JOHN DUFFELL

Epping's Memorials to the Fallen

On Thursday 2nd January 1919 a public meeting was called by Epping Urban District Council (EUDC) Chairman E. A. Ball to consider the question of a memorial to those from Epping who fell in the Great War. The well-attended meeting was held in the Victoria Hall in the High Street. Mr Ball told the gathering that the Council had no suggestions to put before them, as he felt that the meeting should be entirely free to propose and discuss any ideas which had a bearing on the subject in hand. He went on to say that two things had to be borne in mind. The first was the area to be covered by the memorial. Should it just be for Epping, or should neighbouring parishes like Epping Upland and Theydon Garnon be included? Secondly, there was the question of cost, as there was no point in considering proposals that were beyond the means of the community to carry out.

The Council had received a number of letters on the subject, and one of these was read out by Mr Ball. It was from E. J. Wythes, the owner of Copped Hall, stating that in his opinion the only suitable memorial would be a Calvary, which could be placed in the Market Place or some other prominent place. The Rev. R. M. Rees asked the precise meaning of a Calvary. Was it a crucifix? Mr W. Pyne replied that it is commonly known as that. The Rev. Rees said that a crucifix would "grate upon some people's feelings". A crucifix was common in Roman Catholic countries, but not in England. There followed much discussion on the suitability of a Calvary before other suggestions began to be put forward. Mr H. Worsley suggested a simple cross bearing the names of the Fallen. Mr Oakley said that as Epping had no public or swimming baths, the provision of them would be a good memorial and would also benefit future generations.

Eventually a proposal was put forward by Mr Worsley that a public memorial to the fallen be established, to consist of a cross or other monument of a symbolic nature, and that a fund should be set up to assist the children of the fallen men in their upkeep and education, and in placing them in a position to earn their own living. A committee would be set up to manage the building of the memorial and the fund. This was agreed, and the committee was duly appointed, consisting of the following: J. W. Ware, H. Worsley, J. G. Pelly, W. W. Nicholls JP, E. A. Ball JP, P. L. Soper, E. J. Wythes JP, Cris Cottis, The Rev. Canon Allwork MA, The Rev. R. M. Rees MA, Miss V. Seaton, and the Acting Chairman of EUDC.

During the months of February and March of 1919 a number of letters appeared in the West Essex Gazette calling for the building of swimming baths as part of a memorial, and others saying that the suggested fund would not work. In April a meeting of the Epping War Memorial Committee took place. A letter was read out from Mr Worsley in which he withdrew his original proposal as he felt that it was not approved by the people of Epping, and therefore did not wish it to be considered by the Committee. It was also revealed at the meeting that neighbouring parishes had been contacted and had stated that they were providing their own memorials, and therefore did not wish to join in with Epping.

The next discussion on the memorial took place on the 1st August. In light of the withdrawal of Mr Worsley's proposal, it was decided that any money left over after the erection of a memorial should be used to provide a bed or beds in the Cottage Hospital for the use of soldiers. The estimated cost of a cross was £600. Two designs had been submitted by London architect E. P. Warren. These had been considered by the Committee and one had been selected. This choice, however, was not popular with everybody. Local pharmacist E. H. Slater said that it looked like "a candle with a small cross on top". Dr Watney was even less complimentary, saying that it looked "like a weather-cock or one of those long things that come out of the ground for drains". Schoolmaster A. E. Piper was somewhat less scathing, saying that although the efforts of the Committee were appreciated, it was felt that they had failed to interpret the feelings of the public. Dr Erskine suggested that as a result of this meeting, the Committee would now have a good idea of what was wanted, and that they should re-consider their decision. This was overwhelmingly agreed.

In the West Essex Gazette of 27th September 1919 the following report appeared: "Those interested in the Epping War Memorial (and who living in the district is not?) should study the designs of the proposed symbolic memorials that are exhibited in the windows of Messrs. A.B Davis & Co., High Street, Epping. The original design would be 23 feet 9 inches in height, with a base of 12 feet 8 inches, and cost £600. The alternate plan shows an Ionian cross with column and pedestal, height to be 15 feet and base 8 feet, at a cost of £325. It should be remembered that the scale of the first design is ½ inch to the foot, while the other is 1 inch to the foot.

The final public meeting about the memorial was held on the 3rd October. Those present heard that such was the reputation of architect E. P. Warren he had been hired by the Imperial War Graves Commission as their chief architect in the erection of war memorials in Mesopotamia. Both of his designs were discussed in detail. The Rev. Rees stated that the Ionian cross was not suitable: "We are not Celts; if we lived in Scotland or Cornwall we might put up such a cross, but why should one be put up in Essex?". After much discussion, the first design, costing £600, was accepted, along with the proposal to provide beds for the Cottage Hospital. The money would be raised entirely by public subscription, and the memorial would remain in the care of the Urban District Council. It was decided to erect the memorial on Church Hill Green.

On the 1st November a notice was published in the Gazette inviting relatives and friends of the fallen who were resident in the Epping District to submit names to be inscribed on the memorial. Forms could be obtained from Messrs. Davis & Co., and when completed were to be sent to Committee member J. W. Ware by the 15th November. Any not received by that date would be omitted from the list.

Money began to come in for the memorial. Each week a list of those who had made donations was published in the Gazette. It was almost two years before details of the erection of the memorial appeared in the Gazette. The report, printed on the 19th February 1921, said: It is with great satisfaction that we learn that the Epping War Memorial will be erected at an early date. We view it as a most fitting memorial to our brave men who fell in the Great and awful War, and we think that the people of Epping will be proud of the memorial, which, in its impressive simplicity, will surely appeal to the hearts and minds of everyone. The site chosen on the North Green is undoubtedly an ideal site and will undoubtedly attract the attention of every passer-by. It is regrettable that there is still a balance of about £50 required to complete the payment of expenses which have been incurred, but we cannot believe that the people of Epping will allow this to remain now that they know the memorial is practically completed and on the point of being erected; and we venture to think that there are still some people of the parish who have not yet contributed their mite towards this beautiful and permanent memorial to our brave men. Perhaps there are some whose contribution might have been larger than it was. Will not these persons help a little more so that the memorial may be declared free of debt when it is dedicated in the near future?

The memorial was erected in the form of an octagonal column mounted on an octagonal base and steps, and surmounted by an ornamental cross. On top of the base immediately below the column is a laurel wreath with two swords across. The foundation is made of concrete. It was made in Somerset Doulting Stone, and was erected by L. A. Turner of Lambs Conduit Street, London. The site was prepared by J. Whiffin & Sons, of Granville Road, Epping. It was finally unveiled and dedicated on Sunday 8th May 1921. It was estimated that half the population of Epping attended, despite the fact that it rained for most of the day.

The mood was described as one of pride in the fallen rather than sadness. The ceremony of unveiling was performed by Brigadier-General J. T. Wigan CB,CMG,DSO,MP. He was received by Committee chairman E. A. Ball, who was supported by J. W. Ware, Cris Cottis, R. L. Soper, and other members of the Committee. A religious service was conducted by the Rev. Canon H. E. Olivier (Vicar of Epping), The Rev. R. V. Dodd, The Rev. R. M. Rees (representing the Wesleyans), and the Rev. J. H. Locke (Pastor of the Congregational Church). The massed choirs of the three churches led the singing, and Mr Donald Penrose accompanied them on a portable organ. Seats were provided for the next-of-kin of the fallen directly in front of the memorial. Among the local organisations represented were the VADs (Volunteer Aid Detachment), the Police, ex-servicemen (as part of the Epping Branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers and Sailors), the First, Second, and Third Companies of Epping (WI) Girl Guides, and boys and girls from Epping School. A number of local dignitaries were also present, including Brigadier-General R.B. Colvin, the MP for Epping. Brigadier-General Wigan inspected the ex-servicemen before taking his stand at the side of the memorial, speaking to many of them about their memories of the War. After hymns and prayers the Brigadier-General unveiled the memorial, saying "In the name of the people of this place I unveil their memorial to our brothers who have given their lives for our safety in the cause of Country and freedom, and I ask that it may now be dedicated to the glory of God". Mr Ball then read out the names of the ninety-six fallen men inscribed on the memorial. The Brigadier-General then gave a brief address, saying that the memorial was a fitting mark of respect to the people of Epping who had gone out from the District and had fallen in the Great War. He added that no regiments had fought more gloriously than those from this county. Three Buglers from the Essex Regiment then stepped to the front of the memorial and sounded the Last Post. As the notes died away, wreaths and flowers were placed on the memorial by local organisations and friends and relatives of the fallen. A full page report of the event was carried by the Gazette on the 14th of May.

Postcard produced to commemorate the dedication

During the Second World War a further thirty-one men from Epping lost their lives. In March 1947 the subject of adding their names to the memorial was raised by the British Legion at the Annual General Meeting of the Epping & District Council of Social Service. They expressed their concern that no move had been made to perpetuate the memory of the fallen. A sum of £5 was granted to the Legion to be used "as they saw fit for the maintenance and upkeep of the memorial". Two months later a newly formed War Memorial Committee met for the first time at the chambers of the Urban Council. Mr H.M. Phillips was elected chairman and Mr Percy Francis secretary. The rest of the Committee was formed from members of Epping Urban District Council, the Epping Branch of the British Legion and the Council of Social Service. Council Surveyor Harry Mead was charged with the task of exploring the possibilities of bringing the memorial up to date and improving the site.

In August 1948 the West Essex Gazette reported that two tablets bearing the names of those who had lost their lives in World War II would be fixed to the memorial. This had been decided at a meeting of the War Memorial Joint Committee, at which Mr A.D. Rankine had presided. The Committee had decided that the tablets should be fixed in a way to "preserve the present appearance of the memorial". Thorough the Gazette the Committee invited people to submit the names of local men who had died on Active Service. Relatives and friends were asked to send details of full name, rank and regimental number, as well as the place of death, to Percy Francis. The Committee thanked the Council for their work in draining and levelling the memorial green, re-sowing the grass, paving the path and surround of the memorial, and laying down kerbing stones on the adjoining road.

On November 12th, at the annual Remembrance Service, the new tablets bearing thirty-one names were unveiled by Colonel Augustus Newman, VC. Colonel Newman was born in Buckhurst Hill and was educated at Bancroft School. He was a member of the Essex Regiment and was attached to No.2 Commando. In March 1942 he commanded the force that took part in the famous raid on the French port of St Nazaire. After five hours of bitter fighting against overwhelming odds he was finally forced to surrender and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner. It was during this action that he was awarded the Victoria Cross. As the tablets were unveiled, the Revd E. Bennett Rees, MC, said: "Remembrance is not something we do once a year. We are pledged that as we were comrades in arms and as we were faithful to the task allotted to us in the dangerous days of war, so shall we be no less worthy in action in the difficult days of peace". In his speech Colonel Newman said: "When the memorial was raised after the 1914-18 war in such a lovely position overlooking the town, the men of Epping, of Essex, of England, who had laid down their lives, believed that that war would be the last. Now today we have added further names of Essex men, men who were proud to finish the battle started so long ago in 1914. My message to you is that it is up to you to make it the last time - that is the job that those men would wish you to do".

