Frank

Private 30901, 1st/1st, Bedfordshire Yeomanry who died on Sunday, 9th June 1918. Age 21. Son of William Richard and Sarah Ann Adams, of Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave XI. H. 5A.

Second Lieutenant 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry who died on Saturday, 1st December 1917. Age 19. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Addington, of Ford House, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in RIBECOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Special Memorial B. 9. There is also a plaque within the parish church commemorating Second Lieutenant Addington which is in the form of an albaster backboard with a brass plaue. The inscription reads:

Private 6198 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment killed in action on Friday, 29th January 1915. Born St Neots, enlisted London, resident Eaton Socon. Buried in FAUQUISSART MILITARY CEMETERY, LAVENTIE, Pas de Calais, France. Grave F. 10.

Private 10843 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of wounds on Saturday, 1st July 1916. Born and resident St Neots, enlisted Bedford. Buried in PERONNE ROAD CEMETERY, MARICOURT, Somme, France. Grave II. E. 24.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 12:

BALL, R. S., Private, 2nd Bedfordsbire Regiment. Mobilised at the outbreak of hostilities, he was sent to France in August 1915, and played a prominent part in the Battles of Givenchy and Loos, and in heavy fighting at Ypres. He laid down his life for King and Country on July 5th, 1916, shortly aftei the commencement of the Somme Offensive, and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. "And doubtless he went in splendid company.”
Rose Cottage, Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z2976/B—Z2977/B.

Lance Corporal G/29545, 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment who died of wounds on Tuesday, 14th August 1917. Age 32. Enlisted Eaton Socon, resident St Neots. Son of Charles and Eliza Cooper; husband of Sarah Elizabeth Cooper, of 9, Church St., St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave IV. E. 24.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 58:

COOPER, J., L/Corporal, x6th Middlesex Regiment. He joined in June 1916, and on conclusion of his training was three months later drafted overseas. He served on the Western Front for 11 months, and during that time saw heavy fighting in different sectors of the line, and was wounded in action. On August 14th, 1917, he was unfortunately killed in action near Poperinghe, and was entitled to the General Service and Victory Medals. “A costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
Cambridge Street, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z1796.

[Lance Corporal on memorial] Private 8598, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday, 20th April 1915. Age 20. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted and resident St Neots. Son of Caroline Cousins, of 4, Hawthorn Cottages, Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts., and the late William Cousins. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33

John William

Lance Corporal 19021, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 5th January 1918. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A

[Not on SDGW - Note date discrepancies] Private 22549 3rd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died of consumption on Tuesday, 13th November 1917. Age 30. Son of Emma Dobney, of Cross Hall Ford, St. Neots, and the late Josiah Dobney. Buried North-East of Church in EATON SOCON CHURCHYARD, Bedfordshire.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 73:

DOBNEY, A. F., L/Corporal, 3rd Beds. Regt. Volunteering in September 1915, was found to be medically unfit for service overseas, and accordingly was unsuccessful in his efforts to procure a transfer to the war zone. However, he was engaged on important work with his unit, and rendered many valuable services before being invalided out of the Army in July 1917. He died from consumption on November 18th, 1917, at Eaton Ford. “His memory is cherished with pride.”
Eaton Ford, Beds.		Z2015.

Signalman J/14818 H.M.S. "Recruit.", Royal Navy who died on Thursday, 9th August 1917. Age 21. Son of William and Rose Gill, of Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 21.

 

 

 

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 95:

GILL, W. F., Leading Signalman, R.N., H.M.S. “Recruit.” Having enlisted in the Navy in 1911, he at once went to sea at the outbreak of war, and served in the Mediterranean. He was subsequently with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea and took part in the BatUe of Jutland on May 31st, 1916, but unhappily lost his life when H.M.S. " Recruit” was sunk by a mine on August 9th, 1917. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. “His life for his Country, his soul to God.”
Cross Hale Ford, St Neots, Hunts.		Z2602/A.

[Francis John on CWGC] Private 200271 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds Sunday, 29th July 1917. Age 22. Born, resident and enlisted Eaton Socon. Son of Mary Ann Thornton (formerly Hemmings), of Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Hunts., and the late Thomas Hemmings. Buried in DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY EXTENSION, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave II. F. 25.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 111:

HEMMINGS, F. J., Private, 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Volunteering in 1914, he was drafted in the following year to the Dardanelles and took part in the Landing. He was later sent to France, but after taking part in fighting on the Somme and at Arras and Cambrai, was killed in action at Ypres on July 29th, 1917. He was entitled to the 1914-1915 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. "A costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
Eaton Socon. Beds.		Z2820 /A.

