PS/3455 Pte Harry Cecil Mainwood, 24th Middlesex Regiment

 

Harry Mainwood (1882-1949) does not strictly belong on this Chailey site but his brother Frank is included and as I have information and a photo of Harry, I am going to exercise more poetic licence and add him to the Chailey roll-call.

 

Harry and Frank were two of John Oldaker's pupils  at Newick School and he recorded information about both of them (below), and also asked them to send in photos.

 

 

Harry was a pupil at the school between 1889 and 1896 and he enlisted on the 23rd June 1916. He joined the 24th Middlesex Regiment and was given the number PS/3455.  The 24th Battalion was a reserve battalion but as is clear from the medal roll, Harry served overseas with the 17th, 1st, 13th and 1/8th Battalions (in that order).

 

John Oldaker's roll notes that Harry went to France in November 1916 and was back in England by the end of the following month. No service record survives for him (and there is no entitlement to a silver war badge noted either) but a single fragment with his name on it does appear in a service record in WO 363 noting "debility" (below).

 

 

My thanks to Simon Stevens for the photo and notebook entry. Extract from WO 363 is Crown Copyright, The National Archives.

87396 Private Charles William Marchant, 12th King's Liverpool Regt

C W Marchant is probably Charles William Marchant who was born at Chailey in 1896, his birth registered at Lewes in the September quarter of that year. 

He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a four year old living at 3 Chapel Row Cottages, Plumpton, Sussex with his family.  The family comprised: Charles Marchant (head, aged 46 and working as a carter for a contractor), Lois Marchant (his wife, aged 41) Florence Marchant (daughter, aged eight), Charles Marchant (son, aged four), and Lily Smith (grand-daughter, aged two).  In addition two lodgers, James Best (aged 20) and Eliza Bailey (aged 21) were also staying at the cottage. 

He first appears in Chailey’s Parish Magazine in December 1917 where he is recorded as,  Marchant, Pte C W, 7th Reserve K L R.  In January 1918 the magazine notes that he has transferred to the 12th Battalion of the King’s Liverpool Regiment and in May 1918 records the fact that he has been wounded.  This information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.

The National Archives’ medal index card gives Charles Marchant’s number as 87396.

 

Private Charles George Marchant, 16th Sussex Yeomanry

Charles George Marchant’s birth was registered in the September quarter of 1893 at Lewes, Sussex.  He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales living with his family at Cinder Hill, Chailey.  The family comprised George Marchant (head, aged 30 and working as a cowman on an estate), his wife Sarah (aged 34) and their three children: Charles George (aged seven), May Harrington Marchant (aged five) and Amy Louise Marchant (aged three).  With the exception of Sarah Marchant who had been born in Shinfield, Berkshire, the rest of the family were all Newick born. 

Charles Marchant appears in a special list of attested men published in Chailey’s parish magazine in March and April 1916.  He does not then make an appearance until January 1919 when he is listed as Marchant, Pte C G, 16th Sussex Yeomanry.  There is nobody with the surname Marchant noted on the National Archives’ medal information cards as having served with the Sussex Yeomanry and it therefore seems likely that Charles Marchant never served overseas.

G/16794 Private Edward Manville, 2nd Queen's Royal West Surrey Regt

Edward Manville first appears in Chailey Parish Magazine in August 1916 where he is noted quite simply as Manville, Pte E, England.   

In November 1916 that information is updated to note the fact that he is serving with the 2^nd Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment in England.  The following month it is noted that he has been invalided and discharged and this information is repeated up to and including March 1917 after which there are no further entries for this man. 

Edward was born in Brighton in 1882 and appears on the 1901 census living at 2 Plough Cottages, Plumpton near Chailey and working as an eighteen year old labourer for Mr Wells (builder).  The rest of the family comprised John Manville (head, aged 44, also working as a labourer for Mr Wells). Elizabeth Manville (wife, aged 41), Laura Manville (aged 12), Annie Manville (aged eight), Charles Manville (aged seven) John Manville (aged five), Albert Manville (also aged five) and Jesse Manville (aged two). 

He was conscripted into the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment on 4th July 1916 when he was 34 years old.  He gave his trade as farm labourer and his address as Warren Market Gardens, North Common, Chailey.  His next of kin is noted as his wife, Lily May Manville (nee Hatfield), whom he had married at Chailey Parish Church on 5th August 1905.  Two children are also recorded: Edward Joseph Manville (born 19th September 1908) and an adopted son, Alfred William Tanner, who was born on 25th November 1908. 

Edward was posted to the Queen’s Depot on 5th July 1916 and given the number G/16794.  On 3rd October that year he was transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps and remained with the regiment until his discharge from the 8th Provisional Field Ambulance at Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex the following month. 

