A South Ashford Archive
The South Ashford Fallen
Christ Church South Ashford War Memorial Transcription The Second World War 1939 - 1945
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The Christ Church War Memorial
The war memorial is located in the north aisle of the church. The memorial contains two sections, at the top the First World War section containing 61 names, and the Second World War section at the bottom containing 34. An original inscription plate located below the memorial reads:-
TO THE GLORY OF GOD ? IN COMMEMORATION OF THE JUBILEE OF THIS CHURCH ? AND ? IN HONOUR OF THE BRAVE MEN FROM SOUTH ASHFORD WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WAR. THIS SHRINE IS PRESENTED BY THOMAS GEORGE AND EDITH GRAY KITHER 1917.
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The Second World War 1939 - 1945
The brass plaque reads:-
"AND IN COMMEMORATION OF THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE GREAT WAR 1939-1945"
There are 34 names on this section of the memorial, both those who died on active service and civilians who died as a result of enemy action.
The blessing and dedication of this addition to the memorial was made "In thanksgiving for victory and in Commemoration of those men of South Ashford who gave their lives in the Second World War, 1939-1945" on 8th February 1947.
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Roll of Honour 1939 - 1945 (in alphabetical order)
EDWARD BEARD JACK CECIL BIGNELL JACK SEYMOUR BLAKE JACK BROWN GEORGE THOMAS BUTTON DOUGLAS VERNON CHAPMAN REGINALD JAMES CLARKE CHARLES WILLIAM CYRIL COE PETER JOHN DAY DONALD WILLIAM DIMON JAMES BERNARD DIXON HENRY GEORGE FINLAY DRURY WILLIAM FRANKLYN SIDNEY EARLL SIDNEY CHARLES EPPS DOUGLAS ROBERT WILLIAM HALL GEORGE HILLS PERCY HILLS HAROLD ROY HODGES CHARLES HOLDSTOCK ALFRED SIDNEY HOLLANDER JOSEPH ERNEST JAMES GEORGE BOWRING KIRBY LEONARD EDWARD LAWRENCE ALFRED LOWER CECIL MAIDSTONE ALEC ALBERT EDWARD MAYHEW ERNEST MORRIS ERNEST SYDNEY ROBERT NEWBLE WILLIAM CHARLES PULLENGER CHARLES TILDEN RELF THOMAS WILFRED SINDEN EDWIN SMITH EDWARD CYRIL SOPER WILLIAM JAMES WRATTEN
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In Memory of Private Edward Beard
6288340, 5th Bn., The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) who died on 09 April 1943 Age 21
Son of James Beard and of May Eva Beard, of Beaver, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Beja War Cemetery
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EDWARD BEARD.
Private 6288340, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).
Born Oldham, Lancashire. Son of James and Mary Eva Beard of Beaver, Ashford, Kent. Died 9th April 1943, aged 21. Buried Beja War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave Ref: 2. C. 3.
Pre-war member of The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Edward was killed during his battalions attack on Point 667, which was the highest feature on Gebel Bech Chekaou near Oued Zarga, Tunisia.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
"DEATH FOUND HIM THERE ONLY AN HONEST LAD DOING HIS DUTY" REMEMBERED
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In Memory of Flight Sergeant Navigator Jack Cecil Robert Bignell
1399771, 77 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 14 February 1945
Remembered with Honour Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery
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JACK CECIL BIGNELL. (JACK CECIL ROBERT BIGNELL).
Flight Sergeant 1399771, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Else Bignell. Died 14th February 1945, aged 21. Buried Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. Grave Ref: Collective grave 5. G. 10-15.
Jack was the navigator of Halifax bomber MZ803 KN-G, which was flown by 22 year old Flight Sergeant (Pilot), Alfred G. Simmons, of East Barnet, Hertfordshire. The aircraft took off at 1845 hours on 13 February 1945 from R.A.F. Full Sutton, Yorkshire, in a mixed bomber force of 368 aircraft, of which 326 were Halifaxs, 34 Lancasters, and 8 Mosquitos. All were engaged on a mission to Böhlen near Leipzig, Germany to bomb the Braunkohle-Benzin synthetic-oil plant.
Owing to extremely dense cloud over the target area up to 15,00 feet combined with icing, the Pathfinder Force aircraft were unable to provide accurate marking. Therefore the following main force bombs were dropped over a large and scattered area. Jack’s was the only aircraft lost on the raid, and the cause of loss and crash- site not established. All the seven crew perished and are interred in the same cemetery.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Civilian Jack Seymour Blake
Civilian War Dead who died on 26 October 1942 Age 33
Husband of Mary Evelyn Blake, of 12 Hampden Road. Injured at Southern Railway Works; died same day at Ashford Hospital. Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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JACK SEYMOUR BLAKE.
Civilian War Dead.
Born Lydd. Husband of Mary Evelyn Blake of 12 Hampden Road, Ashford, Kent. Died 26 October 1942, aged 33.
Jack was injured at the Southern Railway Works, Ashford, and succumbed to his injuries later the same day whilst a patient at Ashford Hospital.
