Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget
British Legion
The Royal British Legion

OLNEY WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © 2003 Martin Edwards

The memorial stands in the market square in the centre of Olney and is in the form of a Cenotaph with lawned gardens surrounding. There are 64 men from World War 1 commemorated and 19 men from World War 2. The memorial was unveiled by General Lord Horne of Stirkoke on 1st May 1921; details of the memorial appeared in the Bucks Herald 23rd April 1921. For in depth details of the men who gave their lives in World War 2 visit Colin Macknezie's The Names on The Olney War Memorial 1939-1945

Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards - 2003

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN MEMORY OF THE MEN
FROM THIS TOWN
WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
1914-1919
"THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE."

ANDREWS
Harry
Prov. Lance Corporal 44114, 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales' Own). Killed in action 1st June 1915 in France & Flanders. Age 23. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mrs. Sophia Andrews, of 11, Market Place, Olney. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 3.
BAGULEY
Arthur William
Sapper 522415, 486 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died Sunday 24th November 1918. Age 25. Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Baguley, of 11, Wellingborough Rd., Olney. Buried in ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Section E. Grave 222.
BARNES
Frank
Private 10155, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 16th March 1915 in France & Flanders. Age 20. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of Thomas Barnes, of High St., Olney. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 31 and 33.
BARNES
Thomas William Terrill
Private 7236, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 3rd November 1914 in France & Flanders. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 43 and 45.
BERRILL
John
Private 18311, 11th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Died of wounds 11th August 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Clifton (Reynes), enlisted Bletchley, resident Olney. Formerly 22949, Somerset Light Infantry. Buried in WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot VII. Row B. Grave36.
CAMPION
Arthur
Private 37780, 8th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal berkshire Regiment). Killed in action 16th November 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 20. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Formerly 28567, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Son of John Campion, of 20, Cowper St., Olney. Buried in POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot X. Row B. Grave 18.
CAMPION
Philip
No further information currently
CHAPMAN
Philip
[Also spelt Phillip] Private 50653, 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Killed in action Monday 17th June 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 31. Born Ecton, Northamptonshire, enlisted Bedford. Son of Mr. C. H. Chapman, of Park Farm, Olney, and the late Mrs. Chapman. Formerly 20655, Bedfordshire Regiment. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 4 and 5.
CHATER
William
Private 20403, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 25th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.
CHURCH
Hugh

Lance Corporal 306561, 1st/8th Territorial Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action 7th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 31. Born 20 January 1886. Enlisted Bletchley, resident Olney. Son of Arthur and Lilly Mary Church, of 64, East St., Olney. Admitted to Olney Board School (infants) in 1891. Admitted to Olney Board School (Boys) in 1893. In the 1891 census he was aged 5, a scholar, resident with his mother, Lily M Church, in Bunyan Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire. In 1901 he was aged 15, born Kempston, Bedford, a Shoe Maker, resident with his parents, Arthur and Lily Mary Church, at 43, Warwick Terrace, Olney, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. In 1911 he was aged 25, born Kempston, Bedford, a Shoe Maker, resident with his parents, Arthur and Lily Mary Church, in East Street, Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A

Photograph Courtesy & Copyright © Paul Medlicott Great 2017

CHURCH
Sidney Charles
Private 18469, 1st Battalion, Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action 29th March 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 29. Born Warrington, Buckinghamshire, enlisted Bletchley, resident Olney. Son of Charles Church, of 29, Newton St., Olney. Formerly 24310, Somerset Light Infantry. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVII. Row H. Grave 29.
CLARE
Albert
Private 3/11153, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 9th May 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 28 to 30.
COLES
Bert aka Bertie
Private CH/1886(S), 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Missing, later reported killed in action Friday 26th October 1917. Aged 25. Born February 1892. Son of Esther Coles, of 14, Near Town, Olney. Enlisted 22 November 1916 aged 24 years 9 months; embarked Royal Marine Brigade 26 January 1917; with draft for British Expeditionary Force 27 March 1917, posted to 1st Royal Marine Battalion 19 April 1917 until 28 June 1917 suffering from Pyrexia from an unknown origin, rejoined 1st Royal Marine Battalion 11 September 1917 until his death. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 1 and 162A
COLES
Harry [Walter]
Sergeant 9897, 2nd Battalion, King's Own (Royal Lancashire Regiment). He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Ypres and died of wounds in captivity at Giessen prison camp in Germany, 3rd December 1916. Aged 26. Born Buckingham, enlisted Northampton. He was called up from the reserves at the outbreak of the war in August 1914. He was sent to France in April 1915. Buried in NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY, Kassel, Hessen, Germany. Plot V. Row K. Grave 9.

