Roll of Honour - Cornwall

Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget

The Royal British Legion

MEGAVISSEY WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 and Afghanistan - detailed information
Compiled and copyright © Martin Edwards 2026

This memorial is located by the gate pillars, outside the grounds of the church of St. Mary and St. Julian, on the edge of the Mount Edgcumbe estate. It is a rough hewn granite Celtic cross set on a square plinth. It is to be found within a small paved garden, on the west side of the street. it takes the form of a Celtic wheel cross on a pyramidal plinth and single tier base, within a railed area accessed by a path from the street. The main inscription is on the front face, below which are the first 14 names for World War 1, and the next 15 names for World War 1 are on the rear face, The 14 names for World War 2 listed on the right face and the left face contains one name for a man who fell in Afghanistan in 2011.

Extract from Newquay Express and Cornwall County Chronicle, published Friday, 11 November 1921, page 2:

MEVAGISSEY'S 28.
UNVEILING OF WAR MEMORIAL.
LORD LIEUTENANT ON UNITY.

Despite a continuous drizzle, the memorial the people of Megavissey have erected to commemorate the sacrifice in the war of 28 of their sons was unveiled by Mr. J. C. Williams (the Lord Lieutenant) in the presence of a large gathering on Thursday afternoon.

The site of the memorial is in the centre of the town near St. George's Square, where a fine improvement has been made by the removal of dilapidated buildings. The site was purchased from the Rural Council by the War Memorial Committee and there has been erected a fine granite Cornish cross, another splendid specimen of the work of Messrs. Williams and Giles, the St. Austell firm, who have gained a high reputation for their memorial work in the West of England. The cross stands 12ft 6ins. high and is mounted on a base of granite, on which the names of the dead are inscribed.

THE MEN WHO DIED.

The inscription reads:

"In memory of the men of Mevagthsey who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918.—Reginald Barber, Arthur Burt, John Barron, Alfred Behennah, Roy Barron, Walter Cloke, Arthur Linshay Maury Churchill, John Carne (Jr.), William Dunn, Harry Donnithorne, Charles Dyer, William Coombe Foard, Raymond Frazier, Wm. Samuel Hunkin, Frederick Hunkin, Sampson Hunkin. Charles Hocking. James Kelly, George Moore, Horace Alfred Martindale, Frank Matta, George Marshall, Frank Pearce, William Henry Robins, James Leonard Thomas, A. Towner, Thomas Varcoe, Alfred William, Samuel Warren.

Sons of this place, let this of you be said. That you who live are worthy of your dead; These gave their lives that you who live may reap. A richer harvest 'ere you fail asleep."

Mr. J. Farren (chairman of the Parish Council, who constituted the War Memorial Committee) presided at the ceremony, supported by the following members of the committee: Messrs. James Kemple (vice-chairman), Rev. K. Pollock, M. Pearce, C. Retallick, A. D. Mann, W. Williams, R. F. Johns, J. Barron, S. Rowe, F. Kendall, M. Robbins, W. Blamey. The following re presentatives of the St. Austell Rural Council were also present: Messrs. F. W. Jenkin (chairman). N. E. Purcell (vice-chairman), R. Varcoe, W. H. Body, C. J. Richards, Miss Roberts, with Mr. F. H. Smith (clerk) and Mr. A. J. Blight (surveyor).

MEVAGISSEY'S RECORD.

Opening the proceedings, Mr. Farrenl remarked upon the remarkable record Mevagissey had for a small place in the war. The . number of men who served was 288, 143 in the Army and 145 in the Navy, which did not include the large number who served in the Mercantile Marine. Despite the fate that so many of their men were away, there was never any difficulty in manning the lifeboat and fishing craft when called upen to rescue crews of vessels submarined in the Channel. He also paid a tribute to the self-sacrificing hospitality of the people of Mevagissey, who, whenever ship-wrecked sailors were brought in, always accommodated and cared for them free of cost, thus relieving the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society of the expense. In one case where a vessel was torpedoed off Mevagissey 21'men were brought in and every one of them was cared for in the houses of the people of Mevagissey. He urged that as they were united in the war they should be united in peace.

