Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

BIGGLESWADE WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © 2002 Martin Edwards & Kenneth Wood

The memorial stands in the Market Square in the centre of Biggleswade. The memorial takes the form of a Celctic Cross mounted on a plinth with the World War 1 names around the plinth. Two additional tablets have been added at the base of the cross and bear further names for World War 2 and Malaya. There are 172 names for World War 1, 32 for World War 2 and 2 for the Malayan Emergency.The memorial was initially unveiled by Mr S Howard Whitbread 24th April 1921; the architects were Styles & Sons. Further details for Biggleswade can also be found on the Biggleswade Cemetery page.

Kenneth Wood has written a book Biggleswade and the Great War, the front and back cover of the book can be seen here in .pdf format (4MB). If you want a copy of the book it is available either in bookshops, from Amazon or directly from Kenneth if you would like a signed copy - the email address for Kenneth is kwoodathome@tiscali.co.uk

Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards 2002

TO THE
GLORY OF GOD
AND IN
GRATEFUL MEMORY
OF THE MEN FROM
THIS PARISH WHO GAVE
THEIR LIVES IN THE
GREAT WAR

1914-1919

AIREY

Claude

Private, 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers, initially reported as missing during Kaiser’s Battle, 22/3/18 then confirmed as having been killed in action. Claude Airey came from a military family, for his father was a captain in the Royal Veterinary Corps, and having enlisted in 1914 he had seen a great deal of action and had been badly wounded earlier. He is commemorated on the Pozieres memorial on the Somme.

ALBONE

Frederick John

Private 18463, Bedfordshire Regiment transferred to 154692, 656th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps. Died on Tuesday 12 November 1918. Aged 23. Husband of Edith Miriam Albone (nee Albone), of 3, Primrose Lane, Arlesey; married 20 June 1915 at Biggleswade. Buried in south side of new part of ST. PETER CHURCHYARD, ARLESEY, Bedfordshire.

ALBONE

Herbert George

Private 55692, 199th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died of wounds Friday 12th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Husband of Mrs. E. F. Albone, of 18, Cowfairlands, Biggleswade. Native of Bedfordshire. Formerly 29645, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in NINE ELMS BRITISH CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave V. A. 6.

ALBONE

Wallace George

Sergeant 37605, Machine Gun Corps (Infanry). Died Thursday 15th May 1919. Aged 23. Son of James and Rebecca Albone, of 53, Lawrence Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. Grave 3127. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

AMBROSE

Alec William

Private 32202, 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 12th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Son of William R. and Anna Maria Ambrose, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

BASTERFIELD

F C

2nd Corporal. 253691, 8th Division, Signal Company, Royal Engineers. Died on Monday 17th February 1919. Buried in HALLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Halle, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. Grave A. 51.

BATTEN

Edward Cecil

Rifleman B/3449, 9th Battalion, Rifle Bridgade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action Friday 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 23. Born Norwich, Norfolk, enlisted St Paul's Churchyard, Middlesex, resident Biggleswade. Son of Charles E. Batten, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 16 B and 16 C.

BAXTER

Leslie

Boy 2nd Class, J/89840, H.M.S. "Impregnable.", Royal Navy. Died on Saturday 29th June 1918. Age 16. Son of the late Harry and Fanny Elizabeth Baxter, of Potton. Buried in FORD PARK CEMETERY (FORMERLY PLYMOUTH OLD CEMETERY) (PENNYCOMEQUICK), Devon. Church S. 6. 16.

BILCOCK

Ernest

Private 55725, 41st Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died of wounds on Friday 18 October 1918. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Formerly 29644, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 154 to 159 and 163A.

BILCOCK

Joseph

Private 18309, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 28th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

BONESS

Arch[ibald]

Private 20619, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

BONESS

Arthur John

Private 18787, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 27th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 31. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of the late John Boness and of Alice Boness, of 3, London Rd., Biggleswade; husband of Bertha Boness, of Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

BONESS

George Henry

Private 18484, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 27th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 39. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Boness, of Back St., Biggleswade; husband of Pollie Butcher (formerly Boness), of 22, Town Fields, Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

BONFIELD

Percy

Gunner 71017, 178th Siege Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action Friday 25th May 1917. Age 30. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Fredrick Bonfield, of Biggleswade. Buried in TILLOY BRITISH CEMETERY, TILLOY-LES-MOFFLAINES, Pas de Calais, France. Grave I. G. 11.

BOSWORTH

Richard

Private 7595, 1st Battalion, Border Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 21st August 1915 in Gallipoli. Age 29. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Woolwich, Kent. Husband of Mrs. M. A. Aisbett (formerly Bosworth), of 34, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Buried in GREEN HILL CEMETERY, Turkey. Grave IX. I. 18.

BRIDGE

Horace Percy

Lance Corporal 14919, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 30th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born Cottershill, Staffordshire, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of John George and Florence Bridge, of 14, High St., Biggleswade. Brother of Thomas Henry below. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

BRIDGE

Thomas Henry

Private 41701, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 4th October 1917 in France & Falnders. Age 24. Born Codsall, Staffordshire, enlisted Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, resident Biggleswade. Formerly 140192, Royal Army Service Corps. Son of John George and Florence Bridge, of 14, High St., Biggleswade. Brother of Horace Percy above. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

BROWN

Albert Lawrence

[Listed as Trooper on memorial.] Private 116549, 11th, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Died on Monday 28th February 1916. Age 27. Son of John Albert and Alice Brown, of Ladbroke, Biggleswade. Buried in VICTORIA (ROSS BAY) CEMETERY, British Columbia, Canada. Grave L. 10W. C. National Archives of Canada Reference: RG 150, Acc. 1992-93/166, Box 1120 - 30.

BROWN

Norman Algernon

2nd Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died on Friday 28 February 1919. Age 21. Son of Alice Tipple (formerly Brown), of Ladbrooke, Biggleswade, and the late John Albert Brown. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery, Biggleswade. Grave 3459. See also Biggleswade Cemetery and Hitchin Grammar School

BROWN

Percy

Private 43030, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 3rd May 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Biggleswade, enlisted St Ives, Huntingdonshire. Formerly 26095, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7.

BROWN

Robert William

Private 3/7448, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23rd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Langford, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

BRUNT

Alfred 'Punch'

Private 30819, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23rd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 37. Born and resident biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Emma Brunt, of 33, St. John's St., Biggleswade, and the late Alfred Brunt. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

BRYANT

Horace

Private Sidney Leonard Chambers, 16th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, the Public Schools’ Battalion. Len Chambers was killed in action as his battalion attacked the Hawthorn Ridge crater on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Today his body rests in Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery Number 1, only yards away from the crater. Len Chambers’s father lived at 27 Drove Road, Biggleswade.

BUTCHER

Charles

Private 8780, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 28th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Sandy. Buried in TYNE COT CEMETERY, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave LXVII. E. 9.

BUTTERWORTH

Arthur

Rifleman 7517, 1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Died of wounds Thursday 1st October 1914. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Northampton, resident Bedford. Buried in VAILLY BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Grave II. F. 8.

BYGRAVES

Sydney

Private G/24224, 11th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died of wounds Thursday 7th June 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Formerly 27860, Royal Fusiliers. Buried in LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave XIII. D. 8A.

CARR

Alfred

Acting Lance Sergeant 200194, 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 3rd November 1917 in Palestine. Age 21. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of William and Mary Ann Carr, of 16, Bank Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XXX. B. 10.

