WOBURN WAR MEMORIAL World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information Compiled and copyright © 2001 Lynda Smith

The memorial stands beside the Bedford Arms Hotel, in the main street, at the junction of Park Road, Woburn. The memorial takes the form of a stone cross, with a bronze sword affixed to head and shaft of cross, an octagonal shaft that surmounts an octagonal pediment and two-stepped base. The lettering is in relief just above pediment with a carved inscription and the names of the fallen on the sides of the pediment. The memorial is set in shingled area, surrounded by grass. There are forty names for World War 1 and five for World War 2.

Extract from Bedfordshire Times and Independent - Friday 10 September 1920 - detailing the unveiling of the memorial:

THE WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED.

Sunday afternoon, in the presence of large gathering, the Duke of Bedford unveiled the Memorial erected to the memory of Woburn’s "glorious dead." The ceremony was marked by simple dignity and reverence, and many of those present who had lost dear ones in the war were unable control their natural emotion; for their convenience seats were provided in the enclosure, flags were at half-mast on St. Mary’s tower and the Town Hall, and a peal was rung on half-muffled bells. St. Mary’s choir and clergy in their robes walked in procession from the church to the enclosure, and took their places on a platform to the left of the Memorial, with the choir of the Congregational Church and members of the Wesleyan community close by. Mr. Mason, the organist of St. Mary’s, was at the harmonium. The hymn "For all the saints’’ was sung, special lessons were read by the Rev. Craig Kelly, pastor of the Congregational Church, and the dedicatory prayers were recited by the Rev. V. G. W. White, vicar of St. Mary’s.

His Grace, wearing Colonel's uniform, with crepe band on the arm, said; It is privilege to unveil this Memorial erected to the memory of 40 men of the parish of Woburn, who, at the call of duty, went out from here and joined the battle-line abroad, and fell fighting in defence their homes and of their country in the Great War 1914-1918. We who have known them, and who cannot fail to remember for the rest of our lives the deadly peril through which we passed during the long years of war, can never forget the men who gave their lives to save us from destruction. We intend that their names shall live great in story for all time to come. This Memorial will remind future generations the price paid by their forefathers to preserve for them a free and independent England. I cannot think that there will ever Englishmen or Englishwomen with hearts so dead as to read the names on this Memorial without at the same time paying the silent tribute of a grateful thought to the memory of the men who died that England might survive. "Their name liveth for even, more."

The Duke then pulled the cord which released the Union Jack in the ample folds of which the Memorial had previously been shrouded. Immediately the thrilling notes of the Last Post were sounded by Corporal Noble, from Bedford. The hymn, “On the Resurrection morning,” followed, and the Blessing was pronounced; the ceremony closing with the National Anthem.

The floral tributes brought by relatives were then deposited at the base the memorial by representatives of the following: Walter Birch, Ernest Bodsworth, Frederick Champkin, Charles Clarke, William Cook, William Coleman, Lionel Hammond, Bert Indge, Harry Lewis, George Peacock, Arthur and Jack Phillips, Fred Pickering, Harry Prestidge, Christopher Robinson, Perry Skinner, Milford Smith, Walter Stanford, Francis and John Stanford. There were also several unnamed pathetic tributes.

The Memorial, which stands near the junction of the cross-roads opposite the Town Hall on a grass plot placed at the disposal of the Committee by His Grace, was subscribed for by the townsfolk, augmented by a generous donation by His Grace, and was executed by Mr. Frederick Mills, of Leighton-street, Woburn, from his own competitive design, at a cost of £250 15s. He is to be congratulated the excellence and skill revealed in the carrying out of the scheme. The foundation site was prepared under the supervision Mr. C. P. Hall by Mr. G. E. Whitcombe, clerk of the estate works, at the expense of His Grace; and Mr. S. A. Avis, the surveyor, was also responsible for many of the arrangements. The memorial is of white Portland stone, weighing about eight tons. Around the base runs the inscription, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Rising from this is an octagonal superstructure, on three sides of which are inscribed the names of the fallen as under: “In memory of 41 men of the parish of Woburn who have given their lives fighting for their country and for their homes in the Great War of 1914-1918: Thomas Adamson Andrews. Horace Andrews. Raymond Andrews. Walter Birch. Ernest Bodsworth. Caleb Britchford. William Burnage. Frederick Champkin. Charles Clarke. William Coleman. William Cook. George Drew. Alec Emery. George Gilks. William Gilks. Lionel Hammond. Bert Indge. Edward Kirk. William Kinna. Harry Lewis. Charges Ludgate. Herbert Mitchell. Albert Murrer. John Newbury. William George Peacock. Arthur Phillips. Jack Phillips. Fred Pickering. Harry Prestidge. Christopher Robinson. Percy Skinner. Wilfrid Skinner. Cyril Smith. Milford Smith. Walter Stanford. Francis Stanford. David Sturgeon. Baron Tanqueray. Thomas Wilkinson. George Yole.”