Photographs Copyright © Maggie Cosford 2006

 

COLES
Herbert
No further information currently
COOPER
Arthur James
Private 200249, 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds 2nd December 1917 in Palestine. Age 21. Born Olney, enlisted Rushden, Northamptonshire. Son of James Archer Cooper and Catherine Cooper, of 18, Berrells Yard, High St., Olney. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Plot XXXII. Row A. Grave 9.
DAVIS
Sidney Charles
Private 19972, 8th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment). Killed in action 3rd September 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born Olney, enlisted Oxford, resident Kingston Blount, Oxon. Son of Charles Edward and Eliza Davis, of 78, High St., Olney. Buried in CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL, Somme, France. Plot XV. Row H. Grave 29.
EDMUNDS
Edward John
Private 11480, Coldstream Guards. Killed in action 22nd December 1914 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Exeter. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 2 to 3.

EVANS

Leslie Morier

Second Lieutenant, 1st Division Train, Army Service Corps. Killed in action 12th November 1917. Aged 39. Son of Thomas Evans; husband of Nora Louise Evans, of Gresham House, Olney, Bucks. Native of Loughton, Essex. Buried in VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XI. Row C. Grave 2. Member of the Stock Exchange and listed on the Stock Exchange Memorial.

Extract from the Stock Exchange Memorial Book:

SECOND LIEUTENANT LESLIE MORIER EVANS, Royal Army Service Corps, the son of Thomas Stephen Evans, was born in 1879 and educated privately. He became a member of the Stock Exchange in 1904.

He served in the National Volunteers for a year, and then went to a Cadet school, till he took his commission in September 1917.

Two months later, on 12 November, he was killed by a shell.

One of his brother officers wrote: “Though he had only been with us a short time he had become the life and soul of the mess. His loss to us can never be made good. A mind so original and untrammelled is seldom met with and the world can ill spare such a man. I have lost a real friend and most charming companion. He made all our lives happier and was a most loyal and conscientious officer."

He married the daughter of Arthur Hipwell, J.P., by whom he had one daughter.

FAIREY
Thomas Walter
Private 267211, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action 23rd March 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 36. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Husband of Alice Fairey, of 78, East St., Olney. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 50 and 51.
FIELD
Alfred John
Private 26231, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds 30th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 42. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Son of Archer and Hannah Field, of Olney; husband of Sarah Field, of 87, High St., Olney. Buried in AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II.Row J. Grave 37.
FREEMAN
Fred aka Frederick

Corporal 9286, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 17th September 1914 in France & Flanders. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Commemorated on LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et-Marne, France.

FREEMAN
Harry William
Private 22976, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action 3rd May 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6 and 7.
FREEMAN
Horace
Private 202672, 2nd/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action 21st March 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Kingsthorpe, Northamptonshire, enlisted Bletchley, resident Olney. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 50 and 51.
GATHERGOOD
Albert Henry
[Listed as Alfred Henry on SDGW] Private 27961, 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Died of wounds 31st March 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and enlisted Rushden. Son of Robert and Maria Gathergood, of Croxton, Norfolk; husband of Maria Ada Gathergood, of 28, Coalbrook Mansions, Bedford Hill, Balham, London. Buried in DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 6.
GOLDSMITH
Randolph Frank
Private CH/2153, (S). Div., 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Killed in action Saturday 8th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 30. Born 1 January 1887. Son of Samuel Goldsmith, of Olney; husband of May Goldsmith, of 47, Midland Rd., Olney. Enlisted 24 June 1916 in Army transferred to Marines 7March 1917, aged 30 years 1 months; embarked Royal Marine Brigade 11 May 1917; with draft for British Expedionary Force 19 June 1917, joined 1st Royal Marine Battalion 1 August 1917 until his death. Height 5 feet 65/8 inches. Shoe Hand (Boot Operative) by trade. Buried in BAILLEUL ROAD EAST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row Q. Grave 1.
GREY
Cyril
No further information currently
HARRIS
Edwin
Private 27349, 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 8th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 28. Born Olney, enlisted Ampthill, Bedfordshire, resident Bozeat, Northamptonshire. Son of Annie Harris, of Olney, and the late Thomas Harris; husband of Florence Harris, of High St., Bozeat, Wellingboro', Northants. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.
HASELDINE
Stanley
Private 36395, 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Died 30th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 18. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Aylesbury. Son of Mrs. M. A. Haseldine, of 36, Dartmouth Rd., Olney. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 3.
HINDE
Ernest
Private 48610, 5th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment). Killed in action 29th April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Olney, enlisted Bletchley, resident Lavendon. Husband of Mrs. F. M. Hinde, of Horse Shoe Yard, Lavendon. Formerly 40447, Somerset Light Infantry. Buried in MAILLY WOOD CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot II. Row H. Grave 13.
HIPWELL, M.C.
Charles Stanley
Lieutenant, Queen's Westmister Rifles. Killed in action 15th October 1916 in France & Flanders. Age 29. Second son of John Charles and Annie Eva Hipwell, of Olney. Born 23rd September 1887. Buried in MAROEUIL BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row H. Grave 13. See also Northill, Horton School

