High Country History Group

In 2014, to coincide with the centenary of the beginning of the Great War,
the late Martyn Lockwood sent me a copy of what, I believe, was intended to
become a book to commemorate those who died from Greensted, Stanford Rivers,
Stapleford Tawney and Theydon Mount.

To my knowledge, this was never published as a complete document, and it is
only when looking for old Word documents that it came to light on my laptop.

Martyn was always interested in the events of the war and often wrote about
or spoke on this topic. His dedication to remembering these people can be seen
in what may have been an incomplete work, because Martyn was always on the
lookout for more photographs or information.

Being a local historian can be addictive!

The High Country History Group was active in 2014 and 2018 when the centenary
of events during the First World War was remembered.

It seems fitting to circulate this now among our members and to publish this
on our website as a tribute to Martyn but, as he would say too, a lasting
tribute to the people from our rural Essex villages.

Stanford Rivers

The memorial is found on the north wall of the nave of St Margaret’s Church.
On it are inscribed the names of 20 men who died in the Great War.

• George Aldridge
• William Aldridge
• William Aldridge
• James Brown
• John Cable
• Mark Cable
• Richard J. Crow
• Ernest S. Doe
• William Downham
• Frank J. Gardiner
• George Green
• William King M.M.
• Arthur Knight
• William E. Millbank
• Arthur Newman
• Cecil Oakley
• Ernest Staines
• Frank Staines
• Thomas Staines
• Francis H. Thorogood

A check on the Roll of Honour at Ongar War Memorial Hospital records the
names of 20 men from Stanford Rivers who died. The name of Mark Cable,
mentioned on the church memorial, is missing from the Hospital Roll.
Thomas Staines is not mentioned on the Hospital Memorial, but a J. Staines is.

In addition, the following are the names of men born in Stanford Rivers who
were killed in the First World War and who are not mentioned on the war
memorial in St Margaret’s Church.

• Comyns Owers
• William Ernest East
• Percy Fincham
• Robert George Turner
• Charles Saville
• Charles John Penson
• John Reed
• Frederick Charles Talbot
• Frederick Butcher
• Alfred Douglas Clements
• Edwin Staines
• Wilfred John Tarling

Essex Newsman, 6 July 1918

A ROLL OF HONOUR containing the names of all the men in the parish serving
with the Colours was unveiled on Sunday at the Church gates by Sir D.
Cunliffe Smith, of Suttons. The ceremony was preceded by a short service
arranged by the Rector, the hymn, “O God our help in ages past,” being
impressively sung.

The Rev. H. J. White, pastor of the Congregational Chapel, took part in the
service. Sir Cunliffe Smith delivered a stirring address. After the
unveiling, a group of little girls dressed in white laid upon the shelf of
the shrine a wreath bearing the inscription, “In loving and proud memory of
our Old Boys who died for England, from the school children.”

Newspaper Report, 5 January 1923

War Memorial Unveiled

On Sunday the last of the old year the people of Stanford Rivers unveiled
their war memorial. A short special service was conducted by the Rector,
commencing at noon.

After the Invocation and the Lord’s Prayer, the Collect “Prevent us O Lord
in all our doings” was recited and the beautifully appropriate lesson chosen
from Chapter III of the Book of Wisdom was impressively read by
Mr W. J. Thomas, M.A., eldest son of the Rector, and during the War an
officer in the London Irish.

The hymn “Fight the Good Fight” followed. Next came the ceremony of
unveiling by Sir Drummond C. Smith, Bart., of Suttons.

Addressing the congregation as his friends and neighbours he sketched the
efforts which had led to that day’s ceremony and, paying his humble tribute
to those whose names were recorded on the tablet, concluded by urging upon
all the duty of emulating the devotion of the heroic dead as a corrective
against sloth and lowness of aim in life.

“Let us all,” he concluded, “often visit the church and read over those names,
making of them an inspiration for our own lives.”

The secretary of the committee, Mr George A. Howgate, read out the inscribed
names and, after the hymn “For All the Saints” had been sung, two special
prayers followed by the Benediction closed the service.

Before leaving, the congregation joined in singing the National Anthem.
Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the congregation filled the church.
The north side of the nave was reserved for the relatives of the fallen,
and the south side was occupied by a large muster of ex-servicemen.

The tablet fixed on the north wall of the nave is of fine white marble,
backed by a polished slab of thick black marble, and is surmounted by a
carved wreath with streamers. The mouldings and cornice are embellished with
Greek decorations and the inscription is clearly cut…

Essex Newsman, 6 July 1918

A ROLL OF HONOUR containing the names of all the men in the parish serving
with the Colours was unveiled on Sunday at the Church gates by Sir D. Cunliffe
Smith, of Suttons.

The ceremony was preceded by a short service arranged by the Rector, the hymn
“O God our help in ages past” being impressively sung.

The Rev. H. J. White, pastor of the Congregational Chapel, took part in the
service. Sir Cunliffe Smith delivered a stirring address.

After the unveiling, a group of little girls dressed in white laid upon the
shelf of the shrine a wreath bearing the inscription,
“In loving and proud memory of our Old Boys who died for England, from the
school children.”

Newspaper Report, 5 January 1923

War Memorial Unveiled

On Sunday the last of the old year the people of Stanford Rivers unveiled
their war memorial. A short special service was conducted by the Rector,
commencing at noon.

After the Invocation and the Lord’s Prayer, the Collect
“Prevent us O Lord in all our doings” was recited and the beautifully
appropriate lesson chosen from Chapter III of the Book of Wisdom was
impressively read by Mr W. J. Thomas, M.A., eldest son of the Rector, and
during the War an officer in the London Irish.

The hymn “Fight the Good Fight” followed. Next came the ceremony of unveiling
by Sir Drummond C. Smith, Bart., of Suttons.

Addressing the congregation as his friends and neighbours, he sketched the
efforts which had led to that day’s ceremony and, paying his humble tribute
to those whose names were recorded on the tablet, concluded by urging upon all
the duty of emulating the devotion of the heroic dead as a corrective against
sloth and lowness of aim in life.

“Let us all,” he concluded, “often visit the church and read over those names,
making of them an inspiration for our own lives.”

The secretary of the committee, Mr George A. Howgate, read out the inscribed
names and, after the hymn “For All the Saints” had been sung, two special
prayers followed by the Benediction closed the service.

