Private L/8495, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action 13 November 1914 with the British Expeditionary Force. Aged 27. Born Catsfield, Sussex, enlisted Hastings. Son of James and Charlotte Waite, of 14, North Road, Sidley, Bexhill, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 20. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 12 December 1914, page 10:

KILLED IN ACTION
SIDLEY SOLDIER'S DEATH

News reached Mr. and Mrs. J. Waite, 15, North-road, Sidley, a few days ago that their son, Private E. Waite, Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed in action on November 13th at the Battle of Ypres. With the sad news came the following message from Lord Kitchener:— “The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow.” The dead hero was 27 years of age. He had previously been wounded the retreat from Mons, in consequence of which he spent a month at the base hospital in France. Having regained his health and strength, Private Waite was sent back to the fighting line, and after only one day’s fighting met his death. The sympathy of all Bexhillians will go out to Mr. and Mrs. Waite in their sorrow.

Research Copyright © Diana Nicols:

In October 1891 he entered Catsfield Village School and left about 1900. He joined the Regular Army at Hastings on 29th June 1906, aged 19. He was already serving as a part-time soldier in the 1st Sussex (Volunteer) Royal Engineers. Edwin stated that he wished to serve in the Royal Regiment of Artillery (Royal Horse or Royal Field Regiments). However, on the following day in Chichester, he was transferred as a Private with the number 8495 to the Royal Sussex Regiment. His terms of service were 9 years with the Colours and 3 years with the Reserve. He served with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment at Rawalpindi, now part of Pakistan until February 1913. He returned to the UK and was transferred to the Reserve in March.
Whilst in India, he was a Company Cook for 18 months, and passed a class of instruction on Big Gun Drill in May 1911. His musketry classification was 2nd class. He also acquired a tattoo on his right forearm of a snake encircling a tree. Between 1907 and 1910, he spent a total of 88 days in hospital with various ailments – ague, dyspepsia, rheumatism .and a wounded left toe.
His Regimental Defaulter Sheet and the Squadron, Troop, Battery and Company Sheet make interesting reading. On 7th March 1908 he was drunk and creating a disturbance in the Bungalow about 2.15 pm and then resisted his escort. He was awarded 7 days confined to barracks. On 18th March 1910 at Rawalpindi, he disobeyed an order and was given 96 hours detention. At Gharial on 8th September 1912 he was drunk in barracks, used obscene and threatening language to a Sgt Cramp, attempted to strike Sgt Cramp, and used obscene language in the guard detention room. He was detained for 14 days, fined two shillings and sixpence, and forfeited one good conduct. Nonetheless, although he had no Good Conduct badges on his transfer to the Reserve in 1913 , his conduct whilst with the Colours is described as ‘Very Good’.
Edwin was mobilised on 5th August 1914, posted to the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment and was further posted to the British Expeditionary Force on 12th February, the day it commenced the move over to the continent.
Edwin was wounded in the Battle of Mons but recovered sufficiently to take his part in the other great battle which avenged it (the first battle around Ypres). His Battalion were moved to the defence of Ypres in late October 1914. After a brief period in reserve, the Battalion moved on 7th November to action at Klein Zillebeke. They were relieved two days later on 9th November and again went to the reserve line. On 13th November, Edwin was again wounded, and was being carried to safety by a French soldier when they were both shot by a German sniper, both being killed.
Bexhill Observer 12 December 1914
News reached Mr and Mrs J. Waite, of 15, North Road, Sidley, a few days ago that their son, Private E. Waite, Royal Sussex Regiment, was killed in action on November 13th at the Battle of Ypres. With the sad news came the following message from Lord 'Kitchener:—" The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow." The dead hero was 27 years of age. He had previously been wounded in the retreat from Mons, in consequence of which he spent a month at the base hospital in France. Having regained his health and strength, Private Waite was sent back to the fighting line, and after only one day's fighting met his death. The sympathy of all Bexhillians will go out to Mr and Mrs Waite In their sorrow.

Private 60855, 101st Company, Labour Corps Formerly 31812, Royal Fusiliers. Died of wounds 13 May 1918 in France and Flanders. Age 37. Born Catsfield, Sussex, enlisted Bexhill, resident Sidley, Sussex. Son of James and Charlotte Waite, of 14, North Road, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea. Before enlistment he was a Gas Company employee. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Section P. Plot XI. Row I. Grave 11A. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Research Copyright © Diana Nicols:

