Roll of Honour - Kent - Ashford Grammar School

Book of Remembrance and War Memorial
The Great War 1914 1918

BARTLETT	Edward Stainton	Attended school 24th January 1905 to July 1905. Lance Corporal G/902, 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died Friday 8th October 1915 aged 22 years. Born Chelsea, London on 6th May 1893. Enlisted Maidstone, Kent. Resided East Farleigh, Kent.
BAXTER	Bernard Eyre	Attended school 3rd May 1906 to July 1908. Private 10/275, A Company (West Coast), Wellington Infantry Regiment. New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Died Gallipoli, Turkey 29th April 1915. Born on 2nd July 1893 at Hagg Hill Farm, Hinton, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire. (brother)
BERGERSON	Harold Kirby	Attended school from 14th April 1911. Private 49142, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Wednesday 24th April 1918 aged 19 years. Born 3rd March 1899.
BEVAN, MM	Ralph Henry	Northumberland Fusiliers. Private 67218, 2/2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Formerly (18332) 29th T. R Battalion. Died Sunday 15th September 1918 aged 20 years. Born Ledbury. Enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Resided Ashford.
BRIGGS	Harley Knollys	Attended school from 22nd February 1900 to Midsummer 1904. Second Lieutenant, “B” Battery, 166th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Formerly Private (552), “A” Battery, Honourable Artillery Company (H.A.C). Formerly Dover College Officer Training Corps (O.T.C). Killed in action near Fricourt Wednesday 26th July 1916. Born 16th January 1892. Resided 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, London. Buried in DARTMOOR CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT, Somme, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 59. Extract from Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald, 28 July 1917, page 2: MEMORIAL TO A GALLANT OFFICER. —A memorial service for the gallant; young officer Harley Knollys Briggs is to be held at the Church of St. Mary, Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, on Sunday, 5th August, 1917, at 3 o'clock, where a window and Reredos, presented by his parents, will be dedicated to his memory. Extract from Canterbury Journal, 5 August 1916, page 3: BRIGGS.—Killed in action on the 26th July, 2nd Lieut. Harley KnoIlys Briggs, R.F.A., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knollys Briggs, of 16, Moore Street, Cadogan Square, S. W., and of Folkestone, aged 24 years.
BROWNING	Reginald Gordon Snell	Attended school from 6th September 1898 to May 1899. Captain, 6th (Glamorgan) Battalion (Territorial), Welsh Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 2nd October 1915. Born 26th October 1886. Baptised 25th November 1886 in Neath, Stadvid, Glamorganshire. Son of Robert Alexander and Beatrice Elizabeth Browning. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 77 and 78.
CAFFYN	Joseph Mannington	Attended school from 18th September 1893 to Easter 1894. Corporal 130293, Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A). Died of Pneumonia 15th July 1918. Born Northiam, Sussex. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Faversham.
CASTLE	Howard Ambrose	Attended school from 17th January 1913 to December 1916. Private 9814, “D” Company, 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (H.A.C.). Died Italy Thursday 25th July 1918. Born 9th October 1898 at Littlestone, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided “Thirlmere”, Littlestone, Kent.
CRAMP	Charles	Attended school from 16th September 1910. Private G/66738, 6th Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (26321) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 23rd August 1918 aged 18 years. Born Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Great Chart.
EVANS	Richard Burt	Attended school from 30th August 1895 to 9th November 1909. Private G/2085, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 5th Battalion. Died Thursday 9th August 1917 aged 22 years. Born Ashford 30th August 1895. Enlisted Neath, Glamorgan. Residence Swansea, Wales.
FLEMING	Alexander	Attended school from 17th January 1908 to Christmas 1912. This man is listed as belonging to the London Regiment (London Scottish). We can find no man of this name in this unit.
FLEMING, MM	Frank	Attended school from 17th January 1908 to Christmas 1912. London Regiment (London Scottish). Military Medal (M.M.). Once more, I can find no record of this man with this unit.
FOSTER	Arthur Harold	Attended school from 22nd January 1895 to Midsummer 1899. Private 784937, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Died Tuesday 30th October 1917 aged 36 years. Born 8th December 1881.
GREENLAND	Charles Stirling Walter	Attended school from 3rd May 1904 to July 1905. Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Formerly Officer Training Corps (O.T.C) St Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Died Sunday 9th May 1915 aged 23 years. Born Kennington, Ashford on 22nd July 1892.
HALL	Harry Sydney Hopton Hadley	Attended school from 29th September 1904 to Midsummer 1906. Captain, 3rd Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly of the British North Borneo Civil Service. Died on service from influenza in Calcutta, India of Thursday 24th October 1918 aged 36 years. Born 25th January 1881. Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall, of Hastings, Sussex. Buried in CALCUTTA (BHOWANIPORE) CEMETERY, KOLKATA, India. Plot O. Row G. Grave 51.
HARLOW	Thomas Edward	Attended school from 16th September 1908. Deck Hand DA/13100, Her Majesty’s Mine Layer (H.M.M.L.) 522, Royal Naval Reserve (R.N.R). Formerly (1651) Territorial Force (Army). Died Wednesday 8th May 1918 aged 24 years. Born Chartham near Canterbury 21st October 1893. Son of Thomas Edward and Anna Harlow, of 135, New St., Ashford. Buried in ASHFORD CEMETERY, Kent. Grave 2256.
HORNE	John Austin	Attended the school from 22nd September 1905 to July 1912. Second Lieutenant, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers). Formerly Lance Cororal (1827) (270152) Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (R.E.K.M.R). Died of pneumonia and influenza at the Delhi Military Hospital, Tidworth, Surrey Saturday 2nd November 1918 aged 25 years. Born 7th April 1893.
HUNTER	George Harrison	Attended school from 6th May 1889 to Easter 1890. Lance Corporal 81646, 22nd Battalion, The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly (58752) 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Died Saturday 2nd November 1918 aged 41 years. Born Ashford on the 26th July 1877. Enlisted London. Resided Ashford.
HYLAND	Herbert Bright	Attended school from 8th May 1905. Second Lieutenant, 20th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Attached 100th Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC) (Inf). Formerly a Trooper in the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (R.E.K.M.R.). Formerly Lance Corporal, O. T. C Sherborne School. Died Wednesday 19th July 1916 aged 21 years. Born 6th December 1884.
IGGLESDEN	Henry [Harry]	Attended school from 8th May 1890 to July 1896. Born 21st February 1880. Son of W Igglesden of 11, North Street, Ashford, Kent. No Trace
INGALL	Alfred Leslie	Attended school from 19th June 1888 to Christmas 1892. Bombardier L/31913, 179th (Deptford) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died Cancer of the stomach 19th June 1917 aged 40 years at 42, High Street, Ashford. Alfred’s death is not recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or Soldiers Died in the Great War.
