ALEXANDER

Ray

No further information currently available

AMBROSE

Leslie Goldwell

[Originally listed on the memorial as a Trooper - Royal West Kent Yeomanry.] Driver 208722, 6th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (RE) formerly Trooper (1088) Royal West Kent Yeomanry. Died on service in Egypt 8th November 1918. Aged 26. Born Harrietsham. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Harrietsham. Son of Alfred and Ellen Ambrose of Bell Farm, Harrietsham, Kent. Buried in ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section E. Grave 147.

BLAY

Stephen George

Private G/3434, 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 19th January 1918. Aged 43. Born Whitechapel, Middlesex. Enlisted London. Resided Camberwell, Surrey. Son of the late Stephen Thomas and Elizabeth Blay; husband of Miriam Hannah Blay, of 248, Southampton St., Camberwell, London. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 17.

BOORMAN

James Richard

Private 136621, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion. Died 8 June 1917. Aged 29. Born 7th September 1887 in Kent, England. Husband of Eliza Boorman, of 124, Ferrier Avenue, Toronto. Attested 9th February 1916 in Toronto, Canada, aged 28 years 5 months, married, a Labourer by trade, height 5 feet 1¼ inches, chest 32-35½ inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, sandy hair, religious denomination Church of England. Buried in BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, Surrey. Plot IX. Row D. Grave 5. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 882 - 44

BRUNGER

Arthur William

[Listed as BRUNNER on SDGW] Private G/4333, 8th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 26th September 1915. Aged 28. Born Southernden, Ashford. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Harrietsham. Son of Frederick and Harriet Brunger of East Street, Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 95 to 97.

BUCKINGHAM

Aubrey Webster

Major, 3rd Battalion attched 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders attached 1st/5th Battalion. Killed in action 17th November 1914. Aged 44. Son of Joseph Hicks Buckingham of Lancaster Gate, London. Husband of Mabel F Buckingham, Harrietsham Manor, Maidstone, Kent, married 2 June 1908 in Harrietsham, St John the Baptist, Kent, aged 38. In the 1911 census he was aged 40, born London, Major Special Reserve, 3rd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, married to Mabel Felviardea Buckingham, resident The Manor Harrietsham near Maidstone, Harrietsham, Kent. Buried YPRES RESERVOIR CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XI. Row D. Grave 33.

Extract from Bond Of Sacrifice: Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1916, Volume 1, page 57:

MAJOR AU,BREY WEBSTER BUCKINGHAM, 3rd (attd. 1st) BATTN. GORDON HIGHLANDERS, of Harrietsham Manor, Kent, who was killed in action on the 17th November, 1914, near Ypres, was the son of the late J. H. Buckingham, of Lancaster Gate, and was born in 1870.

He was educated at Elstree and Harrow (Rendalls 1884-1887), and served in the South African War, being present at operations in Natal in 1899. He was in command of Volunteer details, and afterwards Garrison Adjutant at Green Point Camp, near Capetown. For his services he received the Queen's medal with three clasps, and the King's medal with two clasps. He also had the Coronation medal, 1911.

Major Buckingham was a member of the Junior Athenæum Club, and of the M.C.C. He was promoted honorary Captain in the Army in May, 1901, and honorary Major in January, 1902. He married Mabel Felizarda, daughter of the late Colonel Walter Rudge, R.A., Stede Court, Harrietsham, Kent.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 1, page :

