Second Lieutenant William Bernard KNIGHT

Killed in action 21st April 1915, aged 28

William was born 30 March 1887 in Westminster Road, Hanwell, the son of Thomas Joseph Knight and Margaret (formerly Bennett).

A solicitor from Kilburn before the war, William rejoined the Inns of Court O.T.C. in September 1914, having served between 1906 and 1912 before. He was commissioned and posted to the 4th (Reserve) battalion the Prince of Wales (South Staffordshires), attached to the 1st Bedfords.

Second Lieutenant Knight arrived with the battalion on the 25th March 1915, in the same draft as his comrade John Webb (above) and fell on the same day as John Webb.

He has no known grave but is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Ronald Marmaduke Dawnay HARVEY

Killed in action 21st April 1915

Ronald was born 16 May 1887 at Buckingham Palace Hotel in London, son of the Reverend Frederick Mortimer Harvey (the Rector of Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire) and Katherine Dorethea Harvey (formerly Jervis), whose family came from Staffordshire.

After education at Haileybury College in Hertford he went to Australia with his parents in 1905 and although intending to take up farming, went into the theatrical profession instead. He returned to England in 1909 to become part of the F.R. Benson Shakespearean Company, later touring South Africa with the 'Herbert Company'. Returning to England in 1912, he joined the Julia Nelson and Fred Terry Company for a year before settling down to run a garage on Somersetshire with a friend.

Just as the garage was becoming a success, war broke out and, feeling as though he should "do his bit", on 8th August 1814 he applied for a commmission, listing himself as a single motor mechanic.

After training, he landed in France 17 March 1915, joining the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshires around Hill 60 on the 25th. Less than one month later, he was initially posted as wounded in the confusion and heavy casualty lists but testimony from several men of the battalion verified his fate.

Private 5618 Mart gave the following testimony from his hospital bed at No.8 General Hospital on 10 May 1915; "Lt Harvey was a very nice Gentleman and had not been with them long. Informant saw him badly wounded in a communication trench on Hill 60. He gained further information on him from a man who told him that he had bandaged Lt Harvey up. A little later the Lieut went past a particular spot in the trench which was very dangerous; many men had already been lost crossing that place, and the Lt was killed there by a hand grenade. We held the ground where he lay all the while, so that he was probably buried by the East Surreys who came to relieve us ... Lt Harvey commanded informant's platoon, which was the 7th, only 15 of 57 of them came out alive."

There are a few other testimonies in his service record which do not match but Sergeant 15018 F. Courtnell's telling testimony of 11 May does and brings more of the local conditions to light; "He was attached from the Staffords. I believe the North Stafford, but am not quite certain. He was a Lt. in charge of No.7 Platoon of B Coy. (my Coy.). The night after the mining of Hill 60 we went grenade throwing. He was on our left. I did not see him but later Capt. Edmunds of our Coy was told by someone that Lt. Harvey was hit and died in a communication trench while being carried down. I do not know whether he was buried. I am afraid he is like the remainder of them, trampled down and covered up."

Private 8301 Taylor of Cotton End, Bedford added that he was "buried on Hill 60 April 26th".

Coincidentally, on 26th April 1927 - 12 years to the day after his original internment - his remains were discovered by a Wargrave commission party and he was moved to the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, where he lies today.

At the time of his death, his only surviving next of kin was given as his Aunt, a Mrs G.M. Mainwaring of The Cottage, Wiveliscombe in Somerset.

Second Lieutenant Robert Heath FAWCETT

Killed in action 26th April 1915

Robert was born 5 March 1893, the son of H.H. Fawcett, whose address at the time of Robert's death was the War Office.

He was educated at Uppingham School, then Emmanuel College, Cambridge, being an Undergraduate and living at Oaken Cottage, Berkhampstead when he applied for a commission on 5 August 1914.

Lieutenant Fawcett was in the 4th (Special reserve) battalion, attached to the 1st battalion and is buried in the Tuileries British Cemetery, 3km east of Ypres centre.

Second Lieutenant Eric Arthur HOPKINS

Killed in action 5th May 1915, aged 29

Eric was born 11th September 1885 at 16 Richardson Street in York, the son of Arthur Hopkins, an organist, and Annie (formerly Tucker) Hopkins.

Before the war Eric gained a B.A. degree from Leeds University and was a Schoolmaster at Elstow School in Bedford when he applied for a commisson on 3rd August 1914.

He was commissioned into the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion and served abroad with the 2nd Battalion from mid September 1914. Second Lieutenant Hopkins was wounded during the First Battle of Ypres and convalesced at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, until late November, after which he joined the 1st Battalion on the front.

Lieutenant Hopkins was among the long list of those who were killed defending Hill 60 and has no known grave but is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the missing.

His service record is held at the National Archives under reference WO339/12788.

Captain Sheldon Arthur GLEDSTANES

Died of wounds 9th May 1915, aged 25

Sheldon Arthur Gledstanes was born at Ealing on the 25th of May 1889, the only son of Francis G. and Georgiana Sophia Gledstanes from Berry Hill, Taplow, Buckinghamshire.

A publication called the "Bond of Sacrifice" records:

"He was educated at Eton and joined the Bedfordshire Regiment from the special reserve in May 1910 becoming Lieutenant in March 1912 and being promoted Captain in March 1915. He was a member of the Conservative and other clubs and was fond of most games, cricket, football, rackets, hockey, golf and tennis. He was one of the original Expeditionary Force and had nine months service at the front when he received on the 6th of May 1915, the wounds from which he died three days later on the 9th of May.

The following particulars of his death were given to his family by his Commanding Officer; Captain Gledstanes was in command of a trench near Hill 60 and he and his men had gallantly held it for two days, in spite of asphyxiating gases, bomb attacks, and heavy artillery fire, and also in spite of the trench being enfiladed by the Germans, having occupied a trench on the right thus taking them, not only in the flank, but partly in reverse. Fortunately, the good work done by Captain Gledstanes was carried on after he was wounded and the trench was held until the men were relieved, though many were sick from the gas, wearied and sleepless, cut off from the rest of the line, and continually harassed by hand grenade attacks. The authorities recognised the achievement as one of the finest episodes of the war."

Sheldon Gledstanes landed in France with the Battalion in August 1914 and took part in the early battles of the Great War, around Mons, Le Cateau and Ypres. After a dreadful first winter in the trenches, he was commanding the right sector of the lines held by the Bedfords to the left of the famous Hill 60. At 6.30pm on the 1st May, the Germans launched a surprise attack and smothered the area with their new gas shells, high explosives and waves of assaulting soldiers. Many sections were not attacked as the gas blew back onto the German positions and during this early engagement, Private Warner of the 1st Battalion won his Victoria Cross. A few days of relative quiet followed as the Battalion shrunk still further from men reporting in violently ill from the effects of this new and dreadful weapon.

