Introduction
These two gentlemen are my 2nd great uncles on my father's side. They were both born in Aberdeen, Scotland to William Henry Benson and Isabella Speid. Their 3rd brother was William Benson, my great grandfather, who went to India as a tea planter, where he died.
James Speid Benson
26 May 1873 -27 Mar 1963
James was the eldest. He was a trained solicitor so did not see overseas action in World War I. He was a Private in the 1st Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders (previously City of Aberdeen Volunteer Regiment). The rest of the entry reads November 1914; commissioned, October 1916. Home service, Aberdeen, 1914-19.
In 1917 he married Blanche Jane Montgomery Falconer and the couple had 2 daughters. I will be saying more about James in other posts.
John Speid Benson
10 Jun 1877 - 23 Jun 1916
John was the youngest of the 3 brothers. The 1819 Scotland Census lists him as a scholar and by 1896 we find him listed on UK Incoming Passenger Lists, returning from New York to Southampton. He is travelling in steerage and is listed as a printer. In 1900 he makes a similar journey from New York to Southampton, also in steerage, but this time he appears to be a miner. Unfortunately the UK Outgoing Passenger Lists do not start until 1890.
On 24 August 1915 John enlisted in the UK Royal Air Force. He was posted to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in Central Africa where he held the rank of Sergeant, in the 26th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Unfortunately he contracted malaria and died on 23 June 1916 at the Blackwater Ridge.
More information about John can be found at: http://www.southafricawargraves.org/search/details.php?id=1613
Showing posts with label First World War. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First World War. Show all posts
Friday, 15 November 2019
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Served in the Military: Borrington
The Borringtons
This surname is a link through my Peake ancestors making them very distant relations, according to Ancestry, or not direct ancestors at all. They all seem to have come from Derbyshire, or at least that is where the family originate from.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
Alfred was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John Thomas Borrington and Sarah Dean. On 29 September 1900 he married Gladys Colebourne. The marriage details show Alfred as a timber merchant. The couple had 8 children: 3 girls and 5 boys.
Alfred held the rank of Sergeant in the 15th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment; Regimental Number 8068, 73298, He died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Passchendale, 3rd Battle of Ypres, and is remembered in Part II, Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
Alfred is the eldest son of Alfred Ernest Borrington (above) and Gertrude Colebourne. He was also born in Derbyshire.
The British Army WWI Pension Records show Alfred enlisting in the Tank Corps; Regimental Number 320589. The document is dated 1919, and therefore he would not have served for long. The records show that his occupation was a welder.
In October 1920 he married Florence Armson. I know from Ancestry that Alfred and Florence had several children as their records are showing as private. I have not yet traced him after 1920, but expect that he also served in the Second World War.
Albert Edward Borrington
Albert is the 4th son born to Alfred Ernest Borrington (b. 1887) and Gertrude Colebourne, in Derbyshire. One of his older brothers, Harold Arthur, had died in 1912 at the age of 8. His other older brother John Thomas Borrington had married Fanny Baker in 1924 and had several children; as yet no military records have been located, but he must have served.
On 02 June 1930, Albert married Doris Birley, with whom he had 3 children: 1 girl and 2 boys.
The 1939 England and Wales Register lists Albert's occupation as Constructional Engineer Erector Artificial For Heavy Worker. I know he served in the Second World War as there are a couple of photographs of him on Ancestry which say he was in the Royal Marines. I will need to pay to see more the details; I will come back to this in the future.
Frederick Albert Borrington
Frederick was born on Christmas Eve in Derbyshire to Albert Edward Borrington (above) and Doris Birley. He was their middle child, having an older sister (Doris Cissy Ellen) and a younger brother Roger Edward born and died in 1945.
A note next to the photograph above, from Ancestry, says that Frederick served in Borneo; I am not sure when as there have been several conflicts in the region which involved the British military.
In April 1956 Frederick married Mary Claire Moyniham in Windsor. I have yet to find the records of any children, as I guess, if there are any, they are still living.
Albert Victor Borrington
Feb 1895 - 05 Dec 1917
Albert was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John James Borrington and Catherine Annie Borrington, who were cousins. His father was the brother of Alfred Ernest Borrington (b. 1887). The 1911 England Census lists Albert as working in a cotton factory. He was unmarried.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 2/5th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment. He was accidentally killed in a stove accident, while stationed at Ribicourt, France; from what I have deciphered from his records I believe he may have been a cook at the time. Albert is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.
Joseph James Horatio Nelson Dawson Borrington
Abt. 1837 - December 1855
This rather grandly named ancester was born in Derby, about 1840 to James Borrington and Catherine Dawson. James Borrington was a plumber and glazier and son Joseph had another 8 siblings: 4 brothers and 4 sisters.I have yet to work out the link between Joseph's family and those above.
Joseph had gone to fight in the Crimean War, as a volunteer in the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot. I can only speculate as to why the eldest son would have chosen to go off to a distance land, rather than joining his father in the plumbing and glazing business. Perhaps he was keen to leave behind his conventional life and have an exciting adventure. I can only imagine that the Crimean War was "promoted" a little like the First World War would be, and that those going to fight, never really thought they would be at any real risk.
An account of the Regiment's time during the Crimea War can be read at: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/95th-derbyshire-regiment-foot
With more general information about the war available here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/crimean-war
Unfortunately Joseph must have discovered the realities of trench warfare, as he was killed at the Siege of Sebastopol, aged only 19.
William Harold Borrington
Dec 1874 - Jan 1932
Walter was born in Derby, Derbyshire to James John Borrington and Amelia Edwards. He was 1 of 12 children: 8 sons and 4 daughters. His eldest brother James John (b. 1866) was a photographer's assistant in 1911; Walter Edward (b. 1867) was a house painter in 1911, and went on to have 2 sons who also served (below); Thomas Horatio (b. 1869) is listed in the 1939 England and Wales Register as a harness maker. Frederick (b. 1871) was living in Gateshead in 1911 and working for the British Railway.
William was the next son, who had married Emma Maddocks in 1894. The 1911 England Census lists him as a funterer (dealer), living with Emma and their daughter. On 14 October 1914 William was enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps of the Territorial Army, as a Private, Regimental Number 2513. Unfortunately his service was short, as he was deemed unfit for duty and was discharged on 29 October 1914.
Arthur Septimus Borrington
21 Mar 1884 - Apr 1960
Between Arthur and William there was a brother John Alfred (b. 1876), who also worked as a funterer and is listed in 1925 as a fried fish dealer. I am currently getting no service records for him.
Arthur joined the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment; Regimental Number 305952. I have not yet found his service records.
In 1939 Arthur is working as a green grocer living with other members of the extended Borrington family.
