Manningtree

‘Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends’

The Manningtree War Memorial

‘Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends’

In memory Sacred for all time of the Manningtree Men who fell in the Great War AD 1914 to 1919 for the world’s freedom’

The Manningtree Memorial.

Even before the end of the war the movement to set up local ‘memorials’ had started. There were long debates in places as to who should lead this and what form they should take. One typical discussion was whether to go for something practical, such as a new Memorial Hall, playing field, new houses or other ‘useful’ notion, rather than a stone monument.

War memorial committees were often set up to raise considerable funds, decide on the location and design and ensure both the war and those locals who died were listed and remembered.

The Manningtree Memorial is located on a prominent position in the High Street, in a section of what was the garden of the old Church Rectory. Dedicated on the 11th June 1919 it is a typical Celtic cross design in grey granite with two columns of initials and forty seven surnames in alphabetical order, carved on the main shaft. Funded by public donation, built as a permanent commemoration, it has stood the test of time and with help from the Town Council, still stands proud nearly 100 years on. An oak shrine was also dedicated on the 1st July 1923 at the old church which stood opposite.

Memorials were also erected in Lawford on the 7th November 1920 and Mistley, with some names appearing on more than one. Mistley with 60 names was dedicated on 16th January 1921. A roll of Honour with seven names was unveiled on the 9th April 1920 at the Mistley Primitive Methodist Church.

Another large memorial was set up at the Brantham factory works, where again some of the same names can be found.

The important factor seems to have been to include all those who died who had links, if only in passing, with Manningtree.

So their names are still with us and some of their individual stories have been captured here to add to the local historical record.

‘In memory Sacred for all time of the Manningtree Men who fell in the Great War AD 1914 to 1919 for the world’s freedom’

Manningtree. Known as the country’s smallest town, at the 1911 census there was a total population of only 887 people living in 216 dwellings, many of which were shops. There were 432 men and male children recorded. By the end of the war 47 men linked to the town were dead. A loss of this magnitude, even spread over four years, would have had a real impact, bringing the war home to those living in the Town. Everyone would have personally known someone who died; they would have encountered relatives who had lost sons, husbands or fathers.

World War. Whilst the bulk of the fighting took place in France and Belgium the conflict spread across Europe and into the Middle East. Private Amos Garrad sailed from Avonmouth with the 1st Battalion of the Essex regiment, passing through the Mediterranean, stopping over in Egypt. He then joined forces landed in Gallipoli, with the aim controlling the Dardanelle Straits. He died of his wounds in June 1915, fighting Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Harry Dawson, a local factory worker, and Stanley Oxley also joined the Essex regiment, this time with the 5th Battalion, sailing out to Egypt. After crossing the Suez Canal, Harry was killed on the opening day of the first battle of Gaza, on the 26th March 1917, and is buried in a local cemetery in Palestine. Arthur Brown-Sawyer another Xylonite worker from Brooke street also fought in this campaign with the Queen’s own regiment and was Killed in action on the 4th November. Stanley Oxley progressed further with the Essex regiment as part of General Allenby’s campaign, but died of his wounds on the 7th November just as Gaza fell to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force at its third attempt to take the heavily defended town. Islay Whittington Baxter came originally from Neath in Gloucestershire, moving to the Town with his father, who was for a while the local High Street doctor. After a spell here, the family immigrated to New Zealand where Islay attended King’s College Auckland from 1906 to 1911, along with his brother. He became a Corporal in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and in late 1915 passed through the Suez Canal on his way to France where he was killed in action on the Somme in September 1916. Richard Chambers enlisted at Harwich in Royal Army Medical which took him first to Gallipoli then to Mesopotamia, again in battles with the Ottoman forces. He drowned in the Persian Gulf on 25 September 1916, aged 22 years and is commemorated on the Basra memorial, now in modern day Iraq.

For Ever . Whilst it has become usual during the recent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, for fallen personnel to be brought home for burial, during the First World War this was only rarely done. Over a period the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was set up to record and care for locally constructed cemeteries, both in France and other theatres of war. By 1918 it had identified 587,000 graves with a further 559,000 casualties having no know grave – including many of the Town’s men. This left families with no local grave to focus their emotions around, receiving just a letter and perhaps after the war having some small effects returned to them. Whilst most of the local men fell and were buried in France, two are, as already mentioned, buried in Palestine, now Israel, where the War Graves Commission still maintains a cemetery. Those lost at sea like young Charles Spooner may have no known grave, but are remembered on Naval Memorials positioned around the country.

‘IF I should die, think only this of me; That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England’ (Rupert Brooke. 1887–1915). Men and Boys. The average age of the men when they died was 26 years. The oldest was 44, the youngest only 16 years. By that age some would have been in work for a couple of years, but many had no experience of life or marriage before they volunteered or later were conscripted. The loss of life build up slowly, with four killed in the first four months of the war in 1914, two in 1915, seven in 1916, thirteen in 1917 and sixteen in the last calendar year as the conflict reached its bloody climax. Most were from humble, working class backgrounds, representing the variety of local tradesmen. Eleven were working at the Xylonite factory over in Brantham, the major employer at the time. There was only one fisherman and a couple of Dockers, with only two (including the boy Charles Spooner) going into the , possibly one other going into the Merchant fleet. Maybe the Manningtree men were good Sailors and mostly came back safe.

About half remained front line army ‘Privates’, eight rose to Corporal and two became Sergeants. Charles Butler, as in the wood merchants Taylor and Butler, was born in Mistley and went away to boarding school in Wanstead, became a Lieutenant with the London Regiment. The highest rank was Captain William Cecil Holt Cree, son of the Manningtree Vicar, who joined the army as a gentleman cadet in about 1900. Whilst others had done service before the war, he was the only army career man from the Town, lost in the conflict, having set out early with the expeditionary force just after being promoted Captain. Eleven were married men and left between them 16 children to be looked after with some financial help for their Widows, in the form of a government pension.

Regiments and brothers. Of the 44 men we have records for; only 16 were in one of the main Essex Regiments, with four each in the original 1st and 2nd Battalions. Two ended up in the Suffolk regiment, two with the Northamptonshire regiment and two the Royal fusiliers. So there were no local ‘Pals’ regiments as such and most were scattered around various units, presumably as the need for replacements arose.

Walter Garrad from Mill Lane had seven children in all. He lost his wife Elizabeth and mother of his large family a few years before the war, then saw at least three of his sons sign up. As part of the reserve army, Fredrick Garrad was one of the first to be sent to France (having been transferred to the Cheshire Regiment’s 1st Battalion) They arrived at Le Havre on the 16th August 1914 and he was assumed killed only a few days later on the 24th August (the day after the battle of Mons) at 20 years of age. His brother Amos sailed off to the Mediterranean with the Essex Regiment’s 1st Battalion and died in 1915 at Gallipoli. The third brother Walter also served in the Cheshire regiment, but survived the war.

Mr and Mrs Sissen lost both their sons, Julian was killed on the Somme in March 1918 his brother William Walter Sissen who joined the Royal Navy some years earlier in 1909 serving on several ships before he died on the 8th November 1918 – just before the war ended. Their father died not long after.

