Sergeant 7151, 261st. Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action near Ypres 23 August 1917. Aged 38. Son of Philip Baker and Mary Daniels. Born in Tooting Surrey and enlisted in London. Next of kin Upper Tooting. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Buried in BELGIAN BATTERY CORNER CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot I. Row K. Grave 13.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 29 September 1917, page 9:

Sergt. H. B. Daniels (7151), R.G.A., of Bexhill, appears in the official list of killed.

Lance Sergeant TF/1872, 1/5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 48th Division. Killed with 11 comrades by a single shell in Martinpuich Churchyard 14 November 1916. Aged 29. Son of Edward Lusby Dash and Jane Lavinia Dash, of St. Leonards-on-Sea; husband of Snowdrop Dash, of 39, Salisbury Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Born in St. Leonards and enlisted in Hastings. Name included on Hastings War Memorial. Buried in MARTINPUICH BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Row E. Grave 16.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 25 November 1916, page 10:

SERGEANT J. L. DASH KILLED.

It is with regret that we announce the death of Sergeant John Lusby Dash, Royal Sussex Regiment. who was killed in action on the 14th.

He was the husband of Mrs. Dash, of Lorne House. Western-road, St. Leonards, and one of the eight sons, now serving their country, of Mr. and Mrs. Dash, of 3, Western-road. He enlisted three days after the outbreak of war, and had been at the Front nearly two years. Previous to the war Mr. Dash was employed by Skinners, of St. Leonards, and was well known and much respected in the town.

The young man was only 29 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children. Mrs. Dash has received a letter from Sergant Dash's officer, in which he says: “It is with utmost regret that I have to inform you of the death of Sergeant. J. L. Dash, who was killed by the explosion of a shell. He was killed instantly, so you may have the comfort of knowing that he suffered no pain. I cannot say how grieved I am to have to write this news to you, as your husband was one of my most valued N.C.O.'s, and a friend for whom I had the greatest affection. I can only trust that your grief will be softened by the knowledge that he died a man's death for his country, and to save his relations from the horrors of war of which we out here have seen so much.”

Deep sympathy will be extended to the widow and family in their sad loss.

Rifleman O/51, 12th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). 37th Division. Killed in action during the March Retreat 30 March 1918. Aged 19. Son of Frederick William and Alice Amelia Dawson of 25 Beaconsfield Road Bexhill. Born in Cambridge and enlisted in Chichester. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 81 to 84. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 July 1918, page 7:

Rifleman J. T. S. Dawson, Rifle Brigade, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Dawson, of 100, Reginald-road, who was wounded some little time ago, is officially reported missing.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 21 December 1918, page 4, and Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 21 December 1918, page 5:

Mr. and Mr,. D. W. Dawson, of 100, Reginald Road, have just heard through Mr. J. R. Willy, of St. Heliers, Belle Hill, the sad new, of the death in action of their second and youngest son, Rfn. J. T. S. Dawson, 0/51 Rifle Bridade, who was 19frac12; years of age, and had been in the Army just over a year. Before joining up he worked at Messrs. Waite and Sons, Belle Hill, and the Cayenne Works, St. Leonards. Previously he was for over two years under gardener the late Ven. Archdeacon Churton. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have one other son, P. F. Dawson, in the R.F.A. on the Western front, who was home on leave last September, who has gone through the fighting both in Palestine and France without a scratch.

Major. Born 24th October 1886, only son of R. de Neufville, husband of Mrs. Elsie (nee Johnston) de Neufville, of Henstridge, Combe Martin, Devon, married April to June Quarter 1912. He was at Charterhouse [g] 1900 - 1905. He went up to New College, Oxford, he was then a pupil at Middle Temple, he was called to the Bar in 1909. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Sydenham, Kent, a Barrister, son of Richard and Elisabeth De Neufville, resident Willoughby House, 12, Crystal Palace Park Road, Sydenham, Beckenham, Kent. In the Great War he was commissioned into the Royal Garrison Artillery and served with 262nd Siege Battery. He was twice mentioned in despatches (MiD), he was awarded the D.S.O. and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. He was killed in action near Vaul Vrancourt on 21st March 1918. Grave lost. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 1. See also Charterhouse School

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1920:

DE NEUFVILLE Eustace Charles of 39 Lombard-street London major R.G.A. died on or since 21 March 1918 at Vaulx Vraucourt France Probate London 10 June to Christian Pierret banker and the reverend Donald Fitzherbert Campbell clerk. Effects £3976 3s. 9d.

