SANDY WAR MEMORIAL

Extract from 'The Sandy Household Magazine' no 217 dated November 1914:

"....Mr F BRAYBROOKS of Carter Street, has been informed that his son Harold Frank has been killed in action. The deceased was a private in the 2nd Battalion of the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment and from a letter received from a comrade who assisted to bury him, it appears that he was on observation duty in the trenches......"

Thanks to Iain Martin and Alistair Gammell for this information

MORE SANDY MEN KILLED

We regret to announce that Pte. Albert Searle and Pte. William Cooper have been killed in action, believe on 27th September. Pte. Searle, who was 31 years age, was attached the 2nd 13eds. Regiment, having joined the forces in December of last year. Mr. Searle was of a very quiet and unassuming disposition, and much sympathy is evinced for his sorrowing widow and three small children, the eldest of whom is 10 years of age.

In honour to the deceased’s memory memorial service was held in the Parish Church Wednesday evening, when a fairly large congregation were present, amongst whom was Mr. Mark Young (in whose employ the deceased was engaged prior to enlistment), Mr. E. T. Leeds Smith, Members of the Fire Brigade with Capt. Fennemore, Mr. Green, Mr. Mead, and many others and the Church Choir. Muffled peals echoed from the Church tower during the evening.

The Rev. Canon Stoman conducted the service, which proved deeply impressive. Appropriate hymns were feelingly sung and prayer and intercessions were offered for the war and also for the grid stricken family. Mrs. Kempe presided at the organ and played the Dead March at the close of the service.

A memorial service was held in the parish church on Sunday evening to the memory of Christopher Dickens, of the Hussars, who died of gas poisoning.

From various newspaper cuttings:

Cutting 1

KILLED IN ACTION

We regret to record that Pte. Harry Gaylor, Northcroft Sandy of the Seaforth Highlanders was killed in action on March 22nd which has been confirmed by an official communication from the record office Perth. He joined the army in January 1915 and had been in France about 3 years. He had been in many engagements at Loos, Ypres, Cambrai and at Albert. He was buried and had to be dug out and was accidentally injured in the back by a pick when being released. He was wounded 3 times. The relatives have received the sympathy of the King and Queen. He was the fourth son of Mr Walter Gaylor, of Northcroft, who had six sons five of whom are serving in the army, viz: trooper Herbert Gaylor who is in Salonica, Bandmaster Albert Gaylor who is with the Canadians at Folkstone and Driver Walter Gaylor and Pte. Frank Gaylor who are serving in France. The deceased Pte. Harry Gaylor, was an enthusiastic footballer before joining the Army and when home on leave some time ago was as keen as ever on the game. The many letters of sympathy received by his father and sister, for which they are very grateful, plainly show how much he was respected. The following is a copy of a letter received on April 16th:

Surgical House, Baschurch Shrewsbury – Dear Miss Gaylor, in reply to your letter of 13th inst. I would have written to you before with regard to your brother had I known your address. I am sorry to tell you there are no hopes of your brother Harry being only wounded. I wish there were as I have lost my best pal. From information I received from a chap in his section he was struck with shrapnel and died instantly without pain. It grieves me very much to tell you this as Harry and I, when we were together, were like brothers. I only wish he had been as lucky as me. My wound is getting on fine although …………………….

Cutting 2

...from Sandy, age 21 years no 200896 of the 31st Division Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action on March 22nd. He joined the army in January 1915 and had been in France about 3 years. He had been in many engagements at Loos, Ypres and Cambrai. At Albert he was buried and had to be dug out, and was accidentally injured in the back by a pick when being released. He was wounded three times. The relatives have received letters expressing the sympathy of the King and Queen. Mr Gaylor has six sons, five of whom are serving in the Army viz: trooper Herbert Gaylor (who is in Salonica), Bandmaster Albert Gaylor (who is with the Canadians), and Driver Walter Gaylor and Pte. Frank Gaylor (serving in France). The deceased, Pte. Harry Gaylor, was an enthusiastic footballer before joining the Army, and when home on leave some time ago was as keen as ever on the game. The many letters of sympathy received by his father and sister (for which they are very grateful) show how much he was respected. The following is a copy of a letter received on April 16th:-

Surgical House,
Baschurch
Shrewsbury.