THE UNITY THAT WINS.

Unveiling the memorial the Lord-Lieutenant, referring to the common purpose and unity of the gathering, said that was part of the art of war they would preserve. They could never have won the war unless the whole of those gallant men whose names were inscribed on the cross, and those who happily returned, had sunk their differences and forgotten the things over which they quarrelled in the past and joined as one body to face the danger. It was because of that unity the war was won, and it would only be by a continuation of unity they would recover from the effects of the war. Difficulties innumerable had faced them, and would face them, but they must be met. It would only he by a continuation of something of the unity that won the war that we should recover from the effects of the war. If in the peace they could not find something more of harmony than they found before the war they could hardly expect to win the peace fight. He was not mad enough to think the men of the future would think alike about anything, but there must be time when they must forget to differ and pull together. The dangers and difficulties to-day were not the same and not as real as those in the war, but they were, perhaps, more irritating because of the long strain they had gone through, and it was certain that if in the peace struggle, now mainly a struggle in commerce, trade, and business, and in getting their living as a nation, they could not find something more of harmony than they found formerly, they could hardly expect to win the peace fight as they won the other fight.

THE ONLY GOOD BARGAIN.

Many of the affairs of life were bargains. and the only good bargain was one in which both sides were satisfied, and that would bring them together again for further trade. When they conceded and tried the principle of finding out on what matters men agreed instead of watching too closely these things on which they disagreed, things could not be so hard.

LEST WE FORGET.

The Rev. Harry Whitehead (Wesleyan) remarked upon the tendency of people to forget in at short time after the event. One great purpose would he served by that memorial if it taught them all to remember the sacrifices those men made. They could give no more, for they gave their all, their lives. 'They died like heroes. They were not there to give fulsome flattery or to exalt any one of those men, but they could honour every one for having given everything they had and see to it that they did not die in vain. Let them remember the vows they made during the war, that war must never be again. Was that feeling so strong and dominant today as it was when fellows laid down their lives? If they did forget their vows it might mean that those little chaps standing around might have to don the uniform and fight in the years to come. He emphasised the value of the League of Nations as a medium for making future wars difficult. Let them think of what might have been if they had not won the war and determine to pull together to make the world better and thus prove worthy of the sacrifices that were made for them.

The service opened with the hymn "How bright these glorious spirits shine," followed by "Let Sainte on earth in concert sing'" and "Fight the good fight with all thy might?' The singing was led by a united choir of all the denominations, under the conductorship of Mr. S. Rowe.

The following ministers also took part in the servicet: Rev. K. Pollock (rector), Rev. J. McClune Uffen (Congregational) and Mr. Bennett (United Methodist).

At the close of the service "Last Poet" and "Reveille" were sounded by buglers under Sergt. Sharp from Bodmin, followed by the Benediction and the National Anthem. Afterwards the memorial was covered with a large number of beautiful wreaths.

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN
HONOURED MEMORY OF THE MEN OF MEGAVISSEY
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR
1914-1918

