WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM
We have researched these brief profiles of the Box men who died in the Great War. We hope that this will bring the tragedy of their story and their death to life.
If one of these men was your ancestor or if you have more information about the men listed here please get in touch with us. We welcome all additions and corrections and apologise for any inadvertent mistakes we may have made. See the In Memoriam page for your remembrances
Right: Passchendaele memorial has the names of thousands of British soldiers (photo Carole French)
We have researched these brief profiles of the Box men who died in the Great War. We hope that this will bring the tragedy of their story and their death to life.
If one of these men was your ancestor or if you have more information about the men listed here please get in touch with us. We welcome all additions and corrections and apologise for any inadvertent mistakes we may have made. See the In Memoriam page for your remembrances
Right: Passchendaele memorial has the names of thousands of British soldiers (photo Carole French)
Flanders Fields at Tyne Cot
ALEXANDER, Charles Henry
Private in Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 34511
Charles was older than the usual conscript, aged 37 when he enlisted in Bath in 1914. He was living with his wife Mabel, two small children, his widowed mother, Harriett, and a boarder in the High Street. He was working as a banker mason, who trimmed stone blocks for the quarry owners, Bath Stone Firms.
He served first with the Royal Engineers then transferred to the Loyal Lancs. He was killed in action in Flanders on 14th November 1917 and is remembered at Tyne Cot; his body was never identified.
Private in Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 34511
Charles was older than the usual conscript, aged 37 when he enlisted in Bath in 1914. He was living with his wife Mabel, two small children, his widowed mother, Harriett, and a boarder in the High Street. He was working as a banker mason, who trimmed stone blocks for the quarry owners, Bath Stone Firms.
He served first with the Royal Engineers then transferred to the Loyal Lancs. He was killed in action in Flanders on 14th November 1917 and is remembered at Tyne Cot; his body was never identified.
BRICKELL, John
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 9025
John Percy Brickell was 23 when the war broke out and working as a carter (haulier) for Box Flour Mills. He was born in South Wraxall and was living with his widowed uncle, Edward Porter, and cousin at Mill Cottage when war broke out. He enlisted at Devizes on 14 August 1914 and served in Flanders. He was killed in action on 4th September 1917 at Ypres and buried in the Menin Road Cemetery, Ypres.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 9025
John Percy Brickell was 23 when the war broke out and working as a carter (haulier) for Box Flour Mills. He was born in South Wraxall and was living with his widowed uncle, Edward Porter, and cousin at Mill Cottage when war broke out. He enlisted at Devizes on 14 August 1914 and served in Flanders. He was killed in action on 4th September 1917 at Ypres and buried in the Menin Road Cemetery, Ypres.
BROWNE, Dominick M
Captain in Royal Irish Rifle, 1st Battalion
We don't know why Dominick Brown is listed under the Ditteridge parish. He served in the Royal Irish Rifles and was responsible for keeping the official Regimental War Diary. It was his duty to record hourly and daily action: attacks, engagements, and the names of colleagues killed, wounded and missing. He was killed on 1 July 1916.
Captain in Royal Irish Rifle, 1st Battalion
We don't know why Dominick Brown is listed under the Ditteridge parish. He served in the Royal Irish Rifles and was responsible for keeping the official Regimental War Diary. It was his duty to record hourly and daily action: attacks, engagements, and the names of colleagues killed, wounded and missing. He was killed on 1 July 1916.
BUCK, Ernest
Private in East Surrey Regiment
George Ernest Buck was born in 1879, son of Alfred and Sarah Buck from William Street, Highworth, Swindon. Can you supply further details about George Buck?
Private in East Surrey Regiment
George Ernest Buck was born in 1879, son of Alfred and Sarah Buck from William Street, Highworth, Swindon. Can you supply further details about George Buck?
Photo courtesy Box Parish Council
BURCHELL, Arthur
Private in Wilts Regiment, 1st Battalion, 6900
Arthur Burchell was born in Bathford in 1886 to father William and mother Eliza. By 1891 Eliza was widowed and supported her family by working as a charwoman.
In 1910 Arthur married Blanche Alice May Greenman and they lived at 32 Hillside View, Peasedown St John and Arthur worked as a coalminer labourer. Blanche's parents lived at the Old Schools in Chapel Lane, Box and she returned to live with them during the war.
Arthur enlisted at Trowbridge on 31 August 1914. He died of injuries sustained on 17th November 1918, after the armistice was declared, and is buried at Stahnsdorf, Berlin. Blanche lived a long time after and died in July 1984.
Private in Wilts Regiment, 1st Battalion, 6900
Arthur Burchell was born in Bathford in 1886 to father William and mother Eliza. By 1891 Eliza was widowed and supported her family by working as a charwoman.
In 1910 Arthur married Blanche Alice May Greenman and they lived at 32 Hillside View, Peasedown St John and Arthur worked as a coalminer labourer. Blanche's parents lived at the Old Schools in Chapel Lane, Box and she returned to live with them during the war.
Arthur enlisted at Trowbridge on 31 August 1914. He died of injuries sustained on 17th November 1918, after the armistice was declared, and is buried at Stahnsdorf, Berlin. Blanche lived a long time after and died in July 1984.
CANNINGS, George Russell
Private in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 6th Battalion, 20771
George lived at The Old Jockey in 1891, aged 4. He was the only son of Thomas, a general labourer, and wife Elizabeth who lived in Bulls Lane in 1916.
He was killed in action at the Somme on 19th September 1916 aged 30 and is remembered at Thiepval.