KENNEDY	[Samuel] Lancelot [Richard Alexander Edgar]	Attended school from 22nd January 1900 to Christmas 1901. Second Lieutenant, 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post Office Rifles). London Regiment formerly Private (2335) 9th Battalion, (Artists Rifles), London Regiment. Killed in action 15th September 1916 aged 32 years. Son of Mrs. Anna F. I. Kennedy, of 51, Downshire Hill, Hampstead, London, and the late Capt. A. C. Kennedy (Ist Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fus.). Served four years in Queen Victoria's Rifles. Enlisted in the Artists' Rifles Sept., 1914, obtaining his Commission July, 1915. Buried in CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL, Somme, France. Plot V. Row D. Grave 10. Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 3, page 164: KENNEDY, S. LANCELOT, R.A.E., 2nd Lieut., 8th Battn. (Post Office Rifles) The London Regt. (T.F.), s. of the late Capt. Alexander Charles Kennedy, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, by his wife, Anna Frances Isabella, dau. of the late Rev. Richard Marsh White, Rector of Fairsted, co. Essex, formerly Vicar of Aveley, co. Essex : b. Kensington, London, W., 18 Jan. 1884 ; educ. Ashford School, co. Kent; was employed by the Alliance Assurance Company, Ltd., for nine years; enlisted 22 April, 1907, in the Victoria and St. George's Rifles, with which he served four years ; re-enlisted on outbreak of war in the Artists' Rifles, and was promoted L.-Corpl. in 1916; obtained a commission 29 July, 1915 ; served with the Expeditionary Force In France and Flanders, and was killed in action 15 Sept. 1916, while leading his platoon in the successful attack on High Wood during the fighting on the Somme. Buried in High Wood. His late Commanding Officer wrote : " A fine gentleman and a good soldier . . . reliable as a colleague, courageous as an officer, and popular amongst all who knew him," and his Adjutant : " He was an officer universally popular both with his brother officers and with his men„ and highly respected by all. His death is a grievous loss to the battalion." His Chaplain wrote : " He was such a lovable man that I feel his loss personally." One of his brother officers wrote : " We are proud and we are glad to say, ' He belonged to us.' " Unm.
KNIGHT	Alfred (or Arthur) Robert	Attended school 1901 to July 1905. Sub Lieutenant, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy (RN). Died Monday 13th November 1916 aged 27 years at Grandcourt, France. Born 1889.
MACHIN	Albert Sidney Hayden	Attended school from 18th January 1907 to May 1909. Private TR/128538, 102nd Training Reserve Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. 23rd Reserve Brigade. Aldershot. Died 20th September 1918 aged 19 years of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (T. B). Born 11th July 1899. Resided 19, Barrow Hill Road, St John’s, London. Albert’s death is not recorded as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This is because he was not actually in the army when he died. Death Certificate reference West Ashford/CH16/260.
MAYNARD	Henry Cyril (Cecil)	Attended school from 22nd September 1899 to Midsummer 1904. Private G/18997, 11th Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly Royal Engineers (R.E.). Died Sunday 27th October 1918. Born 30th December 1886. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford.
MORTON	Edgar Douglas	[Listed as D E in Book] Attended school from 21st September 1906 to Easter 1913. Private 1391, 1/1st (Waldershare Troop), Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (Yeomanry) (R.E.K.M.R.). Died 22nd May 1915 aged 19 years. Born 7th June 1895 at South Kensington, London. Enlisted Broad Oak. Resided Kennington.
PALMAR	Hubert John	Attended school from 22nd June 1895 to Midsummer 1897. Private 26232, 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 19th June 1918.
PLEDGE	Herbert Allan	Attended school from 21st October 1901. Private G/29512, 6th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 9th August 1918, Born 2nd September 1899. Born Dover, Kent, enlisted Canterbury, Kent. Son of Edith Pledge of Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in VILLE-SUR-ANCRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Row B. Grave 13.
RAYNER	Edward George	Attended School 1900 to 1903. Lance Corporal 36109, 63rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21st March 1918. Born Willesborough 15th January 1886. Enlisted Ashford.
ROBERTS, MC	Frederick William	Attended School 16th June 1906 to April 1912. Captain, 10th Battalion, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died Monday 1st October 1917 whilst a prisoner of war. Born 5th September 1895.
ROBINSON	Cyril	Attended school from 20th September 1907 to 1912. Rifleman 394606, 9th Battalion (Queen Victoria’s Rifles), London Regiment. Died 27th September 1917. Born Ashford, Kent. Enlisted London. Resided Corringham.
SIMS	Frederick Cecil	Attended school 19th January 1912. Private G/97001, “C” Company, 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Reported missing Monday 27th May 1918. Born 4th August 1899 at Seacombe, Cheshire. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford, Kent.
THIMANN	Ralph Phoebus	Attended school 16th September 1908 to Christmas 1908. Airman 1st Class 43670, 9th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (R.F.C.). Died Friday 12th October 1917 aged 20 years. Born 30th June 1897.
VIDLER	John Alfred	Attended school from 6th May 1910 to Midsummer 1911 (Brother of Percy below). Private T/1746, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Friday 7th January 1916. Born Newchurch, Kent on 8th March 1897. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Kennington.
VIDLER	Percy Arthur	Attended school from 24th April 1909 (Brother of John above). Private 2192, Royal East Kent Yeomanry (Duke of Connaught’s Own Mounted Rifles). Died Gallipoli Wednesday 8th December 1915. Born Blackmanstone 4th August 1895. Enlisted Herne, London.
WARD	Edward (Eddie) John	Attended School from 16th September 1904 to July 1906. Rifleman 68, “H” Company, 5th Battalion, London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). Died Tuesday 8th December 1914 aged 23 years. Born Ashford.
WARD	Harry (Henry) Richard	Attended school from 2nd May 1913. Air Mechanic 2nd Class F/6276, H.M.S. “President II”, Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S). Died Saturday 21st July 1917 aged 18 years. Born 2nd March 1899.
1939-1945 Extract from Tuesday Express, 17 December 1946, page 1 [note: 63 names listed as one was a Master]: GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR FREEDOM COMMEMORATION SERVICE TO OLD BOYS A service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance of 62 Old Boys of Ashford Grammar School who died in the late war was held in Ashford Parish Church on Friday evening. The service opened with the National Anthem, after which the Vicar (Canon H. D. S. Bowen, Chairman of the School Governors) read the bidding, which started “Brethren, we are met together to commemorate and to commend to God the Father, the Shepherd of souls, the Giver of lite everlasting, the Old Boys of the Ashford Grammar School who gave their lives in the late war.” The hymn, “Praise to the Holiest,” followed, after which the Vicar led the congregation in prayer. J. G. Creswell, D.F.M., D.F.C., read from Revelation 21, verses 1 to 7, and after the hymn “We cannot think of them as dead,” Pilot Officer J. J. Hooker, R.A.F., prefaced his reading of the roll of honour by saying “Let us now with quietness and gratitude remember before God our brothers who have passed away and are gathered into the spiritual world for evermore. In the sight of the unwise they seem to .perish, but they are in peace; their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the Most High. They live also in our hearts and the remembrance of them is dear and blessed. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The reading of the roll was precluded by the quotation:-- “True love by life ; by death true love is tried. For England live ye; these for England died.” NAMES OF FALLEN Horace Verrier Alkin, William Stanley Allard, Cecil Alwin Allchin, Charles Alfred Ashdown, Alan Bastow (Master), George. Corbett Bayley., D.F.C., George Kenyon Benton, James Body, John Amedee Brothers, James Edward Brundrett. Robert Brundrett, Alan Francis Candler. Cecil George Robert Candler, Peter Thorne Candler, William Keith Capeling, Peter Chard, William John Crawford Clark, John Edward Cooke, Robert Henry Crouch, Hillyer Raymond Crust, Bernard Dadds, Sydney James Davies. Peter John Day, Albert Henry William Drake, Raymond Charles Edward Fuller, William John Garner, John Pakenham Hamilton, Percy Joseph Harden, Herbert Hare, Alan William Harris, Dennis Hayward, Frank Hemmings, Douglas Welsh Hendin, M.C., John Frederick Heyman, Derrick Norman Homewood, Herbert Jack Gustave Jeffery, Jack King, Edmund Charles Eugene Knell, John Henry Law, Aubrey Macfadden, Victor Stephen Marsh, Richmond Meech, Rupert Edward Mellor, Harly Clift Oetzmann, Edward William Oxspring, Jack Redman Payne, Alec William Pearson, Albert Fred West Polden, Marrison Wilfred Ranson, Sidney Romer, William Charles Roots, Edwin Harvey Simmonds, Jack Skinner, D.F.C., Roy Stuart Stanley, Anthony John Stone, Dennis Alexander Vicary, James Thomas Waitt, Hector Webb, Henry White, Charles Wilde, William George Wood, Harry Yates. Last Post and Reveille were sounded by two Old Boys, .Jack Webb and Douglas Ayres, and, following another hymn and a prayer, Canon Bowen gave an address based on the following quotation taken from the Book of Lamentations “My sould [sic] hath them still in remembrance.” HIGHER SERVICE “At a service of this kind,” he said, “our hearts are naturally full of sorrow for dear ones gone from us. But our sorrow is for our own loss. They have passed to a fuller life and higher service. We remember them, too, with pride and thankfulness; pride for their wonderful example of courage and valour, and with thankfulness as we, think of the fate from which they saved us.” After the hymn “Before the Almighty Father's Throne,” came other prayers and the Blessing.
