ASHFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

In 2005 the school’s war memorial was re-dedicated. The school did not have the courtesy of inviting the authors of this work to come along and pay their respects to the fallen. This is incredible because 2 men (A.L Ingall and A.S.H Machin) were never actually recorded as war casualties by the government or CWGC. That was until the authors formally submitted their cases to the MoD for belated commemoration. In October 2005 both men were approved by the MoD. Their names will soon be added to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s roll of honour and both men will now get war graves. Neil Clark provided the school with a complimentary copy of his research in 2003. Very oddly this work was never placed alongside the school’s book of remembrance. When we enquired where it was no one could tell us! This goes to show how insincere the present school management is…

The Great War 1914 -1919

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BARTLETT E.S - Attended school 24th January 1905 to July 1905 Lance Corporal G/902 Edward Stainton BARTLETT. 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died Friday 8th October 1915 aged 22 years. Born Chelsea, London on 6th May 1893. Enlisted Maidstone, Kent. Resided East Farleigh, Kent. Son of W.H and Elizabeth Bartlett of Crossways, Niton, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Formerly 2, Campden Hill Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 95 to 97. On 8th October 1915 the 6th West Kent’s were in action all day between the Quarries and Hill 70. The Germans began an extremely heavy bombardment which became intense at 1500 hours. The 6th West Kent’s assaulted Gun Trench which was being defended by large numbers of German soldiers. Battalion casualties were heavy – 100 men killed or wounded. Edward was killed in the Battle of Loos. BAXTER B.E (brother) – Attended school 3rd May 1906 to July 1908 Private 10/275 Bernard Eyre BAXTER. A Company (West Coast), Wellington Infantry Regiment. New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Died Anzac Beach, Gallipoli, Turkey 29th April 1915. born on 2nd July 1893 at Hagg Hill Farm, Hinton, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire. Son of Stanley Eyre Baxter of North Lees, Taikawhana, Hopianga, Auckland, New Zealand. Husband of Emma Louisa Baxter (nee Green) of Downhead, Somerset, England. Bernards Wife Emma was the daughter of Stephen Green of Downhead, Somerset. Stanley Eye Baxter (Bernard’s father) was born 1861 at Upper Holloway, Highgate, London. Educated at the Shepton Mallet and Ashford Grammar Schools. Bernard left the UK for New Zealand in 1909. Upon reaching there he was for 12 months a Cadet at Weraroa Experimental Farm near Levin. When war was declared Bernard immediately answered the call of his mother country and volunteered for overseas service. In August 1914 he moved to Egypt with his ANZAC regiment. Once in Egypt Bernard saw action when Turkish forces attacked the Suez Canal in February 1915. On the 25th April 1915 Bernard landed at Anzac Beach Gallipoli, Turkey under extremely heavy fire. He was killed in action near Anzac Beach 4 days later. Exerts from “Defeat at Gallipoli” by Nigel Steel (1995) page 133 – “Part of the Wellington Battalion was sent forward. The New Zealander’s were not able even to move into position before being hit by fire from the higher ground to the northeast and, unabated, the fighting continued all day”.

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BEVAN R.H – Attended school 1911 to 1914 The school book of remembrance incorrectly lists his unit as Northumberland Fusiliers Ashford Private 67218 Ralph Henry BEVAN MM. 2/2nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Formerly (18332) 29th T.R Battalion. Formerly Northumberland Fusiliers. Died Sunday 15th September 1918 aged 20 years. Born Ledbury. Enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Resided Ashford. Son of Hugh H.C and J Bevan of The Glebe, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference 3255. Recorded incorrectly in the school remembrance book as belonging to the Northumberland Fusiliers when died. Ralph is buried in a private family grave plot. When the author found the grave it was in need of urgent restoration. Although it is under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it is a private family plot and they have limited rights to make any changes. This often means that a headstone is allowed to gradually deteriorate. Ralph was awarded the Military Medal (MM) - a high ranking field bravery award. Ralph died of wounds in the UK after being recovered through the medical evacuation chain from France in early 1916. Ralph died two years later of his wounds. The 2/2nd London Regiment was formed in London in September 1914. On 23rd December 1914 it moved to Malta arriving there 31st December 1914. On 27th August 1915 the battalion left Malta for Alexandria Egypt. On 13th October 1915 it landed at Helles in Gallipoli, Turkey where it was attached to 2nd Brigade, Royal Naval Division (RND). In January 1916 it withdrew from Gallipoli for Egypt where it was attached to 53rd Division. On 24th April 1916 it arrived in France. In June 1916 it was disbanded.

BERGERSEN H.K – Attended school from 14th April 1911 to 1913 Ashford Private 49142 Harold Kirby BERGERSEN. 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Wednesday 24th April 1918 aged 19 years. Born Ashford 3rd March 1899. Son of Harold and Edith Bergersen of The Kent Arms Hotel (Public House), Station Road, Ashford, Kent. Harold has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, Pozieres, France. Panel reference 28 and 29. In the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford there is a private memorial and grave to – Gulbrand BERGERSEN Born Skarnes, Norway 18th September 1845 Died Ashford 3rd September 1867 Emma BERGERSEN Died 29th November 1918 aged 76 years The 7th Bedfords’s were formed at Bedford September 1914. It was attached to 15th Division and posted to Aldershot. In June 1915 it was at Blackdown. On 25th February 1915 it moved to Colchester with the 18th Division. In July 1915 the battalion moved to France (18th Division). On 25th April 1918 the battalion was reduced to cadre and all it’s personnel were posted to 89th Brigade (30th Division).

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BRIGGS H.K – Attended school from 22nd February 1900 to Midsummer 1904 Second Lieutenant Harley Knollys BRIGGS. “B” Battery, 166th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Formerly Private (552), “A” Battery, Honourable Artillery Company (H.A.C). Formerly Dover College Officer Training Corps (O.T.C). Died Wednesday 26th July 1916. Born St Leonards, Sussex 16th January 1892. Resided 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, London. Son of Charles Knollys and Fanny Briggs of Boughton Court, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, Kent. Later residing at 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, London. In 1922 Harley’s father was living at Deene House, Putney, South London. Buried in the Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, The Somme, France. Grave reference I.E.59. Harley attended the Norton Knatchbull school from 22nd February 1900 to Midsummer 1904. The school retains a letter from his mother advising them of his death. Also educated at Dover College. Harley was well known in the Tenterden area. In January 1915 he gave his home town as being Tenterden. He joined the army 26th September 1914. Harley was commissioned into the R.F.A on 1st April 1915. Harley had a brother – Cedric Knolys Briggs who served in the 18th Hussars. Harley died in The Somme whilst in command of a Trench Mortar platoon. He apparently lost his life trying to save the life of a brother officer.

