MACKENZIE

Boyce Mackey Scobie

Captain, 8th Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment. 24th Division. Killed in action during the March Retreat 22 March 1918. Aged 29. Son of Mr and Mrs M. D. S. Mackenzie of 14, Fairmount Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. In the 1911 census he was aged 22, born Newcastle on Tyne, Northumberland, an Undergraduate, son of Mackay and Marjorie Mackenzie, resident St. Bride, 7, Fairmount Road, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 14 and 15.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 April 1918, page 4, and Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 6 April 1918, page 5:

DEATH.

MACKENZIE.-- Killed in action, on the 28th March, Boyce Mackay Scobie Mackenzie. Lieutenant, The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, only son or M. D. S. Mackenzie. 14, Fairmount-road, Bexhill-on-Sea, aged 29 years.

Private 27131, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. 18th Division. Killed in action at Gueudcourt (France) 7 October 1916. Born St. Pancras and enlisted in Hastings. Next of kin Bexhill. Buried in BEAULENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, LIGNY-THILLOY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row B. Grave 30.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 11 November 1916, page 10 (note spelling of surname):

Mr. and Mrs. Maillen, of Buckhurst-place, have been informed in a letter from Second-Lieut. Pilgrim that their son, Private G. Maillen, has been missing since the attack of 7 October, 1916, on the road to Bapaume, between Fleurs and Les Boeufs. The new has since been confirmed by the War Office, where he has been posted as “missing.”

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 18 November 1916, page 13:

We regret that no further news has received with regard to Pte. George Mallion, of the 9th Royal Fusiliers. In a letter dated October 17th, Second Lieut. Hugh T. Pilgrim, of his company, informed his parents that their son was missing after the attack on October 7th, 1916. This was on the road to Bapaume, presumably between Flers and les Baufs. This news has since unfortunately been confirmed by the War Office, where he has been posted as missing. There are grounds for hope that he may be heard of again. Previously, he had been wounded at Pozieres, in France, on the 6 August. He then received a slight wound in the head. but after being in the base hospital for a month he was returned fit for duty, and went out again at once.

Pte. Mallion, the son of Mr. G. Maillion, of Buckhurst Pace, assisted in his father's business before joining the army. He had spent almost the whole of his life in the town. Called up on the 23rd March last he joined the 15th Royal Fusiliers at Dover. In June he was drafted to the Front, and transferred to the 9th Royal Fusiliers. Since then he has rendered faithful and gallant services, and our readers will join with us in hoping that he may yet again be heard of.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 7 July 1917, page 5:

Private G. Maillon, Royal Fusiliers, who was reported missing in October, on the road to Baupaume, has now been officially reported killed in action. He was slightly wounded the 6th August in the fight for Pozieres.

Private Maillon was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Maillon of 10, Buckhurst-place.

Sergeant M2/114699, 406 Mechanical Transport Company The Army Service Corps attached to the IXth Corps Heavy Artillery. Killed in action near Ypres 31 October 1917. Aged 32. Son of Daniel and Constance Mann; husband of J. L. Mann, of 23, Monkswell Road, Mount Pleasant, Exeter. Native of Pevensey, Sussex. Born in Pevensey Bay and enlisted in Southampton. Buried in BLEUET FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row A. Grave 50. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 17 November 1917, page 8:

The sad news has been received by his wife that Sergeant Lawrance Mann, Army Service Corps M.T. was killed in action on October 31st. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Mann. of Wakeham's House, Holliers Hill, who have two other sons on service. Deceased, who was 31 years of age, was a fine type of manhood. bright and active, and had been in France for a couple of years, first as a driver with the Australian Field Ambulance, and then with an ammunition column of the Army Service Corps. He was home on leave a month ago. Before the War he lived in Ireland. Much sympathy has been extended to the parents, and the wife and little boy who are bereaved.

