WAR MEMORIAL Erected 1920

INDEX Page 2… First steps Page 3… The public appeal leaflet Page 4 …Newspaper report of the unveiling of the Memorial Cross Page 5….Other war memorials (The Scout Memorial & Playing Field) Page 7… The War Dead

Page 29.. The Roll of Service

This booklet was compiled and researched by Ray Stokes on behalf of the Kingston St Mary History Society. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy but if you spot any errors or omissions, can add to the information or supply photographs, please contact me on – Tel: 01823 762417 or email [email protected]

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FIRST STEPS

At a General Meeting of parishioners 28 May 1919, it was resolved that a Memorial should be erected in the churchyard on a site close to the south gate, to honour the local men who lost their lives while serving in the First World War. Mr Frederick Bligh Bond of Bristol, a noted church architect, was employed to design and supervise the erection of the Memorial Cross. The estimated cost, including bronze tablets with the names of the Fallen and the architect’s fees was £350. The following month a printed pamphlet was circulated in the parish appealing for donations. The committee felt it would “add greatly to the value and interest of the Memorial, if the cost of its erection is shared by every parishioner and by all who have an interest in Kingston.” The chairman of the organising committee was the Vicar the Rev Percy Shattock and the treasurer for the appeal was Mr Louis Hawkings, the headmaster of the school, who had served in the fledging during the war. Mr Bligh Bond produced a sketch plan of the proposed memorial in December 1919 which met with the approval of the committee and it was erected the following year. Made of Doulting stone and standing more than 14 feet high, the memorial takes the form of an octagonal Latin cross on a square plinth and three stepped octagonal base. The names of the 35 men who died in the First World War appear on plaques on the memorial. An additional plaque was added after the Second World War listing the names of the seven men who died in that later conflict and the inscription on the base updated to read: “IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THE MEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 18 AND IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR.” The memorial is a Grade 2 listed monument because of its historic interest “as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.” It is described as “a modest but good example of a memorial in the form of a Latin cross”. It was unveiled during the morning service on Christmas Day 1920 by Walsh of Kingston, and remains the centre point of the village’s Act of Remembrance each November.

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This account of the unveiling ceremony appeared in the County Gazette Jan 1st 1921 KINGSTON’S FALLEN DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL CROSS In commemoration of the men of Kingston who fell in the war a memorial cross has been erected at the entrance to the parish church. The dedication and unveiling took place at the morning service on Christmas Day. The cross which is of Doulton stone, stands about 14 feet in height, and the design is similar to those erected on the battlefields of and . It was designed by Messrs Bligh Bond, Falconer and Baker, the well-known Bristol architects, and it stands on a plinth at the base of which is inscribed: “In grateful memory of the men of Kingston who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919.” On either side of the cross are the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice, their number being 35. There was a crowded congregation at the morning service, which was conducted by the vicar (the Rev P.E.F. Shattock) while Mr C Minett, town missionary read a portion of Scripture (Rev. vii.,9, to end). The unveiling of the memorial was to have been performed by Brigadier-General H.C. Frith C.B., but owing to unforeseen circumstances he was prevented from attending, his place being taken by Colonel Walsh C.B., of Kingston, who belongs to a well-known military family. Before the unveiling an eloquent and appropriate address was delivered in the church by the Bishop of Taunton. Fortunately, the weather was fine, the sun shining brightly when the congregation assembled around the cross in the churchyard. Following the singing of the hymn “For All the Saints” Colonel Walsh unveiled the memorial by releasing a Union Jack with which it was covered. He paid tribute to the heroism of those who had fallen and to the sacrifice of many who had survived the conflict, although still suffering from the effects of the hardships and dangers they had endured. The form of service explained that the cross had been “erected in thankfulness for the gift of victory; in remembrance of our brothers from this parish who served and suffered in the war; and especially those who gave their lives.” Their names were as follows – Geoffrey Francis Arnold, Percival Arthur Berry, Charles Billing, Wilfred Blackmore, Arthur Chidgey, Sidney Clemow, Victor Dicks, Daniel Dykes, Edward Ferris, Reginald Furzer, William John Furzer, Ernest Gamblin, Robert Anderson Gault, William George Gillett, William Hakes, Charles Hayes, Gilbert Hurford, Frederick Elworthy Kidner, William Lowman, William Harry Lye, John William Miles, Frank Ernest Palfrey, William Ring, Bertie Rowcliffe, William Samways, Walter Saunders, Walter Sealey, Henry Short, Frederick Sloley, William Edward Sully, John Charles Templeman, George Totterdell, Frederick George Tucker, Frank Walford, Frank Woodley. After the ceremony the Last Post and the Reveille were sounded by ex-Bugle- Hughes of the 2/5th Somerset Light while the service which followed in the church concluded with the playing of the National Anthem by the organist (Mr H.J.Treeby). The cross was subscribed for by the parishioners. After the ceremony wreaths and flowers were placed at the foot of the memorial by friends and relatives of those who served in the war.

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Other Memorials There are a number of other war memorials in the village although they are not always immediately recognisable as such.

The Scout Memorial Just a short distance away from the cross, is a lantern hanging over the churchyard gate. It was put up by the local Scouts to commemorate two of their former members Geoffrey Arnold and Frederick Sloley who died in the First World War. The Scout emblem is incorporated in the ironwork from which the lamp hangs and a carved wooden plaque recording the two men’s names is set into the gate pillar.

The Village Hall Although not officially registered as a war memorial, the erection of the hall came about as a result of events in the village during the Great War (1914-1919). In 1915 the ladies of the village formed a Christmas Present Working Party (CPWP) to make and send parcels to all the soldiers and sailors from Kingston. One later recalled: “Forty of us crammed into the small reading room at the Club, an atmosphere of bootlaces, smokes, knitting and warmth; for all those things and many others went into those parcels.” Fund raising events, including whist drives, dances and jumble sales, were organised to meet the costs.