Eldred was born about 1st September, 1880 in Catsfield, Sussex, the fourth child and first son of James WAITE, an Agricultural Labourer, and his wife Charlotte, nee ELPHICK. He was baptised on 5th September 1880 in St Laurence Church, Catsfield. He is shown in the 1881 Census (taken on the night of 3rd April) aged 7 months living with his parents and sisters in Potmans Lane, Catsfield. In 1891, he lived with his family in The Green, Catsfield and Eldred was a ‘scholar’. He would have been educated at Catsfield Village School. His father was now a bricklayer. Eldred still lived at home (now Henley Down, Catsfield) aged 20 in 1901 and was an Agricultural Labourer. His family moved to Bexhill in 1906, probably because of the amount of building work that was going on in the town at that time. In 1911 Eldred is 28, unmarried, and still living with his parents at 15, North Road, Sidley. He is a Bricklayer’s Labourer so he probably worked for, or with, his father. When war broke out in August 1914, Eldred was nearly 34 years old. His brother, Edwin, went to France with the British Expeditionary Force and was killed in action in November 1914. Most of his brothers in law joined up for War Service in 1914 but Eldred did not. During 1915, the Bexhill Chronicle had letters and articles about white feathers being given to men of military age but not in uniform [4]. Eldred was given white feathers by his sisters, probably in 1915. It was Conscription, introduced by the Military Service Bill of January 1916, which precipitated Eldred into the Army. He joined the 34th Labour Battalion (The Roadsters) of the Royal Fusiliers which was formed at Falmer in Sussex on 9th April 1916. He became Private Eldred Waite 31812. He would probably have been in a Labour Battalion whatever regiment he joined because of his age, now 35, and his civilian work as a labourer. The 34th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers left for France in June 1916 and worked in various parts of France, unloading ships, making roads, or building ammunition dumps. The work was hard and often involved shift work and very long hours, and it was certainly not glamorous.
In May 1917, all the Royal Fusiliers Labour Battalions were disbanded and reformed into the Labour Companies (each of 500 men) of the newly created Labour Corps. Eldred became Private E Waite, 31812 in the 101st Company of the Labour Corps. The work was often carried out very close to the front line and under fire, but alas, the soldiers of the Labour Corps seldom got recognition, even when they worked alongside other soldiers who were recognised for the same activity. Eldred died on 13th May 1918, aged 37, in a Military Hospital in Rouen after being gassed the previous day at Fonquevillers, a village in the north of the Somme area. One of the most devastating attacks on a Labour Corps company occurred on the night of 11/12 May 1918. On that night 101 Company was burying cables at Fonquevillers when the area was attacked with both high explosive and gas shells from 7.30 pm until 2.30 am. Initial reports suggested that no men were killed during the attack, although IV Corps Diary refers to 40 officers and possibly 1,400 men being gassed. Among those gassed were three officers (Major R. M. Christie, 2nd Lt W. Bates and 2nd Lt E P. Hazell) and 286 other ranks of 101 Company. On 12 May 60309 Private H. Chitty was the first of 101 Company to die as a result of the gas. Sixteen more men including 2nd Lt Bates were to die on 13 May and a further 37 including Major Christie on 14 May. Further members of 101 Company, including 2nd Lt Hazell, died of the effects of the gas over the next fifteen days so that by 29 May 1918 all three officers and 134 other ranks had died. Within five days of the gas attack the remnants of 101 Company were employed on road-work at Orville and on 18 May received 200 replacements.
Most of the men killed in this attack are buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. It is not known how many of the remaining 150 other ranks may have later died as a result of the gassing. Extract from ‘No Labour, No Battle’ by John Starling and Ivor Lee page 148 Eldred is buried in Block P, Plot 11 Row I Grave 11A of the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. The personal inscription reads 'Gone but not forgotten'.
In June 1918, the Bexhill Observer reported: 'Bexhill War Notes -- News of More Casualties Private E Waite -- Official news has been received of the death of Private Eldred Waite, of the Labour Corps, in hospital at Rouen. Private Waite was the elder son of the late Mr James Waite, and of Mrs Waite, of 14, North Road, Sidley, and was a single man, 38 years of age. He had been in France two years and was home on leave just before Christmas. His younger brother, Private Edwin Waite, was killed at Ypres. The Sister--in--Charge at Rouen, writing of Private Eldred Waite, says he was severely gassed, and passed away peacefully. She adds "He will be buried in the English cemetery at Rouen with our splendid men. Everything possible was done for him, and he was so good and brave" The reported comments of the Sister--in--Charge above -- 'so good and brave' -- might indicate that when dying, Eldred was concerned that his family thought him a coward. Alternatively, maybe the Sister--in--Charge said similar words about all the soldiers who died in her care, especially during that period when so many Labour Corps men died. It is very doubtful that he passed away ‘peacefully’. The Medal Index shows that Eldred was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. He is commemorated on the Bexhill War Memorial and his name, Eldred, given to the eldest son of one of his sisters. Was that sister one of those who also gave him a white feather several years earlier?

Lance Sergeant 18930, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards The Guards Division. Killed in action on the Somme 15 November 1916. Aged 27. Son of Richard and Mary Wakely. Husband of Mrs Alice J. Wakely of "Eversley" 15 Mitten Road Bexhill. Born and enlisted in Brighton. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 D.

Private G/3521, 8th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed in action 6 July 1916 in France and Flanders. Age 19. Born Eastbourne, enlsited and resident Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Joseph William and Emma Walker, of 30, Reginald Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in POND FARM CEMETERY, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Row B. Grave 20.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 15 July 1916, page 15:

The death of Pte. Alfred Joseph Walker, of the Buffs (East Kent Regiment), is reported from the Front. The news was received on Monday morning by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Walker, of 30, Reginald Road, and the letter contained the information that the youth—he was only twenty years of age, and an only son—had been hit in the back by a shrapnel bullet, which passed through his lungs. He was carried to the dressing station, where his wounds were attended to, but after lying unconscious for three hours, he died.