A concrete flower vase was added to the memorial in September 1956, donated by the Epping & District Branch of the British Legion. The vase, decorated with the badge of the Legion, was made by local builders and stonemasons Edmunds, who were based at the corner of Station Road and Hemnall Street, at a cost £12.

In November 2004 research by local Royal British Legion member John Duffell led to the addition to the memorial of a further seventeen names of Epping men who lost their lives in the First World War. The initial information came from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. They produce a "hometown list", which contains the name of every serviceman from a given town on their database. This included at first the two Eppings in Australia, which had to be sifted out. Others on the list were already on other memorials such as Epping Upland, Coopersale, Theydon Bois etc. Further research at the Epping Forest Museum at Waltham Abbey, the Essex Records Office at Chelmsford and the British Newspaper Library in Colindale eventually brought the number to be added down to seventeen.

The war memorial is still the focal point today for Remembrance in Epping. Each year a Garden of Remembrance is laid out next to the memorial and dedicated in a special service arranged by the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion. A parade and Service of Remembrance is held there on the closest Sunday to the 11th November. Over thirty wreaths are now laid on the day. The wreath layers are led by the Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, the Town Mayor, the MP for Epping Forest and many local organisations. The names of all the men on the memorial are read out in the church.

A number of local churches produced their own memorials to the fallen. The Bible Class from the Congregational Church (now the United Reform Church) in Lindsey Street presented a pulpit bible to the Church in July 1919. It was inscribed: "Presented to the Epping Congregational Church on its 294th anniversary by the past and present members of the Lad's Bible Class as a memorial to Jack Barnes, Frank Cox, Harold Jenkins, Charles Plumb and Sydney Pretlove, who were members of the Bible Class and gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918".

Later in the year members of the Church looked at ways to raise money for a memorial. Among the suggestions was a bazaar and sale of work, to be held the following summer. Final arrangements for this were made in June 1920. The male members of the church offered to man the gate, and the women ran the stalls. Ice cream was supplied by Mr Dace, and milk and cornets by Mr Bidwell. A concert was arranged by Mrs Pavitt, and a hat trimming competition by Mrs Dace.

At a meeting held at the church in September 1920 it was announced that a memorial window and tablet would be unveiled by Dame Margaret Lloyd George, wife of the Prime Minister, on Wednesday November 3rd at 3pm. Personal invitations would be sent to all relatives of the fallen.

The unveiling proved to be a great success. The minutes of a meeting of Church members described it as a "red letter day in our Church's history". Mrs Lloyd George arrived late as she had lost her way travelling from Enfield. The service was conducted by the Revd Locke, supported by Brigadier-General R.B. Colvin, CB,MP, the Revd W. Limbrick and the Vicar of Epping Upland, F.R. Hirst. Epping Urban District council was represented by Councillors A.E. Piper (Chairman), T. Williams (Vice-Chairman), E. Harris, W. Sullivan, A. Plumb, M. Edmonds and C.E. Gouldstone. Replying to a welcoming speech by Revd Locke, Mrs Lloyd George said: "I am very grateful to the members of Epping Congregational Church for allowing me to take part in this solemn and sacred service. It is a privilege rather than a pleasure; it cannot be pleasure, for our hearts are heavy with sorrow; the sorrow is real, but it is not the only feeling in our hearts today. There is an old Welsh proverb that says that it is better to die as a hero than live as a coward. There is no shame in our sorrow, and we are proud that our men died that we might live. There is also hope in our sorrow, for we feel that heroes, like saints, are immortal. Our grief is tempered with gratitude, and we remember that when the call came millions of young men came forward ready to endure hardships and suffering and even death, that we might live. I heard with amazement and with pride that from this Church eighty-four men joined up, and fourteen made the supreme sacrifice. These men did not fight in vain, for they achieved a complete victory and gave us security and liberty".

Another memorial at the Congregational Church was unveiled in 1923. This was the original graveyard cross of Gerald Church, son of local butcher Stephen Church. He was killed in action in France in 1917 and was buried in the village of Villers-Faucon. The crosses used to mark the graves of British and Commonwealth war dead were eventually replaced by the white headstones of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Many relatives arranged to have the crosses brought home, and Gerald's family were among them. The cross is still in position today.

   
Left: The original cross from Gerald Church's grave in France outside the United Reform Church in Lindsey Street
Right: The headstone on his grave in the French village of Villers-Faucon today.
The wreath was laid by members of the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion
during a visit to the Somme in 2003.

A memorial tablet was unveiled at the parish church of Theydon Garnon on Sunday 11th April 1920. Mr F.A. Murray read the prayers of dedication as the tablet, covered by the Union Flag, was unveiled by Mr S. Chisenhale-Marsh, JP,CA, who had lost a son during the war. He was assisted by the Revd W.P. Rowley and church warden T. Edgar, who had themselves lost sons in the war. The tablet was inscribed: In affectionate memory of those who fell in the Great War 1914-19, the Parish sets up this record followed by a list of the names.

The following month, on Tuesday 25th April, a war memorial was unveiled at Epping Upland, in the burial ground at All Saints Church. The memorial was in the form of a long column surmounted by a runic cross, standing on an octagonal base with three steps.

After a service in the Church, a procession led by a contingent of the Epping Town Band and followed by the boys and men of the choir, braved torrential rain to march to the memorial. The service was conducted by Revd J. Needham, and he called upon Major-General Sir George Scott-Moncrieff to perform the unveiling. Also in attendance was Dr. Inskip, the Lord Bishop of Barking.

After the singing of the National Anthem, the Bishop dedicated the memorial with special prayers. Buglers sounded the Last Post followed by Reveille, and the names of the seventeen men from Epping Upland and Epping Green who had lost their lives during the war were read out.

The ceremony was concluded by the laying of floral tributes on the steps of the memorial, by people described by the West Essex Gazette as "men, women and children of all classes".

In January 1922 a meeting of the parishioners of St John's Church was held at the Church Hall to discuss the possibility of erecting a war memorial on the wall of the Church. The meeting was chaired by Canon H.E. Olivier, who had himself lost a son in the war. A sketch of the proposed memorial was passed around, and a committee was appointed to inquire into the raising of the necessary funds required. The cost was estimated at £130. The inscription reads: Greater love hath no man than this. There then follows the list of names, and then a second inscription reads: Remember with prayers and thanksgiving these men of Epping who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914-1919.

In March 1983 the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion donated a plaque to commemorate those killed in the Second World War. This event was celebrated with a march through the town, led by the band of the Air Training Corps. The plaque is fixed to the wall inside the Church, opposite the original.

In November 2006 Epping's first memorial to civilian war dead was unveiled. This commemorates those killed in two incidents in World War II. The first occurred on October 9th 1940, when a bomb fell on Spriggs Oak, a large house in Palmers Hill which was being used to house pregnant women from the east end of London. Six of them, the youngest of whom was just 19, died in the house and two more later in St Margaret's Hospital. The second incident took place on 22nd March 1945. A V2 Rocket struck the water tower in Fairfield Road, and the resulting explosion killed seven men in St Margaret's Hospital.

Both incidents had been almost forgotten until 2004, when research by local Royal British Legion members John Duffell and Mike Osborne uncovered some of the details. Mr Osborne produced a written history of the events and, with the support of the Legion, suggested that a memorial plaque should be erected. Epping Town Council showed a positive response, and discussions took place to find a suitable site. It was eventually decided that the plaque would be placed on the outer wall of St John's Church.

RBL Secretary John Duffell, Eleanor Laing MP, Revd Geoffrey Connor, Mike Osborne,
EFDC Cllr Anne Haigh and Town Mayor J. Alan Smith after the unveiling.

On Friday 10th November 2006 a Service of Dedication was held in the Church, conducted by the Revd Geoffrey Connor. The Introduction was given by Town Mayor J Alan Smith. The names of the victims were read out by Mike Osborne, and a candle was lit for each one. At the end of the service, which was attended by a large number of people from various local organisations, the congregation moved outside for the unveiling of the plaque. Wreaths were laid by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest District Council Chairman Anne Haigh, J Alan Smith and Royal British Legion Branch Secretary John Duffell. All those attending received a booklet of Mike Osborne's research, produced especially for the occasion by the Town Council. A reception was held afterwards at the Hemnall Social Club. Among those attending were a number of relatives of the young women killed at Spriggs Oak.

EPPING'S WAR DEAD

THE FIRST WORLD WAR, 1914 - 1919

ADAMS, Victor E. (82814)    Sapper    121st Field Company, Royal Engineers

Died 10th April 1916 Age 42

Commemorated GEZAINCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of George and Sarah Adams, of "The Lodge", Hemnall Street. Born in Epping, he enlisted into the Royal Engineers in London in March 1915 as a Shoeing Smith and was posted to Ireland. He went to France on 5th October the same year and died of pneumonia there in April 1916. Official records show that he died on the 10th, but his family seemed to think that it was a day earlier. On the first anniversary of his death his parents inserted the following notice in the West Essex Gazette: "In affectionate remembrance of our dear son Sapper V.E. Adams. RE, who died on active service April 9th 1916 and was interred in the cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. Sadly missed". Victor's father George died in 1921, and Victor is commemorated on his headstone in Epping Cemetery.

ALLEN, Herbert (41859)     Private     8th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Died 5th August 1917 Age 39

Commemorated MENIN GATE, YPRES, BELGIUM

Son of Edward and Margaret Edith Allen, of Chapel Road. Born in Epping, he enlisted into the Dorsetshire Regiment in Chiseldon, Wiltshire, and later transferred to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres. There is a memorial to him on the Allen family grave headstone in Epping Cemetery, and he is commemorated in a memorial tablet in the Methodist Church. Known as Bert, he was a great friend of Gerald Church, who was also killed in August 1917.

AUSTIN, George (7607)     Lance Corporal     9th Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment

Died 8th June 1917

Commemorated LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, POPERINGE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the son of Mr & Mrs G Austin of Ivy Chimneys. He joined the Army as a regular soldier in 1904, and went to France with the 2nd Battalion, Yorks & Lancs on 21st September 1914. The following March he was seriously wounded in the thigh, entering hospital on the 3rd. He recovered from his wounds and transferred to the 9th Battalion. He was wounded again in June 1917, and died in a casualty clearing station on the 8th. His brother, Lance Corporal A. Austin, was wounded at Ypres in 1915. He never fully recovered and died in 1920. George's brother-in-law was Harry Gulliford, who was also killed near Ypres.

AWBERY, Charles L.     Captain     4th Bn., Essex Rgt, attd. 1st/1st Bn., Cambs. Rgt

Died 31st July 1917 Age 38

Commemorated MENIN GATE, YPRES, BELGIUM

Born in Tooting Common, Charles Luker Awbery was a Chartered Accountant in civilian life. He took an interest in soldiering, and served in the Boer War with the London Scottish Regiment. He remained with them for a number of years, and qualified as an instructor at the Army School of Musketry. In 1911 he moved to Epping and took a commission in the Essex Regiment. He was attached to 'G' Company of the 4th Battalion, which was based in Ongar with a detachment in Epping. On October 11th 1914 he was promoted to temporary Captain. He landed in Gallipoli with his Battalion on 21st July 1915, and remained there until the Allied evacuation five months later. His rank of Captain was made permanent in December. He spent some time on sick leave and when fit again he was attached to the Cambridgeshire Regiment and sent to France. In the autumn of 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action. The following citation was published in the London Gazette on 12th October 1917:"Charles Luker Awbery, Capt. Essex R. attached Cambridge R. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his company direct to the final objective and got into touch with the battalions on the right and the left, sending his report to Battalion HQ. He carried out a difficult operation with great courage and skill." Captain Awbery was reported missing in August 1917, but it was later discovered that he had in fact been killed in action at St Julien, near Ypres, on 31st July. The West Essex Gazette said at the time "His honourable sportsmanlike conduct made him many friends in Epping, by whom he will be sadly missed". A special Mass was said for him at Coopersale House on Sunday 9th September 1917.