Surviving papers at the National Archives in Kew note that the cause of his discharge was Vascular Disease of the Heart (VDH) which, “originated March 1903 in Sussex.  Says he has always had a weak chest.  Had measles when 21, went deaf after it and was worse generally after that.”  A medical board held on 1st November 1916 noted that his condition was permanent albeit not the result of and not aggravated by service.  However, a second Medical Board convened three weeks later, noted that his condition had been aggravated by military service. He was awarded a lump sum gratuity of £10. 

Edward was discharged from the army on 22nd November 1916 and later received a silver war badge.  A subsequent appeal for an army pension was disallowed by a pension appeal tribunal in June 1919.

312568 Private Albert Malthouse, Labour Corps

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes A Malthouse in December 1915, noting:  Malthouse, Pte A, NR, England.  In March 1916, the parish magazine notes that he is in India, and in December 1916, notes that he is now serving with the 24th Rifle Brigade.  This entry is then repeated up to and including the final published entry for this man in March 1917. 

Albert was an old solider who had first joined the Royal Sussex Regiment at Petworth on 30th November 1885.  He was nineteen years and two months old and already serving part time with the 4th (militia) Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment when he enlisted for a period of seven years with the Colours and five on the Reserve.  His attestation papers note that he was born at St John’s near Burgess Hill in Sussex, and that he was a labourer by trade.  He was five feet seven inches tall and weighed 133.5 lbs.  He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.  He gave his next of kin as his mother, Mrs Maria Donovan of Manor Cottage, World’s End, Burgess Hill, Sussex. 

Albert was posted to the Royal Sussex Regiment Depot and given the number 2128.  He was in England for less than a year when he was sent abroad to India with the 2nd Battalion. His Indian service reckons from 8th October 1886 to 29th December 1893, a total of seven years and eighty three days.  During that time, he was his first Good Conduct pay (in 1888) and second Good Conduct pay (in 1891).  He returned home to England on 30th December 1893 and then re-engaged with the Royal Sussex Regiment in July 1897.  The terms of this engagement are not clear from his surviving papers but on February 3rd 1900, with his country at war with South Africa, he was recalled to the colours and posted to the 1st Royal Sussex Regiment 16 days later.  He certainly saw service in South Africa and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal (with four clasps) and the King’s South Africa Medal (with two clasps). He was discharged from the army on 25th August 1902. 

And that is where it might have ended.  However, like many old soldiers, Albert could not completely give up military life.  When Britain declared war with Germany, Albert re-enlisted with The National Reserve (The NR as noted by Chailey Parish Magazine).  He joined up on 4th November 1914 at the age of 48 years.  The following information about the National Reserve is taken from Chris Baker’s site, The Long, Long Trail:

The National Reserve was created prior to 1914 and was, in essence, a register maintained by Territorial Force County Associations of all those who had military experience, but who had no other reserve obligation. It was divided in three classes – I those under 42 in age, II officers and senior ranks under 55 and junior ranks under 50 for home service only, III those who were not medically fit for Classes I and II. Its strength as at 1 Oct 1913 was 215,000 all ranks.  

In October 1914, the National Reserve was formed into Protection Companies, which were attached to existing TF battalions, for the guarding of railways and other vulnerable points in Britain. That November, all Class I and II men were ordered to present themselves for enlistment. In March 1915 the Protection Companies became Supernumerary Companies TF. In July 1915 there was a wide scale trawl of these companies to identify men capable of marching 10 miles with a rifle and 150 rounds of ammunition. Those who were medical Category A went to Service battalions, while Category C's were posted to Provisional battalions. Cat B men were formed into the 18th-24th Battalions of the Rifle Brigade TF. These battalions were sent to Egypt and India at the end of 1915 to replace TF units committed to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia. The rump left in Britain eventually formed the 25th Battalion Rifle Brigade TF and served as a Garrison battalion at Falmouth. As for the Supernumerary Companies, they were eventually formed into the Royal Defence Corps.

Albert’s service record indicates that he was posted first to No 3 [Protection] Company of the 5th Royal Sussex Regiment where he remained until the autumn of the following year.  On 30th October 1915, as mentioned above, he was transferred to the 24th Rifle Brigade and shortly afterwards, in January 1916, was back in India for a further one year and 150 days.  Another man commemorated on this website, Thomas William Deadman, was also serving with the 24th Rifle Brigade in India at this time. 

Albert returned to England in June 1917 and was then transferred to the Labour Corps (number 312568).  He was then posted to a succession of Agricultural Companies (476 in July 1917, 434 in April 1918 and 681 in September 1918) before being posted to the Labour Centre in November 1918.  He was discharged from the army on February 11th 1919 being “no longer physically fit for War Service”.  Rheumatism, aggravated by military service, is noted as the cause of his discharge. 

Albert’s total army service, excluding time on the Army Reserve, was reckoned at 16 years and 269 days.  To add to his South African campaign medals he was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and also a silver war badge.

Albert appears on Reverend Jellicoe’s roll of serving men because he was living within parish boundaries when he enlisted.  His WW1 service papers give his next of kin as his wife, Mrs Sophia Malthouse of Plough Cottages, Plumpton.