After the end of the war Miss Arnold, who had been vice chair of the group, wrote: “How I shall miss it all. We’d been happy working together.” However, the village school where many of the events had been held was not entirely suitable so it was decided at a meeting in the Vicarage, on March 4 1919, “to remain in being until the Parish Hall be built”. The ladies stepped up their fund raising and over the next three years raised a total of £426. After making donations to the Welcome Home supper for local servicemen on Armistice Day 1920 and the War Memorial fund, they handed over £355 7s 7d (£355.38) towards the cost of the Village Hall which was eventually opened in 1923 by the Hon Mrs Mary Herbert. For a detailed account of the opening ceremony go to the hall website (ksmvillagehall.co.uk).

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Air Mechanic William Samways Some memorials are in the most unlikely places. This memorial stands beside the drive to Volis Farm, now the home of the Taylor family. William Samways was the eldest son of Alfred Edward Samways, a shepherd on Lord Portman’s estate, and his wife Flora (nee Watts) who lived at 14 Volis, Kingston. After serving with an unit, he transferred to the . He was killed in action over France less than three weeks later.

Playing Field In 1948 the Hon Mrs Mary Herbert of Tetton House gifted into Trust a parcel of land of just over two acres for the purpose of providing “a recreation ground mainly for the use of children and young people”. In 1984 the Trust became a registered charity (No: 288912) under the title “The Kingston War Memorial”. The Parish Council is the managing trustee with the day to day running of the playing field being carried out by a volunteer general management committee. The playing field provides play equipment for children of all ages, a football pitch, croquet lawn and a small pavilion for small meetings and children’s birthday parties. It was also the venue for the village’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012 and Her Majesty’s 90th birthday in 2016.

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The names of 43 men who died in the First World War (1914-19) and the Second World War (1939-45) are inscribed on the War Memorial Cross. Details of the men, their families and links to the village, where known, are listed here –

FIRST WORLD WAR

Geoffrey Francis ARNOLD Captain 1/5 battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Killed in Action 8 March 1916 aged 24 in Mesopotamia ()

Son of brewer Francis Stephen and Mary Elizabeth Arnold (nee Benson) of Northway House, Kingston Road. Former member of Kingston BP Scout troop. His family bought Kingston brewery in the 1880s. His grandfather and then his uncle lived at Marsh House from 1904 until 1947. Capt Arnold was killed during the attack on Turkish-held Dujaila Redoubt, near Kut. He has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq, and by the plaque set into the pillar of the gate to the churchyard at Kingston St Mary.

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Percival Arthur BERRY Royal Navy Stoker 2nd class HMS Vivid Died 26 February 1919 aged 18 in the UK

Youngest of three sons of Henry and Elizabeth Annie Berry (nee Seaward) of Fulford, Kingston. HMS.Vivid was the Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport. He died three months after the end of the war. The cause of his death is not specified but he may have been a victim of the flu pandemic (Spanish flu) that claimed millions of lives between June 1918 and December 1920.

Stoker Berry is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard.

Charles BILLING Private 3/6671 1/5 battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Light Infantry Died 1 November 1917 aged 19 In

Middle of five sons of Elias William and Ann Billing (nee Salter) of the Old Tanyard, Kingston. His father was a farm carter/groom and Charles also worked on a farm starting as a “milk boy”. In 1915 Elias, despite being 51 years old, volunteered for army service and served in the Somerset Mule Remount Squadron of the Army Service Corps, a unit that obtained and trained horses & mules for the Army, but Elias was discharged in March 1916.as unfit because of a long-standing medical problem (hernia). It is likely his son Charles was wounded during operations in the Gaza sector during the end of October 1917. Pte Billing is buried in (Hadra) War Memorial , Alexandria.

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**Wilfred** BLACKMORE Private 923 C Squadron, 1st battalion Killed in Action 17 October 1915 aged 39 in Gallipoli

**Listed in the records as William Blackmore. He and his wife Annie Lucy Blackmore (nee Streeter) were both born in Lewes, Sussex. In 1911 they lived at Brookfield Cottages, Hill, Taunton, and later, possibly, in the Kingston area. He worked as coachman and groom. Enlisted at Taunton. His death came just eight days after the battalion landed at Suvla Bay. Pte Blackmore is buried in Hill 10 Cemetery, Turkey.

Arthur CHIDGEY

Lance Corporal 20406 6th battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Killed in Action 13 June 1915 aged 29 in France

Son of widow Elizabeth Chidgey and the late John Chidgey of Church Gate, Kingston. Arthur was ‘an estate labourer’. The Chidgeys, an old established Kingston family, lived in one of the cottages that was demolished to enlarge the churchyard. LCpl Chidgey is buried in Le Touquet Railway Crossing Cemetery, France.

Sidney CLEMOW Private 64452 Otago , New Zealand Expeditionary Force Died of wounds 2 Sept 1918 aged 42 in Bapaume, France

Son of former hotelier, postmaster and wine merchant Charles E. Clemow and his wife Annie, who retired to Kingston Cottage (now Davestones) around 1905. Sidney emigrated to New Zealand where he became a farmer. He and his wife Daisy Mary Clemow lived at Deep Creek, Auckland. He enlisted and sailed for Europe in 1917. Pte Clemow is buried in the Bancourt Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais

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Victor DICKS Private 3/6037 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry Died of wounds 12 July 1916 aged 25 in France

Farm labourer Victor Dicks was the second son of Albert and Matilda Dicks of , near . His father, a labourer, died in 1897, aged 35. Matilda then married George Keitch. They lived at the Old Rectory, Curland. Victor Dicks married Lottie Holley in Kingston St Mary church in June 1913. He was wounded during the early stages of the when 26 officers and 438 others ranks of his battalion were killed, wounded or missing. Pte Dicks is buried in the Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.