On the 4th May, the lines were shortened to account for the severe lack of men to man them, leaving the Germans to take over the vacated portions of the British lines and their artillery renewed its bombardment, "knocking the trenches about" severely. The following morning, at 8am, a new gas barrage was unleashed and the Battalion to the right were driven from their positions, leaving the Bedfords dangerously exposed. A large attack on the left was repelled with horrendous loss to the Germans and Captain Gledstanes' right section was continually shelled, bombed and fired on by machine guns and rifles. Several times that day the Germans got into their positions, only to be bombed and bayoneted out again in one of the most desperate brawls of the battle. Ferocious grenade skirmishes continued all day and the Germans eventually worked around the open right flank from which position they enfiladed the Bedfords from the right and rear. Despite the odds and hopelessness of their situation, the remnants stayed in their battered trenches and fought off attack after attack. Lt Whittemore alone claimed over 50 Germans with his rifle that day and their small band grew even smaller.

Late that day, Captain Gledstanes was wounded but remained at his post, encouraging his men and helping to fight off the Germans himself. There they remained until the 7th May, when the exhausted survivors and those who had survived from their piles of wounded were finally reached and relieved. By that time, Captain Gledstanes' wounds were too severe and unfortunately he died two days later. He lies in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery, 15km south-west of Ypres and was the son of Francis Garner Gledstanes and Georgiana Sophia Gledstanes from Berry Hill, Taplow, in Buckinghamshire. He is also remembered on his family's local memorial at Taplow, Buckinghamshire.

Captain Gledstanes was mentioned in Sir John French's dispatch of the 31st of May 1915 in recognition of his bravery during the desperate struggle to hold the isolated position.

As a fitting end to the story, in October 2007, Bill from America got in touch. He had just become the proud owner of Captain Gledstanes' tunic, a photograph of which is to the left. On the label inside the collar is Captain Gledstanes' name, presumably written in his own hand.

It is fitting to learn that, nine decades on, part of his story still survives and is being cared for by someone who will cherish and care for it.

(My thanks to John Hamblin for the Bond of Sacrifice information and photograph and to Bill for the photograph of Gledstanes' tunic)

Major John MacKENZIE, V.C.

Although Major MacKenzie served in the 1st battalion in 1914, he moved to and was killed in the 2nd battalion. His biography can be seen here.

Lieutenant Rupert Edwards Gascoyne CECIL

Killed in action 11th July 1915, aged 20

Rupert was born 20th January 1895, the fourth son of the Right Reverend Lord (Rupert Ernest) William Gascoyne Cecil and Lady Florence Cecil and was educated at Westminster School. At 6 feet tall, Rupert was certainly above average height for the time and applied for a commission on 17th August 1914, giving his occupation as an Undergraduate at Christchurch College, Oxford.

Lieutenant Cecil landed in France on 13th May 1915 and within days of joining the 1st Battalion, was wounded on 23rd May. He returned to the battalion on 18th June once he had recovered, only to be killed within a matter of weeks.

When the Germans blew a large mine on 11th July and followed it up with an artillery barrage, Lieutenant Cecil was among those killed, either from falling debris or during the barrage.

He is buried in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, 2km south-east of Ypres centre.

Rupert's father, the Right Reverend Lord William Gascoyne Cecil, the Rector of Hatfield and later Bishop of Exeter was one of history's characters. Devoted to his position in life, he appears to have been so wrapped up in his vocation as to become absent minded on occasion, as his entry in Wikipedia reads that "He would feed crumpets to the rats and throw powdered copper sulphate on the fire in order to turn the flames green. Once, while robing in the vestry before a service, he held a handkerchief between his teeth, but forgot to return it to his pocket and proceeded to the altar with it still hanging from his mouth. He was heard to complain that the Bible was 'an awkward book', and would often ring up his wife to ask where he was."

Reverend Cecil also sheltered a Belgian family for four years during the war and, although entitled to use the Bishop's Palace in Exeter during his time as the Bishop of Exeter, chose to live more modestly out of town, cycling to his parish daily and opening the palace to the war's wounded.

Two of Rupert's three brothers, John Arthur and Randle William, also fell during the war, making the family's loss a high one indeed.

Second Lieutenant Charles Adam COOK

Killed in action 11th March 1916, aged 24

Charles enlisted as a Private in the Hertfordshire Regiment and was commissioned into the Bedfords, arriving with the battalion in the line October 1915.

During a 'routine' tour of the front lines, Second Lieutenant Cook was shot by a sniper and killed instantly.

Charles was the only son of the late W. H. and Mrs. Cook, of Hertford and lies in the Cabaret Rouge cemetery, Souchez.

Lieutenant Frederick John WHITTEMORE, MC

Killed in action 29th March 1916

Frederick Whittemore was born in Cotton End, Bedfordshire, the son of Henry and Emily Whittemore.

Declaring himself as 18 years and 5 months old, the Farm Labourer was already serving in the county Militia (3rd Battalion) when he enlisted into the regulars of the Bedfordshire Regiment in January 1896, becoming Private 5546 in the 2nd Battalion. He transferred to the 1st Battalion in India in 1897 but rejoined the 2nd in February 1902, during the South African Wars. A year later he was posted to the Depot and married Lizzie Laura Lightfoot in April 1905 but rejoined the 2nd Battalion two years later and worked his way up through the non commisisoned ranks until becoming a Colour Sergeant in 1910.

Frederick remained with the 2nd Battalion throughout their service in Gibraltar, Bermuda and South Africa, rising to the rank of Company Sergeant Major in February 1914. When war was declared, he returned to Europe with his battalion and landed in France 6 October 1914. CSM Whittemore fought with the 2nd Battalion during the First Battle of Ypres and was commissioned in the field 17 October 1914. Second Lientenant Whittemore was among the battalion's long casualty list, being wounded during their determined stand against a massed German assault on 29 October 1914.

After recovering from his wounds and gaining a promotion, Lieutenant Whittemore returned to France and joined the 1st Battalion on 2 May 1915, when he was thrown straight into the battalion's costly defence of the infamous Hill 60, on the southern edge of the Ypres salient. As battalion Sniping Officer, Frederick was in the thick of things from the outset and accounted for over 50 of the attacking German troops himself during their stand, but was gassed and wounded in the hand on 5 May 1915.

An extract from the book 1st Bedfordshires; Mons to the Somme reads:

'Lieutenant Whittemore shot over fifty Germans alone during the day's fighting before being wounded by a bayonet in the hand and suffering from gas poisoning, a fate that he shared with Lieutenant Small. Curiously, Lieutenants Whittemore and Small had in common many experiences during the war: both had been NCOs in the 2nd Bedfordshires; were injured at Ypres on 29 October 1914, and had been commissioned together, arriving with the 1st Bedfordshires only a few days earlier. Now they were wounded in the same trench, would be loaded onto the same hospital train and would both recover in No. 4 General Hospital in Versailles. Whittemore would be awarded a Military Cross for his part in the defence and be back with the battalion at the end of the year.'