Private 19044 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action on Thursday, 2nd August 1917. Age 30. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford, resident Eaton Ford. Husband of Emma Rachel Higgins. Commemoarted on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 112:

HIGGINS, F. W., Private, Bedfordshire Regiment. He volunteered in November 1915, and seven months later reached France, where he fought at Festubert, Givenchy and Loos. Wounded in January 1916 at Lens, he was invalided to hospital in England, but on his recovery was drafted again to the Western Front in August 1916, and took part in the Somme Offensive and the Battles of Arras, Messines and Ypres. On August 2nd, 1917, he laid down his life for King and Country at Passchendaele Ridge. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. "Great deeds cannot die.: They with the sun and moon renew their light for ever."
Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z2831/A—Z2833/A.

Seaman 5894/A H.M. Trawler "Killdeer." (Kildare), Royal Naval Reserve who was accidentally drowned at night on Thursday, 17th May 1917. Age 19. Son of Mrs. Sarah Higgins. Born 8 November 1895 in Bedford. Nephew of Mrs Luff. 40, Chandos Street, Bedford. Buried in BEDFORD CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Grave E. 214.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 112:

HIGGINS, W. H., A.B., R.N., H.M.S. “ Kildare.” He volunteered at the outbreak of war, and during the first part of his service was employed on patrol and escort duties in the North Sea and to Russia. He was accidentally drowned at night whilst rowing to his ship on May 17th, 1917, and was buried at Bedford. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. “His memory is cherished with pride.”
Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z2831/B—Z2833/B.

Lance Corporal 202779 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment who was killed in action on Sunday, 25th August 1918. Age 24. Born and enlisted Eaton Socon. Son of Fredrick and Mary Ann Markham, of Bushmead Rd., Eaton Socon, St. Neots. Formerly 3593, Bedfordshire Regiment. Buried in A.I.F. BURIAL GROUND, FLERS, Somme, France . Grave XV. A. 18.

Private 32141 Hertfordshire Regiment died of wounds Saturday, 24th August 1918. Age 23. Born Little Barford, Beds, resident Eaton Socon, enlisted St neots, Hunts. Son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Mason, of Brewery Cottage, Eaton Socon, St. Neots. Buried in BAGNEUX BRITISH CEMETERY, GEZAINCOURT, Somme, France. Grave IV. E. 19.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 155:

MASON, J. W., Private, 1st Hertfordshire Regt. He was mobilised with the Territorial Force in August 1914, and in the following July was drafted to Gallipoli, where he was at once in action at Suvla Bay, and was wounded. In January 1916 be was sent to Mesopotamia, and two months later was again wounded. As a result he was invalided home, and upon his recovery proceeded to France, where he took part in further fighting on the Somme front, also at Ypres, Arras and Cambrai, and fell in action near Amiens on August 24th, 1918. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. "The path of duty was the way to glory."
Brewery Cottage, Eaton Socon, near St. Neots, Hunts.		Z3492.

Private G/28105, 12th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 26th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots. Buried in HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES, Somme, France. Grave VII. L. 6.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 158:

MEDLOW, C. W., Private, Middlesex Regiment. He joined in May 1916, and completing his training in the following August was drafted to the Western Front, where he took part in several engagements. He made the supreme sacrifice, being killed in action on September 26th, 1916, and was entitled to the General Service and Victory Medals. “Great deeds cannot die: They with the sun and moon renew their light for ever.”
Wyboston, Beds.		Z3538 /B.

Private 2690 attached 72nd Trench Mortar Battery, East Surrey Regiment who was killed in action on Tuesday, 26th December 1916. Age 24. Born and enlisted St Neots. Son of Leader Murfin, of Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts. Buried in PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE, Pas de Calais, France. Grave II. A. 7.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 164:

MURFIN, W., Private, 9th East Surrey Regiment. He volunteered in September 1914, and early in the following year was drafted to France, where he took part in the Battles of Festubert and Loos, and other important engagements. He made the supreme sacrifice on December 26th, 1916, and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. "He died the noblest death a man may die: Fighting for God and right and liberty."
Eaton Ford, Beds.		Z3619 /B.

Private 45434, 15th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment who died of wounds on Tuesday, 3rd September 1918. Born Wyboston, Eaton Socon (sic), enlisted St Neots. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Grave VII. B. 1 17.

