Wednesday's Child - Arthur Kenneth Bromley

Monument to Arthur Kenneth Bromley, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"To the Memory of Arthur Kenneth dearly loved third son of Arthur A & Kate L Bromley."



Arthur Kenneth Bromley was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in August 1902 to Arthur Ashby Bromley, a baker and confectioner, and his wife Kate Louise Mills.  Sadly Arthur Kenneth was to pass away in 1904.

At the time of Arthur Kenneth's death most of Berkshire was in the grip of a measles epidemic.  Many young children lost their lives.  However young Arthur was to die from Diphtheria.

Arthur Ashby and his family lived at 33-37 Bridge Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire where they ran a bakery, confectionary shop, corn dealership and a post office.  Sadly the building no longer exists.



A.A. Bromley and Staff c1905

Arthur and Kate had five children together, four who survived into adulthood, Ashby Donald, Collis Norman, Olive Kathleen and Edith Joyce.



A.A. Bromley 33-37 Bridge Street, Maidenhead c1930
At this time run by Ahsby Donald and Collis Norman Bromley

Flashback Friday - Josiah Wheeler - Lighterman

**Originally posted on 10th July 2012**

(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012

Monument to Josiah and Jane Wheeler, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Josiah Wheeler, Born October 4th 1849, Died January 2nd 1910.

'Not my will, but thine be done.'

Also

Jane beloved wife of Josiah Wheeler, Born October 4th 1845, Died Sept 27th 1916

'Till . The . Eternal . Morrow.' "

Josiah Wheeler was born on 4th October 1848 in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire to Josiah Wheeler, a bargeman and Mary Ann Russell.

In 1871 the year Josiah married his wife Jane Martin, he is listed as living with his parents at 'The Victoria Beer House' in Henley.  Josiah's occupation is listed as a boatman.  In 1881 however Josiah, incorrectly listed as Joseph, is now a publican and 'dealer' running and un-named public house in Bix Oxfordshire.

1891 sees Josiah and his family living in Maidenhead at 7 Denmark Terrace, Denmark Street, Maidenhead.  Now a dairyman and butcher.  Sadly nothing remains of Denmark Terrace as it was demolished to make way for industrial units.  1901 and the family have now moved to 1 East Street (now East Road), Maidenhead.  Josiah is now a lighterman as is his son Frank.  Lightermen were workers who transferred goods from large ships to the quay on flat bottomed barges called lighters.  It was dangerous and highly skilled work.

Josiah died on 2nd January 1910 aged 61.

Jane Wheeler was born Jane Martin on 4th October 1845 in Windermere, Westmorland to Nicholas Martin a shoemaker and later a railway porter and Harriet Hodgson.  Between 1851 and her marriage to Josiah in 1871, it is impossible to separate Jane for all the other Jane Martin's born around 1845 in Westmorland.  Seems it was a popular name.

Dunklesbuhler - Angels and Diamonds

**Originally posted 12th June 2012**

Angel monument to Kathleen Dunkles, Frances Dunkels and Ernest Dunkles, Maidenhead All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England

"Kathleen Dunkles 15 August 1906
Frances Dunkles 16 December 1953
Ernest Dunkels 12 September 1956"

Ernest Dunkles was born Ernest Dunkelsbuhler in London, Middlesex in 1880 to German parents Anton and Minna Dunkelsbuhler.  Anton was a famous diamond dealer who owned Anton Dunkelsbuhler & Company.  Ernest became a barrister and assumed the surname Dunkles in 1895, perhaps he felt it would be easier for his clients and neighbours than Dunkelsbuhler.

In 1909 Ernest married Frances S Van Nostrand, who travelled to England from New York on the ship Germanic on 9th June 1897.  On the Incoming Passengers List her occupation is listed simply as 'Lady'.  The lived together in Woodhurst Maidenhead and in 1916 Ernest enlisted and served in The Great War.  Frances passed away in the December of 1953, but not before giving Ernest four children.  Ernest was to follow his wife three years later.