The photo we have of the Tice twins show them standing outside their father’s shop in Manningtree. A. B. Tice first set up shop at 30 High Street (now the Mustard Seed) later moving to South Street near the Market Cross. The twins were only 18 when the war started. Together they joined the Rifle Brigade (13th Battalion), one of the new armies, recruited at Winchester in October 1914. After formation in November 1914 they moved to billets in High Wycombe, then to Andover in April 1915, being transferred to 111th Brigade of the 37th Division. On the 31st July 1915 they landed at Boulogne. By July 1916 they were in France ready on the left flank for the Battle of the Somme. Harold was killed on the 10th July (along with 400 men of his unit – about half the Regiment). Due to the heavy losses, along with many others, his brother Reginald was promoted to Corporal on the 14th July. Four weeks later on the 8th August he was wounded and died the next day. After the War their father built a printers and Stationers shop in Station Road with the well known Thermometer on the outside wall - later stolen. Acknowledgments. Work on the Manningtree memorial was a joint effort by Philip Cunningham - Manningtree Museum & Local History Group (Charity 297543) and Andy Baker of the Manningtree and District Royal British Legion. Thanks also to all the relatives who provided information and photographs. References to Memorial dates – Paul Rusiecki ‘The Impact of Catastrophe’ (ECC 2008). 18th June 2014.

Manningtree Memorial In alphabetical order by Surname, names highlighted are where nothing is known. 01 Stanley Abbott 26 George Nunn 02 William Richard Askem 27 William Fredrick Orman 03 Arthur George Barton 28 Stanley Philip Oxley 04 Islay Whittington Baxter 29 Oliver Charles Paskell 05 John Samuel Bloom 30 Walter William Peck 06 George G Bones 31 Harry H Saunders 07 Arthur Brown-Sawyer 32 George R Scott 08 John Brown-Sawyer 33 Walter Scurrell 09 Brooke W 34 Julian Frederick Sissen 10 Charles Reginald Butler 35 William Walter Sissen 11 Herbert Edwin Carter 36 George Southgate 12 Richard William Chambers 37 James Cornelius Sparrow 13 Bertie George Chaplin 38 Jonathan William Spendley 14 William Cecil Holt Cree 39 Charles Albert Victor Spooner 15 Curtis C 40 Wesley Harry Spooner 16 Harry Dawson 41 John Starling 17 Dobson N.R 42 Clifford Taylor 18 William Fisher 43 Reginald Stannard Tice 19 Amos Garrad 44 Harold Stannard Tice 20 Frederick Garrad 45 Albert Edward Viall 21 James Richard Hendley 46 Harry (Henry) Vincent 22 George Percy Holmes 47 Alfred James Woollard 23 Alfred John Jacques 24 Francis Walter Lay Flurrie 25 Charles Lucas By date of Death 24th August 1914. Frederick Garrod 15th October 1914 Charles A. V. Spooner 24th October 1914 William C. Holt Cree 31st October 1914 George Percy Holmes

13th March 1915 Herbert Edwin Carter 6th June 1915 Amos Garrad

10th July 1916 Harold Stannard Tice 14th July 1916 Charles Lucas 9th August 1916 Reginald S. Tice 16th August 1916 Alfred John Jacques 15th September 1916 Islay W.Baxter 25th September 1916 Richard Chambers 21st October 1916 William F. Orman

19th February 1917 George Nunn 26th March 1917 Harry Dawson 9th April 1917 Alfred J. Woollard 14th April 1917 Clifford Taylor 22nd April 1917 William Fisher 19th June 1917 Francis W. Lay Flurrie 17th July 1917 George R Scott 18th July 1917 Harry H Saunders 30th July 1917 Albert Edward Viall 27th August 1917 Arthur George Barton 9th October 1917 Oliver Charles Paskell 4th November 1917 Arthur Brown-Sawyer 7th November 1917 Stanley Philip Oxley

21st March 1918 George G Bones 22nd March 1918 Julian Frederick Sissen 1st April 1918 James Cornelius Sparrow 9th April 1918 George Southgate 10th April 1918 Stanley Abbott 1st May 1918 Wesley Harry Spooner 24th July 1918 Harry (Henry) Vincent 31st July 1918 Walter Scurrell 14th August 1918 William Richard Askem 4th September 1918 John Brown-Sawyer 19th September 1918 James Richard Hendley Jonathan William Spendley 29th September 1918 Walter William Peck 30th September 1918 Bertie George Chaplin 8th November 1918 William Walter Sissen 27th November 1918 John Samuel Bloom 28th November 1918 Butler Charles. Reginald No Date Brooke W Curtis C Dobson N.R John Starling

Killed in action 1. Abbott S 10th April 1918 Age 25 years Stanley Abbot

Born 1893 West Flanders Mistley (West- Vlaanderen), Belgium

Enlisted Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Lance Corporal Colchester Regiment) 6th Battalion, 27925

From Alma Square, Mistley,

By 1911 Stanley was working for British Xylonite Company as Labourer, along with his brother Arthur.

Father, originally from East Bergholt, was a Maltster’s Labourer. No mother mentioned on census records.

Formerly 61265, Royal Army Ordinance Corps.

Burial Place: Zonnebeke, West Flanders, Belgium.

TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 119 to 120

Killed in action 2. Askem W. R 14th August 1918. William Richard Age 19 years Born 1899 Askem Nord-Pas-de- Bermondsey, Middlesex. Calais, France

Enlisted East Yorkshire Regiment Private 30327 Colchester 10th Battalion

Service Record On enlistment was employed in an Iron Work shop Mobilized 12th June 1917, Joined Unit 11th April 1918,

No father mentioned, Mother Annie Rose, 17 year old sister of the same name, living at West View, Manningtree.

Family Wesleyans.

Son of Richard and Annie Rose Askem, of "West View," Manningtree, Essex.

Burial Place: Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot 2. Row D. Grave 15. LE GRAND HASARD MILITARY CEMETERY, MORBECQUE

Died from 3. Barton G. A wounds 27th August 1917 Arthur George Age 25 years Born July1892 Barton Brook Street France & Manningtree Flanders

Enlisted Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire Private Woolwich and Derbyshire Regiment)16th Rifleman 76363 Battalion

1911: Working at Xylonite Factory as Clerk. Living with father Arthur (maltster from Lawford) and Mother Sarah (from Gt Wenham), older brother John (also Xylonite Factory Clerk.), younger brother George (Xylonite Factory Labourer) and sister Gladys 14 years old

Service record. Joined at Woolwich. 23th October 1915 23 years on enlistment Sherwood Foresters formerly 012516, A.O.C. Working as a Storeman. Single man. Left for France 24.02 .16. Returned home 5th May 1916. Embarked for France November 1917. 10thAugust 1917 first wounded, later diagnosed as injury to Spinal cord, and transferred to Abberville on the 16th August and died from his wounds 27th August 1917.

Personal possessions returned to Mrs Susan Barton, Brook Street, Manningtree in January 1918. Included photographs, cards, note case, letters and 2 religious books. Victory Medal.

ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION: Grave Ref:- III. C. 6.

Killed in action 4. Baxter I. W 15th September 1916 Islay Whittington Age 21 years Born 1895 Baxter Somme France Neath Gloucestershire

New Zealand Rifle Brigade & Machine Corporal 23/66 Gun Corps. 1st Battalion. A Company No. 3 Coy.

1861: Family are living in Neath. Grandfather works as a Railway Superintendent originally coming from Leicester.

1891: Family in Neath - Father studying Medicine.

1901: Living in Manningtree, High Street with parents, father William Whittington Baxter is now a Doctor (General Medical Bachelor). Mother Clara (born around1858) is from Devonan, Cornwall. Also in the household is a cook & housekeeper, so the family are doing well

Some time after 1901 the family immigrated to New Zealand. Islay attended King's College Auckland from 1906 to 1911 and is commemorated in their Roll of Honour. At some point a brother Lionel Whittington Baxter was born and he later attending the same college. Place of Embarkation: Wellington, New Zealand Embarkation Date: 9 October 1915. Transport: HMNZT 30. Destination: Suez, Egypt.

His is remembered on the New Zealand memorial in Caterpillar Valley, France.

Son of Dr. and Mrs. William Whittington Baxter, of Kitchener Street, Takapuna, Auckland. Bay of Islands.

