Corporal 52690, 26th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. 41st. Division. Killed in action near Ypres 20 September 1917. Aged 25. Born in Hampstead and enlisted in Chichester. Son of James and Anne Camp of 47 St. Leonards Road Bexhill. Formerly with the Essex Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel ?.

Private G/18011, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Taken prisoner and died in captivity 5 July 1918. Aged 29. Son of Mr Cannon and Mrs Mary Anne Cannon of 37 Station Road Bexhill. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. Buried in SEDAN (ST. CHARLES) COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Ardennes, France. Grave 306.

[Listed as Corporal on Bexhill Memorial] Lance Corporal G/15855, 1st Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 21 March 1918 in France and Flanders. Aged 25. Born St Peter's, Bexhill-on-Sea, resident and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Henry and Anne Carey, of 26, Beaconsfield Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Formerly G/16837, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 2. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 6 April 1918, page 5:

Mr. H. Carey, of 28, Beaconsfield Road, The Honies, Bexhill, has received the distressing news that another of his sons has been killed in action in Flanders. This is Corpl. A. V. Carey, who was transferred from the Bedfords to the Buffs, and who won the Military Medal at Loos, in April, 1917. A. touching letter from Lieut. A. J. Brock conveys the sad tidings. The corporal died a brave and gallant death on March 22nd after having nobly volunteered to accompany an officer who was sent to withdraw some men who were in danger of being cut off. The pair came under machine gun fire, and the corporal was mortally wounded, dying in a few minutes. The officer succeeded in getting through and delivering his message, but had he been alone it is not likely that he could have suceeeded, as only one target would then have been presented to the enemy instead of two. Corporal Carey was held in high esteem by his officers and comrades, who feel his loss keenly. He joined up in April, 1915, and was 25 years of age.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 April 1918, page 8:

STEMMING THE TIDE
LOCAL LOSSSES IN THE GREAT BATTLE
THE FIGHTING CAREYS

Few local families have such record as the Careys, of Beaconsficld-road. On Tuesday the sad news of the death of one of their sons. Corporal Albert Victor Carey, of the Buffs, to which he had been transferred from the Bedfords, was received.

Corporal Carey, who was 25 years of age, was next to the youngest of five sons, four of whom enlisted in the Bedfords, and one in the Canadians. Of these, Sergeant P. W. C. Carey was killed some time ago The Canadian was badly wounded, and is still under treatment in Canada. Another is at home, having been invalided and discharged. One, who lost his leg and was a prisoner in Germany, is now in Brighton, learning a trade.

Sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Carey in this latest misfortune. Corporal Carey's officer, a lieutenant, writing with expressions of condolence, says:— “With the very greatest sympathy and sorrow I must tell you that your son died a brave and gallant death on the evening of the 22nd, in the fighting The order had been given to our troops to retire to a certain trench line, and your son nobly volunteered to accompany an officer who was sent to withdraw some men who were in danger of being cut off and who would not otherwise have received the order. On the way they came under enemy machine gun fire from a flank, as well as the fire of our own men towards the enemy. They had to cover about 600 yards of exposed ground, where there were no other troops, so that they were the only target for the enemy machine guns. When about two-thirds of the distance had been safely covered, your son was mortally wounded, and died in a few moments a painless death. The officer eventually succeeded in reaching the troops in front, and was able to deliver the message which made it possible for the threatened troops to withdraw. Had he been alone through the journev it is almost certain they would never have got through alive, so your son’s death was one which indirectly may have saved a hundred lives for England. May you both have strength to bear the shock as your son would have wished you to bear i. I t have known your son and his work for nearly two years, and it was I who recommended him for the Military Medal after his bravery in the Loos fighting in April, 1917. He was always one of the bravest, strongest, and most conscientious fellows that I had known. All who knew him wish to offer you both their very greatest sympathy and regret, not for his death, but for your sake.”

Second Lieutenant (Observer), 45th Squadron (General List), Royal Flying Corps. Killed in action while flying in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter A8226 27 May 1917; the pilot was Captain L. W. McArthur; Germans dropped message behind Allied lines with notification of his death. Son of W. A. Carey, of 38, Devonshire Road, Bexhill, Suffolk. In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born bexhill, Sussex, son of William A and Georgina Carey, resident Ewart Lodge, Jameson Road, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, an Ironmonger Assistant, son of William Arthur and Georgina Garline Emily Carey, resident 38, Devonshire Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in HARLEBEKE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Harelbeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XVII. Row B. Grave 11.