An officer, writing to the widow, says :— "This is a trying few minutes for me to have to write and break such very, very sad news of the death of your dearly loved husband. He was killed in action on the 31st ult., whilst nobly doing his duty. Will write you again in the course of a few days. and let you know fuller particulars of your sad loss directly I receive them myself. I have known your husband now for nearly 15 months, during which period he has been under my command. He was one of the best, and always showed a splendid example to the men. I can assure you he is very much missed amongst us all here, and everyone on the column wishes me to convey to you their very deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. I am arranging for a cross and a railing to be erected over his grave."

Private 9862, 20th Hussars, "A" Squadron, Cavalry Division. Killed in action 4 September 1914. Aged 20. Regular Soldier. Son of James Walter and Sophia Mansfield of Dove House New Park Road Cambridge. Born and enlisted in Cambridge. Bexhill connection unknown. Buried in In North-East part of ST. CYR SUR MORIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Seine-et-Marne, France.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 26 December 1914, page 7:

H. MANSFIELD,
of the 20th Hussars,

who was in the employ of Mr. H. Sheather, dairyman, of Windsor Road, for a couple of years. Mansfield enlisted at the outbreak of hostilities. He went to France with the First Expeditionary Force, and was quickly at the Front, where he had only been a fortnight, when he was killed in action on September 4th. Mansfield belonged to Cambridge, and in Bexhill was held in much esteem by his large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Private G/6272, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 13 April 1917 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Westergate, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Buried in LIEVIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 5.

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

Private H. Q. Mant.

Mrs. Mant, of the Queen's Head, Belle-hill, has received the sad intelligence that her husband, Private H. G. Mant, Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed in action on the 12th-13th April at Vimy Ridge.

Private Mant's home was at Littlehampton, but he was well known at Bexhill, and he joined up with the Southdowns at Cooden. He was wounded last June. He went out to France for the second time just before Christmas.

Private G/11909, 7th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). 18th Division. Killed in action at Arras 3 May 1917. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Tonbridge Kent. Next of kin Welling Kent. Son of Frederick Marmaduke and Julia Sarah Marsden of Whitehill House, Little Common. 1911 census is a gentlemen’s servant Married Alice Gorham 16 January 1915 at Tonbridge. Two children. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. - See also Little Common

Bombardier 109340, No. 3. Fire Command, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died at home 15 January 1918. Born in Eccles,near Lancaster and enlisted in Kensington. Next of kin residents of Bexhill. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference B. E. G49. - See also Little Common

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 19 October 1918, page 8:

We announce with much regret the sudden death of Corporal Emile Daniel Nicholas Mayer, R.G.A., which occurred on Tuesday at Milton Military Hospital, Portsmouth, from heart failure following influenza and pneumonia.

The deceased, who was 35 years of age, was the elder son of Mr. Daniel Mayer. J.P., of Collington Manor, and of the late Mrs. Mayer. He joined up about June, 1916, under the Derby Scheme, and had his training at Cooden. He refrained from taking a commission before going to France, but his health was not good, and he remained in England on coast defence. Latterly he had been gas instructor at Portsmouth. He was weakened by an attack of bronchitis and double pneumonia in March which left him less able to with¬stand his fatal illness.

Corporal Mayer was in business with his father when Mr. Daniel Mayer was the proprietor of Sand P. Erard, and was with him a little while at Chatham House. He then joined the Gramaphone Company, and was in France in business.

The sympathy of friends and residents will not only be felt for the deceased's father, who is in New York, but for his sister, Miss Mayer, and his brother, Captain R. Mayer, R.F.A., who is with the British Army in Palestine. Though he was denied the privilege of going on active service, Corporal Mayer died none the less in the service of his country, in the fighting forces of which both he and his brother voluntarily enlisted in the early stages of the war. During his father's several Mayoralties Mr. Emile Mayer was brought into association with many local people, who were able to esteem him for his social qualities and personal gifts. His death is a sad and heavy blow to a family, which has for many years been prominently associated with Bexhill, whose inhabitants have many reasons to remember its public services with gratitude.