Dear Miss Gaylor, in reply to your letter of 13th inst. I would have written to you before with regard to your brother had I known your address. I am sorry to tell you there are no hopes of your brother Harry being only wounded. I wish there were as I have lost my best pal. From information I received from a chap in his section he was struck with shrapnel and died instantly without pain. It grieves me very much to tell you this as Harry and I, when we were together, were like brothers. I only wish he had been as lucky as me. My wound is getting on fine although I have lost the use of my left hand, and I am afraid they will not be able to restore it again. Please accept my deepest sympathy in losing such a good son and brother.

Yours very sincerely
JACK KNAPE (200663)

(With thanks to Geoff Gaylor for this information)

Lance Sergeant 3/7514, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds at home Sunday 18th October 1918. Born Beeston, enlisted and resident Bedford. Buried in SANDY CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Section C. Grave 242.

From the local North Bedfordshire Courier newspaper 1st November 1918:

THE LATE SERGEANT A. GENTLE.—As briefly announced in last week's Courier, the funeral (with full military honours) of the late Sergt. A. Gentle, took place at Sandy on Wednesday afternoon in last week. The body, enclosed in a polished elm coffin, was conveyed from the Hospital at Chelsea, and arrived at his home on Beeston Green on Tuesday. The funeral took place, as stated above, on Wednesday afternoon, when detachments from his old Regiment, the 2nd Bedfordshire., and the R.E. (Signal Depot), stationed at Sandy and Biggleswade with a gun carriage drawn by six fine black chargers, arrived at the home of the deceased...

From the Marquis de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, Volume 1, Part 2 , Page 144, the following:

GRAVES, Walter Francis, Lieutenant, 3rd (Reserve) attached 1st Bedfordshire Regiment. Eldest son of W.Graves. Gazetted Lieutenant 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment in 9-14 having previously been a 2nd Lieutenant in the same Regiment. Served in the Expeditionary force in France and Flanders, killed in action 9-11-14.

Extract from 'The Sandy Household Magazine' no 217 dated November 1914:

"..On November 16th, a message was received at Sandye Place, stating that Lieutenant Francis GRAVES, 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and since attached to the Ist Batt. Bedfordshire Regiment Expeditionary Force, had been added to the Roll of Honour. He was the eldest son of the late Mr.Walter Graves, of Sandye Place. He was educated at Harleybury College and was some years an officer in the Bedfordshire Militia. For some considerable time he resided at Cardiff where he was a member of the Coal Exchange. On the outbreak of the war, he offered his services which were accepted and he volunteered for the front. His age was 30 years. He was well known in Sandy and much respected by all who knew him and much sympathy is expressed for Mrs Graves (his mother) and his brother and sister in their sad bereavement..."

Extract from THE BOND OF SACRIFICE VOLUME 1 August to December 1914:

LIEUTENANT WALTER FRANCIS GRAVES, 3rd (attd. 1st) BATTN. BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, who was killed in action on the 9th November, 1914, at the age of twenty-nine, was the eldest son of Mrs. W. Graves, Sandye Place, Sandy, Bedfordshire.

He was appointed Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion of his Regiment in September, 1919, having previously been a 2nd Lieutenant in the same battalion.

Lieutenant Graves was a member of the Cardiff City Council and of the Coal Exchange, and was interested in educational work.

Private 582, 17th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Killed in action 9 October 1917. Aged 28. He was born and brought up in Girtford. Emigrated to Australia and enlisted there. Son of George and Annie (born Medlock) Holden of Tempsford Road, Sandy. Enlisted in the Australian Army in February 1915. He fought first in Gallipoli and then in France. Commemorated on the MENIN GATE MEMORIAL (YPRES), West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 17.