Charles Percy Borrington
Apr 1887 - 21 Apr 1964
Charles is the youngest brother and child of James John and Amelia. He was also born in Derbyshire. The 1911 England Census shows him living at Crownhill Barracks in Devon. He is a Private in the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment; Regimental Number 11109.
On 24 April 1916 Chas Percy (as he liked to be known) married Margaret Bosworth in Derbyshire, possibly because they already had 1 daughter born in 1915. Another followed in 1917. I am not sure what his occupation was after he was discharged, and there is no clue from his probate records.
Walter Alfred Borrington
24 Aug 1899 - 23 May 1969
Walter was born in Derbyshire, England to Walter Edward Borrington and Elizabeth Tillson. Walter was the couple's eldest son, and he had 6 other siblings: 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Walter enlisted on 30 August 1914 and his records, when they can be deciphered, make for interesting reading. Walter was sent to France as a Private in the Suffolk Regiment; Service Number 19075. The records go on to include a letter from his father to someone he addresses as Your Lordship. He says he has already written to the senior officer in the Regiment, but has had no success. He explains that his son has been fighting for 6 months and that he felt that he had done is share, being only 16, and could they please send him home. Based on this it is clear that Walter had lied about his age when he enlisted saying that he was 19 years, 4 months. After being provided with a copy of Walter's birth certificate, by his father, he is discharged and returned to the UK.
The transcription of the records suggest that Walter joined the Highland Cyclist Battalion; Regimental Number 12725. I am not sure if this is true, on his return. If it was I briefly say that the Highland Cyclist Battalion was just that, an independent unit with operated on bicycles in the UK during World War I. To find out more about where the Highland came from see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_Cyclist_Battalion
In April 1920 Walter married Florence Anne McGough and the couple had 1 daughter and 2 sons. The 1939 England and Wales Register lists Walter as working as a General Highways Foreman. On his death no one is named in the probate records, but his wife was still living at the time.
Harold Borrington
24 Nov 1900 - Apr 1964
Harold was born in Derbyshire and is the brother of Walter Alfred (above). On 20 August 1918, straight from school, he joined the UK Royal Air Force; Service Number 286497.
In October 1924 he married Ada Gerrard in Derby and couple went on to have 2 girls. The 1939 England and Wales Register show Harold working as a carpenter in railway maintenance.
Thomas Borrington
29 Dec 1790 - 1843
Thomas was born in Ipswich, Suffolk to Joseph Borrington and Sarah Hyde. Records show him on 09 April 1814 as serving in the 23rd Dragoon Guards, a British Regiment serving in Canada. Doing a quick internet search it seems he would have arrived in Canada just in time for the Battle of Lundy's Lane on 25 July 1814. It was also known as the Battle of Niagara Falls, and was one of the bloodiest battles of the Anglo-American War of 1812.
I will need to do further research to find out when he died and if he got married.
More information about the battle can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lundy%27s_Lane
This surname is a link through my Peake ancestors making them very distant relations, according to Ancestry, or not direct ancestors at all. They all seem to have come from Derbyshire, or at least that is where the family originate from.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
Sep 1887 - 13 Nov 1917
Alfred was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John Thomas Borrington and Sarah Dean. On 29 September 1900 he married Gladys Colebourne. The marriage details show Alfred as a timber merchant. The couple had 8 children: 3 girls and 5 boys.
Alfred held the rank of Sergeant in the 15th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment; Regimental Number 8068, 73298, He died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Passchendale, 3rd Battle of Ypres, and is remembered in Part II, Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
27 Jul 1901 - 13 Aug 1963
Alfred is the eldest son of Alfred Ernest Borrington (above) and Gertrude Colebourne. He was also born in Derbyshire.
The British Army WWI Pension Records show Alfred enlisting in the Tank Corps; Regimental Number 320589. The document is dated 1919, and therefore he would not have served for long. The records show that his occupation was a welder.
In October 1920 he married Florence Armson. I know from Ancestry that Alfred and Florence had several children as their records are showing as private. I have not yet traced him after 1920, but expect that he also served in the Second World War.
Albert Edward Borrington
05 Aug 1907 - 14 Oct 1963
Albert is the 4th son born to Alfred Ernest Borrington (b. 1887) and Gertrude Colebourne, in Derbyshire. One of his older brothers, Harold Arthur, had died in 1912 at the age of 8. His other older brother John Thomas Borrington had married Fanny Baker in 1924 and had several children; as yet no military records have been located, but he must have served.
On 02 June 1930, Albert married Doris Birley, with whom he had 3 children: 1 girl and 2 boys.
The 1939 England and Wales Register lists Albert's occupation as Constructional Engineer Erector Artificial For Heavy Worker. I know he served in the Second World War as there are a couple of photographs of him on Ancestry which say he was in the Royal Marines. I will need to pay to see more the details; I will come back to this in the future.
Frederick Albert Borrington
24 Dec 1935 - 29 Nov 2007
Frederick was born on Christmas Eve in Derbyshire to Albert Edward Borrington (above) and Doris Birley. He was their middle child, having an older sister (Doris Cissy Ellen) and a younger brother Roger Edward born and died in 1945.
A note next to the photograph above, from Ancestry, says that Frederick served in Borneo; I am not sure when as there have been several conflicts in the region which involved the British military.
In April 1956 Frederick married Mary Claire Moyniham in Windsor. I have yet to find the records of any children, as I guess, if there are any, they are still living.
Albert Victor Borrington
Feb 1895 - 05 Dec 1917
Albert was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John James Borrington and Catherine Annie Borrington, who were cousins. His father was the brother of Alfred Ernest Borrington (b. 1887). The 1911 England Census lists Albert as working in a cotton factory. He was unmarried.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 2/5th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment. He was accidentally killed in a stove accident, while stationed at Ribicourt, France; from what I have deciphered from his records I believe he may have been a cook at the time. Albert is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.
Joseph James Horatio Nelson Dawson Borrington
Abt. 1837 - December 1855
This rather grandly named ancester was born in Derby, about 1840 to James Borrington and Catherine Dawson. James Borrington was a plumber and glazier and son Joseph had another 8 siblings: 4 brothers and 4 sisters.I have yet to work out the link between Joseph's family and those above.
Joseph had gone to fight in the Crimean War, as a volunteer in the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot. I can only speculate as to why the eldest son would have chosen to go off to a distance land, rather than joining his father in the plumbing and glazing business. Perhaps he was keen to leave behind his conventional life and have an exciting adventure. I can only imagine that the Crimean War was "promoted" a little like the First World War would be, and that those going to fight, never really thought they would be at any real risk.
An account of the Regiment's time during the Crimea War can be read at: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/95th-derbyshire-regiment-foot
With more general information about the war available here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/crimean-war
Unfortunately Joseph must have discovered the realities of trench warfare, as he was killed at the Siege of Sebastopol, aged only 19.
