The picture left is taken from an old postcard
Photograph below Copyright © Janet Graves 2004

Private G/24923, 3rd/4th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 5th January 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Formerly 241908, East Kent Regiment. Son of Charles and Eliza Batt of Great Nix Hall, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Heudicourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference F.7.

Lance Corporal G/24276, 6th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died of wounds 10th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Formerly 2626, East Kent Regiment. Buried Ville-Sur-Ancre Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference A.13.

Guardsman 22149, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Kil;led in action at home? 10th February 1915. Born Fairlight Hastings, Sussex, enlisted Ashford, Kent. Son of Mr J.H Bull of Sempstead, Ewhurst, Sussex. Buried Caterham and Warlingham Burial Ground, Caterham, Surrey. Grave reference D.29.

This man was probably serving at the Guards Depot at Caterham when he died. Guardsman 18541 George Lancelot RAWLINSON of the 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards died the same day as Thomas. He was buried in the Middlesborough (Linthorpe) Cemetery. They may have lost their lives together in the same incident.

Private SD/1839, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 31st May 1918 with British Expeditionary Force aged 40 years. Born Bulverhythe (St Leonards), Sussex, enlisted Hastings. Son of Mr Burt of St Leonard’s- On- Sea, Sussex. Buried Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, France. Grave reference LXV.E.24.

Gunner 70700, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died 23rd September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Benenden, enlisted Hawkhurst. Buried Dantzig Alley British Cemetery. Mametz, France. Grave reference VII.F.1.

[Spelt COMPANY on SDGW] Private G/2479, 7th Battalion, Buff's (East Kent Regiment). Died 11th March 1918 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of Frank Campany of 30, Cambridge Gardens, Hastings, Sussex. Brother of W C E Campany not listed on memorial, see below. Buried Noyon New British Cemetery. Grave reference I.D.3.

Lance Corporal G/2824, 6th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 3rd July 1916 in France & Flanders aged 23 years. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of George and Annie Catt of 3, Grove Terrace, Highgate, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Ovillers Military Cemetery, Ovillers, France. Grave reference VII.E.10.

Private G/1381, 2nd Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 3rd May 1915 in France & Flanders, aged 25 years. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of Henry and Charlotte Collins of, Fowlers Park Gardens, Hawkhurst, Kent. Spencer has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14.

Private 76181, Tank Corps. Died 2nd November 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Hastings. Formerly 2112, Royal Sussex Regiment. Husband of D.R Meade (Fomerly Chapman) of 2, Station Cottages, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried St Pol British Cemetery, St Pol-Sur-Ternoise, France. Grave reference III.C.2.

Private G/4574, 2nd Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 3rd April 1915 in France & Flanders, aged 18 years. Born Birkenhead, Cheshire, enlisted Canterbury, resident Hawkhurst. Son of Daniel Colvin of Parknook Cottage, Tenterden, Kent. Daniel has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14.

The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List gives –

Sandrock, Hawkhurst

Private 204593 James COLVIN. South Staffordshire Regiment.
Private G/4436 William COLVIN. 7th Buffs (East Kent Regiment).

Private G/1867, 7th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 5th December 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Udimore, Rye, Sussex, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst. Buried Porte-De-Paris Cemetery, Cambrai, France. Grave reference II.A.12.

Private 24270. 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 23rd July 1916 in France & Flanders aged 39 years. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Ashford. Son of William and Jane Court of Bridge House, Park Road, Walmer, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 8C, 9A, 16A.

Lance Corporal 444366, 42nd Division, Signal Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 10th January 1918 in France & Flanders aged 40 years. Born West Creeting, Suffolk, enlisted Manchester, resident Hawkhurst. Husband of Caroline Sophia Cox of 21, Sandrock Villas, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Gorre British and Indian Cemetery. Grave reference V.B.7.

