Lieutenant Alan Herbert Manwaring West, 36th Sikhs

Alan Herbert Manwaring West was the son of Charles Herbert and Ada Elizabeth West (nee Manwaring).  He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a three year old living at 2 York Villas, Brighton.  The Household comprised Charles H West (aged 39 and noted as “assessor and Collector Hall Tax”), his wife Ada West (aged 36) and their three children: Ralph M West (aged seven), Alan (aged three) and Brenda M West (aged eight months).  All three children and Ada West had been born in Brighton; Charles was born in Henfield. 

Also registered on the census return were two servants: Kate Divall (aged 24, from Ringmer, working as a domestic servant) and Ella M Godding (aged 15, from Brighton, working as a domestic nurse). 

Alan was born in 1897, his birth registered at Brighton in the June quarter of that year.  Chailey Parish Magazine first notes him in June 1915 as a cadet serving in India.  In May 1916 it notes that he is serving with the 36th Sikhs and the following month notes that his rank is that of second lieutenant.  By December 1917 he had been promoted and Chailey Parish Magazine duly recorded that month that his rank was now lieutenant. 

The following month however, on 7th January 1918, he was killed in a bomb explosion accident in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq).  He is buried in Amara War Cemetery, grave reference XIV.C.3.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Debt of Honour Register notes that he was the “son of Charles Herbert and Ada Elizabeth West, of Patterdale, Newick, Sussex. Born at Brighton.” 

Ralph M West also served his King and Country during the First World War and survived.

69438 Private Edward Wells, 9th Royal Fusiliers

Edward Wells gets no mention at all in Chailey’s Parish Magazine.  According to Soldiers Died in The Great War, however, he was born in Croydon, resident in Chailey and enlisted at Brighton.  He was killed in action on 5th April 1918 whilst serving with the 9th (City of London) Royal Fusiliers.  His rank was that of private and his number, 69438.  He had previously served with the 99th Training Battalion where he had been given the number TR/10/41302. 

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission notes that he is commemorated on panels 19 to 21 of the Pozieres memorial in France.  It also notes that he was the brother of Mrs Daisy Lockwood of 18 Thesiger Road, Penge, London. 

From this latter information it is possible to identify him on the 1901 census.  At the time it was taken he was living in Croydon, Surrey, with his family.  The household comprised: Charles E Wells (head, aged 42, working as a house painter), Emily Wells (wife, aged 40), Violet Wells (aged 17), Daisy Wells (aged 15), Edward (aged 13), Bertie Wells (aged 11), Frederick Wells (aged seven), Dolly Wells (aged 5) and David Wells (aged four).  Charles was born in Brighton, his wife in Eastbourne but all of the children had been born in Croydon.

John Weller

John Weller appears on the 1891 census of England & Wales as a one year old living at South Street, Chailey with his family.  The family comprised John Weller, a Road Man aged 36, his wife Elizabeth Ann Weller aged 33 and their three children: George Weller (aged five and noted as a scholar), John and James Charles Weller (aged one).  The boys’ father had been born in Fletching but their mother and all three boys were born in Chailey. 

By the time the 1901 census was taken, the family was still living at South Street with John Weller senior now noted as a labourer on a farm and George and John working as carters’ mates on a farm.  There are also two additional members of the household noted: Ellen Weller (aged eight) and Charles Buckwell aged 20 (working as a carter on a farm).  Charles’ relationship to the head of the household is noted as “boarder” but he was in fact Elizabeth Weller’s son and therefore a half-brother to the four Weller children.  

Chailey Parish Magazine has only one entry for John Weller and that is in January 1916 where he appears in a special list of attested men.  

John’s two brothers George Weller and James Charles Weller also served their King and Country during the First World War.  His half brother Charles Buckwell also served and was killed in action on 11th July 1917.

Lance Corporal James Charles Weller, 7th Royal Sussex Regt

James Charles Weller appears on the 1891 census of England & Wales as a one year old living at South Street, Chailey with his family.  The family comprised John Weller, a Road Man aged 36, his wife Elizabeth Ann Weller aged 33 and their three children: George Weller (aged five and noted as a scholar), John Weller (aged three) and James.  The boys’ father had been born in Fletching but their mother and all three boys were born in Chailey. 