BARBER	Reginald [Vernon]	Seaman 3340A, S.S. "Varsova," Royal Naval Reserve (Towey District). Died in 15th General Hospital, Alexandria, from Enteric Fever 12 January 1916. Aged 24. Born 27 January 1891 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Son of the late James and Laura Barber; brother of Laura J Barber, of East Cliff, Megavissey, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Megavissey, Cornwall, living with his sister Laura J Barber (single) at Cliff, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Buried in ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot A. Grave 95.
BARRON	John [George]	Private 18368, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 23 July 1916. Born and resident Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted Bodmin, Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 B.
BARRON	Roy	Private 13196, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Died 3 April 1918, previously discharged 7 June 1916 under 392 (xvi) King's Regulatons covering wounds (gunshot wounds left arm without fracture), issued a Silver War Badge number 52635, 6 November 1916. Born St. Austell, Cornwall. Enlisted 7 September 1914 at St. Austell, Cornwall, aged 18. Discharged 7 June 1916 at Exeter, aged 19 years 9 months, height 5 feet 7½ inchess, fresh complexion, light brown eyes, dark brown hair, Fisherman by trade. Intended place of residence Tregony Hil, Sardine Square, Megavissey, Cornwall. At enlistment he was 18, height 5 feet 7 inches, weight 127 lbs, chest 32-34, fresh complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, religious denomination Wesleyan. Single. Son of Gerge Barron, of Megavissey, Cornwall.
BEHENNAH	Alfred [Dunn]	Rifleman 390117, 9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen Victoria's Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action 8 July 1917. Aged 20. Born 1 April, 1897 in Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted London. Son of James and Elizabeth Behennah, of "Havrincourt," Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was the son of James and Elizabeth Behennah, aged 4, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, at school, resident Fore Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the son of James and Elizabeth Behennah, aged 14, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, a Telegraph Boy, resident Polkirt Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in HERMIES HILL BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 18. Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, page 21: BEHENNAH, ALFRED DUNN, L.-Corpl., No. 1671, 2/9th Battn. (Queen Victoria's Rifles) The London Regt. (T.F.), only s. of James Behennah, of Polkirt Hill, Mevagissey, co. Cornwall, Seaman, by his wife, Elizabeth dau. of the late Stephen Dunn ; b. Mevagissey aforesaid, 1 April, 1897 ; educ. Council School there ; joined the firm of Messrs. Pawson and Leaf, Carter's Lane London, E.C., at the age of 16 ; became a member of Queen Victoria's Rifles early in 1914 ; volunteered for foreign service on the outbreak of war, but remained in England for some time, during which period he underwent a special course of training for signalling ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from Jan. 1917, where he was placed in charge of a signal section, and was killed In action at Bullecourt 8 July following. Buried there : unm.
BURT	Arthur	Private 13201, 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 16 September 1916. Aged 28. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. Son of William and Amelia Burt, of 8 Tregony Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was the son of William and Amelia Burt, aged 14, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Tregony Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the son of William and Amelia Burt, aged 23, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Meadow Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Buried in GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS, Somme, France. Plot VIII. Row Y. Grave 1.
CARNE	John	Private 24492, 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Died of wounds 2 September 1918. Aged 29. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. In the 1891 census he was the son of John and Elizabeth Carne, aged 8 months, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Tregoney Hill Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was the son of John and Elizabeth Carne, aged 10, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Tregoney Hill Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the son of John and Elizabeth Carne, aged 20, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, a Basket Maker, resident Church Lane, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section A. Grave 263.
