 1173
Only the first has the correct age, so we can only assume that the news had not reached the committee by 1919, when the carving was commissioned.

“I have submitted the question ‘Sgt./Mec. [Arthur] Cecil PRATT RAF appears on Blackmore war memorial as a survivor, but we think he may have died 1918 from wounds. Do you have any records on him?’. I will let you know if I receive a reply”.

The short response was ‘no’.

Received
18 May 2010

Dear Mr. Giordan,

Thank you for your enquiry which was received on 16th April 2010. You wished to receive information relating to the First World War RAF service of Sgt Arthur Cecil Pratt. Sgt Pratt is not listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Roll of Honour (www.cwgc.org), nor does he appear in either series of First World War casualty cards or the First World War Medical Board cards held by the Museum. Although the casualty cards are not comprehensive, the collective evidence would seem to indicate that Sgt Pratt did indeed survive the war. One possible explanation may be that Sgt Pratt was discharged due to injuries or illness suffered whilst in RAF service and then subsequently died of the affliction as a civilian, although I must stress that this is pure speculation. Obtaining a copy of Sgt Pratt’s death certificate should at least give a definitive date of death and this should be obtainable through the General Register Office. Please also see the attached RAF Museum guide to the research of First World War flying services personnel for other avenues of investigation. I hope that I have been able to assist you with your research.

Yours sincerely,

Guy Revell
Assistant Curator
Department of Research & Information Services
Royal Air Force Museum London
T: 0208 358 4852
www.rafmuseum.org

Replied
19 May 2010

Sadly I don’t think that this gets us any further forward in our quest to establish a firm Blackmore link.

Blackmore. Remembering Herbert James Brown. On This Day In History 6 November 1917

