First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George James Devonshire, Royal Berkshire Regiment

 

"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 James Devonshire was born in 1891 in Slough Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire) to William Herbert Devonshire, a butcher, and his wife Sarah Ann May.

 

 

In 1901 George and his family were living in Middle Green, Langley Marsh, Buckinghamshire.  However, in 1911 George can be found working as a cowman on a farm and lodging with Emma Plum a 66-year-old widow and her son Fred, in Hurley Village, Berkshire.

In 1915 in Maidenhead George married Edith Eaton, and they lived together in 58 Powney Road, Maidenhead.

George first enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment, later being transferred to the Labour Corps.
 

Sadly, George was to pass away the day after World War I came to an end.  Edith gave birth to their only child, a son also named George James on 30th July 1919. Edith later remarried in 1926 to Frederick Gray.

 

 



Frances Louisa Comber - Night Watchman's Wife

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Frances Louisa Comber, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Frances Louisa beloved wife of Charles Comber who fell asleep April 28th 1907 aged 52 years.  Her end was peace."


Frances Louisa Comber was born Frances/Louisa Gardner in Clapham London around 1855.  I have been unable to track down her birth records or any early census information as Frances continually swapped her first names throughout her life.

In 1878 Frances married Charles Comber, a police constable, in Wandsworth Surrey.  In 1881 the newlyweds can be found living at 35 Union Street in Clapham London with their two young daughters Louisa J aged 1 year and Lucy aged just 6 days.  At that time Frances was using the name Louisa.

1891 finds the family have moved to Oakley Green in Bray.  Charles in now a Night Watchman and the family has expanded to include Charles William aged 9, Marther [sic] aged 4, Ernest aged 2 and baby Albert, just 11 months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

Another 10 years pass (1901) and the family have moved to Braywood Cottages in Bray.  Charles is still a Night Watchman, but Frances has now gone back to using the name Louisa.  Their family has expanded again to include Amelia aged 8 and 3 year old Elizabeth.

Sadly Frances was to pass away on 28th April 1907, the death index has her name listed as Louisa Frances.

After 1907 I cannot find a trace of Charles and I am unable to find a death that fits him either.

He must have loved Frances very much to have such a beautiful monument made in her memory.

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Cemetery Sunday - Roman Numerals

"Sacred to the memory of Mr. Thomas Smith

many years the landlord of the

Bull Inn Bisham

who died February the 1 - 1833 In the LXIX (69) of his Age.

Also

Elizabeth Smith

Wife of the above

who died Jaunuary the 25- 1849

In the LXVIII (68) of her Age."

Dray carts outside The Bull Inn (right)
(c) English Heritage

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George and Emma Hunt - Our Mother, Our Father

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to George and Emma Hunt, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of our mother Emma Hunt who died May 13th 1925 aged 78 years

also of

our father George Hunt who died at Aldershot December 5th 1889 aged 44 years"
 

George Hunt was born in St Pancras London in 1846 to James Hunt, principle keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Elizabeth Greenaway.  On the 1851 census, five year old George can be found living with his parents, older siblings Elizabeth and Martha as well as his grandmother Elizabeth Greenaway at the Zoological Gardens in Regent's Park, London.  By 1861 James had retired as a keeper and by 1871 had taken up accountancy.  George was to become a confectioner.

On 19th April 1873 George married Emma Misselbrook at St Pancras.  Together they had six children; James Benjamin, Elizabeth, Minnie, Kate Misselbrook, George James and May.  James Benjamin, Elizabeth and George James were to all die tragically young, Emma and George both aged 30 years and James in infancy.  George was to also die young, aged 44 in 1889.

Emma Hunt was born Emma Misselbrook to Benjamin Misslebrook, a head keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Jane Goulden.  After George's death Emma went into domestic service with her daughter Kate Misselbrook Hunt.  The last time she appears in the records is 1901 as a domestic housekeeper in Sturt Green, Holyport.  In 1911 Emma is living with her youngest daughter May.  Emma remained in Holyport until her death

This one family really did suffer its fair share of tragedy .



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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George Grove, Worcestershire Regiment

 

 

"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 Grove was born in Bray Berkshire in 1883 to John Grove, a gardener, and Emma Styles.