ALKIN	Horace Verrier	Apprentice, M.V. Silverpalm (London), Merchant Navy. Supposed drowned at sea 9 June 1941. Aged 18. Born 9 December 1922 in Calcutta, baptised 17 january 1923 in Kidderpore, St Stephen, Bengal, India. Son of Mrs. Esme Hermoine Alkin and the late Horace Egbert Alkin, of Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Esme H Alkin, born 9 December 1922, unemployed, single, resident 333 Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Last place of abode Pitland Hill, Falkirk, Strilingshire. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 97.
ALLARD	William Stanley	Flying Officer (Pilot) 186359, 353 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, India/Burma Command. Killed while flying out of Palam, India, in a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor II, serial number KJ479, when the aircraft crashed into sea between Pala and Punlab, Burma in low cloud during a transit flight from Mergui, aircraft from the ACSEA Command Squadron, 22 June 1946. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William E and Catherine Allard, born 18 October 1922, single, a Laboratory Assistant Soil Research, resident 32 Olantigh Road, Wye, East Ashford R.D., Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 459. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1947: ALLARD William Stanley of 32 Olantigh-road Wye near Ashford Kent died 22 June 1946 on war service Administration London 25 January to William Edward Allard retired sanitary engineer. Effects £1197 10s. 7d.
ALLCHIN	James Cecil Alcuin	Pilot Officer (Pilot) 106364, 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Topcliffe, Yorkshire, in a Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, serial number Z9128, when the aircraft ditched in the North Sea when returning from a raid on Berlin 8 November 1941. Aged 21. Born 27 October 1920. Native of Kennington, Kent. Baptised 12 December 1920 in Kennington, St Mary, Kent, resident The Leas, Kennington. Son of Alfred Ernest and Violet Ethel Allchin, of Kennington, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Alfred E and Violet E Allchin, born 27 October 1920, single, a Bank Clerk, resident The Homestead, Church Road, Kennington, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 31.
ASHDOWN	Charles Alfred	Civilian Casualty. Died at Station Approach, Staplehurst, 15 September 1940. Aged 18. Baptised 19 November 1922 in Pluckley, St Nicholas, Kent, resident 1 Dering Terrace, Pluckley, Kent. Resident at the time in Station Approach, Staplehurst, Cranbrook RD, Kent. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Ashdown, of Oxley Cottage, Fir Toll, Pluckley, Ashford. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Alfred and Cecelia Ashdown, born 1 August 1922, single, a Railway Clerk, resident Oxley Cottage, Fir Toll, Pluckley, Fir Toll, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Recorded by MAIDSTONE, RURAL DISTRICT, Kent.
BASTOW	Alan	(Master) Captain 145907, Royal Artillery attached to (M.I.10) Intelligence Corps. Killed in action in Normandy 16 October 1944. Aged 30. Born Bradford, resident Chester. Son of John Henry and Ruth Mary Bastow; husband of Beryl Bastow, of Hoole, Cheshire, England. M.A. (Leeds). Reservist recommissioned 6 September 1940 under Paragraph 383 (XVII) King's Regulations. Buried in CALAIS CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, LEUBRINGHEN, Pas de Calais, France. Plot 3. Row B. Grave 11. Extract from Liverpool Echo,17 October 1939, page 4: BASTOW—HUGHES—October 16. at St. James's Church, Dover, ALAN BASTOW, M.A., youngest son of Mrs. Bastow. of Bradford. to BERYL, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Hughes. of Welholme, Hoole, Chester. Extract from Cheshire Observer, 28 October 1944, page 5: BASTOW.—October, 1944, killed in action overseas. Alan (Captain, R.A.). beloved husband of Beryl (nee Hughes), 60, Panton-road. Hoc)le, Chester.
BAYLEY, DFC	George Corbett	Pilot Officer (Pilot) 113343, 1651 Conversion Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed in action flying out of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, in a Short Stirling I, serial number N3655, when the aircraft was shot down at Oslebhausen near Bremen during a raid on Hamburg 29 July 1942. Aged 23. Born 10 December 1918. Son of Herbert Bell Bayley and Nancy Bayley. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). In the 1921 census he was the son of Herbert Bell and Nancy Bayley, aged 2, born Sllindge, Kent, resident White Lodge, Sellindge, Kent. Admitted to , Kent, 28 January 1924, son of Berbert B Bayley, resident White Lodge, Sellindge, left 9 August 1929 to attend Seconday School, Ashford Grammar. In the 1939 Register he was the son of nancy Bayley (a widow), born 10 December 1918, single, employed in Municipal Engineering Surveyors Department, resident Sallridge Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, Broadstairs and St Peter's U.D., Kent. Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 26. Row J. Grave 3. See also Broadstairs Extract England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944: BAYLEY George Corbett of 2 Richmond-gardens Canterbury died 29 July 1942 on war service Probate Llandudno 12 April to Nancy Bayley widow. Effects £739 ls. 5d.
BENTON	George Kenyon	Lieutenant 235219, 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps. Died 11 January 1943. Aged 33. Killed in action 4 December 1910, and resident, Kent. Son of George Kenyon Benton and Elsie Dora Benton; husband of Edna May Benton, of Maidstone, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was married to Edna M Benton, born 4 December 1910, a Farm Manager, resident Forge Cottage, West Ashford, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Buried in MEDJEZ-EL-BAB WAR CEMETERY Tunisia. Grave lost. Special memorial at Plot 15. Row H. Grave 20.
BODY	James [Howard]	Sergeant (Pilot) 658465, 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, in a Handley Page Halifax II, serial number JB873, when the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Haasrode 2 miles south of Leuven during a raid on Bochum, six of the crew survived and were captured, 13-14 May 1943. Aged 21. Native of Frittenden, Kent, formerly resident Tenterden, Kent. Son of Charles and Mary Ellen Body, of Frittenden, Kent. Buried in HAASRODE CHURCHYARD, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. Grave 2.
