Sunday, November 30, 2014

25752 Private Henry Stephen Daniel Downing, 1st East Surrey Regt


Henry Stephen Daniel Downing was born in the county of Berkshire in 1884, his birth recorded at Newbury in the September quarter of that year.   

He appears on the 1891 census as a six year old living at 62 Albany Road, Reading with his parents and siblings.  The household comprised Henry Downing senior, a 33 year old joiner and fitter from Pangbourne, Berkshire, his 27 year old Irish-born wife Mary J Downing and their three children: Henry Stephen Daniel, Florence E (aged four) and Arthur (aged two).  There was also a boarder: Maud Piggott (aged 12). 

By the time the 1901 census was taken the family had moved to 68 Belmont Road where Henry senior’s occupation is noted as “cycle engineer”.  Four more children had appeared since the 1891 census was taken and the household now comprised Henry and his wife and their seven children: Henry Stephen Daniel (aged 16 and working as a butcher), Florence (aged 14), Arthur (aged 12), Violet May (aged nine), Lilian Mary (aged six), Rose Gladys (aged four) and Beatrice (aged eight months). 

Henry Downing’s badly burnt service record exists at the National Archives in London and from this it is possible to piece together some of his service record.  He attested on 11th December 1915 and was placed on the army reserve the following day.

Living at Newick when he attested, Henry Downing gave his aged as 31 years and 62 days, his “Trade or Calling” as insurance agent and his marital status as widower.  A Baptist by religion, he had married Annie Jane (surname unknown) at Newick Parish church on 25th April 1911 and was the father of two girls: Queenie Lilian (born at Steyning, Sussex on 25th March 1912) and Gladys Annie May (also born at Steyning on 28th December 1913).  It is uncertain, at this point of time, when Annie Jane Downing died.

He was mobilized at Chichester on 1st June 1916 and posted to the Royal Sussex Regiment depot the following day.  On the 8th July he got married for a second time; to Daisy Heasman, sister of Albert, Frederick and Gilbert Heasman who are also remembered on this blog. Daisy would later bear him a third daughter, Winifred May, born on 5th June 1917 at Lewes. 

On 1st September, Henry was posted to the 3rd (reserve) Battalion and posted again (to the 14th Battalion) on the 24th October.  On 7th November 1916 he was posted to the 1st East Surrey Regiment in France and it was while serving with them that he was captured at Fresnoy on 8th May 1917. He was held at Dulmen PoW camp and. between 9th January 1918 and 11th January 1919, Merseburg.

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes Henry Downing in its July 1917 issue, recording that Pte H S D Downing is missing.  In September, it notes that he is a prisoner and in January 1918 that he is serving with the 1st East Surrey Regiment and is a prisoner.  That information is then repeated up to and including the final published role in July 1919. 

Chailey resident Mick Pateman remembers after the war, Harry Downing obviously picked up from where he had left off as Mick Pateman remembers him working for The Prudential and coming round on his bike to collect “tuppence a week” from people. 

The National Archives notes two numbers for Henry Downing:  6556 was his number when with the Royal Sussex Regiment and 25752 when he transferred to the East Surreys.  Henry Downing received the British War and Victory medals. My thanks to Jim Type for information and also the photo reproduced on this post.

Thomas Divall, Royal Engineers

Thomas David Divall was born in Ringmer, Sussex in late 1878 or early 1879, his birth being registered at Lewes in the March quarter of 1879.  He appears on the 1881 census of England and Wales living at Blunt Lane, Ringmer with his parents Thomas Divall (a 24 year old farm labourer from Ringmer), his mother, 23 year old Fanny Divall and his sister Jane Divall (aged three months).  Thomas’ age is recorded as two.

Ten years later, the family has moved to Norlington Lane, Ringmer and has grown considerably.  It now comprises Thomas and Fanny Divall (aged 35 and 34) and their seven children: Kate (aged 14), Thomas (aged 12), William (aged nine), Fanny (aged six), Frederick (aged four), Earnest [sic] (aged two) and Edith (aged one).  Jane (Harriet) Divall does not appear on the census having died in infancy aged one year old.  Her death was recorded in the March quarter for 1882 at Lewes.

I been unable to find a convincing match for Thomas Divall on the 1901 census of England & Wales.  Thomas would have been 22.  There is a 24 year old Ringmer-born Thomas Divall listed, living as a boarder at 160 Brassington Road, Paddington, West London and working as a bricklayer but I am not convinced that this is the same man.

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes T D Divall as one of several specially attested men in its January 1916 issue but he does not then re-appear until December 1917 when it is noted that Sapper T Divall is serving with the Royal Engineers.  This information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call of Chailey-connected men in July 1919.

