AINSCOUGH

James

Sec
P
T

Engine Room Artificer 4th Class M/12306, H.M.S. Pembroke, Died of 'spotted Fever' at Chatham Naval Hospital 22nd March 1915. Age 40. Son of Richard and Mary Ann Ainscough; husband of Elizabeth Jane Ainscough, of 2, Rose Villas, Fairfield Rd., Burgess Hill. Buried in the GILLINGHAM (WOODLANDS) CEMETERY, Kent. Grave Naval. 17. 872. Locally he is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John's Church War Memorial Board 3. Inscription on the family headstone in St. Edward’s Cemetery.

The following two reports appeared in “The Mid-Sussex Times” 30th March 1915:

Births, Marriages and Deaths
AINSCOUGH – 22nd inst., at the Chatham Naval Hospital, Engine Room Artificer James Aniscough, H M S Pembroke, of Western Road, Burgess Hill.

Sussex Casualties - Died of Illness.
James Ainscough – Burgess Hill. Burgess Hillians will be sorry to learn that Engine Room Artificer James Ainscough, of H.M.S. Pembroke, died of spotted fever on Monday, March 22nd, at the Chatham Naval Hospital. Deceased was a married man, who lived in Western Road, Burgess Hill, and he leaves a widow and a family of four. He was buried on Friday at the Cemetery connected with the Hospital with full naval honours.

ANSCOMBE

Frederick Charles

SaC
LRS
T

Private 51134, 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 5th September 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted and resident Chichester. Son of John Henry & Susan Anscombe, of 4, Westbury Terrace, Junction Road, Burgess Hill. Commemorated on the VIS-EN-ARTOIS Memorial, France. Panel 4 & 5. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew's Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board & Photo.

BALDWIN

G

T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial. No further information currently available.

BALL

Ernest

LRS
P
T

Private 44364, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borders. Killed in action 10th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 29. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Formerly 160753, Royal Engineers. No known grave. Commemorated on the TYNE COT Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium Panel reference 65 to 66. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2.St. John’s Church Memorial Board 2. London Road School Memorial Board & Photograph.

BARBER

Albert Victor

P
T

Private 25064, 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers 9City of ondon Regiment). Killed in action 11th July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Henfield, enlisted Haywards Heath. Buried in DRANOUTRE MILITARY Cemetery, Heuvelland, Belgium. Plot I. Row. G Grave 7. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John's Church War Memorial Board.

A note is made of his death in 'The Mid-Sussex Times' of 25th July, 1916:

"BURGESS HILLIANS KILLED OR WOUNDED
We are sorry to hear of several more casualties to Burgess Hill men (included in this list) Private A. V. Barber (Royal Fusiliers) who was killed in action."

BARNES

James William

SaC
LRS
T

[Listed as W J on some memorials] Private P.W.5214, 116th (Service) Battalion (Public Schools), Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 11th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Enlisted and resident Burgess Hill. Youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. George Barnes, Gordon Terrace, Mill Road, Burgess Hill. Commemorated on the MENIN GATE Memorial, Ypres, Belgium - (Panel 49 & 51). Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School Memorial Board & Photo.

The following report appeared in 'The Mid-Sussex Times' of 28th August, 1917:

KILLED IN ACTION
Unofficially the news has reached Mr. George Barnes, of Gordon Terrace, Mill Road, a well-known resident, that his youngest son, Private James William Barnes, Middlesex Regiment, was killed in action on the night of the 11th-12th inst. The sad intelligence came from an officer, who stated the Private Barnes's death was instantaneous, being due to a shell, which killed others at the same time. Mr. Barnes has also received a deeply sympathetic letter from a chaplain. Deceased, who was not quite 31 years of age, was a widower, without family. Prior to joining up he had assisted his father in his business - in fact was "his right hand" - and has also been cleaner at the Post Office.

BARTLEY

Richard

LRS
P
T

Gunner 47018, 5th Battery, 45 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds 11th May 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Brighton. Son of Mr. H. Bartley, of 7 Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill. Buried in the ROYAL IRISH RIFLES Cemetery, Laventie, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave13. Locally he is commemorated on 1.Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church Memorial Board 3. London Road School Memorial Board & Photo.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on the 25th May 1915:

KILLED BOMBARDIER RICHARD BARTELY-BURGESS HILL.
We are sorry to learn that Bombardier Richard Bartley, of the 5th Battery Royal Field Artillery, has been killed in action with the Expeditionary Force in France, having been struck by a shell on May 11th. Bombardier Bartley, of 7 St. Bede’s Terrace, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill. He was a Reservist, 25 Years of age, was recalled to the colours at the outbreak of the war, and took part in the terrific fighting at Neuve Chapelle….

BEARD

Thomas Henry

SjWM
LRS
P
T

Private TF/200493, 4th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 6th November 1917 in Egypt. Age 26. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Horsham. Son of Edwin & Mary Beard; husband of Louisa of 4 Lincoln Street, Brighton. Buried in the BEERSHEABA War Cemetery, Israel. Plot G. Grave 72. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s War Memorial Board 3. London Road School Memorial Board & Photo 4. St. John’s Chapel Memorial Tablet.

The following report appeared in Births, Marriages and Death columns of ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on the 1st January 1918:

OBITUARY COLUMN - BEARD: Killed in action in Palestine on November 6th, T.H. Beard, Royal Sussex Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. Beard, formerly of Dunstall Cottage Burgess Hill, and now of 49 Seville Street, Brighton.

KILLED IN ACTION. – Information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Beard, formerly of Dunstall Cottage, Burgess Hill and now of 49 Seville Street, Brighton, of the death of their son, T. H. Beard, he having been killed in action in Palestine on November 6th. Deceased, who was employed by Cuckfield Rural District Council, enlisted in the Royal Sussex Regiment shortly after the outbreak of hostilities, and was soon afterwards sent to the Dardanelles, where he took part in the landing and battle of Suvla Bay. Towards the close of these operations he was severely wounded and returned to England. He was afterwards sent to Egypt, where he took part, amongst other engagements, in the capture of Gaza. He leaves a widow. Mr. and Mrs. Beard have two other sons and three sons-in-law serving overseas. Mr. Beard formerly served as a sergeant in the Royal Sussex, but was invalided out on March 10th, 1916.