The funeral will take place at three o'clock to-day (Saturday) at Bexhill Cemetery, with military honours. The interment will be in the family mausoleum. A firing party will come from his Company at Portsmouth, and the Canadians will provide the band. The Rev. E. H. Leale (cousin) will conduct the service.

The arrangements are in the hands of Mr. G. Taylor-Sabin. St. Leonards-road.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

[Listed as Lance Corporal on Bexhill memorial] Private 19257, 2nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Died 10 July 1916. Son of Edith Everard Mayne, of "Conmer," 34 Holliers Hill, Bexhill-on-Sea, and the late Henry W. Mayne, L.D.S. Born 25 October 1893 at Plymouth. Bank clerk by trade. Single man. Passed fit 4 September 1914. Enlisted 23rd September 1914 at Valcartier, Canada, age 20. Height 5 feet 10 inches, girth 37 inches, complexion light brown, eyes brown, hair brown, religion Church of England. Two vaccination marks on left arm. Buried in WOODS CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row B. Grave 8. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6078 - 28

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 August 1916, page 4:

Some particulars of the death of Lane-Corporal Leonard Everard-Mayne, only surviving son of Mrs. Everard-Mayne, of Con Mer, Holliers-hill, Bexhill, have already appeared in the "Observer." He was in Canada when War broke out, and joined immediately,coming over with the first contingent. He had been at the Front since April, 1915. He was No. 1 on machine gun, East Ontario Regiment. In a letter which Mrs. Everard-Mayne has received from his Colonel, he says that a shell wiped out the whole gun crew, and death was instantaneous. The Colonel spoke very highly of the deceased, and said he was quite shortly to be promoted to Sergeant. Lance-Corporal Everard-Mayne, who was 20 years of age, was an old Holmwood school boy.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 14 October 1916, page 15:

An old boy of Holmwood. School was Lance-Corpl. L. Everard-Mayne, who was the only surviving son of Mrs. Everard-Mayne, of Con-Mer, Holliers Hill. He was in Canada when war broke out, and joined immediately, coming over with the first contingent. He had been at the Front since April, 1915, and was killed in August. 1916, whilst serving a machine gun.

Private 6244, 9th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died 20 February 1915. Age 31. Born 14 October 1883 at Cowes, Isle of Wight. Shipper by trade, married. Had previously served 10 years 3 months with the Royal Navy. Passed fit 31st August 1914. Enlisted 18 September 1914 at Valcartier, Canada, age 30 years 10 months. Height 5 feet 7 inches, girth 35½ inches, complexion dark, eyes greenish-grey, hair black, religion church of England. Tattoo on right forearm of two Cupids, Japanese left forearm, Japanese lizard and ten dancing girls, slight varicose veins. Son of John and Elizabeth McCreedy, of Cowes, Isle of Wight, England; husband of Minnie Rosetta McCreedy, of 732, 53, St. North West, Sunnyside, Calgary, Alberta. Buried in ALL SAINTS CHURCHYARD, NETHERAVON, Wiltshire. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6666 - 37

Second Lieutenant, 1st/14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment. Died of wounds 17 November 1915 in France and Flanders. Age 29. Son of Adolphe Albert Edward and Blanche Thomas Mello, of 52A, Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea; brother of peter (below). Buried in LILLERS COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row A. Grave 1. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