CARR

Charles

Private 8744, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 7th December 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 27. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Northampton. Son of the late Mrs. Lilian Chambers, of Biggleswade. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 4 II. CI. 4.

CARR

Sydney

[Listed as Lance Corporal on memorial.] Private 16633, 2nd Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds on Friday 30th April 1915. Age 26. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Doncaster. Son of Jim and Martha Carr, of Holme View Cottages, Biggleswade. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave VIII. B. 9.

CARTWRIGHT

Harry

Private 3574, 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died Friday 14th December 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Warley, Essex, resident Rainham, Essex. Buried in ROCQUIGNY-EQUANCOURT ROAD BRITISH CEMETERY, MANANCOURT, Somme, France. Grave VIII. A. 13.

CHAMBERS

[Sidney] Leonard

Private G/2334, 16th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action as his battalion attacked the Hawthorn Ridge crater on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916. Born bedford, enlisted London, resident Biggleswade. Son of W. J. Chambers, of 27, Drove Rd., Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Buried in HAWTHORN RIDGE CEMETERY No. 1, AUCHONVILLERS, Somme, France. PLot/Roiw/Section A. Grave 12.

CHAMPKINS

William Edward

Private G/23765, 8th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died Saturday 28th September 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in LE CATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave I. B. 131.

Extract from the Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 26 September 1919:

IN MEMORIAM.

In ever loving and never fading memory of Pte. W. E. Champkins, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. George Champkins, of Langford Road, Biggleswade, who died on September 28th, 1918, while a prisoner of war in Germany, aged 19 years.

"Until the day breaks and darkness and
sorrow and grief and pain are past,
He waits for in the presence the
King of kings.”

CHANDLER

Jack Cooper

[Listed on memorial as Rifleman]. Private 39912, 1st/21st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment posted to 1st/21st Battalion, London Regt (First Surrey Rifles). Killed in action Saturday 24th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mark and Fanny Chandler, of 82, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 6.

CIRCUIT

Sidney

Private G/28017, 2nd Battalion Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died Monday 6th November 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Buried in CITADEL NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, FRICOURT, Somme, France. Grave I. A. I.

CLARK

Albert

Private 25267, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 5th January 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Brother of Mr. C. W. Clark, of 79, Sun St., Biggleswade. Buried in HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave VIII. C. 15.

CLARK

Percy Albert

Private 41221, 1st Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment. Died of wounds on Friday 1st March 1918. Age 34. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Frederick and Mary Clark, of Biggleswade; husband of Amelia Ann Clark, of 54, Laurence Rd., Biggleswade. Formerly 48346, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in BELLICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Grave II. L. 8.

CLARK

R

Private 3/7396, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Wednesday 16th January 1918. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. Grave 1853. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

CLAYTON

Leonard

Private 320216, 15th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 14th October 1918. Age 25. Born Ely, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Ipswich. Son of Mrs. J. W. Clayton, of 59, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Formerly 2137, Suffolk Yeomanry. Buried in AUBERS RIDGE BRITISH CEMETERY, AUBERS, Nord, France. Grave V. A. 7.

CLIFFORD, M.M.

Eustace George aka Charlie

Sergeant 200195, 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 5th October 1917 in Palestine. Age 25. Born Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Edward John and Emily Minnie Clifford, of Hope Cottage, Chapel St., Stow-on-the-Wold, Glos. Awarded the Military Medal. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XXXII. A. 1.

COCKS

Charles

Private G/24159, 10th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action Monday 7th October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Walter Benjamin Cocks, of 42, Cow Fair Lands, Biggleswade. Formerly 3249, Surrey Yeomanry. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A.

COLE

Frederick

Private 30913, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 10th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 36. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mrs. Cole, of Biggleswade, husband of R. Hastings (formerly Cole), of 3, Providence Cottages, Chertsy Rd., Byfleet, Surrey. Buried in TYNE COT CEMETERY, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave LXI. E. 18.

COLE

[Frederick] George

Private 202302, 4th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died of wounds Saturday 6th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 27. Born Biggleswade, enlisted St Ives, Huntingdonshire. Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, of Biggleswade. Formerly 26096, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION No.1, Somme, France. Grave VI. D. 52.

COLE

Percy

Private 9390, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Killed in action Tuesday 24th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 23. Born Biggleswade, enlisted finsbury, resident Deptford. Son of Alfred and Alice Cole, of Kimberley House, Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 1.

DEAN

George

Private 3/6777, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Friday 19th February 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Sutton, Bedfordshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 4.

DENNY

Marcus Walter

Trainee Wireless Operator. Fell ill aboard ship and was brought to Bedford Hospital where he died of a brain tumour on 7th November 1917. In the 1901 census he was aged 1, son of Walter Pallan and Fanny Denny, born Biggleswade, resident High Street, Biggleswade. In the 1911 he was the grandson of Mary Ann Denny, aged 11, school boy, born Biggleswade, resident 34 High Street, Southwold, Suffolk. His death was registered in the October to December Quarter 1917 in the Bedford Registration District, Bedfordshire.

DICKENS

George

Private 201145, 1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action Monday 26th March 1917 in Palestine. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Formerly 10287, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XVIII. C. 3.

DILLEY

George

Corporal 22019, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23rd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Clifton, Bedfordshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

DRYSDALE

Alexander

Private 23460, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds at home 1st March 1917. Born Little Thorpe, Yorkshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery, Biggleswade. Grave 3385. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

ELLIOTT

W

Lieutenant. Died between 1917-1919. Probably Lt. Hugh William Elliott RFC/RAF, who is also listed on the Boxworth,Cambs memorial and is buried in Boxworth churchyard. His elder brother was Lt.Robert Stanley Villiers Elliott RFC/RAF andthe Elliott family were residents of Biggleswade until approx.1915, when they moved to Kirby Farms, Boxworth. H.W.Elliott was educated in Biggleswade.

ELVEY

H G

Corporal. Died between 1916-1917. No further information currently.

EMERY

Ernest

Private 10021, 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 8th February 1915. Age 21. Born Biggleswade, enlisted London, resident Merthyr Tydvil. Son of Mrs. Emily Emery, of 39, St. John St., Biggleswade. Buried in KEMMEL CHATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave B. 49.

ENDERSBY

Arthur John

Private 3/8738, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 5th May 1915 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33.

FAIRBANKS

George S

Private 45333, 10/11tBattalion, Highland Light Infantry. Killed in action 9th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born Spalding, Lincolsnhire, enlisted Edmonton, resident Biggleswade. Son of George E. and Caroline Louise Fairbanks, of 28, Drove Rd., Biggleswade. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 9.

FIGG

Harry William

Sergeant A32371, 49th Battalionn, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Died on Thursday 14th June 1917. Age 22. Born 23rd February 1891. Father Edward R Figg, of Hitchin Street, Biggleswade. Employed as a machinist. Single. height 5ft 11ins. Waist 36ins. Complexion Fair, eyes Brown, hair FAir, religion Church of England. Enlisted 6th January 1915 at Edmonton. Previously served in the Yeomanry for 3 years. Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave XXII. H. 27. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3078 - 2

Photograph Copyright © Chris Bawcombe 2014

FRANKLIN

L C

Lieutenant, Royal Army Service Corps. Died Sunday 20th April 1919. Husband of Florence M. Franklin, of 41, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery, Biggleswade. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

GARNER

Arthur

Private 1191, 19th Bn., Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Died on Wednesday 28th February 1917. Age 29. Son of John Edmund Gamer, of 42, Newtown, Biggleswade, and the late Sarah Ann Garner. Buried in WARLENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave VI. H. 13.