(kentfallen.com)
A report in the Kentish Express (30/10/42) reads:-
WORKERS KILLED BY BOMBS SNEAK RAIDERS ATTACK INLAND TOWN
Under cover of low clouds, sneak raiders have appeared over the south-east during the week, and bombs have been dropped have caused casualties and damage. One inland town experienced two attacks on Monday and both were carried out by Dorniers. The report goes on:-
SHELTERED BEHIND A WALL In another area a bomb dropped near a workshop and five people were killed and several injured. Some of whom died later in hospital. The dead included Mrs. Lloyd, who together with several other persons had taken cover in the buildings. The bomb burst just outside and blast blew in the wall behind which they were sheltering. Adjacent buildings were damaged by the blast. Many people saw the bombs leave the aircraft.
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In Memory of Civilian John Brown
Civilian War Dead who died on 24 March 1943 Age 53
of 5 Marlowe Road. Died at Southern Railway Works.
Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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JACK BROWN. (John Brown)
Civilian War Dead.
Born Ashford, Kent. Resided 5 Marlowe Road, Ashford, Kent. Died 24th March 1943, aged 53.
Died at Southern Railway Works.
(kentfallen.com+)
An extract from the Kentish Express (09/11/43) reads:-
"The funeral took place at a parish church last week of Mr. John Brown, a works employee killed in a raid on S.E. England. The chief mourners were the Widow, the Misses J. and M. Brown (daughters), Messrs R. J. and W. Brown (sons)."
Another extract from the Kentish Express (03/12/2009) reads:-
"Beatrice Shrubsole (nee Brown) lost her father Jack Brown on March 24, 1943 after a bomb ricocheted into a wall near where he was working. The wall fell on him and he was found dead under the rubble. Beatrice was just nine months old at the time."
Beatrice, born in 1942, was the youngest of 12 children born to Jack and his wife Beatrice after their marriage in 1919.
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In Memory of Private George Thomas Button
6288041, 4th Bn., The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) who died on 17 June 1940 Age 20
Son of George and Dorothy Eva Button, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Escoublac-La-Baule War Cemetery
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GEORGE THOMAS BUTTON.
Private 6288041, 4th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).
Born and resided Kent. Son of George and Dorothy Eve Button of Ashford, Kent. Died 17th June 1940, aged 20 (Died at sea). Buried Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery, Loire-Atlantique, France. Grave Ref: 1. E. 41.
Pre war member of The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). George died during the loss of the H.M.T. Lancastria off St. Nazaire, France. On 17 June 1940 the 16,000 ton Cunard liner H.M.T. Lancastria (in use as a troopship), lay 5 miles off St Nazaire embarking troops and civilian refugees being evacuated from France, as the country was on the verge of collapse.
George died when the Lancastria was attacked and hit by bombs from German aircraft, which caused her to roll over and sink within twenty minutes. The exact numbers onboard the ship will never be known, but almost certainly exceeded 6000 troops and civilians.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
THY WILL BE DONE
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In Memory of Private Douglas Vernon Chapman
6210065, 1st Bn., Middlesex Regiment who died between 01 October 1942 and 02 October 1942 Age 24
Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Chapman; husband of D. V. Chapman, of Ashford, Kent, England.
Remembered with Honour Sai Wan Memorial
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DOUGLAS VERNON CHAPMAN.
Private 6210065, 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment.
Born and resided Kent. Son of Charles and Emily Chapman. Husband of Kathleen Nutley (married 1941) of Ashford, Kent. Died 1st or 2nd October 1942, aged 24. Commemorated on the Sai Wan Memorial, Hong Kong, China. Column 14.
Douglas died at sea aboard the “Lisbon Maru.” The sinking claimed the lives of over 800 men. On 25th September 1942 prisoners of war, who had been captured at the fall of Hong Kong nine months earlier by the Japanese, were moved from Shamshuipo prisoner of war camp and loaded aboard the 7,052 ton “Lisbon Maru.” Two days later the ship, commanded by Captain Kyoda Shigaru set sail for Shanghai, shortly after 0700 hours on 1st October the American submarine “The Grouper” fired six torpedoes at the ship, one of which hit the vessel.
For twenty six hours the stricken vessel lay motionless with all the prisoners of war still locked in the ships holds, even after the majority of the guards had been rescued by the “Toyukuni Maru.” When an escape was eventually attempted by the men in the holds they were machine gunned by the few Japanese guards who had not fled the stricken ship. Of the 748 men who initially survived the sinking and later internment, many have subsequently stated that they had owed their lives to the Chinese fishermen, who at great personal risk under fire, had plucked many from the sea.
Douglas was amongst the 154 members of his regiment who perished on the ship.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Marine Reginald James Clarke
CH/X114216, No. 45 R.M. Commando., Royal Marines who died on 04 April 1945 Age 20
Son of Jack and Monica Mercy Clarke, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Reichswald Forest War Cemetery
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REGINALD JAMES CLARKE.
Marine CH/X114216, No. 45 Commando, Royal Marines.
Born Deal, Kent. Son of Jack and Monica Mercy Clarke of Ashford, Kent. Died 4th April 1945, aged 20. Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Grave Ref: 62. C. 16.