[Not recorded on CWGC] Captain, H.M. Transport A21, Royal Navy. Died 27 September 1917 of Pulmonary Tuberculosis at 26 St Leonards Road, Bexhill. Born 14 March 1881 in Liskeard, Cornwall. Achieved seniority rank of Midshipman 11 August 1897. Date of commission 2 September 1897. Certificate of Competency Mercantile Marine. Name changed from THOMAS to MELLO 1902 when his mother remarried to Adolphe Albert Edward Mello. Married Margaret Emily Hawkins 11 May 1909 in Upminster, Essex, he was resident Rose Bank Sidley Bexhill on Sea, son of Peter Thomas (Deceased). Commander (Captain) of S.S 'Marere' of the Commonwealth & Dominion Line for 13 years. Contracted an illness in 1915 whilst on active service in the Dardanelles. Was torpedoed by a German Submarine (18 January 1916), no lives were lost. Although it is reported that, from August 1914 onwards, Peter Mello's ship SS.Merere was used for transporting troops to the battle zone. When torpedoed 18th January 1916, there was only Peter Mello (and crew) aboard at that time. Brother of Arnold (above). Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

MELLO Peter Paul Elliott of 26 St. Leonards-road Bexhill on-Sea Sussex died 27 September 1917 Probate London 24 December to Margaret Emily Mello widow. Effects £583 17s. 6d.

Mr. Peter Mello, late Captain of H.M. Transport, who died at Bexhill-on-Sea on 27th ult., of an illness contracted in the Dardanelles in 1915, was the elder son of Mrs. A. A. E. Mello, of Rose-bank, Sidley. He was 35 years of age.

MELLO.—On the 27th September, of an illness contracted on active service in the Dardanelles in 1915, Peter Mello, late Captain of H.M. Transport A21, elder son of Mrs. A. E. Mello, Rosebank, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea

Extract from St Peter’s Church Parish Magazine 1917 November :

The death of Captain Peter Mello is the latest, and not the least sad, of the losses which we have suffered locally through the war during the past year. Captain Mello combined in a singular degree all the best qualities of the true British sailor with a remarkably genial and attractive personality. He died of a disease contracted while commanding his ship in the Dardanelles, and therefore is to he reckoned, equally with those who have died in battle, as one who has given his life for his country. We offer our sincerest sympathy to his widow, and to Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mello, who have now lost both their sons—sons of whom any parents might well be proud. R.I.P.

Private SD/4810. 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action on the Rue de Bois 30 June 1916. Aged 18. Son of Charles and Caroline Mercer of Steers Green Catsfield. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. Included on Catsfield Parish Churchyard War Memorial. Buried in ST. VAAST POST MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row A. Grave 10.

[Not listed on SDGW] Private 3437, 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Killed in action 11 June 1916 [papers state 10 June]. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 5.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 24 June 1916, page 8:

Mr. Dennis S. Mitchell was killed in action at the Front in France on the 10th inst. A Hastings resident, he was clerk to Mr. G. Gray, architect, Bexhill, and had been in the trenches eight months. He was only 18 years of age. His father is in the Australian contingent, and was at Gallipoli. His mother resides at Hastings. Mr. Dennis Mitchell was in the machine gun section of the Royal Fusiliers.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 24 June 1916, page 9:

LITTLE COMMON.

Residents in Cooden and Little Common will be grieved to hear that Private Dennis Mitchell, of the 24th Royal Fusiliers, has been killed in action. He was, before he enlisted, in the De La Warr Estate office. He was killed while in the trenches on the French Front on the 10 June.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, volume 5, page 9:

MITCHELL, DENIS STUART, Private, No. 3437, 24th (Service) Battn. (2nd Sportsman) The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regt.), yst. s. of L.-Corpl. Brick Mitchell, No. 745, Australian Imperial Force, by his wife, Marion Alice (—) (17, St. Saviour's Road, West St. Leonards, co. Sussex); and brother to Private Ralph Eric Mitchell (q.v.); b. Sydenham, London, S.E., 25 July, 1897; educ. Foyle College, Londonderry, and University School, Hastings, co. Sussex, where he served in the Cadet Corps, attaining the rank of Sergt.; was articled to Messrs. Riches & Gray, Architects, of Bexhill, and had passed the preliminary examination for the A.R.I.B.A.; joined the Royal Fusiliers 27 March, 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following Nov., and died at Vimy Ridge 11 June, 1916, from wounds received in action the previous day. Buried in the Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez. Private Mitchell played in the 1st Football and Cricket XL's, and was more than an average good golfer and chess player; unm.

