War Memorials - Surnames T

Index

Click on the name to jump to the relevant entry

TAYLOR, A.T (New 03/05/2010)
TAYLOR, H. (New 06/05/2010)
TAYLOR, Oscar (New 17/01/2010)
TERRY, Alfred
TESTER, John (Updated 21/12/2009)
THOMAS, Alec Vaughan (New 17/04/2010)
THOMAS, Maurice Wotton (New 17/04/2010)
TICHENER, Harry Oliver (New 02/05/2010)
TINKER, William Thomas
TOMS, Joseph Edward
TOMSETT, George Henry Gwillam
TOSELAND, Frederick Arthur
TRACEY, James (New 15/12/2009)
TREADGOLD, Albert (New 01/05/2010)
TREAYS, John (New 24/03/2009)
TUPPEN, Alfred Joseph Henry
TURNER, Henry Dennis
TURNER, Henry William (Updated 26/12/2009)
TYE, Walter Guy (Updated 02/05/2010)

If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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TAYLOR Alfred Thomas, Lance Corporal. 41820.

4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.
Died 12 April 1918, aged 19

Alfred's headstone in Aveluy Wood Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

Alfred Thomas Taylor was born in 1899 in Tilbury, Essex, (GRO reference: Jun 1899 Orsett 4a 559) the second eldest son of William George and Emma Mary Louise Taylor (nee Tolhurst). His parents had married in the December 1897 quarter in the registration district of Hollingborne, Kent.

ALFRED AND HIS SIBLINGS
NAME	DATE OF BIRTH	REG. DISTRICT
William Henry G	March Quarter 1898	Hollingbourne, Kent
Alfred Thomas	June Quarter 1899	Orsett, Kent
Cecil Arthur	September Quarter 1901	Orsett, Kent
Doris Emma	December Quarter 1902	Orsett, Kent
Christopher Harold T	December Quarter 1903	Orsett, Kent
Florence Priscilla	December Quarter 1905	Hollingbourne, Kent
Alice Matilda	September Quarter 1907	Epsom
Ernest Frank	31 December 1910	Epsom
Maud Constance	2 March 1913	Epsom
Mildred Mary	29 March 1915	Epsom
Ronald Stanley (Hanley in Christ Church Baptism record)	9 October 1917	Epsom

In the 1901 census the family lived at 14, Sydney Road, Chadwell St Mary. Alfred's father was aged 26, and worked as a foreman/labourer in the coal industry. His mother was aged 25, and her 8 year old brother Christopher was staying with the family that night.

When exactly the family moved to Epsom is unknown but judging from the dates their children were born, it was most likely between 1906 and 1907. Ernest, Maud, Mildred and Ronald were all baptised in Christ Church Epsom Common Epsom Surrey.

In the 1911 census the family lived at 3, Hasted Cottages, South Street, Epsom. Alfred's father now shown as aged 37, worked as a labourer in a horse hair warehouse. His mother Emma had given birth to eight children, and all were still living

Alfred's service records have not survived but the Surrey Recruitment Register provides us with some information. He attested in Kingston on 19 March 1917 aged 18 years and 1 month. He was 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighed 110lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. His medical grade was A4, which meant he would be A1 once he reached 19, the age at which he could legally be sent overseas. His stated profession was motor driver and he lived at 3, Hasted Cottages, South Street, Epsom.

The 4th Battalion Bedfordshire, originally a training battalion, was when Alfred joined it a front line fighting battalion, part of the 190th Brigade in the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. Between 21 March and 5 April 1918 the Germans had launched their massive spring offensive, known as the Kaiserschlact, and had pushed back the British line considerably. On 12 April the 4th Bedfords were holding the line south of Mesnil, a small village just a few miles west of the 1916 Somme Battlefield. Five men from the 4th Bedfords were killed in action that day including Alfred. The war diary gives no indication of how they were killed, but was most likely caused by artillery fire.

Alfred is buried in plot III. G. 2. in Aveluy Wood Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart.

He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

The CWGC that he was the "Son of William and Emma Taylor, of 40, South Street, Epsom, Surrey."

Alfred's mother Emma died in 1934, a year after the death of his sister Florence and was buried in the same plot as her, K729, in Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom. Both of 40 South Street Epsom Surrey.

EP CC

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TAYLOR Harry, Gunner. 10589.

50th Battery, 13th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery.
Killed in Action 5 October 1917, aged 29.

Harry Taylor
Photographer and date not known, photograph left at cemetery.

Henry Taylor was born in Ewell in 27 November 1887 (GRO reference: Mar 1888 Epsom 2a 17) to William and Caroline Taylor.

In the 1891 census the family lived in Gibraltar (the far end of West Street), Ewell. Harry's father was a 29 year old carman. His mother was aged 27 and worked as a charwoman. He had three siblings, Caroline aged 6, William aged 5 (also served) and Albert aged 1. They had two boarders living with them, George Allen a 23 year old labourer and George Grant a 50 year old miller.

HENRY AND HIS SIBLINGS
NAME	DATE OF BIRTH	REG. DISTRICT
Caroline Annie	December quarter 1883	Epsom
William George	3 September 1885	Epsom
Henry	27 November 1887	Epsom
Albert Edward	11 December 1889	Epsom
Ada Emily	March quarter 1892	Epsom
Ellen	September quarter 1893	Epsom
Florence	June quarter 1895	Epsom
Ethel Elizabeth	September quarter 1898	Epsom
Alice May	September quarter 1901	Epsom
Grace Evelina	December quarter 1903	Epsom

Harry attended Ewell Boys School, West Street from 7 May 1894 to 21 December 1899, when he left to work as a 'Doctor's Boy'. Brothers William and Albert also attended the school.

By 1901 the family had moved to 8, Kingston Terrace. Harry's father was working as a labourer, as was Harry himself and his brother William.

In the 1911 census the family had moved to No.1 Stones Cottages, Epsom. Harry, his father and his brother Albert all worked in the brickworks. Sister Florence was a domestic servant. Harry's mother recorded that she had given birth to ten children and that they were all still living.

It is not known when Harry became an Australian, but he attested into the Australian Army on 13 July 1915 at Melbourne. He gave his age as 27 years 8 months, his trade or calling as farmer and his next of kin as his mother, Mrs C Taylor, 1 Stones Cottages, Lintons Lane, Epsom, Surrey, England.

On 31 December 1915 he made a will leaving all his belongings to his mother.

Harry was 5 feet 6¾ inches tall, weighed 11 stone, had a chest measurement of 36/39, a fresh complexion, blue eyes, fair hair, and his religion was C of E. He also had 4 vaccination marks on his right arm, as well as a scar on his right forearm and scar on right elbow.

Initially Harry served with the infantry in the 11th then 10th Battalions, presumably for initial training. Here are some significant dates in Harry's Army career:

11 November 1915: Gunner with the Field Artillery, 1st Divisional Ammunition Column (DAC).
10 February 1916: Posted to No. 1 section, Cairo, Egypt.
22 March 1916: Posted to 50th Battery, Tel el Kebir, Egypt.
16 June 1916: Embarked on "Tunisian" at Alexandria.
23 June 1916: Disembarked at Marseilles, France.
21 December 1916: Admitted to hospital with a septic hand.
02 January 1917: Rejoined Brigade.
11 June 1917: To rest camp.
26 June 1917: Rejoined Brigade from rest camp.
13 August 1917: Wounded in action.
14 August 1917: Admitted to 2nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station (CCS). Gunshot wound to chest.
14 August 1917: Transferred to 8th Ambulance Train.
18 August 1917: Admitted to 3rd Con Depot, Havre.
31 August 1917: Discharged to base Depot.
01 September 1917: Marched from hospital to Rouelles.
11 September 1917: To 5th Division Artillery.
18 September 1917: To leave.
02 October 1917: Rejoined from leave.
05 October 1917: Killed in Action.