GARNER

Frederick

Lance Corporal 23652, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Thursday 21st November 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 28. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Ampthill. Son of John Edmund Garner; husband of Alice Bessie Garner, of 38, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Native of Biggleswade. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave S. II. Z. 13.

GARNER

Harry

Acting Corporal 200193, 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 19th April 1917 in Palestine. Age 25. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of George and Elizabeth Garner, of 36, Sun St, Biggleswade. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XXII. A. 15

GARNER

Henry

Private 200903, Hertfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Wednesday 26th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of George and Anna Garner, of 17, Newtown, Biggleswade. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD), Nord, France. Grave III. E. 151.

GATWARD

Walter Reginald

Private 22463, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 19th April 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 30. Born Thurfield, Hertfordshire, enlisted Ampthill, resident Biggleswade. Son of Thomas Gatward, of Therfield, Royston; husband of Daisy Florence Gatward, of "The Crow", Reed, Royston, Herts. Buried in ESSEX FARM CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave II. Q. 16. - See also Therfield, Hertfordshire

GAUGE

Jack

Private 23211, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23rd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Ampthill. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5

GAUGE

William John

[List On memorial as Private] Lance Corporal 9511, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 25th September 1915 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Sandy. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 41.

GOODSHIP

George Henry

Private 9791, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 26th October 1914 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born Barnsley, Yorkshire, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Mrs. M. A. Rook, of Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade. Buried in HARLEBEKE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Harelbeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave XVII. A. 9.

GOSS

Herbert

Private 16877, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 27th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Frederick James and Martha Goss, of 114, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Buried in POTIJZE CHATEAU WOOD CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave B. 25.

GRAY

Leonard A

Private 200925, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 16th May 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Son of William and Fanny Gray, of Biggleswade. Buried in TANNAY BRITISH CEMETERY, THIENNES, Nord, France. Plot 2. Row C. Grave 4.

GRAY

William

Private 10288, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 7th November 1914 in France & Flanders. Age 18. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of William and Fanny Gray, of 7, Sun St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 and 11.

GRUMMITT

Frederick Charles

Private 203246, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 18th July 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated in RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Special Memorial F. 22.

GRUMMITT

Harry

Private 25189, 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 23rd May 1917 in France & Flanders. Enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

GURNEY, M.M.

George

[List as Sapper on memorial.] Acting Sergeant 9297, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 22nd March 1918 in France and Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Awarded Military Medal. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL,Somme, France. Panel 28 and 29.

HARPIN

James William

Private G/28899, 16th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died of wounds Friday 28th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born Carlton, Nottinghamshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Son of Emily Harpin, of 15, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Buried in DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave VI. H. 1.

HAYNES

Albert Edward

Lance Corporal 304203, 1st/5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade), London Regiment. Killed in action September between 6 and 10 September 1916, on the Somme. Aged 24. Born 17 March 1891 in Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire., enlisted Hornsey. Son of William and Susan Haynes, of 12, Lindsell Crescent, Toun Field, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Educated at Bedford Modern Scool (1905-09). In the 1891 census he was under 1 year of age, resident with his parents, William and Susan Haynes, at Frog Hall, Village, Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Old Warden, Bedfordshire., resident with his parents, William and Susan Haynes, at 66, Cemetery Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. On 6 September 1909 he was a teacher at Biggleswade Board (Holmead Middle) School (boys), Biggleswade. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Old Warden, a School Teacher, resident with his parents in High Street, Biggleswade. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9 D. See also Bedford Modern School

HAYNES

Harold Walter

[Listed on memorial as W H HAYNES]. Corporal 304221, 5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade), London Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 17th June 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Hornsey. Formerly 3576, 7th Middlesex Regiment. Son of Mrs. W. Haynes, of 100, Hitchen St., Biggleswade. Buried in TANK CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave B. II.

HOUSDEN

George Reuben Thomas

Private 68747, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action Thursday 8th August 1918. Age 19. Born Biggleswade, enlisted London, resident Pall Mall, London. Son of Reuben and Bertha Housden. of Biggleswade. Buried in WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Grave VI. H. 11.

HOUSDEN

Omar William

Private G/11209, 11th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 23rd March 1918 in France & Falnders. Age 29. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Lambeth, Surrey. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Housden, of 71, High St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 2.

HOUSDEN

Tom

Private 3/7004, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 10th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33.

HUCKLE

Clifford

Private 72326, 103rd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died on Tuesday 1st August 1916. Buried in ALBERT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Grave I. M. 57.

HUCKLE

Harry

Private 27542, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 12th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

Extract from the Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 3 November 1916:

Pte. HARRY HUKLE, Bedfordshire. Regt.
KILLED IN ACTION

Mrs. A. Huckle, widow, of Stratton Street, Biggleswade, was informed by the Records officer at Warley, on Saturday, that her son, Pte. Harry Huckle, of the Bedfordshire. Regiment, was killed in action on October 12th. With the notification were messages of sympathy from the King and Queen and from the Army Council. The late Pte. Huckle was a single man and was 40 years of age. He was the youngest surviving son of Mrs. Huckle and had resided in Lincolnshire for some years until recently. He was called to the Colours under the Derby scheme during the present year, and was trained at Sittingbourne. He came home to Biggleswade on leave in August and almost immediately after return to camp, was sent on draft to France. Much sympathy is felt for his bereaved mother.

JACKSON

George

Private 19498, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 15th September 1916. Age 42. Born Arlesey, enlisted Bedford, resident Dunton. Husband of Annie Elizabeth Jackson, of 31, Town Fields, Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C. See also Dunton.

KEMPS

Frederick James

Lance Corporal 701839, 1st/23rd Battalion, London Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 4th December 1917. Age 31. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Lambeth, resident Brixton. Son of George Edwin and Emily Kemps, of 129, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panels 11 and 12.

KEFFORD

Frank

Private 19499, 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 31 October 1916. Age 28. Born Sutton. Lived Biggleswade. Enlisted Bedford. Son of James and Fanny Sarah Kefford. Commemorated on Loos memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 41. Pte. Kefford joined the army 19th February 1915. He sailed to France 4th November 1915. See also Sutton Memorial and KEFFORD & KIFFORD ROLL OF HONOUR WAR DEATHS

KING

William Gordon

[Listed as Bombardier on memorial.] Gunner, 123779, 47th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action Thursday 28th June 1917. Born Langford, enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in ROCLINCOURT VALLEY CEMETERYPas de Calais, France. Grave I. E. 7.

KITCHINER

J

Private. Died between 1918-1919 probably J KITCHENER, Private 39174, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers transferred to (133841) 133rd Company, Labour Corps. Died on Sunday 3rd November 1918. Buried in ST. ANDRE COMMUNAL CEMETERYNord, France. Grave I. A. 90.

LAMPEY

William Ewart

Gunner RMA/1739(S), Howitzer Brigade, Royal Marine Artillery. Died on Wednesday 10th July 1918. Age 29. Son of William H. and Sarah I. Lampey, of 38, Pain's Rd., Southsea. Buried in LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave XXVIII. D. 19.