The deceased soldier was educated at S. Barnabas Boys' School, and was a member of the S. Barnabas Church Lads' Brigade, in which he obtained the rank of sergeant. Capt. F. E. Poulton, writing to the bereaved parents on behalf of himself and the members of the brigade, in the course of his letter of condolence, says: "Joe was one of the best chaps we had. I have always considered he did as much as anybody to keep our company of C.L.B. lads together. I did not mind being away myself if I knew he was present, he was so trustworthy. The boys were very fond of him, and so were the officers." Before he left school he received the medal for five years' regular attendance from the Education Committee, and after leaving school entered the employment of Messrs. Freeman, Hardy and Willis. of Bexhill.

Pte. Walker enlisted in September, 1914, a few weeks after the declaration of war. After the battle of Loos, in which he took part, he returned home because of an attack of pleurisy, but rejoined as early as possible. The last letter—or rather, field card—from Pte. Walker was received by his parents on Sunday, the day on which he died.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been residents of Bexhill for the last eight years, having previously lived at Eastbourne. The letter from Lieutenant Underhill to his parents announcing the young soldier's death contained the following tribute to him:—

"I would like you to know how plucky he was, for he kept very cheer:u1 all the time, and his death is a great loss to us all. I have known your son for a long time, for he has always been in my platoon while he has been with the battalion. All the men in the platoon wish to express their sympathy with you in your loss. Your son will be buried to-night in the Cemetery behind the trenches."

[Spelt WAREBURTON on memorial] Private TF/204143, 7th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. 18th Division. Died of wounds 26 April 1918. Aged 36. Son of Ebeneezer and Harriett Warburton, of Bexhill. Born in Buxted, Sussex, and enlisted in Canterbury, Kent. Buried in CROUY BRITISH CEMETERY, CROUY-SUR-SOMME, Somme, France. Plot I. Row E. Grave 20.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 11 May 1918:

Many people in. Bexhill will be sorry to hear that Mr. and Mrs. Warburton, of Manor Road, Bexhill, late of Uckfield, have lost, their second son, Private Samuel Warburton, Royal West Kent Regiment. Private Warburton, who, previous to joining up, had an outfitter's business at Ashford, had been in France about a year, and recently returned home on leave. He went back to the Front, and on the 26th April received a shell wound in the chest, to which he succumbed on the following day at a clearing station. He was a single man. Of another son, Private W. Warburton, of the Grenadier Guards, no news has been received for five weeks, and anxiety is felt for his safety. Corporal Harold Warburton, R.F.A., is in England in a Cadet School.

Private, Royal Sussex Regiment. - Have not identified this man in the ranks of the Royal Sussex

Research Copyright © David Hatherell:

SURNAME: WARNER
GIVEN NAME: Ernest William
DATE OF BIRTH: 1880
PLACE OF BIRTH: Margate, Kent
ADDRESS: 10 Windsor Road

OCCUPATION: Shop assistant
RANK: Private
REGIMENT: Royal Sussex Regiment / Labour Corps
SERVICE NUMBER/S: 18249 / 451305
DATE OF DEATH: September 1917

Ernest WARNER is on the Bexhill war memorial, shown as surname with initials as serving with the Royal Sussex Regiment.
At the time of the Commonwealth War Graves complelation of war dead, he slipped through the net and has never appeared on their lists.
By use of contemporary newspapers, he is identified as Ernest William and his Bexhill connection discovered on the 1911 census as a boarder with the Cruttenden family at 10 Windsor Road, Bexhill
He appeared on a Weekly Casualty List issued early December 1916
His Medal Index Card shows that he transferred from the Royal Sussex Regiment to the Labour Corps. A common occurrence following wounds.

Private 30241, 1st/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Died of wounds 24 June 1918 in France and Flanders. Age 21. Born and enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Alfred John and Florence Susie Watson (step-mother), of 5, Belmont Terrace, Sidley, Bexhill. Buried in MONTECCHIO PRECALCINO COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Italy. Plot 3. Row B. Grave 8. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 6 July 1918, page 7:

BAD NEWS FROM ITALY.

Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Watson, of Belmont-terrace, Sidley, have received the sad news that their eldest son, Private A. J. Watson, Gloucester Regiment, has succumbed to his wounds. The Sister in charge of the hospital writes that he passed peacefully away on the 24th June.

Although it was known that Private Watson's condition was critical, the intelligence came as a great blow to his friends. Private Watson, who was wounded in France, had been on the Italian Front only about two months. He was 21 years of age.

Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. 2nd Division. Killed in action on the Somme 13 November 1916. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 10 A and 10 D.

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

A well-known member of the legal profession in Hastings, Lieut. A. O. Webster-Jones, son of Councillor A. W.Webster-Jones. of 53, Rusholme-road, Putney, and nephew of mr. E. G. Fitch-Jones, of Madingley, De La Warr-road, Bexhill, was killed in action on the 13th inst.

Lieut. Webster-Jones was educated at Holmwood School and afterwards at St. Paul's and University College, London. He lived for about ten years at Madingley, and had a flouri,hing practice as a solicitor at Hastings. He joined the University and Public School Corps soon after war broke out, as a private. Eventually he received a commission in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. He was training officers at Oxford and other places until the 3rd October, when he went to France, and was attached to the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.