Private G/3773, 8th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 27 May 1916 in France and Flanders. Age 20. Born East Ham, Essex, enlisted and resident Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Deeprose, of 26, Silvester Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in BERKS CEMETERY EXTENSION, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Plot III. Row A. Grave 41.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 3 June 1916, page 8:

SOLDIER CHORISTER KILLED

Those associated with St. Stephen’s Church will be sorry to here of the death of a member of the Choir, Private John Deeprose, of the Buffs, who was killed last Friday whilst in the trenches. He was a machine Runner, and was the eldest son of Mrs. Deeprose, of 26, Silvester-road. His officer communicated the news to his mother. It appears that he was blown out of the trench. An officer crawled out to him and gave him morphia to relieve the pain, and he was better, but succumbed on his way to the dressing station. He was buried in a military cemetery with some of his comrades, and his grave will be marked by a cross hearing his name. The officer personally regrets his loss, and speaks of him as a good soldier.

Private Deeprose was in the employment of Mr. J. Arscott, the Health Bakery, St. Leonards-road, when he joined. He had been home for a week, and only went back to the Front on the Monday before his death.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 3 June 1916, page 10:

STOOD TO HIS GUN.
Heroic Death of a Bexhill Man.

It is with regzret that we annlounce the death of Pte. H. J. Deeprose, of the Kent Buffs, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Deeprose, of 26, Silvester Road, who was killed in action on the 26 May. The sad news was received by his parents on Wednesday. The following letter is from his lieutenant, who says:—

“He was under my command in the machine-gun section, and I had always found him a very good and reliable man.”

Sergt. D. Clarke wrote: “I deeply regret to advise you of the death of your son, who was killed in action yesterday, the 26th inst. He remained at his post during a bombardment, and was struck by a shell, which killed him instantly. I can safely say he suffered no pain. His death is a great loss to the section snd his many comrades. He behaved on all occasions as a British soldier should.”

Pte. Deeprose had been at the front about nine months. He had his last leave a few days ago, and had only been back at the front three days before he was killed.

[SDGW incorrectly states death as 31 March 1918] Sergeant 27147, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment 5th Division. Killed in action 31 August 1918. Aged 27. Son of Mr and Mrs Jesse Deeprose of Ninfield. Husband of Mrs Annie Campbell Deeprose of "Bearside" Stirling Scotland. Born in Ninfield, Sussex and enlisted in Maidstone, Kent. Buried in FAVREUIL BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 6. See also Ninfield

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

KILLED WHEN LEADING HIS MEN.

Sergeant Jesse Deeprose, Royal West Kent Regiment, attached to the East Surreys, has been killed when gallantly leading his Platoon in France. He was the youngest son of Mr. Jesse Deeprose, of the Central Fish Stores, and his home address was 19, Sackville-road. He was married since the beginning of the war. Sergeant Deeprose was for two years instructor of musketry. He went out to France about Easter, and was in action almost at once. Sergeant Deeprose's earlier years were spent at Ninfield, and he was well known at Tonbridge. One of his brothers is a prisoner of war in Germany, and another is in a Labour Battalion.

Sapper 1000, 2nd Home Counties Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 10 June 1915 in France and Flanders. Aged 30. Born and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Charles James and Blanche Dennett; husband of Edith Dennett, of 7, Alexandra Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VIII. Row A. Grave 75.

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

ANOTHER ENGINEER WOUNDED.

Lance-Corporal Charles Ronald Dennett, of the 2nd Home Counties Royal Engineers (T.), was wounded on Whit-Monday. While returning from the trenches with his comrades a shell burst over them and Corporal Dennett happened be the only one hit.

The news was conveyed to his wife, Mrs. Dennett, of 7, Alexandra-road, by a friend of her husband in the following letter: —

“It is with the greatest regret I am writing let you know that Ronney was wounded yesterday (Whit-Monday). He had been out all day with a party working at the back the trenches and was returning in the evening when a shrapnel shell burst over them. Poor old Ronney was the only one hit. He has several nasty wounds, but the Sergeant who took him to the hospital was told that they were not very serious. I hope and trust it so. Needless to say are all very sorry it has happened as Ronney was one of the best. I shall miss him more than any one as we were always together when possible, but I did not happen to be with his party yesterday. . . . . Assuring you of my deepest sympathy. I remain, etc., C. Clark.”

On Monday evening Mrs. Dennett received the following official telegram “Regret to inform you that 1000 Dennett. R.E., 2nd Home Counties, is at 13 General Hospital, Boulogne, dangerously ill, shot wounds multiple.”