On the 1891 Census, George can be found living with his parents and siblings at 1 Martins Cottages, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

George's mother Emma was to pass away on March 7th 1899. After her death George and his brother Arthur went to live with their maternal aunt Mary Hunter, and her husband George at 4 Broadway, Maidenhead, Berkshire. By 1911 the family h ad moved to 7 Broadway, where both George and his brother Arthur were working as Jobbing Gardeners. Their father John Grove spent the years leading up to his own death in 1922, lodging in various public and common lodging houses.

Sometime after the outbreak of war George enlisted with the Worcestershire Labour Corps Regiment.  Labour Corps were generally made of men who were not fit for service in the trenches.

George was to pass away on 24th October 1918 of Pneumonia, in Wareham Dorset, Possibly Worgret Camp, the location of Wareham Miliary Hospital.

 



Emma and George Hunt - 30 Years

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Emma and George James Hunt, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Emma daughter of George and Emma Hunt who fell asleep March 21st 1905 aged 30 years - I came to Jesus as I was - and George James Hunt only son, who died May 31st 1910 aged 30 years - we loved them well but Jesus loved them best."
 

Emma Hunt was born in 1875 in Aldershot, Hampshire to George James Thomas Hunt, a confectioner and Emma Misselbrook.  George James Hunt was born in 1880 in Farnham, Surrey.

On the 1881 census six year old Emma and eleven month old George can be found living with their parents and thier sisters, Minnie aged five and Kate aged three, at Weybourne Lane in Farnham Surrey.  In 1889 George James Thomas Hunt passed away in Aldershot in Farnham, by 1891 the recently widowed Emma moved with her daughters to Kensington London, for some reason the eleven year old George is not with them.  It is possible that he is either staying with relatives elsewhere or at school, however I have been unable to find him from 1881 until his death in 1910.

In 1901, four years before Emma's untimely death she's listed as a parlourmaid at Chuffs House, Holyport Berkshire for the Frumantte family.

The grapes and vine that adorn Emma and George's final resting place is said to represent the blood of Christ.



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Cemetery Sunday - Verse

"Here lieth the body of Elizabeth Rolls who died May 4th 1777 aged 21 years

Grieve not for me my mother dear, I am not dead but Sleeping here.  Your great Afflictions pray restrain.  For we in Heaven may meet again."

"In Memory of Stephen Mason who died April 13th 1800 aged 35 years.

Early in life I left my wife, And my children dear; Unto my God and Great Redeemers Care."


They don't write verse like that anymore.  Two examples of beautiful verse on early gravestones at All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.



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John and Elizabeth Day - Moor Farm, Holyport Berkshire

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to John and Elizabeth Day, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of John Day died January 13th 1906 aged 56 years - at rest- 'Thy will be done'.

And of Elizabeth Day died December 21st 1938 aged 85 years."

John Day was born  in 1849 in Shottesbrooke, Berkshire to John Day, a Farmer of 133 acres, employing 12 labourers, and Mary Ann Ashton.  John's mother Mary Ann passed away in 1874 and the family with widower John Snr can be found on the 1881 census living at Pond Wood Farm in Shottesbrooke Berkshire.  Visiting the family is Elizabeth Newport.

John married Elizabeth Newport on 13th July 1883 at st Barnabas Church in Islington Middlesex.  Together they had six children, four sons and two daughters. Sadly they were to experience the loss of their baby son Robert in 1901.

John passed away on 13th January 1906 leaving Elizabeth to take over their farm in Holyport.  Her sons John and Arthur Newport Day retrued to the family home at Moor Farm in Holyport to help their mother run the family business.  The Slough, Eton Observer reports at the time;

"Holyport.  Death of well-known local farmer.-  We regret to have to record the death on Saturday afternoon of a well-known and highly respected local farmer-Mr. John Day, of Moor farm, Holyport- after a short illness. Mr day, who formally lived at white Waltham, had farmed at Holyport for a number of years.  He was of a genial disposition, and had many friends.  He took a keen interest in local affairs, and at the time of his death he was a member of the Bray Parish Council.  Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Day and her family in the great loss in which they have sustained."

Moor Farm is a 13th Century farm house that was first owned by John Atte More in 1270.  It is now a bed and breakfast with holiday cottages attached.

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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Sapper Charles Edward Cox, Royal Engineers

 

 

"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 Edward (known as Charlie to his family) Cox was born on 3rd October 1891 in Ireland to Charles Edwards Cox Snr, a retired Army Lance Sergeant and postmaster, and his wife Elizabeth Stacey. 