Private in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 6th Battalion, 20771
George lived at The Old Jockey in 1891, aged 4. He was the only son of Thomas, a general labourer, and wife Elizabeth who lived in Bulls Lane in 1916.
He was killed in action at the Somme on 19th September 1916 aged 30 and is remembered at Thiepval.
COX, Arthur John
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 60626 RE or WR/312064 Ag Co, Labour Corps
In 1911 Arthur was an agricultural labourer, son of John (domestic gardener) and Emily Cox, with seven siblings including Hester Cox sometimes referred to as an invalid. They all lived in four rooms at Wadswick.
Arthur died on 25th November 1918.
Photo Right: courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 60626 RE or WR/312064 Ag Co, Labour Corps
In 1911 Arthur was an agricultural labourer, son of John (domestic gardener) and Emily Cox, with seven siblings including Hester Cox sometimes referred to as an invalid. They all lived in four rooms at Wadswick.
Arthur died on 25th November 1918.
Photo Right: courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
Phto courtesy Chris Dancey
DANCEY, George
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 20644
George was aged just 18 when war broke out. He lived in a totally overcrowded household at 7 Mill Lane with his father, William, a stonemason aged 60; grandmother Hannah Wilkins 85; six brothers and four sisters. He had no skills and was working as an errand boy for the masonry yard. Wanting to escape his daily domestic grind, he enlisted at Devizes on 1 October 1915.
He died of injuries after the war ended on 14th December 1918 and was buried at Etaples, France.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 20644
George was aged just 18 when war broke out. He lived in a totally overcrowded household at 7 Mill Lane with his father, William, a stonemason aged 60; grandmother Hannah Wilkins 85; six brothers and four sisters. He had no skills and was working as an errand boy for the masonry yard. Wanting to escape his daily domestic grind, he enlisted at Devizes on 1 October 1915.
He died of injuries after the war ended on 14th December 1918 and was buried at Etaples, France.
DAVIS, George James
Private in East Kent Regiment (the Buffs), 1st Battalion, 14829
George was an orphan who lived with his grandparents, George and Elizabeth Greenman, his two aunts and a cousin at Beulah Cottage, Devizes Road, Box. He was just 14 in 1914. He died on 8th October 1918 after an allied attack to recapture the village of Aisine and is buried at High Tree Mountbrehan, Aisine.
Private in East Kent Regiment (the Buffs), 1st Battalion, 14829
George was an orphan who lived with his grandparents, George and Elizabeth Greenman, his two aunts and a cousin at Beulah Cottage, Devizes Road, Box. He was just 14 in 1914. He died on 8th October 1918 after an allied attack to recapture the village of Aisine and is buried at High Tree Mountbrehan, Aisine.
Shell holes and mud at Passchendale
FISHER, Edward
Private in Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Battalion, 265014
When war broke out Edward Fisher was a General Porter working for an upholstery firm living in two rooms at 1 Roman Villas, where he and his wife, Florence, shared the house with a retired Ladies Companion, Nellie Clark.
Edward was born in Box in 1885 and his parents lived at Clock House, Box (now site of Co-op). He probably served on the front line of the battlefield because he served in various regiments: the Worcestershire, Durham and Somerset.
He was killed in action on 14th August 1917 at the Battle of Ypres - Passchendaele. His body is buried at Dunhallow Cemetery, Flanders.
Private in Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Battalion, 265014
When war broke out Edward Fisher was a General Porter working for an upholstery firm living in two rooms at 1 Roman Villas, where he and his wife, Florence, shared the house with a retired Ladies Companion, Nellie Clark.
Edward was born in Box in 1885 and his parents lived at Clock House, Box (now site of Co-op). He probably served on the front line of the battlefield because he served in various regiments: the Worcestershire, Durham and Somerset.
He was killed in action on 14th August 1917 at the Battle of Ypres - Passchendaele. His body is buried at Dunhallow Cemetery, Flanders.
Photo courtesy Peter Ford
FORD, Arthur Walter
Private in Royal Army Medical Corps, 99th Field Ambulance, 66413
Arthur was the youngest son of farmer William at Prospect Farm. In 1914 he was 37 years old, unmarried and working as an upholsterer. He had gone to Canada but returned to join up in late 1915. Probably he was looking for adventure in his life away from his brothers: Frances (46) and Harry (43) who were due to inherit the farm from father William (76). He enlisted at Bath the following year. He died of wounds sustained on 27 September 1917 and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, near Ypres.
Private in Royal Army Medical Corps, 99th Field Ambulance, 66413
Arthur was the youngest son of farmer William at Prospect Farm. In 1914 he was 37 years old, unmarried and working as an upholsterer. He had gone to Canada but returned to join up in late 1915. Probably he was looking for adventure in his life away from his brothers: Frances (46) and Harry (43) who were due to inherit the farm from father William (76). He enlisted at Bath the following year. He died of wounds sustained on 27 September 1917 and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, near Ypres.
FORTUNE, Charles
Private in Hampshire Regiment, 15th Service Battalion, 33158
Charles came from Alcombe, a banker mason born in 1882, who shared the house with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He was the third son of George and Jane Fortune of Wharf House, Wilts who was born at Bromham, moved to Alcombe and enlisted for service at Corsham.
He died of wounds he had previously sustained on 21st September 1917 and is buried at Lyssenthoek Military Cemetery, Flanders.
Private in Hampshire Regiment, 15th Service Battalion, 33158
Charles came from Alcombe, a banker mason born in 1882, who shared the house with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He was the third son of George and Jane Fortune of Wharf House, Wilts who was born at Bromham, moved to Alcombe and enlisted for service at Corsham.