Harry's mother was granted a pension of 7 shillings and 6 pence commencing 27 December 1917, to be reviewed on 2 January 1919. She signed a receipt for his personal effects on 21 March 1918, and for his plaque and scroll on 23 September 1922.

Harry was awarded the 1914- 1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.

Harry's headstone in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

He is buried in plot VI.H.6. Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

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TAYLOR Oscar, Gunner. 68429.

214th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).
Died of Wounds 5 May 1917, aged 25.

Oscar's hradstone in the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

Oscar Taylor was born in 1892 (GRO reference: Mar 1892 Epsom 2a 17) to Henry and Emily Taylor (nee Stroud).

In the 1881 census before Oscar was born the family lived at Black Barn Road, Epsom. Oscar's father was a 23 year old bricklayer. His mother was 24, and he had two siblings, Henry aged 1 and Alice aged 9 months.

By 1891 the family had moved to 7, Broughton Cottage, Lintons Lane, Epsom, and another sibling had arrived, Hetty aged 8.

In 1901 the family lived at Pioneer Cottage, 94, Hook Road, Epsom. Oscar's father was now a builder, brother Henry was a bricklayer, sister Hetty a domestic servant, and Oscar a scholar.

In 1911 they were living at 106, Hook Road, Epsom, and Oscar was a bricklayer, presumably working for his father who was a builder and employer.

Oscar attested on 21 February 1916 at Epsom, into the RGA. He was 24 years old, 5 feet 6¼ inches tall, weighed 124 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 2½ inches. His brother Henry also served in the RGA.

Oscar was a qualified signaller and telephonist, and embarked from Southampton on 23 January 1917 arriving at Le Havre on the 24 January. He was in France less than 4 months when he was wounded on 5 May, probably by shell fire, and died the same day. He is buried in plot VI.J.15. Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, west of Ypres.

On 28 October 1917 Oscar's mother Emily acknowledged receipt of her sons property which comprised, 2 discs, letters, photos, pipe, case, pair scissors and a Stylo pen. He had on him the sum of 87 francs 5 centimes, and this amount was credited to his account, to be paid out when the account had been finally made up.

On 17 May 1922 Oscar's mother acknowledged receipt of his British War medal and his Victory medal.

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TERRY Alfred, Driver

'A' Bty, 298th Bde, Royal Field Artillery.
Killed in Action 12 July 1917, aged 32

Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person

'A' Bty, 298th Bde, Royal Field Artillery. Killed near Ypres on 12 July 1917. Buried in the Reninghe 1st New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 32 years. Son of George and Sarah Terry, and husband of Lily Terry, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).

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TESTER John, Sergeant. 7299.

20 Hussars.
Died of Wounds 25 May 1915, aged 27.

John Tester
Image courtesy of Helen Smith (John's great niece) ©2009

John Tester was born in 1888 (GRO reference: Jun 1888 Cardiff 11a 321) to John and Jane Maud Tester (nee Gunter).

In the 1891 census the family lived on a farm in Caterham. John's father was a farm labourer. He had three siblings Jane aged 6, Rose aged 5 and George aged 6 months. (George also served in the 20 Hussars, and later the Machine Gun Corps, winning the DCM and the Croix de Guerre).

By the 1901 census they lived on the South Side of Leslie Road, Dorking. John's father was now a lime burner, and he had two more siblings Robert (served in the navy) aged 7 and Thomas aged 4.

There is a marriage recorded between John Tester and Elsie Barber (GRO reference: Dec 1912 Scarborough 9d 829)but I have found no children recorded.

In the 1913 electoral roll for Ewell John lived in a cottage on Fitznell Farm, and in the 1915 electoral roll he lived in Chessington Road, Ewell.

John Tester was a soldier in the Regular Army and went to France on 16 August 1914 with the 20th Hussars, 2nd Cavalry Division. He was therefore one of the 'Old Contemptibles'. The following is from the 1923 book by Major J.C. Darling '20th Hussars in the Great War', and covers events from 7 May 1915 to 24 May 1915.

"We left Ledringhem on the 7 May and marched back to our billets at Verte Rue. On the 9 May the big Allied attack started at Arras. We "stood to" for two days in case there should be a gap for us to go through. No gap appeared, so we stood down again. On the 13th May the Huns made another gas attack east of Ypres, and during the night 13th-14th, the 5th Cavalry Brigade was moved by motor bus to Vlamertinghe. About 10 p.m. on the 14th we took over front line trenches east of Potijze from the 3rd Cavalry Division. Some units of this division had made a brilliant counter-attack and had chased the Huns, in the words of the Essex Yeomanry, "clean out of our country." We took over from the 3rd Dragoon Guards. They had suffered heavy casualties, their Colonel was badly wounded, and I think they had only got two officers left. The trenches were badly damaged. The Boches were somewhere about 1,000 yards away. During the night we dug a new trench line about 150 yards in front of the old one. By the morning we had got quite good trenches. An infantry working party had helped us by constructing communication trenches leading back to the old trenches. All three squadrons were in the front line, "C" on the left in touch with the 12th Lancers, "B" in the centre, "A" on the right. The right of the line rested on the Ypres-Zonnebeke railway. South of the railway we joined with the infantry; I think the 28th Division. We remained in these trenches till the 21st May. Patrols went out every night, but never really got in touch with the Germans. They were a long way off.
On our sector of the front there was very little shelling by either side. We had very few casualties, but these included Sergeant Tester killed and Sergeant "Paddy" Curran wounded. The night of the 21st we were relieved by infantry, and marched back to huts near Vlamertinghe. At about 3.30 a.m. on the 24th we suddenly got the order to turn out. There had evidently been another gas attack east of Ypres. This attack had fallen on the 1st Cavalry Division. The 9th Lancers and 18th Hussars, to name only two units, had very heavy casualties."

The account above states that there was very little shelling during that period, and there were very few casualties. Despite this statement between 13 and 26 May 1915, eleven men from the 20th Hussars lost their lives. John Tester being one of them, dying of wounds on the 25 May 1915. The account also implies that Sergeant Tester was killed before the 21st, whereas the CWGC states he died on the 25 May. I suspect he was wounded by a shell sometime between the 14 and 21 May, and transported to a base hospital at Boulogne where he died.

John Tester's headstone in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008

He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, plot VIII D 46. The CWGC states he was the 'Husband of Elsie Tester, 24 Moorland Road, Scarborough'.

John was awarded the 1914 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.

BH EW

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THOMAS, Alec Vaughan, Captain.

11th Battalion, East Surrey Regt, attached 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regt. 29th Division.
Killed in Action 6 August 1915, aged 22.

The 1905 First 11 Soccer Team
Alec Thomas is holding the football
Click image to enlarge
Image courtesy of Michael Davis

Alec Vaughan Thomas was born in Worcester Park Surrey in 1892 (GRO reference: Dec 1892 Epsom 2a 17), second child to John Alick and Kate Edith Florence Thomas (nee Fairbank), who had married in 1890 in Kingston.

Alec's father John was a 47 year old architect from Stanstead Abbot, but when the 1901 census was taken he and his 40 year old wife Kate were living at "The Croft" Cuddington, Worcester Park Surrey with their children Mary aged 10, Alec Vaughan aged 8 and Maurice Wotton aged 6, as well as three staff to look after them. Alec's brother Maurice Wotton Thomas was also killed during the war.