There is a medal index card for a Thomas Divall, giving the regimental number WR/327459. and this is possibly the same man.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

GS/10396 and L10156 Trooper Harry Bird,16th Lancers



Harry Bird was the brother of Alfred Bird and was born at Heacham, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk on 12th February 1886.  He was the second child and eldest son of John and Mary Bird and appears on the 1901 census living with his family at Heacham.  John Bird, born at Shouldham, Norfolk, was the 40 year old head of the family and working as a labourer at a brickyard.  His wife, 37 year old Mary, had been born at Thornham, Norfolk.  The couple had seven children with them at the time: Harry (aged 15, working as a house boy), Celia Bird (aged 12), Mary (aged 11), John Bird (aged six), Alfred (aged four), Lydia Bird (aged two) and Edward C Bird (aged under one month).  All of the children were born at Heacham.  Alfred’s older sister Alberta Bird (born in October 1883) does not appear on this census return.  Another brother, Charles, born in September 1892, had died in May 1896 and is buried at Heacham.  A tenth child, Robert Bird, would be born in September 1903. 

Harry probably moved to Chailey around 1908 or 1909.  His brief obituary, published in Chailey’s parish magazine in 1927 makes reference to the fact that he had been known in the parish for close to twenty years.  He gained employment working as a groom at Bineham House, Chailey, home to the Blencowe family.  Harry was one of two grooms reporting to the coachman.  The undated photo taken at Bineham (below) is possibly of Harry. 

He married Mabel Eliza Worth around 1916.  She had been a second housemaid at Ades (home to the Ingram, Pownall and latterly Wright families) in Chailey and it is believed that the couple may have met through attending services at St Peter’s Church.  Their marriage though took place not in Sussex but in Hampshire, being registered at Petersfield District in the June quarter of 1916. Harry must have been on leave at the time as Chailey Parish Magazine, which first noted in October 1914 that he was serving his King and Country, reported in October 1915 that he was serving with the 17th Lancers in France.  The magazine gives his rank as Trooper although this is technically incorrect as this was the rank within the Household Cavalry and was not extended to the line cavalry regiments until about 1921. 

The National Archives’ medal index card for Harry Bird shows that he served only with the 16th Lancers and not the 17th.  He had two numbers however: GS/10396 and latterly L/10156. In February 1916 the Parish magazine reports (correctly) that Harry is serving with the 16th Lancers in France and this information is repeated up until the final entry for him in December 1917.   

Harry Bird came through the First World War unscathed and was discharged to Class ‘Z’ A. Reserve on 18th February 1919.  In 1921, Mabel gave birth to twins – Gladys Lillian and Leslie Alfred – Leslie’s middle name given in honour of his dead uncle Alfred Bird who had been killed at Arras four years earlier.  

The undated photo at the top of this page shows Harry and Mabel Bird presumably while Harry was on leave.  The couple’s wedding rings can be seen so this must date the photograph to around 1916 or later.  Mabel is wearing black and Harry’s second button on his khaki tunic is also blackened.  It’s possible that they were in mourning for Harry’s brother Alfred but this is only conjecture.   

Harry died in March 1927 after contracting Encephalitis Lethargica and he was buried in St Peter’s Church graveyard, Chailey. The following month the Parish Magazine marked his death with the following entry: - 

“OUR SYMPATHY. – By the passing of Harry Bird after a long and wearisome illness bravely and patiently borne, we have lost one who has been well known to most of us in Chailey for nearly twenty years. He served in the cavalry (16th Lancers) during the War, and for some years was a regular bell-ringer at our Parish Church. At his funeral ex-servicemen acted as bearers, and a muffled peal was rung that evening.” 

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke, “Encephalitis lethargica is a disease characterised by high fever, headache, double vision, delayed physical and mental response, and lethargy. In acute cases, patients may enter coma. Patients may also experience abnormal eye movements, upper body weakness, muscular pains, tremors, neck rigidity, and behavioural changes including psychosis. The cause of encephalitis lethargica is unknown. Between 1917 and 1928, an epidemic of encephalitis lethargica spread throughout the world, but no recurrence of the epidemic has since been reported.” 

Some time after Harry’s death, possibly in the early 1930s, Mabel Bird married Charles Jenner.  They had no children together but between them brought up the children of their first marriages, the twins Leslie and Gladys, and Charles’ son Bernard. They lived for many years at Knights Cottages, South Street, South Chailey. Charles Jenner died in the late 1960s and Mabel continued living there until 1971 when she had to move to a nursing home in Uckfield. She died in early 1972. 

 
My thanks to Harry Bird's great nephew, Derek Bird, for contacting me and providing me with additional information about Harry and Alfred Bird and Charles Jenner. I have quoted extensively from the information he supplied.

 

L8067 Trooper Alfred Bird, 3rd Dragoon Guards



Alfred Bird was born at Heacham, Norfolk, around 1896.  He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales, living with his family at Heacham.  John Bird, born at Shouldham, Norfolk, was the 40 year old head of the family and working as a labourer at a brickyard.  His wife, 37 year old Mary, had been born at Thornham, Norfolk.  The couple had seven children with them at the time: Harry Bird (aged 15, working as a house boy), Celia Bird (aged 12), Mary (aged 11), John Bird (aged six), Alfred (aged four), Lydia Bird (aged two) and Edward C Bird (aged under one month).  All of the children were born at Heacham. 