33201 Private William Mainwood, 9th Royal Berkshire Regt

Chailey Parish Magazine notes William Mainwood for the first time in a special list of attested men published in March and April 1916.  In October 1916 he is recorded as Pte W Mainwood, 9^th Royal Berkshire Regiment, England and in December 1918, the additional information that he has been wounded is included.  This information is then repeated up to and including July 1919. 

This is possibly the same William Mainwood whose medal information card at The National Archives gives the army number 27043.  This card also gives a number for the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry – 33201.  It is possible that he transferred to this regiment after being wounded although there is no mention of this in the parish magazine. 

It seems plausible that Wiliam is the same William Mainwood who was born around 1893 in Fletching, Sussex.  He was the youngest of three children born to William Mainwood (born in Fletching in 1844) and Harriet Mainwood (nee Stevenson, born in Chailey in 1854).  He appears on the 1901 census living at Ivy Cottage, Fletching.  The household comprised: William Mainwood, (head, aged 54, working as an agricultural labourer), his wife Harriet (aged 48) and their three children: Harriet (aged 12), Lily (aged ten) and William (aged eight). 

If this is the same William Mainwood who appears in Reverend Jellicoe’s lists of local serving men then he was also related to Frank George Mainwood both men sharing common great grandparents.

Lieutenant Sigurd Harold Macculloch, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders

Sigurd Harold Macculloch was born at Maidenhead, Berkshire on 3rd October 1894.  His birth though, was registered at Eton District, Buckinghamshire in the December quarter of that year.  He was the son of John J and Matilda J Macculloch and appears on the 1901 census as a six year old boarder living with his mother and younger sister Marguerite at Maurie Gardens, Eastbourne.  Matilda (aged 34 and recorded as a British subject born in New York, US) is noted as living on her own means while Marguerite (aged four), is recorded as having been born in Weybridge, Surrey.  There is no mention of John Macculloch at the Eastbourne address.  

Harold (he appears to have used his second name rather than Sigurd), was educated at Eton between 1909 and 1913 and was a member of the Eton VIII at Henley in 1913.  In October 1913 he went to Trinity College, Oxford, taking part in the Trial VIIIs in 1913 and the College VIII in 1914.  Whilst at Eton, his father was living at South Courtfield Gardens, South Kensington, London but by 1915 he had moved to The Red House, Chailey.  I presume he must have moved from this address later in the war as the Green family were certainly living there by the end of the war. 

On 13th August 1914, Harold applied for a commission in the special reserve of officers, stating that The Cameron Highlanders was his first choice of regiment and giving his permanent address as 7 Bankston Gardens, SW and his correspondence address as a Pall Mall safe deposit box on Regent Street.  He stated that he had previously been a member of Eton OTC (as colour sergeant) and Oxford OTC (as a cadet).  During his time with Oxford OTC he had been attached to The Cameron Highlanders since 20th July 1915 and now wished to make the association more permanent.  He was unfortunate.  On 15th August 1914 he was posted to The 4th Highland Light Infantry. 

On 14th December 1914, Harold Macculloch applied on an Oxford University nomination form for a commission in the regular army stating his preferred regiments as Cameron Highlanders, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Seaforth Highlanders (in that order).  Again, he was unlucky.  On 10th January 1915 he was appointed to a regular commission as 2nd Lieutenant in The Seaforth Highlanders. 

At some stage shortly thereafter, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and embarked for France.  He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st October 1915 and Mentioned in Dispatches on 1st January 1916.  By then though, he had already been dead for nearly a fortnight.

On 20th December 1915, John J Macculloch, at home in Chailey, received a telegram which stated that his son had died of wounds the same day. He had died at the 11th Field Ambulance station at Mailly-Maillet as a result of a gunshot wound to his pelvis.  Four days later, Cox and Co, Shipping Agents, received notice from British Army GHQ, 3rd Echelon to ship his personal effects back to England.  These were: a lanyard, whistle, wrist watch, pipe in case, tin pipe preservative, metal disc and chain, nail trimmer, comb and case, correspondence, identity disc, tinder lighter, box of matches and case, “Onoto” diary, cigarette holder in case, canvas belt, 2 handkerchiefs, cigarette case, photographs and visiting cards.   

On Tuesday 28th December, The Times published Harold's name in its roll of honour, stating that he had died of wounds and in March 1916, The Report of the Standing Committee of Adjustment (Affairs of Deceased Officers) arranged for the outstanding sum of £8-13-11 to be sent back home to his parents. 

In January 1920, Mrs Macculloch, by now living at 8 Courtfield Gardens, London SW5, met with military authorities to confirm certain particulars about her late son.  In a letter to her dated 13th February 1920, the authorities confirmed the key dates and events of his service record but concluded by stating: “I am to add it is regretted that there is no record of your son having been awarded the Military Cross.” 