In 1905 Alec attended Parkside School, Ewell. Parkside School occupied the site until 1933 when it was demolished to make way for Timbercroft and Sterry Drive, Stonleigh. The school relocated to Stoke D'Abernon.

Alec was educated at Repton (appears in the 1911 census) and Oriel College in Oxford, where he played cricket for them.

The London Gazette reported that, on 8 October 1914, Alec was one of many young cadets and ex-cadets of the Officer's training Corps to be made temporary Infantry Second Lieutenants. Alec was an officer in the 11th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, attached 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment which was in the 88th Brigade, 29th Division. He went to Gallipoli in May 1915, and was killed in action at Krithia on 6 August 1915, aged 22 years. 210 other ranks from the 2nd Hampshires fell in the action on 6 August. A description of the battle can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Krithia_Vineyard.

Alec's father requested on 30 July 1917 that his son's medals, the 15 Star, British War medal and the Victory, be sent to his home, The Croft, in Worcester Park.

The Croft, rear view
Image courtesy David Rymill

Obituary from Wisden's Almanac 1916 (founded in 1864 by the English cricketer John Wisden (1826-1884):

CAPT. ALEC VAUGHAN THOMAS (11th East Surrey Regiment, attached 2nd Hampshire) was killed in action in the Dardanelles on August 6, aged 22. He was in the Repton XI in 1912, when he headed the batting averages with 29.30, and subsequently played at Oxford for his College, Oriel, but did not obtain his blue. In 1913 he appeared in the Freshmen's match, but failed to score.

Almost every year between 1938-1950 the following appeared in The Times:

IN MEMORIAM ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Thomas - To the dear memory of two devoted sons, Alec Vaughan Thomas (Repton and Oriel). Temporary Capt., East Surrey Regiment, who fell before Krithia, Gallipoli, Aug 6 1915, aged 22, and Maurice Wotton Thomas RAF and RFC, who fell in the Somme advance flying over Bapaume Aug 5 1916 aged 21.

Alec is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey, along with about 21,000 other men with no known grave who fell in the Gallipoli campaign.

Thanks to David Rymill for additional information.

SMC

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THOMAS, Maurice Wotton, Lieutenant.

Royal Field Artillery, attached 4th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.
Killed in Action 5 August 1916, aged 21.

Maurice Wotton Thomas
Image courtesy of the Royal Aero Club

Maurice Wotton Thomas was born in Worcester Park Surrey on 27 September 1894 (GRO reference: Dec 1894 Epsom 2a 19), third child to John Alick and Kate Edith F Thomas (nee Fairbank), who had married in 1890 in Kingston.

Maurice's father John was a 47 year old architect from Stanstead Abbot, but when the 1901 census was taken he and his 40 year old wife Kate were living at "The Croft" Cuddington, Worcester Park Surrey with their children Mary aged 10, Alec Vaughan aged 8 and Maurice Wotton aged 6, as well as three staff to look after them. Maurice's brother Alec Vaughan Thomas was also killed during the war.

Maurice was educated at Parkside Ewell before going to Osborne College on the Isle of Wight. Between 1903-1921 Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was used as a junior officer training college for the Royal Navy.

Maurice gained his Royal Aero Club Aviator's certificate on a Maurice Farman Biplane at the Military School Birmingham on 1 April 1916 only to be killed four months later, aged 21, in the Somme advance flying over Bapaume in France on 5 August 1916.

Maurice's Aero Club Certificate record
Image courtesy of the Royal Aero Club

Obituary from the Journal of the Royal Aero Club 2 Aug 1917, which was also in The Times:

Lieutenant MAURICE WOTTON THOMAS, R.F.A. and R.F.C., reported missing on August 5th last year, now officially presumed killed on that date, aged 21, was the younger son of Mr. And Mrs. Alick Thomas, of Worcester Park, Surrey. He was educated at Parkside, Ewell, and in September, 1907 passed into Osborne College, where, as the result of an epidemic he contracted an illness, which necessitated his being invalided, as unfit, from the Royal Navy in 1910. After 18 months of convalescence he was allowed to continue his education with Mr. Sellar, of St. Andrew's, and Mr. Tinniswood, of Camberley, whence he passed into Woolwich in 1912, and, passing out in September 1914, received his commission in the R.F.A.

In May 1915, he went to the front as A.D.C. to a general, commanding an R.A. division, and was promoted lieutenant in July, when it was decided that he was specially qualified by his training for the R.F.C., to which he was seconded as observer. After many thrilling experiences he was wounded in an accident in December 1915, and came home. He made a speedy recovery, and was sent to a reserve squadron and gained his wings. In May 1916, he was again sent out, doing much valuable work over the enemy positions. He was a fine revolver shot and a member of the shooting eight when at Woolwich.

His elder brother, Captain Alec Vaughan Thomas, E. Surrey Regiment, attached 2nd Hampshire Regiment, was killed in Gallipoli, August 6th, 1915, aged 22

Maurice was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.

Almost every year between1938-1950 the following appeared in The Times:

IN MEMORIAM ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Thomas - To the dear memory of two devoted sons, Alec Vaughan Thomas (Repton and Oriel). Temporary Capt., East Surrey Regiment, who fell before Krithia, Gallipoli, Aug 6 1915, aged 22, and Maurice Wotton Thomas RAF and RFC, who fell in the Somme advance flying over Bapaume Aug 5 1916 aged 21.

Maurice is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial.

SMC

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TICHENER Harry Oliver. 23692.

"C" Battery, 95th Brigade Royal Field Artillery (RFA).
Killed in Action 3 October 1918, aged 40.

Harry's Headstone in the St Sever Cemetery extension, Rouen
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

Harry Oliver Tichener was born in Epsom in 1878 (GRO Reference: Mar 1878 Epsom 2a 16) to Francis and Mary Ann Tichener (nee Marshall). His parents had married in London City in 1875.

In the 1881 census the family lived at 2, Blackburn Cottages, The Common, Epsom. Harry's father, shown as Frank, was a 34 year old sawyer. His mother Mary Ann, was aged 27, and he had a brother, Frank aged 1.

Blackburn Cottage
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

On 2 February 1882 Harry's sister Louisa May was born.

Harry's father Frank, aged 36 died and was buried in the Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom on 2 January 1883. His younger brother Frank Edward aged 6, died in 1885 and was buried in Epsom Cemetery on 12 December 1885. (Titchener in the cemetery records).

Mary Ann had three more children after the death of her husband Frank. Sarah Ann, born on 20 October 1885 and baptised on 29 November 1885; Ernest John born in 1887 and Mary Jessie, born 9 February 1890 and baptised on 6 April that year.

In the 1891 census the widowed Mary Ann was still living at 2, Blackburn Cottages, and was working as a laundress to support her children Harry 13, Louisa 9, Sarah 5, Ernest 3 and Mary Jessie aged 1. (Later that year Mary Jessie died and was buried on 1 August 1891.)

On 12 June 1892, 39 year old widow Mary Ann Tichener married widower William Clarke in Christ Church Epsom Common. William was a 68 year old landscape gardener living at Epsom Common.

In the 1901 census Harry's mother Mary is shown as the wife of 78 year old William Clark, a gardener. Mary aged 47 was still working as a laundress, and they were living at Blackburn Cottage. Harry's siblings, Louisa, Sarah, Edith and Ernest were also living there. Harry himself has not been found in the 1901 census, and I wonder if this is because he was serving overseas in the army?

Harry's sister Louisa May married Stephen Sparrow, a brick maker, on 26 December 1903.

William Clarke, Harry's 83 year old stepfather, died and was buried in the Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom on 12 December 1906. His occupation has been recorded as a retired builders foreman. William's place of death was recorded as Blackburn Cottages, The Common Epsom.