Herbert James Brown
War Memorial: Place and inscription Commemorated on the Christ Church Lee memorial in the London Borough of Lewisham.  The memorial today is at the Local History and Archives Centre, Lewisham. Church Window erected by family members inside St Laurence, Blackmore: Lt. H.J. Brown
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1st / 7th Battalion [CWGC]
Service Details: Medal cards: enrolled as Pte in 28th London Regt no. 3755, then Lt RWF.  K in A. Roll Off 43 page 7d; IV X/3064 df 5-5-n NW/5/1920. Theatre first served in MEF 2/1/1916. [Ancestry] De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour: BROWN, HERBERT JAMES Lieut. 7th (Territorial) Batt., the Royal Welsh Fusiliers elder son of Ernest James Brown of 49 Lee Terrace Blackheath SE, builder, by his wife Hattie dau. of DA Messent: b. Lewisham co Kent 14 Jan 1884; educ. Highbury House, St Leonards on Sea: was a brick manufacturer.  Joined the Old Boys Corps in September 1914, and the Artists Rifles in 1915; was gazetted 2nd lieut. in the Royal Fusiliers the following July; served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Egypt and Palestine from December 1915 and was killed in action at Kulweilfeh 5 Nov 1917.  Buried on the battlefield, Palestine.  His Commanding Officer wrote "we all miss him very much and field has lost very greatly; we mourn a great friend".  He was m. at Blackmore county Essex 15 Jul 1911, Grace Eveline dau. of Roland Pratt, and had a dau. Peggy Eveline b. 21 Feb 1915. By October 1917, General Allenby's force had been entrenched in front of a strong Turkish position along the Gaza-Beersheba road for some months, but they were now ready to launch an attack with Beersheba as its first objective. On 31 October, the attack was carried out by the XXth Corps (10th, 53rd, 60th and 74th Divisions) on the west, and the Desert Mounted Corps on the east. That evening the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade charged over the Turkish trenches into the town. The cemetery was made immediately on the fall of the town, remaining in use until July 1918, by which time 139 burials had been made It was greatly increased after the Armistice when burials were brought in from a number of scattered sites and small burial grounds. The cemetery now contains 1,241 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 67 of them unidentified. [WO339 and WO374 at the National Archives] Brown’s battalion, the 1/7th, was part of the 53rd [Welsh] Division. Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Vol IV by Cary and McCance. This volume is concerned with operations on Gallipoli, in Mesopotamia, Palestine, Macedonia (Salonika) and Italy. There are a number of appendices which include: the Roll of Honour for the whole Regiment, taken from Soldiers Died and Officers Died; and a comprehensive index. All in all these four volumes make up a very fine regimental history. [Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, by ADL Cary, S McCance and CH Dudley Ward, four volumes, 1689-1918, reprinted Naval & Military Press 2007 Hardback]
Personal and family information: Husband of Grace E. Petrie (formerly Brown), of St. Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland. Native of Essex. [CWGC] Herbert James Brown was born in Lee in 1884 and married Grace Evelyn Pratt on 15th July 1911 at Blackmore.  Herbert Brown, then aged 27, was an Engineer from Blackheath.  His father was Ernest James Brown, a brick manufacturer.  Grace Pratt, aged 30, was a Blackmore resident.  They had one child Peggy, born 1915. In the 1911 census we find Grace Evelyn Pratt living at Hay Green Farm, Blackmore.  Her father, Rowland Richard Pratt, describes his profession as ‘Gentleman’ [ERO D/P 266/1/12].  In 1911, the Pratt family comprised: Rowland Richard Pratt. Head. Married. [Age] 62. [Occupation:] Independant [Independent]. [Born:] Narestork [Navestock], Essex Clara Rebecca Pratt.  Wife.  Married 34 years. [Age] 55. [Occupation:] At home.  [Born:] Lakely [Takely], Essex Rowland Clifford Pratt. Son. Single. [Age] 21. Working at home on farm. [Born:] Doddinghurst, Essex Grace Evelyn Pratt. Daughter. Single. [Age] 29. Working at home on farm. [Born:] Narestork [Navestock], Essex Rowland Pratt was a Churchwarden at the Parish Church in Blackmore in 1907 [HALS DSA 1/15/10 f502].  He was buried at Blackmore, 8 May 1913, aged 64. [Burial Register in Church Safe]. After Herbert’s death in 1917, Grace married Stanley Layton Petrie, the son of Walter Layton Petrie.
Date of Death: 6th November 1917
Age: 33
Where died: Killed in action, Kulweilfeh, Palestine
Place of Burial or Commemoration: Beersheba War Cemetery. [CWGC]
List of Sources: Ancestry, Church Safe with grateful acknowledgment to the Vicar and churchwardens, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, Essex Record Office, Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, National Archives, Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Blackmore. Remembrance 100. Biographical detail of those men who served in the First World War and returned to Blackmore.

The War Memorial lists a further 81 men who came through the First World War and returned home.  

A primary document used to establish the full names of those commemorated was the Electoral Register for 1918 which greatly extended the list of eligible voters, including women over 30 years old for the first time.  The Register includes ‘absent voters’.  This includes Frederick John Belsham, who lived in the village and Frank Johnson Knight, who lived at Walnut Tree Cottages.  These names are omitted from the War memorial and it is surmised that these men did not want their names included.  Poignantly we found Albert Edward Barker, The Bull, as an absent voter who had died a year earlier.

Samuel John Brazier

AS:  The Parish Register records the baptism of Ronald Walter John, son of Samuel John and Ethel Florence Brazier on 23^rd June 1921.  Samuel’s profession given was ‘Royal Navy’. [ERO D/P 266/1/17].

His brother, Walter, also served in the Royal Navy but was killed.  He is commemorated on the War Memorial as one of the fallen.  His sister, Florence married Ernest John Wager, who also served. [Barbara Dawes, 3.11.18]

Alfred Chumbley

Leonard Chumbley

AS:  They were half-brothers of Arthur John Nash who died in the First World War and is commemorated on the War Memorial as one of the fallen.

Alfred Stokes Hart

AS:  The Parish Register records the baptism of Reginald Brian Stokes, son of Alfred Stokes and Adelaide Hart on 31^st March 1916.  The family lived at ‘Nine Ashes, High Ongar’.  Alfred’s profession given was ‘Insurance Agent’. [ERO D/P 266/1/11].

George Hasler

AS:  Identifying letters ‘C’ and ‘G’ on the faded War Memorial were notoriously difficult. 