Sigurd's name does not appear on the war memorial on Chailey village green, although S MACCULLOCH does appear on the memorial panel inside the church.  The Royal British Legion Roll of Honour, also inside the church, has the letter S crossed out and HAROLD written in its place. 

Lieutenant Macculloch is buried in Mailly-Maillet Communal Cemetery Extension on the Somme.  The words on his headstone read, “OUR BELOVED HAROLD”.  Officers Died In The Great War incorrectly records his name as Maccullock but correctly states that he died of wounds.  Chailey Parish Magazine has no details of his military service but first mentions him on its Roll of Honour in February 1916 as “Second Lieutenant”.  Oxford University Roll of Service (1920) states that he died of wounds “received at Albert”. 

The 4th Highland Light Infantry was an extra reserve battalion stationed at Hamilton when war was declared.  It moved to Plymouth in August 1914 where it remained until May 1915. 

The 2nd Seaforth Highlanders formed part of the 10th Brigade in the 4th Division and arrived in France around 22nd August 1914.  It remained with the same brigade and division throughout the war.

6841533 Private Frederick Ludlam, King’s Royal Rifle Corps

In December 1917, Chailey Parish Magazine notes Ludlam, Trooper F, attached 2/6th E Surrey Regt.  This information is then repeated up to and including December 1918, after which date there is no further information about this man. 

The 2/6th East Surrey Regiment was formed at Kingston-upon-Thames in September 1914. It became part of the 2nd Surrey Brigade (200th) in the 2nd Home Counties Division (67th) and was disbanded in November 1917. 

Chailey Parish Magazine records Ludlam’s rank as Trooper (indicating a cavalry regiment).  There is only one medal index card that fits this information and that is Trooper Frederick Ludlam whose medal card indicates that he served with the 20th Hussars (number 9843) then the 2/6th Surrey Rifles (number 5385) then the East Surrey Regiment (number 242011) and finally The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (number 51403 and 6841533).  He was a regular soldier who arrived in France with the 20^th Hussars on 16^th August 1914 and kept the rank of private soldier throughout the war, staying on with the KRRC after the war. 

I have been unable to find a Chailey connection for this man or to positively identify him from census returns. 

Walter Long

Chailey Parish Magazine notes In November 1914 that Walter Long is serving his King and Country.  This information is repeated up to and including September 1915, after which there is no further information about this man.

Walter Long’s exit from Chailey’s parish magazine coincides the following month with the appearance of J Long, listed as a Leading Stoker with the Royal Navy.  It is possible that the two men are one and the same man but I have been unable to find sufficient information on J Long to either prove or disprove this theory.

Leading Stoker J Long, Royal Navy

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes J Long in October 1915, recording him as a Leading Stoker serving aboard HMS Glory.  In January 1918 the magazine notes that he is at Royal Navy Barracks and this information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll in July 1919. 

This man could possibly be Walter J or J Walter Long.  There is a Walter Long who features in Chailey Parish Magazine from November 1914 to September 1915 inclusive.  He then disappears and J Long appears from October 1915.  I have been unable however, to find a convincing naval service record match for either J Long, Walter Long or any combination of J Walter / Walter J Long.

8517 Driver Wilfred Newton Lockyer, Royal Field Artillery

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in March 1915 that Wilfrid [sic] Lockyer is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915 it reports, Lockyer, Driver W, RFA, France. 

He was born in Chailey in late 1895 or early 1896, his birth registered at Lewes in the March quarter of that year.  He appears in the 1901 census of England and Wales as a five year old living at North Common with his family.  The household comprised William Lockyer (head, aged 39, working as a journeyman baker), his wife Jane (aged 37) and their four children: Ellen Jane Lockyer (aged 15, an assistant teacher), Edith Lockyer (aged 12), Emily Carrie Lockyer (aged nine) and Wifred Newton Lockyer (aged five). 

Wilfred Lockyer  served throughout the First World War, his name appearing up to and including the final published roll in July 1919 as Lockyer, Driver W, RFA.  Although Chailey Parish Magazine gives his rank as “Driver”, the National Archives gives his rank as “Gunner” and his number as 8517. After the war he remained with the Royal Artillery and was given a new number, 1022055.

E Levitt, Royal Navy

Chailey Parish Magazine notes E Levitt only once and only briefly. He does not appear in any of the monthly roll call listings of local serving men but he does feature in the August 1919 edition. There, in describing the peace celebrations in the village, E Levitt is noted as having come second in the 100 yards hurdles for sailors. Stephen King came first and one of the Tapp brothers – (probably Ashley Tapp) – came third.

The National Archives notes a 213891 Ernest Ralph Levitt born in Icklesham, Sussex on 1st January 1886 and indeed, this is the only E Levitt noted on the Seamen's database for WW1.  This is possibly the same man who came second in the 1919 hurdles race but if it was, he did well for a 33-year old. I know nothing more about this man.