On Sep? 23rd? 1916 he led a successful raid into the enemy trenches which resulted in the capture of prisoners. He engaged a fire bay full of Germans and silenced them with his revolver, remaining standing on the parapet while his men crossed the hostile wire and thereafter until the last man had left for our lines. He went out again under continuous fire to search "no mans land" for a wounded man, the success of the raid was due to his determination, and resourceful leading for which he was awarded the Military Cross.

HIPWELL
Harry Reginald
Second Lieutenant, 4th (Ross Highland) Battalion (Territorial), Seaforth Highlanders and Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action Monday 23rd pril 1917 in France & Flanders. Buried in BROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row A. Grave 30.
HOPPER
[George] William
Private 3811, 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds at sea 3rd August 1915. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 154 and 155.
HUCKLE
Walter
Private 267195, 2/1st Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died Saturday 31st March 1917 in France & Flanders. Age 35. Born Olney, Bucks, enlisted Bletchley, Bucks, resident Clifton Reynes. Son of Mrs. Eliza Huckle; husband of Alice Elizabeth Huckle, of Clifton Reynes, Olney, Bedford. Buried in TERTRY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 1. See also Clifton Reynes.
JOHNSON
Alfred Charles
Private 201277, 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action 26th March 1917 in France & Flanders. Born Olney, enlisted Kettering, resident Bozeat, Nothamptonshire. No known grave. Commemorated on JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Panels 33 to 39.
JOHNSON
Charles
Private 19712, 9th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 9th October 1915 in France & Flanders. Born Buckingham, enlisted Oxford. Son of Mr. W. Johnson, of 81, High St., Olney. Buried in ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS, Somme, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 10.
JONES
Arthur [Joseph Ellard]
Private 9415, 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 15th July 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 23. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Son of George and Arabella Jones, of 7, Midland Rd., Olney, Bucks. Buried in MONCHY BRITISH CEMETERY, MONCHY-LE-PREUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 9.
JOYCE
Arthur George Percy
Private 41264, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 3rd December 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 33. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton, resident Rushden. Son of George and ElLizabeth Joyce, of 49, Newton L St., Olney, Bedford; husband of Mary Ellen Joyce, of 51, Glassbrook Rd., Rushden, Northants. Formerly 38540, Northamptonshire Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 5.
JOYCE
Peter
No further information currently
KITCHENER
William
* [Also known as Will] Private 12125, 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Died of wounds 31st January 1917 in Mesopotamia. Born Olney, enlisted Ampthill.
LIMBREY
[Albert] Ernest
Private 30678, 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own). Killed in action 8th August 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 19. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of Harry Limbrey, of 67, Weston Rd., Olney, Bucks, and the late Emma Limbrey. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 3.
LONGLAND
Joseph
* Private 267208, 2nd/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed inaction 2nd April 1917 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley.
LYMAN
Frank
Rifleman 8129, 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Killed in action 23rd October 1914 in France & Flanders. Aged 34. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Northampton. Son of Thomas William and Annie Maria Lyman, of Weston Rd., Olney, Bucks. No known grave. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 10.
MILLWARD
Alfred Charles
* Private 20339, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 15th September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Northampton, enlisted Bedford, resident Olney.
MILLWARD
John Percy
Private 5802, 1st/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds 1st September 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 29. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Son of Alfred and Mary Millward, of Olney, Bucks. Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot X. Row B. Grave 18A.
MOBBS, DSO
Edgar Roberts
Lieutenant Colonel, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment who was killed in action in the Battle of Passchendale on Tuesday, 31st July 1917 charging an enemy machine-gun post. Age 37. Son of Oliver L. and Elizabeth Anne Mobbs, of Northampton. At school from 2nd Term 1892 to 3rd Term 1898 - lived at Olney, Buckinghamshire. Former England International Rugby Football player. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Commemorated on Yres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 43 and 45. See also Northampton and Bedford Modern School.