Charles's little sister Ada Agnes was born on 24th December 1892 but sadly passed away on 10th June 1893 aged just five months. A little brother Thomas Henry was born in the spring of 1895 but sadly he too was to pass away, aged just 6 weeks old in the May of 1895. Charles Edward Snr and Elizabeth had no further children together.

In 1901 Charles Edward is residing at Oxford Wood Barracks with his mother and father.   

The 1911 Census finds Charles lodging at the house of Albert Rippington in Compton, Berkshire, where Charles is working as a railway porter for the Great Western Railway.

In 1915 in Maidenhead Berkshire Charles Edward Cox married Elsie Elizabeth May Groves, before moving into her family's home at 27 Grenfell Place Maidenhead.

Charles served with the Royal Engineers as a Sapper, a soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties such as bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, demolitions, field defences and general construction.

27 Grenfell Place, Maidenhead,
Berkshire.

On 29th February 1920 Charles died of influenza, acute pneumonia, and heart failure at his home, 27 Grenfell Place, aged just 28 years old. Elsie was refused his war pension as the disease he died from was contracted after he was discharged from the Royal Engineers at the end of the war

Charles's father also re-enlisted to fight for his country in 1914 at the age of 49.  He was later discharged as not being fit for any military action due to rheumatism in his wrists, elbows, back and hips.

Sarah Milbourne - Entered Into Rest

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Sarah Milbourne, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving remembrance of Sarah Milbourne who entered into rest Feb 16th 1911 aged 63 years."

Sarah Milbourne was born Sarah Morgan in 1848 in Norton St Philip, Somerset to William Morgan a labourer and Martha Meader.

On the 1871 census return Sarah is listed as a cook and domestic servant for the Rev Henry Burney and his family at Vicarage House in Norton St Philip, Somerset. in 1872 Sarah married coachman Edward Milbourne.  By 1881 they had moved from somerset to Langley Berkshire with their three children, Edith Elizabeth, Martha and William Edward.  1901 saw another move for the family and a change of occupation for Edward.  They're now living nad farming at Oakley Place Farm in Bray Berkshire.  The family had no expanded to include Walter, Herbert, Annie and Ethel.  Why the change from coachman to farmer and would this have been a huge career leap for Edward?

Sadly they were to experience the loss of their eldest son William Edward at the age of 29 in 1910.

Sarah passed away on 16th February 1911 not long before the 1911 census was taken in April.  Recently widowed Edward can still be found at Oakley Place Farm along with his four younger children.  Edward was to eventually join his wife and elder son at the age of 70 in 1916.  I have yet to find where they are buried.



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Cemetery Sunday - Grave Offerings

During my time photographing cememtery and graves have have come across many 'grave offering' and personal items.  Some are more usual than others, flowers, toys for children and babies and even the occasional windmill.  The other day I came across a mug happily sitting in a little alcove on a gravestone.  I wonder if the mug had special meaning to whoever left it behind.

Below are some examples of the other grave offerings I have come across.



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Seabury - Mother, Son and Father

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Mary Ann an Maurice Seabury, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Berkshire.

"In loving remeberance of Mary ann Seabury born March 4th 1858 died January 6th 1923

Also Maurice Seabury born March 16th 1900 deid july 23rd 1904

In The Hand of God."

Mary Ann Seabury was born Mary Ann Coombs on 4th March 1858 in Fifield, Bray Berkshire to Thomas Coombs, a labourer and Sarah Lovejoy.

On the 1881 Census Mary ann is listed as a housemaid with the Duncombe family of 8 Ashwood Road, Chelsea.  Mary married Joseph Seabury, a Coachman and groom in 1887.  Their first son Joseph Neville Seabury was born in 1889, followed eleven years later by Maurice Henry Seabury.

On the 1901 census, three years before Maurice was to pass away, the one year old boy can be found living with his parents and elder brother at 88 Ebury Mews in St George Hanover Square, London.  After Murice's death on the 1911 census the family can be found living at 205 Pavillion Road, Chelsea London.

Joseph Seabury was tolive without his wife for a further eighteen years, he passed away in 1941 aged 82

How did Mary Ann and her son Maurice come to be buried in a small village cemetery not far from her place of birth?  A family plot passed down the generations or did Mary simply want to rest in her 'home'?

The ferns carved into the top of Mary and Maurice's gravestone symbolise sorrow and sincerity.

