Frederick Charles Adams was born at Brasted, Sevenoaks in 1883. He was working as a barman at the Swan Hotel, East Grinstead at the time of the 1911 census, but he seems to have moved to Tonbridge in 1912 or thereabouts, and to have worked with his brother, A. A. Adams, who had a fruiterer’s shop at 13 High Street. Tonbridge. He enlisted at Tonbridge in March 1916 and served as Private 40212, 8th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. He went to France in August 1916 and died of wounds on the 29th September 1916, and is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe.
Alfric Euan Allies was born in 1890 at Alfrick, Worcestershire, a son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Edward Allies. He was educated at Mr Bickmore’s Yardley Court School and Tonbridge School [1905 – 1909]. He worked for a year for Mr J. Le Fleming at Eton House, and then went to Brasenose College, Oxford in 1910. He graduated in 1913 with an honours degree in jurisprudence and subsequently joined the Inner Temple. He was gazetted as [Temporary] 2nd Lieutenant in 8th [Service] Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 9th September 1914. Promoted to Lieutenant on 1st February 1915. He left England on 29th June for the Dardanelles. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on August 16th 1915 aged 24 years.
Arthur Bertram Andrews was born in 1896 at Shipbourne, the third of six children born to Stephen and Alice Andrews. He enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment in June 1915 and served with the 6th Battalion as Private 201187. He was wounded in late August 1918 and although at first it was thought he would survive he died of his wounds on the 26th August in a military hospital in France; he was aged 22 years. He is buried at Daours Communal Cemetery Extension. The news was delivered to his parents who at that time resided at 17 Meadow Road.
Robert Arnold was born in the West Derby district of Liverpool in 1880. He came to Tonbridge in about 1907 to work for Truscott and Sons as a bookbinder and book edge marbler. He played for the local football team. He was an active member of his trade union, and held the post of treasurer in his local branch of the National Union of Bookbinders and Machine Rulers. He enlisted in January 1916 at Tonbridge and served with both the London and Middlesex Regiments, at time of enlistment he was recorded as living at 48, Vale Road. At the time of his death, he was killed in action on 20th May 1917, he was serving with the 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, Private TF/203917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
George Ashwell was born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire in 1887, the son of John and Elizabeth Ashwell. In 1899 he married Clara Jane Parker at St Thomas-in-the-Moors, [Balsall Heath] Worcester. By the time of the 1911 census George and his family were living at 74, Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge, and George was working as a bricklayer. He enlisted as a sapper 1552 in the 1st/1st Kent Field Company Royal Engineers on 26th October 1914. He died of wounds sustained at Gallipoli on 5th December 1915 and is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery.
Edward John Austen was born at Tonbridge in 1895, the eldest of two children born to John Charles and Jessie Cornelia Austen. In 1911 recorded as living at 40 Pembury Road. He was educated at Tonbridge School, joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps on 16th November 1914, and gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the London Regiment on 3rd April 1915. He was promoted a Temporary Lieutenant on 30th November 1915, and went to France in January 1916. He was wounded on more than one occasion, and killed in action aged 22 on 23rd March 1918 whilst serving with the London Regiment [Royal Fusiliers] 3rd Battalion. He was mentioned in dispatches and recommended for the DSO. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial.
Harold Austen. No record for a Harold Austen with a connection to Tonbridge has been found – all references seem to be for Harold Edward Austen – see next entry.
Harold Edward Austen was born in 1894 in Tonbridge, the second of two children born to Charles Edward and Emma Elizabeth Austen. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 5 The Crescent (Havelock Road). Before enlisting on 10th June 1915 he worked as a clerk for Messrs Freer and Brown, solicitors. He served initially with the Buffs [Sergeant 2520], then was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles. He was a Sergeant [40155] with the 14th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action at Messines Ridge in France on the 7th June 1917. He is buried at Spanbroekmolen British Cemetery.
George Avery [not on the original memorial] was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1899, the second child of six born to Isaac Albert and Ada [Staplehurst] Avery. By 1911 the family were living in Judd Road, Tonbridge, having previously lived at Southborough. George had served with the Yeomen Cyclists and he was killed in action at Kemmel, Belgium, aged 19 on the 24th April 1918 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, Private G/30531. He is buried at Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension.
Cecil Obediah Avis was born in Tonbridge in 1887, a son of Henry and Mary Avis. He married Mary Ann Ongley at Tonbridge in 1910, had two children and lived at 5 Fosse Road. He was a picture framer for Flemons before joining up. In 1915 he joined the Home Counties Royal Engineers and was subsequently transferred to the 11th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment, in which regiment he was serving, Private 87831, when he was killed in action on 21st March 1918. He is remembered on Pozieres Memorial.
Frederick Avis was born in 1892 at Tonbridge, the eldest son of Philip and Violet [Card] Avis. After leaving school he worked as a boot maker and lived in Garden Road Tonbridge. He then enlisted in the Royal Engineers on the 28th December 1914 and subsequently went to France on 15th June 1915. He took part in the Battle of Loos on the 25th September following, and in many other engagements. He was wounded in February 1916, and invalided home. He re-joined his regiment in France on 28th June that same year and was killed in action serving as Sapper 58680 with the 255th Tunnelling Company near Ypres on 31st May 1918. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
Spencer Avis was born in Seal near Sevenoaks in 1874, the son of Benjamin and Annie Avis. He married Florence Vere Coltham in 1903 at Canterbury, Kent and she is recorded as living at 4 Cromer Street at the time of his death. He seems to have been a regular soldier; in 1911 he was a lance sergeant 6299 serving with the 18th [Queen Mary’s Own] Hussars at Aliwal Military Barracks, South Tedford, Hampshire. He was listed as a saddle tree maker. He went to France with his regiment on the 15th August 1914. He was in action at the battles of Mons and Le Cateau, the retreat from Mons, and then the battles of the Marne, the Aisne, La Brassee, Messines, Armentieres and Ypres – all in 1914. In the following years he saw further action at: Gravenstafel, St. Julien, Frezenberg, Bellewaarde, the Somme 1916 '18, Flers-Courcelette, Arras 1917, Scarpe 1917 and Cambrai 1917. Spencer Avis died on the 19th April 1917 aged 41 and was buried at Etaples cemetery.