BG:  The 1911 Census record for Blackmore, Wyatts Green, Doddinghurst, Brentwood” records: 

Iedward W. Hasler.  Head.  Married 15 years.  [Age] 38.  Horseman On Farm.  [Born] Essex High Roding

Ellen Hasler.  Wife.  Married.  [Age] 40.  [Born] Herts Gt Hadham

George E. Hasler.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 15.  Cow Man.  [Born] Essex Gt Dunmow

John E Hasler.  Son.  [Age] 9.  School.  [Born] Essex Doddinghurst

Frederick W Hasler.  Son.  [Age] 7.  School.  [Born] Essex Doddinghurst

Eleanor M Hasler.  Daughter.  [Age] 5. School.  [Born] Essex Doddinghurst

Albert H Hasler.  Son.  [Age] 2.  Home.  [Born] Essex Doddinghurst

AS:  Ian Hook, the Keeper of the Essex Regiment Museum suggested: “Hasler may be 33789 Pte GE Hasler of Kelvedon Hatch a Prisoner of War taken while with the 9^th Battalion Essex Regiment and similarly invalided from the Army.”

Alfred Leslie Jasper

Charles Victor Jasper

AS:  Alfred Leslie Jasper was fairly easily found in the records but C.V or G.V. Jasper proved more difficult until the 1911 census was consulted.  Here we learn that Alfred Leslie and Charles Victor were brothers.

1911 Langenhoe.

Alfred Jasper.  Head.  Married.  [Age] 48.  Farmer.  [Born] Cornwall St Neots

Florence Helena Jasper.  Wife.  Married 19 years.  [Age] 40.  [Born] Cornwall St Neots

Charles Victor Jasper.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 17.  Farmer's Son Works On Farm.  [Born] Essex Arkesden

Florence Harriet Jasper.  Daughter.  Single.  [Age] 16.  School.  [Born] Essex Arkesden

Alfred Leslie Jasper.  Son.  [Age] 14.  School.  [Born] Essex Arkesden

Irene Grace Jasper.  Daughter.  [Age] 10.  School.  [Born] Essex Gt Waltham

Ellen Florence Taylor.  Servant.  Single [Age] 17.  Servant Domestic.  [Born] Essex Layer Breton

Emily Taylor.  Servant.  Single.  [Age] 20.  Servant Domestic.  [Born] Essex Layer Breton

The Parish Register records the baptism of Irene Grace, daughter of Alfred and Florence Helena Jasper on 1^st March 1923.  The family lived at ‘Wenlocks, Blackmore’.  Alfred’s profession given was ‘Farmer’. [ERO D/P 266/1/17].

Alfred Jopson

AS:  During the tracing of a survivor of the Great War (Gr. A. Jobson R.G.A) the Blackmore War Memorial Research Group came across two possible surnames for the same person: Jobson and Jopson.  Which could it be?

BG:  There is an Alfred JOPSON in the 1911 Blackmore census, age 23 born Writtle, who had been married to Kate Elizabeth for two years. His is the only Jopson family in the Ongar RD, and there is no Jobson.

Born ca. 1888, he lived at 11 Blackmore Green NS, and was a gardener. He enlisted in the RGA 54 AA Coy on 6^th June 1916, and was discharged sick on 20^th June 1917. He married Kate Elizabeth STONEHAM at Moulsham on 17^th July 1909, and their children George Alfred and Ellen May were both born in Blackmore.

AS:  Both Jobson and Jopson appear in the Parish records.

7^th June 1905: Burial register entry for Thomas Robert Jobson, aged 20 [Burial register in Church safe].

1914 Electoral Roll: Alfred Jobson living at Rose Cottage [ERO C/E 1/2/26].

1922 Electoral Roll: Kate Elizabeth Jobson living in Church Street [ERO C/E 2/1/5].

No records of Jopson in Electoral Registers.

7^th July 1910. Baptism entry for George Alfred, son of Alfred and Kate Elizabeth Jopson.

We were puzzled that these names appeared interchangeable, but after careful examination decided that the commonly used name was Jopson but the War Memorial commemorated him as Jobson. 