The 1901 Census gives – Boughton Court, Boughton Aluph Charles BRIGGS 37 Living own means Capel Le Ferne Dover Fanny 39 Deal Harley 9 St Leonards, Sussex Idena 8 St Leonards, Sussex Cedric 2 St Leonards, Sussex Agneeta 3m Boughton Aluph This entry in the 1901 census confirms that Harley resided in Boughton Aluph with his family when he was attending the Ashford Grammar School. BROWNING R.G.S - Attended school from 6th September 1898 to May 1899 Major Reginald Gordon Snell BROWNING. 6th Battalion, (Glamorgan Territorial’s), Welsh Regiment. Died Saturday 2nd October 1915. Born 26th October 1886. Son of R.A Browning of East Ludworth Villa, Neath, South Wales. Reginald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 77 and 78. Gordon was reported missing in action before his death was confirmed. He was killed in the Battle of Loos. The 6th Welsh Regiment was formed at Swansea on 4th August 1914. On 29th October 1914 it landed Havre, France (84th Brigade, 28th Division). On 23rd October 1915 it was moved to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. On 15th May 1916 the battalion became the Pioneer Battalion of the 1st Division. CAFFYN J.M – Attended school from 18th September 1893 to Easter 1894 The school book of remembrance incorrectly states Joseph was killed in action Orlestone Hamstreet Corporal 130293 Joseph Mannington CAFFYN. Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died of Pneumonia 15th July 1918. Born Northiam, Sussex. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Faversham. Son of Joseph and Clara Caffyn of Post Office, Hamstreet, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Florence Mabel Caffyn of “Brynteg” Clifton Park, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire. Buried in the Reading (Caversham) Cemetery, Berkshire. Grave reference 2C of E.1051. Joseph’s name also appears on the Hamstreet and Orlestone civic war memorials. Educated Ashford Grammar School 18th September 1893 to Easter 1894. The 1901 Census gives the following information: The Post Office, Orlestone Joseph CAFFYN Sarah Harry Jeanie Gertrude Daisy Lillian

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Joseph fell victim to the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918. He died in a UK Hospital and his body was bought home to where his parents lived (Reading) and buried. Joseph’s grandson Don Collick still resided in the Hamstreet area until very recently. Don passed away in 2005 at Court Lodge Farm, Ruckinge. CASTLE H.A – Attended school from 17th January 1913 to December 1916 The school remembrance book incorrectly states that Howard died as a POW in Austria Private 9814 Howard Ambrose CASTLE. “D” Company, 2/1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Died Italy Thursday 25th July 1918. Born 9th October 1898 at Littlestone, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided “Thirlmere”, Littlestone, Kent. Died in Prisoner of war camp in Austria. Son of Edward Ambrose and Catherine Castle of 1 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent. Buried in the Egna Communal Cemetery, Italy. Grave reference 134. Howard was a very talented football player. He captained the school 1st Eleven football team for 2 years. The “Ashfordian” of August 1919 lists the exact circumstances of his death – He was a member of a group of soldiers who in the Autumn of 1918 disguised themselves as Italian nationals and captured an island in Italy. They were subsequently captured themselves and taken to a prisoner of war camp in Italy. Howard died here shortly after the armistice was signed in November 1918. The 2/1st Battalion H.A.C was formed at Finsbury, London on 2nd September 1914. The battalion landed in France on 3rd October 1916 with 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. On 25th November 1917 it landed at Legnago, Italy. The battalion remained in Italy right up to the Armistice (11.11.18). CRAMP C – Attended school from 16th September 1910 to 1916 Private G/66738 Charles CRAMP. 6th Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (26321) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 23rd August 1918 aged 18 years. Born Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Great Chart. Son of Henry and Ruth Cramp of “Ivy Cottage”, Great Chart, Ashford. Buried in the Meaulte Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave reference G.17. Do Not confuse Charles with this other local man – Lance Corporal T/240051 Charles CRAMP. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – Street, Great Chart Private 495063 Arthur CRAMP. Royal Army Medical Corps. Charles was killed in action during the Battle of Amiens. On 22nd August 1918 the Battalion assembled at Becordel in readiness for an attack the next day. This attack went ahead at 0100 hours (moonlight) on 23rd August 1918. The 18th Division assaulted enemy positions in and around the Becordel area. The 36th Division on the left and 47th Division on the right were outflanked. Casualties were light (for the Great War) – about 40 men were wounded or killed.

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EVANS R.B – Attended school from 30th August 1895 to 9th November 1909 Ashford (Recorded as H.B EVANS) Private G/20355 Richard Burt EVANS. Lewis Gun Section, “A” Company, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 5th Battalion. Died Thursday 9th August 1917 aged 22 years. Born Ashford 30th August 1895. Enlisted Neath, Glamorgan. Residence Swansea, Wales. Son of David White and Eva Henrietta Evans of Govers Lake, Bishopston, Glamorgan, Wales. Richard has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 2. Attended Ashford Grammar School from 30th August 1895 to 9th November 1909. His name appears in the A.G.S book of remembrance. The School book of Remembrance incorrectly gives his unit as the 5th Buffs Richard’s father ran an Ironmonger’s at number 2 New Rents, Ashford. The family also had businesses in Wales. Richard was first reported missing. His father placed an advert in the Kentish Express asking for information on his sons disappearance. Sadly his sons death was confirmed a few weeks later. The 1901 census gives – 2, New Rents, Ashford David W EVANS 53 Ironmonger Glamorgan, Wales Eva H 39 Wittersham Dora W 8 Ashford Adelade 7 Ashford Richard B 5 Ashford Elizabeth M 2 Ashford On the 9th August 1917 A Company of the 6th Buffs carried out a raid on enemy positions near Keeling Copse and a trench system known as Long Trench. The Buffs men were caught in enfilade fire from German machine gun positions. 2 officers and a further 35 men were killed in this enterprise. After the raid the Buffs returned to Beaurains Camp.

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FLEMING A (Brother) – Attended school from 17th January 1908 to Christmas 1912 Alexander FLEMING. 14th Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Date of death presently unknown. Born Woking, Surrey circa 1897. Son of Alexander and Mary Fleming (nee Lindsay) of (1901) Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey. Formerly Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Brother of Winifred Fleming of 6 Coleville Square, Bayswater, London. Brother of Mrs B Kenny of 44 Stanhope Gardens, Kensington, London. Brother of Percy Fleming of 7 Glengall Road, Brondesbury, London NW6. Alexander Fleming is not listed as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Because of this we are not able to confirm his army unit. It seems likely that poor Alexander was one of those men who was invalided from the service and died soon afterwards. His death was probably attributable to his war service and therefore his name should have been recorded as a war casualty. Educated Ashford Grammar School, Ashford, Kent. Kyle Tallett has searched the PRO (National Archives) for Alexander’s service papers. These were not found which indicates that Alexander was probably not a commissioned officer. 70% of mens service records were destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War. Frank’s mother Mary died before 1914. It is recorded in the school records that his father was at some point made bankrupt. The 1901 Census gives – Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey (St Peter’s Parish) Alexander FLEMING 44 Farmer Scotland Aglaia 22 Wife Greece Frank 6 Guildford, Surrey Alexander 5 Woking, Surrey Alison A 11m Woking, Surrey Maude LOWE 15 Chatham, Kent During the Great War the London Scottish maintained two battalion’s - 1/14th London Scottish Messines, Ypres, Loos, Somme, Cambrai, Arras, 2/14th London Scottish Salonika, Egypt, Palestine.

