Private G/4965. 8th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 24th Division. Killed in action at Loos 26 September 1915. Aged 19. Born in Hawkinge and enlisted in Dover. Son of Rowland and Emma Matilda Bailey of Cowgate Farm, Hawkinge, Folkestone, Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 15 to 19.

Major, 104th Battalion, Wellesleys Rifles, Indian Army. Killed in action in Mesopotamia 22 November 1915. Aged 45. Son of William Stafford Bailey; husband of Constance Elizabeth (nee Clissold) Bailey, of Bexhill-on-Sea; banns 14 June 1903 at Charlton by Dover, SS Peter and Paul; married 9 July 1903 in Milverton, St Mark, Warwickshire; one son and one daughter. At the time of his marriage he was resident 14, Harold Terrace, Dover. He attended R.M.A. Sandhurst as a Officer Cadet during the period September 1889 to September 1890 and was commisioned into the Indian Army in 1890. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). attended Bedford Modern School during the period 1881 - 1887 (not listed on the school memorial). No known grave. Commemorated on BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq. Panel 48 and 66.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 4 December 1915, page 9:

KILLED IN ACTION.

BAILEY.—Killed in action, on or about the 24 November, in Mesopotaniia, Major Gilbert Bailey, 104th Wellesley' Rifles, eldest son of the late Major-General Stafford Bailey, and husband of Constance Bailey, 29, Sutherland Avenue, Bexhill-on- Sea, aged 46.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 04 December 1915, page 4:

Major, Gilbert Bailey, of the Wellesley’s Rifles, who was killed in action in the Persian Gulf between 22nd and 24th of November, was the husband Mrs. Bailey, of 29, Sutherland-avenue Bexhill, and the eldest son of the late Major-General Stafford Bailey.

Sapper 129500, 491st Field Company, Royal Engineers formerly 3546, 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 22 August 1918 in France and Flanders. BAged 20. orn and resident Bexhill-on-Sea, enlisted Hastings. In the 1901 census he was aged 2, born Bexhill, Sussex, son of George and Kate Baker, resident near Barrack Hall, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 12, born Bexhill, Sussex, at school, son of George and Kate Baker, resident 9A, Wickham Avenue, Bexhill O/S, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in QUEENS CEMETERY, BUCQUOY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 7.

Private 5261, 3rd/5th (Reserve) Battallion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died in United Kingdom 9 April 1916. No record with SDGW, no Medal Card found. Birth registered January to March Quarter 1872 in Battle Registration District, Sussex. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference B. E. J28.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Rifleman S/14467, 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). 14th Light Division. Killed in action on the Somme 15 September 1916. Born in Bethnal Green and enlisted in Finsbury. Next of kin residents of Ramsgate Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 16 B and 16 C.

[Listed as Lance Corporal on Bexhill memorial] Sapper 534199, 491st Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 24 July 1918 in France and Flanders. Aged 24. Born and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Native of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Son of Frederick and Ellen Banks. Buried in THIENNES BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Row E. Grave 6. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Private SD/4806, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 24th Division. Killed in action on the Sambre 4 November 1918. Aged 29. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. Next of kin Bexhill. Formerly with the South Downs Battalions. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 6.

Extract from Bexhill on Sea Observer - Saturday, 16 November 1918:

Private F. E. Barker

The Sorrows of War: Soldier, wife and baby die.

A threefold bereavement has taken place in regard to a Bexhill family. Private F. E. Barker, Royal Sussex Regiment was killed on the 4th inst. His wife had died of pneumonia on the 3rd, and a baby boy only about 11 weeks old, named after his father, died on Tuesday.

Private Barker, whose home was at Salisbury Road was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Barker of 20 Chandler Road. He was 28 years of age and his wife was 27. They leave three children, Nellie, Louise, and Charlie, aged about, 7, 5, and 3 respectively. The message as to his wife’s serious illness had not reached Private Barker at the time of his death.

His Lieutenant wrote to Mrs. Barker “I deeply regret to convey to you the sad news that your husband, Private Frederick Barker was killed in action on the morning of the 4 November. He acted in a most gallant and brave manner during the advance, and assisted me greatly by his pluck and cheery spirit. His death was instantaneous and you can rest assured that he suffered no pain. In extending my sympathies in your bereavement I must add that all the officers and men feel the loss more than I can explain.

