Gilbert George Reginald Sackville, 8th Earl De La Warr. by Bassano Ltd whole-plate glass negative, 1913 NPG x33697 © National Portrait Gallery, London

(8th Earl, de la WARR) Lieutenant, H.M.M.L. "California," Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died 16 December 1915. Aged 46. Born 22 March 1869; 8th Earl De La Warr. Second son of late Reginald Windsor Sackville, 7th Earl de la Warr; husband of Hilda Mary, Countess de la Warr (now Mrs. John Dennis). He was at Charterhouse [S] 1882 - 1885. He served in the South African War and later joined the R.N.V.R. He died at Messina, Italy on 16 December 1915 whilst in command of H.M.M.L. (His Majesty’s Motor Launch) California. His grave is in MESSINA TOWN CEMETERY, Italy. Section 2. Row 2. Grave 4. See also Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey (see de la WARR, 8th Earl)

From the Charterhouse Register, Oration Quarter 1882:

Sackville, Gilbert George Reginald. b. 22 March, 1869. (Saunderites); Left C.Q., 1885.-Viscount Cantelupe; 8th Earl De La Warr, 1896; D.L., J.P., Alderman and C.C. (East Sussex); War Correspondent to the Globe; served with Bethune's Horse, in S. African War; Capt., 2nd Cinque Ports Vol. Artillery, 1900; Major, 1901; retired, 1902.

Earl De La Warr, The Manor House, Bexhill-on-Sea.

[See also Wikipedia Gilbert Sackville, 8th Earl De La Warr]

Lieutenant Colonel, 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion (Territorial), Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 5 July 1917. Aged 50. Son of James and Phebe Sansom; husband of Ivy Sansom, of 5, Brassey Rd., Bexhill, Sussex. In the 1911 census he was aged 44, born London S.W., Schoolmaster, married to Ivy Sansom, teaching at Devonshire House School, Hastings Road, Bexhill. Buried in FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row J. Grave 1.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, volume 3, page 240:

SANSOM, ALFRED JOHN, Major, Acting Lieut.-Col., 7th (Service) Battn. The Royal Sussex Regt., s. of the late James Sansom, Civil Servant, by his wife, Phebe; b. Norwood, London, S.E., 23 Sept. 1866; he took his M.A. Degree at Trinity College, Dublin; was Head Master of Devonshire House Preparatory School, Bexhill; volunteered for active service on the outbreak of war, and was gazetted 2nd Lieut. The Royal Sussex Regt. Aug. 1914; served with the 5th Battn. at Dover and the Tower of London; then went to France as Adjutant to the 1/5th Battn. in June, 1915; from April, 1916, till he was given command of the 7th Battn. The Royal Sussex Regt., he was on the Staff at the 8th Corps. Headquarters; was killed in action near Arras on 5 July, 1917. Burled where he fell. A brother officer wrote: “I for one deplore his death with a deep sense of personal loss. What a splendid example he set! At an age when few think of fighting, he rejoined his old regiment and mine, as a subaltern, when war broke out; became Major in our second-line unit; threw aside his majority to come to the trenches, and by sheer ability worked his way through the arduous grind of an adjutancy and a variety of staff duties, all well performed, till he was selected to command the 7th Battn. The Royal Sussex Regt. Few Territorial officers have been chosen to command Regular battalions, fewer still to take over a unit in the front-line trenches in a most critical section of the British line; he was chosen, and more than justified the choice. His death cut short a brilliant military record. We, who served under him, loved him and shall miss him sorely. Let us not grudge him the soldier's crown of a life laid down for England.” He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 May, 1917] by F.M. Sir Douglas Haig, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. He m. at St. Peter's. Bexhill, 23 July, 1908, Ivy. dau. of Albert Godwin. R.W.S.; s.p.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 21 October 1916, page 14:

The utmost gratification will be felt at the news that Councillor Sansom has been promoted to Lieut. Colonel, in command of a Royal Sussex battalion. The progress of Lieut. Colonel Sansom has been marked, and forms a striking recognition of his high qualities as an officer.