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FLEMING F (Brother) – Attended school from 17th January 1908 to Christmas 1912 Second Lieutenant Frank FLEMING MM. 4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (26th Brigade, 9th Division). Formerly Gordon Highlanders. Formerly (N.C.O)(1717) 14th Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Killed in Action 11th April 1918. Resided 22 Stuart Road, Acton, London. Born 15th October 1894 at Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Son of Alexander and Mary Fleming of Manor Farm, Guildford, Surrey. Brother of Winifred Fleming of 6 Coleville Square, Bayswater, London. Brother of Mrs B Kenny of 44 Stanhope Gardens, Kensington, London. Brother of Percy Fleming of 7 Glengall Road, Brondesbury, London NW6. The school book of remembrance lists Frank’s unit incorrectly as the 14th (London Scottish) Battalion, London Regiment. Frank did serve in this regiment as a Private soldier. It was probably with the London Scottish that Frank won his MM. This is where the confusion arose. The school obviously thought that Frank was still serving with this unit when he was killed. Frank’s mother Mary died before 1914. The London Gazette records Frank being awarded the Military Medal 14th September 1916 (probably for actions at Gommecourt on the Somme 1st July 1916). After being awarded the MM Frank was commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders. At some stage Frank was transferred into the Seaforth Highlanders. It was with this unit that Frank met his maker… Frank’s service papers list that he was wounded in action on the 12th October 1917. He was evacuated from Havre in France on the hospital ship “Causbrook Castle”. The ship docked at Southampton and Frank was taken to a V.A.D hospital to recuperate. Frank proceeded to France with his regiment on 15th September 1914. Frank’s death in action was witnessed by one of his men – Private 22160 J.W RICHARDSON – “On the 11th April 1918, in front of Pooege Wood (Plugstreet Wood?) Lieutenant Fleming was shot through the back, we had to retire, when we counter-attacked he was stripped of everything”. The 1901 Census gives – Hoe Bridge Farm, Mayford, Woking, Surrey (St Peter’s Parish) Alexander FLEMING 44 Farmer Scotland Aglaia 22 Wife Greece Frank 6 Guildford, Surrey Alexander 5 Woking, Surrey Alison A 11m Woking, Surrey Maude LOWE 15 Chatham, Kent FOSTER A.H – Attended school from 22nd January 1895 to Midsummer 1899 Private 784937 Arthur Harold FOSTER. Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Died Tuesday 30th October 1917 aged 36 years. Born Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada 8th December 1881. Enlisted Dundas 11th March 1916. Son of William and Emma Foster of Ripple Vale, Ripple, Dover, Kent. Formerly residing at Filmer House, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel reference 10 to 58. Arthur’s name also appears on the Ripple War Memorial and the Bridge War Memorial. 10

GREENLAND C.S.W – Attended school from 3rd May 1904 to July 1905 Lieutenant Charles Stirling Walter GREENLAND. 2nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Formerly Officer Training Corps (O.T.C) St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Died Sunday 9th May 1915 aged 23 years. Born Kennington, Ashford on 22nd July 1892. Son of The Reverand Charles Albert and Lucy Constance Greenland of Scaynes Hill, Haywards Heath, Sussex. Later residing Chaplains House, Hawks Hill, Caterham, Surrey. Buried in the Bedford House Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Grave reference Enclosure 4, XI.C.4. Educated at Ashford Grammar School and St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Charles father was the vicar of Caterham, Surrey. Charles had a brother – Sub Lieutenant G.S Greenland who served on H.M.S Natal. The day that Charles died his battalion was in action at Sanctuary Wood. The battalion held frontline trenches and came under extremely heavy shelling. The enemy attacked from Stirling Castle and poured through the battalion’s lines. It is recorded that the 2nd battalion killed 350 enemy soldiers in this attack and that British trenches were littered with dead soldiers from both sides. After dark the battalion (or what was left of it) withdrew to Hellfire Corner. HALL H.H.S. – Attended school 1894 to 1896 (The Remembrance book incorrectly gives – Harry Headley Sidney HALL) Captain Harry Sydney Hopton Hadley HALL. 4th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly of the British North Borneo Civil Service. Died Calcutta, India of influenza Thursday 24th October 1918 aged 36 years. Born 25th January 1881. Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall of Hastings, Sussex. Formerly Little Boys Hall, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Calcutta (Bhowanipore) Cemetery, Calcutta, India. Grave reference O.G.51. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record Harry’s unit incorrectly as the 3rd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. This unit remained in Maidstone throughout the war and was used as a recruiting and training unit. Therefore Harry could not possibly have been serving in the 3rd battalion when he died. In fact the only West Kent battalion to remain in India throughout the duration of the war was the territorial force 1/4th Battalion. Harry caught Spanish Influenza and died in a British Military Hospital at Calcutta in India. Harry’s brother was Commander L.J Hall of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Harry hailed from a rich and “well to do” Ashford family.

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HARLOW T.E – Attended school from 16th September 1908 to 1912 Deck Hand DA/13100 Thomas Edward HARLOW. H.M Motor Launch (M.L) 522, Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Formerly (1651) Territorial Force (Army). Comitted Suicide Wednesday 8th May 1918 aged 24 years. Born Chartham near Canterbury 21st October 1893. Son of Thomas G and Annie Harlow of 13 New Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference 2256. Thomas’s name also appears on the St Leonards School war memorial plaque, St Leonards Road, Hythe, Kent (he was a teacher there). Thomas was educated at the Ashford Grammar School. The school records list his home address as being 108 New Street, Ashford. He was a gifted cricket player and played for the school cricket team from 1911 to 1913. It is recorded that Thomas attended Cambridge University after leaving school and obtained a 3rd class honours degree. His name does not appear on the Cambridge University War List (1914-1919). After leaving university Thomas became a teacher at the St Leonards Church of England School in Hythe. During the war Thomas was called to the colours and served on HMS Victory before being posted to the Motor Launch 522. His personal records state that Thomas whilst of unsound mind, apparently committed suicide by hanging himself in the ship’s forecastle. His family brought his body home to Ashford and he was buried quietly in the towns cemetery. The local papers did not report the circumstances of Thomas’s sad and tragic demise. It is not known what led Thomas to take his own life. What is known is that he did so whilst on active service and therefore his name deserves to be honoured.

