James Keemer (believed to be Keemar) was born in Brighton in 1873, son of James and Anna of Colebrook Road High Brooms. In 1911 he lived at Warwick Road Tunbridge Wells and worked as a stationary engineer. He joined 8th battalion Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 33286 and died on 15th November 1917. He is buried in Leeds (Harehills) cemetery.
John Kettle was born in Tonbridge in 1888, son of John and Frances. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 36 Mabledon Road and working as a printer’s compositor. In 1911 he married Ada Bettice; at the time of death she was living at 34 de Montfort Road, Reading. He joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment 2nd/4th Battalion as Private 202208 and died of wounds on 6th December 1917. He is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British cemetery.
Herbert Arthur Killick was born in Tonbridge in 1887, son of William and Lavina. In 1901 they were living at 17 Pembury Grove and he was working as an errand boy. In 1912 he married Lucy Thomas in Tonbridge. At the time of death she was living at 37 Meadow Road. He joined the Royal Engineers 497th Field coy and on 30th November was captured as a POW. Sergeant Killick died at number 3 reserve Lazaret Hamburg. He is buried in Hamburg cemetery.
Lionel Killick was born in Tonbridge in 1890, son of Charles and Annie. In 1911 the family are recorded as living at 8 Gladstone Road and Lionel had already joined the Worcestershire Regiment as Private 10827. He was wounded in action and hospitalised. His mother made her way to France to see him but arrived too late. He had died on 17th May 1915 and he was buried in Wimereux communal cemetery.
Roydon Killick (brother of Lionel) also served as Lieutenant in the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment. He had been awarded the DCM and MC for gallantry in the Great War (but is not on the wall). He had demobilised and was working on a farm in Andover at the time of death; he unfortunately was involved in a traffic accident and died on 8th December 1919. He is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
John Buchanan Kitchin was born in Tonbridge in 1896, son of Alexander and Jessie. In 1911 John was a pupil at Bethany boys school Goudhurst having previously attended Yardley Court. At the time of death his parents were recorded as living at Bumbrae Brooke Street. In September 1914 he volunteered for service joining the Pals Battalion of the Royal West Kent, he quickly rose through the ranks obtaining the position of Captain and attached to the Buffs 6th Battalion. He died of wounds on 5th May 1917 and is buried in Duisans British cemetery Etrun.
Albert Knight was born in Faversham in 1884, son of John and Emma. He married Matilda Jane Evans and she is recorded as living at 3, Bordyke at the time of his death. In 1913 they had emmigrated to Canada where he was a farmer. He joined the 221st Overseas Battalion Canadian expeditionary force in May 1916. On 30th October 1917 whilst ‘digging in’ he was fatally wounded by a German sniper. He is buried in Passchendaele New British cemetery.
Frederick Latham was born in Hoo in 1898, son of George and Caroline. In 1911 is recorded as living in Church Street Hadlow, however at the time of his death his parents were at 10, Judd Road. He joined the Royal Engineers as Sapper 265730 and worked with the 12th Light Railway Operating Coy. He was killed in action on 21st October 1917 and is buried in Reninghelst New Military cemetery.
Walter Lamplough (Lamplugh) was born in Bridlington in 1888, son of George and Hannah in 1901 family lived at 57, Quarry Hill Road. Walter joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as Private 4787 and entered the war in July 1915. On 3rd June 1916 it was gazetted he was awarded the DCM, but on 27th June 1916 he died in Egypt and is buried in Ismailia War Memorial cemetery.
Stephen Lavender was born in Hastings in 1879 and married Nellie Taylor in 1907. In 1911 recorded as living at Stafford Place, Tunbridge Wells and working as a coach and motor smith. He joined the Army Service Corps as Private M2/1030001 and attested on 1st June 1915. On 21st May 1919 he died of influenza and heart failure certified as contracted on military duty. He is buried in Cologne southern cemetery. At the time of death his wife was living at 13, Mill Crescent.
Ernest George Lawrence (Laurence) was born in Tonbridge in 1897, son of Alfred and Fanny. In 1911 recorded as living at 20, Houselands Road. He attested on 11th January 1915 as a Private TF/1601 Kent Cyclist Battalion. Before which he was an apprentice to a hairdresser. He was drafted to India in March 1916 and on 30th October 1918 he died of influenza he is buried in Ferozepore military cemetery.
Lawrence Julius Le Fleming was born in Tonbridge in 1879, son of the Revd John Le Fleming and husband of Frances Luia Frend (sister of John Arthur Frend ). He attended Tonbridge School and subsequently attended the Royal Military School at Sandhurst. He played cricket for Kent and The Army. In 1899 he joined the 2nd East Surrey Regiment and served in South Africa. He rose to Captain and during the Great War he served with the BEF and was severely injured during the first battle of Ypres. He returned to France in February 1915 and was again shot and wounded in the leg. In April 1917 he returned to take command of the 9th Battalion as Lieutenant Colonel and was killed in action on 21st March 1918. He had been twice mentioned in dispatches for gallantry in the field, and is remembered on the Pozieres memorial.