Thomas Livings

AS:  Information from a descendant, Michael Livings, enabled us to identify the name commemorated as a survivor.

Thomas Livings was the son of Passoover & Rebecca Livings (nee Ovel).  He was born in High Ongar in c.1896.  His parents appear on the Blackmore Electoral Roll for 1918 [ERO C/E 2/1/1] and 1922 [ERO C/E 2/1/5].

They had 4 children:

- Thomas Livings b 1896 High Ongar

- Nellie b 1898 High Ongar

- Mary Ann was baptised at High Ongar on 26^th March 1899 [ERO D/P 68/1/11].

- Joseph b 1900 High Ongar

Ian Hook from the Essex Regiment Museum suggested that this could be “Livings may be 24485 Pte TK Livings who was invalided from the Army.”

Alexander McLaren

AS:  The Parish Register records the baptism of Ivy Alma Florence, daughter of Alexander and Eliza McLaren on 29^th September 1917.  The family lived at High Ongar.  Frank’s profession given was ‘Soldier’. [ERO D/P 266/1/17].

Charles Miller

George Miller

AS:  They were the brothers of Herbert Miller, one of the fallen.

Frank Monk: will be remembered in another post

George Cyril Newcombe

AS:  The Parish Register records the baptisms of Harold Arthur, son, and Phyliss Maud, daughter of George Cyril and Edith Newcombe on 11^th November 1917.  Harold’s profession given was ‘Soldier’. [ERO D/P 266/1/17].

Albert George Ovel

Ernest James Ovel

Herbert James Ovel

AS:  Six generations of the Ovel family have lived in Blackmore.  James, born 1827 married Rebecca Wheal of Blackmore, and raised a family, of whom the eldest son was also James, born 1851.  With his wife Ruth (nee Pond) they had 12 children.  Albert, Ernest and Herbert were brothers.  The family lived at Hyde Farm in 1881, The Poplars just after the First World War and The Green (which could have been the same property) in 1933. 

Albert was the great grandfather of Donna Ovel, representing the sixth generation who kindly lent the Research Group the family tree and enabled the identification of the names of these survivors.  Albert was born in 1897, so was only 21 when the War ended.  He married Ethel Mary Root in 1922 but lived at The Poplars, recorded on the Electoral Roll in 1920, with his brother Herbert and parents James and Ruth.  Other sisters may have lived there too who did not qualify for a vote.

Ernest and Herbert were Donna’s great great uncles.  Their medal cards identify these men with the inscription on the War Memorial.

Major Jubilee Pagram

BG:  By chance, I found this man’s service record.  We have recorded him correctly as Cpl. J. Pagram R.A.S.C.  - Jubilee Major (aka Major Jubilee) Pagram, but I found the following of interest.

He had already served 1 year in the 4^th Essex, before joining up in May 1915.  On discharge in 1919 he was Cpl. and motor driver in the RASC, service no. 101609.  He married Lilian Maud McLaren on 3^rd June 1912, and they lived at Little Jessops.

Frank Charles Penson

AS:  The Parish Register records the baptisms of Eva Frances, daughter of Frank Charles and Emily Louisa Penson on 15^th August 1915, and of Charles Frank, son on 9^th September 1917.  Frank’s profession in both cases was given as ‘Soldier’. [ERO D/P 266/1/11].

Wellesley George Pigott

BG:  Lt. Col. Wellesley Pigott, was born Salisbury [C1881, confirmed FreeBMD] in 1861.  His father, the Rev Wellesley Pole Piggott, was born in Ireland, matriculated at Brasenose College Oxford in 1828 at the age of 15, and held the living of Bemerton, by Salisbury.

In 1881 he was a boarder in Shepperton, Mddx., and in 1891 he married Helen Louise Ind of Dublin [FreeBMD].  She was the daughter of Captain Thomas Donaldson [De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour], and had married Frederick William Ind at Kensington in 1883 [FreeBMD].  There is no record of Frederick Ind’s death in the UK, so he probably died on service abroad. 