Corporal 993, No. 59 Artillery Observation Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. (RE8's). Died of injury to head at Rouen 16 February 1917. Aged 26. Native of London. Son of Alexander and Mary Moody. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born St. Pancras, Middlesex, son of Alex L and Mary Moddy, of 47, Burton Crescent, St Pancras, London & Middlesex. Buried in BOIS-GUILLAUME COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Seine-Maritime, France. Plot II. Row C. Grave 11.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 6 December 1919, page 4:

ST. ANDREW'S ROLL OF HONOUR.

A war roll of honour is being prepared for St. Andrew's Church. So far it includes the following:—Keith Moorhead Gunning Campbell, George William Clifton, William Dennett, R. G. Don, William H. Earles, William Gilbert Elliott, Philip Emlyn Latton Friend, Henry Harmer, Sidney Augustus Jay, George Frederick Jull, Stanley Lloyd, Adrian Moody, Arthur James Philippo, Ronald Leslie Piper, C. Pryor, William Albert Read, Vincent Stapylton, Eric Hinton Griffith Tomblings, Alfred Joseph Walker, Geoffrey White, Ronald White, Alan Carruthers Wood, Cecil Joseph Woods.

Lance Corporal L/12113, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 4 January 1915 in France and Flanders. Born Brede, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Buried in RUE-PETILLON MILITARY CEMETERY, FLEURBAIX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 10.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 16 January 1915, page 6:

DIED WHILE HELPING OTHERS. BEXHILL
KILLED IN ACTION

The sad news reached Bexhill on Thursday afternoon that another local soldier had died on the battlefield in France. The dead hero is Lance-Corporal William John Morgan, a member of the band of the 2d Middlesex Regiment. He was a native of Brede, near Hastings, but for several years made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Hines, at 29, Cambridge-road. He had no parents living. News of the sad event was not received through the War Office, but through the kindness of a fellow bandsman of the deceased, who wrote to some friends at Sidley, asking them to break the sad tidings to Mrs. Hines. This was done Thursday, and information was, at the same time, oonveyed to Miss Marchant, the deceased's fiancee, who resides with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Marchant, at 19, Cambridge-road.

From this they learnt that Lance-Corporal Morgan was engaged in stretcher bearer work in the trenches on January 4th, when he was shot in the head, and died almost at once. Another soldier was also shot at the same time, being wounded in the face, but, happily, not fatally. Before the battle, the members of deceased's stretcher bearer company promised each other that, if any of them were killed, the one of the others would send the news to the relatives, and thus avoid the delay which often occurs in transmitting information of casualties through the War Office. It was through this medium that the friends of the deceased soldier heard on Thursday of his death.

Lance-Corporal Morgan enlisted some seven years ago, and first joined his regiment as a bandsman at Guernsey. He moved about from place to place, and in the intervals of his furlough, frequently visited his aunt and fiancee at Bexhill. He went to the Front on November 4th, and wrote home on several occasions, all his letters stating that he had up till not been wounded. The last heard from him was early in the New Year, when he wnte of the Christmas doings ib the fighting line. “I don't think we can grumble at the way we have been treated,” he remarked in his last letter to Mis Marchant. “as I consider we have done very well indeed.” He added that he was then well in health, but had had to break ice an inch thick in order get water from a tank with which to wash and shave. The deceased hero also sent home several things which he had received at the Front, including a pipe, box of tobacco and cigarettes similar to those which had been distributed by Princess Mary and the card sent by the King and Queen.