Before leaving, the congregation joined in singing the National Anthem.
Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the congregation filled the church.

The north side of the nave was reserved for the relatives of the fallen,
and the south side was occupied by a large muster of ex-servicemen.

The tablet fixed on the north wall of the nave is of fine white marble,
backed by a polished slab of thick black marble, and is surmounted by a carved
wreath with streamers.

The mouldings and cornice are embellished with Greek decorations and the
inscription is clearly cut… (follows the inscription).

[202291] Lance Serjeant in the 2nd/5th (Territorial) Battalion,
Gloucestershire Regiment. He enlisted at Brentwood. He also served as a
Corporal [2375] in the Essex Regiment.

He was killed sometime between 23 and 31 March 1918. He has no known grave
and is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, situated near Albert in France.

He was awarded the 1915 Star, the Victory Medal and the
British War Medal.

George was born about 1895 in Stanford Rivers. He was one of 11 children of
William and Mary Ann Aldridge, who lived at 27 Hare Street, Little End,
Stanford Rivers.

At the time of the 1911 Census he was employed as a farm labourer.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 5 July 1918

Lc.-Sgt. George Aldridge, Gloucester Regiment, and Pt. Wm. Aldridge,
Essex Regt., sons of Mr. W. Aldridge, Stanford Rivers, are missing.
Two other sons are serving.

[24040] Private in the 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Epping.

He was killed in action on 26 April 1918 and is buried in
Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension.

William was born in 1891 in Stanford Rivers. He was one of 11 children of
William and Mary Ann Aldridge, who lived at 27 Hare Street, Little End,
Stanford Rivers.

At the time of the 1911 Census he was employed as a farm labourer.

[269518] Private in the 1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment.
He enlisted in Chelmsford. He died at home from wounds caused by gassing on
2 October 1918, aged 40, and is buried in St Margaret’s Churchyard,
Stanford Rivers.

He also served in the Bedfordshire Regiment and had formerly served in the
Essex Regiment, [Reg. No. 2996].

He was awarded the Victory Medal and the
British War Medal.

Born about 1878 at Toot Hill, Ongar, he was the youngest of five sons of
William and Emily Attridge, who lived at 2 Mill Lane, Toot Hill. He was the
husband of Chrissie C. Attridge, of Toot Hill.

At the time of the 1911 Census he was employed as a cowman on a farm and
lived with his wife and two children at 40 Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 18 October 1918

Pt. W. Attridge, youngest son of Mrs Attridge, Toot Hill, who was gassed
in France in May, has died, leaving a widow and three children.

[330148] Private in the 1st/4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
He enlisted at Warley. He died of wounds on 20 November 1917 and is buried
at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

He was born in North Weald circa 1897, the son of Alfred and Ann Brown.

At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were living at
12 Little End, Stanford Rivers. His occupation was recorded as a farm labourer.

Essex Newsman, 26 January 1918

Pt. Brown, Suffolk Regt., second son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Brown,
Little End, Stanford Rivers, is reported to have died of wounds.

[9981] Lance Corporal in the 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Stratford. He was killed in action on 3 July 1916.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born about 1891 in Plaistow, the son of Charles and Emma Cable,
who later resided at 41 Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers.

He was the brother of Mark Cable.

In the 1901 Census, Emma Cable, described as a widow aged 35, was living at
5 West Street, Walthamstow, with her four children: Samuel, aged 13; John,
aged 10; Alfred, aged 6; and Mark, aged 4.

They were recorded as “Boarders” at the address. The occupier was
John Dunningham, described as a widower, whose occupation was cowman.

[SPTS/1942] Private in the 23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
(City of London Regiment). He was killed on 14 November 1916.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial.

Mark was born on 25 November 1894 at Plaistow, the son of Charles and Emma Cable.
At the time of the 1911 Census, he was living at 41 Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers,
with his mother Emma and other members of the family.

He was employed as a labourer on houses by Sir Drummond Smith.

Essex Newsman, 10 February 1917

Pt. Mark Cable, Royal Fusiliers, aged 20, whose home was at Stanford Rivers,
died of wounds. A brother, L-Cpl. J. Cable, Essex Regt., was killed in action,
aged 25.

Mark Cable had enlisted on 20 October 1914 at Warley in the 12th (Service)
Battalion, Essex Regiment, as a Private [No. 15255].
He was discharged at Harwich on 14 December 1914.

The reason for his discharge was recorded as
“Not likely to become an efficient soldier.”

At the time of his discharge, his occupation was given as “Cowman”
and his address as 40 Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers. He gave his next of kin
as his stepfather, Charles Dunningham, and his mother, Emma.

He had served a total of 56 days and his character was described as
“very good.”

His record gives “deafness” as the reason for his discharge application.

[SPTS/4318] Private in the 23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
(City of London Regiment). He enlisted at Romford. He was killed in action
on 27 July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born in Ongar about 1896.

In the 1911 Census, he was recorded as living at 55 Toot Hill with his
parents, Stephen and Eleanor Crow, and two younger siblings. His occupation
was recorded as a farm labourer.

At the time of his death, his residence was recorded as Harold Wood.

The memorial in the church records the name as Ernest S. Doe.
However, no corresponding record has been found for a man of that name who
was killed during the war. There is, however, a record for a
Stephen Doe, as detailed below.

[5916] Private in the East Surrey Regiment. He enlisted at
Warley and was killed in action on 6 March 1916, aged 34. He has no known
grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas-de-Calais,
France.

He was born at Stapleford Tawney on 1 March 1882. His brother was
D. J. Doe, of Clatterford End, Toot Hill.

The 1911 Census records an Ernest Doe, aged 29, living with
his widowed mother and two brothers at Wheelers Yard, Stanford Rivers.
His place of birth is given as Stapleford Tawney.

[G/18958] Lance Corporal in the 6th Battalion, The Buffs
(East Kent Regiment). He enlisted at Whitehall, Middlesex. He was killed on
3 May 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Arras Memorial, France.

He was born in Stanford Rivers on 31 January 1891, the son of
Joseph Downham, of “Lawns”, 28 London Road, Stanford Rivers.

At the time of the 1911 Census, he was employed as a gardener.

He was married to Harriet J. Downham, of 58 St Ann’s Road, Barking, Essex.