Kathleen Dunkles was born Fanny Dunklesbuhler in London, Middlesex in 1878.  She was Ernest's elder sister.  Sometime between 1891 and 1906 Fanny changed her name to Kathleen, possibly a middle name, and took to using it instead of Fanny.  Ernest was to name his first daughter born in 1910, Kathleen after his sister.

Wednesday's Child - Cynthia Brockwell

Monument to Cynthia Brockwell, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"In loving memory of Cynthia Brockwell died Oct. 4th 1939 - Safe in the arms of Jesus - also her mother Dorothy Matilda Brockwell born Feb. 6th 1907.  Died Dec. 9th 1942 - Re-United"


Little Cynthia Borckwell was born in Maidenhead in 1932 to Reginald Hubert Brockwell and Dorothy Matilda Bunker.

In 1930 in Maidenhead Reginald married Dorothy and later that year their first child, a daughter Monica was born, closely followed by Cynthia in 1932 and Regina in 1938.

Sadly little Cynthia was to pass away in 1939 aged just seven years old. 

War Grave Wednesday - William Alfred West

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

 

 

William Alfred West was born in 1909 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to Christopher Charles West, a refreshment house keeper, and his wife Louise Garraway.

 

William first appears aged one year old on the 1911 Census, living with his parents and older brother Christopher John West at 8 Bridge Street, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Living with the family at the time is William's paternal grandmother Mary Ann West.

 

At some point after the outbreak of World War Two, William joined  The King's Royal Rifle Corps, becoming a Warrant Officer, Second Class.  Sadly William was to pass away on 19th August 1942.

 

William's Commonwealth 

Flashback Friday - Winifred Florence, Eleanor Amelia and Joseph Henry Manlove

**Originally posted 5th June 2012**

Monument to Winifred Florence, Eleanor Amelia and Joseph Henry Manlove.  All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory of

Winifred Florence, elder & beloved daughter of J.H and E.A Manlove
Born May 2nd 1884 - Died 28th Nov 1909
Thanks be to God which Giveth us the victory
Through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor 15. 57

Also

Eleanor Amelia Manlove
Bleoved wife of J.H Manlove
Born Feb 26th 1861 - Died May 15th 1928
"With Christ which is far better"

And of

Joseph Henry Manlove
Born June 8th 1856 - Died Oct 26th 1938

At Rest"

Joseph Henry Manlove was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in 1856 to Richard George Manlove, a coach builder and partner in the coach building firm Taylor and Manlove, and his wife Hannah Marks.

Joseph first appears on the 1861 Census aged four years old, living with his parents and elder brother Richard George Jr and his aunt Anne Marks, in Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

In 1871 the fourteen year old Joseph is boarding at his aunt Anne Howleston's house, 289 Greys Inn Road, Pancras, London.

Joseph, now an Iron Foundary Manager, married Eleanor Amelia Wright in Hackney in 1880.

Eleanor Amelia Wright was born in London in 1861 to John Wright, a London greengrocer and his wife Mary Ann.

Eleanor first appears on the 1871 Census aged nine years old, living with her parents, elder borther William and younger siblings, Albert, ernest, Henry and Emily at 18 Hampden Road, Islington, London.

In 1881 Joseph and Eleanor are living in Islington, London at 67 Junction Road.  Joseph and Eleanor's first child, a son Joseph Swalies was born in 1882 and their second child Winifred Florence was born in the May of 1884. 

On 2nd April 1887, Joseph Henry's father Richard George, passes away at home from Bronchitis.

By 1891 Joseph and his family have moved back to Maidenhead, possibly to be closer to Joseph's widowed mother Hannah.  The 1891 Census shows Joseph and his family living next door to Joseph's mother Hannah and his sister Florence Ann, in Sun Cottages, Sun Lane, Maidenhead Berkshire

In 1901 Joseph, his family, mother Hannah and sister Florence have moved to 26 Craufard Rise, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Joseph's occupation has changed from foundry manager to engineer's clerk.  Joseph Swalies is working as a bank clerk.  In 1902 Joseph and Eleanor's third and final child, a daughter Dorothy was born.

