Until the Day Break and the Shadows Flee Away - Mary Jane and John Theophilus Scott M.B.E

All Saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Loving Memory

Of

Mary Jane Scott

Who Fell Asleep

June 12th 1926

In Her 63rd Year

'Unti the day break, and the shadows flee away.'

Also of John Theophilus Scott M. B. E

'Called Home' March 25th 1930

'Absent from the body, present in the Lord.'

'Jesus hath vanquished death and all it's powers.'

Mary Jane Scott was born Mary Jane Griffin in Trowbridge, Wiltshire to parents James Griffin a Carman (a horse drawn delivery vehicle or tram), and Elizabeth Culverhouse in 1863. She was baptised on 2nd April 1871, along with her sisters Ann Elizabeth and Martha Ada at St Barnabas Chruch, Kensington, London.

St Barnabas Church, Kensington, London.

Mary and her family can be found on the 1871 Census living at 19 Warwick Road, Kensington. Sadly, Mary's father James was to pass away in 1878.  By 1881 the widowed Elizabeth Griffin has moved with her daughters, Mary Jane, Elizabeth Ann, Martha Ada, and little Jessie Georgina to what appears to be a house of multiple occupancy, 78 Springvale Terrace, Kensington.

On 7th February 1884 at St John's Church in Chelsea, Mary married John Theophilus Scott, a company Time Keeper.

~ ~ ~

John Theophilus Scott was born in 1862 in New Brompton, Kent to parents George Gordon Scott a soldier, and Louisa Maria Bristow.  John's father George passes away sometime between 1862 and 1864 as Lousia marries again in 1864 to an Edward Luke.

The 1871 Census finds the young John boarding at the house of George Luke (possibly a relative of Edward Luke) an Inspector of the Railway and Mary his wife at 18 Craven Cottages, Hammersmith, London. Visiting at the time of the Census is John's elder brother George Gordon Scott, a Railway Clerk.

1881 and John has moved to the home of Stephen Ralph's a Crane Fitter on Railway, house at 137 Droop Street, Chelsea, London. John is listed as an Assistant Inspector on the Railway.

~ ~ ~

1881 finds John and Mary living at 48 Rednall Terrace, Hammersmith, London, where John is listed as a Sub Inspector of Machinery at Railway. Living with John and Mary are their children, George Gordon born 1885, Douglas John born 1883, and Henry James born 1889. Visiting the family is Mary's younger sister Ann Elizabeth Griffin who is listed as Mother's Help.

By 1901 the family had moved to 143 Grenfell Road, Maidenhead Berkshire. John is now a Railway Inspector of the permanent way and works, looking after the railway track and keeping it in good repair. John and Mary had welcomed another son into the family in 1891, Alfred Keith. Living with the family are Mary's younger sister Jessie Georgina as a Mother's Help, and Rose Alice Emily Webb a Dress Marker's Assistant, Mary's younger half-sister.

The family are still living at 143 Grenfell Road, now named Keith Villa, where John is listed as a Railway Inspector, Civil Engineering Department. Douglas John and Alfred Keith are Railway Clerks, and Henry James is an Assistant Civil Service Clerk.

Grenfell Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

On 16th January 1916 Sergeant Henry James Scott died from his wounds in France. Less than 9 months later Sergeant Major Alfred Keith Scott D.C.M, was killed in action during the Somme on 13th October 1916. Alfred was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field in the face of the enemy. 

Sergeant Major Alfred Keith Scott

On the 30th of April 1918 Sergeant Douglas John Scott was killed in action while serving in Isarel and Palestine. Each of the brother's epitaphs is, 'Until the Day Break and the Shadows Flee Away.'  The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on May 15th 1918:

"The Supreme Sacrifice

Mr. and Mrs. Scott of King's Grove, Maidenhead, yesterday, received notice from the War Office that their son Sergt. Douglas John Scoot, of the 2nd Battalion London Scottish, was killed in Action on April 30th, while serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 15th May 1918. 

