Cemetery Sunday - Angel - All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery

Praying Angel
All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England

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Jack Clayton - Flim Director - "You Walked Tallest Amongst Men My Love"

Memorial to Jack Clayton, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham, Berkshire.

"Jack Clayton 1921 - 1995 film director

You walked tallest amongst men my love."

Jack Clayton was born on 1st March 1921 in Brighton.  He started his career in film as a child actor in 1929 on the film Dark Red Roses.  Later aged fifteen he started work at Denham Film Studios, working his way up from tea boy to assistant director.

 During World War II in 1944 whilst serving as a photographer with the Royal Air Force Film Unit, Clayton shot his first film, the documentary, Naples is a Battlefield.  His first feature was the internationally acclaimed Room at the Top in 1959, a harsh indictment of the British class system, which won two Oscars and earned Clayton a Best Director nomination.

Other films directed by Jack Clayton include, The Innocents (1961),  The Pumpkin Eater (1964), Our Mother's House (1967), The Great Gatsby (1974), Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983), The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1988), starring the late Bob Hoskins.  In 1993 he produced and directed a Film for the BBC, Memento Mori.

Jack married actress Christine Norden (born Mary Lydia Thornton) in 1947, they divorced in 1953, later that same year he married Katherine Kath (born Lily Faess) who he was to divorce also.  Finally in August 1984 he married actress Haya Harareet, who he remained married to until his death on 26th February 1995 in Slough, Berkshire, after suffering heart and liver problems.

 

 

 

Flashback Friday - Private Horace James Wise - Machine Gun Corps

**Originally posted 23rd January 2013**

 

 

"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".

 

 

 

Horace James Wise was born in 1891 to Alfred Wise, a bricklayer, and his wife Maria Woodward, a sweet shop owner.

 

On the 1901 Census, 9 year old Horace can be found living at 18 Moffatt Street (which now no longer exists), Maidenhead Berkshire, along with his elder brother George and younger sister Elizabeth.

 

1911 finds Horace, now a warehouse porter, working for Messers J and R Morley and living at 18 Charterhouse Street, London.

 

Horace first enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment, but was declared as unfit for service on 8th November 1915.  He later enlisted with the 184th Machine Gun Corps on 11th October 1916.  On 16th February 1917 Horace arrived at the Field Billet.  On 10th April Horace was deprived of 6 days pay for losing by neglect his rations.  He was in trouble again on 22nd May for being absent from the Billet between 21:00 and 21:20, for this he was deprived 2 days pay.

 

On 27th August 1917 Horace was wounded in action, he received a gun shot wound to his left buttock as well as shrapnel wounds to his back.  He was immediately transferred to Grantham Military Hospital in Sunderland where his wounds were cleaned and he under went a Laparotomy (an exploratory operation on the abdomen), which found that the wounds had not penetrated this bowels.

 

It is not clear whether Horace returned to fight at the front as his military records are very patchy.  However on 20th February 1919 Horace became unwell.  He was again admitted to the Grantham Military Hospital on 25th February and was found to be suffering from Influenza and Bronchial Pneumonia, sadly dispite all efforts to save him, Horace died on 27th February 1919 at 5:30am.

 

He left behind his Father Alfred, mother Maria and siblings George and Elizabeth.

 

 



Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams MP and Edith Countess of Aylesford

 

 

 

Monument to Lieutenant General Lewis Cope Williams MP and Edith Countess of Aylesford, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham, Berkshire.

 

"Vault of the Williams Family of Temple House Berkshire - In Loving Memory of Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams born 13th July 1836 died Oct 2nd 1904.  This monument was erected by his widow in grateful remembrance of 22 happy years spent together.

Edith Countess of Aylesford Widow of Heneage 7th Earl and daughter of Col Thomas Peers Williams of Temple House.  Born April 12th 1842 died June 24th 1897."

 

 

Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams was born on 13th July 1836 at 41 Berkley Square, London, eldest son of Colonel Thomas Peers Williams, who sat in the House of Commons for Great Marlow from 1820 to 1868, and his wife Emily Bacon, youngest daughter of Anthony Bushby Bacon, an industrialist of Benham Park, Berkshire.

 

Countess Edith Finch was born Edith Williams on 12th April 1842 to Colonel Thomas Peers Williams and Emily Bacon.

 

 

Lieutenant General Williams first appears on the 1841 Census aged four years old, living with his parents and younger sisters Margaret and Emily at 41 Berkeley Square, Westminster, London.

 

In 1851, however, fourteen year old Lieutenant General Williams can be found studying at Eton College in Eton, Berkshire.  In 1854 Lieutenant General Williams entered the Royal Horse Guards, he became Lieutenant in 1856 and Captain in 1858.