[19211] Private in the 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Ongar. He was killed in action on 21 May 1916 and is buried
at Essex Farm Cemetery, Boezinge, Belgium.

He was born in Chilton, Suffolk, and later lived at Stanford Rivers.
He was entitled to the 1915 Star.

In the 1911 Census, a Frank Gardiner, born in Chilton in 1878, is recorded
as living with his wife Rosa, two sons and two daughters at
Great Tressels Farm, Margaretting Tye.

His occupation was recorded as Head Horseman.

George Green

[18949] Private in the 13th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Warley. He was killed in action on 13 March 1917.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born about 1898 in North Weald, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Green.
In the 1911 Census, the family were living at
1 Surrey Cottages, Stanford Rivers.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 20 April 1917

Mr and Mrs Green, of Little End, Stanford Rivers, have been notified that
their son George has been killed in action. This is the second son they
have lost in the war.

[1940] Lance Corporal in the 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
(City of London Regiment). He enlisted at Toot Hill and was serving as a
stretcher bearer when he was killed on 1 October 1918, aged 32.

He is buried in Flesquières Hill British Cemetery, France.

He was born in Stanford Rivers about 1887, the son of Abram and Matilda King,
of Clatterford End, Toot Hill.

In the 1911 Census, he was recorded as a cowman at Burrows Farm and was
living at Vine Cottage, Clatterford End.

He was awarded the Military Medal on 13 March 1918.

[18797] Lance Corporal in the 2nd Battalion,
Princess Charlotte of Wales’s (Royal Berkshire Regiment). He enlisted at Ongar.

He was killed in action on 4 March 1917. He has no known grave and is
commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born in Bobbingworth (Bovinger) and is also commemorated on the
war memorial at St Germain’s Church, Bobbingworth.

The 1891 Census records an Arthur Knight, born about 1888, the son of
George and Sarah Knight. The family were living at Greensted Green in the
parish of Bobbingworth. George Knight was described as an
“agricultural labourer”, and Arthur’s place of birth was given as
Greensted.

At the time of the 1901 Census, Arthur was 13 years old and was described as
an “agricultural labourer”.

By the 1911 Census, Arthur was serving as a Private in the 2nd Royal
Berkshire Regiment. At that time, the 2nd Battalion was serving at Jhansi,
India, returning to the United Kingdom in 1914.

[A/36272] Private in the 4th Battalion, Canadian Infantry
(Central Ontario Regiment). He died on 8 October 1916. He has no known grave
and is commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, France.

He was the son of Charles Alfred Millbank and the late Susannah Millbank,
of New House Farm, Toot Hill.

His nationality is recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as
Canadian.

Essex Newsman, 14 July 1917

Pt. W. E. Millbank, Canadian Expeditionary Force, youngest son of
Mr C. A. Millbank, Burrows Farm, Toot Hill, Ongar, formerly reported as...

The memorial is on the south wall of the nave of St Mary’s Church.
It was unveiled on Sunday, 7 November 1920, by Sir Drummond Cunliffe Smith.

In addition, there is a board giving the names of former pupils of
Stapleford Tawney School who served between 1914 and 1918.

IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY OF
THE MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE GREAT WAR 1914–1919.

ALBERT GODSAFE
HENRY HARTGROVE
ROBERT MEPSTED
ALBERT STARLING
ARTHUR WILLIAM STARLING
WALTER STUBBINGS
MALCOLM SWORDER
NORMAN SWORDER

1939 – GEORGE HERBERT FISH – 1945

“THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE.”

[16660] Private in the 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Stratford. He was killed in action on 14 July 1916.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was the son of Mr and Mrs F. Green, of Surrey Cottages,
Stanford Rivers. He was born in Epping and later resided at North Weald.

His name is also commemorated on the war memorial at
North Weald Church.

[26246] Private in the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Epping. He died on 8 September 1917 and is buried in
Denain Communal Cemetery.

Cecil was born about 1897 in Coopersale, Epping. He was the son of
James and Elizabeth Oakley, of Station House, North Weald.

He later resided at North Weald, and his name is commemorated on the
war memorial at North Weald Church.

His father was the station master at North Weald station.
Cecil’s occupation was recorded as a merchant broker’s clerk.

[11023] Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Ongar. He was killed on 23 October 1916.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

Ernest was born about 1899 at Stanford Rivers. He was the son of
Charles and Elizabeth Staines, of Little John’s Cottages,
Green Lane, Ostend, Burnham-on-Crouch.

In the 1911 Census, the family were living at
24 Little End, Stanford Rivers.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 12 January 1917

Essex Roll of Honour

In Memory of
Ernest Staines, Corporal
Late of Little End, Stanford Rivers
Killed in action, aged 18 years.

Interpreter of duty, truth and love;
Forth didst thou go of thine own glad accord
To do the will of the all-conquering Lord,
Who governs all right, below, above.

Thou hast laid down thy life – so young and fair.
For England’s honour and from freedom’s sake:
A noble offering none could ever make:
And God has pinned his decoration there:

In choir and parish and in Little End
We miss thee sadly now, dear Ernest lad:
We sympathise with mother and with dad.
And all thy mates kind New Year greeting send.

Praise, praise aloud the Lord of life and days.
For all we are and ever hope to be.
He giveth life still more abundantly.
To manifest His love and wondrous days.

J. Ismael Thomas
Rector of Stanford Rivers
Epiphany 1917.

[200306] Private in the 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Ongar. He was killed on 27 March 1917, aged 19.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Jerusalem Memorial.

He was the brother of Ernest Staines and was born about 1898 in Ongar.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 27 April 1917

Pt. Frank Staines, Essex Regt., eldest son of...

[11134] Private in the 13th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Warley. He was killed on 13 November 1916 and is buried at
Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, France.

He was the son of David Staines, of Hare Street, Stanford Rivers.

Essex Newsman, 18 August 1917

Pt. Thomas Staines, Essex Regt., youngest son of Mr and Mrs David Staines,
of Stanford Rivers, recently reported missing, is now reported killed.
He was 20 years of age.

[26851] Private in the 14th (Service) Battalion,
Royal Hampshire Regiment. He enlisted at Warley.

He was killed on the Somme on 20 October 1916. He has no known grave and is
commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born about 1889 at High Ongar, the son of Thomas William and
Jane Elizabeth Thorogood, of Clatterford End, Toot Hill.