CHURCHILL	Arthur Lindsay Maury	Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps [Territorial] attached to 2nd/18th (London Irish Rifles) Battalion, London Regiment. Died on active service 24 June 1917. Aged 52. Son of John Fleming Churchill (Some time Director of Public Works, Ceylon), and of Mrs. Churchill, of Oxford; husband of Kate Louisa (nee Cousins) Churchill, of The Gwineas, Mevagissey, Cornwall, married 2 May 1909 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. IN the 1913 Medical Register he was a member of the Licenced Society of Apothracy London, registered 26 April 1895, resident Mevagissey, Cornwall. Born 21 May 1865, a Student at Westminster School, London, admitted 1879, left 1881. Buried in ISMAILIA WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section A. Grave 63. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917: CHURCHILL Arthur Lindsay Maury of The Gwineas Mevagissey Cornwall captain R.A.M.C. died 24 June 1917 at Cairo in Egypt Probate London 26 September to Kate Louisa Churchill widow. Effects £83 1s. 4d.
CLOKE	Walter	Shipwright Second Class M/15640, H.M.S. "Defence," Royal Navy. Killed in action when his ship was sunk during the Battle of Jutland 31 May 1916. Aged 22. Born 19 December 1893 in Megavissey, Cornwall. Son of William Cloke, of Cliff Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the son of William Cloke, aged 17, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, an Apprentice shipwright, resident Cliff Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Enlisted 29 December 1915 for 12 years. Height 5 feet 7½ inches, chest 33½ inches, black hair, hazel eyes, dark complexion. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 17.
DONNITHORNE	Thomas Henry aka Harry	Corporal 17404, 10th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 25 March 1918. Aged 20. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. Son of William and Eliza Donnithorne, of Church Park, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in CAMBRAI EAST MILITARY CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot VII. Row B. Grave 53.
DUNN	William	Private 22627, 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 22 March 1918. Aged 25. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. Son of James Henry Dunn, of 1, West Wharf, Mevagissey, Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 45.
DYER	Charles	Seaman 3428C, H.M.S. "Pembroke," Royal Naval Reserve (Royal Naval Reserve District Towey). Disappeared from Royal Mineral Water Hospital, Bath, 24 May 1918 and presumed to have met his death on that day; body found in a wood at Bathampton on 18 August 1918. Aged 35. Born 7 May 1883 in Megavissey, Cornwall. Husband of Annie Dyer, of Meadow. Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the head of the family, married to Annie Elizabeth Dyer, aged 27, born Megavissey, Cornwall, a Fisherman, resident Cliff Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section B. Grave 338.
FOARD	William Coombe	Chief Petty Officer Victualling 344183 (Dev.), H.M.S. "Colossus," Royal Navy. Died 8 August 1919. Aged 38. Born 28 August 1881 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was the son of Jabez Foard (a widower), aged 19, born St Ewe, Cornwall, a Commercial Clerk, resident Church Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Enlisted 30 April 1901 for 12 years, re-engaged 1 May 1913 to completion. Height 5 feet 3½ inches, brown hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section B. Grave 311.
FRAZIER	Raymond	Private 18097, 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry. Died July-September Quarter 1919 in Truro Registration District, Cornwall. Aged 26. Discharged 17 June 1916 at Exeter as being no longer physically fit for War Service under Para 392 (xvi) King's Regulations having had his leg amputated at Queen Marys, Roehampton, (medical record refers to both right and left leg) due to gunshot wounds to his leg that had been hit by an explosive bullet just below the knee, aged 22 years 4 months, height 5 feet 4 inches, blue eyes, mid brown hair, Electrical Labourer by trade, intended place of residence London House, Fore Street, Mevagissey, St. Oswald, Cornwall. Issued a Silver War Badge 68930 on 22 November 1916. In the 1911 census he was the son of Benjamin and Harriet Ann Frazier, aged 19, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, an Apprentice Electrician, resident Fore Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Attested 25 January 1915 at St. Austell, Cornwall, aged 21, resident Fore Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall, single, height 5 feet 3¾ inches, chest 33½-35½ inches, son of Hetty Fraxier of Fore Street, Mevagissey. Supplied an artifical limb on 26 May 1916. Place of burial not found but probably MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall.