LAND

Frederick William

Private 23531, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Monday 9th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Born London, enlisted Ampthill, resident Biggleswade. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave VIII. D. 134.

LEGATE

Herbert

Corporal 26850, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 4th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Henlow, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Husband of Emily Legate, of 95, Shortmead St., Biggleswade. Buried in LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave XXI. E.E. 6.

LINCOLN

[Alfred] John

Private Alfred John Lincoln, 2nd Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, killed in action 28th April 1917, aged 25. Listed as missing initially. It would not be until later in the year that his wife Ada and young child were to be informed that he had died. No body was ever found and he is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

LINCOLN

John

Private 8276, 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Died Friday 15th December 1916 in Mesopotamia. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in HAIDAR PASHA CEMETERY, Turkey. Grave I. C. 17.

LINCOLN

Walter F

Private 47348, The Queen's transferred to (75284), Labour Corps. Died 1st November 1918. Private Walter Lincoln, who had been invalided out of the army following being wounded and gassed, was to give in to these cumulative effects and die in Biggleswade on 1st November 1918. His brother John had died in 1916 as a prisoner of the Turks and his cousin William had died under similar circumstances as a prisoner of the Germans. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. Grave 1588. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

LOVERIDGE

Joseph

[Listed as Lance Corporal on memorial.] Private 9632, 2nd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in actionThursday 20th April 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Cambridge, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 36 and 55

LOVETT

Alexander Morton

[National Archives of Canada states name as Alex Lovett] Private 105354, 52nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment.). Killed in on action Monday 18th September 1916 while on duty as a stretcher bearer in the front line trenches near Courcelette, he was wounded and while taking shelter from enemy shell fire in a small dugout was instantly killed when an enemy shell penetrated the dugout. Aged 28. Born 28th April 1888 in London, resident Huronville, Saskatewan. Farmer by trade. Son of Mrs. A. E. Lovett, of 69, Longstaff Rd., Wandsworth, London, England, and the late Mr. Henry Lovett, farmer of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, formerly of 68 Sun Street, Biggleswade. Attested 22nd November 1915 in Regina, Saskatewan, Canada, aged 27 years 7 months, height 5 feet 2 inches, chest 38½ inches, weight 135 lbs, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. Embarked Halifax, Nova Scotia 1st May 1916, disembarked Liverpool 7th May 1916, drafted to 52nd Battalion, France, 6th June 1916, taken on strength 8 June 1916, left base for unit 9th June 1916, joined unit 10th June 1916. Commemorated on VIMY MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 5761 - 20

LOVETT

Henry

Private 41074, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 27th May 1918. Age 19. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Lovett, of 68, Sun St., Biggleswade. Brother of Alexander above and Robert below. Formerly 51572, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on SOISSONS MEMORIAL, Aisne, France.

LOVETT

Robert

Private 22554, "C" Company, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 20. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Ampthill. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Lovett, of 68, Sun St., Biggleswade. Brother of Henry adn Alexander above. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C

MANN

F J

Private 41076, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died Thursday 24th October 1918. Aged 19. Son of Francis John Mann, of Whitton Paddocks, Ludlow, Salop. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. Grave 1718. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

MAUDLIN

E J

Private 202923, 5th Reserve Bn., East Surrey Regiment transferred to (590360) 389th Home Service Company, Labour Corps. Died on Tuesday 25th February 1919. Son of Mrs. Ellen Maudlin, of 60, Sun St., Biggleswade. Buried near west boundary in UPPER CALDECOTE (ALL SAINTS), CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire.

MAUDLIN

L W

Private 46070, 1st/4th Bn., Northamptonshire Regiment. Died on Friday 2nd November 1917. Age 20. Son of Edward J. and Ellen Maudlin, of 60, Sun St., Biggleswade. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Grave XV. B. 9.

MILLARD

Bertie George

Private G/70082, 11th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action Wednesday 2nd October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Frederick and Annie Millard, of Eagle Cottage, Stratton Park, Biggleswade. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A.

MILTON

Harry

Private 25479, 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Tuesday 10th April 1917 in France & Falnders. Age 23. Born St Neots, Huntingdonshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Son of Mrs. Harry Milton, of 4, Benson's Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in BEAURAINS ROAD CEMETERY, BEAURAINS, Pas de Calais, France. Grave B. 18.

MILTON

Victor John

Private 32004, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 30th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of Frederick William and Lizzie Milton, of 43, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

MORGAN

Herbert 'Bert' [Stirling]

Private, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, killed in action 8th May 1915 during Battle of Frezenberg. Bert Morgan had joined up with his brother Harold in Canada, both having emigrated there from Biggleswade. Bert had enlisted on the 24th August 1914 just three weeks after the outbreak of the war. In Canada he had worked as an electrician, but after enlisting he soon found himself back on familiar territory, for the Patricias arrived in England in October 1914. They spent two months in the UK before crossing to France. The Patricias were an experienced battalion for when the call went out for volunteers experienced men were first sought. Bert Morgan was certainly a candidate for he had served for seven years before emigrating, three years with the Rifle Fusiliers and four years with the Berkshire Volunteers. The Patricias first major action was at Bellewaerde Ridge during 2nd Ypres, when the battalion took part in the battle of Frezenberg with devastating costs. From a battalion strength of 650 officers and men when they went into the line on the 6th May they were reduced to 154 when they came out just over two days later. Bert Morgan was one of those who did not come out, being killed in action as the Germans tried to take the ridge. He was 32 when he died and like so many who fell at Ypres he has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Menin Gate.

MORGAN

Harold Thomas

Sergeant, 49th Battalion, Alberta Regiment, killed in action 2nd June 1916. Harold Morgan was another of those who had been brought up in Biggleswade but who had left for Canada. He had enlisted in 1915, had been promoted to sergeant and had seen his brother, Herbert killed in 1915. Now in the same area, the Ypres Salient, he too was to die. Harold Morgan died defending an advanced trench against a German attack on the 2nd of June, and like his brother his body was lost on the battlefield and his name sits on the Menin Gate.

MUNNS

John

Driver, Royal Horse Artillery died on December 8th in France as a result of pneumonia brought on by the Spanish flu. John Munns had survived almost 4 years of the conflict only for the flu to take him after its conclusion. John Munn’s wife had travelled to France when she was told of his illness and was with him when he died.

NEWMAN

John

Private 16563, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 26th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in BAILLEUL ROAD EAST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGYPas de Calais, France. Grave I. P. 9.

NORTHWOOD

Arthur William

Gunner 41986, "V" 17th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action Tuesday 4th June 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 36. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Exeter. Son of Mrs. Northwood, of 18, Victoria Place Biggleswade; husband of J. E. Northwood, of 5, York Terrace, Bun St., Biggleswade. Buried in FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS, Pas de Calais, France. Grave VI. F. 9.

PAGE

Frederick Charles

Private 50979, 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 27th May 1918 in France & Flanders. Resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in LA VILLE-AUX-BOIS BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Grave I. H. 13.

PATRICK

Alfred

Private Alfred Patrick, Army Service Corps, died 1st April 1919 just three days after returning from Salonica

PEDDAR

Reginald Thomas

[Listed as PEDDER on SDGW & CWGC and also as Lance Sergeant]. Sergeant 3610, 51st Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry. Killed in action Saturday 4th November 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 21. Born and resident Biggleswade. Enlisted Bedford. Son of James and Elizabeth Pedder, of 43, Lawrence Rd., Biggleswade. Formerly 17430, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in LONDON CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, LONGUEVAL, Somme, France. Grave 8.G.22.