Rifleman 7983, 4th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action 3rd October 1918 in France and Flanders. Born Hailsham, Sussex, enlisted Hastings, Sussex, resident Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Mr. J. Carey, of 59, Sidley St., Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in TEMPLEUX-LE-GUERARD BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot I. Row K. Grave 7. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - 18 August 1917

He came from India to France and was transferred to Salonika, where he has been for nearly two years. He has been in the Army ten years.

[Transcriibed as B CAREY, Private, Royal West Surrey] Private L/10466, 1st Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment. 1st. Divison. Killed in action on the Marne 18 September 1914. Born in Sidley and enlisted in Eastbourne. Next of kin Sidley. Name included on Sidley Parish Church W.M. (F. Carey). No known grave. Commemorated on LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et-Marne, France. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Sergeant 16829, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 18 June 1917 in France and Flanders. Aged 28. Born, resident and enlisted Bexhill. Son of Henry and Annie Carey, of 26, Beaconsfield Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Elizabeth Maria Carey, of 464, 12th St. N.W., Hillhurst, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Buried in PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row R. Grave 42. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 30 June 1917, page 5:]

Mr. and Mrs. H. Carey, of 26, Beaconsfield-road, received the sad intelligence on Saturday that their second son, Sergeant P. W. L. Carey, Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed by a rifle grenade while in the front line on the 18th June.

Sergeant Carey was wounded by a bullet in the knee during a bayonet charge in the advance last September. He was formerly first footman to Lady Ermyntrude Malet.

The late Sergeant Carey was one of five brothers in a family whose sacrifices to patriotism have been more than usually heavy. It will be remembered that the younger son, Private Cyril Carey, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, lost a leg, and was for some months a prisoner in Germany. Another brother was obliged to use crutches, and another came home after serious illness.

In a letter of sympathy from the Commanding Officer of the Company to Mrs. Carey, the writer says, referring to Sergeant Carey: "He was a very fine N.C.O. who could be trusted and depended on in any situation. He was very popular with the men, and is greatly missed by us all. Your husband's body will be buried to-morrow in the British Cemetery at--."

Second-Lieutenant Weller, in another letter of sympathy says: "It was my privilege to spend the best part of the last two hours of his life with your husband. I always considered him the keenest sergeant in the company, and spent many pleasant moments in his society. Sergeant Carey went along the trench to see how some of his men were getting on. After awhile a German rifle grenade lauded right where he was. His wound was hardly noticeable, but he was killed instantaneously, by a fragment penetrating his head. His men are all extremely cut up about his death. I myself can hardly realise that he is no longer in charge of No. 2 platoon. I miss him very much, for not only was he a good friend to all his men, but his singing and cheerful conversation used to cheer me also. He has died doing his bit in the fight against German savagery, and now I feel sure he has been, and is enjoying the faithful warrior's rest in the unseen world."

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 23 September 1916, page 10:

The family of Mr. and Mrs. H. Carey, of Beaconsfield-road, The Honies, has been well represented at the Front, and several members have suffered in the defence of their country. A day or two ago news was received that sergeant P. W. L. Carey, Bedfordshire Regiment, had been wounded by a bullet in the knee during a bayonet charge in the great advance, on the 5th inst. He is now in hospital at Birmingham.

Of his brothers one has lost a leg, another is obliged to use crutches, and another, after serious illness, is now at home. Another is still at the Front.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 30 September 1916, page 10:

WOUNDED WHILE BOMB THROWING.

Sergeant P. W. L. Carey, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, who was wounded in action on the 15th inst., is suffering from a wound in the head sustained when throwing a bomb, as well as the bullet wound in the knee mentioned in our last issue. It was during a bayonet charge, and he and a comrade accounted for two Germans who were opposing them. He is one of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. Carey, of Beaconsfield-road, The Honies.

