Remembering and honouring The Fallen – Combe Down war casualties

Lance Corporal Thomas Robert Ainsworth

(abt April 1891 – 12 August 1917)

Killed in action

Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment, 1st Battalion Service No 29805 1st Battalion:

August 1914 : at Tidworth. Under command of 7th Brigade in 3rd Division. 14 August 1914 : landed at Rouen. 18 October 1915 : transferred with the Brigade to 25th Division. 25th Division was established in September 1914 as part of Army Order 388 authorising Kitchener’s Third New Army, K3.

The units of the Division began to assemble in the area of Salisbury. Early days were chaotic, the new volunteers having very few trained officers and NCOs to command them, no organised billets or equipment. Inspected by Lord Kitchener on 12 August 1915, the units of the Division crossed to France 25 – 30 September and concentrated in the area of Nieppe.

The 25th Division thereafter served on the Western Front throughout the war The Battle of Pilkem (a phase of the Third Battles of Ypres).

On 8 July 1917, Divisional HQ was established at Busseboom and came under orders of II Corps for the opening of the Third Ypres offensive. When the attack began on 31 July, 25th Division was in Corps Reserve, behind 24th, 30th and 8th Divisions which were in the front line. 7th and 75th Brigades, in place at Belgian Chateau, received orders to reinforce the attacking units as early as 8.30am but were not called upon to take up the advance as expected, due to the attack being held up. 7th and 75th Brigades relieved the tired units of 8th Division in the front line of the Westhoek and Bellewaarde ridges on 1 August.

On 10 August, 74th Brigade took part in the renewal of the attack. In a successful action, Westhoek was captured, although at a severe cost: 47 officers and 1244 men killed, wounded or missing.

The 13th Battalion, the Cheshires alone lost 19 officers and 395 men.

Heavy and continuous localised fighting took place until the Division was withdrawn on 9 September 1917, whereupon it moved to the Bethune area. Memorial: Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium

Son of Thomas and Amelia Ainsworth, of Brewery House, South Stoke, Bath. Lived at Ivy Cottage, Monkton Combe; husband of Nora Emily Bryant (formerly Ainsworth), of 11, Parnell Rd., Clevedon, Somerset. Salesman to Messrs. Rivington and Johnson. Florists and Gardeners, Combe Down

Petty Officer 1st Class Edward James Badder 

(16 October 1877 – 1 November 1914)

Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action

Royal Navy Service Number 176140 

First ship Impregnable, last ship Monmouth 
HMS Monmouth was the lead ship of her class of 10 armoured cruisers built for the Royal Navy in the first decade of the 20th century. She was assigned to the 1st Cruiser Squadron of the Channel Fleet upon completion in 1903. She was transferred to the China Station in 1906, and remained there until she returned home in 1913 and was assigned to the reserve Third Fleet. When World War I began in August 1914, the ship was recommissioned and assigned to the 5th Cruiser Squadron in the Central Atlantic to search for German commerce raiders and protect Allied shipping. She was detached upon arrival to patrol the Brazilian coast for German ships, and was later ordered to the South Atlantic to join Rear Admiral Christopher Cradock's squadron in their search for the German East Asia Squadron. He found the German squadron on 1 November off the coast of Chile. The German squadron outnumbered Cradock's force and were individually more powerful; they sank Cradock's two armoured cruisers in the Battle of Coronel. Monmouth was lost with all hands. 

Body not recovered for burial 

Son of Ambrose and Mary Ann Badder (née Redman) of 2 Berkeley Place, Combe Down. Husband of Florence Jane Badder (née Jinks), 37, Alcester Street, Stoke, Devonport. Father of Colin Cecil Badder.

Private William James Barrow

(abt April 1888 – 18 August 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 6th Battalion Regimental Number 20005

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Thiepval Memorial buried at Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of James and Sarah Ann Barrow (née Miles). Husband of Alice Louisa Barrow (née Dagger) of 1, Isabella Cottages, Combe Down.

Private Charles Blight

(abt 1892 – 19 December 1915)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry "C" Company, 1st Battalion Service No 3/5791

1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry was part of 11th Brigade of 4th Infantry Division  and on on Western Front from August 1914 for the duration of the war

Buried at Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert, Arrondissement de Mouscron, Hainaut, Belgium

Husband of Mrs. Ellen L. Parry (formerly Blight), of 25, Gelli Crossing, Ystrad (Rhondda), Glamorgan. Father of Charles and Stanley Blight.

Gunner Charles (Charlie) Brinkworth

(July 1889 – 24 February 1917)

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery, 101st Brigade Regimental Number 16917

Buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Pieta, Northern Harbour, Malta

Son of Henry and Isabella Brinkworth (née Isaacs)

Private Edward James Care

(October 1881 – 11 April 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry 8th Battalion Service No:26331

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets. In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9 August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10th of September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres.

Buried at Arras Memorial, Arras, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of James and Louisa Care (née Hill). Husband of Florence Care (née Young). Father of Edward and Herbert Care.

Pioneer Harold Chivers

(30 April 1896 – 2 November 1917)

Died of wounds

Devon Regiment (5th Army G.H.Q. Signal Company, R.E.) Signals Service No 282017

Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Edward and Rachel Chivers (née Sabin) of Bath

Private William George Chivers

(abt april 1898 – 30 November 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry Regimental Number: 32461

Buried at Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Frank and Edith Georgina Chivers (née Cope) of 1 Greendown Cottages, Combe Down

Private William Frederick Clease

(July 1892 – 8 March 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry 1st 4th Battalion Regimental Number: 2213

The original 4th Battalion, redesignated on the formation of duplicate 2/4th in September 1914. To India in November 1914 and Mesopotamia from 1916 (part of 3rd (Lahore) Division until September 1918, then 14th Indian Division)

Basra Memorial buried at Al Basrah, Basra, Iraq

Son of Frederick James and Agnes Clease (née Windsor)

Private William James Clease

(24 Aug 1884 – 25 Oct 1917)

British Columbia Regiment, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Service Number 931552

Authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 12 June 1915. It disembarked in France on 22 September 1915 as part of the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Brigade. On 1 January 1916 it was converted to infantry, amalgamated with ‘B Squadron’ and the headquarters staff of the 3rd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF and redesignated the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, CEF. It fought as part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war.

Buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No 3, Ypres (Ieper), West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium

Son of William George and Eliza Clease (Weeks) of 5 Alma Place, Combe Down. Husband of Alice Maud Clease (Isaac). Father of Albert George, Millicent Gertrude and Kathleen Clease.

Private John St Clair Cotterell

(17 September 1891 – 13 May 1917)

Died of wounds

10th Canadian Battalion Service Number: 898037

The 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force was a Canadian field force unit created during the First World War. Technically distinct from the Militia from which its soldiers were drawn the unit served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), specifically in the 1st Canadian Division from 1914 to 1919. The battalion participated in every major Canadian battle of the First World War, and set a record for the most decorations earned by a Canadian unit in a single battle at Hill 70. The unit was known to its contemporaries simply as The Fighting Tenth.

Buried Bath Abbey Cemetery

Son of Thomas Sturge and Edith Maria Cotterill (née Holmes). Husband of Gladys May Cotterell (née Nettleton). Father of Helena Grace "Nellie" Cotterell.