 

 

Countess Edith first appears on the 1851 Census, aged nine years, living with her parents, elder sisters Margaret Elizabeth and Emily Gwendolyn, younger sisters Blanche, and Nina Janet Bronwyn, younger brother Thomas Anthony Hwfa, Uncle George Bacon and cousin Kate Bacon.

 

By 1861 Lieutenant General Williams has returned to Temple House where he is now listed as being Captain of Royal Horse Guards.  His parents and sister Countess Edith have moved to Craig-y-don in Anglesey, Wales.

 

In 1862 Lieutenant General Williams married Fanny Florence Caulfield, in 1865 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Owen Gywnydd St George Williams, followed closely by his brother Ivor Henry Williams in 1867.  In 1866 Lieutenant General Williams became Lieutenant Colonel.

 

In 1871 Lieutenant General Williams, now made a Colonel, his wife and two young sons can be found living at 24 Hill Street in Westminster, London.  That same year countess Edith married Henaege Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford.  In 1872 they celebrated the birth of their first child, Lady Hilda Joanna Gwendoline Finch, followed by her sister Lady Alexandra Louise Minna Finch in 1875.  However in 1877 the Earl of Aylesford and Countess Edith separated.  After their separation, on November 4th 1881 at 8 Avenue Friedland, Paris, France, a son, Guy Bertrand Spencer Aylesford was born to Edith.  However there was some question as to his legitimacy.  After the Earl's death in 1885, Countess Edith petitioned the House of Lords to have her son Guy acknowledged as the son and heir of her late husband.  However the petition was unsuccessful with the title of 8th Earl of Aylesford being passed to Henaege's brother Charles Wightwick Finch.  The real father of Guy Bertrand was George Charles Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, 8th Duke of Marlborough.  Before the 7th Earl of Aylesford's death Countess Edith and the Duke's younger brother, Lord Randolph Churchill, tried to get the petition dropped by threatening the Princess of wales that they would subpoena the Prince of Wales as a witness. The 7th Earl of Aylesford died before the divorce could be finalised.

 

In 1881 Countess Edith can be found living alone at 11 Portugal Street in Chelsea London.  Later in 1891 Countess Edith and nine year old Guy Bertrand Spencer are living at Bear Place, Hare Hatch, wargrave, Berkshire.  Her daughters can be found living with their paternal grandmother Lady Augusta Sophia, Dowager Countess of Aylesford.

 

In 1876 Fanny Florence passes away. 

 

In 1880 until 1885 Lieutenant General Williams becomes the Conservative MP for Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire as well as the justice of the Peace for Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Anglesey and Carnarvon.  In 1882 he is promoted to Major General.  He also held the office of Silver Stick in Waiting to Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

 

I am unable to locate the widowed Lieutenant General Williams on the 1881 Census, but his eldest son Owen Gywnydd can be found studying at Eton College in Eton Berkshire.  .

 

In 1882 Lieutenant General Williams married Nina Mary Adelaide Sinclair, who was twenty years his junior.  He retires from the army in 1887 with the honourary rank of Lieutenant General.

 

By 1891 Lieutenant General Williams had returned to Temple House in Bisham Berkshire, where he is living with his second wife Nina and eldest son Captain Owen Gywnydd (Captain of the Royal Horse Guards).  Living with the family is 5 month old Archibald Henry Macdonald Sinclair, Nina's nephew.  In 1901 Lieutenant General Williams, his wife Nina and Archibald Sinclair are still residing at Temple House in Bisham Berkshire.  Sometime before 1904 Ivor Henry Williams passes away.

 

In 1892 the George Charles Spencer-Churchill, 8th duke of Marlborough passes

 

On June 24th 1897 Countess Edith Aylesford passes away at 51 Welbeck Street, London

 

On 2nd October 1904 Lieutenant General Williams passes away at his home in Temple House, Bisham.

 

The widowed Nina Williams leaves Temple House in Bisham and takes up residence at the family home at 24 Hill Street, Westminster, London, where she can be found on the 1911 Census.  Young Lieutenant Archibald Sinclair has become a commissioned officer in the 2nd Life Guards At St George, Hanover Square in London.

 

In 1910 Guy Bertrand Spencer married Lily Blanche Saville.  In 1911 Guy Bertrand Spencer and his wife Lily can be found living at New Road, Dinton, Aylesbury.  Guy Bertrand Spencer's occupation is listed as a brewer.

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday - Leading Aircraftman Edmund John McGrath

Gravestone of Leading Aircraftman Edmund John McGrath, Under Training Pilot, Royal Air Force.