Sadly Winifred Florence was to pass away eight years later in 1909 aged only twenty five.

On 7th October 1909 Joseph Swalies Manlove marries Alice Gertrude Maunder in Marylebone, London

In 1911 Joseph and Eleanor are still living at 26 Craufard Rise, Maidenhead, Berkshire, along with their nine year old daughter Dorothy and Joseph's sister Florence Ann.

Joseph swalies is living with his wife's family in Wooburn, Buckinghamshire.

Samuel Waitman - Gardener and Cab Driver

Monument to Samuel and Daniel Samuel Waitman, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire, England.


"In Memory of Samuel Waitman who died March 20th 1897 aged 60 years.  Also of Daniel Samuel Waitman son of the above who died May 4th 1898 aged 15 years - when we meet to part no more."


Samuel wait man was born in Cookham, Berkshire in 1835 to Daniel Waitman, a agricultural labourer, and his wife Ann.

The first record of Samuel I can find is the 1851 Census where Samuel appears aged 16 living with his parents and elder siblings, Mary and Andrew and his nephew Mary's son James W.

I am unable to locate Samuel again until 1879 when Samuel marries Emma Callahan.

In 1881 Samuel is a head gardener living in Bray with his wife Emma and 15 year old nephew Thomas.

In 1884 Samuel and Emma celebrate the birth of their only child, a son, Daniel Samuel Waitman.

By 1891 Samuel and his small family had moved to 27 Moffatt Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  That wasn't the only change.  Samuel's occupation is now listed as a cab driver.

Sadly on 20th March 1897 Samuel passed away, followed a little more than a year later by his 15 year old son Daniel.

In 1902 the widowed Emma married William Rose in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  They can be found on the 1911 Census living at 53 Moffatt street, Maidenhead Berkshire.

Cemetery Sunday - Sisters of The Nativity of Our Lord

Monument to the sisters of The Nativity of Our Lord, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"Sisters of the Nativity of our Lord"


The above gravestone had no names or dates and was placed on a large plot. 


The catholic order of the Sisters of The Nativity of Our Lord was founded by Mother Mary Joseph de Franssu and Father Lewis Bathelemy Enfantin, in France.  In 1894 the convent moved from France to Sittingbourne in England to escape religious persecution. 

At some point before the early 1940s a group from the convent came to Maidenhead, Berkshire to set up a Covent school, The Nativity Of Our Lord School, for the education of catholic and non catholic children.  The school closed in 1982 when the convent sold the building and grounds to a committee of parents, which later became Clare's Court School.

Unfortunately my research seems to have hit a brick wall.  No one seems able to tell me when the sisters moved to Maidenhead and why they left or even who is buried in the grave at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery.

Gladys Le Blac Smith - The Sinking of the Tanjong Penang

**Originally posted on 29th May 2012**

 

Monument to Gladys Le Blanc Smith, All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In Ever Loving Memory of

Gladys

The Dearly Beloved And Most Devoted Wife Of

Fredrick Stuart Le Blanc Smith

Born January 8th 1884 - Died August 2nd 1913."


Gladys Le Blanc Smith was born Gladys Haig on 8th January 1884 at Bray Court, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire to John Haig, a Distiller from Scotland and Jane Mary Ann Davis.

In 1910 Gladys married Frederick Stuart Le Blanc Smith, a member of The London Stock Exchange at All Saint's Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  The 1911 Census shows them living at Cairns, King's Grove, Maidenhead.  Soon their marriage was blessed by the birth of their daughter Beatrice (Betty), but tragically death was to take Gladys away from her young daughter in the August of 1913.

The outbreak of world War II saw Beatrice joining the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, where she served in the Far East on the 'Evacuation Ships'.  Beatrice was on the SS Kuala on 12th February 1942 when it came under enemy aircraft attack, killing many of the nurses, women and children aboard.  When the SS Kuala eventually sank off of Pom Pong Island, Beatrice was one of the few survivors.  However fate was not kind to her. 