Sergeant Douglas John Scott

John Theophilus Scott was awarded the Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order, M.B.E for his services to ensuring safety as a Permanent Way Inspector for the Great Western Railway, on July 3rd 1925. Less than a year later, Mary Jane was to pass away on June 12th 1926. John soon followed Mary on 25th March 1930.

On the 26th March 1930 the following appeared in the Births, Marriages, and deaths column of the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Scott - On March 25th at 5 St Luke's-road, Maidenhead, John Theophilus Scott, M.B.E., (for many years Permanant Way Inspector for G.W.R.) "Called Home." Funeral at 3p.m., at Maidenhead Cemetery." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 26th March 1930.

George Gorden Scott was the only child of John and Maty's not to pass away in World War one. By 1912 he had moved to Gloucester, Gloucestershire, and married Ethel Ricketts. George and Ethel had two sons, Henry Douglas Keith born in 1916, and John Theophilus born in 1919. George continued to work for the railway until his own death in 1953.

Eliza King of 44 Broadway, Maidenhead, and her granddaughter Helena Margaret Kempton

All Saint's Cemetery
Maidenhead Berkshire
UK

"Eliza King. Born September 19th 1828 ~ Died April 9th 1915. Helena Margaret Kempton. Born January 19th 1890 ~ Died February 28th 1962."

Eliza King was born Eliza Taplin in Thame, Oxfordshire, England on 19th January 1828 to William Taplin, and his wife Elizabeth

In 1859 Eliza married Thomas Beckensale King, an outfitter of clothing, in Eton, Berkshire, England.

The newly married couple can be found on the 1861 Census living at 24 Gold Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England, along with their 8-month-old son Thomas Taplin King, their servant Annie Hillyard, and Thomas's Assistant Outfitter, Thomas Sands.

Gold Street, Northampton,
Northamptonshire

Eliza and Thomas's daughter Helena Eliza King was born in 1864 in Maidenhead, Berkshire. On the 1871 Census she is listed as Eleaner E King, aged 7, a visitor at the home of Charles Denison, a Shorthand Clerk living at 5 Park Terrace, Islington, London.

By 1871 the family had moved to Harcourt Villa, Broadway, Maidenhead, England, where the family had expanded to include, William born in 1863, Frank born in 1867, and Herbert Sidney born in 1868.

On the 1881 Census, Helena can be found living with her mother, elder brother Thomas Taplin, and younger brother Herbert Sidney at Harcourt Villa, Broadway, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Thomas Sr, now listed as a Commercial Traveller, can be found at Blossoms Hotel, 10 Foregate Street, Cheshire, 

Blossoms Hotel, Foregate Street, Cheshire.

Helena married William Kempton, a Grocer's Assistant in Maidenhead in 1887. Their son Lionel Francis Kempton was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1889, and their daughter Helena Margaret Kempton followed on 19th January 1890.  The young family can be found on the 1891 Census living at 51-53 High Street, Maidenhead.

High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

1891 sees Thomas King, now without an occupation, and Eliza now a running a registry office for domestic servants, living at 5 Elm Terrace Broadway, with their servant, Fanny Matthews.  Thomas Beckensale King passed away in Maidenhead, Berkshire on 9th February 1898 aged 67. Thomas left his estate totalling £65 to his daughter Helena

The recently widowed Eliza can be found living at 44 Broadway, Maidenhead on the 1901 Census, along with her 12-year-old grandson Lionel. Living at 42 Broadway were Helena Eliza Kempton, an assistant in her mother's domestic servant registry business, Helena Margaret aged 11, Nora born in 1892, and William Herbert born in 1894.  On 26th May 1898 William Kempton Snr was admitted as a patient at Berkshire District Lunatic Asylum (Fair Mile Hospital) in the village of Cholsey. William was to pass away at Fair Mile Hospital on 25th February 1930. He is buried in all Saints's Cemetery, Maidenhead.