Henry Kent Axelby [aka Henry Kent Brunning] was born in Preston in 1895 and was the adopted son of John and Louisa Brunning recorded as living in Lavender Hill. Before he enlisted in September 1914, Private G/1547, 7th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, he worked for the Tonbridge Free Press as an apprentice compositor. He was mortally wounded on 3rd July 1916 by shell fire whilst acting as a stretcher bearer and died, despite all that could be done, at the dressing station. He is buried at Carnoy Military Cemetery.
Humphrey Babington was born at Tonbridge in 1884 the son of John and Emily Babington. He was educated at Tonbridge School, recorded as living at 88 Hadlow Road, and then employed as a clerk by the Union Bank of Australia in the UK. He emigrated to Australia in February 1914. He attested for service with the Australian Imperial Force on 19th August 1915 at Adelaide, Private 2973, and served with the 32nd Battalion. He was admitted to 5th Division Rest Station, 8th Australian Field Ambulance, on 27.4.17 suffering from bronchitis and debility, and was transferred to 9th Casualty Clearing Station on 1.5.17 but died the same day. His body was interred in the Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, one mile north of Albert, France.
Herbert Donald Baldwin was born in Tonbridge in 1891 the son of Charles and Jane Baldwin. He married Elizabeth Amy Evans at Lewisham in 1915, and recorded as living at 40 Quarry Hill. He served in the Yeomanry prior to the war and subsequently from May 1915 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 156th Brigade Royal Field Artillery. He was hit by a shell near Mametz Wood on the 18th July 1916 and lived for about an hour, despite receiving medical attention. He is buried at Heilly Station Military Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe.
James Baldwin was born in about 1876, probably at Oxted, Surrey. He married Harriet Sherlock at Tonbridge in 1896 and subsequently had two children. In 1901 he was working as a general labourer, by 1911 he was working as a labourer at the Powder Works. He enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment Private GS/4643 1st Battalion, on the 23rd November 1914 at Maidstone; he had previous military experience with the 3rd RWK. At the time of enlistment he was recorded as living at 1 Peach Hall High Street Tonbridge. He went to France on the 12th May 1915 and was killed in action on the 22nd July 1916; he has no known grave and is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial.
Henry William Barling was born at Maidstone in 1875, the son of William and Ann Barling. He joined the Royal Navy on 9th December 1895 as a Stoker. He worked his way up and on 1st July 1913 had risen to the rank of Chief Stoker, serving on HMS Vanguard. In 1906 he married Frances Matilda Pilcher at Sheppey; the couple had two children and lived in Sheerness (although his parents lived in Landsdown Road Tonbridge). On 30th July 1914 he joined HMS Aboukir as Chief Stoker. On 22nd September 1914 his ship, and another two ships, were torpedoed and sunk by German U-boats whilst on patrol. Henry Barling was seen to be clinging to a piece of wreckage after the ship sank, but gave up his hold in favour of another stoker who was having difficulty keeping afloat. He was not seen again. He is recorded on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Henry Frederick Bartholomew was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1891 the eldest child of nine born to Henry and Amelia Bartholomew. In 1911 the family were living at Priory Road, Tonbridge, and Henry Frederick was working as a compositor for Whitefriars Press. He enlisted at Tonbridge in September 1914 in the Royal West Kent Regiment and was eventually a Sergeant, G/1532, in the 7th Battalion. He married Dora Leigh at Tonbridge in 1915. He was killed in action at Trones Wood on 18th July 1916; he has no known grave and is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial.
Albert Mitchell Barton was born at Eltham in 1894. In 1901 he was living with his grandmother, Hannah, and her unmarried daughter, Kate, at Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge. By the time of the 1911 census he had begun work as a type carrier at one of the town’s printing works. He married Ethel M. Hollamby [See John George Hollamby ] in 1915 at Tonbridge. He enlisted in 1916 as Private G/24583, 1st Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment and went to France in January 1917. He was killed in action on 27th September 1918 and is buried at Marcoing Military Cemetery.
Edward Batchelor was born in Tonbridge in 1881, the son of William and Ellen Batchelor. After leaving Judd School he first worked for an Australian shipping firm as a clerk. He then passed the qualifying exam for the Civil Service and became a clerk in the War Office. He became an accountant, firstly in the War Office and then in the Health Insurance Commission. He married Sarah Mitchell at Salisbury in 1907 and lived at Streatham Park London (parents still recorded as living in Lavender Hill, Tonbridge). In December 1915 he enlisted in the Artists’ Rifles, being gazetted as Lieutenant in the London Regiment in September 1916. He went to France in November 1916 and was killed by a trench mortar on 26th September 1917. He is buried at Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle.
Sidney Batchelor was born at Leigh in 1896, the son of Benjamin George and Annie Laura Batchelor. Recorded as living at 22, Powder Mills. He worked as a reader in one of the town’s printing works and then as a painter for the L & NW Railway. He enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers in March 1916 and then was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on June 1916, as Private 35950. He went to France on 26th July 1916. He was wounded on the 26th April 1918, a gunshot wound to his shin; recovered and went back to his unit on 24th May 1918. He was subsequently killed in action on 20th July 1918 and was buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery.
William John Batchelor was born in Tonbridge in 1891, the son of James Edward and Margaret Batchelor. He worked as a printer for Truscott Printers in Tonbridge. In 1913 he married Edith L. Keys at Tonbridge. At the time of his death his wife was recorded as living at 126 St Marys Road. He served with the 1st/6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry as Private 79577, W Company. He was captured at the end of May 1918 and died of dysentery as a Prisoner of War on the 24th October 1918 at a hospital in Worms. He is buried in the Hochheim Hill Cemetery, Worms.
