Leonard Hasler “joined as a lad in September 1916” – he was called up at the age of 18 - and served in France but was fatally wounded and died on 20th October 1918. His mother made the journey from Stondon to visit him in hospital in Boulogne “and was just in time to be recognised by him. She was present at his funeral”. (The account of Mrs Conn’s visit to France and that of Leonard’s funeral, as recorded by Reeve on 23rd October 1918, is very poignant.)
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4025648
Monday, 20 October 2008
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Sad Shires and Bugles (2)
Essex Record Office's one-day conference considering the First World War in Essex is on 1 November from 10.00am to 4.30pm. The cost for the day is £12.00 with concessions, £9.00. The programme, which contains contributions from four speakers has been published this week to delegates:
The Men of Colchester: An Essex response to the War. Dr Paul Rusiecki (author of the book, 'The Impact of Catastrophe: The People of Essex and the First World War')
Strong arms and stout hearts. Essex and the outbreak of the Great War. Stuart Hallifax (University of Oxford)
Internment of Enemy Aliens. Grahame Harris (Essex Record Office)
Zeppelins over Southend. Ken Crowe (Southend Museum and author of 'Zeppelins over Southend')
The Men of Colchester: An Essex response to the War. Dr Paul Rusiecki (author of the book, 'The Impact of Catastrophe: The People of Essex and the First World War')
Strong arms and stout hearts. Essex and the outbreak of the Great War. Stuart Hallifax (University of Oxford)
Internment of Enemy Aliens. Grahame Harris (Essex Record Office)
Zeppelins over Southend. Ken Crowe (Southend Museum and author of 'Zeppelins over Southend')
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Ingatestone: Treble Bell
The Treble Bell inside the brick tower of St Mary and St Edmund Church Ingatestone was cast in 1923. It bears the inscription “In Memoriam 1914 – 1918”.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Rationing
Winston Churchill. Air raids. Blackouts. People taking refuge in London in ‘tube’ stations. Food shortages. Rationing. All these things we associate with the Second World War but, in fact, apply also to the Great War 1914-18.
As an island nation we are not able to feed ourselves and have always relied on food imports. So the first thing that an enemy will do is to halt our food supply by blockading the seas to create a ‘siege’ situation. The Government’s response is to increase productivity and ration the amount of goods people can obtain. In February 1917, a Food-Comptroller was appointed, Lord Davenport.
Land was surveyed and farmers ordered to grow more. In January 1917, Essex County Council organised the sale of seed-potatoes at wholesale price to small-holders. 250 tons of seed was to be distributed throughout about 500 parishes in Essex.
Wheat was important. The Government brought forward and enacted proposals to guarantee a minimum price to farmers for wheat and oats: wheat, 60 shillings (£3) per quarter and oats, 38/6 (£1.88).
A shortage of wheat and flour was predicted in April 1917 and police officers made house-to-house enquiries in Stondon Massey and the neighbourhood to ascertain the number of farm and domestic animals owned in order to ensure that there was no unnecessary consumption of food suitable for human beings. On 6th May 1917 a proclamation from the King was read in Church urging people to abstain from unavoidable consumption of flour.
On 9th May 1917, Revd. Reeve, Rector of Stondon Massey, wrote:
“It becomes increasingly difficult for the wayfarer to get served in pastry cooks’ and refreshment houses. At Ongar the confectioners refuse to supply the traveller with a “sit-down” meal: and at Brentwood recently I was told that only between three and six o’clock in the afternoon may a cup of tea and light refreshment be supplied. Similarly at Chelmsford two or three weeks ago I found I went to a Restaurant at a pasty-cook’s the proprietor was only allowed to serve an individual customer up to the limit of one shilling and threepence for eatables”.
The Corn Production Act 1917 set minimum wages for agricultural labourers. A Committee (the Essex District Wages Committee) represented by 9 employers, 9 workmen and 5 independent members met and agreed “by a substantial majority upon a minimum wage of 30s for Essex” [ERO T/P 181/18/1B (Essex Chronicle. 28 May 1918)]. The Central Board though rejected this and imposed a rate of 32s (£1.60) much to the disgust of farmers. On 24 March 1919, the wage rose to 36s (£1.80) then 46s.6d. (£2.33) from 23 August 1920. Market gardeners received a higher rate, 50s.6d. (£2.53).
