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ELSTOW, BEDFORD COUNTY SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © 2001 Martin Edwards
additional RFC/RNAS/RAF information David Manning

On the South wall of the church of St. Mary and St. Helen is a large war memorial tablet, white on grey, writing backed in gold. These are former pupils of the school and could have come from anywhere in the county or even country. Any help would be appreciated. Bedford County School was in Ampthill Road, Bedford, founded 1869 and closed in 1916; it was demolished in 1960 at which time the memorial was moved. The memorial was unveiled on 28 October 1922. A history of the school can be found on the Bedfordshire Government site.

Extract from Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 17 March 1916, page 2:

ELSTOW SCHOOL TO CLOSE

Many residents of Bedfordshire and even beyond the confines the county will regret to hear that owing to difficult circumstances, arising from the war, the Headmaster Elstow School (formerly known the County School) is compelled to close the institution at the end the present term. The Rev. C. F. Farrar has been the Head the School for 23 years, and many of School’s okl boys have been famous in sport, commerce and in the present war.

Extract from Bedfordshire Times and Independent - Friday 10 March 1916, page 1:

ELSTOW SCHOOL

We are authorised by the Rev. C. F. Farrer to state that owing to the many difficult circumstances arising from the War he feels compelled to close Elstow School finally at the end of the current term.

Extract from Bedfordshire Times and Independent - Friday 10 March 1916, page 4:

THE CLOSING OF ELSTOW SCHOOL

It will bring the effect of the war more closely home to a good many people to know that School ¦will closed April 4th, when the present term ends. There will deep and widespread feeling of regret that the Rev C. F. Farrar should have take this step. Into the more personal and private aspects of the matter we have no right to enter, but a school such Elstow School is a public institution, the passing of which we deplore. It has for years past, under the control and inspiration of Mr. Farrar, done splendid work. There is one infallible test of a public school, and that is the way in which its Old Boys regard it and its School and its Head, is looked on with more affection than Elstow, and Mr. Farrar. The Old Elstonians' Associationis a very strong and active body and O.E.’s all over the world are living epistles, testifying to the excellence of the education and the training in all that makes a man which they received at their alma mater. The war has hit the School hard, however. It has always drawn many boys from abroad, and the class of parents for which it has especially catered has been compelled to economise wherever possible. So numbers have diminished, expenses have increased enormously, the gaps in the staff have had to remain unfilled, and now comes the lamentable end. Bedford still has, and, thanks to the Harper Endowment, will have the Harper Schools, but will be the poorer for the closing of Elstow School.

The County School (as it was called until Council Councils established County Secondary Schools) was found in 1866 by a number of landowners and others at a meeting presided over by Mr. W. H. Whitbread, Lord Charles Russell, Messrs. James and Charles Howard, Mr. George Hurst, and others were present, and a Limited Co. was formed, in which the Duke of Bedford took shares to the amount of £10,000. The school was opened on August 1869, the Rev. William Groome being the first Headmaster; Mr. S. W. Sanders, Second Master; and Mr. R. H.Coombs. Medical Officer. Under Mr. Groom's rule the School grew from 70 boys at the start to330 at the end of the second year. The next Headmaster was Prof. Morris, a ripe scholar in English literature and skilled writer in history, who left to take up an important appointment in the Colonies. The third Headmaster was the Rev. C. W. Bourne, who is remembered as a man of great activity and a famous cricketer. He was followed by Mr. Henderson, another distinguished scholar, and the predecessor of the Rev. C. F. Farrar. A presentation was made to Mr. Henderson in November, 1893, on behalf of the Old Boys' Association.

The Rev. C. F. Farrar was appointed Headmaster in the autumn 1893, andhe is now therefore in the twenty-third year of his Headmastership. He had been an Assistant Master in the School for some years before. At that time, and for some four years longer, the School was carried on bya Company of which the late Mr. Samuel Whitbread was Chairman. In 1898 the proprietorship of the School passed from the Company to Mr. Farrar. During the previous five years the number boys at the School had nearly doubled, and a good start had been made with that series of additions to the equipments and the institutions of the School which marked Mr. Farrar’s headmastership. A new and handsome organ chamber had been added to the chapel, and in it was placed the organ presented by the Old Boys. Electric light had been installed, and the project of building a pavilion in the cricket field was well in hand. The first annual dinner of the Old Boys' Association was held in 1898, and amongst those present was the first Head Boy and Prefect, Dr. John Phillips, a distinguished physcian and surgeon, who presented the annual prize for chemistry for many years.

The history of Elstow School remains to be written by someone who has the knowledge and the leisure to do Justice to its achievements, numerous institutions, and distinguished alumni. Old Elstonians are very devoted to their School and their Association has been very active, particularly during Mr. Farrar’s headmastership. Their transactions are enshrined in a carefully edited Year Hook, which has been published for several years, and there is a well nigh inexhaustible fund of information in the admirable organ of the School, the “Elstonian.” Many distinguished men have visited and addressed the boys on Speech Days. In 1879 the visitor was Mr. Tom Hughes K.C., author of "Tom Brown's School Days." and he was accompanied by the Rev. A. Orlebar, Vicar of Willington, who has been recognised as one of the heroes of the great fight described in that famous book. In 1912. Mr. Orlebar was again present at the Speech Day, when Mr. David, the Headmaster of Rugby, came to present the prizes and make the speech.

Elstow School (as it came to be called during Mr. Farrar’s administration) has been remarkable for the long periods during which members of its staff have been in its service. At the 26th meeting of Old Elstonians, held in 1913, Mr. Farrar told the Old Boys that Mr. Clack’s period of service covered the whole of the life of the School, and on the same occasion spoke of his visits to the School in its earliest years, when he accompanied the Rev. Septimus Phillpotts, his old master at the Bedford Grammar School. Mr. Farrar added that was hoping that in seven years time he would be able to celebrate the fiftieth anniversarv of the School. In 1913, Mr. Orr. the famous cricketer and Games Master, left for Canada with the best wishes of his many friends, and only lately has returnd in the service of King and country.

At the 1914 meeting the Old Elstonians’ Association, it was stated that upwards of 4,000 boys had passed through the School, and it was regarded as a very creditable achievement that some ten per cent, of the number had been drawn into the close ties of membeiship. Mr. Farrar had then recently undergone a protracted spell of illness and suffering, and stated that he had been considering whether at the end 21 years in the headmastership he ought not to make room for a successor, but restored health dispelled his doubts, together with the many encouraging and affectionate messages from O.E.'s.

While all who have been in contact with the School in any way will deplore the decision that has had to be come to, the Modern School in particular will miss the boys who have been such strenuous and friendly rivals in most forms of athletics for years past. Elstow has been very fortunate in its Sports Masters. Mr. H. R. Orr. O.B.G., left only a year or two ago, and his work in the cricket field and influence in all forms of sport is too well known to need further eulogy. He was succeeded Mr. E. Ll. Davies, who has most keenly and successfully carried on his work. It does not seen long ago since Grant at Elstow and Stafford at the Modern were making records. Grant was given his Scotch cap forth for the match against Wales on Feb. 4th, 1911, while he was still at School, and a fortnight after went to the Argentine. In the next year Stafford got his England cap. Haylett, who always played inside to Grant for the School and for Bedford, was another fine Rugby player, and was Hargreaves. In Hockey Pridmore played for England and Warwickshire, and in cricket the Southwells will be remembered.

Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards 2001

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN
MEMORY OF THE OLD ELSTONIANS
WHO FELL IN
THE GREAT WAR
1914-1918.
ELSTOW SCHOOL FORMERLY BEDFORD COUNTY SCHOOL
OPENED 19TH AUGUST 1869 - CLOSED 4TH APRIL. 1916.

ABBISS
Frederick Thomas Lee
[Spelt ABISS on SDGW and school register] Lieutenant, 76th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds Saturday 27th October 1917. Aged 23. Son of Frederick George and the late Helen Abbiss, of Brockley, London; brother of John (below). A Chartered Accountant. Attended school 1908-1911, Russell House, address while at school 77 Whitbread Road, Brockley, London S.E. In the 1911 census he is aged 16, at school, resident Elstow School, Kempston, Bedford, born 1895 in Brockley, London S.E. Buried in WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row L. Grave 1.

See also March War Memorial, Cambridgeshire

ABBISS
John Lee
[Spelt ABISS on school register] Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment attached to 7th Light Armoured Battery, Machine Gun Corps (Motor). Died on service Thursday 25th July 1918. Aged 21. Son of Frederick George and Helen Abbiss, of 42, Elwyn Rd., March, Cambs; brother of Freder8ick (above). Born at Lewisham, London. Attended school 1908-1913, Russell House, address while at school 77 Whitbread Road, Brockley, London S.E. Buried in BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot XI. Row E. Grave 11.