Amos Leslie Bathurst was born at Tonbridge in 1893, the son of Stephen John and Jemima Stuart Bathurst and recorded as living in Hawden Road. He enlisted with the 4th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment [Territorial Force] on 22nd May 1911; at that time he was working as a butcher’s assistant for Messrs Waghorn, Butchers, Tonbridge. On 26th October 1914 he signed the release which would enable him to serve overseas. He was subsequently transferred to the 7th Battalion and then the 8th as Private G/19023. He went to France on the 8th December 1916. He was killed in action on 19th June 1917; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres [Menin Gate] Memorial.
Harry Alec Beach was born in Tonbridge in 1898, the son of Charles and Selina Beach. He enlisted as Private G/6365 on the 11th May 1915 in 1st Battalion East Kent Regiment – The Buffs, at this time he lived in Lavender Hill. He went to France on 30th May 1916. He was wounded on the Somme on 23rd September 1916, then returned to his unit on 8th January 1917. In the Spring of 1917 he was hospitalised in France for a month with shell shock, but again returned to his unit. He was killed in action by shell fire on 23rd March 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Charles George Bellingham was born at Halstead in 1893, the son of Frank and Naomi Bellingham. He worked as a fireman on the S E & C Railway. In 1916 he married Emily T. Pettitt at Tonbridge and lived in Pembury Road. On 7th March 1917 he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, 80th Broad Gauge Workshops Company and was appointed Corporal WR/269995. He died from influenza at Rouen on 3rd November 1918, leaving a widow and daughter.
Frederick Bennett was born at Tonbridge in 1889, the son of Frederick and Emily Bennett. In 1910, when he was 22 years old, he emigrated to Canada and was living in Vancouver when the war began. He enlisted in December 1917 and served as Private 4080123 29th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. He was killed in action on 9th August 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
Henry Richard Bennett was born at Chislehurst in 1896, the son of Henry Edward and Agnes Mary Bennett. He attended Tonbridge School, leaving in 1915 to go to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. He was then gazetted as a lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery later that same year. At the time of his death in a French hospital on 4th August 1918 he was serving with the Royal Horse Artillery, 3rd Cavalry Division. He is buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery.
Thomas Edward Bennett was born at Tonbridge in 1891, the son of Thomas and Emily [Nye] Bennett; Thomas senior died in 1896.At the time of the 1911 census Thomas and his widowed mother were living at St Margaret’s Place, Tonbridge, and Thomas was working as a wash house man in a local laundry. He served as Gunner 38961 Royal Field Artillery. He first went to France on 27th July 1915 and he was killed in action on 28th September 1917 whilst serving with “B” Battery, 84th Army Brigade. He is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery.
Edwin Berkeley Cook was born in London in 1869 and educated at Eton. He was a career soldier, first gazetted as a Lieutenant in the 1st Life Guards in 1890. He served in India for many years. At the beginning of the war he was Lieutenant-Colonel in the 1st Life Guards and went to France with his regiment. He was wounded on 21st October 1914 near Messines and subsequently died on 5th November 1914 in London. He was buried at East Peckham. His father was a Tonbridge resident recorded as living at Roydon hall.
Ernest Arthur Bissenden was born at Tonbridge in 1890, the son of William and Esther Bissenden. Ernest worked as a postman for the G.P.O. 1911 recorded as living in Lavender Hill. In 1915 he married Sarah Twiner at East Grinstead and in August of that year he also enlisted. He served with the Norfolk Regiment and then, after going to France in June 1916, he was transferred to the 1st/7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment as Private 41293. He died of wounds on 10th October 1917 and is buried Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Arthur Worsley Blackden was born in Cambridge in 1898, the son of Brigadier General Leonard Shadwell and Mary Helen [Pike] Blackden. He was educated at Tonbridge School 1911 – 1915, thence to the Royal Academy at Woolwich and then gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on 22nd October 1915. He went to France on 3rd May 1916 and was killed in action on 28th September 1916, in the Gird Support Trench, north of Flers, on the Somme front. Whilst selecting a position for his battery a shell burst over his head, killing him instantaneously. He was buried in the parapet of the trench and remembered on Thiepval Memorial.
Colin Blythe was born in Deptford in 1879, the son of Walter and Elizabeth Blythe. He became a professional cricketer who played for Kent and England. He married Gertrude Janet Brown in 1907 at Greenwich. By 1911 the couple were living in Goldsmid Road, Tonbridge. On the outbreak of war he enlisted with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry serving as Sergeant 49296 in the 12th Battalion, and was killed in action at Passchendaele on 8th November 1917. He is buried at Oxford Road Cemetery.
Arthur Boakes [brother of Richard Daniel] was born at Leigh in 1882, the son of George and Marie Boakes, and recorded as living at Powdermill cottages. By the time of the 1901 census he was serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment. In 1905 he married Margaret Ellen Matilda Mannering and in 1911 was working as a shepherd at Broughton Farm, Kemsing. Following the outbreak of war he was back with the Royal West Kents, serving as Sergeant 21043 in the 6th Battalion. He went to France on 23rd December 1915 and was killed in action on 9th August 1918; he is buried at Ville-Sur-Ancre.
Richard Daniel Boakes [brother of Arthur] was born at Leigh in 1886, the son of George and Marie Boakes. Before the war he worked as a farm carter. He enlisted in the Army Service Corps as Driver T2/017842, and went to France on 23rd June 1915. He married Daisy Parsons at Tonbridge in 1916. He was serving with the 229th H.T. Company attached to 34th H.Q. when he died, probably in the ‘flu epidemic, on 17th November 1918. He is buried at Kortrijk Communal Cemetery.