Private L/10550, 1st Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 24th July 1915 in France & Flanders aged 19 years. Born Lamberhurst, enlisted Maidstone, Hawkhurst. Son of Mrs A.S Goings (formerly Dibley) of Vale Road, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried locally in the Hawkhurst (St Laurence) Churchyard, Hawkhurst, Kent. Grave reference – South-West part, South of path.

Rifleman 3655, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action 10th March 1915 in France & Flanders aged 26 years. Born Swanley, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst. Son of Herbert and Ellen East of 3, Norman Villas, Station Road, Hawkhurst, Kent. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Le Touret Memorial, France. Panel reference – 44.

Private G/11887, 8th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died of wounds 1st September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Hawkhurst, resident and enlisted Chatham. Buried Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference II.D.2.

No further information currently available

Private G/14752, 6th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 14th May 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Beckley, Sussex, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst.

Leading Seaman SS/81, Royal Mount Naval Barracks, Royal Navy (RN). Died 16th March 1921 aged 36 years. Albert died of T.B (Phthisis). Born Folkestone 10th August 1884. Buried 19th March 1921 at Willesborough Cemetery, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference – Q 631. Herbert died at 74 Albemarle Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Formerly residing (1918) at 55 Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford with a Private 243652 Richard Kemp Barnard (5th West Surrey’s).

Before the outbreak of war Albert was employed as a Plumbers Mate and Postman. He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 2nd October 1903 and served on H.M.S Andromeda and H.M.S Achilles. He completed his contract and retired on 9th October 1908. On the outbreak of war Herbert re-enlisted and was sent to H.M.S Pembroke in Chatham to assist with training new sailors. He remained there from late 1914 to 31st December 1918.

Albert’s death certificate reference is – EAST ASHFORD/BRA16/313. It is recorded on Albert’s death certificate that before the outbreak of war Albert was working in Ashford as a Postman.

Herbert’s death is NOT recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission because he died after he had been discharged from the navy. In any event the war had ended in Europe over two years previous. At the time of his death he was registered as a Naval Pensioner.

His Brother-in-Law Frank H Newton was present at the time of Albert’s death.

Herbert is also commemorated on the Willesborough War Memorial as H FISHER. It appears that he must have called himself Herbert when in fact his birth name was Albert.

Private G/43611, 23rd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 31st July 1917 in France & Flanders aged 22 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Hornsey, resident Sevenoaks. Son of William and Sarah Jane Foster of Ellenden, Hawkhurst, Kent. Bertram has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 49 and 51.

No further information currently available

Lance Corporal G/8089, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 18th April 1916 aged 22 years. Born Flimwell. Enlisted Cranbrook. Son of Mrs. C.W Golding of The Mount, Flimwell, Sussex. Husband of Isabel Jefferis (formerly Golding) of 10, Lomax Buildings, Bradshaw Gate, Bolton. Buried Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annexe, France. Grave reference II.A.4.

Second Lieutenant, 5th (The Weald of Kent) Battalion (Territorial), Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 19th January 1916 aged 22 years. Son of Colonel George Joachim (2nd Vicount) Goschen and Evelyn Goschen of Seacox Heath, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Amara War Cemetery, Amara, Iraq. Grave reference I.B.16.

George’s father commanded the 4th Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) during the Great War. This battalion was rather like the Home Guard during the 2nd World War. Do not confuse this volunteer battalion with the 2nd and 3rd line Buffs territorial’s (2/4th and 2/5th). Both George Joachim Goschen and his father were well known in the Ashford area and their names often appeared in the Kentish Express Newspaper. A rather posh family. Had George survived then he would probably have become the 3rd Vicount Goschen.

Lieutenant 2nd Life Guards attached Guards Machine Gun Regiment. Killed in action 24th September 1918 aged 28 years. Son of Charles Eugene and Leonie Gunther of 59, Princess Gate, South Kensington, London. Brother of Norman below. Buried Chapelle British Cemetery, Holon, France. Grave reference II.E.15.