He rejoined the 1st Battalion on 1 December 1915 and the Military Cross was gazetted in January 1916.

Following twenty years of service in the regiment and having served through two wars, Lieutenant Whittemore, MC, was mortally wounded during a night patrol on 29 March 1916. His comrades tried desperately to recover his body, but despite several attempts, were unable to reach it. As a result, Lieutenant Whittemore is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the missing.

He can be seen here in the 3rd battalion officers' group photograph from 1915, which is where the his photograph to the left comes from.

Lieutenant Reginald Cumberland GREEN

Died of wounds 18th May 1916, aged 31

Reginald was born 10 August 1994 at The Larches in Luton, the youngest son of John William Green and Mary Ann Green (formerly Cumberland). The family were behind the well known Greens Brewery in Luton.

After eduction at Bedford Grammar and Exeter College, Oxford, Reginald studied Law in London and passed the Bar in 1912. His intention was to run the family business but war broke out and he applied for a commission in the Bedfordshire regiment which was gazetted on 14 September 1914.

Landing in France on 6 October 1915, Lieutenant Green joined the battalion in December 1915

While examining a mine at 3am on the 18th May 1916, Lieutenant Green was shot and died from his wounds in No.15 Field Ambulance soon afterwards. He was interred in the Faubourg D'Amiens cemetery, Arras and a photograph of his gravestone can be seen here.

Reginald was the son of John W. and Mary A. Green, of "The Larches," Luton.

He can also be seen here in the 3rd battalion officers' group photograph from 1915.

Second Lieutenant Edgar G. Butlin MILLSON

Killed in action 18th June 1916, aged 30

Although some databases refer to him as being killed in the 4th battalion, Second Lieutenant Millson was actually killed serving in the 1st battalion.

Edgar was educated at Epsom College and was a Railway Engineer in Columbia, South America when war broke out.

He was killed by a sniper whilst examining the enemy lines through his looking glasses at 4am.

Edgar was the only son of George Millson, O.B.E., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., the Medical Officer of health for Southwark, who lived at 20 Angell Rd., Brixton, London, and Mrs. Sarah Eileen Millson.

He lies in the Faubourg D'Amiens cemetery, Arras.

Second Lieutenant Gerald SHERRY

Died of wounds 26th July 1916, aged 25

Second Lieutenant Sherry was wounded on the 23rd July, whilst in charge of pushing several fortified posts towards German positions between High Wood and Delville Wood and died from those wounds three days later. He was the son of John and Eliza Sherry of Rusholme, Manchester, as well as the husband of Amy Nancy Sherry of 29, Stafford St., Gillingham, Kent.

Gerald was mentioned in despatches for his bravery and lies in the Heilly Station cemetery, Mericourt L'Abbe, 10km south-west of Albert on the Somme.

Captain Henry Patrick Claude BURTON

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 23

Henry was born 27 May 1893, the son of Claude Edward Cole Hamilton Burton and Katherine Grace Burton (formerly Dell) of Berkhampstead. Henry appears to have been known as Paddy, presumably as his father was born in Ireland.

He was educated at Repton School, then Dragon School in Oxford (1905 to 1907), before going on to Wadham College in Oxford and was in his second year when war broke out. His Dragon School Memorial Book entry records "Paddy was one of those boys who make life ceaselessly interesting to a schoolmaster. It may be said that he was a strange compound of liberal and conservative, but what characterized him most was his independence of judgement and pluck." His list of achievements, including an apparently impressive wit, were long!

Aged 21, Paddy applied for a commission on 8 August 1914 and was posted to the 4th Bedfordshires. After training he joined the 1st Bedfordshires in France and "fought ill health" during his time on the front.

Captain Burton was among the battalion's long list of casualties during the assault on Longueval and like so many of those who fell during the battle, his final resting place was lost so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.

Paddy's bio in the Dragon School Memorial Book reported that his Company Sergeant Major wrote "Throughout the operations he showed wonderful courage and led us most gallantly in the attack. His last words were to me, requesting me to carry on with the task he had so nobly set out to do. He was loved by all the men under his command, who were very sorry to lose so brave a leader."

His Dragon School bio also added that he was to be married during his next spell of leave.

Second Lieutenant Alfred Charles HAYHOE

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 27

Alfred was born 16 March 1889, one of nine children born to Alfred Hayhoe (a race horse trainer in Newmarket) and Harriette Hayhoe (formerly Rogers). After education at Felstead School he worked as a Bank Clerk.

Aged 25 years and 6 months, Alfred enlisted into the 18th Royal Fusiliers, becoming Private 1603. Given that he enlisted into the same battalion on the same day as Archie Holland (below) and they were seperated by just 30 numbers, they would have presumably come to known one another.

On 29 April 1915 he applied for a commission, which was gazetted 15 May 1915, when he was posted to the 3rd Bedfordshires. Like Archie (below) he arrived in France 30 January 1916 and was posted to the 1st Bedfordshires, perhaps via the same Entrenching Battalion Archie was, although his record does not include those papers.

Second Lientenant Hayhoe was killed alongside his friend Archie, during the battalion's assault on Longueval on 27 July 1916. Also like Archie, he has no known grave so is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Second Lieutenant Archibald Clare HOLLAND

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 28

Archibald - known as Archie - was born on 1 April 1888 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the son of James Frank Holland, M.D., and Jeanette Holland. He was educated at Harrow School, then Merton College Oxford. His father had spent time attached to the British Consul in St. Moritz and Archie became a Bank Clerk before war broke out.

Enlisting on 3 September 1914, Archie initially joined the ranks of the 18th Royal Fusiliers (Public Schools and University Corps) as Private 1634. Given that he enlisted into the same battalion on the same day as Alfred Hayhoe (above) and they were seperated by just 30 numbers, they would have known one another. On 17 May 1915 he was discharged to commission and after training in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion he was posted to France in January 1916, presumably in the same draft as Alfred above..

Initially serving in the 10th Entrenching Battalion, he was atatched to the 1st Bedfordshires in the field several months later. Taller than many of his peers at the time, Archie stood almost 6' 2" in his socks, which would have made him an ideal target for enemy snipers.

Second Lieutenant Holland was among those killed during the battalion's costly assault on Longueval and his grave was among those lost in the subsequent fighting, so he is rememebred on the Thiepval memorial to the missing.

In what appears to be an extract from a letter to his parents after his death, one of his men wrote:

"I know how bitterly you will feel Archive's loss. At the same time you must be proud that he died while doing so nobly his duty. Our Commanding Officer told me, soon after he came to us, how very proud he was to have such a fine officer in the battalion. He was greatly liked by both officers and men, and on works was the most painstaking officer I have ever had."