Buried to Mary Ann and Maurice is Mary Ann's father Thomas Coombs, who passed away on 18th March 1903.  Thomas was born in Fifield, Berkshire in 1834 to John Coombs a farmer.  Unfortunately I cannot seem to find any information on Thomas's mother.


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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Corporal Ronald Victor Smith, Royal Air Force

War Grave of Corporal Ronald Smith.
All Saint's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

"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".

 

 

Ronald Victor Smith was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in 1893 to Issac Smith, a builder's foreman, and Louisa Morgan.

In 1901 the eight-year-old Ronald is living at 60 All Saint's Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire with his parents and his older sisters Elsie May, and Blanche Maude.

On Friday 23rd November 1906 little Ronald broke his arm. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Wednesday 28th November 1906:

Broken Arm. - A lad names Ronald Smith, living at All Saint's-avenue, broke one of the bones in his left arm on Friday last. with some other lads, Smith, after school, went to Kidwell's-park, and indulged in a game of football. In a rush, another and heavier lad fell upon Smith and the latter in putting forward his arm to save to fall, doubled the limb under him, with the above result. He was taken to the surgery of Drs. Plumbe and Montgomery, where he received surgical attention." 

In the June of 1907 Ronald's father Isaac passed away.

 

1911, aged 18, Ronald is living with his aunt and uncle, George Henry, and Amelia Knott, along with his brother Sydney Herbert Smith, at 31 Bristow Road, Hounslow, Middlesex.  At that time Ronald's occupation was listed as an electrician. Ronald's widowed mother and two sisters remained at 60 All Saint's Avenue in Maidenhead.

 

Sometime after 1911, Ronald enlisted with the Royal Air Force and was stationed at 5th Aeroplane Repair Depot in Henlow. On the 18th November 1918 Ronald was transferred from Henlow to hospital where Ronald was to pass away from pneumonia on 28th November 1918, just seventeen days after the end of the war. 



Jack Clayton - Film Director

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Memorial to Jack Clayton, St James the Less 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 he worked at Denham Film Studios, working his way up from tea boy to assistant director.

In 1944 while serving with the Royal Airforce during World War II, Jack shot his first film.  A 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 Oscarsand 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).  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, in the same year he married Katherine Kath (born Lily Faess) who he was to divorce also.  Finally he married actress Haya Haraneet, who he remained married to until his death on 26th February 1995 in Slough, Berkshire.


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Cemetery Sunday - Celtic Cross

Legend tells how St. Patrick, whilst preaching to a group of people he wished to convert to Christianity, was shown a sacred standing stone that was marked with a circle symbol of the moon goddess. Patrick then made the mark of a Latin cross through the circle and blessed the stone making the first Celtic Cross.

To the Christian and Catholic faith the Celtic Cross symbolises the enteral endless love of God as shown through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  But what ever their meaning, I find Celtic Crosses to be some of the most beautiful cemetery art.

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Frederick Sexton of Holyport

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Frederick, Annie Elizabeth and Mary Sexton, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Frederick Sexton of Holyport, who died July 1st 1883 in the 40th year of his age. 'Thy will be done'. 

Also Annie Elizabeth Sexton the beloved daughter of the above, who died September 25th 1886 at Caracas South America in the 21st year of her age. 'In the midst of life we are in death.' -  'It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good.' 

Also of Mary Sexton, wife of the above, who died Aug 17th 1928 in the 88th year of her age.  Her end was peace."

I was immediately drawn to this gravestone because of the surname Sexton.  Sexton has another meaning other than simply a name.  Sexton - an occupation: A person who looks after a church and churchyard, typically acting as bell-ringer and gravedigger.  Although it turns out the occupants are Sexton's in name only.

Frederick Sexton was born in Bray, Berkshire in 1844 to James Sexton, a carpenter and Elizabeth Sargent Smith.  On the 1861 census Frederick can be found as a Private in the 10th (Prince of Wales Own) Royal Hussars at the Cavalry Barracks, Barrack Street, East Wymer, Norfolk.

In 1865 in Middlesex Frederick, now a carpenter, married Mary Fenemore, not long after their first of their six children was born, Annie Elizabeth.

Annie Elizabeth died in Caracas, Venezuela, South America on 25th September 1886.  Unfortunately I am unable to find out what Aniie was doing in South America or why she died.