 

 

Edmund John McGrath was born in 1911 in Farnham Surrey.  He was killed in active service on 21st December 1940 aged just 29 years.  Edmund's death was registered in Wokingham, Berkshire.

I apologise for my absence last week, unfortunately I was unwell.

 

 

 



 



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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Private George Eaton - A Battle with Depression

**Originally posted 16th January 2013**

"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".

George Eaton was born in 1859 in Hurley, Berkshire to Thomas, an agricultural labourer and his wife Sarah Herbert.

George first appears on the 1861 Census aged 2, living with his parents and siblings in Hurley Berkshire. Ten years later in 1871 George and his family are still living in Hurley, at 8 Lady Place, Ashley Hill.  Joining the family is George's aunt Mary Ann Herbert, who is listed as servant domestic (invalid). 

It seems that in 1871 George served time at her majesty's pleasure for poaching pheasant eggs.

On 12th August 1871 the Reading Mercury reported:

"George Eaton of the parish of Hurley, was summoned for having on the 12th May last, at the parish of Hurley, unlawfully taken from a nest nine pheasants' eggs, on land in the occupation of Sir G. East.  It appeared from the evidence that after the offence was committed defendant left the neighbourhood and kept out of the way until 5th August.  The case was now clearly proved, and he was sentenced to a fine of 2s. for each egg, and 10s. 6d. costs or one month's imprisonment.  Committed." 


In 1881 George is working with his father and elder siblings as an agricultural labourer.

In 1884 George married Harriet Pickett.  Their first child, a daughter Alice was born in 1885, closely followed by Ann in 1887.  Their first son George William was born in 1889.

In 1891 the small family can be found living at 6 Long Acre, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where George is now a bricklaying labourer.  By 1901 George and his family had moved to Tyrells Buildings in Maidenhead, where George is listed as a ground works labourer.  Catherine aged 9, Thomas aged 6, Benjamin aged 4 and John aged 1 have joined the family.  George and Harriet's youngest child Robert was born in 1904.

It seems however that George was plagued with depression, which at one point caused him to attempt to take his own life, for which he served a week's imprisonment at Reading Gaol.  The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reports on 15th September 1906 -

"The Case Of Attempted Suicide

At the Maidenhead Borough Police-court on Friday George Eaton, a resident, was charged on remand with having cut and wounded himself with a razor, intending to kill and murder himself.

The Magistrates' Clerk explained to the Bench that the Governor of Reading Gaol had written to the effect that he was of the opinion the suicidal attempt was a feint, and that there were no signs of insanity in regard to the prisoner.

Police-constable Hay said that he was stationed at Maidenhead.  On the 30th August he had received information that the prisoner had cut his throat.  In company with Police-constable Barr he went to Denmark-street and found that the prisoner had gone out.  He went in search of the prisoner and found him in a field on the other side of the Furze Platt, on the way to Cookham.  He asked him what he was doing and he said, "Nothing."  He noticed a razor sticking out of his pocket; it was in the condition in which it now was (with blood upon it).  Prisoner's throat was covered in blood.  He examined the prisoner's throat, but found no serious cut.  He eventually got him into the road, when he "turned up rough" and said he wanted to go on to the Thicket to finish the job.  They were obliged to handcuff the prisoner; they had no trouble with him after that.  Eaton said several times on the way to the station that he would "finish it off" some time, but he was in a dazed condition, and did not seem to know what he was doing.

Mr Cox:  Was he sober?- Yes, sir.
Had he been drinking
No, I think not, sir.  He was in a dazed state.

The Magistrates' Clerk (to the prisoner) What did you do this for?
Prisoner:  I do not know anything about it; I have been ill.
When you came to your senses did you know what you had done?- No.

Mrs. Eaton, mother of the prisoner, told the magistrates that on Monday when her son came home she said that he was ill, and he looked it.  He was very much depressed.  She advised him to see Dr. Montgomery.

The Magistrates' Clerk:  Do you think he will do this kind of thing again?
Mrs. Eaton:  No, sir.  He thought he was going to lose his father and it upset him.  He looked so funny when he came to me on the Monday that I thought he was "going off" like some other members of the family.  He has never threatened his wife; it was only what people had said about him.

Prisoner's wife, a most respectably-dressed woman, was in court with a baby in her arms, but was not called.

The Mayor (to Mrs. Eaton sen.):  After what you say, if you will keep an eye on your son the magistrates are disposed to dismiss the case.
Mrs. Eaton:  Thank you, sir.

Prisoner afterwards left with his wife and mother."