Second Lieutenant, Royal East Kent Yeomanry. Killed in action 11th July 1917 aged 19 years. Son of Charles Eugene and Leonie Gunther of 59, Princess Gate, South Kensington, London. Brother of Charles above. Norman has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 1.

Norman was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage and for his leadership skills.

This is a bit of a mystery. The memorial lists Norman’s unit as the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles. The REKMR was not in existance in July 1917 it had already been re-designated as the 10th (Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Yet the Buffs regimental roll of honour does not list a GUNTHER as having been killed. Soldiers Died Great War shows Norman as belonging to the East Kent Yeomanry when he was killed as does the Commonwealth War Graves Commission register. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission also gives the additional information that Norman attended the 6th Buffs.

Closer inspection of the regimental history (Moody) pages 259/260 gives the circumstances of Norman’s death - On the 1st July 1917 the 6th Buffs moved from Arras to the Wancourt Line mustering 33 officers and only 483 men. The battalion held positions near Long Trench 1,200 yards south of Keeling Copse. On the 10th July the battalion was ordered to raid enemy shell holes east of Tool Trench. The attack commenced at 0500 hours. The history states that 2LT Gunther was killed with 9 other men. Norman was in fact a 6th Buffs man. He formerly served in the East Kent Yeomanry which had become the 10th Buffs by the time he was killed.

No further information currently available

No further information currently available

No further information currently available

No further information currently available

Private G/7693, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 28th April 1918. Born Brighton. Enlisted Brighton. Buried Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery. Grave reference V.B.10.

Private G/1925, 7th Battalion, Buffs East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 31st January 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Buried Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France. Grave reference I.D.14.

Private 60421, 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 14th April 1918 aged 22 years. Born Ticehurst, Sussex. Enlisted Tenterden. Resided Hawkhurst. Son of James and Rachel Hoadley of Monkery Farm, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent. Newton has no known grave. His name appears on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines, Belgium. Panel reference 2.

Corporal 21175, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Killed in action 13th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Ashford.

Private 3621, 16th Lancers (The Queen's). Killed in action 6th September 1914 in France & Flanders, aged 21 years. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of George Thomas and Harriett Kemp of Ashfield Cottage, Hawkhurst, Kent. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial.

Private 43011, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 24th March 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 18 years. Born Horsemonden, enlisted Cranbrook, resident Hawkhurst. Son of Mr H.J and Mrs A Kemp of 7, Sandrock Villas, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Pond Farm Cemetery. Grave reference L.9.

Corporal T/1015, 5th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 7th January 1916 with M.E.F., aged 22 years. Born Tooting, Surrey, enlisted Hawkhurst, resident Godalming, Surrey. Son of Mr. J.C Kempton and Mrs. K.E Kempton of 22, George Road, Farncombe, Godalming, Surrey. Buried Amara War Cemetery, Amara, Iraq. Grave reference XXXI.C.9.

No further information currently available

No further information currently available

Private 8853, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 16th June 1915 aged 36 years Born Stratford, London. Enlisted Stratford, London. Son of John and Arthur Ann Loyd of 8, Cottage Steet, Stafford. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 8 and 12.

Lieutenant, No 5 Fighting School, Royal Air Force 9RAF). Died 3rd March 1919 aged 25 years. Son of Mr. W.W and Mrs. E Marchant of Tickners, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried in the Cairo War Cemetery, Cairo, Egypt. Grave reference Q.277.

It is recorded that Clarence was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palms by the French Government.

Private 7101, "A" Squadron, 7th Dragoon Guards (Princess Royal). Died of wounds 3rd December 1916 in France & Flanders, aged 29 years. Born and enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of John and Harriet Marchant of Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France. Grave reference I.L.11.

Private 21712, 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment). Killed in action 27th May 1918 in FRance & Flanders. Born Dilminy, Scotland, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst. Alexander has no known grave. His name appears on the Soissons Memorial, France.

Private G/7136, 3rd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 24th May 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Robertsbridge, Sussex, enlisted Guildford, Surrey, resident Hawkhurst. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 49 and 51.