Private, County And City Of London - probably Frank Gayler, Private 252991, 1st/3rd (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers), London Regiment. 56th Division. Killed in action at Ypres 15 August 1917. Aged 27. Son of Albert and Martha Alice Gayler of 53, Cornwall Road, Bexhill. Born in Clapham and enlisted in Fulham. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 52.

[Listed as R E on Bexhill Memorial] Stoker 1st Class 223109, H.M.S. Aboukir, Royal Navy. Drowned in the North Sea when H.M.S. Aboukir was sunk by a German submarine 22 September 1914. Aged 27. Born 3 February 1887 in Lynn, Norfolk. Son of Samuel Chaplin, of Carr Terrace, Docking, Norfolk; husband of Ellen E. Tree (formerly Chaplin), of 107, Windsor Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Enlisted 3 February 1905 for 12 years, height 5 feet 8 inches, black hair, grey eyes, ruddy complexion. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 4. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene and Norfolk, Great Bircham- See also Samuel Thomas GRATTAGE

Note: H.M.S. Aboukir was a Cressy Class cruiser of the Royal Navy. Displacement of 12,000 tons. Armament: two 9.2 ins guns (bow and stern), twelve 6 ins quick-firers in a central battery and many more small quick-firers and machine guns. Speed: 21 knots. Launched 16 May 1900. HMS Aboukir, along with HMS Cressy and HMS Hogue, were all torpedoed by the German U-boat U9 on 22 September 1914.

Private 628966, 14th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment). Died 4 June 1917. Age 28. Born 3rd January 1891 in Hastings. Enlisted 11 June 1915 at Vernon, British Columbia aged 24 years 5 months, passed fit on 10 June. Son of Charles and Jane Chessell, of 9, Starrs Cottages, Hastings, Sussex but attestation papers state next of kin to be Nrs J C Chessell of Bxehill, Sussex. Labourer by trade. Height 5 feet 6 inches, girth 36½ inches. Complexion dark, eyes blue, hair brown, religion Church of England. Buried in VIMY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, FARBUS, Pas de Calais, France. Row E. Grave 7. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1669 - 34

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 7 July 1917, page 5:

Mrs. Dibley, of 30, Salisbury-road, has just received the news that her brother, Private Fred Chessell, Canadian Infantry, was killed in action on the 18th June.

Private Chessell worked for Mr. Camp, 42. St. Leonards-road, for six years, and went to Canada in 1913. When war broke out he came to England and was in France about a year.

Lance Corporal SD/2646, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 12th Divsion. Killed in action near Monchy 3 May 1917. Born in Reading and enlisted in Hastings. Formerly with the South Downs Battalions. Name also included on the Chichester City Memorial and Swanage Dorset. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6.

Sapper 10500, 56th Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 24 March 1915. Aged 35. Born Taunton, Somerset, enlisted London. Son of John and Eliza Churchill, of Taunton, Somerset. Buried in WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 15A.

Sapper 534260, 490th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 25 March 1918 in France and Flanders. Age 32. Enlisted Bexhill-on-sea. Husband of Ella Mary Clark, of 37, Havelock Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 10 to 13. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 18 May 1918:

Old friends at Bexhill will regret to hear that Mrs. Clark has been notified that her son, Sapper. A. Clark, R.E. is reported wounded and has been missing since the 25th March. He is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Clark, formerly of Henniker's Farm, Buckholt, near Bexhill. If any comrades of his company could give tidings Of him, any news will he gratefully received by his mother and brothers now living at 63, Warley Road, Brighton.

Private SD/1013, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 3rd September 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Age 36. Born Ninfield, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Husband of Hannah M. Clark, of 7, Claremont Rd., Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7 C. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Sergeant L/9157, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Killed in action at Richebourg L'Avoue 9 May 1915. Aged 29. Son of Mr Clay and Mrs Mary Ann Redmile-Clay, of "Tweespruit," New Romney, Kent. Born in Sutton Bridge Lincolnshire and enlisted in Rye. Regular Soldier. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), Medialle Militaire (France), Cross of St. George 3rd Class (Russia), Mentioned in Despatches. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 20 and 21.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 June 1915, page 2:

FOR KING & COUNTRY
BEXHILL MEN'S SACRIFICE.
SERGT . CLAY KILLED IN ACTION.