Lance-Corporal Morgan, who was aged 25, worked in the Turkey Road brickfield for some time before joining the Army,

Gunner 169086, "A" Battery, 190th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds on the Somme, grave lost, 27 October 1916. Born in Pevensey and enlisted in St. Leonards. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 A and 8 A.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 4 November 1916:

Mrs. Morley, of 151, Station Road, Bexhill, has received the sad intelligence that her husband, Harold Bertram Morley, a signaller of the Royal Field Artillery, has died from gas and shell shock. His officer, Second-Lieutenant E. Douglas Doyle, in a letter in which he expresses deep personal regret, says that on the night previous to which he wrote they were shelled. Morley was sleeping with the other signallers when a direct hit on the dug-out knocked the entrance in and filled the place with gas. By the time they were dug out those inside had inhaled it Mr. Morley was the first to be got out, but his case was hopeless, and another also died. " He did his duty and died like a soldier. No man can do more," writes the officer. Mr Morley was at the Bexhill Post Office before he joined up, and was formerly a summer postman. He leaves a widow and four young children.

Lance Corporal G/26525, 6th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Killed in action 30 June 1918 in France and Flanders. Age 33. Born and enlisted Bexhill. Adopted son of John and Hannah Morley, of Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Alice Jennie Morley, of 25, Arthur Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 58 and 59.

Private 29772, 10th Battalion, Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry. 66th Divsion. Killed in action 25 March 1918. Aged 41. Husband of Mrs Mabel Frances Morley of 3 Little Common Road Bexhill Born in Boreham Street Sussex and enlisted in Hastings. Formerly with the Royal West Surreys. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6.

Sapper 909, 2nd Home Counties (491) Field Company, The Royal Engineers. Died of wounds in base hospital at Boulogne 6 May 1915. Aged 39. Husband of Mrs Louisa Gertrude Morley, of 8, Salisbury Road, Bexhill. Born in Battle and enlisted in St. Leonards. Buried in BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VIII. Row C. Grave 1. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

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

SAPPER W. C. MORLEY.

On Sunday Mrs. Morley, of 23, Little Common-road, received a telegram stating that her husband, Sapper Wililiam Charles Morley, had been seriously wounded. It ran as follows:—"Regret to tell you 909 Sapper Morley is at 13 General Hospital, Boulogne, dangerously ill, gun shot wounds arms and legs. "

Later she received the following letter, written for her husband, at No. 13 General Hospital, Boulogne Base:—"No doubt you have received a communication from the Base Office about my wound, but all that's the matter is that I have lost my right arm, and have some shrapnel in other places. Expect to be in England in about a week, and will forward address when I arrive. . . The doctor says I am going on well. Will send another line in a day or two."

Sapper Morley was formerly employed by Mrs. McGregor, grocer, of Station-road. He served in the South African War.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 15 May 1915, page 2:

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

A memorial service will be held in St. Stephen’s Church this (Saturday) afternoon, at 3 o'clock, for two parishioners who have been recently killed in action, viz.. Sapper William Charles Morley and Sapper Albert Edward Filmer. The service will be conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. E. H. Leale).

Sapper 903, 2nd Home Counties (491) Field Company, The Royal Engineers. Killed in action 20 April 1915. Born in Sidley Sussex and enlisted in St. Leonards. Next of kin Bexhill. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 2. Plot V. Row A. Grave 57. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

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

Several of the men from Sidley have written home saying that Sapper George Morris, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morris, of 21, North-road, Sidley, was among the killed. Sapper Morris, who was well known as “Martha,” was a prominent member of the Sidley Football Club. He was formerly employed at the Turkey Road Brickyard.

[Transcribed as J J MORTON] Private 248117, 2nd (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers), London Regiment formerly 6548, 3rd/8th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 8 August 1918. Aged 42. Born Pernsey Sluice, Sussex, resident and enlisted Farnham, Surrey. Son of the late James William Morton. Buried in HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES, Somme, France. Plot VI. Row H. Grave 6. - See also Little Common

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 7 September 1918, page 4:

COUNCILLOR'S SON KILLED.