William Harold Borrington
Dec 1874 - Jan 1932
Walter was born in Derby, Derbyshire to James John Borrington and Amelia Edwards. He was 1 of 12 children: 8 sons and 4 daughters. His eldest brother James John (b. 1866) was a photographer's assistant in 1911; Walter Edward (b. 1867) was a house painter in 1911, and went on to have 2 sons who also served (below); Thomas Horatio (b. 1869) is listed in the 1939 England and Wales Register as a harness maker. Frederick (b. 1871) was living in Gateshead in 1911 and working for the British Railway.
William was the next son, who had married Emma Maddocks in 1894. The 1911 England Census lists him as a funterer (dealer), living with Emma and their daughter. On 14 October 1914 William was enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps of the Territorial Army, as a Private, Regimental Number 2513. Unfortunately his service was short, as he was deemed unfit for duty and was discharged on 29 October 1914.
Arthur Septimus Borrington
21 Mar 1884 - Apr 1960
Between Arthur and William there was a brother John Alfred (b. 1876), who also worked as a funterer and is listed in 1925 as a fried fish dealer. I am currently getting no service records for him.
Arthur joined the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment; Regimental Number 305952. I have not yet found his service records.
In 1939 Arthur is working as a green grocer living with other members of the extended Borrington family.
Charles Percy Borrington
Apr 1887 - 21 Apr 1964
Charles is the youngest brother and child of James John and Amelia. He was also born in Derbyshire. The 1911 England Census shows him living at Crownhill Barracks in Devon. He is a Private in the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment; Regimental Number 11109.
On 24 April 1916 Chas Percy (as he liked to be known) married Margaret Bosworth in Derbyshire, possibly because they already had 1 daughter born in 1915. Another followed in 1917. I am not sure what his occupation was after he was discharged, and there is no clue from his probate records.
Walter Alfred Borrington
24 Aug 1899 - 23 May 1969
Walter was born in Derbyshire, England to Walter Edward Borrington and Elizabeth Tillson. Walter was the couple's eldest son, and he had 6 other siblings: 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Walter enlisted on 30 August 1914 and his records, when they can be deciphered, make for interesting reading. Walter was sent to France as a Private in the Suffolk Regiment; Service Number 19075. The records go on to include a letter from his father to someone he addresses as Your Lordship. He says he has already written to the senior officer in the Regiment, but has had no success. He explains that his son has been fighting for 6 months and that he felt that he had done is share, being only 16, and could they please send him home. Based on this it is clear that Walter had lied about his age when he enlisted saying that he was 19 years, 4 months. After being provided with a copy of Walter's birth certificate, by his father, he is discharged and returned to the UK.
The transcription of the records suggest that Walter joined the Highland Cyclist Battalion; Regimental Number 12725. I am not sure if this is true, on his return. If it was I briefly say that the Highland Cyclist Battalion was just that, an independent unit with operated on bicycles in the UK during World War I. To find out more about where the Highland came from see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_Cyclist_Battalion
In April 1920 Walter married Florence Anne McGough and the couple had 1 daughter and 2 sons. The 1939 England and Wales Register lists Walter as working as a General Highways Foreman. On his death no one is named in the probate records, but his wife was still living at the time.
Harold Borrington
24 Nov 1900 - Apr 1964
Harold was born in Derbyshire and is the brother of Walter Alfred (above). On 20 August 1918, straight from school, he joined the UK Royal Air Force; Service Number 286497.
In October 1924 he married Ada Gerrard in Derby and couple went on to have 2 girls. The 1939 England and Wales Register show Harold working as a carpenter in railway maintenance.
Thomas Borrington
29 Dec 1790 - 1843
Thomas was born in Ipswich, Suffolk to Joseph Borrington and Sarah Hyde. Records show him on 09 April 1814 as serving in the 23rd Dragoon Guards, a British Regiment serving in Canada. Doing a quick internet search it seems he would have arrived in Canada just in time for the Battle of Lundy's Lane on 25 July 1814. It was also known as the Battle of Niagara Falls, and was one of the bloodiest battles of the Anglo-American War of 1812.
I will need to do further research to find out when he died and if he got married.
More information about the battle can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lundy%27s_Lane
Friday, 4 October 2019
In Remembrance of Those Who Died in World War 1
Picture of the Cenotaph on Whitehall, Remembrance, Sunday November 2018.
Walter Belk
Jan 1885 - 13 Apr 1914
Walter is a very distant ancestor, through the Stapleton line. He was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire to John Henry Belk and Mary Ann Palmer. The 1911 England Census lists him as a wine worker labourer. He was single in 1911 and remained unmarried.
Walter held the rank of Pioneer in the 9th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He was killed in action in Belgium and remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Jan 1885 - 13 Apr 1914
Walter is a very distant ancestor, through the Stapleton line. He was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire to John Henry Belk and Mary Ann Palmer. The 1911 England Census lists him as a wine worker labourer. He was single in 1911 and remained unmarried.
Walter held the rank of Pioneer in the 9th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He was killed in action in Belgium and remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Ian Hamilton Blake
Oct 1899 - 26 Nov 1917
Ian is 3rd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Wandsworth, London to John Andrew Blake and Ethel Georgina Milroy Hervey. I have been unable to locate him the 1911 England Census and nor have I found a record of any marriage or children. I believe he may already have been in France in 1911.
Ian appears to have been in training as a Flight Officer in the Royal Navy Support at Vendome, France. He is listed as dying due to injuries sustained in an aeroplane accident and is buried in Vendome Town Cemetery.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
Sep 1887 - 13 Nov 1917
Alfred is another distant ancestor, through the Peake line. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John Thomas Borrington and Sarah Dean. On 29 September 1900 he married Gladys Colebourne. The marriage details show Alfred as a timber merchant. The couple had 8 children: 3 girls and 5 boys.
Alfred held the rank of Sergeant in the 15th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment. He died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Passchendale, 3rd Battle of Ypres, and is remembered in Part II, Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Oct 1899 - 26 Nov 1917
Ian is 3rd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Wandsworth, London to John Andrew Blake and Ethel Georgina Milroy Hervey. I have been unable to locate him the 1911 England Census and nor have I found a record of any marriage or children. I believe he may already have been in France in 1911.
Ian appears to have been in training as a Flight Officer in the Royal Navy Support at Vendome, France. He is listed as dying due to injuries sustained in an aeroplane accident and is buried in Vendome Town Cemetery.
Alfred Ernest Borrington
Sep 1887 - 13 Nov 1917
Alfred is another distant ancestor, through the Peake line. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John Thomas Borrington and Sarah Dean. On 29 September 1900 he married Gladys Colebourne. The marriage details show Alfred as a timber merchant. The couple had 8 children: 3 girls and 5 boys.