In 1911 the family had moved to 78 Reform Road where George is listed as a domestic gardener. 

Sometime after the out break of World War One, George enlisted with The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  I have been unable to locate any War Service Records for George. 

Before his death on 26th July 1915 in Hampshire at the age of 56, George was treated at Netley Military Hospital in Hampshire.  Netley Hospital boasted the first purpose built military asylum where men suffering from severe psychosis and Shell Shock were treated.



Annie Harriet Lowndes - Lady Superintendent of St John's National School, Winchester

 

 

 

Monument to Annie Harriet Lowndes, All Saints Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"Annie Harriet Lowndes.  Born 2nd February 1855.  Died 15th January 1914."

 

 

Annie Harriet Lowndes was born on 2nd February 1855 in Belgravia, London to Samuel Lowndes, a stock broker and magistrate, and his wife Letitia Baden.

 

Annie first appears the 1861 Census, aged six, living at Esher House, Cobham, Surrey, with her parents and her six year old cousin Edith Phillips.

 

In 1870 Annie's mother, Letitia passed away.

 

At the age of sixteen on the 1871 Census, Annie can be found boarding at Sussex House School for Girls in Clifton, Bristol.

 

In 1881 Annie is living with her Grandmother Eliza Lowndes, father Samuel and Aunt Rebe at 84 Oxford Terrace, in London Paddington.

 

In 1882 Annie's father, Samuel, married his second wife, Isabel Gore Browne in Christchurch, Hampshire.

 

By the 1891 Census, Annie had moved again, this time to live at 71 Oxford Terrace in the home of her Uncle Thomas, a retired Army Major General, Along with her father Samuel, his second wife Isabel and her elderly Aunt Rebe Lowndes.

 

annie had moved again by the 1901 Census, where she is now recorded as the lady superintendent of St John's National School for Girls and Infants at 4 and 4a St John's Street, Winchester, Hampshire.  The building still stands to this day and is now called St John's Hall.

 

© Copyright Chris Talbot and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

 

By the 1911 Census Annie had moved again, this time to St Helen's, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Living with Annie at the time is Margaret Ann Kempe, who worked at St John's National School for Girls and Infants as a matron along side Annie.  Both ladies are now recorded as living by 'private means'.

Annie Harriet Lowndes passed away on 15th January 1914 at her home, 87 Dorset Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Ordinary Telegraphist Harry Chamberlain, Royal Navy

**Originally posted 9th January 2013**

"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".

Charles Harry Chamberlain was born in Maidenhead in 1924 to Charles Richard Chamberlain, a carpenter, and his wife Lilian Charlotte Lock.

Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Charles Harry (known as Harry) enlisted with the Royal Navy and began his training as an Ordinary Telegraphist at the H.M.S Collingwood Training Camp.  Unfortunately Harry was to die that the tragically young age of 18 on 24th August 1942 from illness.  It is unclear as to whether Harry ever got to see active service, but that does not make him any less brave.



Mary Louisa Haines Built - Domestic Cook

 

 

 

Monument to Mary Louisa Haines Built, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

"Sacred To The Memory Of Mary Louisa Built died Dec 19th 1902 aged 39 years."

 

 

Mary Louisa Haines Built was born illegitimately to Benedicta Built in 1863 in Ross, Herefordshire, Mary was Christened on 1st April 1863.  Haines may have been her father's surname.  Six years later in 1869 Mary's illegitmate sister, Benedicta Built was born.

 

 

On the 1871 Census, eight year old Mary is boarding with the Ashley family at Daycroft House Walford, Herefordshire.  Mary's mother, working as a dressmaker, and younger sister Benedicta are boarding at the home of the Whittaker family at Bulls Hill in Walford, Herefordshire.

 

In 1875 Mary's mother Benedicta married saddler Charles Lancaster, in Hereford, Herefordshire.

 

In 1877 Mary and Benedicta's half brother George James Lancaster was born, sadly he died that same year.  Charles and Benedicta Lancaster had no further children together.  Charles had two children from his previous marriage, Drusilla Lancaster and Frederick Charles Lancaster

 

In 1881 Mary the eighteen year old Mary is still living in the Ashley family home at Daycroft House and his now working as a general servant.  Mary's twelve year old sister, Benedicta, is visiting the home of Elizabeth Davis at 2 Bellevue, Burcott Row, Herefordshire.  Living next door at 3 Shrewsbury Place is Mary and Benedicta's mother Benedicta Lancaster, her husband Charles and his children Drusilla and Frederick. 