BUCKINGHAM, AUBREY WEBSTER, Major, 3rd Battn. Gordon Highlanders, 3rd s. of the late Joseph Hicks Buckingham, of Lancaster Gate, W., and Truro, by his wife, Lucy Webster, dam of Benjamin Hallewell, of Leeds; b. London, 11 Oct. 1870; educ. Eistree, and Harrow; gazetted Lieut. in the London Scottish volunteers in 1892, and saw service in the South African War, 1899-1902. He took part in the operations in Natal in 1899 in command on volunteer details, and was afterwards appointed garrison adjutant at Green Point. Camp, and for his services received the Queen's medal with three clasps and the King's medal with two clasps. He was given the rank of honorary Capt. in the Army, 31 May, 1901, and that of Major 11 Jan. 1902, and was attached to the 3rd Battn. (Reserve of Officers) of the Gordon Highlanders. He settled at Harrietsham In 1902. purchasing a large portion of the Stede Hill Estate and becoming lord of the manor. On the outbreak of war he was transferred to the 1st Battn. and went to the front on 6 Sept. 1914. He was killed in action near Hooge, 17 Nov. 1914. Major Buckingham m. at Harrietstham, 2 June, 1908, Mabel Felizardae (Harrietsham Manor, Kent), dau. of the late Col. Walter Reginald Budge, of Stede Court, Harrietsham, B.A.; s.p.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

BUCKINGHAM Aubrey Webster of Harrietsham Manor near Maidstone died 17 November 1914 near Ypres Belgium on active service Probate London 15 January to Mabel Felizarda Buckingham widow and sir Henry Cecil Buckingham knight. Effects £25579 0s. 11d.

CRUMP

William Henry

Gunner 60452, "X" Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 11th May 1916. Aged 22. Born and resident Ulcombe, Kent, enlisted Maidstone. Son of Fredrick George and Rosa Ellen Crump, of Kingsnorth Wood Cottages, Ulcombe, Maidstone. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 9.

FERMOR

Arthur [Edmund]

[Listed on SDGW as Royal West Kent Hussars.] Private 245399, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) formerly Royal West Kent Yeomanry (Hussars). Killed in action 31st August 1916. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Maidstone. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1A.

FIELD

Herbert Frank

Private L/9000, 2nd Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died on service 24th November 1914. Aged 26. Born Tenterden. Resided Harrietsham. Son of Edgar Herbert Field of Harrietsham, Kent. Herbert has no known grave. Commemorated on the KARACHI 1914-1918 WAR MEMORIAL, Pakistan.

GIBSON

Everett Charles

Rifleman 656006, 21st (County of London) Battalion (1st Surrey Riflles), London Regiment. Died at sea 30th December 1917. Aged 40. Born Harrietsham, Kent, resident Brixton Hill, enlisted Camberwell. Husband of Florence M. Gibson, of 27, Mill Lane, Brixton Hill, Brixton, London. Buried in ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section D. Grave 288.

GREEN

Ethel

Worker 20140, Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps. Died on service in United Kingdom 31st August 1918. Born Harrietsham, Kent, enlisted London. Buried in ORPINGTON (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD, Kent. Plot C. Row K. Grave 3.

HALL

Percy Hubert

Able Seaman J/632, H.M.S. "Vanguard," Royal Navy. Died 9th July 1917. Aged 25. Son of Julia Ann Friend (formerly Hall), of West St., Harrietsham, Maidstone, and the late William Henry Hall. Native of Wateringbury, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 21.

HESKETH

William

Private 29926. 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 4th November 1918. Aged 31. Son of Frederick and Annie Hesketh, of Church Minshull, Middlewich, Cheshire; husband of Catherine Mary Hesketh, of "Nokhroy," Harrietsham, Kent. Buried in NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY, KASSEL, Hessen, Germany. Plot VII. Row B. Grave 13.

HEYES

John Arthur

No further information currently available

LEANEY

William James Harry

Private 2693A, 52nd Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Killed in action 11th April 1917. Born at Harrietsham, Kent. Son of William James Henry and Annie Leaney; nephew of Mr. E. J. Leaneyof Upper Turntable Creek, Nimbin, New South Wales, Australia; his father died 19 June 1900 from enteric in the South African War (1899-1900). Resident Nimbin, New South Wales, Australia. Occupation Dairy and general Farm Hand. Educated Council School. Emigrated to Australia aged 16. No known grave. Commemorated on VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Australian Circular.

MATTHEWS

John Brice

Captain (Temporary), 7th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 14th February 1917. Only son of J H and K MATTHEWS, of Harrietsham, Kent. Buried in REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT, Somme, France. Plot VIII. Row F. Grave 6.

