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 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.

He 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 WHITTEMORE

Killed in action 29th March 1916

Lieutenant Whittemore served in the 2nd and 1st battalions from 1914, during the early engagements of the war and became the sniping officer in both units.

He was mortally wounded during a night patrol and his comrades could not recover his body, despite several attempts. As a result, he is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the missing.

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

Lieutenant Reginald Cumberland GREEN

Died of wounds 18th May 1916, aged 31

Reginald arrived with the battalion in October 1915 and was shot at 3am on the 18th May whilst examining a mine.

He succumbed to his wounds before medical aid could reach him and lies in the Faubourg D'Amiens cemetery, Arras. Reginald was the son of John W. and Mary A. Green, of "The Larches," Luton.

He can 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 the son of Claude E. C. H. Burton and K. G. Burton, of 20, Claremont Avenue, Woking, Surrey and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing.

Second Lieutenant Alfred Charles HAYHOE

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 27

Alfred was the son of Alfred and Harriette Hayhoe, of Newmarket and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing

Second Lieutenant Archibald Clare HOLLAND

Killed in action 27th July 1916, aged 28

Second Lieutenant Holland joined the Public Schools and University Corps in August 1914 and was later commissioned into the regiment as a Subaltern. Archibald was the son of James Frank Holland, M.D., and Jeanette Holland, of 6, Queen Anne's Gardens, Bedford Park, Chiswick, London and is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing.

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

The database 'Officers Died in the Great War' incorrectly records his death as being in June but all other sources agree with September.

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

He was the son of Henry F. and Amelia Sanders, of 67, Seymour Rd., Hornsey, London and 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

Lieutenant Addison arrived with the battalion 27th August and had been killed a week later during his first battle.

He was the son of James Harold and Mary Howard, of The Grange, Kempston, Bedford and lies in the Guillemont Road cemetery, Guilllemont, 12km east of Albert on the Somme.

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 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

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

Lieutenant Frederick Donald Roberts ILLINGWORTH

Killed in action 23rd April 1917, aged 21

Frederick was the son of Leonard and Frances Elizabeth Illingworth from 2 Melville Place in Liverpool. He had been wounded on two occasions before he fell and has no known grave but is remembered 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.

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

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.