 

I have been unable to locate Mary on the 1891 Census, her sister Benedicta however is working for the Graves family in Bradenham, West Wycombe as a general domestic servant. Mary and Benedicta's mother, is living in the town on Tiberton, Herefordshire with her husband Charles.  Boarding with them are two children twelve year old Alice E Edmonds and eleven year old Leonard Phillips.

 

In 1901 Mary is working as a domestic cook at Boyne Holme, Maidenhead, Berkshire, the residence of Captain Charles H S Prettyman and his wife Agnes.

 

Mary's younger sister, Benedicta,  is working as a domestic cook at 1 Ilchester Gardens in Paddington, London in the home of  William Bailey Heath.

 

An aging Benedicta Lancaster and her husband Charles are now living alone at Crossways, Tiberton, Herefordshire.

 

Just a year later Mary had passed away at the age of 39.

 

In 1911, nine years after the death of her sister  Benedicta Built is working as a domestic cook for the Nicholson family at 55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London.

 

Benedicta Lancaster and her husband Charles have since moved to Wales.  In 1916 Charles Lancaster passes away, followed by Benedicta in 1921 in Knighton, Radnorshire.

 

Benedicta Built passes away in Windsor, Berkshire in 1953.

 

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday - In Loving Memory Of...

 

In Loving Memory Of... All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

 

 



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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Private Albert Blay

|**Originally posted 2nd January 2013**

 

 

"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".

 

 

 

Albert Blay was born in 1907 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Frederick Blay, a bricklayer, and his wife Louisa Green.

 

On the 1911 Census, three year old Albert is living with his parents and older brother Frederick Archie Blay at 1 Spencers Road, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

In 1931 Albert married Phyllis Ida Burrows in Grantham, Leicestershire

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Albert enlisted with The Cheshire Regiment.  Unfortunately Albert was to die as a result of war action on 10th May 1941.

 

 

 



Frederick James, Deborah Elizabeth and Herbert Henry "Duke" Baylis - Maidenhead Advertiser

 

 

 

Memorial to Frederick James Baylis, Deborah Elizabeth Baylis and Herbert Henry "Duke" Baylis, All Saint's Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

"In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Parents And Brother, Frederick James died Dec 27 1895 aged 34 years and Deborah Elizabeth died August 10 1940 Aged 78 years.  Herbert Henry "Duke" Killed In Action in France August 2 1917."

 

 

Frederick James Baylis was born in 1862 in Gloucestershire to Frederick George Baylis, a newspaper editor and reporter, and his wife Louisa Lane.

 

Frederick first appears on the 1871 Census aged nine living with his parents, grandfather William Baylis and younger siblings Edith and Gerald at 4 Jessamine Villas Parliament Street, Littleworth, Gloucestershire.

 



In 1872 Frederick George Baylis a partner in the Maidenhead Advertiser bought out the other five owners and began the family's association with the paper that remains to this day under Baylis Media Ltd.  In 1873 Bertha Baylis was born and in 1875 Watson, younger siblings to Frederick James Baylis.

 

By the 1881 Census the family was living at 9 Crawford Rise, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where Frederick is working as a compositor and accountant for his father's paper, the Maidenhead Advertiser.  Three years later in 1884, Frederick married Deborah Elizabeth Drewett in Maidenhead.

 

A year after their marriage, Frederick and Deborah celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Gilbert Frederick, closely followed by a daughter Eva Deborah in 1886.  Beatrice Mary was born later in 1888, followed a year later by Herbert Henry in 1889 and Henry Gerald in 1890.

 

Deborah Elizabeth Drewett was born in 1862 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to George Drewett, landlord of The Swan Inn, High Street, Maidenhead, and his wife Mary Ann Palmer.

 

Deborah first appears on the 1871 Census aged eight, living with her uncle and aunt, Robert and Charlotte Angel, landlords of The Bull Inn in Warfield, Berkshire.  Living with the Angel family is Deborah's grandmother Ann Drewett.

 

However by 1881 Deborah is back living with her parents at The Swan Inn in Maidenhead, along with her younger brothers, George a mineral water manufacturer and Henry.

 

 

***

 

On the 1891 Census, Frederick, Deborah and their children can be found living in Albert Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire where Frederick is listed as a journalist for the Maidenhead Advertiser. 

Just a year later in 1892 Frederick and Deborah welcome another daughter, Kate, into their family.  Sadly just three years later in 1895, Frederick passed away aged just thirty four years.  Deborah was expecting her seventh child at the time of Frederick's passing.  Frederick Watson Baylis was born after his father's death in 1896

 

The 1901 Census finds the widowed Deborah working as a dressmaker and living at 2 Grenfell Avenue with her children, Gilbert Frederick - a fishmongers assistant, Eva Deborah - a school teacher, Kate and young Frederick.  Henry Gerald Baylis is living with his uncle and aunt Henry and Emma Drewett in Church Street, Alburgh, South Norfolk.  I cannot locate Herbert Henry on the 1901 Census.