Four years later on 30 July 1910, Harry's other sister Sarah Ann married Arthur Abraham Johnson, who was a gardener. Both sisters married in Christ Church Epsom Common.

In the 1911 census Harry's mother Mary is shown as the 57 year old widowed head of the family, and still living at Blackburn Cottage, and still working as a laundress. Her 86 year old widowed mother, Ann Marshall was living with her as was daughter Edith, an apprentice milliner. Also living there was her daughter Sarah and Sarah's husband Arthur Johnson, both laundry workers. As in 1901 Harry cannot be found so might possibly have still been in the Army.

Harry's mother, Mary Ann Clarke, died in 1916 and was buried in the same grave, A488 as her second husband, William in Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom, on 2 October 1916. She was aged 64 and her place of death was recorded as 76, Miles Road, Epsom.

Harry's name appears on the Horton Mental Hospital Roll of Honour, so must have worked there before the war.

Harry married Daisy A E Fry in Portsmouth in 1915 and the British Commonwealth Graves Register records Daisy as living at 29, Boulton Road, Southsea Portsmouth. No records of any children have been found.

If Harry had been an ex-regular soldier (his service records have not survived) he would have been recalled as a reservist. In any event he went to France on 9 September 1915 as a Driver with the RFA. His medal car shows that at some stage he was promoted to A/Cpl but that he reverted on 25 May 1918 when he ceased to perform duties with a P.O.W. Company. German POWs were used as labour in France and special companies were set up to guard them. Presumably Harry was seconded to one of these companies for a period.

The 95th Brigade RFA formed part of the 21 Division, and fought in the Battle of the St Quentin Canal (27 September to 2 October 1918), one of the battles to break the Hindenburg Line, the vast hugely strong line of defences the Germans had prepared in 1917. The LCC book 'Record of war Service' states that he was badly injured near Cambrai. Harry died of wounds on 3 October 1918 at the 6th General Hospital, Rouen. Rouen was the site of a large hospital centre well behind the lines. He is buried in plot S.II.H.10. St Sever Cemetery extension, Rouen, along with 8,657 of his comrades.

Harry was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.

EP CC HWH

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TINKER William Thomas, Lance Corporal. 19983.

10th battalion Hampshire regiment
Killed in Action 7 December 1915, aged 31

William Thomas Tinker was born in 1884 (GRO reference: Jun 1884 Fulham 1a 305) to William and Mary Tinker (nee Stratford).

In the 1891 census the family lived at 20 Molton Street, Fulham. William's father was a 'Coal Porter', and William had two siblings Daisy Louisa aged 9 and George aged 3.

By 1901 the family lived in the Workman's Home Horton Asylum. William's parents were both shown as workers at the asylum, assisting in the lodging house. William, now 16 and his brother George aged 12 were also shown as workers at the asylum, assisting in the canteen. William had also acquired another four siblings Albert Henry aged 9, Leonard aged 6, Lilian Mary aged 5 and Wallace aged 3.

There is a record of marriage for a William Thomas Tinker (GRO reference: Jun 1904 Epsom 2a 33) to Louisa Parker. There are two births registered, Albert George Tinker (GRO reference: Dec 1906 Epsom 2a 28) and Violet Phyllis Tinker (GRO reference: Sep 1909 Epsom 2a 26). Violet was baptised at St Mary's Ewell in 1909. William is recorded as a milkman living at Gibraltar, Ewell. It would be necessary to purchase birth certificate copies to confirm whether Albert was also William's son.

The Surrey Recruitment Register shows a Tinker W T age 35 5months (I suspect a transcription error as he would have been only 30) attesting in Kingston on 7 September 1914, into the East Surrey Regiment, having been born at Fulham. He was 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, weighed 126 lbs and had a chest measurement of 34 inches, with an expansion of 2 inches. He had blue eyes and brown hair. He was still working as a milkman.

The Doiran Memorial, North Greece
Copyright Image courtesy of Rob Carr 2007

He is shown in the medal roll as having served in the East Surrey Regiment number 705 and the Hampshire Regiment number 19983. It is likely that initially he was in a training battalion of the East Surreys and transferred later to the 10th battalion Hampshire regiment, which fought in Salonika (now Thessalonika).

Tinkers Block at the Doiran Memorial, North Greece
Copyright Image courtesy of Rob Carr 2007

LCpl Tinker's inscription on the Doiran Memorial
Copyright Image courtesy of Rob Carr 2007

The 10th Hampshires were in 29 Brigade 10 Division, and on 7 and 8 December 1915, after withdrawing from Serbia, fought a battle at Kosturino, north of Lake Doiran. On 7 December 1915 seventy four men from the 10th Hampshires lost their lives including William, killed in action. They are commemorated on the Doiran Memorial, North Greece.

The 14 January 1916 edition of the Epsom and Ewell Advertiser reported that at a meeting of the Ewell Parish Council, the Rev. J. Wallace mentioned that Mrs, W. Tinker, of Kingston Terrace, had that day received intimation that her son was wounded and believed to be missing. It was agreed that a letter of sympathy should be sent to Mrs. Tinker.

In the 1916 - 17 edition of Kelly's directory William (senior) lived at 5 Kingston Terrace, Ewell.

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TOMS Joseph Edward, Private. 30847.

12 East Surrey Regiment: 17 section, 'B' Company, 8 Platoon.
Killed in Action 3 May 1917, aged 19.

Joseph Toms
Image courtesy of his nephew Derek Doune

Joseph Toms's inscriptionon the Menin Gate Memorial, France
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008

Joseph Edward Toms was born on 7 July 1897 (GRO reference: Sep 1897 Epsom 2a 22) at Beaconsfield Place, Epsom, to John and Harriet Toms (nee Pearcey).

On census night 1891 Joseph's family lived at 44 Hadyn Park Road, Shepherds Bush. His father John was a 29 year old general labourer. His mother Harriet was 28. Joseph, yet to be born, had three siblings, Harriet Esther aged 5 (GRO reference: Jun 1885 Fulham 1a 233), William Lawrence aged 3 (GRO reference: Mar 1888 Fulham 1a 222) and Eleanor Rosina Maud aged 1 (GRO reference: Jun 1890 Fulham 1a 199).

The Toms Family - Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge. Joseph Toms and his family.
Image courtesy of his nephew Derek Doune

By 1896 the family had moved to Bradman Cottages, Epsom. Two of the children, Helena Rosina Maud who had been born on 1 Mar 1890 and her brother John Charles (GRO reference: Jun 1894 Fulham 1a 226) who was born on 5 May 1894 were both baptised in Christ Church Epsom on 13 Dec 1896. At this time their father was described as a brickmaker.

By the 1901 census the family had moved to 11 Beaconsfield Place, Epsom. Joseph's father was described as a general labourer. At some point the family moved just round the corner to 110 East Street.

No. 110 East Street in 1968
Image courtesy of Surrey Libraries and is held in the
Epsom & Ewell Local And Family History Centre

On 2 December 1906 another sister was to arrive, Grace Gwendolen (GRO reference: Mar 1907 Epsom 2a 24). Joseph, or Joe was one of 14 children born to John and Harriet, but 8 died in early childhood. Joe was a very happy-go-lucky person, an optimist who loved his parents, his Mum in particular. He also adored his little sister, Grace, or "Little Gracie" as he called her, or "My Little Knut", pronounced "Nut". This was believed to be derived from a Music Hall artist of the time who used it as, what we would now call a "catchphrase". Joe's sister Ett, or Esther was considered to be on the slow side, and was unfortunately made fun of by her father. Eleanor Rosina Maud, known as Maud, became a nurse at Horton Hospital. Maud died on 4 November 1918 at the Cottage Hospital, Epsom, aged 27, a victim of the great influenza epidemic.

Even before he was killed in 1917, Joe had had his share of misfortune, having suffered scarlet fever and been knocked down by a taxi.

His eldest brother Bill was something of a rogue "finding things before they were lost"! He came home one day with a horse, saying he had found it wandering around. As it belonged to some gypsies, he was promptly told to take it back. Bill was to see action in the Ypres Salient with the Buffs, and was gassed, but unlike Joe survived the war.

Brother Charlie (John Charles) was a born comedian. He would appear on the stairs, slowly walking down, just dressed in trousers and bowler hat, carrying a Gladstone bag. He would then start his favourite patter;

"Roll up! Roll up! I've been coming to this market for years. Now, I have pills here in my bag that can cure almost anything, cure coughs, sore 'oles, and pimples on your dick!"

Another little bit of fun they would get up to was doing headstands in horse manure. Charlie and Joe would have a bet with each other as to who could last the longest. Sister Grace lamenting the fact that they came home covered in horse muck! Charlie also served, first in India then in Mesopotamia, surviving the war.

Joe's father John, worked at Stone's, the local brickworks, almost across the street from where they lived. He was a foreman, so was reasonably well-off compared to many other working class families. Brother Bill also worked at the brickworks, and would come home covered in brick dust, stuck to the sweat on his shirt.

This was a typical Edwardian working class family, in what was very much a man's world. The males were not expected to do any of the housework, not even to make their own beds, the females did it all. Joe's father enjoyed his Pale Ale and Woodbine cigarettes, and as the pubs were open all day, drinking was one of the main pleasures of this era. On a Sunday, after the family had finished their Sunday dinner, Joe's Dad would read his newspaper, then he would go to bed for an afternoon sleep, and woe betide any child or person who made enough noise to wake him. Joe's sister Grace felt sorry for her mother, as all her life seemed to consist of was hard work, giving birth to children and bringing them up.

Joseph enlisted into the 12 Battalion East Surrey Regiment which was in the 122 brigade, 41 Division. After the 1916 Somme battle the Battalion was to spend almost six months from the end of October 1916 to April 1917 in the relatively quiet St Eloi sector, holding the line or in reserve training. On 12 April 1917 they were relieved from the front line trenches by the 32 Royal Fusiliers, and moved back to 'Ontario Camp'. Then, on 25 April, they marched further back to Steenvoorde en route to the training area north west of St Omer. The march to the training area being completed by 28 April, the Battalion was quartered near Nordausques, and was to continue training in this back area until it relieved the 20 Durham Light Infantry on 19 May.

Joseph is shown by the CWGC and Soldiers Died CD as being killed in action on 5 May 1917 and to be commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial. However a memorial record produced by St Martin's church states that he was reported missing near Arras and officially presumed killed in action on 3 May. Joseph's family believed him to be a machine gunner, and he may have been part of a Lewis gun team. It seems likely that Joseph's Lewis gun team was "loaned"to the 11 Royal West Kents (RWK) who were ordered to an area familiar to the 12 East Surreys. There is an entry in the 12 East Surrey War Diary dated 18 April that states;

"Lt Breary and 2Lts Alton, Todd and Dowling were detailed to accompany 11 Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, who proceeded to St Eloi sector to take up trenches formerly occupied by us."

Although not mentioned in the War Diary, could a Lewis gun team have also been detailed to accompany them? The 11 Royal West Kent War Diary reports that on 20 April;

'Battalion in trenches. Day quiet until 7.30pm, when enemy opened an intense bombardment of our left front with heavy artillery and Minnanwerfers obliterating our front line, and portions of the Reserve and communication trenches, lasting for 1 ½ hours. Enemy raiding party followed, and succeeded in entering the front line. Our troops prevented him reaching his objective - the mine shaft in the support line, by rifle and Lewis gun fire.

The Garrison of the Crater in front of our line were missing. In addition we suffered the following casualties. 1 officer, 2Lt B.W. Rodney, Killed. Other ranks, Killed 4, Wounded 13."

Is it possible that the 'Garrison of the Crater' referred to above, was manned by Joseph's Lewis Gun team. Herbert Randall from the 12 East Surreys is also shown as killed in action on 3 May. If this is the case, then Joseph was killed on 20 April whilst loaned to the RWK. If his body was never found he would have been reported as missing. If this information did not reach the 12 East Surrey's until 3 May, they probably recorded his death on that date.

Throughout the war many thousands of men went 'missing'. They may have been blown to pieces by shell blasts, taken prisoner or buried alive in destroyed trenches. Whatever the reason they went 'missing', thousands of worried relatives desperately sought information about their loved ones, publishing requests for information in newspapers and magazines. Sadly most of them never got an answer, and men were eventually classified as 'missing presumed dead'. Because their bodies were never found and identified their names were inscribed on great memorials to the missing. The Menin Gate at Ypres being one such memorial, listing over 54,000 men who have no known grave.

Joseph is commemorated on Panel 34 of the Menin Gate.

Thanks for information to Mr Del Doune, a nephew of Joseph Toms.

EP SM.

Joe's Plaque

Thanks to Mr Del Doune for the use of Joe's plaque
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008

This picture shows Joe's death plaque. It would have been sent to his next of kin by a grateful government. Joe's plaque had a piece of stout wire brazed to its back, to enable it to be hung on a wall, most likely in a well used part of the house. Another feature of Joe's plaque is that it has quite obviously been cleaned many, many times. It is now very difficult to read his name as it has almost been polished away. It is easy to picture his parents regularly removing it from the wall to give it a loving polish. After his parents died, his sister carried on the regular cleaning until she herself died. A much loved young man consumed by the "Great War to End Wars".

For more information see our The Soldier's Penny Page.

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TOMSETT George Henry Gwilliam, Private. 266218.

1/12 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
Killed in Action 13 August 1918, aged 36.

Private George Tomsett's headstone in the St. Venant-Robecq Road British Cemetery
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007

George Henry Gwilliam Tomsett was born in 1882 (GRO reference: Jun 1882 Chertsey 2a 17) to George and Mary Jane Tomsett (nee Williams).

In the 1891 census the family lived at Hodsoll Street, Kent. George's father was a domestic servant, working as a coachman,. George had three sisters: Dora Sophia F. aged 6, Violet Mabel H. aged 5, and Jane Madeline M. aged 2.

By 1901 the family had moved to West Street, Ewell and George Henry (now shown as Henry) was a domestic Gardener. Dora Blanchett aged 4, had been added to the family as a 'Nurse Child'.

Soldiers Died CD shows George enlisting in Kingston and that he was formerly 3878 East Surrey (TF). I cannot find him in the Surrey Recruitment Register, and in the medal roll there is no mention of the East Surrey Regiment.

George served with the 1/12 battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment which was a pioneer Battalion in the 74 Division. 74 Division had been serving in Palestine and was moved to France in May 1918 but did not fight in any major battles until 31 August. George was killed in action on 13 August 1918, the only man from the battalion to be killed in action during August. Could he have been the victim of a sniper?

George is buried St. Venant-Robecq Road British Cemetery, 1 D 4. CWGC states he was the 'Son of George and Mary Jane Tomsett, of 6, Beatty Cottages, West St., Ewell, Surrey.' He and Alfred Muspratt are the only Ewell men to only appear on the St Mary's churchyard memorial, being left off the Dipping Well memorial.