Joining up in 1914, Private Barker had been twice wounded and had had trench fever. This was his fourth time in France. He was formerly well known as a cricketer. Mr. and Mrs. John Barker had already lost another son and a son in law. Two other soldier sons, one sailor son and a son in law in Strathcona’s Horse are still serving.

Research Copyright © David Hatherell:

The last Bexhillian to be killed

Frederick Barker was born in 1889 in Bexhill, into a bricklayer’s family that comprised 7 boys and 4 daughters. By the time the war came he was a milkman living in Salisbury Road, married to Mary with 2 children, Mary and Violet. Frederick was well known as a cricketer. He and four of his brothers served in the war. One of them, Percy, died of wounds in December 1914.

Frederick and his younger brother Reginald enlisted together at Hastings in August 1915 and went into the 14th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. He served in various battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment, finally with the 9th Battalion. Between 1916 and 1918 he served on four separate occasions on the Western Front and was wounded twice. He was also treated for trench fever and also treated for shell shock after being caught by a shell burst and blown down into a dug out and stunned.

He lost his life on the 4th of November 1918 during a frontal attack which commenced at 05:30 to gain crossings over the River Rhonelle. Enemy shelling, even before the attack, caused casualties. During the attack, enemy machine guns were very effective. On that day, the 9th Battalion’s casualties were Officers 1 and Other Ranks 135 [43 dead].

His Lieutenant wrote to Mrs Barker; “I deeply regret to convey to you that your husband, Private Frederick Barker was killed in action on the morning of the 4th November. He acted in a most gallant and brave manner during the advance, and assisted me greatly by his pluck and cheery spirit. His death was instantaneous, and you can rest assured that he suffered no pain. In extending my sympathies in your bereavement, I must add that all the officers and men feel the loss more than I can explain”

She never received this letter as the day prior to Frederick’s death, 3rd November, she died in Bexhill from influenza. As well as the two children already mentioned, two further children were born during the war. The youngest, a baby also called Frederick Ernest born in August 1918 died shortly after his parents on the 12th of November.

Frederick and Mary’s surviving three children went into care in Bexhill. After the war, the Army sent Frederick’s personal effects to the carer. The effects comprised a cigar case, damaged.

Second Corporal 964, 2nd (Home Counties) Field (491) Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 30 June 1915. Aged 24. Son of Joshua and Maria Barlow. Husband of Lilian Barlow of Walthamstow Essex. Born St. Annes Middlesex and enlisted in St. Leonards on Sea Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Soho, London, a Theatre Attendant, son of Joshua and Maria Barlow, resident 33 Dean St Soho, St Anne Within the Liberty of Westminster, London and Middlesex. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, NORD, Nord, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 73.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 1, page 20:

BARLOW, CHARLES ERNEST, Corpl. No. 964, 2nd Home Counties (T.F.) R.E., only s. of the late Joshua Barlow, by his wife, Maria, dau. of William Cann; b. Soho, London, 17 Nov. 1890; educ. St. Anne's School there; was a chauffeur; enlisted Oct. 1914 ; went to the Front, 22 Dec. 1914, and died 30 June, 1915, of wounds received in action in France. He m. at Walthamstow, Essex, 18 Jan. 1914, Lilian (6, Church Street, Old Town, Bexhill-on-Sea), dau. of John Todd, and had issue a dau., Marie Lilian, b. 31 Jan. 1915.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 10 July 1915:

Mrs. M. Barlow, of 6, Church Street, Old Town, received the sad news this week that her son, Sapper Charles Ernest Barlow, of the 2nd Home Counties Royal Engineers (T.), was wounded on June 28th, and died in hospital two days later. She was notified of his being wounded first from her son's friend. Driver Cross, of the same Company. The following letter was written on Monday to Sapper Barlow's wife, who also lives at 6, Church-street, by Major Ticehurst :—" I have only just returned from Rouen, and heard that nor husband has been wounded. I do not know the extent of the wound, but understand that it is not very serious. Cross, one of my men, I am told, has seen him, and has written to you. I sincerely trust he will be all right, and you can rest assured that everything possible will be done for him by the Hospital Authorities. If I can possibly find out anything. as to how he is getting on, I will let you know, as I am always doing my utmost to look after the welfare of all the men in my Company. " I hope you will hear good news of him, and if so shall be extremely pleased to hear from you how he gets on. We hear very little up here when once they leave our hands.—Yours very sincerely, A. Cecil Ticehurst, Major, R.E." Mrs. Barlow heard the news of her husband’s death from the Chaplain of the Hospital, who said that he was with him when he died, and was at the funeral. He was admitted at the Hospital in a hopeless condition, having shrapnel wounds in the spine, which caused paralysis. Sapper Barlow. who was only 24 years of age, leaves a widow and one child, whom he had never seen. He joined the Engineers in October, and went to the Front just before Christmas. Before joining he was well known in the town as the driver of the Sidley and Little Common motor bus.