In 1894 Wellesley Pigott was adjutant in the 3^rd volunteer battalion, Essex Regiment, and was living at Fairfields, High Road, Woodford Wells. [Kelly’s Directory 1894].  In the 1914 Kelly’s Directory he was on the list of magistrates for Essex, and gave his address as 123 Colebourne Court, South Kensington.  But he is also listed as one of the major landowners in Blackmore, with manorial rights in Hook End, and is chair of the Education Committee of Ongar Rural District Council.

AS:  Major Wellesley Pigott commanded his Battalion at the Battle of Loos, on 25^th September 1915 [source. Revd E H L Reeve ERO T/P 188/3].

Arthur Cecil Pratt

AS:  Ian Pratt a descendant contacted us through the website. 

“My wife is researching our family history and has come across your webpages for Blackmore. I believe the C Pratt you are looking for on the War Memorial is my great uncle, Cecil Pratt.

“Christened Arthur Cecil Pratt, but known as Cecil, he was the son of Charles and Laura Pratt, one time residents of Hay Green Farm, Blackmore. His grandparents were Charles and Charlotte Pratt, whose son Rowland Richard Pratt, Cecil's uncle, is also mentioned on your pages.

“Cecil was born in 1885 and we know from the 1901 census that he was in Ipswich training to be an engineer. We also know he was injured in the First World War and died in 1918 from injuries sustained during that time, at the age of 33.”

Our evidence showed that there was a succession of Pratt family members at Hay Green Farm.  Firstly Charles (with Laura and a growing family by 1881), then Sidney (1891 census) then Rowland (in 1911) but no family members present on the 1914 Electoral Roll.  We could not find Arthur Cecil on my list of Blackmore baptisms but know that Rowland was a churchwarden.  We could not find reference to the death of an C or C.A. Pratt on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

“Charles and Laura Pratt were Arthur Cecil's parents and Sidney and Rowland were his uncles.  The family lived first at Hay Green Farm and then moved to Castle House in Ongar.  Arthur Cecil was born at Castle House Farm. 

“In 1891 he was just six years old and living with his parents at Castle House Farm, although he did later study at The Oakham School, Kingsley, Hants, as did most of his siblings.  We know that he preferred to be called Cecil rather than Arthur.

“As far as we know he served with the Royal Flying Corps, not the RAF, which was formed later.  We have not as yet had the time to be able to verify this with actual documentation although we do have a photograph of him in uniform.”

We found Charles Pratt recorded in the 1890 edition of Kelly’s Directory as a farmer at Castle Farm and Home Farm.  Also, there is an entry for Charles Pratt on the 1918 Electoral Roll for Chipping Ongar, residing at Castle Farm.

There were no Pratts, as far as we knew, living in Blackmore in 1918 so linking Arthur Cecil Pratt to Blackmore seemed difficult.

He is an unlikely name for commemoration as a survivor, however, the strong connection which existed at the time between Grace Pratt, who married Herbert Brown (see list of fallen) and then Stanley Petrie, the son of the Vicar of Blackmore.  Our inclination is to record Arthur Cecil on our list but with a question mark. 

The Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed in 1918 out of a merged Royal Flying Corps (RFC), founded 1912, and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), founded 1914.

Arthur Charles Roast

AS:  He was the younger brother of James Roast, one of the fallen, and worked for Revd. E H L Reeve at Stondon Rectory before recruiting to the 3^rd Battalion, Essex Regiment, on 25^th March 1916, aged 16 years and 2 months.

Arthur Roast writes letters to Reeve, three of which are preserved at the Essex Record Office.  In a letter dated 13^th May 1916, Reeve comments “It is dated from Felixtowe where he is training. Looked upon at home as ‘none too strong in the upper storey’ Roast has shown himself a true Briton in adaptability to his new surroundings”. [ERO T/P 188/3]

Reeve writes on 1^st August 1916: “Arthur Roast, lately employed at the Rectory is now in France, and writes home cheerful letters to his mother, as all men do, bidding her not to worry about him. Roast was always a “good shot”, few birds escaping him even as a boy when out with stones and catapult!  The neighbours believe that as a bomb thrower into the enemy’s trenches his fame will be sure to establish himself”. [ERO T/P 188/3 f190]

He was at home on leave on 18^th November 1917.