HORNE J.A – Attended the school from 22nd September 1905 to July 1912 Second Lieutenant John Austin HORNE. 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers). Formerly Lance Cororal (1827) (270152) Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died of pneumonia and influenza at the Delhi Military Hospital, Tidworth, Surrey Saturday 2nd November 1918 aged 25 years. Born 7th April 1893. Son of William Smart and Ann Elizabeth Horne of Nash Court, Westwell, Ashford, Kent. Buried Westwell Burial Ground, Westwell, Kent. Grave reference – far left hand corner. He was a gifted cricketer and captained the school team in 1911 and 1912. Before the outbreak of war John was employed at the Kentish Bank in Maidstone as a Clerk. John joined the REKMR in August 1914 and served with that unit as a Trooper in Egypt and Gallipoli, Turkey before being transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards. He was commissioned on 6th April 1918 into the 6th Reserve Cavalry Regiment. His service records list his movements as – Home (UK) 3/9/14 - 23/9/15 Egypt/Gallipoli 24/9/15 - 14/6/17 Home (UK) 15/6/17 - 5/4/18 He was promoted to lance Corporal on 16th December 1916. John died of Influenza and Pneumonia whilst at Tidworth Military Hospital, Surrey. He had a military funeral and the Ashford Grammar School Buglars sounded the Last Post. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives - Nash Court, Westwell William Smart HORNE. Labour Corps. The 1901 census gives – Nash Court, Westwell William HORNE 38 Farmer Westwell Ann 35 Canterbury John 7 Westwell Mary 6 Westwell Mabelle 5 Westwell William 11 Westwell Leonard 2 Westwell Elsie 6m Westwell

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HUNTER G.H – Attended school from 6th May 1889 to Easter 1890 Lance Corporal 81646 George Harrison HUNTER. 22nd Battalion, The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (58752) 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died Saturday 2nd November 1918 aged 41 years. Born Ashford on the 26th July 1877. Enlisted London. Resided Ashford. Son of George Harrison Hunter who was born on 7th April 1843 and died 9th April 1908. Brother of Carrie and Alice Hunter. Buried Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. Grave reference 18. George was seriously wounded in France and was recovered to the UK where he subsequently died of his injuries. His family buried him in the large family plot. Both his parents are buried alongside George. The 1881 Ashford Census gives – 73A High Street, Ashford George H HUNTER (Manager Tailor) Teynham, Kent, 1844 Emma L Ashford 1843 Bessie Stonehouse, Devon 1854 Robert Camber, Sussex 1875 Carrie Ashford 1871 Alice Ashford 1875 George H Ashford 1878

HYLAND H.B – Attended school from 8th May 1905 to 1910 Second Lieutenant Herbert Bright HYLAND. 20th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Attached 100th Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC) (Inf). Formerly a Trooper in the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Formerly Lance Corporal, O.T.C Sherborne School. Died Wednesday 19th July 1916 aged 21 years. Born 6th December 1884. Son of Samuel Bright and Ellen Hyland of “Beacon House”, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent. Herbert has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference 5C.12C. Herbert also attended Sherbourne School where he served in their Officer Training Corps as a Lance Corporal. Herbert was a cattle salesman before the war. He joined the REKMR as a trooper before being commissioned into the Welsh Regiment as a second lieutenant. In 1917 he joined the newly formed Machine Gun Corps and at first was posted to its Headquarters in Grantham. He went to France in March 1917. His brother (S.B Hyland) died in tragic circumstances before the outbreak of war in Australia. Herbert’s father was a partner in the London firm of solicitors – Hyland & Rogers, 81, Cannon Street, London. Herbert’s will left £259 to his parents. Herbert was related to the Hyland’s of Ashford of Lewis and Hyland fame – the drapers in New Rents.

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IGGLESDEN Henry – Attended school from 8th May 1890 to July 1897 (The school remembrance book lists Henry Igglesden with no rank or unit detail) Warrant Officer 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) Henry IGGLESDEN MSM. Army Service Corps. General Headquarters (GHQ), Montreuil (Special Intelligence, Censorship and Press). Died 13th June 1919 aged 39 years (Not July 1919 as recorded in the A.G.S Book of Remembrance) of Appendicitis (14 days) and Peritonitis Toxemia at The Cottage Hospital, Sevenoaks, Kent. Born 94 High Street, Ashford, Kent 21st February 1880. Resided London Road, Westerham, Kent. Husband of Charlotte Igglesden (nee Fuggle). Son of William Igglesden and Elizabeth Igglesden (formerly Stanford or Barnes) of Northbrook, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Later residing 11 North Street, Ashford, Kent. Henry’s father William Igglesden was also unsurprisingly a journalist. The first edition of the Kentish Express (then known as the “Ashford & Alfred News & General Advertiser) was printed by Henry Igglesden on 14th July 1855. This (earlier) Henry Igglesden bore a 2 sons: William Igglesden (19 February 1852), the father of our Henry Igglesden (a grandson of the founder of the Kentish Express) and Charles Igglesden who went on to become Sir Charles Igglesden an Ashford dignitary and VIP. Attended Ashford Grammar School from 8th May 1890 to July 1897. Harry was a “Burra” Exhibitionist in 1886. Mr Burra (a famous engineer) was closely connected with the AGS. When Mr Burra died, a school scolarship trust was set up to benefit students. Harry obviously benefited from this trust in some way. After leaving the A.G.S Harry attended London University where he was awarded a law degree. Whilst at A.G.S Harry was in the school cricket team (1901).

Henry and Elizabeth Igglesden had 4 children –

1. William Igglesden (Our Henry Igglesden’s Father) 2. Elizabeth Igglesden 3. Charles Igglesden (Later Sir Charles Igglesden) 4. Kate Igglesden

Henry Igglesden married Charlotte Igglesden (nee Fuggle) in 1914. Charlotte Fuggle was from a famous hop growers who came from the Kent Weald (Marden and Staplehurst areas). The “Fuggle” hop is named after this family. Prior to his death Henry was a Newspaper Reporter in Maidstone which is not entirely surprising given the fact that his Grandfather founded the Kentish Express newspaper and his father was also a newspaper man. DEATH CERTIFICATE Henry IGGLESDEN September Qtr, 1919, Sevenoaks, 2a, 693, aged 39 years Newspaper Reporter 1. Appendicitis (14 days) 2. Peritonitis Toxemia (7 days) Death registered by his son – E.H Igglesden of London Road, Westerham, Kent 1881 Census gives – 94 High Street, Ashford, Kent Mary Ann BURBRIDGE 14 Harriet HORTON 19 Elizabeth IGGLESDEN 29 Henry IGGLESDEN 1 Mabel IGGLESDEN 3 William IGGLESDEN 29 Hugh W.J MILLINGS 29 Elizabeth STAMFORD 61 When Henry left the Ashford Grammar School in 1897 he was on the staff of the “Kentish Express” representing it at Maidstone and Canterbury. Upon the outbreak of war Henry immediately volunteered for the army and entered the Army Service Corps as a writer in 1915. The story goes that Harry was sent to France in 1916 where he served with the Intelligence Department at General Headquarters (GHQ). He held a very confidential post under General’s Haig and French. He was Mentioned in Dispatches (M.I.D) for this intelligence work and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in 1918 and the French Medalle dille d’Honneur en Avec Glaives. On returning to Ashford from the war, Harry returned to the Kentish Express newspaper and was in charge of the Maidstone branch. Harry was suddenly taken ill and died of appendicitis. He left a widow and 6 children! The trustees of the A.G.S obviously felt that Harry’s death was in part due to his war service and this seems the reason why his name was placed in the book of remembrance. We are unable to identify a link between his service in the British Army and his death! There is no way that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission would accept this man as a casualty of war. We have

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therefore taken the decision not to put this case forward for Ministry of Defence (M.O.D) adjudication.