See also March War Memorial, Cambridgeshire

ABERCROMBIE
Robert Henry Chester
Second Lieutenant, 8th Battalion (Territorial), Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action Monday 3rd May 1915. Age 24. Son of Chester and Ada Maria Abercrombie, of The Mount, Pleshey, Chelmsford. Attended Elstow County school 1907-1908, Russell House, address while at school Sunnyside, Eastcote, Pinner. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Willesden, Middlesex, son of hester and Ada maria Abercrombie, resident Sunnyside, Eastcote Road, Eastcote, Ruislip, Uxbridge, Middlesex. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Willesden, Middlesex, a Bank Clerk, resident with his parents at Ashberrie, Ickenham Road, Ruislip Uxbridge, Ruislip, Middlesex. Buried in POPERINGHE OLD MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row P. Grave 16. See also Ruislip War Memorial, Middlesex

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice: Officers Died in the Great War 1914-1916, volume 2, page 1-2:

2nd LIEUTENANT ROBERT HENRY CHESTER ABERCROMBIE, 1/8th BATTN. (TERRIT.) THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT), was the only son of Chester and Ada Abercrombie, Ashberrie, Ruislip, Middlesex, and a grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Abercrombie, Fitzroy Street, N.W., and of the late Robert Large Baker, M.D., and Mrs. Baker, of Leamington and Birmingham.

He was born at Stanley Lodge, Walm Lane, Willesden Green, on the 3rd June, 1890, and was educated at Miss Haes Woodriding's School, Pinner, and at Elstow School, Bedford, under the Rev. C. F. Farrar, for four years. He then got an appointment in the London County and Westminster Bank, and was afterwards employed at the branches at St. John's Wood, Hanover Square, Uxbridge, and Hastings.

He took a keen interest in the Ruislip Miniature Rifle Club, of which he was for some time Secretary, and shot in various competitions as a member of that club, and also for the London County and Westminster Bank. His favourite pastime was hockey.

He joined the 9th Battalion Middlesex as a Private in October, 1914, became Lance-Corporal in November, Sergeant in December, and was given his commission in the 8th Battalion in March, 1915, proceeding to France the following month.

He was mortally wounded in the head by shell fire on the 3rd May, 1915, while giving a wounded man a drink of water in a village about a mile north of Frezenberg. He died without recovering consciousness, and was buried at Poperinghe the next day.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, volume 1, page :

ABERCROMBIE, ROBERT HENRY CHESTER, 2nd Lieut., 1/8th Battn. Middlesex Regt., only s. of Chester Abercrombie, of Ashberrie, Ruislip, Middlesex, by his wife Ada, dau. of Robert Large Baker, of Leamington, M.D.; b. Willesden, N.W.; educ. at Wood-riding School, Pinner, and Elstow School, where he was a member of the O.T.C. On leaving school he entered the London County & Westminster Bank, and was successively in the St. John's Wood, Hanover Square, Uxbridge and Hastings branches, and after the outbreak of war joined the 2/9th Battn. of the Middlesex Regt. in Oct. 1914; was promoted Corpl. in Nov. and Sergt. in Dec.; obtained his commission as 2nd Lieut. with the 3/8th Battn. of the same regt. in March, 1915, and the following month was transferred to the 1/8th Battn., then in Flanders. In the fighting at Frezenberg, near Ypres, 3 May, 1915, the company were detached as escort to the artillery, and he was killed while in command (the other company officers having been all killed or disabled) in the act of helping a wounded comrade. Buried in Poperinghe Cemetery ; unm.

Extract from Leamington Spa Courier, 7 May 1915, page 7:

KILLED IN ACTION.

ABERCROMBIE.—Killed in action. near Ypres, on May 3rd, 2nd Lieutenant Robert Henry Chester (Harry) Abercrombie (O.E.), in his 25th year. Only son of Chester and Ada Abercrombie, of Ruislip. and grandson of the late Dr. R. L. and Mrs. Baker, of Barham House, Leamington Spa.

Extract from Hanwell Gazette And Brentford Observer, 15 May 1915, page 5:

DEATHS

ABERCROMBIE.-On May 3rd, killed in action near Ypres, 2nd Lieut. Robert Henry Chester (Harry) Abercrombie (O.E.), in his 25th year, only son of Chester and Ada Abercrombie, of Ruislip.

Extract from Uxbridge & West Drayton Gazette (The Advertiser), Friday 14 May 1915, page 4:

SECOND-LIEUT. R. H. C. ABERCROMBIE
KILLED.

As stated briefly in our Northwood, Pinner, and Harrow Edition last week, official intimation from Hounslow had been received on the Thursday evening by Mr. and Mrs. C. Abercrombie that their only son, Second Lieut. Robert Henry Chester Abercrombie, of Ruislip, was killed in action at Ypres on May 1st. The news came as a very sad blow to his parents and wide circle of friends at Ruislip, for he was highly esteemed and respected on all sides. A letter dated May 1st, written by him two days before his death, stated that he had charge of two platoons, of (which the First Lieutenant was killed, and the Captain wounded, and that he had been in action ten days.

Second Lieut. Abercrombie, who was in his twenty-fifth year, was educated at Elstow School, near Bedford, and later entered the employment of the London County and Westminster Bank, first working at the St. John's Wood branch, then at Uxbridge, and finally at Hastings. He joined the 9th Middlesex Regiment in October, and soon rose to the rank of sergeant. On receiving his commission he was transferred to the 8th Middlesex Regiment. He went to the front on March 25th. He had been the secretary of the Ruislip Rifle Club, and at the last meeting he was unanimously made a vice-president.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1915:

ABERCROMBIE Robert Henry Chester of Ashberrie Ruislip Middlesex 2nd lieutenant 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment died 3 May 1915 at Poperinghe in France on active service Administration London. 19 August to Chester Abercrombie estate agent. Effects £246 6s. 10d.
ADAMS
Auriol Charles Andrew
Second Lieutenant (TP), King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Killed in action between Wednesday 16th August 1916. Age 24. Son of Lt. Col. C. Adams and Maude de Whyte, his wife. Native of Co. Down. Attended school 1907-1911, Cowper House, address while at school, Fulbylish House, Gilford, Co. Down. Buried in GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme, France. Plot IX. Row M. Grave 1.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-18:

ADAMS, AURIOL CHARLES ANDREW, 2nd Lieut., 8th (Service) Battn. The King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regt.), only s. of Lieut.-Col. Charles Adams, MB., of Tullylish House, Gilford, co. Down, I.M.S. (ret.), by his wife, Maude de Wyt, 2nd dau. of Major John Lewis Auriol Whyte. of Strand-field House, Miltown Malbay. co. Clare. Ireland, J.P. ; b. at Palamcotta, Tinnevilli, South India, 15 Nov. 1892; educ. privately ; Lurgan College, Bedford, and Birmingham University, where he was studying chemistry when war broke out in Aug. 1914 ; joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. 19 April, 1915, obtaining a commission in the 10th Battn. King's Own Royal Lancaster Regt. 21. Aug following ; transferred to the 8th Battn. for active service ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders, and was killed in action near Guillemont 17 Aug. 1916. His Commanding Officer wrote : " He was killed when gallantly leading his platoon against a German position. . . . He gave his life freely and died heroically on the field of battle." Unm.

ALLEN
Arthur George
Rifleman 15857, 3rd Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Died of wounds 3 January 1917. Aged 32. In the 1901 census he is a scholar, aged 16, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1885 in Sidcup, Kent. Attended school 1899-1901, address while at school, The Lees, Hadlow Road, Sidcup. [School does not list his date of death]. Son of Benjamin and Mary Persis Allen, of The Lees, Sidcup, Kent. Buried in ESTAIRES COMMUNAL CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot III. Row I. Grave 9.
ATKINSON
Duncan
Private 475755, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Killed in action by shell fire in a part of the trench known as "Lover's Walk" 2 June 1916. Born 6 July 1892 in London. Attended school 1904-1909, Howard House. Resident 55 Connaught Road, Harlesden, London N.W. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Atkinson, of 55, Connaught Rd., Harlesden, London. Unmarried. A Clerk. Attested and passed fit 19 July 1915 in Montreal, Canada, aged 23, height 5 feet 8½ inches, chest 35 inches, fair complexion, brown eyes, fair hair, religious denomination Church of England. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 10. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 286 - 35
BAINBRIDGE
Carlyle
Second Lieutenant (TP), 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action Wednesday 13th October 1915. Age 20. Born Lewisham, attended Elstow School. Son of John William and Elizabeth Bainbridge, of 115, George Lane, Lewisham, London. Brother of John Stuart (below). An Engineer. Attended school1907-1911, Howard House, address while at school, "Westoe", 115, George Lane, Lewisham, London S.E. On leaving Elstow School, Bedford he went to Germany where he remained for 3 years studying engineering. Prior to the outbreak of war he returned to England and enlisted in Aug. 1914. Served with the BEF in France and Flanders from 1st June 1915 and was killed in action at Quarries near Hulluch while leading his men under heavy fire. Buried in VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 13.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-18:

BAINBRIDGE, CARLYLE, 2nd Lieut., 6th (Service) Battn. The Buffs (East Kent Regt.), eldest s. of John William Bainbridge, of Westoe, Lewisham, S.E., Merchant, by his wife, Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Glass ; and brother to Lieut. J. S. Bainbridge (q.v.); b. Lewisham, S.E., 27 Dec. 1894; educ. Catford Collegiate School, and Elstow School, Bedford ; on leaving Bedford he went to Germany, where he remained for three years studying Engineering ; prior to the outbreak of war lie returned to England ; enlisted in Aug. 1914 ; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 1 June, 1915, and was killed in action at Quarries, near Hulluch, 13 Oct. following, while leading his men under heavy lire. Buried in Vermelles Military Cemetery. His Commanding Officer reported of him : " No work daunted him. He was always cheerful, and although of very youthful appearance, was idolized by his men, and was the favourite of the regiment." Unm.