Lieutenant (acting Captain) Charles John Odinel Daubeny

(25 September 1895 – 16 June 1917)

Died of wounds

13th 1st Battalion Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry Regiment of Foot

In July, 1914, received a Commission in the Special Reserve of the Somerset Light Infantry, dated October 17th, 1914. Joining his Regiment in that month at Crown Hill, Plymouth, he went to the Front in May, 1915, attached to the 1st Battn., and saw a great deal of fighting, being promoted Temporary Lieutenant February 21st, 1916, and full Lieutenant on April 4th. On the first day of the Battles of the Somme, July 1st, 1916, he was wounded in the thigh at Beaumont Hamel, and was for a time in hospital at Oxford. After a period of light duty at Plymouth he returned to the Front in December, and was slightly wounded, again in the thigh, on April 12th, 1917, at " Hyderabad Redoubt," Fampoux, in the Battles of Aarrs, which began on April 9th and lasted till May 4th, but he was back at duty in twelve days. He had been promoted to Acting Captaincy on June 7th, being in command of a Company. On June 15th, 1917, the Germans started sending over some small trench-mortar shells and one fell a short distance away in his trench. Captain Daubeny stood up to ascertain whether any of the men had been hit, and at that moment one dropped within five yards of him. He was wounded in the head by a splinter, which pierced his shrapnel helmet, and died next day without having recovered consciousness. By a strange coincidence his death took place at a C.C.S. at Aubigny, in Normandy, from which place, originally D'Albini, the family took their name. His former CO. wrote expressing his sympathy in the loss of " a dear and gallant son," and added: " He had done so well. He was a great favourite of mine, and I thought a great deal of him." The Officer in command of his Battalion at the time said :— " He was such a good lad, always so cheery and full of the joy of life. He was a most thorough sportsman and a real good capable officer, always to be relied on to carry out his duty effectively. He never knew what fear meant. We have lost both a good friend and a good officer, loved by the officers and by the men of his Company."

Buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Aubigny-en-Artois, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Capt Charles William Daubeney DSO and Edith Henrietta Daubeney (née Gore)

Driver Frederick Charles Davidge

(abt January 1896 –   3 October 1915)

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery Regimental Number 66639

Buried at Mericourt-l'Abbe Communal Cemetery Extension, Mericourt-l'Abbe, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of Frederick Charles and Florence Amelia Loxton Tucker Davidge (née Payne) of Malthouse Cottages, Combe Down

Private William Albert Dowding

(Jan 1894 – 19 November 1918)

Coldstream Guards 4th Battalion Regimental Number 16790

4th Battalion (Pioneers) formed at Windsor on 17 July 1915, initially as Guards Pioneer Battalion, but soon redesignated. Moved to France 15 August 1915 and then joined Guards Division. Mobilised for war and Deployed to France joining the Guards Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including: Battle of Loos, 1915; Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Morval, 1916; German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Battle of Pilkem, The Battle of the Menin Road, The Battle of Poelkapelle, The First Battle of Passchendaele, The Battle of Cambrai 1917; Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, The First Battle of Arras 1918, The battles marked, The Battle of Albert, The Second Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Havrincourt, The Battle of the Canal du Nord, The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of the Sambre, 1918; Ended the war in France near Maubeuge, 11 November 1918

Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Lived at 1 Prospect Place, Combe Down and 4 South Parade Cottages, Combe Down. Son of Henry James and Mary Jane Dowding of 17a, Englishcombe Road, Bath, Somerset

Rifleman Carol Fale

(abt January 1899 – 22 Mar 1918)

Killed in action

Rifle Brigade, 8th Battalion Regimental Number S/32384
Formerly Formerly M/288162, R.A.S.C. (M.T.)

The Regiment formed a total of 28 battalions during the First World War, in addition to the pre-war establishment of two Regular and two Militia and two Territorial Battalions.

Pozieres Memorial, buried at Pozieres, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of John William and Celia Fale (née Gilders)

Sergeant Albert Edward Ferris

(abt July 1884- 4 Oct 1916)

Died of wounds

Somerset Light Infantry, 6th Battalion Regimental Number: 3/7248

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Buried at St Michael Churchyard, Monkton Combe

Son of Charles and Juliana Ferris (née Smith). Husband of Eliza Jane Ferris (née Warren)

Lieutenant Thomas David Fitzgerald

(abt October 1894 – 30 July 1916)

Killed in action

Gloucestershire Regiment, 8th Battalion

8th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment was raised at Bristol in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Second New Army and joined 57th Brigade in 19th (Western) Division. They trained at Perham Down and in March 1915 moved to Tidworth for final training. They proceeded to France on the 18 July 1915, the division concentrating near St Omer. Their first action was at Pietre, in a diversionary action supporting the Battle of Loos. In 1916 They were in action during the Battle of the Somme, capturing La Boisselle and being involved in The attacks on High Wood, The Battles of Pozieres Ridge, the Ancre Heights and the Ancre.

Thiepval Memorial buried at Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of Thomas William and Ida Evelyn Fitzgerald (née Hayward) of Monkswold, Combe Down

Private Sydney John Ford

(January 1881 – 26 Dec 1919)

Died of dysentery

Bedfordshire Regiment Regimental Number: 205337

The Bedfordshire Regiment 1st Battalion was raised in December 1915 and served in India from February 1916, until disbanded in January 1920. The 2nd Battalion was raised in December 1916 and also served in India from February 1917 until disbanded in January 1920. The 3rd Battalion was raised in January 1917 and served in Burma between March 1918 and June 1919, thereafter in India from June 1919 until disbanded in January 1920.

Buried at Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt

Son of John and Mary Ann Ford of Gladstone Place, Combe Down. Husband of Georgina Eliza Ann Ford (née Compton).

Corporal (acting Sergeant) Hubert Rowland Francis

(abt April 1896 – 10 Apr 1917)

Died of wounds

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery C/71st Brigade Regimental Number: 11859

Buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Charles and Hannah Francis (née Strickland) of Quarry View, Combe Down, Bath

Sergeant Kendrick Philip Henry Frankling

(1893 – 18 August 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 6th Battalion Regimental Number 10002

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Thiepval Memorial buried at Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of George and Julia Frankling (née Vigar) of 3 Raby Place, Combe Down

Private Eric William Grant

(abt 1901 – 1 March 1919)

3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment

Son of Ernest William and Annie Grant (née Mainstone)

Driver William George Heal

(abt 1897 – 30 Aug 1918)

Killed in action

Royal Field Artillery A/820 Brigade Regimental Number: 49764

Buried at Fricourt British Cemetery, Fricourt, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of Alfred James and Mary Elizabeth Heal (née Weaver) of Cumberland House, Combe Down

Private Alfred Ernest Hillier

(23 May 1889 – 23 Nov 1916)

Killed in action

London Regiment, 4th Battalion (Formerly H/18872, 9th Reserve Cavalry Regiment) Regimental Number: G/16600

Buried at Courcelles-au-Bois Communal Cemetery Extension, Courcelles-au-Bois, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of James and Anna Hillier (née Peach) of The Tyning, Combe Down and 12 Lower Wells Road, Bath

Corporal David Thomas Hillyer

(abt January 1884 – 8 Dec 1917)

Killed in action

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery D/47th Brigade Regimental Number 10798

Buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium

Son of David and Mary Hillyer (née Hardick) of 4 Greendown Terrace, Combe Down

Private Herbert Frank Janes

(abt April 1899 – 11 Sep 1918)

Killed in action

The King's (Liverpool) Regiment 8th Battalion Regimental Number: 87116

Loos Memorial, buried at Loos-en-Gohelle, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of William and Hannah Janes (née Talbot) of Fox Hill Farm, Combe Down

Lance Corporal Albert Edward Kellaway

(abt October 1886 – 16 Sep 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry 6th Battalion Regimental Number: 10116

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Thiepval Memorial buried at Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of James Richard and Sarah Kellaway (née Clease) of 3 Quarry Rise, Combe Down, Bath. Husband of Edith Frances Kellaway (née Dyer)

Private Lewis Edgar Lush

(abt July 1896 – 31 October 1918)

Royal Army Medical Corps 16 Field Ambulance Service Number 114982

The Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Most Field Ambulances came under command of a Division, and each had special responsibility for the care of casualties of one of the Brigades of the Division. The theoretical capacity of the Field Ambulance was 150 casualties, but in battle many wouldneed to deal with very much greater numbers. The Field Ambulance was responsible for establishing and operating a number of points along the casualty evacuation chain, from the Bearer Relay Posts which were up to 600 yards behind the Regimental Aid Posts in the front line, taking casualties rearwards through an Advanced Dressing Station (ADS) to the Main Dressing Station (MDS). It also provided a Walking Wounded Collecting Station, as well as various rest areas and local sick rooms.

Buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Part IV, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Civilians from the Unit, Rouen, Departement de la Seine-Maritime, Haute-Normandie, France

Son of Edgar Henry and Jessie Elizabeth Lush (née Darby) of 20, Richardson Avenue, Combe Down

Sapper Frederick John Macey

(abt 1898 – 16 June 1915)

Died of wounds

Sapper, Royal Engineers, 503rd Field Company, Regimental Number 734

The 27th Division was an infantry division of the British Army raised during the Great War, formed in late 1914 by combining various Regular Army units that had been acting as garrisons about the British Empire. 1/1st and 1/2nd Wessex Field Company, Royal Engineers joined from the Wessex Division on 20 November 1914. The division spent most of 1915 on the Western Front in France taking part in the Action at St Eloi (14 – 15 March) and the Second Battle of Ypres (22 April – 25 May)

Buried at St Michael and All Angels, Monkton Combe

Son of James and Rose Macey (née Healey), of 1, Richardson Place, Combe Down

Private Sidney George Miller

(22 Dec 1890 – 3 May 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 6th Battalion Regimental Number 26371

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme. In 1917 They were involved in The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the Arras Offensive and the Third Battles of Ypres.

Buried at Tigris Lane Cemetery, Wancourt, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Francis and Ada Ellen Miller (née Francis) of Eden Cottage, Combe Down. Husband of Lillian Miller (née Scammell). Father of Eileen Leonora Miller, Samuel Sydney George Miller, Violet Mary Doreen Miller

Private William Ewart Emmott Milsom

(d 10 October 1918)

Killed in action

Royal Scots 2/10th (Cyclist) Battalion (Territorial Force)

Raised at Linlithgow in September 1914. Served on coastal defence duties until June 1918 when it moved to Dundalk in Ireland. In July it moved to Aldershot and the following month it sailed for Archangel. It served on operations in Northern Russia until June 1919 when it returned to Scotland and disbanded.

William Ewart Emmott Milsom was born in Monkton Combe, Somerset and enlisted at Bath. Serving in the 2/10th (Cyclist) Battalion Royal Scots he was killed in action in North Russia on 10 October 1918. His name is commemorated on the Archangel Memorial.

British War Medal 1914-20 (377059 Pte. W. E. E. Mison, R. Scots); Victory Medal 1914-19 (377059 Pte. W. E. E. Milson) mounted court style for wear; Memorial Plaque (William Ewart Emmott Milsom) this last in card envelope, note variation in spelling of surname; together with a Special Constabulary Long Service, G.V.R., 1st issue (William Milsom)

Private Lionel Richard Morris

(abt July 1897 – 3 October 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion, Regimental Number 26395

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets. In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9 August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10 September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres.

Tyne Cot Memorial

Buried at Zonnebeke, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium

Son of John Charles and Mary Ann Morris (née Watson) of 5 Lansdown View, Combe Down

Sapper Charles Henry Naish (Nash)

(abt July 1875 – 8 April 1917)

Royal Engineers J Special Company Regimental Number: 153885

As early as 3 May 1915 the British Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, authorised the preparation of measures to retaliate against the German use of poison gas. Experimental research work was carried out at Porton, and a laboratory established at Helfaut, near St Omer in France. The Kestner-Kellner Alkali Company, being the only firm in Britain capable of manufacturing Chlorine gases in quantity, supervised trials with the final large-scale one taking place at Runcorn on 4 June. The method - as used by the Germans - was to form a continuous cloud by discharging compressed gas from cylinders to the atmosphere, and allowing the wind to move it over the enemy positions. Special Companies of technically skilled men, under Major C.H. Foulkes of the Royal Engineers, were formed with a Depot at Helfaut, to deal with the new weapon. Nos 186 and 187 Special Companies were formed first, in July 1915, followed by 188 and 189 Companies in August. All of the men were given the rank of Chemist Corporal. On 4 September 1915 the first two Companies, totalling 34 Sections of 28 men, were assigned to First Army for forthcoming operations. By the end of May 1916, No 1 Special Battalion and No 2 (less a Company) were allocated to Fourth Army; No 3 (less a Company) to Second Army; No 4 (also less a Company) to Third Army. No 4A Battalion was provisionally formed from the three detached Companies, and was attached to First Army. No 5 Battalion was the Stokes mortar unit, and had 3 Companies attached to Fourth Army and 1 to Third Army. The Flame Projector Sections arrived in France 26 June 1916.

Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of James and Sarah Ann Naish (née Brown). Lived at 1 Upper Albert Cottage, Combe Down, Bath

Sapper Herbert William Neate

(15 April 1887 – 31 Dec 1914)

Died of wounds

Royal Engineers, 12th Railway Company, Regimental Number 18236

Buried at Cité Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

The earliest troop movements gave rise to the phrase "war by timetable" and the railways were the primary means of movement of men, munitions and supplies. The importance of this military function cannot be underestimated. In Nov 1914, 12th Railway Company, Royal Engineers was carrying out railroad repair work from Armentieres to Rue du Bois; mining operations started near Rue du Bois, bridge construction started over the Lys at Bac S. Maur. In Dec 1914 they were doing mining, drainage, construction of shelters and fascines

Son of William and Elizabeth Neate (née Best) of 4 Victoria Place, Combe Down

Private Frederick Arthur Patch

(abt January 1898 – 28 Apr 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion Regimental Number 30200

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets.  In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9th of August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10 September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the  Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres. 
Arras Memorial buried at Arras, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Walter and Elizabeth Jane Patch (née Toombs) of 5 Sydenham Terrace, Combe Down, Bath. Cousin of Henry John "Harry" Patch (17 June 1898 - 25 July 2009) - "The Last Fighting Tommy"

Private Alfred Edward Pearce

(8 Jan 1895 – 15 March 1916)

Somerset Light Infantry, 3rd Battalion Regimental Number 21507

3rd (Reserve) Battalion: Training unit through which recruits passed at Taunton and then moved to Devonport, Plymouth on 8 August 1914.

Buried at Efford Cemetery and Crematorium, Plymouth

Son of Alfred and Frances Anne Louisa Pearce (née Russell) of 1 Victoria Place, Combe Down

Private Stanley George Pearce

(14 Jan 1894 – 31 Jul 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion Regimental Number 27771

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets.  In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9th of August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10 September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the  Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres. 

Ypres Menin Gate Memorial buried at Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium

Son of George and Martha Pearce (née Wicks) of East End Bakery, Combe Down. Husband of Edith Minnie Pearce (née Russell). Father of Edna Rose Pearce.