Fellow Nurse Margot Turner recounts -

"During the night of 16-17^th February, all women, children and wounded were taken off the island in rowing boats and placed on board the ‘Tanjong Penang’, a small cargo boat which was very crowed.

On the morning of the 17^th February 1942. She was hit by gunfire at 9.30 p.m. on that day and sank in about 5 minutes.

I was lying next to Sister Beatrice le Blanc Smith and there were people dead and dying all round us. Beatrice got a nasty wound in the buttock… My first thought was for the women and children in the hold; but a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse) struggling up from there to the deck, her dress covered in blood, said that the hold had had the full force of one of the shells and was absolutely smashed. In any case I realised that there was nothing I could do as the ship was already at a steep angle and obviously just about to turn over. Beatrice and I just stepped into the sea and were very lucky not to be sucked down when the ship suddenly turned over and sank.

The cries and screams of the wounded, the helpless and the dying, were quite terrible."


Before the ship sunk the officers had managed to throw a few small rafts overboard and Le Blanc Smith and Turner got hold of two and tied them together.  Both Beatrice and Margot had managed to save sixteen people from the sea, including six children, two of whom were under a year in age.  Sadly Sister Beatrice was not to make it, succumbing to her wounds on 18th February 1942

Beatrice is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial Colum 114.

Singapore Memorial

** Originally posted on Herding Cats

Wednesday's Child - Daniel Samuel Waitman

Monument to Samuel Waitman and Daniel Samuel Waitman, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In Memory Of Samuel Waitman who died March 20th 1897 Aged 60 years.  Also Of Daniel Samuel Waitman who died May 4th 1898 Aged 15 years - When we meet to part no more - I am the resurrection and the life, he who believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live - S. John XVIII. 24"


Daniel Samuel Waitman was born in Windsor in 1883 to Samuel Waitman, a cab driver and his wife Emma Callahan.

Daniel appears on the 1891 Census, listed as Samuel Whaitman aged seven years, living with his parents at 27 Moffat Street, in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  (Moffat Street no longer exists)  Living with them at the time is Samuel Snr's six year old niece Alice Haines.  Sadly Daniel was to pass away nearly seven years later at the age of fifteen.

Flashback Friday - Grinsted - Death of an Empire

*Originally posted 22nd May 2012*

Angel monument to Charles Grinsted, Daisy Grinsted and Agnes Sarah Grinsted.  All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In Ever Loving Memory of -

Charles Grinsted who passed away December 12th 1928 aged 65 years
Also Daisy, his daughter who died October 6th 1908 aged 12 years
Also his beloved wife Agnes Sarah, died Oct 7th 1935 aged 71 years."

Charles Grinsted was born in 1863 in Mile End, Old Town, London to Thomas Place Grinsted and his wife Emma Shakel.  Some time between 1881 and 1891 Charles married Agnes Sarah Bushell and followed in his father's fishmonger footsteps by opening a fishmongers shop at 2 King Street Maidenhead.  Eventually branching out into 4, 6 and 8 King Street.

Their fifth child and fourth daughter Daisy was born at 2 King Street in 1897, sadly she was to die at the age of 12 in 1908.

Charles continued to build his mini empire to become a bookmaker and licensed game dealer until his death in the December of 1928.  Agnes remained at 4 King Street along with her daughter Lily, Lily's husband Freddie Cook and their daughter Norah (who was born on the kitchen table of number 4 King Street on 9th July 1911) until her death in October 1935.  Lily, Freddie and Norah carried on the family business, adding butchery to their skills, until the 1950s when Windsor and Maidenhead Council compulsorily purchased the King Street shops and demolished them to make way for the New Market development.  Norah moved to The Crescent, Maidenhead.

King Street Maidenhead c1950

Sadly Norah Cook passed away on 14th March 2011, just months shy of her 100th birthday.  The last remaining grandchild of Charles and Agnes Grinsted, bringing an end to the empire. 

Norah's Obituary can be found here - The Maidenhead Advertiser:  Obituary: Fun-loving Maidonian, 99, was last granddaughter in dynasty.