212821 Leading Seaman Harry Bristow, HMS Ready

Harry Bristow was born on 25th March 1885 and enlisted in the Royal Navy on 30th January 1901.  His rank was Boy, 2nd Class and he appears in the 1901 census of England & Wales on the return for HMS St Vincent, a Royal Navy first class training ship stationed at Portsmouth.  is name His place of birth is noted as “Sussex, Chailey, Lewes”.   

The 1891 census shows him living at home with his parents and siblings at North Common, Chailey.  The family at the time consisted of William Bristow (father, aged 41, working as a gardener), Jane Bristow (mother, aged 33) and their six children: William (14, a general labourer), Lilly (11), Harry (6), Rose E (3), Gilbert (1) and Nellie (nine days).  In time, William Bristow and Gilbert Bristow would also serve their King and Country during the First World War as would another son, Sidney Bristow. born in 1895. 

Harry was stationed at HMS St Vincent until 11th August 1902, transferred to HMS Agincourt on 12th August and then transferred again to HMS Australia two days later.  He remained with HMS Australia until 6th February 1903 when he transferred again to HMS Venus.   He remained with HMS Venus until 30th June that when he transferred to HMS Apollo.  On 25th March that year, on reaching the age of eighteen, his rating was upgraded from Boy, 1st Class (he been promoted from 2nd Class on 16th January 1902) to Ordinary Seaman and his reckoned service in the Royal Navy starts from this date.  In March 1903 it was noted that he was five feet seven inches tall (having grown three and a half inches since he joined as a boy in 1901), had red hair, brown eyes and a freckled complexion. 

Over the next seventeen years, Harry Bristow served aboard the following ships: 

HMS Surprise: 17th November 1904 – 4th March 1907

HMS Excellent: 8th September 1907 – 1st March 1908

HMS Blenheim: 13th April 1908 – 16th July 1909

HMS Tyne: 23rd August 1909 – 7th November 1909 (except for three days spent in the cells at Chatham in October of that year)

HMS Vindictive: 4th March 1911 – 9th April 1911

HMS Forte: 10th April 1911 – 4th June 1913

HMS Stag: 9th December 1913 – 17th August 1916

HMS Sabrina: 20th September 1916 – 14th August 1917

HMS Greenwich: 15th August 1917 – 7th October 1917

HMS Sandhurst: 8th October 1917 – 7th May 1918

HMS Ready: 8th May 1918 – 3d November 1919 

Harry appears to have had a love/hate relationship with the Royal Navy.  Apart from the three days spent in the cells in 1909, he was court martialled the following year.  His record notes: “Sentenced by CM 19.12.10 to 21 days imprisonment with Hard labour.  Charge of striking his Superior Officer, not proved, but found guilty of using violence against his Superior Officer, being in the execution of his office.” 

At the time of his Court Martial, Harry Bristow’s rating was Leading Seaman.  He was reduced to the rank of Able Seaman, reduced to 2nd Class for conduct and deprived of one good conduct badge.  (In fact, during his Navy career up until the time he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 4th March 1919, he was deprived of five good conduct badges.  As a good conduct badge also carried with it an extra penny for every one earned, this would have had serious implications for his weekly wage). 

Although Harry Bristow’s character rates from “fair” to “very good” throughout his Navy career, his ability is more often than not noted as “superior” (and he was re-promoted to Leading Seaman less than eight months after his court martial).  This indicates a problem with his temperament but certainly not his ability as a seaman.  He also qualified as a Seaman Gunner in March 1908 and re-qualified in October 1913. 

Harry Bristow elected to re-join the Royal Navy on 13th August 1920 in order to complete time for his pension. 

As early as October 1914, Chailey Parish Magazine had noted that Henry Bristow was serving his King and Country.  In October 1915 he is recorded as Bristow, Leading Seaman H, HMS Stag and in November 1916 as Bristow, Leading Seaman H, HMS Sabrina.  A year later, in November 1917, he is recorded as serving aboard a third ship, HMS Sandhurst.  The final entry for Henry Bristow in Chailey Parish Magazine appears in July 1919 where he is recorded as, Bristow, L Seaman H, HMS Sandhurst. 

HMS Stag was a destroyer which was launched on 18th November 1899.  It weighed around 310 tons, had a top speed of 30 knots and a compliment of 63 crew.  Its armament comprised one two pounder and two torpedo tubes. It was broken up in 1921.

HMS Sabrina was a Medina Class Flatiron Gunboat built between 1876 and 1877.  She was sold in 1922.

HMS Sandhurst  was launched on 14th December 1905 and was the ex merchant ship Manipur which had been built by Harland and Wolf in Belfast.  The ship served throughout the First World War, first as a dummy HMS Indomitable and latterly as a Fleet repair ship.  The ship saw service until 1946 when she was finally scrapped at Dalmuir, Scotland.

 

The photo on this page is taken from www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk and shows some of the crew of HMS Sandhurst.