Picture courtesy & copyright Bedford Modern School

MUSKETT
Melbourne
[Spelt Nelburn on CWGC] Private 23581, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 13th November 1916. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Ampthill. No known grave, Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C.
NEWBURY
Frederick
* Private 29066, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died 6th November 1915 at Gallipoli. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Northampton.
PARROTT
Ernest
Real name Ernest William FARROW. Private 10828, 6th Battalion, Border Regiment. Killed in action 21 August 1915 at Gallipoli. Aged 16. Born Holloway, Middlesex, enlisted Carlisle, Cumberland, resident Olney. Adopted foster son of Ellen Hester Parrott of 43 Grantham Rd., Sparkbrook, Birmingham. The Parrot family moved to Olney and owned a baker’s shop in Bridge Street. Used his “name at birth” to enlist as he was under age (he was only 16 years old when he was killed in action) when he enlisted. Buried in GREEN HILL CEMETERY, near Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, Turkey. Plot I. Row D. Grave 18.
PARTRIDGE
Walter
Private 9095, "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 9th May 1915 in France & Flanders. Aged 23. Born Olney, enlisted Northampton. Son of Thomas and Mary Partridge, of 4, Market Place, Olney, Bucks. No known grave, Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 7.
PATER
[George] Vincent
* Private 51287, 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 18th June 1918 in France & Flanders. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley.
PERKINS
[Cecil] Charles
Private 33655, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 25th June 1918 in France & Flanders. Aged 20. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of Isaac and Rosa Eleanor Perkins, of Olney, Bucks. Formerly 2004, Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Buried in WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Plot IV. Ropw G. Grave 16.
PERKINS
Horace Thomas
Private 18448, 11th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action 10th April 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 20. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley. Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Perkins, of 88, East St., Olney, Beds. Formerly 24031, Somerset Light Infantry. No known grave, Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3.
RICE
Percy Ernest
Driver 272908, 881st Battery, 351st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died at home Monday 9th September 1918. Age 27. Born Northampton, enlisted Oxford. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Rice; husband of Annie Mabel Rice, of r8, Cowper St., Olney. CWGC states born at Olney. Buried in SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCHYARD, OLNEY, Buckinghamshire. Plot/Row/Section 5. Grave 6.
RICHARDSON
George
Corporal 200151, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 2nd November 1917 in Palestine. Aged 22. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of William and Ellen Richardson, of 27, East St., Olney, Bucks. Buried in GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Plot XXX. Row B. Grave 9.
ROBINSON
Alfred [Edward]
Private 29057, 40th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died 28th June 1916 in Mesopotamia. Aged 20. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Northampton. Son of William and Eliza Robinson, of 30, Weston Rd., Olney, Bucks. Buried in AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot XXII. Row B. Grave 1.
UNDERWOOD
Alfred George
* Private 60101, 26th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 20th September 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 20. Formerly 46386, 3rd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
WALLINGER
Benjamin
Private 3/11131, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 31st July 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 38. Born Buckingham, enlisted Rushden, Northamptonshire. Son of Thomas and Rebecca Wallinger, of Olney, Bucks. No known grave, Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 43 and 45.
WALTON
John
Private 28240, 1st Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). Killed in action 4th October 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 19. Born Northampton, enlisted Bletchley, resident Olney. Son of George and Alice Ann Walton, of 5, Cobbs Gardens, Olney, Bedford. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 41 to 42 and 163A.
WARD
Bert [J]
Private 20426, 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 20th April 1916 in France & Flanders. Aged 21. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bedford. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ward, of East St., Olney, Bucks. Buried in ESSEX FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave lost. Special Memorial B. 2.
WHITING
William Henry
Acting Corporal 11129. 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 3rd July 1916 in France & Flanders. Born and resident olney, enlisted Grimsby. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Grimsby. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 44 to 46 or 331. See also Yardley Hastings.
WILFORD
Charles
No further information currently
WILLEY
George
Private 26203. 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Killed in action 28th February 1917 in France & Flanders. Aged 39. Born and resident Olney, enlisted Bletchley Son of Henry and Elizabeth Willey; husband of Emily Ann Willey, of 49, Moores Hill, Olney, Bucks. Buried in FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row D. Grave 26.
WILSON
John
No further information currently
WRIGHTING
Albert William
Private 200157, "B" Company, 1/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 14th November 1918 in Palestine. Aged 27. Born, resident and enlisted Olney. Son of Fredrick and Rebecca Wrighting, of Olney; husband of Annie Mary Ann Wrighting, of 22, East St., Olney, Bucks. Buried in BEIRUT WAR CEMETERY, Lebanese Republic. Grave 119.
In the churchyard but not on the memorial