BARKER, Horace W.     Deck Boy     SS Windsor Hall (London), Mercantile Marine

Died 17th January 1918 Age 15

Commemorated TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, LONDON

Son of Alfred and Emily Ellen Barker, of St John's Road. His father worked at Cottis' foundry. Horace enlisted in the Mercantile Marine and became an Apprentice Deck Boy on the SS Windsor Hall, a defensively armed merchantman of 3,693 tons. On 17th January 1918 the Windsor Hall was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, 45 miles north-west of Alexandria. The ship's Captain was taken prisoner, but Horace Barker was one of 27 crew members who lost their lives. He was presumed to have been drowned. At just 15 years of age he was the youngest of Epping's war dead.

BARNES, John F. (200552)     Private     4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 19th April 1917

Commemorated GAZA MILITARY CEMETERY, ISRAEL

The son of Mr J Barnes of Lindsey Street, he was a member of the 1st Epping Scout Group before enlisting into the Essex Regiment at Brentwood. He went out to the Middle East with the 4th Battalion, and lost his life there during the second Battle of Gaza in April 1917. The Battalion was attached to the 161st Brigade which launched an attack on Sheikh Abbas on the 19th of the month. Jack Barnes, as he was known, was one of two men killed during heavy shelling by Turkish artillery. Before the war he had been a member of the bible class at the Congregational Church in Lindsey Street. In all five members of the class were killed on active service. In July 1919 the surviving members donated a pulpit bible to the Church in their memory, inscribed: "Presented to the Epping Congregational Church on its 294th anniversary by the past and present members of the lads bible class as a memorial to Jack Barnes, Frank Cox, Harold Jenkins, Charles Plumb, and Sydney Pretlove who were members of the bible class and gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914-1918. Jack was also commemorated on a memorial tablet unveiled in the Church by Dame Margaret Lloyd George in November 1920.

BAYLIS, Albert (419158)     Private     42nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)

Died 25th May 1916 Age 24

Commemorated MENIN ROAD SOUTH, BELGIUM

Son of Charles and Ellen Baylis of Epping, he was killed in action at Hooge in the Flanders region of Belgium in May 1916.

BETTS, Alfred (2782SD)     Deck Hand    HM Trawler Speeton, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve

Died 31st December 1915 Age 17

Commemorated CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, KENT

Son of Mr and Mrs R Betts, of 3 Allnuts Estate, Epping, Alfred Betts lost his life when HM Trawler Speeton, the vessel on which he was serving, struck a mine off Lowestoft and sank on New Year's Eve 1915. Speeton was a Hull-registered fishing trawler (number H1011). The fishing community gave great assistance to the Royal Navy throughout the war.

BINDER, Fred. W. (200397)     Serjeant     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 30th April 1918

Commemorated RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY, ISRAEL

Born in Walthamstow, he later became a resident of Epping. He enlisted at into the Essex Regiment at Brentwood and landed with them in Gallipoli on 12th August 1915. He continued to serve in the Middle East after the British withdrawal from the Dardenelles. He wrote the following letter to the West Essex Gazette, published in March 1918: "Although Christmas has passed the parcel sent to me by the Epping Sailor's and Soldier's Christmas Fund was none the less welcome. It was in splendid condition and was the envy of our Sergeant's mess. They all thought that Epping knew how to look after her boys. It gives me great heart to carry on the good work out here. During recent operations we have lost several brave Epping boys, including my friend Tom Green. I receive the Gazette every week and always look forward to the home news. I say long life to the good old Gazette. The following month his Battalion relieved the Northamptonshire Regiment in the front line near Majdel Yaba. They were constantly subjected to heavy shelling, and on the night of the 30th April Turkish artillery bombarded the front and support lines of the British positions. Fred Binder was one of four men killed when a shell landed amongst a group of NCO's

CABLE, Alfred J. (118906)     Gunner     354th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Died 11th August 1918

Commemorated HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES, FRANCE

Born in Epping. He enlisted in Stratford, initially into the Essex & Suffolk Royal Garrison Artillery, and later transferred to the 354th Siege Battery. He was killed in action on the Western Front in August 1918.

CHATER, Walter J. (SS/111526)     Stoker 1st Class     HMS Queen Mary, Royal Navy

Died 31st May 1916 Age 24

Commemorated PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, SOUTHSEA COMMON, HAMPSHIRE

Born on the 31st March 1893 at Romford, he was the only son of Sarah Lunniss (formerly Chater), of High Street, Epping. He took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight and was killed in action when the Queen Mary was sunk at the Battle of Jutland. The ship had exchanged fire with the German battle cruisers Derfflinger and Seydlitz. At 4.26pm a direct hit on the Queen Mary caused a huge explosion. In just ninety seconds the ship sank, leaving only 21 survivors. Walter Chater was one of the 1,266 men who lost their lives. It has since been suggested that the there was too much cordite stored in and around the gun turrets, and that safety rules were ignored in an effort to speed up the supply to the guns. Four of the British fleet's capital ships were lost at Jutland, prompting the famous comment made at the height of the battle by Admiral Jellicoe - "There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today". Walter Chater had previously been employed at the Co-Operative Society in Epping, and was a member of the Temple of Peace Lodge of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows Society. On the first anniversary of the Battle Sarah Lunniss inserted the following notice in the West Essex Gazette: "In loving memory of our dear son Walter Lunniss, Stoker, HMS Queen Mary, who died in the Jutland battle, May 31st 1916, aged 24. Gone dear one, but not forgotten".

CHEW, Percy J. (13107)     Corporal     1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment

Died 9th November 1917 Age 26

Commemorated BUTTES NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, POLYGON WOOD, BELGIUM

The son of William H and Julia M Chew, of High Street, Epping, he was born in the town and enlisted at Stratford. He went to France with his Regiment on the 6th July 1915. The following month he was slightly wounded in the left shoulder. He recovered from his wound and returned to the Western Front, serving in the Ypres Salient. On 9th November 1917 he located a German machine gun and reported its position to his Commanding Officer. An attempt was made to capture the gun, during which Percy Chew was shot and killed. He had been a member of Epping Football Club, and the following report was written by "the Old 'un", a football reporter for the West Essex Gazette: "The sadly depleted ranks of Epping Football Club have just sustained another blow in the lamented loss of one if its younger and more useful members. In Percy Chew, otherwise 'Young Cota', we older members saw a hope for the future so far as football was concerned, and to know that never again will his keenness be displayed in the white shirt brigade on the Bell Field is saddening. The condolence of every supporter of the EFC will go to the worthy Hon Sec of the Club and his family in their sad loss". Captain A. Ball, his Commanding Officer in the Lincolnshire Regiment, wrote to Percy's parents: "I must say how we all feel the loss of your brave son. I knew him well, and never met a braver soldier. He was well-respected by all ranks, and was always a volunteer for any dangerous work. Your son was one of my best NCOs and I will have some trouble to replace him. It may be some consolation to know that he always did his duty, and bravely too". Members of the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion commemorated Corporal Chew with a parade at the Buttes New British Cemetery in June 2000. He is listed on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

CHURCH, Gerald W. R. (52817)     Private     19th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Died 28th August 1917 Age 19

Commemorated VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of Stephen and Alice Church, founders of the pork butchers in Epping, who lived at the Homestead, in the High Street. Gerald wanted to become a farmer, and took an apprenticeship at a farm belonging to Maurice Pegrum in North Weald. In May 1916 he enlisted into the Army Cyclist Corps. Later that year he was transferred into the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) and went to France in December. While there he met up with his brother James, who was serving with the Essex Yeomanry. Two more brothers were also in HM Forces at the time; Stephen, a Trooper in the Dragoon Guards, and Leslie, with the Royal Flying Corps. On 28th August 1917 Gerald, who was in No.5 Platoon of X Company, was a member of a working party entering a trench during the Battle of the Somme when a German shell killed him and five other members of his unit. In a letter to Alice Church, Lance-Corporal J. Whitlock, a comrade of Gerald's from the DLI, said "He was in our gun team and we thought a lot about him. It is hard to realise that he is gone, for he was such a good man on the team. He was killed instantly and had no suffering. I visited his grave in a French cemetery a good way behind the line. The gun team and all the platoon send their deepest sympathy". Gerald's commanding officer, Captain C.W. Howes, wrote the following: "He was a fine young lad who did his duty to the utmost and was a great favourite of both officers and men. At the time of hid death we had taken a part of the enemy's line and my company was working on strengthening our new position. I t was while engaged in this work that a shell ended his life. He was killed instantly. We buried him in a little village called Roussay. The Chaplain read the service over his grave. We have lost quite a lot of the best boys who have ever been born and you may find some consolation in the thought that he died a soldier's death and never once did he flinch under the most trying circumstances. I hope God will comfort you in your great loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies". Gerald had been a great friend of Herbert (Bert) Allen, who had been killed only three weeks previously. Bert's brother Eddie, an Air Mechanic in the RFC, also wrote to Gerald's mother: "I was very sorry to hear of the death in action of Gerald. He was like a second brother to Bert and myself. We both started school on the same day, and were the best of pals ever since. While we had him we never wanted other pals. In all the time I knew him he never did anything one would be ashamed of. I am sure you must feel proud of him, for he died the noblest of all deaths. The West Essex Gazette described him as "a bright, cheerful lad who was greatly liked in the district." In August 1923 his family sought permission to place the original cross from his grave in France in the churchyard of the Congregational Church in Lindsey Street. This was granted and the cross now forms part of a memorial to Gerald outside the Church (now the United Reform Church). He is also commemorated on a memorial tablet inside the Church. A wreath was laid at his grave in Villers-Faucon, France, by the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion in June 2003.

CLARK, James A. (3/1405)     Corporal     11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 15th October 1916 Age 22

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Forest Gate, his parents, Mr & Mrs T J Clark, later moved to the Duke of York public house in Epping (now the site of Barclays Bank). He enlisted in Stratford and went to France with the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment in November 1914. He was invalided home with frostbite and subsequently went to Egypt. He returned to France with the 11th Battalion and was involved in some of the heaviest fighting. He was killed in action on 15th October 1916.

COOTE, Joseph (285103)     Private     6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders

Died 12th-16th May 1917

Commemorated ARRAS MEMORIAL, FRANCE

Born in Portsmouth, he was residing in Hemnall Street at the outbreak of war. He enlisted in Epping, joining the Middlesex Regiment. He later transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders and was killed in action on the Western Front some time between the 12th and 16th May 1917.