By the time the 1901 census was taken, the family was still living at South Street with John Weller senior now noted as a labourer on a farm and George and John working as carters’ mates on a farm.  There are also two additional members of the household noted: Ellen Weller (aged eight) and Charles Buckwell aged 20 (working as a carter on a farm).  Charles’ relationship to the head of the household is noted as “boarder” but he was in fact Elizabeth Weller’s son and therefore a half-brother to the four Weller children.  

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in October 1914 that James Weller is serving his King & Country, updating this information in October 1915 to note that he is a private with the 7th Royal Sussex Regiment.  In January 1917 it notes that his rank is lance-corporal and this information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll in July 1919. 

James’ two brothers George Weller and John Weller also served their King and Country during the First World War.  His half brother Charles Buckwell also served and was killed in action on 11th July 1917.

Driver George Weller, Royal Field Artillery

George Weller appears on the 1891 census of England & Wales as a five year old living at South Street, Chailey with his family.  The family comprised John Weller, a Road Man aged 36, his wife Elizabeth Ann Weller aged 33 and their three children: George (noted as a scholar), John Weller (aged three) and James Charles Weller (aged one).  The boys’ father had been born in Fletching but their mother and all three boys were born in Chailey. 

By the time the 1901 census was taken, the family was still living at South Street with John Weller senior now noted as a labourer on a farm and George and John working as carters’ mates on a farm.  There are also two additional members of the household noted: Ellen Weller (aged eight) and Charles Buckwell aged 20 (working as a carter on a farm).  Charles’ relationship to the head of the household is noted as “boarder” but he was in fact Elizabeth Weller’s son and therefore a half-brother to the four Weller children.  

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in November 1914 that George Weller is serving his King & Country but then there is no further reference to him until June 1917 when it is noted that a G Weller is serving with the Royal Field Artillery.  In January 1918, the parish magazine amends his rank to ‘driver’ and this information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll in July 1919.

George’s two brothers James Charles Weller and John Weller also served their King and Country during the First World War.  His half brother Charles Buckwell also served and was killed in action on 11th July 1917.

J43156 Able Seaman George Frederick Weller, HMS Queen Elizabeth

George Frederick Weller was born at Chailey on 5th December 1899.  He was the son of Henry William Beard and Nellie Beard (nee Weller) who at the time the 1901 census was taken were living at Harmers Cottages, Newick.  Henry is recorded as a Chailey born 22 year old agricultural labourer.  Nellie, also 22, is noted as being from Tunbridge Wells in Kent.  George is noted as their one year old infant. 

He joined the Royal Navy at Chatham on 19th August 1915 aged 15.  He was five feet, four and a quarter inches tall, had brown hair and eyes and  fresh complexion fresh.  A small brown mole was noted on his right loin and on the left side of his neck.  He gave his occupation as “cow boy” but this was later crossed out. 

He was given the number J43156, the rating of boy 2nd Class and sent to HMS Impregnable.  He remained at this station 26th February 1916 when, by now boy 1st Class, he transferred to HMS Queen Elizabeth.  His reckonable service starts from 5th December 1917, his 18th birthday, and he signed on for 12 years’ service from this date.  His rating up until 5th July 1918 was ordinary seaman and from 6th July 1918, able seaman.  He spent his entire adult war service aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth but continued in the Royal Navy until 1929.  He was awarded his first good conduct badge on 4th December 1920 and his second one on 5th December 1925.  His character, throughout his Navy service, was rated as very good and his ability as satisfactory for the most part and superior between 1922 and 1924.

Arthur Weller

Chailey Parish Magazine lists Arthur Weller only once and that is in a special list of attested men published in January 1916.  This is possibly the same Arthur Weller who appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a 13 year old living at Lindfield, Sussex with his family.  The family comprised Alfred Weller, head (aged 51, working as a gardener), Lucy Weller (wife, aged 38), Arthur, Frederick Weller (aged 11), Alice Weller (aged nine) and Blanche Weller (aged seven).   