The Epsom Advertiser 13 September 1918 printed the following:

EWELL PARISH COUNCIL: THE MEN WHO FIGHT FOR ENGLAND. The Chairman said that each of the following inhabitants had had a son killed in the war: - Mr. Tomsett, Mr. Powell and Mr. Walker (West Ewell). On the other hand he was glad to say that one of their Ewell boys who was taken prisoner in April had succeeded in escaping and was now back again. This lad, young Parker, living at Plough-lane, West Ewell, was 30 miles inside the German lines when he and five others got away through the barbed wire and succeeded, in three days, in reaching our lines. That, he thought, was an achievement of which Ewell might be proud. It was decided to send letters of sympathy to Messrs. Tomsett, Powell and Walker and to send a letter of congratulations to young Parker.

EW ES

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TOSELAND Frederick Arthur, Private.

Highland L.I.
Drowned 4 May 1917, aged N/K

Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person

Highland L.I. Drowned in Med. when Transport Ship 'Transylvania' was sunk on 4 May 1917. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).

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TRACEY James, M.M. Corporal. 2/10311

1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment
Died of Wounds 09/10 May 1917, aged 26.

There seems to have been some confusion with regard to this commemoration. The inscription on the Ashley Road memorial is to a G Tracey, and the St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states "GEORGE TRACEY, was taken prisoner at Arras and died two days later on 10th May 1917. He was awarded the Military Medal." However there are no 'G' Traceys shown as having died in the CWGC records or on the Soldiers Died CD, but they both have J. Tracey MM died 9 May 1917. He is buried in Douai Communal Cemetery, which was occupied by the Germans from 1 October 1914 till 17 October 1918, and was used by them to bury British prisoners of war who died in captivity. The medal card for James Tracey MM, No. 10311, shows that Mrs A Tracey of Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill, Epsom, applied for his medals in 1919. Has James Tracey been entered as 'G' Tracey on the memorial by mistake?

James Tracey was born in 1893 (GRO reference: Jun 1893 Epsom 2a 18) to Joseph and Annie Tracey (nee Sutton). His parents married in the December 1883 quarter.

In the 1891 census the family lived at Pikes Hill, Epsom. James' father Joseph is shown as a 26 year old carter. His mother Annie is also shown as being 26. James, yet to be born, had three older siblings, Lucy (registered Lucy Edith) aged 4, Joseph (registered Joseph Ernest) aged 2 and Elsie (registered Elsie Emily) aged 10 weeks. The household also had three male lodgers. Christ Church baptism records also show that a daughter Elizabeth had was born on 18 November 1885, but she only lived for 4 months. She was buried in Epsom cemetery on 16 March 1886.

In 1901 the family were still living in Pikes Hill at 1 Myrtle Cottages. James' father was then shown as a 42 year old 'carman and contractor'. Another four siblings had arrived, George (registered as William George) aged 5, Rosina (registered as Rosina Hilda M) aged 3, William (registered as William Henry) aged 1 and Albert (registered as Albert Edward) aged 3 weeks (died 1932 aged 31).

The family were still living at Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill in 1911 but James was not with them. Two more siblings had been born, Dorothy aged 8 and Winifred aged 3. George then 15 was working as a laundry errand boy. The census form was signed off by Annie Tracey.

The Surrey Recruitment Register records three attempts by a James Tracey, born in Epsom, to attest between 1908 and 1911. As free BMD shows that only one James Tracey, was born in Epsom between 1870 and 1900, I wonder if all three attempts were by 'our' James, with him being rejected the first two times for being underage?

1st attempt: 21 October 1908, stated age 17 years and 7 months. (Would have been 15).
2nd attempt: 21 April 1909, stated age 18 years and 1 month. (Would have been 16).
3rd attempt: 08 November 1911 aged 18 years 8 months.

James' 'burnt' service papers confirm that the 3rd attempt, if that is what it was, was successful. He attested in Kingston on 8 November 1911 giving his age as 18 years and 8 months, and his trade as outdoor porter. He was 5feet 5½ inches tall, weighed 129 lbs and had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 2 inches. His complexion was fresh, eyes grey, hair brown and he had a small mole on his left cheek, and a scar below his left knee. His religion was Church of England.

Events noted in James' service record.

08 November 1911	Attested at Kingston-Upon-Thames.
22 March 1912	To Kinsale, Ireland.
03 April 1912	Admitted to hospital for 9 days suffering with scabies.
01 July 1912	5 days CB: Using obscene language to a NCO. whilst on musketry parade.
23 July 1912	3 days CB: Stating a falsehood to a NCO.
30 September 1912	To Dublin.
27 October 1912	3 days CB: Improperly dressed in church.
22 January 1913	7 days CB: i. Absent from tattoo until 11.45 pm. ii. Stating a falsehood to a NCO.
28 January 1913	10 days CB: Being in possession of a service dress jacket the property of a comrade.
08 March 1913	3 days CB: Having an untidy cot.
23 March 1913	8 days CB: i. Absent from tattoo until 10.10p.m. ii. Breaking out of Barracks whilst in open arrest and remaining 12.15a.m. 25-3-13.
08 May 1913	7 days CB: i. Not complying with an order. Not cleaning his equipment when ordered to. ii. Making an improper reply to an NCO.
22 May 1913	3 days CB: Absent from tattoo until reveille till 23-5-13.
03 August 1913	5 days CB: Absent from 12 m.n. until 2.30 am 5-8-13.
24 September 1913	To India.
27 November 1913	Inoculated against typhoid.
07 December 1913	Second inoculation against typhoid.
29 December 1913	3 days CB: Irregular conduct on the line of march.
02 May 1914	Admitted to hospital for 24 days. Accident off duty. When boxing, fractured base of 1st metacarpal right hand
11 May 1914	Court of enquiry held at Ranikhet. From the evidence I am of opinion that No. 10311 private J Tracey 2 East Surrey Regiment, injured his right hand whilst skylarking, that he slipped by accident and is not to blame, and that he was not on duty at the time. Signed H.D. Lawrence Lieut Colonel.
23 June 1914	8 days CB: i. Changing stations whilst on furlough without permission. ii. Stating a falsehood to an officer on the 28-6-14.
22 August 1914:	2 extra guards: Not paying proper compliments to an unarmed party when a sentry on No. 1 Port Quarter Guard.
21 September 1914	Appointed Lance Corporal without pay.
11 November 1914	Reprimanded: Neglect of duty whilst company orderly corporal namely, absent from parading the sick at 7.40am.
24 December 1914	Return to England.
19 January 1915	Embarked for France.
16 February 1915	Hospitalised with frostbite. (War diary states rain and snow on 15 February.)
20 February 1915	Return to England.
12 May 1915	To France.
08 June 1915	Promoted to Corporal.
28 August 1915	Sprained ankle.
27 September 1915	Wounded in action. Gun shot wound left leg.
04 October 1915	Returned to England.
29 October 1915	Reduced to the ranks: i. Whilst on active service, drunkenness. ii. Conduct to the prejudice of good order & military discipline.
05 December 1915	5 days CB. Disobeyed an order, not having his windows properly secured.
07 January 1916	Loss of 1 days pay. Over staying his leave from tattoo.
14 January 1916	7 days CB. Absent from tattoo.
12 April 1916	Re-embarked for France.
25 May 1916	Joined Battalion.
25 September 1916	MM for action at Bouleux Wood, Somme. (See page 198 Vol II East Surrey History).
07 September 1916	Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal.
04 October 1916	Appointed paid Lance Corporal.
16 February 1917	Promoted Corporal.
08 May 1917	Missing.
10 May 1917	Died. POW.