CORDELL, Arthur C. (62487)     Driver     53 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died 29th April 1918 Age 25

Commemorated BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the son of Mr & Mrs A Cordell, he enlisted in London and was killed in action on the Western Front in 1918. He had been in the Army for just under seven years. Captain Noel Wash wrote the following to Arthur's uncle: "Driver Cordell was trying to get his horses away from the stable, which was being heavily shelled, but unhappily he was hit. Though picked up alive, he died on the way to the dressing station. It may be some satisfaction to you to know that he was killed in the performance of his duty. He was a splendid driver and will be much missed in the battery, a party of which buried him and erected a cross in the military cemetery to his memory".

COX, Frank (40071)     Corporal     8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment

Died 25th September 1916 Age 19

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of George and Sarah Cox, of 8 Granville Terrace, Lindsey Street, Epping. He enlisted into the Essex Regiment at Brentwood in October 1914. He later transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment and was reported missing during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. In August 1917 his parents were informed that it was now presumed that he had been killed on 25th September. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, which contains the names of 73,000 men who fought on the Somme and whose bodies were never found. He is also commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church. He was one of five members of the lads bible class at the Congregational Church killed in the War who were commemorated by the presentation of a bible in 1919.

CRABB, George (173)     Serjeant     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 27th November 1915 Age 29

Commemorated EPPING CEMETERY

George Crabb was born on 18th February 1886 at Hastingwood Common, the son of William and Dorothy Crabb. The family later moved to Hemnall Street in Epping. After leaving school he worked for W Cottis in their iron foundry, and stayed with them for fifteen years. By the time war broke out he had already served for 13 years in the local Volunteer and Territorial battalions of the Essex Regiment, rising to the rank of Serjeant. He was a member of the Epping Town Band, the Epping Ramblers Football Club and the Epping Volunteer Fire Brigade. When war was declared in August 1914 he took his place in the 4th Battalion of the Essex Regiment and was sent for training in Suffolk. While stationed there he married Ada Angell Butcher of Lindsey Street at the Epping Congregational Church on the 23rd May 1915. His best man was his brother William who was also serving with the 4th Battalion. William also lost his life in the war. The newly weds received a silver teapot from George's comrades with the inscription " Presented to 173 Sgt G Crabb by NCOs and men of 'D' Coy., 1/4th Essex Regiment". Within weeks of being married George Crabb was posted overseas and landed on the Gallipoli peninsular at Suvla Bay on 12th August. After 8 weeks there he was taken ill with Enteric Fever and Dysentery and taken to the military hospital in Alexandria. His condition worsened and he was sent home on the Hospital Ship "Neuralia". His health continued to deteriorate and he died just as the ship was docking at Southampton. As he died in this country, his widow was allowed to claim his body. His funeral, conducted by the Rev. J H Locke, was held at the Congregational Church, and he was buried in Epping Cemetery .The funeral procession was led by a body of the Home Battalion of the Essex Regiment led by Sergeant-Major Kent, who had served alongside George at Gallipoli. The Epping Fire Brigade brought up the rear. His coffin was borne to its resting place by four of his old workmates from the Foundry. Buglers from the 4th Essex played the Last Post. At the time wife Ada was living in Brewery Cottage, Lindsey Street. She later moved to Tower Road and lived there until her death in 1975. George Crabb was remembered during a service at the cemetery held by the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion in November 2004. He is also commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

CRABB, William R. (200146)     Private     4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 26th March 1917 Age 23

Commemorated JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, ISRAEL

Brother of George, William Crabb was born in North Weald and later moved to Epping, where he enlisted into the Essex Regiment. In May 1915 he was best man at George's wedding. On 12th August the same year he landed at Suvla Bay with the during the Gallipoli campaign. He continued to serve with the 4th Battalion in Palestine as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and was wounded twice. In March 1917 he was again reported to have been wounded. Four months later his next of kin, brother Walter Crabb, of Beaulah Cottages, Lindsey Street, was informed that William had actually been killed near Gaza on 26th March.

CRACKNELL, Ernest (7083)     Private     3rd Bn., Duke of Cambs Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Died 28th May 1915

The son of Mrs Goody from Epping, Ernest Cracknell was born in Saxmundham, Suffolk. He was living in Epping when war broke out in 1914, and enlisted into the Army at Stratford. He went to France with the Middlesex Regiment on 12th May 1915. He had been on the front line for just two weeks when Mrs Goody received a letter informing her that her son had been killed in action. The letter came from a comrade, Lance-Corporal Bouvier. Two years after his death his family inserted a notice in the West Essex Gazette: "Two years have passed, but we still miss him. Some may think the wound has healed, but they little know how deep the sorrow lies within our hearts concealed". He is commemorated on the grave of his two young children, who died in the Influenza epidemic in 1918, in Epping Cemetery.

CRYER, Eric (48747)     Lance Corporal     17th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Died 15th November 1918

Commemorated WIMBORNE MINSTER CEMETERY, DORSET

The son of Mr John Cryer, he lived in Forest Side, Epping. He died of wounds four days after the Armistice whilst a patient at Wimborne Hospital in Dorset, and was buried there. He had received his wounds in the advance to the Cambrai-St Quentin Canal in France six weeks earlier. He is also commemorated on the war memorial in the grounds of All Saints Church at Epping Upland.

DAVIS, Edward (12381)     Signaller     5th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Died 10th October 1918 Age 24

Commemorated BEAUMONT CHURCHYARD, NORD, FRANCE

Known as Ted, he was born in Epping, the son of Mrs Lavinia Davis, of Bisley Villa, 44 St John's Road. He enlisted at Stratford, one of a group of three Epping men who were the first in the Town to volunteer. He initially joined the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, later transferring to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He did his training in Ireland, and served on five different fronts, including the Dardenelles. He spent three years in the Middle East without taking a day's leave. From there he went to France, eventually taking fourteen day's leave in August 1918. He was killed in action in France in October of the same year. A fellow Signaller sent the following letter to Edward's Mother: "It is with deep regret that we hear of the death of your son Ted. Ted, along with our Commanding Officer, Signals Officer and two other runners, went up to one of our former companies. So it appears, whilst on the way a big HE (High Explosive shell) exploded right by the side of them. Poor old Ted and another runner were killed outright, and the other three wounded. Ted's death was instantaneous; he never suffered a moment's pain, of that I am positive, though that cannot be much consolation to you. I can assure you that we will all miss him very much. He was one of the happiest men amongst us Signallers, always singing and joking. Nothing could upset him, and I can tell you Mother, we miss him. Some of us, including myself, had known him since he first enlisted. I myself was with him in Cornwall, and over four years of war makes very fast chums, but of course our sorrow is nothing compared with yours. A mother always feels it most, but still, try and cheer up; he died a soldier's death though I expect that is poor consolation. It seems hard, after all he went through, that he should go west at the last lap, but as the French say, C'est la guerre, it is war. With this I will conclude, trusting that time will soften your grief. I sign on behalf of all NCO's and men of the Signallers".

DAVIS, John N. (394733)     Rifleman     9th Bn., London Rgt, attd. 1st/15th Bn., London Rgt.

Died 1st September 1918 Age 19

Commemorated PERONNE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of Alfred B Davis (the proprietor of the West Essex Gazette) and Ethel Davis, of 1 Bower Hill, John North Davis was born in Epping on 20th April 1899. He was educated at Loughton School and on leaving became a clerk at Lloyds. He enlisted on 1st May 1917 into the 9th Battalion (Queen Victoria's Rifles) of the London Regiment. He later transferred to the 1st/15th and served in the 4th Army under General H Rawlinson during the British advance of 1918. The advance led through Albert to Bouchavsenes and Moslains, where he was killed in action.. A comrade wrote to his parents "…he was one of the coolest fellows I have ever met".

DAY, Harry (26613)     Private     1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 12th October 1916 Age 27

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of John and Eliza Day; husband of Alice Matilda Day of 1 Hemnall Street, he enlisted into the Essex Regiment in Epping. He was reported missing in October 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. In September 1917 the Army Council informed his family that he was now presumed to be dead.

DAY, Henry J. (103367)     Private     10th Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment)

Died 23rd September 1918 Age 19

Commemorated THILLOY ROAD CEMETERY, BEAULENCOURT, FRANCE

Born in Theydon Bois, Henry Day was living in Park Cottages, Bell Common when war broke out. He enlisted at Romford and served on the Western Front, where he died of gunshot wounds in 1918.

DOE, George (G/2590)     Private     8th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Died 25th September 1915 Age 23

Commemorated LOOS MEMORIAL , PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Henry and Ellen Doe, of 2 Chapel Row, High Street. He enlisted in Stratford and went to France on 31st August 1915. Less than one month later he was killed in action in the Battle of Loos.

ELLIOTT, Wallace (39899)     Private     1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment

Died 24th October 1918 Age 35

Commemorated GLASGOW WESTERN NECROPOLIS, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Son of Thomas and Emma Elliott, of North Weald. A resident of Epping, he was attached to 'C' Company at the Regimental Depot in England at the time of his death in October 1918.

FENNER, Richard (1901)     Lance Corporal     2nd/1st (London) Field Company, Royal Engineers

Died 3rd July 1916

Commemorated DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION No. 1, SOMME, FRANCE

Richard Fenner was born in London and enlisted at Victoria Park. He died of wounds received in action on the third day of the Battle of the Somme. Brother of William, who was killed in 1918.

FENNER William H. (96771)     Sapper     87th Field Company, Royal Engineers

Died 12th March 1918

Commemorated CROIX-DU-BAC BRITISH CEMETERY, STEENWERCK, NORD, FRANCE

Born in Coopersale. His mother later lived in Hemnall Street. William enlisted at Stratford, and was killed in action on the Western Front. His brother Richard had been killed in the Somme in 1916.

FISH, Benjamin (54858)     Private     16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment

Died 27th August 1917 Age 37

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Born in Sawbridgeworth, he was married to Gertrude Fish and lived at 1 Causeway Cottages, High Road, Epping. He enlisted in Epping and was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres.

FLEMING, Herbert (40180)     Private     2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 18th October 1916

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Herbert Fleming was born in Epping and was living in Coopersale when he enlisted. His Battalion was serving in the front line near Transloy in France when it was accidentally shelled by Allied heavy batteries on October 18th 1916. Herbert Fleming was one of 25 casualties. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at St Albans Church in Coopersale.

FOWLER, Edward (8564)     Private     1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 6th August 1915

Commemorated TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY, TURKEY

Born in North Weald, he enlisted into the Essex Regiment at Warley. He landed in Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. On 6th August of that year Edward Fowler was one of the 142 men of the Essex Regiment who lost their lives in the Dardanelles, and are commemorated on a special memorial in Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery in Turkey.

FRESHWATER, Jesse (7476)     Private     1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 6th August 1915

Commemorated TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY, TURKEY

Brother of Percy, he was born in Coopersale and lived at Stewards Green. He enlisted into the Essex Regiment at Stratford. He was reported missing after the Suvla Bay landings at Gallipoli in August 1915. Nothing further was heard of him until February 1917, when the West Essex Gazette reported that news had been received that he had been killed at Suvla. A week later the same newspaper reported that his wife had not received any definite news. The Army Council, having no information on his whereabouts, has concluded that he was dead. His wife had been told by one of his comrades that a number of men from his regiment were in the hands of the Turks, and that there was a possibility that he was among them. The Gazette report concluded "It is to be hoped that after the war Private Freshwater will return safe and well to his wife and four children". Unfortunately it was later discovered that he had in fact been killed on August 6th 1915.