Reeve notes again, on 8^th June 1918, “Private Arthur Roast writes that he is well “though the noise has made my nerves a bit shakey”!  We trust that many of our lads may be spared to return, and take part in the deferred Peace Celebrations”. [ERO T/P 188/3 f331]

In the 1939 census we find Arthur Roast living in the Ongar area employed as a kitchen gardener.  He died in 1962.

William Henry Sankey

AS:   William Sankey was the brother in law of Ernest Maynard who died in the First World War.  He married Gertrude Maynard at Blackmore in 1906. Their daughter, Violet May, was baptised privately at Blackmore on 13^th May 1906 but died aged three weeks and was buried at Blackmore on 6^th June.  In the 1911 Census William Sankey, aged 28, is a ‘Groom Domestic’ living at Ivy Cottage, Stondon Massey. His place of birth is recorded as Bromley, Kent. His wife of four years, ‘Gerdlina’, age 26, was born at Blackmore.  Ernest Maynard, the aforementioned, Gertrude’s brother was 21, a ‘gardener domestic’.  By 1915 the family had moved to Blackmore. The baptism of George Jellico Sankey, records William Henry Sankey as a Chauffeur. His mother was Gertrude Frances Annie Sankey. The baptism took place at Blackmore on 1^st August 1915.  [Sources: ERO D/P 266/1/12, ERO D/P 266/1/17, Burial register in Church Safe].

Ernest John Wager

AS:  Ernest John Wager married Florence Brazier, the sister of Walter, who died, and Samuel, who served.  Both Brazier men are remembered on the War Memorial.

“Ernest & Flo’s grave clearly seen over by the little wooden stile. Samuel & Ethel also buried there. Ernest was never that well after the war, think he was injured twice, he died relatively young in 1938 when 48 when my Dad was 9.” [Barbara Dawes, 4.11.18]

The Parish Register records the private baptism of Walter John, son of Ernest John and Florence Ann Wager on 22^nd September 1919.  Ernest’s profession given was ‘Soldier’. [ERO D/P 266/1/17].

Albert Edward Wheal

Arthur Charles Wheal

AS: Dave Wheal is a descendant of the Wheal’s commemorated on the War Memorial.  All three are named ‘A Wheal’: one fallen, plus two survivors.  He says that all were the children of Charles & Sarah Ann Wheal (nee Little).

“Alfred John Wheal was born Sept 1885 Ongar 4a 281, and killed in action, Arras 1917.  He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the missing.

“Albert Edward Wheal was baptised on 10^th January 1887 at Blackmore.  He served as a Private in the Machine Gun Corps (35906).  He married Annie Theresa Knight around 1918ish and died on 5^th July 1971.”

Albert Edward Wheal married at Blackmore on 2^nd November 1918, describing his profession as a ‘soldier’.

“Arthur Charles Wheal was born on 10^th January 1881 at Doddinghurst.  He served in the Royal Navy (K37757) as a Stoker.  He married Annie Florence Ovel in 1920ish and died on 15^th January 1944.”

Arthur Charles Wheal married, age 39, at Blackmore on 17th April 1920.

In the 1891 census we found Charles Wheal is head of household living at Doddinghurst Road. This is the last entry in the list before the enumerator moves to Mountnessing Road. This pinpoints their place of residence as Swallows Cross at what is now referred to as the junction of Wyatts Green Lane with Mountnessing Road right on the edge of Blackmore parish.

Two photographs (illustrated) came into my possession a few years’ ago when someone was clearing their attic.  One is inscribed on the back ‘Ted Wheal. Uncle. Mrs Dorothy Nicholson served in 1st world war” and ‘Jack Wheal – same as Ted’. Ted is wearing a military uniform whilst Jack looks to be wearing a naval uniform.

BG:  I found the service record for Albert Edward Wheal, who was demobbed in 1919 as L/Cpl, MGC.