War Grave Wednesday - Flight Sergeant Alec Henry Cousins - A Marauder of the Sky

Monument to Flight Sergeant Alec Henry Cousins, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


Alec Henry Cousins was born in Maidenhead in 1923 to Frederick William Cousins and his wife Bertha Calliss.

A some point after the outbreak of World War Two Alec joined 35th Squadron  Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as an Air Bomber.

Alec's mission to Cologne in Germany on 24th December 1944, along with Pilot, Flight Officer Arthur Thomas Kenyon, Flight Engineer, Sergeant Leonard Williams, Navigator, Sergeant Albert Thomas, Air Gunner, Sergeant Cecil Leonard Blundell, Air Gunner, Sergeant Cyril Arthur Winter and Air Gunner, Sergeant Roy Arthur Yallop, to mark targets and routes with coloured flares for the main bomber stream to follow, was to be his last. 

On that day their Lancaster III PB366 TL-S (Sugar) took off from Graveley Air Field, Cambridgeshire  at 3:35pm.  The weather was reported to be, 'not favourable' with freezing temperatures and fog forecast.  Shortly after take off the plane  failed to climb, taking the roof off a cottage in London Lane, before clipping an elm tree and summersaulting into a field at Low Farm, Great Paxton near the Graveley airfield.  The plane's bomb load was catapulted into a ditch along side the main road to St. Neots.  One of the unexploded bombs hit the wall of Low Farm House.  The aircraft soon caught fire after impact and the first on the scene had to use rakes and hoes to drag the men from the wreckage, all but one died, who later died of his injuries at hospital, died at the scene.

Official MOD records give the reason for the loss as: "Pilot lost control taking off, while in fog conditions due to faulty instrument flying."  Pilot Arthur Thomas Kenyon had only had 272 hours flying experience under instruction with only 19 hours experience as a solo pilot.

There is a granite memorial stone in memory of the men at the entrance of the what was Graveley Air Field and the squadron's colours are displayed in The Path Finders Chapel.

All men lost were buried in their home towns.

Marauders of the Sky

See them come home, sliding and roaring by
The bright, beloved, marauders of the sky
Stern and serene young profiles and strong hands
That have dealt death and sorrow over lands
Once fair with peace and wine, young love and song.
They flew impersonal elated and strong
See them come in to land, their smiles, their eyes,
The triumph in their step. But strangely lies
Pain in this mouth, pale horror on that brow
That went unruffled, candid, gay, just now.
They have returned, fierce kinsmen of the wind
Brought back their lives but left their youth behind.



Poem by Sergeant Roy Arthur Yallop.

© Copyright David Purchase and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence



Cemetery Sunday - I Change But In Death

Decoration found on a stone sarcophagus style gravestone at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery.

 

 

 

 



Wednesday's Child - Our Baby Peggy Davis

Monument to Peggy Davis, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.


"Our Baby Peggy Davis fell asleep 8th Sept 194? Aged 1 year."

This beautiful yet sad little cross is always well looked after.  Sometimes there are beautiful fresh flowers left for her.  Sadly however the inscription on the stone is slowly wearing away and won't be readable for much longer.  After I had taken the picture I righted Peggy's flowers and thanked her.

Taphophile Tragics - George and Jane Battcock - Wine Merchants

Monument to George and Jane Battcock, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.


"In affectionate remembrance - George Battcock who died 24th December 1891 aged 76 years.

and of Jane his wife who died December 26th 1895 aged 80 years."


George Battcock was born on 23rd July 1815 in Chelsea, Middlesex to Thomas William Battcock, a coal merchant, and his wife Elizabeth Rubergall.  George was christened on 29th July 1815 at St Luke's, Chelsea, Middlesex.

In 1838 George married Jane King.  Jane King was born on 7th January 1815 in Brentford, Middlesex to John King, a clothes salesman, and his wife Mary Ann Marshall.  In 1840 George and Jane had their first child, a son George Arthur, in 1841 Charles Frederick was born, followed by William Frederick in 1850.