In the days before the war Lieut.-Colonel Sansom held many offices in Bexhill. and won the deep regard and esteem of his fellow townsmen as Chairman of the Conservative Association. He was also one of those who recognised the coming value to the Empire of military service. and contributed in a very large degree to the strength and efficieney of the Territorial Force in the district. He went on active service at the outset of the war, and for some time was attached to headquarters in France.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

SANSOM Alfred John of Devonshire House Bexhill-on-Sea Sussex died 5 July 1917 in France killed in action Probate London 31 August to Ivy Sansom widow. Effects £10187 11s. 5d.

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

By the death of Colonel Alfred J. Sansom Bexhill has suffered an irreparable loss. He was the most lovable of men, fearless in the right, pure in heart, chivalrous in disposition, and generous in every sense of the word. Although a busy man, he found time to do useful work for S. Peter's Church and to bear his burden in the government of the town. When war broke out he promptly offered his services to his old Regiment, the Royal Sussex, and it was just typical of his unselfish nature that he should sacrifice his own happiness because his country wanted him. He was only 56 years of age when he gave all he could give at the call of duty.

Research Copyright © David Hatherell:

Headmaster Devonshire House Preparatory School. Volunteered on the outbreak of war and gazetted Second Lieutenant. Served with the 5th Battalion at Dover and The Tower of London. Went to France as the Adjutant to the 1/5 Battalion in June 1915. From April 1916 he was given command of the 7th Battalion and was on the Staff of 8 Corps.
A brother officer wrote:
I for one deplore his death with a deep sense of personal loss. What a splendid example he set! At an age when few think of fighting he re-joined his old regiment as a subaltern, when war broke out; became Major in our second line unit; threw aside his majority to come to the trenches, and by sheer ability worked his way through the arduous grind of an adjutancy and a variety of staff duties all well performed, till he was selected to command the 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment. Few Territorial officers have been promoted to command Regular Battalions, fewer still to take over a unit in the front line trenches in the most critical section of the British line. His death cut short a brilliant military record. We who served under him, loved him and will miss him sorely Sansom and Captain Nagle emerged from a dug-out at Shrapnel Trench near Battalion headquarters to observe a “Chinese” bombardment [a significant variety of guns and mortars]. A shell burst between them and they were both killed
After the war his widow published a book: Letters from France. Written between June 1915-July 1917
“I am so proud of the battalion and I cannot imagine any more enviable position than to be in command of a battalion that has done its job well…I cannot kow-tow to higher authority, or keep from expressing opinions on those who give orders which I consider cost, unnecessarily, the lives of men. But although I know my criticisms make me unpopular with higher authority, I again don’t care a d---- if they have the least influence in making people thoughtful for others, and I believe I have succeeded in one or two instances. What is the value of a D.S.O. given to a gentleman sitting in an office in safety, compared to the thought that one may have saved the lives of men under one’s command?”
Letter of recall to UK received at Corps H Q on the day of his death.
Probate 31 August 1917 to Ivy Sansom, widow. Effects £10,187 11s 5d
Along with Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Fox, Royal Army Medical Corps, of Dorset Road, he appears to be the highest ranking Bexhillian to be killed in action.

Lance Corporal, Royal Berkshire Regiment.

Lance Corporal 4016, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers, Cavalry Division. Killed in action 29 September 1914. Born and enlisted in Hastings. Resident of St. Leonards. Buried in LONGUEVAL COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Row B. Grave 7. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Driver 92367, 211th Field Company, The Royal Engineers. Died in military hospital at Sangatte Calais 3 November 1918. Aged 22. Husband of Mrs T. E. Scotcher (remarried) later L. E. T. Baker, of 2, Beaufort Buildings, Hollington, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. Born in St. Leonards and enlisted in Hastings. Buried in LES BARAQUES MILITARY CEMETERY, SANGATTE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot VI. Row C. Grave 2. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Lieutenant, 7th Battalion attached to 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. 3rd. Division. Killed in action on the Somme 7 November 1916. Aged 22. Only son of Frederick and Ella Mortimer Scott. Born in India. Educated at Eastbourne College. and London University. Enlisted September 1914. Gazetted April 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.