We regret to state that Mr. John William Clay, of 5, Eversley Road, Bexhill, has received an official communication from the War Office, stating that his son, 9157 Serg. Percy Parker Clay, of the Royal Sussex Regt., was killed at Richebourg L'Avoue, France, on the 9th of May. The deceased was 28 years of age at the time of his death.

At an early age young Clay, having a wish to go into the Army, wrote to Lord Roberts, endeavouring as a lad to get into the Marines. Lord Roberts kindly sent the letter on to one of the depots, but there was no opening just at the time. Being ambitious of entering the King's service, the youth joined the Navy, and served till he was 21, taking several voyages to different parts of the world. He eventually, when he was 21 years of age, bought himself out, and settled down at home, working with his father at the tailoring business.

Six years ago he enlisted in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and served with that regiment in various places. When war was declared, he went abroad with the regiment, and a very few days after he had reached the firing line was wounded in the head at the battle of Mons, a piece of shrapnel, about two inches long, also lodging in his left forearm. He returned home for treatment at the Military Hospital, Colchester. He had been acting sergeant before the war broke out, and soon afterwards was confirmed in the rank of sergeant. He was mentioned in Sir John French's dispatches for distinguished services, and awarded a British medal, and recommended for a French medal. One of the services he rendered was a reconnaissance with two comrades in the German lines, from which they all returned safely, and brought back with them valuable information, for which they were thanked by their commanding officer.

One of the late Sergt. Clay's brothers (Cyril) is now assistant scoutmaster at New Romney.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 June 1915, page 3:

BEXHILL SERGEANT KILLED.
A FIGHTER LAND AND SEA.

It is with much regret that record the death in action on May 9th of Sergeant C. Percy Clay, 2nd Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment, son of Mr. J. W. Clay, tailor, of Camber, Eversley-road, Bexhill. An official notice received this week states that Sergeant Clay was killed at Richebourg L’Avoue, but no particulars are given as to the manner in which he met his death excepting the brief "killed in action.”

Sergeant Clay was one of those dating spirits who have made the British Army what it is. In his short life —he was only 28 years of age—he served his country upon sea and land, and received high honours for bravery from both British and French authorities.

Of an adventurous disposition, young Clay forsook the tailoring trade for a life afloat, and enlisted in the Royal Navy. In that service he travelled round the world and had exciting experiences in many countries. He was a great favourite with his shipmates and liked by his officers as a reliable hard working seaman who nevertheless had an independent disposition which caused him to stand up for the rights of his messmates. A good story is told by Clay’s friends of how one occasion he braved Prince Louis Battenberg to his face and told that Admiral certain things about the Service. He served under Admiral Jellicoe on H.M.S. Drake, and was on several other vessels. After serving in the Navy some years, he left the Service, came to Bexhill, and worked for his father at the tailoring trade. He joined the 6th Sussex Battery of the R.F.A., and lived at Bexhill for some time, but his adventurous instincts reasserted themselves, and in 1909 he enlisted in the 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment. At the time of the declaration of war he was a lance-sergeant, and saw some hard fighting, being in the thick of the battles from Mons onwards. A conspicuous act of gallantry earned him that coveted decoration, the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sergeant Clay, with great daring, carried an important message through the German lines. This brave act coming to the knowledge of the French authorities, he was awarded the Medaille Militaire.

Private 42280, 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. 36th Ulster Division. Killed in action 24 August 1918. Aged 39. Husband of Mrs Anna Lavinia Clifton of 54 Western Road Bexhill. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. No known grave. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 9.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 5 October 1918:

After long service in the East, Private William Clifton. Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been killed on the Western Front. He was formerly in the Army Veterinary Corps, and was in Egypt, at Salonika, and in Italy, before going to France. lie was then transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Private Clifton was in Salonika at the time of the great fire there, and he rendered assistance in it. He leaves a widow and three boys. He was 38 years of age, and his home address was in Western Road. His father and mother reside at Springfield Road, and two brothers are in the Army. Before enlisting he was coachman to a lady in Dorset Road. Private Albert Owers (recently wounded) and his brother, of Haddocks Hill, are nephews of Private Clifton.