At the time of his death, Archie's parents lived at 6 Queen Anne's Gardens, Bedford Park, Chiswick, London

Second Lieutenant Norman Douglas WEMYSS

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 20

Norman was the son of Alexander and L. F. A. Wemyss, of 24, de Parys Ave., Bedford and lies in the London Cemetery and extension, Longueval on the Somme.

Second Lieutenant David Newbold GAUSSEN

Killed in action 31st July 1916, aged 23

Second Lieutenant Gaussen was trained in the 9th battalion, later being attached to the 1st. He was the son of the Rev. Charles E. and Mary Gaussen, of Fairview Cottage, Lord's Well Lane, Crowborough, Sussex and lies in the Dernancourt communal cemetery, 3km south of Albert.

Second Lieutenant Arthur Norris MARSHALL

Killed in action 30th July 1916, aged 20

Arthur was born at Newent, Gloucestershire on the 19th of March 1896. He was the son eldest son of William Norris Marshall MRCS MRCP of the Red House, Newent and Adela Frances Grace, the daughter of the Reverend Peter Wood Rector of Newent and Canon of Middleham Yorks. Arthur attended Dean Close School where he was a member of the Officer Training Corps. On leaving school he took up a post as a clerk at Lloyds Bank, Farringdon, Berkshire.

He volunteered at the outbreak of the war and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion on the 16th of June 1915. Second Lieutenant Marshall was transferred to the 1st Battalion from November 1915, arriving with them on the 4th December at Fricourt.

Having survived the carnage of the 27th July, when over 300 Bedfords were killed or wounded, Arthur was killed by a shell at Longueval on the 31st of July 1916 as the Battalion fought in the same area and sustained almost 200 more casualties.

Arthur died aged just 20 and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Theipval Memorial. At the time of his death he was a resident of Canden Lawn, Portland Street, Cheltenham.

(My thanks to John Hamblin for the pre-war bio and his photo)

Second Lieutenant James Hirst BANYARD

Killed in action 3rd September 1916

Second Lieutenant Banyard joined the 1st battalion from the 3rd (Reserve) battalion on the Somme 18th August 1916, along with Vincent Sanders (below).

He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Second Lieutenant Vincent Stanton SANDERS

Killed in action 4th September 1916, aged 19

Vincent was born in Hornsey, London, to Henry Frederick and Amalia Sanders (nee Stanton) on 17 Janaury 1897. After education at Pitmans Metropolitan School he became a Bank Clerk.

Adding two years to his age, Vincent enlisted as a Private in the Royal Fusiiers on 7 September 1914, becoming Private 222 of the 17th Battalion. In February 1915 he was discharged to a commission and trained to become an infantry officer in the Special Reserves, at which time his true age was revealed!

Joining the 1st Bedfordshires around Arras on 1 December 1915, he spent time in the Divisional School and by May 1916, internal memos remarked how his education and experience had improved significantly, especially when under severe bombardment during the battalion's first tour on the Somme. Promotion to holding a commission in the Regulars followed on 4 June 1916 and after a spell in hospital from mid July to mid August, he rejoined his comrades in time for their latest assault during the Somme campaign.

Joining C Company alongside James Banyard (above), both officers were killed during the ferocious assault aainst the fortified Faffemont (Falfemont) Farm, their company coming under heavy artillery fire from both sides before attacking in support of D Company's charge up the heavily defended slope.

Although the farm was in their hands by the time the sun set, 17 of the 20 officers who went forward and almost half of the 'Other Ranks' had been killed or wounded, with the rest of their brigade also losing heavily as they were pinned on the slopes in front of the fortified farm.

Like so many of his comrades who fell during the battle, Vincent is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Second Lieutenant Christopher BLAKE

Killed in action 4th September 1916, aged 24

Second Lieutenant Blake had only been with the battalion for three days when he was killed in action.

He was the son of William Henry Blake, M.B. and Elizabeth Alice Blake, of Bowers House, Harpenden, Herts and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing.

Lieutenant Addison James HOWARD

Killed in action 4th September 1916, aged 23

Addison was born at home on 29 April 1893, the son of James Harold and Mary Howard of The Grange in Kempston, Bedford.

After educaion at Bedford Grammar School and King's College in Cambridge - at which he was a Sapper in the University's RE Company O.T.C. - he joined his family's well know local business 'Howards' (J & F Howards) manufacturing Agricultureal implements at the Brittania Iron Works.

On 19 January 1915 he was commissioned as a Temporary Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment and posted to the 3rd Battalion for training.

From 31 August he was on sick leave courtesy of a tonsillectomy which later heamorraged and caused his sick leave to be extended until around February 1916.

Once his re-training had been completed and he had been passed as fit for active service, Lieutenant Addison was sent to France, laning on 20 May 1916. What he did for the next three months is unclear but he arrived with the 1st Battalion in the field on 27 August, but was killed a week later during his first battle.

According to a report in the Bedfordshire Times and Independant, he was killed instantly by a shell explosion, during the battalion's assault against Faffemont (Falfemont) Farm.

He lies in the Guillemont Road cemetery, Guilllemont, 12km east of Albert on the Somme.

The Addison Howard Park in Kempston was named in his memory and BLARS hold a collection of his cousin Douglas' papers, who was wounded in the same battalion and on the same day as Addison.

Second Lieutenant Dion Albert LARDNER

Killed in action 4th September 1916, aged 20

Dion was the son of Albert Edward and Mary Lardner, of "St. Marie," Nimrod Rd., Streatham, London and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Major Noel Wilfred LAWDER

Killed in action 4th September 1916, aged 30

Major Lawder had been a Regular officer before the war and temporarily led the battalion in June and July 1916.

At the time of his death he was the battalion's Adjutant. Noel was the son of Margaret Lawder, of 7, Blakesley Avenue, Ealing, London, and the late Dr. E. J. Lawder.

He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Second Lieutenant Douglas Bowhill CANDY

Died of wounds 25th September 1916, aged 26

Douglas was the son of the late Richard E. Candy, I.C.S., and of Mrs. E. A. Candy and is buried in the Bronfay Farm military cemetery, Bray sur Somme.

Captain (acting Major) John Jenkins (Jack) MOYSE

Died of wounds 7th to 9th February 1917 (dates vary according to the source), aged 32

John, known as Jack, was born 3rd February 1885 in Montreal. He was the son of Dr. Charles E. Moyse (who was to become the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at McGill University in Montreal) and Dame Jessie McDougall Moyse (nee Stirling).

John Moyse applied to officer training as a Colonial Candidate and passed the 'Competitive Examination' in October 1907, becoming a Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment. The photograph opposite was taken in October 1908 and was kindly supplied by his relative, Doug Moyse.