Surmounting this is the sculptured inscription. “For God, King and Country.” and above the latter uses a delicate column merging into a cross, the total height of the memorial is 16 feet. Superimposed for half the length of the column is a solid bronze crusader’s sword, inverted.

The Memorial Committee consisted of Mr. Charles P. Hall (Chairman) Messes. H. Davies, J Gilks, A. S. Hill, W. Haddow, W. T. Hulatt, J. McKay, G. F. Whitcombe, and Miss Tanqueray with Mr. W. H. Smith, hon. Treasurer, and Mr. A. Brittain, hon. Secretary.

The Processional Cross in St Mary’s Parish Church, Park Street, Woburn, Bedfordshire bears the following inscription (see memorial details for both of these men)

“TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF RAYMOND ANDREWS AND BARON TANQUERAY WHO WERE THE FIRST BOYS TO LEAD THIS CHOIR IN PROCESSION. MARCH 1901. AND WHO DIED FIGHTING ON THE SOMME JULY 1916”

Extract from Bedfordshire Times and Independent - Friday 30 April 1920 - describing the unveiling of the window:

On Sunday evening the memorial window to fallen was unveiled and dedicated by the Right Rev. Bishop Hodges. D.D., the church being full. A special form of service was used, and the lessons were read by Mr. H. M. Lindsell, C.B. Near relatives of the fallen were given seats in the south aisle immediately in front of the window. The Bishop preached an eloquent sermon on the words, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” The service, which throughout was most impressive, concluded with the Dead March in "Saul,” played by the organist, Mr. A. Pearce. The offertory, £5 0s. 6d., was added to the Memorial Fund. The window is a beautiful addition to the church, and was supplied by Messrs. John Hall and Son, London. On one hand is a warrior bidden “to be strong and of good courage,” and on the other is one who has conquered, in that “Death swallowed victory.” On the window sill is a brass tablet bearing the following inscription: “To the Glory of God, and in grateful memory of the men this parish, who fell in the Great War 1914-1919, this window is erected.” The names are: De Lacey Berrington, Walter J. Summerfleld, Percy W. Gambriel, William Tuffnell, Frank Irons, Percy Whitaker, Frank Berrington, Ellis Gay(?), Alfred Hyde. Chas. John Irons, James E Lord, James Thos. Whittemore.