Daniel Macpherson DYKES

Private DM2/181324 688th MT Coy, Royal Army Service Corps Died 6 Nov 1918 aged 31 in the Balkans

Born in Glasgow in 1887, he was the son of Jane Dykes. He was chauffeur to the Gault family and moved down from with them when they rented Tetton House. He married the family’s nanny Margaret Waddell in Kingston Church. They had one son James (Jimmy) Dykes who is buried in Kingston churchyard. Pte Dykes is buried in the British Cemetery in Skopje (now Macedonia). The great majority of those buried here were men of the RASC (MT) who died of influenza after the Armistice with Bulgaria.

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Edward FERRIS Private 12331 6th battalion Somerset Light Infantry Killed in Action 18 Aug 1916 aged 36 in France

Son of William and Eliza Ferris of Stall Barton, Kingston. Edward moved to Pontypridd, Glamorgan, and worked as ‘timber man assistant below ground’ in a colliery. He was married to Elizabeth Annie Crabbe and they had four daughters, who were all under the age of ten when he died. He enlisted in Pontypridd and arrived in France on 21 May 1915. His unit fought with great distinction in the two-day (known to the troops as Devil’s Wood) in northern France in August 1916. Five officers and 48 other ranks were killed and more than 220 wounded or missing. Pte Ferris is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France

Reginald FURZER Private First class 361st Infantry Regt, 91st Infantry Division, US Army Died 3 October 1918 aged 25 in France

Younger of two Furzer brothers killed in the war. Reginald emigrated to USA in 1913 and was a pipe fitter in Seattle. He became a US citizen in May 1918 and enlisted in Washington State. A total of 26,277 Americans died in the Mesue-Argonne offensive (Sept 25 - Nov 1, 1918) and another 96,000 were wounded. Pte Furzer is buried in Mesue-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.

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William FURZER Private A38011 8th battalion Manitoba Regiment, Killed in Action 3 June 1916 aged 36 in Belgium

Eldest son of widow Rebecca Furzer (nee Pugsley) and the late Simeon Furzer (died 1913) of The Conies, Kingston. William, a labourer, had previously served for 7 years in the Field Artillery. He emigrated to Canada and enlisted at Port Arthur, Canada on Dec 18 1915. He was killed in battle in the Salient. No known grave. Pte Furzer’s name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres

Ernest GAMBLIN Private 22582 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry Killed in Action 8 August 1916 aged 24 in Belgium

Farm labourer Ernest Gamblin was the second of four sons of farm worker George Gamblin and his wife Mary Ann Gamblin (nee White) of Mill Cross, Kingston. Pte Gamblin is buried in , Belgium. This farm was a medical dressing station and it was in this cemetery that Lt Col John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, wrote perhaps the best known poem of the war “, the poppies blow between the crosses row on row…..”

Robert Anderson GAULT Lieutenant 4th battalion Killed in Action 16 September 1916 aged 19 in France

Son of Mr Leslie and his wife Marion (nee Anderson) of Tetton House, Kingston. Of Irish descent, the family lived in , Canada, where they were wealthy merchants and noted philanthropists. Mr and Mrs Leslie Gault rented Tetton House in 1914. Their son, born in Canada, had just finished at Harrow School when the war broke out. He joined the Grenadier Guards in January 1916 and was promoted Lieutenant six days before his death on the Somme. He has no known grave. Lt Gault’s name appears on the Thiepval memorial, France. NOTE: A relative Brig Andrew Hamilton Gault, also born in Montreal, was Taunton’s MP from 1924-35 and lived at . The Hamilton Gault playing fields, in Hamilton Road, Taunton, are named after the family.

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William George GILLETT Private 27178 7th battalion, Somerset Light Infantry Died 3 November 1918 aged 22 in

Pte Gillett died just a week before the end of the war. Home address given as Hayden, Somerset. It is possible he died from wounds, disease or in captivity as his battalion was not in action after October 5. He is buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany, which was used for the burial of more than 1,000 Allied POWs. NOTE: The only William George Gillett in 1911 census was a farm labourer, son of Frank and Anna Gillett, who at that time was 15 and living at Hatch.

William HAKE Sergeant 581 6th battalion Leinster Regiment Died of wounds 12 August 1915 aged 35 at Gallipoli, Turkey

Eldest son of labourer Alfred Hake, and his wife Sarah (nee Hines) of Nailsbourne. William, a farm labourer, joined the Somerset Light Infantry in 1896 and served for seven years – three of them in during the Boer War. In 1903 he married Fannie Elizabeth Andrews, of Mill Cross, Kingston, in Kingston church and the couple had at least two children. His battalion landed at Suvla Bay on Aug 6 and over the next six days were involved in the attacks on Sari Bair (Anzac Cove) and Rhododendron Spur. Losses were high. Sgt Hake was wounded and died aboard the hospital ship HMHS Neuralia which was anchored off the coast. He was presumably buried at sea. Sgt Hake’s name appears on the memorial at Helles in Turkey, for those with no known grave. NOTE: His widow Fannie later married John Billett and their only son James Billett was killed in the Second World. See later entry.

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Charles HAYES Sergeant 240174 1/5th battalion (Prince Albert’s) Somerset Light Infantry Died of wounds 24 December 1917 aged 25 in Palestine

Son of William and Bessie Sutton Hayes (nee Langdon) of Cushuish, Kingston. Charles Hayes was born at in 1893 and baptised in the local church on 16 April that year. He moved to Cushuish with his parents and like his father he was a mason working on a local estate. During November and early December 1917 his battalion was involved in a series of battles as they advanced towards Jerusalem. Like many other wounded he would have been taken back to the military hospitals in Alexandria in Egypt for treatment. After the war his parents moved to Portland Street in Taunton. Sgt Hayes is buried Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery.