FRESHWATER, Percy (32900)     Private     1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 1st December 1917 Age 19

Commemorated CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Mr and Mrs J Freshwater of Stewards Green. He was living in the Town at the time of his enlistment into the Essex Regiment. He was killed in action on the Western front in December 1917. He was the brother of Jesse, who had been killed two years earlier.

FROST, Arthur C.     Second Lieutenant     11th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Died 25th September 1915 Age 18

Commemorated LOOS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Arthur Frost was the second son of James and Ellen Frost of St Margarets, Station Road, Epping. He was educated at Sherborne School. At the outbreak of war he volunteered to join the Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. On the 9th July 1915 he sailed for France. On 25th September the same year, the first day of the Battle of Loos, he was shot and killed by a sniper. His brother James also lost his life in the Great War. In 1919 the family moved to Hayes in Kent, and the two brothers are also commemorated on the war memorial there.

FROST, James J.     Lieutenant     11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers

Died 7th July 1916 Age 21

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Like his brother Arthur, James Frost was educated at Sherborne School. He volunteered for the Army and was commissioned into the Northumberland Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant on 19th September 1914. He served in France and was promoted to Lieutenant. He was in charge of a Machine Gun Section but was actually leading a rifle company "over the top" at Contalmaison when he was killed during the Battle of The Somme. His mother received an official telegram telling her of his death on 12th July 1916.

FURLONG, Edward (R/5023)     Rifleman     4th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps

Died 1st December 1915 Age 37

Commemorated MIKRA BRITISH CEMETERY, KALAMARIA, GREECE

Born in Epping, the husband of Gertrude Esther Furlong of Fiddlers Hamlet. He enlisted into the Army in Stratford. He was killed in action in Salonika in December 1915.

GARDENER, Stanley (32399)     Private     11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 22nd April 1917 Age 22

Commemorated LOOS MEMORIAL,PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Braintree but later became a resident of Epping. He worked for W. Symes the baker before the War. His father was a well-known local policeman living in Lindsey Street. Stanley enlisted into the Essex Regiment in Epping and was killed in action on the Western Front in 1917. He was originally reported missing on that day, and it was May 1918 before the War Office informed his father that Stanley was dead.

GOODEY, Peter J. (29347)     Private     1st/8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Died 27th September 1917 Age 19

Commemorated WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Stondon Massey. Son of Francis and Emily Goodey of Magdelen Laver, he enlisted in Epping and initially joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and died of wounds in September 1917.

GOSLING, William (G/72796)     Private     1st/24th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Died 30th August 1918

Commemorated VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Stanford Rivers and at the outbreak of war lived in Ivy Chimneys. He enlisted in Epping, joining the Sherwood Foresters before transferring to the Royal West Surrey Regiment. Killed in action in France.

GOULD, Albert E. (28147)     Private     11th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment

Died 3rd May 1917 Age 23

Commemorated ORCHARD DUMP CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Josiah and Louisa E Gould, of Ivy Chimneys. He enlisted into the Lincolnshire Regiment at Stratford and later transferred to the East Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed in action on 3rd May 1917. By a tragic coincidence, his brother Joseph was killed on the same day. He is commemorated on Theydon Bois war memorial.

GOULD, Joseph (R/31756)     Rifleman     8th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps

Died 3rd May 1917 Age 33

Commemorated ARRAS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Like his brother Albert he was born in Epping. He was married to Bertha, and lived at 3 Smith's Villas, Ivy Chimneys. He enlisted at Woolwich and was killed in action on the same day as Albert. Also commemorated on Theydon Bois war memorial.

GREEN, Herbert T. (200602)     Lance Serjeant     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 3rd November 1917 Age 22

Commemorated GAZA WAR CEMETERY, ISRAEL

Known as Tom, he was born in Epping, the son of Frederick William and Eliza Green of 5 Hemnall Cottages, Hemnall Street. He worked for J Whiffin & Sons as second clerk for six years and was a member of the Epping Rifle Club before joining the Essex Regiment at Brentwood on 2nd November 1914. He was wounded on 26th March 1916 and spent ten days in hospital with heart trouble. He returned to his Regiment and volunteered to go to Egypt in June 1916. He was killed in action in during an attack on Balah Ridge in Palestine on 3rd November 1917. He regularly sent letters from the front to the West Essex Gazette. A poem he had written shortly before his death appeared in the paper in December 1917. His CO, Lieutenant Cyril Gadson, wrote the following letter to Tom's father: "He was a splendid worker amongst the men, and the life and soul of the Company. I knew him both at Wendover and out here (Palestine), where he quickly regained the stripes he had lost when transferring to our line. His enthusiasm for his work endeared him to the men as a leader, and it is particularly to his credit that a short time ago, when he had to have a toenail removed, he remained with the Battalion when he might have enjoyed the comforts of hospital. His reason was that he might not be back in time to fight! I would like to express my admiration for him, and my sincere sympathy for you and your family in the loss". Tom is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

GREEN, Laurence T. (1371)     Private     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 15th November 1915

Commemorated 7TH FIELD AMBULANCE CEMETERY, TURKEY

Laurence Green was born in Loughton but was living in Epping High Street when war broke out. He was formerly a Telegraph Boy and later a postman at Epping Post Office. He was also a member of the 1st Epping Scout Troop. He transferred to Ilford Post Office before enlisting into the Essex Regiment in Epping. He was one of several men from the town who landed in Gallipoli on 12th August 1915. He died of wounds in November the same year.

GULLIFORD Harry (29217)     Private     16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)

Died 23rd April 1915

Commemorated MENIN GATE, YPRES, BELGIUM

Originally from Wells in Somerset, Harry Gulliford was living with his wife and children in Canada when war was declared. His wife came from Epping. He brought his family to stay at his wife's parents in Epping and enlisted into the Canadian Infantry. He was killed in action on 23rd April 1915 in what became known as the Battle of Kitchener's Wood.. This action took place at St. Julien, three miles north-east of Ypres. The Germans had used gas which caused panic amongst French Colonial troops. They fled from their trenches and the Canadians had to try and plug the gap. Of a total of 600 men involved, the 16th Battalion lost 12 officers and 265 other ranks. He was the brother-in-law of George Austin, who also lost his life in the War.

HALL, Alfred C. (G/43062)     Private      4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

Died 18th November 1916 Age 19

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

The son of Joseph John and Emily Speller, of Lindsey Street, Alfred was born in London but by the outbreak of war had moved to Allnuts Road in Epping. He became the selling agent in the Town for the London Evening News. He enlisted into the Essex Regiment but later transferred to the Middlesex. On the day he lost his life the 4th Middlesex assisted the Somerset Light Infantry in taking and holding Puisieux Trench. During the last hours of the Battle of The Somme. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

HAMMOND, Alfred S. (2053)     Private     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 21st January 1917 Age 30

Commemorated CAIRO WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, EGYPT

Born in Epping, the fourth son of Louisa Hammond, of Wellington Place. Alfred was an active member of the Epping Wesleyan Church. He was a member of the Essex Volunteers for many years and worked for J Hill & Sons in Epping. He enlisted into the Army at Brentwood at the beginning of the war and served in the Gallipoli campaign. He died of peritonitis in Egypt in 1917, and is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

HANCOCK, George (TF/203568)     Private     16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

Died 4th October 1917

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the son of Mr & Mrs Hancock of Allnuts. He was living in Harlesden, Middlesex when war broke out. He enlisted into the Middlesex Regiment at Mill Hill and was killed in action in Belgium.

HARRIS, J (SD/5339)     Private      7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment

Died 14th November 1916

Commemorated AGNY MILITARY CEMETERY, PAS-DE-CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, and enlisted at Petworth, Sussex. He was a member of a Lewis gun section of the 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, and was in charge of his gun when he was killed by a shell in France in November 1916. He was the brother of Epping Urban District Council chairman Ernest Harris, JP. The West Essex Gazette described him as "well-known and highly esteemed in Epping".

HARRIS, Sydney Ernest     Lieutenant     No. 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Died 4th July 1918 Age 21

Commemorated VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MILITARY CEMETERY, SOMME, FRANCE

Lived at Lower House, High Street, Epping. He was the son of Ernest and Annie Jane Harris. Ernest was the Chairman of Epping Urban District Council during the First World War. On the outbreak of war Sydney enlisted into the 5th London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). He was promoted to Lance-Corporal in October 1915 and later commissioned into the Royal Air Force. He was described as an "intrepid airman, with his heart thoroughly in the glorious game". He had a number of narrow escapes during the seven months he spent with the RFC and RAF. On one occasion he had a hole shot through his petrol tank, and on another he had part of his propeller shot off. Each time he managed to get back to his own lines. He was killed at Hamel, France in July 1918. Details of his death were revealed by his brother, Private Arthur Harris, Royal Army Medical Corps, who visited the airfield where Sydney was stationed: "The C.O. and officers are heartfelt in their sympathy for us, and unanimous in their praise for him, saying he was loved by all the men. His grave is in a position too advanced for me to reach yet. The observer who was with him at the time (now in a London hospital) owes his life to Sid, who, heavily peppered with bullets, kept control of his machine until over our lines.

Eye witnesses, officers of an Australian outpost, believe he was killed by the crashing of his machine. His fellow officers speak proudly of his courage that day, and acknowledge ungrudgingly that he was the finest pilot in the squadron. It is but poor consolation to offer, but he died a noble death, and happily without pain." The observer, who was shot in the head in the action, said that there were nine German aircraft over Lieut. Harris's machine, and that Harris strived until the end to keep control. Sidney Harris is commemorated on the headstone of his mother's grave in Epping Cemetery, and also on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church. He was the nephew of Private J. Harris, who was killed in 1916.

HASLER, Donald F. (M2/051536)     Private     257th Company, Army Service Corps

Died 22nd September 1916 Age 19

Commemorated PUCHEVILLIERS BRITISH CEMETERY, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Frank and Alice Hasler, of The Cottage, Theydon Place. His father was a coachman. Frank worked for W Cottis before enlisting into the Army Service Corps (Motor Transport) at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in September 1914. He went to France the following February. He was admitted to hospital with severe back wounds on 21st September 1916. Despite an operation he never recovered from his wounds and died the next day. He became the sixth employee of W Cottis to be killed in the war.

HILLS, Harold (269803)     Private     2nd/5th Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Rgt)

Died 21st March 1918 Age 35

Commemorated ARRAS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Joseph Hills, manager of Wm Cottis cycle and repair shop in the High Street. Harold enlisted into the Army in Epping. He was wounded while serving with the Sherwood Foresters in 1917, and around the same time his brother Percy was gassed while serving with the Essex Regiment. Harold recovered from his wounds and rejoined his Regiment. He was killed in action on the first day of the German spring offensive in March 1918.

HOLLAND, Charles (31457)     Lance Corporal     9th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 29th June 1918 Age 34

Commemorated HARPONVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, FRANCE

Son of William Holland, of Newport, Essex, he was married to Clara and lived in Ivy Chimneys. He enlisted into the Essex Regiment at Warley, and was killed in action when he was struck on the head by a fragment of hand grenade in a front line trench in France in June 1918. He is commemorated on Theydon Bois war memorial.