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INGALL Alfred Leslie – Attended school from 19th June 1888 to Christmas 1892 The School book of Remembrance incorrectly states Alfred was killed in France Bombardier L/31913 Alfred Leslie INGALL. 179th (Deptford) Battery, 81st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died Cancer of the stomach 19th June 1917 aged 40 years. Died at 42 High Street, Ashford. Resided (1915) at 27, Ladywell Park, London. Son of Joseph and Julia Ingall of 42, High Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried - 22nd June 1917 in the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference 1019. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission did not record Alfred’s death. He was discharged on medical grounds (Invalided) from the army on the 15th May 1917 when it was found that he had cancer of the stomach. After being invalided from the service he died of the same disease only 1 month later! His death was attributable because on the “balance of probability” Alfred contracted the disease whilst on duty. Neil Clark presented his case to the CWGC in September 2005. On 23rd October 2005 the CWGC wrote to Neil Clark stating that Alfred’s case had been approved and that his name was being added to the roll of honour. Death Certificate reference – West Ashford/ASH29/170. Both Alfred’s parents are buried in the same grave plot. The grave has gradually fallen apart and Alfred’s name can now hardly be read. Neil Clark would very much like this man’s grave to be renovated. Alfred’s name also appears on The Centrepiece war memorial plaque, Bank Street, Ashford. He obviously attended that church before the outbreak of war. Interestingly his name appears on the memorial as – LESLIE ALFRED INGALL not Alfred Leslie Ingall. Alfred’s name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School Roll of Honour. He attended that school from 1888 to 1892.

Before the outbreak of war Alfred was employed as a Grocer’s Assistant in Ashford. He enlisted at Deptford in South London on 7th June 1915 aged 37 years. The WW1 medal rolls show that Alfred did serve overseas on active service and that he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The 1881 Census gives – 42 High Street, Ashford Joseph INGALL Sheffield, Yorkshire 1837 Julia London 1832 Joseph M 1868 Ashford Frank E 1870 Ashford Percy A 1871 Ashford Sidney H 1873 Ashford Alfred L 1877 Ashford

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KENNEDY L – Attended school from 22nd January 1900 to Christmas 1901 Second Lieutenant Samuel Lancelot Richard Alexander Edgar KENNEDY. 8th Battalion, (Post Office Rifles). London Regiment. Formerly Private (2335) 9th Battalion, (Artists Rifles), London Regiment. Died 15th September 1916 aged 32 years leading his platoon in the capture of High Wood, The Somme, France. Born West Kensington, London 18th January 1884. Resided 51, Downhams Hill, Hampstead, London. Son of Captain Alexander Charles Kennedy (Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) and Anna Frances Issabella Kennedy. His next of kin whilst at the school was a Miss Hall of Torfield, Reigate, Surrey. His mother was Mrs Kennedy of 51, Downshire Hill, London. He was known simply as Lancelot Kennedy by those at his school. Buried High Wood Cemetery, The Somme, France. Lancelot’s name appears on Volume 1 Page 164 of De Ruvignys Roll of Honour. Upon leaving Ashford Grammar School Lancelot went to work for the Alliance Assurance Company Limited and remained with them for 9 years. On 22nd April 1907 he enlisted in the territorial force (Victoria and St George Rifles) and served with them until 1910. Upon the outbreak of war Lancelot rejoined his battalion in London as a Lance Corporal. On 29th July 1915 Lancelot was gazetted a Second Lieutenant. On the 13th September 1916 the 8th battalion were in Becourt Wood on the Somme. On the 14th September the battalion assembled at High Wood in readiness for an attack. The day that Lancelot was killed his battalion was in action near High Wood. They advanced at 07.20 hours and entered “Flag Line” (140th Brigade’s second objective) on the right of the assault. The battalion remained in action until 29th September 1916. Upon withdrawing it was found that 300 men had been wounded or killed. Lancelot appears to have been killed leading his men somewhere near High Wood on the Somme.

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KNIGHT A.R – Attended school 1901 to July 1905 Sub Lieutenant Alfred (or Arthur) Robert KNIGHT. Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy (RN). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). Died Monday 13th November 1916 aged 27 years. Born 1889. Son of Alfred Richardson Knight of 63, Hardinge Road, Ashford, Kent. Alfred has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Panel reference 1A. Alfred attended the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School and his name appears on their war roll of honour. Before the outbreak of war Alfred was working for the Bank of Montreal in London. The Hawke Battalion was a Royal Navy infantry unit that fought alongside the army. In the UK the Hawke battalion was based at Blandford in Dorset. Alfred disembarked his ship at Boulogne on 7th July 1916. On the 8th July 1916 he arrived at RND base depot Etaples and was sent into the field. The Hawke battalion’s movements on the Somme were as follows – 24th October 1916 – Front line trenches at Englebelmer 30th October 1916 - Hedauville 31st October 1916 – Puchevillers 4th November 1916 – Hedauville 6th November 1916 – Mesnil 13th November 1916 – Attack on Beaucourt. Leading waves cut down by machine gun fire. 15th November 1916 – Withdrew from frontline trenches – casualties numbered 419 men. Alfred was killed somewhere near Grandcourt on the Somme in France.

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MACHIN A.S.H – Attended school from 18th January 1907 to May 1909 Private TR/128538 Albert Sidney Haydn MACHIN. 102nd Training Reserve Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. (23rd Reserve Brigade. Aldershot). Died 20th September 1918 aged 19 years of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (T.B). Born 11th July 1899. Resided 19, Barrow Hill Road, St John’s, London. Son of Albert Edward and Stella Mary Machin of 170, Station Road, Redhill, Surrey. Formerly “Gladwyn”, Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried 23rd September 1918 in a private family plot at the Old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. Grave reference - 2382. Albert died at Woolpack Farm, Westwell, Ashford. Albert is now waiting for a new war grave headstone which was ordered in 2006. Albert’s death was not recorded as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Albert contracted T.B whilst serving in the army. He died of the SAME disease after being invalided. His death was attributable. His name was submitted to the Ministry of Defence in September 2005. On 23rd October 2005 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirmed that the MoD had approved a belated commemoration. Death Certificate reference – West Ashford/CH16/260. Albert’s name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull roll of honour. He attended that school from 1907 to 1909. His name also appears on the Ashford St Mary’s Plaque. Albert’s father Albert Edward Machin was born on 29th January 1867. He died at Holfontein, South Africa on the 20th February 1904 aged 37 years. Albert Sidney Haydn had a brother who died aged 10 months – Gerald Douglas Machin born 9th February 1903 died December 1903 aged only 10 months. Albert enlisted in the army on 25th August 1917 at White City, London. When Albert was discharged from the army on 22nd October 1917, his home address was given as – 19, Barrow Hill Road, St John’s Wood, London. The Royal Army Medical Corps at Connaught Hospital in Aldershot, Hampshire confirmed that Albert was unfit for further war service because of Pulmonary T.B. Albert was swiftfully invalided from the service and died of the same disease 11 months later. His death was attributable. The 102nd Training Reserve Battalion was formed in 1915 as the 27th and 28th battalion’s, Middlesex Regiment. Both drew their held strength from existing depot companies of the 17th, 23rd, 20th and 21st Battalions of the Middlesex Regiment. In December 1915 both reserve units (27th and 28th) were at Northampton in the 23rd Reserve Brigade. On the 1st September 1916 both battalions were re-formed into the 101st and 102nd Training Reserve Battalions of the Middlesex