Mary Sexton was born Mary Fenemore in Oxfordshire 1841 to James Fenemore, a pound keeper and his wife Caroline.  On the 1861 census, Mary was a house servant in Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  When Frederick passed away in 1883, Mary became a young widow of 45 with six children to support, the youngest only being 2 years old.  Mary remained in Maidenhead until sometime around the 1911 Census when she can be found living in Clacton on Sea with her youngest daughter Ellen and her husband, Leonard Phillips.



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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Sapper Jospeh Henry Edwards, Royal Berkshire Regiment - Royal Engineers

War grave of Sapper Joseph H Edwards.
All Saint's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire

 

"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".

Joseph Henry Edwards was born in Cox Green, Maidenhead Berkshire in 1889 to Thomas Edwards, a gardener, and Sarah Ann Hollins. 

Joseph first appears on the 1891 Census, aged just two years old, living with his family and older siblings at 3 Prospect Place in Maidenhead, Berkshire. By 1901 the family had moved to 2 Boyn Terrace, Maidenhead. However, he was soon to be in trouble with the law. On the 14th November 1901, aged just 12 years old Joseph and some other boys were charged with having stolen apples valued at 3d, from the orchard of Mr. David Wilton. It seems Mr. Wilton's orchard had an inescapable draw for Joseph, who was again charged with stealing from the orchard on 12th October 1901, this time 52 walnuts. During the trail Mr. Thomas Edwards was quoted as saying, "He had 9 children and this was the first time any of them had been brought to a police-court. His boy had been a very good boy up until now and had attended school regularly." Joseph's bad behaviour was to continue.


On Wednesday 6th July 1904 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported: 

"Wilful Damage. - Having been informed that Joseph Edwards on 3 Courthouse Lane, has committed damage to a tree In Boyn Hill Avenue by cutting his initials thereon, the committee have required his attendance before the Council for admonition."

In 1910 Joseph was charged and convicted of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer.  1911 he was again in the Magistrates Court, charged with drunk and disorderly and assaulting two police officer and one Geroge Rhodes of Cordwalles [sic] Street on New Year's Eve 1910. The Maidenhead Advertiser Reported on Wednesday 4th January 1911,

"A Scene on New Year's Eve

Police Officers Brutally Assaulted.

Assailants Sent to Gaol.

Jospeh Henry Edwards of Courthouse Lane was charged with having been drunk and disorderly, and also with having assaulted Geo. Rhodes, of 1, Cordwalles-street on Dec 31. He pleaded guilty to the first offence but denied the second.

P. S. (Police Sergeant) Miles stated that at about 11.5 on the evening of Saturday, dec 31, he was on duty at the junction of Marlow-road, King-street, and High-street, when he saw the prisoner, who was drunk, go up to Rhodes and hit him on the face, knocking him down. Witness went up to the prisoner and requested him to go home, but he refused to do so. Witness therefore too him into custody."

Unfortunately for P.S. Mills, Joseph was not about to go quietly.

"He was further charged with having assaulted P. S. Miles on the same evening while the sergeant was in the execution of his duty. He again pleaded "not guilty".

P.S. Miles said that he saw the prisoner on the night in question behaving in a disorderly manner and proceeded to take him into custody. When near the Rose Hotel, King-street he saw P.C. Tubb, whom he called upon for assistance. On the wat to the police station through Moffatt-street, prisoner's brother, a sailor, came rushing down the street and struck P.C, Tubb, In the scuffle which ensued, prisoner broke away from the witness, whom he struck twice in the chest."

Witnesses to the assault testified that after Joseph broke free from P.S. Miles, he then assisted his brother in attacking P.C. Tubb. One witness described Jospeh and his brother as, "kicking and hitting out in all directions." P.S. Miles commenting on the attack of P.C. Tubb described Joseph's actions as that of a madman.

The magistrates found the prisoner guilty of the assault on the police-sergeant, and a further charge was then preferred against him of having assaulted P.C. Tubb, at the same time and place, while he was in the execution of his duty. 

Thomas Edwards, brother of the prisoner and a sailor on the H.M.S Excellent, now appeared int he dock, and pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and having assaulted P.C. Tubb."