Cecil John Bone [incorrectly listed as “Bones” on the memorial] was born at Tonbridge in 1896, the son of John and Elizabeth Bone. In 1911 recorded as living in Houselands Road, but later moved to High Brooms. He worked as an assistant in a clothes shop and then a fruiters; he was also a Territorial in the Royal Engineers, serving as Sapper [T] 854. He was a member of the party of men, Royal Engineers 1st/3rd Kent Field Company, who sailed off to Gallipoli on HMS Hythe, which was sunk on route from Mudros to Cape Helles, on 25th October 1915 following a collision with HMS Sarnia. Like many of the men on board he drowned and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial.
Jack Boorman was born at Tonbridge in 1890 the son of George and Caroline Boorman. Jack enlisted in the Rifle Brigade at Tonbridge on the 18th April 1907. He served for some years in India with the Rifle Brigade, returning to England on 22nd October 1914, and he was promoted to the rank of Corporal 2066 on 25th October 1914. He went to France on 5th November 1914 and then on the 5th February 1915 he was transferred to the Army Cycle Corps as Corporal 3288 8th Division Cyclist Company. At the time of his death his parents are recorded as living in Pembury Grove. He was killed in action on the 9th March 1915 and is buried at the Royal Irish Guards Graveyard, Laventie.
Arthur Frederick Botham was born at Islington in 1889, the son of Harry Algernon and Sarah Botham. He joined the staff of Tonbridge School in January 1913 as a teacher of mathematics. On the 5th August 1914 he enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company and served initially as a Gunner, later a Bombardier in Egypt defending the Canal. In the autumn of 1915 he returned to England to take a commission in the Special Reserve, Royal Field Artillery and went to France shortly afterwards. He was mortally wounded on 18th June 1917 and died before reaching the casualty clearing station. He is buried at Lingesthoek Cemetery, Poperinghe.
Henry Bottle was born at Ticehurst in 1895, the son of William Henry and Caroline Bottle. In 1911 recorded as living in Barns Street Golden Green. He was a farm labourer and in March 1914 he was one of the men taken from the UK by the New Zealand Government Immigration Department to work on farms in New Zealand. On the outbreak of the war he enlisted, Private 6/1470, in the Third Reinforcements of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. Henry Bottle was shot on 20th May 1915 whilst landing from HMT Galeka - part of the landing force at Gallipoli. He died of his wound on board the ship and was subsequently buried at sea.
Alfred Bourne was born at Tonbridge in 1884, the son of Frederick and Selah [Cook] Bourne and lived in Shipbourne Road. In 1916 he enlisted as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 491st Company and went to France in August 1917. He was posted missing in June 1918, later confirmed as killed. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Robert William Bradbury was born at Chesterfield, Derbyshire in 1896, the son of Edward and Clara Bradbury. Edward Bradbury worked as the Registrar of births and deaths and the Relieving Officer of the Tonbridge Board of Guardians, and Robert William was employed as a clerk at the offices of the Tonbridge Free Press after he left Judd School. He lived at 12 Woodfield Road. He enlisted on 28th August 1914, initially with the King’s Royal Rifles, before being transferred to the Army Cyclist Corps where he served as Lance Corporal 208 VI Corps, Cyclist Battalion. Robert William Bradbury was killed near Souchen on Sunday 11th June, hit by a bullet in the side when returning to the trenches across the open with a “wiring” party. Efforts were made to bring him round, but he never regained consciousness.
Alfred Richard Breeze was born in Buckland, Dover in 1882. In 1907 he married Mabel Eleanor Pallett at Dover. Following the birth of their child, Hilda, at Dover in 1910, the family moved to 72 High Street, Tonbridge where Alfred was employed as a clothier’s manager. Alfred served as Private 400393 in the 13th Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was killed in action on 30th November 1917 at Cambrai. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial.
Percy Bridges was born in Tonbridge in 1894, the son of Ernest and Fanny Bridges. By the time of the 1911 census Percy had enlisted and was serving as a Private with the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment. At some point he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Private 10313, and was serving with them at Wijnberg, South Africa in August 1914 when the war began. The Battalion returned to England via Southampton on 30th October 1914, and subsequently went to France on 6th November 1914. Percy was killed in action at Fricourt on 7th July 1916; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. At the time of his death his parents were recorded as living at 1, Houselands Road.
Percy Bristow was born at Tonbridge in 1896, the son of Edward and Emma Bristow. After leaving school he worked as an errand boy for a newsagent and lived at 28 Hawden Road. He also enlisted in the Kent Cycle Battalion, in which he served for 18 months. Before the outbreak of war he emigrated to Canada. On 19th May 1915 he attested for service as Private 410037 with the 38th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was killed inaction on November 18th 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
F.B Brook–Foster (Frank Brook Foster) was born in 1898,
son of Thomas and Harriett. By 1911 Frank had married Gertrude and was
living at 3, Waterloo Place and he worked as a journeyman for the bakers
before joining East Kent Regiment as Private L/7991in September 1914. He was reported as missing May 3rd 1915 then confirmed as killed in action,
at the time of death Gertrude was living at 168, Vale Road and he is
remembered on Ypres Menin Gate memorial.
Herbert James Brotherwood was born at Tonbridge in 1895, the son of Edward and Lidia Brotherwood. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and brothers at 10 Hawden Road, Tonbridge; he worked as an errand boy for an outfitter’s shop. He enlisted at Tonbridge as Private G/15559 7th Battalion The Buffs [East Kent Regiment]. He was killed in action on 12th October 1917 and is buried at Cement House Cemetery.