Many friends in Bexhil as well as at Normans' Bay will sympathise with Councillor J. W. Morton in the sad news that his only surviving son, Private J. W. Morton, London Regiment, was killed on the 8th August.

Details are not yet to hand. Private Morton, who was formerly in the Militia at Eastbourne, had been about four years in France. He was first in the Middlesex Regiment but afterwards was transferred to the London Regiment. He had been twice wounded. On the first occasion he was shot in the right breast and was subsequently sent to England and was in hovital at Leeds and Pontefract, subsequently going to a Y.M.C.A. camp at Tunbridge Wells. He wa -again wounded and was treated at the base.

One brother died in India. Councillor Morton, who has from time to time suffered several bereavements in his family, mourns the loss of a brother, whose death took place almost at the same time as his son was killed. Councillor Morton is himself a veteran of the Royal Horse Artillery, and was in India many years ago.

[Listed as MULLENS on memorial] Private L/7608, "G" Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st. Division. Killed in action at Shrewsbury Forest Ypres 30 October 1914. Aged 28. Son of William and Amelia Mullins later of 10 Bedford Row, Worthing, Sussex. Born in Westminster and enlisted in Chichester. Regular Soldier. Included on the memorial in Rowlands Castle Hampshire. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 20.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 13 February 1915, page 7:

PRIVATE A. MULLINS KILLED.

Many people in Bexhill will deeply regret to hear that Private Arthur Mullins, 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, has also been killed in action. Though not a Bexhill man in the strict interpretation of the term. Private Mullins was known to many people in the town, for his boyhood was spent here and he only left when he enlisted in the 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment at quite an early age. His mother afterwards, went to live at Worthing, but his brother still lives at 37, Western-road, and Pte. Mullins frequently visited Bexhill during his furloughs. Private Mullins served nine years with the Colours, and when he was put on the Reserve he obtained employment as a chauffeur. When War was declared. Private Mullins was called up with other Reservists, and went to the Front with the famous Regiment. He was killed so long ago as October 30th, at Ypres, but the sad news of his death only reached his mother a fortnight ago. He was 28 years of age.

Gunner, Royal Horse And Royal Field Artillery

Private G/8653, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 3rd April 1918 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Hastings, enlisted Bexhill. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 46 and 47. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Seaman 5248A, H.M.S. Alcantara, Royal Naval Reserve. Killed as a direct result of enemy action when his ship engaged the German raider Grief, in the North Sea, both ships sank, 29 February 1916. Aged 20. Born 21 June 1895 in Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Thomas and Harriet Maria Murrell, of 86, Reginald Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Hampshire. Panel 23. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Note: From Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, she was converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser in 1915 and was fitted with eight 6 inch guns, two 6 pounders anti-aircraft guns and depth charges. On the 29th of February 1916 while under the command of Captain T. E. Wardle in the Skagerrak she was signalled to intercept an alleged disguised Merchant Ship steaming northwards. At 08:45 a ship was subsequently sighted and was identified as the Norwegian Ship Rena, Andes who was on patrol with Alcantara confirmed that the Rena was the suspected ship and ordered Captain Wardle to intercept and search. Alcantara closed to within 800 yards and a boarding party set out, within minutes the German raider Greif raised the German flag lowered false bulkheads concealing her guns and opened fire. The Alcantara was mortally wounded and soon developed a port list, the Greif was also on fire but was still able to loose torpedoes at Alcantara and Andes, fortunately both missed. At 09:15 the order to abandon Alcantara was issued, the list was so great that many of the ship's complement walked down the ship's side. The Cruiser Comus and Destroyer Munster arrived to pick up survivors and at 11:08 the Alcantara sank. By this time the Greif was well ablaze and at 13:00 she also sank losses on the Alcantara were 72 crew, the Greif 280.

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