Died 5.Bloom J.S.B. 27th November 1918 John Samuel Age 38

Bloom Born 1882 Lawford/ Manningtree

Royal Engineers / Tyne Electrical 2nd Corporal, Engineers No:466429

Likely to be John Samuel Bloom from Manningtree though at birth in 1882 he was recorded as Samuel John B Bloom. In 1901 John Samuel Bloom was living with his family in Lawford, working as Auxiliary Town Postman. His father George was also a Rural Postman. They were part of large family of Blooms in Station road.

John married in 1906 to Alice Emma Moore from Fulham. The census of 1911 has them living at 58 Stephendale Rd, Fulham SW London with four children. John by then working as Iron Erector in the building trade.

Later the family are living at 22, Althea St., Fulham, with four young children Alnest, Alice, Eva & Daisy, only 8 years old when her father was killed.

His memorial is at the Fulham Palace Road Cemetery - Reference 4. F. 45.

Died 6. Bone C 21st March 1918 (Bones) Age 35 years George G Bone(s) Born1892/3 France & Lawford Flanders

Enlisted Northumberland Fusiliers. Private 59214 Colchester Formerly 01279, A.O.C.

Recorded on Mistley Memorial as G. Bones. 1911: George Bones Station Road, Lawford, working at the Xylonite Factory as a ‘Cutter’. Single. Living with Father James from East Bergholt and Mother Louisa from Icklingham, Suffolk (Anna Louisa Hood)

ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 2 and 3.

Killed in action 7. Brown A. E 4th November 1917 Arthur Brown- Age 19 yrs Sawyer Born 1899 Gaza/Israel

Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Private G/27802 Regiment) 2/4th Battalion

1901: Arthur Brown-Sawyer, Age 2 years living in Wignal Street Lawford. Father Edward Brown Sawyer (28 yrs - Maltster) and mother Rosina (21 years). Also brother John Brown Sawyer 1 yr.

1911: Arthur Brown-Sawyer 12 yrs (scholar) with family in Brook Street Manningtree with father Edward Brown Sawyer and Mother Rosina B Sawyer, and brother John B Sawyer 11 years and three younger siblings.

Father now working as factory hand at British Xylonite factory Brantham. Family lived in Mistley and Bradfield before moving to Manningtree. Bertie B Sawyer, Edward’s 17 year old brother, is also living with the family and working in the local dairy.

Father Mr T B Sawyer, Mother Mrs R B Sawyer of South Hill Manningtree. G. II. Beersheba War Cemetery.

Brother John Brown-Sawyer also died.

Historical Information

By October 1917, General Allenby's force had been entrenched in front of a strong Turkish position along the Gaza- Beersheba road for some months, but they were now ready to launch an attack with Beersheba as its first objective. On 31 October, the attack was carried out by the XXth Corps (10th, 53rd, 60th and 74th Divisions) on the west, and the Desert Mounted Corp on the east. That evening the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade charged over the Turkish trenches into the town.

The cemetery was made immediately on the fall of the town, remaining in use until July 1918, by which time 139 burials had been made It was greatly increased after the Armistice when burials were brought in from a number of scattered sites and small burial grounds

Died of wounds 8. Brown J 4th September 1918 John Brown- Age 18 years Sawyer France & Born 1900 Flanders Lawford

Enlisted Northamptonshire Regiment, Private 50167 Chelmsford 1st Battalion Horseman

1901: John Brown-Sawyer 1 yr, living in Wignal Street, Lawford.

1911: John Brown-Sawyer 11 yrs still at school, now living with family in Brook Street, Manningtree.

Service Record – one page. Enlistment 18th December 1917 at 18 years of age. Five foot five inches tall.

His mother signed to receive his British War and Victory Medals on 12th January 1922.

VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL 1456. NC. 84.

9. Brooke W

Brooke W

Nothing definite found.

Possible W S Brooke born around 1862 in London. Died 30.01.15 Assistant steward Mercantile Marine SS Oriole. Cargo ship was sunk by U-20 on route London and Havre, 21 crew lost.

W A Brooke listed on Brantham Works

W Brooke listed on Mistley Church memorial.

Died 10. Butler C.R. 28th November 1918 Charles Reginald Age 21 years Butler Born 1897 Nord-Pas-de- Mistley Calais, France

London Regiment. Lieutenant 19th (County of London) Battalion (St Pancras)

1901 - Charles R Butler, 3 years living with father, also Charles, who was a Manager in the Timber Trade – as was his father Joseph before him.

1911 - Charles Reginald Butler now 13 years of age is a student, living in a boarding school called ‘Mellendane’ at Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London. The rest of the family along with a servant, are now living in Norman Road, Father Charles Arthur Butler (Timber Merchant), Mother Mary Louise, Sister Eleanor and brother Noel

Given the regiment he joined, Charles may have still been at school in Wanstead when he enlisted.

At some point the family moved and by the time the grave is recorded Charles A. and Mary L. Butler, are living at 6388 Elm St., Vancouver, British Columbia.

Burial: Plot: I. C. 18, Lille, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.

Died 11. Carter H.E. 13th March 1915 Age 18 years Herbert Edwin Born 1897 Carter France & Manningtree Flanders

Essex Regiment Private 2nd Battalion No:312209

1911 - Herbert Carter at 15 years of age is a ‘Skin factory’ worker, living at Brook Street, Manningtree. He is living with his father, a Quay Labourer, Docker & Malster. His Mother Lilly (a leather Factory worker), Brother Frederick, 11 years of age; Sister Dorothy, 9 years; Sidney 6 yrs; Ivy Carter 4 yrs and Lilly 3 years old.

Son of Herbert Edwin and Lillian Mary Carter, of Brook St., Manningtree, Essex.

Memorial : Panel 39, Ypres - Menin Gate

Died 12. Chambers 25th September R.W 1916 Richard William Age 22 years Chambers Born 1894 Mesopotamia Asiatic Theatres

Enlisted Royal Army Medical Corps Private 28641 Harwich 40th Field Ambulance

Research suggests Richard was son of Mary Ann Bigsby from Manningtree. She was part of a large local family, her father Charles William Bigsby at one time a Fireman. Mary moved away from the area and in 1891 at 17 years is a servant in Edmonton, Middlesex. Richard Chambers was born in Limehouse, Surrey and by 1891 he is living with his mother in Sittingbourne, Kent, working as a Sailor. They met and were married on the 27th September 1892 at Kingston upon Thames.

Richard William Chambers was born in 1894, possibly in Milton, Kent. It may well be that his mother Mary died as a complication of the birth. His father Charles goes on to be a successful Master sailor, ending his days in Sittingborne in 1955 at 87 years of age. Perhaps due to his mother’s death and his father’s occupation, Richard (or William as he was then known locally) was sent to Manningtree, where at 7 years old he is living with his Grandmother Mary Ann Bigsby, and cousin Thomas, in Brooke Street. He later moved to live with his Uncle Charles Bigsby and family in Mill Lane, by 1911 working at 17 years of age as a Painter & Paper Hanger/ Decorator.

Richard enlisted at Harwich in Royal Army Medical Corps and entered the Balkan theatre of war on 18 October 1915, serving with the 40th Field Ambulance. He accidentally drowned in the Persian Gulf on 25 September 1916, aged 22 years. His name is commemorated on the Basra memorial. Until 1997 this was located on the main quay of the naval dockyard at Maqil, on the west bank of the Shatt-al-Arab, about 8 kilometers north of Basra. Because of the sensitivity of the site, the Memorial was moved by presidential decree. The move, carried out by the authorities in Iraq, involved a considerable amount of manpower, transport costs and sheer engineering on their part, and the Memorial has been re-erected in its entirety. Now located 32 kilometers along the road to Nasiriyah, in the middle of what was a major battleground during the first Gulf War.