BIRDWOOD

Christopher William Brodrick

P
T

Captain, 1st/6th Battalion, Gurkha Rifles – Indian Army. Died 7th June 1915 from wounds received on 4th June at Gallipoli. Age 33. Son of William Spiller. & Ellen Frances Birdwood; husband of Helen, of “Wendy House”, The Down, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in PINK FARM Cemetery, Helles, Turkey. Plot IV. Row A. Grave 6. Locally he is commemorated on 1.Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in the “Mid-Sussex Times” on the 15th June 1915:

Sussex Casualties – Died of wounds
Captain Christopher William Brodrick, Birdwood, 1/6th Gurkha Rifles, died on June 7th from wounds received at the Dardanelles on June 4th, age 32. The son of General W. S. Birdwood, Baroda, India, he received his first appointment in the Yorkshire Light Infantry in January, 1902, and was transferred two years later to the Indian Army, in which he was promoted Captain in January, 1911. He saw active service in the South African War, taking part in the operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, and Cape Colony, and received the Queen’s medal with four clasps. Captain Birdwood leaves a widow, Mrs Helen Birdwood, who resides at Burgess Hill.

BLAKE

Charles

SaC
T

possibly Private TF/315492, 16th (Sussex Yeomanry) Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 2nd September 1918. Age 24. Born West Ham, Essex, enlisted Hurstpierpoint. Son of the late Thomas & Emma Blake. buried in PERONNE Communal Extension Cemetery. Plot III. Row N. Grave 3. Locally commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board 3. Ditchling War Memorial.

The following report appeared in “The Mid-Sussex Times” on October 1st 1918:

WIVELSFIELD

MRS. BLAKE, of Hazeldene, Wivelsfield, has received the sad news of the loss of her son who was killed in action on September 2nd. He joined the Royal Sussex Pioneers in 1914, and was with them in France till wounded on July 13th, 1916. Afterwards he recovered he went to Egypt and Palestine with the Royal Sussex Regiment, and returned to France in May, 1918. He was 24 years of age.

BOAKES

Jesse Sydney

P
T

Private T/201845, 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 10th November 1918 in India. Age 51. Born Cookham (SDGW states Crockham) Hill, Kent, enlisted Brighton, resident Burgess Hill. Husband of Esther Mahala Boakes of Burgess Hill. No known grave. Commemorated on the KARACHI 1914-1918 War Memorial, Parkistan. Locally he is commemorated on 1.Town War Memorial 2.St. John’s Memorial Board.

BONE

Arthur Henry

SaC

Lance Corporal G/2632, 8th Battalion, The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 25th September 1915. Age 31. Born Clapham, Surrey, enlisted London, resident Paddington, Middlesex. He was the son of Harry R. & Jane Bone of Petersfield, Hampshire & husband of Emma L. Bone, “Dorey Villa” Wivelsfield, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on the LOOS Memorial, Dud Corner Cemetery, France. Panel 13–15. Locally he is not commemorated on the Town War Memorial but is found listed on 1. St. Andrew’s Church Memorial Board.

BOWEN

Thomas

SaC
T

Private 18798, 7th Battalion, King's (Shropshire Light Infantry). Killed in action 3rd April 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Coalport, Salop, Shropshire, enlisted Guildford, resident Burgess Hill. No known grave. Commemorated on the MENIN GATE Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel 47 & 49. Locally he is commemorated on 1.Town War Memorial 2.St.John’s Church Memorial Board.

BROWN

G

T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial. No further information currently available.

BUCKLAND

Percy Augustus

SaC
T

Rifleman B/202302, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action 1st November 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 39. Born Higham, Kent, enlisted Brighton, resident Burgess Hill. Son of Mr. John & Mrs. Fanny Buckland, of Higham Rochester Kent; husband of Alice Edith Bucklland of ‘Newbury’, Burgess Hill. Formerly O/12528, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Buried in Preseau Communal Extension Cemetery, France. Plot B. Grave 3. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrews Church Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ 12th November 1918:

GAVE UP HIS LIFE
Mrs. Buckland, of Newbury Burgess Hill, has just received the sad news that her husband, Percy Buckland, Rifle Brigade, has been killed in the war. He was formerly in the employ of Mr B.T. Tassell grocer, Junction Road, who also laid down his life (killed in action 14th April 1917) for his country. Both had been in the local Company of Volunteers.

BUCKMAN

Sydney

LRS

possibly: Sidney Buckman, Guardsman 25816, 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards. Died of wounds 1st December 1917. Age 19. Born Haywards Heath the son of James & Eliza Buckman, 98 New England Road, Haywards Heath. No known grave. Commemorated on the CAMBRAI Memorial, Lonveral, France (Panel 2). Locally he is commemorated on the 1. London Road School Memorial Board & Photo.

The following report appeared in the Birth, Marriages and Deaths columns of ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on the 1st January 1918:

OBITUARY COLUMN - BUCKMAN: 1st ult., killed in action, Private Sidney Buckman, Grenadier Guards, dearly loved second son of Mr. and. Mrs. Buckman, of Lilac Cottages, New England Road, Haywards Heath, aged 19 years.

HAYWARDS HEATH – KILLED IN ACTION: Our obituary column records the death of Private Sidney Buckman, Grenadier Guards, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Buckman, of Lilac Cottages, New England Road. He was killed in action, and was aged but 19 years. The deceased soldier was formerly a gardener, and was employed at Valebridge and at Lindfield.

BUNTING

Edgar Victor

SaC
T

Pioneer 536405, Lines of Communication Signal Company, Royal Engineers. Died 10th April 1919 in Egypt. Age 35. Son of the late Edgar & Mary Bunting, of ‘The City of Hereford’ (Public House 29 Upper St. James’s St.) Brighton; husband of Elizabeth Hartley Bunting (nee Adams), of Firles Cottage, Valebridge Road, Burgess Hill. Buried in the Cairo War Cemetery, Egypt. Grave P.5. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrews Church, War Memorial Board. 3. Inscription on the family headstone in St. Andrew’s Churchyard.