   
For more information about Carlyle Bainbidge and his brother see the Silent Cities web site. Photographs here are Copyright © Mark Rowbottom 2006
BAINBRIDGE
John Stuart
[Also listed as John Stewart] Lieutenant (Temporary) 14th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 26th September 1917. Born Lewisham, attended Elstow School. Son of John William and Elizabeth Bainbridge, of 115, George Lane, Lewisham, London. Brother of Carlyle (above). In the 1911 census he is aged 14, at school, resident Elstow School, Kempston, Bedford, born 1897 in Lewisham, London S.E. Attended school 1909-1913, Howard House, address while at school, 115, George Lane, Lewisham. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 88 to 90 and 162

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-18:

BAINBRIDGE, JOHN STUART, Lieut., 14th (Service) Battn. The Hampshire Regt., 2nd s. of John William Bainbridge, of Westoe, Lewisham, S.E., Merchant, by his wife, Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Glass ; and brother to 2nd Lieut. C. Bainbridge (q.v.); b. Lewisham, 3 Feb. 1897 ; educ. the Collegiate School, Cafford, and Elstow School, Bedford ; was a Shipowner's Clerk ; enlisted in Dec. 1914; obtained a tommission as 2nd Lieut. in April, 1915, being promoted Lieut. in 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from March, 1916: took part in several engagements, including the operations at Thiépval ; was invalided home in Oct. suffering from shell-shock and trench fever: on his recovery rejoined his regiment in France, March, 1917, and was killed in action at Tower Hamlets 27 Sept. following. Buried there. His Colonel wrote: "He was a good officer and leader, always cheerful under heavy fire and in the most trying conditions. It will be a little satisfaction to you to know that the attack in which your son was engaged was a magnificent success and that his death was not in vain." and his Chaplain: "To myself it is a great personal sorrow, for I have known him so well for now nearly two years, and a straighter, better living young man I have never known, and so cool and level-headed at all times. He was one of the best." Unm.

BARFORD
Kenneth Purnell
Second Lieutenant, 2nd Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Killed in action 27th March 1918, aged 19; flying as observer with pilot 2nd Lt. E. T. Smart (ex-Royal Garrison Artillery,also killed) in Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B288; failed to return from low-level bombing sortie. He was the 72nd victim of the Red Baron shot down after firing some 100 shots from a distance of 50 metres. Native of Coventry. Attended school 1913-1916, Howard House, address while at school Belvedere, Earlsdon, Coventry. Son of Henry Eidowson Barford & Mary Barford, of The Bungalow, Kenilworth Rd., Coventry. No known grave. Commemorated on the ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France.
BARNES
Wlifred Oliver
Second Lieutenant (Temporary), 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action Saturday 18th November 1916. Attended school 1905-1911, Russell House, address while at school "Briaris", Milton Road, Harpenden. In the 1911 census he is aged 16, at school, resident Elstow School, Kempston, Bedford, born 1895 in Crouch Hill, London. Buried in HAMEL MILITARY CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL, Somme, France. Plot II. Row E. Grave 16.
BOYER
Charles Cyril Roslington
Lieutenant, Royal Army Service Corps. Died on active service 23rd November 1919. Birth registered in the Spalding Registration District, Lincolnshire October-December Quarter 1892. Attend school 1908-1909, Bunyan House, address while at school, Oriel College, Skegness. Buried in GOSBERTON CEMETERY, Lincolnshire. North side. Grave 77.
BRADSHAW
Arthur
Sapper 1131, 1st East Lancs Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 11 June 1915. Attended school 1907-1909, Bunyan House, address while at school 31 Lethbridge Road, Southport. Son of James Bradshaw, of 31, Lethbridge Rd., Southport. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 24 to 26 or 325 to 328.
BRYANS
John
Lieutenant, 2nd/5th Battalion (Territorial), The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Died of wounds 28 October 1917. Aged 21. Son of John and Florence Bryans, of 4514, Asuncion, Devoto, Buenos Aires. Born at Junin, Argentine Republic. Attended school 1908-1913, Cowper House, address while at school, c/o Bueno Ayres & Pacific Railway Co., Dashwood House, New Broad Street, London E.C. In the 1911 census he was aged 14, at Elstow School, born 1897 in Buenos Aires. Buried in DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot IX. Row B. Grave 1.
BUTLER
John Goodwin
Second Lieutenant, 1st/6th Battalion (Territorial), West Riding Regiment (Duke of Wellington's). Died of wounds Thursday 29th March 1917. Age 20. Son of John Owen Butler and Adeline Kate Butler, of Bank House, Newport Pagnell, Bucks. In the 1911 census he is aged 14, at school, resident Elstow School, Kempston, Bedford, born 1897 in Newport Pagnell. Attended school 1909-1912, Howard House, address while at school, Merton Villa, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell. Buried in ST. VAAST POST MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 3.

See also Newport Pagnell War Memorial

CALLEAR
Herbert
Captain, "B" Company, 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. Killed in action Thursday 16th August 1917. Age 23. Mentioned for gallantry and devotion to duty by the Divisional Commander, June 1917. Only son of Mr. H. H. Callear, of 10, Ardee St., Dublin. Educated at Elstow School, Bedford, at which he was a member of the O.T.C., and also a member of the Trinity College, Dublin, O.T.C. Gazetted to Commission, Sept., 1914. Twice previously wounded. In the 1911 census he is aged 17, at school, resident Elstow School, Kempston, Bedford, born 1894 in Millan, Cumberand. Attended school 1909-1913, Bunyan House, address while at school Brewery House, Loder (amended to Ardee) Street, Dublin. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 144 to 145
CHALKER
Eric
Lieutenant, 46th Battery, 39th Brigade, Royal Artillery. Killed in action Wednesday 19th July 1917. Aged 23. Brother of John Chalker, of The Limes, Thetford, Norfolk. Attended school 1905-1909, Howard House, address while at school Island House, Highbridge. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 A and 8 A
CHAPMAN
Basil Frank Herbert
Lance Corporal 156284, 21st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 29 October 1918. Born Wandsworth, resident Teddington, enlisted Kingston-On-Thames. Attended School 1906-1908, Bunyan House, address while at school, 3 Langdon Road, Rochester, Kent. Formerly 12079, London Regiment. In the 1901 census he was aged 9, born Wandsworth, Surrey, a Pupil, a student at Alperton School, Alperton Park, Wembley, Middlesex. In the 1911 census he was aged aged 19, a boarder, born Wandsworth, London, an Insurance Clerk, boarding in Kensington, London & Middlesex. Married Ethel E. Martin in 1914 in the Kingston ERegistration District, Surrey. Buried in OVILLERS NEW COMMUNAL CEMETERY, SOLESMES, Nord, France. Row A. Grave 41.
CHRISTIAN
Oscar Murray
Private 492, 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 29th July 1916. Aged 21. Son of Harry Oscar and Hannah Estelle Dear Christian, of Chupraon, North Monghyr, Behar, India. Enlisted Shepherd's Bush August 1914, born Monchyr, India, resident West Kensington. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, resident Elstow School, born 1896 Manhyr (sic), Bengal. Attended school 1911-1912, Cowper House, address while at school Chupraon, Monghyr, Bengal. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.
CHURCH
Horace Major Scrimshire
Second Lieutenant, 7th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in action 10th February 1918. Aged 22. Son of Mr. and Mrs William Church, of Nine Springs, Cliftonville, Northampton. Attended school 1911-1913, Cowper House, address while at school, Oriel, St. George's Avenue, Southampton. Buried in CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row B. Grave 5.
COLLEN
Norman Owen
Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action 25th September 1916. Aged 18. Attended school 1910-1913, Cowper House, address while at school Bray Lodge, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. Buried in WARLENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Special memorial 16.

