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

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.