Alfred held the rank of Sergeant in the 15th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment. He died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Passchendale, 3rd Battle of Ypres, and is remembered in Part II, Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Albert Victor Borrington
Feb 1895 - 05 Dec 1917
Albert is a very distant ancestor also through the Peake line. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John James Borrington and Catherine Annie Borrington, who were cousins. The 1911 England Census lists him as working in a cotton factory. He was unmarried.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 2/5th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment. He was accidentally killed in a stove accident, while stationed at Ribicourt, France and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.
Feb 1895 - 05 Dec 1917
Albert is a very distant ancestor also through the Peake line. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to John James Borrington and Catherine Annie Borrington, who were cousins. The 1911 England Census lists him as working in a cotton factory. He was unmarried.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 2/5th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment. He was accidentally killed in a stove accident, while stationed at Ribicourt, France and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.
Albert Brindley
Apr 1898 - 04 Nov 1918
Albert is distantly related to me on my mother's side; I am yet to find the exact line. He was born in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire to Arthur Brindley and Esther Smedley. His attestation papers of 1916 list him as a bread baker. He was unmarried.
Albert held the rank of Lance Corporal of the 8th Battalion, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at the Ors British Cemetery, Calais.
William Brown
Jan 1897 - 26 Feb 1917
William is the brother in law of my 2nd great uncle. He was born in Tunstall, Staffordshire to John Brown and Elizabeth Ann Fielding. The 1911 England Census lists him as a potter's handle maker. He was single and remained unmarried.
William held the rank of Lance Sergeant in the 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. He died of wounds sustained fighting in Amara, Ethiopia, and is remembered in the Amara War Cemetery.
Jan 1897 - 26 Feb 1917
William is the brother in law of my 2nd great uncle. He was born in Tunstall, Staffordshire to John Brown and Elizabeth Ann Fielding. The 1911 England Census lists him as a potter's handle maker. He was single and remained unmarried.
William held the rank of Lance Sergeant in the 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. He died of wounds sustained fighting in Amara, Ethiopia, and is remembered in the Amara War Cemetery.
Archie Edgar Benjamin Coles
20 Jan 1892 - 28 Mar 1916
Archie is the brother in law of my 1st cousin 3x removed. He was born in Simpson, Buckinghamshire to Benjamin Coles and Ruth Varney. The 1911 England Census lists him as an unmarried farm labourer. He remained single.
Archie held the rank of Private in the 1st Battalion, 48 Division of the Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action near Hebuterne (not far from Verdun) when a German shell exploded in his trench. He is remembered at Hebuterne Cemetery.
20 Jan 1892 - 28 Mar 1916
Archie is the brother in law of my 1st cousin 3x removed. He was born in Simpson, Buckinghamshire to Benjamin Coles and Ruth Varney. The 1911 England Census lists him as an unmarried farm labourer. He remained single.
Archie held the rank of Private in the 1st Battalion, 48 Division of the Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action near Hebuterne (not far from Verdun) when a German shell exploded in his trench. He is remembered at Hebuterne Cemetery.
Maurice Frederick Stanford Gater
Apr 1890 - 03 May 1917
Maurice is my 1st cousin 4x removed. He was born in Manchester, Lancashire to Edwin Gater and Adelina Theresa Stanford, and was actually studying to be a priest when war broke out.
Maurice held the rank of Private in the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers of the London Regiment. He was killed in action at the 3rd Battle of the River Scarpe (near Arras) and is remembered on The Arras Memorial in Faubourg-D'Amiens Cemetery.
Sidney Bill Jackson
Jan 1888 - 22 Sep 1917
Sidney is a distant ancestor through the Stapleton and Belk line. He was born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire to Chamberlain Jackson and Frances Mary Shepherd. The 1911 England Census lists him as a plasterer. On 19 August 1912 he married Emma Stocks and the couple had 2 girls.
Sidney held the rank of Private in the 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Cement House Cemetery, Belgium
Apr 1890 - 03 May 1917
Maurice is my 1st cousin 4x removed. He was born in Manchester, Lancashire to Edwin Gater and Adelina Theresa Stanford, and was actually studying to be a priest when war broke out.
Maurice held the rank of Private in the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers of the London Regiment. He was killed in action at the 3rd Battle of the River Scarpe (near Arras) and is remembered on The Arras Memorial in Faubourg-D'Amiens Cemetery.
Sidney Bill Jackson
Jan 1888 - 22 Sep 1917
Sidney is a distant ancestor through the Stapleton and Belk line. He was born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire to Chamberlain Jackson and Frances Mary Shepherd. The 1911 England Census lists him as a plasterer. On 19 August 1912 he married Emma Stocks and the couple had 2 girls.
Sidney held the rank of Private in the 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Cement House Cemetery, Belgium
Philip John Keeble
05 Mar 1896 - 05 May 1917
Philip is the brother in law of my 2nd great uncle. He was born in Bethnal Green, London to John Joseph Keeble and Eliza Colnutt. The 1911 England Census lists him as an unmarried fitting cutter, boot manufacturer. He remained single.
Philip held the rank of Corporal in the 8th (Pioneer) Battalion, Royal Sussex, British Expeditionary Force. He was killed in action at St Leger, on the Western Front and is remembered in the Cemetery of St Martin sur Coujeul.
Sidney Arthur Lake
20 Aug 1891 - 28 Nov 1911
Sidney is another distant Stapleton ancestor. He was born in Pirton, Hertfordshire to Arthur Lake and Edith Juliana Bunker. The 1911 England Census lists him as a cow man on a farm. On 06 June 1915 he married Dorothy Kate Disbrey, but the couple had no children.
Sidney held the rank of Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Le Cateau Communal Cemetery in Calais.
20 Aug 1891 - 28 Nov 1911
Sidney is another distant Stapleton ancestor. He was born in Pirton, Hertfordshire to Arthur Lake and Edith Juliana Bunker. The 1911 England Census lists him as a cow man on a farm. On 06 June 1915 he married Dorothy Kate Disbrey, but the couple had no children.
Sidney held the rank of Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Le Cateau Communal Cemetery in Calais.
John Lees
1852 - 08 Mar 1917
John is the father in law of my 3rd great aunt. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to John Lees and Rebecca Wood. On 23 December 1871 he married Matilda Cartlidge and he is listed as being a potter. The couple had 7 children: 4 girls and 3 boys.
1852 - 08 Mar 1917
John is the father in law of my 3rd great aunt. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to John Lees and Rebecca Wood. On 23 December 1871 he married Matilda Cartlidge and he is listed as being a potter. The couple had 7 children: 4 girls and 3 boys.
John held the rank of Private in the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed in action at Courcelette, France, and is remembered at the Pozieres British Cemetery in Picardie.