Extract from de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour):

Son of Charles Staples Collen of 67, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, by his wife, Amelia Ferris, Daughter of Thomas Needham, of Dublin; born Upper Clapton, North, 30th September 1897; educated Eton House School, Southend-on-Sea; Elstow School, Bedford; King's College, London; Keeble College, Oxford; joined the Army July, 1915 and gazetted 2nd Lieut. December 1915; went to France 15 June 1916. Buried on the battlefield. Lieut.-Col. H.R.Sanders, commanding his battalion, wrote to his father: "Your son was, I regret to say, killed while leading his platoon in an assault on the German trenches 25 Sep. . . Your son was such a bright. gallant young fellow, just the type that we most want." The Officer Commanding 64th brigade also "I, of course, did not know him well but I happen to have met him very often whilst going around our trenches near Arras, and was always impressed by his keenness and sense of duty. He died doing his duty with his men." Unm

COLSON, DSC
Douglas Nowell
Sub-Lieutenant, H.M. Submarine E.18, Royal Naval Reserve. Drowned when his submarine was lost in the Baltic 11th June 1916. Aged 24. Son of Frederick and Margaret Colson, of "Blisscot," Blissford, Fordingbridge, Hants. Born in Frances Villa, Laureston Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, son of Frederick and Margaret Colson. Attended school 1905-1907, Cowper House, address while at school Southmead House, Westbury-on-Teym, Bristol. Awarded the Distinuished Service Cross (DSC), Mentioned in Despatches. Midshipman 1 July 1909 (confirmed 26 February 1912); Acting -Sub Lieutenan 14 September 1914; Sub-Lieutenant 14 September 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Column 22.
CONNOR
Amos Lloyd
Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Died of wounds 30th June 1917. Attended school 1912-1913, Russell House, address while at school, Post Office, Lucknow, India. Buried in NOEUX-LES-MINES COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 2.
COXWELL
William Stewart Gordon
Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Rhodesia Regiment attached 1st Battalion, King's African Rifles. Died of wounds 18th October 1917. Attended school 1906-1913, Cowper House, address while at school, The Kopje, Shaftesbury Avenue, Highfield, Southampton. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, resident Elstow School, born 1896 in Salsibury, Rhodesia. Buried in DAR ES SALAAM WAR CEMETERY, Tanzania. Plot 6. Row H. Grave 26.

Extract from 'de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour', part 5, page 39:

COXWELL, WILLIAM STEWART GORDON, Lieut., 1/2nd Battn. The King's African Ride Corps, 3rd s. of Edward Colwell, J.P., of 63, Shirley Road, Southampton, and Rhodesia, South Africa, by his wife, Lulu, dau. of (---) May, hew; b. Salisbury, South Africa, 29 Aug. 1893; educ. Elstow School, Bedford; was articled to Messrs. Holderness & Scanlen, Solicitors, Rhodesia: obtained a commission in 1915; took part in the German East African Campaign, and died of wounds 18 Oct. 1917, at Njengao, German East Africa. He was buried at Nyangao. His Commanding Officer wrote: "It is with sorrow that I write to tell you of the circumstances under which your son met his death. Before doing so, I must tell you how much we miss him, both for his gallant leading as an officer and also for himself. He was one of the best officers in the battalion, and I could always depend on him to carry out. without fail, the most difficult patrols and work. The men were very fond of him and would follow him anywhere. His was the ideal temperament and courage to lead native troops. He did always splendidly, and I miss him as an officer more than I can say. As a brother officer his cheeriness and unfailing optimism endeared us to him. He was wounded going up to the firing line, after he had come back to get a stretcher for a non-commissioned officer, who was badly wounded. He was hit by a burst of machine-gun fire. and his right elbow and arm were completely shattered. and he lost so much blood that he could not recover. He was in a critical condition before he reached the advanced dressing station, and he only lived till next morning. He was hit about 6 p.m. We, his brother officers. send you our most sincere sympathy in your great loss. We, too, mourn the loss of a gallant man and a brother officer, who had endeared himself to us all."

CURNOW
Stanley John Derby
Trooper 657, East African Mounted Rifles. Died 5th December 1915. In the 1891 census he was aged 2, born Barnet, Middlesex, resident with his parents, John and Elizabeth Curnow, at Highclere, Carnarvon Road, South Mimms, Barnet. Architect by profession. Attended school 1901-1905, Cowper House, address while at school, St. Ives Lodge, Barking Road, East Ham, Essex. Buried in KAJIADO CEMETERY, Kenya. Plot III. Row C. Grave 4.
CUTHBERT
George Charles Paul
Rifleman 302621, 1st/5th Battalion (London Rifle Briagde), London Regiment. Died of wounds 2nd May 1917. Born and resident Southgate, enlisted London. Son of Lucy Cuthbert, of Ashley, Old Avenue Rd., Southgate. Attended school 1908-1910, Bunyan House, address while at school Ashleigh, Southgate. Buried in DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 10.

Extract from 'de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour', part 3, page 71:

CUTHBERT, GEORGE CHARLES PRAWL, Rifleman, No. 4307, 1/5th Battn. Lewis Gun Section (London Rifle Brigade) The London Regt. (T.F.), eldest s. of George Henry Cuthbert, of Ashleigh, Southgate, F.R.H.S.. Horticulturist, by his wife, Lucy, dau. of Charles Davis; b. Southgate, co. Middlesex, 4 Oct. 1894; educ. Elstow, Bedford, where he was a member of the Cadet Corps; subsequently entered the firm of Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Horticulturists; enlisted in Feb. 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following June, and died at No. 8 Casualty Clearing Station 2 May, 1917, from wounds received in action near Arras. Buried in the English Cemetery at Duisans; unm.

DAVIS
George Frederick
Major, 11th (County of London) Battalion (Finsbury Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action 15 August 1915. Aged 32. Attended school 1895-1898, Cowper House, address while at school, Salthill House, Slough, Buckinghamshire. Son of Col. W. N. Davis, V.D., O.B.E., J.P., and Mrs. C. Davis, of Salt Hill House, Slough; husband of Isabel Harris Davis, of 45, Cavendish Rd., Brondesbury, London. Mentioned in Despatches. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 198 and 199.
DIXON
John Hainsworth
Private PS/1428, 17th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died of wounds on 29 Ambulance Train 30 July 1916. Aged 21. Attended school 1911-1914, Cowper House, address while at school, 23 Rutland Road, Bedford. Born 22 April 1895 in Harrogate, Yorkshire, resident Bedford, enlisted London. Baptised 22 July 1895 at Bilton with Harrogate, son of Henry and Helen Louise Dixon. Son of Helen Louise Dixon, of 29, Rutland Rd., Bedford, and the late Henry Dixon. Attested 20 January 1915 at Cockspur Street, aged 19, resident 23 Rutland Road, bedford, height 5 feet 4 inches, weight 136lbs, chest 36 inches, fresh complexion, blue-grey eyes, dark brown hair. Posted to 16th Battalion 20 January 1915; posted 24th Battalion 9 July 1915; posted 17th Battalion 21 April 1916. Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Plot II. Row E. Grave 51.
ELLIOTT
Eric Cuthbert John
Lieutenant 27 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Essex Regt. Son of Clifford Francis John Elliott and Ada Caroline Elliott, of Clapham Park, South London. Killed in flying accident 22nd November 1917, flying as observer with pilot 2/Lt. H. Townsend (inj.) in DH.4 B9470. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, resident Elstow School, born 1896 in Smyrna (sic), Asia Minor. Attended school 1909-1913, Cowper House, address while at school, 61, The Chase, Claphamk Common, London S.W. Buried at AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VI. Row H. Grave 14.
EMERTON
Harry Burton
Acting Major, "B" Battery, 178th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 27 September 1918. Aged 26. Son of Harry J. and Bertha J. Emerton, of "Halesworth," Windmill Hill, Enfield, Middx. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). Attended school 1903-1908, Russell House, address while at school, The Chase, Winchmore Hill, London N. Buried in QUEANT COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 54.
EMERTON
Reginald
Lance Corporal 266937, 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Labany's). Killed in action 3 April 1917. Born Chelsea, Middlesex, enlisted York. Attended school 1902-1907, Howard House, address while at school, Barrosa, Church Street, Chelsea, London S.W. Buried in HIGHLAND CEMETERY, ROCLINCOURT, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 38.
FORBES
Donald Keith
Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action 15 February 1915. Aged 23. Son of W. A. Forbes, Barrister-at-Law, and Margaret Forbes, of Amraoti Camp, Berar, India. In the 1901 census he is aged 9, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1892 in Bridgwater, Somerset. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 21.