BROTHERS	John Amedee	Trooper 7957276, 1st King's Dragoon Guards, Royal Armoured Corps. Accidentally killed in the Middle East 19 August 1943. Aged 20. Born 1 April 1933, and resident, Kent. Son of Ranger John Brothers and Jeanne Adele Clemence Brothers, of Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Ranger and Jeanne A C Brothers, born 1 April 1923, at school, resident Mon Reve, Gore Hill, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in TRIPOLI WAR CEMETERY, Libya. Plot 7. Row C. Grave 3. Extract from Kentish Express, 3 September 1943, page 2: ASHFORD LAD'S SAD END We regret to record the accidental death of Tpr. John Amedee Brothers, King's Dragoon Guards, aged 20 years, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ranger Brothers, of Gore Bill, Ashford, and grandson of the late Mr. John Brothers, chemist, the third generation of his family to be educated at Ashford Grammar School. Trooper Brothers was employed on the staff of the Ashford branch of the National Provincial Bank. Early in 1942 he joined the R.A.C. and was drafted overseas last Christmas. While in the Middle East he was transferred to the Guards, which are mechanised. On August 19, while out with his squadron in Tripolitania, Tpr. Brothers was wireless operator in an armoured car which overturned when the bank of the built-up road collapsed. He and his accompanying officer were instantly killed. A simple funeral took place the following day at the Military Cemetery, Tripoli, when six .N.C.O.'s acted as pallbearers and a representative party from his regiment attended. John Brothers was a universal favourite during his short life, both in his schools days and afterwards.
BRUNDRETT	James Edward	Lieutenant 180924, 647 Heavy A.A. battery, Royal Artillery attached to 9th Battalionn, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died of wounds in Italy 30 September 1944. Aged 23. Born Bournemouth, resident Hampshire. Son of Frederick and Enid Brundrett of Emsworth, Hants. Buried in GRADARA WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot I. Row E. Grave 76. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: BRUNDRETT James Edward of Hillbrow Prinsted Emsworth Hampshire died 30 September 1944 on war service Administration Winchester 23 February to Frederick Brundrett deputy director of scientific research Admiralty. Effects £1356 9s. 7d.
BRUNDRETT	Robert	Lance Corporal VX8959, A.I.F. 2nd/5th Battalion, Australian Infantry. Killed in action in Libya, Middle East, 3 January 1941. Aged 33. Resident Court Lodge, Hinxhill, Ashford, Kent. Farmer by trade. Born Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire. Sixth son of Walter and Ada Brundrett, of Rolvenden, Kent; brother of Florence Brudrett, Court Lodge, Hinxhill, Ashford, Kent. In the 1921 census he was the son of Walter and Ada Brundrett, aged 13, born Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales, resident Lacton Hall, Willesborough, Kent. Buried in HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 18. Row E. Grave 1. Australian Roll of Honour
BULEY	George [Rowley Merriman]	Pilot Officer (Pilot) 60064, 54 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Fighter Command. Killed while flying out of Church Fenton, Yorkshire, in a Bristol Blenheim I, serial number L1267, when the aircraft cfrashed at Cawood, Yorks when the pilot lost control after being blinded by searchlights during a night training flight 28 February 1941. Buried in KIRKBY WHARFE (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, Yorkshire. Row B. Grave 3.
CANDLER	Alan Francis	Signalman 6299850, 1st Air Form. Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. Died 20 April 1943. Aged 20. Born 31 January 1923. Son of Ernest Francis and Nellie Ann Candler, of Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Ernest F and Nellie A Candler, sigle, an Apprentice Agricultural Engineer, resident 7 Sussex Avenue, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in LE PETIT LAC CEMETERY, Algeria. Plot E. Row E. Grave 38.
CANDLER	Cecil George Robert	Sergeant (Navigator) 1264286, 227 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Country of service United Kingdom. Killed in action flying out of Luqa, Malta, in a Bristol Beaufighter VIC, serial number X8063, when his aircraft was shot down by a Bf109s into the sea off Bizerta, Tunisia, during a patrol 14 November 1942. Aged 30. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Cecil George and Annie Eliza Candler; husband of Doris Eilleen Candler, of Ashford, Kent. Brother of Peter Thorne Candler who was also killed in action (see below). No known grave. Commemorated on MALTA MEMORIAL, Malta. Panel 3, Column 2. See also Malta Air Force Memorial, Malta
CANDLER, MiD	Peter Thorne	Flight Lieutenant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 77270, 142 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Waltham, Lincolnshire, in a Vickers Wellington IV, serial number Z1208, when the aircraft was lost during the 1000-bomber raid on Cologne 30 May 1942. Aged 26. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Cecil George and Annie Eliza Candler, of Ashford, Kent. Brother of Cecil George Robert Candler (above). Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 6. Row C. Grave 18.
CAPELING	William Keith	Sub-Lieutenant (A)(Pilot), 732 Squadron, H.M.S. Saker (USA), Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Killed while flying out of Brunswick NAS, Maine, USA, in a Vought Corsair I, serial number JT180, when the aircraft undeshot and crashed on the approach to Trenton near Bar Harbor during dummy deck landing practice 29/30 April 1944. Aged 20. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of William Frederick and Jessie Alice Capeling, of Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William F and Jessie A Capeling, born 27 October 1923, single, a a Solicitor's Junior Clerk, resident 57, Albermarle Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD CEMETERY, United States of America. Lot 162.
CHARD, MiD	Peter	Captain 105888, 1 Airlanding Light Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died of wounds as a Prisoner of War in Western Europe 9 October 1944. Aged 24. Born and resident Kent. Son of Richard Harmer Chard and Mary Annie Rachel Chard, of Ashford, Kent. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). Buried in ARNHEM OOSTERBEEK WAR CEMETERY, Gelderland, Netherlands. Plot 24. Row A. Grave 14. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: CHARD Peter of 33 Sackville-crescent Ashford Kent died 9 October 1944 in Holland Probate London 28 June to Richard Harmer Chard timber merchants manager. Effects £553 10s.
CLARK	William John Crawford	[CWGC states CRANFORD instead of CRAWFORD] Petty Officer Supply C/MX 45481, H.M.S. Wryneck, Royal Navy. Died at sea when H.M.S. Wryneck, an Admiralty W-class destroyer, was sunk during the Battle of Greece on 27 April 1941. 27 April 1941. Born 28 October 1906 in Maidstone, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 48, Column 3.
COOKE	John Edward	Lieutenant 289850, Royal Army Service Corps attached to Royal Indian Army Service Corps. Died 27 June 1945. Aged 26. Born 6 April 1919. Son of Edward Davis Cooke and Laura Gertrude Cooke; husband of Mabel Cooke, of Horsmonden, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Edward D and Laura G Cooke, a Bread Maker, resident Manchester House, Brendley Road, Hazel Street, Tonbridge R.D., Kent. Buried in RAWALPINDI WAR CEMETERY, Pakistan. Plot 2. Row E. Grave 7.
CROUCH	Robert Henry	Private 6347194, 7th Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Killed in action in France 21 May 1940. Aged 21. Born 8 May 1919, and resident, Kent. Baptised Ashford, St Mary the Virgin, Kent 29 June 1919, resident 22 Western Avenne, Ashford, Kent, son of Edward Alfred and Florence May Crouch. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Edward A and Florence M Crouch, born 8 May 1919, single, a Fitter & Moulder (Motor), resident 22, Woodburn, Western Avenue, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in VILLE-SUR-ANCRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme, France. Row A. Collective grave 1-4.
CRUST	Hillyar Raymond	[Listed as HILLYER on school RoH but HILLYAR in all other records] Flight Sergeant 1253122, 160 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, India/Burma Command. Killed in action flying out of Sigiriya, Ceylon, in a Consolidated Liberator GRIII, serial number FL926. when the aircraft was lost during a photo reconnaissance sortie to Car Nicobar Island in the Andaman Sea, believed to have been shot down by an Japanese Navy A6M Zero, 26 October 1943. Aged 21. Born 6 November 1921. Son of Thomas and Isabel Crust, of Willesborough, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Thomas and Isabel May Crust, born 6 November 1921, single, a Railway Clerk, resident 84, Cudworth Road, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent,. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 425.