The 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment was in the 95th Brigade, 5th Division, and in May 1917 it fought in the battle of Arras. This battle in terms of men killed each day was the bloodiest of the Great War for the British. The village of Fresnoy, seven miles north east of Arras had been captured on 3 May by the 1st Canadian Division but attacks on either side had failed, so Fresnoy became a pronounced salient. The Canadians were relieved by the 1st East Surreys, and at 3a.m. on 8 May the Germans launched a large counter attack against the Fresnoy salient, which they took back with a large loss of British lives.

The East Surrey History puts other ranks loses at 120 killed, 54 wounded and 321 missing, of whom many were wounded. The Soldiers Died CD records the deaths of ORs at 105. Whichever figure is correct it represents a huge loss of life. It must be assumed that James was wounded, taken prisoner, and died 2 or 3 days later in captivity being buried in Douai Communal cemetery.

On 4 March 1918 a letter was sent by the War Office, requiring that all James' personal effects be sent to Mrs Edith Parker, 16, Signal Terrace, Church Road, Epsom, as should his medals. Mrs Edith Parker is probably James' oldest sister. She was registered at birth as Lucy Edith Tracey born in 1886. There is a marriage entry for Lucy Edith Tracey and William Parker (GRO reference: Mar 1907 Epsom 2a 25). However, as James was not married, and his parents were both still alive, such items would normally have gone to the parents.

Army Form W. 5080 requires the names of all living relatives of a deceased soldier to be listed. Such a form for No. 10311, Corporal James Tracey was duly completed by his mother, Mrs Annie Tracey, on 30 May 1919. From this form it can be seen that James was not married, had no children, no grand parents, no uncles, no aunts, no nephews and no nieces. The people his mother listed are as follows:

Father of the Soldier: Joseph Tracey. Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill.
Mother of the Soldier: Annie Tracey. Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill.

Full Blood Brothers of the Soldier:

Joseph Ernest Tracey born 1888. 23, Fitzwilliam Road, Epsom.
James Tracey born 1893. RFA.
George Tracey born 1896. Dead.
Henry Tracey born 1899. Royal Navy.
Albert Tracey born 1901. Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill, Epsom.

Full Blood Sisters of the Soldier:

Mrs Edith Parker born 1886. 16, Signal Terrace, Epsom.
Mrs Elsie Emmett born 1891. Firdal Grove, Ashtead.
May Tracey born 1898. 44, Hayelridge Road, Clapham.
Dorothy Tracey born 1903. Porth Cottage, Longdown Road, Epsom.
Winnie Tracey born 1908. Myrtle Cottage, Pikes Hill, Epsom.

These entries have caused me some confusion. The form is about the deceased soldier James Tracey, East Surrey Regiment, who was born in 1893, yet his mother lists him as living, and serving with the RFA. Also listed is George Tracey born 1896, but he is shown as dead, whereas the form specifically asks for living relatives. Neither the CWGC or the Soldiers Died CD has a record of George Tracey from Epsom, but there is a record in the London Gazette dated 3 September 1918, of a DCM award to Sgt J Tracey, R.F.A. (Epsom), and in the Epsom Advertiser dated 27 September 1918, that reads as follows;

FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT
Sergt. J. Tracey, R.F.A., second son of Mr & Mrs J. Tracey, Pike's hill, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. A brother Corpl. George Tracey, was killed after receiving the Military medal.

The quote above from the Epsom Advertiser seems to illustrate the confusion that must have been very common at the time. I think it most likely that the quote has either confused the two brothers or that another Sergeant J Tracey won the DCM and was not the second son of Mr & Mrs J. Tracey. We will probably never know.

Somehow the two brothers seem to have been muddled. Their father Joseph died in 1919 in Charring Cross Hospital aged 58 and was buried in plot D405, Epsom cemetery on 22 September 1919. Their mother lived on to reach the age of 79 and died at 16, Church Road, Epsom, and was buried in the same plot as her husband on 9 January 1941.

The last entries in James' 'burnt' service records show that on 27 November 1920 his sister Mrs Edith Parker acknowledged receipt of his 1914 1915 Star, and on 14 July 1921 she acknowledged receipt of his British War and Victory medals.

EP SM

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TREADGOLD Albert John, Private. G/13529.

6th Battalion, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment.
Died of wounds 12 March 1917, aged 31.

Albert's headstone in Faubourg-d'Ameins Cemetery, Arras

Albert John Treadgold was born on 15 April 1886 (GRO: June 1886 Epson 2a 49), to John and Eliza Treadgold (nee Knight). His parents married in 1883.

Albert was baptised in Christ Church, Epsom Common on 30 May 1886. Albert's older sister Ada Mary born 7 February 1884 was also baptised in Christ Church, Epsom Common, on 30 March 1884.

In the 1891 census the family lived at 1 Folly, South Street, Epsom. Shortly before the 1891 census was taken Albert's younger brother Charles Ambrose was born on 20 January 1891 and was baptised on 22 March 1891 in Christ Church, Epsom Common. Albert's 31 year old father John worked as a bricklayer to support his 32 year old wife Eliza, and their three children Ada, Albert and Charles.

When the 1901 census was taken it would appear that the family had moved along the road to 5, The Folly, South Street, Epsom. Albert's cousins Winifred and Leonard Moore were staying with them that night.

In the 1911 census the family were still living at 5, The Folly, South Street, and Albert's 51 year old father was still laying bricks. Albert himself was a domestic gardener, whilst brother Charles was a cycle mechanic. Their older sister 27 year old Ada, was single and still living with her parents.

Albert married Nellie Louisa Reynolds in Epsom in 1913. They had two children, both born in Epsom, their son John registered in the March quarter of 1915 and their daughter Nellie Elizabeth, born on 9 January 1917.

Albert's service records have not survived, but we know he enlisted in Leatherhead, and served as Private No. G/13529 in the 6th Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. The Battalion was in the 37th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division.

On 12 March 1917 Albert's Battalion were providing working parties for the Royal Engineers (RE) in Arras. There was much mining activity in the Arras area, so they may well have been disposing of spoil and bringing up mining supplies. The 6th Queens war diary for 12 March 1917 states:

The Battalion found the usual large working parties under REs. At 9A.M. the enemy started to shell Arras sending over 5.9s and 9.2s shells in the vicinity of the GRAND PLACE, we had two men wounded, the shelling continued till about 2 P.M.

It seems likely that Albert was one of the wounded men, and that he died later that day, as a result of the shelling. Albert was the only man from the Battalion to die that day. He is buried in Plot II.F.23. Faubourg-d'Ameins Cemetery, Arras, France.

On 22 April 1917, nearly six weeks after her father's death, Nellie Elizabeth was baptised in Christ Church.

Albert was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

The CWGC state that Albert was the "Son of John and Eliza Treadgold, of Epsom; husband of Nellie Louisa Treadgold, of 218, Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey"

EP CC

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TREAYS John, Officer's Steward 3rd Class. L/7351.

HMS Victory. Royal Navy.
Died 23 March 1916, aged 21.

John Treays was born in Lewisham on 26 April 1895 (GRO reference: Jun 1895 Lewisham 1d 1199) to Arthur and Elizabeth Treays (Nee Miller).

In the 1891 census before John was born the family lived in Lewisham. John's father was a 29 year old boot maker, his mother was 26. He had three siblings, Frederick aged 5, George aged 2 and Charles aged 1. (Wrongly transcribed in Ancestry as Neigs.)

By 1901 the family had moved to Hook Road, Epsom, and John had another four siblings, Elizabeth aged 9, Frank aged 8, Albert aged 3 and Daisy aged 5 months.

John joined the Royal Navy on 22 October 1915 and served on 'Victory I'. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, had a chest measurement of 35 inches, dark brown hair, grey eyes and a sallow complexion. Before joining the RN he had been working as a hall porter.