The 1911 Census records his occupation as a farm labourer.

[49346] Private in the Machine Gun Corps. He had formerly
served in the Essex Regiment Territorial Force as [2565].

He enlisted at Brentwood on 10 November 1914, aged just 17. On 4 April 1915
he was discharged from the Essex Regiment and joined the Machine Gun Corps.

He was killed on 15 November 1917 in Mesopotamia and is buried at
Al Basrah, Iraq.

At the time of his enlistment, his address was given as Cloverley Road, Ongar.

He was born in 1897 at Stanford Rivers, the son of Comyns and Margaret Owers.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were living at Rose Cottage,
Toot Hill. His father’s occupation was recorded as a journeyman baker.

In the 1881 Census, a John Owers, born in 1832, was described as a baker and
licensee living at the Green Man Public House, Toot Hill. He was also listed
as a farmer with 10 acres, employing three men. He had a son, Comyns Owers,
born in 1862, who was described in the census as a “Baker’s Son”.

In the 1891 Census, Comyns Owers was married to Margaret and living in
High Street, Chipping Ongar, where he was the licensee of the Bell Inn.
He had one child and employed three servants.

In the 1901 Census, Comyns and his wife were living at Stanford Rivers,
and he was described as a baker. They had three more children, including a son,
Comyns, born in 1887 in Stanford Rivers.

Comyns remained as the licensee of the Green Man until about 1910.
By 1912, a Mrs Emma Comyns is shown as the licensee.

In the churchyard at St Margaret’s is a gravestone bearing the following
inscription:

In loving memory of
Margaret Elizabeth Owers
Who died April 17th 1928
In her 63rd year

Also of
Comyns Owers
Missing in Egypt Nov 25th 1917
Aged 21 years

Also Comyns
Husband of the above
Who died Sep 28th 1939
Aged 78 years.

The date recorded on the gravestone, 25 November 1917, differs from the
official record, which states that he was killed on 15 November 1917.

He is commemorated on the war memorial at High Ongar.

Letter dated 1924 on his Army file

1 Prospect Villas,
Marden Ash, Ongar,
11/2/1924

Dear Sir

Re your letter of Feby. Yes we have received Plaque, Scroll and Medals,
of our dear son, for which I sent receipts at the time of receiving same.
Thanking you for your kind enquiry.

I am dear Sir
Yours Respectfully
C. Owers.

The letter from the War Office had been sent to Mr C. Owers,
39 Toronto Road, Leytonstone.

His name also appears on the War Memorial at High Ongar.

[26244] Private 2 nd Battalion the Essex Regiment. He
enlisted at Epping. He was killed in action on the 1 st
July 1916, aged 20 years. He is buried in the Serre Road
Cemetery No. 1., Pas de Calais, France.
He was born circa 1896 at Bury St Edmunds the son of
William and Elizabeth East, of Audley End, Burston,
Diss, Norfolk.

He resided at Toot Hill.

Percy Fincham

[19437] Private in the 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Ongar. He was killed on 8 July 1916 and has no known grave.
He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

His name also appears on the High Ongar War Memorial,
where his rank is shown as Lance Corporal.

He was born on 15 May 1895 in Stanford Rivers, the son of Arthur and Emily Fincham.

In the 1911 Census, the family were living in High Ongar and Percy’s occupation
was recorded as a bricklayer’s apprentice.

[24717] Private in the 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Ipswich, Suffolk. He was killed on 22 October 1917 and is buried in
Cement House Cemetery, Belgium.

He was born on 11 February 1896 in Stanford Rivers, the son of
Ernest and Jessie Turner.

In the 1911 Census, the family were living at
74 Norfolk Road, Seven Kings, Ilford. His father was recorded as a station master,
and Robert was employed as a clerk by a railway company.

At the time of Robert’s death, his residence was recorded as Felixstowe, Suffolk.

[21200] Private in the 2 nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.
He enlisted at Warley. He was killed in action on the 12 th
October 1916. He has no known grave and is
commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
He was born about 1886 in Stanford Rivers, the son of Betsy
Jane Savill.

At the time of the 1911 Census the family are living at Darby Row, High Ongar.
His mother is shown as a widow at this time. Charles’s occupation is given as
an under gardener.
His record on the Commonwealth War Graves site show he resided at Stroud
Green, Middlesex.

[19517] Private 9 th Battalion Essex Regiment. He
enlisted in Epping. He was killed on the 13 th September
1917, and is buried in Monchy British Cemetery,
Monchy-Le-Preux.
He was born in Stanford Rivers, circa 1893. His mother
was Eliza. In the 1901 Census he is shown living in
Foster Street, Harlow, with his mother and younger

brother Robert. His mother’s occupation is given as Housekeeper.
In the 1911 Census, he is listed as living with his mother in Shoe Lane, Foster
Street, Harlow. His occupation is given as a labourer.
He lived in Ongar?

Frederick Charles Talbot

Captain. He was killed on 9 October 1917.
He went to France in August 1914 with the 1st Cavalry Brigade.
He was later gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Tank Corps.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

He was awarded the Médaille Militaire (France)
and was Mentioned in Despatches.

He was born circa 1885 and was the son of William and Eliza Talbot,
of Toot Hill. He was married to Violet May Talbot, of
113 Jermyn Street, St James's, London.

He is commemorated on the war memorial at
St Mary’s Church, Moreton, and there is also a wooden
memorial board to him inside the church.

TO THE EVERLASTING MEMORY

OF CAPTAIN
FREDERICK CHARLES TALBOT
TANK CORPS

KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF POELCAPPELLE

OCTOBER 9TH 1917

[202158] Private in the 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He died on 17 November 1917, aged 43, and is buried in
Hatfield Peverel Churchyard.

He was born about 1874 at Bocking, Braintree, the son of
Jethro and Sarah Ann Butcher.

In the 1911 Census, he was recorded as living at
132 South Street, Braintree, with his wife Florence and their four children,
two boys and two girls.

His occupation was recorded as a carman, working for a mineral water
manufacturer.

At the time of his death, his wife was recorded as living at
Hare Street, Stanford Rivers.

He had also served in the South African War.

[24210] Private in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Romford. He died of wounds on 19 October 1916 and is buried in
La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie, France.

He was born in Lambeth, Surrey, and at the time of his death was resident in
Chadwell Heath.