 

Frederick George Baylis passes away on 3rd October 1906 at his home Belmont Lodge in Belmont Road, Maidenhead.  He left control of the Maidenhead Advertiser to his four surviving children Edith, Bertha, Gerald and Watson

 

In the January of 1911 Beatrice Mary married Arthur Kille, a coal merchant from Clewer, Windsor, Berkshire.

 

By 1911 Deborah has moved to 3 Raymond Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire along with her married daughter Beatrice and her baby granddaughter Phyllis Deborah Kille.  Still living with Deborah are her daughter Eva who is working as a grocers clerk for the Co Operative, her son Herbert Henry who is working as an assistant antique dealer, Henry Gerald who is working as an iron smith.  Her daughter Kate is working as a drapers clerk and finally young Frederick who is working as an apprentice printer for the Maidenhead Advertiser. 

 

Corporal Herbert Henry Baylis of the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment was killed in action on 2nd August 1917 in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge part of the Battle of Passchendaele (the third Ypres campaign which took place between 31st July - 2nd August 1917.  Herbert Henry is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium.

 

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday - IHS

 

IHS Celtic Cross, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 

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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Air Mechanic 1st Class Frederick George Bennett

**Originally posted 19th December 2012**

 

 

"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".

 

 

 

Frederick George Bennett was born in Marlow Buckinghamshire in 1895 to Henry C Bennett, a paper maker in a paper mill, and his wife Julia Joyce.

 

In 1901 Frederick can be found living with his parents and siblings at Temple Cottages, Bisham Berkshire.  1911 and Frederick is still living with his parents in Temple Cottages in Bisham, Berkshire.  His occupation in 1911 is listed as a house boy.

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War I Frederick enlisted with the Royal Air Force, becoming an Air Mechanic 1st Class for No 6 Stores Depot which was located in buildings at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. This depot was responsible for the packing and despatch of all aircraft and engines which were to be sent aboard.

He married Frances Dora Larter in the September of 1918.  Their time together was short as Frederick died on 21st November 1918 of pneumonia at Cliveden Military Hospital, aged just 23 years.

During the November of 1918, several of the servicemen and woman at No 6 Stores Depot died from influenza and pneumonia.

 

 

 

 



James and Anne Chamberlain - Maidenhead Station Master

 

 

 

Monument to James and Ann Chamberlain, All Saint's Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Memory Of James Chamberlain who departed this life December 26th 1892 aged 79 years.  Also Anne his wife who died October 25th 1895 aged 85 years.  Gone But Not Forgotten."

 

 

James Chamberlain was born in Leicestershire in 1813 to Ann Chamberlain.  Sometime before the birth of their first child, a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, James married his wife Anne.

 

The family first appears in the 1841 Census living in Bridge Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Along with James's widowed mother Ann.  James's occupation is simply listed as a porter.

 

In 1846 James and Anne celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Sophia, followed by a son, James, in 1849.

 

The family is still residing in Bridge Street at the time of the 1851 Census, however James's occupation is now listed as a rail porter.  His wife Ann is listed as a shopkeeper.  I have been unable to locate Ann Elizabeth post 1851.  James would have been working at Maidenhead (Riverside) and Taplow Rail Station, the first and only railway station to serve Maidenhead at the time.  The station was situated on the Buckinghamshire side of the Thames.  Passengers alighted and were ferried across the bridge to Maidenhead in horse drawn carriages.

 

1852 saw the birth of a third daughter, Martha Jane (sometimes listed as Jane).

 

In 1854 a new railway station on the Wycombe line opened in Maidenhead and was situated on Castle Hill.  This station was then used as Maidenhead's main station until the completion of the current station in 1871.

 

By the 1861 Census the family had moved to Maidenhead High Street.  James had also moved up the career ladder as his occupation is now listed as Station Master.

 

James and his family had moved once again before 1871 to 26 Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  James's occupation is now listed as simply a railway servant.  Sophia is helping the household income as a Milliner (hat maker),  James Jr has left the family home and can be found working as a shop man in Clifton, Gloucestershire for Mrs Kingcome.  Martha Jane is working as a draper's assistant in Queen's Square, High Wycombe

 

In 1873, Sophia married Samuel William Bateman, a chair manufacturer from High Wycombe.

 

In 1877 Martha Jane marries William Hunt Smith, a draper from Middlesex.  In 1879 they celebrate the birth of their son Herbert and in 1880 the birth of their daughter Dora.