Jack Leigh was born in Tonbridge in 1885, son of George and Jane. In 1911 recorded as living at 10, Waterloo Road and he was working as a builders labourer, he joined the Buffs- East Kent Regiment, as Private G/18744. In February 1917 he was wounded and sent to England to recover. In June he returned and on 11th July 1917 he was killed in action , he is remembered on the Arras memorial.
Algernon Edward Le May was born in Tonbridge in 1882, son of Edward and Mary. In 1901 recorded as living Denmark House Quarry Hill Road (father being the Hon Secretary to the Kentish POW fund.) Algernon had been educated at Tonbridge School. By 1911 he had married Constance Mable Le May and was living at Barnmead Road, Beckenham working as a hop factor and seed merchant. He joined the 3rd/2nd London Brigade Field Artillery obtaining a commission on 4th August 1915 as 2nd Lieutenant. He served with the BEF in France and was wounded on 23rd July 1917 and subsequently died the following day. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military cemetery.
Albert Edward Leonard was born in Tonbridge in 1890, and in 1901 is recorded as living in Florence House, Priory Road. In 1915 he married Annie Stevens, before joining the Royal Fusiliers 32nd Battalion as Private 988 he worked for the civil service having attended Judd School. However he soon obtained promotion to Sergeant. He went to France April 1916 and on 15th September he was struck by a shell in Delville Wood and killed instantly, he is buried in Serre Road cemetery No 2.
Cecil George Longley was born in Tonbridge in 1899, son of William and Esther. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 49, Douglas Road. Before joining Kings Royal Rifle Corps 9th Battalion, in March 1917, he worked in the office of Mr Preston solicitor. He was reported as missing since 21st March 1918 and it was later recorded that he had been taken as a prisoner of war and kept at Camp Chemnitz. On 7th November 1918 he died of pneumonia and is interred at the South Cemetery Liepzig Germany.
Arthur Lucas was born in Southborough in 1896, son of George and Martha. In 1911 he was recorded as living at Lower Cottage, Wadhurst and working as a farm labourer, however at the time of his death his parents had moved to Hilden Cottage, London Road, Tonbridge. Arthur joined the Royal Navy as stoker in April 1915 and served on HMS Strongbow. He was killed as a direct result of enemy action on 17th October 1917 and his body was not recovered for burial. He is remembered on Chatham Naval memorial.
J. Macdonald: [not on the original memorial] There was a John Macdonald, who has no known connection with Tonbridge, but who served as Seaman 7320 A on HMS Hythe and died on 29th October 1915 when that ship sank. It is possible because of the Hythe connection, that this is the man on the Memorial.
Charles Henry Malcomber was born in Tonbridge in 1897. Son of William and Elizabeth. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 8, Priory Road. He joined the London Regiment Royal Fusiliers 1st battalion as Private 5412. He was killed in action on 7th October 1916 and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial.
Edward Stephen Mankelow was born in Tonbridge in 1887, son of Henry and Mary, recorded as living at Loampit Cottages Hadlow in 1901 when Edward was a houseboy (domestic). He joined the Royal Navy in 1903 (adding 2 years to his age) serving to 1908, then as a reserve being subsequently recalled in August 1914. He was discharged in 1916 but served in the Merchant Marine as an Able Seaman. He served on HMT Nagoya but died from influenza on 11th September 1918 in the detention hospital Bakaritza Archangel; at that time he had an address of 19 Northcote Road Tonbridge.
George Mankelow was born in Tonbridge in 1893, son of William and Annie. In 1911 recorded as living at 9, Dernier Road. He and was a domestic servant before joining the army; he appears to have served with the Hunts cyclist Battalion as Private 2382 & West Yorkshire Regiment 11th Battalion as Private 52411. On 15th October 1917 he was killed in action and is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial.
Frank Marchant was born in Tonbridge in 1897, son of George and Sophie. In 1911 is recorded as living at 21, Lodge Road, however at the time of his death they had moved to 17, Judd Road. Before joining the army he worked as office staff for Messrs T Wells and Co. He joined the Kent Cyclist and was attached to the Buffs, East Kent Regiment 1st Battalion as Private 15801. On 31st March 1916 he was wounded but as he was being transported to Calais he unfortunately died from these wounds. He is buried in Calais Southern cemetery.
Albert Marmaduke Marsden
was born in Battle in 1891, son
of Frederick and Julia.