He was the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Clements, of Does Farm, Toot Hill.

[34433] Private in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He was killed on 1 May 1917, aged 39. He has no known grave and is
commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

He was born about 1878 in Stanford Rivers, the son of James and Mary Staines,
of 52 Toot Hill, Ongar.

He was married to Alice Maria Staines and, at the time of his death, was
residing at 20 Council Cottages, Ingatestone.

In the 1911 Census, he and his wife were living at
10 Townley Cottages, Stapleford Abbotts. They had three children.

His occupation was recorded as a farm labourer.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 20 July 1917

Mr and Mrs James Staines, of Toot Hill, have received official notification
that their third son, Pt. Edwin Staines, of the Essex Regt., was killed in
action on 1 May. He leaves a widow and three children.

His name appears on the Ingatestone War Memorial.

[18427] Private in the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment.
He was killed on 24 August 1918. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Vis-en-Artois Memorial, France.

He was born in East Ham about 1898, the son of James and Alice Tarling.

In the 1901 Census, he was living with his parents, brother and sister in
East Ham. His father’s occupation was recorded as a dock labourer.

His father was born circa 1869 at Stanford Rivers.

At the time of Wilfred’s death, his father was recorded as living at
1 Toot Hill.

The memorial to those who died in both wars is situated on the south wall of
the nave of St Michael’s church. In addition there are two Commonwealth war
graves in the churchyard (2 nd World War).
There is also a wooden board in the nave giving the names of old boys of
Theydon Mount school who fought in 1914-1918.

[MI/5834] Lance Corporal in the Clearing Office,
Royal Army Service Corps. He died on 1 June 1919.

He was born about 1885, the son of John and Ella Bushnell, of Eversley,
Basingstoke, Hampshire. In the 1911 Census, the family were living in
Walbrook Lane, Eversley. His father’s occupation was recorded as
“Domestic Servant”.

At the time of the 1911 Census, James was living in Kent and his occupation
was recorded as a motor car driver. He was employed by Charles Edward Hunter,
a colliery owner.

Charles Hunter later moved to Hill Hall, Theydon Mount. It is assumed that
James Bushnell came to Hill Hall with him as part of the staff, and was
therefore commemorated on the war memorial.

[14185] Private in the 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
He was 22 years old when he was killed on 21 December 1917.
He is buried at Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, France.

He was born about 1894 in Darlington, the son of James and Charlotte Coller,
of No. 1 Beachetts, Theydon Mount.

His father was the butler at Hill Hall.

In the 1911 Census, John was recorded as working as a gardener.

[16904] Private in the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards.
He enlisted at Warley. He died of wounds on 21 November 1916, aged 26.
He is buried in Grove Town Cemetery, Méaulte, France.

Born about 1891, he was the son of Edwin and Elizabeth Jane Freshwater,
of Mount End, Theydon Mount.

The 1911 Census records his occupation as an
under-gamekeeper.

Trooper in the Essex Yeomanry. He died on 13 May 1915,
aged 19, and is commemorated on the
Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

Hugh Meilke Miller was born about 1896 in Belleville, Argentina.
His parents were Hugh and Agnes Miller, of San Geronimo, La Cumbra,
F.C.G., N.A., Cordoba, South America.

Just prior to the war, he was living in Epping. His parents were living at
New Farm, Theydon Mount.

At the age of 17 he joined the Essex Yeomanry at Abbey Farm. He was
preparing to return to Argentina when war was declared, so on 14 August
he opted to rejoin his regiment and accompany it to France.

He was killed in action on 13 May 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres.
The Essex Yeomanry were a mounted regiment, but on this day took part in
the 8th Cavalry Brigade’s attempt to re-occupy previously lost front-line
trenches at Frezenberg Ridge without their horses.

They lost 161 of their number in this action. Trooper Miller was originally
reported as wounded in an account of the day’s action on the front page of
the West Essex Gazette on 22 May 1915.

Other Epping men also took part in this action. Trooper J. Church described
the scene as “awful”. Harry Pegrum was wounded, and George Pegrum
was left behind the lines to look after the horses.

Hugh Miller is also commemorated on the War Memorial at Epping.

Essex Newsman, 11 March 1916

Mr Miller, of New Farm, Theydon Mount, has received intimation from the
Territorial Record Office, that his son, Tpr. Hugh Miller, Essex Yeomanry,
reported wounded and missing after the famous charge on May 13, must now
be presumed to have been killed while crawling back from the trench wounded,
as no further news of him is to hand. Tpr. Miller was 19 years of age.

[71031] Private in the 9th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters
(Notts and Derby Regiment). He enlisted at Epping. He died of wounds on
11 October 1917, aged 34.

He is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

Henry was born in 1883 at Theydon Mount, the son of Nehemiah and
Harriet Perry, of Mount End, Theydon Mount. His father’s occupation was
recorded as a sawyer.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Henry’s occupation was recorded as a
domestic groom.

I have not been able to identify this person with any certainty.

[57577] Private in the 26th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
(London Regiment). He enlisted at Epping. He was killed on 14 October 1918.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

He was born about 1898 at Theydon Garnon, the son of Walter and Alice West,
of New Cottage, Brickfield, Theydon Mount.

He was employed by Mrs C. Hunter at Hill Hall, Theydon Mount.

Essex Newsman, 16 November 1918

Mr and Mrs Walter West, Theydon Mount, Epping, have received news that
their eldest son, Pt. S. T. West, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on
Oct. 11. The deceased, prior to his enlistment, was in the employ of
Mr C. E. Hunter, of Hill Hall, Epping.

[10840] Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He enlisted at Warley. He was killed on 14 October 1916.
He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the
Thiepval Memorial, France.

He was born on 17 November 1895 in Stapleford Tawney, the son of
George and Emily Hartgrove, of Colliers Hatch, Tawney Common.

At the time of the 1911 Census, he was shown as a lodger living at
Colliers Hatch, Tawney Common. His age was recorded as 12.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records his age at death as 21.

Chelmsford Chronicle, 22 December 1916

Cpl. Hartgrove, Essex Regt., eldest son of Mr and Mrs Geo. Hartgrove,
of Tawney Common, was killed by a piece of shell during a bombardment
on Oct. 14. He had been at the Front a year and four months, and was
21 years of age.