See also Bridgwater War Memorial

GWYNNE
Sackville Wyndham Napier

Private 106, 7th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Killed in action at Krithia Heights, Gallopli. 8 May 1915. Aged 19. Son of Maj. James Hugh Gwynne (late Royal Welch Fusiliers), and S. Isabel Gwynne, of The Ferns, Hythe, Kent. Born Manchester, England. By trade an aviator trained at Aviation School, Eastbourne. Emigrated aged 19, born 26 July 1896. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 201 to 204 or 332.

See Australian Roll of Honour Circular

HAINES
Alexander Crichton Cooper
Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Died of wounds 8 May 1915. Aged 20. Only son of Caroline Anne Haines (nee Cooper), of 9, Merrion Row, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, and the late John Crichton Haines. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, resident Elstow School, born 1895 in Dublin, Ireland. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row B. Grave 32.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-18:

HAINES, ALEXANDER CRICHTON COOPER, Lieut., 2nd Battn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers, only s. of John Crichton Baines, of St. James's Gate, Dublin, London Manager, Messrs. A. Guinness, Son & Co., Ltd., by his wife, Caroline Anne, elder dau. of Austin Darner Cooper, of Drumnigh House, St. Donloughs, co. Dublin, J.P. ; b. Dublin, 9 Dec. 1894; educ. Cholmeley House, Eastbourne, and Elstow School, Bedford ; volunteered as a motor despatch rider in Sept. 1914, and after a week at Chatham and another at Aldershot. went straight, to the Front. He was given a commission as 2nd Lieut. in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 1 Nov. 1914, and was promoted Lieut. in April, 1915 ; was dangerously wounded at St. Julien during the Second Battle of Ypres, 25 April, 1915, and was put into a "Jack Johnson" crater by some men of his platoon and lay there many hours before being picked up by the ambulance. He died of wounds at No. 7 Base Hospital, Boulogne, 8 May following, and was buried in the military cemetery there; unm .

HART
Harold John
Captain, East African Railways. Died on active service 1st May 1917. Son of William Albert Hart of Bradpole, Dorset. In the 1901 census he is aged 14, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1887, London. Railway Engineer. Attended school 1900-1904, Bunyan House, address while at school, 23, Westbourne Park Villas, Bayswater, London W. Also commemorated in Bradpole parish church. Buried in MOMBASA (MBARAKI) CEMETERY, Kenya. Plot III. Row C. Grave 8.
HEALY
John Frederick
Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 9th Battalion, Royal irish Rifles. Killed in action 1 [SDGW] or 2 July [CWGC] 1916. Aged 19. Son of George F. and Dorothea Healy, of Peafield, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Born at Dublin. In the 1911 census he was aged 13, resident Elstow School, born 1898 in Dublin, Ireland. Buried in MILL ROAD CEMETERY, THIEPVAL, Somme, France. Special memorial 2.
HICKMAN
John George
Second Lieutenant, "C" Battery, 50th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 4 October 1917. Aged 19. Son of John and Louisa Hickman, of Hole Farm, Hastings, Sussex. Buried in VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VI. Row H. Grave 1.
HITCH
George Stuart
Lieutenant, Royal Air Force and 5th Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment). Died 9th November 18. Aged 27. Born in London. From Wallasey, Cheshire. Son of Albert and Mary Ada Hitch, of 'Grasmere', Apsley Guise, Bedfordshire. Attended school 1903-1907, Russell House, address while at school, 21, Warwick Drive, Liscard, Cheshire. Buried in WALLASEY (RAKE LANE) CEMETERY, Cheshire. Grave ref. 5.C.E.315.
HOARE
William George
Second Lieutenant, Honourable Artillery Company. Died Wednesday, 16th June 1915. Aged 29. Born 1886 to Alfred Parker Hoare and Jane Hoare of Amersham, Bucks. Son of A. P. Hoare and J. Hoare, of Town Farm, Amersham, Bucks. Attended school 1898-1903, Cowper House, address while at school, Bononden, Harlesden Road, Harlesden, London N.W. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 9.
JOHNSTON
Adrian Alexander Hope
Lieutenant, 5th Battalion attached 4th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 2 July 1916. Went to France 7 Ocotber 1915. The address on his medal card is given as A H Johnston esq., Annandale, Ghat a 10, Seunajas, Kashmir. Attended school 1911-1914, Howard House, address while at school, Ex;Eng P.W.D., Rawal Pindi, India. Buried in GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row L. Grave ?.
MABBS
Herbert George
Corporal 510635, "C" Company, 1st/14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Killed in action 23 January 1917. Aged 23. Enlisted London, resident Southend. Son of Thomas and Mary I. Mabbs, of 10, Prittlewell Square, Southend-on-Sea. Attended school 1908-1910, Howard House, address while at school, 41, Warrior Square, Southend-on-Sea. Buried in RUE-DU-BACQUEROT NO.1 MILITARY CEMETERY, LAVENTIE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row K. Grave 12.

See also Southend on Sea War Memorial

McEWEN
Gerald Frank
[Transcribed as MacEwen] Killed in action 15 November 1916. Attended school 1904-1907, Russell House, address while at school, Kenmore, Station Road, Hendon, London N.W. No entry on CWGC or SDGW.
MADORE
William Douglas
Captain, 254th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 10 February 1917 in France. Aged 30. Resident Bethlehem, South Africa/London. Son of Alexander Charles and Jane Madore, of Bethlehem, Orange Free State, South Africa. In 1902 he was admitted to Bedford Middle Class Public School, Bedford (Elstow Bedford County School), in Russell House, 1902-1905, address given as Theatre Royal, Durban, Natal, South Africa. Sailed from London to Durban (Port Natal) aboard the Dover Castle (The Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co. Ltd.) 2 November 1911. Attended Camborne School of Mining 1906-1908. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row K. Grave 51.

See also Camborne School of Mines

MARSHALL
Henry Bertrand
Died 26 October 1919. Aged 38. Resident 38 Barton Arcade, Manchester. Attended Elstow County School 1894-1897, Howard House. Chartered Accountant. Baptised 20 February 1881 in Heaton-Norris, Lancashire, son of Edwin Whetehead and Emily Sarah Marshall. His wife Ethel Lilian died 18 November 1957 aged 70. In the 1901 census he was aged 20, born Heaton Moor, an Accountant's Clerk, resident with his mother at 104 Heaton Norris. In the 1911 census he was aged 30, born Heaton Norris, Lancashire, a Chartered Accountant, resident with his parents, Edwin Whitehead and Emily Sarah Marshall, at Brighton Villa, Heaton Moor, Stockport. Formerly Private 223, East African Mounted Rifles. Creamated 26 October 1919. Commemorated on MANCHESTER CREMATORIUM MEMORIAL PLAQUE, Lancashire.
McCONNELL
William [Herbert] Clarke
Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Royal Rish Rifles. Killed in action 9 July 1916. Attended school 1906-1907, Russell House, address while at school, Augustaville, Bangor, Co. Down. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 15 A and 15 B.
MERCHANT
Reginald Frank
Second Lieutenant, 36th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action during the German Spring Offensive 21 March 1918. Aged 19. Baptised 14 July 1898 at West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Son of George and Josephine Sarah Merchant, of Great Yarmouth. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, born Nottingham, resident with his parents, George and Josephine T Merchant, at 19 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Buried at GRAND-SERAUCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Plot VIII. Row E. Grave 4.

See also Gt. Yarmouth

MILTON
Ernest Edward
Second Lieutenant, 113th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 23 January 1917. Aged 32. Son of Matthew Harman Milton and Jessie Milton, of 23, Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London. Brother of George (below). Attended Elstow School 1896-1901. In the 1901 census he is aged 16, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1885 in London. Buried in COURCELLES-AU-BOIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot/Row/Section E. Grave 5.

See also Camborne School of Mines

MILTON
George Herbert
Second Lieutenant, 21st Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 25 October 1916. Aged 29. Son of Matthew H. and Jessie Milton, of 60, Clifton Hill, St. John's Wood, London. Brother of Ermnest (above). Attended Elstow School 1896-1903. In the 1901 In the 1901 census he is aged 14, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1887 in London. Buried in BECOURT MILITARY CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT, Somme, France. Plot I. Row Y. Grave 21.

See also Camborne School of Mines

MORRIS
Edwin Alan
Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers attached 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died of wounds 1 December 1917. Aged 19. Attended school 1911-1913, Howard House, address while at school, Saiyingpun Govt. School, Hong Kong. Only son of Alfred and Lily Morris, of Hong Kong. Born in Margam, Glam. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Margam, Glam., son of Alfred and Lily Morris, resident 6 Groes, Margam St. Mary, Mid Glamorgan. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, born Margam, Glam., at school resident with his uncle at 2 Victoria Road, Aberavon. Buried at GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Plot XIII. Row E. Grave 4.
MURTON
Charles Angus

Died 3 March 1921. Attended school 1905-1907, Howard House, address while at school 7 King's Gardens, West End Lane, West Hampstead, London N.W. [Can find no further trace of him]

NESBITT
Terence Beale
Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion (Reserve) attached 2nd Battalion, Dorestshire Regiment. Died of wounds 24th April 1916. Aged 18. No known grave. Commemorated on BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq. Panel 22 and 63.