Private G/16004, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 5 June 1917 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Westfield, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Buried in VLAMERTINGHE MILITARY CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VII. Row F. Grave 14.

Lieutenant, "B" Company, 3rd/4th Battalion (Territorial), Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 4 October 1917 in France and Flanders. Aged 29. Younger son of Amy E. Barrow, of Springbank, Uplyme, Devon, and the late Rev. Kingston Egan Barrow. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A

Lance Corporal G/4353, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment 1st. Division. Killed in action at Loos 25 September 1915. Born in Lamberhurst Kent and enlisted in Hastings. Resident of Sidley. Buried in DUD CORNER CEMETERY, LOOS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row G. Grave 6. Included on Sidley Parish Church Memorial.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 13 November 1915, page 8:

SIDLEY SOLDIER KILLED.

Mrs. Bartholomew, of 54, Preston-road, Sidley, was officially notified on Saturday that her husband, Lance-Corporal W. Bartholomew, 2nd Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment, who has been missing for some time, was killed in action on September 25th. Lance- Corporal Batholomew was an old aoldier, and rejoined the Army a year ago. His parents live at 8, Arncliffe-terrace, Sidley.

[Transcribed as BATTEL but listed as BATTELL on CWGC and SDGW] Private 6830, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. 4th Division. Killed in action 2 May 1915. Aged 29. Born in Havant, Hants, resident Stamshaw, Hants, and enlisted in Portsmouth. Son of Mr and Mrs Battell, of Stamshaw, Hants; husband of Daisy May Rook (formerly Battell) of 6, Excelsior Terrace, Common Road, Southtown, Great Yarmouth.. No known grave. Commemorated on Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 35.

Private L/9964, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment 1st. Division. Killed in action at Richebourg L'Avoue 9 May 1915. Aged 20. Son of Mr and Mrs Beal, of Lunsford Cross, Bexhill. Born in Lewes and enlisted in Chichester. Regular Soldier. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Chalvington, Sussex, son of Mark and Rebecca Beal, resident Elm Cottage, Chalvington, Hailsham, Sussex,. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Chalvington, Sussex, a Cowman, son of Mark and Rebecca Beal, resident Rest Cottage, Bexhill-On-Sea, Bexhill, Sussex. Included on Sidley Parish Church Memorial. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 20 and 21.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 2, page 22:

BEAL, EDGAR, Private, No. 9964, 2nd Battn. (107th Foot) The Royal Sussex. Regt., 3rd s. of Mark Beal, of Rest Cottages, Lunsford Cross, Sidley, Bexhill, by his wife, Rebecca, dau. of Benjamin Catt; b. Chalvington, co. Sussex, 4 Dec. 1894; enlisted Jan. 1912; served with the Expeditionary Force in France, etc., and was killed in action in France at Richebourg l'Avoué, 9 May, 1915; unm.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 25 September 1915, page 10:

KILLED IN ACTION
LUNSFORD CROSS HERO.
PRIVATE E. BEAL,
2nd Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment.

Mr and Mrs. Beal, of Lunsford Cross, Bexhill, have just received the sad news of the death their son, Private E. Beal, of the 2nd Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment, who was killed in action on May 9th.

The news was conveyed the following letter from one of Private beal's friends:

“In answer to your letter of the 18th, I regret to tell you that your poor son was killed on May 9th, the same date as I was wounded myself. He was with a bomb party with myself and eight others, and was wounded in the arm and leg and, in trying get back to our trench, was killed. He had gained great praise from all who knew him. I am the only one that got back out of the eight, and I have eleven wounds, three smashed ribs, and am also suffering from gas poisoning. I thank God I am not with the other poor wretches who fell that fateful day.

“Edgar’s death was a quick one. He did not suffer much pain for he was hit in the head, not like us. I was laid up under shell fire until the 13th before I was picked up.

“Should you need any further informa,tion I will do my best to get it for you. —Yours truly, Private Tom Sanders.”