He became a Lieutenant from the 1st January 1910 and was promoted to Captain from the 12th February 1914, serving in the 2nd battalion before war broke out.

Captain Moyse joined the 1st battalion on the front lines 4th January 1915, two days after landing in France for the first time. Within six weeks he fell ill and arrived at No.2 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne suffering from influenza on 14th February 1915. He was returned to England to recover, arriving at Mandeville hospital, London, on 18th February.

On recovery Captain Moyse returned to the battalion but during the ferocious fighting for Hill 60, he was wounded by shrapnel in the left jaw and shoulders 21st April 1915. John was admitted to 17 Park Street Hospital for Officers in London on 25th April 1915 to recover. Once fit for basic duty again, he was posted to the 4th battalion at Dovercourt from August 1915 until returning to the front for the third time late in 1915.

Captain Moyse was next wounded in both legs by shell fragments on 16th April 1916 whilst reconnoitring the front lines in readiness for the battalion taking over on the 20th and was admitted to General Hospital in Havre the following day. He sailed from Havre to Southampton on board the 'St. David' 20th April. Once recovered, he was posted to the 3rd battalion at Landguard, Felixstowe from the 18th June, until fit for active service once more.

Early in October Captain Moyse was back in the battalion on the front again and took over temporary command of the battalion in November and again in December, being promoted to Acting Major as he did so. On Christmas Day he was granted a short leave and returned to the battalion a few days later.

During what was recorded as being a 'quiet spell' in the trenches Acting Major Moyse was shot in the head by a German sniper and badly wounded. He was admitted to 33 Casualty Clearing Station on the 7th February suffering from 'dangerous wounds'. The documents within his service record (held at the National Archives under reference WO339/6930) tell that he died of his wounds on the 7th, 8th or 9th February and was buried in the Bethune Town Cemetery where he lies today.

He was also mentioned in despatches for bravery on the 22nd May 1917 although what this was for is not recorded.

Second Lieutenant Douglas Edward HOOD

Killed in action 14th April 1917, aged 21

Douglas was the son of Thomas M. and Ellen Hood, of Pernambuco, Brazil and is burtied in the Zoave valley cemetery, Souchez.

Second Lieutenant Thomas Noel ACKROYD

Killed in action 23rd April 1917

He has no known grave but is remembered on the Arras memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Vernon Edward CURRY

Killed in action 23rd April 1917

Vernon was the brother of Miss N. A. Curry, of 15 Cross St. in Manchester. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Arras memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Thomas Murray Kilpin FLETCHER

Killed in action 23rd April 1917, aged 27

Thomas was born in Workington on 6 May 1899, the son of Duncan Kilpin Fletcher, who was a Missionary.

After education at Bedford School, Thomas worked in the offices of the Pyghtle Works in Bedford before venturing to Shanghai to work for a cotton firm. While in Shanghai, he served in the British Shanghai Volunteer Corps for four years before returning to England when war broke out.

Living at his father's house - St Fillans, Bunyan Road in Kempston - on his return, Thomas enlisted into the Bedfordshire Regiment as a Private before applying for a commission on 25 November 1915. His application was granted on 6 January 1916, when he became a Temporary Second Lieutenant and was posted to the Bedfordshire Training Depot at Ampthill Park.

Once officer training was complete, Second Lieutenant Fletcher was sent to France and posted to the 1st Battalion, joining them in the field 18 September 1916, as a replacement for their losses on the Somme.

Page 19 of the book 1st Bedfordshires. Part Two; Arras to the Armistice records:

Between the intense, never ending fatigue duties, the men took the opportunity to write home, many proving to be fateful last letters, including one penned by Second Lieutenant Thomas Fletcher. A popular officer who was well liked among his peers and the men alike, Thomas had returned from working in Shanghai, China when war had broken out, joining the 1st Bedfordshires in September 1916 while they fought on the Somme battlefields. A notable cheerful, upbeat and almost carefree man, Thomas's tone must have been a surprise to his parents as they read his letter a few days later.

'Since I last wrote I have had the most strenuous period since coming to the front. It has been a matter of working at high pressure during every minute of darkness and often during daytime as well, and no chance for sleep. Have not had my clothes off for a fortnight. The country where we are is part of the Hindenburg Line. More I cannot tell you. I thought I had seen the limit of destruction in the matter of shell fire on the Somme, but this has been the most terrific bombardment since the commencement of the war, as so sudden had been our push that a wounded man told me that the Germans were absolutely panic stricken when our men went over the top. The next few days will be a dangerous time for me, and I shall not be able to write you again. These few lines will only be sent to you in case it is my last opportunity. Well, dear mother and father, my heart is too full to write more. You will always have the consolation that I am quite ready to give my all for the cause I came home to fight for. If it is God's will to call me, I shall meet you all by and by in the land where all is peace and happiness.'

During the 15th Brigade's assault on the German positions in and around La Coulotte, Second Lieutenant Fletcher was among the long list of officers and men killed. Page 26 of the 1st Bedfordshires. Part Two; Arras to the Armistice completes his story:

Second Lieutenant Thomas Murray Kilpin Fletcher was wounded during D Company's attack and his servant, Private 3/7448 Robert Brown of Baldock, was killed trying to bring his wounded officer in. Private Brown has already been wounded three times in the war and Lieutenant John Kingdon of their company wrote to Brown's widow, remarking how Private Brown and his officer were like two good friends and that his self sacrifice had not gone unnoticed. Despite his servant's best efforts, Second Lieutenant Fletcher was also killed soon afterwards. Days later, soon after receiving a letter penned by Thomas just before the battle, his parents received two letters in the same delivery by a cruel twist of fate, one of which was an official letter from the War Office, so demanded their immediate attention. It contained notification of their son's death in action, which must have been made even worse by the fact that the second letter was an untidily written note from their son. In communications with the war office who requested a copy of the letter to establish his will , his father wrote 'It was simply a short note. A farewell message, as he felt sure it was his last. He knew our men were in a position that meant this and we knew he would never surrender. I don't like the idea of sending away his last letter.' The note had been removed from Thomas' tunic and sent onto the addressee, having been written whilst he was wounded and hopelessly pinned down.

Thomas' body was not identified and as a result he as no known grave but is remembered on the Arras memorial to the missing.

(With thanks to Ceinwen Hughes, whose 1916 group photo from Ampthill Camp included Thomas Fletcher, as seen above)

Lieutenant Frederick Donald Roberts ILLINGWORTH

Killed in action 23rd April 1917, aged 21

Frederick was born 27 June 1895, the son of Leonard and Frances Elizabeth Illingworth from Liverpool. After education he worked as a Shipping Clerk and joined the 1st/6th (Territorial) Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment on 5 April 1913, becoming Private 1397.