[Please Note: The dates here do not tally but have been pulled from different sources] Private 427600 2nd, Canadian Infantry Works Company who died on Monday, 9th September 1918. Born 10th June 1894 in London. Farmer by trade. Single man. Only son of Edward and Gertrude Reynolds. His family had land in Eaton Socon, Little Paxton and Hail Weston from the 18th century, which he inherited, when a minor, on his father's death. He went with his sister to Canada.

At the outbreak of World War I he volunteered for the Canadian Army enlisting 14th September 1915 at Moose Jaw, Canada, and came to England with the 2nd Canadian contingent from there being sent to France in 1915. He was 21 years and 3 months when he enlisted, 5 feet 7 inches tall with a girth of 37½ inches. His complexion was medium, eyes grey and hair black; his religion is given as Church of England.

He received a severe wound to his head from a shell fragment sustained during the advance on Feustubert in May 1915? (enlisted 14th September 1915) from which he never recovered and it resulted in his premature death. (It was noted that if he had been wearing a metal helmet, which was introduced later in the war, his injuries might not have been so severe and he might have survived.) He had two operations, one in Boulougne and another in London but he was permanently liable to periodic seizures and therefore was invalided out of the Army. He returned to Vancouver in 1916. It was while under the effects of a brain seizure he met with a fatal accident and died on 11 September 1917 (Account taken from St Neots Advertiser.)

His name has also been inscribed, together with his father's and uncle's, on his grandfather's gravestone in Hail Weston Churchyard. Also Edward who died 11 September 1917 of wound received in France, aged 26. Buried in SUN QUARRY CEMETERY, CHERISY, Pas de Calais, France. Grave F. 12. National Archives of Canada Accessions Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 8206 - 12

Extract from St Neots Advertiser 19th October 1917

DEATH OF MR. EDWARD REYNOLDS.

With much regret we learn of the death of Mr. Edward Reynolds which occurred in Vancouver British Columbia. Mr. Reynolds was a son of the late Mr. Edward Reynolds, of Paxton Hall, and owner of the Reynolds Estate, he was unmarried and leaves two sisters. When the war broke out he was in Canada, where he had been living for some years, and he at once patriotically joined a Canadian Contingent, and went to France, where he took part in some strenuous fighting, and was severely wounded in the head. For a long time he was in a serious condition, but ultimately made some progress towards recovery, and spent a considerable period of his convalescence at St. Neots. Eventually he was discharged from the Army as medically unfit and returned to Canada. Evidently he had never really recovered from his wound, for death was caused by the results of it. His age was 26.

Extract from St Neots Advertiser 2nd November 1917

Lance Corporal G/50583, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) who was killed in action on Saturday, 28th April 1917. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted St Neots. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 187:

REYNOLDS, W. G., L/Corporal, Essex Regiment and Middlesex Regiment. After volunteering in April 1915 he underwent a period of training before proceeding to the Western Front in the following November, and there saw much heavy fighting at Festubert and in various other sectors. He was reported missing, and is believed to have been killed in action at Arras in April 1916. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star. and the General Service and Victory Medals. “His life for his Country, his soul to God”
Eaton Socon. Beds.		Z3949.

Private 22657, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action on Wednesday, 18th April 1917. Born St Neots, enlisted Ampthill, resident Eaton Ford. Son of Walter (below). Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 41

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 198:

SEARLE, J., Private, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment. After volunteering in July 1915, he completed a period of training, and in the following year was drafted overseas. During his service on the Western Front he took part in the Somme Offensive, and later in the Battles of Arras and Vimy Ridge, He made the supreme sacriflce, being killed in action on April 16th, 1917, and was entitled to the General Service and Victory Medals. "Whilst we remember, the sacrifice is not in vain"
Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z4111/A.

Sapper 133335, 4th Prov. Company, Royal Engineers who died in the United Kingdom on Monday, 22nd November 1915. Age 55. Born and enlisted St Neots. Husband of Elizabeth Searle, of Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts; father of John (above). Wnlisted with Royal Engineers early September 1915, aged 55. Buried in FORT PITT MILITARY CEMETERY, Kent. Grave 1345.

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 198:

SEARLE, W., Sapper, Royal Engineers. He volunteered in November 1915, but whilst in training he was unfortunately taken seriously ill, and died in hospital at Chatham on the 21st of the same month, after only thrc weeks with the Colours. “Thinking that remembrance, though unspoken, maY reach him where he sleeps.”
Eaton Ford, St. Neots, Hunts.		Z4111/B

Private 23477, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action on Sunday, 29th April 1917. Born Eaton Socon, enlisted Bedford, resident Northampton. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5.

Brevet Lieut-Colonel Seaforth Highlanders attached to The Staff who died on Wednesday, 2nd October 1918. G.S.O. II. Buried in GIBRALTAR (NORTH FRONT) CEMETERY, Gibraltar. Grave C. 4044.