HOCKING	Charles	Private 34924 [34024 on SDGW], 1st Labour Company, Hampshire Regiment transferred to 106405, 178th Company, Labour Corps. Died on service 14 January 1918. Aged 36. Resident Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell, Cornwalll. Son of Maria Hocking, of Tregony Hill, Mevagissey, Cornwall, and the late Joseph Hocking. In the 1891 census he was the son of Joseph and Maria Hocking, aged 9, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, a scholar, resident Tregoney Hill Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Buried in DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XV, Row H. Grave 23.
HUNKIN	Frederick	Corporl 240619, 1st/5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 31 March 1918. Aged 29. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. Son of Eliza Hunkin, of 20, The Cliff, Mevagissey, Cornwall, and the late James Hunkin. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 45.
HUNKIN	Sampson	[Spelt Samson HUNKIN on CWGC and SDGW] Private 17111, 6th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 16 September 1916. Aged 24. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. Son of William and Uletta Hunkin, of Church Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in A.I.F. BURIAL GROUND, FLERS, Somme, France. Plot III. Row A. Grave 21.
HUNKIN	William Samuel	Military details and death not yet located - Baptised 14 September 1892 in Veryan, Cornwall. In the 1901 census he was the son of Edwin and Florence Hunkin, aged 8, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Tregony Street, Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall.
KELLY	James	Seaman 2630C, H.M.S. "Moldavia," Royal Naval Reserve. Died 27 September 1920. Aged 41. Born 27 October 1877 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section A. Grave 265.
MARSHALL	George	Deck Hand 15867DA, H.M. Trawler "Charles Astie," Royal Naval Reserve. Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action at sea 26 June 1917. Aged 25. Born 14 June 1891 in Megavissey, Cornwall. Son of George and Eliza Marshall, of West Wharf, Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1911 census he was the son of George and Eliza Marshall, aged 19, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, a Fisherman, resident West Wharf, Mevagissey, Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 24.
MARTINDALE	Alfred [Horace]	Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry). Killed in action between 4 October 1915 and 5 October 1915. Aged 28. Second son of the Rev. Alfred Martindale and Elizabeth Martindale, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. Formerly of Newhey. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 97 and 98.
MATTA	Frank	Private 207265, 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action in France 28 May 1918. Aged 27. Born Pentewan, Cornwall, resident Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted Charlestown, Cornwall. Son of Stephen and Minnie Matta, of Haye Farm, Pentewan, Cornwall; husband of Hester Marion Golly (formerly Matta), of Church Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in CHAMBRECY BRITISH CEMETERY, Marne, France. Plot VII. Row B. Collective grave 1-4.
MOORE	George	Private 240840, 1st/5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Died of wounds 31 March 1918. Aged 25. Born Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell, Cornwall. Son of Peter and Emma Moore, of Mevagissey, Cornwall; husband of Elizabeth May Lawson (formerly Moore), of Rock Cottage, London Apprentice, St. Austell, Cornwall. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Section P. Plot IX. Row E. Grave 9B.
PEARCE	Frank	Gunner 116870, 181st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died on service in United Kingdom 9 December 1917. Aged 20. Born Mevagissy, Cornwall, enlisted Plymouth. Son of Joseph Pearce, of 22, Cliff Street, Mevagissey. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section B. Grave 34.
ROBINS	William Henry	Corporal SS/13876, 18th Labour Company, Army Service Corps. Died at sea 13 August 1915. Aged 58. Born Kingstown, Co. Cork, Ireland, resident Mevagissey, Cornwall, enlisted London. Husband of Harriet Alma Robins. of Central House. Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried at sea. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 200 to 201 or 233 to 236 and 331.