Captain Alfred Terence Leatham Richardson

(12 June 1892 – 6 November 1917)

Killed in action

Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line West Somerset Yeomanry

1/1st West Somerset Yeomanry. On mobilisation the original regiment, the 1/1st West Somerset Yeomanry, came under the command of 2nd Mounted Brigade of the 1st Mounted Division. During October 1915, they received their orders for service and landed at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli where they were attached to the 11th (Northern) Division. On 5 November 1915, they were attached to the 2nd Mounted Division. Having been evacuation from Gallipoli, they moved on to Egypt. On 4 January 1917, the regiment was converted at Ismaïlia, Egypt to form the 12th (West Somerset Yeomanry) Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and 2nd Dismounted Brigade became 229th Brigade in the 74th (Yeomanry) Division. With the 74th Division, it took part in the invasion of Palestine in 1917 and 1918. It fought in the Second and Third Battles of Gaza (including the capture of Beersheba and the Sheria Position). At the end of 1917, it took part in the capture and defence of Jerusalem

Buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, HaDarom (Southern District), Israel

Son of Rev Alfred and Emma Richardson (née Leatham) previously of Holy Trinity Vicarage, Combe Down

Rifleman Albert George Salter

(abt January 1881 – 20 May 1915)

Died of wounds

King's Royal Rifle Corps 1st Battalion Regimental Number 5639

1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps were based at Aldershot with 6th Brigade, 2nd Division when war broke out in August 1914. The proceeded to France with the BEF on the 13 August 1914, landing at Rouen and remained on the Western Front throughout the war. It took part in most of the major actions. In 1914 they were in action in The Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, the Actions on the Aisne heights and First Battle of Ypres. They took part in the Winter Operations 1914 - 15 and in 1915 saw action at The Battle of Festubert and The Battle of Loos.

Buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, Lillers, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of George and Emily Maria Salter (née Humphrys) of 2 Raby Place, Combe Down. Husband of Ellen Louise Salter (née Miles).

Gunner Albert Edward Sumsion

(abt September 1889 – December 1919)

Royal Artillery (Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery) 106th Brigade Regimental Number L/28783 Service Number 16368

Incident Details: Sickness. Particulars furnished: Woolwich, 14/11/1917. Paragraph 392 King's Regulations (xvi) No longer physically fit for war service. Army Order 265 paragraph 2ai - those who, having served as officers and being still of military age, have retired, resigned or relinquished their commissions after service overseas in the armed Forces of the Crown, on account of disablement or ill-health caused otherwise than by misconduct. 

Son of Alban and Elizabeth Ann Sumsion (née Guppy) of 2 Quarry Vale, Combe Down

Private Frederick Toomer

(4 February 1886 – 16 September 1916)

Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, 21st Battalion

The Battalion was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Britain on 6 May 1915. It disembarked in France on 15 September 1915, where it fought as part of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders. The battalion was disbanded on 30 August 1920.

Buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of Henry Francis and Charlotte Matilda Toomer (née Ball) of 2 Albert Place, Combe Down. Brother of Sapper Sidney George Toomer (abt October 1897 - 8 October 1918) qv

Sapper Sidney George Toomer

(abt October 1897 – 8 October 1918)

Royal Engineers Railways Battalion Regimental Number WR/194409. Formerly 3384, Wilts. Regt. (R.O.D.)

Buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Ramla, HaMerkaz (Center District), Israel

Son of Henry Francis and Charlotte Matilda Toomer (née Ball) of 2 Albert Place, Combe Down. Brother of Private Frederick Toomer (4 February 1886 - 16 September 1916) qv

Private Charles Henry Wherrett

(abt October 1892 – 24 June 1919)

Somerset Light Infantry 1st/4th Battalion attached 2nd Battalion Regimental Number 2562, 200759

The original 4th Battalion, redesignated on the formation of duplicate 2/4th in September 1914. To India in November 1914 and Mesopotamia from 1916 (part of 3rd (Lahore) Division until September 1918, then 14th Indian Division). 2nd Battalion in India on outbreak of war, and remained in the country (part of the 4th (Quetta) Division 1914–1917, 1st (Peshawar) Division 1917–1918).

Buried at India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi Capital Territory, India

Son of Edward Henry and Amy Wherrett (née Bending) of Park Villa, Combe Down

Private Reginald Charles Whitaker

(abt October 1894 – 13 Aug 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 6th Battalion Regimental Number 20703

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Thiepval Memorial buried at Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France

Son of Joseph Vernaum and Annie Eleanor Maria Whitaker (née Longman) of King William IV Inn, Combe Down

Private Edgar George Leslie White

(23 July 1897 – 9/10 April 1917)

Canadian Army Eastern Ontario Regiment Service Number 105897

The 2nd Battalion (Eastern Ontario Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Army created in response to outbreak of the First World War in August 1914.

Buried at Lievin Communal Cemetery Extension, Lievin, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Albert Henry and Mary Jane White (née Stennard) of 3A, Greendown Cottages, Combe Down

Gunner Valentine Burnett Wilkinson

(abt January 1889 – 1 Apr 1919)

Royal Garrison Artillery Regimental Number 170065

The Royal Garrison Artillery: developed from fortress-based artillery located on British coasts. From 1914 when the army possessed very little heavy artillery it grew into a very large component of the British forces. It was armed with heavy, large calibre guns and howitzers that were positioned some way behind the front line and had immense destructive power

Buried at St Michael Churchyard, Monkton Combe

Son of Harry and Eliza Wilkinson (née Peach) of 2 Alma Buildings, Combe Down. Husband of Florence Victoria Wilkinson (née Moody)

Corporal Charles Frederick George Williams

(d. 18 April 1917)

Killed in action

Royal Field Artillery 15th Division Ammunition Column Service Number 16119

15th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery served with 15th (Scottish) Division. 15th (Scottish) Division was formed in September 1914, as part of Kitchener's Second New Army. They proceeded to France in the second week of July 1915. They were in action in the The Battle of Loos in 1915. In spring 1916, they were involved in the German gas attacks near Hulluch and the defence of the Kink position. They were in action during the Battles of the Somme, including The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the capture of Martinpuich, The Battle of Le Transloy and the attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. In 1917 they were in action in The First and Second Battle of the Scarpe, including the capture of Guemappe during the Arras Offensive. They then moved north to Flanders and were in action during the The Battle of Pilckem and The Battle of Langemark. 

Private Ewart Gladstone Williams

(abt July 1898 – 10 Mar 1918)

Somerset Light Infantry, 1st 4th Battalion Regimental Number: 200463

1st 4th Battalion. August 1914 : in Lower Bristol Road, Bath. Part of South-Western Brigade, Wessex Division. 9 October 1914 : sailed from Southampton, landing at Bombay 9 November 1914. 23 February 1916 : landed at Basra in 37th Indian Brigade, 3rd Indian Division. Remained in Mesopotamia throughout the war. 5 May 1916 : transferred to 41st Indian Brigade. March 1918 : transferred to 56th Indian Brigade, which was attached to 14th Indian Division in September 1918.

Basra Memorial buried at Al Basrah, Basra, Iraq

Son of John and Amy Rosina Williams (née Smith) of Sewell Cottage, Williamstowe, Combe Down

Private Frederick John Williams

(abt 1890 – 28 April 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion Regimental Number 26213. Formerly 141725, Royal Field Artillery

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets.  In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9th of August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10 September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the  Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres. 

Buried at Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-En-Gohelle, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of John and Eliza Williams (née Morris) of 2 Richardson Place, Combe Down. Husband of Minnie Williams (née Stockwell). Father of Vera Marian and Verdun Gwyneth Williams who was married to Herbert Lloyd Williams a casualty in WWII.

Private Herbert Charles Windell

(abt April 1893 - 10 Apr 1917)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion Regimental Number 22593

The 8th (Service) Battalion was raised at Taunton in October 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army, they were attached to 63rd Brigade, 21st Division, which initially concentrated in the Tring area, with troops spending some time in camp at Halton Park before winter necessitated a move into local billets.  In May 1915 the infantry moved to huts at Halton Park and on the 9th of August they moved to Witley Camp. They proceeded to France on the 10 September 1915 and landed at Le Havre. The Division embarked on lengthy marches and went into action in the British assault at Loos on 26 September, where the Division suffered over 3,800 casualties. In 1916 they were in action in The Battle of The Somme and on the 8 July 1916 the battalion transferred with 63rd Brigade to 37th Division. In 1917 the took part in the  Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres. 