500748 Sapper William Bristow, 8th Canadian Engineers

William Bristow was born on 6th June 1876 (although later information given to the military authorities in Canada conflicts with this).  The 1901 census for England and Wales shows him living with his family at Grantham Cottage, North Chailey.  The household comprised: William Bristow (head, aged 51, working as a domestic gardener), his wife Jane (aged 42) and five sons and daughters: William (aged 24 and working as a general agricultural labourer), Gilbert Bristow (aged 11), Nellie Bristow (aged 10), Sidney Bristow (aged six) and Dora Bristow (aged two).  Another brother, Harry Bristow (16), was serving with the Royal Navy and stationed at Portsmouth. 

At some stage after the census was taken (but before 1907 when he reports an ear infection in British Columbia), William emigrated to Canada. 

On 8th November 1915 he attested (for the second time) at the Horse Show Buildings, Winnipeg, Canada with 2nd Field Troop, Canadian Engineers.  He was given the number 500748 and the rank of sapper.  He gave his address as – what looks like - Fort Osborne Barracks, Stratherne Horse; his place of birth as Chiltington, Sussex and his next of kin as his father, William Bristow of North Common. 

William was unmarried, working as a miner and – according to the doctor who examined him – of good physical development. He was five feet, eight inches tall, had dark brown hair (although the word “bald” is included here in brackets), grey eyes and a dark complexion.  A mole on his right shoulder is noted as a distinguishing mark.  

It was noted that William’s religious faith was Church oi England and that he had previously served for six months with H M Marines.  His enlistment was approved the following day. He was given the standard innoculations against typhoid and other diseases in November and December and arrived in England with the 8th Draft Canadian Engineers on 10th January 1916, moving to Shornecliffe the following day.  Chailey Parish magazine first publishes his details in December 1915, noting simply, Bristow, Private W but adding the following month that he was in England. 

On 18th May 1916 he was transferred (in France) to the First Canadian Tunnelling Company.  Two weeks later, on 2nd June he was admitted to Number 2 Field Ambulance with Ortitis Media (an ear infection).  Three weeks after that, on 25th June he was admitted to No 3 Canadian Gen Hospital, Boulogne with mid ear infection. 

Chailey Parish Magazine mentions in July 1916 that William is in France with the Royal Canadian Engineers but by now he was already on his way to returning to England and ultimately Canada.  He was admitted to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne with mid ear infection on 1st July but discharged to Base Details the following day.  On the 20th July he was posted to the Canadian Base Depot at Havre and by the end of the month was back in the UK at the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre (CCAC) in Folkestone. On 3rd August a medical board reported: 

Disability: inflamation, middle ear

Date of origin of disability: 1907 (at Silverton, British Columbia)

“In 1907 had trouble with right ear.  Discharged a little but soon recovered from that attack. Never had any more trouble until May 1916.  Was in France three months – says that the noise of guns started the trouble again. West Cliff Hospital report says the right ear has almost complete destruction of drum – pre-existent but aggravated by military service - shell explosions caused the re-appearance of the old trouble. 

On this form it is noted that William was 47 last birthday.  In actual, fact he would have been 40.  If he was in France for three months, this puts his date of arrival there at the beginning of May 1915. 

At a Pensions and Claims Board meeting at Bath on 8th August 1916, William’s date of birth is noted as 6th June 1869 (which again is incorrect) and his place of enlistment as Nelson, British Columbia.  It furthermore states that he spent one week in France in trenches.  William’s present condition of health is recorded as “not good” although he is deemed fit for his old work as a miner.  It is recorded that no work is promised him for when he leaves the army. 

William was sent on strength to Canada for discharge on 5th September 1916, Chailey Parish Magazine noting two months later that he had been invalided and discharged. William’s younger brothers Gilbert, Harry and Sidney also served their King and Country during the First World War and Sidney was killed aboard HMS Invincible on 31st May 1916.

Thomas Bristow

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in July 1915 that Thomas Bristow is serving his King and Country but this information only appears up to September 1915 after which there is no further information about this man. 

He was possibly the same Thomas Bristow who was born in Chailey in 1887 (his birth registered at Lewes in the June quarter of that year).  He appears on the 1891 census living at 1 Furze Grove, Roeheath Road, Chailey with his family.  The household comprised: James Bristow (head, married, aged 42, working as a carter), his wife Sarah A Bristow (aged 41) and their children: John Bristow (aged 15, a carter boy), Alice Bristow (aged 12), James P Bristow (aged nine), Mary E Bristow (aged eight), Sarah J Bristow (aged five), Thomas (aged four) and Mabel K Bristow (aged one).

By the time the 1901 census was taken, Thomas was a 14 year old errand boy working at Heatherwood, North Common; the home of John Longhurst and his family.

Driver Richard Bristow, Royal Field Artillery

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in November 1914 that Richard Bristow is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915 it records him as Bristow, Driver R, RFA, France.  When the magazine’s practice of recording locations ceased in December 1916 he is recorded simply as Bristow, Driver R, RFA and this information is then repeated monthly up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919. 