Gerald Legge
30 Mar 1882 - 09 Aug 1915
Gerald is a distant relative through the Harington, Carington and Stapleton lines. He was born in Marylebone, England to William Heneage Legge, Viscount Lewisham (6th Earl of Dartmouth) and Mary Coke. He had 1 brother. The 1911 England Census lists his occupation as a planter, though I am not sure of what. He had previously spent some time in the USA.
He achieved the rank of Captain in the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment and was killed in action in the Dardanelles, as part of the action at Gallipoli. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial at Canakkale in Turkey. His will leaves his effects to his sister Joan Margaret Legge.
Nigel Walter Henry Legge-Bourke
13 Nov 1889 - 30 Oct 1914
Nigel is another distant relative of mine and cousin Gerald. He was born in Middlesex, England to Henry Charles Legge and Amy Gwendoline Lambart. He had 1 sister.
Nigel had followed the military tradition in the family and been educated at Eton and Sandhurst. He had initially served as Page of Honour to King Edward VIII (1902-6).
On 06 February 1909 he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant of the Coldstream Guards and promoted to Lieutenant on 06 June 1910. On 26 April 1911 he changed his name by Royal Licence to Legge-Bourke, in accordance with the Will of the Honourable Henry Lorton Bourke.
On 03 June 1913 Nigel married Lady Victoria Alexandrina Wynn-Carington at the Guards' Chapel at Wellington Barracks; they had 1 son Edward Alexander Henry (born 16 May 1914). In November 1913 he became a Freemason (more on that later). It is worth noting that his spouse had been sponsored by Queen Victoria and the couple's wedding was witnessed by Queen Alexandra, widow of Edward VII and the Prime Minister Asquith.
He went to France and Flanders as part of the British Expeditionary Force on 12 August 1914 and was killed shortly after on 30 October 1914, while commanding a platoon of No 1 Company, holding advanced trenches in Rentel Wood.
Enoch Machin
Apr 1891 - 07 Aug 1915
Enoch is the uncle of wife of brother in law of niece of husband of great grandmother. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to Joseph Machin and Agnes Smith. The 1911 England Census lists him as a sagger maker (in the pottery industry); on 01 October that year he married Eliza Harrison. The couple had no children.
Enoch held the rank of Private in the 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. He was killed in action at the Battle of Gallipoli and is remembered at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Anzac in Turkey.
Apr 1891 - 07 Aug 1915
Enoch is the uncle of wife of brother in law of niece of husband of great grandmother. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to Joseph Machin and Agnes Smith. The 1911 England Census lists him as a sagger maker (in the pottery industry); on 01 October that year he married Eliza Harrison. The couple had no children.
Enoch held the rank of Private in the 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. He was killed in action at the Battle of Gallipoli and is remembered at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Anzac in Turkey.
Joseph Charles Mignot
Jan 1886 - 29 Dec 1915
John is my 1st cousin 3x removed. He was born in Bethnal Green, London to Joseph James Mignot and Elizabeth Hannah Buck. He married Rosina Hickling on 03 August 1902 and his occupation was a cork packer and porter. The couple had 5 children, 4 of whom were still living at the time of their father's death: 2 girls and 2 boys.
John held the rank of Rifleman in the 7th Battalion, 14th Division, C Company of the Rife Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own). He was killed in action at Vlamertinge in Belgium and is remembered at the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Ypres.
John Morris
1856? - 07 May 1915
John is, to the best of my knowledge, the uncle of my 2nd great aunt, but it has been difficult to confirm this. I know he was born in Limehouse or nearby, London to Daniel John Morris and Maria Court. His mother died in about 1900, which may explain some of the confusion in the records. I have been unable to confirm his location in the 1911 England Census.
What I do know is that John served as a Fireman in the Mercantile Navy and was drowned as the result of a submarine attack on SS Lusitania. He is remembered on the Mercantile Memorial at Tower Hill, London
Jan 1886 - 29 Dec 1915
John is my 1st cousin 3x removed. He was born in Bethnal Green, London to Joseph James Mignot and Elizabeth Hannah Buck. He married Rosina Hickling on 03 August 1902 and his occupation was a cork packer and porter. The couple had 5 children, 4 of whom were still living at the time of their father's death: 2 girls and 2 boys.
John held the rank of Rifleman in the 7th Battalion, 14th Division, C Company of the Rife Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own). He was killed in action at Vlamertinge in Belgium and is remembered at the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery in Ypres.
John Morris
1856? - 07 May 1915
John is, to the best of my knowledge, the uncle of my 2nd great aunt, but it has been difficult to confirm this. I know he was born in Limehouse or nearby, London to Daniel John Morris and Maria Court. His mother died in about 1900, which may explain some of the confusion in the records. I have been unable to confirm his location in the 1911 England Census.
What I do know is that John served as a Fireman in the Mercantile Navy and was drowned as the result of a submarine attack on SS Lusitania. He is remembered on the Mercantile Memorial at Tower Hill, London
Robert Benjamin Parker
08 Sep 1882 - 10 Aug 1916
Robert is a distant ancestor through the Seilor line. He was born in Hackney, London to Robert Benjamin Parker and Ada Wagner. On Christmas Day 1906 he married Dorothy Beatrice Samson and the couple had 2 children: 1 girl and 1 boy. The 1911 England Census lists his occupation as a packer at a vinegar works, in the brewing industry.
Robert held the rank of Private in 11th Battalion of the 20th (Pioneers) Division, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action, in the trenches at Colincamp, Hebuterne, in the Battle of Delville Wood, which was part of the Battle of the Somme. Robert is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
08 Sep 1882 - 10 Aug 1916
Robert is a distant ancestor through the Seilor line. He was born in Hackney, London to Robert Benjamin Parker and Ada Wagner. On Christmas Day 1906 he married Dorothy Beatrice Samson and the couple had 2 children: 1 girl and 1 boy. The 1911 England Census lists his occupation as a packer at a vinegar works, in the brewing industry.
Robert held the rank of Private in 11th Battalion of the 20th (Pioneers) Division, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action, in the trenches at Colincamp, Hebuterne, in the Battle of Delville Wood, which was part of the Battle of the Somme. Robert is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
Frederick James Peake
01 Oct 1897 - 20 Oct 1915
Frederick is the 1st cousin of the wife of my 1st cousin 4x removed. He was born in Longton, Staffordshire to Thomas Peake and Lavinia Simcoe. The 1911 England Census lists him as a warehouse boy in the earthenware industry. He did not marry.
Frederick held the rank of Private in the 9th Battalion, London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. He died of his wounds on the Western Front and is remembered at the Lapugnoy Military Cemetery in Calais.