Buried at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of William Charles and Sarah Ann Windell (née Carew) of 4 Lansdown View, Combe Down

Private Wesley George Young

(abt July 1896 – 7 October 1916)

Killed in action

Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Battalion Service Number 10120 

7th (Service) Battalion was formed at Taunton in September 1914 as part of K2 and came under command of 61st Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. 24 July 1915 : landed at Boulogne. 

Buried at Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France 

Son of William James and Artulas Augusta Young (née Yelling)

Second Lieutenant Andrew John Tuke Cruickshank

(10 November 1897 – 7 July 1916)

Killed in action

Royal Garrison Artillery transferred to Royal Flying Corps 70th squadron

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War, until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force. During the early part of the war, the RFC supported the British Army by artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later in the war included the strafing of enemy infantry and emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transport facilities. 70th squadron was formed on 22 April 1916 at Farnborough, and was equipped with the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. The squadron was posted to France

Buried at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, Longuenesse, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of George Edwin and Sarah Maria Cruickshank (née Tylor) of 6, Blakesley Avenue, Ealing. London. Educated at Seabrook Lodge, Hythe; Marlborough College (Field House) and Woolwich Academy. Born at Kensington, London. Grandson of George Cruickshank of Belmont House, Combe Down

Second Lieutenant Donald Edward Cruickshank

(2 November 1887 – 9 April 1916)

Killed in action

Border Regiment 10th Battalion attached to 5th Wiltshires

The Border Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, which was formed in 1881 under the Childers Reforms by the amalgamation of the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot and the 55th (Westmorland) Regiment of Foot. In common with other infantry regiments, the Border Regiment was increased in size for the duration of the 1914–1918 war by the creation of additional battalions, either by the duplication of the existing territorial units or by the raising of new "service" battalions. 10th (Service) Battalion Raised October 1914. Remained in United Kingdom and became a reserve battalion in April 1915. Absorbed into Training Reserve in September 1916. The Wiltshire Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1881 under the Childers Reforms by the amalgamation of the 62nd (Wiltshire) Regiment of Foot and the 99th Duke of Edinburgh's (Lanarkshire) Regiment of Foot. The 5th (Service) Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment was formed at Devizes in August 1914. Soon thereafter, the battalion was assigned to the 40th Brigade of the 13th (Western) Division, taking the place of the 8th Welsh Regiment. With the rest of the division, it transferred in June 1915 from England to the Mediterranean theatre, joining the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. Initially assigned to reinforce the forces at Cape Helles on 6 July 1915, the division was temporarily withdrawn and then landed at ANZAC Cove to support the operations there. With the rest of the division, it was withdrawn to Egypt in January 1916 before being dispatched to Mesopotamia as part of the ill-fated attempt to relieve the garrison of Kut.

Buried at Basra Memorial, Al Basrah, Basra, Iraq

Son of George Edwin and Sarah Maria Cruickshank (née Tylor) of 6, Blakesley Avenue, Ealing. London. Born at Kensington, London. Grandson of George Cruickshank of Belmont House, Combe Down

Aircraftman 2nd Class Edward John Leslie Bath

(abt April 1908 – 17 September 1939)

Royal Air Force Fleet Air Arm Service Number 612129

Launched in February 1916 and commissioned in January 1917, the HMS Courageous was originally laid down as a Battle Cruiser, being converted into an aircraft carrier between June 1924 and May 1928. HMS Courageous had an air group of 2 squadrons of Swordfish aircraft, 48 planes in total. At sea, West of Ireland. Missing presumed killed. HMS Courageous torpedoed and sunk by German U-29 west of Ireland 17 September 1939

Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, England

Son of Edward and Emily Bath (née Reed). Husband of Eileen Alice Bath (née Fisher) of 1 Oxford Terrace, Combe Down. His father Acting Bombardier Edward George Bath, who came from Freshford, was killed in action on 13 Nov 1916.

Sergeant Ronald Frank Brooks

(27 March 1922 – 23 May 1941)

Royal Air Force 210 Squadron Regimental Number 552807

210 Squadron was first formed at St.Pol on the 12 February 1917, as part of the Royal Naval Air Service based in Flanders. It was disbanded and reformed several times before the outbreak of the Second World War. In September 1939, 210 Squadron were flying Sunderlands on patrols over the North Sea and Atlantic. In April 1941 they converted to Catalinas. The Squadron was disbanded on the on 4 June 1945.

Buried at The Runnymede Memorial Part II, Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, England

Son of Frederick John and Lily Mabel Brooks (née Hames) of Dunkerton, Somerset

Sergeant John Anthony Cox

(abt September 1917 – 20 November 1943)

Royal Artillery 3 Survey Regiment Service Number 871511

Survey regiments contained survey, sound ranging and flash spotting elements. Survey Regiments are employed when the front becomes static, holding the Army up for weeks and even months on end. Guns are defence and the eventual onslaught have to be surveyed in and recorded on to the Divisional grid, the flash spotting of enemy guns has to be carried out, and surveyed form observation posts. The Sound Ranging Batteries lay out their bases and the process of locating enemy guns, from near to many miles distant, commences. Data collected is sent back to Divisional H.G. Information needed in organising the next advance, to ensure accurate and concerted artillery fire on to the enemy.

Date of Action: 06/10/1943. Wounded. Reported to War Office Casualty Branch for the 24 hours ended 09:00. Incident Date: 05/11/1943. Casualty List No. 1283. Incident Date: 09/12/1943. Died of Wounds. Casualty List No.1312. Previously shown on Casualty List No.1283 as Wounded, 06/10/1943. Incident Date: 10/01/1944. Casualty List No. 1338. Previously reported Wounded on Casualty List No. 1283 now reported Died of Wounds. (Wounded – 06/10/1943). Correction to entry on Casualty List No. 1312. Location should read North Africa. 

Buried at El Alia Cemetery, Ouargla, Ouargla, Algeria

Son of Augustus Thatcher and Lucy Cox (née Stagg) of Combe Cottage, Combe Down

Herbert Lloyd Derrick

(abt 1913 – 16 Apr 1941)

Civilian war dead, died at 41 Lillington Street, Pimlico, Westminster, London

During World War II, the United Kingdom suffered around 67,100 civilian casualties due to military activity. Civilian casualties are listed on a roll of honour, near St George's Chapel. Lillington Street no longer exists between Charlwood and Tachbrook Street, but is instead covered by the Lillington Gardens housing development (built 1964-1972). At 12.50 a.m. on 17 April 1941 a parachute mine landed on 39 Lillington Street, just off Vauxhall Bridge Road in Pimlico SW1. Number 39 and numbers 74 - 76 were completely destroyed. A huge pile of debris was left where the houses had stood, opening up new views of the nearby St James the Less Church (1861). One corpse was recovered by 4.07 a.m. and placed in 16 Charlwood Street to await retrieval. Ambulances were sent when the reports first came in, but local wardens asked for further ambulances at 4.45 a.m.. The urgency of the situation made it necessary for them to repeat the request and ask for the ambulance to hurry at 5.15 a.m.. They also sent for a stretcher car ten minutes later and another stretcher car was urgently requested at 9 a.m. Several hours later, the wardens were still recovering bodies, this time from a basement. An ARP report for 8.10pm that evening noted that another body found at 39 Lillington Street had been taken next door to number 38, which was not as badly damaged. A message taken down at 8.53 p.m. confirmed that a mortuary van had attended the scene. In total, 41 people were found dead from this incident.