The part-time Territorial Force started training when war broke out and his battalion were mobilised for service on the Western Front from 24 February 1915. In the fighting around Ypres on 20 April, Private Illingworth was wounded and returned to England a week later. Once recovered, he was shipped back to France on 1 August 1915 but returned to England at the end of August, having been accepted into the Officer Training programme. Joining the 9th Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment at Colchester, he was attached to the Ipswich School for instruction.

Joining the 1st Bedfordshires in the field in the summer of 1916, he was among the long casualty list from their assault on Longueval 27 July 1916 but returned once he had recovered from his wounds.

On his return, Lieutenant Illingworth was killed in action during the battalion's assault on La Coulotte. Initially reported as missing, his remains were found in June and he was reported as being buried 1,000 yards south-west of Avion. In the continuing fighting, his final resting place was later lost and he is rememebred on the Arras Memorial to the Missing

Lieutenant Percival Frank HART

Died of wounds 3rd May 1917

Percival Hart had been wounded during 1915 and returned to the battalion just ten days before their assault against La Coulotte.

He was wounded on the 23rd April but was recovered by Sergeant 3/7373 Edward Illingworth, who was awarded a Military Medal for his bravery. Although he was moved back to the General Hospitals along the coast, Percival died from his wounds over a week later.

Lieutenant Hart lies in the Wimereux communal cemetery, 5km north of Boulogne.

Major Charles Alan Smith MORRIS

Died of wounds in German hands 7th May 1917, aged 21

Charles was born on 15 May 1895 and was taking his degree at Pembroke College in Cambridge when war broke out in 1914.

Giving his parent's address of Porthcawl in Wales, Charles attested as an officer cadet and joined the 3rd Battalion once his basic officer training was complete.

When he was passed for active service, Second Lieutenant Morris shipped off to France, landing on 5 March 1915. On 11 March he joined the 2nd Battalion who were in the line facing Neuve Chapelle and about to attack the German front line. The following day, on 12 March, the 2nd Bedfordshires were engaged in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle and Charles was wounded y shrapnel in his right knee.

Returning to England, he was fit again by the end of May and was posted in a large draft of over 1,500 recovered Bedfordshire officers and men to Salonika.

Landing on Salonika 18 November 1915, he was attached to the 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers who were being rebuilt after heavy losses on Gallipoli. The survivors numbered just 280 so with the addition of 350 Bedfords swelling their ranks, the men were spread into each company, with at least one Bedford officer per company. As part of the restructuring, the twenty years old Second Lieutenant Morris found himself in command of a company despite having only seen around 24 hours of service on a front line by that time.

28 November saw them move on to the bitterly cold front line to hold "a very exposed and windswept salient known as Rocky Peak (816 metres) to relieve the 6th Inniskillings, who were suffering badly from frost bite, and were practically demoralised with the cold. Their C.O. was bowled out by it, and two officers were literally crying with cold when we got there."

"On the evening of Dec. 7th Morris and his company took over the hill and were quite comfortable untl the next morning, when signs of a thaw set in, and at once the Bulgar got to work on Rocky Peak, with high explosives at about 2700 yards range. In the evening Morris reported 27 men hit and an officer, leaving him only one more, so the C.O. told me to go up … [I] found Morris busy with a bomb attack on a forward sangar that he had been shelled out of during the day. Morris personally led this and regained the sangar."

An attack was launched at the British line as the fog came down, quickly developing into a series of close quarters bombing duels. The British were flanked in the dark "… then the line began to wobble. The machine gun stopped work, Morris was hit and vanished in the fog."

His servant managed to get his wounded officer back down the hill as the fighting raged around them and Charles was shipped back home for treatment once more. [Extracts taken from a letter from Sidney Greene to Lord Ampthill, dated 6 April 1916]

He had been shot in the right shoulder and after his second bout of treatment, returned to the French front lines in September 1916.

Joining the 1st Bedfordshires who had just completed their costly tour on the Somme, Captain Morris was given the command of a raiding party just two days after arriving.

"The raiding party under Captain Morris was let loose with the implicit instructions of killing as many of their counterparts as possible, bombing as many dugouts as they could identify and damaging as much of the German trench system as was feasible given the time." During their preparation, "Faces were blacked out with burnt cork, equipment was dulled with soot and oil, with each man being issued with two bombs and the novel idea of electric torches being secured to the rifle stock was tried. A report on the operation remarked how 'it caused much hilarity and certainly raised morale'" [Extracts taken from '1st Bedfordshires. Part Two; Arras to the Armistice']

Following months of trench routines Charles' battalion were engaged in the Battle of Arras, the division being given the all but impossible task of assaulting German positions at La Coulotte on 23 April 1917. Against the odds, small groups of Bedfordshires and Norfolks made it into the German trenches, bombing and bayoneting their way deep into their lines. Eventually held up by heavy casualties and a stiffening resistance, "Captain Charles Morris, in command of B Company, was killed whilst he rallied his men and led another attack from the front against the machine guns dominating the second trench line." [Extract taken from '1st Bedfordshires. Part Two; Arras to the Armistice']

Acting Major Morris was initially reported as having been killed on 23 April, but some months later his personal effects were among five cases returned to England via the Red Cross, along with confirmation that he had died as a prisoner at Malmaison on 7 May, aged 21.

Charles was the only son of Charles Smith Morris and Maud Marv Morris, of Llandaff House, Llandaff, Cardiff and today lies in the Pont de Jour military cemetery, Athies, north-east of Arras centre.

His service record is held by the National Archives.

[Charles' photograph and Sidney Greene's letter are courtesy of Charles' descendant, Julian Walker]

Second Lieutenant Harold Henry REYNOLDS

Killed in action 4th October 1917, aged 20

Second Lieutenant Reynolds had initially been Sergeant 22105 in the 4th battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment, before being commissioned as an Officer in the Bedfords. He arrived with the 1st battalion 28th April 1917 and served there until his death during the Battles of Ypres 1917.

He was the son of Frank and Martha Reynolds, of 21, Ladyfield Rd., Chippenham, Wilts and a native of Winterslow in Salisbury. Second Lieutenant Reynolds lies in the Hooge Crater Cemetery, on the Menin Road, east of Ypres.

Second Lieutenant Harold Winning FLEMING

Killed in action (5th on SDGW, 6th on CWGC and Regimental Medal Rolls) October 1917, aged 19

Harold was the son of Mrs. L. H. Fleming, of 147, Finchley Rd., Hampstead, London, and the late Alex. J. Fleming, M.D. and is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Paul Norman Jones CHRISTIE

Killed in action 9th October 1917

A full biography, along with Paul Christie's personal diaries, can be seen here.