Richard Bristow is probably the same Richard Bristow who appears on the 1901 census as an eight year old living at Hole Cottage, North Common, Chailey.  The household comprised: Frederick Bristow (head, married, aged 43, a general agricultural labourer), his wife Elizabeth Bristow (aged 42) and their children: William Bristow (aged 14, working as a milkman on a farm), Albert Bristow (aged 11), Richard, Henry Bristow (aged six) and Lucy Bristow (aged two).  All of the children and their father had been born in Chailey.  Elizabeth Bristow had been born in nearby Wivelsfield.

Henry Bristow

There are a number of possibilities for the Henry Bristow who appears in a special list of attested men published in Chailey Parish Magazine between January and April 1916. 

He could be the Henry Bristow who was the brother of Charles and Erle Bristow and who would have been around 29 or 30 years old in 1916. 

Or he could be the Henry Bristow who was the brother of Richard Bristow and who would have been around 22 in 1916. 

Alternatively this man may be unrelated to either of the two families mentioned above.  Bristow was a very common name in Sussex at this time (and is still common) and without further information at this point in time it is difficult to pinpoint this man.

K28335 Stoker Gilbert Bristow, HMS Mermaid

The 1901 census for England and Wales lists one G Gilbert in the parish of Chailey and that is eleven year old Gilbert Bristow, born at Chailey and living with his family at Grantham Cottage, North Chailey.  In 1901, the household comprised: William Bristow (head, aged 51, working as a domestic gardener), his wife Jane (aged 42) and their five children: William (aged 24 and working as a general agricultural labourer), Gilbert (aged 11), Nellie (aged 10), Sidney (aged six) and Dora (aged two).  Another brother, Harry (16), was serving with the Royal Navy and stationed at Portsmouth. 

On his record of service held at the National Archives in Kew, Gilbert Bristow’s date of birth is noted as 4th July 1889.  He enlisted with the Royal Navy on 11th October 1915 for the duration of the war, giving his place of birth as Chailey and his occupation as engine driver. On enlistment he was five feet, six and a half inches tall with auburn hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion.  A number of tattoos are also recorded: St George and the dragon on his chest, a lady on his right upper arm and hands across the sea and another lady on his right forearm. 

His role on enlistment was Stoker, 2nd Class but he was promoted to Stoker, 1st Class on 18th December 1915.  Between 11th October 1915 and 19th March 1916, Gilbert Bristow was stationed at Portsmouth, the last week here being spent at HMS Vernon, which was a torpedo and mining school. 

On 20th March he transferred to HMS Mermaid and remained with this ship until 2nd October 1918.  Between 3rd October 1918 and 4th February 1919 he was again at Portsmouth, finally being demobbed there. Throughout his service, Gilbert Bristow’s character is described as Very Good and his ability rated between satisfactory and superior.

In February 1916, Chailey Parish Magazine had noted that Gilbert was serving as a Stoker in the Royal Navy.  In April 1916 that information was updated to include the fact that he was serving aboard HMS Mermaid.  That information is repeated over every successive month until the final entry in July 1919. 

HMS Mermaid, along with HMS Cheerful formed the Mermaid Class Destroyers.  The ships were built by Hawthorne Leslie and weighed between 355 and 385 tons.  They had a top speed of thirty knots and were armed with one 12 pounder and two torpedo tubes. Each ship had a compliment of 63 men. 

HMS Mermaid was launched in 1898 and broken up in 1919, two years after her sister ship HMS Cheerful.  

William, Harry and Sidney Bristow would also serve during the First World War and Sidney  would be killed aboard HMS Invincible at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916.

240818 Private Erle Bristow, 5th Royal Sussex Regt

Erle Bristow was born around 1894 in Chailey and at the time the 1901 census was taken, was living at North Common with his family.  The family comprised Henry Bristow (head, aged 37 and running his own market gardening business), his wife Emma Esther Bristow (aged 36) and their five children: Henry (aged 13 and working for his father), Ann Bristow (aged 12), Charles Bristow (aged nine), Erle (aged six) and Emily Bristow (aged four). 

Chailey Parish Magazine notes Erle Bristow serving his King & Country in its March 1915 issue.  In October 1915 it reports that he is serving as a private with the 5th Royal Sussex, that information repeated until the final roll call in July 1919. 

The 5th Royal Sussex was formed on 1st April 1908 as part of the newly constituted Territorial Force.  When war was declared in August 1914 the battalion became Army Troops in the Home Counties Division TF and in early 1915 was posted for duty at the Tower of London.  Erle's army number was 5/3109 and when the Territorial Force was re-numbered in February 1917 he was given the new number 240818.  He almost certainly enlisted with Frank Ford of Chailey as the two men’s numbers are almost identical.  Frank’s numbers were 5/3110 and later, 240819. 