Alfred had been born in Fletching, his wife in Wivelsfield.  Arthur and Frederick were born in Newick, Alice in Chailey and Blanche in Lindfield. Nothing else is known about this man.

Alfred Weller

Chailey Parish Magazine notes Alfred Weller only once and that is in November 1914 where it records that he is serving his King and Country. Nothing further is known of this man.

George Walker

George Walker appears in a special list of attested men published in the January, March and April 1916 editions of The Chailey Parish Magazine.  No further information about this man is currently available.

A A C Eldridge, Royal Fusiliers

Corporal Eldridge was a patient at Beechland House in 1916.  His entry in Nurse Oliver’s comprises a pen illustration of two pigs, underneath which he has written (in beautiful handwriting): 

The principal inhabitants of Newick. 

A A C Eldridge Cpl

Royal Fusiliers

Beechlands 1916 

At the time of writing, this man has confounded me for thirty years. There is too little information contained in his album entry and too many Eldridge possibilities on census returns, the civil registration birth indices and medal index cards to provide a positive match for this man. For that matter, I'm not even sure his name is Eldridge. I'd welcome further thought on this man.

Private Lewis Walder, 11th Loyal North Lancashire Regt

L Walder is almost certainly Lewis Walder born at Hove, Sussex in 1890 and appearing on the 1891 census as living at Coleys, North Common, Chailey with his family.  The family comprised Lewis Walder, a farmer aged 37, his wife Emily, aged 30 and their five sons: Allen Walder (aged eight), Harry Walder (aged seven), Jesse Walder (aged five), George Walder (aged three) and Lewis Walder (aged one). 

Ten years later, the 1901 census shows the family living at Warren Villa, Chailey.  Lewis Walder senior is now noted as a farmer employer.  Allen (18)  is noted as “farmer’s son” while Harry (aged 16) and Jesse (aged 15) are working as domestic gardeners.  Other members of the family are the children’s mother (Emily Walder), George (13) and Lewis (11) plus three more children born since the 1891 census was taken: James Walder (aged ten), William Walder (aged eight) and finally, a daughter: Ada E Walder (aged two).  Ada Emily Walder would die later that year and, much later, her parents would be buried in her grave.  

Chailey Parish Magazine first notes Lewis Walder in June 1916 noting: Walder, Private L, Royal N Lancs, England.  This information is updated the following month to note that he is serving with the 11th Battalion.  L Walder is then mentioned in every subsequent issue up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.

I have been unable to find any Walder with North Lancs connections on the National Archives’ on-line medal information card index.  Only one Lewis Walder appears and that is A/382156 Private Lewis Walder of The Army Service Corps. 

Chailey resident Reg Philpott remembers that the Walder family used to live at Lane End Farm, Chailey and this is confirmed by Kelly’s 1915 directory for Sussex which notes: “Chailey- Walder Lewis, farmer, Lane End farm”. 

Four men with the surname Walder and with connections to Chailey served their King and Country during the First World War.  J Walder could be Jesse or John Walder and could be Lewis Walder’s brother.  William Walder could also be a brother.  The final Walder, Ebenezer Walder was the only son of Isaac Walder (of Lindfield, Sussex) and Emily Walder. 

Lewis Walder senior, his wife Emily, their infant daughter Ada and her brothers Allen, Jesse, George, James and William are all buried in St Mary’s churchyard, North Chailey.

Pioneer J Walder, Royal Engineers

Chailey Parish Magazine notes that a J Walder was serving with the Royal Engineers from January 1918 until the end of the war. 

This could be Jesse Walder (born 1886 in Hove) or James Walder (born 1891 in Chailey); both of them brothers of Lewis Walder and the sons of Lewis and Emily Walder, latterly of Lane End Farm, Chailey.  Or it could be John Walder, the son of George and Harriet Walder (nee Heasman) of South Street.