From the book "Distinguished Service Order 1916-1923", published by Naval and Military Press:

THORNHILL, J. E. (D.S.O. L.G. 14.1.16); b. 7.4.80; educ. Cheltenham Coll.; 2nd Lt., Sco. R., 6.12.99; transferred Seaforth Highrs. 20.12.99; Lt., Seaforth Highrs., 21.1.01; Capt., Seaforth Highrs., 24.2.06; Adjt., T.F., 15.3.13 to 8.2.16; Major 1.9.15 ; served S. African War, 1900-2 ; Queen’s Medal, 3 clasps King’s Medal, 2 clasps; Europ. War; Despatches. He died 2.10.18.

From the London Gazette 14th January 1916:

"War Office, 14 Jan. 1916. Hist Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned Honours and Rewards for distinguished service in the field, with effect from 1 Jan. 1916, inclusive. To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.

....

THORNHILL, JOHN EVELYN, Major, Seaforth Highlanders.

...."

Private 8296, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who was killed in action on Saturday, 7th November 1914. Born and resident Wyboston, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10 and 11

Extract from "National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918", Section XII Bedford and Northampton, page 224:

TOWNSEND, A. D., Pte., 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. He was mobilised in August 1914, and was immediately drafted to France. There he took part in the Battle of Mons and the subsequent Retreat, and did excellent work until he was unf ortunatey killed in action on November 8th, 1914. He was entitled to the Mons Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. “Courage, bright hopes, and a myriad dreams, splendidly given.”
Wyboston, Beds.		Z4447.

Picture courtesy & Copyright © Mr & Mrs P Presland 2002

Private 3197649 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers who died on Wednesday, 19th July 1944. Age 23. Son of William and Clara L. Brewer; husband of Helen C. Brewer, of Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire. Buried in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Grave I. A. 19. Bom at Duloe, Beds., on 1 1 May 1 921, youngest son of William and Clara Brewer. He went to Eaton Socon school and on leaving school worked for Wrycrofts Builders, St. Neots. When work became scarce in the area he went to work in Scotland where he met and married Helen from Newton Stewart in March 1944. He joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderers on 15th January 1942 and took part in the D-Day landings, landing on Sword Beach. On 19 July 1944 he was killed in a battle on the outskirts of Caen, France. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star and War Medal 1939-45.

Ralph Brewer (left) with his twin brother William. Picture courtesy & Copyright © Mr & Mrs P Presland 2002

Private 5950369 2nd Battalion. The Hertfordshire Regiment., Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment who died on Wednesday, 22nd January 1941. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Brewer, of Staploe. Buried in EATON SOCON CEMETERY, Bedfordshire. Row 1. Grave 18. Born at Duloe, Beds. On 9th November, 1917, son of William and Clara Brewer, and was one of twins. He went to Eaton Socon school and on leaving school worked as an electrician until joining the Beds. & Herts. Regiment on 15th January 1940. On 16th May 1940 he was posted to the 10 Holding Battalion and subsequently to the 2nd Battalion, where he served as a Dispatch Rider in the south of England. On 22 January 1941 he was killed in a Road Traffic Accident at Eastleigh, near Southampton, whilst on duty. He was awarded the 1939-45 War Medal and was a single man. Ralph Brewer is still alive (2003) and has given his permission for publication of these details for which we thank him.

Chief Petty Officer D/J 77124 H.M.S. Gloucester, Royal Navy who died on Thursday, 22nd May 1941. Age 39. Son of Charles Hite Dickens and Mary Ann Dickens, of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 45, Column 2.

Private 5952062 8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment who died on Tuesday, 18th June 1940. Age 21. Son of John William and Catherine Freeman, of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire. Buried in LEUVEN COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. Row A. Grave 8.

Private 14794329 13th (2/4th Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment) Battalion, Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. who died on Tuesday, 3rd April 1945. Age 19. Son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Whitlock, of Eaton Socon, Huntingdonshire. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Germany. Buried in 33. A. 7.

Commander-in-Chiefs Bodyguard (South Africa 1899-1902). Severaly wounded near Kindley 3rd January 1901 and died of enteric fever in Kroonstadt Hospital 24th February 1901. Aged 37. The plaque in the parish church is dimaond shaped and made from brass, it reads:

Major, Royal Artillery. There was originally a stained glass window with a badge of Royal Artillery within the church which was unveiled in April 1926. The church was destroyed by fire in 1930 and rebuilt in 1932, with only the dedication panel surviving.