(Extracted from de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour) Youngest son of Thomas Nesbitt of 38A, Trebovir Road, Earl's Court, London S.W., Lieut-Commander R.N.R., by his wife, Mary Catherine. daughter of the late Captain O.H. Parry, of Holyhead: and brother to Lance-Corporal O.H. Nesbitt (q.c.); born Belfast 8th August 1897; educated Royal Academy, Belfast; Choir School of American Church, Paris and Elstow School, Bedford; enlisted at the outbreak of war August 1914, in the Royal Horse Artillery; gazetted Second Lieutenant 6th February 1915, 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, The Dorestshire Regiment; went to Mesopotamia with a draft in January 1916; wounded at the Battle of Sanna-i-yat, 21-22 April, 1916, and died of his wounds on board the steamer going to Basra 24th April 1916. Buried at Amara. His commanding officer wrote: "He was well in front of his men, and gallanty leading them when he was hit. He was very popular with us all, and is very greatly missed." and another officer wrote saying; " He was hit soon after leaving the trenches but refused the offer of help from one of his men, leading his men to within 100 yards of the enemy trenches, where he fell, by which time 15 out of the 16 officers in the charge and nearly every man out of the trenches were put out of action." Unm

O’ FLAHERTY
Douglas Hill
Captain, 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Killed in action Saturday 1st July 1916. Age 36. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hill Hale O'Flaherty, of Belfast; husband of Beatrice O'Flaherty, of 31, Myrtlefield Park, Belfast. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 15 A and 15 B
PADDON
George William
Sergeant SPTS/1718, 23rd Battalion, City of London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Killed in action Saturday 17th February 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 30. Born Standerton, South Africa, enlisted Hornchurch, resident Johannesburg, South Africa. Son of George William and Mary Ann Paddon, of 223, Jules St., Jeppes Extension, Johannesburg, South Africa. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A
PAINE
Ernest Louis Evelyn
Captain, 17th Battery, Machine Gun Corps (Motors). Accidentally killed 8th April 1917. Aged 38. Son of Helen Paine, of Greve d'Azelte, Jersey, Channel Islands. His address is listed on his Medal Card as Falkland Lodge, Falkland Road, Torquay. Birth registered in January to March Quarter 1879 in Helney Registration District, Oxfordshire. Formerly King's (Liverpool Regiment). Buried in DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Section C. Grave 66. See also St Neots War Memorial
PENROSE
Ernest
Lieutenant 12th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action Friday 5th April 1918. Age 23. Son of James Yates Penrose and Agnes Barbara Penrose, of 19, Hillcourt Avenue, North Finchley, London. Served Overseas from November, 1914. Buried in SENLIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Grave I. D. 13. Brother of Harold below.
PENROSE
Harold
Second Lieutenant, 12th Battalion attached to 8th Battalion, City of London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Died of wounds 27th March 1917. Age 23. Son of James Yates Penrose and Agnes Barbara Penrose, of "Knotty Ash," Alexandra Grove, North Finchley, London. Buried in DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN, Pas de Calais, France. Grave I. A. 1. Brother of Ernest above.
PEXTON
Harold
Trooper SS/89, 1st Mounted Rifles (Natal Carbineers), South African Infantry. Died 27th April 1915. Aged 34. Son of William and Annie Pexton, of Whixley Grange, York. In the 1891 census he was aged 10, born Green Hammerton, Yorkshire, living with his parents William and Annie at Grange Farm, Stone Gate, Whixley. Buried in GIBEON STATION CEMETERY, Namibia.
PICKTHALL
Henry Clement Vaughan
Captain, 320th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died 8th December 1918. Aged 25. Son of Clementina and the late Walter Edward Pickthall, of 11, Warwick Avenue, Bedford. Born at Paignton, Devon. Buried in SARIGOL MILITARY CEMETERY, KRISTON, Greece. Grave C. 400.
PILLING
Edgar
Second Lieutenant, 460th Battery, 15th Briagde. Royal Field Artillery. Died 23 April 1917. Aged 33. Son of Gerard and Anne Elizabeth Pilling, of Ellerslie, Heacham, Norfolk. Born at East Dereham. In the 1901 census he is a scholar, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1886 in East Dereham, Norfolk. Buried in TILLOY BRITISH CEMETERY, TILLOY-LES-MOFFLAINES, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 16.
PRIDMORE, MC
Reginald George
Major, "C" Battery, 240th Brigade, Royal Artillery. Killed in action 13 March 1918. Aged 31. Son of George William and Sarah Louisa Pridmore, of Coventry, Warwickshire. The inscription on his original wooden cross erected by his comrades read: "A most Gallant Sportsman and Comrade." Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). In the 1901 census he is a scholar, aged 14, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1887 in Handsworth, Warwickshire. Buried in GIAVERA BRITISH CEMETERY, ARCADE, Italy. Plot 1. Row D. Grave 5.
RAWLINS
Guy Vernon Champion
Captain, Royal Engineers attached 7th Field Battalion, Royal Tank Corps. Died from disease 30th January 1919. Aged 35. Born at Armadale, Melbourne, Australia. Son of Charles Champion Rawlins and Mary Macgregor Rawlins, husband of Eileen M. E. Rawlins, of 67, Morehampton Rd., Donnybrook, Dublin. In the 1891 census Guy and his brothers Arthur and Richard were 'inmates' of Bedford County School. Buried in DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION No.2, Somme, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 31.
RAY
Frederick Lee
Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 16th May 1918. Age 24. Son of Frederick and Alice Ray, of Bedford. Attended school 1903-1909, Russell House, address while at school, 54, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford. Buried in TANNAY BRITISH CEMETERY, THIENNES, Nord, France. Plot 2. Row C. Grave 5. See also Bedford St Leonards
READ
George Chisholm
Second Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Engineers. Accidentally killed 4 January 1918. Aged 19. Attended school 1912-1915, Howard House, address while at school, 268, Devonshire Road, Honor Oak Park, London S.E. Son of Ruby Mary Read, of 156 Casewick Rd., West Norwood, London and the late John Charles Read, of Delhi, India. Buried at MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 6.
REDFERN
Frederick Arthur Dudley
Photograph Courtesy &
Copyright © 2002 - Carol Chambers
Lieutenant, Imperial South Persian Rifles, General List, New Armies. Born on 5th August 1882 at home, 67, Finborough Rd, Kensington. His parents were Frederick William Redfern (cloth merchant) and Lydia Mary (nee Brown). He was educated at Elstow 1898/9 and was a member of school cricket XI. He worked for Lynch Bros, London (Shipping Agents) and was sent out to Persia between 1904 and 1910 as their representative there. He learnt Persian, Arabic and French. He married Elizabeth Annie Richardson (Elsie) in 1912 in Leire. They had 2 children, the elder died in 1915. Lived in Leire and London, and had various business ventures. He was mobilised into Royal Engineers, Motor Cycle Section in 1916 and applied to the Army to make use of Persian experience. He rose rapidly to Acting Sergeant. Whilst in transit, as part of Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, he was transferred to South Persian Rifles in 1917 on temporary commission as Second Lieutenant. He was posted to Basra where he was taken ill during reconnaissance work and died in Basra hospital due to 'the effects of heat' on 15th July, 1917. He was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Buried at BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 13.
RENNIE
Hugh Robert
Second Lieutenant, 14th Battalion, London Regiment (London Scottish) attatched Cameron Highlanders. Captured by Germans, died of wounds Wednesday 10th July 1918. Attended school 1906-1910, Bunyan House, address while at school, 42, Emmanuel Road, Balham, London S.W. Played cricket for the Bedfordshire County XI in 1910. He played in the Elstow School XI for the 4 years 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910. His birth certificate states he was born at 20 Connaught Road, Hove on 25 July 1892. His father, Hugh Rennie, was a marine engineer, his mother Alice registered the birth on 29 August 1892 giving her address as Albert Villa, Gallowhead, Dunoon, Scotland. Buried in POZNAN OLD GARRISON CEMETERY, Poland. Plot I. Row A. Grave 2.
ROSS
Leonard
Private G/3660, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds 29 September 1915. Employed in Wireless Telegraphy. Attended school 1905-1909, Howard House, address while at school, Well Park, Exeter. Born Exeter. Enlisted Pontypridd. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row E. Grave 46.
ROUTLEDGE
John Frederick
Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action Sunday 23rd September 1917. Age 33. Husband of Evelyn Routledge, of "Thornhill," Boxwell Rd., Berkhamsted, Herts. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 19 to 23 and 162
SMITH
Arthur Johnathan
[Jonathon spelt Johnathan on CWGC & SDGW] Second Lieutenant, 36th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 28th March 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 33. Son of Arthur Smith, of Yardley Gobion, Northants, and the late Amy Smith; husband of Marion Alice Smith. Buried in BOUCHOIR NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Grave II. D. 138. See Yardley Gobion

Behind the church is a family grave:

AMY, WIFE OF ARTHUR SMITH
DIED MARCH 12 1926 Aged 66.