He died of wounds he had previously sustained on 21st September 1917 and is buried at Lyssenthoek Military Cemetery, Flanders.
Salonika Battlefield
FRANKLIN, William James
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 13636 then Leinster Reg, 6th Battalion, 1016
William Franklin was the oldest child of his widowed mother, Mrs E (Bessie) Simpkins. Aged 29 in 1911 he was living with his step-father, Henry Simpkins, only 9 years his senior. He shared the house with his three siblings at Box Hill.
William worked as a quarryman chopper, splitting large stone blocks for the Bath Stone Firms and lived at Turnpike House, Devizes Road.
He served in the Wiltshire Regiment then transferred to fight in the Balkans. He died of frostbite on 10 December 1915 and was buried at Salonika. Family details are at Quarrymen Families.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 13636 then Leinster Reg, 6th Battalion, 1016
William Franklin was the oldest child of his widowed mother, Mrs E (Bessie) Simpkins. Aged 29 in 1911 he was living with his step-father, Henry Simpkins, only 9 years his senior. He shared the house with his three siblings at Box Hill.
William worked as a quarryman chopper, splitting large stone blocks for the Bath Stone Firms and lived at Turnpike House, Devizes Road.
He served in the Wiltshire Regiment then transferred to fight in the Balkans. He died of frostbite on 10 December 1915 and was buried at Salonika. Family details are at Quarrymen Families.
FRASER, Thomas Rodger
Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, B Battery, 92nd Battalion, 16199
Thomas was born at Foveran, Aberdeen in 1895 the third child of father Francis, a domestic gardener, and mother, Annie Mason Mitchell Fraser. Thomas moved to England and he enlisted at Bath, possibly as a career soldier as he may have been serving in Gibraltar Barracks at Aldershot in 1911. He was killed in action on 8th October 1917 at Canada Farm, Ypres.
Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, B Battery, 92nd Battalion, 16199
Thomas was born at Foveran, Aberdeen in 1895 the third child of father Francis, a domestic gardener, and mother, Annie Mason Mitchell Fraser. Thomas moved to England and he enlisted at Bath, possibly as a career soldier as he may have been serving in Gibraltar Barracks at Aldershot in 1911. He was killed in action on 8th October 1917 at Canada Farm, Ypres.
GALE, Frederick James
Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers, 1/2nd Wessex Field Company, 1158
Frederick and his brother Frank were born in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, and by 1901 they were being brought up by their grandfather, James Gale, a freestone quarryman at Ditteridge. When war broke out they were aged 31 and 30 and living with their aunt at Quarry Hill. The brothers were both banker masons. Frederick was killed in action on 2nd October 1915 and is buried at Hangard, near Amiens.
Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers, 1/2nd Wessex Field Company, 1158
Frederick and his brother Frank were born in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, and by 1901 they were being brought up by their grandfather, James Gale, a freestone quarryman at Ditteridge. When war broke out they were aged 31 and 30 and living with their aunt at Quarry Hill. The brothers were both banker masons. Frederick was killed in action on 2nd October 1915 and is buried at Hangard, near Amiens.
GINGELL, Frederick John
Able Seaman, Royal Navy Submariner, 239994
Able Seaman Leading Torpedo Operator No. 239994, a baker's boy from Box, Wiltshire. Frederick was born on 22nd January 1882 and he joined the Royal Navy in 1907. He was killed when HM Submarine E15 ran aground on 17 April 1915 and came under enemy fire while trying to pass through the Dardanelles. The 1901 census records him as living at 2 The Prospect, son of George Gingell, stone quarryman, and his wife Alice. He was awarded the Messina Medal and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial; his body was never recovered.
Able Seaman, Royal Navy Submariner, 239994
Able Seaman Leading Torpedo Operator No. 239994, a baker's boy from Box, Wiltshire. Frederick was born on 22nd January 1882 and he joined the Royal Navy in 1907. He was killed when HM Submarine E15 ran aground on 17 April 1915 and came under enemy fire while trying to pass through the Dardanelles. The 1901 census records him as living at 2 The Prospect, son of George Gingell, stone quarryman, and his wife Alice. He was awarded the Messina Medal and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial; his body was never recovered.
GINGELL, Reginald David
Lance Corporal, Household Cavalry, 9th Lancers (Queens Royal), 5053
Reginald was Frederick's brother, born in 1899 at Chippenham. He also lived at 2 The Prospect and he enlisted at Trowbridge and was killed on 18th October 1914 at the 1914 Battle of Ypres in the early months of the war when horse attack was still being used to make breakthroughs in the opposition's defensive positions. We might imagine his death as similar to the Charge of the Light Brigade 50 years earlier. He is buried at Sanctuary Wood, Ypres.
Lance Corporal, Household Cavalry, 9th Lancers (Queens Royal), 5053
Reginald was Frederick's brother, born in 1899 at Chippenham. He also lived at 2 The Prospect and he enlisted at Trowbridge and was killed on 18th October 1914 at the 1914 Battle of Ypres in the early months of the war when horse attack was still being used to make breakthroughs in the opposition's defensive positions. We might imagine his death as similar to the Charge of the Light Brigade 50 years earlier. He is buried at Sanctuary Wood, Ypres.
Godwin buried close to another; their bones overlapped
GODWIN, Percy Jasper Garland
Private in Dorsetshire Regiment, 5th Battalion, 30834
Percy was born in Malmesbury in 1888 and went to school at Alderton St Giles (near Chippenham) 1893-98. Aged 15, he worked as a teamster (horse-drawn wagon driver) on the same farm where his father was a shepherd. In 1908 Percy married Maud Alice North and they had three children: William, Winifred and Wilfred (who lived until 1984).