Died of wounds 13. Chaplin B. 30th September 1918 Bertie George Age 19 years Chaplin France Pas de Born 1898 Mistley Calais

Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own - Private 235639 Yorkshire Regiment. 2nd Battalion (Formerly 2035, Essex Regiment)

1911 - Bertie Chaplin at 13 years of age is still at school. The family live in Oxford Road, Mistley. Father is Abraham Robert Chaplin who use to work as a Brewers Labourer. Mother Agnes Gertrude Chaplin 41 yrs. Sisters are Edith Maud Chaplin 15 yr and Marjorie Ethel Chaplin 1 yr.

Son of Abraham Robert Bricklayer Labourer and Agnes Gertrude Chaplin, of Oxford Rd., Mistley, Manningtree, Essex.

BUCQUOY ROAD CEMETERY, FICHEUX IV. B. 42.

Died of Wounds 14.Cree W.C.H 24th October 1914 William Cecil Holt Age 32 Cree th France and Born 4 August 1882 Flanders Milton Abbot, Devon

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Captain Artillery

Born 1882 in Milton Abbot, Devon, son of the Rev William Cree. 1891 – the family are living in Newton, Cumberland. By 1894 the family are living in Manningtree where father is the local Vicar and also member of the meteorological society. Father continued as Vicar until around 1899, moving later to Kensington, London. 1901 - William Cecil Holt Cree is now living and training at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich, where he is a single Gentleman Cadet. During early 1910 in Falmouth, he married Wilmet Avis Hichens, whose father was also a Vicar from Northampton. By 1911 William Cecil Holt Cree is living as head of the household in Dinas Powis, Cardiff, along with two servants and whilst clearly married, his wife is not present with him. FALMOUTH CEMETERY, CORNWALL Grave Reference I. B.

UKDeRuvigny'sRollofHonour1914-1924.

15. Curtis C

Curtis C

C Curtis listed on Mistley Memorial . B Curtis served on Lawford Memorial No clear record Found. One - Charles J Curtis b1857 from Mistley – seems too old – died June 1936 Not - Frank James Basil Curtis living in the Packet Hotel High Street in register of electors 1910 – From Dovercourt.

NOT - Fredrick C Curtis 15 yrs abt 1885 born Manningtree – 1901 living Artillery road Colchester. Parents born Colchester, father may be railway worker. Three older sisters all born Manningtree. Fredrick working as a builders clerk. Fredrick Charles Curtis born 1st quarter 1886 tendring. Also service record enlisted Willesden. Middlesex regiment 11th May 1917. Three children, first born 1907 colchester, then two Willesden. Married Edith Florence Rodwell at Colchester in 1906. Discharges just before end of war due to ill health = check if he died after.

Killed in action 16. Dawson H 26th March 1917 Age 27 Harry Dawson Born 1890 Gaza Lawford Palestine

Enlisted Essex Regiment, 5th Battalion Private 250590 Chelmsford

1901: Harry Dawson is living in Marsh Row, Lawford with father John W Dawson from Manningtree, who was working as a Quay porter/Docker. Along with mother Millie/Amelia Dawson (nee Gardener) from Weeley. Plus five brothers and sisters.

1911: Harry now 21 years and still single is living in Victoria Cottages, Marsh Row, Lawford, working as a Factory Hand/ Labourer over at the British Xylonite Factory. Living with him is his widowed mother Millicent and three of his younger siblings.

A local newspaper article provided by Doreen Parsons mentions Harry with others: ‘Manningtree Men with the Colours. In addition to the long list we published on October 31 the following are further names of Manningtree Men serving the country : Harry Dawson, Private with the 5th Essex regiment’.

GAZA WAR CEMETERY. X. G. 5.

17.Dobson N.R Dobson N.R

No clear record Found. There are two names on CWGC and neither seem to relate.

Also on Mistley Church

Richard Nelson Dobson abt 1879 from Scarborough died Dec 1916 tendring. Discharged from army. One child born in Ipswich 24th January 1912 Ethel Wife Phyllis May. Clerk or Taylor. Check probate. See family tree. Son Richard Nelson born 1916 Tendring and died Dec 1918 Tendring Essex. ? Brunswick hospital? Or local business.

Killed in action 18. Fisher W 22nd April 1917 Age 29 William Fisher

Born 1888 France & Lawford Flanders

Enlisted Essex Regiment Lance Corporal Colchester 11th Battalion 33966

1911: William Fisher is living in Brook Street, Manningtree working as a Factory Hand at the Xylonite works. He is married to Olive Atkins (19 years) born in Manningtree. With them they have 1 year old son Bernard.

Additional information provided March 2014 William married Olive Atkins and in all had four children:- Bernard St John Fisher born in 1910, Muriel Alice Fisher born August 1911 Kathleen Olive Fisher born in 1914, John Henry Fisher born in June 1917, just a couple of months after his father was killed. (John later fought in WW2) Olive’s sister Lilian married Alfred Jacques also killed in 1917.

LOOS MEMORIAL Panel 85 to 87. This casualty is currently commemorated on the Loos Memorial under the rank of Private. His name will be re-engraved under the rank of Lance Corporal when the relevant panels are next replaced.

Died of wounds 19. Garrod A. 6th June 1915 Age 21 years Amos Garrad Born 1894 Gallipoli Balkan Theatre Lt Bromley

Essex Regiment, 1st Battalion Private 9803

1901: Amos and large family are living in Little Bromley. This includes his younger brother Frederick who also died in the war.

1911: Family are now living at Mill Lane, Brook Street, Manningtree. Amos is now working as a Stockman his brother Frederick as a Bakers boy. His father Walter Garrard is now a widow, working as a Maltsters labourer. There are three other brothers in all, plus a housekeeper.

Amos Garrad sailed from Avonmouth with the 1st Battalion of the Essex regiment, through the Mediterranean, stopping in Egypt before joining forces landed in Gallipoli, with the aim controlling the Dardanelle Straits. He died fighting Turks of the Ottoman Empire. His younger brother Fredrick had died the year before, his brother Walter was also in the fighting in the army.

Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. HELLES MEMORIAL

(Note - there is an error on the on the Manningtree Memorial - Garrad is spelt with an ‘a’ not ‘o’ – whilst in the 1910 register of electors it is recorded as Garrod)

Died 20. Garrod F 24th August 1914. Age 20 years Frederick Garrad Born 1896 France & Little Bromley Flanders

Essex Regiment & Private 10173 & Cheshire Regiment - 1st Battalion 10303

1911: Family living at Mill Lane Brook Street Manningtree, Frederick working as a Bakers boy. Brother Amos who also died, a Stockman.

Service Record – seven pages. Enlisted on the 9th April 1913 at 18 years 2 months, whilst worked as a Baker. Serving at the time in the 6th Suffolk Regiment, Cyclist. To France on 16th August 1914 and assumed Killed on 24th August 1914.

Father - Walter of Mill Lane, Manningtree along with brothers John and William. Brother Walter in the Cheshire Regiment as well and brother Amos who also died - in the Essex Regiment.

AUBERCHICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY. IV. B. 18,

21. Died Hendley J.R. 27th April 1917. James Richard Age 29 Hendley France & Born 1887/9 Hackney Flanders

Essex Regiment Private 31521 13th Battalion

James and his family came originally from Hackney. A couple of years after he was born, his father Richard moved the family to 21 New Village, Brantham, in order to work as a Machinist at the British Xylonite Company. James’s older brother Frank also worked at the factory as a Labourer.

Gertrude E Manning, 21 years, was born in Mistley and in 1911 is living with her parents at 1 Railway Street, Manningtree, whilst working as an assistant Draper. (James) Richard Hendley 22 years is boarding with them and working as a grocer’s assistant. The young couple married later that same year.

ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY. XIX. L. 14A

James’s younger brother Walter also served in France as a Driver with the Royal Horse Artillery.

Son of R. Hendley, of Brantham, Suffolk; Resident of Dovercourt, husband of Gertrude Hendley of Brook St, Manningtree, Essex.

Killed in action 22. 31st October Holmes G.P 1914 George Percy Age 23 Born 1891 Holmes France & York, Yorkshire. Flanders

Enlisted Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Private 78 Colchester Line (incl. Yeomanry and Imperial Trumpeter Camel Corps) Battalion: 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars

Born in York, by 1901 George Holmes is living at the Waggon and Horses Public Inn, New Rd, Mistley with his father - Mr Worthy Holmes, a ‘Licensed Victualler’. His father was born in Mistley, whilst his mother Lillian came from Newbrough, Ireland. His two younger brothers Edward and Charles were both born in Mistley.

Father Worthy Holmes must have been in the army himself, as by 1911 when living at Railway Terrance, he is listed as living off his Army Pension.

Son of W. W. and Lillian Holmes, of 1, Railway Terrace, Oxford Rd., Mistley, Manningtree, Essex.

YPRES TOWN CEMETERY EXTENSION. II. A. 27.

23. Killed in action Jacques A.J. 16th August 1916 Alfred John Age 27 Jacques Born 1887 France Hackney Somme

Suffolk Regiment, Corporal 2nd Battalion 43339

Alfred John Jacques was born in London - Hackney on 27th August & baptised on 16th September 1887 at the Church of Homerton St Barnabas. His family at that time were living at 16 Church Rd, Hackney, his father working as a Labourer.

By 1901 the family had moved to 23 New Village, Brantham. They had clearly moved there for work with his father Frederick Edward working at the Xylonite factory. Alfred at the age of 13 was already out of school and working as an Errand boy helping to support his mother Martha and four siblings.

In 1910 Alfred married Lilian Atkins who came from Manningtree and may then have lived in Mistley for a period. Her Sister Olive married William Fisher who was also killed in action in 1917.

1911 and Alfred, 23 years old, is now working as a Factory Hand at the Xylonite Factory as well. His new family is living at 2, Albert Villa, Brantham. This included a son Alfred F G Jacques, then 6 months old, who had been born in Mistley in late 1910. By the time his father was killed Alfred was only six years old and he may have had a brother.

Son of Frederick and Martha Jacques; Husband of Lilian Annie Charlotte Jacques, of High St., Manningtree, Essex and father of Alfred 6 years old.

Alfred is recorded on the Brantham Factory Works memorial.

THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A.

Killed in action 24. Lay F.W 19th June 1917 Age 29 Francis Walter Lay Born 1888 Flurrie France Arras Manningtree. Pas de Calais

Essex Regiment Private 2nd Battalion 202683

Member of a well known local family.

1911: Francis is living at Brook Street, Manningtree whilst working as a Malster’s Labourer. He is part of a large family with his father Walter working at Edme Malt as a Hand Labourer, His mother Jane came from Dedham, Eight other siblings are living in the household.

Francis married Ada Mary Randall in December 1911. The couple later had a son Walter born in August 1914.

BROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX IV. A. 4 Arras.

(See research on the Mistley Memorial where further details of the family have been given by John Lay-Flurrie.)

Killed in action 25. Lucas C 14th July 1916 Aged 35 Charles Lucas

Born 1881 France Manningtree Somme

Enlisted Essex Regiment Private Colchester 10th Battalion 16425

Part of a well known local family from Quay Street.

1911: Charles Lucas is living within a large family in Quay Street Manningtree working as a Quay Labourer. Some other members of the family are listed as local fishermen.

Additional Information provided by Mark Ashmore:- Charles Lucas joined up in late 1914 – either November or December, but most likely during the later month. By that time he was living at Little Bromley. He went over to France with the 10th Battalion, the Essex Regiment, disembarking at Boulogne on the morning of 25 July 1915. Charles appears to have been killed east of the village of Montauban during the early stages of the Battle of the Somme - either in Bernafay Wood, or immediately to the east of it in a trench called Trones Alley. The Battalion had been subjected to heavy shellfire, and suffered heavy casualties.

THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 10 D.

Died of wounds 26. Nunn G. 19th February 1917 George Nunn Age 25 years

Born 1892 France & Lawford Flanders

Enlisted Royal Fusiliers (City of London Private Ipswich Regiment) 11th Battalion 60342 (Formerly 3945, Essex Regt.).

1901: George is living in ‘Lawford Street’, Lawford with his father Thomas, who works as a Maltsters Labourer, Mother Emma Nunn came from East Bergholt Also his older brother Frank.

1911. The family have moved into ‘Hopewell’, Station Rd, Lawford. George is now like his father and older brother Frank, working as a Maltsters Labourer. Father Thomas Nunn had in the intervening years remarried and Maria Nunn from Ramsholt, Suffolk, at 52 years is now part of the household. Thomas also has another son William, born in 1903.

Amelia Agnes Abbott was born in Brantham and by 1901 was living in the Cattewade Crown Inn, where her father was the Publican. By 1911 the family had moved to 4 Holly Cottage, East Bergholt. Her brother Albert Joseph Abbot worked as a Shepherd before joining up with the Suffolk regiment. He was Killed in action on the 16th August 1916 serving in France. One month later in July 1916, she married George Nunn at St Mary’s church in East Bergholt. Her young husband was dead six months later. Amelia remarried in 1920 living with Arthur Spurgin from Sudbury, at 70, East Hill, Colchester.

Son of Thomas Nunn, of Station Rd., Manningtree, Essex;

St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Part IV.

George Nunn is also listed on two Memorials in East Bergholt. (Additional information provided by Mark Ashmore)

Died of wounds 27. 21st October Orman W.F 1916 William Fredrick Age 38 Orman France Born1877 East Bergholt, Somme Suffolk.

Essex Regiment Lance Corporal 2nd Battalion 16779

William F Orman was born in Suffolk and by 1891 is living with his family in Manningtree Rd, East Bergholt. He is working as a ‘Errant Boy’. His mother Emily A Orman originally came from Itchingfield, Sussex and lost her husband some years earlier. His brother is Ernest C Orman and Sister, Laura M Orman.

William married Ellen Ratcliffe, also from Suffolk, in 1902.

1911 and William Fredrick Orman is head of household, living in Coronation Villa, Brantham with Ellen, along with their son William Ernest, 8 years old, daughter Hilda Florence 7 years old and Doris Ethel 2 years old. William working as a factory Hand at the Xylonite works.

At the same point in time his brother Ernest Orman and wife Alice are living in High Street Manningtree, running their own Bakery Shop.

Doris would have been about four years old when her father died.

W F Orman is also recorded on the Brantham works memorial.

GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE.. N. 39.

Died of wounds 28. Oxley S.P 7th November 1917 Stanley Philip Age 21 Oxley Gaza Born 1897 Palestine

Enlisted Essex Regiment 1st/5th Battalion Private Manningtree 251128

Stanley Oxley was born in the Tendring district in 1897. In 1901 he is living with his family Kirby Le Soken, by 1911 they have moved to Kirby Cross not far away.

He is recorded as enlisting in Manningtree and as resident in the Town at that point in time.

DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY B. 19.

Killed in action 29. 9th October 1917 Paskell O.C Age 20 Oliver Charles Paskell Born 1897 Belgium

Manningtree near Passendale

Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd/6th Battalion Private (Formerly 9793, Cambridgeshire Regt). 275040

Oliver Paskell was born in Manningtree, his mother Jane Maria Paskell was not married at the time and in 1911 he is living with grandparents Charles and Emma Eliza Paskell (nee Wilkin), in Brook Street Manningtree. Charles at 67 year is still working as a Gardener – originally coming from Capel in Suffolk. At the same time his mother is living and working as Servant in Prospect House, South Street. In 1913 she married John Eagle.

