Lance Corporal SD/3417, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action on the Rue de Bois 30 June 1916. Aged 24. Son of Daniel and Nellie Page, of 56, Gore Park Road, Eastbourne. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Canterbury Kent. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 69 to 73.

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

We regret to hear that Lance-Corporal E. Page, 13th Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment (Southdowns), son of Mr. and Mrs. David Page, 35, Reginald-road, has been missing since the action on June 30th. A younger brother is in the 1st Southdown Battalion.

There is, of course, some hope that the missing man may be a prisoner in the hands of the Germans. Postcards have been received from a number of captured Southdowns. Lance-Corporal Page was a very promising young soldier, of whom his officers entertained the highest opinion. In a letter to his mother, Captain Mayo (the well-known Eastbourne solicitor) says:—

" I am sorry to have to tell you that Lance-Corporal E. Page has been missing since June 30th. I have been hoping to have had more definite news before writing to you, but none has come to hand yet. It is possible that he is a prisoner in German hands, as one or two men have already been heard of from that source. I am sorry that I cannot say any more to relieve you of the anxious state you must be in, but can only advise you to hope for the best. He was a capable N.C.O. and a splendid man in every way, and we shall miss him very much."

Private L/7564, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment 1st. Division. Killed in action near Shrewsbury Forest Ypres 31 October 1914. Son of Mr and Mrs Pannifer of Wanganui New Zealand. Husband of Mrs L. R. Pannifer (remarried) later Mrs. L. R. Wagstaff (formerly Pannifer), of The Police Station, Penn's Lane, Erdington, Birmingham. Born in West Ham, East London, and enlisted in Eastbourne. Regular Soldier. Played for Bexhill Athletic Football Club. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 20. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene and also Bexhill-on-Sea Post Office.

[Spelt PARBERY on CWGC and PARBERG on National Archives of Canada with an additional service number of 43639. There are two sets of attestation papers for him with slight differences. Listed as Private on Bexhill Memorial.] Sapper 925817, 2nd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops. Died 20 December 1918. Age 24. Born 18 June 1894 (second attestation paper gives 1893) at Bexhill-on-Sea. Served previously 12 months with the 1st Battalion, Div. Ammunition Column. Enlisted and passed fit 18 May 1916 at Regina, Canada according to 2nd set of papers but 30 September 1914 at Valcartier, passed fit 3rd September, according to the first. His details according to the first set of papers give him as enlisted age 21 years and 4 months, height 5 feet 7 inches, girth 35 inches, complexion fair, eyes blue, hair black, religion Church of England. His details according to the second set of papers gives him as enlisting aged 22 years 11 months, height 5 feet 7 inches, girth 34½ inches, complexion ruddy, eyes blue, hair light brown, religion Church of England. Son of Mr. John W. and Mrs. A. Parbery, of 36, Windsor Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. According to attestation papers set 1 he was a plumber by trade and attestation paers set 2 a motorman. Buried in BUSIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot VIII. Row A. Grave 82. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7568 - 2

[Listed as Sapper on Bexhill Memorial] Driver 534058, 499th Reserve Field Company), Royal Engineers. Died in England 24 September 1917. Aged 28. Born Worthing, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Husband of Ellen Kate Parsons, of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Bexhill, Sussex. Grave reference E. F. P18.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 October 1917, page 5:

MILITARY FUNERAL

The funeral took place at Bexhill Cemetery on Saturday of Driver Parsons. late Home Counties, R.E., who passed away at No. 2 London General Hospital, Chelsea. S.W., on 24th September, at the age of 27 years, of disease contracted during his period of service in France of two years and seven months.

The funeral procession, which started from his parents' residence, 8, North-street, was preceded by a firing party from the R.G.A. from Cooden, who also found the bearers, the coffin being covered by the Union Jack, and deceased's cap and bayonet placed thereon.

The mourners included his wife, sister and sisters-in-law, father and mother-in-law, and other relatives.

Wreathe expressing sympathy were sent from his wife, sister, sisters-in-law, father and mother-in-law, aunts from Hastings. and other friends.

After the Burial Service, which took place at the graveside (conducted by the Rev. H.W. Maycock), the firing party fired three volleys in the air, while the trumpeters of the R.G.A. sounded "The Last Post."