ADAMSON	Thomas	Private 1112, 1st/1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Died in United Kingdom 1st January 1915. Born Whitby, Yorkshire, enlisted Bedford, resident Woburn. Buried in Hatfield Peverel (St. Andrew) Churchyard, Hertfordshire.
ANDREWS	Horace [Gibson]	Captain, 8th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in action 7 June 1917. Aged 27. Admitted to Aspley Heath or Woburn Sands School (mixed), Aspley Heath, Bedfordshire, 27 September 1906.   Son of Gibson Andrews of 3 High Street, Woburn, and the late Emma Andrews; brother of Raymond (below). Educated Bedford Modern school (1905-06). In the 1901 census he was aged 11, born Woburn, son of Gibson and Emma Andrews, residing at Park Street, Woburn. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No.4 Plot XII. Row I. Grave 43. See also Bedford Modern School
ANDREWS	Raymond Gibson	Private 8138.  1st/14th London Regiment (London Scottish).  Formerly 5302, 28th London Regiment.  Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916. Aged 23.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted London.  Son of Gibson Andrews of 3 High Street, Woburn, and the late Emma Andrews; brother of Horace (above).  In the 1901 census he was aged 8, born Woburn, son of Gibson and Emma Andrews, residing at Park Street, Woburn. No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 9C & 13C.
BIRCH	Walter George	Private 69996.  11th Royal Fusiliers (City of London).  Formerly TR/10/41711. 99th T.R. Battalion.  Died Friday 21 June 1918. Aged 19.  Born Woburn.  Lived Kentish Town.  Enlisted St. Pancras.  Son of Thomas Edward Birch of 34 Leighton Street, Woburn.  Buried in Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Brandenburg, Germany.  Plot I. Row F. Grave 1.
BODSWORTH	Ernest	Private 20527.  8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Friday 15 September 1916.  Born & lived Woburn. Enlisted Ampthill.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 2C.
BRITCHFORD	Caleb Charles	Private T/204120.  1st Buffs (East Kent Regiment).  Formerly 37 1 /2  Company, R.A.V.C.  Killed in action Thursday 19 September 1918.   Born Woburn.  Lived and enlisted St. Albans, Herts.  Buried in Grand-Seraucourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France.  Plot V. Row F. Grave 7.
CHAMPKIN	Frederick	Private G/3817. 7th Battalion Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).  Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916.  Aged 20.  Born Woburn.  Enlisted Gravesend, Kent.  Son of William & Sarah Champkin of 1 Newport Road, Woburn.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 11C.
CLARKE	Charles	Private 23107.  ‘A’ Company, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Thursday 21 March 1918.  Aged 30.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  Son of Henry & Ann Clarke;  husband of Mabel Nellie Clarke (nee Crute) of Duke St., Aspley Guise.  No known grave. Commemorated on Poziers Memorial, Somme, France.  Panel 28 & 29.
COLEMAN	William	Private 23309.  4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Died of wounds Friday 17 November 1916.  Aged 36.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  Son of William Levi and Caroline Coleman.  Native of Woburn, Bedfordshire.  Buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France.  Plot VI. Row B. Grave 32.
COOK	William George Arthur	Private 27472.  1st Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Rifles).  Formerly 38459 Rifle Brigade.  Killed in action Wednesday 10 April 1918. Aged 19.   Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  Son of Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Cook of Grange Lodge, Milton Bryan, Woburn, Bedfordshire.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.  Panel 8.
DREW	C. George	Driver RMA/3635/S Siege Battery, Royal Marine Artillery.  Died Wednesday 16 October 1918.  Buried in Woburn (St. Mary) Churchyard. RMA/3635/S DRIVER C.G. DREW ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY 16TH  OCTOBER 1918
GILKS	George William	L/Corporal 17497.  6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Saturday 15 July 1916.  Aged 32.  Born Woburn.  Lived Great Brickhill.  Enlisted Leighton Buzzard.  Husband of Emma Mary Gilks of Station Road, Earls Barton, Northants.  Buried in Poziers British Cemetery, Ovillers-le Boisselle, Somme, France. Plot III. Row F. Grave 34.
GILKS	William	Private 20667.  8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Friday 15 September 1916.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 2C.
HAMMOND	Lionel Gooderham	Private 764320.  1st/28th Battalion London Regiment (Artist’s Rifles).  Killed in action Tuesday 30 October 1917.  Aged 25.  Born Stevington.  Lived Wembley Hill.  Enlisted Shoreditch.  Son of Robert and Amelia Hammond of The Bedford Arms Hotel, Woburn. Attended Bedford Modern School (1905-08).  No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 153. See also Bedford Modern School