Gilbert Henry HURFORD Private TF202429 22nd battalion Died of wounds 29 December 1918 aged 21 in Southern Hospital Oxford

Second of four sons of farmer George Hurford and his wife Elizabeth of Parsonage Farm, Kingston. Before the war, he worked on his father’s farm. Joined Army 9/5/1916. Posted to France 1/12/1916. Wounded in Sept/October 1918 and transferred back to 3rd Southern Hospital, Oxford, on 2/10/1918 where he died. Pte Hurford is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard

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Frederick Elworthy KIDNER Rifleman 2546 No 1 Company, 16th battalion, London Regt (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) Died of wounds 20 February 1915 aged 26 in France

Son of John and Emily Kidner, of Dodhill House, Taunton. They bought the house and farm in 1894. Frederick’s eldest brother William Kidner lived there until 1954. His sister was well known in the parish for running the scouts and guides. According to a family archive (available online) Frederick was born at on 16 June 1888 and attended Mary Street House School, Taunton, before going to Sherborne School where he was a prefect. He won an exhibition to Worcester College, Oxford. In 1912, after gaining his degree, he went to Russia and joined his uncle’s business. R. & T. Elworthy Co. Ltd. at Elizabethgrad (now known as Kirovograd in the Ukraine). The firm designed, manufactured and distributed agricultural machinery on a large scale in Russia and Siberia. With the outbreak of war he travelled back to London and joined the QWR being posted to France in Jan 1915. He was shot in the stomach by a German sniper on the afternoon of Feb 19th. Rifleman Kidner died the following day and is buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentières.

Eli William LOWMAN Private PO 19278 1st battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry Killed in Action 5 September 1918 aged 21 in France

Born 29 July 1897. Second of three sons of Mark and Rhoda Lowman (nee Pring) of Nailsbourne, Kingston. Went to France in July 1917 but was invalided to the UK (through illness) the following April. He went back to France, to join the 1st battalion on 10 April 1918. Pte Lowman is buried in Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, Pas de Calais.

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William Harry LYE Private R/387484 75th Remount Sqn Army Service Corps Died 24 May 1919 aged 43 in UK

Born in Ilchester, the son of agricultural labourer Charles Lye and his wife Sarah. He married Elsie Clara Drayton in her home parish of on April 8 1901 and they had at least two sons. In 1911 the family were living at Stall Barton, Kingston St Mary, and he was working as a coachman. Later they moved to Grange Cottage, Kingston. A Remount Squadron consisted of approximately 200 soldiers, who obtained and trained horses and mules for the Army. They were generally older, experienced soldiers used to working with horses. His death six months after the Armistice suggests he may have been another victim of the Spanish Flu pandemic. He died in a military hospital at Taunton while on demob leave. Pte Lye is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard

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William John MILES Lance Corporal 1387 1st West Somerset Yeomanry Died 14 January 1916 aged 29 in Alexandria, Egypt

Born on March 8 1886, son of farmer and cattle dealer William and Elizabeth Miles (nee Blackmore) of Hill Farm, Kingston. Went to Wellington School and then worked on the farm. He served for five years in the West Somerset Yeomanry and then enlisted in the Life Guards but was discharged owing to ill- health. He re-joined the West Somerset Yeomanry on 28 Nov 1915; served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Egypt and died in the General Hospital, Alexandria, from rheumatic fever contracted while on active service. One of his officers wrote: “He had done very well during the time in the trenches and I was very sorry to lose such a good soldier.” A keen rugby player and played for Taunton for three seasons. LCpl Miles is buried in the Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery

Frank Ernest PALFREY Private M2/177723 406 Mechanical Transport Company Army Service Corps Died of wounds 21 July 1917 aged 28 In Belgium

Son of Metropolitan Sergeant Edward Charles Palfrey, who was born in Kingston, and his wife Maud, from Goathurst. Frank was born in Streatham, London. In October 1909, he married Lilly Rose Palfrey (nee May). In 1911 he and Lily were living at , Trull, with his father, who had retired from the police, and mother. His occupation was given as cab proprietor. At the time of his death his wife was living in Boweys Lane, Kingston. They had two sons, Clifford and Edward, who was born only months before his father’s death. Pte Palfrey is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium

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William RING Private 7967 1st battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Killed in Action 19 May 1915 aged 29 In Belgium

Born in Taunton in 1886, William was the son of farrier James Ring and his wife Sarah (nee Holford). In 1901 William, then 15, was living with his family in Greenbrook Terrace, Taunton, and working as an errand boy. His father died in 1903 (at the age of 48). William married Rose Ring (nee Sealey) of Kingston, in the village church on Christmas Day 1912. On the certificate, he is described as gardener/groom. Bride and groom both gave their address as Kingston.

He was killed in the which was fought from 22 April – 25 May 1915 for control of the strategic Flemish town of Ypres in western Belgium.

Private Ring is buried in First DCLI Cemetery, The Bluff, Ypres, Belgium

Bertie ROWCLIFFE Private 28240 11th battalion Killed in Action 30 July 1916 aged 22 in France

Son of farm labourer William and Mary Rowcliffe of Gadds Bottom, Cheddon (address later given as Volis, Kingston). Bertie Rowcliffe was baptised on 12 April 1895. After leaving school he became a labourer on a local farm. He appears in 1911 census as Herbert, although both the birth and baptismal records give his name as Bertie. He was killed during the Battle of the Somme and has no known grave. Pte Rowcliffe’s name appears on the Thiepval memorial, France

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William Alfred SAMWAYS Airman 1st class (Observer) 14262 49th Squadron Royal Flying Corps Killed in Action 29 Nov 1917 aged 20 in France

