Obituary for Pte B F Ashpole in the Bedfordshire Times and Independent, dated 18-2-16.

Kempston boy gassed.

"We regret to announce the death of Pte. B Ashpole, of the 7th Bedfordshire. Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Ashpole, of West End Kempston, which took place in France on January 19th. The Captain of his company, writing to his parents says: "The Germans had exploded a mine that evening about 5pm., and followed this with a heavy bombardment of our line. Your son apparently entered the mouth of a mine shaft to take shelter and encountered a rush of gas which overcame him, and he was unable to get out. Two NCOs in his platoon pluckily entered the shaft in spite of the gas, and with some considerable difficulty succeeded in getting him out, but it was unfortunately too late.His loss will be much felt in the Company, where he was exceedingly popular, and you have our sincere sympathy in the sad circumstances." Sgt H Hassall, also of the 7th. Bedfordshire., writes " It was with deep regret I heard of the death of your son. He was a very good lad all through his career in the Army. I always found him to be a willing worker no matter what was required of him, and also as clean a soldier as anyone could wish. Only half an hour before the mine exploded I was talking to him about Bedford, as I come from the town myself; also Kempston in a way is connected with me, as a sister of mine is in the Schools there."

The two NCOs were Lance Corporal A Blanchard and Corporal J Ivory who were both awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the rescue.

See also Kempston War Memorial

According to the National Roll of the Great War: "BARBER, F., Private, 1st Bedfordshire Regiment. He was mobilised in August 1914 and almost immediately drafted to France, where he took part in much heavy fighting at the Battles of Ypres, Loos, Neuve Chapelle and St. Eloi. He made the supreme sacrifice, being killed in action at Hill 60 on April 21st, 1915, and was entitled to the 1914 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. 'Whilst we remember, the sacrifice is not in vain." 12, Edward Road, Bedford."

See also Bedford St Leonards

According to the National Roll of the Great War: "BARBER, P., Sapper, Royal Engineers. He was mobilised in August 1914 and shortly afterwards drafted to the Western Front, where he took part in severe fighting at Loos. He died gloriously on the Field of Battle at Neuve Chapelle on February 26th, 1915, and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service Medals. 'A costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.' 12, Edward Road, Bedford."

See also Bedford St Leonards

The Bedfordshire Times and Independent on 28th July 1916 contains the following.

We regret to announce the death of Sgt W P Cooper (Will), of the 7th Bedfordshire. Regiment, second son of Mr and Mrs A Cooper, of Box End, who was killed in action on July 1st. Much sympathy is felt with the bereaved family. Sgt Cooper was a very promising soldier, and joined the colours in September 1914. He was 30 years of age.

See also Kempston

Private 8111 [CWGC] or 6111 [SDGW], 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. Killed in action 17 October 1918. Aged 35. Born Leicester, enlisted Bedford. Adopted son of Sarah Dinton, of East End Cottages, Goldington, Bedford. Native of Goldington. Awarded the Croix de Guerre (France). Buried in VAUX-ANDIGNY BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Plot/Row/Section C. Grave 13.

According to the National Roll of the Great War:

"EAST, F., Private, 1st Leicestershire Regiment. He was mobilised in August 1914, and quickly proceeded to France, where he took part in the Battles of La Bassée, Loos, the Somme, Ypres, St. Quentin, and was wounded slightly in September 1915. He was awarded the Croix-de-Guerre for conspicuous bravery in the field. He died gloriously on the Field of Battle near Cambrai on October 17th, 1918, and was also entitled to the 1914 Star, and the General Service and Victory Medals. 'His life for his country, his soul to God.' East End Cottages, Goldington, Bedfordshire. Z2056."

See also Goldingtonand Goldington St Mary

Private 276183 (6393) 4th Reserve Bn., Essex Regiment transf. to (356724) 697th Agricultural Coy, Labour Corps who died at home on Wednesday, 30th October 1918. Age 23. Age 23. Born and resident Stagsden, enlisted Bedford. Only son of Mrs. Louisa Flute, of Bedford Rd., Stagsden. Buried in STAGSDEN (ST. LEONARD) CHURCHYARD, east of Church.

See also Stagsden

Private, 3143, 6th Bn., Seaforth Highlanders who died of wounds on Friday, 14th July 1916. Aged 19. Son of John and Lizzie Gascoigne, of South End Farm, Wilden, Bedford. Native of Goldington, Bedford. Enlisted Elgin, Morayshire. Buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 40.

See also Goldington and Goldington St Mary

Private 204363, 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday, 16th October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 20. Born Goldington, enlisted Bedford. Formerly 203742, Bedfordshire Regiment. Brother of Walter above. Son of Alfred and Ellen Newnham, of 6, Newnham Lane, Goldington Rd., Bedford. Buried in Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave IV. D. 15.

Rifleman S/33031, 21st battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Died at sea Sunday, 15th April 1917. Age 24. Born Goldington, enlisted and resident Bedford. Formerly 26054, Bedfordshire Regiment. Brother of Herbert (above). Son of Alfred and Ellen Newnham, of 6, Newnham Lane, Goldington Rd., Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on Mikra Memorial, Greece.

Private 52962, 7th Battalion Royal Fusilierts (City of London Regiment). Killed in action Wednesday, 21st August 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Goldington, enlisted Bedford. Formerly PS/11104, 28th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. No known grave. Commemorated on Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 3.

See also Goldington War Memorial, and Goldington St Mary and Frederick Charles Fuller and Son Brewery

Private 18770, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday, 11th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Sharnbrook, enlisted Bedford, resident Goldington. Buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row G. Grave 20. See also Goldington War Memorial and Goldington St Mary

Private 36608, 12th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Kiled in action Thursday, 3rd May 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 29. Born and enlisted Bedford, resident Goldington. Formerly 8456, Bedfordshire Regiment. Son of Harry and Emma Waller, of Alexandra Rd., Goldington, Bedford; husband of Martha Jervis (formerly Waller), of 9, Beresford St., Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent. No known grave. Commemorated on Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 4 and 5.

See also Goldington War Memorial and Goldington St Mary

Corporal 5950118, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Lost as sea 21 September 1944 as a Japanese Prisoner of War. Aged 23. Son of S. S. and Rosa Karmy, of Milton, Southsea, Hampshire. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 61.

The ship carrying prisoners, Hofuku Maru, sailing with Convoy MATA-27 for Takao in Formosa was attacked and sunk by planes from an American aircraft carrier about 80 miles north of Corregidor. The prisoners were below decks and were not seen.