Marine Reginald Clarke died (killed in action or died of wounds) during the period No. 45 Commando were engaged in operations at Osnabruck, having just advanced from Wesel.
(kentfallen.com+)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
SOMEWHERE IN THE FOREIGN LAND IS FOR EVER ENGLAND. SADLY MISSED
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In Memory of Able Seaman Charles William Cyril Coe Mentioned in Despatches C/J 109653, H.M.S. Achates., Royal Navy who died on 31 December 1942 Age 34
Son of Harriet Coe; husband of Kathleen Coe, of Kennington, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Chatham Naval Memorial
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CHARLES WILLIAM CYRIL COE.
Able Seaman C/J 109653, Royal Navy. H.M.S. Achates.
Born Hythe, Kent. Son of Herbert and Harriet Coe of 12 Chapel Street, Hythe, Kent. Husband of Kathleen Coe of Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Died at sea 31st December 1942, aged 34. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Column 53. Row 2.
Charles joined the Royal Navy in February 1924 aged 16, and in June 1929 on his 21st birthday signed on for another 10 years and subsequently received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
Charles was amongst the 113 lost from the crew of 194, when his ship H.M.S. Achates, an “A”class destroyer was lost in the Barents Sea. Whilst laying down a smoke screen to protect the convoy is was escorting H.M.S. Achates received several direct hits from the German heavy cruiser “Admiral Hipper” and sank.
(kentfallen.com+)
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In Memory of Flying Officer Navigator Peter John Day
164090, 15 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 09 February 1945 Age 21
Son of John H. and Marion Day, of Sidcup, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Brussels Town Cemetery
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PETER JOHN DAY.
Flying Officer (Navigator) 164090, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 15 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Son of John and Marion Day of Sidcup, Kent. Died 9th February 1945, aged 21. Buried Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Ref: Grave X. 28. 17.
Also commemorated in the Book of Remembrance at Ashford Grammar School where Peter had been a pupil between 1934 and 1937.
Peter was one of the (enlarged) crew of nine which had included two pilots and three air gunners, aboard Lancaster bomber HK620 LS-W, which was flown by 22 year old Flight Lieutenant (Pilot), James H. Cowie, of New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, that took off from R.A.F. Mildenhall, Suffolk at 0313 hours on the morning of the 9 February 1945.
The aircraft was in a bomber force comprised of 151 Lancasters of Number 3 Group, and Peter’s aircraft was on a mission to bomb Krefeld near Düsseldorf, Germany, with the primarily objective being to attack the Hohenbudberg railway yards. Following the raid, photographic reconnaissance showed no obvious extra damage had been caused during the Lancasters bombing which had resulted in the loss of two aircraft, the other Lancaster being of 186 Squadron, R.A.F.
The exact fate of Peter’s aircraft is unclear, but all nine onboard the aircraft died, 23 year old Sergeant Alan Dobson from Southall, Middlesex is commemorated on the Runneymede Memorial, but the other eight crew who died are all interred in the same cemetery as Peter.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
BELOVED SON OF J.H. AND M. DAY, SIDCUP, KENT. CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE
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In Memory of Aircraftman 1st Class Donald William Dimon
1285998, 243 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 14 February 1942 Age 21
Son of Arthur Vivian and Dorothy Eva Dimon, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Singapore Memorial
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DONALD WILLIAM DIMON.
Aircraftman 1st Class 1285998, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 243 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Born 5 William Road, Ashford, Kent, 2 October 1921. Son of Arthur Vivian Dimon and Dorothy Eva Dimon (neé Briggs) of Ashford, Kent. Died 14th February 1942, aged 20. Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. Column 417.
Donald died the day before the fall and surrender of Singapore. His squadron had been temporarily disbanded on 20 January 1942 after their Buffalo aircraft had been decimated by the superior machines flown by the Japanese.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Lance Serjeant James Bernard Dixon
6290364, 5th Bn., The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) who died on 28 November 1942 Age 26
Son of James E. and Bertha Maud Dixon, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Medjez-El-Bab Memorial
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JAMES BERNARD DIXON.
Lance Sergeant 6290364, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).
Born Sunderland. Son of James and Bertha Dixon of Ashford, Kent. Died 28th November 1942, aged 26. Commemorated on the Medjez-el-Bab Memorial, Tunisia. Face 15.
In 1942 the 5th Buffs were assigned to the newly raised 78th Battleaxe Division and took part in Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa.
James was killed during the Tunisia Campaign Operations (25th November to 10th December 1942), during the "Run for Tunis".
(kentfallen.com+)
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In Memory of Civilian Henry George Finlay Drury
Civilian War Dead who died on 17 September 1940 Age 54 of 193 New Town. Husband of Mabel Annie Drury. Injured 16 September 1940, at New Town; died at Ashford Hospital. Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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HENRY GEORGE FINLAY DRURY.
Civilian War Dead.
Henry lived at 193 New Town. Husband of Mabel Annie Drury. Injured during an air raid on 16th September 1940, at New Town; and died at Ashford Hospital on 17th September 1940, aged 54.
A William Boniface, aged 70 and Frederick Drury, aged 16, were hospitalised from the same address.