Regiment respectively. Both battalions were at that time based at Aldershot. Both battalions remained in the 23rd Reserve Brigade which was a home service (reserve) infantry unit consisting almost entirely of young soldiers completing their training. MAYNARD H.C - Attended school from 22nd September 1899 to Midsummer 1904 The School book of Remembrance incorrectly gives his unit as the Royal Engineers Private G/18997 Henry Cyril (Cecil) MAYNARD. 11th Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly Royal Engineers (RE). Died Sunday 27th October 1918. Born 30th December 1886. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford, Kent. Son of Henry R Maynard of Cannon Street, Lydd. Husband of Mrs E.R.W Maynard of 290, Kingsland Road, London. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Koln, Germany. Henry’s name appears on page 43 of the National Union of Teachers (N.U.T) War Record 1914 – 1919. He was a teacher at the South Eastern & Chatham Railway School in Willesborough before the outbreak of war. Henry attended the Ashford Grammar School (Norton Knatchbull) from September 1899 until 1904. He was a very talented footballer and played for a number of Ashford based teams. In 1910 Henry qualified as a referee with the Kent County Football Association. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives - 110 Christchurch Road, Ashford Sergeant 495327 Hubert George MAYNARD. Royal Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C). Henry was taken prisoner by the Germans in 1918 and taken to a Prisoner of War camp in Austria where he subsequently died. It is likely that he died of Spanish Influenza.

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MORTON D.E – Attended school from 21st September 1906 to Easter 1913 Private 1391 Edgar Douglas MORTON. Waldershare Troop, 1/1st Squadron, Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (Yeomanry) (REKMR). Died 22nd May 1915 aged 19 years. Born 7th June 1895 at South Kensington, London. Enlisted Broad Oak, Canterbury. Resided Kennington. Son of Edgar and Eleanor Jane Morton of “The Studio”, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the North East Corner of St Mary’s Churchyard, Kennington. The headstone was erected by his family in 1916. In 2005 the headstone was tilting badly. Edgar’s name appears on page 261 of De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. His name also appears on the Norton Knatchbull School book of remembrance. Edgar’s mother Eleanor was the daughter of Edward John Wall of Great Chesterford. On leaving school Edgar went to work at the Canterbury Motor Works. On 7th September 1914 Edgar joined the Waldershare Troop of the REKMR. He was posted to Canterbury and billeted at the Canterbury Polo Ground during the Autumn and winter. Records show that Edgar was a good all round shot and a gifted sportsman. The 1/1st Squadron REKMR were still at Canterbury in May 1915. They remained here until September when they moved to Gallipoli Turkey. The 1901 census gives – Church Lane, Kennington Edgar MORTON 39 years Artist/Sculp Marylebone, London Eleanor 41 years Great Chesterford, Essex Nora A 7 years Hempstead, London Edgar D 5 years Hempstead, London There is a relatively modern road in Kennington known as Studio Close located off Church Road. It is possible that this road was named after Edgar’s parents dwelling. Edgar contracted pneumonia and pleurisy while on active service. He died at the Canterbury V.A.D Hospital. The headmaster of the Ashford Grammar School Mr A.S Lamprey wrote “One of the best boys I Have ever known”. His commanding officer Major Ffrench Blake wrote – “Morton was a general favourate, and we all mourn the loss of a young but keen soldier”.

PALMAR H.J – Attended school from 22nd June 1895 to Midsummer 1897 Guardsman 26232 Hubert John PALMAR. 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 19th June 1918. Son of William and Annie Palmar of Ninn Farm, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Great Chart (St Mary) Churchyard. Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference - North West end of church. The 1901 census gives – Ninn Farm, Great Chart William PALMAR 56 Farmer Bethersden Annie 53 Bethersden Ashley 19 Farmers son Great Chart Hubert 17 School Great Chart William W 15 Great Chart Hubert held the school’s cricket ball throwing record having thrown nearly 109 yards in 1901. Hubert was wounded in action whilst serving with his battalion on the Somme in France. Hubert was evacuated through the medical chain and was eventually recovered back to the UK. Hubert died of his wounds and was buried locally by his family.

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PLEDGE H.A- Attended school from 1910 to 1915 The school book of remebrance incorrectly lists his unit as 9th Buffs Private G/29512 Herbert Allan PLEDGE. 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly 9th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Born 2nd September 1899. Died 9th August 1918 aged 18 years 10 months. Born Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of George and Edith Pledge of Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ville-Sur-Ancre Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave reference B.13. Herbert’s name also appears on a private family memorial in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Herbert’s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives – 1 Hunter Road, Willesborough Sergeant 07779 William George PLEDGE. Army Ordnance Corps. On the 8th August 1918 the 6th battalion was in the vicinity of Morlancourt on the Somme. It spent the day in readyness at Fravillers and in the evening moved to Marett Wood west of Morlancourt with orders to attack the next morning. On the 9th the battalion went forward along the Morlancourt – Ville Sur Ancre Road. The battalion immediately ran into murderous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. The attack was a success however the battalion lost 200 men in the fight. The 6th Battalion’s Sergeant 358 T.J Harris MM won a Victoria Cross in this action by single handedly storming a machine gun nest. It is thought that Herbert was related in some way to the owners of the Pledges Mill, Victoria Road, Ashford. A Henry Sturgess Pledge built the mill along the railway line in Victoria Road. This enabled the firm to turn out high quality flour and to compete in a what was then a highly competitive market. In 1984 the mill was sadly destroyed by fire.