Frederick Brown was born at Tonbridge in 1879, the son of Randolph and Harriet Brown. He began his working life as a labourer for his father, a plumber. After his marriage to Mabel Mary Marchant, at Tonbridge in 1902, he became a house painter, and in 1911 is recorded as living at 57 Houselands Road. He enlisted at Tonbridge as Private G/12881, 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment. He was killed in action on 3rd May 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Cecil Alfred Brunger was born in Edinburgh in 1896, the son of Alfred and Laura Brunger. By the time of the 1911 census the family lived in Church Row, Tonbridge. Cecil Alfred enlisted at Tonbridge and served as Private G/3211, 7th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment. He went to France on the 24th August 1915. He died of wounds on 18th July 1916 and is buried at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen.
Harry Kent Brunning – believed to be the same man as Harry Kent Axelby.
Eric James Kershaw Buckley was born at Pembroke in 1895, the son of James Kershaw and Charlotte Buckley. He attended Tonbridge School from 1909 – 1914. He enlisted in the Royal Navy Air Service on 16th July 1916. He had a very distinguished career being awarded the Order of the Crown and the Croix de Guerre. He served as a Flight Sub Lieutenant and was killed as a result of a collision off the coast near Nieuport on 28th September 1917. Both planes involved crashed into the sea and both pilots were killed. Buckley’s body was recovered some six weeks after the crash and he was buried at Flushing Northern Cemetery.
Stanley Gordon Budd was born at Brighton in 1885, the son of Alfred and Florence Budd. He married Sushannah [sic] Carter at Tonbridge in 1910, and he is recorded as living in Caister Road. He worked as a compositor in one of the local print works. He enlisted in 1914 at Tonbridge and served as Sergeant G/1541 in the 7th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment. He went to France on 26th July 1915. He died of his wounds on 2nd November 1916 and is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
William Caleb Burgess was born at Sutton, Surrey in 1888, the son of William and Eliza Burgess. By the time of the 1911 census William was living at the house of his aunt, Mercy Atkins, at 61 High Street, Tonbridge; William was working as a carpenter. In 1916 he married Sarah Jane Humphrey at Tonbridge, at which time he may already have been serving with the Royal Engineers. He was later transferred to the 9th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment as Lance Corporal 34515. He was killed in action on the 21st March 1918; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Harold Edward Buss was born at Tonbridge in 1895, the son of Thomas and Isabella Buss. In 1911 is recorded as living in London Road Hildenborough. Before the war he worked as a leather cutter. He served as Driver 168882, 9th Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He was killed in action by an enemy shell on the 28th March 1917. He is buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras.
Sidney Butcher was born at Tonbridge in 1898, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Butcher. In 1911 recorded as living at 5 Douglas Road. After leaving Sussex Road School he worked as a clerk, firstly for Truscott Printers and then for Messrs Denyer and Rumball, auctioneers. He enlisted in the Kent Cyclist Battalion at the age of 17 and subsequently served as Private 130475, 31st Battalion Machine Gun Corps. He was wounded in action and died in a French hospital on 21st September 1918. He is buried at La Kruele Military Cemetery, Hazebrouck.
Sydney L. Cannon was born at Wandsworth in 1895, the son of Matthew and Alice Cannon. He attended Tonbridge School 1908 – 1913. And recorded as living at West View The Drive. He served initially as a Lieutenant with the Shropshire Light Infantry and then with the R.A.F. He died in Egypt as the result of a flying accident on 14th September 1918. He is buried at Alexandria [Hadra] War Memorial Cemetery.
Alfred Archibald Card was born at Tonbridge in 1886, the son of Herbert and Laurel Card. In 1909 he married Mary Adelaide Jenner at Tonbridge. In 1911 lived at 30 Cromer Street and worked as a labourer. He served in the Royal Field Artillery as Driver 211797, 29th Divisional Ammunition Column. He died on the 28th November 1918, probably as a result of the flu epidemic. He is buried at Tourcoing {Pont-Neuville] Communal Cemetery.
George Frederick Carpenter was born at Tonbridge in 1896, the son of George and Annie Carpenter and lived in Garden Road. On the outbreak of the war he joined the Royal Field Artillery, but was subsequently transferred to the 7th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment where he served as Private 10198 in “A” Company. He was captured on 21st March 1918 and held prisoner of war in Germany at Meschede POW Camp in Westphalia. By the end of the war he had contracted dysentery and he died at the 14th Stationary Hospital in France on 8th January 1919. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.
Albert George Carter was born at Tonbridge in 1888, the son of William and Constance Carter. In 1911 he married Edith Farnes at Tonbridge and by the time of the 1911 census he was living with her family in Norman Road Tunbridge Wells and working as a painter. He enlisted as Driver 2025 Royal Engineers in 1914 and died on 17th October 1915, following complications after catching a chill. He is buried at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery.
William Nelson Carter D.C.M. [Brother of Albert George] was born at Tonbridge in 1893, the son of William and Constance Carter, formerly living at Shipbourne Road and later moving to Church Row. Before joining up he worked for Whitefriars Press. He enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment on 1st September 1914. He served in the 3rd and 6th Battalions of the Regiment, before being promoted Sergeant 767 in the 10th Battalion on 5th December 1917. He had first gone to France on 1st June 1915, and then transferred to Italy in November of that year. He was awarded the D.C.M. at about that time, the award being gazetted on 3rd June 1918. He returned to France in March 1918. He was gassed and wounded on 27th April 1918, recovered and returned to the front only to be wounded again, this time a gunshot wound, on 19th August 1918. He again returned to duty, and was subsequently killed in action on 22nd October 1918. He is buried at Dadizeele New British Cemetery.
Sydney Charles Catt was born at Tonbridge in 1898, the son of William Alfred and Elizabeth Martha Catt. In 1911 recorded as living at 35, Pembury Grove. It was recorded that he worked for South Eastern railways as a linesman. He enlisted in April 1917 as Private 37021, 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. He left England on H.T. Aragon at the beginning of December 1917 as one of a party of reinforcements bound for Egypt. H.T. Aragon was torpedoed and sunk on the 30th December 1917 whilst entering the port of Alexandria with the loss of 380 officers and men, including Sydney Charles Catt. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Chatby Memorial.