(Kentfallen.com+)
A report in the Kentish Express (16/09/40) reads:-
OLD COUPLE KILLED In the early evening a large bomber circled over an inland town and as low clouds lifted and broke up dropped high explosive and incendiary bombs on a thickly-populated area, causing casualties, including an elderly man and his wife, who were killed. Three high explosive bombs were dropped on this area and one struck a block of four houses in a working-class locality. Two of these house received the full force of the explosion and were completely wrecked and it was in one of these that Mr. and Mrs. Raffe were killed. After removal to hospital Henry Drury died; He was hit by splinters in the back of the abdomen. Luckily, the occupants of the adjoining house had gone away. A third house, which was also badly damaged, was unoccupied at the time. A delayed action bomb exploded later. Several people were injured by the explosions and these included:- William Boniface, compound fracture of the foot, and shock; Albert Mills, shock; Fred Drury, splinters in back of leg; Kate Chittenden, shock; William H. Prior, shock; Rosa Prior, shock. The blast of the explosions was terrific, and in addition to the houses mentioned, many others were damaged and rendered uninhabitable. Some had ceiling blown down, doors wrenched off or made useless, while numerous others had tiles blown off and windows shattered. Several shops and a public-house a considerable distance away were affected, and a window was broken in a house nearly a mile away. Incendiaries were also dropped in the locality, and one fell on the rooks of another block of cottages and started a fire. The A.F.S. had their first real test and they did their work remarkably well. The fire was difficult to locate, but so well did the firemen cope with it that they prevented serious damage. They stopped the spread of flames in the nick of time, but even so the inside of two of the cottages were rather badly affected. An eye-witness said:- "The bomber appeared out of the clouds flying north. When on the outskirts it turned and circled the town and again flew over the district from the direction of the coast. It then turned again and flew across in the opposite direction and disappeared in a thick low lying cloud. The roar of its engines could still be heard and it appeared flying back over its last course and then bombs were seen to leave it. Two or three times it was fired on from the ground."
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In Memory of Civilian William Franklyn Sidney Earll
Civilian War Dead who died on 26 September 1940 Age 30 of 24 Upper Denmark Road. Son of W. B. and C. S. A. Earll, of Denwood Farm, Crundale; husband of Vera Earll. Died at C.W.S. Yard, Godinton Road. Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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WILLIAM FRANKLYN SIDNEY EARLL.
Civilian War Dead.
Resided at 24 Upper Denmark Road, Ashford, Kent. Son of William and Caroline Earll of Denwood Farm, Crundale, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Vera Earll. Died 26th September 1940, aged 30.
William was killed at the Co-operative Wholesale Society (C.W.S). yard, Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent.
(Kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Gunner Sidney Charles Epps
899458, 52 Field Regt., Royal Artillery who died on 09 June 1940 Age 24
Son of Sydney Charles and Lilly Annie Epps, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Viroflay New Communal Cemetery
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SIDNEY CHARLES EPPS.
Gunner 899458, 52 (Manchester) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. (Territorial Army).
Born Maidstone, Kent. Son of Sydney Charles and Lilly Annie Epps of Ashford, Kent. Died 9th June 1940, aged 24. Buried Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, Yvelines, France. Grave Ref: Row B. Grave 3.
Pre-war member of the Royal Artillery. Sidney was a member of 385 Battery, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was based at the Drill Hall, Newtown Road, Ashford, Kent.
Commemorated by the CWGC as being a member of the 52 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Sidney is named on the Roll of Honour of the 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. At some time in his war service Sidney had probably served in both units resulting in the conflicting entries.
Records indicate the 52nd Field Regiment evacuated from Dunkirk on 30th May except for the detached 205th Battery, which was engaged to 2nd June.
(Kentfallen.com+)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
FOR ALL OF US YOU DID YOUR BEST. GOD TOOK YOU TO ETERNAL REST. MUM, DAD AND FAMILY
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In Memory of Sergeant Air Gunner Douglas Robert William Hall
1895735, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 09 March 1944 Age 29
Son of Robert William and Annie Moore Hall; husband of Alice Annie Hall, of South Ashford.
Remembered with Honour Ashford (Bybrook) Cemetery
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DOUGLAS ROBERT WILLIAM HALL.
Sergeant (Air Gunner) 1895735, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 1667 Heavy Conversion Unit, Royal Air Force.
Born Brentford, Middlesex. Son of Robert William and Annie Moore Hall. Husband of Alice Annie Hall of South Ashford, Kent. Died 9th March 1944, aged 29. Buried Ashford (Bybrook) Cemetery. Section 68. Grave 42.
Douglas was an Air Gunner on Halifax bomber DJ998 GG-E, which was flown by Flying Officer (Pilot), Stanley Burton D.F.C. The aircraft took of from R.A.F. Sandtoft, Lincolnshire, at 13:30 hours on 9th March 1944 on a training exercise for duel circuits and landings.
Only five minutes into the flight the bomber went into a spin from 700 feet, and burst into flames upon crashing at the village of Belton near Grantham, Lincolnshire. All the eight air crew on the Halifax were killed, four of whom were laid to rest at Harrogate, Yorkshire (Stonefall) Cemetery. The other four airmen were conveyed to their respective home towns for burial.
(Kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
HIS COURAGE AND DEVOTION, SUCH MEMORIES FOR A LOVING WIFE AND SON, MUM AND DAD
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In Memory of Serjeant George Hills
834688, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regt., Royal Artillery who died on 14 November 1942 Age 25
Remembered with Honour Alamein Memorial
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GEORGE HILLS.
Sergeant 834688, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Harry and Caroline Hills of Ashford, Kent. Died 14 November 1942, aged 29. Commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 39.
George is named on the Roll of Honour of the 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. As the 386 Battery, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, (Territorial Army), was based at the Drill Hall, Newtown, Ashford, Kent, it would seem likely that George had been a pre-war member of the battery.
George was amongst the 783 prisoners of war and crew, who were lost, when the 1,600 ton Italian ship SS Scillin was sunk. Prior to departure whilst the ship was being loaded at the Spanish Quay, Tripoli Harbour, Libya, Captain Gilbert of the Royal Army Medical Corps made several protests regarding the number of men that were being boarded, due to the comparatively small size of the ship.
The SS Scillin was sunk by the Royal Navy submarine H.M.S. Sahib (P212), approximately ten miles north of Cape Milazzo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. After the ship was sunk the submarine rescued twenty-six British prisoners and one South African prisoner of war, plus the captain of the SS Scillin and forty-five Italian crewmembers. It was only when some of the survivors were heard speaking English, was it realized the ship was carrying allied prisoners of war.
(Kentfallen.com)
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Percy Hills August 1919 – 22nd April 1946
Death not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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PERCY HILLS.
Born Ashford, Kent. Resided 161 Beaver Lane. Died 22nd April 1946, aged 26, in Keycol Hill Sanatorium, Sittingbourne, Kent. His mother Patience Widmer (nee Hills) was his next of kin.
Details of war service unknown, his death is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
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In Memory of Private Harold Roy Hodges
14292780, General Service Corps who died on 07 October 1942
Remembered with Honour Willesborough Cemetery
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HAROLD ROY HODGES.
Private 14292780, General Service Corps.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Henry and Minnie Hodges of Ashford, Kent.
Died 7th October 1942, aged 24. Death registered at Colchester, Essex Buried Willesborough Cemetery. Grave Ref: Section M. Grave 320.
Also commemorated in St Mary's, Willesborough.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Civilian Charles Holdstock
Civilian War Dead who died on 26 October 1942 Age 53
Home Guard. Husband of Ellen Holdstock, of 31 Whitfield Road. Injured at Southern Railway Works; died same day at Ashford Hospital. Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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CHARLES HOLDSTOCK.
Civilian War Dead.
Born Ashford, Kent. Husband of Ellen Holdstock of 31, Whitfeld Road, South Ashford, Kent. Died 26th October 1942, aged 53.
Charles who served as a member of the Home Guard, was injured at the Southern Railway Works Ashford, Kent, and succumbed to his injuries later the same day whilst a patient at Ashford Hospital, Kent.
(kentfallen.com)
An extract from the Kentish Express (30/10/42) reads:-
"Mr Charles Holdstock, aged 53, who leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters, was a well-known sportsman, amateur gardener and a member of the Home Guard. The funeral was on Saturday."
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In Memory of Private Alfred Sidney Hollander
6289500, 5th Bn., The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) who died on 23 November 1942 Age 25
Son of George Samuel Hollander, and of Polly Emily Jane Hollander, of South Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Bone War Cemetery, Annaba
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ALFRED SIDNEY HOLLANDER.
Private 6289500, 5th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).
Born South East London. Son of George Samuel and Polly Emily Jane Hollander of South Ashford, Kent. Died 23rd November 1942, aged 25. Buried Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria. Grave Ref: III. B. 17.
In 1942 the 5th Buffs were assigned to the newly raised 78th Battleaxe Division and took part in Operation Torch, the Allied landings in North Africa.
Alfred was killed during the Tunisia Campaign Operations (25th November to 10th December 1942), during the "Run for Tunis".
(kentfallen.com+)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
IN EVERLOVING MEMORY OF OUR ONLY DEAR SON AND BROTHER. "UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN"
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In Memory of Trooper Joseph Ernest James
7958813, "C" Sqn., 16th/5th Lancers, Royal Armoured Corps who died on 24 April 1943 Age 21
Son of Joseph Henry and Maud Olive James, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Massicault War Cemetery
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JOSEPH ERNEST JAMES.
Trooper 7958813, ‘C’ Squadron, 16/5th Lancers, Royal Armoured Corps.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Joseph Henry and Maud Olive James of Ashford, Kent. Died 24th April 1943, aged 21. Buried Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave Ref: VI. D. 8.
In the Spring of 1943, the 16th/5th Lancers fought in Tunisia, their objective being the Tunis itself, Joseph died during the battles around the capture of Longstop Hill.