Percy enlisted at Devizes and may have served in Gallipoli in 1915, as well as at Ancre, Messine and Ypres.
His older brother Arthur died on the Western Front in December 1917. Percy died on 27 September 1918 and is buried at Chapel Corner Cemetery, Suchy-Lestree. He came from Ditteridge parish.
Private in Dorsetshire Regiment, 5th Battalion, 30834
Percy was born in Malmesbury in 1888 and went to school at Alderton St Giles (near Chippenham) 1893-98. Aged 15, he worked as a teamster (horse-drawn wagon driver) on the same farm where his father was a shepherd. In 1908 Percy married Maud Alice North and they had three children: William, Winifred and Wilfred (who lived until 1984).
Percy enlisted at Devizes and may have served in Gallipoli in 1915, as well as at Ancre, Messine and Ypres.
His older brother Arthur died on the Western Front in December 1917. Percy died on 27 September 1918 and is buried at Chapel Corner Cemetery, Suchy-Lestree. He came from Ditteridge parish.
HALL, Arthur
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 19590
Arthur Hall was born in 1896 to father, Eli, and mother, Rhoda, of 26 Ingolls Cottages. Eli was a stone quarryman and the family were possibly related to the Danceys as in 1901 they took in a child, Reginald Dancey, aged 7. Arthur attended Box School 1901-06. He was later listed as a farm labourer living at 2 Salt Box Cottages.
Arthur enlisted at Devizes in 1914 and went to fight a year later. He lost his life aged only 20, killed in action at Fleurs on the Somme on 16th October 1916, just 3 days after tanks were first introduced (see top of picture). His grave is just one of 2,184 at Serre Road Cemetery No 2.
Arthur's father, Eli, was conscripted for service on 31st July 1915 and served in the Gloucestershire Regiment surviving the war. He is listed from Ditteridge parish.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 19590
Arthur Hall was born in 1896 to father, Eli, and mother, Rhoda, of 26 Ingolls Cottages. Eli was a stone quarryman and the family were possibly related to the Danceys as in 1901 they took in a child, Reginald Dancey, aged 7. Arthur attended Box School 1901-06. He was later listed as a farm labourer living at 2 Salt Box Cottages.
Arthur enlisted at Devizes in 1914 and went to fight a year later. He lost his life aged only 20, killed in action at Fleurs on the Somme on 16th October 1916, just 3 days after tanks were first introduced (see top of picture). His grave is just one of 2,184 at Serre Road Cemetery No 2.
Arthur's father, Eli, was conscripted for service on 31st July 1915 and served in the Gloucestershire Regiment surviving the war. He is listed from Ditteridge parish.
HANCOCK, Herbert Percy
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 4th (TF) Battalion, 48741
Herbert was the older son of Thomas Hancock, a stone quarryman, and Charlotte (nee Yeeles) who lived at Gorse Farm, Box Hill. Aged 14, he worked as a stone mason. He was 27 when war started, unmarried, and earning a living as a domestic gardener. He enlisted at Devizes.
He died on the Home Front on 21 October 1918 and is buried at Box Cemetery. He is listed under Ditteridge parish. This is the deadman's penny issued to his family (courtesy Bob Hancock).
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 4th (TF) Battalion, 48741
Herbert was the older son of Thomas Hancock, a stone quarryman, and Charlotte (nee Yeeles) who lived at Gorse Farm, Box Hill. Aged 14, he worked as a stone mason. He was 27 when war started, unmarried, and earning a living as a domestic gardener. He enlisted at Devizes.
He died on the Home Front on 21 October 1918 and is buried at Box Cemetery. He is listed under Ditteridge parish. This is the deadman's penny issued to his family (courtesy Bob Hancock).
HANCOCK, Reginald Isaac
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 4th (TF) Battalion, 29794 or 48240
Reginald was the youngest of Box's fallen, aged just 18 at his death. He was born in Box to father, Joseph, (a groom / gardener) and mother, Elizabeth, and they lived at Shrub Cottage, Middlehill near Ben Mead house.
Reg attended Box School from 1906 to 1911. In 1911 he is recorded as living with his unmarried aunt, Charlotte Hancock, a dressmaker.
Reginald died on army service on 3 November 1918 in Ireland (called at Home to differentiate those killed in France/Flanders). He was possibly a victim of the terrible flu epidemic of that year. He is buried in Box Cemetery.
Photo Left: Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 4th (TF) Battalion, 29794 or 48240
Reginald was the youngest of Box's fallen, aged just 18 at his death. He was born in Box to father, Joseph, (a groom / gardener) and mother, Elizabeth, and they lived at Shrub Cottage, Middlehill near Ben Mead house.
Reg attended Box School from 1906 to 1911. In 1911 he is recorded as living with his unmarried aunt, Charlotte Hancock, a dressmaker.
Reginald died on army service on 3 November 1918 in Ireland (called at Home to differentiate those killed in France/Flanders). He was possibly a victim of the terrible flu epidemic of that year. He is buried in Box Cemetery.
Photo Left: Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
Possible photo of Edward
LAMBERT, Edward
Sapper in Royal Engineers, Railway Construction Troops Depot, 201551
Edward was the fourth of five children born to the first wife of Thomas Lambert, a stone masonry contractor who was self-employed, living at 2 Kingston Villas. Subsequently Thomas had four children with his second wife.