DADDS	Bernard [George]	Aircraftman 2nd Class 1272037, Royal Air Force. Taken prisoner on 20 March 1942 when Java fell to the Japanese and died on board the SS Maros Maru during a journey from Ambon Island to Surabaya, Java, from bacillary dysentery 27 September 1944. Aged 33. Born 1 July 1911. Baptised 30 July 1911 in St Nicholas At Wade, St Nicholas, Kent. Native of Hackney, London. Son of William and Priscilla Dadds; husband of Irene May (nee Golder) Dadds, of Hackney, London formerly 15, Chapel Place, Ramsgate, Kent, married April to June 1936 in East Ashford Registration District, Kent. Admitted to Chilham National School, Chilham, Kent, 2 October 1916, son of William Dadds, resident The Lees, Chilham, Kent, transferred to Mixed Dept. 7 April 1919. In the 1921 census he was the son of William Robert and Priscilla Caroline dadds, aged 9, born Kent, resident The Lees, Chilham, East Ashford, Kent. Clerk by trade. In the 1939 Register he was married to Irene May Dads, born 1 July 1911, a Solicitors Clerk And Qualified Clerk In Justices Clerk Office, resident 15 Chapel Place, Ramsgate, Ramsgate M.B., Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 441. Extract from Thanet Advertiser, 20 November 1945, page 4:ACM. ACM. BERNARD DADDS DIED WHILE A PRISONER We regret to report that, after waiting anxiously for news of Acm. Bernard Dadds, R.A.F., of Ramsgate, ever since the Japanese surrender, his wife has now learned that he died while a prisoner of war. A telegram giving the same sad tidings has also been received from the air Ministry by his brother, Mr. S. Dadds. Acm. Dadds was a member of the staff of Messrs. Thorn Drury and Leach Lewis, solicitors, of Ramsgate, before joining the R.A.F. in February, 1941. After training he was sent to the Far East and was thought to be in Java at the time of the Japanese occupation of the Island. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1951: DADDS Bernard George of 15 Chapel-place Ramsgate died 27 September 1944 on war service Administration London 10 November to Irene May Dadds widow. Effects £285 8s. 8d.
DAVIES	Sydney John	Staff Sergeant 7623092, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Captured at the Fall of Singapore 15 February 1942, died as a Japanese Prisoner of War 4 October 1943. Aged 28. Born 8 March 1915. Son of Sydney Robert Barlow Davies and Edith Jane Davies; brother of Miss Gladys Annie Davies. Optician by trade. In the 1921 census he was the son of Edith J Davies (a widow), aged 6, born Bethesden, Yorkshire, resident Forge Hill, Bethersden, Kent. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY, Thailand. Plot 2. Row K. Grave 12. Extract from Tuesday Express, 19 February 1946, page 6: DIED AS P.o.W. News has been received of the death as a prisoner of war in Japanese hands at Kamburi Hospital, Thailand, of Staff-Sgt. Sydney John Davies, R.E.M.E., who attended Ashford Grammar School from 1926 to 1930. He formerly lived at Forge Hill, Bethersden. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: DAVIES Sydney John of Forge Hill Bethersden Ashford Kent died 4 October 1943 on war service Administration Bodmin 6 July to Gladys Annie Davies spinster. Effects £399 14s. 8d.
DAY	Peter John	Flying Officer (Navigator) 164090, 15 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Mildenhall, Suffolk, in an Avro Lancaster I, serial number HK620, when the aircraft crashed near Wauthier-Braine during a raid on the Hohenbudberg railway yards, just northeast of Krefeld, 9 February 1945. Aged 21. Born 3 August 1923. Native of Sidcup, Kent. Son of John H. and Marion Day, of Sidcup, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of John H and Marion Day, born 3 August 1923, at school, resident 29 Walton Road, Sidcup, Chislehurst and Sidcup U.D., Kent. Buried in BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY, Brussels - Capital Region, Belgium. Plot X. Row 28. Grave 17. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1945: DAY Peter John of 29 Walton-road Sidcup Kent died 9 February 1945 on war service Administration Llandudno 21 June to John Henry Day schoolmaster. Effects £197 16s. 9d.
DRAKE	Albert Henry William	Supply Assistant C/MX 56335, H.M.S. Phoebe, Royal Navy. Died on service 26 August 1942. Aged 23. Born 1 June 1919, baptised 17 August 1919 in Willesborough, St Mary the Virgin, Kent, resident 59 Albemarle Rd, Willesborough, Kent. Son of William Francis and Elizabeth Frances Drake, of Willesborough, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 64, Column 1.
FULLER	Raymond Charles Edward	Private 14218221, 1st/6th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. Died as the resut of an accident in Italy 23 April 1944. Aged 20. Born 8 April 1924, and resident, Kent. Son of C. A. and Lilian B. Fuller, of Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was born 8 April 1924, at school, resident 28 Park Street, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in CASSINO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot VIII. Row G. Grave 12.
GARNER	William John	Lieutenant 276439, 1st Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Killed in action in Italy 24 May 1945. Aged 21. Born 27 September 1923, and resident, Kent. Burma of William Percival and Florence Ellen Garner, of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Florence E garner, born27 September 1923, at school, resident 3, Glover Road, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in RANGOON WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar. Plot 1. Row C. Grave 18. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: GARNER William John of 3 Glover-road Willesborough Ashford Kent died 24 May 1945 in Burma Administration London 16 July to Florence Ellen Garner (wife of William Percival Garner). Effects £565 12s. 9d.
HAMILTON	John Pakenham	Lieutenant 287511, 44th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Killed in action in Western Europe 2 March 1945. Aged 24. Born Derbyshire, resident Nottinghamshire. Son of Edward Pakenham Hamilton and Gladys Hamilton, of Oswestry, Shropshire. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Gladys Hamilton, born 10 May 1920, an Articled Clerk Land Agent Surveyors, Valuers & Auctioneers, single, resident 7, Sunnyside, Elwick Road, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 46. Row B. Grave 4. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: HAMILTON John Pakenham of Estate Office Osberton Worksop Nottinghamshire died 2 March 1945 on war service Administration (with Will) (limited) Llandudno 14 February to Peter Francis Woodworth schoolmaster attorney of Francis Anthony John Woodworth. Effects £368 4s. 1d.
HARDEN	Percy Joseph	Private 97003963, Non Combatant Corps. Died on service in United Kingdom 6 April 1941. Aged 21. Born 5 December 1919, and resident, Kent. Son of Joseph and Elsie Margaret Harden, of Ashford. In the 1921 census he was the son of John and Elsie Margaret Harden, aged 1, born Ashford, Kenty, resident 173, Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was born 5 December 1919, a Civil Servant Executive Officer (Examiner) Paymaster General Office, single, resident 49 Sisters Avenue, Clapham Junction, Lambeth, Battersea, London. Buried in ASHFORD (BYBROOK) CEMETERY, Kent. Section 21. Grave 7.
HARE	Herbert	Pilot Officer 157317, 47 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died on service 10 January 1944. Aged 25. Based at Gambut 3, Libya. Native of Polegate, Sussex. Son of Herbert and Lena Hare, of Polegate, Sussex. Buried in ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 6. Row B. Grave 4.