Frederick Chalklin was born at Tonbridge in 1889, the son of Harry and Emma Chalklin. By the time of the 1911 census he had already enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment and was serving as a Lance Corporal. At the outbreak of the war in August 1914, Frederick was serving with the 2nd Battalion which was then stationed at Multan in India. At the beginning of 1915 the Battalion was sent to Mesopotamia, arriving at Basra on 6th February 1915. Frederick was then a Lance Sergeant L/9322 and served in one of the two companies which were attached to the 30th Brigade, 6th [Poona] Division. They were besieged at Kut-al-Amara and taken prisoner by the Turkish Army on 29th April 1916. Frederick died from dysentery at Dorak in Turkey on 7th November 1916 and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. At the time of death his parents were living in Norfolk road Tonbridge.
Sidney George Champion was born at Tonbridge in 1886, the son of William and Mary Champion. He was married to Winifred and lived at 22, Priory Road. He served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers attached to the 2nd Battalion King’s African Rifles who fought in East Africa. He died of his wounds on 17th March 1917 and is commemorated on the Dar Es Salaam British and Indian Memorial.
John Waterhouse Children was born at Tonbridge in 1887, the son of Richard and Marion Children. He attended Tonbridge School from 1897 – 1904. On 12th March 1913 he left England bound for New York. After the outbreak of the war he enlisted as Private 72167 27th Battalion Canadian Infantry. He was killed in action on 15th September 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
Murray Inglis Christie D.S.O. was born at Sydenham in 1889, the son of George and Edith Christie. The family moved to Tonbridge in the early 1900s, where George Christie was a wine merchant. In August 1914 Murray initiated and organised “A” Company 1st Mid Kent Volunteer Fencibles, of which he was the platoon commander. He then enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company and subsequently obtained a commission in the Royal Fusiliers. He won his D.S.O. on 20th September 1917 for leading his men with great bravery to take their objective whilst under heavy enemy fire. On February 18th 1918 he married Kathleen Dunham at Tonbridge, and whilst on that same leave collected his D.S.O. at Buckingham Palace. Whilst serving as Captain, “A” Company 32nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, he took part in the fierce fighting of the German Spring Offensive and was mortally wounded on the 24th March 1918. He is buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery.
Edward George Clack [sometimes recorded as Clark] was born at Tonbridge in 1899, the son of Richard and Edith Clark and lived in Lavender Hill. He served as Private Edward Clark GS/72272 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers attached to 1st Battalion London Regiment. He was killed in action on 28th August 1918 and is buried at Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy.
Frederick William Clack was born at Tonbridge in 1886, the son of Frederick and Harriet Clack. In 1911 lived in 121, Pembury Road. Before the war Frederick worked as a dustman for the council and he also was a Territorial soldier serving with the 1st Battalion Royal West Kent [T.E.]. He attested at Tonbridge on 23rd November 1914 for the Kent Cyclist [Reserve] Battalion and was subsequently sent to India on 2nd February 1917, and then transferred to the 1st/5th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment on 13th November 1917. He served in the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, leaving India on 5th December 1917 and arriving at Basra on the 11th December. He became ill on the 8th June 1918, initially diagnosed with pleurisy, and died on 20th June 1918 on pneumonia at Baghdad. He is buried at Baghdad [North Gate] War Cemetery.
S. W. Clack – not identified. No information on this man.
Archie Ferguson Clark was born at Hertford in 1890, the son of Donald and Isabella Clark. Donald Clark was a regular soldier, a Colour Sergeant, and Archie enlisted in the Scots Guards and was already serving with them at the time of the 1911 census. At the outbreak of war Archie was serving with the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards as Drummer 5408. His Battalion landed at Le Havre on 7th October 1914. At the time of death his parents were recorded as living in Hillcrest Hildenborough. He was killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915. He is buried at Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.
Henry Clark was born at Peasmarsh, Sussex in 1882, the son of Henry and Emily Clark. At some point after 1911 Henry, his wife Mary Irene, and their four children moved to Havelock Road, Tonbridge. Henry served as Private 42191, 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment, and before that as Private 22798 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He died on 31st August 1918, his entry in the Parish Church Memorial Book states: “Killed by a hand grenade during a night attack”. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
Claude Casburn Clements was born at Tunbridge Wells in 1885, the son of Robert and Eva Clements. He was educated at Skinners School, then worked for the Tunbridge Wells Advertiser before working for a number of different commercial firms in Russia, Holland and France. In 1912 he married Nellie May Grinyer at Tonbridge. He joined the Queen’s Westminster Rifles in March 1917 and was subsequently gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Berkshire Regiment in April 1918. He was attached to the 7th Battalion Northampton Regiment and killed in action near Cambrai on 9th October 1918. He is buried at Cagnoncles Communal Cemetery.
John Clifton was born sometime between 1877 and 1881, probably at Tonbridge, but no birth registration has been found. He married Emily Thomsett at Southborough in 1905. His parents, as named on his army next of kin form, were John and Fanny Clifton. John and his family have not been found in the census returns. He enlisted at Tonbridge as Private G/16555 6th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment on 15th July 1916 at the stated age of 36 years and 4 months and that he lived at 138 Vale Road. He had previously served for 5 years with the 3rd Royal West Kent Regiment, pre-war Territorial service presumably. He was killed in action on 17th July 1917 and is buried at Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt.