Edward was born in 1897 into an educated family. He worked for the GWR and two of his siblings were teachers, probably at Box School. He enlisted on 17 July 1916 and was discharged wounded on 23 August 1918. He was buried at Box on 13th July 1919. His surviving brothers included Cecil and Phil who ran the Scouts in Box for many years.
Sapper in Royal Engineers, Railway Construction Troops Depot, 201551
Edward was the fourth of five children born to the first wife of Thomas Lambert, a stone masonry contractor who was self-employed, living at 2 Kingston Villas. Subsequently Thomas had four children with his second wife.
Edward was born in 1897 into an educated family. He worked for the GWR and two of his siblings were teachers, probably at Box School. He enlisted on 17 July 1916 and was discharged wounded on 23 August 1918. He was buried at Box on 13th July 1919. His surviving brothers included Cecil and Phil who ran the Scouts in Box for many years.
MACBRYAN, Edward Crozier
Lieutenant in Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Alberts), 3rd Battalion
Edward MacBryan was the son of Dr Henry Crawford MacBryan who was born in Chippenham in 1893. He lived at Kingsdown House with his father and step-mother, Amy, who ran the Lunatic Asylum there. By 1911 he was a pupil at Oundle School, Northamptonshire, and later educated at Jesus College, Cambridge University. Edward was killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 22 and is remembered at Thiepval in the Somme, a wealthy young man who left a comparatively large sum of £1,096.18s.9d. His death deeply affected his father who applied for his late son to be awarded the 1914-15 Star Victory Medal.
A dug-out shelter
MAYNARD, Jesse
Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Battalion, 241st Battalion, 830961
Jesse came from a large family and was working when aged only 14 in 1901. He was a stone mason who worked alongside his father, William, a horsekeeper for the Bath Stone Firms.
With mother, Annie, they all lived at Middlehill. Jesse attended Box School from 1891 to 1896. Jesse volunteered for service at Worcester and was injured on 4 November 1915. He returned home until 7 January 1916 when he then went back to the war front.
Jesse saw action at Beaumont Hamel (the Somme), Ancre Marshes, Anelmy Wood and Vinny Ridge (where he died). His body was never recovered. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star medal that went to volunteers. He died at Arras on 19th October 1917 from wounds incurred when a shell exploded on his dugout (see picture left). He is listed from Ditteridge parish.
MERRETT, Charlie Stuart
Private in the North Somerset Yeomanry, 827
Charlie was the son of an estate agent, who lived with his parents in tied accommodation at the Estate Offices, Washwells. He was born in 1897 and was living in 2 Ashley Villas at the start of the war but later moved to Bristol. He was killed in action on 16th May 1915, fighting for the magnificently named Household Regiment of Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (including Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps). He is buried at Merville, France.
Private in the North Somerset Yeomanry, 827
Charlie was the son of an estate agent, who lived with his parents in tied accommodation at the Estate Offices, Washwells. He was born in 1897 and was living in 2 Ashley Villas at the start of the war but later moved to Bristol. He was killed in action on 16th May 1915, fighting for the magnificently named Household Regiment of Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (including Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps). He is buried at Merville, France.
MILSOM, George William
Private DCM in Wiltshire Regiment, 3rd Battalion
George was son of the late stone mason, James, and wife, Ellen, born in 1894 at Box Hill. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding gallantry by non-commissioned personnel.
After the end of the war he lived at 4 Tyning Terrace, Box Hill and he died of wounds two years later on 17th July 1920.
He is buried in Box.
Photo left courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
Private DCM in Wiltshire Regiment, 3rd Battalion
George was son of the late stone mason, James, and wife, Ellen, born in 1894 at Box Hill. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding gallantry by non-commissioned personnel.
After the end of the war he lived at 4 Tyning Terrace, Box Hill and he died of wounds two years later on 17th July 1920.
He is buried in Box.
Photo left courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
MILSOM, Horace
Lance Corporal in Devonshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire 22307
Horace was the younger son of John Milsom, a mineral water salesman, and wife, Harriet, who lived in comfort at Lyndale, Devizes Road, and later at Springfield House.
Horace was 25 in 1914, working as a banker mason. He formerly served with the Hampshire Regiment and was killed in action, aged 27, on 17th November 1916 at the Somme. He is remembered at Thiepval.
Lance Corporal in Devonshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire 22307
Horace was the younger son of John Milsom, a mineral water salesman, and wife, Harriet, who lived in comfort at Lyndale, Devizes Road, and later at Springfield House.
Horace was 25 in 1914, working as a banker mason. He formerly served with the Hampshire Regiment and was killed in action, aged 27, on 17th November 1916 at the Somme. He is remembered at Thiepval.
MOXHAM, John Thomas
Corporal in Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion, 17164
John was older than many soldiers, a Corporal in Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion.
He had enlisted following the death of his wife, Laura, and may have served in the Wiltshire Regiment as well as the Somersets. He died of wounds at the Battle of Arras, France on 10 April 1917 aged 36 and is buried in Dinsains British Cemetery, Etrun.
Corporal in Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion, 17164
John was older than many soldiers, a Corporal in Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion.
He had enlisted following the death of his wife, Laura, and may have served in the Wiltshire Regiment as well as the Somersets. He died of wounds at the Battle of Arras, France on 10 April 1917 aged 36 and is buried in Dinsains British Cemetery, Etrun.