Arthur Marshall was born in Greenwich in 1869; he married Mary Jane Osborne and in 1911 was living at 158 Vale Road, Tonbridge. He was a general labourer before joining the Royal West Kent Regiment as Private 1168 in December 1914. Then he transferred on promotion to Norfolk Regiment as Lance Corporal 21928. His medal card would suggest pre war service either reservist or territorial. He died in India on 4th June 1916 (however there is a dispute as SDGW gives April) he is remembered on the Karachi 1914-18 memorial.
Cecil Martin was born in Tonbridge in 1893, recorded as living at 1 Barden Park Road. He joined the 9th London Regiment Queen Victoria Rifles. Before joining the army he worked for Messrs Foster Porter of Wood Street London. On 1st January 1915 he was killed in action and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin gate) memorial.
Ernest Robert Martin was born in Tonbridge in 1895, son of James and Jane. In 1911 lived at Highfield Farm Tonbridge, at that time he was working as an assistant in the coal office for a coal merchant. In December 1914 he joined the Kent Cyclist Battalion as Private TF/265737, he was serving in India when he died of pneumonia following influenza he is remembered on the Kirkee 1914-18 memorial.
George Martin was born in Tonbridge in 1888, son of George and Ellen. In 1911 recorded as living at 16, St Stephens Street and working as a carter for a coal merchant. George joined the Middlesex Regiment and he was awarded the military medal for constant bravery in the field. The medal, being received by his parents, after his death. He was working as a stretcher bearer and even after receiving gunshot wounds to his arm he continued to carry the wounded under heavy fire. He received treatment for his wounds on 11th August 1918 and returned to the front on 24th where he was killed in action. He is buried in Douchy-Les-Ayette British cemetery.
Alfred Masters was born in Guildford; he married Alice Moger in 1914 (Lambeth). He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment 7th Battalion as Private G/1554 enlisting at Tonbridge. He died of wounds on 27th June 1916 and is buried in La Neuville Communal cemetery. (No known link to Tonbridge apart from enlistment indicating he may have sought employment here).
C. Mathers: almost certainly the same man as C.J Mathers
C.J Mathers was born in Tonbridge in 1895, son of William and Christina. In 1911 recorded as living at 17, Mill Crescent and working as a shop assistant. At time of death parents were at 28, Mabledon Road. He joined London Regiment as Private 1686 and later transferred to 1st Surrey Rifles machine gun corps. At the time of his death he had volunteered with another man to stand by his gun under very heavy shell fire. He was killed in action on 18th September 1916 and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial.
Albert Ernest Maynard was born in Ticehurst in 1893 son of James and Frances. Married Alice Groves and lived in 1911 15, Pembury Grove Tonbridge, he attested for Middlesex Regiment as Private G/94020 on 25th November 1915 before which he was a labourer. He was killed in action on 13th October 1918 he is now buried at Montay-Neuvilly Road cemetery Montay.
John Murray Mcfarlane was born in Greenwich in 1895, son of John and Ada recorded as living at ‘Elmcroft’, The Drive in 1911 (father being head of Sussex Road school). At time of death parents had moved to 81 Quarry Hill. He attended Judd School before becoming an apprentice to Messrs Fielding & Platt Ltd. engineers. He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment 6th Battalion as Private G/29. He was a bomb thrower and was involved in an attack made in a German trench; he was never seen again after going over the parapet. He was missing presumed dead 8th October 1915 and he is remembered on Loos Memorial.
Sydney Medhurst - no trace of link to Tonbridge - possible connection Sidney Charles Medhurst born Islington son of James and Elizabeth. He joined the Royal Field artillery B battery 112th Brigade, he was killed in action on 27th May 1916 and is remembered on Soissons memorial. (Sydney Medhurst also found on Slade school memorial).
Ollyett Archibald Mends-Gibson was born in Wangford in 1896, son of Henry and Amy. In 1911 recorded as living at Dry Bank House and attending Tonbridge School. Before joining up he entered a profession at St Mary’s hospital Paddington. He volunteered for service in January 1916 receiving a commission in June, in July he went to the front line as 2nd Lieutenant Royal Field Artillery 22nd Brigade. He was injured in 22nd August at Trones wood but never recovered and died at the clearing station on 27th .He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension.
Thomas Mercer was in Tonbridge in 1877, the son of Richard and Deborah. In 1891 they were residing at 59 Woodlands, but later they moved to Castle Street. However in 1911 Thomas was a border in the Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells and working as a plasterer. He joined the Royal West Kent regiment as reserve S/726. On 30th August the 8th Battalion including Private Thomas Mercer landed at Bolougne to become part of the reinforcements for the Battle of Loos. He was killed in action on 26th September 1915 and is remembered on the Loos memorial.
Walter Mewett was born in Ealing in 1888; he was married to Clara Brotherwood she is recorded as living at 2 Chichester Road Tonbridge at the time of his death. He was a career sailor joining (as a boy in May 1903) the Royal Navy then on 28th March 1906, his 18th birthday progressing to Ordinary Seaman 226521. He served on many ships during the war and ended on HMS Almanzora as Leading Seaman. An influenza epidemic had taken hold of the crew and 8 men died of pneumonia, Walter died on 29th October 1918 and is remembered on the Chatham Naval memorial.