John died on 28 March 1916 in the RN hospital Haslar, Gosport, of cerebrospinal meningitis. He was buried on 1 April 1916 in plot K 639, Epsom Cemetery.

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TUPPEN Alfred Joseph Henry, Private. PLY/1221/S.

2 Royal Marine Light Infantry.
Missing Assumed dead 28 April 1917, aged 22.

Private Alfred Tuppen's inscription on the Arras Memorial

Alfred Joseph Henry Tuppen was born on 27 August 1894 (GRO reference: Sep 1894 Epsom 2a 21) to Joseph Henry and Jane Tuppen (nee Ridgewell, Ridgwell). His rank is shown as 'Sig' on Dipping Well memorial.

In the 1901 census the family lived at 6 Rosebery Terrace, Heatherside Road, West Ewell. Alfred's father was an 'Engine driver and Stoker (stationery engines)'. He had a sister Florence 5. The register of baptisms for St Mary's church Ewell shows that another sibling, Alexander Arthur, was baptised on 14 July 1901.

From the Naval and Military Press service record, Alfred was formally rejected by the East Surrey Regiment because he had an undersize chest measurement. It also states that he was born at Surbiton, which is contrary to the GRO record. He was the son of Mr Joseph Tuppen of Chesterfield Place, West Ewell, (later of 1 Lyme Kiln Cottages, Epsom). Alfred had been a plumber's mate. He enlisted in London on 22 November 1915, and joined the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion on 5 December 1916. NOTE: It seems strange that he was rejected by the infantry but welcomed by the Royal Marines!

Alfred was in the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion, 188th Infantry Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. They fought in the battle of Arleux 28/29 April 1917, part of the wider Battle of Arras 9 April to 15 May 1917.

Alfred was missing, presumed dead on 28 April 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 1. His medals were never claimed by his family.

Alfred's bronze plaque - image courtesy of Jack Clegg and www.cwgc.co.uk

Alfred's bronze plaque.
Image courtesy of Jack Clegg and the excellent
Campaign for War Grave Commemorations (www.cwgc.co.uk) website.(Opens a new window)

BH EW ES

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TURNER, Henry Dennis, Corporal

'C' Bty, 71st Bde, Royal Field Artillery.
Killed in Action 7 July 1917, aged 26

Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person

'C' Bty, 71st Bde, Royal Field Artillery. Killed at Ypres on 7 July 1917. Buried in the Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Aged 26 years. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Turner, Aldershot, Hants. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom, and Long Grove Hospital Memorials).

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TURNER Henry William, Gunner. 55108.

"B" Siege Depot, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).
Died (Nephritis) 26 September 1915, aged 39.

Henry William Turner was born in 1876 (GRO reference: Sep 1876 Shoreditch 1c 108) to George and Annie Turner.

In the 1881 census the family lived at 16, Windsor Place, Finsbury. Henry's father George, born in Northamptonshire, was a 29 year old printer. His mother Annie was 32. He had two sisters, Sarah Ann aged 7 and Elizabeth aged 2.

It appears that by 1891 Henry's mother had died and that his father George had remarried to Charlotte Sainsbury. The 1891 census shows that George Turner had five step children aged from 4 to 14, and a son George aged 6 and a daughter aged 1. George's three children shown in the 1881 census are not with him in 1891. Where Henry William was in 1891 is not clear, but there was a Henry Turner living at 5, Tower Street, Southwark, working as a butler's boy that could have been him.

Henry attested on 25 November 1914. His surviving records contradict, one states he joined at the East Surrey Regiment depot at Kingston, and another states he joined at Epsom. He gave his age as 35 years and 189 days. He was 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 154 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. His address was 7, Blewett Street, Walworth, SE. He stated that we wasn't married, and that he was a asylum attendant. His religion was C of E.

By 28 November 1914 he was at the RGA depot at Newhaven. Then on 1 January 1915 he transferred to 22 company RGA, on 27 February to 26 Siege company RGA, and on 26 July 1915 to the siege depot, Lydd.

A memo, dated 25 September 1916, from the 'County of London War Hospital, Epsom' stated that Gunner Turner HW RGA Depot, aged 36 had died of Nephritis at 11.30am on 24 September 1915.

Henry appears in the LCC 'RECORD of WAR SERVICE' book, having worked as an attendant at Horton Asylum.

Henry saw no overseas service, so was not awarded any medals, but he was mentioned in the 1 October 1915 edition of the Epsom Herald:

GUNNER H.W. Turner. The death occurred at the hospital on Friday last of Gunner H.W. Turner, R.G.A., who was received from the Lydd Hospital, Kent two days previously, suffering from nepharitis. He had been ill for some time. The funeral takes place at Walworth tomorrow (Saturday), and floral tributes are being sent from the members of the staff at the hospital who were his fellow workers in pre-war days.

The CWGC state that he was the son of 'George Turner and of C. Turner (stepmother), of 7, Blewett Street, Walworth, London.

EP HWH

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TYE Walter Guy, Private. 42830.

25th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry).
Killed in Action 29 April 1918, aged 23.

Walter Guy Tye was born in 1895 in Epsom (GRO reference: Dec 1895 Epsom 2a 23) to Ezekiel (a.k.a Frederick) and Eliza Tye (nee Knivett), who both came from Hoxon Suffolk. They had married in 1878.

In the 1881 census, before Walter was born the family lived in a cottage in Clayton Road, Epsom. Walter's father was a 27 year old shoemaker, his mother was 28 and he had two siblings, William aged one and half and Herbert aged 5 months.

By the 1891 census the family was living at 4, Gladstone Cottages, Church Street, Epsom. Walter's father Ezekiel had changed his name to Frederick, and now worked as a gardener. Four more siblings had arrived, Kate aged 5, Arthur aged 3, Ernest aged 2 and Frank aged 9 months.

In 1901 they were still living at 4, Gladstone Cottages, Church Street, Epsom. Brother Herbert was working as an ironmonger's assistant, and Harry was a baker's assistant. Three more siblings had arrived, John aged 8, Bessie aged 7 and Mary aged 3. (Tye miss-transcribed in Ancestry as Lye).

The 1911 census shows the family still living at 4, Gladstone Cottages, Church Street, Epsom. Walter's father, Frederick had reverted to his name of Ezekiel. Walter and his brother John were both working as errand boys. The census shows that Walter's mother Eliza had given birth to 13 children, and that on census night 11 were still living. The two who had not survived were Frank Edward born September 1883, died in September 1884 aged 1, and Arthur Edward born in December 1887 died in March 1909 aged 21.

Walter enlisted in Wimbledon as Private No. 30141 in the East Surrey Regiment, later transferring as Private No. 42830 to the 25th Battalion Machine Gun Corps, part of the 25th Division. On 9 April 1918 the Germans launched the second of their last desperate offensives to try to win the war before the Americans arrived in force. The battle was later named the Battle of the Lys or 'Georgette'. By 25 April the key position of Kemmel Hill had been lost, and on 26 April the 25th Division was ordered to counter attack. The attack was successful, and by the 29 April the 25 Division was holding a narrow stretch of the front including the La Clytte (Klijte) to Kemmel Road, which was subjected to German artillery bombardment. Walter was killed in action on that day, probably by shell fire. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the missing, Passchendaele, Belgium.

Walter was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

The following appeared in 'The Advertiser' dated 24 May 1918:

DIED FOR THE COUNTRY. - One of six sons of Mr. Tye, Church Road, who have been serving in the war, the youngest, Private Guy Tye, has been killed in action. He joined up at the commencement of the war, being then 19 years of age.

The St. Martin's church Roll of Honour states that "WALTER GUY TYE, was killed in action in France on the 29th April 1918."

EP SM

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