Ward at Fair Mile Lunatic Asylum c1920s

By 1911 Helen Eliza Kempton had moved in with her mother at 44 Broadway, Maidenhead, Berkshire, along with her daughter Helena Margaret then aged 21, and her son William Herbert then aged 17.  On the 9th of April 1915, Eliza King was to pass away, leaving 44 Broadway to her daughter and granddaughter. On 14th April 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Death of Mrs King

Mrs Eliza King, so well known in connection with her registry office for servants in Broadway, died on Friday last at the advanced age of 86, after a long illness. She was the last surviving daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Toplin [sic], of High Wycombe and Thame. Her husband died sixteen years ago. She was a resident of Maidenhead for fifty years, and leaves one daughter, three sons, eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

The funeral took place on Monday at the Cemetery, the officiating clergyman being the Vicar of St. Mary's (Rev. C. H. Nash). The mourners were the deceased's two sons, (Messrs. F. H. and W. A. King).

On the 1921 Census Helena Eliza can be found living at 44 Broadway, Maidenhead. Helena Margaret is visiting the home of Charles and Margarite Baerlocher, at 23 Cannon Place, Brighton, Sussex.

The 1939 Register shows both Helena Eliza and her daughter Helena Margaret still living and working from 44 Broadway. Lodging with them is Hylda Fox, a Confectionary Shop Manager, and her young son Cyril E Smallbone. 

Helena Eliza was to lose her daughter Helena Margaret on 28th February 1962, she passed away at St Mark's Hospital, aged 72.  She was laid to rest with her grandmother at All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Helena Eliza was to be reunited with William when she passed away on 1st September 1962 at St Mark's Hospital, aged 97, they are buried together a short distance from Eliza King and Helena Margaret Kempton.

Muriel Thompson - The Sinking of the Lusitania

All Saints Cemetery
Maidenhead Berkshire
UK

"Also of Muriel, dearly-loved youngest daughter of the above (Nathan Curtis Thompson).  Drowned by the sinking of The Lusitania.  May 7th 1915.  - Is All Well With The Child? - It Is Well."

Muriel was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in 1884, the youngest daughter of Nathan Curtis Thompson, a master grocer and his wife, Charlotte Disney.

In her teenage years Muriel attended Wallasey Grange Boarding School for Girls in Westgate-on-Sea in Kent, living at Eyrie House in Roxburgh Road.  By the 1911 Census Muriel had returned to the family home Firfield, Holyport, Maidenhead Berkshire.

In the winter of 1913 Muriel travelled to Miami, Florida to spend time with friends where she remained for eighteen months before booking her return journey on the C Deck of the Lusitania.  It was on the 1st May 1915 at New York, Pier 54 that she alighted the Lusitania for the journey home to England. On 22nd April 1915 the German Embassy had issued a warning to all those who intended to travel on the Lusitania.

“NOTICE! Travellers intending to embark on the Atlantic voyage are reminded that a state of war exists between Germany and her allies and Great Britain and her allies; that the zone of war includes the waters adjacent to the British Isles; that, in accordance with formal notice given by the Imperial German Government, vessels flying the flag of Great Britain, or any of her allies, are liable to destruction in those waters and that travellers sailing in the war zone on the ships of Great Britain or her allies do so at their own risk.

Imperial German Embassy”

 

Lusitania pictured in 1907

On Friday May 7th 1915, The Lusitania passed in front of the German U-boat U'20 eight miles off the coast of Kinsale, Ireland. She was torpedoed and sank in just 18 minutes at 2:30 pm. Of the 1,959 passengers and crew aboard only 761 survived. Muriel was among those missing after the tragedy.  Her loss was reported both in England and America.

On Wednesday 12th May 1915 The Palm Beach Post reported:

"Miss Thompson Lost Life In Sinking Of Lusitania

Name Is Not Included In Published List Of Survivors - Spent Winter With Friends Here.