Frederick Arthur Miller was born in Willesden in 1896, son of Frederick and Ella. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 42, Chichester Road and was working as an electric light wireman’s assistant before joining 7th Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment a Private G/3946. He was reported as missing since the Trones Wood struggle and when his body was found. He was identified by a photograph found in his tunic (despite this report the matter was still in some doubt). The CWGC has confirmed death to be 13th July 1916. He is buried at Bernafay Wood British cemetery, Montauban.
Richard Millis was born in Tonbridge in 1866, married to Emily Bates in 1890 and after her death in 1893 married again to Mary Ann Stobbie in 1896. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 38 Vale Road and working as a railway worker, he joined the London Regiment London Rifle Brigade 1st/5th Battalion as Rifleman 315037. He died on 17th August 1917 and is buried in Bradhoek New Military cemetery No 3.
Ernest George Mitchell was born in Tonbridge in 1896 son of Henry and Mary. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 11, Mill Crescent. He worked as a type-setter for a general printer. He joined Machine Gun Corps (cavalry) as Private 52645 and was killed in action on 11th September 1917. He is buried at Hargicourt British cemetery.
The original memorial quoted two H Moons (one missed off in error when transcribing onto new wall):
Herbert Moon was born in Tonbridge in 1883, son of James and Caroline. In 1911 he was living with his mother and step father James Thompson in Hectorage Cottage, Goldsmid Road. In 1912 Herbert married Charlotte Shaw and is recorded as living at 4, Lambs Bank Quarry Hill. He was employed by Mr Hawes, fishmonger and poulterer and then held the position of chauffeur to Mr Freeland before joining the Army Service Medical Corps, Mechanical Transport in May 1916. He obtained promotion to corporal M2/183498. He contracted pneumonia whilst on active service and died on 22nd June 1918 he is buried in Terlincthun British cemetery Wimille.
Herbert James Moon was born in Tonbridge in 1890, son of George and Mary. In 1911 recorded as living at Highfield Farm, London Road and was working as a gardener. He joined West Kent Regiment as Private TF/2584 later transferring to The Buffs. He was killed in action on16th January 1917 and is remembered on the Basra memorial.
Arthur Morris was born in Eastry in 1881, son of Thomas and Sarah. Parents were living in Ash, by 1911 Arthur had left home, (no census return on his details). He married Elsie Bryant in 1917 and lived at 14, Priory Road Tonbridge. He joined the London Regiment, London Irish Rifles as a Private 6267, possibly territorial then when he died CWGC stated at time of death he was rifleman 593433. He was killed in action on 29th November 1917 and is remembered on Cambrai memorial Louveral.
Cyril James Moss was born in Tonbridge in 1893, son of James and Louisa. In 1911 recorded as living at 29, Woodfield Road and was a bank clerk, he later moved to Turkey where he joined the staff of the Imperial Ottoman Bank. He had previously attended the Judd School and then Tonbridge School. At the start of the war he returned to England and attended Sandhurst, joining the Suffolk Regiment 2nd Battalion, he went on the front line in June 1915 as 2nd Lieutenant. He took part in the Battle of Hooge and in August was invalided back to the England. He received treatment and then went out to fight in Egypt thence Salonica in January 1916 where he had the misfortune to be kicked by a horse in May. Septic poisoning set in and he was bought back to England for treatment, but alas died on 19th August 1916 he is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
Frederick Charles Neal was born in Tonbridge in 1895, son of Walter and Jane; in 1911 they were living at 87 Vale Road and he was working as an errand boy for a china shop. He joined the Royal Engineers as driver 2012 and was posted from October 1915 he was wounded in action in France/Flanders and died of these wounds on 10th July 1917 he is buried at Bard cottage cemetery, Belgium.
Walter Gregory Neve was born in Tonbridge in 1897, son of Arthur and Margaret. In 1901 recorded as living in The Drive, but family moved to Cliftonville by 1911 and Walter was attending school – he was educated at Bishops Stortford College then trained at the Inns of court as a solicitor's article clerk, working with his father. He joined the Buffs East Kent Regiment 2nd Battalion as 2nd Lieutenant. He went to Egypt in May 1916 where he saw much fighting he was killed in action in Salonica on 25th August 1917 and is buried in Sarigol Military cemetery Kriston.
Fleming Newton was born in Tonbridge in 1899, son of Isaac and Kathleen. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 115, High Street he attended Tonbridge School from 1912 and became head boy. He joined the RNAS in summer of 1917 passing as a first class pilot in January 1918. With the amalgamation of the air forces he became 2nd Lieutenant RAF 201st squadron. On May 9th 1918 he was engaged in offensive patrol and an air fight ensued whereby his plane was shot and he went into a spin. He was initially announced as missing in action, however on June 13th it was confirmed that Newton had been killed in action near Warlincourt and is buried in Adanac Military cemetery Miraumont.