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

LIEUT. A. E. MORTIMER SCOTT.

It is with great regret we have to announce that Lieut. A. E. Mortimer Scott, 7th (attached 4th Battalion) Royal Fusiliers, has been killed in action in France. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer Scott, of Maythorpe. Buckhurst Road, Bexhill, and grandson of the late Major J. Mortimer Scott, Royal Fusiliers. Intimation of his having fallen on the 8th was received by his parents from the War Office on Saturday last, and on Monday they received a letter from him, written three days before his death. In this he showed himself in his usual good spirits, and mentioned that he had just been congratulated by his Brigadier on some reconnaissance work he had done. Lieut. Scott, who was only 22 years of age, was born in India, where his father was a superintending engineer in the Public Works Department. He was educated at Mr. Sansom's, Devonshire House School, Bexhill, at Eastbourne College, and at the London University (College of Science). When at Eastbourne he was in the 1st XI. cricket, and the 1st XV. football, being vice-captain in the latter. When war broke out he enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment as a private, but was selected for Sandhurst, and when his course was over he was given a commission in the 6th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, then at Dover. He went out to France at the end of June. 1915, but was invalided home on January 6th, 1916, after an operation for appendicitis. He rejoined the 7th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in February at Falmouth, and went to France with the Battalion in July, 1916. He secured a first in musketry, and was bombing officer in his battalion.

Corporal 33440, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action 15 March 1917 in France and Flanders. Age 36. Born Keston, Kent, enlisted and resident Bexhill. Son of Richard and Fanny Sewell; husband of Mrs G. W. Robinson (formerly Sewell), of Langham Rd., Robertsbridge, Sussex. Founder of The Bexhill Tradesmen's Stretcher Bearer Coy. for wounded soldiers. Formerly 25022, Northamptonshire Regiment. Buried in ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row J. Grave 24. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 7 April 1917, page 4:

LEADING AN ATTACK.
How Corporal Fred Sewell Fell.

We regret to record the death of Corporal F. C. Sewell, the second of the three brothers who have been so long known and respected in connection with the Devonshire Hotel, Bexhill. The first intimation came last week in a cable message to Mr. R. C. Sewell, from his brother-in-law, asking if he had heard any news of Mr. F. C. Sewell, and conveying a report that he had been wounded. Mr. R. C. Sewell replied, and also communicated with the headquarters of Corporal Sewell's regiment in London. On Saturday, at 2.30, a telegram was received from the brother-in-law, who is a sergeant-major in the New Zealand Hospital Unit, and has been in France for a considerable time: ‘'Freddy made supreme sacrifice, 15th.”

Corporal F. C. Sewell joined up last May about the same time as several other well-known townsmen. He was highly popular and in touch with everybody practically in the town, particularly in sporting and athletic circles. He was a noted billiard player, and was for some years Secretary of the Bexhill Football Club. He took great interest in football.

After joining up last May he was attached to the Northamptonshire Regiment. He went through the N.C.O.'s class, and was transferred to a Reserve Training Battalion. Subsequently he was in a draft for active service. Just before Christmas he went out to France, and was attached to the Bedfordshire Regiment.

The sad news was received with the greatest regret at Bexhill. The flag at the Devonshire Hotel was at half-mast Saturday. The earlier rumours had, in some measure, anticipated the graver news, and everyone deplored the loss of such a popular young townsman.