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. F. W. Parker, of Victoria-road. Bexhill.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Private SD/2248, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th.Division. Killed in action on the Rue de Bois 30 June 1916. Born in Brightling and enlisted in Hastings. Name included on Brightling Parish Church War Memorial. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 69 to 73.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 3 February 1917, page 8:

KILLED

Private W. Pelling, Royal Sussex Regiment, previously reported missing, is now officially reported killed.

Private G/2548, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 31st July 1917 with British Expeditionary Force. Age 23. Born Adisham, Kent, enlisted Bexhill. Son of Isaac and Eliza Penfold, of Blooden, Adisham, Canterbury. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 20.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 25 August 1917, page 5:

KILLED IN ACTION.

Private Edgar Penfold, Royal Sussex Regiment, has been killed in action.

He had been in France for two years.

Previous to joining the Armv he worked for several years for Mr. Hilton, Lower Barnhorn Farm, Little Common.

Private G/144, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds 9 October 1915 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Ramsgate, enlisted Bexhill. Son of Mr. W. and Mrs. F. Perry, of 14, Suffolk Road, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row F. Grave 56. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Mrs. Perry, of 14, Suffolk Road, Sidley, received the sad news of the death of her son Private E. Perry, who shot in the chest by a sniper on Sunday last, October 17th. Mrs. Perry only received a letter from her son on Monday, which was written on Saturday, saying that he was in the best of health, and on Thursday the following sad intelligence was received: " No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station " October 17th, 1915. Dear Mrs. Perry,—I am sorry to say that your son Private E. Perry (No. 144), 7th Royal Sussex, was admitted into this hospital with a severe wound in his chest this morning. I learnt your address from him and had prayer with him, and tried to comfort him until he passed away this afternoon. He was very quiet and peaceful at the end, and did not suffer much. I all sorry to have to give you such painful tidings, but 1 trust you will be able to find comfort in Him, Who is alone able to give it. “The body will be buried with those of other British soldiers in the cemetery here. Yours sincerely, " C. J. DONALDSON, Chaplain." Private Perry enlisted in the Army on the 15th of August, 1914, and would have attained his majority had he lived until December. Many expressions of sympathy have been received by Mrs. Perry.

Mrs. Perry, of Suffolk-road, Sidley, whose son, Private E. perry, of the 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed last week, wishes to thank her friends for their kind sympathy in her great loss.

Lance Corporal G/1102, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st. Division. Killed in action at Richebourg L'Avoue 9 May 1915. Next of kin residents of Bexhill. Born in Hendon Middlesex and enlisted in Hastings. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 20 and 21.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 22 May 1915, page 5:

DEATH OF LANCE-CORPORAL F. T. B. PHILP.

The sad news was received on Tuesday morning of the death in action of Lance- Corporal F. T. B. Philp, eldest son of Mr. F. W. Philp, of Park Road.

The deceased was exceedingly well known in the town and district, having been a number of years with Messrs. Thomas and Sons, and later with their successors, Messrs. Barstow and Clements, auctioneers, prior to the war engaging in business on his own account, in company with his brother. He was one of the earliest Bexhillians to join, and after training at Dover with the 2nd Sussex, he went to the Front about the middle of February. Much sympathy is felt with the family and friends in their loss,

The following letters have been received by Mr. Philp, the second of them yesterday, from comrades of deceased:— “I think it is my duty to inform you that Freddy Philp was killed in action on Sunday last, in a charge in which our regiment suffered severely. Both my friend Wright, and myself are very sorry to lose such a good pal, and offer our heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. He did his duty bravely, and died a noble death.—Private W. L. Phillips. 'B' Coy., 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment, 13 May, 1915.”

“As a friend to your dear son, who I dare say you have heard by now, was killed in action on the 9 May, I send you three photos which I found in his kit, and which were the only things I could find which would be necessary to send you. We are all very much grieved to lose our comrade, who was a great favourite with everyone of the regiment. Kindly accept my sympathy in your great loss, and I hope that you will receive the photos quite safe.—J. Y. Young, 'B' Co., British Expeditionary Force."