THOMAS	James Leonard	Died 6 November 1919 in Megavissey, Cornwall. Aged 27. Married Florence May Dungey 4 October 1914 in Mevagissey, Cornwall.
TOWNER	Alfred	No further information currently available
VERCOE	Thomas	Private 42297, 16th Battalion, Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) formerly 4628, Highland Light Infantry. Killed in action 9 October 1917. Aged 40. Born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Wakefield, Yorkshire, enlisted Pontefract, Yorkshire. Son of John and Eliza Vercoe, of "Sunnyside," Portmellon, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot IV. Row A. Grave 22.
WARREN	Samuel	Private 13200, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 4 October 1917. Born and resident Mevagissey, St. Austell, Cornwall, enlisted St. Austell. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 80 to 82.
WILLIAMS	Alfred	No further information currently available
SONS OF THIS PLACE, LET THIS OF YOU BE SAID THAT YOU WHO LIVE ARE WORTHYOF YOUR DEAD, THESE GAVE THEIR LIVES THAT YOU WHO LIE MAY REAP A RICHER HARVEST ERE YOU FALL ASLEEP SEPTEMBER 1939 AUGUST 19145
ALDCROFT	Arthur Augustus	Chief Petty Officer Supply D/M 38235, H.M.S. Gloucester, Royal Navy. Died 22 May 1941. Aged 37. Husband of Gladys May Aldcroft, of Mevagissey, Cornwall, married January to March Quarter 1930 in St Austell Registration District, Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 55, Column 1.
DADDA	Edwin Henry	Private 5445190, 5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action in North West Europe 11 July 1944. Aged 21. Born and resident Cornwall. Son of William and Alice Dadda, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Alice (Maud) Dadda (a widow), born 17 april 1923, single, a Gardener, resident 5 Meadow Street, Mevagissey, St Austell U.D., Cornwall. Buried in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot XII. Row F. Grave 16.
DYER	Leonard	Private 5511661, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Missing in action 6 June 1944. Aged 21. Born and resident Cornwall. Son of Walter and Lucy Dyer, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Walter and Lucy Dyer, born 23 September 1922, a General Help and Doctor, single, resident 57a Cliff Street, Mevagissey, Mevagissey, St Austell U.D., Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on BAYEUX MEMORIAL, Calvados, France. Panel 15, Column 1. Extract from Newquay Guardian and Cornwall County Chronicle, Published Thursday, 12 July 1945, page 1: DYER.—Reported missing June 6th. 1944, now known to have died of wounds on the Normandy Beaches, Leonard, aged 21 years. only darling son of Mr. and Mrs. Waiter Dyer, Cliff Road. Mevagissey, dearest brother of Heather and Thora. and fiancee of Mamie.—At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. One of the best.
GOODFELLOW	Ernest Gilbert	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 649870, 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Lissett, Yorkshire, in a Handley Page Halifax II, serial number HR737, when the aircraft crashed near Monchengladbach during a raid on Duisburg 27 April 1943. Aged 22. Native of Mevagissey, Cornwall. Grandson of Mrs. C. A. Goodfellow, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 2. Row E. Grave 22. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944: GOODFELLOW Ernest Gilbert of Penlee Mevagissey Cornwall died 27 April1943 on war service Administration (with Will) Bodmin 14 November to Elizabeth Ann Goodfellow widow. Effects £l20 4s. 11d.
HALLIDAY	William	Able Seaman D/J 107737, H.M.S. Rawalpindi, Royal Navy. Died at sea 23 November 1939. Aged 32. Born 21 January 1907 in Sunderland, Co. Durham. Son of Jack and Alice Halliday; husband of Ethel Jane (nee Towner) Halliday, of Mevagissey, Cornwall, married April to June Quarter 1928 in St. Austell Registration District, Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 33, Column 2.
HUNKIN	Maurice	Leading Wireman P/MX 65234, H.M.S. Barham, Royal Navy. Killed in action at sea 25 November 1941. Aged 24. Born 20 July 1917 in Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. Son of Samuel E. and Carrie Hunkin, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1939 Register he wa the son of Samuel E and Carrie Hunkin, born 20 July 1917, a Wineman General Hand, single, resident 23 Church Street, Mevagissey, St Austell U.D., Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 57, Column 1. Extract from West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, published Thursday, 18 December 1941, page 2: NAVAL MAN MISSING.—News has reached Mevagissey that Leading Wireman Maurice Hunkin, R.N., is missing and believed killed in action. Mr. Hunkin, who was 24, was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hunkin, Church-street, Mevagissey. Before the war he was employed by St. Austell and District Electric Light Company. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942: HUNKIN Maurice of 23 Church-street Mevagissey Cornwall died 25 November 1941 on war service Administration Bodmin 19 May to Samuel Ernest Hunkin fisherman. Effects £157 17s. 8d.