William Samways was the eldest son of Alfred Edward Samways, a shepherd on Lord Portman’s estate, and his wife Flora (nee Watts) of 14 Volis, Kingston. He was born in Bishops Lydeard on 3 Nov 1897, educated at Dowlish Wake Elementary School and became an apprentice Electrical Engineer. He joined the Somerset Royal Horse Artillery () and was called up on mobilization 5 Aug 1914; transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 9 Nov 1917 and was killed in aerial combat during the fighting near Cambrai. His Commanding Officer wrote expressing his regret at losing so promising a Gunner Observer and so good a soldier who was genuinely popular and whose loss was regretted by officers and men alike. A letter written and signed by six of his comrades stated that they would miss him as a brother, for he always had a smile and a joke for everyone. Airman Samways is buried in Cambrai East Military cemetery, France

Walter SAUNDERS Private 16853 7th battalion Somerset Light Infantry Died of wounds 19 May 1916 aged 33 in Belgium

Husband of Annie Saunders of Nailsbourne He was born at Nether Stowey, his wife at Creech. It is likely the couple, with their two young children, only moved to Nailsbourne in 1910. Both gave their occupation as “cowman on farm” in the 1911 census. On May 19 1916, after a month’s rest in Calais, the 7th SLI went back into the front line astride the Ypres-Zonnebeke road and immediately came under heavy shell fire that continued through the night. Pte Saunders is buried in Potijze Cemetery, near Ypres.

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Walter Edwin John SEALEY Private 46688 11th battalion (Midland Pioneers) Leicestershire Regiment formerly Royal Engineers Died of wounds 15 Nov 1917 aged 36 in London

The Sealey family had lived in Kingston since the early 18th century. Walter, a carpenter and joiner, was the son of Albert and Mary Sealey of Yarford. He was born on 10 November 1881 and baptised in St Mary’s, Kingston, the following month. He married Alice Best in her home town of Niton, Isle of Wight, in 1908 and at the time of the census in 1911 he and Alice were living in Yarford. Alice died in August 1916, at the age of 30. Her death was registered in the Isle of Wight. Walter died in King George’s Hospital, Stamford Street, London, from a gunshot wound to the spine received in action in France on October 27th. He left a son, Albert Henry Sealey, aged 3 years, as an orphan.

Pte Sealey was buried in St John’s churchyard in Niton, Isle of Wight, his wife’s home town, where his name appears on the war memorial.

Henry SHORT Guardsman 21304 3rd battalion Grenadier Guards Died of wounds 30 June 1916 aged 22 in Belgium

Born in Calne, Wiltshire. In 1911 Henry Short was a gardener in Wiltshire. No known connection with Kingston but he enlisted in Taunton. He went to France with his regiment on 27 July 1915. It is likely he was wounded in the vicinity of the Elverdinghe Chateau, north west of Ypres, which was occupied by the Guards Division. He was taken to No 9 Field Ambulance station but they were unable to save him. Guardsman Short is buried in Ferme-Oliver Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium.

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Frederick SLOLEY Private PLY/17415 188th Brigade Company Royal Marine Light Infantry Died of wounds 26 November 1916 aged 18 in

The third son of William and Mary Sloley of Harrises Cottages, Hillcommon, previously of Vine Cottage, Kingston, Frederick was a member of Kingston Scout troop and is one of two former scouts commemorated by the lantern and plaque at the south gate of the churchyard. When he enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 5 Oct 1914 his age was given as 17. In fact, he was only 16. It is likely that like many other patriotic young men in the early stages of the war, he lied about his age. The records show he was born in April 1898 and baptised in St Mary’s Church, Kingston, the following month. In August 1916, he suffered appendicitis. After treatment, he re-joined his unit in Sept 1916 and was badly wounded on 13 Nov 1916. He was invalided to UK on 20 Nov 1916. He died in King George Hospital, London, six days later as the result of gunshot wounds to the back, abdomen and spine. Private Sloley is buried in Kingston St Mary churchyard.

William Edward James SULLY Military Medal Lance Corporal PLY/17696 2nd battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry Killed in Action 26 October 1917 aged 20 in Belgium

Eldest son of Samuel and Ann Sully of Nailsbourne. He was born on 9 April 1897. He enlisted on 16 Nov 1914, just months after the outbreak of war, and was part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force that landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, on 21 October 1915. His unit later deployed to the Western Front. He was listed as wounded, missing presumed dead during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). During this battle, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the presence of the enemy (London Gazette 4/2/1918). He has no known grave. Lance Corporal Sully’s name appears on the Memorial Wall at the Tyne Cot cemetery, Belgium.

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John Charles TEMPLEMAN Private 8146 1st battalion Somerset Light Infantry Killed in Action 26 August 1914 aged 25 in France

John Templeman was born in Dinnington, near Hinton St George, the son of Charles and Charlotte Templeman (nee Venn). At the time of the 1901 census he was staying with his maternal grandparents in . In 1911 he was serving with the Somerset Light Infantry and was stationed at Jellalabad Barracks in Mount Street, Taunton. As a regular soldier, he would have been in the first drafts to France with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) almost immediately after the declaration of war (on Aug 4 1914). The Somersets landed in France on Aug 23. Three days later they suffered heavy losses as they tried to halt the German advance at Le Cateau, with 19 men killed, 150 wounded and 100 missing. The Somerset Memorial Book, listi9ng the thousands of soldiers from the county who died in WW1, gives his home address as Kingston. His name also appears on the War Memorial Cross in the churchyard and Book of Service. But his connection with the village is unknown. Pte Templeman has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial. This memorial, in north east France, commemorates the 3,740 officers and men of the BEF who fell at the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne , between the end of August and early October 1914.