Lance-Corporal Dennett only joined the Engineers in October and went to the Front just before Christmas.

On Wednesday morning Mrs. Dennett received letter written for her husband by someone at the hospital, saying:— " Just a few lines to let you know that I am getting quite well, and you are not to worry, for the doctor told me this morning that I shall probably be home in England in a few days. I have a few shrapnel wounds but no broken bones. The sisters and doctors are very kind to me. One of the wounds is in my right hand so that is why I cannot write myself.”

On Thursday morning Mrs. Dennett received the following reply to a wire she sent to the Hospital at Boulogne:—

“With reference to your wire of yesterday I regret to inform you that Sapper Dennett is still in a serious condition. He was admitted here on 28 May suffering from multiple shrapnel wounds.”

DENNETT

William Alfred Harden

Sergeant G/304, 6th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 12th Division. Killed in action 22 June 1915. Aged 27. Son of George and Alice Dennett, of "The Lamb" Inn, Hooe, Battle, Sussex. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Canterbury Kent. Buried in ERQUINGHEM-LYS CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 2.

DODSON

Francis Ernest Stanley

Private 47900, 3rd/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. 11th Division. Killed in action at Ypres 14 November 1917. Aged 19. Only son of Ernest and Clara Dodson of "Woodlands," Mount Pleasant, Bexhill. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 54 to 60.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 15 December 1917, page 8:

YOUNG SIDLEY SOLDIER KILLED

Private F. E. Stanley Dodson, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Dodson, of “The Woodlands,” Mount Pleasant, Bexhill, was killed by shell fire on November 14th, only a fortnight after being sent the Front. Thus is another young life cut short at the commencement of its career, for Private Dodson had only celebrated his 19th birthday on October 24th, seven days before he sailed for France.

When war broke out in 1914 he was very keen to do "his bit," and as he was not old enough for the Army joined the St. John's Ambulance Association, and in 1915 was fully qualified and received his certificate. In December, 1915, he was enrolled as a member of the British Red Cross. He did good voluntary work in assisting in moving convoys of wounded to the various hospitals and to Normanhurst, and also assisted at various times at the Military Hospital, Cantelupe-road. He joined up on February 15th. During his training he was in a Zep. raid. As a boy he was rather shy and reserved, but with a strong sense of duty, and the way in which he so enthusiastically tried to fit himself to be of the most use to his country when he was called to serve, is an example to other lads of his age. Many will remember him lovingly, including his friends in the choir at St. Stephen's Church, Sidley Football Club, and the Sidley Gymnasium. On joining up he gave a farewell tea at the Sidley Institute, and was presented with a leather wallet, suitably inscribed. His parents mourn him deeply, but they are proud of the way in which he has done his duty “For King and Country.” He was one of the “old boys” of Trinity House School, the second to be killed in action.

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

He was formerly an active and enthusiastic member of the V.A.D. and All Saints, Sidley, Gymnastic Class. At a farewell tea last week, a presentation was made to him by members of the class.

DOUGLAS

Kenneth Mackenzie

Captain, Kings African Rifles attached from the 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Died in Hospital at Zomba from Spanish Influenza 9 December 1918. Aged 25. Son of Mr. D. S. M. and Mrs Edith Mackenzie, of 33, Collingham Place, Earls Court, London. Born in London. In the 1901 census he was aged 7, born Paddington, Middlesex, son od Donald S M and Edith E A Douglas, resident Kincardine, Brassey Road, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex,. In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Paddington, London, a Clerk, resident with his mother at 90, Vineyard and Hill Road, Wimbledon, Surrey. Buried in ZOMBA TOWN CEMETERY, Malawi. Grave 78.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 5 April 1919, page 9:

ST. BARNABAS PEACE WINDOW.

There was a vestry meeting called on Thursday evening at St. Barnabas Church to sanction the application for a faculty for the insertion of a peace memorial window in the west window space and for the erectionof a tablet by Mr. and Mrs. Sholto Douglas in memory of their son, Captain Kenneth McKenzie Douglas, who was killed in action on December, 1917. It is a very beautiful piece of work, and as the Rev. E. Mortlock said, the matter is being attended to, and the window will very shortly be completed. The tablet is to be of bronze on a dove-coloured marble foundation. The application was sanctioned.