Second Lieutenant Joseph COTCHIN

Killed in action 9th October 1917, aged 31

Joseph was the son of Joseph and Emma Cotchin, of 79, Station Rd., Ridgmont Beds and is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Alexander Edward CROOCKEWIT

Died of wounds 26th October 1917, aged 31

Alexander was educated at Bedford School and was trained in the 3rd battalion, but attached to the 1st when he fell. He was the son of John Henry and Fanny M. Croockewit, of "Menin," 32, Leyburn Rd., Dover and is buried in the Lijssenthoek military cemetery, 12km north-east of Ypres centre.

Lieutenant William Francis George PERHAM

Died of wounds 10th March 1918, aged 29

Lieutenant Perham was from the 3rd (Reserve) battalion, attached to the 1st when he was severely wounded during a heavy bombardment on 9 March.

He died the following day, being the only officer in the battalion to be killed during their tour in Italy.

William was the son of William and Emily Martha Perham, of 110, Mantle Street, Wellington, Somerset and lies in the Giavera British Cemetery, Arcade, Treviso province, Italy.

Second Lieutenant Ambrose Ethelstone PEEL

Killed in action 27th April 1918, aged 20

Ambrose Peel was born in Bedford on 29 January 1898, his father being a journalist, then Stockbroker. As a student, Ambrose was part of the Bedford Grammar OTC, and in September 1916 passed entrance exam into RMC Sandhurst.

On his death, he was originally interred in the Halte cemetery, south-east of Hazebrouck, but later moved into a concentration cemetery after the war.

Ambrose was the son of the late Edward Lennox Peel and of Amy Peel, of 51, Mount Avenue, Ealing, London. He now lies in the Merville communal cemetery, 15km north of Bethune.

Second Lieutenant Frederick Lee RAY

Killed in action 16th May 1918, aged 24

Frederick was the son of Frederick and Alice Ray, of Bedford and lies in the Tannay British cemetery, Thiennes, between Bethune and St.Omer.

Second Lieutenant Herbert Walter CORNELIUS

Killed in action 20th July 1918

Herbert was born 20 December 1890 and before enlisting worked as a Civil Servant in the National Health Insurance Commission. A married resident of West Ealing, Herbert enlisted during the Derby Scheme, on 6 December 1915 aged 24.

He was called up in January 1917 and posted to the 2nd Artists Rifles O.T.C. The following monnth he applied for a commission, which was granted 31 July 1917. After a short spell on home service, he went to France and joined the 1st Battalion 27 Septemebr 1917.

Second Lieutenant Cornelius was killed during a night time raid which saw heavy fighting but his body was not recovered. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Ploegsteert memorial to the missing.

Captain (Major) Geoffrey De Carteret MILLAIS

Died of wounds 21st August 1918, aged 21

Geoffrey was the son of John Guille Millais and Fanny Margaret Millais, of Comptons Brow, Horsham, Sussex and lies in the Sailly-au-Bois Military cemetery, between Arras and Amiens.

Captain Herbert John WEST, M.C.

Died of wounds 22nd August 1918, aged 29

Captain West had been wounded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and had recovered in the 4th battalion, but was again attached to the 1st when he fell.

He was the son of William F. and Emma West, of 15, Ellesmere Rd., Chiswick, London and lies in the Bagneux British cemetery, Gezaincourt, 2km south-west of Doullens

Second Lieutenant Harry MAW

Killed in action 22 August 1918

Harry was born at Crowle on 9 February 1893, the only son of Richard Cornelius and Rebecca Maw (nee Chafor) and was christened in St Oswald's Church in March the same year. His father Richard was also from Crowle and his mother was from North Kelsey. Richard was a farmer and in 1901 the family lived at Easingwold Farm but had moved to Mount Pleasant Farm near Swinefleet by 1911. Harry was a farmer's boy helping his father on the farm according to the census.

Sometime before 1913 they moved again to Stowmarket in Suffolk, where in 1914 Harry married Dora Cowling, of Reedness. The couple had one daughter Mytle Irene, born 20 April 1915. His wife had moved back to Reedness by the time of Harry's death and lived at Wheelgate House.

Harry was embodied into the Territorial Force's Suffolk Yeomanry (Duke of York's Own Loyal Hussars) on 12 March 1913 and would have been mobilised on the outbreak of war in August 1914, when his unit became the 1/1st Suffolk Yeomanry. Following almost a year of training and providing Home Defence in and around Suffolk, his regiment were finally shipped to Gallipoli as dismounted cavalry, landing at Anzac Cove on 10 October 1915.

Private Maw was among the high proportion of troops on the peninsular to be struck down with dysentery. Reporting to the East Anglian Field Ambulance on 1 November, he was moved to Mudros four days later, then on to Alexandria for continued treatment. A trip back to England followed later that month but once recovered he returned to Egypt (on 1 June 1916) and reported to the Yeomanry Base Unit on 14 June.

Other than another short bout of diarrhoea in September, he rejoined his unit who spent a quiet period guarding the Suez Canal. On 5 January the Yeomanry were converted into an infantry unit, becoming the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and Harry was renumbered to 32048.

In December 1916 Harry had applied for a commission and on 31 January 1917 he found himself on a ship home to take up a post as an Officer Candidate.

On 31 July 1917 he was commissioned as a Temporary Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment. Landing in France after a short furlough before reporting for duty, Harry was posted to the 7th Battalion, joining them on 7 October 1917.

Nothing concrete exists to account for his movements as an officer from this point onwards but the 7th Battalion were engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917, as well as being very heavily engaged in the German Spring Offensives in March and April 1918. Statistically, it is likely that Harry was wounded during this phase of his service but if he came through those actions unscathed, he was possibly transferred into the 1st Battalion when the 7th were disbanded in May 1918. Alternatively (and more likely based on the 'flow' of others around him at the time), he may have been wounded or taken ill, sent home for treatment, and once he was able to resume his duties, was posted to the 1st Battalion given that the 7th had ceased to exist by his return.

Once what would become the final Allied offensives started in August 1918, the battalion found themselves in the thick of the advance but met with relatively little resistance in the opening stage. Part two of the 1st Battalion history records "The Bedfordshires remained in their support line under heavy gas and shell fire throughout 22 August, consolidating the position and preparing for the next advance. Second Lieutenant Harry Maw was killed during the day's shelling, having joined the battalion over the summer. Harry had served in the ranks on Gallipoli and in Egypt before being commissioned into the Bedfordshires a year earlier and spending time in the 7th Bedfordshires. The 25 years old farmer from Lincolnshire was buried alongside his comrades in a makeshift cemetery 200 metres east of Achiet-le-petit, being moved to the Adanac military cemetery in Miraumont after the war."

Harry is also remembered on Crowle War Memorial, the Whitgift War Memorial, and possibly on the Stowmarket War Memorial.

His service record is held at the National Archives under reference WO339/86993.

[With thanks to Paul Connell for the background and pre war information]

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh COURTENAY, D.S.O., M.C.