Private Beal had been in the Army just over three years, and was only twenty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Beal have another son at the Front in the 5th Royal Sussex Regiment.

Sergeant 350867, 1st/7th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment. 56th London Division. Killed in action 20 August 1917. Enlisted in Sun Street, London. Next of kin residents of Upper Clapton. Buried in POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot XL. Row E. Grave 20.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 October 1917, page 8:

KILLED WHILE HELPING HIS MEN.

Sergeant Arthur Becklake, London Regiment, son of Mr. James H. Becklake, of 3, Colebrooke-road, and of the late Mrs. Becklake, was killed in action in France the 20th ult. A shell fell near him, and as he was going to see if anyone was hurt, a second shell came, and his death was instantaneous. The young man was only 20 years of age. His comrades, writing to express their sympathy, speak of him in the highest terms.

Private G/18047 [incorrectly G/18041 on CWGC], 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment formerly 3828, 2nd/5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 9 April 1917 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Ninfield, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. In the 1911 census he was aged 16, born Ninfield, Sussex, a General Labourer, son of Stephen and Ruth Beeching, resident 16, Salisbury Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 12 May 1917, page 8:

LUNSFORD CROSS SOLDIER KILLED.

Official news of the death in action of Private James Beeching, Royal Sussex Regiment, has been received. Private Beeching, who was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Beeching, near Lunsford Cross, was the youngest of three brothers who are serving their country. He had been out in France only about nine months. He was a regular correspondent, and the cessation of his cherey and affectionate letters was attributed at home to accidental delay, until the sad news arrived that he had been killed on the 9th April.

Second Lieutenant, 7th Battalion, Duke Of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Died 5 January 1918. Age 24. Son of Charles Benford, of Hove, Brighton; husband of Francis Benford, of 62, Windsor Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VII. Row V. Grave 4.

Corporal, ???? Corps.

Private 8486, 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Second Division. Died of wounds received at Festubert 24 December 1914. Born and enlisted in Birmingham. Buried in LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 7.

Petty Officer Stoker 308618, H.M. Submarine C29, Royal Navy. Lost his life on duty as a direct result of enemy action 29 August 1915. Aged 29. Born 5 October 1886 in Eastbourne, Sussex. Enlisted 1st July 1905 for 12 years, height 5 feet 7¾ inches, dark brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion. Son of Edward Bignell, of 19, Wickham Avenue, Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Nelly Bignell, of 5, Dudley Rd., Eastbourne. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 8. See also Eastbourne

[Listed as Gunner on Bexhill memorial] Driver 905718, 1066th Battery, 220th Brigade. (Territorial Force), Royal Field Artillery. Died on service in Mesopotamia 15 February 1918. Born and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Plot XII. Row J. Grave 4. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Sergeant 8455, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). 8th Division. Killed in action on the Somme 4 August 1916. Aged 34. Born in St. Leonards Sussex and enlisted in Hastings. Son of Thomas and Anne Blackman of St. Leonards. Husband of Mrs Harriett Elizabeth Blackman of Sprays Cottages Church Path Ninfield. Buried in VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row L. Grave 9. - See also Little Common

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 2 September 1916, page 14:

KILLED IN ACTION.

Our photograph is of Sergeant C. W. Blackman, who, as reported in our last issue, has been killed while serving with the Rifle Brigade. He was the husband of Mrs. Blackman, of Grinses Farm, Little Common, and joined his regiment in August, 1914.

He went through the Mons retreat, being wounded soon after. After remaining in hospital in England for some time he returned eventually to the Front. A letter has now been received from the Rev. J. E. Hamilton, chaplain to the Forces, containing news of his decease. He was killed on August 14th by a fragment of an aerial dart.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 9 September 1916, page 8:

LITTLE COMMON MAN KILLED.

Sergeant Charles W. Blackman, of the Rifle Brigade, was recently killed by an aerial dart. Called up as a recruit two years ago, he was in the retreat from Mons, and was wounded in the Battle of the Marne. He was the first wounded man to return to Little Common. After a period of home service he was then drafted abroad again. and has been in and out of the trenches since the spring, of 1915.

His Chaplain writes:—“He was a good soldier, and held a high place in the esteem of all who knew him. He was very regular at service, and helped me in many ways. I shall miss him very much, and, indeed, so will all his comrades.”

Before he was called up Sergt. Blackman was was working for Mr. Parks, at Grinses Farm, Little Common.