HOLLAND, Ernest F. (G/24795)     Private      1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Died 21st March 1918

Commemorated ARRAS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping. Lived in the Town and enlisted there. Like Harold Hills, he was killed in action on the first day of the German Spring Offensive in 1918. Also commemorated on Theydon Bois war memorial.

HOWE, Archibald J. (1517)     Private      1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

Died 25th April 1915 Age 24

Commemorated HELLES MEMORIAL, TURKEY

Son of John Howe and Emma Hummerston (formerly Howe), of Briar Cottage, High Road, Epping. He was born in Stratford and enlisted there in 1907. He served in India and returned with his Regiment in February 1915. He paid a brief visit home before embarking for Gallipoli. He was killed in action on 25th April. A memorial service was held for him at Theydon Bois Parish Church by the Reverend G V Collier. He is commemorated on his father's grave in Epping Cemetery, on Theydon Bois war memorial, and on the memorial tablets in both the United Reform Church and the Methodist Church.

HUMMERSTON, Alfred (3136)     Private     2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment

Died 12th March 1915 Age 31

Commemorated LE TOURET MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, he enlisted into the Army at Stratford on 6th August 1914, just 2 days after war was declared. He sailed for France on 9th November, and was killed in action on 12th March 1915. His brother Jack was wounded the following month. The family lived in Epping High Street. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

HUMMERSTON, Henry L (3328)     Serjeant      2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

Died 26th April 1918

Commemorated ADELAIDE CEMETERY, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, SOMME, FRANCE.

Born in Epping, he was a member of the Epping Weslayan Church and was a keen footballer, playing for Epping. Known locally as 'Darbo', he enlisted into the Army at Warley and was killed in action in France in 1918. His Battalion suffered heavy casualties during this action, amounting to 13 officers and 539 other ranks. A tribute to him appeared in the West Essex Gazette on 11th May 1918, written by the Old'un, a football correspondent: "At the present time it is indeed a sad and weary task to write of sports and  sportsmen. The war is sadly being brought home to the remnants of Epping F.C. as first one then another erstwhile member of the

Whites goes to return no more. To those of us - and there are many - who knew Darbo Hummerston in the days that are gone, the news of his loss came as a shock.. Although of late years he had ceased to be a regular playing member of the Bell Field brigade, Darbo could always be relied upon, at a moment's notice, to come to the rescue of his old club. His genial smile and inextinguishable cheerfulness under all circumstances endeared him to hosts of footballers. Sorrow at his loss and sympathy with his bereaved relations will be universal in all the Epping league clubs". He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

JENKINS, Harold G. (G/79198)     Private     9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Died 12th November 1918 Age 18

Commemorated ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Son of George and Matilda Jenkins, of James Street. He died of bronchial pneumonia in the Etaples military hospital in France the day after the Armistice had been signed. Before the War he had been a member of the West Essex Gazette printing staff, and later worked as an assistant for Hammond the fishmonger in the High Street. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church, and was one of five members of the lads bible class there who were killed in the War. They were remembered by the presentation of a bible in 1919.

JERVIS, George H. (31021)     Private     9th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 8th April 1918 Age 19

Commemorated ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Son of James and Alice Mary Jervis, of Shelley House, Ongar, who had previously lived in St John's Road, Epping. He was a member of Epping Rifle Club. Served on the Western Front, and died at Etaples General Hospital of wounds received in action in 1918.

JUNIPER, Arthur (3600)     Trooper     Guards Machine Gun Regiment

Died 8th October 1918 Age 33

Commemorated BRONFAY FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, BRAY-SUR-SOMME, FRANCE

Arthur Juniper was born in Epping and lived in the town. Known as Fred to his family, he was member of the Epping Wesleyan Church. He enlisted into the Army at St Pancras, and spent 8 yearswith the 1st Life Guards before the War, and was then a reservist for a further 4 years. He travelled to France with the Life Guards on 15th August 1914, and later transferred to the Guards Machine Gun Regiment. He was one of many Epping soldiers who received a Christmas parcel from the West Essex Gazette in 1917, and he sent the following letter of thanks: "I cannot express my feelings in words, but I am sure you all understand how much it helps us out here to know that the people of the old town are thinking of us. I don't think I have missed the Gazette one week since I have been out here". He died of bronchial pneumonia at a Casualty Clearing Station in France in October 1918. A sister at the Station had written to his family stating that he had been admitted as a patient, and she wrote again on October 9th reporting his death the previous day. She said in her letter "He was always bright and made the most of everything. He will be buried in the little cemetery near here with several of our other brave boys". He had been wounded on a previous occasion. His brother Ernest and sister Emily were also lost in the War. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

JUNIPER, Ernest (S/21624)     Rifleman     11th Bn., Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own)

Died 1st April 1918 Age 35

Commemorated HAM BRITISH CEMETERY, MULLE-VILLETTE, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of John Wesley Juniper and Mary Emma Juniper. His father was the manager of Cottis' Ironmongers, and his mother owned a wool shop in Epping High Street, where they lived. He married Harriet in 1905 and moved to Shepherds Bush, London. He was a fully qualified chemist with Harrods. He enlisted in London and died of wounds in April 1918. It was briefly thought that he may have been taken prisoner; a comrade, in hospital in England, said that he had last seen Ernest lying wounded on a stretcher attended by two bearers, and he thought that they may have been captured. Ernest left a 6 year old daughter, named Winnie. His brother Arthur died six months later. His sister Emily enlisted as a nurse and died of illness on board a ship. Commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

KENT, Arthur J. (254146)     Gunner      "A" Battery, 93rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died 2nd September 1918

Commemorated GOMIECOURT SOUTH CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Husband of E E Kent, of 7 Lindsey Street, Epping, he had one child. Arthur enlisted into the Royal Artillery in April 1917 and was killed in action while serving on the Western Front in September 1918. A Major from his Battery wrote the following letter to Gunner Kent's wife: "I am very grieved to have to inform you of the death of your husband ,Gunner Kent. The gallant gunner was killed at a post of honour yesterday while serving his gun against the enemy. One shell struck the ground at his feet exploding the ammunition, but leaving him unharmed. The flames drove him from the spot, but he would not leave his duty and shortly was back at his gun again. Within two minutes another shell struck the gun and he, along with those with him, died - like heroes. Heroes indeed, they all were. It is not given to us to know the hour of our death, but none have died more gloriously for their country than your husband.".

KINNELL, Guy R.     Brevet Major      4th Bn., West Yorkshire Rgt (Prince of Wales Own)

Died 9th December 1919 Age 27

Commemorated MELCOMBE REGIS CEMETERY, DORSET.

Born in Epping on 14th November 1892. His father, who for some years had been manager of Cottis ironmongers, died when Guy was two years old. Mother Emily moved to Church Hill and became a teacher in the Parish Church Sunday School. He was educated first at Epping School and later at St Albans School, St Albans, Hertfordshire, which he entered in 1907. He played football and rugby for the school as well as captaining the cricket team. He was a member of the school's Officer Training Corps from 1908 until the time he left in 1912 and went to Oxford. In January 1914 he took a commission in the Special Reserve, and on the outbreak of war he was with his Regiment, the 4th West Yorks, at Richmond. He joined the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment on the Western Front on 12th February 1915. On the 13th March he was seriously wounded in action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and on 15th April his leg was amputated. After several months in hospital he rejoined his regiment. He went to serve as a Staff Officer and as an Embarkation Officer, being promoted to Captain on 22nd August 1916. For his excellent work in the repatriation of POW's he was given the rank of Brevet Major in the King's Birthday Honours list in June 1919. He was honoured with three foreign decorations, the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour of France, Chevalier of the Order of the Crown of Belgium, and the Order of the White Eagle (Serbia). In August 1919 he went to Weymouth as the Station Accountant. He was married at Princess Christian's Hospital in November of the same year. On 9th December, in the same hospital, he finally succumbed to the lingering effects of his wounds and died of heart failure. He was buried with full military honours in Melcombe Regis Cemetery on 13th December 1919. His younger brother Paul was also killed during the war. The name and details of Guy's death are on his father's gravestone in All Saints Churchyard at Epping Upland.

KINNELL, Paul (301045)     Rifleman     1st/5th Bn., London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade)

Died 1st July 1916 Age 22

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Younger brother of Guy, Paul Kinnell travelled to France with the London Regiment on 2nd September 1915. On July 1st the following year his Regiment was one of the many taking part in the disastrous first day of the Battle of the Somme. The London Division launched an attack on Gommiecourt at 7.20am. The first two lines of German trenches were taken with comparatively few casualties, and the third after a fierce fight. The London Regiments were then cut off as the Germans began to shell them and spray the area with machine gun fire. All attempts to reinforce them failed, and they eventually had to withdraw. Paul Kinnell was at first reported missing. In April 1917 the Army Council informed his family that he had in fact been killed.

LADHAM, Archibald F (2100144)     Private     4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 27th March 1917 Age 20

Commemorated JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, ISRAEL

Born in Chelmsford, the son of Mr and Mrs Ladham, of High Street, Epping. He was a member of the 1st Epping Scout Troop before the war. He enlisted into the 4th Battalion of the Essex Regiment in Epping and served with them in Palestine. He was killed in action in March 1917 during the second Battle of Gaza. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

LATTER, George W. W.     Second Lieutenant     3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade

Died 11th July 1916 Age 20

Commemorated POND FARM CEMETERY, HEUVELLAND, WEST-VLAANDEREN, BELGIUM

Originally from Chichester in Sussex, George Latter worked as a clerk at the Epping branch of Barclays Bank from November 1913 until November 1914 when he enlisted into the London Regiment. He was described as "tremendously keen" on military life and on 3rd October 1915 he was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade. In a report of his death the West Essex Gazette said that he was much liked by all who came in contact with him. It also said that he had been so successful in his Army service that it was most likely that he would have adopted a military career had he survived. His parents received the following letter from a comrade, 2nd Lieutenant C J Chamberlain: "As an intimate friend of your son, and one who has served with him for more than a year, I feel it is my duty to write to tell you that he was most unfortunately killed on the night of July 10th. Both of us were former members of the LRB, and we first met when the Battalion was doing work on lines of communication last summer. First at Aire and later at St Omer we were together, and I think it is due to the fact that he wished to be among friends that induced him to apply for a commission in the Rifle Brigade. A few days ago it was decided to carry out a raid on the German trenches on our front. Volunteers were called for, and a list of names more than three times the number required was sent in. Your son expressed a keen desire to be one of the party, and eventually, when the scheme had been prepared, was put in command of one of the bombing squads, whose duty it was to enter the enemy's trench, clear it of Germans, and hold the ground until a search party had secured necessary identification. The actual operation was entirely successful, and your son, one of the first to enter the trench with his party, worked his way along the trench in accordance with the scheme. Alone, he entered one of the dug-outs in the trench and secured important documents which were safely brought back, and when the order to return was passed along he worked his way clear with his party, regaining our trenches without loss. At this stage some difficulty arose because it was not known whether one of the party which should have returned earlier was back or not. Your son immediately volunteered to go out in front and render assistance, but was prevailed upon to remain until a messenger went down the trench to find if the missing party had re-entered at another point. It was then that a trench mortar bomb landed quite close to the parade, killing your son almost instantaneously. A stretcher-bearer was standing beside him at the time, and in spite of his immediate assistance he quickly realised that the help he could render was unavailing. All the members of the party, as well as all the officers and men of the Battalion, were much upset when they heard that your son had been a victim to such an unlucky accident, but the memory of his recent achievement, his coolness and courageous display, must comfort you as it does us. You part is to suffer the loss bravely, while it is ours to pay the sacrifice if called upon. Bear in mind that your son died bravely while calmly waiting to go forward and help his comrades. When quietness was restored he was brought by stretcher-bearers to a small village some distance behind the lines, where he was buried yesterday by the Regimental Chaplain. Rest assured that everything was done for him, and that his name and fame will ever be remembered".