Chailey Parish Magazine simply mentions Walder, Pioneer J, R E in its January 1918 issue and then repeats this information up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919. 

106651 Corporal Shoeing-smith Ebenezer Walder, RFA

Ebenezer Walder was born in Chailey around 19th January 1896.  He is noted as a four year old on the 1901 census of England and Wales and is living with his family at Heath View, North Common, Chailey.  The family comprised Isaac Walder (head, married, aged 28 and running his own business as a gardener and pork butcher), his wife Emily (aged 31) and Ebenezer. 

Ebenezer attested (Short Service Form B2505) with the Royal Artillery on 17th September 1905 and was posted to Woolwich.  He gave his age as 19 years and 241 days, his trade as wheelwright and his home address as Glendale, Buxted, Sussex.  He was given the army service number 106651. 

In October 1915, Chailey Parish Magazine notes him for the first time as Driver E Walder, RFA, England.  On 9th November he was posted to 1B Reserve Brigade and, according to his records, appointed shoeing-smith on 18th February 1916.  Chailey’s parish magazine however, had already been reporting that fact since December 1915. 

On 13th March 1916 he was posted to 4A Reserve Brigade and six days later posted to Base Depot prior to proceeding overseas.  On 25th March, in France, he was posted to ‘D’ 163rd Brigade RFA from No 2 GB depot. 

Chailey Parish Magazine reported in May 1916 that Ebenezer was in France and that same month he was admitted to 107 Field Ambulance (on the 29th) and then to the 2/2nd Field Ambulance the following day.  On 2nd June he was admitted to Number 4 Stationary Hospital but was discharged to duty six days later. 

On 8th September 1916 he was posted first to ‘C’ 158th Brigade, RFA and then immediately to ‘D’ 159th Brigade RFA.  The next entry on his service record is for 29th August 1917 where it is noted that he has been promoted to corporal shoeing smith. 

He was granted leave to England on 23rd September 1917, returning to France on 4th October.  On 1st January 1918 he was attached to No 13 Veterinary Hospital but rejoined his unit two days later. 

He was admitted to hospital again on 24th May 1918, this time with PUO – Pyrexia of Unknown Origin and then to hospital 9 (Lakeside) General Hospital three days later.  On 22nd June he was admitted to Base Depot and hospital.

He appears to have recovered sufficiently however by 5th July 1918 and reported to D Battery.  Three weeks later he was posted to C Battery (27th July) and appears to have remained with them for the rest of the war.  He was granted leave to England again (via Calais) on 25th November and returned to France two weeks later on 9th December.  He was demobbed on 6th April 1919 and gave his home address as Heath View, Chailey. He received his British War and Victory medals in November 1920 and October 1921 respectively. 

Ebenezer Walder is not directly related to the other Chailey Walder brothers who served during the First World War.

Driver E Tester, Indian Cavalry

Little is known about this man and no convincing connection to Chailey has been established to date. He is possibly Alfred Edward Tester, born at Ringmer in 1890 and whose birth was registered at Lewes the same year but there are no convincing matches for a man of that name serving with the Indian Cavalry. He may also be related to George Tester who, aged 49 on the 1911 census, was working as a railway plate-layer and living at Railway Cottages, Sheffield Park.

In December 1915, Chailey Parish Magazine notes: Tester, Driver E 2nd Div Indian Cavalry, France.  His name appears for the last time – still with the Indian Cavalry – in December 1917. 

Private George Taylor, 2nd Manchester Regt

The George Taylor mentioned in Chailey Parish Magazine in October 1914 as serving his King and Country may be the same 18 year old George Taylor who appears on the 1901 census living at South Street, Chailey and working as a blacksmith’s apprentice.

In October 1915 the parish magazine notes that he is serving with the 2nd Manchester Regiment in France and he appears to have remained with this battalion (according to the magazine) up to and including July 1919 when the final roll call of Chailey-connected serving men was published. 

He may or may not be related to Charles W Taylor who also served during the First World War.