Miss Muriel Thompson, who was returning home to England on the Lusitania after a winter spent in Miami with friends here, was among those lost when the great vessel sank beneath the waves off Kingsdale [sic] last Friday afternoon, shattered by German torpedoes.  Published lists of those saved have not contained her name, while lists in New York papers give her name among those who drowned.

Miss Thompson made many friends here during the winter which she spent at the home of Mrs. J. B. Patterson at 234 Thirteenth Street."

It seems the confusion over those named on the lists gave Muriel's family false hope.  On Saturday 15th May 1915 the Reading Mercury reported:

"Miss Muriel Thompson Missing.

Among the missing victims of the Lusitania is Miss Muriel Thompson, youngest daughter of Mrs. N. C. Thompson of Firfield, Bray, near Maidenhead, and sister of Messers. P. and S. Thompson.  Miss Thompson had been in America about eighteen months, and was on her way home in the ill-fated vessel.  Members of the family have visited Ireland, but have failed to find any trace of Miss Thompson and they fear that she went down with the vessel and was drowned."

On 19th May 1915 the Dublin Daily Express carried the following:

"Lusitania Survivors - Will any survivors who were acquainted Miss Muriel Thompson, Second Class Passenger on the Lusitania, kindly Communicate the circumstances in which they last saw her to Mrs. Thompson, Firfield, Holyport, Berks, or 'phone Maidenhead 77!!"

Of the 1,198 people killed during the sinking of the Lusitania, only 289 bodies were ever recovered.  Muriel was not one of them.  Eventually Mrs Thompson was to give up the search for her daughter.  On Saturday 29th May 1915 the Reading Mercury carried the following announcement:

"Deaths -

Thompson - On the 7th inst., by the sinking of the Lusitania, Muriel, dearly loved youngest daughter of the late Mr. N. C. Thompson and Mrs. N. C Thompson Firfield,  Holyport, Berkshire."

Cemetery Sunday - Weep Not My Husband Dear I Pray

St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire, England

 

 

"Sacred

To The Memory Of

Harriet wife of

Mr. Wm Chapman

Who Died Dec 19th 1841

Aged 30 Years.

Also their infant child

Aged 5 months

 

Weep Not my Husband dear I Pray,

It was Jesus called us both away.

With my sweet babe upon my breast

I now enjoy perpetual rest."

 

 

 

 

Tombstone Tuesday - Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD

Monument to Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD, Longden Cemetery, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England.

"In Beloved Memory Of

Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD

Born 22 Feb 1860

The Lord Giveth And The Lord Hath Taken Away

Died 7th Feb 1914

And was interred at Rookwood

Are They Glad Because They are At Rest."

 

 

A friend of mind photographed the above monument whilst visiting a local cemetery and asked whether I would be interested in researching the life of Julia Anne Hornblower Cock.

 

Julia Anne Hornblower Cock was born on 22nd February 1860 to James Cock, a tanner, and his wife Ellen Lloyd.  Julia was christened on 19th March 1860 at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

 

Copyright David Dixon.

 

Julia first appears on the 1861 Census, aged one year and living with her parents and elder siblings at The Baths in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

 

By 1871 the family had moved to Beauchamp House on The Mount in Shrewsbury.

 

In 1877 Julia decided to embark on her career in the medical profession which at the time was a male dominated profession.  Julia was one of a few pioneering women who were determined to open up the profession to women.

 

The 1881 Census finds the twenty one year old Julia a medical student at Bedford college for girls in London.  At the time Julia is boarding at the home of Eliza A Townsend, head of the college, at 79 Gower Street, Finsbury, London. 

 

The 1891 Census finds the now qualified surgical physician Julia living at 15 Manchester Square in Marylebone, London along with her general servant Mary Jones.  Another lady physician, Jessie Crossfield is living a few houses away at 23 Manchester Square.  It is possible the Julia and Jessie attended the same college.