Commemorated at Westminster Abbey

Lived at Ryeford, Tyning Road, Combe Down, Bath, Somerset. Son of Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Derrick, of 9 Spring Crescent, Widcombe Estate, Bath. Husband of Verdun Gwynneth Derrick (née Williams) the daughter of Frederick John Williams (1890 - 1917) who died in WWI

Lance Corporal Sidney John Elliott

(abt April 1913  –  27 November 1941)

Somerset Light Infantry 1st Battalion (Prince Albert's) Service Number 5670205

Incident Date: 09/12/1941. Reported to the War Office Casualty Section for the 24 hours ending at 09:00. Casualty List No. 690. Only able to transcribe last digits of Army No.

The 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Harding, was stationed in British India at the outbreak of war and would remain in the Far East throughout the conflict. The battalion fought in the Burma Campaign with the 114th Indian Infantry Brigade which was part of the 7th Indian Infantry Division, itself part of the British Fourteenth Army, led by Field Marshal William Joseph Slim, 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC, KStJ ( 1891 – 1970)

Buried at Rawalpindi War Cemetery, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

Son of William Thomas and Isabel Amy Elliott (née Bath)

Flight Lieutenant Philip Richard Steuart Filleul

(abt June 1918 - 12 September 1944)

Royal Air Force 214 Squadron Service Number 33383

Bomber Command Fortress HB702 crashed off Calais

No 214 Squadron was formed in 1917 as a heavy night bombing squadron (No 14 RNAS, becoming No 214 RAF in April 1918). It flew in France and Belgium during WWI and in Egypt in 1919, disbanding in 1920. It reappeared as a bomber squadron in 1935 at Boscombe Down. During WWII, No 214 served in No 3 Group, flying many missions against naval and industrial targets in Fortress Europe and taking part in mine laying operations. Its tour with No 3 Group ended in January 1944, it was re-equipped with American Flying Fortress aircraft and up until May 1945 was engaged in radio counter-measures - the detection and jamming of enemy radio and radar equipment. 214 Squadron flew from:

RAF Methwold, Norfolk from 3rd September 1939 (Wellington Ia)
RAF Stradishall, Suffolk from 12th February 1940 (Wellington Ic, Wellington II)
RAF Honington, Suffolk from 5th January 1942
RAF Stradishall from 12th January 1942 (Stirling I)
RAF Chedburgh, Soffolk from 1st October 1942 (Stirling III)
RAF Downham Market, Suffolk from 10th December 1943 (to 100 Group)
RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk from 16th January 1944 (Fortress II)
RAF Oulton, Norfolk from 16th May 1944 (Fortress III)

Runnymede Memorial buried at Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, England

Son of Rev Philip Rowland and Eileen Steuart Luxmoore Filleul (née Hockin) of Homestead, Combe Down. Husband Of Yvonne Palmer Filleul

Petty Officer Stoker Reginald Horace Hopkins

(abt January 1903 – 22 November 1943)

Royal Navy HMS Grasshopper Service Number P/KX 78613

HMS Grasshopper was a Dragonfly-class river gunboat built for the Royal Navy in the late 1930s. After completion was sent to the China station where she was deployed on the Yangtse River to relieve the Insect-class gunboat, HMS Gnat. She remained there until the declaration of war by the Empire of Japan in December 1941. She was subsequently transferred to Singapore Naval Base and participated in the Malayan Campaign in early 1942. Near the end of the Battle of Singapore, she evacuated the base on 11 February together with her sister ship HMS Dragonfly. Three days later she was attacked and sunk by Japanese aircraft off the island of Sebayer. 

Buried at Plot B4, Row Z, Grave 14, Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Thanbyuzayat, Mon State, Burma

Son of Charles and Florence Ada Hopkins (née Ames). Husband of Emily Ellen Hopkins

Second Lieutenant Harold Gordon Jameson

(25 January 1918 – 26 August 1940)

Royal Navy Royal Marines

There was a bombing raid at Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth on 26th August 1940, the Luftwaffe droppped 78 bombs on Fort Cumberland which was then being used as an overflow base for the Royal Marines. Only one of the bombs caused loss of life, when it hit a perimeter room. Fort Cumberland is situated at the South-Easternmost point of Portsea Island where it has guarded the entrance to Langstone Harbour for over 150 years.

Buried at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Gosport, Gosport Borough, Hampshire, England

Son of Rev William Luxmoore, headmaster of Monkton Combe Junior School, and Georgina Marjorie Jameson (née Gibbon)

Flying Officer (Pilot) Herbert Victor Miller

(abt March 1917 – 3 Mar 1945)

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 207 Squadron Service Number 55237 

Lancaster NG204 

No. 7 Squadron RNAS was formed from "B" Squadron of No. 4 Wing RNAS on 31 December 1916 at Petite-Synthe, France. On the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918 it became No. 207 Squadron but disbanded on 20 January 1920. The squadron re-formed on 1 February 1920. In 1937 the squadron took the role of an Operational Training Unit. On 19 April 1940 the squadron's training role was assumed by No. 12 Operational Training Unit (OTU), allowing 207 Squadron to re-form on 1 November of that year as part of Bomber Command's No. 5 Group. At RAF Waddington, the squadrons's crews were assigned the task of introducing the ill-fated Avro Manchester into service. Later moving to RAF Bottesford, the Manchesters were replaced by the much improved Avro Lancaster in March 1942. The squadron relocated to RAF Langar on 21 September, owing to the Bottesford runway surface breaking up and needing urgent repairs. In October 1943, 207 Squadron became the first occupant of the newly opened RAF Spilsby bomber station. RAF Spilsby lies 3 miles east of Spilsby town and a few miles west of Skegness, in "Bomber County" - Lincolnshire, at Ordnance Survey National Grid reference TF 450645, Lat.53 09 45N / Long 00 10 15E, and at a height ASL of 33 feet. The station was opened on 20 September 1943 as a satellite to East Kirkby in 5 Group, Bomber Command. Its first Commanding Officer was Group Captain W.G. Cheshire. Its first operational unit was 207 Squadron who moved in from Langar, the main body arriving on 12 October 1943. Equipped with Lancasters, it was commanded by Wing Commander P. N. Jennings.

Buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Son of Frank Johnson and Edith Fanny Miller (née Kefford) of 5 Tyning Place, Combe Down

Sergeant Robert William Patch

(abt December 1919 – 7 Nov 1943)

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 285 Squadron Service Number 1307381

No. 285 Squadron RAF was a non-operational Second World War Royal Air Force squadron that operated a variety of aircraft to provide targets for anti-aircraft gun practice initially in the North Midlands and North Wales area. Equipped initially with Lysanders, Blenheims and Hudsons it provided aircraft for target towing and simulated attacks to exercise anti-aircraft defences basing various detachments for these purposes at a number of airfields. Defiants and later Martinets took over the target-towing duties and Oxfords the bulk of the gun laying training while some fighter types were used for high speed practice.

Buried at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium, Bath, Somerset

Son of George Frederick and Lilian Beatrice Patch (née Shore) of 2 Laurel Cottages, Combe Down. Nephew of of Henry John "Harry" Patch (17 June 1898 - 25 July 2009) - "The Last Fighting Tommy"

Pilot Officer Richard Cardew Rendle

(abt June 1917 – 9 April 1941)

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 9 Squadron Service Number 87354

Wellington T2473 shot down on 9. April 1941 by Oblt. Fritz Gutezeit, Stab III./NJG 1, near Nordhorn, Germany and crashed Veldhausen, Germany at about 20.32. Pilot Officer George Guy Sharpe and crew flying in Wellington T2473 took-off from RAF Honington at 20.00hrs for an operation on Berlin. Nothing further was heard from this aircraft after take off. The International Red Cross reported later that all the crew had been killed.