Before the war, Alfred moved down from Norfolk to join his brother at Chailey.  He enlisted at Roeheath, Chailey giving his place of residence as King’s Lynn although he was actually working as a footman at Bineham (home to the Blencowe family).  According to Chailey Parish Magazine, he served first with the 17th Lancers and up until October 1915 at least, was stationed with them in England.  By October 1916 however, he was serving with the 3rd Dragoon Guards in France.  His army number – 8067 – is that of the Dragoon Guards. 

Alfred was killed in action on 11th April 1917 at the battle of Arras and is commemorated on bay one of the Arras Memorial.  The East Sussex News reported his death in its issue of Friday 4th May 1917.  The same month, Chailey Parish Magazine added his name to its role of honour.
 
My thanks to Derek Bird for much interesting correspondence on Alfred and Harry Bird.

MT/322426 Private Sidney Best, Army Service Corps

Sidney Best was born in Hamsey, Sussex but living in Chailey when he attested with the Army Service Corps under the Derby Scheme on 4th December 1915.  He gave his address as the 5 Bells, Chailey, his occupation as innkeeper and his age as 39 years and 11 months. Fanny Best his wife, is noted as his next of kin.  He had married her in 1901 and the couple had two daughters: Mabel Agnes Smith (born 17th September 1905 at Cuckfield) and Mildred Edith Smith (born 28th January 1914 at Lewes). 

Sidney was posted to the Army Service Corps on 18th May 1917 and joined the Motor Transport Reserve Depot at Grove Park, London the following day.  He was given the number MT/322426.  By this stage he appears to have changed professions as documents from this date note his trade as cab and motor proprietor. 

He qualified as a Heavy Lorry Driver on 13th April 1918 and exactly one week later, embarked at Southampton aboard the Queen Alexandra.  He arrived at Havre the following day and was attached to Number 1076 MT Company. 

On 23rd May 1918 he transferred to 19th Corps Troops MT Coy and he was still serving with this company when he was demobilised on 14th March 1919.  A medical examination five weeks earlier in France noted his address as Heatherwood, North Common, Chailey.

During his time in France, Sidney was employed as a Ford Car Driver and Army Form W.3226 noted that he showed aptitude for employment in civil life as a car driver. 

Back in Blighty, Chailey Parish Magazine had listed Sidney amongst a number of specially attested men in its March 1916 issue.  In July 1917, Best, Pte S, ASC MT appeared in the roll of men serving their King and Country and this detail was repeated continuously up to and including the final roll call in July 1919.  On 11th June 1917 he also got a mention in The Times: 

NEWS IN BRIEF
Mr Best, a cab proprietor of Chailey, Sussex, having joined the Army, Mrs Jellicoe, wife of the Reverend Thomas Harry Lee Jellicoe, rector of Chailey, and cousin of Admiral Jellicoe, has volunteered to act as driver for Mrs Best while her husband is away. One of her first “fares” was Mrs Coplestone [sic], wife of the late Bishop of Calcutta. 

Mrs Copleston was the mother of Reginald Trench Copleston who also served during the First World War. 

Chailey resident Reg Philpott remembers that Sidney Best continued his taxi cab business in Chailey until well after the war had ended.

Lt Henry Douglas Bessemer, 4th Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Henry Douglas Bessemer was born at Taunton, Somerset on 12th November 1894 and his birth was registered at Taunton in the December quarter of that year.  He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales at Sarisbury Court, Sarisbury which is situated between Fareham and Southampton in Hampshire. 

The household comprised: William Garton (head, aged 33, a brewer) his wife, Edith A Garton (aged 29) and their children William D Garton (aged five) and James R Garton (aged 2).  Also there at the time the census was taken were William Garton’s 53 year old mother-in-law, his six year old nephew, Henry D Bessemer (aged six) and twelve servants. 

Henry came from an affluent family.  He was a descendant of Sir Henry Bessemer (1813 – 1898) who built the Bessemer Steel Works at Sheffield and began production there in 1859.  Sir Henry invented the Bessemer Process, a patented industrial process for the manufacture of steel from molten pig iron which speeded that process up ten times and made him a small fortune as a result.  Sir Henry was knighted in 1859.  

By the time the First World War began, Henry was living at Burchetts, albeit studying at Oxford University.  Today, there are no members of the Bessemer family left in Chailey but in 1914 the estate was sizeable. 

Henry Bessemer’s service record exists at the National Archives in London and from it we can see that he first applied for a commission in the Territorial Force on 20th February 1915.  He indicated that prior to coming up to Oxford, he had been educated at Winchester College, leaving there in July 1912.  He had served in the OTC there as a private and was currently serving as a private with Oxford University OTC.  Bessemer’s application was recommended by a 2nd lieutenant in the Royal West Surrey Regiment and seven days later he signed a declaration that, as far as he knew, he was not “suffering from any mental or bodily infirmity or physical imperfection or disability.” 

On 3rd March 1915, Colonel Frank D Watney (Commanding 2/4th Queens RWS) of 16 Sheet Street, Windsor, wrote to The Secretary of the Surrey Territorial Force Association, Caxton House, Westminster stating: 

“I enclose two Army Forms E536 and necessary papers with respect to the applications of the following gentlemen for commissions in my battalion: Paul Fripp / Henry Douglas Bessemer.  I hope these may be sent to the War Office as soon as possible.” 