No further information currently available

Sergeant G/415, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds 24th November 1917 with British Expeditionary Force, aged 26 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Hastings. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Son of Walter Jesse and Emma Osborne of 5, Howe’s Cottages, The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Tincourt New British Cemetery. Grave reference II.G.13.

Walter was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.

Private 59245, 25th Battalion (Tyneside Irish), Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action 30th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Guildford. Formerly 01374, Army Ordnance Corps. Buried Heninel Communal Cemetery Extension. Grave reference F.8.

Private G/15659, "C" Company, 7th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 3rd May 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 20 years. Born Staplehurst, Kent, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst. Son of Alfred and Emily Piper of Castle Eden, 167, Osborne Road, Brighton, Sussex. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 2.

Chief Petty Officer (RFR/CH/B/5432) 202189 Albert PLAYFORD D.S.M. H.M.S Pembroke, Naval Barracks, Chatham, Kent. Died 20th April 1919 aged 36 years. Son of John and Sarah Ann Playford. Husband of Ellen Sarah Playford of 1, Mount Pleasant, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried locally in the Hawkhurst (St Lauwrence) Churchyard, Hawkhurst, Kent. Grave reference – North West part on North boundary.

Albert was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for bravery during the landing of the Army Army om the Gallipoli Peninsula 25th-26th April, 1915 which was reported on in the London Gazette 16 August, 1915 pp8125-9. The award was announced in the London Gazette of the same day p8132.

Private G/37790, 7th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died of wounds 11th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Canterbury.

Private T/202484, 4th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died at sea 4th May 1917 on M.V “Transylvania”. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Canterbury. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the Savona Memorial, Italy.

Charles was tragically lost at sea when the hired transport ship the “Transylvania” was sunk by German U Boat (U63) attack off Cape Vado two and a half miles south of Savona. The ship went down with the loss of more than 400 lives. The bodies that were recovered were buried in a special plot in the town of Savona. The Savona Memorial commemorates the names of 275 men whose bodies were never recovered. It not known how Charles came to be on this transport ship because the ship was being used to supply and reinforce British troops serving in Salonika, Greece. The 4th Buffs never served in Salonika but the 2nd Buffs did. Perhaps Charles was on his way to join the 2nd Buffs. He never made it.

Private 9304, 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Died 29th January 1917 aged 22 years. Son of John and Fanny Reeves of Highgate Bakery, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Grave reference Div 3. E. 18.

Bombardier 70433, Royal Artillery. Died of wounds 31st July 1916 in France & Flanders, aged 19 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Hastings. Sussex. Son of Richard and Louisa Relf of East View, The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Dive Copse British Cemetery. Grave reference II.B.46.

Private T/240764, 7th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 23rd October 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Cranbrook. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Vis-En- Artois Memorial, France. Panel reference 3.

Sergeant SD/1152, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 4th June 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Hastings. Buried Cambrin Churchyard Extension, Cambrin, France. Grave reference N.51.

No further information currently available

No further information currently available

Private G/13430, 6th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 9th April 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 19 years. Born Hurst Green, Astings, enlisted and resident Hastings, Sussex. Son of John and Ellen Richards of 1, North Grove, Highgate, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. Grave reference VII.G.51.

Lieutenant, Royal Scots Fusiliers. Killed in action 30th November 1914, aged 23 years. Son of Frederick and Ellen Mary Ross-Thompson of Hensill, Hawkhurst, Kent. Alexander has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 19 and 33.

No further information currently available

Rifleman 374789, 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action 10th December 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 19 years. Born Maidstone, enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of Percival and Harriet Alice Stanbridge of Pipsden, Hawkhurst, Kent. Percival has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Panel reference 150 to 151.

Lance Corporal G/21401, 12th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 26th September 1916 aged 22 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Mill Hill, Middlesex. Resided Paddington, London. Son of Frederick George and Casandra Mary Stickland of 192, Portnall Road, Paddington, London. Buried Bray Vale British Cemetery, Bray-Sur-Somme, France. Grave reference IV.A.16.