News was received by his parents on Friday that the other brother on service. Driver Stanley Philp, who is with the Bexhill Engineers, is safe.

Private G/21458, 1st. Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 6th Division. Died of wounds. 25 September 1917. Aged 19. Native of Maidstone. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Phipps, of 3, Eastholm Mansions, Highbury Road, Weston-super-Mare. Born in Maidstone Kent and enlisted in Dover. Buried in BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VI. Row G. Grave 65.

Corporal 73690, 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment). Died 6 June 1916 in France and Flanders. Born 29 October 1877 in Sussex. Enlisted and passed fit 24 October 1914 at Regina, Canada, aged 37. Height 5 feet 6½ inches, complexion dark, eyes brown, hair dark, religion Church of England. A Union Jack the initials B.P. tattooed on right forearm. Husband of Martha Picknell, of 95, McMichael Avenue, East Toronto but at time of enlistment 23 Sidley Street, Bexhill-on-Sea. Gardener by profession. Spent 7 years with Territorial 1st Sussex Royal Engineers. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 18 -26 -28. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7816 - 15

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 9 December 1916:

Canadian soldier, Corporal A. E. Picknell, formerly gardener to Lady Ermyntrude Malet at Wrest Wood, has now officially been reported killed in the fighting near Ypres on the 2nd June. He took part in the charge on that day and was not again seen. For same time it was hoped that he might he alive, and perhaps a prisoner. His portrait was published in the " Bexhill Observer " on the 8th July as missing in order that anyone who heard of him might communicate with his wife. A Quartermaster-sergeant who saw the "Observer" at the Front wrote in reply but was unable to give any information beyond the fact that he was in action on that day. Mrs. Picknell has also received another sympathetic letter from his captain. Mrs. Picknell, whose home is at 23, Sidley Street, received the last letter from her husband, which was written early on the morning of the fatal day. Another pathetic circumstance is that he was expecting leave to re-visit his home about that time. He was much liked by his comrades. and was on the point of being made a sergeant. He went from Bexhill to Canada, where Mrs. Picknell would have joined him but for the outbreak of war. He then enlisted in the second Canadian Contingent, and came to England, subsequently proceeding to the Front. 'While in Canada his captain presented him with a wrist watch which is treasured by Mrs. Picknell.

[Listed as Lieutenant on memorial] Captain 57th Wilde's Rifles (Frontier Force) attached to 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis, Indian Army. Died 11 October 1917. Age 21. Son of Towry and Ada Piper, of 3, Cooden Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Awarded the Military Cross (M.C.). Buried in DAR ES SALAAM WAR CEMETERY, Tanzania. Plot 6. Row E. Grave 4.

Lieutenant, Machine Gun Corps. Died after the war, 27 August 1919. Aged 26. Son of William and Louisa Pittock; husband of Mrs Celia Mary Pittock of 28, Manor Road, Bexhill. Born in Deal, Kent. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference C. C. N2. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 29 November 1919, page 2:

LIEUTENANT H. F. PITTOCK.

Lieutenant Herbert Frank Pittock, of St. John's, 28, Manor-road, Bexhill, of the Machine Gun Corps, whose death occurred on the 27th August, left estate valued at £577 15s. 3d. Mr. George Joseph Howes, of 28, Beecroft-road, Brockley, Kent, is the executor.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1919:

PITTOCK Herbert Frank of St. Johns 28 Manor-road Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex lieutenant M.G.C. died 27 August 1919 Probate London 10 November to George Joseph Howes warehouseman. Effects £577 15s. 3d.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

Private TF/202934, 2/4th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment 61st. Division. Killed in action at Ypres 22 August 1917. Aged 30. Son of Mr Pope and Mrs Sarah Jane Pope of "Wrestholme" Kinfield Road Bexhill. Husband of Mrs Beatrice Jane Pope (remarried) of Newport Monmouthshire. Born St. Leonards on Sea and enlisted in Bristol. Resident of Newport. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 105 to 106.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 08 September 1917, page 4:

DEATHS

POPE.—Killed in action. August 22nd. Archie Pope, brother to Mrs. W. Rigelsford, Windsor-road. Bexhill.

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

KILLED WHILST HELPING THE WOUNDED.