Private, County And City Of London,

Lance Corporal 427642, 16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment). Died 9 April 1917. Age 27. Born 4 November 1888 in Bexhill, Sussex. Enlisted and passed fit 11 September 1915 at Moose Jaw, Saskatawan, aged 26 years 19 months (sic)?. Height 5 feet 9½ inches, girth 38 inches, complexion dark, eyes blue, hair dark brown, religion Church of England. Extra note on his enlistment states he needs his teeth seeing to. Son of Richard and Alice Cockett. Motorman by trade. Single man. Spent 3years serving with the Cinqueports Volunteers. Buried in NINE ELMS MILITARY CEMETERY, THELUS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row G. Grave 30. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1831 - 17

[Spelt Willard in some records] Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment and Royal Flying Corps. 21st. Division. Died of wounds suffered near Arras 9 April 1917. Aged 25. Native of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Son of Mr and Mrs F. A. Cocks of "Jesmond," Ryde, Isle of Wight. B.A. Trinity College, Cambridge. In the 1911 census he was aged 19, born Hause, France, son of Fanny Cocks, resident St Arvan's, Magdalen Road, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3 and 4. See also Cambridge, Trinity College World War 1

Lieutenant Wylland (sic) Fleetwood Cocks, formerly “St. Arcane,” Magdalen road, Bexhill, late of “Iesmond,” Dover Street, Isle of Wight, late the Lincolnshire Regiment. B.A. Trinity College, Cambridge, aged 25 years, who was killed in action at Arras in France on the 9th April last, left state valued at £1,223 19s. 4d. Miss Fanny Adelaide Cocks, of “Iesmond,” Dover Street, is the Executrix.

Lieutenant, Royal Artillery (TF) attached to "A" Trench Mortar Battery, 114th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. 26th Division. Macedonian Front. Killed in action 2 April 1917. Aged 26. Born 5 September 1891. Son of Mr and Mrs E. H. Coleman of "Whitefield," De La Warr Road, Bexhill. Husband of Mrs Dorothy Gwendoline (nee Petehell) Coleman, of Eastbourne, Sussex. Brother of Herbert Edward Evatt Coleman who also fell (see below). Included on Dulwich College Memorial. Buried in DOIRAN MILITARY CEMETERY, Greece. Plot VI. Row D. Grave 16.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, page 58:

COLEMAN, EDWARD CHARLES, Lieut., 4th East Anglian Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, yst. s. of E. H. Coleman, of Bexhill ; educ. Dulwich College, and Pembroke College, Cambridge; held a commission in the Reserve of Officer+. Royal Field Artillery ; volunteered for active service on the outbreak of war ; went to Egypt, and later to Salonica, and was killed in action 2 April, 1017. He was a good all-round athlete, and played for Essex County Cricket Club in 1012. He m. Dorothy Gwendolen, dau. of (—) Petehell.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 21 April 1917, page 8:

KILLED IN ACTION.

Lieut. E. C. Coleman, R.F.A.. 4th East Anglian Brigade, was attached to the Salonica Army, and was killed on 2nd April. Educated at Dulwich College and Pembroke College, Cambridge, prior to the war he held a commission in the Reserve of Officers. At the outbreak of war he at once volunteered for active service, and previous to being sent to Salonica had served in Egypt. Shortly before leaving England he married Dorothy Gwendolyn (née Petchell), who resides at Eastbourne, and was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Coleman, of Bexhill, where he was well known. He was aged 25, and a good all-round athlete. His elder brother (a lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment) was killed on the Somme last September. May they both rest in peace, having done their duty nobly and well.

Extract from School And University Students, Dulwich College Register:

6428. COLEMAN, Edward Charles, b. 5 Sept. 1891, br. of 6427 ; Ivyholme ; editor "Alleynian" 1909-10 ; 2nd XV 1908-9-10 ; XI 1907, 8, 9, 10 (C.) ; Capt. of Fives 1909-10 ; Lt. July 1910 ; U. 5th ; Pembroke Coll. Camb. ; R.F.A., 2nd Lt. Res. of Officers. Great War : Lt. Jan. 1915, Egypt and Salonica ; Essex XI 1911 ; m. Dorothy G. Petchell ; killed in action 2 Apr. 1917, at Salonica.

Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Killed in action at Ginchy on the Somme 9 September 1916. Aged 23. Eldest Son of Mr and Mrs E. H. Coleman of De la Warr Road Bexhill. Commissioned in July 1916. Educated at Dulwich College. Brother of Edward Charles Coleman who also fell (see above). Included on Dulwich College Memorial. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7 C.

Extract from School And University Students, Dulwich College Register:

6427. COLEMAN, Herbert Edward Evatt, b. 8 Aug. 1889, s. of —, E. H., 225 Brixton Hill, br. of 6428 ; L. July 1908 ; R.; Lincoln Coll. Oxf. ; Inner Temple ; B. at L. Apr. 1912. Great War : Pte. 19th (Public Schools) Bn. R. Fusiliers, France ; 2nd Lt. 3rd Bn. R. Sussex Regt. July 1916 ; killed in action 9 Sept. 1916, at High Wood.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 23 September 1916, page 10:

Yet another Bexhill officer has lost his life at the Front. Second-Lieutenant H. E. E. Coleman, Royal Sussex Regiment, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Coleman, of White-field, 35, De La Warr-road, was killed in action on 9 September.

He joined the Public Schools Brigade at the outbreak of the War, and received his commission a few months ago. He was in the trenches in France all last winter. He fell in action at Guillemont, aged 27. Deceased was a barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple.

Second Lieutenant (commanding officer of "A" Company), 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, formerly with the 12th Battalion. 12th Division. Killed in action near Senlis Mill 5 April 1918. Next of kin residents of Bexhill. Buried in BOUZINCOURT RIDGE CEMETERY, ALBERT, Somme, France. Plot II. Row M. Grave 18.

[Name listed as P C COOK on memorial] Airman Second Class 60494, Recruits Depot, Royal Flying Corps. Died of meningitis 13 March 1917. Aged 18. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Samuel Cook and the late Mary Anne Cook, of 8, Wilton Road, Bexhill. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference E. F. L2.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Sergeant 741864, "B" Battery, 243rd Brigade (Territorial Force), Royal Field Artillery. Died in England 15 April 1918. Age 47. Born Forest Row, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Son of George and Ellen Coppard; husband of Naomi Coppard, of 23, Beaconsfield Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BEXHILL CENETERY, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Grave reference E. F. O18.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 20 April 1918, page 5:

Councillor and Mrs. George Coppard, of Beaconsfield Road, have received the sad intelligence that their eldest son, Serg,. George Coppard. R.F.A., had died in hospital at Bungay, Suffolk. Previous to the war he was a member of the local battery of the Territorial Artillery, and has been since engaged on instructional work. It was only a fortnight ago that Councillor Coppard received the news that his second son, Sergt. W. J. Coppard, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, had been wounded by shrapnel, and was in hospital at Halifax. Of the three other sons serving, Pte. (Acting-Corpl.) A. V. Coppard, Royal Sussex Regt., has just been awarded the Belgian Decoration Militaire.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 20 April 1918, page 8:

COUNCILLOR COPPARD LOSES SON.

Much sympathy is felt for Councillor G. Coppard, in the death of his eldest son, Sergeant-Instructor George Coppard, Royal Field Artillery, at the age of 48. Sergeant Coppard succumbed to pneumonia and bronchitis after a few days' illness near Bungay, Suffolk. About a week ago Sunday his relatives were informed by letter that he was not very well. On Monday a telegram to his wife acquainted her with the serious turn the illness had taken, and she and a sister immediately left for Suffolk.

It is singular that Sergeant Coppard should lose his life in England after long military career when the other sons on active service should have been more fortunate. He had just completed 28 years' service, including the time spent in the Territorials. Latterly he had been training American officers and soldiers in signalling, which was his special work, and for which he had high praise in the South African War, when he served through the whole campaign under Lord French, Sir Ian Hamilton, and others. He was for over 13 years in India, and possessed several medals.

When in Bexhill he was one of the leading members of the Fire Brigade, and was a Territorial. He worked for the De La Warr Estate and at what is now the Pavilion. Since the outbreak of the present war he had been training men at different places. Sergeant Coppard was man of excellent physique and health, and it was characteristic that he said would rather die fighting tor England than as a civilian.