Arthur Clough was born at Oldham in 1890, the son of Ernest and Elizabeth [Hawkins] Clough. On 31st July 1906 Arthur enlisted in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, Private 7222. He served in India, recorded there in the 1911 census. In 1913 he married Margaret Elizabeth Gudge at Edmonton. Middlesex. At the outbreak of war he went to France with the 1st Battalion King’s Royal Rifles, landing at Rouen on 13th August 1914. He was captured on 2nd November 1914 and held a prisoner of war at Gustrow Camp, where he died on 23rd December 1914. His connection with Tonbridge was that by 1914 his father, Ernest, was living at Tonbridge and presumably was still resident when the memorial was erected.
Harry Milton Cobb was born at Saltwood in 1882, the son of Harry and Mary Cobb. In the mid-1880s the family moved to Tonbridge and in 1908 Harry married Mabel Slaughter at Tonbridge and lived in Sussex Road. Before the war Harry worked as an assistant for a fruiter and greengrocer. He served initially with the Army Service Corps [Private T/292922] and then with the 9th Battalion Manchester Regiment as Private 59640. He was reported missing in March 1918 near St Quentin; later reported as killed in the 21st March 1918. He is buried at Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension.
William Gordon Cobell was born at Camberwell in 1899, the son of William Frederick and Annie Marie Cobell. The family moved to Tonbridge at some point after the 1911 census, when they were in Croydon, and 1917, by which time they lived at Chichester Road. William Gordon worked at Truscott Printers and was Private TR/10/31150 in the 32nd Battalion Training Reserve when he was killed in an air raid at Dover on 22nd August 1917. He was buried at Tonbridge with full military honours on Monday 27th August 1917.
George Cogger was born at Tonbridge in 1888, the son of Henry and Eliza Cogger. In 1901 recorded as living at 12, Havelock Road. George attested as a Telegraphist for the Royal Engineers on 25th September 1906 at Tonbridge. He was transferred to the Army Reserve on 25th September 1913, having completed 7 years’ service. He was recalled to the colours at Aldershot on 5th August 1914 and went to France on 14th August 1914 where he served as Sapper 16339 1st Army Signal Company Royal Engineers. He remained in France until he was admitted to hospital on 2nd November 1916, suffering from a malignant growth in his intestines. He was discharged as medically unfit on 23rd December 1916 and died at home in Tonbridge on 19th January 1917. He is buried in Tonbridge Cemetery.
Clifton Henry Coleman was born at Ide Hill in 1889, the son of Lewis and Harriet Coleman. In 1901 recorded as living in Lavender Hill. Clifton Henry left England for the United States at some point before the 1911 census. He married and settled in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a dining car steward. On 10th January 1918 at London, Ontario, he attested for service as Private 3032830 20th Battalion Canadian Infantry. He was killed in action on the 9th November 1918 and is buried at Cement House Cemetery.
Tom Shorrock Collins was born in 1896 at Witley, Surrey, the son of Thomas and Sarah Jane Collins. By 1911 the family were living at ‘The Hectarage’, Tonbridge and Tom was a pupil at Tonbridge School. Tom enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion on 31st May 1915 and then obtained a commission as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Division, on 12th November 1915. He served initially with the Anson Battalion at Stavros in March 1916 as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. He was then transferred to the Hood Battalion in May 1916. He became ill in in November 1916 and was sent back to the UK to recover. On 15th June 1917 he re-joined the Hood Battalion in France and was wounded on 10th October 1917 and died of his wounds at 3rd General Hospital Le Treport. [There is some confusion over the date of his death – service record and Tonbridge School both give the 10th October – CWGC has 23rd November.] He is buried at Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport.
James “Jack” Louis Conzina [occasionally “Counzina”] was born about 1880 in London, but his birth registration has not been found; he was the son of Giacomo and Marie Conzina. He married Alice Towner in 1915 at St Pancras; Alice had been born and lived in Tonbridge. Jack enlisted on 11th December 1915 at St Pancras, but was not called up until 15th June 1916 when he joined 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Private 20322. He went to France on 22nd December 1916 and served with the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment from 29th December 1916. He was killed in action on 23rd April 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. His widow and daughter were then resident at 164 Vale Road in Tonbridge.
Ernest Cooke was born at Tonbridge in 1897, the son of Stephen and Ellen Cooke. In 1911 he was living at 85 Vale Road and worked as an errand boy for a printer, but then subsequently worked for Mr Peters, who had a china shop on the High Street. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers on 19th April 1915 and served as Sapper 2019, 1st/3rd Kent Field Company Royal Engineers. He was one of the men who sailed on the Hythe and who drowned on 28th October 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial.
Fred Coomber was born at Tonbridge in 1887, the son of William and Frances Coomber and lived in Priory Street. After leaving school he worked as a draper’s assistant before enlisting with the Royal West Kent Regiment, seeing service in India. He was back in Tonbridge working as a postman at the outbreak of the war, when he was mobilised from the Reserve as Private L/7568 1st Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment. He went to France on 15th August 1914. He was wounded on October 27th at the battle of the Aisne. He was sent back to the UK, where he spent some time at Tidworth Hospital. He returned to his Battalion and was killed in action on 23rd April 1915. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres [Menin Gate] Memorial.
Maynard Cooper was born at Westerham in 1889, the son of Harry and Annie Cooper. In 1901 recorded as living in Mill Crescent, Tonbridge. By the time of the 1911 census Maynard was working in Littlehampton as an auctioneer’s clerk. He attested for service in the Sussex Yeomanry on 10th November 1913, as Private 1676; he had previously served in the West Kent Yeomanry. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant over the course of the following two years, but then discharged as being no longer fit for war service on 12th August 1916. He died some two years later in late 1918. His brother Harry served as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and he was killed in action on 3rd November 1915 at Gallipoli.
George Corke was born at Tonbridge in 1885, the son of George and Maryann Corke. He married Florence Margaret Ware in 1907 at Tonbridge. At the time of his death she was living at Kinnings Row. He enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment in October 1914 and served as Private 34421 2nd/4th Battalion at Gallipoli, landing at Sulva Bay on 11th August 1915, and later in Palestine. He was probably wounded at some point as he was transferred to the Labour Corps, serving as Lance Corporal 548658 in the 812th Area Employment Company. He died on 13th January 1919 at the General Hospital, Alexandria and is buried at Alexandria [Hadra] War Cemetery.