Mr. Sewell would have been 36 years of age this month. Much sympathy is felt for his widow, who has received the following letter from the Captain of his Company (Captain Keep): “It is with deepest sympathy that I write to inform you that your husband was killed in action the 15th inst. He was leading an attack on a strongly-defended village when he was shot and died at once. During the short time he had been in my Company he had made himself universally popular, and his death is a great loss to his many friends in the Regiment. He was buried where he fell on the following day. With deepest sympathy.”

Private G/27179, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers 3rd. Division. Killed in action on the Somme 16 August 1916. Aged 20. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Shannon, of 68, Amhurst Road, Bexhill. Born in Boston USA. and enlisted in Hastings. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 2 September 1916, page 10:

Within five months of his leaving home to join the Army the sad news arrived that Private William Shannon, eldest son of Mr. W. Shannon, builder, and Mrs. Shannon, of Holliers-hill, Bexhill, had been killed by a shell. The first intimation came from a Hastings friend of the gallant lad, who had heard of his end from a fellow comrade in the platoon. Deceased belonged to the Royal Fusiliers, and had only recently arrived at the Front. It is probable that he met his death the first time he went into the trenches.

Friends of the deceased have heard of his early sacrifice in the great cause with something like a shock, as it was only a few weeks ago that he was home on leave prior to going to the Front. In his case the tragedy of war has terminated a most promising career, and the deepest sympathy will be felt for Mr. and Mrs. Shannon and their family. Private Shannon, who was only 20 years of age, was serving his articles as a pupil of Mr. Henry Ward, the well-known architect, of Hastings. He had made gratifying progress in his profession, passing his examinations very successfully. Although a soldier for a very short period, he performed his military duties with the same thoroughness as his civil work, and would doubtless have rendered good service to his country if he had not been struck down so soon by fate.

Confirmaton of the sad news was received yesterday from the War Office. Private Shannon was killed on 16 August.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 2 September 1916, page 10:

The official intimation of the death of Pte. William A. Shannon, of the Royal Fusiliers, and son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shannon. of 61, Holliers Hill, was received yesterday (Friday). A letter from a comrade (Lance. Corporal G. S. Matthews) has also been received, in which he says: "It is with sincere sympathy that I have just heard of the news of poor Will. I heard from a pal in the same platoon as he to-day, and he told me how the end came. Doubtless by this time you have heard the sad news officially. It appears that he and another pal of ours had only been in the firing line a short time when they met their death by a shell." Pte. Shannon was killed on the 16th of August. his parents having last heard of him on the 11th of August, when he was then just going to the firing line. He was known in Bexhill, being an articled pupil of Mr. Ward, of Hastings.

Second Lieutenant, 9th Battalion attached 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died 14th Ocotber 1916. Age 33. Son of Archdeacon F. L. Sharpin (late of Bombay) and Helen Georgina, his wife, of 37 Eversley Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. Volunteered for H.A.C. from the staff of the London County and Westminster Bank in Aug., 1914. Wounded March, 1915 at St. Eloi. Gazetted Sept., 1915. Born at Bombay. Buried in GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE, Somme, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 4. See also Millbrook, Bedfordshire

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 21 October 1916, page 14:

The Ven. Archdeacon and Mrs Sharpin, of Merridew, Eversley Road, have received information of the death from wounds of their youngest son, Sec. Lieut. Francis Lloyd Sharpin, of the Bedfordshire Regiment. The wounds had been received in the great battle that is still raging in France. Lieut. Lloyd was educated at the Bedfordshire School, and afterwards entered into commercial life in London. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the Hon. Artillery Company, and went out with the first drafts from that regiment, but was wounded in the jaw and had to return home. On his recovery he obtained a commission in the Bedfordshires, the old county regiment, and went abroad during the latter part of last year. The deceased officer was highly esteemed by his many friends. The Archdeacon and Mrs. Sharpin have received from the colonel in command of their son's regiment a sympathetic letter of a touching character.