The bodv was brought to Bexhill last (Friday) evening. The funeral will probably take place on Monday.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Lieutenant, 57th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (General List). Killed in action 20th Novmber 1917 in France and Flanders. Age 21. Son of Benjamin and Edith Charlotte Coppard, of Bexhill-on-Sea, and Tunbridge Wells. Buried in LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 7.

Extract from St Peter’s Church Parish Magazine 1917 December:

The sympathy of many Bexhill people went out on Friday, Nov. 23rd, to Mr. and Mrs. B. Coppard, when news was received that their only son had been killed on the previous Tuesday. From the A.S.C. Lieut. Stewart Coppard was transferred after the usual training to the Flying Corps, and received his wings for bringing down an enemy flying machine in September. He was an old pupil of Bedford House, and Holmwood Schools, afterwards proceeding to Tonbridge. Warm letters of appreciation from the Chaplain and from fellow officers have been received by his father, speaking of his high character, bravery and coolness. He lived as those who loved him best would have him live, and died a noble death, which any true-hearted man might desire. R.I.P.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 24 November 1917:

Much sympathy will be felt with Mr. and Mrs. B. Coppard, of Barclay's Bank, Devonshire Road, in the death of their only child, Second-Lieut. S. B. H. Coppard, who was killed on Tuesday. The sad news was received by telegram. Lieut. Coppard originally joined the Army Service Corps and went to France, but when able to do so he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He came back for training, and returned to France about the beginning of September. His last visit to Bexhill at that time, was shortly before his twenty first birthday. He had been in France altogether about 18 months and was entitled to a fall lieutenancy, but had not been gazetted. He was expecting to come home for his Christmas leave. Within a fortnight of his return to France he brought down his first Hun, and was mentioned and received his wings at once. Flying as an observer at 9,000 feet, he had a very narrow escape. His pilot was hit and Second-Lieut. Coppard took control and brought the machine and the pilot back safely. He was educated at Bedford House and Holmwood School, Bexhill, and at Tonbridge School.

Private SD/1875, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 30 June 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Hooe, near Bexhill, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 69 to 73. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Private 33950, 1/6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment formerly TF/203237, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 5th Division. Killed in action at Ypres 4 October 1917. Born in Marwood Devon and enlisted in Chichester. Next of kin Bexhill. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28.

[Spelt COWDRAY memorial] Gunner 119954, 20th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 9 April 1918. Aged 32. Husband of Mrs Ethel Kate Cowdrey of 41 Sidley Street Sidley Bexhill. Born in Pimlico and enlisted in Chichester. Buried in BEUVRY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row B. Grave 4. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Probably the following although listed as G COWDREY, extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 20 April 1918, page 8:

SIDLEY GUNNER KILLED.

Many people will be sorry to bear that Gunner G. Cowdrey R.G.A., has been killed. The report came unofficially in a letter from a Chaplain at the front.

Gunner Cowdrey was well ktiowii iii business circles, having worked for the past ten or eleven years for Mr G. T. Sabin at St Leonards-road. Ile had been in France about a year. Ilis home address is 41, Sidley-street. Sympathy will be felt for his wife in her logs.

Private G/17670, 10th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. 41st. Division. Died 14 February 1917. Aged 40. Son of George and Mary Anne Crisp. Husband of Mrs Emily Crisp of 30 Silvester Road Bexhill. Born in Stopham Sussex and enlisted in Hastings. Formerly G/12819, Royal Sussex Regiment. Buried in GORRE BRITISH AND INDIAN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 12.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 17 March 1917:

The sad intelligence of the death of Private Frederick Crisp, Royal West Kent Regiment, from bronchitis contracted in the trenches, has been received. Private Crisp, whose home was at 30, Silvester Road, was in the employment of Mr D. B. McGregor in Station Road, and was 40 `years of age. He leaves a widow and two children. Private Crisp joined up last June and went out to the Front in October. His health had not been satisfactory since enlisting. He had resided at Bexhill about eighteen mouths, and came from Havant, where he occupied a responsible position in the establishment of Messrs. Levett and Fry, and was well-known and respected, having been there for many years. He joined the Royal Sussex, but was transferred to the Royal West Kents.