Lance Corporal G/776. 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex. Regiment 39th Division. Killed in action on the Rue de Bois 30 June 1916. Aged 26. Born in Worthing and enlisted in Bexhill. Next of kin Frederick and Kate Botting later of of "Bayou," James Lane, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XV. Row P. Grave 4.

Second Lieutenant Arthur William Archibald Bradshaw © IWM (HU 114251)

Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action near Givenchy 25 September 1915 in France and Flanders. Aged 20. Son of the late Arthur Evelyn Bradshaw and Elizabeth Bradshaw, of Osmington, Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Bitterne, Hampshire, son of Arthur E and Elizabeth Bradshaw, resident Park Road, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 13 to 15. See also Charterhouse School.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

BRADSHAW Arthur William Archibald of Sandhurst Kent lieutenant R.W. Surrey regiment died 25 September 1915 in France on active service Administration London 5 January, to Arthur Evelyn Bradshaw of independent means. Effects £274 5s. 9d.

BRADSHAW.—On the 25 September, in France, Arthur William Archibald Bradshaw, 2nd Lieutenant. "The Queen's," Royal West Surrey Regiment, the dearly-loved elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Evelyn Bradshaw, Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, late of Osmington, Bexhill, aged 20.

The Late Lieut. Bradshaw.

We regret to record the death—killed in action in France on Saturday last—of Arthur William Bradshaw, 2nd Lieutenant, "The Queen's" Royal Surrey Regiment, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Evelyn Bradshaw, Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, late of Osmington, Bexhill. He was only 21 years of age. He was educated at Charterhouse and Sandhurst, and went with his regiment to the Front in November, 1914.

Much sympathy will be felt with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Evelyn Bradshaw, formerly of Osming'ton, Bexhioll-on-Sea, whose elder son, Second Lieutenant and 1st Machine Gun Officer Arthur William Archibald Bradshaw, of the 1st Batt. Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, was killed in action during the great British advance of September 25th. Lieutenant Bradshaw, who was only 20 years of age, was educated Charterhouse and Sandhurst, and passed out as under officer last November direct to his regiment at the Front. He was killed just East, of Givenchy while leading his machine gun detachment from the first to the second line of German defences. Two bullets struck him, one in the head and one in the body, while standing on the parapet of the enemy trench calling to his detachment to still further advance.

Hie Colonel writes saying: “Personally I feel his loss very deeply as his bright and cheerful disposition endeared him to me and his brother officers. He is a great loss to the Battalion as his zeal and ability impressed all senior officers with whom he camde into contact.”

Private 790688, "A" Company, 47th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regt.) Killed in action 29 March 1917. Aged 26. Born 19 September 1892 in Bexhill, Sussex. At enlistment he was living at 360, Sherbrooke Street, Sapperon, British Columbia. Enlisted 21/22 February 1916 at New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, aged 24 and past fit at the same time. Height 5 feet 9 inches. girth 37½ inches, complexion medium, eyes light blue, hair black, religion Church of England, mole on left cheek. Son of Thomas George and Eliza Bristow, of 44, Chandler Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. By trade a baker. Member of the 104th Regiment of the Militia. Buried in VILLERS STATION CEMETERY, VILLERS-AU-BOIS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row G. Grave 6. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1077 - 28 - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 14 April 1917, page 8:

Mr. and Mrs. T. Bristow, of 44, Chandler-road, have received the sad news of the death of their youngest son, Private F. L. Bristow, machine gunner with the Canadian Contingent in France. Private Bristow went to Canada about four years ago and enlisted there. He was one of five sons all serving their country in one capacity or another, and the father is in the Bexhill Volunteer Company.

Private Bristow was killed iu action the 28th March. A comrade writes to his mother: “It was while serving his gun with his face to the enemy that diedas he lived, true loyal son of England. I must say I never met a more faithful or gallant comrade, and it is with deep regret I mourn his departure. Frank’s devotion to duty does not need my description, for every mother knows her son better than any outsider can describe him. Frank’s cheery nature was a subject of comment among his comrades, for when were in rest billets he was always singing and making life as bright as possible. He was also with the smile and helping hand in the trenches, and so endeared himself to us all. You might well be proud of your son. Frank’s devotion to yourself and his father was revealed to me on several occasions. He had a painless death, for the concussion of the shell killed him instantly. He was not mutilated in any manner, and will, I can assure you, geta decent burial at a place the name which I will reveal to you later.”