Son of Mrs. Jane Eagle (formerly Paskell), of South Hill, Manningtree, Essex

Belgium CEMETERY. V. D. 1. TYNE COT

Died of wounds 30. Peck W. W 29th September 1918 Walter William Age 44 Peck France & Born 1874/5 Flanders Ramsey

Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 6th Private Battalion G/14803

Although born in Ramsey near Harwich, by the time he was 16 years the family had moved to Lawford. Walter was already working as a Factory Employee, as was his 14 year old brother Willie. Their father was a ‘Limber Gasman’?

By 1901 Walter had married and is living in Regent Street, Mistley with his wife Ellen (from Polstead, Suffolk) and William W Peck their 2 year old son. He is now working as an ‘India’ machinist at the Xylonite factory across the water in Brantham.

Still working at the factory, by 1911 the family are living in Manningtree High Street. They now had three children – William 12 years, who was born in Suffolk, May 8 yrs born in Manningtree Fredrick 1 year also born in Manningtree.

By the time his father died Fredrick would have been only 8 years old.

VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION II. C. 12.

Died of wounds 31. 18th July 1917 Saunders H Aged 23 Harry H Saunders

Born 1893 France & Manningtree Flanders

Enlisted Essex Regiment Private Colchester 9th Battalion 24508

Known as Harry ‘Bertie’ H Saunders, in 1901 his family are living in Alma Square, Mistley/Manningtree. By 1911 they have not gone far, living in Cow Alley, Alma Square. At 17 years of age Bertie is working as a fisherman like his father Harry. Also in the household his mother, Gertrude Selina Notley and four younger siblings. A relative, Karen Roberts, has provided a photo of Bertie, her mother’s - uncle. ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 7.

Killed in action 32. Scott C. R 17th July 1917 Age 19 George Scott

Born 1898 France East Bergholt Somme

Essex Regiment Private 9th Battalion 11044

Whilst born in East Bergholt by 1911 George R Scott is living at Victoria Cottages, Marsh Row, Lawford. His father Christopher Lusher Scott was working as a ‘Paper Dryer’ at the Xylonite factory. He had already lost his wife and was living alone, looking after George and three younger children.

Son of Mr. C. L. Scott, of Victoria Cottages, Station Rd., Manningtree, Essex.

ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 7.

(Note: Mistley Church Memorial board has Scott G.R. rather than the ‘C.R.’ as on the Manningtree Memorial.)

Killed in action 33. Scurrell W. 31st July 1918 Age 26 Walter Scurrell

Born 1892 France Somme Lawford

Essex Regiment Private 1st Battalion "D" Coy. 29273

Walter was from a large family living in Lawford Street, Lawford. His father, Thomas William Scurrell, was at one time a Factory Labourer - later a Quay Lumper/Docker. Thomas and his wife Louisa had six or more children.

By 1911 his mother had died (1908) leaving his father to care for four children and one granddaughter in Colchester Road, Lawford. Walter, still with the family, was working as a General Labourer in the local Iron Foundry.

Walter seems to have Married Agnes Mary Spendley in 1915. She may have come from Lawford, working at one time as a servant/housemaid in Gt Bromley.

‘Walter - Son of Thomas and Louisa Scurrell, of Colchester Rd., Manningtree, Essex; husband of Agnes Mary Scurrell, of Oxford Rd., Mistley, Essex.’

POZIERES MEMORIAL. Panel 51 and 52.

Killed in action 34. Sissen J.F 22nd March 1918 Age 23 Julian Frederick Born 1895 Sissen France Somme Mistley

Enlisted Machine Gun Corps. 9th Sqdn. L/Corporal London (Cavalry) Formerly 18611, 50736. 19th Hussars

Julian Frederick Sissen was born in Mistley and by 1901 is living in Oxford Road with his father, Julian F Sissen, a Gas Works Manager, originally from Norfolk, mother Eliza Jane Sissen (nee Robinson) and four Siblings:- Edith Katurah Sissen Loiusa E Sissen, Maud M Sissen, brother William W Sissen, who also died in the war.

By 1911 he is living in South Hill, Manningtree with his father, now working as fitter’s labourer, mother and two younger sisters Louisa and Maud. Julian is working over at the Xylonite factory in Brantham.

12.02.2014 - My grandmother Edith Katurah (Sissen) Carter was sister to William and Julian Sissen. Please feel free to use the photos provided. Good luck on your project! Best regards, Wayne Gadula, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

No known Grave POZIERES MEMORIAL Panel 93 and 94.

Julian F Sissen Julian F Sissen

9th Squadron of the Machine Gun Corps, Julian F Sissen is 2nd from the left in the front row.

35. Died Sissen W. W 8th November 1918 William Walter Age 28 Born 1890 Sissen Leatherhead, Surrey Royal Navy Stoker 1st Class HMS Victory P31 SS/108615. Unlike his younger brother, William Walter Sissens was born whilst the family were living in Leatherhead, Surrey, before they moved to Oxford Road, Mistley where his father, Julian F Sissen, was employed as a Gas Works Manager. Also in the house in 1901, his mother Eliza Jane and four other siblings, including brother Julian, killed in action earlier in March 1918.

William joined up for a naval career in May 1909 training and serving on a number of ships as a Stoker, being promoted to Stoker 1st Class in July 1912. At the outbreak of the war he was based on shore and moved from closer to home to join HMS Ganges based at Shotley in July 1916. By July 1917 he was back at sea, serving on HMS Victory P31 as part of the Coastal Service one of 44 ‘P’ class boats, launched in 1916. These Patrol Boats were designed to look like submarines to help them find and sink German U boats by ramming, this was before depth charges were fully developed. He may have been on board at the time Louis Mountbatten joined the last ship he was on at the very end of the war. He died on November 8th,1918 of "Empyema" (an infection of the lungs) whilst in Haslar Hospital. He's interred at the Haslar, Naval Cemetery, E. 36. 26. Futher details on his service are set out below. Son of Mrs. Eliza Sissen, of 3 or 5, York St., Manningtree, Essex. His brother Julian Frederick Sissen also died in the war.

12.02.2014 - My grandmother Edith Katurah (Sissen) Carter was sister to William and Julian Sissen. Please feel free to use photo's already published.. There is a scan of the memorial card of William Walter. I received Williams service file a few days ago. He began service as Stoker, Fireman on the 17th May,1909 in Portsmouth. He was promoted to Stoker 1st Class 1st July,1910 while serving on the Minotaur. At the point of the 1911 census his is recorded as being on the vessel Minotaur in Hong Kong, China. Transcribed as Wilson Sissen. The record shows William served on 12 ships, first the Nelson a training vessel, the last being the Victory, from July 1st,1917. The last 2 photos I believe are Julian Frederick Sissen Sr., the two brothers father. Not quite sure when they would have been taken, as he passed away September,1914. Best regards, Wayne Gadula, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

William Sissen William Sissen

William Sissen

Father Julian Sissen

William Walter Sissen - Naval Service Compiled by Wayne Gadula

1 HMS Nelson (1876) was a Nelson-class armoured cruiser, launched in 1876. She became a for stokers in 1902. and she was sold as scrap in 1910. May 17,1909 - Aug 11,1909 Rating: Stoker

2 HMS Potrol (1904) was a Pathfinder-class scout cruiser, launched in 1904. She served as leader of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla at Portsmouth in 1909. Aug 12,1909 - Oct 18,1909 Stoker

3 HMS Victory II was a Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, where naval ratings were sent while awaiting a sea going ship, or to attend a specialist course. Oct 19,1909 - Jan 3 1910 Stoker

4 HMS Minotaur (1906) was Minotaur-class armoured cruiser, launched 1906. HMS Minotaur was the lead ship of the Minotaur-class armoured cruisers built for the Royal Navy. Launched in1906, she served as the flagship of the China Station before the First World War. Shortly after the war began, the ship searched unsuccessfully for the German East Asia Squadron and was transferred to the Grand Fleet at the end of1914. During the rest of the war Minotaur served as the flagship of the 7th and 2nd Cruiser Squadrons and spent most of her time assigned to the Northern Patrol. In mid-1916 she participated in the Battle of Jutland but did not fire her weapons during the battle. The ship was paid off in 1919 and sold for scrap the following year. Jan 4 1910 - Jun 30,1910 Stoker Jul 1,1910 -May 25,1912 Stoker 1st Class During this time William Sissen was recorded in the 1911 Census – The Royal Navy, His Majesty's Ship Minotaur, Hong Kong, China. Incorrectly Transcribed as Wilson Sissen.