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RAYNER E.G - Attended School 1898 – to 1903 Ashford Wye College St Mary’s Lance Corporal 36100 Edward George RAYNER. 63rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (G/9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21st March 1918. Born Willesborough 15th January 1886. Enlisted Ashford. Son of James Rayner of 9 Wellesley Villas, Ashford, Kent. Formerly of Aldington. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference bay 10. Attended Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford and played in the school cricket team in 1901,1902 and 1903. His name appears in the Norton Knatchbull School book of remembrance. After leaving school Edward became a Grazier in the Ashford area. Edward enlisted into the army on 1st March 1916 and was posted to the Buffs Depot in Canterbury for training. At some stage Edward transferred from The Buffs into the Machine Gun Corps. He embarked at Folkestone for Boulogne on 9th July 1916. On the 11th July 1916 he joined Base Depot at Camiers. His service record reveals he was hospitalised on a few occasions during active service – 6th November 1916 No 55 Company To hospital 21st January 1917 Septic Heal Discharged 18th January 1917 10th February 1917 Etaples Septic Heal and knee 19th February 1917 Admitted Hospital 9th March 1917 Discharged Hospital 28th March 1917 Joined Base Depot Camiers 17 July 1917 Escourt Wounded 1st September 1917 Posted 189 Coy, M.G.C 23 March 1918 63rd Coy, M.G.C Wounded The Norton Knatchbull School records shows Edward’s next of kin as being James Rayner of Aldington. His father obviously moved to Ashford at a later date. The 1881 census gives – Gladstone Road, Willesborough

James RAYNER (Grocer) born 1851 Agnes Rayner (wife) aged 28 Elizabeth Rayner aged 2 Annie S Rayner aged 4 Stephen Sharke aged 41 Stephen Sharke appears to have been James assistant in the grocery business.

The Ashford Directory of 1896 gives the following information for Aldington - J. Rayner, Grocer and Butcher

Edward’s name also appears on a private family memorial in the old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford – Edward Died 4th April 1885 aged 75 years Elizabeth D Died 30th June 1854 aged 38 years James Died 25th August 1920 aged 70 years (Father) Agnes Died 4th November 1933 aged 83 years (mother) Edward George RAYNER Killed in Action 1918 ROBERTS F.W – Attended School 16th June 1906 to April 1912 Westwell Captain Frederick William ROBERTS MC. 10th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 1st October 1917 aged 22 years. Son of Reverand Henry Boys Roberts Vicar of Westwell Church, Westwell, Ashford, Kent. Buried Kortrijk (St Jan) (Courtrai), Belgium. Grave reference B.27. Attended the Ashford Grammar School from 16th June 1906 to April 1912. His name appears on the school’s book of remembrance. Awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage and leadership skills. There is an additional private family memorial to this man in the parish church. Frederick died in a German Prisoner of War (POW) Camp after being captured in an enemy trench raid on 20th September 1917 when the 10th West Kent’s attacked the enemy at Tower Hamlets outside Ypres, Belgium. 30

ROBINSON C - Attended school from 20th September 1907 to 1912 The school book of remembrance incorrectly states killed in France Rifleman 394606 Cyril ROBINSON. 9th (Queen Victoria’s Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment. Died 26/27th September 1917. Born Ashford. Enlisted London. Resided Corringham. Resided (1901) 122 Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent. Cyril has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 151. There is some confusion as to Cyril’s correct date of death. He was probably killed in action in a night attack and no one quite knew which day he was killed. Educated at the British School in Ashford and later the Ashford Grammar School from 20th September 1907 to 1912. Whilst at the Ashford Grammar School Cyril was a very keen cricketer and played for the cricket team in 1911. His name appears in the School Book of Remembrance. Upon leaving education Cyril trained as a foundry worker in Ashford and immediately before the outbreak of war was working as a foundry foreman. The 9th London Regiment was formed at Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London 4th August 1914 (3rd London Brigade, 1st London Division). August 1914 to Bullswater, Pirbright, Surrey. September 1914 to Crowborough, Sussex. Landed France November 1914 (13th Brigade, 5th Division). On 10th February 1916 moved to 169th Brigade, 56th Division in the Hallencourt area. On 1st February 1918 moved to 175th Brigade, 58th Division where it absorbed the 2/9th battalion. The battalion stayed on the Western Front for the duration of the war although it was attached to quite a few different Brigades and Divisions. Cyril was killed during the Third Battle of Ypres (1917) in Belgium NOT France. SIMS F.C – Attended school 19th January 1912 Private G/97001 Frederick Charles (Cecil) SIMS. “C” Company, 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Reported missing and presumed dead Monday 27th May 1918. Born 4th August 1899 at Seacombe, Cheshire. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford, Kent. Son of Alfred and Alice Annie Sims of 3, Queen Street, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France. Educated Ashford Grammar School from 19th January 1912 to 1913. His name appears on the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School War Roll of Honour. The School Book of Remembrance gives Frederick Charles SIMS whereas the CWGC list Frederick Cecil SIMS. Upon leaving school Frederick went to work with his father and became an articled Surveyor. It is believed that Frederick’s father ran his own successful surveying business in the Ashford and London areas. The 2nd Middlesex was a regular army formation. On the outbreak of war it was garrisoned in Malta. The battalion returned to Hursley Park in September 1914 and was placed in 23rd Brigade, 8th Division. Landed France 7th November 1914 (B.E.F). It remained on the Western Front for the duration of the war.

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THIMANN R.P – Attended school 16th September 1908 to Christmas 1908 Airman 1st Class 43670 Ralph Phoebus THIMANN. 9th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Proven, Belgium. Died Friday 12th October 1917 aged 20 years. Born 30th June 1897. Son of Reverend Israel Phoebus Thimann of 14, High Street, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Mrs M.K Thimann of “The Chase”, Manor Drive, Wembley Park, London. Buried in the Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium. Grave reference XI.H.12. Ralph’s father Israel Philbus Thimann was the church minister of the Congregational Church that stood in Ashford until 1939. There is a plaque commemorating Ralph’s father in the Centrepiece Church, Bank Street, Ashford. Israel died 12th January 1912 aged 48 years. The word ”Caterham Valley” appears on the school records. This might be the area where he met his death. 9 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was formed 8th December 1914 at St Omer France. On 22nd March 1915 it was disbanded and absorbed by 2,5,6 and 15 Squadron’s. On 1st April 1915 it was re-formed at Brooklands and went to Proven in Belgium. On 1st April 1918 it became 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) operating from Proven, Belgium. It was disbanded on 31st December 1919 at Castle Bromwich. On 1st April 1924 it was re-formed at Upavon.

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VIDLER J.A – Attended school from 6th May 1910 to Midsummer 1911 (BROTHER) Private T/1746 John Alfred VIDLER. 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 7th January 1916. Born Newchurch, Kent on 8th March 1897. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Kennington, Ashford. Son of George Vidler of “Forestmere”, Kennington Lees, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave reference XXXI.D.9. John’s father was a farmer and grazier in Kennington. John had a sister who died of TB before the outbreak of war. On the 6th January 1916 a signal came from Kut saying that large numbers of Turkish troops were moving downstream of the River Tigris towards Sheikh Saad. An aircraft spotted the troops entrenching both sides of the river. The Tigris Corps of which the Buffs was part of moved to meet the enemy. The 5th battalion attacked the Turk positions head on and by nightfall it became obvious the attack could not succeed. The next day 7th January the Buffs alongside The Black Watch and The Seaforth Highlanders were again ordered to attack in strength. As the British moved forward under heavy fire the Turks attempted to encircle the Tigris Corps. By nightfall the position remained stalemate. It was later discovered that the Turks had withdrawn upstream. British Army casualties at Sheikh Saad were over 4,000 men.