William Corke [brother to George ] was born at Tonbridge in 1873. He married Caroline Collins in 1898 at Tonbridge. In 1911 recorded as living at 23, Dernier Road but time of his death she was living in Shipbourne Road. He worked at the Baltic Saw Mills and then Whitefriars press before joining up. He enlisted in the 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment as Private G/13159 on 20th June 1916, two weeks after the death of his son William at Jutland – see below. He went to France the following September. He was killed in action on 20th November 1917. He is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial.
William Corke [son of William ] was born at Tonbridge in 1897, the son of William and Caroline Corke. He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 21st February 1915. On 31st August 1915 he joined HMS Defence as an Ordinary Seaman and was rated Able Bodied on 13th April 1916. HMS Defence was sunk with the loss of 900 men at battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916.
Ernest Coulstock was born in or about 1885 at Red Hill, the son of Henry and Clara Coulstock. [He seems to have been enumerated in the 1901 and 1911 census returns as “Henry” and his birth year was given as 1883 in the newspaper report of his death. No registration for an Ernest Coulstock has been found between 1883 – 1885; although the birth of a Henry Coulstock was registered at Reigate (included Red Hill) in 1885.] In January 1909 Ernest joined the Special Reserve of the Royal Sussex Regiment, attending camp every year. In 1911 he was recorded as living at 3, The Botany. In August 1914 he was mobilised at Chichester and after training went to France on 10th November 1914 as Private SR/713 Royal Sussex Regiment. He was wounded in action and later, following amputation of his left leg, he died of his wounds at the Duchess of Westminster’s Hospital Le Touquet, on 30th January 1915. He is buried at Le Touquet-Paris Plage Cemetery.
James Coulstock [brother of Ernest ] was born at Red Hill in 1896, the son of Henry and Clara Coulstock. The family had lived in Tonbridge since at least the 1901 census. At the time of his death his parents were recorded as living in Norfolk Road, and had 5 sons serving. James had enlisted at Tonbridge as Private S/8620 1st Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment. He went to France on 7th December 1914 and died of his wounds on 18th June 1915. He is buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery.
George Crampton is presumed to be the Herbert George Crampton who was born at Stoke Newington in 1885, the son of George and Elizabeth Crampton. By the time of the 1901 census the family were living at Lansdowne Road and Herbert George was working as a junior clerk at the Gas Works. In 1908 he married Alethea Snelling at Tonbridge. He served as Private G/12334 Royal Sussex Regiment, later transferred as Private G/40348 3rd/10th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He was wounded in France and sent home where he died on 2nd November 1917. He is buried in Tonbridge Cemetery.
George Ernest Lister Cressey was born at Nelson, New Zealand in 1895, the son of George and Minnie Cressey. He was educated at Tonbridge School 1908 – 1914, and at the outbreak of war obtained a commission in the Kent Cyclist Corps. After additional training at Sandhurst he was gazetted as Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment on 13th May 1915. He was killed in action on 26th September 1915 and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
Jack Cripps was born at Tonbridge in 1874, the son of William and Elizabeth Cripps. He entered the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 5th November 1890 serving on HMS Impregnable. He served in the Navy for the remainder of his life, moving through the ranks – Ordinary Seaman, Able Bodied, Leading Seaman, Petty Officer and Ship’s Corporal. He joined HMS Formidable as Ship’s Corporal 1st Class on 20th June 1913. He was killed on 1st January 1915 when HMS Formidable was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine with the loss of some 550 officers and men. He is commemorated on the Chatham Memorial. He left a widow, Frances Emma [Mockett] whom he had married at Sheppey on 5th November 1912, and address recorded as Chaucer Road Gilingham. At the time of his death his parents were living in Sussex Road Tonbridge.
E. Crook: There is an Ernest Cook on the Tonbridge Oddfellows Memorial, and an Ernest Cooke on the original Memorial; otherwise nothing is known.
Cecil Croucher was born at East Peckham in 1897. The son of Edward and Elizabeth Croucher. He was educated at Tonbridge School 1911 – 1915, He enlisted initially as Private 5880 Inns of Court O.T.C. and was then commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant 6th Battalion Notts & Derby Regiment. He died on active service in France on 26th February 1917. He is buried at Warlingcourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty.
George Henry Crouch was born at Brightling, Sussex in 1885, the son of George and Alice Crouch. The family moved to Tonbridge in about 1900 and by the time of the 1911 census George Henry was working as a carman for the laundry. In that same year he married Nellie Lucas and lived in Vale Road Tonbridge. He attested as Private G/4838 in the East Kent Regiment on 1st December 1914 at Tonbridge. He went to France on 12th May 1915 and served with the 2nd Battalion. He was wounded in action on the 25th May and had his leg amputated in hospital; he died of his wounds on 30th May 1915, just 18 days after his arrival in France. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Tom Curtis was born at Tonbridge in 1896, the son of William and Beatrice Curtis. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 77, Priory Road. After leaving school he worked as a machine boy for one of the local printers, and then in a butcher’s shop. He attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone on 4th August 1914, the day war was declared. Tom Curtis was posted to the 7th Battalion RWK on 24th August 1915 and landed in France the following day– the 7th Battalion had landed at Le Havre on 27th July 1915 so he was, presumably, sent in a reinforcement draft. He had two spells at Depot – usually this would signify that he had been incapacitated in some way, wound or sickness, or a period of re-training. Unfortunately not enough of his service record has survived to confirm this. He ended up serving with the 6th Battalion which had been in France since 1st June 1915. He was presumed to have died on or after 30th November 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial.
George Cushings – not identified. No information on this man.