George Everett (Boxford, Suffolk) recalled that the minimum wage was not paid on every farm and that men were not unhappy to take work at reduced wages. As before, when there was no work there was little or no pay. When the Corn Production Act was repealed in 1921 wages immediately fell.
Ashley Cooper concludes his book ‘Our Mother Earth’ (1998) by observing that only in times of national crisis is the necessity for domestic crops supported by Government.
But wheat was required not only for bread but for use in munitions!! Reeve wrote on 19th December 1917: “Supplies of Horse-Chestnuts have been collected this autumn and sent to London, it being discovered that certain chemicals may be extracted from them for the manufacture of munitions which have hitherto been obtained from flour. The food-supply may be saved. A ton of Chestnuts is found to equal half a ton of grain. We have lately sent some 5 bushels to the “Director of Propellant Supplies” at Westminster”.
During the War the Government expressed the need to be thrifty: to invest money in war loans and be sparing with the use of woollen goods and paper. In April 1917, “The Times” rose to twopence (1p) with others – presumably the Daily Mail and Daily Express - previously sold for ½d increased to 1d. and “’Mr Punch’ from his long familiar threepence per week, has been raised to sixpence” [ERO T/P 188/3 f239].
The sugar ration was reduced from ¾lb (about 300g) to ½lb (200g) in April 1917. By September this was causing concern that a large quantity of fruit might be lost if not preserved (eg into jam). “The Government has now taken control, and by appointing agents in each district offices the public who make application within a given time a limited supply up to 28lbs for preserving fruit guaranteed to have been grown on their own premises. Each application must be countersigned by a Minister of Religion, a Justice of Peace or a householder of standing”. Reeve wrote that the harvest of soft fruit that year had been particularly heavy because of the absence of late frost. Large quantities of pears and peaches were sent from the Rectory to the Budworth Hospital in Ongar for the convalescent troops. Apples were stored and as much jam as possible was made from currants. The sugar ration was compulsorily enforced on 1st January 1918 and meat was reported as being scarce.
On 25th February 1918: “Today ushers in the “Rationing” System for London and the Home Counties in respect of Meat and of Butter and a compound known as “Margarine” a substitute for butter. These articles are only to be obtained from today on production of a coupon. The total allowed per week is 1lb of meat for adults and half the amount for children under ten years. Four ounces of butter is the limited allowance for such. A little allowance of dilution of honey was served to me yesterday at Chelmsford in lieu of sugar with a cup of Coffee”. The system was accepted without much complaint. In June, Revd. Reeve noted that he could not get a pot of Orange Marmalade from any grocer in Chelmsford High Street.
One of the major social changes in terms of rationing was the availability of alcohol. Concerned about drunkenness and inadequate production of munitions, the Government passed a law in 1916 restricting the opening hours of public houses. The law stayed in place almost intact until about 1986 with the final remnants repealed following the Queen’s Speech in 2002. Pubs used to close at 11.00pm during the week and 10.30pm on Sunday evenings. The ringing of the bell for last orders is a thing of the past in many of our nation’s pubs.
Bibliography
Cooper, Ashley. Our Mother Earth (Bulmer Historical Society, 1998)
Reeve ed. Smith. Chronicler of the Great War (2008)
Scott, Hardiman. Many A Summer (Richard Castell Publishing, 1991)
A history of binge drinking taken from ‘The Publican’, 1 September 2008
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=14&storycode=60958
As an island nation we are not able to feed ourselves and have always relied on food imports. So the first thing that an enemy will do is to halt our food supply by blockading the seas to create a ‘siege’ situation. The Government’s response is to increase productivity and ration the amount of goods people can obtain. In February 1917, a Food-Comptroller was appointed, Lord Davenport.
Land was surveyed and farmers ordered to grow more. In January 1917, Essex County Council organised the sale of seed-potatoes at wholesale price to small-holders. 250 tons of seed was to be distributed throughout about 500 parishes in Essex.
Wheat was important. The Government brought forward and enacted proposals to guarantee a minimum price to farmers for wheat and oats: wheat, 60 shillings (£3) per quarter and oats, 38/6 (£1.88).