Henry Edwin Newton was born in Tonbridge in 1894, son of Henry and Adelaide. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 17, Woodside Road and was working as a telegraph clerk for south eastern railway. He joined Royal Air Force in July 1915 service number 6746 and was attached to the 3rd squadron Australian flying corps. He was promoted to first class air mechanic while serving in France and was once recommended for ‘gallantry in the field’. He was poisoned by gas and died on 30th May 1918. He is buried in Crouy cemetery Crouy-Sur-Somme.
William Arthur Nightingale was born in Tonbridge in 1879, married to Annie Bannon in 1900. In 1911 they were living at 30, Jephson Road Forest Gate, and he was working as a market butcher. He joined the 6th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment as Private G/6803 and first served in France in December 1915. He was promoted to corporal and was killed in action on 3rd May 1917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. His father at the time of death was living at 2, Dyke Cottages Bordyke.
Fred Norton, no entry CWGC However note from Tonbridge swimming club included in the list of those who received colours – F.Norton Kent Fortress
Frederick William Norton was born in Strood in 1890, son of Frederick and Emma . In 1911 is recorded as living at 22, Preston Road, by which time Frederick had joined the Royal Navy firstly as a boy in 1906 then progressing to Ordinary Signaller in April 1908. Service number 235842. He married Evelyn Brackpool in May 1915 . He obtained the rank of Leading Signalman and had passed educationally the rank of Petty Officer. From 5th August 1914 he served on E6 submarines and was killed in action on 26th December by striking a mine in the North Sea. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Percy Charles Norton was born in Tonbridge in 1895, son of Charles and Kate. In 1911 he was living at 79, Lavender Hill and was a bookbinders apprentice at Dowgate press. He joined the Kent Fortress Engineers in May 1915 as Sapper 541518. Whilst fighting at the battle of Arras on November 1917 he was taken prisoner. A week before the armistice was signed he was put into hospital at Kaiserworth. Whilst being transferred to Dusseldorf he died on 10th December 1918 and is buried in Cologne Southern cemetery.
Edward Nottidge was born in Tonbridge in 1891, son of Albert and Keziah. In 1901 he was recorded as living at 46 Dry Hill Park Road and he was attending Tonbridge school. By 1911 he was commissioned with the Royal Garrison Artillery and was listed at the Royal Artillery Barracks Woolwich. He was first posted to Plymouth then transferred to the Royal Field Artillery serving at Kildare, on 14th August he was part of the BEF and took part in the Battle of Mons. By December 1915 he had been promoted to Temporary Captain. From July 1916 he was in command of the 4.5 Howitzer battery which became the D/79th Brigade RFA and he took part in much fighting. On 8th November 1916 he was instantly killed by a shell near Thiepval he is buried at Albert Communal cemetery ext.
—
Henry William Bourne Palin was born in Linton in 1884, son of Edward and Brita. In 1891 lived in Herefordshire' however Henry's widowed mother moved to Tonbridge by 1916, as she was listed on New Zealand papers. Henry had moved to NZ in 1912 and was a farmhand who at the outbreak of the war had joined the Canterbury Regiment of the New Zealand Expeditionary force. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal service number 6/319 and was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme on 27th September 1916 he is remembered on Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) memorial.
Jack (John) Palmer was born in Tonbridge in 1897, son of Thomas and Rose. In 1911 recorded as living at 12 Lodge Road and working as a painter’s apprentice. He joined the Gordon Highlands as Private 11040; He was twice wounded in the Battle of the Somme and was killed in action on 20th November 1917 and is remembered on the Cambrai memorial Louveral.
Ernest Caleb Pankhurst was born in Tonbridge in 1896, adopted son of William and Ann Browning who lived at Great Brooms Road, Southborough. In 1911 he moved with his sister to live with John and Emily Marchant at 20 St Marys Road. He worked as an apprentice for Messrs Truscott and son at the Dowgate Press. He also joined the Kent Fortress territorials in 1913 as Sapper 858. In August 1914 he was called up with his regiment and left England for Egypt. En route he became seriously ill and contracted dysentery. He was sent to the military hospital in Cairo but died on 6th December 1915.
Harold Parks was born in Tonbridge in 1896, son of Frank and Adelaide. In 1911 he was recorded as living at Avune Cottage nr Tinley Lodge, Hildenborough, and working as a cowman. He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment, as Private 200413. He died of wounds on 1st June 1918 and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery.