—0—

Second Lieut. Frank Lloyd Sharpin, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, who died on the 14th inst. of wounds received in action in the battle of the Somme, was the youngest son of the Rev. F. L. Sharpm, M.A Bexhill-on-Sea, late Archdeacon of Bombay, and Rector of Millbrook, Beds, grandson of the late Henry Sharpin, 4th Light Dragoons, of Blofleld, Norfolk, and General George Prince Senly, Royal Artillery. He was educated at the Bedford Grammar School. At the outbreak of the war he was serving on the staff of the St. James' branch of the London County and Westminster Bank, and immediately enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company. After four months' training he was sent to the front at Christmas, 1914, and spent the winter in the trenches, when at the end of March of the following year he was wounded in the jaw by shrapnel and sent home. He made a good recovery, and soon after received a commission in his old County Regiment, the Bedfordshire. After serving at the Training Depot in Ampthill Park, and later at Sittingbourne, he was again sent to the front, where on the night of the 12th inst. he received a mortal wound, dying in hospital in the early morning of the 14th. His Colonel writes of him thus:— “I do so sympathise with you. He had so recently joined us, but he was showing every promise of making a most valuable and useful officer, apart from his personal attraction.”

Private TF/2393 [SDGW 2293], 1st/5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Killed in action near Richebourg L`Avoue, 9 May 1915. Aged 18. Son of Charles and Mary Shepherd of 15, Alexandra Road, Bexhill, brother of Harold (below). Born in Leytonstone 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 Observer - Saturday 20 May 1916, page 8:

LOCAL WAR ITEMS

After a year of anxiety Mr. and Mrs. C. Shepherd, of 15, Alexandra-road, have just received the official intimation that their son, Private J. H. Shepherd, of the 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed in action on May 9th, 1915. He had been reported missing. Mr. Shepherd’s elder son, Gunner H. Shepherd, of the Australian Artillery, has recently been home on leave. He went to Australia as a boy nine years ago, and has come home as physically big as all Colonials are. He has been a year in Egypt and is now at the front in France.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 20 May 1916, page 5:

Mr. and Mrs. C. Shepherd, oif Sidley, received on Sunday the official notice of the death of their youngest son, James, who was killed in action in May, 1915. The deceased was a youth between the age of 17 and 18, and was for some time employed on the reporting staff of the “Bexhill Chronicle.” At the same time as Shepherd was killed another member of our staff, Private Hugh Kendall, also lost his life in the early experiences of the British Expeditionary Force.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - 29 May 1916:

In addition to the local casualties in the 5th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment (T.), who took part in the charge on May 9th, already reported in the “Observer," we regret to learn that Private James H. Shepherd is reported missing. The sad news was conveyed to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Shepherd, of 15, Alexandra Road, a few days ago. by Corporal Thomas, of the same Company, in the following letter.— " A line to let you know I received your parcel sent to Jim (Shepherd) today. I am sorry to tell you he is missing. We were in an assault on Sunday, the 9th, and suffered heavily, and have had no news of him since. No one saw him shot, but I am very sorry to say I hold out no hope for the missing. Jim was in my section, and very much liked. I shared the parcel among what is left of the section, as I am sure he would have done so himself, for he always did. We have been resting in a town, but are up again close to the line." Private Shepherd joined the 5th Royal Sussex in September, and went to the Front in February. He was then only 17 years of age. He was formerly employed in Mr. Adams' office at Sidley. His brother has just enlisted in Australia.

Gunner 4914, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Australian Field Artillery. Died of wounds 17 August 1917. Aged 29. Born London, enlisted Pentland, Queensland, Australia. Son of Charles and Mary Elizabeth Shepherd, of 15, Alexander Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; brother of James (above). Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.) - date of London Gazette: 28 September 1917, page 10038, position 75 - date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 24 January 1918, page 84, position 57. Buried in BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY No.3, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row B. Grave 33.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 8 September 1917, page 4:

Last week we recorded the distressing news which had reached Mr. and Mrs. C. Shepherd, of 15, Alexandra Road, of the death in France from wounds of their son, Gunner H. R. Shepherd, of the Australian Force. We give photographs of two of Mr. Shepherd's sons who have given their lives for their country, and trust that their other son, who is lying wounded in hospital, will make a speedy recovery.