INDGE	Bert	Private 24364.  6th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.  Killed in action Saturday 17 February 1917.  Born Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 11A & 11D. Extract from Luton News and Bedfordshire Chronicle 8 March 1917 page 8: KILLED. — Still another Woburn lad has given his life in the great struggle. Bert Indge, his parents hearing on Thursday from a comrade that he had been fatally wounded. He was not quite twenty years of. Aged .
KIRK	Edward [Wressell]	[SDGW lists him as Edmund] Sergeant 2511, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards. Died of wounds 18 November 1914. Aged 27. Born Doddington, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Bedford. Son of John and Ann Kirk, of 22, Ampthill St., Bedford. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Cambridgeshire, son of John Wressell and Ann Kirk, resident Newgate, Doddington, North Witchford, Cambridgeshire. Joined the Irish Guards in 1907 then joined Bedfordshire Police in 1913, he was first posted to Leighton Buzzard. He was an Army Reservist and was recalled in 1914. Buried in Wimereuxc Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 12A.
KINNA	William	Private 51619.  2nd/5th Lincolnshire Regiment.  Killed in action Monday 15 April 1918.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.  Panel 3.
LEWIS, DCM Mid	Harry [Arthur]	Major, 9th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in action 1 July 1916. Aged 54. Husband of Charlotte Lewis, of 31, Port Hill, Hertford. Served in the Soudan Campaign (1898). Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M,.) and Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 14 A and 14 B. He was born in Shrivenham, Berkshire on 21st May 1867. He married in 1890 and had 5 children. He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards and served in the First Battalion for 21 years from 1884 to 1905. He attained the ranks of Colour Sergeant, Sergeant Instructor and Drill Sergeant and amongst other honours was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) for action during the Battle of Omdurman in 1898. On leaving the service he worked on the Duke of Bedford's estate at Woburn as a Lodge keeper, but also ran the Woburn Boy Scout Troop and instructed the Duke in drill and physical exercises (as mentioned in the Duke's autobiography). At the outbreak of WWI, at the age of 47, he volunteered for military service and with the rank of Major serving with the 9th Battalion Yorks and Lancaster Regiment. Extract from Luton News and Bedfordshire Chronicle 8 March 1917 page 8: WOBURN. THE LATE MAJOR H. A. LEWIS.—Under date of March 1st. Stanley C. Else writes to Mrs. Lewis from the Base Hospital. Sheffield us follows: — Dear Mrs. Lewis, — I was subaltern with the York and Lancaster Regiment, and therefore knew and had a great respect for Major Lewis. This week I have come across Private Jefferies, who was with the major for a long time on July 1st. Knowing you would like to have his story, I asked him to dictate it to me as follows:-' About 8.15 am. I had been wounded twice, and was about fifty yards from the German first line when I saw Major Lewis. He was entirely alone,and I saw him put his hand to his left chest. I suggested getting some cover, but he said, “I cannot," and fell. I pulled him to cover behind a slight rise in the ground but still 25 yards behind the German front line. I improved the cover with my entrenching tool, and put my haversack under the Major's head. He was quite comfortable conscious and cool. I believe he suffered no pain. I bandaged a wound in his hand, but could not touch his chest. I then got hit again in the ankle, which made it impossible for me to get the Major any further, but stayed with him until after ho died. He was so quiet for such a long time that I cannot say exactly how long he lived, but he had certainly passed away by eight in the evening when I commenced to crawl towards our lines. I am certain Major Lewis had not suffered much pain, and was perfectly peaceful.' This is exactly as related by. Private Jefferies I hope it will relieve your mind somewhat.—Yours sincerely.—Stanley C. Else."
LUDGATE	Charles	Possibly Charles Henry Ludgate. Private 20528.  6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Saturday 15 July 1916.  Born Woburn Green, Bucks.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  Son of John & Emily Ludgate of Cores End, Bourne End, Bucks.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 2C.
MITCHELL	Herbert Thomas	Private 104393.  8th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops.  Died Tuesday 26 June 1917. Aged 24.  Son of Francis & Mary Mitchell of Woburn, Bedfordshire.  Buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.  Plot II. Row N. Grave 5.A.