HARRIS	Alan William	Trooper 7947020, 12th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Died on service 27 April 1943. Aged 20. Born 3 July 1922 in Kent, resident London. Baptised 26 July 1922 at Willesborough, St Mary the Virgin, Kent, resident 81, The Street, Willesborough, Kent. Son of William Henry and Harriet Harris, of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William H and Harriett Harris, born 3 July 1922, single, a Civil Servant Clerical Assistant (Home Office), resident 81 The Street, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY, Tunisia. Plot II. Row C. Grave 3. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944: HARRIS Alan William of 81 The Street Willesborough Kent died 27 April 1943 on war service Probate Llandudno 8 February to William Henry Harris blacksmith. Effects £443 9s. 11d.
HAYWARD	Dennis [Claude]	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 923694, 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Driffield, Yorkshire, in a Vickers Wellington II, serial number W5595, when the aircraft was lost during a raid on Duisburg 29 August 1941. In the 1921 census he was the son of Charley C and Lily A Hayward, aged 1, born Ashford, Kent, resident 36, New Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried in RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 6. Row B. Grave 19.
HEMMINGS	Frank	Warrant Officer (Pilot) 1334168, 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, in a Handley Page Halifax II, serial number W7932, when the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter 2 miles west of Sambeek near Boxmeer when returning from a raid on Dusseldorf 12 June 1943. Aged 22. Born 27 April 1921 in Ashford, Kent. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Frank and Annie Hemmings, of Ashford, Kent. In the 1921 census he was the grandson of Thomas Edward and Annie East, son of Frank and Annie Hemmings, aged 2 months, born Ashford, Kent, resident 195, Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Frank And Annie Hemmings, born 27 April 1921, an Insurance Clerk, resident 195 Godinton Road, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in EINDHOVEN (WOENSEL) GENERAL CEMETERY, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Plot JJB. Collective grave 76-79. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: HEMMINGS Frank of 105 Godinton-road Ashford Kent died 12 June 1943 on war service Administration London 3 July to Frank Hemmings painter and decorator. Effects £106 18s. 3d.
HENDIN, MC	Douglas Welsh	[Cannot locate on CWGC] Lieutenant 6452, Acting Major, The Buffs (Royal East kent Regiment). Originally missing in France but found. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). In the 1921 census he was aged 30, single, born Southampton, Hampshire, an Army Lieutenant, Infantry Battalion, Sierra Leone Battalion, Dam, Sierra Leone, West Africa. In the London Gazette, 8 April 1938, Issue 34500, Page 2360 he was appointed to the War Office: Lands Draughtsman in the Office of the War Department Land Agent, Southern Command. In the 1939 Register he was born 29 May 1891, divorced, a Civil Servant, Gov. Department - Lands Draughtsman - Army Reserve of Officers, Lieutenant, The Buffs, resident Corner Shop, Bulford Road, Durrington, Amesbury R.D., Wiltshire. Extract from Shepton Mallet Journal, 27 July 1928, page 6: MAN'S LOST MEMORY. A man who walked into the New Forest Poor Law Institution suffering from loss of memory was identified, on Saturday, by an aunt living in Southampton as Douglas W. Hendin, of 26, Devonshire-terrace, Lancaster Gate, W. Mr. Hendin said he was unable to remember his aunt. During the war he was buried alive in France and ever since, he had “had a great fear in his mind,” and his head had ached terribly. Extract from Hampshire Advertiser, 28 July 1928, page 10: LOSS OF MEMORY. New Forest Visitor Identified. The publication of an interview with a well-dressed man who walked into Lyndhurst Police Station suffering from loss of memory, resulted in the almost immediate identification of the stranger. He is Douglas W. Hendin, 26, Devonshire-terrace, Lancaster Gate, London, and he was identified by his aunt, Mrs. Hendin, who lives in Khartoum-road, Highfield, Southampton. No sooner had she read the “Echo” report than she was certain that the man was her nephew, and on informing the police, she was taken to see him at the New Forest Institution. Confronted by his aunt, Mr. Hendin was unable to recognise her, but proof of the relationship was advanced, and he gladly accepted it
HEYMAN	John Frederick	Sergeant (Pilot) 1358984, 20 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Killed while flying out of Lossiemouth, Moray, in a Vickers Wellington IC, serial T2966, when the aircraft crashed at Quarry Wood near Elgin during night circuit practice at Elgin following an engine failure, the rest of the crew survived, 5 August 1942. Aged 26. Born 9 May 1916. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of William Frederick and Annie Hilda Heyman, of Ashford; husband of Christine Heyman, of Ashford. In the 1921 census he was the son of William F and Annie H Heyman, aged 5, born Ashford, Kent, resident 25, James Street, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was born 9 May 1916, single, an Assurance Agent, resident 8 Shrubcote, Tenterden, Tenterden M.B., Kent. Buried in ASHFORD (BYBROOK) CEMETERY, Kent. Section 4. Grave 57. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943: HEYMAN John Frederick of The Castle Hotel and of 63 Godinton-road both in Ashford Kent died 5 August 1942 on war service Administration Llandudno 16 February to Christina Heyman widow. Effects £784 15s. 4d.
HOMEWOOD	Derrick Norman	Private 5504554, 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Died on service in North Africa 3 December 1942. Aged 25. Born 16 January 1917, and resident, Kent. Baptised Egerton, St James, Kent, resident Church House, Egerton, Kent. Son of Norman Mercer Homewood and Nellie Elizabeth Homewood, of Egerton, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Norman M and Nellie E Homewood, bor 16 January 1917, single, a Butcher's Manager, resident Church House, Biddenden Green, West Ashford R.D., KentNo known grave. Commemorated on MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL, Tunisia. Face 22. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943: HOMEWOOD Derrick Norman of Church House Egerton Kent died 3 December 1942 on war service Probate Llandudno 27 September to Leslie Hubert Homewood farmer. Effects £236 15s. 4d.
JEFFERY	Herbert Jack Gustave	Sergeant (Observer) 1253155, 148 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, North Africa Command. Killed in action flying out of Kabrit det to LG 104, Egypt, in a Vickers Wellington II, serial number Z8340, when the aircraft was shot down during a raid on Benghazi harbour, Libya, 13 November 1941. Aged 20. Native of Ashford, Kent. Baptised 8 May 1921 in Ashford, St Mary the Virgin, Kent, resident 30 Linden Road, Ashford, Kent. Son of John and Edith Maud Jeffery, of Ashford, Kent. Buried in BENGHAZI WAR CEMETERY, Libya. Plot 3. Row B. Grave 10.
KING	Jack	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 626528, 214 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Bombr Command. Killed in action flying out of Stradishall,m Suffolk, in a Short Striling I, serial number R9155, when the aircraft crashed at Issum northwest of Moers during a raid on Kassel 27 August 1942. Aged 21. Son of William Green King and Margaret King; husband of Georgina Swan King. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 28. Row H. Collective grave 8-13.
KNELL	Edward Charles Eugene	[Listed as Edmund Charles Eugene on RoH] Apprentice, S.S. Empire Impala (London), Merchant Navy. Died at sea sailing with Convoy SC-121 in the North Atlantic when his ship stopped to pick up survivors from S.S. Egyptian and was sunk by U-591 11 March 1943. Aged 19. Birth registered in April to June Quarter 1924 in the West Ashford Registration District, Kent. Son of Bertie Edward and Hetty Knell, of Ashford, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 42.
LAW	John Henry	Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 1811071, 640 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Leconfield, Yorkshire, in a Handley Page Halifax III, serial number NP931, when the aircraft crashed near Butley on the approach to Woodbridge when returning from a raid on Kamen, possibly shot down by an intruder, one crewman survived, 4 March 1945. Aged 20. Born 4 September 1924. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Henry Frederick and Adeline Law, of Ashford. Patrol Leader 10th Ashford Troop, B.P. Scouts. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Henry F and Adeline Law, at school, resident 66 Linden Road, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in ASHFORD (BYBROOK) CEMETERY, Kent. Section 42. Grave 78.