The RAFVR was formed in July 1936 to provide individuals to supplement the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) which had been formed in 1925 by the local Territorial Associations. The AAF was organised on a Squadron basis, with local recruitment similar to the Territorial Army Regiments. Initially the RAFVR was composed of civilians recruited from the neighbourhoods of Reserve Flying Schools, which were run by civilian contractors who largely employed as instructors members of the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO), who had previously completed a four year short service commission as pilots in the RAF. Navigation instructors were mainly former master mariners without any air experience. Recruits were confined to men of between 18 and 25 years of age who had been accepted for part time training as Pilots, Observers and Wireless Operators. The object was to provide a reserve of aircrew for use in the event of war. By September 1939, the RAFVR comprised 6,646 Pilots, 1,625 Observers and 1,946 Wireless Operators When war broke out in 1939 the Air Ministry employed the RAFVR as the principal means for aircrew entry to serve with the RAF. A civilian volunteer on being accepted for aircrew training took an oath of allegiance ('attestation') and was then inducted in to the RAFVR. Normally he returned to his civilian job for several months until he was called up for aircrew training. During this waiting period he could wear a silver RAFVR lapel badge to indicate his status. By the end of 1941 more than half of Bomber Command aircrew were members of the RAFVR. Most of the pre-war pilot and observer NCO aircrew had been commissioned and the surviving regular officers and members of the RAFO filled the posts of flight and squadron commanders. Eventually of the "RAF" aircrew in the Command probably more than 95% were serving members of the RAFVR.

Buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Son of Hugh Bainbridge Rendle and Hilda Mabel Rendle (née Tomlinson) of Northcroft, Combe Down and Bude, Cornwall

Private Thomas Reginald White

(abt 1917 – 8 August 1943)

Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Battalion (Duke of Edinburgh's) Service Number 5680528

During the Second World War The Wiltshire Regiment raised six Battalions of which four (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th) saw action in France, North West Europe, Italy, Sicily, the Middle East, Burma and Madagascar. The 6th was a home defence battalion and the 7th, after coastal duties in southern England was disbanded in 1944 to reinforce those in action. The 2nd Battalion, based in England at the outbreak of war, were soon in France, landing on 14 September as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The Battalion was in the 13th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division, with which it served throughout the war. In action in north-west Europe until May 1940 the survivors of the Battalion were among those evacuated from Dunkirk on 31 May.The 2nd Battalion were sent to the Middle East in February 1943. In order to achieve this the battalion had a tortuous journey, first by rail South west to Basra, then across the Tigris in lighters, on by rail again North east to Baghdad, and by road for over 500 miles over the desert into Syria ending up at Damascus. Further training took place in invasion tactics In June they moved to Suez carrying out the final training before embarking for the invasion of Sicily. They landed on the 10 July near Syracuse and advanced towards Florida and then captured Solarino. From this point they were constantly engaged in action where they played a leading part in the defence of the Simeto Bridgehead. In August the carrier platoon under the command of Sergeant MAW Rogers carried out a reconnaissance in force on Landolina Farm resulting in a heavy engagement with the Germans. In this action he was awarded the Military Medal.

Buried at Catania War Cemetery, Catania, Città Metropolitana di Catania, Sicilia, Italy

Husband of Ivy Elsie White (née Loach) of Combe Down

Sergeant Michael George Wood

(23 February 1923 – 13 July 1944)

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 166 Squadron Service Number 1585415

Bomber Command AS-R2 Lancaster PD202 crashed at Prez-sur-Marne {Haute-Marne} 12 or 13 July 1944 at 21.03

Kirmington was first used by No. 15 (Pilots) Advanced Flying School from March 1942, but on October 23 that year the station was transferred to No. 1 Group, Bomber Command when No. 150 Squadron and its Wellingtons arrived from Snaith preparatory to having half of its strength despatched to North Africa. The remaining crews continued on operations and were joined in December by part of No. 170 Squadron from Grimsby, which had suffered a similar fate. Instead of re-building both squadrons, a decision was taken by Bomber Command to amalgamate both under another designation. Thus, on January 27, 1943, No. 166 Squadron was re-born, having last existed as a Handley Page V/1500 heavy bomber squadron in the First World War. No.166 flew Wellingtons until September 1943 and then converted to Lancasters. As Bomber Command continued to expand, No.166 lost its C Flight in October 1944 for the re-forming of No. 153 Squadron. It flew its first raid on October 7 but, as was common practice, as soon as the new unit was fully established it was transferred to a station where more room was available. Thus by the middle of the month it had moved to Scampton. During operations from Kirmington, a total 178 bombers either failed to return or were destroyed in crashes, 51 being Wellingtons and 127 Lancasters. Kirmington continued as home for No. 166 Squadron until November 1945 when, along with several other bomber squadrons, it was disbanded. From February 1946 the station was put on care and maintenance until relinquished by the Air Ministry to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1953.

Buried at Prez-sur-Marne Churchyard, Prez-sur-Marne, Departement de la Haute-Marne, Champagne-Ardenne, France

Son of Cyril and Kathleen Mary Wood (née Crisp) of 5 Isabella Place, Combe Down

Group Captain Robert Gordon Yaxley DSO MC DFC

(abt July 1910 – 3 Jun 1943)

Royal Air Force No.2 Armoured Car Company, Ramleh, Palestine, 252 Squadron, 272 Squadron Service Number 33130 

Robert Gordon Yaxley joined the Royal Air Force straight from school, and won the Military Cross for operations while serving with No. 2 Armoured Car Company, RAF in Palestine in 1936. commanding 252 Squadron, and had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation appeared in the London Gazette of 17 October 1941, and read:

 "This officer commanded a detachment of fighter aircraft which recently carried out a series of sorties with the object of assisting in the safe passage of our convoys in the Mediterranean. Attacks were made on certain aerodromes and seaplane bases which resulted in a loss to the enemy of at least 49 aircraft and a further 42 damaged. The Successes achieved undoubtedly contributed largely to the fact that the convoys were able to proceed without loss; only 1 ship was damaged but it succeeded in reaching port. The courageous leadership and determination of this officer is worthy of the highest praise, and throughout he set an example which proved an inspiration to his fellow pilots.’ He was then posted to 272 Squadron, and on 12 December 1941 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order: ‘Since the operations in the Western Desert commenced this officer has led his squadron with conspicuous success. Enemy aerodromes, as far west of the battle area as Benghazi, have been attacked daily and other serious damage has been inflicted on the enemy. On the opening day of the operations a number of Junkers 52 aircraft, carrying troops, were encountered and 7 of them were shot down. In addition to a daily toll of enemy aircraft destroyed, heavy casualties have been inflicted on ground crews while lines of communication have been harassed and petrol tankers set on fire. Altogether, within a space of 6 days operations, no less than 46 of the enemy's aircraft were destroyed. Much of the brilliant successes achieved can be attributed to the courageous leadership and determination displayed by Wing Commander Yaxley. Throughout, he has set a magnificent example." 

He had been home on leave during the early summer of 1943, and on 3 June 1943 was returning to North Africa to join 117 Squadron when his Hudson, serial FK386, plane, carrying several passengers including Osgood Hanbury, was shot down by a German Junkers Ju 88 C flown by Lieutenant Hans Olbrecht.

Runnymede Memorial and Treffgarne War Memorial buried at Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, England

Son of Robert and Agnes Elizabeth Yaxley (Burge) of 3 Southstoke Road, Combe Down. Husband of Patricia O'Callaghan Yaxley (Baldwin). Father of Michael Charles Gordon and Lucy Yaxley.

Lance Corporal Joseph William Andrews

(9 July 1898 – 9 April 1917)

Killed in action

The 75th Battalion was authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 29 March 1916. It disembarked in France on 12 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war.