Extract from Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 2 November 1917, page 3:

Killed in Action.

Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Holden, of Tempsford Road, who have officially learned that their eldest son. Pte. Frederick Holden, aged 27 years, was killed in action, on October 9th. Some few years ago, Pte. Holden emigrated to Australia, where he was making good progress in life. At the outbreak of war he enlisted in the Australian Light Horse Regiment, but was afterwards transferred to an Infantry regiment. He had taken part in many engagements at the Dardanelles and Gallipoli. He was well known and highly respected by a large circle of friends. A memorial service is being held at the Parish Church on Wednesday evening, November 7th, at 7.30 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Holden have another son in the Army, Private George, who is attached to the Army Service Corps as motor transport driver.

Extract from Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 16 November 1917, page 3:

MEMORIAL SERVICE SANDY.

A memorial service for Pte. Frederick Holden (an account of whose death has appeared in these columns), was held in the parish church on Wednesday last, conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Canon Sloman, assisted by the Rev W. Maurice Pryke.

[Arthur Frederick on SDGW & CWGC] Lance Corporal [Private SDGW] 30546, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Killed in action Tuesday 5th November 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 24. Enlisted Bedford, resident Sandy. Son of Thomas and Millicent Huckle, of St. Neots Rd., Sandy. Buried in LANDRECIES BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Section A. Grave 25.

Private 19073, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 30th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Sandy, enlisted Biggleswade. Buried in QUARRY CEMETERY, MONTAUBAN, Somme, France. Plot I. Row G. Grave 6.

8338 Sjt. R. JEFFERIES
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. An attack being held up by a machine gun, he crawled across the open under fire and rushed the gun, single-handed shooting one and bayonetting two of the gunners, thus enabling our advance to continue. (18.7.17)

A service was held at the parish church on Wednesday evening last in memory of Pte. William J. Baldwin, Essex Regiment, and Pte. William Lacey, of the Gloucesters. Muffled peals from the church bells preceded the service, and the St. George’s Flag was half-mast on the tower. The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Canon A. Sloman, who, having announced the names of the two men who had died for their country, read portions of the Burial Service, the 23rd Psalm, and 3rd chapter of the Book of Wisdom. The hymns selected were, “My God my Father, while I stray,” “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin,” and O God our help in ages past.” Prayers were offered on behalf of the war, and the service concluded with the Dead March “Saul,” the National Anthem, and the Blessing. Amongst those present at the service were: Mrs. Baldwin (widow). Mr. and Mrs. J. Baldwin (parents), Mrs. and Mr. F. Wright (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs. J. Baldwin (sister). Master C. Baldwin (nephew), Mrs. Endersby (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Garrett (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. S. Endersby, Miss Rose Endersby (cousins), Mrs. A. Lawson (friend), Mr. W. L. Lacey (father), Miss Lacey (sister). There were also present: Mrs. L. Gray, Miss Fuller, Miss Odell, Miss Asher, Miss Wells, Mrs. Sloman, Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Crisp, Miss Matthews, and Miss Housden.

Killed in Action.

We deeply sympathise with the parents and relatives of Pte. Charles James Martin, the third son of Mr. and Mrs. James Martin, London Road, Sandy, who died at the Casualty Clearing Station. B.E.F., from wounds received in action on September 25th. The deceased enlisted on the November, 1914, in the 1/5th Bedfordshire. Regiment, and after training was drafted out to the Dardanelles, in July, 1915, and after landing about two weeks was woundedin the left wrist, cutting the arteries, being unable to use the same for some weeks. The bereaved parents received official news by telegram from the depot at Preston. A memorial service in respect of deceased will be held at the Parish Church, on Wednesday. October 17th. at 7 p.m.