[140180] Sapper in the 71st Company, Royal Engineers.
He enlisted at Epping. He died on Christmas Day, 25 December 1916,
and is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq.

He was born about 1889 in Faversham, Kent, the son of Charles and
Hannah Mepsted, of 17 Stapleford Tawney.

His father, Charles, was butler to Sir Drummond Cunliffe Smith.

Robert was married to Ada Mepsted, of New Walsoken, Wisbech.

In the 1911 Census, his occupation was recorded as a carpenter.

[60633] Private in the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
He enlisted at Epping. He was killed on 2 May 1917.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Arras Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France.

He was born on 12 May 1894 in Stapleford Tawney, the son of
Benjamin and Mary Ann[e] Starling, of Tawney Common.

In the 1911 Census, his occupation was recorded as a farm labourer.

His brother, Arthur William Starling, also fell.

[M/315422] Private in the 647th M.T. Company,
Royal Army Service Corps.

He joined on 8 June 1916, aged 29 years and 9 months. He gave his address as
Lilac Cottage, Coopersale, and his occupation as “Munitions”.

Following home leave, he was sent to East Africa on 30 April 1917.
He died of influenza on 3 December 1918, aged 29, and is buried in
Dar es Salaam (Upanga Road) Cemetery, Tanzania.

He was born on 7 September 1887 at Stapleford Tawney, the son of
Thomas and Fanny Stubbings, of Crumps Farm, Stapleford Tawney.

He was married to Irene Margaret Stubbings (née Hall). They were married at
St Mary’s Church, Stapleford Tawney, on 26 December 1914.

They had two children:

• Robert Cecil, born 1915
• Walter Thomas, born 1917

His name appears on the war memorial in Theydon Garnon Church.

He was entitled to the British War Medal and the
Victory Medal.

Letter dated 19 February 1934

A letter from the Royal Army Service Corps Regimental Association requested
particulars of Private Stubbings’ service, as one of his sons had applied to
the Association for assistance.

Malcolm was the son of Harry and Eleanor Sworder (née Gingell), of
13 King’s Road, Berkhampsted, Hertfordshire. He had two brothers,
Norman and Gerald Hope, born in 1887, and one sister, Maud Mabel.

He was born on 11 February 1893 at Stapleford Tawney and was baptised on
26 March 1893.

He attended King Edward’s Grammar School in Chelmsford, where he received
the Cadet Corps Recruits’ Prize in 1907.

At some point, together with his brother, he joined the Essex Yeomanry.

On the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site, his nationality is recorded
as Canadian. He was a Lieutenant in the Canadian Reserve
Cavalry Regiment and served as a pilot with the
Royal Flying Corps, attached to the
59th Squadron.

He was 26 years old when he was killed on 18 March 1918.
He is buried in
Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Source: Essex Record Office, D/P 141/1/6 #607.

In 1910 Malcolm, together with his brother Gerald Hope and his father,
emigrated to British Columbia, where he was employed principally in fruit
farming. His mother, together with his sister Maud, joined them in 1911,
followed by Norman in 1913.

Essex Roll of Honour, Essex Newsman, 27 April 1918

Lt. Malcolm Sworder, officially reported killed in action, March 18, 1918,
was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs Harry Sworder, of the Hall,
Stapleford Tawney, and subsequently of Whittles Hall, Springfield.

He was an Old Chelmsfordian, and came from British Columbia in the first
Canadian Contingent as a trooper in Lord Strathcona’s Horse, R.C.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and being subsequently recommended
for a commission, was gazetted to his old regiment, afterwards transferring
to the R.F.C.

Before leaving England for Canada, he was in the Essex Imperial Yeomanry.
His brothers, Lt. Norman Sworder, R.F.C., Observation Balloon Corps, and
Sec. Lt. G. Hope Sworder, 7th Dragoon Guards, and A.D.C. to a Major-General
of a Division of Indian Cavalry, are both on active service.

Malcolm is also remembered on the Masonic Roll of Honour.
He was a member of Castle Lodge No. 1436 in Kent.

His brother, Norman Sworder, also fell.

He was born on 4 January 1887 at Stapleford Tawney, the son of
Harry and Eleanor Sworder.

At some stage, Norman boarded at Cambridge House School in Margate,
where he was awarded two prizes, one in 1898 and another in 1899.

In 1901, he became a cadet on the Thames Nautical Training Ship for Officers,
HMS Worcester, based at Greenhithe, Kent.
He achieved his Second Mate’s Certificate in 1905 and his First Mate’s
Certificate in 1909.

He was married to Emily Murial Sworder, of Maidenhead.
They had one child, Robert Ian, born in 1917.

His brother, Malcolm Sworder, also fell.

Norman was a Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and was killed
on 17 April 1918. He had previously served with the Canadian Infantry
(British Columbia Regiment). Unlike his brother, his nationality is shown as British.

He is buried at La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast, France.

The family connection with Stapleford Tawney was through
Great Tawney Hall.

He was entitled to the 1914–15 Star,
the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Baptism: 17 April 1887

Source: Essex Record Office, D/P 141/1/6 #577

Norman is also recorded on page 509 of the
Canadian First World War Book of Remembrance.

Malcolm Sworder

On Monday, 18 March 1918, Lt. Malcolm Sworder
(Canadian Reserve Cavalry Regiment and Essex Yeomanry), who appears to
have been flying without an observer, was on a practice flight in
RE8 serial number B6515, presentation aircraft
Punjab No. 46 “Chenab”.

The aircraft went into a flat spin and Malcolm was killed in the ensuing crash.
He was 26 years old and is buried in grave II.C.14.

Norman Sworder

Less than a month later, Norman Sworder, who was also serving in the RAF,
was killed while flying with 5 Squadron.

On Wednesday, 17 April 1918, 2Lt. A. G. E. Edwards and
Lt. Norman Sworder left their airfield at 07.30 on an artillery patrol in
RE8 serial number C2274.

They were engaged by five enemy aircraft and were shot down over
Farbus Woods at approximately 10.25.

The account attributes the victory to Lt. Emil Koch of Jasta 32.
Edwards was wounded, while Norman was wounded and later died of his wounds.

Norman Sworder is buried in
La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast,
grave I.J.23.

[10363] Private in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He was killed on 10 October 1917.

He was born about 1891 in Brentwood, the son of Charles and Louisa Deeks,
of Kingston Hall Cottage, Potter Street, Harlow.