I cannot locate either Wine Merchant George, his wife Jane or their elder children on the 1841 Census.  They appear on the 1851 Census living at 35 Wellington square in Chelsea, Middlesex with 3 month old William Frederick.  The 11 year old George Arthur is boarding at a school in Boston Road, Ealing, along with his younger brother Charles.

In 1861 George Snr, Jane and George Jr, now a wine merchant, had moved to 178 Kings Road in Chelsea, Middlesex.  Charles Frederick, aged 19 is boarding at Remenham Manor School in Henley Berkshire.  William Frederick is boarding at a school in Cheswick Mall, Middlesex.

In 1867 George Arthur Battcock married Margaret Vowe in Uppingham,, Rutland.  Their first child Mary Edith Vowe Battcock is born in 1869 and Hylda Margaret Vowe Battcock in 1871.

1871 finds George Snr, Jane, Charles and William still living at 178 Kings Road in Chelsea.  Both Charles and William have followed their father into the wine merchant business.

George Arthur and Margaret can be found on the 1871 Census living with their two young daughters at 2 Brunswick Gardens in Chelsea.  Margaret was to pass away in 1880 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

In 1873 Charles Frederick Battcock married Charlotte Munday in Surrey.  Their son Cyril Charles Battcock was born in 1875 in Kensington London.

In 1881 George Snr and Jane have moved to 71 Holland street in Chelsea.  Living with them at the time is the recently widowed George Arthur.  Twelve year old Mary Edith is visiting the house of Catherine Hill at 52 Queensgate Terrace in Kensington, London.  Rather strangely George and Mary Edith both appear again on the 1881 Census as living at 3 Craufaud Rise in Maidenhead Berkshire, along with 10 year old Hylda Margaret.  In that same year George Arthur married Emma Woodhill in Kensington, London.  Their son Grenville Arthur Battcock was born in 1882 in Maidenhead.

I am unable to locate Charles Frederick Battcock or William Frederick Battcock on the 1881 Census.

In 1891 the now retired George Snr and Jane are living at 5 Kidwells Park in Maidenhead Berkshire.  Sadly George was to pass away on Christmas Eve of 1891.  Jane Battcock passed away on Boxing Day 1895.

George Arthur, his second wife Emma, Mary Edith and Hylda Margaret are still living at 3 Craudfaud Rise in Maidenhead Berkshire.  Mary Edith's occupation is listed as artist.  Grenville, aged 8 is boarding at Cordwallis School in Maidenhead Berkshire.

I am unable to locate Charles Frederick Battcock or his family or William Frederick on the 1891 Census.

In 1895 however William Frederick Battcock marries Agnes Craig Moore at Holy Trinity church in Paddington London.  The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reported -

"Battcock - Stewart.  On 22nd isnt. at Holy Trinity Church, Paddington, by the Rev. (illegible) R. Gordon, D.D.  Rector od (illegible) William Frederick Battcock of Roehampton Vale, Surrey, youngest son of the late George Battcock, Esq, Kidwells Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire, to Agnes Craig Moore, widow of the late Francis Pott Stewart, Esq."


In 1901 George Arthur and Emma are living at 24 Craufaud Rise in Maidenhead, along with Hylda Margaret.  Mary Edith is visiting Alfred Appleby and his family in Rodborough Gloucestershire.  Grenville Arthur is a student at Wincester College.

Charles Frederick, Charlotte and their son are living in Chalvey Park in sloughs, Berkshire.  Charles's occupation has changed to brush manufacturer and Cyril is helping his father in the business.

William Frederick Battcock is boarding at 51 Wilton Road, Bexhill, Sussex in the home of Eliza Swann.  Agnes Battcock is visiting the Blackwell family at 16 - 21 St George's Square, Hanover, London.

George Arthur Battcock was to pass away in 1907 in Maidenhead Berkshire, The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reports -

"The value of the estate of the late Mr. George Battcock, of Amber House, maidenhead; is given as £43,165."


More information on the Battcock can be found at Global Battcock Family Tree.

Cemetery Sunday - Prayer #2

 

Praying angel, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

 

 



War Grave Wednesday - ATA First Officer Alan Blair Dorrell

Monument to First Officer Alan Blair Dorrell, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"Jesus said. "Greater love hath no man than this.  That a man lay down his life for his friends."