PEACE PERFECT PEACE

AND OF THE ABOVE ARTHUR SMITH
DIED APRIL 3 1939 AGED 81

IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBERANCE

VICTOR WESTON SMITH
DIED NOV 7 1923 AGED  36.

AND OF
ARTHUR JONATHON SMITH
Lieut. M.G.C. KILLED AT
ERCHES. BOUCHOIR. FRANCE
MARCH 27 1918 AGE   33

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour Volume 2, Part 4, Page 188:

SMITH, Arthur Johnathan - 2nd Lieut, Machine Gun Corps.

Eldest son of Arthur Smith of Stonebank, Yardley Gobion, co. Northampton, by his wife, Amy, Dau. of H. Weston, of Hartwell, co. Northampton; born Yardley Gobion, aforesaid, 24th Jan, 1885; educated County School, Bedford; was clerk and cashier at the county fire office; joined the Berkshire Yeomanry twice previously to joining the Machine Gun Corps; was gazetted 2nd Lieut. Machine Gun Corps in Sept. 1917; served with The Expeditionary Force in France from that month and was killed in action while in harge of two gun teams at Erches, ten and a half miles north east of Montdidier, 27th March, 1918. Buried where he fell. He married at Ealing, W, in July 1914, Marion, dau.of the late J. Dungey, of London.

SOUTHWELL
Frederick Edward Granville

Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Died of wounds Tuesday 10th April 1917. AgeD 27. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Southwell, of 93, Queen St., Filey, Yorks. Buried in DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 5.

Read more about Frederick Southwell

SOUTHWELL
Wilfrid Alan Granville
Private 2292, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Killed in action Wednesday 16th June 1915 in France & Flanders. Enlisted Armoury House, resident Catford. Played cricket for the school. Comemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 9.
SPEIRS
John
Private 10133, 4th Regiment, South African Infantry. Killed in action 21 March 1918. Aged 22. Attended school 1908-1914, Cowper House, address while at school, Victoria West, Cape Colony. In the 1911 census he is aged 14, resident Elstow School, born 1897 Victoria, West Africa. Son of Robert and Joan Speirs, of 2, Highfield Rd., Rosebank, Cape Town. No kinown grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme France. Panels 95-98.
STANSFIELD
Harold
Rifleman 393741, 1st/9th (County of London) Battalion (Queen Victoria Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action 14 April 1917. Aged 32. Enlisted London, resident Finchley. Formerly 2726. 2nd Battalion, London Regiment. In the 1901 census he is a scholar, aged 15, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1886 in Muswell Hill, London. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 10.
STOCKDALE
Edward Leslie Johnson
Temporary Lieutenant, "B" Company, 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in action Friday 7th July 1916. Age 22. Son of William Edward and Rose Ellen Stockdale, of The Tower, Ely, Cambs. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D

See also Ely War Memorial and Little Downham War Memorial

STRONG
Henry Patterson
Gunner 362678, 14th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died of wounds 29 October 1917. Aged 41. Born New Cross, London, enlisted Purley. Son of James and Elizabeth Strong, of Croydon; husband of Alma Gladys Strong, of 2, Egmont House, Sutton, Surrey. In the 1891 census he is aged 15, a Schoolboy, resident Bedford County School, Kempston, born 1876 in Southwark, London. Buried in DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row A. Grave 15.
STURT
Douglas Elliott
Lieutenant, 20th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died Thursday 30th October 1918. Age 30. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Sturt, of Mexico City; husband of Irene H. A. Sturt, of Heston Vicarage, Hounslow. Buried in the Old Ground, ST. LEONARD CHURCHYARD, HESTON, Middlesex.
SUTTON
William
Private 11095, 6th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Killed in action 18 August 1916. Aged 27. Born Leyton, Essex, enlisted London, resident Woodford Green, Essex. Son of the late William and Mary Sutton; husband of Madeline Elsie Sutton, of 28, Duke St., Manchester Square, London. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). In the 1901 census he was aged 12, resident Bedford County School, Ampthill Road Kempston, born 1889 in Leyton, Essex. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 B.
THORP
Austin

Lieutenant Colonel Royal Garrison Artillery attached to 82nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died 30 October 1918. Aged 45. Awarded CMG, DSO. Order of Leopold (Belgium), Croix de Guerre (Belgium). Son of Charles William and Edith Thorp, of Todmorden; husband of Edith May Thorp, of Elm Cottage, Camberley, Surrey. Buried in LE CATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot II. Row B. Grave 1.

Also listed on the Todmorden War Memorial

Extract from The Times 8 November 1918:

THORP.- Killed in action on the 30th Oct., LIEUT-COLONEL AUSTIN THORP, D.S.O., R.A., the dearly-loved husband of Edit May Thorp, and eldest surviving son of the late Dr. C.W. Thorp and Mrs. Thor, of Foxliegh, Wem, Salop.

Extract from THE V.C. AND DSO BOOK VOL III:

THORP, A. (D.S.O. L.G. 1.1.17) ; b. 23.10.73; s. of Charles William Thorp, M.D., F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., of Dobroyd, Tormorden, Lancs., and Edith, d. of F. Spencer ; m. Edith May, d. of late W. H. Petrie ; one s. ; one d. ; educ. Bedford County School (afterwards known as Elstow School) ; R.M.A., Woolwich ; 2nd Lt., R.A., 4.3.93 ; Lt. 4.3.90 ; Capt. 22.2.00 ; Major 15.3.14 ; Lt.- Col. ; served in India and Burma in R.F.A., R.G.A., and Indian Mountain Artillery from 1893 to 1901 ; passed through the Gunnery Staff Course in 1903, and served with the R.G.A. in Malta, 1903-7, as Instructor in Gunnery, and in the Indian Mountain Artillery in India and Burma, 1908-14. At the outbreak of war he was commanding the R.G.A. Depot at Plymouth, but took over a battery of Field Artillery in the New Armies in May, 1915, and proceeded to France in July, 1915; in December of that year was given command of a brigade, holding that appointment till his death. He was present in many actions, and in the March retreat his brigade formed part of the Fifth Army, and afterwards, from August onwards, he was continually in heavy fighting. He was five times mentioned in Despatches, and created a C.M.G. He was killed in action at Boursies, near Le Cateau, on 30.10.18. His General wrote of him: “Ever since our advance in August last he has excelled himself, and the success of the 18th Div. Artillery has been greatly due to him."

Extract Supplement to the London Gazette 1 January 1917:

Maj. (temp. Lt.-Col.) Austin Thorp, R.G.A.

Extract Supplement to the London Gazette 1 January 1919:

Lt.-Col. Austin Thorp, D.S.O., R.A. (To date 29th October, 1918.)

WALKER
George
Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment attached to Nigeria Regiment, W.A.F.F. Died of wounds 28 November 1915. Attended school 1905-1906, Russell House, address while at school, Preston Lodge, Trewsbury Road, Sydenham, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on ZARIA MEMORIAL, Nigeria.
WARDEN
Edmund Oscar
Captain, 12th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action Monday 28 June 1915, at Gallipoli. Born 19 July 1876 and baptised at Chittagong, Christ Church, Bengal, son of Walter and Florence Geraldine Warden. Husband of May Josephine Warden (nee Hood), married in Kingston Registration District 1907. Educate Bedford Modern School (1891-92). In the 1891 census he was aged 14, born India, boarder, schoolboy, at Bedford County School, Kemspton, Bedford. In the 1911 census he was aged 34, married, born St Lawrence Intra, Clacutta, India, a Colonial Civil service Political Captain s/R & C, resident with his parents and wife at 4 Brockenhurst Road, Ramsgate, Kent. In 1900 he was a Captain with the Gold Coast Regiment, listed in Hart's as Essex Regiment. Buried in TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot I. Row D. Grave 10. See also See also Bedford Modern School.

Extract from England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1915:

WARDEN Edmund Oscar of Navano Gold Coast West Africa died 28 June 1915 at the Gallipoli Peninsula Turkey Probate London 2 October to May Josephine Warden widow. Effects £1123 14s. 2d.