Early in 1943 the regiment received the new American Sherman tanks, which were a vast improvement on their old Valentines and Matildas, both in terms of increased firepower and protection. It was with these tanks that the 16/5th Lancers fought in the battles of Kasserine, Fondouk, Bordj, Djebel, Kournine and the final battle for Tunis. The Axis forces in North Africa surrendered at Tunis on 13th May 1943.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
THERE IS A LINK DEATH CANNOT SEVER, LOVED AND MEMORIES WILL LIVE FOR EVER
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In Memory of Flight Sergeant George Bowering Kirby
1333680, 106 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 06 October 1944 Age 22
Son of Bertie and Evelyn Dorcas Kirby; husband of Rose Eileen Violet Kirby, of West Norwood, London.
Remembered with Honour Runnymede Memorial
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GEORGE BOWRING KIRBY.
Flight Sergeant 1333680, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Born Cardiff, Glamorganshire. Son of Bertie and Evelyn Dorcas Kirby. Husband of Rose Eileen Violet Kirby of West Norwood, London. Died 6th October 1944, aged 22. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 219.
George was a crew member of Lancaster bomber PD214 ZN-D which was flown by 29 year old Flight Lieutenant, Douglas Stewart, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The aircraft took off from R.A.F. Metheringham, Lincolnshire at 17:45 hours on 6th October 1944, in a bomber force comprised of 246 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes, to take part in the last of the thirty two major bombing raids on the German city of Bremen, which were carried out by Bomber Command, R.A.F. during the Second World War.
Resulting from the raid, A.G. Weser shipyard was seriously damaged as was the electrical works of Siemens Schuckurt . Two factories of Fokker-Wolf and other important industrial targets, and the transport system were also wrecked. Five Lancaster aircraft were lost on the raid.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Civilian Leonard Edward Lawrence
Civilian War Dead who died on 24 March 1943 Age 31
Home Guard. Son of Mrs. E. Lawrence, of 12 Francis Road; husband of Queenie Lawrence, of 1 Denbigh Place, Torrington Road. Died at Snashalls, Kent Avenue. Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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LEONARD EDWARD LAWRENCE.
Civilian War Dead.
Son of Mrs E Lawrence of 12 Francis Road, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Queenie Lawrence of 1 Denbigh Place, Torrington Road, Ashford, Kent. Died 24th March 1943, aged 31.
Leonard, who served as a member of the Home Guard, was killed during an enemy bombing raid, when Snashalls Bakery, 85 Kent Avenue, Ashford, Kent, was destroyed. The destruction of Snashalls Bakery resulted in the deaths of the baker, his wife, son and two of the members of staff.
All were killed during a low level attack by enemy bombers whilst working at the Bakery, at which time the premises were destroyed. The bomb which killed them had hit the side of the nearby Public House, bounced on the ground, passed under a tin roof, through a wall, bounced on the shelter in the grounds behind, to eventually explode in Snashalls Bakery.
On March 24, 1943, a force made up of 15 elite German pilots bombed the town, resulting in the single biggest loss of life in Ashford during the war.
Fifty people were killed, with 76 more badly wounded and a further 78 suffering ‘lesser wounds’.
Accessed German records reveal that the ‘Prime Targets’ for the raid on the town of Ashford that day, were the Gas Works, and the important railway infrastructure, including the Southern Railway Works, which was hit causing numerous casualties.
(kentfallen.com)
An extract from the Kentish Express (26/03/43) reads:-
"When a bakery was razed the baker and his wife were killed, with their son Ronald, also Mrs C. Tolhurst, who was serving in the shop, and Mr. Leonard Lawrence, who was working in the bakery."
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In Memory of Sergeant Flight Engineer Alfred William Nelson Lower
1288402, 100 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 20 October 1943 Age 21
Son of Ada A. Lower, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Eelde General Cemetery
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ALFRED LOWER. (ALFRED WILLIAM NELSON LOWER).
Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1288402, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Harry and Ada Lower of Ashford, Kent. Died 20th October 1943, aged 21. Buried Eelde War Cemetery, Dranthe, Netherlands. Plot 3. Grave Ref: 1328.
Prior to war service, Alfred was employed as a fitter at the Southern Railway Works Ashford, Kent. He was a member of the choir at Christ Church, South Ashford, Kent, and was an active member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Alfred was a crew member of Lancaster Bomber ED555 HW-A, flown by 21 year old Pilot Officer (Pilot), Theodore L. Simpson, of Tiverton, Devon, which took off from R.A.F. Grimsby, Lincolnshire at 17:46 hours on a bombing mission to Leipzig on 20th October 1943.
Unlike a lot of raids which were mixed bomber formations, the raid on which Alfred died was comprised totally of Lancasters. 16 of the 358 Lancasters engaged on the raid were lost, on what was the first significant attack on Leipzig, Germany. Owing to appalling weather conditions which prevailed over the region of the target area, the bombing pattern was very scattered on and around the city.
Alfred’s aircraft is recorded as having been shot down over Holland during its return flight by an enemy night-fighter. The Lancaster crashed at 22:25 hours at Eelderwolde, Dranthe, Holland, killing all seven crew, who are buried locally in the same cemetery.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Able Seaman Cecil Maidstone
C/JX 148889, H.M.S. Foxhound, Royal Navy who died on 13 April 1940 Age 20
Son of Albert and Daisy Florence Maidstone, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Chatham Naval Memorial
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CECIL MAIDSTONE.