Anson Northey's name is listed but his body was never recovered
NORTHEY, George Evelyn Anson
Captain in Essex Regiment, 3rd Battalion
George Evelyn Anson Northey (known as Anson) was one of the many younger gentry who lost their lives in the Great War. He was a regular soldier, the son of George Wilbraham Northey, the lord of the manor of Box, who lived a privileged life at Cheney Court. Anson was killed leaving action at Le Cateau on the British Expeditionary Force's retreat from Mons on 26 August 1914, just 12 days after the outbreak of hostilities. He was one of 7,812 soldiers killed on that single day. He is remembered at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre; his body was never recovered. He was a wealthy young man aged 27 from Ditteridge parish.
Captain in Essex Regiment, 3rd Battalion
George Evelyn Anson Northey (known as Anson) was one of the many younger gentry who lost their lives in the Great War. He was a regular soldier, the son of George Wilbraham Northey, the lord of the manor of Box, who lived a privileged life at Cheney Court. Anson was killed leaving action at Le Cateau on the British Expeditionary Force's retreat from Mons on 26 August 1914, just 12 days after the outbreak of hostilities. He was one of 7,812 soldiers killed on that single day. He is remembered at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre; his body was never recovered. He was a wealthy young man aged 27 from Ditteridge parish.
OATLEY, Oliver Reuben
Lance Corporal in the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment), 2nd Battalion, 203322
Oliver was born in 1886, the eldest son of Walter and Eliza Oatley who lived at Barberry Cottage, Box Hill. In 1901, aged 15, he was working as a quarryman. He joined the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion and was killed in action on 4th November 1918, just before the cessation of hostilities. He is buried at Crossroads Cemetery Fontaine aux Bois. He left £153.17s.3d to his father Walter Reuben Oatley.
Lance Corporal in the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment), 2nd Battalion, 203322
Oliver was born in 1886, the eldest son of Walter and Eliza Oatley who lived at Barberry Cottage, Box Hill. In 1901, aged 15, he was working as a quarryman. He joined the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion and was killed in action on 4th November 1918, just before the cessation of hostilities. He is buried at Crossroads Cemetery Fontaine aux Bois. He left £153.17s.3d to his father Walter Reuben Oatley.
ORCHARD, William
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 5th Battalion, 5745
William was born in 1884 at Henley. He was orphaned and lived with his uncle, also called William Orchard, who was a carman (carter employed by GWR for making local deliveries) at 5 Henley Cottages. He was working as a carter of coal in 1901. He moved to Frome and enlisted at Chippenham. He was killed in action on 31 January 1917 in Mesopotamia, and is buried at Amara Cemetery, Iraq. His was another life unfulfilled.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 5th Battalion, 5745
William was born in 1884 at Henley. He was orphaned and lived with his uncle, also called William Orchard, who was a carman (carter employed by GWR for making local deliveries) at 5 Henley Cottages. He was working as a carter of coal in 1901. He moved to Frome and enlisted at Chippenham. He was killed in action on 31 January 1917 in Mesopotamia, and is buried at Amara Cemetery, Iraq. His was another life unfulfilled.
PHELPS, Alfred Charles
Private in Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 14th Battalion, 40700
When war broke out, Alfred was 14 years old, the only son of Charles and Annie Phelps who lived at Henley. He was born in 1899 and died in France of wounds on 24th August 1918.
He is buried at Bagneux Gezaincourt.
Private in Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 14th Battalion, 40700
When war broke out, Alfred was 14 years old, the only son of Charles and Annie Phelps who lived at Henley. He was born in 1899 and died in France of wounds on 24th August 1918.
He is buried at Bagneux Gezaincourt.
PHELPS, Frederick George
MM Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, 102288
Frederick Phelps was a farm carter aged 20 in 1914. He was born in Box, the eldest son of Henry and Jane Phelps who lived at 8 Mill (Lane) Cottages. He enlisted at Bath on 16 December 1915.
He served in Flanders winning the Military Medal for an individual act of bravery. His death of wounds sustained in action on 22nd November 1917 left his parents childless and alone, except for their grandchild, Ettore Bennett, for whom they were carers. Frederick is buried at Outtersteene Baileul.
MM Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, 102288
Frederick Phelps was a farm carter aged 20 in 1914. He was born in Box, the eldest son of Henry and Jane Phelps who lived at 8 Mill (Lane) Cottages. He enlisted at Bath on 16 December 1915.
He served in Flanders winning the Military Medal for an individual act of bravery. His death of wounds sustained in action on 22nd November 1917 left his parents childless and alone, except for their grandchild, Ettore Bennett, for whom they were carers. Frederick is buried at Outtersteene Baileul.
PHELPS, Reginald
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 6th Battalion, 22717
Reginald was Frederick's younger brother, born in Box in 1896 and at the outbreak of war a milkman in the dairy industry. He enlisted at Corsham and was killed in action on the Somme on 7th July 1916 and is remembered at Thiepval.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 6th Battalion, 22717
Reginald was Frederick's younger brother, born in Box in 1896 and at the outbreak of war a milkman in the dairy industry. He enlisted at Corsham and was killed in action on the Somme on 7th July 1916 and is remembered at Thiepval.
PINNOCK, William
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 7507
William was 28 when war broke out, a stone quarryman miner living at Wadswick. He was born in Bradford but moved to Box, before enlisting at Chippenham. He was probably killed in action at La Basée with the British Expeditionary Force on 25 October 1914. His body was lost and he is remembered at Le Touquet, one of the soldiers that God Lost before the start of the 1915 trench war hostilities.
Private in Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, 7507
William was 28 when war broke out, a stone quarryman miner living at Wadswick. He was born in Bradford but moved to Box, before enlisting at Chippenham. He was probably killed in action at La Basée with the British Expeditionary Force on 25 October 1914. His body was lost and he is remembered at Le Touquet, one of the soldiers that God Lost before the start of the 1915 trench war hostilities.