Thoams was sentenced to 21 days hard labour for being drunk and disorderly, 1 month for the assault on P.C. Tubb, and 1 month for the assault on P.S. Miles, a total of 2 months and 21 days imprisonment. Joseph was sentenced to 21 days hard labour for being drunk and disorderly, 2 months for the assault on Goerge Rhoads, 1 month for the assault on P.C. Tubb, and 1 month for the assault on P.S. Miles, a total of four months and 21 days imprisonment.  Upon being taken from the court Joseph was heard to quip, "Can't you make it up to six months?"

Jospeh can be found on the 1911 census serving his time in Reading Gaol.

Seems Joseph did not learn his lesson, in 1912 he was again charged with being drunk and disorderly.  The Chronicle reported,

"Too Many Drinks

At Maidenhead Police Court on Wednesday, before Mr. T G Wyatt and Mr. C A Vardy, a baker named Joseph Henry Edwards, of Courthouse Lane, [now Courthouse Road] was charged with being drunk in incapable in Boyne Hill Avenue, Maidenhead, in the early hours of that morning.  He was found by P.C. Gunter at 1.15 lying in the road, helplessly drunk.  The constable picked him up and brought him to the police station.

Prisoner told the Bench that he supposed he must have had one or two drinks too many.  There was a previous conviction against him in 1910 for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting the police.  A find of 2s 6d and costs or 7 days hard labour was imposed. Defendant said he had no money and was removed in custody."

 

On 31st August 1914 Joseph signed up to serve in the Royal Berkshire Regiment.  Unfortunately, Joseph's questionable behaviour continues throughout his service with the Royal Berks.  On 20th July 1915 Joseph was sentenced to, '14 days detainment for breaking out of the billet' (soldiers sleeping quarters).  Then on 15th November 1915 Joseph was found to be, 'Absent from the Corps Parade when proceeding to the trenches'.  Joseph was Court Martialled on 3rd December 1915 and given a 9 month suspended sentence, to be reviewed on 28th May 1916.

Joseph returned to active duty, however from the 25th August - 14th September 1916 he spent time at Bellahouston Military Hospital in Glasgow Scotland with Valvular Disease of the Heart.  Joseph was then discharged from the army as no longer being physically fit for service on 27th October 1916, he was awarded a pension of 10s.

It wasn't long before Joseph was serving his country again.  Three months after being discharged due to heart disease, Joseph re-enlisted on 3rd January 1917 with the Royal Engineers in Reading Berkshire.  Later that month on 16th Joseph married Lydia Kate Palmer.  Joseph's war service records indicate that on 27th August 1917 he was again sentenced to 56 days, which was later mitigated to 28 days, unfortunately the records are unclear as to why.  However, Joseph was again discharged due to no longer being physically fit for war service on 28th August 1918. He was awarded a pension of 11s for 13 weeks.

Joseph died on 10th February 1921, he left behind his widow Lydia and their three children, Kathleen Ellen, Frederick John, and Joan Cecily.  Joan was born after her father's death on 21st April 1921.

Vivian Charlotte Lewis - Died in her racing car

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Vivian Charlotte Lewis, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory of Vivian Charlotte wife of David Lewis Born 22 April 1923 - Died in her racing car at Brighton Speed Trials 14th September 1963"

Vivian Charlotte Lewis was born Vivian Charlotte Hordern on 22nd April 1923.  Search on her life has proved difficult as the spelling of her first name constantly changed throughout official records.  All that is known of Vivian's life is that she married David Lewis in 1952 in Westmister.


Sadly due to the manner of her passing, a lot is known about her death.

"London, Saturday holiday markers saw a woman racing driver killed when her car somersaulted and burst into flames at Brighton today.

The car hit a kerb, exploded and crashed into a children's playground on the promenade.

The driver Mrs Vivenne [sic] Lewis, 35 [sic] of Cookham Dean, Berkshire, was competing in the Brighton speed trials when her Jaguar hit the kerb and went out of control.

Damaged

Flames shot 20ft into the air as it exploded

Two timing marshals narrowly escaped as parts of the wreckage landed a few yards from their desk. Some of the timing equipment was damaged.

Racing was stopped for 40 minutes after the crash - the first fatality in the 58 year history of the trials.

Mrs Lewis was married but had no children" - The Sydney Morning Herald 15th September 1963.

SPEED ON THE FRONT

Seems Vivian was lying about her age, as she died aged 40, not 35.

On that day Vivian was racing a 1958 Tojeiro Jaguar that she shared with her husband.  The actual car that was involved in the accident was sold, restored and recently came up for sale at auction.

Vivian's car restored

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