Private G/16070, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment 12th Division. Killed in action at Aveluy Wood during the March Retreat 28 March 1918. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. No known grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 46 and 47. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 13 April 1918:

Private D. W. Shoesmith, Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed on the 27th ult. He was the younger son of Mr. D. Shoesmith, of 15, Sidley Street, and had been gassed and wounded in France previously. Private Shoesmith was formerly a temporary postman in connection with the Bexhill Office, chiefly in the Catsfield district. He joined up about two years ago. He leaves a wife and a little child.

Private 6626, 1st/28th Battalion, London Regiment (The Artists Rifles) 63rd. Royal Naval Division. Died in military hospital at St. Omer 13 April 1916. Enlisted in London. Next of kin residents of Sidley Bexhill. Buried in LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot III. Row B. Grave 3.

Sapper 145830, 57th Field Company The Royal Engineers. 49th Division. Died 28 October 1916. Aged 30. Son of William and Sarah Simmons of 69 Sidley Street Sidley Bexhill. Born in Ninfield Sussex and enlisted in Hastings. Buried in ST. POL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Row C. Grave 5.

Private G/12593, 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 24th Division. Died of wounds 7 December 1916. Aged 25. Son of William and Sarah Simmons of Sidley. Born in Ninfield and enlisted in Tonbridge Kent. Included on Sidley Parish Church Memorial (8th Batt. in SDGW Part 40) Buried in BARLIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 53.

Private 5550, 1st. Battalion, Border Regiment. 29th Division. Killed in action in Belgium 11 April 1918. Aged 36. Son of Rosalin Sinnett of 1 St. Mary's Cottages Ninfield Road Sidley Bexhill. Born and enlisted in London. Resident of Plaistow. No known grave. Commemorated on PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 6.

Lieutenant Ronald Mortimer Slater © IWM (HU 126533)

Lieutenant Ronald Mortimer Slater © IWM (HU 126534)

Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died of wounds at Merville 21 November 1914. Son of Major M. J. Slater Royal Engineers and Mrs Hilda Slater of "The Vicarage", Chudleigh Knighton, Devonshire. Buried in MERVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plopt I. Row K. Grave 1.

Extract from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4, page 187:

SLATER, RONALD MORTIMER, Lieut., The Worcestershire Regt., s. of the late Major M. J. Slater, R.E., by his wife (—) (Lionel Road, Bexhill-on-Sea); and only gdson. of the late Colonel J. M. Slater, N.L.I.; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders, and died 21 Nov. 1914, from wounds received in action.

From Bond of Sacrifice:

LIEUTENANT RONALD MORTIMER SLATER, Worcestershire Regiment, died of a wound received in action, November 21st. He was the son of Major M. I. Slater (O.W.) and was in the Hill 1905-1909, in which year he went to Sandhurst. He was gazetted into the Worcestershires in 1911. He met his death in the following manner: One of his men was lying severely wounded. Slater went out and brought him in and was hit on the top of the head by a bullet. For the moment he was dazed but for the rest of the day he was cheery and bright. When taken to the hospital at night his case was declared hopeless. He was well spoken of in the regiment, both as a soldier and a promising polo player.