The applications were received by the War Office on 7th March and on 27th July 1915, Henry was passed fit at Oxford by a major in the RAMC.  Chailey Parish Magazine reported in its August 1915 edition that Henry was serving his King and Country and updated the information that October to note that he was a 2nd Lieutenant serving with the 4th Queen’s (Royal West Surrey regiment). 

On 15th October 1915, Henry attended a Medical Board assembled at Redhill by order of the GOC 67th (Home Counties) Division.  It noted that Henry, aged 21 and serving with the 3/4th Queens was, “…organically sound but that he suffers from preocordial pain intermittent in character and brought on by marching or strenuous exercise.  The Board attributes this pain to faulty digestion.  He has complained of this pain at intervals during the last six years but states that it has been much worse and of more frequent occurrence during the last 2 months.”  He was passed fit for home service. 

On 5th April 1916 he attended a second Medical Board assembled at the 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge where it was noted that, “he still suffers from preocordial pains.  He is however able to do the work he is now employed in, namely Assist Qtr Master”.  He was passed unfit for service at home for three months. 

A further Medical Board assembled at the 2nd Eastern General Hospital in Brighton, took place on 7th August that year.  Second Lieutenant Bessemer, now serving with the 4/4th Queens was noted as “suffering from atonic dyspepsia which manifests itself mainly in pain and faintness after meals and after exertion.  There is tachycardia but no organic disease of the heart.  History of dyspepsia goes back seven years.  He is being dieted under the cure of his MO in camp [Crowborough Camp].”  Two months’ light duty at home was prescribed. 

On 23rd October 1916 a Harley Street doctor submitted his report on 2nd Lieutenant Bessemer, stating: 

“I certify that I examined Mr Henry Douglas Bessemer on the 17th February 1916.  At the time he was complaining of exhaustion easily produced, and pain over the left chest. I have again seen him on this date, and find the condition unchanged, and my opinion is that his weakness is provoked not by the heart, but by some other condition. On examining the abdomen I find an area of hyperalgesia of the skin to the right of the umbilicus, and deep tenderness over the right rectus muscles of the lumbar region.  I am of the opinion that this indicates the presence of chronic appendicitis, and that this condition keeps him in a chronic state of ill-health.” 

Another Medical Board was convened, this time at Tunbridge Wells where it was noted that Henry was,
 
"… suffering from symptoms of chronic appendicitis and [we] recommend that the operation for removal of the appendix be carried out without delay. The Board differs in opinion from the last Board assembled as it considers the previous symptoms of atonic Dyspepsia were due to the appendicular trouble and it is possible that the symptoms are more marked now than at the last examination.” 
 
He was passed fit for light duty in an office at home for four months and it was noted that his disability had probably been aggravated by military service.

On 17th November 1916, Captain W G H Cable, RAMC reported at Tunbridge Wells that, “About two months ago the officer came to me complaining of dyspeptic symptoms which had been getting worse for considerable time.  On examining his abdomen I found signs of appendicitis.  I advised him to see Sir Alfred Fripp who confirmed my diagnosis and advised operation as soon as convenient.” 

A further Medical Board was held at the 2nd Eastern General Hospital on 8th February 1917.  Henry Bessemer’s disability was noted as “appendicectomy” and the Board reported as follows: “He was operated on by Sir Alfred Fripp on Dec 18th; scar of incision is finally healed; apparently his symptoms were chronic in nature.  He states that he has appeared before six Medical Boards for heart weakness.  He has a mitral facies but when examined sounds, [unclear] and rhythm were normal, the action being a little [unclear].  Absence of physical [unclear] may be due [unclear] occasioned by operation. Fit for light duty at home in an office for two months.” 

Two months later, he presented before a Medical Board at Darlington where it was reported that, “His digestion is better and his physical condition improved. Fit for light duty at home for one month.” 

One month later there was another Board and another journey, this time to Carbarton Camp, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.  Henry Bessemer was now with the 4th Queens, attached to the 2/1st Hertfordshire Regiment.  The Board reported, “His digestion is better and his physical condition improved.  He is not yet capable of sustained exercise.  He has been instructed to return to the unit to which he is attached.  Fit for light duty at home for two months.” 

On 26th June 1917, Henry Bessemer’s name appeared in The Supplement to The London Gazette (page 6357) where it was reported that, “2nd Lt H D Bessemer to be Lt, with precedence as from 1st June 1916 next below Lt C G Moss, 4th June 1917.” 

On 31st July, Henry attended another Medical Board at Worksop, this time at Welbeck Camp.  By now, he was also attached to the 2/6th Essex Regiment.  Te Board reported that, “The wound is quite sound and [he] in no way suffers from the effects of the operation.  He complains of debility and faintness on exertion. His heart is enlarged and there is a [unclear] murmur.  He has been instructed to return to the 2/6th Essex Regt, Welbeck Camp, for duty. Fit for light duty at home (2 months).” 