From the local North Bedfordshire Courier newspaper 1st November 1918:

KILLED IN ACTION. — Mrs. Ellis F. Merryweather, the only surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bead, the Brewey House, Sandy, has received the following letters :-18th October, 1918, 1644, L.-Sergt. H. B. Wood, 13, Platoon L.F. Co.—Dear Madam, "I thought you would like to hear from someone who was standing by your husband when he met his death. But, firstly, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy along with the remainder of the boys of the 13th Platoon which Sergt. Merryweather was in command of. We are all so grieved at the loss of him. He was well liked by his Platoon, and was a good, brave soldier, and throughout the day he had led his Platoon most gallantly and did splendid work. The sad incident happened in some street fighting. He and myself were caught in some German machine-gun fire. You will be pleased to know that your husband suffered no pain as he was killed instantly. I escaped with a few holes in my clothing and equipments. We can only extend to you our deepest sympathy in your great sorrow and loss. Trusting God will give you strength and courage to bear this, I remain, yours sincerely, H. B. WOOD, Scots Guards, B.E.F., France.-15/10/18. To Mrs. Merryweather, the Brewery, Sandy. Bedfordshire.—Dear Madam, —It is with deep regret that I write to inform you of the death in action of your husband, L.-Sergt. E. F. Merryweather, No. 13228, Left Flank Company. On Sunday morning, 13th inst., he was struck by a burst of machine-gun fire and killed immediately. This morning I saw L.-Sergt. Wood and Pte. Bowler who were close to him when he fell, and they assure me that he can have suffered no pain at all. His comrades spoke very highly of him. He had won the esteem of his officers and the goodwill of all his comrades, and now he has fallen on the Field of Honour, and leaves with us all the memory of a gallant soldier in our great cause. Please accept my sincere sympathy with you in your deep sorrow. The Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. J. Stirling, D.S.O., M.C., wishes me to oonvey to you his sincere sympathy. I have given your address to L.-Sergt. Wood, and you will probably hear from him also. I trust you will be enabled to support this heavy trial.—Yours sincerely, GEORGE D. LOW, Chaplain —Scots Guards.—Prior to the war, Sergt. Merryweather was in business first at Sandy and then at Ampthill as a hairdresser. Almost immediately on the outbreak of the war he decided to do his bit, and joined the Scots Guards. He has been engaged in a great deal of the fighting. He has been in France nearly the whole time, excepting when invalided home suffering from a bad attack of trench feet and when wounded in the neck and leg. He leaves a widow and one daughter.

Rev. the Hon. Maurice Berkley Peel, M.C., Army Chap. Dept. attd. R. Welsh Fus.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went out to the advanced patrols with two stretcher bearers and succeeded in bringing in several wounded men. Later, he worked for thirty-six hours in front of the captured position and rescued many wounded under very heavy fire.

(M.C. gazetted 18th Feb, 1915)

In ever loving memory of Sergt. S. A. Royce, killed in action November 12th, 1914.

Deep within my heart you dwell.
Deeper far than words can tell.
Years may come and years may wane,
But my love will e’er remain.

Thanks to Alistair Gammell for this information

Died While P.O.W.—Mr. H. Barker, 28, West Road, has received a letter from the War Office informing him that an official report has now been received from the military authorities in the Far East confirming that his son, Pte. F. H. Barker, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, died while a prisoner of war in Thailand of dysentery on July 23rd, 1942.

Fusilier, 14689811, 6th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Died on Thursday 21st September 1944. Son of Joseph Baden Jarvis and Eliza Jarvis, of Sandy. Buried in SANDY CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Section D. Grave 234.

Private, 14271683, 257 Company, Pioneer Corps. Died on Sunday 25th March 1945. Age 32. Son of Frank and Ellen Jeeves, of Sandy; husband of Hilda Irene Jeeves, of Sandy. Buried in GOIRLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Row 3. Grave 8.

Reported Killed.—Pte. Eric I. D. Osborne, who was recently reported missing, has now been reported killed. Before joining H.M. Forces he was employed by the late Mr. H. Hendry. Pte. Osborne resided with his grand parents in St. Neots Road. Sandy.

Private 5948584, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Died 4 September 1939. Buried in Sandy Cemetery, Bedfordshire. Section G. Grave 47.