Alfred Pattenden was born in Ticehurst in 1885, son of George and Ellen. In 1901 he lived at Old Farm Cottage, Bidborough and was a carter’s boy on the farm. By 1911 the family had moved to 159 Shipbourne Road (Keepers Cottage, Cage Farm). He joined the Royal West Kent Regiment 2nd Battalion as Private L/8477 and entered the war in February 1915. He died of wounds in Mesopotamia and is remembered on the Basra memorial.
Stephen Pattenden (brother of Alfred) was born in Tonbridge in 1890, son of George and Ellen. He worked as a Waggoner in the farm in 1911. He joined the 4th/7th Middlesex Regiment as Private 6285 attesting as army reserve on 13th January 1916 and was mobilised on 13th March 1916. He was killed in action on 1st December 1917 and is remembered on the Cambrai memorial Louveral.
John Howell Pattisson was born in Tonbridge in 1875, son of Admiral J.R Pattisson and Emma of Rodbourne Tonbridge. He attended Tonbridge school and in 1893 went onto the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich where he obtained a commission with the Royal Field Artillery. By 1901 he had been promoted to Captain, and by 1912 a Major. He entered the Great War attached to the BEF for service at the Dardanelles, he was killed in action on the Gallipoli peninsula on 28th April 1915. He is remembered on the Helles memorial.
Tom Edmund Pawley was born in Tonbridge in 1888, son of Tom and Alice. In 1911 recorded as living at Yardley Dene, Yardley Park Road and he working as a clerk to an auctioneer and estate agent. He had attended Tonbridge School until 1905. In April 1915 he obtained a commission with the 2/1st Kent Cyclist. From September 14th 1915 to May 1917 he was a Company Commander with the rank of Acting Captain. He served his entire career on England’s south coast until mid 1917 when his nerves broke down with the disappointment that he was not fighting in France. He was seriously ill and hospitalised, relinquishing his commission in July 1918. He never recovered and died as a result of this illness contracted on active service, in a nursing home on 15th February 1921. He is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
John Thelwal Peake was born in Bedfont, Hounslow in 1895, son of Robert and Ada. In 1911 they are recorded as living at ‘Madeline’, 6 Dry Hill Park and he was attending Tonbridge School. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Artist Rifles then shortly after receiving a commission to the 2nd Northampton Regiment. He was wounded in action and taken to Boulogne hospital where he died on 11th May 1915. He is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
Harry Pearson was born in Tonbridge in 1892. In 1901 he was living with his widowed mother Fanny and siblings at 93 Shipbourne Road. In December 1909 he joined the merchant service as a boy apprentice and from November 1910 he was an ordinary seaman serving with the Royal Navy. He served on many ships and from September1916 was on HMS Vanguard. Just before midnight on 9th July 1917 one of the magazines blew up taking over 800 crew down. Harry's body was never recovered. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval memorial.
Cecil Robert Penney was born in Tonbridge in 1898, son of Robert and Minnie. In 1911 recorded as living at 12 Uridge Crescent, for a time he worked for Crystalite records, he joined the Territorial Army enlisting with the Buffs - East Kent Regiment on 7th April 1915. He was afterwards posted to the Kings Royal Rifles and sent to France. He was wounded in the Field and transferred to a casualty clearing station where he died on 20th January 1918. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Ext Nord.
Aubrey Perch: no trace of link to Tonbridge. However the name is also on Slade School memorial. The only A Perch on CWGC was Serjeant 18189 Royal Field Artillery. Born Chelsea, son of Francis and Mary and husband to Emily Perch. Enlisted at Eastbourne.
Albert Pettitt: Slade School has a record of him as 'Albert Pettett'. The CWGC has no record for any Albert Pettett; the closest records are for Albert Pettitt, Private 72724 R.A.M.C. killed in action on 30th August 1917 and Alfred Henry Pettitt, Private G/1069 Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment who died on 27th April 1916. Neither of these men have any proven connection with Tonbridge, but as one was born in Eastbourne and the other in Tunbridge Wells, either may have had relatives in Tonbridge at the time that names were suggested for the memorial.
Herbert Pettitt was born in Tonbridge in 1897, son of Percy and Harriet. In 1911 the family are recorded as living at Hilden Park and he was working as a milk carrier with his father on the farm. He served with the Hampshire Regiment 2nd Battalion as Private 14510 and he was posted to the Balkans in April 1915 . He died in Gallipoli from wounds on 3rd January 1916 and is buried at Pieta Military cemetery.
Arthur Piper was born in Tonbridge in 1880, son of Frederick and Mary of Langton Tunbridge Wells. He married Kitty Kemp and in 1911 is recorded as living at 44 Norman Road Tunbridge Wells and working as a shop assistant. However at the time of his death she was living at 8 Lansdowne Road, Tonbridge. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment as Private 49013 (he was known to his friends as Peter). He served in France and Flanders and was killed in action on 23rd March 1918; he is remembered on the Pozieres memorial.