Two months later, on 1st October 1917, Henry attended his ninth Medical Board, again at Welbeck Camp, where the Board noted, “The appendicetomy wound is quite sound and gived [sic] no trouble.  The condition of the heart is the same as at the last Board.  He still complains of shortness of breath and faintness on exertion.  He has been instructed to return to the 2/6th Essex Regiment, Welbeck Camp, for duty pending admission to hospital (2nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds)  Requires indoor treatment in an officer’s hospital for one month. 

It was less than one month however, before 2nd Lieutenant Bessemer was appearing before his next Board, this time held at the 2nd Northern General Hospital in Leeds.  The Board noted that, “The condition is much the same.  The heart sounds snappy, occasional intermission.  He complains of shortness of breath on exertion.  He is only fit for sedentary occupation.  Permanently unfit for General Service.  Fit for light duty at home in an office only.

Disability not contracted in or caused by military service but aggravated by it. 50% disablement.” 

On 16th November 1917, The Supplment to The London Gazette (page 11835) noted that “Lt H D Bessemer from Royal West Surrey Regt to be Lt 17th Nov 1917” and Chailey Parish Magazine also duly noted this fact in its December 1917 issue. 

On 5th December 1917, Lieutenant Bessemer wrote to the War Office requesting a silver war badge.  An internal War Office note 11th December however, asked the respondent to, “inform applicant that as he still holds a commission in T[erritorial] F[orce] R[eserve] it is regretted he is ineligible for award of SWB and his claim therefore cannot be approved.”  The letter was sent on 13th December 1917. 

After the First World War, Henry became a chartered accountant and he was also, according to the Natural Museum in London, “a gifted amateur entomologist.”  A bound manuscript and one loose-leaf typescript written by H D Bessemer is housed in the entomology library at the museum along with his collection of around 40,000 butterflies which he bequeathed to the museum. 

In 1923, The Times newspaper reported Henry’s marriage to Jessie Bruce-Porter, twin daughter of Sir Bruce Bruce-Porter KBE, CMG and Lady Bruce-Porter of 6 Grosvenor Street, London 1 and New House, Chobham, Surrey.  The marriage took place at St George’s, Hanover Square and was conducted by the Bishop of Guildford.  The list of guests reads like a Who’s Who of the day, the attendees including the Reverend H H Matravers of Chailey and Bishop Copleston. 

Henry Douglas Bessemer died in 1968 leaving an estate valued at close to £107,000.

John A Beard

Chailey Parish Magazine mentions John A Beard twice in its special list of attested men published in March and April 1916 but nothing further is known of this man. 

He is possibly the same John Beard whose birth was registered at Lewes District in the December quarter of 1889. He appears on the 1891 census living at Wilderness Cottages, Wivelsfield, with his parents Thomas Beard (aged 31, born in Chailey, working as an agricultural labourer) and Martha Beard (aged 31, born in Lindfield) and his three brothers and sisters: Mercy Beard (aged six), Martha (aged four) and Gersham (aged three).  All four children had been born in Wivelsfield.  Ellen Upton (aged 12, also born in Wivelsfield) is noted as a (very young) nursemaid. 

By the time the 1901 census was taken, the family had moved to Leigh Coppice, Chailey.  John’s sisters Martha and Mercy do not appear on that census return, but Gersham does, along with another sister, Grace (aged nine, born in Wivelsfield).

G/21063 Private Charles Day Beard, 10th Royal West Kent Regt

Charles Day Beard’s badly burned papers exist as a burnt document at the National Archives in London and although critical information has been destroyed, it is possible to surmise his date of birth.   

He appears on the 1901 census as a two year old living In Chailey village.  The head of the household was William Henry Beard (aged 41 and running a grocery and drapery business on the village green) and his wife Katherine (aged 29).  The couple are noted as having two children with them when the census was taken: Evelyn Emma Beard (aged four) and Charles Day (aged two).  Both the children had been born in Chailey.  A servant, 15 year old Winnifred Ellen Turner, was also living with the family.  In 1903 a second daughter, Alison Mary Beard would be born to William and Katherine.  

Charles Beard’s Short Service Attestation Form (Army Form B 2512), completed at Brighton with the Royal West Surrey Regiment, records his age as 17 years and 361 days.  His birth year is given as 1899 and from another document which states that he was “deemed to have been enlisted” on 16th November 1917, it would appear that 16th November 1899 was his date of birth. 

He gave his profession as articled clerk and information elsewhere on hs papers shows that he was working for Mr A J Graves (FAC) at 117 High Street, Brighton. 

In April 1917, Chailey Parish Magazine reports that Charles is with a training reserve battalion and his army papers show that on 3rd April 1917 he was posted to the 23rd Training Reserve Battalion at St Albans, Hertfordshire, subsequently transferring to the 24th Battalion on the 7th June that year.  The 23rd Training Reserve Battalion had its origins in the 10th (Reserve) Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment whilst the 24th TRB had its origins in the 14th (Reserve) Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment. 