WIGG
Arthur Harry
Private 2685, 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry). Killed in action 16 June 1915. Aged 24. Enlisted Armoury House, resident Ealing, London S.1. Son of Mrs H O Wigg and the late Mr Wigg. Pupil of Elstow School. Attended school 1905-1907, Cowper House, address while at school, 2 Ripley Villas, Ealing. In the 1891 census he is 5 months old. born West Derby, living with his parents Harry Owen and Mary Walmsley Wigg at 48 Mill Lane, West Derby, Lancashire. Buried in CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XVI. Row B. Grave 11.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-18:

WIGG, ARTHUR HARRY, Private, No. 2685, 1st Battn. Honourable Artillery Company, yr. s. of the late Harry Owen Wigg, of Ealing, W., formerly of West Derby, Liverpool, Draper's Buyer, by his wife, Mary Walmsley (2B, Gordon Road, Ealing, W.), dau. of the late Thomas Fletcher, of Newsham Park, Liverpool ; b. West Derby, Liverpool, 16 Oct. 1890; educ. Elstow School (formerly called Bedford County School), Bedford ; was in the service of Messrs. Dalton & Young, Fenchurch Street, E.C. ; volunteered for Imperial service after the outbreak of war and joined the H.A.C. in Nov. 1914 ; left for France 26 April, 1915, as one of a draft to the 1st Batter : and was killed in action at Hooge, 16 June following. Early on the morning of the 16th the British had attacked with some success south of Hooge, capturing 1,000 yards of German front trenches and part of their second line. Towards night the troops holding the most advanced of the captured trenches were obliged to fall back, and volunteers were called to go to their support. Private Wigg was one of those who volunteered, and while advancing with a party composed of men from various units under Major G. N. Crosfield, 4th South Lancashires, was hit in the head by a piece of high explosive shell and killed instantaneously. He was buried by the side of a path leading to the Sunken Road between Hooge and Potijze ; unm. He was a very keen sportsman, being vice-captain of the Old Elstonian Hockey Club and a member of the Ealing Cricket Club, upon the committee of which he served.
WILLIAMS
Leslie
Second Lieutenant, 23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action 1 July 1916. Aged 25. Son of Walter Albert and Ada Mary Williams, of Copper Beeches, Tower Road, Orpington, Kent. Baptised 3 May 1891 in Sussex. Birth registered in the April to June Quarter 1891 in the Battle Registration District. In the 1901 census he is aged 10, son of Walter A and Ada M Williams, born Mountfield, Sussex, resident Chelsfield Road, Orpington, Kent. While at Elstow School he appeared for Bedfordshire County at cricket in 1907; in the School Cricket XI in 1906 and 1907. Embarked in France 9 January 1916. Buried in SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No. 2, Somme, France. Plot XXXIII. Row E. Grave 10.
WRIGHT
George Drennan Cron
Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action Friday 23rd October 1914. Age 23. Son of George and Letitia S. Wright. Buried in DADIZEELE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Moorslede, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave IV. A. 9.

Extract from 'The Bond of Sacrifice':

Second Lieutenant GEORGE DRENNAN CRON WRIGHT, 2nd BATTN. BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, son of the late George Wright, of Grahamstown, Cape Colony, and Mrs. Wright, and a grandson of the late William Drennan, C.E., was born in Kensington, London, on the 4th April, 1891.

He was educated at the Elstow School, Bedford, England, and received his commission in December, 1913, joining his battalion at Roberts's Heights, Pretoria, in the following month.

He was killed on the 23rd October, 1914, during the fighting before Ypres, while gallantly leading his platoon into action

WYLDE
Paul Arthur
Private 104185, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 1th April 1918. Aged 20. Born Gravesend, enlisted Luton. Son of Thomas & Elizabeth Wylde,of 63, Deodar Rd., Putney, South East London. Formerly 32257, Norfolk Regiment. No known grave; No known grave. Commemorated on Loos Memorial). Brother of Thomas Edgar (below).
WYLDE
Thomas Edgar
Lieutenant (Pilot), 11 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment). Died of wounds 27th June 1917. Aged 28. Son of Thomas & Elizabeth Wylde,of 63, Deodar Rd., Putney, South East London. Native of Johannesburg, S. Africa. Engineer by trade. Attended school 1904-1905, Russell House, address while at school, Howard, Farrar, Robsinon & Co., Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Buried in Duisans, France. Brother of Paul Arthur (above).
YOUNG
Reginald Hope

Petty Officer Motor Mechanic P/4425, Armoured Car Division, Royal Naval Air Service. Died of wounds 27 January 1916. Attended school 1910-1914, Bunyan House, address while at school, c/o E Humphreys & Co., P.O. Box 628, Lima, Peru, South America. In the 1911 census he was aged 11, resident Elstow School, born 1900 in Clapham, London. Buried in HASLAR ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY, Hampshire. Plot E. Row 24. Grave 12.

MEMBERS OF THE STAFF
DeREUTER
Hubert

[Spelt DERCUTER on SDGW] Private 6928, 7th (Fife) Battalion (Territorial), Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Killed in action 13th November 1916. Born Brighton, enlisted Hove. Buried in MAILLY WOOD CEMETERY, MAILLY-MAILLET, Somme, France. Plot I. Row L. Grave 15.

Extract from Biggleswade Chronicle - Friday 5 January 1917, page 1:

ELSTOW SCHOOL LANGUAGE MASTER KILLED IN ACTION
ONE OF THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE.

Every reader will regret to learn of the death on the field of battle of Baron Hubert de Reuter, who for five years was modern languages master at Elstow School, and who gave his life under very gallant circumstances while fighting with the Black Watch in France. He was the only son of the late Baron de Reuter. He killed while serving as a private in the Black Watch. He fell on Nov. 13th at Beaumont Hamel in a gallant fight in which he won high distinction for his adroitness, bravery, and sacrifice.

The following story of his bravery should be written letters of the purest gold:

“He would have gained a very high decoration had he lived,” writes his Coi. “He was with his platoon in the attack, and through his courage and resource, they captured ninety-seven Germans. The whole platoon went over the first line of German trenches into the second. De Reuter went down a 20ft. dug-out, shouted out in German, asking if any men were there. No answer—so he threw two bombs round the corner and came up two steps until they exploded. He then again shouted. ‘Anybody there!’ Answer came, ‘One officer and thirty-five men.’ These he made file out past him. He found that some Germans had been passed over the first line, and were shooting from behind and from the right rear, so he put the German officer upon the parapet threatening him with his bayonet, and made him order the men to surrender; sixty-two over.

“He then carried in three badly wounded men into cover under heavy machine-gun fire, and went back over ‘No Man’s Land ’ for the stretcher-bearers. He was hit on the way back, and was buried the next day. By his gallant conduct and example this one platoon (one sergeant and twenty men) captured one officer and ninety-seven men.”

“He was a very gallant soldier and a gentleman in all he thought or did, whether on or off duty,” writes his platoon commander.

At the beginning of 1915 he joined the Essex Regiment as a second lieutenant, after preliminary training with the Sportsman’s Battalion, but a man of 38 who has seen much of the world is apt to be out of his element among young subalterns and to find irksome the trammels of an etiquette and discipline to which he has been wholly unaccustomed. It was not long before Baron de Reuter resigned his commission and enlisted as a private in the famous Black Watch. “I joined the Army to fight the Germans,” told a friend, “and this seems the best way of doing it.”

HOPKINS
Eric Arthur
Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 5th May 1915. Aged 29. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hopkins, of West View House, Bishopthorpe Rd., York. B.A. (Leeds University). No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Blegium. Panel 31 and 33.
LICHFIELD
John L

Lieutenant John Litchfield
Lieutenant John Litchfield
© IWM (HU 124197)
[Also spelt LITCHFIELD in some records including CWGC] Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 22 October 1914. Baptised 6 August 1882 in Norton, Northamptonshire (near Long Buckby), son of William Allen and Elizabeth Litchfield. In the 1911 census he was aged 29, born Long Buckby, a School Master, boarding with two other schoolmasters at 218 Ampthill Road Bedford, Bedford. The 1921 yearbook and war record of The Elstonian Association has this information: Lieut. J Litchfield (Past Master) Bedfordshire Regt. Reported missing after the retreat from Mons. The list of Assistant Masters at the school includes J. Litchfield, who was employed there from the summer term of 1910, leaving at the end of the autumn term in 1912, a graduate of London University. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33.

Extract from Luton Times and Advertiser - Friday 6 November 1914, page 5:

CASUALTIES IN THE BEDFORDS.

In the casualty list published on Tuesday morning appeared the names of three officers the Bedfordshire Regiment. Lieut. St. J. A. Charlton was reported killed, and Lieut. W. St. J. Coventry arid Second-Lieut. J. Litchfield missing. In Tuesday's list, Lieut. W. Bastard and A. G. Hall were reported killed, and Captain A. D. Patron wounded.

[Details kindly supplied by Carol Chambers]

Though in rude lettered, maybe nameless tomb,
Some lie out there ‘neath unrecording sod,
Who died for King and Country, School and Home,
Not, unremembered have all met their God.

Last updated 5 February, 2025

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