No further information currently available

No further information currently

Lance Sergeant G/50521, 4th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died 16th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Hove. Buried Harlebeke New British Cemetery. Grave reference II.D.2.

Lance Sergeant 3/10736, "D" Company, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 27th September 1915 in France & Flanders, aged 28 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted Little Bowden, Leicestershire. Son of Mrs Brockway of Mount Pleasant, The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 91 to 93.

Private 6725, 14th (London Scottish) Battalion, London Regiment. Died 9th September 1916. Son of Stephen Upton of Field Green Cottage, Sandhurst, Kent. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 9C.13C.

No further information currently available

Private G/1380, 2nd Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 3rd May 1915 in France & Flanders, aged 36 years. Born Penshurst near Battle, Sussex, enlisted and resident Hawkhurst. Son of John and Sarah Veness of Hawkhurst, Kent. James has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14.

Acting Bombardier 77767, 459th Howitzer Battery, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died of wounds 5th January 1916 in France & Flanders, aged 22 years. Born Tinterden, enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of George and Emma Weeks of 104, Chaucer Road, Gillingham, Kent. Buried Maple Leaf Cemetery. Grave reference G.4.

Private G/41517, 18th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died of wounds 1st October 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 31 years. Born and resident Hawkhurst, enlisted Ashford. Formerly 3794, East kent Regiment. Son of M Weller of Gun Green, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. Grave reference IV.E.18.

Rifleman A/1265, 7th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action 15th October 1917 in France & Flanders, aged 23 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted London, resident Tooting, Surrey. Son of John and Anne Wenham. Edgar has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 115 to 119 and 162A,163A.

Private G/8118, 6th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 3rd July 1916 in France & Flanders, aged 35 years. Born Hawkhurst, enlisted London, resident Shepherd's Bush, Middlesex. Husband of Alice Mary Wenham of 3, Brooklyn Road, Shepherds Bush, London. Buried Ovillers Military Cemetery, Ovillers, France. Grave reference IX.M.10.

[Listed on CWGC as H WENMAN] Private G/4129, 8th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 24th April 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Buried Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord), France. Grave reference II.D.164.

Corporal G/1868, 7th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 13th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born, resident and enlisted Hawkhurst. Buried London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, France. Grave reference 4.G.25.

[Listed as Walter Charles on SDGW] Gunner 58360, 107th Battery, 23rd Brigade, Royal Artillery (RA). Killed in action 12th July 1916 in France & Flanders, aged 38 years. Born Cranbrook, enlisted Hawkhurst. Son of John and Ellen Wickens of Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Carnoy Military Cemetery, Carnoy, France. Grave reference O.21.

This man’s name appears both as W.C and C.W Wickens.

Private 52632, 32nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 22nd September 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Sandhurst, enlisted Hawkhurst. Formerly SPTS/5309, Royal Fusiliers. Son of Richard and Mary Willard of Alms Houses, Bodiam, Hawkhurst, Kent. Husband of Annie Elizabeth Willard of Knells Cottage, Paddock Wood, Kent. Richard has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 28.30.162.162A.163A.

Private G/22813, 6th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 24th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Romney Marsh, enlisted Canterbury, resident Hawkhurst. Formerly 21218, East Kent Regiment. Albert has no known grave. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial, Cambrai, France. Panel reference 3.

BALCOMBE

Walter George

Private L/10562, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 22nd July 1916. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Cranbrook. Buried Caterpiller Valey Cemetery, Longueval, The Somme, France. Grave reference IX.G.10.

CAMPANY

William Charles Ernest

Private L/9556, “A” Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 25th September 1915 aged 23 years. Son of Frank Campany of 30, Cambridge Gardens, Hastings, Sussex. Brother of F Campany listed above. Buried St Mary’s A.D.S Cemetery, Haisnes, France. Grave reference V.C.18.