 

 

 

Between 1887 and 1892 Julia worked as a member of the in-patient and out-patient staff at a hospital for women.  In 1896 Julia took up the position of joint lecturer at the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.

 

By 1901 Julia had moved to 15 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London  where she lived along with her two servants Mary Walton and Clara Barnard.  In 1903 Julia became the Dean of the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.

 

By 1911 Julia had moved to Sussex where she is listed as joint head of the household with another lady doctor, Louisa Woodcock at Colesbrook, Watersfield, Pulborough, Sussex.

 

Julia never married and passed away after suffering from a long illness three years later in 1914 six months before England declared war with Germany.

 

 

 

 

Linked with:

 

Tombstone Tuesday

 

 

Sources:

 

Ancestry

Family Search

Geograph UK

Europe PubMed Central

 



Cemetery Sunday - A Blasting Wind

 

"Fresh as the grass our bodies stand,

And flourish bright and gay.

A blasting wind sweeps o'er the earth,

And fades the grass away."

 

 



 



 

Cemetery Sunday - Mr Basil Woodhouse

 

 

"Sacred To The Memory of

Mr Basil Woodhouse

Died August 9th 1817

Aged 62 Years"

 

St Michael's Churchyard

Bray, Berkshire

England.

 

 

 

 



 



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Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Mortal Dust

James and Jane Stevens
St Michel's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.

 

"All alike are Mortal Dust:

Vain is every Earthly Trust

None can see how soon they may

Be as Nothing, Watch and Pray."

 

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Annie

To The Memory Of
Annie
St Michael's Churchyard Bray, Berkshire,
England.

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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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Cemetery Sunday - IHS

 

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

 

 

 

 

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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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First World War Private Monument - First Casualty Buried in Maidenhead - Private Frederick James Stevens - Died of Wounds, and his brother Acting Lance Sergeant Charles Stevens - Shot by a Sniper - Both 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".

 

 

Frederick James, and Charles Stevens were born in Maidenhead, Berkshire on 29th September 1895 and 13th October 1892, 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 can be found at Fort Burgoyne, The Red Huts, Military Quarters at Castle Hill 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 of 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.

The Nottingham Journal later reported on Friday 15th January 1915:

"The relatives of Private Frederick James Stevens, of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, who died in Nottingham General Hospital on Tuesday from wounds received at the front have arranged for his body to be conveyed to Maidenhead for burial. This will be done to-day. Stevens was only 21 years of age, his home being Dalman's Buildings, King-street, Maidenhead. He was shot through the right [sic] eye, and had been in Nottingham since November 22nd."

On 20th January 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Frederick's funeral at All Saints' Church, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead:

"Mortally Wounded.

Military Funeral For Brave Berkshire Lad.

First War Victim Brought to Maidenhead for Burial

With their rifles pointed towards the setting sun, which transformed the western sky into a blaze of light, fourteen Royal Berkshires fired three volleys over the grave of a comrade laid to rest in All saints' churchyard on Monday afternoon last, thereby according him the last honours associated with a military funeral.

The brave young fellow, who was mortally wounded when fighting for King and Country in the great war, was Private Fred Stevens, of 1st Batt. Royal Berks. Regt., now fighting in the trenches. He was badly wounded a short time ago and was brought to England and taken to the General Hospital at Nottingham. Writing from this institution to his parents, who reside at 5, Dolman's buildings, High Town-road, Maidenhead, the soldier said:- '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 of Nottingham are very good indeed to all the wounded here, and I am well-cared for by the hospital staff.'  The latter statement is true, as the hospital staff did all they possibly could for the lad and his recovery seemed but a question of time, though permanent disablement seemed probable. Fortunately, however, Private Stevens passed away suddenly, a telegraph to this effect being received from the Sister at the General Hospital at Nottingham on Tuesday last. Needless to add, the sad news caused his parents much grief. We may here state that the deceased's brother is still at the Front with the 2nd Royal Berks and has also been in the thick of the fighting.