MURRER	Albert John	Private 23336.  4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Tuesday 30 October 1917.  Aged 27.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  Son of George & Elizabeth Murrer of 30 Bedford Street, Woburn.  No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 48 to 50 & 162A.
NEWBURY	John Richard	L/Cpl 32605.  64th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Inf).  Formerly 23747 Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Thursday 20 September 1917.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 154 to 159 & 163A.
NEWBURY	William Frederick	Private 22863.  7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment (4th Beds on CD).  Killed in action Monday 13 November 1916.  Born and Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  Buried in Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France.  Plot VII. Row A. Grave 36.
PEACOCK	George Thomas	Private 17427.  7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Died of wounds Thursday 25 April 1918.  Aged 27.  Born Husborne Crawley.  Lived Woburn Sands.  Enlisted Bedford.  Son of Joseph & Elizabeth Peacock of Husborne Crawley, Bedfordshire.  Enlisted 1914 at Woburn, Bedfordshire.  From His grace the Duke of Bedford’s Estate.  Buried in Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-sur-Somme, Somme, France.  Plot I. Row A. Grave 12.
PHILLIPS	Arthur	L/Sgt. 14075.  1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Tuesday 5 September 1916.  Aged 27.  Born Westminster, Middx.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Royston, Herts.  Son of Arthur & Sarah Phillips of 12 London Road, Woburn.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 2C.
PHILLIPS	Henry John aka Jack	Private 916737, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Whilst advancing with his Lewis gun section during the attack East of Hangard, he was instantly killed by shell fire 8 August 1918. Born in Pimlico on 15 June 1891. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Phillips, of 12, London End, Woburn, Bedfordshire, England; husband of Florence Jessie Taylor (formerly Phillips), of 47, Princes Avenue, Watford, Herts. The family moved to Woburn in the late 1890's. He was one of 4 men who emigrated to Canada from Woburn in 1912. He joined the CEF on 25 April 1916. Painter by trade. Attested in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 25 April 1916, aged 24 years 10 months, height 5 feet 7 inches, weight 144lbs, chest 39 inches, sallow complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, religious denomination Church of England. Sailed from Halifax, Canada on S.S. "Metagamo" 25 March 1917, arrived in Liverpool 7 April 1917. Awarded a Good Conduct Badge in the Field 28 April 1918. No known grave. Commemorated on Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. National Archives of Canada Accession refeence: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7796 - 48
PICKERING	Frederick	Private 7588.  1st Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.  Died of wounds Friday 16 April 1915. Aged 31.  Born and lived Woburn.  Enlisted Northampton.  Son of the late John and Elizabeth Pickering.  Buried in Aeroplane Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row B. Grave 39.
PRESTIDGE	Harry	Corporal 60294.  26th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.  Died Thursday 20 September 1917. Aged 27.  Son of Emily Prestidge of Moreton Pinkney, Northants;  husband of Ella Elizabeth Prestidge of Husborne Crawley, Bedfordshire.  No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 28 to 30 & 162 to 162A  & 163A.  (Corporal Prestidge is not on the SDGW)
ROBINSON	Christopher	Gunner 30835,  86th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died Wednesday 6 September 1916.  Aged 30.  Born Woburn.  Enlisted Northampton.  Son of George Robinson of 43 Leighton Street, Woburn.  Buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq.  Plot XXI. Row F. Grave 39.
SKINNER	Percy [Augustus]	Sergeant 4580, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade.  Killed in action Thursday 13 May 1915.  Aged 22.  Born and lived Bedford.  Enlisted Northampton.  Son of Frank & Ellen Elizabeth Skinner of 4 Russell Terrace, Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 46 – 48 & 50.
SMITH	Cyril [Walter]	Private 428024, 5th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Killed in action on 2 June 1916. Born 30 August 1894 in Woburn. Only son of Walter and Annie Smith of 25, Bedford Street, Woburn. Enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Saskatchewan Regiment) at New Westminster, British Columbia on 12 March 1915, aged 21 years 6 months, height 5 feet 9¼ inchesm chest 38¾ inches, medium complexion, grey eyes, dark hair, religious denomination Church of England. Farmer by trade. Unmarried at enlistment. Sailed from Montreal aboard S.S. Sacndinavian 1 October 1915. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 18 - 26 - 28. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9024 - 58