 

1881 James and Anne are still residing at 26 Victoria Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  James Jr is now working as a shop man in St Martin in the Fields, in London, Sophia and her husband Samuel are living and working in Queen's Square, High Wycombe and Martha Jane and her family are living and working in Great Marlow, Buckinghmashire.

 

In 1891 James and Anne are still living in Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  James's occupation is now listed as a retired station master.  Just a year after that Census was taken, James passed away aged 79 years.  Anne followed him to the grave in 1895 aged 85.

 

 

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Tombstone Tuesday

 

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday - All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery

 

Celtic Cross in the fog at All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Frederick and Charles Stevens - Brothers in Arms

**Originally posted 12th December 2012**

 

 

"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".

 

 

Frederick James Stevens and Charles Stevens were born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1895 and 1893 to Charles W Stevens, a labourer in a sewage works and later Cooper's Brick Kilns, Pinkney's Green, and his wife Elizabeth Susan Cole.

 

In 1901 Frederick aged 5 and Charles aged 7 are living with their parents and sister Lily at No 5 Dolman's Buildings, King Street in Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

1911 and Frederick, now 15 and a caddy at a local golf course, is still living with his parents at No 5 Dolman's Buildings.  Charles, now a private in The Royal Berkshire Regiment, however can be found at Fort Burgoyne, The Red Huts, Military Quarters At Castle Hill And Broadlees in Dover.

 

Sometime afterwards Frederick joined his brother in 1st Battalion of The Royal Berkshire Regiment.

It seems that their father didn't take to their joining the war effort too well.  On 3rd October 1914, The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported -

"Maidenhead.  Attempted Suicide

Worried about His Son At The Front.

Lying face downwards with a razor in his right hand and three gashes in his neck, a man named Charles Stevens was discovered in a semi-conscious condition on the common at Pinkney's Green.  For reasons which at present are unknown he had attempt to take his life, but the wounds were not sufficiently severe to serve his purpose, and he is now at the Maidenhead Cottage Hospital making rapid progress towards recovery.  When he is in a fit condition he will be brought before the magistrates to answer for his foolish action.   The man is 44 years of age and is in lodgings at Pinkney's Green.  He is employed at Cooper's Brick Kiln.  It is thought that among other things he has been worrying about his son at the front."

 

Unfortunately I have been unable to locate any military records for either Frederick or Charles.

Frederick was wounded in battle and sent to The General Hospital in Nottingham.  From his hospital ward Frederick penned a letter home.  The Reading Mercury reported on 9th January 1915 -

"Maidenhead Man Wounded - The following is an extract from a letter sent by Private F. Stevens of the 1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment (son of Mr. C. Stevens, 5, Dolman's-buildings, Maidenhead) who was badly wounded at the front,  and is now in the General Hospital at Nottingham: 'My upper jaw has been broken and my left eye is useless.  I have been in this hospital since November 22, and I am progressing as well as can be expected.  The hospital authorities cared for us very well this Christmas and I enjoyed myself very well under the circumstances.  The people od Nottingham are very good indeed to all the wounded here.'

 

Sadly Private Frederick was to die as a result of his wounds on January 12th 1915, aged just 21 years.

 

Charles rose to the rank of Lance Sergeant before he too was killed as a result of enemy action on 29th November 1917, aged just 25 years.  Charles in buried in the Moeuvers Communal Cemetery in France.  The Reading Mercury carried a notice of Charles's death on 22nd December 1917 -

"Acting Lance-Sergt Charles Stevens of the Royal Berks Regiment, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stevens of 5, Dolman's Buildings, King Street, Maidenhead, was killed on November 29th.  He had distinguished himself for bravery in the field in the earlier part of the war, and was the possessor both of the D.C.M. and the Military Medal."
 

Charles Stevens Sr died around the same time as Charles Jr in the last quarter of 1917.  Perhaps it was the death of his two sons that led him to his grave.  How heartbreaking for Elizabeth to lose two sons to war and then her husband not long afterwards.  Elizabeth finally joined her husband and sons in 1929 when she passed away aged 84.

 

 



The Hawker Family - Bakers of Maidenhead

 

 

Monument to Ruth Hawker, Albert Hawker and Mary Ann Hawker, All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Memory of Ruth Hawker wife of John Hawker died Nov 4th 1865 aged 47 - Interred in Wesleyan Churchyard -

 

Albert Hawker fourth son of Ruth and John Hawker died July 8th 1892 aged 42.