His younger brother is serving in Egypt.

Second Lieutenant, 10th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. 10th (Irish) Division. Killed in action near Anzac Cove 10 August 1915. Aged 25. Son of The Rev. and Mrs Oswald Whaley of 32 Sutherland Avenue Bexhill. B. A. Christs College Cambridge. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Panel 126-135 or 223-226 228-229 & 328.- See also Little Common

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 18 September 1915, page 10:

LOCAL OFFICER KILLED.

Great sympathy is felt with the Rev. Oswald Whaley, of Hurchington, Little Common-road, Bexhill, whose elder son, Second Lieutenant Oswald Stanley Whaley, of the 10th Battalion Hampshire was killed in action at Gakllipoli on August 10th. Second Lieutenant Whaley was 25 years of age.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 18 September 1915, page 10:

LIEUT. WHALEY'S DEATH.

We greatly regret to have to record the death of Second Lieutenant Oswald S. Whaley, of the 10th Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in Gallipoli on August 10th, aged 25. He was the eldest surviving son of the Rev. Oswald and Mrs. Whaley, of Hurchington, Bexhill, and formerly of Poslingford Vicarage, Suffolk. He was educated at Sedbergh School, Yorkshire, and after taking his B.A. degree at Christ's College, Cambridge, was engaged in tuition work until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the University and Public Schools Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Subsequently, he received a commission in the 10th Hampshire, and landed in Gallipoli during the first week of August. Sympathy with his father and mother has been widely expressed.

The deceased officer was the nephew of Miss Whaley, of Hurchington.

WHITE

Harry William

Private 44707, "D" Company, 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. 38th Welsh Division. Killed in action 8 October 1918. Aged 21. Son of Henry and Florence White, of 63 Chandler Road, Bexhill; brother of C. H. White killed in World War 2. Enlisted in St. Leonards. Formerly with the Royal Engineers. Buried in GUIZANCOURT FARM CEMETERY, GOUY, Aisne, France. Row A. Grave 11.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 26 January 1918:

First-class Petty Officer H. White, of 63, Chandler Road, recently received the Distinguished Service Medal awarded to him for service last June in the Straits of Dover. This is the fourth medal in his possession, as he already had the South African medal, the Somaliland medal, and one for long service and good conduct. He has been in the Navy for many years. He is now at Whale Island. His eldest son. Private H. White, South Wales Borderers, was wounded at Cambrai in the head and right arm; after being shot by a sniper he was three days in No Man's Land. Private White was wearing a German helmet at the time, and it afforded considerable protection. He is now doing well in Netley Hospital.

WHITELEY

Laurence

Lieutenant, 1st/5th Battalion, Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch). 51st Division attached to the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action at Ypres 31 July 1917. Aged 32. Son of Seth and Annie Elizabeth Whiteley, of 30, Collegiate Crescent, Sheffield. B.A. Durham University. Buried in WIELTJE FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave lost. Special memorial. Row A. Grave 4.

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

FIANCE KILLED.

The death of Lieutenant Laurence Whiteley who was in a Machine Gun Company, attached to the Lancashires, is deeply lamented by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Young, of Membakut, Amherst-road, and by their daughter, Miss Edith Young, to whom the young officer was engaged. The date of the wedding was fixed some time ago, and it had been postponed until Lieutenant Whiteley obtained leave.

Lieutenant Whiteley was killed in action on the 31st July, while leading his 'men in the great advance. He was well known to many Bexhillians, through having trained at Cooden. and his personal kindness to recruits made him very popular. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Seth Whiteley, of Parkholme, Collegiate-crescent, Sheffield. He had a distinguished scholastic career. Educated at the Royal Grammar School, Sheffield, he went to Durham University, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1907 and M.A. in 1910; he specialised in mathematics and classics. From 1907 to the end of 1914 he was vice-Principal of Whiteley’s College, Sheffield. He was instrumental in training many for the Universities and the learned professions. A brilliant oarsman, while at Durham, he was President of the University College Boating Club, and Clubs of the United Durham Colleges, and possessed many trophies.

It was significant of his patriotism that he was five times refused before eventually saw active service. In August, 1914, he joined the Sheffield Civilian Corps, then volunteered for the City Battalion, but was rejected owing to short sight. He was similarly refused the Officers’ Training Corps, at Sheffield University and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, and two other Corps. After treatment to his eyes he joined the Royal Sussex Regiment as a private in December, 1914, having been invited by Captain Holland to a Public School Platoon. He ultimately obtained a commission in the Black Watch, Royal Highlanders. Last December he was drafted to France and seconded to a Machine Gun Company (he was interested in engineering and artillery), and in April he became a full lieutenant. One of his fellow-officers writes:— “He was very popular in the Company, and will very much missed by us all.”