SMITH	Milford	Private 6752.  9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers.  Killed in action Thursday 10 February 1916.  Born Dunstable.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 5
STANFORD	Walter William Henry	Private 9772.  1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.  Killed in action Sunday 28 February 1915.  Aged 28.  Born Woburn.  Enlisted Ampthill.  Son of Mr. Mrs. W. Stanford of 11 Birchmoor Green, Woburn.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 8 & 12.
STANFORD	Francis Arthur	Private 32609.  47th Battalion Machine gun Corps (Inf).  Formerly 23162 Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Sunday 4 August 1918.  Aged 21.   Born Eversholt.  Enlisted Bedford.  Son of James and Emma Jane Stanford of Woburn.  Buried in Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.  Plot VI. Row H. Grave 5
STANFORD	John Thomas	Private 79803.  1/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.  Died Mon 27 May 1918 (23 September 1918 on CD). Aged 19.  Son of James & Emma Jane Stanford of 71 Leighton Street, Woburn.  No known grave. Commemorated on Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France.
STURGEON	David Law	Lance Corporal 3/7794.  2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.  Killed in action Monday 3 July 1916.  Born Hartest, Suffolk.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Bedford.  No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.  Pier & Face 2C.
TANQUERAY	Frederic Baron	Lieutenant, “B” Company, 16th Battalion Middlesex Regiment.  Died Saturday 1st July 1916. Aged 24.  Son of Frederic Thomas & Catherine Tanqueray of Woburn.  Buried in Beaumont-Hamel British Cemetery, Somme, France.  Row B. Grave 26. In Woburn Old Church Graveyard: FREDERIC THOMAS TANQUERAY DIED 15TH NOVEMBER 1929 AGED 77 YEARS CATHERINE ELIZABETH TANQUERAY DIED 12TH MAY 1932 AGED 77 YEARS FREDERIC BARON TANQUERAY THE YOUNGEST CHILD “MISSING” ON THE SOMME 1ST JULY 1916 BURIED AT BEAUMONT HAMEL From Andy Pay's research into the Tonbridge School and the Great War, pages 319. TANQUERAY, Frederic Baron, 2nd Lieut , 16th (Public Schools) battalion, Duke of Cambridges Own, Middlesex Regiment. Killed in Action at Beaumont Hamel, 1st July, 1916. At the School 1905-08 (Park House). 2nd Lieut Frederic Baron Tanqueray was the younger son of Frederic Thomas Tanqueray, Solicitor, and of Mrs Tanqueray, of Woburn, Bedfordshire. Entered the school in Sept 1905, from The Knoll, Woburn Sands, and left from The Upper Fifth at the. Aged of sixteen in July, 1908,to be articled to his father. He had been in the Cadet Corps here. He was for fifteen months with a London firm at the end of his articles, and having passed the final examination in January, 1914 was shortly afterwards admitted Solicitor and joined his father in business some six months before the outbreak of War. At the beginning of August, 1914, he promptly enlisted in the Public Schools battalion of the Middlesex Regiment and was soon promoted to Sergeant. Early in 1915 he was offered, and accepted, a commission as Temporary 2nd Lieut in the same battalion and went to France in the following November. He was with his Regiment at the front all through the winter of 1915 and the spring of 1916, and came home on short leave at Whitsuntide 1916. He was officially reported as "Missing", after an attack on July 1st, and has since been reported as "Wounded and Missing and believed to have died," on that day. No definite news has been obtained, and all efforts have failed to discover even on whose evidence he has been reported as wounded. Most of his fellow officers were killed or wounded early in the day, and it is merely known that he went over with his platoon and was seen going forward at mid-day, when he called out "Good Luck" to a wounded friend as he passed him. The Attack failed. It was not fully realised at the time what had to be faced there and the losses were enormous. The place was completely destroyed when it was captured in November and no trace of him could be found. The Chaplain of the Regiment wrote of him that he " was a splendid fellow and had endeared himself to all as a cheery, unselfish comrade". His grave has since been located at Beaumont Hamel.
WILKINSON	Thomas	Private G/81057,  2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).  Formerly 290945 Royal Sussex Regiment.  Killed in action Tuesday 9 October 1917.  Born Syerstown.  Lived Woburn.  Enlisted Luton.  No known grave. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 28 to 30 & 162 to 162A  & 163A.