Private G/4358, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 23 November 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Born St Peter's, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7 C.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 20 January 1917, page 10:

YOUNG BEXHILLIAN KILLED

Intelligence has been received of the death of Private R. Britt, Royal Sussex Regiment, at the Front. Private Britt was one of the sons of Mrs. Ada Britt, of 24, North-street, Bexhill, and of the late Mr. George Britt, who was formerly a blacksmith at Little Common. He was in a machine gun section, and was killed instantaneously under fire on the 23rd November. It is a pathetic circumstance that one of his own brothers helped to bury him and had the sad task of conveying the news to his relatives at Bexhill. Pte. R. Britt was only 29 years of age. He had been in France nearly two years, and had been expecting to come home for ten days' leave in the week following that in which his death occurred.

Private R. Britt- Was well known in Bexhill, and was an old St. Barnabas boy, under Mr. F. E. Poulton. He worked for Mr. Giller. 'One brother is in the Dorsetshire Regiment in the East; another is a lance-corporal in the Royal Sussex, and another has been rejected for military service.

Sapper 783, 1st/2nd (Home Counties) Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 26 April 1915 in France and Flanders. Age 21. Born Robertsbridge, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of William and Julia Britt, of 5, Claremont Rd., Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1901 census he was aged 7. born Salehurst, Sussex, son of William and Julia Britt, resident Barrack Road, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 17, born Robertsbridge, Sussex, a Domestic Gardener, son of Wiliam and Julia britt, resident 5, Claremont Road Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VIII. Row A. Grave 18. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 1 May 1915, page 10:

Sapper Ward Britt, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Britt, of 5, Claremont-road, Sidley, has written a brief letter stating that he has been wounded, and expects to be sent home shortly. He has two brothers in the Home Service Section of the Engineers, and another brother who has tried to enlist in Canada but who is medically unfit. Sapper Britt was formerly employed as a gardener at Lady Malet's, “Wrest Wood.”

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 15 May 1915, page 6:

SAPPER BRITT'S DEATH.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Britt, of 5, Claremont-road, whose son, Sapper Ward Britt, 2nd Home Counties Royal Engineers (T.), was recently wounded, received the following notification of his death on Thursday from the General Hospital, Boulogne :—

"Your son was admitted here on April 20th suffering from shot wound of buttock and compound fracture of thigh, and I regret to inform you that he died at 2.30 on April 26th. The end came quite peacefully, as he was unconscious for some time before death."

Mr. and Mrs. Britt wish to thank those who have expressed their deep sympathy with them their great loss.

Lieutenant Commander, H.M.S. Strongbow, Royal Navy. Died 10 February 1919. Awarded the Distiguished Service Order (D.S.O.) Buried in ALMONDBURY CEMETERY, HUDDERSFIELD, Yorkshire. Grave reference K. "C." 3

Midshipman, H.M.. Clan McNaughton, Royal Naval Reserve. Died 3rd February 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent. Panel 13.

Special note: On 3rd February 1915 H.M.S. Clan McNaughton foundered in a heavy gale off the north coast of Ireland.

Extract from Bexhill-On-Sea Observer - 27 February 1915:

BEXHILL
MIDSHIPMAN'S DEATH
MR AUSTIB BROWN'S
BEREAVEMENT

We are grieved and yet proud to note that this week's roll of honour contains the name of Midshipman Geoffrey Brown, R.N.R., the eldest son of Mr. Austin Brown, of 58, Amherst-road, Bexhill.

The loss, with all her crew, of the armed merchant cruiser to which he was appointed in December last, was publicly announced by the Admiralty on Thursday. Earlier in the week Mr. Austin Brown had private notice that the ship, H.M.S. "Clan Macnaughton," had gone down, and was honoured with the following telegram.—" The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the Navy have sustained by the death of your son in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathiee with you in your sorrow."

Mr. Geoffrey Brown entered the Navy with a splendid testimonial as to efficiency and character from Captain Lennox, of the Clan Line, in whose ship, the "Clan Macintosh," he had last served. His four years' work in the merchant service, which he entered at fourteen, supplemented by a course of instruction in gunnery and torpedo management at Chatham, gained him almost instant recognition in the Navy, and he was on the list for promotion at the time of his death.