He gives his address as 10 Stondon Road Blackmore – this is clearly a name that has changed, but could be Tipps Cross Lane. His next of kin are father Charles, and wife Annie. He was mobilised in 1916 aged 28, and joined the 3rd Essex. Three months later he was transferred into the MGC, where he was lucky to have survived. His service no. was 35906.”

AS:  Throughout the project we have been in correspondence with members of the Essex branch of the Western Front Association so we took the opportunity to send them copies to see whether they could be positively identified.  

Karen Dennis wrote: “I'm pleased to be able to write that I showed Ian Hook the photo of Ted Wheal and he confirmed that the cap badge is definitely the Essex Cap Badge. He said that Ted was wearing an "economy pattern service uniform" which was only used during the Great War. This photo must have been taken following his enlistment and prior to his transfer to the MGC so the date can be tied down quite tightly.”

To link these photographs to names of those who served from Blackmore was particularly interesting and a pleasure to share with a descendant.  “Many thanks.  It all helps to fill in gaps in the tree”, Dave replied.

Frederick Walter Wilson

Frederick Walter Wilson, bachelor, aged 20, ‘Soldier’, married Lily May Wardingham, a spinster, age 25, of St Augustine’s South Croydon, at St Laurence Church Blackmore on 15^th March 1917.  Her father, William, was a farmer.  Frederick’s father, Walter Frederick Wilson describes his profession as ‘Master Baker’.  [ERO D/P 266/1/12]

Jacob Wiltshire: will be remembered in another post

George Wray

AS:  Identifying letters ‘C’ and ‘G’ on the faded War Memorial were notoriously difficult. 

BG:  There are medal records for 3 George Wrays:

-   R. Fus./Labour C no 59258

-   Lincs R/Labour C no 30458

-   W Riding/Labour C no 565895

The 1901 Census for Blackmore ‘Village’ records:

Charles Wray.  Head.  Married.  [Age] 55.  Stockman on farm.  [Born] Blackmore

Eliza Wray.  Wife.  Married.  [Age] 52.  [Born] Willingale

William Wray.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 28.  Horseman-on-farm.  [Born] Willingale Doe

Charles Wray.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 21.  Stockman on farm.  [Born] High Ongar

Fred Wray.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 18.  Carrier.  [Born] High Ongar

Joseph Wray.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 10.  [Born] High Ongar

George Wray.  Son.  Single.  [Age] 6.  [Born] Blackmore

1911 Census: Parish. Blackmore

Charles Wray.  Head.   Married.  [Age] 30.  Labourer - On Farm.  [Born] High Ongar Essex

Annie Wray.  Wife.  Married 5 years.  [Age] 25.  [Born] Brentwood Essex

Constance Wray.  Daughter.  Married[!]  [Age] 4.  [Born] Blackmore Essex

Cecil Wray.  Son.  [Age] 3.  [Born] Blackmore Essex

Doris Wray.  Daughter.  [Age] 1.  [Born] Blackmore Essex

James Robert Woollard:  will be remembered in another post

Footnote

In addition to those recorded on the War Memorial as having returned from war, there are a number of men entered in the Parish Registers whose profession was described as ‘Soldier’ but are not commemorated.

Arthur Burton and his wife, Rosetta, had four children baptised on 29^th August 1915: Elsie Miriam, Winifred, Rosetta May and, Stanley Arthur Burton.

James Alexander Whittaker and his wife Mabel had their son, James Alexander baptised on 20^th August 1916.

Albert William Cooper, of High Ongar, had his son Leonard Neville baptised on 21^st January 1917.

Sidney William Wakeling, from Brentwood had his daughter, Emily Lillian baptised on 12^th May 1918.

Harry Newson, from Radley Green, Highwood, had his daughter Winifred May, baptised on 4^th May 1919.

Ernest Robert Wicks, of Swallows Cross, Blackmore, has his son Ernest Laurence baptised on 17^th August 1919.

George Albert Sankey, of Blackmore, ‘Soldier’, married Annie Neville on Christmas Day 1917.  Their son John Lancaster Sankey was baptised on 28^th September 1921.  George was still a Soldier by profession.

Albert Hardy, from Blackmore married on 14^th August 1918.