LAW, Ernest     Private     10th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment

Died 3rd July 1916 Age 19

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Coopersale, the son of Mrs Mary Ann Law, of New Cottages, Ivy Chimneys, he enlisted in Stratford into the Lincolnshire Regiment. He transferred into the York and Lancs and saw service in France and Belgium. He was killed in action in July 1916, on the third day of the Battle of The Somme.

LEWSEY, Harold (88715)     Private      3rd Kite Balloon Section, Royal Air Force

Died 28th October 1918

Commemorated ETRETAT CHURCHYARD EXTENSION CEMETERY, ETRETAT, FRANCE

Son of Captain and Mrs Lewsey of St John's Road, Epping. He died from the effects of gas in France in October 1918. A Kite Balloon was large cylindrical gas-filled bag with a rope attached. Along this rope were attached a series of umbrella shaped wind catchers, which resembled the tail on a child's kite, hence the name Kite Balloon. They were used behind the lines for observation purposes.

LOVE, Alfred J. (S/9920)     Rifleman     9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consorts Own)

Died 28th February 1918

Commemorated BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, SURREY

Born in Epping, he enlisted at Warley. He died in the UK of wounds received in action. His death was reported in the West Essex Gazette on 9th March 1918. He was one of three brothers serving in the forces, one of whom, Ernest, had been killed in action in 1915.

LOVE, Ernest A. (16047)     Private     1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 6th August 1915 Age 20

Commemorated HELLES MEMORIAL, TURKEY

Son of William and Lizzie Love, of 2 Bridge Hill, Ivy Chimneys. He was killed on the same day as two other Epping men from the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, Edward Fowler and Jesse Freshwater. His brother was Alfred Love, who was killed in 1918.

MAYNARD, Thomas     Second Engineer      Steam Trawler Nelson, Mercantile Marine

Died 5th September 1914 Age 38

Commemorated TOWER HILL MEMORIAL

Born in Epping, he later lived with his wife in Grimsby. He was reported missing presumed drowned in September 1914, Epping's first fatality of the War.

MEAD, Hubert (G/37295)     Private      2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Died 28th February 1917 Age 22

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in High Easter, and was living there when war was declared. He enlisted into the Army at Epping. Commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

MILLER, Hugh M. (927)     Trooper      Essex Yeomanry

Died 13th May 1915 Age 19

Commemorated MENIN GATE, YPRES, BELGIUM

Hugh Meilke Miller was born in Belleville, Argentina. Just prior to the war he was living in Epping. At the age of 17 he joined the Essex Yeomanry at Abbey Farm. He was preparing to return to Argentina when war was declared, so on 14th August he opted to rejoin his Regiment and accompany it to France. He was killed in action on 13th May 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. The Essex Yeomanry were a mounted Regiment, but on this day took part in the 8th Cavalry Brigade's attempt to re-occupy previously lost front line trenches at Frezenberg Ridge without their horses. They lost 161 of their number in this action. Trooper Miller was originally reported as wounded in an account of the day's action on the front page of the West Essex Gazette on 22nd May 1915. Other Epping men also took part in this action. Trooper J Church described the scene as "awful". Harry Pegrum was wounded, and George Pegrum was left behind the lines to look after the horses. Hugh Miller is also commemorated on the war memorial in Theydon Mount Church. His brother Robin served as a Lieutenant in the Army Service Corps. Members of the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion took part in a parade in his memory at the Menin Gate in July 2004.

NEWMAN, Walter S. (60377)     Private     11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Died 10th February 1917

Commemorated REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Epping, he enlisted into the Army at Brentwood and served initially with the Essex Regiment. He transferred into the Royal Fusiliers and was killed in action on the Western Front.

OAKLEY, Frank H. (200592)     Private      4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 26th March 1917 Age 25

Commemorated JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, ISRAEL

Son of William and Emily Oakley, of Holly Cottage, St John's Road, Epping. He was a member of Epping Rifle Club and enlisted into the Essex Regiment at Brentwood. He was reported as being wounded during the second Battle of Gaza in Palestine in March 1917. Four months later it was reported that he had in fact been missing since March. His body was never found, and he is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial.

PATTEN, Edward J. (12/900)     Lance     Corporal 12th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Died 24th September 1918 Age 24

Commemorated DEMNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, FRANCE

Born in Cambridge, he died of wounds at the age of 24 on the Western Front while serving with the Durham Light Infantry.

PERT, William J. (32458)     Private     11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 22nd April 1917 Age 33

Commemorated LOOS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Clewer near Windsor. He was married to Frances and lived at 4 St John's Road, Epping. He worked for Mr Kirkby, a local butcher, for several years before the War. He enlisted at Waltham Abbey and was killed in action on the Western Front. His Battalion went into action at Hill 70 and held a trench for some hours before being driven out when the Germans shelled the communication trench. The 11th Battalion suffered heavy losses in the engagement. William was originally reported missing, and it was almost a year before wife Frances was informed of his death.

PLUMB, Cecil P. (31020)      Private      10th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 22nd October 1917 Age 19

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Son of Arthur and Annie Plumb, of 6 Gordon's Cottages, St John's Road, Epping. On this day, during the third Battle of Ypres, the 10th Essex supported the 8th Norfolks in their attempts to gain a number of objectives. The Essex took Nobles Farm, and then pushed on to Meunier House, which was also taken. After a short artillery barrage, they occupied Tracas Farm. Cecil Plumb was killed in action.

PLUMB, Harry C. (41379)     Private     2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment

Died 21st June 1918 Age 19

Commemorated WARLOY-BAILLON CEMETERY EXTENSION, SOMME, FRANCE

Son of William and Agnes Plumb, he was living in Lindsey Street at the outbreak of war. Known as Charles, he worked for the Co-Operative Society and enlisted into the Army at Warley as soon as he was old enough . He was killed in action on the Western Front in June 1918.

POMPHRETT, L. J. (A/367466)     Private      Royal Army Service Corps (Canteens)

Died 30th January 1919

Commemorated STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE, FRANCE

Leslie Pomphrett lived in St John's Road. He served with the Army Service Corps in the canteens of the British Expeditionary Force. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

PORTER, William (11119)     Private     2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

Died 18th August 1917 Age 26

Commemorated BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, VLAMERTINGHE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the second son of George Lawrence and Annie Elizabeth Porter of St John's Road, Epping. He worked for Wm Cottis & Sons before enlisting into the Army at Stratford in 1914. In August 1917 he was admitted to a base hospital after receiving serious shell wounds in the abdomen and the right elbow. He was immediately operated on, and told a nurse to write home for him saying that all was going well and he would soon be back in "Blighty". He did not recover from his wounds, however, and died on the morning of 18th August. He had two brothers in the Army; Bert, in France with the Middlesex Regiment, and Chas, in the Dardenelles with the Essex Regiment.

POULTON, Arthur C. (55579)     Private      198th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

Died 20th September 1917 Age 22

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Son of Mildred Poulton, of 1 Lennon's Cottages, Epping. He was born in Epping and enlisted there, originally joining the Royal Fusiliers before transferring into the Machine Gun Corps. He was killed in action during the Third Battle of Ypres.

POULTON, David C. (200351)     Private     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 4th November 1917 Age 20

Commemorated GAZA WAR CEMETERY, ISRAEL

Born in Theydon Garnon, the son of Funeral Director Mr & Mrs D C Poulton of High Street, Epping. He enlisted into the Essex Regiment in Epping and was in camp with them when war broke out. He went to Egypt with his Regiment and died of wounds received in Palestine during the attack on Balah Ridge in November1917. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

PRETLOVE, Sidney H. (32423)     Private      11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 31st August 1917 Age 20

Commemorated MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, NORD, FRANCE

Son of Charles and Emily Pretlove, of Coopersale Common, he was born in Parndon. Sydney was called up in 1916, and his father attended a tribunal to appeal for the exemption of his son from service as he was the main support of the family's greengrocery business. The application was refused and he went to the Western Front with the Essex Regiment. He was killed in action in France in August 1917. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at St Albans Church in Coopersale, and on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church. He was one of five members of the lads bible class at the Congregational Church killed in the War who were commemorated by the presentation of a bible in 1919.

RANDALL, Robert G. (S/30801)     Rifleman     6th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)

Died 22nd February 1917

Commemorated FORT PITT MILITARY CEMETERY, KENT

Born in Epping, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs C. Randall of Woodside Farm. Enlisted in Stratford, and died at Fort Pitt, Chatham in 1917. A notice in his memory was placed in the West Essex Gazette by his father, sisters and brothers a year later.

RATCLIFFE, E. ( 18944)     Private      1st Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 2nd September 1916 Age 18

Commemorated VLAMERTINGTHE MILITARY CEMETERY, BELGIUM

Son of George and Mary Ratcliffe, of 3 Ivy Chimneys, Epping. He was born in Bishops Stortford and enlisted in Warley. Killed in action in Belgium. His name was added to Epping war memorial in 2004.

REES, Andrew M.     Lieutenant     9th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 18th October 1916 Age21

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Andrew Montgomery Rees was born on 19th June 1895, the son of the Revd Robert Montgomery Rees, M. A., and Catherine Rees, of Latchmore, Hartland Road. He was educated at Leys School in Cambridge from 1910 to 1914 and left with a Mathematical Exhibition to study at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Initially his poor eyesight led to his rejection for military service, but he was eventually accepted as an instructor, and later sent to fight in France. He was originally reported missing but it is now assumed that he was killed in action. He was a member of the Epping Wesleyan Church, and is commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

ROGERS, Walter (15833)     Serjeant     10th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 22nd October 1917

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, he lived at Fir Tree Cottages, Bell Common. He enlisted into the Army at Kingston-upon-Thames. He was reported missing in October 1917, and a year later his mother received the following letter from the Enquiry Department of the British Red Cross Society; Dear Madam, I fear that we have received some information that will do little to allay your very great anxiety. Private E. Newman, of the same Regiment, now in hospital in France, states "Sergeant Rogers was my Platoon Sergeant, and I last saw him wounded in the hand by shrapnel and walking on the duck boards going out of our front line on his way to the Dressing Station at about 11.30 in the morning at Poelcapelle. We had gone over that morning and I first saw him wounded quite early in the morning as we were taking the brewery, but he carried on until we had taken our objective and had dug in. There was very heavy shelling going on as he was going down to the dressing station.". As no further information has been received about Sergeant Rogers we very much fear that he may have been killed by a shell on his way back to the dressing station, but you will notice that we have not yet been able to get in touch with an eye witness and we are therefore trying to obtain further information for you. We are sorry to send you this information, and will write to you further should we receive any more news. Please accept our most sincere sympathy in your anxiety.