Able Seaman C/JX 148889, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Foxhound (H69).
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Albert and Daisey Florence Maidstone of Ashford, Kent. Died 13th April 1940, aged 20. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. Column 35. Row 3.
Cecil died at the start of the ‘Second Battle of Narvik’, Cecil’s ship being one in a force of ten Royal Navy ships commanded by Vice Admiral William H Whitworth C.B., D.S.O., that sailed up the Ofotfjord and engaged the remaining enemy ships there that were then under the command of Fregattenkapitän (Commander) Erich Bey.
Seven German destroyers in the Ofotfjord were sunk. The German destroyer Bruno Heineman was finally sunk by shots fired from H.M.S. Foxhound.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Leading Seaman Alec Albert Edward Mayhew
C/JX230880, H.M.S. "Saunders", Royal Navy who died on 04 February 1943 Age 34
Remembered with Honour Fayid War Cemetery
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ALEC ALBERT EDWARD MAYHEW.
Leading Seaman C/JX230880, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Saunders. Formerly Seaman J111472.
Born St Pancras, London. Son of Henry and Louisa Mayhew. Died 4th February 1943, aged 34. Buried Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: 5. A. 3.
Alec originally served as a Seaman from 1924 to 1926, finishing his service on H.M.S. Royal Oak.
At the time Alec died, H.M.S. Saunders was part of the Combined Training Centre (CTC) Middle East at Kabret, on the Egypt's Little Bitter Lake. It was the first Combined Operations Training Establishment located outside the United Kingdom and its purpose was to train Royal Navy personnel in the operation of landing craft and together with the troops of many Allied nations, to practice amphibious landings prior to operations against the enemy in the Mediterranean.
(kentfallen.com+)
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In Memory of Civilian Ernest John Morris
Civilian War Dead who died on 24 March 1943 Age 18
Home Guard. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, of 69 Francis Road. Died at Southern Railway Works.
Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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ERNEST MORRIS. (ERNEST JOHN MORRIS).
Civilian War Dead.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Harold and Alice Morris of 69 Francis Road, Ashford, Kent. Died 24th March 1943, aged 18.
Ernest was a member of the Home Guard, and died at the Southern Railway Works, Ashford, Kent.
On March 24, 1943, a force made up of 15 elite German pilots bombed the town, resulting in the single biggest loss of life in Ashford during the war.
Fifty people were killed, with 76 more badly wounded and a further 78 suffering ‘lesser wounds’.
Accessed German records reveal that the ‘Prime Targets’ for the raid on the town of Ashford that day, were the Gas Works, and the important railway infrastructure, including the Southern Railway Works, which was hit causing numerous casualties.
(kentfallen.com+)
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In Memory of Aircraftman 1st Class Ernest Sydney Robert Newble
1287519, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who died on 04 June 1943 Age 32
Son of William Ernest and Marguerite Daisy Newble, of Ashford, Kent; husband of Vera Bethina Eunice Newble, of Ashford. Remembered with Honour Ambon War Cemetery
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ERNEST SYDNEY ROBERT NEWBLE.
Aircraftman 1st Class 1287519, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of William Ernest and Marguerite Daisey Newble of Ashford, Kent. Husband of Vera Berthina Eunice Newble of Ashford, Kent. Died in captivity 4th June 1943, aged 32. Buried Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia. Grave Ref: 4. D. 14.
The town of Ambon, is situated on the Laitimor Peninsula on the southern shore of Ambon Bay. It was severely damaged during the Second World War, first by the Japanese who bombed it heavily in January 1942 and later by the Allied forces who attacked it in 1943 and 1944.
The War Cemetery was constructed on the site of a former camp for Australian, British and Dutch prisoners of war, some of whom had been transferred from Java in 1943 and many of those buried in it died in captivity.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
IN MEMORY OF MY BELOVED HUSBAND. LIFE GOES ON, BUT MEMORIES LINGER ALWAYS
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In Memory of Able Seaman William Charles Pullinger
C/JX 126978, H.M.S. Partridge, Royal Navy who died on 10 October 1942 Age 31
Son of William and Lizia Pullinger; husband of Gladys Mairie Pullinger, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Chatham Naval Memorial
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WILLIAM CHARLES PULLENGER. (WILLIAM CHARLES PULLINGER).
Able Seaman C/JX 126978, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Partridge (G30).
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of William and Lizia Pullinger. Husband of Gladys Maria Pullinger of Ashford, Kent. Died 10th October 1942, aged 31. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial Panel 55, Column 3.
William was reported as being lost overboard, missing presumed killed. HMS Partridge was at this time part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla at Gibraltar to support allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch).
(kentfallen.com+)
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In Memory of Gunner Charles Tilden Relf
894010, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regt., Royal Artillery who died on 06 June 1940 Age 19
Son of Charles William and Margaret Ellen Relf, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Dunkirk Memorial
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CHARLES TILDEN RELF.
Gunner 894010, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Charles William and Margaret Ellen Relf of Ashford, Kent. Died 6th June 1940, aged 19. Commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France. Column 17.