Corporal Charles W Taylor, AVC

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in January 1918 that Corporal C W Taylor is serving with the Army Veterinary Corps.  This information (omitting his second initial) is then repeated monthly up to and including July 1919. 

He is possibly Charles W Taylor who appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a 23 year old agricultural labourer born at Ringmer and boarding at the house of Ambrose Gorringe at Littleworth, Barcombe.  This man may also be related to George Taylor who also features in the parish magazine.

R/986 Sergeant Harry Tapp, AVC

Harry Tapp was born around 1884 in Chailey.  He appears on the 1901 census as the second oldest child in a nine-strong household.  The family was living at South Common, Chailey and was headed by Joseph Tapp (a 48 year old thatcher from Barcombe) and his wife, Fanny Tapp aged 43, also born in Barcombe.  The family’s six children are noted as James Tapp (aged 18, an agricultural labourer), Harry (aged 16, working as an agricultural labourer), Fanny Tapp (aged 14), William Tapp (aged 11), Archie Tapp (aged seven), Aubery Tapp (aged four) and Ashley Tapp (six months).  A 28 year old James Tapp (Chailey born, boarding at Bridge Cottage and working as an agricultural labourer) is also noted on census. 

There were also two other children from the marriage.  The 1891 census for Chailey notes a May Tapp (aged 12) and a Kate Tapp (aged 10), both born in Chailey and living with the family on South Common.   By the time the 1901 census was taken, May was working as a cook in the household of James E Odgers of 145 Woodstock Road, Oxford while Kate, (recorded as Kate Taff on the census), was working as a housemaid at ‘The Elms’, the house of Walter Mews in Portslade-by-Sea. 

In October 1914, Chailey Parish Magazine notes that Harry Tapp is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915, it is stated that Sergeant H Tapp is serving with the Army Veterinary Corps, Royal Field Artillery in France.  In December 1917 that information is further updated to note that he is attached to Headquarters. 

Harry appears to have served throughout the war, his final entry appearing in Chailey Parish Magazine in July 1919 as: Tapp, Sergt H, AVC, RFA (att H-Qr).  The National Archives gives his rank as Sergeant and Acting Sergeant, his regiment as Army Veterinary Corps and his regimental number as R/986.

Harry’s brothers Ashley, Archie and Aubrey, and his cousins John and Frank Ford also served their King and Country during the First World War.

SS11770 Leading Stoker Aubrey Lorenzo Russell Tapp, HMS Marmeluke

Aubrey Lorenzo Russell Tapp was born on at Chailey on 19th February 1897.  He appears on the 1901 census as the second youngest member of a nine-strong household.  The family was living at South Common, Chailey and was headed by Joseph Tapp (a 48 year old thatcher from Barcombe) and his wife, Fanny Tapp aged 43, also born in Barcombe.  The family’s six children are noted as James Tapp (aged 18, an agricultural labourer), Harry Tapp (aged 16, an agricultural labourer), Fanny Tapp (aged 14), William Tapp (aged 11), Archie Tapp (aged seven), Aubrey (aged four) and Ashley Tapp (six months).  A 28 year old James Tapp (Chailey born, boarding at Bridge Cottage and working as an agricultural labourer) is also noted on the 1901 census. 

There were also two other children from the marriage.  The 1891 census for Chailey notes a May Tapp (aged 12) and a Kate Tapp (aged 10), both born in Chailey and living with the family on South Common.   By the time the 1901 census was taken, May was working as a cook in the household of James E Odgers of 145 Woodstock Road, Oxford while Kate, (recorded as Kate Taff on the census), was working as a housemaid at ‘The Elms’, the house of Walter Mews in Portslade-by-Sea. 

Aubrey Tapp enlisted with the Royal Navy on 27th January 1916 for five years with the colours and seven on the Reserve.  It was noted that he was five feet, eight and a quarter inches tall, had dark brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion.  He had a small brown birthmark on the back of his neck and a small scar on the top of his right cheek near the outside of his eye.  He gave his occupation as Dynamo Attendant.  He was given the number SS117470 and commenced his service with the Royal Navy by going straight to HMS Victory II (Portsmouth Naval Barracks) on 27th January 1916 with the rating stoker 2nd Class.  On 16th July he transferred to HMS Mameluke and remained with this ship for the remainder of the war.   