He lived in Stapleford Tawney.

His brother, William Deeks, was also killed.

Curiously, there is no memorial in the church to those parishioners of
Greensted who died in either war. The reason is unknown.

However, the names are inscribed on a Roll of Honour in the foyer of
Ongar War Memorial Hospital. The original is now held at the
Essex Record Office.

The Roll records four names of men from Greensted who died in the
First World War:

• J. Argent
• E. Crisp
• C. H. East
• E. G. East

[L/4598] Private in the 1st Battalion,
Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). He enlisted at Woolwich.
He was killed in action on 12 December 1914.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the
Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

He was born about 1884 in High Ongar, the son of William and Sarah Argent.
At the time of his death, he was living in Woolwich, Kent.

In the 1911 Census, he was recorded as living at The Gardens, Blake Hall,
Bobbingworth. He was married to Alice and had a daughter, Violet, aged 2.

His occupation was recorded as an under-gardener.

His name also appears on the High Ongar War Memorial.

E. Crisp

[394] Trooper in the 12th (Prince of Wales’s Royal) Lancers.
He enlisted at Chelmsford. He died on 31 May 1918 and is buried in
Melcombe Regis Cemetery, Weymouth, Dorset.

According to UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914–1919,
his residence was recorded as Great Baddow, Chelmsford, and he is shown as
having died “at home”.

He was born circa 1898 in White Colne, Colchester, Essex, the son of
George and Ellen Crisp.

In the 1918 Register of Electors for Greensted, George and Ellen Crisp are
recorded as living at Lodge Farm, Greensted.

He was entitled to the 1914 Star.

The following article appeared in the Chelmsford Chronicle newspaper
on 25 December 1914.

GERMAN OFFICER’S CAMERA

ESSEX LANCER’S FIND

PICTURES DEVELOPED AND REPRODUCED HERE

INCIDENT AND HUMOUR AT THE FRONT

We have been permitted to see a batch of letters written from the front by
Tpr. Ernest Crisp, B Squadron, 12th Lancers, son of Mr and Mrs G. Crisp,
of the Lodge Farm, Greensted, Ongar, and brother of Mrs Holden, wife of
Pc. Olden of Woodham Ferris.

Like many other brave fellows, Trooper Crisp makes no complaint of the
hardships of the campaign, writes cheerfully all the time, and ignores his
own brave acts. He was called up as a reservist on the general mobilisation,
and has been in the thick of the fighting with the Expeditionary Force all
the time. He has been lucky enough to escape with a severe cold.

He is particularly grateful for the gifts sent out, and his letters prove how
well everything is now working to meet the demands of the troops.

Trooper Crisp made one interesting find, coming across a camera, part of a
German officer’s kit, and this he has sent home. Although he thought all the
plates were smashed, two of them contained views, which have been developed
at home, and are reproduced here.

Below will be found extracts from the trooper’s letters:

TROUSER BUTTON SOUVENIRS

Writing on Dec. 10, he says the men are still in billets:

“But the horses have to put up with the rough weather we have been having,
raining every day. We have to wade through mud, not quite up to our necks,
to get at them. I suppose we shall have to stick it through the winter now.
Things are very quiet here. We don’t hear or see much. The King was here
last week, and General French saw us again the other day.”

One of the writer’s brothers, who has joined the Yeomanry, had asked him if
he had a military cap badge to part with, and the Trooper replied:

“I don’t think there are half a dozen in the regiment. The girls ‘went nap’
on them at Havre. Some gave the buttons of their trousers for souvenirs.
Did you read General French’s dispatch? Very good wasn’t it? General French
did not mention when the war would finish. He said, ‘Don’t think because you
have not yet advanced into Germany you have not done well.’”

TOSSING FOR TOGS

Dealing with the retreat from Mons he says:

“I shall not forget that in a hurry. With our Brigade were the Scots Greys
and 20th Hussars, and we did some good work.”

Writing early in October, Trooper Crisp spoke of nice weather, but very cool
at night. Some warm underclothing was served out, but at that time there was
not enough for all, so they tossed for the articles. He adds:

“I have not been lucky enough to get any yet. I have turned my shirt and
brushed it several times; not that I am ‘hitchy coo’ yet! Col. Wormald is
back with us again. He got wounded in the first charge. The people out here
are getting back home again – those that have homes to go to now the
Germans have had what they wanted. Has the price of food, corn, etc.,
gone up much?”

“Have you done much shooting? You might leave me a few, but I don’t suppose
it will be this side of Christmas, although I hope it won’t be much longer
than that.”

Shortly after this period, when frosts set in at night, he and his fellows
were in billets. He also said:

“We look like spending Christmas out here all right, so don’t forget the
cigars and nuts!”

At this time he was getting plenty of clothes except underwear, and as he
said, it would be a treat to have a change. He asked for nothing else, as he
could not carry more.

Referring to the difficulties of writing to all his relatives, he mentioned
that the only chance he had to write was when they halted for a few minutes,
perhaps for an hour or so, then:

“Off we go again, still looking for the Kaiser, but we have not come across
him yet!”

LANCERS WITH BAYONETS

In another letter he acknowledged chocolate, soap, towels, tobacco, etc.,
and said they were getting plenty of shirts, socks, tobacco, etc., from
private people and through the newspapers. He then had three shirts and
plenty of socks, but not pants.

“All the cavalry are in the trenches now, and we have been issued bayonets,
so now we are the 12th Foot! We are relieved now and again by the Indians.
Five of them got wounded the first time up. They don’t like the trenches.
They want to be ‘at ’em’. They don’t care for the shrapnel any more than
we do.

As I am writing this shrapnels are bursting only 200 yards away. The German
col-boxes are terrible things. They burst in the earth, and the shock is
enough to kill anyone. I had a narrow escape one day. The enemy were
shelling our transport, and I took cover behind a stack of oats. I might as
well have held a piece of paper.”

SHELLS AND WASPS

“The shells are falling all around me. I had not been there many minutes
when I had some of Sid’s chums (wasps) buzzing around me. I was only
standing in the front of the hole, but I decided to make a move, and lucky
I did. I hadn’t got 30 yards away when a shell went straight through the
stack and burst the other side, firing the stack.

We can see the Germans in their trenches from ours, but they are fairly
quiet. They send a few shells over now and again to let us know they are
there.”