Mrs. W. J. Rigelsford of Windsor-Road, has received the sad intelligence that her brother, Private Archibald Pope, Berkshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 22nd August. He was bringing in the wounded, he himself having received a slight wound.

Private Hope was 27 years of age and had been in France year.

Captain, Gloucestershire Regiment attached Royal Fusiliers. Died 4 June 1915. Son of the Rt. Rev. G. F. Popham Blyth, Bishop in Jerusalem and the East; husband of Norah Blyth, of Beach Towers, Bexhill-on-Sea. Attd. to the Egyptian Army for work under the Sudan Government from 1908-1915. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 101 to 104.

Corporal 990, 2nd Home Counties Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action 20 April 1915 in France and Flanders. Born Dublin, enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea, resident Edinburgh. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No.2 Plot V. Row A. Grave 29.

The only Preston H. J. with R. W. Surreys was this unlikely candidate although he did enlist in Croydon: Private G/971, PRESTON Harry James Cripps, 2nd Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). 7th Division. Killed in action at Festubert 16 May 1915. Son of James George and Martha Elizabeth Preston of Tewkesbury Gloucestershire. Born in Bourton on the Water and enlisted in Croydon. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 4 and 5.

Private Deal/11646(S), Calais Company, Royal Marine Labour Corps, Royal Navy. Died as a result of influenza 2 December 1918. Aged 43. Born 10 June 1875 in St. Leonards, Hastings, Sussex. Husband of Clara M. Pryor, of 47, Cornwall Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 35, born St. leonard's, Sussex, a Butcher's Manager, married to Calra Maud Pryor, resident 141, Station Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in LES BARAQUES MILITARY CEMETERY, SANGATTE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VII. Row B. Grave 1A.

Extract from Bexhill on Sea Observer - Saturday 7 December 1918:

Charles J. Prior

On December 1st, 1918, at 30th General Hospital, France, of bronchitis following influenza. Private Charles J., beloved husband of Clara Prior of 17, Cornwall Road, Bexhill on Sea. Aged 43 years.

Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). 12th Division. Killed in action 5 December 1916. Aged 25. Born 23 September 1890, baptised 19 October 1891, son of Walter Henry John and Flora maggie Pym, resident Roshrick Road, Rochester, Kent. Only son of Water Pym (Fleet Paymaster Captain Royal Navy) and Mrs Flora Pym of "Sherwood," Saltash, Cornwall. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.). In the 1901 census he was aged 9. born Rochester, Kent, a Residential pupil of Eric C. Williams, boarding at school at 62, Sea Road, Bexhill, Battle, Sussex,. Buried in WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row H. Grave 11.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 16 December 1916, page 6:

SECOND-LIEUTENANT PYM KILLED.

Second-Lieutenant John Scarlett Pym, D.C.M., the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, was killed in action on December 5th. Formerly Sergeant in the Canadian Cavalry, he was the only son of Mr. Walter H. J. Pym, District Paymaster of the Coastguard, Hastings, and Mrs. Pym. and formerly of Bexhill.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 23 December 1916, page 5:

SECOND-LIEUTENANT PYM.

Second-Lieutenant John Scarlett Pym, D.C.M., Royal West Surrey Regiment, who has been killed in action, was the son of Fleet Paymaster Walter H. J. Pym. and grandson of the late Captain William H. Pym, R.N. He was educated at Bexhill and Devonport High School, and was in the employ of the C.N.R. Co., Montreal. On the outbreak of war he enlisted as a trooper in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, going to France with the first Canadian Contingent in May, 1915, as corporal. He was awarded the D.C.M. for bringing in and saving the life of a wounded Highlander at Festubert. Later he became scouting sergeant, and on October 4th last was granted a commission and appointed to the Queen's. He was killed in a raid on the German trenches on December 5th.

His commanding officer writes of him as a “most excellent officer. He was always very cheery with the men, and I know that they and I will feel a great loss. Your son was a fine officer. More is superfluous.”

The following is an extract from a final letter to his parents, written the evening of the raid:—“I am going over the top to-night at some tune. . . . I'll have to return through a barrage. . . Give . . . . my fondest best love, and then just smile and 'carry on.' I've only done the same as all the rest.”