YOLE	George	Private T/207035,  11th battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)  Formerly 299775 Suffolk Regiment.  Killed in action Wednesday 1 August 1917. Aged 35.  Born Milton Abbot,  Devon.  Lived Woburn Abbey.   Enlisted Luton.  Son of Matthew & Ann Yole of 7 Taylor Square, Tavistock, Devon.  No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  Panel 11 – 13 & 14.
1939 – 1945
BLACKWELL	[Frederick] Charles	Sapper 2156681, 660 General Construction Company, Royal Engineers. Died as a result of an accident in Persia (Iraq) 4 June 1943. Aged 26. Born and resident Bedfordshire. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Blackwell, of Woburn, Bedfordshire; husband of Margaret Primrose Blackwell. Buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq, Plot 7. Row O. Grave 1.
CLARKE	Charles	Private 5950308,  5th Battalion Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment.  Died of Malaria as a Japanese Prisoner of War Saturday 24 July 1943 at Malai P.O.W. Camp.  Aged 24.  Born 28 June 1919. Born Bedfordshire, resident Woburn. Son of William Henry & Anne Clarke of 41, Pinfold, Woburn.  Labourer by trade. No known grave. Commemorated on Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar.  Plot B3. Row B.Grave 5.
MADDY	Edward John	Gunner 1092615,  125 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery.  Died Friday 26 November 1943.  Aged 29. Born 2 December 1914 in Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, resident Woburn, Bedfordshire. General Agricultural Labourer by trade. In 1939 he was resident 42, Leighton Street, Ampthill R.D., Bedfordshire. No known grave. Buried in Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand.  Plot 6. Row C. Grave 12. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: MADDY Edward John of London Entrance Woburn Bedfordshire died 26 November 1943 on war service Probate Llandudno 20 October to Ethel May Maddy widow. Effects £235 15s. 10d.
PAYNE	Frederick Charles	Private 5955790,  5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke Of York's Own).  Died of wounds in Tunisia Monday 22 March 1943.  Aged 23.  Born and resident Bedfordshire. Son of Albert & Emily G. Payne of Woburn.  Buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.  Plot V. Row C. Grave 14.
PEPPER	Harvey [Thomas]	Private 5945943, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France 20 May 1940. Aged 33. Born Woburn, Bedfordshire 1908, resident Bedford. Baptised 11 October 1908 in Woburn, son of George and Alexandra Peper. In the 1911 census he was aged 3, born Woburn, Bedfordshire, son of George and Alexandra Pepper, resident 30, London Road, Woburn, Bedfordshire. Buried in Zwevegem Communal Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave 1. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1940: PEPPER Harvey Thomas of 30 London-road Woburn Buckinghamshire died 20 May 1940 on war service Administration London 2 August to Emily Mary Frances Alexandria Pepper widow. Effects £205.
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. St. John XV.13
BURIED IN THE CHURCHYARD BUT NOT ON THE MEMORIAL
SMART	Thomas Charles	Sergeant 29030, 2nd Battalion, Northaptonshire Regiment formerly Sergeant 1465, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Died 13 March 1919. Aged 47. Son fo James Ostier Smart, of 20, Freeman's Road, Nechells, Birmingham; husband of Clara Smart (nee Ellington), married 29 May 1898, of 11, London Terrace, Stella Street, Nechells, Birmingham; two sons. Enlisted 22 August 1914, promoted Sergeant 16 March 1915, discharged due to King's Regulations Para 2 A (I) (Sickness) on 4 September 1917, issued Silver War badge No. 247919, 24 September 1917, suffered from Duputrem's Contraction of both hands and Myalgia. Admitted as Sergeant 1465, King's Royal Rifle Corps, aged 47, to 18th General Hospital 16 June 1915 with Flat Foot, discharged 20 June 1915. Attested 22 August 1914 in Birmingham, aged 41 years 288 days, engine driver and stoker by trade, born St. Clements, Birmingham, married man, transferred to Northants Regiment 2 September 1916. First enlisted 8 February 1890 in Birmingham, aged 18, as 2895, Duke of Lancasters Regiment, a Labourer by trade, height 67¼ inches (5 feet 7¼ inches), weight 119 lbs, chest 32 inches, religious denomination Church of England, served in India, on the North-West Frontier, in South Africa during the South African (Boer) War, discharged 1 July 1902. When he attested in 1914 he was 5 feet 9 inches, weight 136 lbs, chest 36 inches, hazel eyes, dark brown hair. Buried in South-West part of Woburn (St. Mary) Churchyard, Bedfordshire. 29030 SERGEANT T.C. SMART NORTHAMPTONSHIRE REGIMENT 13 MARCH 1919
There is also the grave of a German soldier:
SEIVERS	Franz	FRANZ SEIVERS 13 LANDWEHR INFANTERIE REGIMENT OBIT 26 DEC 1916

There are other graves connected with Woburn Military Hospital
(see Woburn Military Hospital Page)

Last updated 24 March, 2023