Mr Austin Brown desires to express. through our columns, his thanks to his friends in Bexhill for their letters of sympathy in the loss of his son. These letters are too numemus to admit of their being personally acknowledged by him at the present time.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index, 1915:

BROWN Geoffrey Edelman of 58 Amherst-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex midshipman R.N.R. died 3 February 1915 at sea by the sinking of H.M.S. Clan McNaughton Administration Lewes 3 August to Austin Edelman Brown gentleman. Effects £154 1s. 6d.

Boy 2nd Class J/91417, H.M.S. Powerful, Royal Navy. Died 26 September 1918. Son of the late George and Mabel Brown. Born at Wadhurst, Sussex. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Grave reference EF. N. 15.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 28 September 1918, page 8:

DEATH OF A SAILOR BOY.

His old friends of the Sidley Football Club will be very sorry to hear of the death of William Cedric Brown, aged 17, second class boy on H.M.S. "Powerful," who passed away at Plymouth Naval Hospital on Thursday. The lad was making good progress in the service, having recently passed an advanced class with 95 marks. His relatives live at 45, Windsor-road.

The funeral will take place next Wednesday at Bexhill, service being held at All Saints' Church, Sidley, at three o'clock. The funeral director is Mr. Geo. T. Sabin, 8, 10, St. Leonards-road.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 5 October 1918, page 5:

The funeral took place on Wednesday, at Bexhill Cemetery. of William Cedric Brown. aged 17, 2nd class boy on H.M.S. ''Powerful," who died at Plymouth Naval Hospital. The service at All Saints', Sidley, was conducted by the Rev. H. G. Ellam. who also officiated at the graveaide. A detachment of the Coastguards acted as bearers. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Geo. T. Sabin. of St. Leonards Road.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 October 1918, page 2:

YOUNG SAILOR'S FUNERAL.

With impressive surroundings the funeral of William Cedric Brown, Second-Class Boy, of H.M.S. “Powerful,” who died from pneu¬monia in Plymouth Naval Hospital, took place on Wednesday.

Brown, who was only 17 years of age, had passed examinations with great credit, and his early death after a week's illness, closed a promising career. His home was at 45. Windsor-road, and his grandfather and other relatives reside at Sidley. Last year he was a member of the All Saints' Football Team.

The Rev. H. G. .Elam conducted the service at All Saints' Church. Local Coastguards acted as bearers. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack and there were many beautiful flowers. Mr. E. Livesey Dixon and the members of the Sidley Foot¬ball Team followed, and many other friends and juveniles were present.

The mourners included Mr. Buck (grand¬father), Mrs. Sellens, Mrs. Bourner (aunts), Mrs. and Miss Cornford, Mrs. Buck (aunt), and Mrs. Putland. Private C. G. Brown, Lancashire Fusiliers (brother of the de¬ceased), being on service was unable to come, but sent a wreath. He is expected home on leave. It is a pathetic circumstance that William Brown was expecting to come home shortly.

The interment was at Bexhill Cemetwy.

The beautiful floral tributes included wreaths. etc., from “Cyril and Winnie and Auntie Maud,” “Mr. and Mrs. J. Cornford and Kate,” “Grandfather and family,” “In loving memory of a Pal, from the Sidley Boys' Football Club,” “E. M. Winborn,” “W.C.B.,” “Aunt Maggie and Uncle Frank and Grandad,” “Friends and neighbours at Sidley,” “ From his old chum, Tom Putland, H.M.S. 'St. George.' and Mrs. Putland and family.”

Mr. G. Taylor-Sabin. St. Leonards-road, carried out the funeral arrangements.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Major, 490th Field Company (Territorial), Royal Engineers. Killed in action 11 August 1917 in France and Flanders. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O) [London Gazette 14 January 1916]. Buried in RENINGHELST NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row B. Grave 2.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 18 August 1917, page 5 (copied as is):

MAJOR C. C. BRYAN KILLED
Popular Engineer Officer

Deep sympathy will be felt with Mr. A. F. Bryan, of Holmwood School, in the news that his gallant brother, Major C. C. Bryan, D.S.O., Home Counties Royal Engineers, has finished his brilliant career of service at the Front.

Mr. Bryan received an official telegram that Major Bryan was killed in action last Saturday. He has since received a letter from the Major's servant, from which it appears that he was killed by a bomb, but details are not yet to hand.