Copyright © Late Una Whiteman

[Listed as WHILEMAN on memorial] Second Lieutenant, 8th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment attached as a Pilot to Central Flying School, Royal Flying Corps. Killed in a flying accident in a Farman (Maurice) S.11 Shorthorn, serial number A949, when he dived too steeply and failed to flatten out 23 October 1916. Aged 21. Son of Ernest and Annie Whiteman of Janebrooke Midland Junction, Western Australia. He was a Rhodes Scholar. Buried in BEXHILL CEMETERY, Sussex. Grave reference E. F. P2.

Research Copyright © David Hatherell:

His early education was at Middle Swan Primary School. At 13, he joined Guildford Grammar School. His all-round ability soon became apparent as he excelled academically, at sport and in the military and cultural life of the school.
He was school captain for three years, founded and was president of the School Debating Society, captained the School XI Cricket and Shooting teams, the 1st XVIII Football team from 1911-1914, was a member of the Athletics team 1911-1913, Cross Country team 1910-1911 and Shooting team 1910-1913.
He also held the rank of Lieutenant in the Guilford Grammar School Cadet Corps.
In 1914 he completed first year Arts (Maths, English, Latin, Greek, French and Logic) at the University of Western Australia. He also joined the teaching staff at Guildford, where he taught second form boys and was a junior house master.
After being named Rhodes Scholar for 1915, he sailed for England, but deferred starting a law degree at Oxford until he’d completed his war service. He joined the Army, attached to the Inns of Court Training Corps. He later received a commission in the Hampshire Regiment. The regiment was under orders to proceed to France, but the order was cancelled and the regiment was ordered to proceed to India. The prospect of garrison duty in India bitterly disappointed Harold, who had for some time felt he was not facing the same risks as other former school fellows.
Soon afterwards he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and, after passing a course of ground instruction at Reading, was posted to the elementary flying training school at Netheravon in Wiltshire.
He began flying training in September 1916 and had completed five hours dual instruction in a Maurice Farman ‘Shorthorn’ aircraft when his instructor sent him up to fly solo.
The aircraft was Shorthorn, serial number A949. Twenty five minutes into this flight the aircraft nose-dived to earth.
At the inquest Captain Collins stated that he was quite a capable pilot. The aeroplane had dived from a great height to within 150 feet of the ground, when it turned and nose-dived to earth. Harold was injured but died in hospital later that day.

Photograph Copyright © Dave Hatherell 2023

WHORK

Alexander [James]

Sergeant 39436, 288th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action 28 March 1918. Aged 22. Son of Mr and Mrs James Whork of Manchester Husband of Mrs Winifred Alice Whork (remarried Saunders) later of 130 St. Georges Road Reading. Born in Salford Lancs and enlisted in Ashton under Lyne. Buried in MMINDEL TRENCH BRITISH CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY, Pas de Calais, France. Row D. Grave 25.

WHYBORN

Clement William

Copyright © Bexhill Museum

Bombardier 67081, Royal Field Artillery, 31st Battery, 37th Brigade. Killed in action on The Marne 15 September 1914. Aged 22. Son of Mr and Mrs Whyborn of 14 Sylvester Road, Bexhill. Born and enlisted in Hastings. No kno wn grave. Commemorated on the LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et-Marne, France.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 24 October 1914, page 4:

BEXHILL MAN KILLED IN ACTION

It is with great regret that we have to record the death, in action, of Bombardier Clement William Whyborn, R.F.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. Whyborn, of 72, Windsor Road, Bexhill. The official communication which announced the sad intelligence was received by his parents only on Monday, but the date of his death was given in the document as having taken place on September 15.

The deceased Artilleryman was only twenty-two years of age, and was serving with the 37th Brigade when he met with his death. He was the eldest of a family of four, stood over 6 ft. in height, and was a thorough soldier, enjoying the respect of his officers and comrades.

"Don't worry about me in the least. I shall be all right; we must say good-bye though, in case anything should occur"--so the deceased wrote to his mother in the last communication she received. The sympathy of the town will go out to Mr. and Mrs. Whyborn, and their family, in the sad loss they have sustained.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 December 1914, page 4:

BOMBARDIER WHYBORN'S DEATH
COMRADE’S GRAPHIC STORY.

Some time ago we published the fact that Bombardier Clement William Whyborn, son Mr. and Mrs. F. Whybom, of 72, Windsor-road, had been killed in action September 15th with the British Expeditionary Force. Until a few days ago the only information the bereaved parents had as to how their son met his death was contained in the official intimation from the War Office. Now, however, Mrs. Whyborn has received a letter from a comrade of her hero son, dated November 11th, which runs as follows:—

“Dear Mrs. Whyborn,—You will no doubt forgive me for not writing to you before enlightening and explaining to you under what circumstances your gallant soldier son met his death.

“Our brigade was one the first to begin fighting on French soil. We had a splendid target the first day, Germans advancing en masse in thousands. Clem ran his wire out to connect up the batteries. I do not know whether he told you that he was a telephone cart commander, and, of course, had rather a responsible position, as one of the main things on the field is communication. However, all went well that day; we only lost one man, and must have accounted for about five thousand Germans. As I said before, we had a splendid target. By the reports the papers you will have read about the retirement. We retired for about ten days and then started to advance.

“Clem went through all this up to the river Aisne, or rather just beyond (I cannot mention the names of places now). Clem received an order on the 17 September, about 10.30, to lay a wire on the top of a certain hill. He was proceeding along a narrow lane, a chateau wall on one side and thick trees on the other, while the Germans were shelling us all the time, but they all went over our heads.

“But one struck a tree on the right side of the road and bounded back, striking with great force the top of the wall on the left side. It exploded, and your brave son Clement received part of its contents. His death was instantaneous. I was at hds side soon afterwards, but I could do nothing. I gave him, or rather, helped to give him, a fighting soldier’s funeral. With shells falling all around he was laid at rest. It was while listening to the prayer that Captain Colville offered that I myself was wounded. His name and disc were taken from him by the officer, but the contents his pockets were buried with him. When I come home I shall be able to tell you more of the doings of your gallant son, who was a son to be proud of. All his comrades send their deepest sympathy.

“I am.
“ Yours sincerely,
“WILLIAM CULVER (60822).”

The letter places the date of the death of the young Bexhillian (he was only 22 years age) September 17th. Until the arrival of the letter his parents were under the impression that he died two days earlier.

Copyright © Bexhill Museum

Second Lieutenant Acting Captain, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. 29th Division. Killed in action near Fricourt 8 September 1916. Aged 26. Baptised 23 June 1890 in Northampton, Northamptonshire. Elder son of John W. B. Wileman and H. K. Wileman of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. In the 1891 census he was new born, born Alton, Hampshire, son of John W B and Harriet K Wileman, resident The Lindens, Turk Street, Alton, Hampshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born Alton, hampshire, a school boarder, resident Cambridge House School, Northdown Road South Side, Margate, Thanet, Kent. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Alton, Hampshire, son of John Watkins Brett Wileman and Harriet Kate Wileman, resident Berneval, Magdalen Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in PEAKE WOOD CEMETERY, FRICOURT, Somme, France. Row B. Grave 23. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

WILEMAN Gerald Watkins Brett of Berneval Bexhill Sussex second-lieutenant 2nd battalion South Wales Borderers died 15 September 1916 in France Administration London 23 June to Dorothy Mary Wileman widow.
Effects £134. 8s. 11d.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 23 September 1916, page 4:

WILEMAN.—Killed in action, on the 9th Sept., Gerald Watkins Brett Wileman. Lieut., South Wales Borderers, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. B. Wileman. "Berneyal," Bexhill, and husband of Dorothy Wileman (née Haswell) aged 26.

Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. Second Division. Killed in action near Loos 25 September 1915. Aged 25. Born in Hereford. Son of Frederick John and Amelia Mary Williams, of 6, Buckhurst Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVI. Row K. Grave 5.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 27 May 1916:

We regret to hear that definite news has now been received that Lieutenant David Marmaduke Williams. Staffordshire Regiment, was killed on September 25th last at the battle of Loos, the salient at which is still, after eight months, the centre of the most considerable fighting on the British front. Only 25 years of age, Lieut. Williams was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Williams, of 6. Buckhurst- Road, Bexhill, late of Marston House, Hereford, and grandson of the late Mr. A. T. Lefroy, Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, and the family will have the sympathy of many Bexhill friends in their very sad loss. Prior to the war the deceased was chicken-farming at Battle, but on hostilities breaking out he joined the Queen's Westminsters, and in October, 1914 received a commission in the 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment. On March 5th, 1915, he went out to the front attached to the 2nd Battalion. In May he acted as officer carrying the code messages between the General and Colonel through the zone of fire at the battle of Festubert, and was highly complimented by General Monro for the extraordinarily good work he did." A short time after he received a commission in the Regulars for "distinguished service in the field." In January last he was mentioned in dispatches. At the battle of Loos on September 2nd, Lieutenant Williams was machine gun officer under Captain Kilby [who was awarded the V.C for this action), and most gallantly rushed his gun up to within 20 metres of the German trenches, raking them with ? until shot down with all his men. who were either killed or wounded. Corpl. Waile was shot dead as he was courageously trying to bandage the wound in Lieut William’s head. The Colonel, Adjutant, and several others have written to his parents expressing their sorrow at the loss of so gallant an officer The Adjutant said: "He had on more than one occasion given proof of his great bravery and the regiment could ill afford to lose him." The Commanding Officer wrote “The Battalion covered themselves with glory. Your son had done so splendidly when serving under me. " An officer also paid this tribute: "He is a very great loss to us: he cheered everyone up. and was the life and soul of the mess. Nobody could have a more gallant or truer friend." The Saxon regiment opposed to the South Staffords some days after the battle of Loos erected a large cross, which is still seen from the British trenches, with the following inscription: "For King and Fatherland. In memory of Kaptain Kilby, — Williams and 13 men of the South Staffords who died as heroes."

[Listed as Sapper on Bexhill Memorial] Pioneer 534173, 491st Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds 22nd August 1918 in France and Flanders. Born Eastbourne, enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Buried in BAGNEUX BRITISH CEMETERY, GEZAINCOURT, Somme, France. Plot VI. Row A. Grave 3. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

Bombardier 135614, "B" Battery, 107th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. 24th Division. Died of wounds suffered near Ypres 1 August 1917. Aged 28. Son of Mr and Mrs Amos Winborn of Bexhill. Husband of Mrs Annie Agnes Winborn (remarried) later of Canada. B. Bexhill and enlisted in Hastings. Buried in GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 40.

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

BEXHILL FOOTBALLERS DEATH

Many will be sorry to hear of the death of Bombardier N. Winborn, Royal Field Artillery, formerly vice-captain of the Bexhill Rangers.

Bombardier Winborn, whose wife resides at 15, Wickham-avenue, had already been twice wounded. Up to the time of his enlistment he was employed by Mr. F. J. Offen, butcher. He was subsequently stationed at Swanage, but had been in France for nine months. Not long ago his wife received the news that he had been slightly wounded in the arm; he then wrote home cheerfully. Later, however, a !etter to his wife from the Sister-in-charge at one of the Casualty Clearing Sitations conveyed the sad intelligence of his death on the 1st of August. The Sister wrote: “He was admitted to hospital badly gassed, and from the first there was little hope of his recovery. Everything possible was done for him, and he had every care and attention but he became gradually worse, and passed quietly away this morning. I am so sorry we could not save him for you, but we tried our best, and tried to make his last hours as easy and peaceful as possible. His personal effects will be forwarded to you through the War Office, and you will receive them in the course of time. with deepest sympathy."

Mrs. Winborn has received the Royal message of sympathy. Bombardier Winborn was a member of the Bexhill Brotherhood, and on Sunday there was sympathetic reference at that meeting to the loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Winchester, of Elm-cottage, Ninfield, have received intelligence that their son, Private Charlie Winchester, Royal Sussex Regiment, has died of wounds received on the 13th. Mrs. Winchester received the news on Sunday in a letter from a Chaplain in which he said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that your son died on the day after he was admitted to the C.C.S. He was badly wounded about his thighs and was too ill to realize anything or send any message. I buried him to-day in Cambrai Chateau Military Cemetery, where his grave will be kept up in good order and a little cross put up. I can only offer you very sincere sympathy and pray that God will comfort and sustain you in your great sorrow and bereavement.

Private Winchester had seen much fighting both in France and Egypt and had been wounded three times. Ile was one of the first to join the Southdowns on the outbreak of war. He was expected home on leave and was then to have been married. Private Winchester was 27 years of age and before joining the Army was gardener to Mr. Lucas, of Warnham Court, near Horsham.

Copyright © Late May Jackson

[Listed as Lieutenant on Bexhill memorial] Second Lieutenant 4/178A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Killed in action 4 November 1918. Son of Helen Wood, of 55, Harrow Rd., Boley, Sydney, Australia, and the late Charles Wood; husband of Mrs. J. B. Wood, of 31, Eversley Rd., Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Also served at Gallipoli with No. 1 Coy. New Zealand Engineers. Born in New South Wales, Australia. Buried in LE QUESNOY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Nord, France. Plot I. Row A. Grave 8.

Gunner 14231, "C" Battery, 92nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 2nd June 1916. Born in Bexhill and enlisted in Bexhill. No other CWGC details. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 5. See also Little Common

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 1 July 1916, page 6:

Gunner H. O. Wood. R.F.A., of Bexhill, has been killed in action.

Gunner 233790, "C" Battery, 315th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds in base hospital at Rouen, 26 May 1918. Aged 29. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Wood of Bexhill. Husband of Mrs Edith Wood of "Sunnyside", Belle Hill, Bexhill. Enlisted in London. Buried in ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Section Q. Plot I. Row C. Grave 4. - See also Bexhill-on-Sea - St Mary Magdelene

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

YOUNG ARTILLERYMAN'S DEATH.

His friends in Bexhill will be sorry to hear that Gunner H. L. Wood (Josh) R.F.A., the third son of Mrs. Wood, and the late Mr Thomas Wood, of Sunnyside, Belle-hill, was gassed and wounded on the 25th May and died on the 26th in hospital at Rouen. Gunner Wood was 29 years of age. He leaves a widow and one child. He was formerly with Messrs. Stevens and Son, Sea-road.

Private L/7877, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st. Division. Wounded on the Somme near Bazentin and died on the 26 August 1916. Aged 27. Son of Mr and Mrs Wood of Sidley. Born in Hollington Hastings and enlisted in Hastings. Regular Soldier. Included on Sidley Parish Church Memorial Buried in HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France. Plot III. Row G. Grave 15.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 30 September 1916, page 10:

PRIVATE MILTON WOOD.

Royal Sussex Regiment, of 4, Spray's Cottages, Sidley, was killed on the 26 August. He leaves a wife and child.

Private L/8186, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st. Division. Wounded near Ypres and died at Wimereux 22 November 1914. Aged 33. Born in Ringmer Sussex and enlisted in Chichester. Regular Soldier. Next of kin Bexhill. Buried in WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 15A.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 5 December 1914, page 4:

PRIVATE SAMUEL WOOD,

The sad news has reached Bexhill that Private Samuel Wood, of "B" Company, 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, has died in hospital at Boulogne. The news reached Mrs. Wood, his mother, a widow, who is employed at Sunny Mount, Sea-road, from the hospital chaplain in the following letter:—

" 14th General Hospital,
Wimereux,
Boulogne.
November 25.