CLARK

 


Tom Field

 

 

Private 23886, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action at the Battle of Arras 29th April 1917. Age 22. Born Olney, enlisted Rushden, Northamptonshire. Son of Charles and Sarah Clark.

 

Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Died on active service 6th November 1918. Age 35. Son of Charles and Sarah Clark; husband of Laura Clark.

 

CLARK
Charles
COX
W J
Ordinary Seaman, J/44853, H.M.S. Pembroke, Royal Navy. Died 7?th March 1920. Age 20. Buried in Olney Churchyard, Olney, Buckinghamshire.

IN TOKEN OF SORROW FOR THEIR LOSS
OF PRIDE IN THEIR VALOUR
1939-1945

ANDREWS Victor Ernest
Gunner 1528718, 197 Battery, 61 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died 14th November 1942. Aged 23. Son of Reginald and Ada Mary Andrews, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, Egypt. Column 33.
BARCOCK Arthur Charles
Private 7630961, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Died 7th October 1940. Age 24. Son of Arthur George and Annie Barcock; husband of Myra Barcock, of Olney. Buried in Olney Cemetery, Olney, Buckinghamshire. Grave 103.
BARRICK Jack
Able Seaman P/JX 197642, H.M.S. Tynwald, Royal Navy. Died 12th November 1942. Aged 22. Son of Jack and Susan Barrick, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 63, Column 1.

Note: Anti-aircraft ship Tynwald sunk by Italian submarine Argo off Bougie on 12th November 1942.

BOSWORTH Frederick
Gunner 1626336, Royal Artillery. Died 13th March 1945. Aged 33. Buried in OLNEY CEMETERY, Onlney, Bucks. Grave 171.
BRENT Herbert James
Private 5952312, 2nd Battalion, The Hertfordshire Regiment. Died 17th April 1943. Aged 24. Son of Archibald James Brent and Lily Brent, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL, Tunisia. Face 17.
BRIMLEY Richard George
Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 61686, H.M.S Express, Royal Navy. Died 1st September 1940. Aged 30. Son of Albert Samuel and Minnie E. Brimley, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 41, Column 1.

Bedfordshire Times & Standard: 3rd September 1948

In Memorium:

BRIMLEY: - In loving memory of Richard George Brimley, E.R.A., Royal Navy who lost his life on the destroyer H.M.S. "Express" on 1 September 1940, - from mother, dad, brother, and sister

Note: HMS Express was an 'E' Class Destroyer, displacement 1,375 tons, length overall 329 feet, speed 35.5 knots, launched at Swan Hunter shipyard 1936. She carried four 4.7 inch guns, eight 0.5 inch anit-aicraft guns in fours and eight 21 inch torpedo tubes in fours. Her complement was 145 men. On August 31st 1940, the Express and 4 other Minelaying Destroyers left Immingham to lay an offensive field off the coast of the Netherlands. At around 23.00 hours almost to the pint of dropping mines, it was reported by radio that there was an enemy convoy near at hand, which was to be attacked after the mines had been dropped. Before any mines were dropped, three of the ships, including Express, had themselves struck mines. Express was the first and some of the crew were picked up by the Ivanhoe, who then also struck a mine. Meanwhile the Esk struck and sank almost immediately. There was a considerable loss of life in all three ships, the Express lost 4 officers and 55 ratings.