P. Piper - if not the above man, possibly Peter Piper born Plaxtol, son of Henry and Emma (native of Hadlow, Tonbridge). He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment 6th Battalion as Private G/8979. He was killed in action on 3rd July 1916 and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial. (His brother Joel also fell on 26th September 1915. Both are remembered on the plaque at St Marys Church, St Marys Platt Sevenoaks.)
William Pollington was born in Tonbridge in 1883, son of Stephen and Eliza. In 1911 recorded as living at 68 Lavender Hill and working as a labourer. He joined the Royal Engineers 495th Field Company as Driver 541197. He died on 28th March 1920 and is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
Fred Porter was born in Tonbridge in 1884, son of Matthew and Jane. In 1911 recorded as living at 162 Shipbourne Road and working as a jobbing gardener (brother in law to Robert Hamilton who also fell in the war.) He enlisted in January 1915 joining the 8th Battalion Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment as Private GS/5360. He was killed in action on 26th September 1915 and is remembered on the Loos memorial.
S.F.W. Powell (Possibly G) Gerald Frederick Watson Powell was born in Tonbridge in 1891. Son of Charles and Elizabeth, in 1911 recorded as living at the Manor house Speldhurst Tunbridge Wells. He attended Harrow and entering the Inner Temple passing some of his exams for the bar before the war broke. Previously he had obtained a commission in the T.A, Kent Cyclists' battalion, and was promoted Captain in 1914. He later exchanged into another battalion, not wishing to go to India, and volunteered to go to the front. He went to France on 2nd May 1917, having been attached to 8th Battalion of the Royal West Kent Regiment, and was promoted Major in March 1917. He was killed in action on 28th July 1917 and is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery.
James Edward Price was born in Tottenham St Ann in 1890, son of James and Fanny. In 1901 recorded as living at 85 Quarry Hill, but at the time of death parents were living at 106 Pembury Road. He had attended Judd School and it appears he emigrated to Canada before 1911 as the family were still in Pembury Road (with a servant Ellen Pollington - sister of William Pollington above). He attested for the Canadian Infantry 47th Battalion in June 1915 as Private 629411. He suffered from frost bite that in turn led to trench foot which led to other complications that led to his death from tetanus poisoning. He died on 1 May 1917 age 29 and is buried in Tonbridge cemetery.
Henry Puzey (Pusey) was born in Tonbridge in 1883, son of James and Rosella. He married Amy Louisa Ireland in 1903 and in 1911 they were lodging with the Saunders family at 13 Hawden Road, and he was working as a stoker for the urban council. He joined the Cheshire Regiment as Private 19000 and first served in France in September 1915. He was killed in action on 22nd October 1917. At the time of his death his wife was recorded at 16 Priory Grove. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial.
J. Pusey: on Slade School memorial as Jack Pusey. No link on CWGC to Tonbridge.
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Charles Arthur Ramsden was born in Romney Marsh in 1888, son of Charles and Sarah. In 1911 recorded as living at 6 Dernier Road and working as a butcher in the meat trade. He married Rose Thompson in 1917; she is recorded as living at 17, Caistor Road at the time of his death. He joined the Buffs East Kent Regiment as Private 200871, he was wounded and taken prisoner of war in March 1918. He died on 4th August 1918 and is buried in Lidzbark Warminski war cemetery.
Cecil Edward Randall was born in Malling in 1891, son of Edward and Annie. In 1911 Cecil was a servant living at Swatton Place London, and his parents were living at 1 Judd Road. He attested for the Territorial Army in 1909 and was appointed to 9th County of London Queen Victoria’s; he was discharged in 1913 but rejoined December 1915 as Lance Corporal. He transferred to Queens Own West Kent 1st battalion as Private 241163 but earned promotion quickly. He was killed in action on 26th October 1917 and is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial. At the time of death his parents had moved to 34 Springwell Road.
Moses George Ransom (Jack) was born in Maidstone in 1872, son of James and Ellen. He married Minnie Sainty in 1902. In 1901 he was living in Houselands Road. By 1911 he had moved to Stanley Road Portsmouth living with his wife’s family. Before joining the Royal Navy in 1890 as a boy he was a charcoal burner. By 1892 he became Ordinary Seaman 155151 and by 1915 had reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer. From 1915 he was assigned to HMS Mersey and was killed in action in the Dardanelles on 6th July 1915; he is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval memorial.
Wesley Ransom (brother of Jack) was born in Tonbridge in 1882, son of James and Ellen. He married Louisa Clarke in 1911 and is recorded as living at 107 St Mary’s Road. He was formerly an engine driver for South Eastern and Chatham railway before joining Royal Engineers, service number 11. He quickly rose through the ranks and became Company Sergeant Major. On 10th November 1915 he died in Malta and is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery.