George TOTTERDELL Guardsman 8014 1st battalion, Killed in Action 14 Sept 1914 aged 24 in France

One of five children of thatcher Robert Gadd Totterdell and his wife Mary Jane Totterdell (nee Hobbs) of Tetton Gate, Kingston. His father died in 1907. Four years later, at the time of the 1911 census, George was serving with the Coldstream Guards in Victoria Barracks, Windsor. As a serving trained soldier at the outbreak of war (Aug 1914), he would have been among the first to be drafted to France to try to halt the advance by the Germans who had far greater numbers of well-equipped troops. Guardsman Totterdell has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre

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Frederick George TUCKER Private 17568 F Company, 2nd battalion, Killed in Action 25 March 1917 aged 19 in Mesopotamia (now Iraq)

Son of farm worker James and Annie Tucker of Tainfield Cottage, Nailsbourne. Previously the family had lived in Soap House (on the Kingston to Taunton road). Frederick worked as farm labourer and as a gardener at Tetton House. He had been living in Bournemouth and enlisted in Poole. Private Tucker has no known grave. His name appears on the memorial at Basra, Iraq.

Frank WALFORD Gunner 95552 248th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery Died of wounds 4 October 1917 aged 37 in Belgium

Husband of Clara Walford (nee Crouch) of Nailsbourne. Son of the late Charles and Hannah Walford of Spaxton. Frank married in 1908 and was a carter on a farm. His death occurred during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). Gunner Walford is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

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Frank WOODLEY Lance Corporal 5604 2nd battalion Rifle Brigade Killed in Action 9 May 1915 aged 17 in France

Son of gardener Henry Woodley and his wife Lucy Emily (nee Venn) of 5 Alpha Cottages, Kingston St Mary. Frank was born at , in the parish of , and at the time of the census in 1911 was working as a telegraph boy at the Post Office in Blagdon Hill. He enlisted in Hounslow, Middlesex. According to his family he lied about his age when he volunteered for military service. At the time of his death he would have been only 17. He was killed during the Battle of Aubers Ridge, south of Armentières in north east France, when his unit was one of the lead battalions in the attack on German positions. The British suffered more than 11,000 casualties during the day, many of them killed within yards of their own front line. Lance Corporal Woodley has no known grave. His name appears on the memorial at Ploegsteert, Belgium NOTE: His father Henry, aged 40, enlisted for Army service in December 1915, just six months after his son’s death. He was placed on the reserve and eventually called up in July 1918 and posted to an Army Service Corps Horse Transport unit. He did not serve outside the UK and was discharged in February 1919. His service record is stamped “No longer physically fit for war service” although it gives no reason.

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SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945

James Lovelace BILLETT Corporal 7946680 Royal Tank Regiment (RAC) Killed in Action 23 January 1945 aged 22 in Holland

Son of John Billett and Fanny Elizabeth Billett (formerly Hake) of Kingston. Buried in the Mook War cemetery, near Nijmegen. Most of those buried here were killed during the advance into Germany during the winter months of 1944/1945

NOTE: His mother Fanny lost her husband William Hake in WW1 (see earlier entry) and then married John Billett, of Hob Lane, Kingston, in 1919. James Billett was the only child of her second marriage which lasted just six years. Her second husband John Billett, a GWR railway porter, died in 1925. Family sources say he was struck by a lorry on December 25th and died the following day. Fanny lived in Verbena Cottage, Kingston, for some years until her death in April 1957.

Marcus William FURZER Able Seaman Gunner D/JX 528900 Royal Navy Killed in action 16 August 1944 aged 19

Son of Sidney and Edith V. Furzer (nee Berry) of Parks Cottages, Parsonage Lane, Kingston, Somerset. Nephew of the Furzer brothers who died in the First World War. Known as Billy. Initially he was based at HMS President III, a shore station beside the Thames that trained Royal Navy gunners to serve aboard defensively equipped Merchant ships. He was serving as a gunner on the 7,037 ton steam ship Empire Lancer which was sailing unescorted from Durban to the UK via Aden carrying a cargo of copper and military stores. She was torpedoed and sunk by U boat U-862 off Mozambique. Forty-two of her 79 crew died. The 37 survivors landed in Portuguese East Africa ten days later. His name appears on Plymouth Naval Memorial commemorating those with no known grave, most deaths having occurred at sea.

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Robert Gairdner Lieutenant Colonel Killed 14 March 1944 aged 39 in London

Husband of Anne Savile Gairdner (nee Bailey) of Kingston Manor (married 1940). Born in 1904, son of Charles Dalrymple Gairdner and Beatrice Mary Gairdner (nee Ballock); Educated at Charterhouse and Cambridge. Became a stockbroker in Glasgow, where he held a Territorial commission. Commanded the 80th Lowland Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Was mentioned in dispatches while serving in France. Returned to this country to a Staff post and was killed in London during an air raid.

Lt Col Gairdner is buried in St Mary’s churchyard, Kingston St Mary, south-west of the church tower. He is commemorated by a window in the north aisle of the church.

Max Frederic ISAAC Lieutenant Royal Navy HMS Cossack Killed in action 23 October 1941 aged 31 in the Mediterranean

The family came from Birkenhead in Cheshire where Max, the eldest child was born, the son of Gilbert J. and Florence A. Isaac. Husband of Stella Elizabeth Isaac (nee Corner), of Kingston. In the Royal Naval Reserve List he is shown as a midshipman in 1926, a sub lieutenant in 1931 and a lieutenant in 1934. HMS Cossack, a destroyer, was on convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean when she was torpedoed by a U-boat 159 crew died and 29 were injured. Cossack remained afloat but sank the next day. Lt Isaac’s name appears on Naval Memorial commemorating those who have no known grave because they died at sea..

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Foster Moverley (Peter) McRAE Surgeon Lieutenant Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve HMS. Mahratta Killed in Action 25 February 1944 aged 28 in Barentz Sea off northern Norway

Son of Sydney Spencer Redgrave McRae and Sophie Moverley McRae. Peter McRae was an accomplished cricketer who played 25 times for Somerset between 1936 and 1939. A right-handed batsman he scored 972 runs including one century and four 50s.