BUTCHER

Robert Lennox

LRS
P
T

Private G/71522, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 8th October 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 19. Born Cuckfield, enlisted Brighton, resident Burgess Hill. Son of Mrs. C. Butcher, later of 152 Mercers Road, Tufnell Park, London and the late Robert Henry George Butcher (see below). Formerly TR/10/27210, T. R. Battalion. Buried in buried in Forenville Military Cemetery, Forenville, France. Row F. Grave 5. His name also inscribed on his father’s war grave in St. John’s Churchyard, he died in 1915, Grave Reference C.19.G.. Inscribed at the bottom of a headstone: Also in loving memory of my darling son Pte. R. L. Butcher Royal Fus. killed in action 8 October 1918 aged 19 years. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board & photo. 4. Name also inscribed on his father’s CWGC headstone in St. John’s Churchyard. Grave C. 19 .G.

BUTCHER

Robert Henry George

Y
P
T

Private SD/1218. 12th (Service) Battalion (2nd South Down), Royal Sussex Regiment. Died at home of bronchial pneumonia and haemorrhage 10th April 1915. Age 44. Born Portslade. Son of John Lennox Butcher; husband of Catherine Emma Butcher, of 8, Cross Keys, Crawley, Sussex. His son was killed in action in 1918 (see above). Buried in ST. JOHN’S CHURCHYARD, Burgess Hill Grave ref. C.19 G. (North of Church). Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board. 3. CWGC headstone St. John’s, Churchyard.

The following report appeared in the ‘Mid-Sussex Times’: 13th April 1915

Sussex Casualties Died of Illness
Corporal Robert H. G. Butcher – Burgess Hill. From bronchial pneumonia and hemorrhage the deat occurred on Friday, at his home Rose Villa, (7) Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill of Corporal Robert H. G. Butcher, No. 1218, Southdown Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. Deceased was 44 years of age. The funeral is taking place this (Tuesday) afternoon at St. John’s Church, the Regiment sending a detachment.

CAMPBELL

Norman Phillips

P
T

Temp Lt. Acting Captain, 189th Company, Special Brigade, Corps of Royal Engineers. Killed in action 3rd May 1917. No known grave. Commemorated on the ARRAS Memorial Bay 1. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church Memorial Board.

CHAPMAN

Gordon

P
T

NLance Corporal 50440, 9th (Service) Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment. (Formerly 270292 The Suffolk Regiment). Died of wounds 9th July 1917. Age 24. Born Plumpton and enlisted Chichester. Husband of J. E. Butland (formerly Chapman), 37, Osbourne Villas, Hove. Buried in NOEUX-LES-MINES, Communal Cemetery, France. Plot II. Row E. Grave 12. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on July 17th 1917:

DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY – The death of yet another Burgess Hill soldier in the service of his country has been notified, Lance Corporal Gordon Chapman, Suffolk Regiment, having been killed in action on the 8th inst. Before joining the Army he was for some years in the service of Mrs. Barclay, of Burgess Hill, being nephew to her housekeeper, Mrs. Cheese. He was 24 years of age.

CLEMENTS

Albert Edward

SaCy

Lance Corporal 711, 10th (County of London) Battalion (Hackney). The London Regiment. Killed 13th November 1914. born Bethnal Green, enlisted Hackney, residence Hackney. Buried South-East of Church in ST. ANDREWS Churchyard, Burgess Hill. Locally he is commemorated: 1. CWGC headstone St. Andrew’s Churchyard.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on November 17th 1914:

ALONG THE LINE TO LIFE’S TERMINUS – London Territorial Killed at Burgess Hill – The Inquest Yesterday.

The danger of patrolling the railway has again been emphasised locally, and the bad luck sustained by the King’s Liverpool Rifles:

(two soldiers, Private Cyril Letheren, at Haywards Heath and Rifleman Francis John Owen, at Balcombe) both serving with the 6th (Rifle) Battalion The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) had lost their lives in September 1914, when struck by trains on the “London Brighton & Southcoast Railway”),

now appears to be attending the London Territorials. The latest victim was Lance-Corporal Albert Edward Clements, of the 10th Battalion County of London Regiment, who lost his life on Friday.

He had been to Wivlesfield Railway Station, and was returning to his post at Spatham Lane, Near Ditchling Common, walking on the “down” line between the station named and the Junction Road level crossing, when he was struck and killed by a train. (A long detailed report on the inquest follows, including) Arthur John Wimbledon Clements, a detective in the City of London Police, 86 Nicholas Square, Hackney Road, N.E., said the deceased was his son, and was 18 years of age the 10th June last. He was a foreman packer in a wholesale milliner’s and enlisted in the Territorials over two years ago. He was in good health up to the time of the accident as far as witness knew, and in possession of all his faculties. Witness knew he was in Sussex patrolling the railway, and had a letter from him about a fortnight ago. He made no complaint about his duties.

Note: St. Andrew’s Churchyard where Albert is buried is only a short distance from where the accident occurred.

COLEMAN

Arthur [George]

P
T

Private 1651, 8th Veterinary Hospital, Army Veterinary Corps. Died 9th September 1917. Age 39. Son of George and Sarah Coleman, of Burgess Hill. IBuried in the BOIS GUILLAUME Communal Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Plot A. Grave 27A. Locally his name is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2.St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on September 18th 1917:

DIED IN HOSPITAL – Private Arthur Coleman, of the Army Veterinary Corps, son of Mr. George Coleman, of Alexandria House, Royal George Road, Burgess Hill, died of heart failure in hospital in France on September 9th. The deceased “joined up” in November 1914, and went to France on soon afterwards. For some time past he had suffered from rheumatism and debility, and he was home on short leave only about a month ago. He was 38 years of age. Much sympathy is felt for his father (a well-known and respected boot maker in town) and other relatives.

COLMAN

Arthur Thomas

P
T

Private T.F.208283, 1st/7th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died of wounds 28th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 39. Born Chiswick, Middlesex, enlisted London, resident Burgess Hill. Son of Thomas and Emily Colman, of Burgess Hill and the husband of Renee Georgette Colman, of 23, St. Michael’s Place, Brighton. Formerly 3491, Inns of the Court, O.T.C. Buried in LIGNY-SUR-CANCHE British Cemetery, France. Row A. Grave 17. (His brother Leonard was killed in action in 1916, see below.) Locally his name is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

COLMAN

Leonard William

P
T

Private 70328, 17th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment). Killed in action 8th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Wilesden, Middlesex, enlisted Chichester, resident Burgess Hill. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Colman, of Burgess Hill. Formerly 5986, Leicestershire Regiment. No known grave.Commemorated on the THIEPAVAL Memorial, France. Panel and Face 10C 10D and 11A. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on October 17th 1916:

KILLED BY SHELL – Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Colman, of Holmesdale, have been notified that their younger son, Private Leonard William Colman, of the Sherwood Foresters, was killed by a shell on Saturday October 7th. The deceased was 33 years of age. Much sympathy will be expressed with his parents and other relations.