By January 1918 Charles was a private serving with the 3rd Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment but by July had transferred to the 10th Royal West Kent Regiment.  In September 1918 he was admitted to the 4th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne with impetigo caused by gas posioning.  He was then subsequently admitted to a number of different Field Ambulances and hospitals: 139th Field Ambulance on the 17th September, 26th General Hospital on the 26th, 25th General Hospital at Hardelot on the 30th September, Number 1 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne on 28th October…  Finally, on 20th January 1919, after further spells at Boulogne and Hardelot, Charles Beard was evacuated to England aboard the hospital ship Jan Breydel.  It appears from his service record that on arrival in England he spent time in hospital at Eastleigh. 

Charles Day Beard’s army number, confirmed by his papers, was 21063.  His medal information card at the National Archives prefixes this with the letter G.  

Charles married Lucy May Attrell at St Peter's Church, Chailey (date unknown)and they had one son, Brian William Day Beard.  Charles spent the latter years of his life at Lewes and died in 1988.

Private Charles Beard, 3rd Royal Sussex Regt

Chailey Parish Magazine mentions Pte C Beard serving with the 3rd Royal Sussex in August 1918 and this information is repeated monthly up to and including the final published roll call in July 1918. 

Nothing else is known about this man although it is likely that he was a young soldier, probably born around April or May 1900.

L7572 Officer's Steward Alfred Beard, HMS Zaria

Alfred Beard appears in Chailey Parish Magazine in January 1916 in a special list of attested men.  He is possibly the same A Beard who is listed separately as an Officer’s Steward with the Royal Navy. 

He was born at Chailey on 23rd February 1893 (although his surviving naval papers state Lewes).  He appears on the 1901 census living at Granthams Cottages in North Chailey.  The household comprised Henry Beard (head, married, aged 43, an agricultural labourer), his wife Mary Ann (aged 42) and six children: Frances Mariah Beard (aged 18, a domestic servant), George Beard (aged 13, a carter boy), Alfred (reportedly aged ten although his actual age was eight), Harriet Beard (aged seven), Rosetta Beard (aged five) and Florence Mabel Beard (aged two). 

On enlistment at Portsmouth on 25th October 1915 Alfred gave his occupation as gardener.  He was five feet, eight and a quarter inches tall, had light brown hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion.  A number of moles on his body were noted as distinguishing features. 

Alfred was given the rating of officer’ steward and the service number L7572 and sent to the shore based HMS Victory II where he remained until 6th December that year.  On the 7th December he was transferred to MFA Zaria and remained with this ship until 5th May 1919.  He then returned to Portsmouth where he was demobbed on 18th June. 

Throughout his career in the navy, Alfred’s character was noted as very good and his ability as satisfactory.  He was awarded a good conduct badge on 24th October 1918.

SS103893 Stoker Albert Beard, HMS Greenwich

Albert Beard enlisted in the Royal Navy on 22nd October 1906 for a period of five years with the colours and seven on the reserve.  He gave his date of birth as 5th August 1887, his place of birth as Chailey and his occupation as postman.  His height was recorded as five feet six inches, his hair as dark brown, his eyes as grey and his complexion as fresh. 

Although the birth date is not an exact match, it is possible that Albert Beard is the same Albert Beard recorded as a 14 year old on the 1901 census, living at North Common and working as general agricultural labourer.  His rank on joining was Stoker, 2nd Class.  Up until 8th December 1906 he was based at Portsmouth and then on the following ships (dates in brackets): 

HMS Ariadne (9th December 1906 – 16th March 1907)
HMS Canopus (17th March 1907 – 20th April 1907)
HMS Revenge (21st April 1907 – 24th June 1908)
HMS Crescent (25th June 1908 – 23rd September 1909) 

Between 24th September 1909 and 10th October 1910, Albert was at the Hong Kong Naval Base, HMS Tamar.  On 11th October 1910, he was posted to the Royal Naval Leadership School, HMS Royal Arthur.  By now, his rating was Stoker, 1st Class (having been promoted in 1907) and between 11th October 1910 and 31st August 1911, he spent his time at the leadership school and at Portsmouth naval barracks. 

On 1st September 1911 he transferred to HMS Jupiter and then back to Portsmouth naval barracks on the 21st October.  He was discharged to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 30th October 1911. 

Throughout his five years’ service, Albert's character was noted as Very Good and he had been awarded a Good Conduct Badge in 1909. 

When war was declared he was posted to HMS Glory and served on this ship as a Stoker, 1st Class, until 10th April 1916 when it was returned to Portsmouth for re-fit.  Albert Beard’s record notes that he was stationed at Portsmouth from 11th April 1916 before joining HMS Greenwich (although the date of his transfer to Greenwich is unclear).  He remained with HMS Greenwich until 19th May 1919 when he was finally discharged. 

Albert Beard’s character throughout his First World War service is recorded as Very Good and his ability ranging from satisfactory to superior.  He was awarded a second Good Conduct badge on 24th July 1917. 
 
The ships

HMS Glory was a Canopus Class Battleship that was built at Lair, Birkenhead.  It was laid down in December 1896 and completed in October 1900 at a cost of £895,814.  During the First World War, HMS Glory formed part of the Channel Fleet.  On 5th August 1914 it was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia as a guard ship to support crusiers in North American waters and in October 1914 it was put on escort duties for Canadian troop ships before being transferred to the Dardanelles in May 1915.  In December 1915 it formed part of the Suez Canal Patrol before being sent for re-fit at Portsmouth between April and July 1916.  From 1st August 1916 until 1919 it was the flagship for the British North Russia Squadron based at Archangel and was finally sold for scrap in 1922.   