MILLS

Edward Thomas

Sergeant G/11156, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 29th August 1918. Aged 30. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Harrietsham. Son of Mrs Mills of Teynham, Sittingbourne, Kent. Husband of Lily Laysack Tong (formerly Mills) of West Street, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 7.

MITCHELL

Albert

Private L/8441, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 27th May 1916. Aged 28. Born Lower Hardres, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury, Kent. Resided Wye, Nr. Ashford, Kent. Son of Albert John and Elizabeth Mitchell, of Brenchleys, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent. Buried in ESSEX FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaandereb, Belgium. Plot II. Row S. Grave 10.

MOODY

Francis

No further information currently available

NORRIS

Walter William

Private G/497, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 14th October 1915. Born Harrietsham. Enlisted Maidstone. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 95 to 97.

PARKS

George

Private G/493, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 16th November 1915. Aged 23. Born Ulcombe. Enlisted Maidstone. Son of Frederick and Margaret Ann Parks of East Street, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 95 to 97.

Note similar Regimental number to Walter Norris (above) – they appear to have enlisted together…

PAYNE

Harold William

Lance Corporal 19076, 18th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) (MGC) formerly (G/490) Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died on service 21st May 1918. Born Harrietsham. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Harrietsham. Buried ANNOIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Plot II. Row A. Grave 9.

One of 61 casualties interred in the cemetery, having died at the German army field hospital located at nearby Flavy-le-Martel whilst a prisoner of war. Another man who joined up with the RWK alongside his mates, messrs Parks and Norris…

RUSSELL

William Henry

No further information currently available

SEAL

George

Private TR10/170866, 53rd (Graduated) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died on service in United Kingdom 22nd October 1918. Born Hollingbourne. Enlisted Kingston, Surrey. Resided Harrietsham. Buried locally in South-West part of HARRIETSHAM (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Harrietsham, Kent.

The 53rd Battalion was a young soldiers (reserve) training unit comprised of men between 16 and 18 years of age. After reaching 18 most were drafted off to a frontline unit.

SENIOR

Percy John

No further information currently available

SHOEBRIDGE

Walton James

Private 28458, 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment formerly 22451, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghmahsire and Derbyshire Regiment). Killed in action 7 September 1916. Aged 32. Born Westwell, Ashford, Kent. Enlisted Nottingham. Resided Ripley, Derbyshire. Son of James and Eliza Shoebridge, of West Street, Harrietsham, nr. Maidstone, Kent. Buried in CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot 2. Row C. Grave 40.

TAHOURDIN

Philip Ramsey

Lieutenant, 47th Sikhs. Died 17th April 1916. Aged 21. Son of Philip Tahourdin and Helen Hawkins, his wife, of Glebe Croft. Harrietsham, Maidstone. In the 1911 census he was at Rugby School, aged 16, born Hallow, Worcestershire, at school, a patient, resident 2, Horton Cresent, Rugby, Warwickshire. No known grave. Commemorated on BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq. Panel 56. Also commemorated on Eagle House Preparatory School World War 1 Board, Sandhurst, Berkshire.

TONG

Arthur Frederick

Lieutenant (Pilot), 217th Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). Killed while flying in France in a De Havilland D.H.4, serial number D8374, 28th September 1918. Aged 20. Born 24th March 1898 Harrietsham, Kent, baptised 24th April 1898 in Harrietsham, St John the Baptist, Kent. . Son of Arthur and Ellen Annie Tong of East Street, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent. On 20th April 1918 flying out of Sedgeford in a De Havilland D.H.9., serial number C6072, he was injured when his aircraft stalled on turn and nose dived into ground. Buried in CROIX-ROUGE MILITARY CEMETERY, QUAEDYPRE, Nord, France. Plot II. Row C. Grave 9.