COMBES

C

T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial. No further information currently

CONNER

William

P
T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board. No further information currently

COOKE

Thomas William

SaC
T

Private 41299, 1st/7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 16th August 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 29. Born and resident Burgess Hill, enlisted Hove. Son of George and Lillian Gertrude Cooke of 2, Arundel Villas, Burgess Hill. Formerly 32124, Norfolk Regiment. Buried in NEW IRISH FARM Cemetery, St. JEAN-LES-YPRES, Belgium. Plot XIV. Row E. Grave 19. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on October 2nd 1917:

“HE DID HIS DUTY” – Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. George R. Cooke, of 2 Arundel Villas, Burgess Hill who have been informed that their only son, Private Thomas William Cooke, of the Worcester Regiment, was killed in action in France on August 16th. He was 29 years of age. The deceased formerly assisted his father in a grocery and provision business at Burgess Hill, from which Mr. Cooke, Sen., retired some years ago; and he had been on the staffs of Sainsburys, Brighton, Gravely and Sons, Preston, (Sussex) and latterly, Hoadleys Ltd., Burgess Hill. He joined up in the early part of 1916, eventually went to France, and the fateful day was believed to have been his first in action. He was buried in a military cemetery in France. Lieutenant Gadsby, his officer, wrote: “He was a good soldier, who always did his duty, and will be much missed by his Company.”

CORNFORD

T R

T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial. No further information currently

COURT

Percy John

Wc
Sj
Sec
LRS
P
T

Corporal G/2701, 8th Royal Sussex. Killed in action in the Battle of the Somme 1st July 1916. Aged 24. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Hurstpierpoint. Only son of Percy John & Catherine Louisa Court, years. Commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7C. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board & photograph 4. St. John’s Institute War Memorial Board & photograph 5. Name inscribed on family headstones located in St. John’s & St. Edward’s Churchyards.

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on July 11th 1916:

GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY. – Following a brief message on a postcard, a letter was received at Burgess Hill yesterday (Monday) which left no doubt that Corporal Percy John Court, No. 2701, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, had given his life for his country. It appeared that he was in the trenches, when a German shell came over and exploded, and Corporal Court and the man next to him lost their lives. The young soldier, who was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Percy John Court, of 20 Newport Road, Burgess Hill, much-respected residents, for whom sincere sympathy is felt. The deceased had been in the Royal Sussex Regiment since the commencement of the war, and was formerly a clerk in the offices of Messers. Norman and Burt the well-known firm of builders, of London Road, Burgess Hill.

CRAIG

Frank W Shannon

P
T

Lance Corporal S/14477, 8th (Service) Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own). Killed in action 28th July 1916. Age 20. Born Brighton, enlisted Finsbury Middlesex; residence Brighton. Son of Mrs. F. Craig of Argyll Lodge, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. buried Faubourge D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 67. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board. 

The following report appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on August 22nd 1916:

KILLED IN ACTION. – Mrs. F. Craig, of Brighton, has received the intelligence that her only son, Acting Corporal Frank W. Shannon Craig, Rifle Brigade, was killed in action on July 28th, about 8.30 a.m. His Company Commander, writing to Mrs. Craig, stated that the young soldier was holding an advanced post and was killed by a trench mortar, death being instantaneous. The writer remarked that deceased was a very willing and reliable n.c.o., and would be much missed. A comrade, Rifleman C. Holland, who was with Acting Corporal Craig when he was killed, has also written to Mrs. Craig expressing his deepest sympathy with her in her loss, and adding that he had lost “a good pal.” Other Riflemen of the Company have joined in the message of condolence. The deceased was well known at Burgess Hill. A nephew of Mrs. W. G. Bannister and Mrs. C. J. Callow, he was a bright lad. He was educated at Burgess Hill College (under Mr. J. Vinall), and for a time was a member of St. John’s Church Choir. He took part in local athletics.

CRAMB

William John

SaC
LRS
T

Driver 82361, No. 77 Pontoon Park Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 21st April 1918 in France & Flanders. Enlisted Brighton, resident Burgess Hill. Husband of H. Cramb of 31, Spring Gardens, Brighton. buried in St Pierre Cemetery, Amiens, France Plot XIII. Row C. Grave 1. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board.

CROWHURST

Sydney

LRS
T

Locally this name is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial. 2. London Road School War Memorial Board. No further information currently.

DALE

John William

Sj
P
T

Private 35059, 23rd (Service) Battalion. (4th Tyneside Scottish), The Northumberland Fusiliers - formerly 50061, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regt.). Died of wounds, France & Flanders, 14th May 1917. Age 30. Born Herstmonceux, Sussex, enlisted Burgess Hill. Son of the late John and Mrs. Dale, of Hurstmonceux. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN Cemetery, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 19. Locally he is commemorated on the: 1. Town War Memorial, 2. St. John's Church War Memorial Board, 3.St. John's Institute War Memorial Board & Photo 4. Name commemorated on parent’s headstone, located in ‘All Saints’ Church Churchyard, Hertsmonceux, Sussex – John William son of the above who died of wounds in Boulogne Hospital May 14th 1917 age 30 years.

The following report of his death appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on May 22nd 1917:

DIED OF WOUNDS: Many will be sorry to hear that Mr. J. W. Dale has passed away. He was terribly wounded whilst serving on the western front, particularly about the legs, amputation being necessary. Deceased was a wholesale and retail tobacconist, of 5 Church Road, Burgess Hill. He was formerly in the local Company of Volunteers, and had been a good player for the Burgess Hill Football Club.