PEPPER

Charlie

Private 25188, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Thursday 6th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Grave I. D. 27.

PLUMBRIDGE

Robert

Private 4739, 60th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died on Wednesday 6th September 1916. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL,Somme, France. Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C.

POTTON

Frederick Bertie

[Listed as Private, West Kent Regiment, Killed in action 1915] Private, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed at Ypres 14th May 1916.

PURSER

Hubert Robarts

Captain, Royal Marine Artillery. Died on Sunday 18th March 1917. Age 40. Son of the Rev. T. S. Purser, of Holme Side House, Biggleswade; husband of Ellen Purser. Served in the Matabele and South African Campaigns. Also served in France and Flanders, and in German South-West and East Africa. Buried in MOROGORO CEMETERY, Tanzania. Grave VII. A. 13.

RADFORD

E

Private 200269, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 21st June 1919. Aged 21. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

RAINBOW

Arthur

Private G/18864, 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Wednesday 17th January 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 35. Born Meppershall, enlisted and resident Biggleswade. Son of David and Elizabeth Rainbow, of Meppershall; husband of Lucy Rainbow, of Mill Cottage, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Buried in ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Grave IV. N. 5.

REYNOLDS

Frederick James

Private 25135, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 29th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Ampthill. Son of Jack and Mary Ann Reynolds, of 52, Sun St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

REYNOLDS

J

Private 26759, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Monday 2nd December 1918. Aged 24. Son of Jack and Mary Reynolds; husband of Winifred Daisy Reynolds, of Thrapston Rd., Brampton, Hunts. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery. Grave 1535. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

ROBERTS

Frederick

Corporal 17168, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 1st April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave I. P. 36.

ROWLETT

Frederick

Private 3/6816, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 31st October 1914 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born and resient Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of William and Mary Ann Rowlett, of 32, Sun St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33.

ROWLETT

Harry

Private 26325, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 13th November 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C

RUNHAM

Chris

Corporal 10352, "A" Company, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23rd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 23. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Son of William George and Mary Ann Runham, of 30, St. John's St., Biggleswade. Brother of Steve below. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

RUNHAM

Steve

Private 13099. 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 7th August 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 21. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of William George and Mary Runham, of 30, St. John's St., Biggleswade. Brother of Chris above. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

SCOTT

Frederick Ernest William

Private 42963, 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 8th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Formerly 11115, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 7.

SEE

Robert

[Listed as B SEE on memorial - Bob short for Robert] Private 1051, 37th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Died Sunday 10th June 1917. Son of F. and E. A. See, of Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Buried in TROIS ARBRES CEMETERY, STEENWERCK, Nord, France. Grave I. S. 10.

SELLS

Edmund

Private G/13540, 7th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 18th November 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Biggleswade, enlisted and resident Kenley, Surrey. Buried in STUMP ROAD CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT, Somme, France. Grave A. 91.

SENIOR

George

Acting Sergeant 202507, 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 14th September 1917. Age 22. Born Ely, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Mrs. S. A. Senior, of 17, Victoria Place, Biggleswade. Formerly 2892, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave VII. E. 1.

SIM[M]S

Harry [Charles]

[Spelt SIMS on SDGW & CWGC] Private 3/8137, 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 29th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 28. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of John and Emma Sims, of J, Rose Lane, Biggleswade. Commemorated in CHILI TRENCH CEMETERY, GAVRELLE, Pas de Calais, France. Special memorial C. 14.

SIMS

Edwin Sidney

Private 46647, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 21st September 1918. Age 20. Born Sandy, enlisted Northampton. Son of Mr. A. Sims, of 67, Council Cottages, Drove Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in DOINGT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Grave I. E. 6.

SKILLITER

Frederick Charles

[Spelt SKILLETTER on SDGW & CWGC] Private 28484, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 23rd November 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Selina Skilleter, of 8, Rose Lane, Biggleswade, and the late Fred Skilleter. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL,Somme, France. Pier and Face 10 D.

SMITH

Absalom

Private. Died between 1916-1917. Was a van dweller who had lived around the Biggleswade area for most of his life. During the earlier part of the war he had been a munitions worker but he had enlisted in the first few months of 1917 with the Essex Regiment. He had then found himself in Egypt where he was to be badly wounded towards the beginning of April. Those wounds proved to be very serious for he died on the 24th of the month.

SMITH

Ernest James

Private 187163, 8th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment). Died on Sunday 29th September 1918. Age 22. Son of John Henry and Rose Smith, of 25, The Baulk, Biggleswade. Buried in SANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave I. B. 30. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9033 - 48

SMITH

George

Private 7691, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 27th October 1914 in France & Flanders. Born Sutton, Bedfordshire, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Husband of Elizabeth Smith, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on the Addenda panel of LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France.

SMITH

Horace

Private G/28039, 12th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 17th February 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Buried in REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT, Somme, France. Grave VI. E. 9.

SMITH

Jack

Private Jack Smith, 27th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment, killed in action 6th November 1917 aged 20. Son of John Henry and Rose Smith, of 25, The Baulk, Biggleswade, formerly of Winnipeg. Jack Smith was killed in the Canadians assault that took Passchendaele Ridge whilst in a bombing party that was attacking to gain the ridge. Jack had emigrated to Canada with his father and the rest of the family prior to the war but one of his sisters had stayed in Biggleswade as she was married. It was to her that news of her brother’s death was forwarded.

SMITH

William [Parker]

Private William Parker Smith, 7th Battalion, Essex Regiment, initially reported missing but later presumed dead. Buried Gaza War Cemetery.

SMITH

William James

[Listed as James William on SDGW & CWGC] Private 20160, 14th (Service) Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 3rd September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Formerly 22116, Bedfordshire Regiment. Husband of Maud Emma Smith of 32 Cowfair Lands, Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7 C and 7 B.

SPRING

Harry

Private 3672, 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards. Killed in action Tuesday 27th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Balhal (sic), Bedford, enlisted Westminster, Middlesex, resident Biggleswade. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 2 and 3.

STARNES

Percy W

Private RTS/4670, 2nd Remount Depot, Royal Army Service Corps. Died Friday 4th October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 33. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted London. Son of Frederick and Amelia Starnes, of Biggleswade. Buried in ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Grave IV. G. 9.

STOCKER

Herbert

Corporal 9474, 2nd Battalion, BNedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 8th November 1914 in France & Flanders. Age 24. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Sandy. Son of John Joseph and Sarah Rebecca Stocker, of 4, Gladstone Terrace, Sun St., Biggleswade. Buried in HARLEBEKE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Harelbeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave XVI. A. 6.

STOCKER

Robert William

Lance Corporal 21602, 21st Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action Tuesday 31st July 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 21. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Mr. J. J. and Rebecca Stocker, of 4, Gladstone Terrace, Sun St., Biggleswade Formerly 18923, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 56. See also Ampthill Park

STONE

Fred

Corporal Fred Stone, 14th Battalion, Army Cyclist Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action aged 36. Fred Stone was in pursuit of the fleeing Austrians when he was killed on the 30th October, the last day of the fighting on this front. He is buried in Tezze British Cemetery, Northern Italy.