Private G/65312, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. 3rd. Division. Killed in action near Arras 6 May 1917. Aged 40. Son of Mr and Mrs Crossingham of 1 Wrestwood Road Bexhill. Born and enlisted in Hastings. Formerly wiith The East Kents. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.

Henry John

Sergeant G/6428, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 26 August 1918. Born Bulverhythe, Sussex, enlisted Hastings. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Cruttenden. of the Bull Inn, Bulverhythe. Married Kathleen C Riggulesford in the April to June Quarter 1918 in Hastings Registration District, Sussex. In the 1891 census he was newborn, born Sussex, son of Henry and Deborah Cruttenden, resident Bull Inn, Bexhill Road, Hastings, Sussex. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born St Leonard's, Sussex, son of henry J and Deborah A Cruttenden, resident Bull Inn, Bexhill Road, Hastings St Mary Bulverhithe, Hastings, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Hastings, Sussex, a House Painter, son of Henry James and Deborah Anne Cruttenden, resident Bull Inn Bexhill Road St Leonards on Sea, Hastings, Sussex. Buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row H. Grave 4.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, Saturday 14 September 1918, page 4:

NON-COM. KILLED IN ACTION

A member of a family well known to Bexhill. Sergeant John Cruttenden, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cruttenden. of the Bull Inn, Bulverhythe. has been killed in action. He joined up early in the war with the Royal Sussex.

One of his brothers is serving in France and one in Scotland.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 21 September 1918, page 8:

KILLED ON MARRIAGE EVE

Sergeant H. J. Cruttenden (Jack), second son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Cruttenden, of the Bull Inn, Bulverhythe, was killed in action on the 26th of August. He enlisted in September 1914, receiving his training with the Southdowns at Cooden. He went to France in March, 1916, and was wounded in July, 1917. He was being daily expected home on special marriage leave. The eldest son is serving in France with the R.G.A., and the youngest son has been in hospital since April suffering from shell shock.

Private SD/1878, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 22nd April 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Age 27. Born Ramsgate, enlisted Bexhill. Husband of Mary A. Culver, of 3, Camperdown Street, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in GUARDS CEMETERY, WINDY CORNER, CUINCHY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row Q. Grave 6.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 6 May 1916, page 4:

SOUTHDOWN'S DEATH AT THE FRONT.

Mrs. Culver, of 3, Camperdown Street, received a letter on Saturday from Lieut. Booth, of the 12th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, stating that her husband, Pte. G. S. Culver, had been killed in action. Pte. Culver was aged 27 years, and had been out at the Front for about two months. He leaves a widow and three children. The official War statement has not yet been received.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 May 1916, page 8:

TOLL OF THE BRAVE
SIDLEY SOUTHDOWN KILLED
PRIVATE G. S. CULVER

Mrs. Culver, of 3, Camperdown Street, Sidley, received the sad news on Saturday, that her husband, Private G. S. Culver, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed in action on April 22nd.

Lieutenant L. Booth, of Pte. Culver’s Battalion, wrote as follows: —

“I very much regret to have to inform you of the death of your husband, which occured instantaneously in the trenches last night, April, 22nd. He was standing by Sergeant Butler, of his platoon, when a rifle grenade exploded near them, with fatal results to both. The officers of this company wish to express their great sympathy for you in your sad bereavement, and trust you will be cheered to some extent to know that he died a noble death. Your husband has been with me in this Company ever since the Battalion was formed at Bexhill about a year and half ago, and at all times his conduct and courage has been worthy of the highest praise. Again expressing the sympathy felt for you, by the officers in the Company.”

Private W. T.Perry wrote to Mrs. Culver as follows:

“As one of the pals of your husband, I need not tell you how sorry we are—the whole Company— and how we feel the loss of your dear husband, who found a soldier’s death We, and you, have the consolation of knowing he died instantly and could not have suffered an instant. He is buried in a very nice cemetery and will have a cross erected to his memory Thank God he died a man doing his duty, and we pray that that fact may soften the heavy blow we are all assured you must feel. We pray that the Consoler of all hearts will help and comfort you. Any further information I can afford you will gladly be proffered. Assuring you of our heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Platoon.”

This letter is also signed by Sergeant W. Tomley, the Platoon Sergeant.

Private Culver, who was 27 years of age, leaves a wife and three children.