COLEY

George

Private T/240055, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 15th February 1917 aged 27 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Rolvenden. Son of George and Harriet Coley. Buried in the Amara War Cemetery, Amara, Iraq. Grave reference XXI.M.1.

The day that George was killed the 5th battalion attacked the Turks at Kut. This was a major planned engagement and The Buffs were to be the lead attacking formation. The attack was a outright success and the battalion took almost 1,000 Turkish prisoners. Second Lieutenant Brooke and a further 12 men were killed including George.

DUNDAS

Roy Stuart

Drummer 9622, 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 18th November 1916 aged 19 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Woolwich, London. Resided Plumstead, London. Son of J.H and A.E Dundas of 26, Manthorp Road, Plumstead, London. Buried Stump Road Cemetery, Grandcourt, France. Grave reference C.48.

ELDRIDGE

Ernest

Private 14026, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. Attached Labour Corps. Formerly (12219 Reserve Cavalry Regiment. Died 5th November 1918 aged 33 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Hammersmith, London. Husband of J Eldridge of 22, Alexander Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick, London. Buried Brookwood Cemetery, Brookwood, Surrey. Grave reference XIII.A.1.

GOODSELL

Cecil

Rifleman C/4677, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC). Died 5th or 6th July 1916. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted St Swithins Lane, Middlesex. Resided Wrotham Heath, Kent. Buried Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue, France. Grave reference III.J.15.

GOODSELL

Jesse

Private G/24638, 7th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (19562) East Surrey Regiment. Died 23rd March 1918. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Tonbridge. Resided Hadlow, Kent. Jesse has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 14 and 15.

HARDY

Charles

Private G/472, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 14th October 1915. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Bromley. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 95-97.

LINDRIDGE

Victor William

Private 5087, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Died 29th January 1917 aged 31 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Guildford, Surrey. Resided Horsell, Surrey. Buried Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France. Grave reference II.M.34.

LUCK

John Ernest

Private L/10227, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 25th September 1915 aged 22 years. Son of Harriett Luck of Flimwell, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France. Grave reference V.G.19.

MANN

Henry (Harry)

Private 1539, “C” Squadron, West Kent Yeomanry (Queen’s Own). Died 30th November 1916. Enlisted Maidstone. Resided Hawkhurst. Buried locally in the Sandhurst Cross (St Nicholas) Churchyard, Sandhurst, Kent. Grave reference – North West of Church.

It seems odd that this man should have been left off the Hawkhurst war memorial taking into account that he was living in Hawkhurst at the time of his death.

MARCHANT

Arthur

Private 10729, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died 12th October 1917. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Chichester, Sussex. Resided St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Mrs. E Marchant of Rose Lodge Cottage, Silverhill Park, St-Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried Cement House Cemetery. Grave reference VII.C.20.

MARTIN

Thomas Jesse

Private G/231, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 6th September 1916 aged 30 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Canterbury. Son of Mary Jane Honeysett of Henden Farm, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent. Thomas has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 2.

MILLS

Herbert

Sapper 2021, 1/3rd Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE). H.M.S HYTHE, Royal Navy. Died at sea 28th October 1915. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Gillingham. Resided Tunbridge Wells. Brother in Law of M.M Hollands of 30, Woodland Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Herbert has no known grave. His name appears on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. Panel reference – 23.24.25.325-328.

Herbert was drowned at sea off the cost of Galliploi Turkey.

HMS Hythe was a paddle driven cross channel ferry of 509 tons built in 1905 and owned by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company (SE&CR). The ship operated on the Dover-Calais route until it was requisitioned by the government in 1914. It was quickly converted into a Screw Minesweeper and was based at Scapa Flow in Scotland. In 1915 the ship was sent to the Dardanelles to work on troop movements from Mudros Bay to the Gallipoli Peninsular in Turkey. At about 1600 hours on 28th October 1915 the Hythe was in collision with the SS Sarnia, another converted ferry but much larger than the Hythe. The Hythe quickly sank with the loss of 108 men most of whom were from Kent. Nearly all these men were from the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area of Kent and were serving in the 1/3rd Kent Field Company, Royal Engineers.