A shortage of wheat and flour was predicted in April 1917 and police officers made house-to-house enquiries in Stondon Massey and the neighbourhood to ascertain the number of farm and domestic animals owned in order to ensure that there was no unnecessary consumption of food suitable for human beings. On 6th May 1917 a proclamation from the King was read in Church urging people to abstain from unavoidable consumption of flour.
On 9th May 1917, Revd. Reeve, Rector of Stondon Massey, wrote:
“It becomes increasingly difficult for the wayfarer to get served in pastry cooks’ and refreshment houses. At Ongar the confectioners refuse to supply the traveller with a “sit-down” meal: and at Brentwood recently I was told that only between three and six o’clock in the afternoon may a cup of tea and light refreshment be supplied. Similarly at Chelmsford two or three weeks ago I found I went to a Restaurant at a pasty-cook’s the proprietor was only allowed to serve an individual customer up to the limit of one shilling and threepence for eatables”.
The Corn Production Act 1917 set minimum wages for agricultural labourers. A Committee (the Essex District Wages Committee) represented by 9 employers, 9 workmen and 5 independent members met and agreed “by a substantial majority upon a minimum wage of 30s for Essex” [ERO T/P 181/18/1B (Essex Chronicle. 28 May 1918)]. The Central Board though rejected this and imposed a rate of 32s (£1.60) much to the disgust of farmers. On 24 March 1919, the wage rose to 36s (£1.80) then 46s.6d. (£2.33) from 23 August 1920. Market gardeners received a higher rate, 50s.6d. (£2.53).
George Everett (Boxford, Suffolk) recalled that the minimum wage was not paid on every farm and that men were not unhappy to take work at reduced wages. As before, when there was no work there was little or no pay. When the Corn Production Act was repealed in 1921 wages immediately fell.
Ashley Cooper concludes his book ‘Our Mother Earth’ (1998) by observing that only in times of national crisis is the necessity for domestic crops supported by Government.
But wheat was required not only for bread but for use in munitions!! Reeve wrote on 19th December 1917: “Supplies of Horse-Chestnuts have been collected this autumn and sent to London, it being discovered that certain chemicals may be extracted from them for the manufacture of munitions which have hitherto been obtained from flour. The food-supply may be saved. A ton of Chestnuts is found to equal half a ton of grain. We have lately sent some 5 bushels to the “Director of Propellant Supplies” at Westminster”.
During the War the Government expressed the need to be thrifty: to invest money in war loans and be sparing with the use of woollen goods and paper. In April 1917, “The Times” rose to twopence (1p) with others – presumably the Daily Mail and Daily Express - previously sold for ½d increased to 1d. and “’Mr Punch’ from his long familiar threepence per week, has been raised to sixpence” [ERO T/P 188/3 f239].
The sugar ration was reduced from ¾lb (about 300g) to ½lb (200g) in April 1917. By September this was causing concern that a large quantity of fruit might be lost if not preserved (eg into jam). “The Government has now taken control, and by appointing agents in each district offices the public who make application within a given time a limited supply up to 28lbs for preserving fruit guaranteed to have been grown on their own premises. Each application must be countersigned by a Minister of Religion, a Justice of Peace or a householder of standing”. Reeve wrote that the harvest of soft fruit that year had been particularly heavy because of the absence of late frost. Large quantities of pears and peaches were sent from the Rectory to the Budworth Hospital in Ongar for the convalescent troops. Apples were stored and as much jam as possible was made from currants. The sugar ration was compulsorily enforced on 1st January 1918 and meat was reported as being scarce.
On 25th February 1918: “Today ushers in the “Rationing” System for London and the Home Counties in respect of Meat and of Butter and a compound known as “Margarine” a substitute for butter. These articles are only to be obtained from today on production of a coupon. The total allowed per week is 1lb of meat for adults and half the amount for children under ten years. Four ounces of butter is the limited allowance for such. A little allowance of dilution of honey was served to me yesterday at Chelmsford in lieu of sugar with a cup of Coffee”. The system was accepted without much complaint. In June, Revd. Reeve noted that he could not get a pot of Orange Marmalade from any grocer in Chelmsford High Street.
One of the major social changes in terms of rationing was the availability of alcohol. Concerned about drunkenness and inadequate production of munitions, the Government passed a law in 1916 restricting the opening hours of public houses. The law stayed in place almost intact until about 1986 with the final remnants repealed following the Queen’s Speech in 2002. Pubs used to close at 11.00pm during the week and 10.30pm on Sunday evenings. The ringing of the bell for last orders is a thing of the past in many of our nation’s pubs.