COWLEY Samuel Henry
Major 149280, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment attached to 9th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Died 19th July 1944. Aged 33. Son of Horace and Ethel Cowley; husband of Violet May Cowley, of Harrow, Middlesex. Buried in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot I Row A Grave 14.
HAINES John Marriott
Sergeant (Pilot) 1324343, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 20th January 1944. Aged 21. Son of William Leonard and Kathleen Haines, of Olney. Buried in SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCHYARD, OLNEY, Buckinghamshire.
HANSON David James
Sub-Lieutenant (A), H.M.S. Jackdaw, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died 1st May 1944. Aged 22. Son of James and Florence Minnie Hanson, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on LEE-ON-SOLENT MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Bay 5, Panel 5.
HOLTON Jack
probably Pilot Officer (Flight Engineer) 83746, 625 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 9th November 1944. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 20. Row B. Grave 7.
HOOTON Peter
Lance Corporal 14426891, 1st Battalion, Oxfordhire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died 3rd November 1944. Aged 19. Son of John Henry and Ellen Hooton, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Buried in LEOPOLDSBURG WAR CEMETERY, Leopoldsburg, Limburg, Belgium. Plot III Row E Grave 10.
MacKENZIE Gilbert
Sergeant (PIlot) 518372, 253 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died 19th May 1940. Aged 23. Stepson of Mr. A. G. Clark, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Buried in CYSOING COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Grave 5.
PETITT Charles Edward
Sergeant (Pilot) 754782, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 12th October 1940. Aged 24. Son of Frederick Clement Petitt and Francis Annie Petin, of Olney. Buried in OLNEY CEMETERY, Olney, Buckinghamshire. Grave 104.
PHILPOT John William
Private 5385280, 5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. Died 29th mArch 1945. Aged 26. Son of William James Philpot and Margaret Alice Philpot, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Plot 61 Row G Grave 14.
RUFFHEAD Angus Walter
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 89397, 184 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 6th January 1944. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot 11. Row B. Grave 19.
SIBLEY Leslie Reginald Vincent
Pilot Officer (Air Bomber), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 20th October 1943. Age 34. Son of William and Edith Sibley; husband of Elsie Gwendoline Sibley, of Olney. Buried in OLNEY CEMETERY, Olney, Buckinghamshire. Grave 111.
TIDMARSH George Frederick
Private 7664401, Royal Army Pay Corps. Died 10th November 1941. Aged 27. Son of Frederick James Tidmarsh and Ruth Lavinia Tidmarsh; husband of Sarah Elizabeth Tidmarsh, of Luton, Bedfordshire. Buried in ST JAMES CHURCHYARD, PAULERSPURY, Northamptonshire.
TOMPKINS Anthony [Peter Claude]
Trooper 14403023, 'A' Squadron, The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons). Died 17th July 1944. Aged 20. Son of Harold George and Gladys Mary Tompkins, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Buried in BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, Calvados, France. Plot I Row B Grave 18.
WILLEY Stanley
Private 5953196, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Died 21st September 1944. Aged 24. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Willey, of Olney, Buckinghamshire. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 64.
In the churchyard but not on the memorial
MASKELL A J
Lance Sergeant 1895834, Royal Engineers. Died 20th September 1944. Age 34. Buried in Olney Cemetery, Olney, Buckinghamshire.

In the parish church can be found a chapel dedicated to those who fell. In the chapel is glass topped case containing a book of remembrance with details of the men who fell in World War 2.

Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards - 2003

    Other Memorials in the Church
COOPER William Leapidge
Accidentally drowned at sea on his voyage out to South Africa 18th October 1903. Aged 24.
MASON
MASON
William
Robert Valentine
Lieutetant William Mason of the Navy and Agent to Troops destined for the West Indies under Admiral Christian and of his brother Robert valentine Mason, midshipman, who were both wrecked in the Æolus Transport near the Isle of Portland in the memorable gale of wind on the 18th of November 1795.

Last updated 13 July, 2021

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