It is recorded that men of the 1/3rd Kent Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE) were on board when the Hythe went down. This company was commanded by Captain Reggie Salomons. Men from the 1/2nd Kent Field Company Royal Engineers were nearby on another transport ship – Redbreast.

NEAL

George

Private 56368, 17th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died 3rd October 1918. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Hawkhurst. Buried locally in the Kilndown (Christchurch) Churchyard, Kilndown, Kilndown, Kent. Grave reference – South part.

OLIVER

Stanley

Sapper 541143, 495th Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE). Died 9th December 1917 aged 22 years. Born Wadhurst, Sussex. Enlisted Gillingham. Resided Hawkhurst. Son of George and Frances Oliver of Sunnybank, Flimwell, Hawkhurst, Kent. Buried Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Grave reference J.7.

PAVEY

Phillip Arthur Joseph Marchant

Gunner 102286, No 1 Depot, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 7th November 1916 aged 39 years. Buried locally in the Rotherfield Burial Ground, Battle, Sussex. Grave reference 354.

PIERCE

James

Private T/240268, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15th February 1917. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Cranbrook. Resided Ashford. Buried in the Amara War Cemetery, Amara, Iraq. Grave reference XXI.L.16.

PIERCE

Percy [Thomas]

Private 4812, 8th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 3rd February 1918. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Hastings, Sussex. Resided Lamberden, Newenden, Kent. Buried Hargicourt British Cemetery, France. Grave reference I.I.14.

Percy’s name appears on the Newenden Civic War Memorial. That memorial was in an appaling condition in 2004 when all names were almost unreadable.

POILE

George

Private 87344, 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 29th September 1918. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted London. Resided London. Buried Unicorn Cemetery, Vend’huile, France. Grave reference II.B.18.

RELF

Henry

Private G/5695, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 25th July 1917 aged 41 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Eastbourne, Sussex. Husband of Florence R.H Relf of 8, Fairlight Road, Eastbourne, Sussex. Henry has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 6.

RYAN

Thomas

Private 11484, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7th August 1918 aged 34 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Dover. Resided Folkestone. Son of Mary Ryan of 55, Bridge Street, Folkestone, Kent. Husband of Josephine Ryan of 9, Kenny’s Cottages, Sweetmans Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland. Buried Pernois British Cemetery, Halloy-Les-Pernoise, France. Grave reference III.C.16.

STICKLAND

Frederick

Lance Corporal G/21401, 12th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 26th September 1916. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Mill Hill, Middlesex. Resided Paddington, London.

This man is listed in Soldiers Died Great War as being Killed in Action. Despite this his name doesn’t appear on the CWGC indexes.

WALKER

Lionel Bertram

Lance Sergeant 1666, 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died 17th February 1917. Lionel has no known grave. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Worthing, Sussex. Resided Ewhurst, Sussex. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 8C.9A.16A.

WELLER

Charles Leonard

Private G/2129, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 9th April 1917. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Tunbridge Wells. Resided Wadhurst. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference – Bay 7.

WENHAM

Francis Henry

Private L/8122, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 13th October 1915. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Benenden. Resided Goudhurst. Francis has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 15 to 19.

WILLARD

Jesse

Private G/308, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 16th July 1916 aged 20 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Shepherdswell, Kent. Resided Marden, Kent. Son of Frederick and Harriet Willard of Myrtle Villa, Goudhurst Road, Marden, Kent. Buried Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples, France. Grave reference XIV.A.2A.

WOLFE

Douglas Robert

Private 15876, “D” Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Died 5th March 1917 aged 23 years. Born Hawkhurst. Enlisted Wokingham, Berkshire. Resided Bracknell, Berkshire. Son of Robert and Mary Ann Wolfe of 3, Bramshot Avenue, Charlton, London. Douglas has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 11D.

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