5 HMS Spartiate was a ship of the Diadem -class of protected cruiser in the Royal Navy. She was built at Pembroke Dock and launched on October 27, 1898. She was a stokers' training ship in 1914 and was renamed Fisgard in June1915. She survived the War and was sold in July 1932. She returned to Pembroke to be broken up May 26,1912 -Jul 10,1912 Stoker 1st Class

6 HMS Victory II was a Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, where naval ratings were sent while awaiting a sea going ship, or to attend a specialist course. Jul 11 - Dec 18,1912 Stoker 1st Class

7 HMS Dryad was the name ship of the Dryad -class torpedo gunboats. She was launched at Chatham Dockyard on 22 November 1893, the first of the class to be completed. She served as a minesweeper during World War I. In 1906 she was chosen as the tender to the Navigation School, conducting navigation training of officers at sea. In due course her name came to be used for the Navigation School itself, and then for HMS Dryad, the shore establishment at Southwick House in . By 1914 Dryad had been converted to a minesweeper and was operating in the North Sea from the port of Lowestoft. Gunner and three other gunners from Dryad were assigned to the Q-ship Inverlyon, with Jehan in command. On 15 August 1915 they sank the German submarine UB-4 with gunfire. Jehan was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the action. Dec 19,1912 - May 15,1914 Stoker 1st Class

8 As stated on the naval record, "Transfd to RFR Ports B 6843, 17 May,1914". My interpretation of this is that he was transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve, Portsmouth. May 17,1914 - Aug 1,1914 Stoker 1st Class

9 HMS Excellent is a shore establishment in Portsmouth. Originally housed in a number of hulks named HMS Excellent since 1830, it was formally established in 1869. It moved ashore in 1891 and remained active until1985, when it ceased to be an independent command and was incorporated into HMS Nelson as part of HMNB Portsmouth. The name continues to exist in reference to the aspects under the site's administrative purview. A number of ships were renamed HMS Excellent whilst serving as homes or tenders of the establishment. These include: HMS Handy was HMS Excellent between 1891 and 1916. Aug 2,1814 - Jun 24,1916 Stoker 1st Class

10 HMS Victory II was a Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, where naval ratings were sent while awaiting a sea going ship, or to attend a specialist course. June 25,1916 - Jun 30,1916 Stoker 1st Class

11 HMS Ganges was a training ship and later stone frigate of the Royal Navy. She was established as a boys' training establishment in 1865, and was based aboard a number of hulks before moving ashore. She was based alternately in Falmouth, Harwich (from 1899) and Shotley (from 1905). She remained in service at RNTE Shotley until October 1876 In 1907 the 143-foot (44 m) high mast of the old steam corvette HMS Cordelia was erected. It would become a major landmark. The old HMS Minotaur had been HMS Ganges since 1906, but was renamed HMS Ganges II on 25 April 1908. HMS Caroline was renamed HMS Ganges that month as her replacement. In 1909 the Signal School was established and three signal masts were erected. In 1910 the old HMS Agincourt had been removed to become a coal hulk, leaving only the old HMS Minotaur as Ganges II. By 1912 Ganges II was being used as an overflow ship as the number of boys in the establishment increased, and she was duly moved closer inshore. A floating dock was also moored nearby for the use of destroyers and submarines. In September 1913 HMS Ganges (the former HMS Caroline) was renamed HMS Powerful III and left the establishment. HMS Ganges II (the former HMS Minotaur) was renamed HMS Ganges. She became the base ship of the establishment during the First World War. On 8 October 1913 HMS Ganges II became an independent command and was based at RNTE Shotley. In 1916 the establishment was bombed by a German Zeppelin. Rationing measures nearly produced a mutiny in1917 but dispersed peacefully. Other wartime activities included the establishment of a trawler base at Ganges II, and the completion of 600 miles (966 km) of anti-submarine nets by boys and staff. In 1918 the base suffered outbreaks of influenza and diphtheria. Armistice Day was celebrated by a display of mast manning. Jul 1,1916 -Jun 30,1917 Stoker 1st Class

12 HMS Victory P31 Jul 1,1917 - Nov 8,1918 Stoker 1st Class 36. Killed in action Southgate G. 9th April 1918 George Ernest Age 31

Born 1887 Southgate Belgium Mistley

Enlisted Essex, Duke of Cambridge's Own Private Warley (Middlesex Regiment), 21st Battalion G/32479

George was born in Mistley, living many years with his large family initially in South Street, Manningtree. By 1901 his father George William Southgate was working as a bricklayer. His mother Susannah was born in Manningtree and George was the oldest of her five children. Also living with them in Brook Street is his Grandmother Charlotte Atkins.

1911 and George Southgate is working as a gardener whilst living with and supporting his Grandmother Charlotte Atkins (now 83 yrs old), back in South Street, Manningtree.

PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL Panel 8.

37. Died Sparrow J.C 1st April 1918 James Cornelius Age 33 Sparrow

Born 1884 France Somme Elmstead

Enlisted Essex Yeomanry Private - 26.9.1914 Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) Sergeant 8th Squadron 39762

Born Elmstead Market, where James was living with parents George and Ada Sparrow in 1891.

1911 and the family is living at 29 New Village, Brantham, by which time James is working at the Xylonite factory. A year later on the 4th May 1912 James married Sarah Annie (nee Garrad - not a direct relative of the other two Garrads) in Brantham. Their son Ronald James Sparrow was born in February 1913.

Service Record: Enlisted in Sept 1914 whilst living in Colchester Rd Lawford, having already served at some point for 8 years with the 12th Lancers. Started as a Private, promoted in 1916 to Sergeant. Two tours in France during 1915 before being wounded in the thigh and sent back to England that same year. Spent some time as an instructor at Tidworth.

After his death, Sarah received a widow’s pension for her self and Ronald, 22 shillings and 11 pence per week, starting on the 21st Oct 1918. Ronald would have been just five years when his father died.

By the time Sarah signed for his effects on the 24th January 1922, she was living in Colchester Rd, Lawford.

Son of George and Ada Sparrow living in Brantham; husband of Sarah Annie Sparrow, Brook St., Manningtree

HANGARD COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION III. B. 7.

Died of wounds 38. 19th September Spendley J.W 1918 Jonathan William Age 32 Spendley France Born 1886 Pas de Calais Lawford Enlisted Colchester Northamptonshire Regiment Private 1915 5th Battalion 27933

In 1901 Jonathan is living in Lawford Street, Lawford with his parents and five siblings. Just 15 year of age he is working as Baker - bread worker, whilst his father was an Agricultural Labourer.

By 1911 the family are in Station Road, The Square, Lawford. Jonathan still working as baker along with his brother.

Service record: Called up at 25 years of age in December 1915. First in reserves. Home from the 1st Sept to 29th December 1916, then back to France via Folkestone. 283 days service before he died. Father was formally notified on the 2nd of October 1918.