Lieutenant Ronald Mortimer Slater, of 1, Lionel-road, Bexhill, of the Worcestershire Regiment, the son of the late Major M. J. Slater, R.E., and only grandson of the late Colonel J. M. Slater, N.L.I., who died of wounds received whilst on active service, intestate, on the 21st November last, left property valued at £1,281 11s. 4d. gross and £640 10s. 8d. net. Letters of Administration have been granted to Mrs. Hilda Slater, his mother, the only next of kin

Corporal G/16696, 6th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. 12th Division. Killed in action near Monchy 17 September 1917. Aged 36. Son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Soane of Rotherfield. Husband of Mrs F. H. Soane of Town Road Rotherfield. (Not on Rotherfield W. M.) Born in Buxted, Sussex and enlisted in Tunbridge, Wells Kent. (Connection with Bexhill a mystery!). Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Buried in WINDMILL BRITISH CEMETERY, MONCHY-LE-PREUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 10.

Private 129925, "D" Company, 72nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment). Died 24 November 1916. Age 42. Born 29 July 1873 in London. Enlisted 5 October 1915 in Vancouver, British Columbia aged 42 years and 3 months, passed fit on 4 October. Height 5 feet 6 inches, girth 41 inches, complexion fair, eyes light blue, hair brown, religion church of England. Brown birthmarks on front left arm. Son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Snelling, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex; brother of Mrs Marion Martin (nee Snelling), Glibe Lodge, Shalford Road, Guilford. Store keeper by profession. Served with Royal Sussex Regiment in South Africa (Boer War). Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XX. Row C. Grave 4. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9135 - 12

Private 13519, 8th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. 21st Division. Killed in action at Arras 3rd May 1917. Aged 38. Husband of Mrs Agnes Louisa Southgate of 1, Stone Cottage, White Hill, Bexhill. Born in Melton Mowbray and enlisted in Westminster. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 5. - See also Little Common

Private 34988, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Killed in action 24 April 1917 in France and Flanders. Aged 31. Born, resident and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Nelson and Elisabeth Spray, of Collington Lane, Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea; husband of Mabel Spray, of 20, Sidley St., Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea. Formerly 31271, Suffolk Regiment. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. - See also Little Common

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

PRIVATE E. SPRAY.

Mrs. Spray, of Church-hill, Little Common, has received the sad intelligence that her husband, Private Ernest Spray, Essex Regiment, was killed in action in France on April 24th.

He was 31 years of age, and was formerly employed as gardener to Alderman F. Bond, J.P., at Lake Ilouee, Collington-lane.

Gunner 56567, No 36 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (T.F.) Killed in action at Fampoux 3 May 1917. Born Bexhill, enlisted Stratford Essex. Resident of Bexhill. Buried in ATHIES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Row H. Grave 11. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 26 May 1917, page 8:

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Spray, of The White Houses, Wrest Wood, Haddocks Hill-road, have this week received the official news that their son, Gunner Frank Spray, who was in a Siege Batter of the R.G.A., has died of wounds in the Division Mobile Dressing Station. Gunner spray was 27 years old, and had been at the Front in France for nearly two years.

Private 42074, 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment. 30th Division. Wounded in action near Ypres and died 12 October 1917. Born in Eastbourne and enlisted in Battle. Formerly Royal Sussex. Buried in HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY, Zillebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot IV. Row D. Grave 15.

Guardsman 16675, 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. Died at home January 1919. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference E. F. H21.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

[Spelt STEPHENSON on St Mary's Memorial] Private G/3774, 8th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 18 August 1916 in France and Flanders. Age 19. Born, resident and enlisted Bexhill. Son of Walter and Emily Stevenson, of 73, Reginald Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 5 D. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 25 November 1916, page 10:

Mr. W. Stevenson, of 71, Reginald-road, has heard no further news of the fate of his son, Private L. P. Stevenson, East Kent Regiment. He has been officially reported wounded on August 18th, and a comrade, Private Baker, writes that he was killed on the same date.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 09 December 1916, page 5:

On Thursday of this week Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, of 71, Reginald Road, received official news that their son, Pte. L. P. Stevenson, of the East Kent Regiment, previously reported wounded, has been killed in action. Pte. L. P. Stevenson (photograph we reproduce) and his brother, Bert Stevenson. both joined the Army soon after the declaration of war. Previous to this the deceased soldier was in the Church Lads' Brigade, and was employed by Mr. Philcox in Sackville Road.