McFADDEN	Aubrey	[MacFADDEN on on school RoH] Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 42510, 258 Squadron, Royal Air Force, India/Burma Command. Killed in action flying out of Colombo, Ceylon, in a Hawker Hurricane IIB, serial number Z5665, when the aircaft was shot down into the sea by an A6M Zero when intercepting a Japanese air raid on Colombo 5 April 1942. Aged 24. Son of Francis and Lucy McFadden. In the 1921 census he was the son of Francis Edgar and Lucy McFadden, aged 3, born Ashford, kent, resident Tyndall Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 412. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943: McFADDEN Aubrey of 10 Mabledon-avenue Ashford Kent died 23 April 1942 on war service Probate Llandudno 17 August to Wilfred Shippam builder. Effects £89 8s. 4d.
MARSH	Victor Stephen	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 574642, 120 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Coastal Command. Killed in action flying out of Ballykelly, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in a Consolidated Liberator GRIII, serial number FK235, when the aircraft flew into the sea during a steep turn while escorting convoy ONS120 12 August 1942. Aged 20. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Stephen Francis and Adelaide Marsh, of Ashford, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 89.
MEECH	Richmond aka Ritchie	Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) 910491, 40 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Alconbury, Huntingdonshire, in a Vickers Wellington IC, serial number R1167, when the aircraft was lost during a raid on Hanover, an air gunner survived and was captured, 16 May 1941. Aged 20. Born 29 October 1920. Native of Hothfield, Kent. Son of Richmond Settatree Meech and Grace Annie Meech, of Hothfield, Kent. In the 1921 census he was the son of Richmond Settatree and Grace Annie Meech, aged 7 months, born Westwell, Kent, resident Stores House, Hothfield, Westwell, Kent. Admitted to Hothfield Council School, Hothfield, Kent, 6 January 1926, son of Richmond Meech, resident The Street, Hothfield, Kent, left 14 August 1931 to go to Ashford Grammar School. In the 1939 Register he was he grandson of Walter T R Meech, son of Richmond S and Grace A Meech, born 28 October 1920, single, a Journalist, resident Mitchell Farm, Biddenden Green, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 17. Row F. Collective grave 2-5. Extract from Tuesday Express, 10 June 1941, page 1: TUESDAY EXPRESS REPORTER KILLED DIED IN BOMBING RAID ON GERMANY Richmond Meech, R.A.F.V.R., a junior reporter on the Tuesday Express and Kentish Express, previously reported missing, is now known to have been killed in action. A sergeant, Meech was an air-gunner wireless operator, and lost his life during a bombing raid on (iermany. Richmond Meech was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Meech [sic], Mitchell Farm, Hothfield, and volunteered for service with the R.A.F. on the outbreak of war. He had a host of friends, was liked by all with whom he came in contact and was most popular with his colleagues, who foretold a big future for him in journalism. Extract from Tuesday Express, 17 June 1941, page 5: MEMORIAL SERVICE AT HOTHFIELD SGT. R. MEECH, R.A.F. Evensong at Hothfield parish church, on Sunday. had a deeper significance even than usual. With it was combined a memorial service to Sergt. Richmond R.A.F., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Meech, Mitchell Farm, Hothfield, who is missing and presumed killed. The Rev. G. W. Loughborough, who temporarily is acting as priest-in-charge, officiated, and among a large and representative congregation were Sir Charles Igglesden (Chairman. Ashford Grammar School Governors, and editor of the Kentish Express), Mr. L. W. White (Headmaster, Ashford Grammar School), who gave an address of appreciation of his former pupil, Mr. F. B. Pinch, who read the Lessons, Dr. W. G. Shannon and past and present Grammar School boys. Colleagues from the Kentish Express, where Richmond Meech had been a promising member of the editorial staff, also were present.
MELLOR	Rupert Edward	Flying Officer (Navigator) 181354, 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Fighter Command. Killed while flying out of Predannack, Cornwall, in a de Havilland Mosquito NF30, serial number NT489, when the aircraft swung when taking off from Predannack, Cornwall, and hit a hangar 1 October 1945. Aged 30. Born 25 September 1915, baptised 16 December 1917 in Willesborough, St Mary the Virgin, Kent, resident Isabelle Villas, Kennington, Kent. Native of Ashford, Kent. Son of Fred and Ellora Pamela Mellor; husband of Margaret Esme Mellor, of Ashford. In the 1921 census he was the son of Ellora Mellor, aged 5, born Ashford, Kent, resident 2, Isabella Villas, Kennington, Kent. Buried in ASHFORD (BYBROOK) CEMETERY, Kent. Section 2. Grave 93.
OETZMANN	Hardy Clift	Sergeant 1465221, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Died at sea, killed by enemy action 16 February 1943. Aged 38. Born New Zealand, resident Kent. Son of George Clift Oetzmann and Winifred Oetzmann; husband of Edith Isabel (nee Currah) Oetzmann, of Ashford, Kent, married January to March Quarter 1937 in West Ashford Registration District, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 19. Column 3.
OXSPRING	Edward William	Apprentice (Cadet), M.V. Domala (Glasgow), Merchant Navy. Died at sea, killed by enemy action 2 March 1940. Aged 18. Born Hong Kong 26 December 1921. Resident Barrow Hill House, Ashford, Kent. Son of Maj. George Ernest Oxspring, R.A.V.C., and Mabel Bernice Oxspring; nephew of Mrs. J. Atchley, of Hampstead, London. In the 1939 Register he was the son of George E and Mabel B Oxspring, at school, resident No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 35.
PAYNE	Jack Redman	Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1896652, 298 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Fighter Command. Killed while flying out of Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, in a Handley Page Halifax III, serial number NA664, when the aircraft stalled and crashed at Spetisbury, Dorset on the approach to Tarrant Rushton when returning from a night navigational exercise 27 March 1945. Aged 20. Born 3 November 1924. Native of Egerton, Kent. Son of William Redman Payne and Bertha Payne, of Egerton. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William R and bertha Payne, born 3 November 1924, at school, resident "Nest," Pleasant Valley, Pembles Cross, West Ashford R.D., Kent Buried near west boundary of EGERTON (ST. JAMES) CHURCHYARD, Kent.
PEARSON	Alec William	Flying Officer (Navigator) 166433, 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, India/Burma Command. Killed while flying out of Cocos Island in a Consolidated Liberator BVI, serial number KL491, when the aircraft made a side slip off a steep turn and crashed when dropping supplies at the Sungei Ron PoW camp near Palembang, may have been shot down, 1 September 1945. Aged 21. Born 25 August 1924. Native of Egerton, Kent. Son of Walter John and Rosetta May Pearson, of Egerton, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Walter J and Rosetta M Pearson, born 25 August 1924, at school, resident Watersheet Farm, Pembles Cross, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Buried in JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY, Indonesia. Collective grave reference 6. J. 4.-6. K. 3. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1946: PEARSON Alec William of Watersheet Farm Egerton Kent died 1 September 1945 in Sumatra Administration London 23 May to Walter John Pearson farmer. Effects £393 14s. 6d.