Frank Arthur Reader was born in Tonbridge in 1892; in 1911 recorded as living at Waterworks Cottage, New Wharf and working as a plumber at the waterworks. He married Lilian Larkin in 1913 and is recorded as living at 168 St Marys Road. He joined the Royal Engineers Territorial Force in 1911 as Private (T) 290; by 1914 he was promoted to Sergeant with Royal Enginners1st/3rd Kent Field coy. He was drowned whilst on HMS Hythe on 28th October 1915 he is remembered on the Helles memorial.
William Levy Reader (brother of Frank) was born in Tonbridge in 1885, son of Harry and Emily. By 1911 he had joined the 4th Battalion Royal Fusillers as Private L/8714. He served 12 years with his regiment before the war broke out. He fought in the Battle of Mons surviving that but was later killed in action. He was shot on 16th September 1914 at Braisne and is remembered on La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial.
Charles Reeves was born in Aberdeen in c1883 and married Elizabeth Bennett in Tonbridge 1912. Address given at time of death as 1 Bordyke Tonbridge. He joined the 3rd Gordon Highlanders in Aberdeen in July 1915 but was transferred to the Military Police Corps Military foot patrol in December 1916 with service number P/5813. He died on 25th February 1919 and is buried in Terlinctun British Cemetery.
Reuben Arthur Richardson was born in Tonbridge in 1881, son of Reuben and Alice. In 1891 recorded as living at 43 Vale Road, however by 1901 he moved to Canterbury as a border and was a ticket collector for the South Eastern Railway. In 1906 he married Constance Wooley, daughter of the family he boarded with. By the time of his death she was recorded as living at Tunwell Street, Peckham. Reuben (Arthur) had joined the Middlesex Regiment 1st Battalion and was killed in action on 26th June 1917. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Ewart Blake Richardson was born in Tonbridge in 1899, son of John and Elizabeth. In 1911 he is recorded as living at Home Farm, Colebrook Park. It appears he joined the East Kent Regiment and was transferred to Royal Sussex Regiment as Private G/18799. He was wounded and taken prisoner around May 1918; he died on 22nd October 1918 and is buried at Berlin South-Western cemetery.
George Richardson (Gerry) was born in Tonbridge in 1890, son of James and Catherine. By 1911 the family were living at 10 Holford Street but George had already joined the Royal West Kent Regiment 1st Battalion at the age of 17. He served for 4 years then subsequently worked at Barming Asylum. At the outbreak of the war he rejoined his regiment as Private L/8302 and was part of the BEF fighting at the Battle of Mons, however on 28th October 1914 he was killed in action. He remembered on Le Touret memorial.
Ernest Samuel Roberts was born in Tonbridge in 1889, son of Amos and Martha. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 19 Havelock Road and was a shop keeper and professional cricketer. He enlisted with Kent Cyclist 2nd/1st Battalion as Private TF/1317 on 13th November 1914 with an address of 23 Houselands Road. He had married Mary Kingham in 1912. He was killed in action on 19th August 1916 and is buried at Brewery Orchard Cemetery Bois Grenier.
Lionel William Robinson was born in Fulham in 1895, son of William and Kate. In 1911 he is recorded as living at 7 The Crescent and working as an assistant clerk for the railway. He joined the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment 6th Battalion as Private G177. He died of wounds on 8th October 1915 and is remembered on the Loos memorial.
James Robson: this man not confirmed but possibly son of Thomas and Emily born 1897 and in 1911 living 15 Sussex Road and working as a general carrier's clerk. Death of James Robson is recorded in Tonbridge in 1920 from effects of poison gas. It appears he may have served with Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders then transferred to Army Pay Corps as Private 22968. He is buried at Lydd Cemetery.
Robert William Ryall was born in India in c1893, son of Florence and Lt Colonel Edward Ryall (rtd). He attended Tonbridge School and in 1911 was living at ‘North Ridge’ Dry Hill Park Road. He entered Sandhurst in September 1911 and by October 1914 had reached the rank of Lieutenant; he was appointed machine gun officer with 8th Gurkha Rifles. He was severely wounded on 25th September 1915 and taken to Duchess of Westminster hospital at Le Touquet and died on 11th October 1915; his parents were present at the last. He is buried at Etaples Military cemetery.
William Rye was born in Lamberhurst in c1897, son of Isaac and Harriett. In 1911 recorded as living at 13 Cromer Street. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment as Private G/12349 but later transferred to Middlesex Regiment as Private G/40351. He was killed in action on 24th May 1917 and is remembered on the Arras memorial.
Walter James Rye was born in Tonbridge in 1891, son of Herbert and Irena. In 1911 he was recorded as living at 19 Dernier Road and working as a domestic. He joined the Royal West Kent Regiment in July 1915 but was transferred into the 1st/20th Battalion London Regiment as Private 6767. He was killed in action on 1st October 1916 and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial.