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BROMSGROVE, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS, WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © Geoff Sullivan 2008
additional research Andy Frisby

The Bromsgrove Independent order of Oddfellows war memorial was to be found on the wall of the Staffordshire Building Society, Bromsgrove but can now be fouind on the wall above the premies occupied by the EE mobile phone network shop on the High Street, Bromsgrove. It takes the form of a large stone tablet. There are 56 names listed for World War 1 only. The memorial was designed by The Bromsgrove Guild. The detail here is sorted into alphabetical order for ease of reaserch and reading. As the transcription is taken from the photograph it may not be 100% accurate and in some cases it has been difficult to read the names.

Photographs Copyright © Geoff Sullivan 2008

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS
MANCHESTER UNITY
FRIENDLY SOCIETY BROMSGROVE DISTRICT
MEMBERS OF THE ABOVE DISTRICT
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 1919

ALLEN

A

St. George Lodge - No further information currently available

BARLEY

Hubert

Victoria Lodge. Private RME/3152/S. Royal Marine Engineers. Died of disease 6 February 1919. Aged 32. Husband of F. E. Barley, of Crabmill Cottages, Bromsgrove. Awarded the British War Medal. Buried in BROMSGROVE CEMETERY, Worcestershire. Plot.Row.Section O. Grave 88.

BIRTLEY

Augustus

British Queen Lodge. Private 787, 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action 11 October 1916. Aged 19. Born Dudley, enlisted Birmingham, resident Bromsgrove. Son of Samuel George and Martha Ann Birtley, of 44, Highfield Rd., Bromsgrove. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 9 A 9 B and 10 B.

BLUNN

William Thomas

Widows Protection Lodge. Private 20094, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died of wounds at sea 12 August 1915. Aged 24. Born Shirley, Warwickshire, enlisted Redditch, resident Alvechurch. Son of Thomas and Rose Arm Blunn, of 16, Red Lion St., Alvechurch, Birmingham. No known grave. Buried at sea and commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 104 to 113.

BOURNE

Frank

British Queen Lodge. Private 203691, 1/7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 26 August 1917. Aged 28. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Son of Mrs. Eliza Bourne, of Churchfields, Bromsgrove. No known grave. Commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 75 to 77.

BUCKLEY

A

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

BYNG

Albert E

Widows Protection Lodge. Private 2403, 23rd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). Died 24 September 1917. Born St. John's, Worcestershire, enlisted Aldershot, Hamsphire, resident Alverchurch, Worcestershire. Son of Marcus and Saerah Ann Byng, of Greenfield Cottages, Alvechurch. Buried in LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row E. Grave 1.

BYNG

Marcus Thomas

Widows Protection Lodge. Pioneer 321772, "Q" Speical Company, Royal Engineers. Died 9 March 1919. Son of Marcus and Sarah Ann Byng, of Greenfield Cottages, Alvechurch. Born Bromsgrove. Buried in LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row F. Grave 49.

CALVEY

Samuel

British Queen Lodge. Private 19258, 9th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died of wounds at Gallipoli 14 October 1915. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Redditch. Buried in HILL 10 CEMETERY, TURKEY. Plot I. Row E. Grave 5.

CARTER

W J

Pakington Lodge - No further information currently available

CLARKE

W R

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

CLAYTON

A

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

COKER

F?

Pakington Lodge - No further information currently available

COLLINS

William [John Miles]

Victoria Lodge. Private 46956, "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died of wounds 9 June 1918. Aged 28. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Redditch. Son of Mary Collins, of Hewell Lane, Tardebigge, Bromsgrove, Worcs., and the late Francis James Collins. Buried in BELGIAN BATTERY CORNER CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot III. Row B. Grave 6.

COOPER

J

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

DAVIS

T

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

DEPPER

Walter

British Queen Lodge. Sergeant 29609, 14th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died 1 November 1918. Aged 30. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Son of C. Depper; husband of Alice Depper, of Amiss Yard, High St., Bromsgrove. Buried in ST. POL BRITISH CEMETERY, ST. POL-SUR-TERNOISE, Pas de Calais, France. Plot II. Row C. Grave 17.

DOLPHIN

C

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

DOVEY

Arthur Allen

Pakington Lodge. Private 27193, 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action in Salonika 12 October 1916. Born Salwarpe, Worcestershire, enlisted Worcestershire, resident Droitwich. Son of Job and Elizabeth Dovey, of Newland, Droitwich, Worcs. Buried in KARASOULI MILITARY CEMETERY, Greece. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 303.

FIELD

H G

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

FISHER

John Douglas

St. George Lodge. Private 45051, 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Killed in action 15 October 1918. Aged 19. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Stourbridge. Son of Thomas and Margaret Fisher, of 15, Worcester St., Bromsgrove. Formerly 70989, Devonshire Regiment. Buried in DADIZEELE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Moorslede, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot VI. Row E. Grave 12.

FOSTER

F

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

FOSTER

H

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

GILES

W

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

HARTLAND

Matthew

Pakington Lodge. Private 20303, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action at Gallipoli 6 August 1915. Aged 36. Born and resident Droitwich, enlisted Worcester. Son of Matthew and Frances Hartland, of "Ivydene," Newland Common, Droitwich. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 104 to 113.

HEDGES

Frederick Richard

British Queen Lodge. Rifleman 44530, 16th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Died of wounds 2 December 1917. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Salisbury, Wiltshire. Formerly 5848, London Regiment. Buried in GREVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IX. Row A. Grave 9.

HEMMING

Percy William

Queen's Own Royal Lodge. Sergeant 21396, 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 3 July 1916. Born Bromsgrove, enlisted and resident Worcester. Living at Crowle at the time of his death but late of Victoria Road, Bromsgrove. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 5 A and 6 C. See also Crowle WM and Crowle Church of England School WM

JAMES

Edgar William

St. George Lodge. Lance Corporal 2135, 2/8th Battaluion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 5 August 1916. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Son of Fanny James, of 39, Stourbridge Rd., Bromsgrove. Buried in LAVENTIE MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE, Nord, France. Plot III. Row C. Grave 34.

From the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger:

LANCE CORPORAL EDGAR JAMES

Lance Corporal Edgar William James 2135 2/8th battalion Worcestershire Regiment killed in action 5th August 1916. He is buried at Laventie Military Cemetery La Gorgue. (Plot ref 111. c. 34. )

He enlisted at Bromsgrove on 18th May 1914 . He was 5ft 7in tall.

He became an acting Lance Corporal on 28th August 1915

He went to France on 24th May 1916 on which date he became a Lance Corporal.

He was the son of Oliver and Fanny James nee Grazier of Stourbridge Road Bromsgrove.

Oliver was a Railway Wagon Spring Maker.

They had 3 children :-
Oliver Bertram James born 1889
Elsie May James born 1890
Edgar William James born 1897

JONES

W

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

KINGS

J

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

KNIGHT

A W

Pakington Lodge - No further information currently available

LAMMAS

William

St. George Lodge. Private 18881, 5th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds 3 January 1916. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Birmingham. Buried in FERME-OLIVIER CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot 2. Row I. Grave 2.

LAUGHER

Frank

St. George Lodge. Private 267054, 11th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Died 17 September 1917. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Buried in DENAIN COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot/Row/Section D. Grave 47.

LOVE

R

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

MANDER

A

St. George Lodge - No further information currently available

MORRIS

E

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

PENNY

Hubert

British Queen Lodge. Private 19936, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action at Gallipoli 6 August 1915. Born and resident Bromsgrove, enlisted Worcester.No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 104 to 113.

PERRINS

George

British Queen Lodge. Fitter 841060, "D" Battery, 156th Brigade (Territorial Force), Royal Field Artillery. Died of wounds 29 April 1918. Aged 22. Born Bromsgrove, enlisted Birmingham. Son of George and Sarah Perrins, of Bexley Villa, Middle Rd., Aston Pields, Bromsgrove. Buried in HARINGHE (BANDAGHEM) MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot V. Row C. Grave 18.

PETFORD

C R?

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

PRESCOTE

H

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

PROSSER

W H

Pakington Lodge - No further information currently available

ROSE

J H

Queen's Own Royal Lodge - No further information currently available

SANDERS?

J

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

SEALEY

F L?

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

SIMPSON

Walter Edward

British Queen Lodge. Private 29667, 14th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 29 April 1917. Aged 21. Born Bromsgrove, enlisted and resident Sutton Coldfield. Son of Walter and Mary Jane Simpson, of 73, Reddicap Heath Rd., Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6.

SPENCER

A M

British Queen Lodge - No further information currently available

STEELE

A

Widows Protection Lodge - No further information currently available

TOMLIN

H J?

Victoria Lodge - No further information currently available

TROTH

Frederick

St. George Lodge. Private 8530, 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died 2 March 1915. Aged 40. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Son of the late William and Emma Troth, of Bromsgrove; husband of Sarah Jane Troth, of Stone House, Rock Hill, Bromsgrove. Buried in LE TREPORT MILITARY CEMETERY, Seine-Maritime, France. Plot 1. Row A. Grave 8.

TROTH, MM

George

St. George Lodge. Sergeant 240889, 2/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 5 January 1917. Enlisted, during September 1914, and resident Bromsgrove. Tailor by trade. Awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Buried in OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 21.

He was the son of William and Annie Troth nee Kendall. William was a Nailmaker. They had at least 5 children including:-

Louisa born 1875
John born 1878
Henry born 1882
George born 1884
Emily born 1889

From the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger dated January 1917

Mrs Troth of Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, received news this week that her husband Sergeant George Troth of the Worcestershire Territorials was killed in action on Friday 5th January. The news was conveyed in a letter from a Bromsgrove comrade and also brought by another Bromsgrove Private, who came home on leave this week. It appears that Sergeant Troth was killed by a machine- gun shot injury below the ear while engaged with a patrol party of six, among whom was Private Hatton of Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove who was also wounded. Sergeant Troth was buried on Sunday. The deceased was 32 years of age last July. He was a man of modest and quiet disposition and was popular with all ranks. He served at the Bromsgrove Company 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, for 9 years , and retired with the rank of Corporal. When the war broke out he joined the Bromsgrove Company of the National Reserve, and in September 1914 he enlisted in his old regiment. He was in training with his battalion in various parts of the country for some 18 months, and proceeded to the front in the late Spring of 1916.In August last he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty in action. He had recently been home on furlough, and returned to France in the best of spirits. He leaves no children. From the age of 11 years and until he enlisted , Sergeant Troth was in the employment Of Mr J H Clarkson, tailor, High Street, Bromsgrove. He was a brother of Sergeant John Troth of the Worcestershire Territorials, a well known rifle shot.

He was a member of the Bromsgrove Oddfellows Association, St George Lodge.

TURNER

Alfred Edward

British Queen Lodge. Private 2509, 2nd/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died in United Kingdom from shell shock 18 June 1916. Born 1895 in Llanidloes. Enlisted Worcester, resident Bromsgrove. He worked in the local Shoe factory. Buried in BROMSGROVE CEMETERY, Worcestershire. Plot/Row/Section O. Grave 171.

He was the son of Alfred and Annie Turner nee Edwards. Alfred was a nailmaker.They had 2 children:-

Elizabeth Annie Turner born 1888
Alfred Edward Turner born 1895

From the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger 24th June 1916:

Mr A Turner of 10 Peter's Finger, Worcester Street , Bromsgrove, has been officially informed that his only son, Private A E Turner, died in the No 4 London General Hospital on Sunday from shell shock. As stated last week deceased was admitted to hospital on the 8th inst. and subsequently was brought over to this country. Private Turner who is 21 years of age, was in the 5th Worcesters for three or four years, and then joined the Royal Field Artillery. His father bought him out, but when war was declared, he enlisted in the local Territorials. He went on active service with his battalion over a year ago.

Represented at his funeral on 24th June 1916 were wounded soldiers from Blackwell Sanitorium, the Volunteer Training Corps, The Ambulance Corps and the Boy Scouts.

He was a member of the Bromsgrove Oddfellows Association, British Queen Lodge.

He is also commemorated on the Memorial Plaque in Bromsgrove Baptist Church.

TUSTIN

William [Edward]

Victoria Lodge. Private William Edward Tustin, TR7/17167, 16th service battalion, Hampshire Regiment, Training Reserve , died 21st May 1917 at the Military Hospital Chiseldon, of bronchial pneumonia, following measles, aged 28. He is buried with his grandparents Edward and Eliza Tustin in the northwest corner of St Bartholomew’s churchyard, Tardebigge.

He enlisted at Bromsgrove.

He was born Edward William Tustin at Tutnall near Bromsgrove in 1889, and worked on a farm as a Poultryman.

He was the son of Edward Tustin and his first wife Mary Ann Tustin nee Crutchley.

Edward was a Blacksmith.

They had 3 children:-
Edward William Tustin born 1889
Tom Tustin born 1890 died 1890
Mary Nena Tustin born 1891

Edward also had 2 children from his second marriage to Sarah Jane Tustin nee Checketts

They were:-
Harry Tustin born 1897
Agnes Tustin born 1899

He was a member of the Bromsgrove Oddfellows Association, Victoria Lodge.

WEAVER

F E

Queen's Own Royal Lodge - No further information currently available

WANKLIN, DCM

Albert

British Queen Lodge. Sergeant 240026, 1/8th Battal;ion, Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in action 5 october 1918. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.). Buried in BEAUREVOIR BRITISH CEMETERY, Aisne, France. Section C. Grave 33.

Extract from local paper kindly supplied by Andy Frisby:

 

Obituary taken from the Bromsgrove dated 2nd November 1918

Mrs Wanklin has received official certification that her husband Sergeant Albert Wanklin was killed in action on October 5th. Sergeant Wanklin was in the Worcestershire Regiment ( T F ) and the information of his death was first conveyed to Mrs Wanklin in a letter from the commanding officer of the battalion who said :-

‘It was with the deepest regret and most heartfelt sympathy that I have to inform you of the death in action of your husband who was killed when leading his platoon in an attack on October 5th. He always set a wonderful example of personal bravery, unselfish of devotion to duty and physical endurance, and having had the honour and pleasure of serving with him so many years, I feel his loss more than words can express‘.

Sergeant Wanklin was among the local Territorials who went up in August 1914 and had been in service ever since. He had previously served in the Volunteers and Territorials for 15 years and held the Territorial Medal. He was gassed while serving in France 2 years ago. In June this year he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Wanklin of Melbourne Road and leaves a widow and a child. Before the war he was employed at Bromsgrove Railway Wagon Works.

Albert Wanklin ( sergeant 240026 ) Worcestershire Regiment was killed in action on 5th October 1918 and is buried in Beaurevoir British Cemetery ( grave Ref C33 ).

He is the son of John and Mary Wanklin nee Dipple. John was a nailmaker.

They had 12 children including :-
Maria Wanklin ( born 1878 Twin )
Mary Ann Wanklin ( born 1878 Twin)
Sarah Hannah Wanklin ( born 1880 )
Albert Wanklin ( born 1882 )
Elizabeth Wanklin ( Lizzie born 1885 )
William Wanklin ( born 1886 )
Leonard Wanklin ( born 1889 )
Harry Wanklin ( born 1892 )
Beatrice Wanklin ( born 1896 )
Rhoda Wanklin ( Born 1898 )

Albert Wanklin married Nellie Clara Laugher in Bromsgrove year 1906.

They had one son Clarence born 1912.

He lived at 33 Melbourne Road Bromsgrove and was employed as a railway wagon repairer at Bromsgrove Carriage and Wagon Work

WENSLEY

George

British Queen Lodge. Private 24790, 11th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment). Died of wounds 16 August 1916. Born and enlisted Bromsgrove. Husband of Gladys Amy Ballard (formerly Wensley - CWGC lists her maiden name as Perkins), of 25, Goss Square, Bromsgrove. Buried in ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IX. Row E. Grave 10.

From the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger August 1916:

BROMSGROVE MAN'S DEATH FROM WOUNDS

PRIVATE GEORGE WENSLEY, Royal Berkshire Regiment, of 25 Das Square, Bromsgrove.

On Wednesday night Mrs. Wensley, of 25 Gas Square, bromsgrove, received a telegram from the War Office announcing the death of her husband, Private george Wensley, Royal berkshire Regiment, of 25 Gas Square, Bromsgrove. On August 3rd Mrs. Wensley was notified by telegram that her husband had been dangerously wounded by gun shot, and had had tom have his leg amputated in hospital in France, Mrs. Wensley journeyed to France to visit her husbandm, and found him comfortable, and full of hope that he would recover; he was, in fact, believed to be out of danger. She also received a letter from Private Wensley dated August 13th, in which he said he was better some days than others. The cool weather suited him, but the hot weather upset him. On Wednesday, however, the deceased must have become much worse, for Mrs. Wensley received a telegram in the morning saying he was dangerously ill, while a few hours later came the announcement of his death. Private Wensley was a son of Mr. John Wensley, of Bromsgrove, was 28 years of age, and leaves a widow and three small children. He had been in the Army for three months, having joined a labour battalion, and went to France three weeks before the date of his wounds. before enlisting he was employed at Austin's.

Note: Austin’s is the Longbridge Motor Car Factory

He enlisted in Bromsgrove and served in the 11th battalion.

George Wensley was born Bromsgrove 1888.

He was the son of John and Myra Wensley nee Dyers. John was a bricklayer residing at Worcester Street Bromsgrove.

They had 6 children:-
John Wensley born 1884
Mary Ann Wensley born 1885
George Wensley born 1888
Myra Wensley born 1892
Sarah Wensley born 1893
Baden Wensley born 1900

George Wensley married Amy Gladys Ballard in 1909

They had 4 children :-
Gladys E Wensley born 1910
Norman G Wensley born 1911
John A Wensley born 1913
Myra P Wensley born 1915

WILLIAMS

Ernest

Victoria Lodge. Private 8955, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. Died in Turkey 29th September 1915. Born 1896 in Bromsgrove, enlisted in Birmingham, resident Birmingham. Stepson of Charles and Jane Norris. Commemorated in BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq, on the Angora Memorial Panel 178. The original cemetery where he was buried

From the Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger 18th September 1915

INTERNED AT CONSTANTINOPLE

The relatives of Private Ernest Williams 4th Worcesters , of 9 Alcester Road Bromsgrove have been informed by the International Committee of The Red Cross Prisoners of War Agency Switzerland that according to a list received from The Red Crescent Society, Constantinople , Williams was taken on August 6th and had been provisionally interned at Constantinople. Previous to the war he was in the employ of the Midland railway Company at Saltley.

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Last updated 17 July, 2018

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