DALLAS

William Loraine Seymour

P

Chaplin 4th Class, Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. Attached to 5th Battalion T.F., The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). Killed in action, France & Flanders, 20th September 1917. Age 33. Son of Charles and Emily Dallas, of Shanghai, China. No known grave. Commemorated on the TYNE COT Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium – (Memorial Reference Panel 160). Locally his name is commemorated on the 1. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following reports of his death appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 9th October 1917:

OBITUARY COLUMN – DALLAS. – 20TH ult., killed in action, the Rev. William Loraine Seymour Dallas, C.F., formerly of Burgess Hill and Kensington, aged 33 years.

ARMY CHAPLAIN KILLED IN ACTION. - From a British battlefront comes the news of the death, in action, on September 20th, of the Rev. William Loraine Seymour Dallas, C.F., who was instantaneously killed by a shell whilst right up with the fighting troops. The deceased will be remembered as having resided in Burgess Hill with a relative, the late Mrs. Goode Wright, in his boyhood. He subsequently went to Oxford, and after his course there proceeded to Wells Theological College. Later he was ordained to a curacy at St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, under the late Prebendary Pennefather. In 1911 he joined the Prairie Brotherhood at Edmonton, Alberta, where he worked with great self-sacrifice and earnestness. Four years later he returned to England, and was accepted as Chaplain to the Forces serving with the King’s Liverpool Regiment. He was 33 years of age.”

DAVEY

William

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Private 147999, 78th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment). Killed in action, France & Flanders, 9th April 1917. Age 27. Born Burgess Hill, the son of Mr. Davey, of 1, Goldstone Terrace, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE British Cemetery, Souchez, France (Grave reference: Plot XI.E.20.) Locally he is commemorated on the 1. Town War Memorial, 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board, 3. London Road School War Memorial Board.

The following details are given in his 78th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force ATTESTATION PAPER:

Name: William Davey, born Burgess Hill, next-of-kin Arthur Davey, 4, Aberdeen Cott. Royal George Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Date of birth January 30th 1890, Height 5ft 71/2 inches, blue eyes, brown hair, tattoo mark on back of left fore arm, unmarried, trade or calling farming, wiling to serve over-seas – signed, July 28th 1915.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 26th June 1917:

OBITUARY COLUMN - DAVEY: On April 9th Killed in action, Private W. Davey, Canadian Infantry, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill age 29 years.

DAVI[E]S

Henry William Norton

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T
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[Spelt DAVIS and Morton not Norton on SDGW and CWGC - also listed as William N only] Private 2062, 2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action 25th April 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Weybridge. No known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium (Memorial reference Panel 34). Locally he is commemorated on the 1. Town War Memorial, 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 25th May 1915:

OBITUARY COLUMN - DAVIES: 25th ult., killed in action with the British Expeditionary Force, Private Henry William Norton Davies, of the East Surrey Regiment, son of Mrs. Davies, of 4 Gordon Terrace, Mill Road, Burgess Hill.

SUSSEX CASUALTIES KILLED, PRIVATE H. W. N. DAVIES – BURGESS HILL: Official notification has been received that Private Henry William Norton Davies, of the East Surrey Regiment, was killed in action with the British Expeditionary Force on April 25th. Private Davies was a son of Mrs. Davies, of 4 Gordon Terrace, Mill Road, Burgess Hill, and was a single man.

DENNETT

Alfred John

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[Also listed as Arthur] Private G/61650, 23rd (Service) Battalion (1st SPortman's), Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 17th February 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 32. Born and resident Burgess Hill, enlisted Haywards Heath. Husband of Mrs. M. Dennett, of 109, West Street, Burgess Hill. Formerly 6074, The Royal Sussex Regiment. Buried in REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, Grandcourt, France. (Grave Reference Plot IV. Row G. Grace 13.) Locally he is commemorated on the 1. Town War Memorial, 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board & Photograph.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 10th April 1917:

KILLED IN ACTION. – News has been received that Private Alfred John Dennett, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on February 17th. He was 32 years of age, and formerly resided in West Street, Burgess Hill.

OBITUARY COLUMN – DENNETT, - February 17th, killed in action, Alfred John Dennett, Royal Fusiliers, late of West Street, Burgess Hill, aged 32 years.

DICKINSON

William [Egerton] de Brissac

P

Major, 113th Battery, 25th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force). Died of wounds, France & Flanders, 29th October 1918. Age 38. Son of the late Major William Rice Dickinson (Royal Engineers), and Blanche Clubley Dickinson; husband of Mabel Frances Dickinson, of Boston, Mass., U.S.A. buried in VADENCOURT British Cemetery, Maissemy, France (Grave Reference Plot II. Row B. Grave 31.) Locally he is not commemorated on the Town War Memorial but is found listed on 1. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 12th November 1918:

DEATH OF MAJOR DICKINSON. – The death occurred on October 30th, from wounds sustained in action, of Major W. H. E. de B. Dickinson, younger and only surviving son of the late Major-General W. R. Dickinson, R.E., of Woodside, Burgess Hill, who was a prominent townsman in his day. Major Dickinson belonged to the Royal Field Artillery, and was 38 years of age.

OBITUARY COLUMN – DICKINSON. – 30th ult., of wounds received, Major W. H. E. de B. Dickinson, R.F.A., son of the late General W. R. Dickinson, of Burgess Hill, age 38 years.

DIPLOCK

Gordon Reginal

LRS

Private 5276, 9th Lancers (Queen's Royal). Died of wounds 29th March 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Chichester, resident Groombridge. Buried in LE-CATEAU Military Cemetery, France (Grave Reference Plot I. Row H. Grave 6.) Locally he is not commemorated on the Town War Memorial but is listed on: 1. London Road School War Memorial Board.

DOWN

Alex Ernest

SjWM
P
LRS
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[Also listed as E Alex and Alex G on some memorials] Private 72978, 25th (Montgomeryshire and Welsh Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Killed in action 9th March 1918 in Egypt. Born and enlisted Burgess Hill. Formerly 180566, Royal Engineers. buried in JERUSALEM War Cemetery (Grave Reference Plot L. Grave 95.) Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial (listed as A. G. Down) 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board (listed as E. A. Down) 3. London Road School War Memorial Board (listed as Alec. G. Down) 4. St. John’s Chapel War Memorial Tablet (listed as A. E. Down)

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 9th April & 16th April 1918:

CASUALTIES. - Private E. A. Down, 72978, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is officially reported to have been killed in the war. He is a Burgess Hillian…………..