Alan Blair Dorrell was born on 8th May 1910 in St John, Worcestershire to John Dorrell, a clothing manufacturer, and his with Eveline Francis Hinks.

Alan appears on the 1911 Census aged just 11 months old, living with his parents and elder brother Geoffrey James and younger sister Nora Helen Dorrell, aged just one month, in Mavlern Road, St John, Worcestershire.

Alan obtained his Aviators' Certificate on 24th May 1939 at Worcestershire Flying Club.

First Officer Alan Blair Dorrell died when he crashed the Spitfire VIII he was flying at Byron Hall Farm, Stag Lane, Lowton nr Warrington, in bad weather on 1st December 1943 aged just 33 years.

Alan's name also appears on the Malvern War Memorial, in Malvern Worcestershire.

Primroses for Daisy Maud Spencer

Memorial to Daisy Maud Spencer, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.


"In Loving Memory of Daisy Maud Spencer who died suddenly August 21st 1911 Aged 29 - Rest in Peace."



Daisy Maud Spencer was born in Cookham Berkshire in 1882 to Julius Spencer, a solicitors clerk, and his wife Sarah Jane Lloyd.  Daisy was the cousin of Sir Stanley Spencer.

Daisy first appears on the 1891 Census, aged 8 years old, living at Belmont Villa in Cookham, High Street (the house next door to Stanley Spencer's famous home Fernlea, however the villa's name has changed to Bellingho), with her parents and elder siblings Mabel Lloyd, an art student born in 1873, Lilly who was born disabled in 1875, and Violet Eleanor born in 1881.

Sadly Lily Spencer passes away in 1899 in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

In 1901 the 18 year old Daisy is still living in Belmont Villa (next door to her 9 year old cousin Stanley Spencer), with her parents Julius and Sarah Jane.  Sadly in 1901 Violet Eleanor passes away aged only 20 years and in 1902 Julius passes away in Bournemouth, aged only 54 years.

The Reading Mercury reported -

"Death of Mr. Julius Spencer - The death occurred at Bournemouth Wednesday week, at the age of 54, of Mr. Julius Spencer a well-known and respected inhabitant of Cookham.  The funeral took place at Maidenhead Cemetery on Saturday afternoon and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends, the latter including many residents of Maidenhead and Cookham.  The deceased was on of the oldest continuous season-ticket holders on The Great Western Railway, travelling to London every day to attend at the office where he had been engaged for the past 30 years.  Among other duties, he held the post of vestry clerk to the united parishes of  SS Lawrence and Mary Magdalene Jewry.  The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. J. Stephen Barrass, rector of St. Lawrence Jewry." 


In 1903 Daisy was admitted to Bethlem Royal Hosptial for the Mentally Ill, possibly for depression.  Bethlem Royal Hospital was one Britain's oldest hospitals dealing with patients with mental health issues.  It's foundation can be traced as far back as 1247.

Daisy was released seven months later, however on 15th December 1909 she was admitted to Camberwell House Asylum, until her release on 8th June 1910.  This was not to be her last stay at a hospital for the mentally ill.

1911 finds the widowed Sarah still living in Belmont Villa with her daughter Mable Lloyd now a hospital nurse.

In 1911 Daisy was a patient at Essex County Asylum, her entry gives her age as 27 and her previous occupation as governess. On 10th April 1911 Daisy was admitted for a second time to Bethlem Royal Hospital.

Daisy's probate records states that she died on 21st August 1911 in Bethlem Royal Hospital in Southwark Surrey, leaving £500 to her sister Mabel. 

I cannot be certain for the reasons behind Daisy's admittance to those hospitals or even her death, but I suspect that depression of some sort had it's part to play, both in her life and her death.



 

William Henry Edwards - Waterman of Maidenhead

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Anchor monument to William Henry Edwards, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of William Henry Edwards who departed this life June 2? 1902 aged 48 years"


William Henry Edwards was born in 1853 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Charles Edwards, a railway labourer, and his wife Elizabeth Scrafield.