ROWLAND, Ernest J. (13206)     Private      8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment

Died 26th September 1915

Commemorated LOOS MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Ernest Rowland was born in Epping. He enlisted in Stratford and was killed in action during the Battle of Loos in September 1915. Commemorated on the memorial tablet in the Methodist Church.

SAMPSON, Alfred Walter (30795)     Lance Corporal     2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment

Died 23rd October 1918

Commemorated HIGHLAND CEMETERY, LE CATEAU, FRANCE

Alfred Sampson was born in Epping and lived in the Town. He enlisted into the Bedfordshire Regiment in Epping, and was killed in action on the Western Front.

SAMPSON, Harry A. (35334)     Lance Corporal      2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 17th April 1917

Commemorated ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, he was the son of Arthur and Rebecca Sampson of Chapel Road. Enlisted in West Ham. He married Ada Sophia Neville on Saturday1st May 1915, returning to his Regiment just three days layer. He was killed in action on the Western Front in France.

SAUNDERS, Ernest M.     Second Lieutenant     1st/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 4th December 1917 Age 36

Commemorated KANTARA WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, EGYPT

Husband of Mary A. Saunders, of 7 Bower Vale, Epping. Died of wounds while serving with the Essex Regiment in Palestine. He is also commemorated in St Peters Church, Shelley.

SAVILL, Charles W. (469940)     Private     685th Home Service Employment Coy, Labour Corps

Died 1st May 1919

Commemorated EPPING CEMETERY

Son of Walter George and Mary Ann Savill of Epping. Died of phthisis, a progressive wasting disease. Buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in Epping Cemetery.

SAVILLE, Alfred W. (8495)     Private      2nd Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment

Died 15th March 1915

Commemorated GUARDS CEMETERY, WINDY CORNER, CUINCHY, FRANCE

Son of Mr W Saville, of Bell Common, Epping. Born in Battersea and enlisted in Warley, he was killed in action on the Western Front while serving with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in March 1915.

SHELLEY, Harry L. (27311)     Private      8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment

Died 24th October 1917

Commemorated MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, POPERINGE, BELGIUM

Born in Southend-on-Sea, he later moved to Epping where he enlisted into the Army. He was described in the local press as being most popular, particularly with the local detachment of the Essex Volunteers, of which he was a keen member. His "breezy manner and native wit" won him many friends. He was a member of Epping Rifle Club, winning two silver spoons with them in 1916. He was also a member of Epping Fire Brigade. He died as the result of a head wound, which he received serving with the Norfolk Regiment during the third Battle of Ypres in October 1917.

SHOAT, Albert E. (63685)     Private     6th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Died 24th August 1918 Age 19

Commemorated MEAULTE MILITARY CEMETERY, FRANCE

Born in Coopersale, the son of George William Shoat of Epping. Enlisted in Epping and lived there. Killed in action while serving with 'D' Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment on the Western Front in 1918.

SIMMONS, Colin (13966)     Private      5th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Died 17th August 1915

Commemorated EAST MUDROS MILITARY CEMETERY, LEMNOS, GREECE

Born in Epping, the son of Mr W J Simmons of Chapel Road, he enlisted in the Town. He initially joined the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and later transferred to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He landed in Gallipoli with the Machine Gun Section of the 5th Battalion on 7th August 1915. He was severely wounded and died on 17th August. His death was reported in a Casualty List published in the West Essex Gazette on 11th September. Commemorated on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

STEVENS, William J. (L/15815)     Private     4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Died 26th October 1914

Commemorated LE TOURET MEMORIAL, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Mr & Mrs J A Stevens of Sunnyside Road. He joined the Army as a regular in October 1913. He went to the Western Front in the early days of the War and was killed in action during the Battle of the Aisne in 1914.

STOCK, John E. (G/13292)     Private      6th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Died 12th May 1917 Age 26

Commemorated ARRAS MEMORIAL, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Frederick Charles and Sarah Ann Stock, of Lindsey Street. Enlisted in Epping. He was originally reported missing on 12th May 1917. It was confirmed a year later that he had actually been killed in action on the Western Front on that date. His family placed a notice to his memory in the West Essex Gazette in May 1918.

STRANGE, A. J.     Private     2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 8th October 1917 Age 39

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the Son of Charles and Mary Jane Strange, of 6 St John's Road. He enlisted in Epping and was killed in action serving with the Essex Regiment in the Ypres Salient in 1917.

STRANGE, William J. (106717)     Private     106th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

Died 22nd October 1917 Age 19

Commemorated TYNE COT MEMORIAL, ZONNEBEKE, BELGIUM

Born in Epping, the son of George John and Ellen Wright, of 4 Twankhams Alley. Killed in action during the third Battle of Ypres.

TREDGETT, Arthur (33381)     Private      13th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Died 22nd August 1918 Age 32

Commemorated PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, BELGIUM

Son of Mrs M A Tredgett, of Lindsey Street, Epping. He enlisted into the Army in Epping, originally joining the Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was later transferred to the East Lancs and was killed in action on the Western Front.

TREDGETT, George (19140)     Private      11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 19th August 1916

Commemorated HAMEL MILITARY CEMETERY, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Epping,, the son of Mr & Mrs Charles Tredgett of Epping Green, he was killed in action on the 19th August 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. His sister, a Mrs Day, received the following letter from Second Lieutenant H K Harris, his platoon commander: "I feel so for you in the loss of your brother that I hardly know where to begin. He was one of the faithful soldiers in my platoon, always willing to do anything. His loss will be felt by all of us".

TREDGETT, James H. (K22822)     Stoker     1st Class HM Submarine K4, Royal Navy

Died 31st January 1918

Commemorated CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, KENT

Brother of William Tredgett, who was also killed. Just before the outbreak of war he had married and settled in Sheerness. He was killed in an accident involving a number of K Class submarines during an exercise in Scotland. A letter confirming his death was sent to his mother in Hemnall Street by the Accountant General of the Navy on 20th May 1919. The letter says "I have to state for your further information that on the night of January 31st 1918, just after having left her base in the Firth of Forth, whence she was proceeding for service in the North Sea with the Grand Fleet, HM Submarine K4, in which your son was serving, collided with another K Class submarine and sank almost instantaneously with all on board. The exposed position of the wreck combined with the depth of water unfortunately precluded the possibility of recovering the bodies of her crew". In January 2002 a memorial cairn was erected in Anstruther harbour in memory of those who lost their lives in this incident, which became known as the Battle of May Island.

TREDGETT, William (J/46435)     Ordinary Seaman     HMS Laforey, Royal Navy

Died 23Rd March 1917 Age 20

Commemorated CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, KENT

Son of Mrs Payne (formerly Tredgett), of 2 Hemnall Street, Epping. HMS Laforey, a destroyer, was part of the Dover Patrol, a dangerous assignment escorting troopships to France, and then returning the ships full of wounded men. On 23rd March 1917 Laforey and her sister ship Laertes were escorting cargo ships to France, using the Folkestone to Boulogne route. The ships were safely berthed in France and the destroyers turned for home. At 4.30pm Laforey struck a mine, and a large explosion detonated amidships. The ship immediately broke in half, the stern sinking with all aboard. The bow remained floating for some tome as Laertes tried to rescue the remaining crew. That part too soon disappeared, leaving just 18 survivors from her compliment of 77. The wreck is now a designated War Grave. The mines had actually been laid by the Royal Navy. William was the brother of James Tredgett, who was killed in 1918.

TROTTER, Lionel (1000868)     Private      16th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)

Died 8th November 1917

Commemorated MENIN GATE, YPRES, BELGIUM

Son of Raymond Douglas Trotter (Solicitor) and Emily Marston Trotter, of Epping. Also commemorated on page 340 of the Veterans Affairs Canada Book of Remembrance, and on the war memorial at St Albans Church, Coopersale.

TURNER, Walter J. (179514)     Gunner     B Battery, 71st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died 31st July 1917

Commemorated NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY, YPRES, BELGIUM

Lived in Epping and enlisted there. Killed in action on 31st July 1917. A wreath was laid on his grave in New Irish Farm Cemetery by members of the Epping & District Branch of the Royal British Legion in July 2004.

WEBB, Arthur M. (28033)     Private     1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment

Died 8th February 1917

Commemorated GORRE BRITISH & INDIAN CEMETERY, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the son of Kate Butler of Buckhurst Hill. He was killed in action in France in 1917 while serving with the East Surrey Regiment.

WHITING, Percy M. (471630)     Rifleman      1st/12th Battalion, London Regiment (The Rangers)

Died 1st July 1916 Age 28

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Husband of Winifred Daisy Whiting, of High Street, Epping, he had previously been a member of the printing staff of the West Essex Gazette, to which he contributed football reports each week during the season. He was a keen member of Epping Ramblers Football Club, and enlisted on November 8th 1915. He was originally reported as missing. His Battalion was involved in the same action as Rifleman Paul Kinnell on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

WIDOCKS, Herbert E.     Chief Steward     HMS Newmarket, Mercantile Marine Reserve

Died 17th July 1917 Age 28

Commemorated PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, DEVON

Eldest Son of Mr D Widocks, of St John's Road, Epping, Herbert worked for the Continental Service of the Great Eastern Railway before volunteering for service in the Mercantile Marine. He was 28 years old and married. He was drowned when the vessel on which he was serving, the Minesweeper HMS Newmarket, was sunk in an action with the German submarine UC38 in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The UC38 was herself sunk five months later by French destroyers in the Ionian Sea.

WINGFIELD, George E. (16564)     Private     11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Died 21st August 1916 Age 28

Commemorated HAMEL MILITARY CEMETERY, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Copt Hall Green, the son of James and Annie Wingfield. He later moved to Epping, working on the Copped Hall Estate. He was married to of Ida Emily Wingfield, of Lindsey Street. He enlisted in Warley and was killed in action in August 1916.

WOOD, Horace L. (10222)     Trooper      9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers

Died 12th March 1918

Commemorated THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Epping, the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Philip Wood of the Plain. He enlisted at Stratford on September 7th 1914 and remained in England until January 6th 1916 when he went to France. He had two brothers in the Army; Frederick, in the Suffolk Regiment, and Charles, in the Royal Engineers. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at St Albans Church in Coopersale.

WOOD, George J. (Y/1041)     Rifleman     12th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Died 2nd April 1918

Commemorated POZIERES MEMORIAL, SOMME, FRANCE

Born in Epping, he was the youngest son of Mrs James Wood, who lived on the Plain. He enlisted in London on 27th August 1914 and went to France in February 1915. He later returned to England suffering from Enteric Fever. On his recovery he again went to France, and was wounded on the Somme in July 1916. He retuned home to recover. In January 1918 he volunteered to go to France for a third time, and was killed in action there the following April. He is commemorated on the war memorial at St Albans Church in Coopersale, and on the memorial tablet in the United Reform Church.

WRIGHT, John     Sergeant    2nd/4th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment

Died 3rd December 1917 Age 21

Commemorated CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, FRANCE

Born in Chigwell, the son of Albert and Harriet Wright, and later moved to 1 Champness Cottage, St John's Road, Epping. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 3rd December 1917.

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Copyright © John Duffell, March, 2008.

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