JOSLIN	Eric [Bertie]	Able Seaman D/JX 246261, H.M.S. Renown, Royal Navy. Accidentally drowned in Durban, South Africa, between 7 and 11 January 1945. Aged 19. Born 26 November 1925 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Son of Bertie Edward and Edith Margaret Joslin, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in DURBAN (STELLAWOOD) CEMETERY, South Africa. Block F. Grave 463.
LEAN	Arthur Geoffrey	Corporal 1882679, 626 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds in Italy 13 December 1944. Aged 25. Born 24 August 1919 in Megavissey, Cornwall. Enlisted 16 October 1939 in Plymouth, Devon. Resident Cornwall. Son of Henry and Marina Lean, of 11 Fore Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Buried in FAENZA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot V. Row F. Grave 20.
MILLS	Alfred William	Able Seaman, H.M.S. Ulster Prince, Naval Auxiliary Personnel (Merchant Navy). Died in United Kingdom 7 March 1946. Aged 37. Born 10 March 1909 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Merchant Seaman registered service number R196665. In the 1911 census he was the son of Alfred Wiliams Mills and Mary Mills, aged 2, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Mount Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall.\|Height 5 feet 11½ inches, grey eyes, black hair, dark complexion. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section A. Grave 483. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: MILLS Alfred William of 7 Prospect-terrace Mevagissey Cornwall died 7 March 1946 Administration Bodmin 31 May to Alfred William Mills fisherman. Effects £260 9s. 5d. Extract from Newquay Express and Cornwall County Chronicle, published Thursday, 21 March 1946, page 1: MILLS.-On March 7th. at 7, Prospect Terrace, Mevagissey, after a long and painful illness, patiently borne, Alfred William (Bill), dearly-beloved son of William and Mary Mills, and devoted brother of Evelyn, Jim, and Dorothy, aged 37 years.
MILLS	Charles Edwin	Ordinary Telegraphist D/R 8859, H.M. Trawler Topaze, Royal Navy. Died at sea 20 April 1941. Aged 22. Son of Alfred William and Mary Mills, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1939 Register he was born 19 August 1918, a Sorting Clerk & Telegraphist General Post Office, resident 8 Carclew Terrace, Truro, Truro M.B., Cornwall. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 50, Column 3. Extract from St. Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News, published Wednesday, 30 April 1941, page : MEVAGISSEY MAN KILLED AT SEA. Mr. Charles Edwin Mills, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Mills, Mevagissey, has been killed by enemy action at sea. He entered the postal service as a messenger at Mevagissey and was afterwards sorting clerk and telegraphist at Truro, where he played football for the office team. He joined the Navy as a telegraphist at the outbreak of war. Extract from Newquay Express and Cornwall County Chronicle, published Thursday, 1 May 1941, page 1: MILLS.-On April 23rd, 1941. Charles Edwin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred William Mills, 7, Myrtle Court, Mevagissey, and devoted brother of Dorothy, Evelyn, Willie and Jim, killed by enemy action somewhere at sea, aged 22. Beloved by all. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1941: MILLS Charles Edwin of 7 Myrtle-court Mevagissey Cornwall died 20 April 1941 on war service Administration Bodmin 8 September to Mary Mills (wife of Alfred William Mills). Effects £240 14s.
OVER	Percy	Sapper 1882678, 626 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds in Italy 7 August 1944. Aged 24. Born 12 August 1919 in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Son of Peter and Janie Over, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. In the 1921 census he was the son of Peter and Jane Cloke Over, aged 1, born Mevagissey, Cornwall, resident Church Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Enlisted 16 October 1939 aged 20. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Peter and Jane C Over, born 12 August 1919, single, a Carpenter's Apprentice, resident 2 "Berydene," Polkirt Hill, Mevagissey, Mevagissey, St Austell U.D., Cornwall. Buried in AREZZO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot VI. Row C. Grave 19. Extract from St. Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News, published Wednesday, 30 August 1944, page 4: MEVAGISSEY SOLDIER'S DEATH FROM WOUNDS. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Over, of Polkirt, Mevagissey, have been notified that their youngest son, Pte. Percy Over, aged 25, has died of wounds. He joined the Royal Engineers five years ago, and had served in Normandy, Tunisia and Italy. He was wounded in November, and rejoined his unit three months later. Extract from Newquay Express and Cornwall County Chronicle, published Thursday, 7 September 1944, page 1: OVER.—In treasured memory of our dearly beloved youngest son, Percy, aged 25 years, who died of wounds in Italy. August 7th. after five years active service with the Royal Engineers. Happy and smiling, always content, Loved and respected wherever he went; always thoughtful, always kind. A beautiful memory left behind
PASSMORE	Jack	Petty Officer Telegraphist D/KX 149398, H.M. Submarine Porpoise, Royal Navy. Died at sea off Penang 16 January 1945. Aged 24. Born 2 October 1920 in St. Austell, Cornwall. Son of Stanley and Ada Elsie Passmore, of Mevagissey, Cornwall; husband of Laureen (nee Nichols) Passmore, of Mevagissey, married in January to March Quarter 1942 in Hatfield Registration District, Hertfordshire. In the 1921 census he was the nephew of Richard F and Florence M Johns, aged 8 months, born Cornwall, resident Lawn House, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Joined H.M. Submarine Dolphin 13 November 1942. No known grave. Commemorated on PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon. Panel 94, Column 2. Extract from St. Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News, Published Wednesday, 7 February 1945, page 3: Mrs. F. Johns, Lawn House, Mevagissey, has been informed that her nephew, P.O. Jack Passmore, is missing. About 24 years old he selected the Navy as a career and has been in the service since he was 16. He was the son of the late Mr. Stanley Passmore, and he has a wife and one chid.
SMITH	Frederick	No further information currently available - too many options
WARREN	William Bernard	Lance Corporal 14423233, 15 Air Formation (Signals), Royal Corps of Signals. Died in a road accident 8 August 1944. Aged 19. Born and resident Cornwall. Son of Willie and Sorilda Belle Warren, of Mevagissey, grandson of Mrs. W. Warren, of Mevagissey. Buried in MEVAGISSEY CEMETERY, Cornwall. Section A. Grave 446. Extract from Reading Standard, published Friday, 18 August 1944, page 5: U.S. SOLDIERS DEATH INQUEST STORY OF COLLISION The inquest on L/Cpl. William Bernard Warren (19), who lost his life in a road accident the previous Tuesday, was held in Reading on Friday last. Evidence was given by Lieut. G. W. Inch that Warren was detailed to take an officer on a journey in a jeep. Witness was not present at the time of the accident, so could only suggest that Warren's boot was jammed between the accelerator and the footpedal, causing him, for the time being, to be trapped. The suggestion was supported by the fact that the welt of Warren's boot was torn. Sgt. H. F. Pyle (American Army) said he was in Oxford Road walking towards the town when he heard a jeep approaching. On reaching Elm Lodge Avenue it went into a severe skid, crashing into a heavy American Army vehicle coming in the opposite direction. In a few seconds the jeep broke into violent flames. Witness saw no attempt made by the driver to escape. Rushing towards the jeep he found the driver alight and the flames too fierce to make any attempt at rescue. Dr. D. C. Thomas said the body was brought to Battle Hospital, where he carried out a post mortem examination. finding injuries and burns. Death was caused by asphyxia and burns. In his opinion. the driver, after the collision, had tried to free his trapped leg with his left foot, but failed as it was already broken. No doubt the petrol fumes overpowered him before he could do anything further. Returning a verdict of "Accidental death," the Coroner (Mr. J. L. Martin) said that undoubtedly the driver was asphyxiated so quickly that before anyone could do anything for him he was burnt to death.
AFGHANISTAN 8TH DEC. 2011
BOND	Elijah Cooper	Sapper 30060606, 35 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers. Died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham 8 December 2011 as a result of wounds sustained in a blast from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Aged 24. Born 10 June 1987 in Havant, Hampshire; raised in St Austell, Cornwall. Buried in TREWINNEY CEMETERY, Mevagissey, Cornwall. Section L. UK Government Obituary and BBC Article on Sapper Elijah Bond

Last updated 28 September, 2026

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