William first appears on the 1861 Census, listed as W Edwards, aged 8, living with his parents and siblings in North Town, Maidenhead Berkshire.

In 1871 William is serving as a Private in the Coldstream Guards in Essex.

In 1879 William marries Emma Gomm in Maidenhead Berkshire and their first child, a son William Frank is born a year later in 1880.  The family can be found on the 1881 Census living at North Town Court where William trade is a waterman. Watermen of the Thames were boat or barge men who offered their services for hire to transport goods or passengers along the river. 


The Company of Watermen and Lighterman was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to control the Watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers. Indeed it remains the only ancient City Guild to he formed and controlled by Act of Parliament.

Even today it still licences the Watermen and Lighterman working on the River Thames, the former being concerned with passenger transport and the latter with the carriage of goods. The young Freemen of the Company are eligible to participate in the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, which has been held annually since 1715. This gruelling boat race is held each July and goes along the river from London Bridge to Chelsea. The winner has the honour of
wearing the scarlet coat, breeches and silver arm badge that are based on the original costume of an eighteenth century Watermen"  - Watermens Hall


1891 finds William and his family still living in North Town Court, joining the family are Henry Charles aged 9, Beatrice Mary aged 7, Rhoda aged 5, James (Stephen James) aged 3 and 1 year old Mary.  Living a few doors away are William's brother Ernest J and his family.  Ernest is also a waterman by trade.

By 1901, just a year before William's death, the family has moved to 9 Rose Cottage, Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Also at this time William Frank is currently residing as a patient at the Royal Naval Hospital in Alverstoke, Hampshire.  William Frank was listed as an Able Seaman.  Sadly William Frederick was to pass away at the end of 1901 in Bury St Edmunds aged only 21 years.

1901 was to be a sad year for the Edwards family as 13 year old Rhoda passed away in Windsor, Berkshire.

Maybe the marriage of Henry Charles to Louisa Georgina Goddard in 1904 and the marriage of Beatrice Mary to Frederick Charles in 1906 brought back some happiness to the family

William died in the June of 1902 aged only 48 years old.  I wondered if his death could be related to his occupation, as being a waterman on the river Thames had it's hazards.  I came across several reports of drowned watermen being dragged from the river Thames, but not one of those accounts matched up with William's time of death.  Of course he simply could have died of natural causes.

In 1911 the widowed Emma is still living in Rose Cottage with her son James aged 18 and now a jobbing gardener and her daughter Beatrice.  Living in Emma's household at the time is Beatrice's husband Frederick Andrews, an electrical engineer and their two sons, Frederick aged 3 years and Cecil aged 2.

Henry Charles, now a police constable, and his wife Louisa have moved to 27 Pinnacle Hill, Bexley Heath in Kent by 1911.  Their two daughters Rhoda Lily, (possibly named after Henry's sister) aged 5 and Hilda Margarite aged 2 years are living with them.

Mary is a parlour maid for the Plumby family at 34, The Pryors, East Heath Road, Hampstead.

Emma Edwards eventually followed William to the grave in 1927.



Don't forget to link up with Cemetery Sunday every Sunday.

For more Taphophile Tragics, please click here.
For more Tombstone Tuesday posts, please click here.

War Grave Wednesday - C. B. Fryer - Army Catering Corps

 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

 

Private Charles Benjamin Fryer was born in 1927 in Shropshire to Ben Fryer and his wife Emma.

 

At sometime Charles joined the Army Catering Corps, which was responsible for feeding all the Army Units.  It was originally formed in 1941 as part of the Royal Army Service Corps and became a corps in it's own rights in 1965.  For more history on the Army Catering Corps, please click here.

 

 

Charles Fryer died on 19th May 1947 in Windsor Berkshire.  Charles has a Commonwealth War Grave because his army service was found to have either caused his death through injury or disease, or exacerbated an existing condition that he may have suffered from.

 

I often wonder if Charles was the subject of some ribbing from his Army comrads, due to the nature of his surname and his chosen unit.