Bibliography
Cooper, Ashley. Our Mother Earth (Bulmer Historical Society, 1998)
Reeve ed. Smith. Chronicler of the Great War (2008)
Scott, Hardiman. Many A Summer (Richard Castell Publishing, 1991)
A history of binge drinking taken from ‘The Publican’, 1 September 2008
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=14&storycode=60958
Blackmore: Remembering ... Frank Monk
Corporal Frank James Monk served in the 3rd Battalion Essex Regiment. No. 19208. He died of his wounds and was buried at Blackmore on 9th March 1921. Aged 26. His grave is well tended to this day.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Blackmore: Remembering ... Walter Wash
Able Seaman Walter Herbert Wash served on the Royal Navy Ship Lucia. No. M.F. 12352. He lost his life on Submarine L55 in the Baltic on 9th June 1919, aged 24.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3056211
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3056211
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (13)
Extract from 'ERO T/P 188/3' written by Revd. E. H. L Reeve of Stondon Massey (Essex).
15th October 1918
A message has been received that Mrs Conn arrived safely in Boulogne, and has found Leonard seriously wounded.
Next entry: 23rd October 1918
15th October 1918
A message has been received that Mrs Conn arrived safely in Boulogne, and has found Leonard seriously wounded.
Next entry: 23rd October 1918
Blackmore: Remembering ... Henry Scudder
Henry William Scudder, Aircraftman 1st Class, served in the Royal Air Force. He lost in life in the Baltic, 2nd July 1919, trying, with one officer and three other men, to stop a mine which was drifting down on a hospital barge. His action saved the barge and is highly to be praised. He was loved by his fellow men and highly respected by his officers for his efficient and unfailing conscientious work on all occasions. He was 20 years old.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=471998
His father, William James Scudder is buried at Blackmore. He was landlord of The Leather Bottle public house. His epitaph reads: “In Loving Memory. William James Scudder died 10th Dec 1920 aged 63 years. Also Henry William Scudder, son of the above. Killed while on active service in Russia, 1919. Aged 20 years. Also Lillian Mary Russell Simpson, daughter of the above. Died 18th Dec 1920 aged 19 years. Interred in Lodge Hill Cemetery. ‘In the midst of life we are in death’”.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=471998
His father, William James Scudder is buried at Blackmore. He was landlord of The Leather Bottle public house. His epitaph reads: “In Loving Memory. William James Scudder died 10th Dec 1920 aged 63 years. Also Henry William Scudder, son of the above. Killed while on active service in Russia, 1919. Aged 20 years. Also Lillian Mary Russell Simpson, daughter of the above. Died 18th Dec 1920 aged 19 years. Interred in Lodge Hill Cemetery. ‘In the midst of life we are in death’”.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Blackmore: Remembering ... Edward Sutton
Gunner Edward (Ted) Sutton served in the Royal Garrison Artillery No. 66987. He was wounded at Ypres and died at Exeter Hospital, aged 31 on 24th November 1918. He was buried in Blackmore and is the only First World War grave in the churchyard.
His name is commemorated on the War Memorial but not the church window.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation: http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=2757714
His name is commemorated on the War Memorial but not the church window.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation: http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=2757714
Monday, 13 October 2008
Stondon Massey: Remembering ... William Hasler
William Hasler “joined the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers early in 1915; served in the [failed] Dardanelles expedition, and came through unwounded but was invalided out with fever”. He was killed in action on 27th January 1917, aged 24, in France.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=553197
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=553197
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Ninety Years On. Remembering the First World War (12)
Extract from ‘Notes For A Parish History’ (ERO T/P 188/3) written by Revd. E. H. L Reeve of Stondon Massey (Essex).
12th October 1918
The wonderful advance continues. The Germans have made application to the United States, through President Wilson, for an armistice and for preliminary “conversations” with a view to peace.
We have heard that Leonard Hasler, a Parishioner, who has only lately gone to France, has been badly wounded in the face. The intimation was sent by a Chaplain at Boulogne to his mother (now re-married and Mrs Conn) and a telegram was received soon after from the Hospital inviting Mrs Conn to proceed to France to see her son – all facilities given and expenses paid.