01 Oct 1897 - 20 Oct 1915
Frederick is the 1st cousin of the wife of my 1st cousin 4x removed. He was born in Longton, Staffordshire to Thomas Peake and Lavinia Simcoe. The 1911 England Census lists him as a warehouse boy in the earthenware industry. He did not marry.
Frederick held the rank of Private in the 9th Battalion, London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. He died of his wounds on the Western Front and is remembered at the Lapugnoy Military Cemetery in Calais.
Rupert Hancock Bertie Peake
1883 - 04 Jun 1915
Rupert is a distant Peake ancestor. He was born in St Martin's on Guernsey in the Channel Islands, to Thomas Peake and Harriet Smith. The 1911 England Census lists him in at a military base in Aldershot. He is listed as a single musician. Before going to fight Rupert married someone called Sarah, but it has not been possible to find out more about her.
Rupert held the rank of Sergeant in the Hampshire Regiment. He was killed in action 2 days after arriving at Gallipoli and is remembered on the Helles Memorial at Canakkale in Turkey.
1883 - 04 Jun 1915
Rupert is a distant Peake ancestor. He was born in St Martin's on Guernsey in the Channel Islands, to Thomas Peake and Harriet Smith. The 1911 England Census lists him in at a military base in Aldershot. He is listed as a single musician. Before going to fight Rupert married someone called Sarah, but it has not been possible to find out more about her.
Rupert held the rank of Sergeant in the Hampshire Regiment. He was killed in action 2 days after arriving at Gallipoli and is remembered on the Helles Memorial at Canakkale in Turkey.
William Thomas Peake
1880 - 14 Nov 1916
William is another Peake ancestor. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to William Thomas Peake and Elizabeth Bell. On 03 September 1904 he married Kate Elizabeth Ferrett and the couple had 3 children: 2 girls and 1 boy. The 1911 England Census lists him as an iron worker in a loco works, in the railway industry.
William held the rank of Corporal in the Northumberland Fusiliers (I am not clear on the precise details). He was reported missing at the Battle of the Somme; his body was never found. William is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
1880 - 14 Nov 1916
William is another Peake ancestor. He was born in Derby, Derbyshire to William Thomas Peake and Elizabeth Bell. On 03 September 1904 he married Kate Elizabeth Ferrett and the couple had 3 children: 2 girls and 1 boy. The 1911 England Census lists him as an iron worker in a loco works, in the railway industry.
William held the rank of Corporal in the Northumberland Fusiliers (I am not clear on the precise details). He was reported missing at the Battle of the Somme; his body was never found. William is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
Arthur Plant
1880 - 14 Apr 1918
Arthur is a distant Plant ancestor. He was born in Ecclesall, Yorkshire to William Plant and Mary Calton. In April 1905 he married Maud Elizabeth Hale and the couple had 1 daughter. The 1911 England Census lists him as a jeweller's porter.
Arthur held the rank of Private in the Yorkshire and Lancashire Battalion (I think). He was killed in action on the Western Front and remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
1880 - 14 Apr 1918
Arthur is a distant Plant ancestor. He was born in Ecclesall, Yorkshire to William Plant and Mary Calton. In April 1905 he married Maud Elizabeth Hale and the couple had 1 daughter. The 1911 England Census lists him as a jeweller's porter.
Arthur held the rank of Private in the Yorkshire and Lancashire Battalion (I think). He was killed in action on the Western Front and remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Charles William Plant
1886 - 18 Dec 1916
Charles is another distant ancestor via the Plant line and a cousin of Arthur (b.1880). He was born in Ecclesall, Yorkshire to Charles Thomas Plant and Clara Undy. The 1911 England Census has him working as a woollen merchant's assistant. In July 1912 he married Sarah Ethel Fountain and the couple had 1 son.
Charles held the rank of Gunner in the 49th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He contracted bronchitis on the Western Front and is remembered at La Neuville Communal Cemetery at Corbie.
1886 - 18 Dec 1916
Charles is another distant ancestor via the Plant line and a cousin of Arthur (b.1880). He was born in Ecclesall, Yorkshire to Charles Thomas Plant and Clara Undy. The 1911 England Census has him working as a woollen merchant's assistant. In July 1912 he married Sarah Ethel Fountain and the couple had 1 son.
Charles held the rank of Gunner in the 49th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He contracted bronchitis on the Western Front and is remembered at La Neuville Communal Cemetery at Corbie.
Ralph Plant
Jan 1885 - 18 Apr 1915
Ralph is a more direct ancestor, being my 2nd cousin 4x removed. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to Jethro Robinson Plant and Emma East. On 08 July 1905 he married Lily Brooks. The couple had 4 children: 2 sons and 2 daughters. The 1911 England Census shows him working as a railway plate layer.
Ralph held the rank of Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, King's Own York Light Infantry. At the time that he was killed in action he was Acting Sergeant for the Battalion; his wife had pre-deceased him 1912. I have not yet found where he is remembered.
Jan 1885 - 18 Apr 1915
Ralph is a more direct ancestor, being my 2nd cousin 4x removed. He was born in Burslem, Staffordshire to Jethro Robinson Plant and Emma East. On 08 July 1905 he married Lily Brooks. The couple had 4 children: 2 sons and 2 daughters. The 1911 England Census shows him working as a railway plate layer.
Ralph held the rank of Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, King's Own York Light Infantry. At the time that he was killed in action he was Acting Sergeant for the Battalion; his wife had pre-deceased him 1912. I have not yet found where he is remembered.
Simon Jethro Plant
Jul 1893 - 26 Sep 1915
Simon is another 2nd cousin 4x removed and brother of Ralph (b. 1885). He was born in Wolstanton, Staffordshire to Jethro Robinson Plant and Emma East. I have been unable to find details of a spouse, but the 1911 England Census lists him as a miner trammer.
Simon held the rank of Private in the 6th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action at Gallipoli; I have been unable to confirm a memorial to him.
Jul 1893 - 26 Sep 1915
Simon is another 2nd cousin 4x removed and brother of Ralph (b. 1885). He was born in Wolstanton, Staffordshire to Jethro Robinson Plant and Emma East. I have been unable to find details of a spouse, but the 1911 England Census lists him as a miner trammer.
Simon held the rank of Private in the 6th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action at Gallipoli; I have been unable to confirm a memorial to him.
Albert Lindsay Taylor
Sep 1894 - 30 May 1915
Albert is an ancestor via my Ramage line, being my 2nd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Sunderland, Durham to James Taylor and Lindsay Ramage. He never married and the 1911 England Census lists him as an electrical engineer.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 1st/7th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He died of wounds sustained on the Western Front and is remembered at the Harlebeke New British Cemetery in Flanders.
Sep 1894 - 30 May 1915
Albert is an ancestor via my Ramage line, being my 2nd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Sunderland, Durham to James Taylor and Lindsay Ramage. He never married and the 1911 England Census lists him as an electrical engineer.