HMS Greenwich was a destroyer depot ship that was converted from a merchant ship and launched in July 1915.  It had four 4-inch guns and one 3-inch anit-aircraft gun and sereved throughout the First and Second World Wars.  It was finally converted back to a merchant ship in 1947, long after Albert Beard had ceased to sail on her.

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Remembering Chailey


It's Remembrance Day 2014 and so my thoughts turn to my great uncle Jack Nixon, and to the men of Chailey whose weathered names are carved into the memorial outside St Peter's Church.

I have recorded these names before, but let them be recorded again now:

Alfred Albert Agate; died of sickness on 19th November 1918
Henry William Beard; killed in action on 19th September 1918
Alfred Bird; killed in action on 11th April 1917
William James Brazier; killed in action on 23rd March 1918
Charles Bristow; killed in action on 3rd September 1917
Charles Bristow; killed in action on 27th September 1917
Sidney George Augustus Bristow; drowned at sea on 31st May 1916
Henry Alfred Brooks; killed in action on 15th June 1918
Charles Buckwell; killed in action on 11th July 1917
Thomas Chatfield; killed in action on 25th August 1918
George Cheeseman; killed in action on 28th June 1915
John Henry Cornford; died on 19th November 1920
William Trayton Cornford; killed in action on 18th November 1916
Frederick Samuel Cottingham; killed in action on 1st July 1916
Richard John Deane; accidentally killed on 18th July 1917
Frederick John Drummond; killed in action on 3rd November 1914
John Ellis; killed in action on 10th August 1917
George Masters Emery; died of wounds on 15th December 1916
John Ford; killed in action on 3rd May 1917
Harry Gates; killed in action on 19th February 1917
Richard William Gibson; killed in action on 6th September 1916
Frederick Heasman; killed in action on 26th September 1917
Owen Hobden; died of sickness on 13th November 1918
Charles Hodges; died 8th November 1918
Thomas Homewood; killed in action on 30th June 1916
Gerald Sclater Ingram; killed in action on 21st October 1914
Claud Foord Ireland; killed in action on 12th October 1917
Robert Charles Jessop; killed in action on 23rd April 1918
Cecil Langridge; drowned at sea on 31st May 1916
William Alfred Lansdowne; killed in action on 26th February 1916
Charles Lee; killed in action on 2nd June 1917
Sigurd Harold Macculloch; died of wounds on 20th December 1915
Joseph Charles Miller; died of wounds on 29th September 1917
John Henry Oliver; died of wounds on 25th September 1915
Albert Edward Padgham; died of wounds on 24th August 1916
George Robert Page; died in India in 1919
Frank Peacock; killed in action on 20th December 1915
Albert Plummer; died of wounds on 2nd July 1916
Alexander Plummer; killed in action on 23rd April 1918
Ernest Plummer; died of wounds on 3rd September 1916
Owen Plummer; killed in action on 5th April 1917
Lionel Henry Yorke Pownall; killed in action on 21st March 1915
Magnus Rainier Robertson MC; killed in action on 22nd August 1918
Richard Roffe; died on 5th February 1917
George Saunders; killed in action on 17th August 1916
Henry Alfred Saunders; killed in action on 7th October 1916
Albert Henry Selby; died of wounds on 12th April 1917
Frederick James Smith; killed in action on 17th April 1917
George Spencer Smith; killed in action on 26th April 1918
Arthur Harry Snelling; died of wounds on 25th August 1918
William Henry Spice; killed in action on 18th July 1917
Frank Stevens; killed in action on 25th October 1918
William Stevens; killed in action on 27th May 1918
Frederick Stevenson; died of sickness on 12th April 1918
Albert Henry Thompsett; killed in action on 3rd April 1918
Arthur Tully; died of wounds on 23rd June 1918
Arthur Turner; killed in action on 27th November 1917
George Turner; died of wounds on 24th August 1916
George Trayton Washer; killed in action on 23rd October 1915
Edward Wells; killed in action on 5th April 1918
Alan Herbert Mainwaring West; accidentally killed on 7th January 1918
Charles Jarrett Willey; killed in action on 26th September 1917
Charles Joseph Wood; killed in action on 31st October 1914
Frederick Albert Jon Wood; died June 1920
Thomas Victor Wood; killed in action on 4th August 1916

The following men were nursed at two convalescent hospitals in Chailey: Hickwells and Beechlands. They were patched up, sent back to the front and subsequently gave all for their King and Country. 

William J Butters died of sickness on 25th January 1920
Stan Collins; killed in action on 18th August 1916
Joseph French; killed in action on 3rd August 1917
Robert Mearns Hobbs; killed in action on 28th November 1917
Ernest Arthur Malins; killed in action on 2nd July 1916
John William Sheridan; killed in action 11th October 1917
Thomas Clement Skurray; killed in action on 28th August 1915
James Sweeney; killed in action on 26th March 1918
John William Thurgood; died of sickness on 6th March 1919
Ernest Whitcomb; died on 10th December 1918

And I remember too, my great uncle who had no Chailey connections but who also laid down his life for his King and Country.