Major Bryan, like other members of the family, was educated at the Shakespeare School, Stratford-on-Avon, and he then went abroad for some years to study languages. For some years before the War he had helped his brother as assistant master at Holmwood School. He played cricket for Bexhill and for Mr. Howard's Eleven at Birchington and was also a footballer. He was in the Engineers and had obtained a commission before the War broke out, being the head of a fine body of Cadets connected with Holmwood. At Bexhill, Hastings, and Eastbourne he will be remembered for his valuable patriotic services. He took his commission in the Home Counties R.E. (Territorials). Directly after the declaration of war he was made Captain and was then detached from his unit and sent to various places, rejoining his unit about November, 1914, when he was transferred to the command of the Home Counties P.E. (sic), principally composed cf Eastbourne men, and was made temporary Major. He commanded them when they went to France at Christmas, 1914, and immediately proceeded with his unit to the Front. He was awarded the D.S.O., and had been three times mentioned in dispatches.

The Home Counties (now known under at different title) form part of a Division famous at the Front for hot fighting. Major Bryan came home on leave last June. He and a fine type of officer, with his whole heart in the work, and keenly interested in the welfare of his men. His loss will he deeply deplored.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 18 August 1917, page 5:

It it with regret that we record the death in action of Major C. C. Bryan, R.E., D.S.O., brother of Lieut. A. F. Bryan, 4th Sussex Volunteer Regiment, of Holmwood School, Bexhill, which took place on Saturday last. Major Bryan was an enthusiastic officer of the Territorial Force, holding a commission before the war in the 2nd Home Counties Field Company, Royal Engineers. At the outbreak of hostilities he was in training with his company, and at once volunteered for active service. In December, 1914, he was transferred to the 1st H.C. Field Company, and made major, and took up command. At Christmas, 1914, Major Bryan proceeded to Franek..

Private L/8193, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Died of wounds on the Marne 19 September 1914. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Chichester. Next of kin residents of Sidley. Regular Soldier. Included on Sidley Parish Church Memorial. Buried in MONTREUIL-AUX-LIONS BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Plot III. Row E. Grave 3.

Rifleman 3762, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Died in England 16 March 1916. Aged 24. Born Bexhill, enlisted Eastbourne, resident Faversham, Kent. Husband of P. M. Burstow, of Bennetts Gardens, Fouroaks, Faversham. Buried in FAVERSHAM BOROUGH CEMETERY, Kent. Grave reference D. 455.

Corporal 59086, 93rd. Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds 15 May 1917 Aged 26. Born and enlisted in Hastings. Son of Mr and Mrs H. Burt of 17 Belle Hill Bexhill. Buried in BUCQUOY ROAD CEMETERY, FICHEUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row G. Grave 13.

Private 506775, Labour Corps formerly 1671, 1st (County and City of London) Battalion, London Regiment. Died in Unuited Kingdom 16 February 1918. Resident Hornsey, Middlesex, enlisted Battersea, Surrey. Husband of Madge Burton, of 6, Wanless Road, Herne Hill, London. In the 1901 cesnus he was aged 7, born Bexhill, Sussex, a scholar, son of Caroline Creasy, stepson of Charles Creasy, resident 8, North Street, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex. Cremated at NEW SOUTHGATE CEMETERY, Hertfordshire. Commemorated on Screen Wall. AN. 426.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 13 November 1915, page 8:

A GAS VICTIM

Private R. Burton, of the 1st City of London Regiment, son of Mrs. Creasey, of 8, North-street, Bexhill, is in a convalescent camp at Boulogne suffering frm the effects of gas poisoning. Writing a few days ago, he says:—

“I am not up to much yet, but I am having the best treatment and the best of foof. When I was in hospital they were so good to me.”

In another letter he says:—

“I was gassed on October 6th, but don't worry, it was only slight. I was brought out of the trenches unconcious and taken to hospital. It affected my ear. . . . I shall soon be all right. I have been out here eight months now, and six months in Malta, so I am getting an old soldier. I have been in the Army two years and six months.”

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 9 June 1917:

Private R. Burton. City of London Regiment (R.F.), son of Mrs. C. Creasey, 8, North Street, Bexhill, is now in hospital at Leeds. At the beginning of the War, he was sent to Malta, where he stayed six months, leaving there for France. He was in France two years and three months, being slightly gassed on October 4th, 1915. On July 1st. 1916, he received a slight wound in the head. On the 12th of May this year he received a wound in the hand, and was severely wounded in the left shoulder and chest.