SHATTERED VILLAGES

“The Germans have made several night attacks, but they have been driven
back. There is heavy fighting going on at the present time on our left.
The country round here is ruined; villages and towns are shattered and
burnt by the firing; and cattle are being killed every day.

We fell asleep riding along, tired right out. Hundreds got lost through
taking the wrong roads. We were in some very dangerous positions at times,
but did not know until afterwards.

We have heard that Italy and Holland have declared war, but do not know if
it is official. The war cannot last much longer, I think. We are living
well, and get plenty of smokes. The people at home are looking after us
alright. So they ought, as the troops have something to go through before
this is finished.”

In a further letter early in November the trooper expresses thanks for a
parcel, says he is well fixed for clothing now, and that it was a treat to
get a clean change on after so long.

GERMANS’ MUSICAL ATTACKS

He proceeds:

“The situation does not look much brighter yet. I see Turkey is causing
trouble. We have been having a warm time of it here lately. The Germans
have tried their utmost to break through our lines both night and day,
only to be driven back with heavy slaughter. It is terrible.

They advance with bands playing, just like a swarm of bees. We cannot help
mowing them down. The battle is still raging, but they don’t think it can
last much longer if this lot is beaten. They are putting all their strength
against us.

The prisoners now are boys about 16 and old men between 60 and 70. The
London Scottish have had a rough time. They went into action last Sunday
for the first time, but they gave the Germans all they wanted. The generals
have congratulated them on their fine work, but they lost heavily.”

GERMANS IN KILTS

“Some of the Germans advanced dressed in kilts on the left of them, through
the lines of the Carbineers – who thought they were the London Scottish –
and set fire to the building in the rear of them.

This was at night, so the Germans could see to fire in the trenches, and the
shell fire was terrible, but still the Scottish kept them back.

The Germans have been busy dropping bombs on the towns round here these
last few days, killing more women and children. We fired at one aeroplane,
but could not bring it down. They shell our aeroplanes every time they
appear over their lines, but I have not seen one brought down yet, although
they send as many as fifty shells at one. But some of them are close.”

BRUTALITY OF THE GERMANS

“We have seen some terrible sights. The Germans loot every town and village
they come to, and sometimes burn them. In some the people have been
murdered. It’s a shame to see the beautiful crops trodden down by the
troops.

There are very few people left in the villages, and they are pleased to
see us. We put up at farms when we can, but most of them are deserted, and
the binders are left in the fields with cutting half finished.

The Germans kill all the chickens they come across, and we come on bullocks
half cut up on the road. I could tell you a lot more worse things, but they
are best left out. No one knows how the people suffer, especially the
Belgians. They are nice people. They cannot do enough for us.

Nearly all their men are at the front. I think the war will last longer
than people expect unless something unusual happens. I suppose horses are
very dear in England now?”

“We are having a draught of 60 men from home today to fill up the ranks.
We do not draw any money. We could go if we wanted, but we can’t spend it.
We have had two charges, and the Germans can’t stick them at all.

It was very exciting, several hundred of Germans being taken prisoners.
Most of them can speak English. Their big gun fire is very good, but I think
they fire anywhere with the rifle. We had it hot the other day under a
heavy shell fire from their siege guns, but we escaped all right.”

In expressing appreciation, under date November 19, of a parcel from his
mother, he says a woollen cap from Mrs Hoare was very acceptable.
“Rotten weather” had been experienced, rain every day, and cold with snow,
and sharp frosts at night.

BOATING

“The roads are cut up by the traffic. Some of them you could boat through.
We are having plenty of coats sent out, so you need not worry about me.
We heard about the Emden before the papers arrived, also the death of
Lord Roberts.

I would like to hear the Russians are in Berlin by Christmas. But that is
too much to hope for. I doubt. We shall be pleased to get on the move again
from here, the same thing day after day.

I cannot tell you anything of the situation. I know very little myself, but
we are all happy, and hope for the best.

I saw a sergeant in the 2nd Essex named Digby. He came out here with Charlie
from Africa. You cannot tell the regiments by their cap badges, because they
have given them away to the French people as souvenirs.”

WORDS OF CAUTION

Speaking of the crops at home the writer says:

“You will have to make spare of the good stuff, but you are not so badly
off as the poor people out here – some of them burnt out, and where there
is straw and hay the Government have it for the horses.

The farms in the firing line mostly get burned down, and the cattle are
killed by shells and bullets as they wander about to get their own living.
We saw an aeroplane fight the other day, but could not see who came off best,
for the clouds covered them, they were up so high. We could hear them
shooting at each other.”

“We have heard you have conscription at home, but it may be only a ‘fizzer.’
We get plenty of them here. One fellow starts something and it goes round
with something added to it. I should not think they will let it come to that.

No doubt there are plenty walking about all day with kid gloves and stick,
but I don’t suppose those who join now will be wanted out here. I hope not,
but we expect them all to do their share in some way.

They ought to see the state of things here in Belgium. It would make them
buck up, I’ll bet. There was a sharp frost this morning. The roads are
terrible, a foot deep in mud.

I hope we shall soon make a move from here and the Germans in their own
country or get them on the run, as they say. Got called out this morning,
but was not needed.

The Germans made an attack last night, so they must have lost again.
They will soon get fed up with attacking, I should think. I had been hoping
to be home by Christmas, but that is all over now.

I saw in a paper where a French officer prophesied that the war will last
three years. Not long when you say it quick!”

[44144] Private in the 8th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
He died of wounds on 15 October 1917 and is buried in
Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

He was born about 1887 in Woodford, Essex, the son of William Herbert
and Hester East, who lived at Hardings Farm, Greensted.

In June 1916, William appeared before a Tribunal to appeal against his son
being called up, arguing that he was needed on the farm and that there was
no one to replace him.

At that time, he was described as a cowman on his father’s farm.
The appeal was dismissed, but two months were allowed so that William could
train someone to take his son’s place as cowman.

He is commemorated on his father’s gravestone in
Greensted Churchyard.

I am unable to trace this individual at this time.

There is, however, a Charles Herbert East, brother of Edward
East, who was born in 1894 in Wanstead, Essex.

He died of pneumonia on 9 November 1918, aged 25, and is buried in
Greensted Churchyard.

In the 1911 Census, he was recorded as
“working on the family farm”.