HMS Mameluke was a Moon (M) Class Destroyer launched on 14th August 1915.  It was sold for scrapping in September 1921.   

 

Aubrey Tapp was promoted to stoker 1st class on 1st December 1916 and awarded a good conduct badge on 26th January 1919.  He was demobbed on 31st January 1920, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve.  Throughout his service his character was noted as very good and his ability as satisfactory. 

Chailey Parish Magazine mentions Stoker A Tapp in its April 1916 issue noting that he is serving on HMS Diadem.  There is no mention of this in Aubrey Tapp’s service record and Ashley Tapp had yet to join the senior service.  Archie Tapp was already serving on HMS Euryalus.  In January 1917, the parish magazine notes that he is serving aboard HMS Mameluke and this information is repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919. 

Aubrey’s brothers Archie, Ashley and Harry, and his cousins John and Frank Ford also served their King and Country during the First World War.

K54708 Stoker 2nd Class Ashley Robert Tapp, HMS Pembroke

Ashley Robert Tapp was born on 21st September 1900.  His service record states his place of birth as Lewes although the 1901 census states Chailey.  He appears on the census as the youngest member of a nine-strong household.  The family was living at South Common, Chailey and was headed by Joseph Tapp (a 48 year old thatcher from Barcombe) and his wife, Fanny Tapp aged 43, also born in Barcombe.  The family’s six children are noted as James Tapp (aged 18, an agricultural labourer), Harry Tapp (aged 16, an agricultural labourer), Fanny Tapp (aged 14), William Tapp (aged 11), Archie Tapp (aged seven), Aubrey Tapp (aged four) and Ashley Tapp (six months).  A 28 year old James Tapp (Chailey born, boarding at Bridge Cottage and working as an agricultural labourer) is also noted on census. 

There were also two other children from the marriage.  The 1891 census for Chailey notes a May Tapp (aged 12) and a Kate Tapp (aged 10), both born in Chailey and living with the family on South Common.   By the time the 1901 census was taken, May was working as a cook in the household of James E Odgers of 145 Woodstock Road, Oxford while Kate, (recorded as Kate Taff on the census), was working as a housemaid at ‘The Elms’, the house of Walter Mews in Portslade-by-Sea. 

Ashley Tapp enlisted with the Royal Navy on 17th October 1918 for the duration of hostilities.  It was noted that he was five feet, five and three quarter inches tall, had dark brown hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion.  He gave his occupation as domestic gardener.  He was given the number K54708 and posted to HMS Pembroke at Chatham Naval Barracks.  His rating was stoker, 2nd class.  He remained there until he was demobbed five months later on 14th February 1919.  Throughout his brief time with the Royal Navy, his character was noted as very good and his ability as satisfactory. 

Ashley’s brothers Archie, Aubrey and Harry, and his cousins John and Frank Ford also served their King and Country during the First World War.

K10617 Stoker Archie Tapp, HMS Dolphin

Archibald Richard Tapp was born in 1885. In October 1914, Chailey Parish Magazine notes that he is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915, further detail is given: Tapp, Stoker A, HMS Euryalus.  By June 1916, Tapp is a Leading Stoker, still aboard HMS Euryalus and this information appears monthly thereafter until the final entry in July 1919. 

HMS Euryalus was one of six Cressy Class cruisers which was launched on 20th May 1901.  Three of the other Cressy Class cruisers – HMS Aboukir, HMS Cressy and HMS Hogue – were all sunk by torpedoes fired from the German U-boat U9 on 22nd September 1914.  HMS Euryalus however, survived the war and was finally sold for scrapping on 1st July 1920. 

Cressy Class cruisers had a displacement of 12,000 tons and were armed with two 9.2 inch guns (one on the bow and one on the stern), twelve 6 inch quick-firers in a central battery and a number of other quick-firers and machine guns.  Top speed was 21 knots.