"Dear Mrs. Wood,—You will probably have heard the sad news by now that Private Wood died here a few days ago. It may be a comfort to you to know that. I visited him. I hope when I return to England to bring you a photograph of his grave in the Cemetery here. I am so very sorry for you,

Yours truly,
JAMES ADDERLY,
Chaplain."

The cause of death is not mentioned.

Early in November Private Wood was reported wounded, but in his last letter home he stated ''Am quite well." Private Wood, who was 32 years of age, returned from India in January after live years' service there, and was called up for active service at the outbreak of War.

[Listed as Corporal on Bexhill memorial] Acting 2nd Corporal, 491st Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died of wounds near Vimy 19 May 1917 in France and Flanders. Age 22. Enlisted Bexhill-on-Sea. Son of Amelia Ann Woods, of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Buried in LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row A. Grave 14.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer 2 June 1917:

Corporal C. J. Woods, Royal Engineers, whose death from shell wounds was announced last week. He was an ardent footballer. His mother and sister reside at 37, Western Road.

Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers 5th Division. Killed in action near Festubert 12 October 1914. Aged 18. Born 12 December 1895, baptised 10 January 1896 in Wolborough, St Paul, Devon. Son of Lt. General Sir C. L. Woollcombe, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. and Dame Agnes Meade Woollcombe, of "Chat Moss," Bexhill. In the 1911 census he was aged 15, born Newton Abbot, Devon (Bengal), an Army Student, son of Agnes Woollcombe, resident 33, Wilton Road, Bexhill, Sussex. Buried in BROWN'S ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY, FESTUBERT, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row E. Grave 2.

Extract from Bond of Sacrifice: Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1916, Volume 1, page 451-452:

2nd LIEUTENANT CHARLES STEPHENSON WOOLLCOMBE, 2nd BATTN. THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS, born at Newton Abbot, Devonshire, on the 12th December, 1895, was the younger son of Lieutenant, G eneral Charles Louis Woollcom be, C.B., Colonel of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, and Mrs. Woollcombe, daughter of the late General Sir John Irvine Murray, K.C.B., Indian Army. He was a cousin to Major John Morth Woollcombe, of Ashbury, Devon.

He was educated at Marlborough, from which he entered the R.M.C., Sandhurst, in September, 1913, and was gazetted to the K.O.S.B. in August, 1914, joining the 2nd Battalion, which belonged to the Vth Division, in France the following month.

He was killed in action at Cuinchy on the 12th October, 1914. The 13th Brigade, of which his regiment formed part was ordered to clear the enemy out of a position, and almost as soon as it advanced three officers—of whom 2nd Lieutenant Woollcombe was one—and several men were killed.

Lieutenant, "B" Battery, 115th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Salonikan Units. Died of wounds in Greece 20 August 1916. Aged 25. Born 15 February 1891, baptised 14 March 1891 at Ipswich, St Mary Le Tower, Suffolk, son of Henry Cordy and Janet Wrinch, of 41, Henl;ey Road, Ipswich. Son of Henry Cordy and Janet Wrinch of Dingley Dell, Felixstowe, Suffolk. Formerly of Bexhill. In the 1911 census he was aged 20, born Ipswich, Suffolk, a Farming Pupil, boarding at Walton House, Walton, Suffolk. Buried in KARASOULI MILITARY CEMETERY, Greece. Row A. Grave 77.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1917:

WRINCH Harry Durrill of 2 The Downs Bexhill Sussex lieutenant R.F.A. B battery 115th brigade died 20 August 1916 at or near Gugunci Macedonia Administration London 4 January to Henry Gordy Wrinch gentleman. Effects £184 15s. 4d.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 16 September 1916, page 1:

The death (killed in action) is announced of Lieutenant Harry Durrill Wrinch, Royal Field Artillery. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cordy Wrinch, of The Down, Bexhill, Twenty-five years of age, he obtained his commission in December 1914, and was promoted last January.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 16 September 1916, page 10:

LIEUTENANT WRINCH KILLED.

Another young Bexhill officer has been killed at the Front. This is Lieutenant Harry Durrill Wrinch, of the Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Wrinch, of La Maisonette, The Down, who was killed on 20 August. He was only 25 years of age

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 16 September 1916, page 9:

WRINCH.—Killed in action on the 20th of August. Harry Durrill Wrinch, Lieutenant Royal Field Artillery, only son of Janet and Henry Cordy Wrinch, of No. 2, The Down, Bexhill, aged twenty-five.

Extract from Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle - Saturday 07 October 1916, page 12:

We announced the death some time ago of Lieut. Harry Durrill Wrinch, who was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Wrinch, of No. 2, The Down, Bexhill, and we have now received the following particulars. He was educated at Ipswich School and at St. Gallen, Switzerland. He was an excellent linguist, speaking both French and German like a native, and having almost as great proficiency in Spanish and Italian. At the outbreak of the war he resigned an appointment in South America in order to serve his King and country, and had a perilous journey home in Octbber, 1914. He was gazetted second lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on December 1st, 1914, and was promoted lieutenant in June, 1916. He was in action with his brigade from September to November, 1915, when his brigade was ordered to another field of operations. He had been recommended by his colonel for the command of a battery.