Mother signed for service effects on 25th January 1922.

Son of George and Harriett Spendley, of Station Rd., Manningtree, Essex.

British War and Victory medal

Panel 7. VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL

Killed in action 39. Spooner C. 15th October 1914 Charles Spooner Age 16 yrs

Born 1897 North Sea Brighton

Royal Navy Boy 1st Class HMS Hawke J.26754 (Ch)

Charles Albert Victor was born in Brighton on the 26th June 1897 his father was Ernest Spooner, Mother Emily Kate Spooner (nee Shotter).

By 1901, at 3 years old, he is living with his Grandmother, Catherine Shotter in Guildford and his aunt Kate.

At 13yrs of age Charles has been shifted over to live with his Uncle & Aunt John and Elizabeth Amos, in South Street, Manningtree.

Shortly after the outbreak of war, he was serving on the HMS Hawke, a British Cruiser, along with another local boy Harold Ainger from Horsley Cross.

Whilst in the north sea off the east coast of Scotland, at about 11.00 am on the 15th October 1914, HMS Hawke was hit by a U boat torpedo and sunk within minutes. Nearly 500 of the 600 crew were lost or died later, some having been many hours in the water before being picked up.

Only son of Emily Kate Spooner, of Albury, near Guildford, Surrey, and the late Ernest Spooner.

Body Not Recovered For Burial. Recorded on Chatham Naval Memorial.

40. Died of wounds Spooner W.H 1st May 1918 Wesley Harry Age 20 Spooner Born 1898 France & Manningtree Flanders

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Private Regiment) 17th Battalion G/36205

Wesley was born in Manningtree and by 1901 is living in the High Street with his father Harry who owned a grocers shop.

The family later move to Bildeston in Suffolk where by 1911 his father is still working as a Grocer and Draper. Also with them his mother Mary Caroline and Wesley’s four older siblings.

At some point Wesley, or his family, moved down to Dovercourt as he is later described as resident there.

P. XI. M. 9A. St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. (Note – not related to Charles Spooner)

41. Starling J.

Starling J

Name not on War Graves site. May have been in Merchant navy. One death 52 year old John Starling (Born about 1866) in March 1918 in Elham Kent .

Merchant Seaman from London discharge number 990614 1881: John Starling 16 years abt 1865/6. Born Manningtree/Mistley, Father John 44 years Labourer, Mother Sarah. Living in Alma Square. Maltsters Labourer. Four younger siblings. Would be 48 at Outbreak of war. 1891: Crew - born Mistley 24 years. In Penzance Harbour on vessel – ‘Genesta’. 1901: Mate on Coastal work , ship of four crew in Portland Roads, Dorset. 1911: 45 years old - Crew on the ‘Percey’ in Harwich Harbour. Single, Deck hand. Only him and the Mate Daniel Finch. This could have been the Ship Percey Cann, 100531, out of Yarmouth.

Killed in action 42. Taylor C 14th April 1917 Age 20 Clifford Taylor Born 1897 France Manningtree Pas de Calais

Enlisted Essex Regiment Private Harwich 1st Battalion 34171 Formerly Essex Yeomanry -2653

1901 and Clifford Taylor is one of six children living in South Hill, Manningtree with their mother Elizabeth, a dress Maker. She is married but her husband is not with them.

By 1911 the family have moved to Wesley House, South Street, South Hill, Manningtree. Clifford at just 14 years of age is working as an Assistant Butcher, His Mother is still a Dress maker, again no father listed. Brother Horace is working at the Xylonite factory. Also living with the family is a boarder. His mother had 14 children in total, three having died.

XVI. B. 26. CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ

(Note there is another ‘Taylor’ family listed at the same address.)

Died of Wounds 43. Tice R.S 9th August 1916 Aged 22 Reginald Stannard Born 1894 Tice France Manningtree Somme

Enlisted Rifle Brigade Corporal Winchester or 13th Battalion 32780 London

Wounded in action on the 8th August 1916 and died the next day.

One of the Tice Twins from South Street & later Station Road. Father ran shop – see photo of the twins in front of it.

Reginald was an apprentice carpenter. 21 Page Service Record.

PUCHEVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY II. E. 19.

Killed in Action 44. Tice H.S 10th July 1916 Harold Stannard Aged 23 Tice France Born 1894. Somme Mistley

Enlisted Rifle Brigade Rifleman Winchester 13th Battalion Z/2785

One of the Tice Twins from South Street & later Station Road. Father ran shop – see photo of the twins in front of it.

Worked as a Shop Assistant

22 page service record.

Son of Arthur Barker Tice and Harriet Tice, of Lushington House, Station Rd., Manningtree, Essex

THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 16 B and 16 C

Died of wounds 45. Viall A.E 30th July 1917 Age 27 Albert Edward Viall

Born 1890 France Mistley Pas de Calais

Suffolk Regiment Private 7th Battalion 43261 (Formerly 858, Suffolk Cycle. Battn)

In 1891 Albert Viall and his family are living in Mill Lane, Manningtree. His father John is a Gas Stoker, Mother Emma, brothers John & Fred.

They move to Brook Street, and by 1901 his father is employed as a general labourer.

By 1911 Albert is living at 2 Barnfield Cottages, Mistley with his brother John, who is head of the household with his wife Beatrice and young son Horace - John working as a labourer at the British Xylonite factory.

Albert is working as a Coal Carter

Son of Mrs. E. Viall, of Brook St., Manningtree, Essex.

(See also on-line family tree by Susan.)

DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN - V. A. 47.

Killed in action 46. Vincent H 24th July 1918 Age 38 Born 1880 Harry Vincent France & Manningtree Flanders Enlisted Private th Colchester 6 Essex Regiment 22536 / 573890 3rd (Entrenching) Battalion

Harry (or Henry) Vincent was born in Manningtree; by 1911 he is married to Nellie and living in a cottage in Brook Street whilst working at Xylonite as a Cutting Machinist. The couple have three young children. (Note - There is another family of Vincent’s in Brook Street running a pub.)

Service record: Enlisted 3.10.1914, 35 yrs, posted to France Christmas eve 1916. Wounded several times in late 1917 whilst in Entrenching Battalion. Mother Mary Ann Vincent two brothers George (52) and Charles (41) also of Brook street and three sisters. Left wife Nelly Louise Vincent, of No 1 Brook Street and three children Henry 17 years, and twins Ivy & Nellie Grace, 11years old. Widow received 25s & 5p a week for her & twins from the 3rd March 1919.

GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY II.A.20.

Killed in action 47. 9th April 1917 Woollard A.J Age 29 Alfred James Woollard Born 1888 France Pas de East Bergholt Calais

Essex Regiment Sergeant 2nd Battalion 34400

By the 1901 census, Alfred is living with his family in South Hill, in Manningtree. His father, James Woollard, is working as a Malster - Labourer. Also in the household is his mother, Mary Ann Woollard and other siblings, born in Lawford.

By 1911 his mother is head of the household, now living in Colchester Road, Lawford. Alfred now works at British Xylonite as a Factory Hand. His brother Frederick, works as Malster with ‘Brooks’, Brother William is a baker with ‘Crips’. His younger brothers and sisters, born in Manningtree, go to school.

Arras Memorial Bay 7.

Those who Served & Survived

Fredrick Victor Crisp - Essex Imperial Yeomanry Walter Hendley, Driver RHA (brother of James Richard) Richard William Lawrence, Private 5th Regiment William Newman Parson, Essex Yeomanry

R. White, Private 10th Royal Sussex (may be listed on Mistley Memorial)

Source - local newspaper article provided by Doreen Parsons. ‘Manningtree Men with the Colours. In addition to the long list we published on October 31 the following are further names of Manningtree Men serving the country ….