Albert held the rank of Private in the 1st/7th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He died of wounds sustained on the Western Front and is remembered at the Harlebeke New British Cemetery in Flanders.
Bertram Henry Vincent
Apr 1882 - 26 Aug 1914
Bertram is the of 1st cousin 4x removed of husband of 2nd cousin 7x removed through the Rossiter line. He was born in Barton St David, Somerset to George Vincent and Sarah Barber. On 10 January 1909 he married Annie Emily Rossiter. The couple had 2 children: 1 boy and 1 girl and settled in Glamorgan, Wales. The 1911 Wales Census lists him as a fitter's labourer in the railway industry.
Bertram held the rank of Private in the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Fontaine-au-Pire, in Calais.
Apr 1882 - 26 Aug 1914
Bertram is the of 1st cousin 4x removed of husband of 2nd cousin 7x removed through the Rossiter line. He was born in Barton St David, Somerset to George Vincent and Sarah Barber. On 10 January 1909 he married Annie Emily Rossiter. The couple had 2 children: 1 boy and 1 girl and settled in Glamorgan, Wales. The 1911 Wales Census lists him as a fitter's labourer in the railway industry.
Bertram held the rank of Private in the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Fontaine-au-Pire, in Calais.
Alwyne Walter Wagner
1893 - 13 Aug 1918
Alwyne is the paternal 1st cousin of the husband of my 2nd great aunt; a distant ancestor through the Seilor line. He was born in Hackney, London to William Wagner and Elizabeth Ann Wilkes. The 1911 England Census lists him as a dyer and a labourer. On 17 July 1915 he married Emily Dickinson. The couple had no children.
Alwyne held the rank of Private in the 9th Battalion, London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at The Morlancourt Group of of Cemeteries.
1893 - 13 Aug 1918
Alwyne is the paternal 1st cousin of the husband of my 2nd great aunt; a distant ancestor through the Seilor line. He was born in Hackney, London to William Wagner and Elizabeth Ann Wilkes. The 1911 England Census lists him as a dyer and a labourer. On 17 July 1915 he married Emily Dickinson. The couple had no children.
Alwyne held the rank of Private in the 9th Battalion, London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at The Morlancourt Group of of Cemeteries.
Albert William Wanger
30 Jan 1896 - 31 May 1916
Albert is my 2nd great uncle. He was born in Bow, London to Charles Henry Wanger and Louisa Stapleton. The 1911 England Census lists him as a wood carrier. He never married.
Albert held the rank of Able Seaman in the Royal Navy. He is listed as being killed as as direct result of enemy action when the ship he was, HMS Indefatigable, was sunk at the Battle of Jutland. His body was lost at sea and he is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
30 Jan 1896 - 31 May 1916
Albert is my 2nd great uncle. He was born in Bow, London to Charles Henry Wanger and Louisa Stapleton. The 1911 England Census lists him as a wood carrier. He never married.
Albert held the rank of Able Seaman in the Royal Navy. He is listed as being killed as as direct result of enemy action when the ship he was, HMS Indefatigable, was sunk at the Battle of Jutland. His body was lost at sea and he is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Charles Wanger
Charles is another 2nd great uncle, and brother of Albert (b. 1896). He was born in Bow, London to Charles Henry Wanger and Louisa Stapleton. The 1911 England Census lists him as working as a waiter in a restaurant. He married sometime before 1914 to Sarah Annie Keeble and the couple had 1 son, who sadly died in 1916.
Charles also entered the Royal Navy, where he held the rank of Stoker 1st Class. He is listed as being killed as a direct result of enemy action when HMS Gaillardia was sunk. His body was never found and he is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Interestingly the Wanger brothers' sister had married a professional footballer, who I have written about elsewhere.
07 Apr 1892 - 22 Mar 1918
Charles also entered the Royal Navy, where he held the rank of Stoker 1st Class. He is listed as being killed as a direct result of enemy action when HMS Gaillardia was sunk. His body was never found and he is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Interestingly the Wanger brothers' sister had married a professional footballer, who I have written about elsewhere.
George Thomas Wanger
16 Apr 1891 - 16 Aug 1917
George is my 2nd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Chingford, Essex to Harry Wanger and Fanny Spencer. The 1911 England Census lists him as a lithographic printer. He was unmarried.
George held the rank of Private in the 1st Division, Gloucestershire Regiment. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
16 Apr 1891 - 16 Aug 1917
George is my 2nd cousin 3x removed. He was born in Chingford, Essex to Harry Wanger and Fanny Spencer. The 1911 England Census lists him as a lithographic printer. He was unmarried.
George held the rank of Private in the 1st Division, Gloucestershire Regiment. He was killed in action on the Western Front and is remembered at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
James Frederick Wastell
Jan 1890 - 18 Aug 1916
James is my 2nd cousin 2x removed through the Mignot line. He was born in Bethnal Green, London to James Wastell and Annie Lock. The 1911 England Census shows him living with a relative of his mother's and that he works as a newsagent's assistant. He never married.
James held the rank of Rifleman in the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own). He was killed at the Battle of the Somme and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
Jan 1890 - 18 Aug 1916
James is my 2nd cousin 2x removed through the Mignot line. He was born in Bethnal Green, London to James Wastell and Annie Lock. The 1911 England Census shows him living with a relative of his mother's and that he works as a newsagent's assistant. He never married.
James held the rank of Rifleman in the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own). He was killed at the Battle of the Somme and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.
Gilfred Wootton
Apr 1889 - 10 Dec 1918
Gilfred is the stepson of the wife of my 4th great uncle through the Gater line. He was born in Goldenhill, Staffordshire to James Wootton and Edith Alcock. He married Amelia Williams in July 1913 and was working as a potter's oven man. The couple had no children.
Gilfred was a driver in the 14th Brigade Royal Ammunition Column, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. He died of pneumonia on the Western Front and is remembered at Etaples Military Cemetery in Calais.
Richard Gerard Wellesley Williams-Bulkeley
21 Jul 1887 - 28 Mar 1918
Richard is another distant relative to me, and the Legges and Caringtons mentioned above. He was born in Mayfair, England to Richard Henry Williams-Bulkeley and Magdalene Bulkeley. He had 2 sisters.
Apr 1889 - 10 Dec 1918
Gilfred is the stepson of the wife of my 4th great uncle through the Gater line. He was born in Goldenhill, Staffordshire to James Wootton and Edith Alcock. He married Amelia Williams in July 1913 and was working as a potter's oven man. The couple had no children.
Gilfred was a driver in the 14th Brigade Royal Ammunition Column, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. He died of pneumonia on the Western Front and is remembered at Etaples Military Cemetery in Calais.