Buried at Vimy, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Joseph William Andrews of 142, Morse Street, Toronto, Canada and previously of 4 Mill Lane Cottage, Monkton Combe

Private Eric Jessie Barrow

(1898 – 18 August 1916)

Killed in action

6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's). Regimental Number 19922

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme.

Commemorated at The Thiepval Memorial, Authuille, France

Son of Frank and Ellen Maria Barrow (née Rose) of 4 Church Cottages, Monkton Combe

2^nd Lieutenant Montagu Barclay Granville Proctor-Beauchamp (Granville Beauchamp)

(4 August 1893 – 12 August 1915)

Missing presumed dead

103 Calgary Rifles. Service Number: 19838

The 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) was an infantry regiment of the Canadian non-permanent active militia, organized at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by general order on 1 April 1910. At the outbreak of World War I the regiment served as a recruiting depot to raise battalions for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).

Transferred to 1st/5th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment where his uncle Lt Col Sir Horace George Proctor-Beauchamp (1856 - 1915) served. He also died at Gallipoli on 12 August 1915.

Part of the Norfolk and Suffolk Brigade, part of the East Anglian Division. In May 1915 these became the 163rd (Norfolk and Suffolk) Brigade, 54th (East Anglian) Division. The two territorial battalions both served in the Gallipoli Campaign in mid-1915. The 1/5th included men recruited from the Royal estate at Sandringham. Landed at Suvla Bay on 10 August 1915. On 12 August 1915, the 1/5th Battalion suffered heavy losses at Gallipoli when it became isolated during an attack. A myth grew up long after the war that the men had advanced into a mist and simply disappeared.

Commemorated Helles memorial.

Eldest son of the Rev. Sir Montagu Harry Proctor-Beauchamp, 7th Bart and Lady Proctor-Beauchamp (née Barclay), of Ebley Court, Stroud, Gloucestershire, Vicar between 1914 and 1918 at Monkton Combe.

Private William Joseph Briscoe

(1896 – 1 July 1916)

Killed in action

1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Service number 10374.

1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry was part of 11th Brigade of 4th Infantry Division and on on Western Front from August 1914 for the duration of the war.

Son of Joseph Briscoe (1866 - 1903) and Alice Briscoe (née Gibbs) of 6 Alma Buildings, Gladstone Road, Combe Down

Corporal Arthur Brown

(Unknown – 1916)

Private William John Button

(1890 – 23 Oct 1917)

Died of wounds

1st 4th (City of Bristol) Battalion (T.F.) Gloucestershire Regiment. Regimental number 202114

1/4th (City of Bristol) Battalion. August 1914 in Clifton, Bristol. Part of Gloucester and Worcester Brigade in South Midland Division. Moved on mobilisation to Swindon but very quickly on to Maldon in Essex. 30 March 1915 : landed at Boulogne. 15 May 1915 : formation became the 144th Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division.

Buried at Noeux-les-Mines, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Frederick and Annie Button (née Janes) of 1 Harden Place, Rush Hill, Twerton. Husband of Catharine Sarah Harris.

See Combe Down memorial

Private Frederick Harold T Gerrish

(1896 – 20 August 1915)

Died of wounds

6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. Service number 10125

The 6th (Service) Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. They took part in The Action of Hooge, in which the Division became the first to be attacked by flamethrowers, and The Second Attack on Bellewaarde.

Son of Frederick and Elizabeth Ann Gerrish (née West) of 1 Tucking Mill Cottage, Monkton Combe. Husband of Besssie S Bailey.

Lance Corporal John Henry Harris

(1879 – 13 March 1917)

Died of wounds

7th Battalion Somerset Light infantry. Service number 17479

Formed September 1914. To Western Front as part of 20th (Light) Division July 1915.

Son of John and Florence Maria Harris (later Giggs, née Ellis). Husband of Elizabeth Ann Mundy of Combe Grove Cottage, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe. Father of Frank Henry Harris.

Private William Gordon Houghton

(30 Jan 1899 – 8 May 1918)

Killed in action

1st Battalion Royal Hampshire Regiment. Service number 28402

The 1st Battalion was a Regular Army unit stationed in Colchester on the outbreak of war in August 1914. The battalion was assigned to the 11th Brigade, 4th Division. With the division, the battalion joined the British Expeditionary Force and was sent overseas to France in August 1914, landing at Le Havre on 23 August. The 1st Battalion saw its first combat against the German Army at Le Cateau. The battalion served on the Western Front for the rest of the war, participating in many battles in 1914 alone such as the First Battle of the Marne, the First Battle of the Aisne, and the Battle of Messines. In 1914, on Christmas Day, men of the 1st Battalion participated in the legendary Christmas Truce of 1914 where British and German soldiers fraternised in no man's land. In 1915, the battalion took part in the Second Battle of Ypres, famous for its use of poison gas. In 1916 it fought at Albert and Le Transloy, which was part of the larger Somme offensive.

Son of Charles Edward and Amy Gertrude Houghton (née Marsden) who had lived at Viaduct Cottage, Monkton Combe

Corporal Albert W Morgan

See Combe Down memorial

Private Arthur George Rudland

(1890 – 9 April 1917)

Killed in action

2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment. Regimental Number 8198

At the outbreak of war, the 2nd Wilts was serving as part of the Gibraltar Garrison. Recalled home to Britain, the 2nd was attached to the 21st Brigade, part of the 7th Division. As part of the 21st the 2nd Wilts arrived in France in October 1914, in time to take part in the First Ypres, where it suffered heavy casualties in helping to stop the German advance. In December 1915, the 21st Brigade transferred to the 30th Division. In three years of action on the Western Front, the 2nd Wilts took part in most of the major engagements, including the battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Loos, Albert, Arras and Third Ypres.

Buried at Arras, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France

Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Rudland, of 3, Julian Cottage, Monkton Combe. Husband of Kathleen Golden.

Private Fred Rudland

(1892 – 12 March 1915)

Killed in action

2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment. Regimental Number 8610

At the outbreak of war, the 2nd Wilts was serving as part of the Gibraltar Garrison. Recalled home to Britain, the 2nd was attached to the 21st Brigade, part of the 7th Division. As part of the 21st the 2nd Wilts arrived in France in October 1914, in time to take part in the First Ypres, where it suffered heavy casualties in helping to stop the German advance.

Buried at Le Touret memorial.

Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Rudland, of 3, Julian Cottage, Monkton Combe.

Private Frederick Henry Ricks Smith

(1893 – 15 Sep 1916)

Killed in action

2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards Regimental Number 8791

Mobilised for war and landed at Havre as part of the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including The Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, First Battle of Ypres. Winter Operations 1914-15, The Battle of Festubert, The Battle of Loos. Transferred to the 1st (Guards) Brigade of the same Division. The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette.

Son of Henry John and Alice Maud Mary Smith of 2 Mount Pleasant Cottages, Monkton Combe.

Private Frank Tucker

(1888 – 23 May 1918)

6th Division Mechanical Transport Company Royal Army Service Corps. Service number M2/050684

Parents: Charles James and Augusta Ann Tucker (née Daniell) of Warminster, Wiltshire. Husband of Ada Selway of Slade Cottage, Monkton Combe

Private Edward John Verrier

(1886 – 9 March 1917)

Died of wounds

10th (Service) Battalion Devonshire Regiment. Service number 16153

Formed soon after the 8th and 9th Battalions in September 1914, the 10th were sent to France a year later but, instead of going into the trenches, were suddenly diverted via Marseilles to Salonika to counter any Bulgarian or Turkish aggression there and remained until the end of the war.

Son of Robert and Emily Verrier (née Brooks) of 1 Woodbine Cottages, Combe Down. Husband of Eva Searle. Father of Leslie Clifford and Jack Verrier.