Mrs Conn is “no traveller”, but she has decided to try to venture, and we await her story.
Leonard Hasler is in the 3rd Bn of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regt. His brother, twice torpedoed, and “gassed” in France, has returned home convalescent from Hospital at Colchester and Bures, but too late to escort his mother to the ship. Herbert is now discharged as unfit but has well “done his bit” for the war, wounded in France and convalescent he was proceeding with a draft of 50 men from his Regt from Marseilles to Alexandria in Dec 1917 when on Dec 31st he was torpedoed just the further side of Gibraltar. Rescued and placed on another vessel he was torpedoed a second time the same night within three or four miles of the same spot, and only 13 men out of a draft of 50 lived to reach Egypt. He took part in one battle, and then suffering from gas he was taken to Hospital. Another brother, William, has been killed.
Next entry: 15th October 1918
12th October 1918
The wonderful advance continues. The Germans have made application to the United States, through President Wilson, for an armistice and for preliminary “conversations” with a view to peace.
We have heard that Leonard Hasler, a Parishioner, who has only lately gone to France, has been badly wounded in the face. The intimation was sent by a Chaplain at Boulogne to his mother (now re-married and Mrs Conn) and a telegram was received soon after from the Hospital inviting Mrs Conn to proceed to France to see her son – all facilities given and expenses paid.
Mrs Conn is “no traveller”, but she has decided to try to venture, and we await her story.
Leonard Hasler is in the 3rd Bn of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regt. His brother, twice torpedoed, and “gassed” in France, has returned home convalescent from Hospital at Colchester and Bures, but too late to escort his mother to the ship. Herbert is now discharged as unfit but has well “done his bit” for the war, wounded in France and convalescent he was proceeding with a draft of 50 men from his Regt from Marseilles to Alexandria in Dec 1917 when on Dec 31st he was torpedoed just the further side of Gibraltar. Rescued and placed on another vessel he was torpedoed a second time the same night within three or four miles of the same spot, and only 13 men out of a draft of 50 lived to reach Egypt. He took part in one battle, and then suffering from gas he was taken to Hospital. Another brother, William, has been killed.
Next entry: 15th October 1918
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Norton Mandeville: Remembering ... Charles Maryon
Charles Maryon (recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as Charlie Maurice Maryon) died in France on 4th June 1917, aged 27. He was one of a firm of Confectioners and bakers in Ongar. Revd Reeve wrote, “Charles had previously been in the service of Mr Tyndale White of Stondon Place as footman and valet, and was well known as a bowler in the village cricket team. He was badly wounded, a message from the Chaplain stated, and died in about two hours”.
I cannot find his name recorded on any local War Memorial. His residence appears to have been in Norton Mandeville, the tiny parish immediately to the north of Blackmore. But Norton Mandeville does not seem to have a War Memorial anywhere.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=60736
I cannot find his name recorded on any local War Memorial. His residence appears to have been in Norton Mandeville, the tiny parish immediately to the north of Blackmore. But Norton Mandeville does not seem to have a War Memorial anywhere.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=60736
Friday, 10 October 2008
Ongar War Memorial Hospital
Budworth Hall at Ongar closed as a Military Convalescent Hospital on 22nd January 1919. Miss Ethel Jones, of Marden Ash House, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her efforts. In total, 1333 soldiers were received for treatment. Blake Hall, for Officers, closed about the same time.
The population was affected greatly by the War. In December 1918 it was decided to build a Cottage Hospital at Ongar as a memorial. However raising money was difficult and is was not until 1928 that a site in Shelley was purchased and August 1933 before it was finally opened. The building is still in use having gone through a chequered recent history and being officially re-opened in August 2003.
The memorial to the fallen is inside the Hospital and it is not possible just to wander in and take a look. Disturbing those who work for the NHS did not seem fair and there was no bell for Great War enquiries. Unfortunately there does not appear to be a transcription of the names anywhere either.
Links
From the ‘National Archives’ site.