Richard Gerard Wellesley Williams-Bulkeley
21 Jul 1887 - 28 Mar 1918
Richard is another distant relative to me, and the Legges and Caringtons mentioned above. He was born in Mayfair, England to Richard Henry Williams-Bulkeley and Magdalene Bulkeley. He had 2 sisters.
Albert Edward Charles Robert Wynn-Carington (Viscount Wendover)
Albert is a distant relative through the Harington, Disney and Stapleton lines. He was born in Middlesex, England to Charles Robert (Wynn)-Carington and Cecilia Margaret Harbord. He had 5 sisters.
I have yet to find much information on him, but from Du Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919, I know he was educated at Eton and Sandhurst and was made 2nd Lieutenant in Royal Horse Guards on 15 August 1914. On 08 March 1915 he went to France and was put in charge of the 8th Cavalry Brigade (The Blues, 10 Hussars and the Essex Yeomanry). He was injured at Hooge, on 13 May 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres. He was taken to hospital in Boulogne and died as a result of complications following the amputation of his arm. His body appears to have been returned to England and is buried in Moulsoe Churchyard in Buckinghamshire.
He never married.
24 Apr 1895 - 19 May 1915
Albert is a distant relative through the Harington, Disney and Stapleton lines. He was born in Middlesex, England to Charles Robert (Wynn)-Carington and Cecilia Margaret Harbord. He had 5 sisters.
I have yet to find much information on him, but from Du Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919, I know he was educated at Eton and Sandhurst and was made 2nd Lieutenant in Royal Horse Guards on 15 August 1914. On 08 March 1915 he went to France and was put in charge of the 8th Cavalry Brigade (The Blues, 10 Hussars and the Essex Yeomanry). He was injured at Hooge, on 13 May 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres. He was taken to hospital in Boulogne and died as a result of complications following the amputation of his arm. His body appears to have been returned to England and is buried in Moulsoe Churchyard in Buckinghamshire.
He never married.
Wednesday, 18 September 2019
Professional Footballer
This is William Owen Seiler (Silor), the husband of my second great aunt Louisa Laura Wanger.
His grandfather, Gustave Alvin Heinrich Seiler, had come to England from Prussia in 1848. The England Alien Arrivals list says that came from Germany via Antwerp on the Soho. It uses the word Germany and says Gustave is a candidate in theology.
William was born on 8 June 1885, in Bow, East London to parents Charles Seiler and Elizabeth Catherine Husbands. He had one sister, Eliza Sarah, and one brother, Charles Henry, who sadly died at aged 11 in 1894.
The 1891 England Census lists his father as a factory worker and by the 1901 England Census the man is now listed as a general labourer in a chemical works. This could possibly have been the same place as in 1891. William is listed as a grocer's errand boy
In 1902 William's father dies at the age of only 35. We can only speculate as to the cause of death, but illness as a result of working in the chemical works could be a contributing factor.
The 1911 England Census shows Elizabeth as head of the household, living with her daughter and niece; both girls are listed as machinists, blouses. As yet I have been unable to find a date of death of her.
To return to William. He married Louisa Laura Wanger on 30 May 1910 at St Paul, Old Ford in the East End. The marriage records list William as a professional footballer with Louisa a waitress. The couple appear to have had only one child, a daughter called Ivy Irene Edith born in Croydon in 1911.
An internet search on William has found a wealth of information about his footballing career. I have summarised what I have found and include some links after.
William was 5ft 6 in., weighed 10st 6lb and played Inside Forward.
He began playing football for junior clubs Eton Mission and Sultan and then went on to join the Southern League Leyton in 1907. He played one season with the club during which time he scored 4 times and made 23 appearances.
In May 1908 he moved to Norwich City, where he scored 7 times and made 27 appearances, including a hat-trick in April 1909 against his former club Leyton.
In May 1909 he joined West Ham United where he was less successful, with only 6 first team appearances in March and April 1910 without scoring.
At the close of the 1910 season William moved to Croydon Common. He scored 3 times in 14 Southern League and FA cup appearances.
In the summer of 1911 he moved to Chatham. He was in the 3-0 defeat in the Kent Senior Cup Final against Catford Southend at Maidstone in April 1912.
In December 1913 he joined Margate where he saw out the end of his career. William died on 1 July 1965 in Chatham, in Kent. Louisa died 4 years later.
Looking at this information and the result of searches on Ancestry, it appears that William avoided fighting in World War I.
https://www.vintagefootballers.com/product/silor-william-image-1-norwich-1908/ - this site lets you put William's image onto any number of products.
http://theyflysohigh.co.uk/autographs-syd-king-2/4560573086 - this site has information about his time at West Ham as well as an image of his signature
Wednesday, 28 August 2019
Operation Doomsday: Allied Liberation of Norway
Charles Arthur Wanger
23 August 1926 - 03 September 2018
This is a photograph of a certificate presented to my grandfather, on the Liberation of Norway in May 1945.
He was born in Poplar, East London to Arthur George Henry Wanger and Anna Richardson. He had 5 other siblings: 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Charles, or Charlie, as he liked to be known, enlisted on 02 November 1944 in Cantebury. At the time he enlisted he was 18 and working as a timber porter, presumably for his father (who is listed in 1939 England and Wales Census as a wood carrier). By the time he enlisted, conscription was in place in England, so enlistment may be the wrong word to use! Conscription had began in 1939, with the age limit being gradually lowered to meet the demands of the war.
Charlie had insurance with one of the approved societies, The Great Eastern Railway.
From 02 November 1944 to 13 December 1944 he is listed as being in the CSC or possibly GSC. We have Charlie's original Pay Book, Service Record and Discharge Record. If it is the GSC this stood for General Service Corps. From July 1942 men were first enlisted in the GSC for 6 weeks to assess their skills and determine where it would be suitable to post them based on these and the current military needs. Charlie did not serve 6 weeks, though by 1944 things were very different.
I know he would have been sent for parachute training to RAF Ringway in Cheshire, which trained all Allied paratroopers. While he was away from London he met my grandmother Sheila Margaret Peake. The story is that, because he had spent a lot of time working outside, he was quite tanned and had a moustache. Apparently he looked like Errol Flynn and I guess with his Cockney accent he would have been exotic.
From 14 December 1944 to 16 March 1948 Charlie served as a Gunner, in the 96th Airborne Light Battery, which was part of the 1st Airborne Parachute Division, known as the Red Devils, because of the colour of their berets.
The story is that Charlie was the first man to land in Norway on 08 May 1945, as part of Operation Doomsday, to liberate Norway.
Charlie shows up again in the Electoral Register for October 1948 when he is living back in the East End, not far from his parents.
In December 1948 Charlie and Sheila were married in Poplar. My uncle Charles Lee Wanger, was born in June 1950 and my mother, Sylvia Ann, in December 1951. The family moved to Stoke on Trent, in Staffordshire in 1957.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)