STORTON

Walter

Private 3/7542, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 10th March 1915 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 and 11.

STRATTON

Edmund

Private 3/8248, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 1st July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

STREET

G

Private. Died between 1916-1917. possibly George STREET, Private 43253, "C" Company, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died on Saturday 17th February 1917. Age 29. Son of James and Emma E. Street, of 3, Meadow View, Edworth, Baldock, Herts. Buried in REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURTSomme, France. Grave V. C. 21.

SWEPSTONE

W

Private. Died between 1916-1917. probably Charles W SWEPSON, Lance Corporal 17079, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died on Friday 15th September 1916. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.

TASKER

Herbert Edwin

Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, London Regiment (City of London Rifles) attached 19th Battalion, London Regiment. Died on Thursday 22nd August 1918. Age 24. Son of Walter Edwin and Alice Tasker, of 2, Church Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in BONNAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSIONSomme, France. Grave D. 5.

TAYLOR

Francis H

[Listed as Lance Corporal on memorial] Private Francis Taylor, 7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Francis Taylor, a former school teacher at Alma Boys School, was killed in action on October 7th 1916. He was 26 years of age and the son of Alfred Percival and Mary Taylor, of 66, Shortmead St, Biggleswade.

TEAR

George

Private 7829, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 22nd October 1914 in France & Flanders. Age 31. Born Gamlingay, enlisted Bedford, resident Biggleswade. Son of Frederick and Grace Tear, of 128, Shortmead St., Biggleswade. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 and 11.

THOMASON

George

[Spelt THOMPSON on memorial] Private 9252, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 31st October 1914 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33

THORN

Frederick

Private 40434, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died Friday 5th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and enlisted Biggleswade. Formerly 35582, Essex Regiment. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 54 to 56

WADE

Johnathan

Private 931535, 16th (Reserve) Battalion, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles (British Columbia Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force. Died 30th October 1917. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 30 and 32. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9977 - 57

From Andy Pay's research into the Marquis de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour the following:

Volume 2, Part 4, Page 221 - WADE, Johnathan - Private, No 931535, 16th (Reserve) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Son of William Wade, of 22, Stratton Street, Biggleswade; born Biggleswade, 28th Jan, 1891; educated Church School there; went to Canada in May 1909 and settled at Nelson as a farmer; enlisted in July 1916; came to England with the Canadian Contingent in Jan 1917; served with The Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from April and was killed in action at Passchendaele 30th Oct, 1917. Unm.

WAGG

Francis Henry

Rifleman 55746, 25th Reserve Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Died at home Sunday 3rd November 1918. Born Eastbourne, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery, Biggleswade. Grave 100. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

WAGSTAFF

George

[Spelt WAGSTAFFE on SDGW] Rifleman 3406, "A" Company, 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment. Died of a perforated duodenal ulcer in Military Hospital, Hampstead, on Wednesday 13th December 1916. Aged 28. Born Huntingdon, resident Shefford, Beds, enlisted London. Son of Sam Wagstaff of Canal View, Biggleswade; husband of Mabel (nee Gunn, formerly Wagstaff) Hoad, of 31, East Park, Crawley, Sussex, formerly 3, Victoria Road, Shefford, married 6th March 1911. Brother of Harry (below). In the 1901 census he was aged 12, born Huntingdon, son of Sam and Louisa Wagstaff, resident 64, Cemetery Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Buried in CAMPTON AND SHEFFORD CEMETERY, SHEFFORD. Grave E. 71. See also Shefford and Meppershall.

WAGSTAFF

Harry

Lance Corporal 17273, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 30th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Huntingdon 1895, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Sam Wagstaff of Canal View, Biggleswade. Brother of George (above). In the 1901 census he was aged 5, born Huntingdon, son of Sam and Louisa Wagstaff, resident 64, Cemetery Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Huntingdon, a Butcher, son of Sam and Louisa Wagstaff, resident Laurel View, Cemetery Street, Biggleswade. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

WALKER

Alfred Charles

Private 22550, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 23rd October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Amphtill. Son of Robert Humphrey Walker, of 13, Back St., Biggleswade. Buried in HIGHLAND CEMETERY, LE CATEAU, Nord, France. Grave I. E. 2.

WALKER

Horace

Private Horace Walker, 6th Battalion Northants Regiment, killed in action October 21st 1918. Horace Walker was in action with the 6th Battalion of the Northants Regiment as they attacked close to Cambrai. Horace had been in France for only 6 weeks when he met his death. His parents heard of the demise of their son when Lieutenant Stanley Keep wrote to them in November –‘I am very sorry to tell you your son died in action on October 23rd. he was killed immediately by shell fire. He was always bright and willing, and did his duty well.’ Horace Walker was a deeply religious man and he wrote home shortly before he died believing that he would not return from the fighting. He also left in Biggleswade a letter to be given to his fiancée, Miss Swain, in the event of his death.

WALKER

Walter Richard

[Listed as Richard Walter WALKER on SDGW] Private 27354, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds 6th March 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and enlisted Biggleswade.

WALL

Henry Charles

Private 496, 6th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Died on Saturday 11th November 1916. Age 20. Son of Henry and Flora Wall, of 57, Drove Rd., Biggleswade. Born in London. Commemorated on VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MEMORIAL, Somme, France.

WALLER

Reginald John

Private 49127, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 7th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIALSomme, France. Panel 28 and 29.

WALLIS

Edgar James

Private 203646, 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died of wounds Wednesday 5th December 1917 in Palestine. Age 20. Born Keighley, Yorkshire, enlisted Chelmsford, resident Biggleswade. Son of James and Ellen Wallis, of 22, Cemetery St., Biggleswade. Formerly 407, E.A.D. Cyclist Corps. Buried in DAMASCUS COMMONWEALTH WAR CEMETERY, Syria. Grave A. 23.

WARNER

George

Gunner 211087, "B" Battery, 107th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds Monday 24th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Son of Mrs. E. Warner, of Cowfairlands, Biggleswade. Buried in GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave I. G. 36.

WARNER

William

Private 18462, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday 3rd September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD), Nord, France. Grave II. F. 197.

WATERS

Frederick

Private 43950, 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died of wounds Wednesday23rd October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born Hitchin, Hertfordshire, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Formerly 50240, Bedfordshire Regiment. Son of George Waters, of 2, Hitchin St., Biggleswade. Buried in PREMONT BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Grave I. A. 21.

WATTS

Ernest Albert

Private 20408, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Killed in action Saturday 27th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 25. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted Doncaster. Son of James and Louisa Watts, of 9, Benson's Rd., Biggleswade. Buried in AYETTE BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave A. 3.

WATTS

Joseph

Private 33829, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 27th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Biggleswade. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

WEBB

Aubrey [Lemuel]

Private Aubrey Lemuel Webb, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was killed on the 25th March 1918 as the 2nd Bedfords were falling back at Golancourt, coming under attack by massed infantry and heavy shellfire. No bodies were ever found, and Claude Airey’s (see above) and Aubrey Webb’s names sit on the same Pozieres Memorial as George Gurney.

WELLS

Frederick

Private 25002, 8th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds Friday 29th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Littleport, Cambridgeshire. Buried in PUCHEVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Grave IV. E. 39.