Born in Buenos Aires, where his father had business interests, he came to England with his mother and older sister Sheila in 1919. He went to school at Christ’s Hospital (1926-34) before studying medicine at St Mary’s in London.

With his parents abroad much of the time, many of his holidays were spent in Kingston, staying with the Vicar the Rev Percy Shattock and his wife Ethel who treated him as an “adopted” son. It is possible the Vicar was a distant relative since his father also had the unusual forename of Foster.

HMS Mahratta was escorting an Arctic convoy when she was attacked by a German U boat and sank off northern Norway. Although other ships were quickly on the scene, there were only 16 survivors - 220 crew lost their lives in the freezing Barentz Sea. In “1941–1945 The Arctic Lookout”, Noel Simon recounts the story of McRae's actions after the sinking: Having managed to climb onto one of the few Carley floats to have come through the sinking, he set about hauling the others aboard. The float soon became overcrowded. Remarking almost casually: "There's not enough room for us all" the doctor slipped over the side into the sea and was never seen again.

Lt McRae’s name appears on Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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Albert Thomas NATION Leading Stoker D/KX 91438 Royal Navy HMS Trinidad Killed in Action 14 May 1942 aged 25

Son of George and Anne Nation of Fulford, Kingston; husband of Betty Maud Nation (nee Holland) of Plymouth. While on Arctic convoy HMS Trinidad, a light cruiser, was badly damaged during an engagement with German destroyers when she was hit by one of her own torpedoes which had a faulty gyro system. After it was launched, the torpedo went in a wide arc and returned to hit Trinidad killing 32 men. The ship managed to limp into Murmansk for temporary repairs. Sailing back to UK, under escort and at reduced speed, Trinidad was attacked by dive bombers and sank on 15 May. Leading Stoker Nation’s name appears on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. Francis Richard VILLIS Sergeant 5670432 7th battalion Parachute Regiment Killed in Action 7 June 1944, aged 31, in France

Son of wood sawyer Francis Henry Villis and his wife Edith Maud Villis. He was born at Stogursey in December 1913 and baptised one month later. He was married to Kathleen Jessie Villis (nee Kerton) of Kingston, Somerset. The 7th battalion Parachute Regt (formed from the 10th Somerset LI) parachuted into Normandy just after midnight on D Day (6th June). Their task was to relieve the glider-borne troops who had captured the bridges across the river Orne and the Caen Canal. They successfully defended the bridges from repeated German attacks despite being understrength because some of their men (and equipment) had been dropped miles away from the target. They were eventually relieved in the early hours of 7th June having lost 19 killed and 36 wounded. Sergeant Villis is buried in Hermanville Cemetery. John WELCH

Gunner 4268877 1/1 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery 30 July 1942 aged 26 at sea

Born in Durham, the son of Benjamin Archibald and Jane Welch (nee Nixon); husband of Beatrice Mary Welch (nee Nation) of Kingston, Somerset. HE joined the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers but transferred to RA and trained as a gunner on Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (DEMS). Of the 14,000 army gunners who served at sea protecting the ships that brought essential supplies to Britain, at least 1,236 lost their lives. His death is officially recorded as being “at sea” but it is not known on which ship he was serving. Gunner Welch’s name appears on Portsmouth Naval Memorial commemorating those with no known grave. NOTE: His wife Beatrice Mary was the sister of Albert Thomas Nation (see above).

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The Roll of Service

Having erected the Memorial Cross to commemorate those who died in the First World War (1914-1919), it was decided to compile a book giving the names of all those from Kingston St Mary who served in the armed forces or were involved in war work. The Roll of Service was ordered in July 21 1923 at a cost of £3 15 shllings (£3.75). Bound in a soft leather cover and hand written on parchment, the book contains the names of more than 200 villagers, including nine women. The names of the fallen are denoted by a red asterisk. One or two of the names are out of alpabetical order or have been added later and the wrong Clemow brother was marked as having died. A pencil circle in the original book marks the error. The frontispiece of the list is reproduced here – with a typed list of the names put into the correct order. A key to the is given at the end.

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* Asterisk marks the names of the fallen

Abbott, Robert S.L.I. Bradbury, Claude WSY Ackland, Francis W.S.Y *Briggs, William SLI Arnold, Frederick O.T.C. Bromfield, Harry R Vety Corps *Arnold, Geoffrey S.L.I. Bryer, George WSY Arnold, Reginald A.S.C Burford, Frederick Worcesters Berry, Bertie R.N Burrows, Jack SLI Berry, Charles W.S.Y Burrows, Mark SLI Berry, Edgar R.G.A Burrows, Stanley ASC Berry, Fred R.N Buswell, Martin SLI Butter, Charles RGA Berry, Henry R.D.C Caddick, Charles SLI Berry, Jack K.O.L.I Caddick, Frederick SLI Berry, Marcus W Yorks Caddick, George SLI *Berry, Percy R.N Carnall, Frederick RE Bickham, Reginald S.L.I Chamberlain, Thomas Worcesters Bidgood, Harry S.L.I * Chidgey, Arthur SLI Bidgood, Herbert ASC Chidgey, James SLI Biffen, Alfred WSY Chipling, William Devons Billett, Charles Canadians Clemow, Don NZMGC Billing, Archibald WSY *Clemow, Sidney NZR

*Billing, Charles, SLI Clermow, William RNVR Coles, Samuel RE Billing, William R. Vety Corps Court, Frank DCLI Bishop, Alfred, Hants Court, John WSY Bishop, Clifford, SLI Curry, James, Rifle BDE Bishop, William, Berks Daly, William RN *Blackmore, Wilfred, WSY *Dicks, Victor SLI Bond, Charles SLI Bowering, Cyril WSY *Dykes, Daniel ASC Bowering, William, Norfolk Y Eden, Frederick (MBE) Mil Mission