Ongar War Memorial Hospital (A/HW 4)
Situated in the parish of Shelley, this voluntary hospital was opened in 1933, although the decision to build a hospital had originally been taken in 1918. It became a National Health Service hospital in 1948, and was part of Epping Group H.M.C. (1948-63), and later Harlow Group H.M.C. (1963-74)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=037-ahw&cid=0
The debate about a stone War Memorial is a very lively topic in Ongar (Essex). Peter Richards wrote on 14th September 2008: “There are 313 names of men of the Ongar & District who perished in World War 1 only. There are no names of WWII casualties on the Hospital Roll of Honour they are only in St Martins Church, Ongar”.
http://www.ongar.angle.uk.com/forum/?read=2
Channel 4’s ‘Lost Generation’ website
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/L/lostgeneration/search/m-record.jsp?id=58278
Further reading
Aspects of the History of Ongar by the Ongar Millennium History Group
The population was affected greatly by the War. In December 1918 it was decided to build a Cottage Hospital at Ongar as a memorial. However raising money was difficult and is was not until 1928 that a site in Shelley was purchased and August 1933 before it was finally opened. The building is still in use having gone through a chequered recent history and being officially re-opened in August 2003.
The memorial to the fallen is inside the Hospital and it is not possible just to wander in and take a look. Disturbing those who work for the NHS did not seem fair and there was no bell for Great War enquiries. Unfortunately there does not appear to be a transcription of the names anywhere either.
Links
From the ‘National Archives’ site.
Ongar War Memorial Hospital (A/HW 4)
Situated in the parish of Shelley, this voluntary hospital was opened in 1933, although the decision to build a hospital had originally been taken in 1918. It became a National Health Service hospital in 1948, and was part of Epping Group H.M.C. (1948-63), and later Harlow Group H.M.C. (1963-74)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=037-ahw&cid=0
The debate about a stone War Memorial is a very lively topic in Ongar (Essex). Peter Richards wrote on 14th September 2008: “There are 313 names of men of the Ongar & District who perished in World War 1 only. There are no names of WWII casualties on the Hospital Roll of Honour they are only in St Martins Church, Ongar”.
http://www.ongar.angle.uk.com/forum/?read=2
Channel 4’s ‘Lost Generation’ website
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/L/lostgeneration/search/m-record.jsp?id=58278
Further reading
Aspects of the History of Ongar by the Ongar Millennium History Group
Blackmore: Remembering ... Albert Barker
Albert Edward Barker (born Romford) of the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. No. 32975 died at Peolcappelle on 10th October 1917, aged 38. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, near Ypres, Belgium.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=847044
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=847044
(See also 'A Daytrip to Flanders' posted on 11 November 2009)
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Blackmore: Remembering ... George White
George William White served in the R.M.L.I.. His Ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean, in 1917. He died on 20th January 1918, aged 51, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=3046863.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=3046863.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Blackmore: Remembering ... Ernest Maynard
Before going to War (Lance Corporal) Ernest Maynard had worked in the garden at Stondon Rectory. He was called up in March 1916. He was killed on the French Front on 27th June 1917, serving in the 8th Bedford, No. 1 Platoon, “A” Co. No. 33237. Revd. Reeve wrote, “It appears that he was attached to a Machine Gun which was doing good service when a shell burst among those manning it, killing most of them instantaneously”. He was buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, 1 mile south of North Vermelles, France.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=67701
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=67701
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Blackmore: Remembering ... Alfred Wheal
Alfred J Wheal served with the 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
Northumberland Fusiliers. No. 47250. He was killed in France on 5th June 1917, aged 31, in “No Man’s Land”. He was buried at Arras Memorial.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=776695
Northumberland Fusiliers. No. 47250. He was killed in France on 5th June 1917, aged 31, in “No Man’s Land”. He was buried at Arras Memorial.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=776695
Monday, 6 October 2008
Stondon Massey: Remembering ... Herbert Gann
Herbert Walter Gann, the son of Mr James Thomas Gann (the builder) joined the 1st Battalion of the Territorial Engineers in December 1914. He served in the Dardanelles then in France where he was wounded in the counter attack by the Germans at Cambrai (30th November 1917). He died in hospital the following day, aged 23, and was buried at Ruyaulcourt Military Cemetery. Herbert is commemorated on his father’s tombstone in Stondon churchyard.