SEEKREE, William
Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, 61243
William served only 22 days before he died. Before the war he was a general labourer, unmarried, at Kingsdown. He was passed fit to serve when he enlisted aged 18 on 29th October 1915 although he weighed only 8 stone with 35 inch chest and height 5 foot 6 inches. He was posted to Fort Brockhurst, Gosport then to Greenwich on 6th November. He was admitted to Greenwich Hospital on 18th November and died a day later of tubercular meningitis. He is remembered at the Greenwich Shooters Hill memorial.
Gunner in Royal Field Artillery, 61243
William served only 22 days before he died. Before the war he was a general labourer, unmarried, at Kingsdown. He was passed fit to serve when he enlisted aged 18 on 29th October 1915 although he weighed only 8 stone with 35 inch chest and height 5 foot 6 inches. He was posted to Fort Brockhurst, Gosport then to Greenwich on 6th November. He was admitted to Greenwich Hospital on 18th November and died a day later of tubercular meningitis. He is remembered at the Greenwich Shooters Hill memorial.
SHEPPARD, Edmund Thomas
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 496903
Edmund was 23 when the war started, the son of quarryman, Charles, and Kate Sheppard of 4 Henley Cottages. He had moved to Colerne. He was wounded in action and died on 11 April 1918, being buried at Ploegsteert, Hainault, Belgium.
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 496903
Edmund was 23 when the war started, the son of quarryman, Charles, and Kate Sheppard of 4 Henley Cottages. He had moved to Colerne. He was wounded in action and died on 11 April 1918, being buried at Ploegsteert, Hainault, Belgium.
SMITH, Lewis William
A.B.L.T.O. R.N.
Lewis lived at 8 Mill Lane working as a coal haulier.
He was 24 years old when he died on 19 November 1917.
He is remembered at Devonport and a gravestone in Box Cemetery.
Photo Right: courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
A.B.L.T.O. R.N.
Lewis lived at 8 Mill Lane working as a coal haulier.
He was 24 years old when he died on 19 November 1917.
He is remembered at Devonport and a gravestone in Box Cemetery.
Photo Right: courtesy Wiltshire Open Parish Council see
www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk
HMS Hampshire
SMITH, Benjamin
Mechanic Royal Navy, 297766 (Po)
In 1891, aged 8, Benjamin lived at Rose Cottage, Kingsdown, third of five children of market gardener, James (aged 50) and his wife Annie (31). He was born on 13 May 1883 and served as a mechanic on HMS Hampshire (along with Lord Kitchener, the hero of the Boer War) when it was sunk by a mine off the Orkneys on 5 June 1916 as a direct result of enemy action. His body was never recovered. He left a widow, Lilian May Smith at Totney Cottages, Kingsdown. He is remembered at the Royal Naval Memorial, Portsmouth.
Mechanic Royal Navy, 297766 (Po)
In 1891, aged 8, Benjamin lived at Rose Cottage, Kingsdown, third of five children of market gardener, James (aged 50) and his wife Annie (31). He was born on 13 May 1883 and served as a mechanic on HMS Hampshire (along with Lord Kitchener, the hero of the Boer War) when it was sunk by a mine off the Orkneys on 5 June 1916 as a direct result of enemy action. His body was never recovered. He left a widow, Lilian May Smith at Totney Cottages, Kingsdown. He is remembered at the Royal Naval Memorial, Portsmouth.
SMITH, Frederick George
Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, 86849
George had joined up when he was living in two rooms at Box Hill and working as a stone quarryman, pick-axing stone from the rockface. He died on 17th July 1918 at Salonika, a victim of the so-called Macedonia Front, where an Allied expeditionary force attempted an attack against Bulgaria, which was pro-German. He probably witnessed the great fire of 1917, which destroyed the historic city. He left a wife, Ada, and two daughters under 10 years. Frederick is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece.
Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, 86849
George had joined up when he was living in two rooms at Box Hill and working as a stone quarryman, pick-axing stone from the rockface. He died on 17th July 1918 at Salonika, a victim of the so-called Macedonia Front, where an Allied expeditionary force attempted an attack against Bulgaria, which was pro-German. He probably witnessed the great fire of 1917, which destroyed the historic city. He left a wife, Ada, and two daughters under 10 years. Frederick is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece.
SUMNER, William John
Private in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 7935
William was a farm labourer, born in 1887, who lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Box Hill, with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. His father, George, was a quarryman miner and earlier the whole family had lived with the grandparents Henry (a soap manufacturing labourer) and Annie Greenland, who were possibly squatters outside Box Quarries No.1.
William was killed in action on 9th November 1914 when the war became bogged down in trench positions and was buried at Ploegsteert, Hainaut in Belgium.
Private in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 7935
William was a farm labourer, born in 1887, who lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Box Hill, with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. His father, George, was a quarryman miner and earlier the whole family had lived with the grandparents Henry (a soap manufacturing labourer) and Annie Greenland, who were possibly squatters outside Box Quarries No.1.
William was killed in action on 9th November 1914 when the war became bogged down in trench positions and was buried at Ploegsteert, Hainaut in Belgium.
SWEETLAND, Kirwin Barnes
Corporal in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 11987
Kirwin's tragic story ended just days before the armistice, killed in action on 2nd November 1918, aged 22 years. Born in Trowbridge, he was the son of Samuel Sweetland, the innkeeper of the Lamb Inn, Devizes Road (now a private house).