THANKS FOR SYMPATHY. – Mrs. Down, of West Street, desires, through this medium, to return heartfelt thanks for all the kindness and sympathy shewn her respecting the loss of her husband (Private E. A. Down, Royal Welsh Fusiliers), who was killed in action in the war.

DOWNARD

Frank

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Private G/16622, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds 4th February 1917 with the B.E.F. Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Brighton. Son of George W. and Emmaline Downard, of 46, West Street, Burgess Hill. buried in BETHUNE Town Cemetery, France (Grave Reference Plot VI. Row B. Grave 13.) Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 6th March 1917:

GAVE UP THEIR LIVES. – Private Frank Downard, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, is officially reported to have died of wounds. He resided in West Street, Burgess Hill…..

DOWNER

Arthur

Et
Sj
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Lance Corproal SPTS/3389, "C" Company, 24th (service) Battalion (2nd Sportsman), Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action at Givenchy, France, 23rd [memorials states 24th incorrectly listed in SDGW as 1916] December 1915. Aged 41. Born and enlisted Brighton, resident Burgess Hill. son of William and Anna Maria Downer, of Burgess Hill; husband of Mercy Downer, of Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, (they had three children). Buried in the WOBURN ABBEY CEMETERY, CUINCHY, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave Reference Plot I. Row C. Grave 16.) Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board 3. St. John’s Institute War Memorial Board & Photograph.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 4th, 11th & 18th January 1916:

SUSSEX CASUALTIES, KILLED – LANCE CORPORAL A. DOWNER – BURGESS HILL

Unofficially – by means of an old Burgess Hill comrade-the news has been received that Lance-Corporal Arthur Downer, of the Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers, was killed on Christmas Eve whilst serving on the western front. A former Captain of the Burgess Hill Working Men’s Cricket Club, he leaves a widow and three children, as well as a mother and sister, who are resident at Burgess Hill. He was the only son of the late Mr. William Downer, for many years Lieutenant of the Burgess Hill Fire Brigade.

HOW LANCE-CORPORAL DOWNER GAVE UP HIS LIFE. – Miss A. Downer, of Summerlynn, Oakwood Road, Burgess Hill, has received the following letter, dated January 5th, from Captain Frank Edwards, “C” Company, 24th (Sportsman’s) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers: “ Dear Madam, - It is with much regret that I have to inform you, in answer to your letter of to-day, that your brother, Lance-Corporal Arthur Downer, No.3389, “C” Company, R.F., was killed at (place name given) on December 24th, 1915, at 2.15 a.m. He died while entering his dug-out from the effects of shellfire. It gives me much pain to write you this letter. It will give you greater to receive it. But your pain will be tempered with pride in the work and death of the soldier who has fallen and whose loss you and his comrades mourn. I spoke to Corporal Downer five minutes before he was killed. He was at work in the trenches in charge of a very urgent and important pumping operation to keep the trenches clear for reinforcements in case of imminent attack. I saw the work had been well done, and as he was about to be relieved I said ‘Well done, Downer; you have done well to get this water under.’ I added ‘ Your are tired, and your relief is coming.’ He replied ‘Yes, Sir, I am rather tied now.’ I said ‘Ah well, Christmas is near. We go out of the trenches to-day for Christmas and then we go down country for 16 days’ rest.’ He said ‘That’s good. I can do with a long rest.’ I went on my way to the firing line and returned to the supports, which were being heavily shelled, in about 20 minutes, and found Lance-Corporal Downer was dead. He was a good soldier, earnest, cheery, reliable and brave, and he has gone to his ‘rest’ – a long, happy, unbroken ‘rest,’ without pain or terrors of war. On Christmas Day his comrades, silently and bare-headed, passed a vote of sympathy with his family in their loss, and in the same way paid tribute to the memory of their comrade, Corporal Downer, the first to fall in his Company. The Colonel also wrote me expressing his sorrow at the loss of so good a soldier. You have my very sincere sympathy.” – Through this medium heartfelt thanks are tendered “for the many expressions of sympathy received by both families.”

OFFICIAL – Mrs. A. Downer has now received the War Office notification of the death of her husband, Lance-Corporal A. Downer, of the Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers.

EDWARDS

Edward Henry

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Private 6148, 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars attached to 14th (King’s) Hussars. Died 19th July 1916 in Mesopotamia. Age 26. Born and resident Burgess Hill, enlisted Brighton. Son of Samuel & Eliza Edwards, of 2, Gordon Cottages, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill. His brother James was also killed, see below, they died within two months of each other. Buried in the AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Grave reference Plot IX. Row E. Grave 16. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church, War Memorial Board 3. St. John’s Chapel, War Memorial Tablet 4. London Road School, War Memorial Board & Photograph 5.

Name inscribed on the family headstone located in St. Edward’s Churchyard. The gravestone inscription reads: "A B James Edwards A.B., lost in HMS Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland 31st May 1916, age 23 yrs. also Edward H Edwards, 8th Hussars died in the Persian Gulf, 19th July 1916, aged 26yrs."

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 8th August 1916:

THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY. - ….. Private Edward Henry Edwards, of the Hussars, died from the effects of heat in the Persian Gulf on July 19^th. He was a soldier before the war, had been in India, and had seen service in France. Private Edwards was a son, of Mr. and Mrs. S. Edwards, of St. George’s Terrace, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill, who lost a son in the naval battle. (see Edwards, J. below)

OBITUARY COLUMN: EDWARDS, 19th ult., died from the effects of heat in the Persian Gulf, Private Edward Henry Edwards (Hussars), son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Edwards, of St. George’s Terrace, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill.

EDWARDS

James E

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[Note: listed on some memorials as Edwards J. A. B. - the initials A. B. is his naval rank] Able Seaman J/5002, lost in HMS Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland 31st May 1916, aged 22. Son of Samuel & Eliza Edwards, of 2, Gordon Cottages, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill; brother of Edward above - two sons lost within two months. Commemorated on the PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire, UK. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial (listed as J. A. B.) 2. St. John’s Church, War Memorial Board (listed as J. A. B.) 3. St. John’s Chapel, War Memorial Tablet (listed as J. E.) 4. London Road School, War Memorial Board & Photograph (listed as J.) 5. Name inscribed on the family headstone located in St. Edward’s Churchyard.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 13th June 1916:

OBITUARY COLUMN: EDWARDS, 31st ult., James Edwards, A. B., H.M.S. Queen Mary, of Burgess Hill.