Private SD/1471, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 3rd september 1916 with British Expeditionary Force. Born Little Common, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill. Buried in HAMEL MILITARY CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL, Somme, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 33.

Lance Corporal, 7371, "A" Company, 1st. Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment 5th Division. Killed in action near La Basse 13 October 1914. Aged 29. Son of Josiah and Elizabeth Summers. Born in Fratton Hants and enlisted in St. Leonards. Ex-Captain Bexhill Athletic Football Club. No known grave. Commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 22 and 23.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 7 November 1914, page 9:

"KILLED IN ACTION."
Corporal W. J Summers, of Bexhill

We understand that official intimation has been received in Bexhill of the death of Corpl. W. J. Summers, of the lst Dorsets, who was killed in action in October. The deceased was well known in Bexhill, having been in the employ of the Manor Farm Dairy, St. Leonards Road, and was captain of the Bexhill Athletic Football Club. He was a Reservist, and went through the battle of Mons and the operations near Paris, seeing plenty of fighting. He resided at 2, Salisbury Road, Bexhill.

We understand that the late corporal was about to be married when the war broke out, but owing to his being called up. the ceremony was deferred.

Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Colonel 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army. Killed in action, drowned on his return to India, when SS Persia was torpedoed off Crete 30 December 1915. Aged 52. Born 18 November 1863 and baptised 10 January 1864 in Cawnpore, India. Son of George and Mary Swiney; husband of Minnie Louisa Mabel (nee Forster) Swiney, married 27 February 1901 in Poona St Mary, Bombay. No known grave. Commemorated on the CHATBY MEMORIAL, Egypt.

Note: In April 1887, the raising of the 2/3 Gorkha Rifles was ordered with a class composition of six Garhwali and two Gorkha companies. In 1891, the two Gorkha Companies were separated and the remaining six Garhwali companies were re-designated as the 39th Garhwal Regiment of the Bengal Infantry. Another battalion was added to the Regiment and both took part in the Great War. The Garhwalis were the 'find' of the period and proved themselves in Flanders and other battles in Europe, despite the heavy casualties suffered. Later these battalions also served in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and Salonika.

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Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

SWINEY Ernest Robert Rainier of 7 Cliveden-place Sloane-square Middlesex died 30 December 1915 at sea Administration London 1 February to Minnie Louisa Mabel Swiney widow. Effects £315 1s. 4d.

Extract from Bexhill on Sea Chronicle 8 January 1916:

Bexhill has its special associations with the sinking of the " Persia," for one of the passengers was Colonel E. R. Swiney, who had but recently concluded his sick leave stay here, and Mrs. Swiney and children, who have been residents of Bexhill for a considerable time, are staying at Channel View.

Colonel Swiney, who came of a famous old Cheltenham family, well known in the records of the country's service, was one of the bravest and most unassuming of men. He commanded the 1st Battalion of the Garwalis at Neuve Chapelle, and to quote from an article which appeared in the " Chronicle " last June:— " When he led them into that inferno, where so many gallant souls went down, all the officers were shot almost immediately. There were only twelve British officers in the battalion, and seven of them were killed and five wounded. He himself received a severe shell wound in the left thigh about ten o'clock in the morning, yet held out in the trench grimly in the struggle until midnight, when the 2nd in command of the 2nd Battalion was asked to relieve him, only to be killed himself almost immediately. ' Ever thinking of others, he was courtesy and modesty incarnate himself. He was very proud of his regiment and their bravery. There will be the most sincere sympathy with Mrs. Swiney that he has met his death in this fashion after escaping so long dangers ashore. The late Col. Swiney had served in the Tirah, Mohmund, Lushai And Burmah campaigns, and held two medals and five clasps. He had been fourteen years with the Garhwalis, having previously served sixteen with the 9th Gurkhas.