The battalion crossed to France on 18th February 1915 and three days later was posted to the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Division.  On 20th August 1915 it became the pioneer battalion of the 48th (South Midland) Division. 

Erle’s brother Charles was killed in action during the First World War.  Chailey resident Reg Philpott recalled that the brothers had arranged to meet up in France but before they were able to do this, Charles was killed.

Thomas Blackman

Nothing is known of this man other than that his name appears in three consecutive lists published in Chailey Parish Magazine between January and March 1916 of specially attested men. 

He is possibly the same Thomas Blackman noted on the 1901 census who was born in Barcombe, Sussex around 1891.  The census lists the following family members: Horace Blackman, head, aged 43 and working as a carter on a farm; his wife, 51 year old Ann Blackman.  Children noted are: Horace Blackman (14), a carter boy on a farm, Caroline Blackman (11) and Thomas (9).  A boarder, 58 year old Thomas Moon, is also noted as living with the family in their house at Mount Pleasant in Barcombe.

75422 Gunner Horace W Blackman, Royal Defence Corps

Gunner H Blackman, RGA first appears in Chailey Parish Magazine in July 1918 and then every month until the final entry in July 1919.   

He is believed to be Horace Blackman who was born in Barcombe, Sussex around 1886.  The 1901 census lists the following family members: Horace Blackman, head, aged 43 and working as a carter on a farm; his wife, 51 year old Ann Blackman.  Children noted are: Horace Blackman (14), a carter boy on a farm, Caroline Blackman (11) and Thomas Blackman (9).  A boarder, 58 year old Thomas Moon, is also noted as living with the family in their house at Mount Pleasant in Barcombe. 

The National Archives notes 156507 Gunner Horace W Blackman serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery and later as a Gunner, number 74522, serving with the Royal Defence Corps.

M2/074635 Private Peter Bishop, Army Service Corps

Peter Bishop appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales at Lindfield, Sussex where it is noted that he is the head of the family, aged 24 (born in Chailey) and working as a market gardener.  With him on the census are his wife Esther Bishop (aged 22), his daughter, also Esther Bishop (aged three) and his son, another Peter Bishop (aged one).  Peter Bishop senior’s birth was registered in the December quarter of 1876 at Lewes. 

Ten years earlier, when the census was taken in 1891 he was living at Leylands Farm, Chailey, the household comprising his father, Peter Bishop (head, aged 48 and working as an agricultural labourer) and his wife Mary Anne Bishop (aged 49).  The couple had four children with them at the time: Peter (aged 14, also working as an agricultural labourer), Edward Bishop (aged ten), William Bishop (aged eight) and Barbara Bishop (aged six).

Ten years before that, Peter Bishop appears on the 1881 census at Bonners, Lindfield in Sussex.  He appears as the five year old nephew of the head of the household, Hannah Betchley, a widowed farmer aged 66.  With Mrs Betchley are her daughter Emma Betchley (aged 25) and another nephew, Joseph Bristow aged 27.

Chailey Parish Magazine reports in October 1915 that a Private P Bishop is serving with the ASC in France and I am presuming that this is the Peter Bishop who appears on the 1881 census and not his son as he would only have been around 16 or 17 years old.  His regimental number was M2/074635. Bishop, Pte P, ASC, features in Chailey Parish Magazine up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.

Chailey resident Reg Philpott remembers that, “there were Bishops who lived at Leylands Farm and worked for my great grandfather Knight.  Peter Bishop lived here with his family and he was killed at Offham chalk pit; I don’t know how.  This would have been after the First War.  Peter Bishop and his family lived here about 1900.”  As there were at least three generations of Peter Bishops (mentioned above), I am uncertain at this point in time, which of them was killed at Offham. 

I believe though that the E Bishop listed in Chailey Parish Magazine as serving during the First World is Peter’s brother, Edward Bishop.

55429 Private Edward Bishop, Machine Gun Corps

Twenty year old Edward Bishop appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a carter on a farm [Leylands Farm] and living at Leylands Cottage with his widowed 59 year old mother Mary Ann [sic] Bishop and his eighteen year old brother William Bishop (a market gardener). 

Ten years earlier, when the census was taken in 1891 he was living at Leylands Farm, Chailey, the household comprising his father, Peter Bishop (head, aged 48 and working as an agricultural labourer) and his wife Mary Anne Bishop (aged 49).  The couple had four children with them at the time: Peter Bishop (aged 14, also working as an agricultural labourer), Edward (aged ten), William Bishop (aged eight) and Barbara Bishop (aged six). 

Chailey Parish Magazine first mentions Pte E Bishop in January 1918, simply noting MGC next to his name.  This scant information is repeated up to and including the final entry in July 1919. Edward Bishop was 55429 Private Edward Bishop of the Machine Gun Corps.  Nothing further is known of this man. His brother, Peter Bishop, also served his King and Country during the First World War.