Pre-war member of the Royal Artillery. Charles was a member of 385 Battery, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was based at the Drill Hall, Newtown Road, Ashford, Kent.
During the German invasion of France, on 21st May the river Somme was crossed, at Abbeville by German forces, after which a bridgehead was very quickly established. Charles's regiment, in retreat and low on ammunition, on 6th June 1940 moved into the Forest of Eu to await further orders. During the afternoon the regiment was bombed and three men were killed and seventeen wounded, it seems that Charles was one of those killed by the German bombers.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Private Thomas Wilfred Sinden
14370115, 6th Bn., Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment who died on 05 October 1943 Age 32
Son of Robert and Rosa Ann Sinden; husband of Edith Sybella Sinden, of Maidstone, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Sangro River War Cemetery
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THOMAS WILFRED SINDEN.
Private 14370115, 6th Battalion, Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment.
Born Hastings, Sussex. Resided Kent. Son of Robert and Rosa Ann Sinden of Appledore, Kent. Husband of Edith Sybella Sinden of Maidstone, Kent. Died 5th October 1943, aged 32. Buried Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy. Grave Ref: II. E. 29.
Thomas originally enlisted in the General Service Corps, before transferring to the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment.
The action fought by Thomas’s battalion on the day of his death was described as the Battle of Termoli, which ended in an allied victory on the night of 6th October 1943. Eleven other men of his battalion also lost their lives on the day that Thomas died.
(kentfallen.com)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
BELOVED HUSBAND OF "PLACKY" SON OF ROBERT & ROSA SINDEN APPLEDORE, KENT, ENGLAND
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In Memory of Gunner Edwin Smith
915929, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regt., Royal Artillery who died on 06 June 1940
Remembered with Honour Grandcourt War Cemetery
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EDWIN SMITH.
Gunner 915929, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Harry and Harriet Smith. Died 6th June 1940, aged 20. Buried Grandcourt War Cemetery, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Ref: B. 5.
Pre-war member of the Royal Artillery. Edwin was a member of 385 Battery, 97 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was based at the Drill Hall, Newtown Road, Ashford, Kent.
During the German Invasion of France, on 21st May the river Somme was crossed, at Abbeville by German forces, after which a bridgehead was very quickly established. Edwins's regiment, in retreat and low on ammunition, on 6th June 1940 moved into the Forest of Eu to await further orders. During the afternoon the regiment was bombed and three men were killed and seventeen wounded, it seems that Edwin was one of those killed by the German bombers.
(kentfallen.com)
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In Memory of Civilian Edward Cyril Soper
Civilian War Dead who died on 24 March 1943 Age 39
Son of Mrs. H. Soper, of 136 Beaver Road. Died at Stanhays, Godinton Road.
Remembered with Honour Ashford, Urban District
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EDWARD CYRIL SOPER.
Civilian War Dead.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of James Henry Owen and Maria Harriet Soper of 136 Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent. Died 24th March 1943, aged 39.
Edward died at Stanhays Agricultural Engineers premises Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent.
On 24th March, 1943, a force made up of 15 elite German pilots bombed the town, resulting in the single biggest loss of life in Ashford during the war.
Fifty people were killed, with 76 more badly wounded and a further 78 suffering ‘lesser wounds’.
Accessed German records reveal that the ‘Prime Targets’ for the raid on the town of Ashford that day, were the Gas Works, and the important railway infrastructure, including the Southern Railway Works, which was hit causing numerous casualties.
(kentfallen.com)
An extract from the Kentish Express (26/03/43) reads:-
"In the main street leading into the town a large garage received a direct hit, which ignited inflammable supplies and caused a very extensive fire. The whole garage was wrecked, a number of stored cars being demolished. Two were killed here. The fire was successfully controlled, although the N.F.S. men were still at work late into the afternoon suppressing any possible likelihood of a further outbreak."
Another extract from the Kentish Express (09/04/43) reads:-
"The funeral of Edward Soper, who met his death by enemy action, second son of Mrs. Soper and of the late Mr. J. O. Soper, took place recently. The first part of the funeral service was taken by the priest-in-charge at the church close by the deceased's home, and afterwards at the graveside. The cortege was followed by Miss D. Day (fiancée), relatives, friends and representatives of the firm with which he worked, and at the church many gathered to pay a last tribute."
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In Memory of Private William James Wratten
6353563, 1st Bn., Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment who died on 29 April 1943 Age 30
Son of Fredrick William and Alice Mary Wratten, of Ashford, Kent.
Remembered with Honour Massicault War Cemetery
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WILLIAM JAMES WRATTEN.
Private 6353563, 1st Battalion, Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment.
Born Ashford, Kent. Son of Frederick and Alice Wratten of Ashford, Kent. Died 29th April 1943, aged 30. Buried Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave Ref: II. H. 8.
By mid-April 1943, the combined German - Italian force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Many of those buried at Massicault War Cemetery died in the preparation for the final drive to Tunis in April 1943. The Axis forces in North Africa surrendered on 13th May 1943.
(kentfallen.com+)
HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
THE LORD HAS CALLED THEE FROM OUR MIDST AND HAS LEFT US JUST A MEMORY
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