POLDEN	Albert Fredrick West	Flight Lieutenant (Navigator) 138135, 189 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Based at Fulbeck, Lincolnshire, flying in an Avro Lancaster I, serial number NG308, when the aircraft was lost during a raid on an oil refinery at Harburg on 7 March 1945, possibly shot trying to evade capture, rest of the crew survived and captured, 7 March 1945. Aged 32. Born 3 December 1912. Native of Lower Shiplake, Oxon. Son of Samuel Jacob and Frieda Polden; husband of Phyllis Ellen Polden, of Lower Shiplake, Oxfordshire.In the 1921 census he was the son of Samuel Jacob and Frieda Polden, aged 8, born Purley, Surrey, resident Mill House, Appledore, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was m,arried to Phyllis E Polden, born 3 December 1912, an Elementary School Teacher, resident 12 Estridge Way, Tonbridge, Tonbridge U.D., Kent. Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY, Niedersachsen, Germany. Plot 18. Row F. Grave 3.
RANSON	Morrison Wilfred [Joseph]	Aircraftman 2nd Class 621890, 98 Squadron, Royal Air Force, SS Lancastria. Killed in action at sea when he was lost in the S.S. Lancastria which was bombed by Ju88s in the Charpentier Roads off St. Nazaire when about to evacuate troops from France 17 June 1940. Born 21 September 1928 in Elham Registration District, Kent. Based at Chateau Bougon, France. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Arthur R and Rhoda Mary Ranson, born 21 September 1928, at school, resident 68 Wood Avenue, Folkestone, Folkestone M.B., Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey. Panel 27.Barrow Hill House, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent.
ROMER	Sidney [Cecil]	Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 40752, 202 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Coastal Command. Killed in action flying out of Gibraltar in a Consolidated Catalina I, serial number AJ157, when the aircraft flew into a hill at Punta Carnero, Tarifa, Spain when approaching Gibraltar in poor visibility 21 January 1942. Aged 25. Born 16 March 1916. Native of Grayshott, Hampshire. Son of Cecil Aubrey and Ruby Romer; husband of Beatrice Maud Romer, of Grayshott, Hampshire. Admitted to Brook Council/Board Schools, Brook, Kent, 27 September 1920, son of Cecil Aubrey Romer, resident Sillebourne Farm, Wye, left 16 June 1921 when the family moved to Willesborough, Kent. In the 1921 census he was the son of Cecil Aubrey and Helen Ruby Romer, aged 5, born Cumberland, resident 61, Hunter Road, Willesborough, Kent. Buried in GIBRALTAR (NORTH FRONT) CEMETERY, Gibraltar. Plot 2. Row B. Joint grave 1.
ROOTS	William Charles	Lance Corporal 7917946, 44th Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Died of wounds in the Western Desert, Middle East, 27 November 1941. Aged 22. Born 22 October 1919, and resident, Kent. Son of William George and Gertrude Lilian Roots, of Bethersden, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William G and Gertrude L Roots, an Articled Architectural Pupil, resident Hillside, Bethersden, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Buried in HALFAYA SOLLUM WAR CEMETERY, Egypt. Plot 20. Row D. Grave 3. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942: ROOTS William Charles of Hillside Bethersden Kent died 27 November 1941 on war service Administration Llandudno 9 October to William George Roots accountant. Effects £174 0s. 9d.
SIMMONDS	Edwin Harvey	Second Officer, S.S. Empire Oil (Middlesbrough), Merchant Navy. Drowned, died at sea 13 September 1942. Aged 24. Born Coventry. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 44. * Association with Ashford Gramar School or Kent not determined but he is the ony Edwin Harvey Simmonds on CWGC * Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1943: SIMMONDS Edwin Harvey of 32 Uplands Monkseaton Northumberland died 13 September 1942 at sea Administration Newcastle-upon-Tyne 14 December to Lucy Simmonds widow. Effects £299 14s. 2d.
SKINNER, DFC	Jack	Warrant Officer (Pilot) 1332584, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Flying Training Command. Killed while flying out of Brize Norton, Oxon, in an Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle STV, serial number V1862, when the aircraft dived into the ground near Brize Norton after the glider got out of position forcing the tug into a steep turn, the glider landed safely, 19 March 1945. Aged 21. Born 26 March 1923 in East Ashford, Kent. Resident Westwell, Kent. Son of Frank and Mary Skinner, of Westwell, Kent. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). In the 1939 Register he was the son of Frank and Mary A Skinner, born 26 March 1923, an Apprentice Pharmaceutist, single, resident Hurst Mill Dunn Street, Westwell, Molash, West Ashford R.D., Kent. Buried in OXFORD (BOTLEY) CEMETERY, Oxfordshire. Plot H/1. Grave 226.
STAPLEY	Roy Stuart	Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1896761, 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bomber Command. Killed in action flying out of Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire, in an Avro lancaster I, serial number NF936, when the aircraft was shot down near the target during an ABC sortie to Bochum 4 November 1944. Aged 19. Born 20 March 1925. Native of Willesborough, Kent. Son of Stuart and Dorothy Annie Stapley, of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. In the 1939 Register he was the son of Stuart and Dorothy A Stapley, born 20 March 1925, at school, resident 38 Hunter Avenue, Ashford, Ashford U.D., Kent. Buried in REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Plot 28. Row B. Grave 6.
STONE	Anthony John	Civlian. Died 24 March 1943. Aged 18. Injured at Hayward's Garage; died same day at Ashford Hospital. Son of Ch. Yeoman of Signals Samuel Stone, R.N., and S. E. Stone, of Hill View, Brabourne. Recorded by ASHFORD, URBAN DISTRICT, Kent. Buried 29 March 1943 in Brabourne, St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Kent.
VICARY	Dennis Alexander	Gunner 895579, 143 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on service 1 November 1943. Aged 22. Son of William Alexander and Ellen May Vicary, of Ashford. In the 1921 census he was the son of William Alexander and Ellen M Vicary, 4 weeks old, born Ashford, Kent, resident 23, Wolseley Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in ASHFORD (BYBROOK) CEMETERY, Kent. Section 5. Grave 25.
WAITT	James Thomas aka Jimmie	Third Officer, S.S. San Gerardo (London), Merchant Navy. Died 31 March 1942. Aged 21. Son of James and Helena Waitt. No known grave. Commemorated on TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London. Panel 92.
WEBB	Hector	[Cannot locate on CWGC] No further information currently available
WHITE	Henry	Trooper 7917737, 10th Royal Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps. Killed in action in the Western Desert, Middle East, 23 January 1942. Aged 28. Born 28 March 1914, and resident, Kent. Baptised 20 May 1914 in Lydd, All Saints, Kent. Son of William Thomas and Maud White; husband of Constance White, of Leeds, Yorkshire. In the 1939 Register he was the son of William T and Maud White, born 28 March 1914, a Grocer Buyer Manager For Father, single, resident New Hall, Lydd, Lydd M.B., Kent. Buried in BENGHAZI WAR CEMETERY, Libya. Plot 2. Row C. Grave 16.
WILDE	Charles	[Cannot locate on CWGC] Died 22 November 1940. Married Kathleen V Butcher 2 January 1929 at Willesborough, St Mary the Virgin. Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1942: WILDE Charles of 2b Sprotlands-avenue Willesborough Ashford Kent died 22 November 1940 on war service Administration Llandudno 15 January to Kathleen Wilde widow. Effects £528 5s. 11d.
WOOD	William George	[Several possible entries on CWGC] No further information currently available
YATES	Harry	probably Guardsman 2619973, 6th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died of wounds in Italy 22 September 1943. Aged 23. Born and resident Lancashire. Buried in SALERNO WAR CEMETERY, Italy. Plot III. Row A. Grave 40.

Last update 19 March, 2026

ASHFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL (Norton Knatchbull Grammar School)

ASHFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL
(Norton Knatchbull Grammar School)