DUNK

David Thomas

Private SD/1026, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action near Rue David 12 March 1916. First Battalion, casualty in France. Born in St. Andrews, Hastings, and enlisted in Hastings. Next of kin Bexhill. Buried in RUE-DAVID MILITARY CEMETERY, FLEURBAIX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 6.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 25 March 1916, page 5:

BEXHILL CASUALTIES
SOUTHDOWN KILLED.
PRIVATE D. DUNK

We are sorry hear of the first casualty of a Bexhill Southdown. Private D. Dunk, 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, husband of Mrs. Dunk, of 11, Salisbury-road, was killed in action on March 12th. In a letter to Mrs. Dunk, Captain Grisewood says:—

“I deeply regret to have to break some very sad and painful news to you. Your husband, No. 1,026, Private D. Dunk, was killed in action on the night of March 12th. Death was instantaneous, he was shot through the head, and so suffered no pain. His death is not only a loss to me, but he is mourned for all his comrades the Company. He is buried in a little graveyard just behind the firing line. The place will be duly notified to you, but in the meantime every care is being taken of it. I know I can fully sympathise with your feelings at your loss, but recollect that his was the best death a man could have and you need never be ashamed of your husband, having died doing his duty like a man. I should only be too pleased to give you any further details, and if you let me know I will help you in any way you can think of.”

DUNK

Harry

Rifleman 375853, 8th Battalion, London Regiment (The Post Office Rifles). Died of wounds 11 August 1918. Aged 19. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. Son of Charles and Elizabeth Dunk, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in PERNOIS BRITISH CEMETERY, HALLOY-LES-PERNOIS, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row E. Grave 7. See also Bexhill-on-Sea Post Office.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 24 August 1918:

A Inter from a hospital in France has conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dunk,, of Gunter's Lane, the sad news of the death of their eldest son, Rifleman Harry Dunk, London Regiment. Rifleman Dunk was formerly on the telegraphic staff and afterwards a postman at Bexhill. He was popular with his comrades. He joined up at the age of 18, and was in the London Regiment with many others from, the postal service. He had been only two months in France. On the 8th inst. he was wounded by a shell in the abdomen, and was taken into hospital. Everything possible was done for him but he never rallied; on the 11th he passed away in his ,sleep. He was 19 years of age. The interment was in a British military cemetery. A cross with his name and regiment marks his grave.

DUNSTER, MM

Albert

Sergeant 45099, 39th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. (Infantry). Died of wounds 13 April 1918. Aged 24. Son of Ellen Packham of 5 Chandler Road Bexhill. Born in High Halden Kent and enlisted in Selby Yorkshire. Formerly with The East Yorks. Awarded the Military Medal (MM). Buried in PERNES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 30.

DURRANT

Frank Baber

[Listed in soem places as Frank Barber DURRANT] Private 41165, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. 24th Division. Died of wounds 30 June 1918. Aged 18. Son of Horace and Ellen Durrant, of 1, North Street, Bexhill. Born in Fordcombe Kent and enlisted in Hastings. Formerly with the Bedfords. Buried in PERNES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row D. Grave 4.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 13 July 1918, page 8:

Mr. and Mrs. H. Durrant, of 51, Chandler-road; have received the sad news that their young son, Private Frank Baber Durrant, Northampton Regiment, has succumbed in hospital in France. The Sister-in-Charge, in a letter to Mrs. Durtant, written on the 2nd inst., says.: "I am extremely sorry to have to inform you that your son died in this hospital yesterday. He was suffering from severe wounds in his arm and leg. He had gas poisoning in his leg wound, and had to have it amputated. The poison had got into his system, and although everything possible was done to save him, he rapidly became worse, and died peacefully yesterday." Private Durrant is buried in a military cemetery.

The sergeant of his platoon wrote expressing regret that Private Durrant had been wounded in the left arm and left leg by a shell in the early hours of the 22nd June, whilst doing his duty like a soldier. The sergeant added : "Your son was a very good soldier, very cool under shell fire." All his company wished him a speedy recovery.

Private Durrant, who would have been 19 in September, first joined the Bedfordshire Regiment eight months ago, and went out to France at Easter. He was subsequently transferred to the Northampton Regiment. Until the time of his joining up he was employed at Mr. Turner's forge at Terminus-place.

His brother, Private Charles Durrant, unfortunately contracted malaria when in East Africa with the Army Service Corps, and is now in hospital at Devonport.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle 24 July 1918:

Private Frank B Durrant of the Northamptons, son of Mr. and Mrs. Durrant, 5 Chandler Road, died on June 30th from the effects of wounds received on June 21st. the deceased was formerly in the employ of Mr. Albert Turner, of Terminus Road Forge.