WELSH

Cyril Clifton

Captain, "D" Battery, 256th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 17th July 1917. Age 29. Husband of Nellie Florence Welsh, of 8, Macaulay Rd., East Ham, London. Buried in POPERINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave II. D. 33.

Extract from de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Part 3, page 282:

WELSH, CYRIL CLIFTON, Capt., 256th Brigade, The Royal Field Artillery, elder s. of Robert Crosby Welsh, of Monkton, Biggleswade, co. Bedford, Surgeon, by his wife, Mary Laurie, dau. of Edmund Lewis. Hooker, of Albury, Guildford, Surrey b. 28 Oct. 1889; educ. Eastfield House, Ditchling, and Epsom College; volunteered for active service on the outbreak of war, and joined the 4th Hussars as a Trooper 21 Aug. 1914; received a commission, and was gazetted temporary 2nd Lieut. The Royal Field Artillery Jan. 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Nov. 1915, being transferred to the permanent list; promoted Lieut., and Capt. Nov. 1916, and was killed in action near Poperinghe 17 July, 1917. Buried in the cemetery attached to the Military Hospital there. Brigade General Oldfield wrote: "He was a very gallant man, and I had personally taken steps to get him a regular commission. I remember writing about him, 'When peace comes we cannot afford to do without him in the Regiment.' He had a tremendous capacity for work." and his Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. Dyson, wrote: "He was an invaluable officer of the highest type of courage, well proved on many occasions, with wonderful energy and capacity for work." Unm.

WHITBREAD

Leslie George

Private 3090, 1st/6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. Died at sea Saturday 11th September 1915. Age 23. Enlisted Manchester, resident Biggleswade. Son of the Rev. George and Jane Sarah Whitbread, of Wesley Villa, Coningsby, Lincoln. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 158 to 170.

WOODCROFT

F I

Trooper 30020, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Died on Wednesday 5th March 1919. Age 28. Son of Anne Woodcroft, of the 'Post Boy' Biggleswade. Buried in COLOGNE SOUTHERN CEMETERY, Koln(Cologne), Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Grave III. B. 12.

WOODWARD

Ernest James

Private T.F.203399, 13th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action Wednesday 20th June 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Biggleswade, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 49 and 51.

WOODWARD

Maurice William

Rifleman C/6621, 18th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action Friday 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born and resident Biggleswade, enlisted London. Son of James and Rose Woodward, of Biggleswade. Buried in SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No. 2, Somme, France. Grave XXXIX. A. 7.

Not on the memorial but should be probably

There were two Private W Lincoln’s from Biggleswade who died during the Great War and yet there is only one on the memorial.

LINCOLN

William

Gunner William Lincoln of the Royal Horse Artillery was captured by the Germans during their counter attack at Cambrai in November of 1917. He had moved around POW camps and had had spells at Dulman Camp and then Freidericksfeld Camp. It was whilst at the latter he bumped into fellow Biggleswadians and he at least had the company of men he knew in his last few months. On the 20th he died from heart problems and was buried at what has now become Conde sur L’Escat Communal that contains the graves of 90 Commonwealth servicemen who died in German hands in 1917 and 1918. William Lincoln was not the first in his family to die in captivity for his cousin John had earlier died as a prisoner of the Turks in 1916.

ALSO OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN
1939-1945 WAR

ASKHAM

Frederick george

Able Seaman P/JX 178181, H.M.S. President III, Royal Navy. Lost in S.S. Baron Erskine 10th January 1942. Age 28. Son of Samuel George and Minnie Louisa Askham: husband of Olive Mildred Askham, of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. No known grave. Commmeorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 63, Column 1.

Note: Cargo ship Baron Erskine, 3,657grt, (Kelvin Shipping Co. Ltd) had loaded a cargo of phosphates in Tampa. Florida for Garston via Loch Ewe and sailed to Sydney Cape Breton and joined up with the homeward hound 28 ship Convoy SC-62 which left Sydney. CB on the 27th December 1941. During the crossing the Baron Erskine started to lose station with the Convoy, which was put down to had coal and was unable to keep the minimum speed with the Convoy. She became a straggler the Convoy and was last reported on the 2nd January 1942 in position 47’ 30N 47’ 00W.

SC-62 dispersed as planned in position 56’ 49N 09 12W and arrived un the UK on the 12th January 1942. The Baron Erskine was never seen again. On the 25th February 1942 the ship was officially classed with Lloyds as Missing/Untraced and a Joint Arbitration Committee decided her loss was 1/3 Marine Loss, 2/3 War Loss around the 10th January 1942. German reports state that on the 6th January 1942 U-70 1 intercepted a ship sailing alone North of Rockall and torpedoed and sank her in position 59’ 1 5N 18’ 30W. The German’s first reported the ship to he the Baron Haig, hut this is incorrect as this ship was not lost during the war. As no other sinking can be attributed to this, it is a rnistken ship identity by U-70 land is officially recorded of that of the Baron Erskine. It is not known how many men were killed in the initial torpedoing, hut Captain, George S. Cumming, all 32 crew and her 7 DEMS gunners perished.

BAILEY

J

Flying Officer. No further information currently.

BARLEY

Percy A

Sergeant, 796842, Royal Artillery. Died on Monday 20th May 1940. Age 26. Son of William and Kate Barley; husband of Olive Joyce Barley, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on DUNKIRK MEMORIAL, Nord, France. Column 7.

BRIDGER

John Stirling

Lieutenant, H.M. Submarine Vandal (formerly P. 64)., Royal Navy. Died on Wednesday 24th February 1943. Age 26. Son of Dr. Robert Daniel Bridger and Dorothy Noel Aylwin Bridger, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 72, Column 3.

BUTCHER

Stephen Roy

Driver 2003401, 287 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died on Saturday 18th September 1943. Age 27. Son of Lewis and Bessie Butcher, of Biggleswade. Buried in THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar. Grave B1. K. 5.

CHARTER

Thomas Leslie

Guardsman 862719, 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died on Saturday 1st June 1940. Age 22. Husband of Florence Ethel Charter, of Shoreditch, London. Commemorated on DUNKIRK MEMORIAL, Nord, France. Column 32.

COLE

Christopher Aarthur Eric

Fusilier 6463361, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died on Friday 31st May 1940. Age 21. Son of Mrs. D. K. Cole, of Biggleswade. Buried in OOSTDUINKERKE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Koksijde, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Row E. Grave 112.

COWLES

Robert Frederick

Gunner 905203, 52 (The Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Heavy Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on Saturday 25th May 1940. Age 21. Son of George and Rose Jane Cowles, of Biggleswade. Buried in PROVEN CHURCHYARD, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. 1939/45 Plot. Grave 4.

COX

Kenneth George

Aircraftman 1st Class 1046922, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Friday 24th December 1943. Age 21. Son of George and Elsie Cox, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on MALTA MEMORIAL, Malta. Panel 9, Column 2.

ENDERSBY

Stanley Lenard

Gunner 974503, 3 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on Saturday 7th October 1944. Age 24. Son of Albert William and Elsie May Endersly, of Biggleswade. Buried in JOHANNESBURG (WEST PARK) CEMETERY, Gauteng, South Africa. Military Section, Grave 250.

GADSBY

Arthur Clifford Victor

Able Seaman P/JX 140940, H.M. Submarine Odin, Royal Navy. Died on Thursday 27th June 1940. Age 21. Son of Percival Charles and Alice Gadsby, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 38, Column 3.