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=266900
The ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ includes the following citation:
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=266900
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Theydon Garnon: War Memorial
The War Memorial Tablet for Theydon Garnon can be found inside the village church on the east wall of the north aisle. It reads:
AMDC
In affectionate remembrance
of those who fell in the Great War
1914 – 1919
The Parish set up this record
Major Adam Dickson Bell 4th Hussars
Capt. Atherton Harold Chisenhale-Marsh 9th Lancers
Capt. Philip Everard Graham Marsh RAF
Lieut. James Craig Royal Air Force
Lieut. Harold Clement Montague Lucas 2nd Ghurkuas
Lieut. Walter Austin Rowley 8th Leicestershire
Lieut. St George Swaine Showers 2nd Essex Regt.
Rev. Arthur Henry Marsh Chaplain USA
Sergt. Edward Downham 2nd Battn Kings Royal Rifles
Seaman Arthur Betts Royal Naval Reserve
Pte. Charles Edward Banford 9th Essex
Pte. William Burton 17th Middlesex
Pte. John North Davis Queen Victoria Rifles
Pte. Thomas Edgar 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Jesse Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Percy Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Rfn. Edward Alfred Furlong Kings Royal Rifles
Gunner James Hardy Royal Field Artillery
Pte. Ernest Law 10th Yorks & Lancs Regt.
Pte. Alfred James Love 9th Battn Rifle Brigade
Pte. Ernest Albert Love 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Ernest Ratcliffe 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Albert Edward Shoat Queens (Royal West Surrey) Regt.
Pte. William James Stevens 4th Royal Fusiliers
Pte. Walter Stubbings Royal Army Service Corps
Pte. Samuel Arthur Wade 15th Battn Essex Regt.
Gunner Sidney George Wade Royal Field Artillery
Qui procul bine
Qui ante diem perierunt
Sed milites sed pro patria
There must have been only one person in the area by the name of St George Swaine Showers. Revd. Reeve of Stondon Massey wrote: “Nephew of Mr Swaine Chisenhale Marsh of Gaynes Park Epping. He often visited a relative, Mr Cleave, as a lad who for a while rented the Soap-house [Farm]. He was wounded in July 1916, and for some time in the Military Hospital at Chatham. On Aug 9 1917 he was killed at Bapeausme” [ERO T/P 188/3 f747]. His name also appears on the War Memorial tablet at Doddinghurst.
In affectionate remembrance
of those who fell in the Great War
1914 – 1919
The Parish set up this record
Major Adam Dickson Bell 4th Hussars
Capt. Atherton Harold Chisenhale-Marsh 9th Lancers
Capt. Philip Everard Graham Marsh RAF
Lieut. James Craig Royal Air Force
Lieut. Harold Clement Montague Lucas 2nd Ghurkuas
Lieut. Walter Austin Rowley 8th Leicestershire
Lieut. St George Swaine Showers 2nd Essex Regt.
Rev. Arthur Henry Marsh Chaplain USA
Sergt. Edward Downham 2nd Battn Kings Royal Rifles
Seaman Arthur Betts Royal Naval Reserve
Pte. Charles Edward Banford 9th Essex
Pte. William Burton 17th Middlesex
Pte. John North Davis Queen Victoria Rifles
Pte. Thomas Edgar 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Jesse Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Percy Freshwater 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Rfn. Edward Alfred Furlong Kings Royal Rifles
Gunner James Hardy Royal Field Artillery
Pte. Ernest Law 10th Yorks & Lancs Regt.
Pte. Alfred James Love 9th Battn Rifle Brigade
Pte. Ernest Albert Love 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Ernest Ratcliffe 1st Battn Essex Regt.
Pte. Albert Edward Shoat Queens (Royal West Surrey) Regt.
Pte. William James Stevens 4th Royal Fusiliers
Pte. Walter Stubbings Royal Army Service Corps
Pte. Samuel Arthur Wade 15th Battn Essex Regt.
Gunner Sidney George Wade Royal Field Artillery
Qui procul bine
Qui ante diem perierunt
Sed milites sed pro patria
There must have been only one person in the area by the name of St George Swaine Showers. Revd. Reeve of Stondon Massey wrote: “Nephew of Mr Swaine Chisenhale Marsh of Gaynes Park Epping. He often visited a relative, Mr Cleave, as a lad who for a while rented the Soap-house [Farm]. He was wounded in July 1916, and for some time in the Military Hospital at Chatham. On Aug 9 1917 he was killed at Bapeausme” [ERO T/P 188/3 f747]. His name also appears on the War Memorial tablet at Doddinghurst.