John Frederick Nixon; killed in action on 3rd October 1918

Seventy six men. The equivalent of two and a half First World War infantry platoons; or six village cricket teams (and four umpires). May they rest in peace. Thank you for your sacrifice.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.  
 
Tower of London poppies courtesy The Daily Mail.

Sunday, November 02, 2014

39170 Private William Gaius Day, 3rd Norfolk Regt

William G Day is probably William Gaius Day who appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales (but is recorded on it only as William Day) as a twelve year old living at home with his family at South Street, Chailey and working as a shop assistant.  His birth was registered at Lewes, Sussex in the March quarter of 1889. 

In 1901, the family comprised Gaius Day (the head of the family, aged 34 and working as a farm labourer), his wife Ellen Day (also aged 34) and their five children: William,  Alfred Day (aged nine), Arthur Day (aged five), Edith Day (aged three) and Minnie Day (aged ten months).  Gaius had been born in West Hoathley, Sussex but his wife and their children, were all born in Chailey. 

In January 1916, William appears in a special list of attested men in Chailey Parish Magazine.  He does not reappear until November that year when Day, Private W, 3rd Norfolk Regiment is noted.  This information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.
 
William’s younger brother Arthur Day also served his King and Country during the First World War

G/2829 Sergeant Arthur B Day, 8th Royal Sussex Regt



Arthur Day appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a five year old living at home with his family at South Street, Chailey.  The family comprised Gaius Day (the head of the family, aged 34 and working a s a farm labourer), his wife Ellen Day (also aged 34) and their five children: William Day (aged 12, working as a shop assistant),  Alfred Day (aged nine), Arthur, Edith Day (aged three) and Minnie Day (aged ten months).  Gaius had been born in West Hoathley, Sussex but his wife and their children, were all born in Chailey. 

In October 1914 Chailey Parish Magazine notes that Arthur Day is serving his King and Country and the following October adds the additional information that he is a lance-corporal serving with the 8th Royal Sussex in France.  In November 1916, the magazine notes that he is a full corporal and the following month, that he is a sergeant. 

Arthur appears to have served with the 8th Royal Sussex Regiment (a pioneer battalion), up to September 1918 when his name is mentioned for the last time in the parish magazine roll call in July 1919. As we can see from his medal index card above (courtesy of Ancestry), he was actually discharged on the 19th August 1918. His entry in the silver war badge roll confirms that he enlisted on the 5th September 1914 and was discharged as a result of wounds, aged 23 years and one month.

Arthur’s brother William also served his King and Country during the First World War.

Alfred Dancy

Alfred Dancy only appears once in Chailey’s Parish Magazine and that is in the August 1919 issue where it is recorded that he won first prize in the 200 yards walk for soldiers (held as part of the village’s peace celebrations).  Nothing further is known of this man although it is possible that he is the same Alfred Dancy whose birth was recorded in the September 1893 quarter for Cuckfield (volume 2b, page 161).

8002 Private Sydney Crowhurst, 17th Lancers


Douglas Sydney Crowhurst appears on the 1901 census living at 2, Cromwell Cottages, Clayton, with his family.  The household comprised John Crowhurst, head, aged 41, born at Pulborough, working as a Breadmaker/Baker. His wife Ann Crowhurst (nee Errington), aged 29, born at Walworth in London and their six children: John Crowhurst (aged ten, born in Pulborough, Sussex), Arthur Crowhurst (aged nine, born in Leigh, Kent), Douglas (aged eight, also born in Leigh), Hilda Crowhurst, (aged five, born in Hassocks), Ivy Crowhurst (aged four, also born in Hassocks) and Mary Marguerite Crowhurst (aged one, born at Burgess Hill). The children's maternal grandmother, Mary Errington (aged 72) was also at the house when the census was taken. 

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes Sydney Crowhurst in October 1914, stating simply that he is serving his King and Country. By October 1915 he is recorded as Crowhurst, Pte S, 17th Lancers and in January 1916 the additional information that he is in France is noted.  Three months later, in April 1916, the parish magazine records that he has been invalided, and in May 1916 that he is back in England. 

Sydney appears for the last time in the parish magazine in November 1916 where it is noted that he has been invalided and discharged.
 
Surviving papers in WO 364 confirm that Sydney attested at Roeheath, Chailey on the 3rd September 1914. Charles Hext Cotesworth of the 21st Lancers witnessed the attestation and William Greaves Cotesworth, Charles's father, authorised the attestation. Sydney was 22 years and five months old and working as a footman.
 
In actual fact, Sydney never served overseas. His papers indicate that he was discharged on 31st July 1915 as a result of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and served all his 331 days in England. A note by the Medical Board earlier that month states, "Result of ordinary military services. Was not strong enough to stand military training." Two years later, at the age of 25, it would be heart failure which would kill him.
 
My thanks to Geoff Hards for sending me the photo of Sydney and his family which dates to around 1910.