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Ewins, Henry SLI *Hayes, Charles SLI Farmer, Frederick RHA Hayes, Robert SLI Farmer, George SLI Hole, Charles, Worcesters * Ferris, Edward SLI Holley, Stanley RFA Foyle, Frederick ASC Holley, William, Devons Foyle, Percy Dorsets Hooper, George ASC Fudge, George RGA Hosegood, William ASC Fudge, Gilbert SLI Humphris, Frederick Irish Gds Fudge, Joseph Worcesters Hurford, Edward WSY Fudge, William RGA *Hurford, Gilbert Middx Furzer, Bert SLI Hurley, Gilbert RE Furzer, Ernest RMLI Huxley, Henry RFA Furzer, Harry DCLI Huxman, William RGA * Furzer, Reginald US Army Jarvis, William RAF Furzer, Sidney (MM) Rifle Bde *Kidner, Frederick Qn’s Westm R * Furzer, William Canadians Kidner, William RE Gamblin, Albert ASC Knowles, Tom DCLI *Gamblin, Ernest SLI Knowles, William DCLI Gamblin, Henry SLI Leach, Daniel RAMC *Gault, Anderson Gren Gds Leach, Egerton WSY Leach, Frank RAMC *Gillett, William WSY Leach, Stanley WSY Greed, Edmund WSY Leakey, Albert RAMC Greed, Francis SLI Leakey, Frank RAMC Grunter, Herbert RN Leakey, Harold 11th Hake, Frank RN Leatherby, William SLI Hake, Jack, Cycle Corps Lowman, Cecil RN *Hake, William, Leinsters Lowman, Gilbert RN Haste, John, RGA Lowman, Hubert WSY Hawkings, Louis, RNAS *Lowman, William RMLI Hawkins, Lawrence, Glosters Lyddon, Herbert SLI Hawkins, William SLI *Lye, William ASC

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Manning, Fred Hants Rowcliffe, Ernest WSY Marks, Sydney WSY Rowcliffe, Frederick ASC Matravers, Samuel ASC Rowcliffe, Joseph RE Matthews, John SLI Salisbury, Arthur SLI Mears, Edward Canadians *Samways, William RFC Mears, William Canadians Saunders, Ernest, RDC *Miles, William WSY *Saunders, Walter SLI Mountstephens, Charles SLI *Sealey, George RE Nowles, Frederick SLI Selway, Harry RFA Nutting, Harry SLI Short, Henry Gren Gds Palfrey, Albert RE *Sloley, Frederick RMLI Palfrey, Alfred RMLI Palfrey, Ben SLI Sloley, Walter SLI Palfrey, Edward 6th DG Sloley, William Cycle Corps Palfrey, Eland, Devons Sly, Edward Red Cross Smitheram Cecil, Rifle Bde *Palfrey, Frank ASC Smitheram, John WSY Palfrey, Harry RGA Spear, James SALH Palfrey, James, ASC Spear, Stanley SALH Palfrey, Leslie RE Spear, William WSY Palfrey, Sidney SLI Steevens, William RN Parsons, Frank MP Sully, John Devon Parsons, Harry ASC *Sully, William (MM) RMLI Parsons, William Devons Sydenham, John Worcesters Perrott, Thomas RN Tantum, George Life Gds Phillips, Frank RAMC Tantum, Mortimer RASC Pollard, Henry Devons Porter, Charles SLI Tavener, John SLI Pugsley, Frederick WSY *Templeman, John SLI Pugsley, Harry Australians Thomas, Albert Devons Pursey, Sidney Herts Thomas, Fred RAMC *Ring, William DCLI Thomas, James ASC *Rowcliffe, Bertie Berks Thomas, Robert SLI Rowcliffe, Charles SLI Thomas, William Devons

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Totterdell, Frank WSY *Totterdell, George Coldstream Gds Totterdell, Harry Coldstream Gds Totterdell, James Berks Totterdell, Robert Devons Totterdell, William Canadians Tottle, John RNR Women’s Auxiliary Forces Treeby, Henry SLI Kidner, Sybil, VAD *Tucker, Fred Dorsets Leakey, Mabel, WAAC Tucker, Harry WSY Mear, Dorothy, WAAC Tucker, Leonard WSY Palfrey, Lilian, WRAF Tucker, Sidney RAMC Platt, Edith, VAD (France) Tucker, Reginald, RFA Platt, Evelyn, VAD Walford, Frank RGA Platt, Mabel, VAD Walsh, Theobald Lomax SLI Smitheram, Mabel, Munitions Warren, Leonard SLI Thurstan, Violetta MM, Br Red Cross th Wells, Alfred 9 Lancers White, Edward RN

White, Edward G SLI White, ErnestRE White, Robert Gren Gds Wilson-Steele, John Chaplain

*Woodley, Frank Rifle Bd

Woodley, Harry ASC Wyatt, Henry RMLI Yandle, Henry RMLI Yandle, Walter Hussars Young, Herbert ASC

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KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS

ASC = Army Service Corps RMLI = Royal Marine Light Infantry DCLI – Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry RN = Royal Navy NZMGC = New Zealand Machine Gun Corps RNR = Royal Navy Reserve NZR = New Zealand Regt SALH = South African Light Horse OTC = Officer Training Corps SLI = Somerset Light Infantry RAMC = Royal Army Medical Corps VAD = Voluntary Aid Detachment RE = Royal Engineers WAAC = Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps RFA = Royal Field Artillery WRAF = Women’s RFC = Royal Flying Corps WSY = West Somerset Yeomanry

RGA = Royal Garrison Artillery RHA = Royal Horse Artillery

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