 

Mary Ann Hawker second wife of John Hawker died May 26th 1896 aged 83"

 

 

Ruth Hawker was born Ruth Hester in Ascot, Berkshire in 1818 to Giles Hester, a wheelwright, and his wife Susannah Redrup.  In 1838 Ruth married John Hawker, a baker from Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.  In 1839 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, John Giles Hawker.

 

In 1841 the young family can be found living in Boyn Hill Maidenhead.  However by the 1851 Census Ruth and family had moved to Maidenhead High Street.  The family had since welcomed the births of Fanny, Mary Ann, William and baby Albert.  Living with the family at the time was seventeen year old George Smith, a baker's apprentice.

 

In 1861 the family was still living in Maidenhead High Street, Young John Giles, Albert and Frederick had joined the family bakery business and Fanny contributed to the household as a milliner (hat maker).  William has since become an apprentice draper in the household of Julius Neve.  Young Louisa, Frederick and baby Robert had joined the family. 

 

Sadly in 1862 Fanny passes away.

 

In 1863 Ebenezer, the last child of John and Ruth Hawker was born.  Sadly two after her youngest son's birth, Ruth passed away.  Later that same year, 1865, Mary Ann Hawker married George Jay, a master baker from Streatham, Surrey.

 

In 1869 John married his second wife, Mary Ann Brant, a dressmaker, in Eton, Berkshire.

 

Mary Ann Brant was born in Cookham Berkshire in 1812 to Thomas Brant and his wife Mary.

 

By 1871 John and his second wife Mary had moved to King Street along with Albert, Louisa, Frederick and Ebenezer.  Just three years later in 1874, later, Louisa married Henry Carter, a draper from Suffolk.  In 1875 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son Archibald, followed by a daughter Ruth in 1878.  John Giles had since left the family home to become a missionary in East India.

 

1881 the family has moved again to 3 Lansdowne Villas, Norfolk Road, Maidenhead.  John is now listed as a retired baker, young Ebenezer is now an architect.  Living with John and Mary Ann is Louisa, her husband Henry and their two young children.  Frederick has followed his elder brother John in becoming a missionary in East India.

 

Twenty nine year old Albert is a pauper patient at Berks County Moulsford Lunatic Asylum, listed as a lunatic, where he remained until his death in 1892

 

John and Mary Ann had moved again by 1891, into Holly Cottage on Norfolk Road. 

 

Mary Ann passed away in 1896, John was to pass away three years later in 1899.

 

 

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Tombstone Tuesday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - Cobweb Angel

 

Spider webs on angel monument at All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Pilot Offcier Gerard Hamilton Maffett

**Originally posted 5th December 2012**

 

 

"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".

 

Gerard Hamilton Maffett was born 11th June 1916 in Murree, India to Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Ernest Maffett and his wife Gwendoline Mary de Rutzen.

Gerard was educated at Imperial Service College in Windsor, Berkshire.  In 1934 he finished his education and took a job with the Daily Mail in London.  Four years later Gerard enlisted with the Royal air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as a U/T Pilot.  He started out flying Tiger Moths from White Waltham airfield near Maidenhead, Berkshire.  On 22nd June 1940 Gerard converted from Tiger Moths to Hurricane aircraft and joined 257 Squadron at Northolt on 7th July 1940.

Gerard flew on his first operation on 18th August 1940 where he is credited for destroying a Dornier Do17 aircraft and damaging a Heinkel He111.

On 31st August 1940, nine Hurricanes took off from Martlesham Heath at 8:25am ordered to patrol Debden at 15,000 feet.  The Squadron climbed towards Debden, but encountered two large formations of Junkers Ju88 aircraft at 14,000 feet with several formations of Messerschmitt Bf110s at 16,000 feet.  Unable to catch up with the Junkers Ju88s the squadron pursued the Messerschmitt formations.  At least six Messerschmitt Bf110s were destroyed, however the squadron suffered the loss of two Hurricanes.  One of those was Gerard's P3175, which crashed into the foreshore at Stone Point, Walton-on-the-Naxe, Essex at around 8:50am.  Gerard was able to bail out of his stricken aircraft but his parachute failed to open due to the low altitude.  Gerard was killed on impact.

Gerard's elder brother John Francis Maffett, Wing commander with the RAF was also killed in action on 12th February 1942.  He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Egham, Surrey.

Reginald Ernest Maffett passed away in 1949 and Gwendoline Mary in 1975 aged 100 years.

Between 1972 and 1973 the remains of Gerard's crashed Hurricane, including the instrument panel and windscreen, together with an almost complete engine and the remains of the three wooden propeller blades were recovered.  They're now displayed in The Battle of Britain Museum in Hendon, London.


They gave their tomorrows for our todays.