Died of wounds 23rd August 1918, aged 30

Lieutenant-Colonel Courtney had served in the battalion from before the war and landed with them in the first wave of the British Expeditionary Force in August 1914. Hugh was woudned in the temple during the Battle of the Aisne, the resulting injury leaving hism partially blind in one eye.

He was engaged in a Staff posting in Italy until Lieutenant Colonel Worrall invited him to spend Christmas Day 1917 with his old battalion. After a thoroughly enjoyable day catching up with those from his old friends who remained, he requested to return as Worrall's second in command, despite having a 'comfortable billet' at the time. Although his request was initially refused, he re-applied and was eventuall granted his wish during the summer of 1918.

Having survived the entire war and risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Hugh led his battalion during their assault against Achiet le Grand, leading and inspiring them from the front after they had been pinned down by a large number of machine guns along the ridge line they were attacking. Although the gunners missed him while he stood tall on the battlefield as he rallied his men, Lieutenant Colonel Courtenay was mortally wounded just as the position fell to his determined battalion's bayonet charge.

He was given instant first aid and rushed back into the medical system but his wounds were too severe and he died later that day at the Casualty Clearing Station in Gezaincourt.

Hugh was the son of Charles C. and Constance H. Courtenay, of Manor Farm House, East Horsley, Surrey and lies in the Bagneux British cemetery, Gezaincourt, 2km south-west of Doullens.

[With thanks to Penny Maitland-Stuart, descendant of Hugh Courtenay, who provided the photograph and letters sent to Hugh's widow]

Lieutenant Alexander Robert Charles EATON

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 29

Alexander was the son of Charles E. and Emma Margaret Eaton, of 203, Neville Rd., Forest Gate, London and is buried in the Adanac military cemetery, Miraumont, on the Somme.

Lieutenant George ABBOTT

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 35.

Lieutenant Abbott was attached to the 1st battalion from the 1st Herts. George was the son of Thomas Abbott, of "Oaklands", Stevenage, Herts and lies in the Gommecourt British cemetery No.2, Hebuterne.

Lieutenant Robert Henry Preuss ARNHOLTZ

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 20.

Lieutenant Arnholtz was another officer from the 1st Herts who was attached to 1st Beds. He was the son of Henry P. and Amelia J. Arnholz, of 62, Fairhazel Gardens, South Hampstead, London and lies in the Adanac military cemetery, Miraumont.

Lieutenant Edgar Ivan Fitzroy NAILER

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 27

Edgar was the son of Mrs. Laura Nailer, of 37, St. Michael's Rd., Bedford, and the late Lt. Col. Nailer and lies in the Adanac military cemetery, Miraumont, on the Somme.

Lieutenant Henry James Arthur WATSON

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 23

Lieutenant Watson was in the 5th battalion, attached to the 1st Battalion. He was the son of Mary (May) Ellen Watson, of 59, Goldington Rd., Bedford and is buried in the Adanac military cemetery, Miraumont, on the Somme.

Second Lieutenant Frank Herbert FOX

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 20

Frank Fox was born 17 March 1898, the second son of Frederick Isaac and Kate Fox who lived at Cavendish Place, Beeston, Nottingham during Frank's service. His father was the Deputy City Treasurer for Nottingham

After education privately at the Elm Bank School in Nottingham Frank became a Bank Clerk and joined the Nottingham University OTC in April 1916

Unmarried, Frank enlisted into the ranks of the Notts and Derby Regiment as Private 80492 in September 1916 but was not called up until March 1917, when he became 19 years of age. The following day he was posted to No.4 Officer Cadet Battalion in Oxford, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to the Bedfordshire Regiment on 1 August 1917

Joining the 7th Battalion on 28 September 1917 he seems to have been wounded very soon afterwards and left the battalion.

On 14 January 1918, Second Lieutenant Fox joined the 1st Battalion with a draft of 14 men, who were stationed in northern Italy at the time. March 1918 saw the 5th Division rushed back to France following the German Spring Offensives and Frank spent the summer in and around Nieppe Forest, with his battalion.

Once the '100 Days' allied offensives started in August 1918, Second Lieutenant Fox found himself in the attacking front waves as his battalion assaulted a well defended and sited 'glacis-like' slope near Achiet le Petit. The British captured the position but at great cost, Second Lieutenant Fox being among the long list of casualties the 1st Bedfordshires lost on 23 August 1918

Frank died at the Achiet le Petit Casualty Clearing Station and today lies in the Achiet le Petit communal cemetery

(The image comes from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, so I am unable to improve on the quality)

Second Lieutenant William Thomas PAINE

Killed in action 23rd August 1918, aged 35

William was the son of William and Elizabeth Paine, of Manchester; husband of Kate Paine, of 30, Osborne Rd., Broadstairs, Kent and is buried in the Achiet-le-Grand Communal cemetery.

Second Lieutenant Reginald John CROPLEY

Died of wounds 22nd September 1918, aged 21

Reginald was the son of Mrs. V. C. Cropley, of 24, Birchfield Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham, and stepson of Arthur Cropley. He is buried in the Grevillers British cemetery, 3km west of Bapaume.

Second Lieutenant Herbert HUTCHINSON

Killed in action 27th September 1918

Lieutenant Hutchinson was from the 3rd (Reserve) battalion, attached to the 1st when he died and is remembered on the Vis en Artois memorial to the missing.

Captain Harold Charles LOE, M.C.

Killed in action 27th September 1918, aged 27

Harold was the son of Abraham and Esther Jane Loe, of Elm Rd., Hook, Surbiton, Surrey; husband of Eva Loe (formerly Woods) and is remembered on the Vis en Artois memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Joseph Thornton LAUGHTON

Died of wounds 29th September 1918, aged 22

Joseph was the son of Thomas and Beechie Laughton, of 16, Lansdowne Rd., Bedford and lies in the St. Sever cemetery, Rouen.

Second Lieutenant William Henry Thomas COTHILL

Killed in action 23rd October 1918, aged 23

Lieutenant Cothill had only joined the battalion on the 1st October 1918 and this would prove to be his first and only battle. He was the son of Thomas Henry and Elizabeth Cothill, of 13, Peter's Square, Hammersmith, London. William was born at Keston in Kent and lies in the Amerval cemetery, Solesmes, 5km north of Le Cateau.

Second Lieutenant Claude Oliver FOWLER

Killed in action 23rd October 1918

Claude was commissioned into the 5th Battalion but joined the 1st Battalion in France on the 7th October 1918. He was also killed in action during his first battle as the battalion assaulted the village of Beaurain on the 23rd October 1918, two weeks before the war in Europe ended. Second Lieutenant Fowler is buried in the Amerval Communal Cemetery Extension in Solesmes, France.

Captain Frederick Vivian PARKER

Died 14th January 1921

See 2nd Battalion Officers died.