Kirwin never settled down, he had worked in the pub and also for the GWR, and registered for service at Weston-super-Mare in 1915 looking for adventure. He was killed in action in France and is buried at Preseau Cemetery, Calais.
Photo left courtesy Margaret Wakefield
Corporal in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 11987
Kirwin's tragic story ended just days before the armistice, killed in action on 2nd November 1918, aged 22 years. Born in Trowbridge, he was the son of Samuel Sweetland, the innkeeper of the Lamb Inn, Devizes Road (now a private house).
Kirwin never settled down, he had worked in the pub and also for the GWR, and registered for service at Weston-super-Mare in 1915 looking for adventure. He was killed in action in France and is buried at Preseau Cemetery, Calais.
Photo left courtesy Margaret Wakefield
VEZEY, Percy
Staff Sergeant in the Army Service Corps, 144161
Born in 1878, when the war started Percival Vezey was 37 and working as a butcher for his widowed mother Elizabeth in her business at The Chequers, a butchers shop and inn. He enlisted at Aldershot in 1915 and served in the Training Reserve Battalion.
He was discharged with TB on 29 May 1918 and died on 14 April 1919, leaving an estate of £793.0s.8d to Annie Vezey (probably his sister) of 2 Rockleigh. During the war, the Chequers probably suffered a severe decline without Percy and many other local men and the Vezey family retired from the business. He is buried in Box.
Photo left courtesy Margaret Wakefield
Staff Sergeant in the Army Service Corps, 144161
Born in 1878, when the war started Percival Vezey was 37 and working as a butcher for his widowed mother Elizabeth in her business at The Chequers, a butchers shop and inn. He enlisted at Aldershot in 1915 and served in the Training Reserve Battalion.
He was discharged with TB on 29 May 1918 and died on 14 April 1919, leaving an estate of £793.0s.8d to Annie Vezey (probably his sister) of 2 Rockleigh. During the war, the Chequers probably suffered a severe decline without Percy and many other local men and the Vezey family retired from the business. He is buried in Box.
Photo left courtesy Margaret Wakefield
WHALE, Thomas
Lance Corporal in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 7895
We can trace many details of Thomas Whale's life before the war. He was the son of Solomon and Mary Whale, born at Ford, near Chippenham in 1875. The family moved to North Wraxall where his father was employed as a mason in 1881 and by 1891 they had moved to Quarry Hill where, as a 16 year old, Thomas worked as an errand boy for Box's Candle Works.
By 1901 Thomas was working as a travelling labourer and lodging at 12 Lambridge Street, Bath, with Susan Radford, a 52-year old widow with 3 children who survived on Parish Relief and Thomas' rent payments. The eldest daughter, Kate, had already left the Radford home and was known as Mrs Oliver. On the death of her husband, Kate and Thomas married in 1904 and they set up home at 9 Larkhall Terrace, Bath, where they had two children.
Thomas enlisted with the Somerset Light Infantry in Bath and was wounded in the first few months of the war and was treated at the Duchess of Westminster's Red Cross Society hospital at Le Touquet. He died of his wounds on 21 May 1915 and was buried in the hospital's graveyard. Kate was then living at 7 Brookleaze Place, Larkhall and she survived until 1938 when she passed away at Bath.
Lance Corporal in Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, 7895
We can trace many details of Thomas Whale's life before the war. He was the son of Solomon and Mary Whale, born at Ford, near Chippenham in 1875. The family moved to North Wraxall where his father was employed as a mason in 1881 and by 1891 they had moved to Quarry Hill where, as a 16 year old, Thomas worked as an errand boy for Box's Candle Works.
By 1901 Thomas was working as a travelling labourer and lodging at 12 Lambridge Street, Bath, with Susan Radford, a 52-year old widow with 3 children who survived on Parish Relief and Thomas' rent payments. The eldest daughter, Kate, had already left the Radford home and was known as Mrs Oliver. On the death of her husband, Kate and Thomas married in 1904 and they set up home at 9 Larkhall Terrace, Bath, where they had two children.
Thomas enlisted with the Somerset Light Infantry in Bath and was wounded in the first few months of the war and was treated at the Duchess of Westminster's Red Cross Society hospital at Le Touquet. He died of his wounds on 21 May 1915 and was buried in the hospital's graveyard. Kate was then living at 7 Brookleaze Place, Larkhall and she survived until 1938 when she passed away at Bath.
WHEATLEY, Albert Edward
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 160341
Albert was born in Colerne in 1890, the son of Albert Edward Wheatley (a maltster) and his wife Fanny Elizabeth Wheatley. The Wheatleys lived with the grandparents at Sheldon Lane, Chippenham until they could afford a place of their own. By 1911 the family lived at 21 Cheltenham Street, Bath and Albert junior was working for the Bath Corporation as an engine mechanic. He enlisted for service at Bath joining the Royal Engineers. It was probable that his death on 16th November 1917 was due to the collapse of a tunnel either by weight of the soil overburden or by enemy subsidence or explosion. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.
Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 160341
Albert was born in Colerne in 1890, the son of Albert Edward Wheatley (a maltster) and his wife Fanny Elizabeth Wheatley. The Wheatleys lived with the grandparents at Sheldon Lane, Chippenham until they could afford a place of their own. By 1911 the family lived at 21 Cheltenham Street, Bath and Albert junior was working for the Bath Corporation as an engine mechanic. He enlisted for service at Bath joining the Royal Engineers. It was probable that his death on 16th November 1917 was due to the collapse of a tunnel either by weight of the soil overburden or by enemy subsidence or explosion. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.