HEROES’ DEATH - A.B. James Edwards, No. J 5002, of H.M.S Queen Mary, no doubt went down with his ship in the great battle off Jutland. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Fairfield Road, and had nearly completed seven years’ service.

The following is taken from: ‘Endless Story’ by Captain Taprell Dorling D.S.O. Royal Navy pub. 1923.

H.M.S. Queen Mary a 28,500-ton ship blew up after being struck by a salvo of shells abreast of one of her turrets. The ship seemed to collapse inwards, the masts and funnels falling together, the side of the ship being blown outwards, and the armoured roofs of the turrets being hurled 100 feet high, in the wink of an eyelid 57 officers and 1,209 men had gone to their deaths.

EDWARDS

Walter

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2nd Lieutenant, 6th (City of London) Battalion. (Rifles), The London Regiment. Killed in action, France & Flanders, 26th April 1916. Son of William & Maud Louisa Edwards. buried in CABARET-ROUGE British Cemetery, Souchez, France. Plot III. Row H. Grave 16. Recently moved from the south wall and now (2002) located in the South Chapel is the memorial tablet to Walter Edwards, this had been erected in the church by his parents in 1916, the inscription reads as follows: "In loving memory of 2nd Lieut. Walter Edwards of the 6th City of London Rifles. The Beloved Son of William and Maud Louisa Edwards who was killed in action at Souchez France on Apr 27 1916 age 20 yrs." Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church, War Memorial Board & Memorial tablet in the South Chapel.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 12th September 1916:

A MEMORIAL TABLET DEDICATED. - ….. the Vicar, the Rev. Dr. H. G. Bonavia-Hunt, unveiled a marble tablet on the wall of the South aisle, near by, which was then dedicated “in the name and faith of Jesus Christ” and to the memory of the late Second Lieutenant Edwards, of Leylands Park. The tablet, for the erection of which a faculty had been granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese, was the work of Messrs. Norman and Burt. It is of handsome design framed in polished alabaster, and bears the following inscription in golden letters, well cut in: - “In loving memory of 2nd Lieutenant Walter Edwards, of the 6th City of London Rifles, the beloved eldest son of William and Maud Louisa Edwards, who was killed in action at Souchez, France, on April 27th, 1916, aged 20 years.” …………

ELLIOTT

Arthur Henry

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Private 3801, ‘A’ Company, 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade, Australian Imperial Forces. Killed in action, France & Flanders, 25th July 1916, age 32. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Villiers-Bretonneux Memorial, France – (Memorial reference Panel 43). Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. 2. St. Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board. 3. London Road School War Memorial Board (listed as A. Elliott).

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 27th March 1917:

WAR CASUALTIES. – We regret to state that Mr. Thomas Elliott’s youngest son, Arthur, who was with the Australian Force, has made the supreme sacrifice. An official intimation to this effect was received last week by his father, who lives at Peppers Farm, Leylands Road, Burgess Hill.

The following details are gleaned from Australia War Memorial Internet web site: Arthur was 30, when he had enlisted in Australian Imperial Forces on 16th July 1915, his Trade or Calling was a ‘Gripman’. His address was given as the ‘State Savings Bank’, and his next of kin details his father T. Elliott, of “Lion Villa,” Leylands Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex, England. He had been educated in the Council School, Sussex, (London Road School, Burgess Hill) England, and was 28, when he had immigrated to Australia, when his calling was ‘Fruit Farming’. Guy had embarked for overseas service at Melbourne with the 5th Infantry Battalion, 12th Reinforcements, on board H.M.A.T A40 “Ceramic” on 23rd November 1915.

ELLIOTT

Guy

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Private TRS/21984, 6th Battalion, Training Reserve. Died, United Kingdom, 19th December 1916, age 21. Son of Mr. W. H. J. Elliott, of Stafford House, Junction Road, Burgess Hill.buried in RUGELEY Cemetery, Staffordshire, UK. Plot II. Grave 415. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. Andrew’s Church, War Memorial Board

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 26th December 1916:

OBITUARY COLUMN: ELLIOTT, 19th inst. At Rugeley Camp, Stafford. Guy, the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, of Stafford House, Burgess Hill, and Ship Street, Brighton, aged 19 years.

(Note: Guy, is listed in Soldiers Died in the Great War as follows: ELLIOTT Guy, Gunner 130415, Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Enlisted Burfen Hill, Residence Burfen Hill, died home 19/12/16, and his age given in the CWGC register is 21.)

ERNEST

G

LRS

[photograph in picture frame]

FRAPE

Reginald David

St

Lance Corporal SD/1685, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 30th June 1916 with the B.E.F. Aged 32. LL B. (Bachelor of Laws). Born Burgess Hill, enlisted Worthing. son of Henry David & Katherine Jane Frape, of “Normandy,” Crescent Road, Burgess Hill. Buried in the CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XV. Row P. Grave 13. For some unknown reason he is not commemorated on any of the war memorials located in Burgess Hill but his name is inscribed on the headstone of his mother’s and sister’s grave located on the South Terrace adjacent to the footpath in St. John’s Churchyard.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 12th December 1916:

OBITUARY COLUMN: FRAPE, Missing since 30th June, 1916, now reported died as a prisoner of war in German hands, Reginald David Frape, LL.B. Lance Corporal, Royal Sussex Regiment, eldest son of the late Henry David Frape, of Burgess Hill and Brighton, and of Mrs. Frape, 4 Wolstonbury Road, Hove, aged 32 years.

THE WAR. - ….. Lance-Corporal Reginald David Frape, LL.B., of the Royal Sussex Regiment, who had been reported missing since June 30th last, is now reported as having died as a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans. The deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr. Henry David Frape, of Burgess Hill and Brighton, and of Mrs. Frape, of 4 Wolstonbury Road, Hove. Whilst resident at Aspendell, Church Road, Burgess Hill, Mr. R. D. Frape played for the Burgess Hill Football Club. He was 32 years of age.