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VIDLER P.A – Attended school from 24th April 1909 to December 1909 (BROTHER) Private 2192 Percy Arthur VIDLER. Royal East Kent Yeomanry (Duke of Connaught’s Own Mounted Rifles). Died Gallipoli Wednesday 8th December 1915. Born Blackmanstone 4th August 1895. Enlisted Herne, London. Son of George Vidler of “Forestmere”, Kennington Lees, Ashford, Kent. Formerly “The Elms” Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Resided Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey. Grave reference C.385. His father was a farmer and grazier in Kennington. Percy was apprencticed to Messrs Lewis and Hylands, New Rents, Ashford before the outbreak of war. He had a younger brother serving in the Persian Gulf. A letter from Lewis and Hyland’s of Ashford stated – “We have heard with extreme regret that your son has been killed. We assure you of our deepest sympathy. He was a thoughtful lad and doubtless had a successful career in front of him, and it seems hard that such high hopes should thus be cut off. Words at such times are altogether inadequate to bring the comfort you need, but you will, we feel sure, find consolation in the fact that he has made the supreme sacrifice and given his life for his country in a just and honourable cause. He has died so that others may live”. The REKMR was in the forward area of “Fusilier Bluff” when Percy was killed.

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WARD E.J – Attended School from 16th September 1904 to July 1906 Rifleman 68 Edward (Eddie) John WARD. “H” Company, 5th (London Rifle Brigade) Battalion, London Regiment. Died Tuesday 8th December 1914 aged 23 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted London. Resided St Pancras, London. Son of John and Kate Ward of 7 Somerset Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Rifle House Cemetery, Plugstreet Wood, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Grave reference IV.E.3. The Norton Knatchbull School listed his home address as being number 15, Somerset Road, Ashford, not number 7. Prior to the outbreak of war, Edward was employed by Lloyds Bank first of all at the Ashford Branch and then after being promoted he went to work at the Southsea branch. He eventually went to work in Westgate Kent with the Lloyds Bank before being finally moved to their London headquarters. It appears that Edward had a bright future as a bank worker. He was a keen amateur dramatics participant and was also a very gifted Cricket Player. While at the Ashford Grammar School he held the school record for batting having scored 163 Not Out on one occasion. He went onto play cricket for his bank’s team and eventually for Ashford Town itself. On the 1st December 1914 the 5th London Regiment were at Armentieres having baths. On the 2nd December the battalion moved to Plugstreet Wood South of Ypres. It would appear that Eddie was killed near Plugstreet Wood which accounts for the fact he was buried in Rifle House Cemetery.

WARD H.R – Attended school from 2nd May 1913 to 1915 Air Mechanic 2nd Class (W.T Operator) F/6276 Harry (Henry) Richard WARD. Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). RNAS Airship Station Howden. RNAS Airship Station Kingsnorth, Isle of Grain, Kent (HMS President II). Died Saturday 21st July 1917 aged 18 years. Born 2nd March 1899. Son of Percy Richard and Ellen Ward of High Street, Rolvenden, Kent. Buried locally in the Rolvenden (St Mary) Churchyard, Rolvenden, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference – North of church tower. Educated at the Ashford Grammar School from 2nd May 1913 to 1915. His name appears in the School’s book of Remembrance. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission list Harry’s unit as HMS President whereas the GRO Great War Death indexes show the airship C.11. The 1901 census gives – High Street, Rolvenden Percy R WARD 28 Shopkeeper Lillington, Warwickshire Ellen 28 Sellindge, Kent Harry R 2 Rolvenden Alice 15 Nursemaid Maidstone The Kentish Express reported Harry’s demise – “Harry was serving at the Royal Naval Air Service Airship Station (HMS President II) at Kingsnorth on the Isle of Grain in Kent. He was killed whilst flying in the C.11A airship over the North Sea”. Battlebags British Airships of the Great War (ISBN 0-905-778-138) gives the following conflicting information about the C.11 / C.11.A airship – “Built at Kingsnorth, Isle of Grain, Kent. Trials 9th June 1916. To Howden from Kingsnorth 26th June 1916 (damaged propeller when landing). Wrecked at Scarborough 23rd April 1917 (Captain Hogg-Turner) but no fatalities. The airship was rebuilt at Howden and re-named C11.A. It burst into flames over Humber on 21st July 1917. Two officers, two coxwains and a Wireless Tranmitter (W.T) Operator were killed.

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LOST MEN

BAXTER G.E (brother)

2nd Lieutenant 929 Gordon Eyre BAXTER. 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Formerly King Edwards Horse. Formerly (Trooper 929) Royal East Kent Yeomanry (REKMR) from 1908 to 1911. Died Tuesday 8th October 1918 aged 28 years. Born 15th December 1899 in Wiltshire. Son of Stanley Eyre and Emma Louisa Baxter of North Lees, Taikawhana, Hopianga, Auckland, New Zealand. In 1918 his home address was “St Chad”, Sackville Crescent, Ashford, Kent. Buried St Nicolas British Cemetery, France. Grave reference II.F5. Gordon was educated at Shepton Mallet Grammar School, Ashford Grammar School (very briefly alongside his brother) and afterwards attended the South Eastern Agricultural College at Wye near Ashford. Gordon was serving in the REKMR (Wye Troop) as a Trooper whilst studying at the Wye Agricultural College (1908-1911). When the war broke out he was living in New Zealand and owned a rubber plantation. Gordon immediately joined the King Edwards Horse (part of the New Zealand Army) on 5th February 1915. He eventually arrived in France on 22 April 1915 with his regiment. At some stage Gordon was transferred into the British Army and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. It was with this British Regiment that Gordon lost his life.

HEWSON W.J Lieutenant Wilfred John HEWSON. 9th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 25th October 1918. It is recorded in the “Ashfordian” that this man billeted in the school during 1915 when the Northumberland Fusiliers were stationed in Ashford. Although he was not a pupil his names deserves to be recognized here. The “Ashfordian” lists his name in December 1918. HICKMAN E.G NO TRACE – This man’s name was mentioned in the local paper as being killed in action whilst serving in the colours. The newspaper article states that E.G Hickman was a former pupil at the Ashford Grammar School. I can find no reference to this man in official records. WEST H.M.P Captain Henry Meldrum Pelham WEST. 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 20th September 1917. This man was billeted in the school when the 11th battalion were stationed in Ashford in 1915. Again although he was never an actual pupil, he does deserve inclusion here. The “Ashfordian” lists his name in December 1918.

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