TUPPER

Harold

[Lisutenant on CWGC] Second Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died of wounds 22nd July 1918. Aged 26. Born 23rd November 1891 in Aylesford, Kent. Baptised 27th December 1891 in Eccles, St Mark, Kent. Son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Tupper of “Bowness,” Harrietsham.In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Ayylesford, Kent, an Articled accountant, son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Tupper, resident The Roebuck, West Street, Harrietsham near Maidstone, Harrietsham, Kent. Previously wounded at Bazentin-le-Petit 4th August 1916. Buried 27th July 1918 locally in South-West part of HARRIETSHAM (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Harrietsham, Kent.

WHIBLEY

Alfred Victor

Lance Corporal 2820, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 30th June 1916. Aged 22. Born Eastling, Kent. Enlisted Hastings. Son of Edwin Richard and Phillis Whibley, of Fairbourne Manor Farm, Harrietsham, Maidstone. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XV. Row P. Grave 14.

YOUNG

Daniel Herbert

Private 48339, 25th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 15th August 1917. Buried locally in South-West part of HARRIETSHAM (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Harrietsham, Kent.

1939 -1945
LEST WE FORGET

BOTTLE

George Henry

Stoker, SS Maid of Orleans (London), Merchant Navy. Died when his vessel was sunk 28th June 1944. Aged 18. Son of George Leonard and Elizabeth Bottle. Nephew of K Smith of Fulham, London. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 66.

George was one of the five who perished when the ship was sunk by a U-boat off the Normandy coast.

BURCHETT

Ellen

Civilian War Dead of 89 Beresford Road. Daughter of the late Mr. Norwood, of Harrietsham; wife of Arthur Burchett. Died at 89 Beresford Road. Died 27 August 1940. Aged 70. Death recorded by GILLINGHAM, MUNICIPAL BOROUGH, Kent.

BUSHRIDGE

George Norcott

Pilot Officer 87428, Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, Royal Air Force. Died 10th September 1941. Aged 26. Son of George Cecil and Dorothy Mabel Busbridge, of Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 31.

COOMBER

Ronald Harold

Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 812107, 500 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). (Auxiliary Air Force). Died 10th October 1941. Aged 20. Son of John and Edith Coomber of Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 41.

COSTELLO

William

Leading Seaman LT/JX 185969, H.M.M.L. 1154, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Died at sea 14th May 1943. Aged 21. Born 4th June 1921 in Conception Harbour, Newfoundland. Son of William and Norah Costello; husband of Sarah Costello, of Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL, Suffolk. Panel 11, Column 2.

CROSSLEY, DFC

Donald Marshall

Wing Commander 63455, 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 24th November 1943. Aged 30. Son of Francis Marshall Crossley, and Muriel Crossley, of Hollingbourne, Kent. Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). and Bar. Buried in STAGLIENO CEMETERY, GENOA, Italy. Plot III. Row B. Grave 9.

CURTIS

Maurice Harry

Private 14917713, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. Died 4th October 1947. Aged 20. Son of Stephen Victor and Doris Maud Curtis. of Harrietsham. Buried in HARRIETSHAM (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Kent. Row F. Grave 40.

DACEY

Alan

Sergeant 1319215 (Bomb Aimer/Co-Pilot), 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). Killed in action when his aircraft was ditched in the Bay of Bengal, off Cox's Bazar, due to an engine failure when outbound on a raid on Akyab 7th September 1943; 3 of the crew survived. Aged 21. Born 25 Februry 1922. Son of Michael Joseph and Charlotte Florence Dacey of Godington, Kent. Brother of Frank (below). In the 1939 Register he waas a No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 425.

DACEY

Frank

Sergeant (Pilot) 754997, 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed whilst flying 31st August 1941. Aged 21. Son of Michael Joseph and Charlotte Florence Dacey of Godington, Kent. Brother of Alan (below). Buried HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY, Leuven, Belgium. Plot 3. Row F. Collective grave 1-4.

Frank was the pilot of Hampden bomber AD859 OL-O on a mission from Scampton to Köln. The aircraft crashed at Munsterbilzen near Genk. The crew all perished and Sergeant’s G G Bensley, J A D Clark and H G Tonks are buried alongside their pilot.