So was Reginald killed in action or did he die as a prisoner of war? From the historical information the CWGC Internet ‘Debt of Honour’ register the following: “On 26 September 1915, Souchez was taken from the Germans by French troops, who handed the sector over to Commonwealth forces the following March. The village was completely destroyed. The "Cabaret Rouge" was a house on the main road about 1 kilometre south of the village, at a place called Le Corroy, near the cemetery. On the east side, opposite the cemetery, were dugouts used as battalion headquarters in 1916. The communication trenches ended here, including a very long one named from the Cabaret. The cemetery was begun by Commonwealth troops in March 1916, used until August 1917 (largely by the 47th (London) Division and the Canadian Corps) and - at intervals - until September 1918; these original burials are in Plots I to V inclusive. It was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when more than 7,000 graves were brought in from the battlefields of Arras and from 103 other burial grounds in the Nord and the Pas-de-Calais.” As Reginald is buried in Plot XV. of “Cabaret Rouge” Cemetery, this would confirm that his body had been moved to this cemetery when it was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when the battlefields were being cleared, more than 7,000 grave were brought into this cemetery. Therefore reports of him dying as a P.O.W may be wrong?

FUNNELL

Frederick Sydney

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[Also listed as Sydney F on some memorials] Bombardier 14864, “D” Battery 180th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action, France & Flanders, 21st September 1916, age 24. Born Keymer, Hassocks, enlisted Lewes. Son of Henry & Mary Funnell, of 6, North End Cottages, Junction Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Buried in DELVILLE WOOD Cemetery, Longueval, France. Plot XXVI. Row J. Grave 10. Locally he is commemorated on: 1. Town War Memorial 2.St Andrew’s Church War Memorial Board 3. London Road School War Memorial Board & photograph.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 17th October 1916:

BOMBARDIER KILLED IN ACTION. - Mr. and Mrs, Funnell, of 6 North End Cottages, Junction Road, Burgess Hill, have received official intimation that their son, Bombardier F. S. Funnell, of the Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on September 21st. He was 23 years of age. The sad news was first received in the following letter from Major A. W. Digby:- “It is with deepest sorrow I write to tell you that your son, Bombardier Funnell, was killed yesterday by a shell. He had been doing most excellent as a signaller, and I think had he lived would have gained distinction. He was made unconscious by the shell, and expired while being carried to the dressing station. I am trying to collect his private belongings, which I will forward to you. The officers and men sympathise most deeply with your sad bereavement.” - Mr. and Mrs. Funnel and family desire to express their sincere thanks to all those who have shown sympathy in their sad bereavement.

GILMORE

Reginald E.

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Private G/17322, 11th (Service) Battalion. (2nd South Down), The Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action, France & Flanders, 6th December 1917. Born Totton, Hampshire, enlisted Brighton. Buried in WHITE HOUSE Cemetery, St. Jan, Ypres, Belgium. Plot II. Row D. Grave 13. Locally he is not commemorated on the Town War Memorial, but his name appears on: 1. St. John’s War Memorial Board (listed as R. E. Gilmore) 2. London Road School War Memorial Board & photograph, (listed as R. E. Gilmore).

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 18th December 1917:

OBITUARY COLUMN: GILMORE, 6th inst., killed in the war, Private R. E. Gilmore (Royal Sussex Regiment), youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Gilmore, of 8 Montague Street, Worthing, formerly of Church Road, Burgess Hill.

PRIVATE REGGIE GILMORE KILLED. – Mr. and Mrs. A. Gilmore who formerly had a butchers’ business at Church Road, Burgess Hill, and now reside at Worthing, have received the sad intelligence that their youngest of their soldiers sons, Private R. E. Gilmore, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, has been killed by in France by a bomb from an enemy aeroplane at night Quartermaster and Hon. Lieutenant B. F. Swain, in a sympathetic letter to his parents, states that “The lad had been, for the last two months, employed in my store, and war very much liked owing to his obliging ways and neat appearance. Please accept the sympathy of all the lad’s comrades with you and his loved ones in this the time of your trouble.” Regimental-Quartermaster –Segt. Norton Stevenson wrote “The poor lad had only left his tent for a few minutes, and was but a short distance away. It is some consolation to know that he suffered no pain, as death was instantaneous, and when I saw him directly afterwards he was looking so peaceful and at rest. We miss him most terribly. He had only been helping us in the store about six weeks, coming in the first place to take the place of the butcher while he was on leave, but he was so useful and had endeared himself to everybody that he had not returned to his Company for work in the line.”

GRAHAM

Henry

SjWM
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Private L/10796, 7th (Service) Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds, France & Flanders, 10th April 1917, age 19. Born and enlisted Brighton. Son of Frederick & Edith Mary Graham of 2, Yew Tree Cottages, Mill Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Buried in FAUBOURG D’AIENS Cemetery, Arras, France. Plot VII. Row G. Grave 44. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Chapel War Memorial Tablet.

GREGORY

Martin Luther

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Gunner 18254, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 16th March 1915 in France & Flanders. Age 31. Born and resident Burgess Hill, enlisted Brighton. Buried in VIEILLE-CHAPELLE NEW MILITARY Cemetery, Lacouture, France. Plot VIII. Row A. Grave 8. Locally he is commemorated on 1. Town War Memorial 2. St. John’s Church War Memorial Board 2. London Road School War Memorial Board & photograph.

The following details appeared in ‘The Mid-Sussex Times’ on 23rd March, 1915:

*OBITUARY COLUMN: GREGORY, 16th inst., killed in action with the British Expeditionary Force, Bombardier,* Martin L. Gregory, of the 5th Siege Battery R.G.A. (son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Gregory, of Royal George Road, Burgess Hill), age 32 years.

*SUSSEX CASULATIES Bombardier M. L. Gregory Burgess Hill: Major J. H. H. Jones, the Commanding Officer of the 5th Siege Battery, R.G.A., at the front, kindly sent the following letter to one of the brothers of Bombardier M. L. Gregory, of Burgess Hill: “16/3/15. Dear Sir, I much regret to have to inform you that Bombardier* M. Gregory, of this Battery, met his death this afternoon by the gun bursting when in action against the ene