Friday, 3 October 2008
Magdalen Laver: Blitz Of The Harvest Moon
‘The Blitz of the Harvest Moon’ (24 September to 1 October 1917) was the most intense period of German aid raids on London during the Great War. (see entry, ‘The First Blitz’, 12.9.08). Revd. Edward Reeve, Rector of Stondon Massey, wrote of his experience at the time dodging the shrapnel in Magdalen Laver. Knowing the places personally one can follow his footsteps that moonlit September evening. He wrote in his notes [ERO T/P 188/3]:
3rd October 1917
We have had a succession of nightly raids during the moonlit period.
The evening of Wed Sep 26 was cloudy. This kept off the Germans and we held a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Stondon Church undisturbed by alarms!
On Saturday a number of the enemy appear to have got through to London and to have caused considerable damage. The loss of life and number of personal injuries is not perhaps so great as might have been expected, but the population has been instructed to take shelter, and numbers have been accommodated in underground shelters, and in the corridors of halls of our underground and “Tube” railways.
Guns have been greatly multiplied lately all round London, and here at Stondon we are nearly in the centre of a ring of fire, guns being placed at Epping, North Weald, Fyfield, Radley Green, Swallows Cross, Barretts Corner, Ingatestone, the nearer London suburbs and so round to Epping again. The danger for us is the dropping of our own shells.
On Sunday evening Sept 30 a Harvest Festival Service was held at Magdalen Laver Church and I was invited to preach the sermon. The moon was full, and there was a good congregation. I did not expect the probable Raid till past eight o’clock and most people elected to stay awhile in the building. I was to stay the night with Sir Godfrey Thomas at Wynters, and we had about 1½ mile to walk from the Church. We set out, and had reached the Rectory when the scream of the shells and the roar of the guns all round us suggested shelter there temporarily. A number of pedestrians followed our example. When, after half an hour or more we pursued our way we found in the solid granite highway a hole some 5 inches in diameter and a foot of more in depth made by a falling shell, and we were ready to admit that our delay has been dictated by prudence. Lady Thomas and the other ladies with us were not sorry I think when Wynters was safely reached at a little before nine o’clock. The bombardment lasted about an hour longer.
On Tuesday Oct 2nd we heard the heavy drone of German “Gothas” at mid-day, but understand that the raiders met a “warm reception” and returned without reaching London.
3rd October 1917
We have had a succession of nightly raids during the moonlit period.
The evening of Wed Sep 26 was cloudy. This kept off the Germans and we held a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Stondon Church undisturbed by alarms!
On Saturday a number of the enemy appear to have got through to London and to have caused considerable damage. The loss of life and number of personal injuries is not perhaps so great as might have been expected, but the population has been instructed to take shelter, and numbers have been accommodated in underground shelters, and in the corridors of halls of our underground and “Tube” railways.
Guns have been greatly multiplied lately all round London, and here at Stondon we are nearly in the centre of a ring of fire, guns being placed at Epping, North Weald, Fyfield, Radley Green, Swallows Cross, Barretts Corner, Ingatestone, the nearer London suburbs and so round to Epping again. The danger for us is the dropping of our own shells.
On Sunday evening Sept 30 a Harvest Festival Service was held at Magdalen Laver Church and I was invited to preach the sermon. The moon was full, and there was a good congregation. I did not expect the probable Raid till past eight o’clock and most people elected to stay awhile in the building. I was to stay the night with Sir Godfrey Thomas at Wynters, and we had about 1½ mile to walk from the Church. We set out, and had reached the Rectory when the scream of the shells and the roar of the guns all round us suggested shelter there temporarily. A number of pedestrians followed our example. When, after half an hour or more we pursued our way we found in the solid granite highway a hole some 5 inches in diameter and a foot of more in depth made by a falling shell, and we were ready to admit that our delay has been dictated by prudence. Lady Thomas and the other ladies with us were not sorry I think when Wynters was safely reached at a little before nine o’clock. The bombardment lasted about an hour longer.
On Tuesday Oct 2nd we heard the heavy drone of German “Gothas” at mid-day, but understand that the raiders met a “warm reception” and returned without reaching London.
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