HAMMOND

Ebenezer

Civilian War Dead. Husband of Alice Amelia Hammond, of Triangle Cottages, Yeoman Lane, Bearsted. Died at Maidstone West Goods Station 3rd August 1944 Garage Engineer Apprentice, unmarried, resident with his parents at 9 Connaught Gardens, Margate, Margate M.B., Kent. . Aged 57. Death recorded by MAIDSTONE, MUNICIPAL BOROUGH, Kent.

MELLISH

Ebenezer

Civilian War Dead of 59 West Street, Harrietsham. Injured at 59 West Street; died same day at West Kent General Hospital. Died 14th March 1944. Aged 47. Thought to have served in the Royal Artillery in the Great War. Death recorded by MAIDSTONE, MUNICIPAL BOROUGH, Kent.

MOODY

James Owen

Civilian War Dead. Air Raid Warden. Husband of Winifred Moody, of Chegworth Cottage, Chegworth, Harrietsham, Kent. Died at South Lambeth Road. Died 27th September 1940. Aged 54. Death recorded by LAMBETH, METROPOLITAN BOROUGH, London.

PINK

William Ernest

Cadet, SS “Wayfarer” (Liverpool), Merchant Navy. Supposed drowned at sea 19th August 1944. Aged 18. Son of Ernest Chalcraft Pink and Daisey Pink of Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 117.

Only 10 of the 61 crew survived when William`s ship was sunk by the U-boat U862 commanded by Heinrich Timm, approximately 150 miles east of Mozambique, East Africa (Indian Ocean).

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1947:

PINK William Ernest of Kingboro Harrietsham Maidstone died on or since 19 August 1944 at sea Administration London 29 May to Ernest Chalcraft Pink poultry farmer.
Effects £181 6s. 11d.

RECORD

Reginald James

Private 14586842, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 19th May 1944. Aged 19. Born and resided Kent. Son of Percy James Record and Daisey Rose Record. Husband of W Record of Harrietsham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CASSINO MEMORIAL, Italy. Panel 4.

SIMMONS

Clifton Frederick

Civilian War Dead of Hempsted, West Street, Harrietsham. Son of Frederick William and Q. L. Simmons. Injured 14 March 1944, at Hempsted, West Street; died at West Kent General Hospital 15th March 1944. Aged 6. Death recorded by MAIDSTONE, MUNICIPAL BOROUGH, Kent.

TOWN

Ronald Thomas

Acting Leading Stoker C/KX 87518, H.M. Submarine Umpire, Royal Navy (RN). Died 19th July 1941. Aged 25. Born 19th September 1915 in Maidstone, Kent. Son of Thomas and Mabel Town. Husband of Ivy Town of Charing, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 47, Column 2.

H.M. Submarine Umpire was accidentally sunk off the Suffolk coast after being struck by a Dutch escort trawler the Peter Hendriks which was heading south as the submarine was going in the opposite direction to join the 3rd Submarine Flotilla at Dunoon, Scotland.

WALKER, DSC

Stewart Magee

Commander, H.M.S. President, Royal Navy. Admitted Royal ?tive Hospital 5th January 1944; died 11th January 1944. Aged 51. Son of Dr. Thomas Walker, M.D., F.R.C.S., and Mary Walker; husband of Ruby Walker, of Chelsea, London. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.). Had been placed on the retired list at his own request with a gratuity 17th August 1920. Removed from list 15 April 1937. Buried in HARRIETSHAM (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Kent. Row F. Grave 11.

WEBB

Francis Henry John

Warrant Officer Class II (SQMS) S/271852, Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Accidentally killed 16th March 1945. Aged 32. Born Kent. Resided Dorset. Son of Lieutenant Joseph Henry Webb R.N. and Caroline Maud Webb. Husband of Effie Lilua Webb of Harrietsham, Kent. Buried BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY, Evere, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. Plot X. Row 2. Grave 25.