GAUGE

Frederick

Private 5116876, 13th Battalion, The King's Regiment (Liverpool). Died on Monday 22nd March 1943. Age 27. Son of Frederick Gauge, and of Rose Ellen Gauge, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on RANGOON MEMORIAL, Myanmar. Face 5.

GRUMMITT

Jack

Gunner 895486, 52 (The Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Heavy Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on Monday 25th March 1940. Age 25. Son of Mrs. V. E. Grummitt, and stepson of Mr. F. Bailey, of Biggleswade. Buried in Biggleswade Town Cemetery, Biggleswade. Grave 3602. See also Biggleswade Cemetery.

HARRIS

Jack Frank

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1615781, 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Friday 31st March 1944. Aged 21. Son of John and Gertrude Anne Harris, of Biggleswade. Buried in HANOVER WAR CEMETERY, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 8. Row A. Grave 18.

HARVEY

Patrick C

Gunner 14250458, 80 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on Thursday 28th December 1944. Age 21. Buried in BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY, Limburg, Netherlands. Grave IV. 147.

HOPKINS

Maurice Herbert

Trooper 14249811, 1st, Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps. Died on Saturday 8th July 1944. Age 20. Son of Thomas L. and Hilda E. Hopkins, of Biggleswade. Buried in RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Grave III. C. 7.

HUGHES

T

Private. No further information currently.

JORDAN

Neville Frederick

Flight Sergeant 904330, Pilot, 407 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Thursday 12th February 1942. Age 22. Son of Robert Arthur and Ellen Elizabeth Jordan. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 75.

KEFFORD

Eric Wilfred

Lieutenant 232403, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment seconded to 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Died on Wednesday 19th July 1944. Age 30. Son of Wilfred George and Ada Catherine Kefford; husband of Barbara Betty Kefford, of Biggleswade, married 1944. Resident 62 The Baulk, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Born Biggleswade. Commemorated on BAYEUX MEMORIAL, Calvados, France.

Photograph courtesy of Peter Kefford & Percival H Odell. See the KEFFORD & KIFFORD ROLL OF HONOUR ~ WAR DEATHS.

KEFFORD

Ivor George

Able Seaman C/SSX 31243, S.S. Ettrick, Royal Navy. Died on Sunday 15th November 1942. Age 21. Son of Wilfred George and Ada Catherine Kefford, of Biggleswade. Born Biggleswade. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 54, 3.

Note: SS Ettrick which was a troop carrier. On 15th November 1942 she was torpedoed by German U155 whilst part of a convoy in the Gibraltar area and later sank whilst 18 naval ratings were killed, whilst the remainder of the crew were rescued.

Photograph courtesy of Peter Kefford & Percival H Odell. See the KEFFORD & KIFFORD ROLL OF HONOUR ~ WAR DEATHS.

KENNEDY

William Henry

Assistant Steward, M.V. Warwick Castle (London), Merchant Navy. Died on Saturday 14th November 1942. Age 59. Son of Michael and Annie Kennedy. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 117.

LINCOLN

Edward George

Private 5777306, 5th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. Died on Saturday 24th January 1942. Age 26. Son of Frederick C. Lincoln and Martha E. Lincoln. Buried in KRANJI WAR CEMETERY, Singapore. Collective grave 18. D. 7-12.

LINCOLN

Reginald Ernest

Aircraftman 1st Class 1286535, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Saturday 14th February 1942. Age 21. Son of Ernest E. and Doris May Lincoln, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Singapore. Column 418.

McLENNAN

K M B

Sergeant. No further information currently.

MINTJENS

William Jack

Flight Sergeant 1385854, Wireless Operator [Air], 35 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Tuesday 12th September 1944. Age 24. Son of Eugene and A. Mintjens; husband of Tessy Cordelia Mintjens, of Harold Wood, Romford, Essex. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Grave 20. A. 13.

OAKLEY

Harry John

Private 14696512, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Died on Sunday 17th September 1944. Age 19. Son of John and Daisy Oakley, of Biggleswade. Buried in VALKENSWAARD WAR CEMETERYNoord-Brabant, Netherlands. Grave II. A. 9.

OSBORNE

William Percy

1st Radio Officer, S.S. Lapwing (London), Merchant Navy. Died on Friday 26th September 1941. Age 41. Son of William and Charlotte Osborne; husband of Doris Millicent Osborne, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 64.

PATES

Cyril Ernest

Private 6022845, King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster). Died 21st May 1944. Aged 28. Born and resident Bedfordshire. Son of Ernest Albert and Fanny Pates; husband of Kathleen Muriel Pates, of Henlow, Bedfordshire. Buried in TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar. Plot 13. Row C. Grave 31.

PERRYMAN

Ernest

Lance Sergeant 5951407, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Died on Tuesday 20th July 1943. Age 25. Son of Herbert and Florence Perryman; husband of Coral Eileen Perryman, of Bedford. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Grave 2. L. 65.

QUINCE

Reginald Frank

Ordinary Seaman C/SSX 27905, H.M.S. Grenville, Royal Navy. Died on Friday 19th January 1940. Son of Frank Alfred Quince, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 36, 3.

SMITH

Kenneth Sydney John

Lance Corporal 14426268, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Died on Friday 6th April 1945. Age 19. Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY, Kamp Lintfort, Nordrhein-Westfal, Germany. Grave 12. L. 23.

WADE

Eric David

Private 14691972, 5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Died on Sunday 16th July 1944. Age 18. Son of Jack and Elizabeth Wade, of Biggleswade. Buried in FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL WAR CEMETERY, TESSEL, Calvados, France. Grave III. F. 17.

WHEATLEY

Eric Charles

Ordinary Seaman P/JX 160344, H.M.S. Barham, Royal Navy. Died on Tuesday 25th November 1941. Age 18. Son of Jesse and Gertrude Wheatley, of Biggleswade. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 51, Column 2.

WILLIAMS

P C

Flight Sergeant - either PETER CHARLES WILLIAMS, Flight Sergeant 1322617, Navigator, 515 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Friday 19th March 1943. Age 21. Son of Arthur Evelyn and Gwendoline Mary Williams; husband of Dorothy Williams, of Hull. Buried in HOTTON WAR CEMETERY, Hotton, Luxembourg, Belgium. Collective grave I. C. 1-7. or PERCY CHARLES WILLIAMS, Flight Sergeant 1324676, Pilot, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Sunday 4th February 1945. Age 22. Son of Percy Cyril Williams and of Lydia Elizabeth Williams, of Eltham, London. Buried in MAZARGUES WAR CEMETERY, MARSEILLESBouches-du-Rhone, France. Plot 3. Row C. Grave 44.

IN MEMORY

1952

JEEVES

Arthur

Private [Driver] T/22477636, Royal Army Service Corps Units (R.A.S.C.). Died in Malaya 1952 during the Emergency 1949-1960 on 27th January 1952. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeeves, of Rowan Crescent, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Brother of David Jeeves, of 5 Rowan Crescent, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Remains Cremated and Ashes Scattered at Kranji Military Cemetery, Singapore.

WALKER

Humphrey [Charles]

Private 22444978, 1st Bn Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in Malaya 1952 during the Emergency 1949-1960 on 6th February 1952, age 19. Born 29 June 1932. Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Walker, of 52, Sun Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Buried at Cheras Road Christian Cemetery Kuala Lumpur. Row 19, Grave 1065.

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