The body was brought to Maidenhead for burial and the funeral took place on Monday afternoon, with military honours. The funeral procession was formed in  High Town-road, and its departure for Boyne Hill was witnessed by many hundreds of persons, this being the first funeral in Maidenhead of a victim of the present war. A bearer party was supplied by the 4th (Reserve( Batt. Royal Berks Regiment, stationed at Maidenhead, who also supplied the firing party, while about eighty of the rank and file attended to pay a last mark of respect for the deceased soldier.

The military party was under the command of Second-Lieut. R. C. V. Freeth, and Sergt.-Major Butler was also in attendance. The coffin was covered in the Union Jack, on which rested the deceased's cap and side-arms. There were many wreaths, including a handsome one in a large glass case sent from sympathising friends at Nottingham. As the body was brought from the house the firing party presented arms, and they made their way to the head of the procession. the main body of the Berkshires falling in behind the carriages after the latter and the funeral car had passed between the military lines. A great crowd accompanied the procession along King-street, up Castle-hill and along All Saints'-avenue to the church. Here there were assembled some hundreds of persons, a large number of whom entered the church. The coffin was removed from the car to the hand-bier and was met at the entrance of the church by the Rev. D. S. Chapman and Rev. E. Y. Dawson (curates), who officiated at the church and at the graveside. The service was very impressive. 

At the close of the service at the graveside, the firing party fired three volleys, and then the bugler sounded the "Last Post." After the mourners had taken a last look at the coffin, the soldiers passed round the grave, saluted their deceased comrade and then marched back to their headquarters."

 

Charles rose to the rank of Acting Lance Sergeant before he was killed at the battle of Bourlon Wood as a result of enemy action on 29th November 1917, aged just 25 years.  Charles is buried in the Moeuvers Communal Cemetery in France.  On 19th December 1917 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"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 [sic], Maidenhead, was killed in action on November 29th. He had distinguish himself for bravery in the field in the earlier part of the war and was the possessor both of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. Lieut. E. C. de Vitre, writing to Mrs. Stevens says: By now you have doubtless heard the sad news of the death, in action, of your son, and I thought that you might care to hear from one who was with him when he was killed. Writing as his Platoon Officer, I can say without hesitation that he was by far the best N.C.O. in the platoon, and, more than that, I and all the men liked and trusted him completely. It will be quite impossible to ever find another as he was. The men would follow anywhere, and his coolness and bravery under fire were exceptional. He was killed by a sniper as he led his men to his objective and had begun to dig in. His death was instantaneous and entirely without pain, and the bullet went through his brain, it is impossible that he could have felt anything. We brought his body in that night and buried him beside two other men of his section who met their end at almost the same time as he did. He was buried by our Regimental parson and a wooden cross makes his grave. I hope I have not caused you any pain by what I have written, but I should like you to know how I and all the men miss him and sympathise with you in your great loss." 

Charles Stevens War Grave
Moeuvres Communal Cemetery

Charles Stevens Sr passed away on 15th November 1924 after collapsing in Maidenhead High Street.  On 19th November 1924 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Death In The Street.

On Saturday evening an elderly man named Charles Stevens, of Dolman's Buildings, King-street, was taken ill in the High-street, and before medical aid could arrive death had taken place, and the body was removed on the borough ambulance. The man's doctor was able to give a certificate, having attended Stevens for heart-disease, so that no inquest was necessary. Stevens had been for many years a Corporation employee." 

How heartbreaking for Elizabeth to lose two sons to war and then her husband not long afterwards. The widowed Elizabeth can be found on the 1939 Register living at 3 Hope Cottages, King Street, Maidenhead. Elizabeth finally joined her husband and sons in 1949 when she passed away aged 82.

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - Cobweb Angel

 

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

 

 

 

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Second World War Private Monument - Pilot Officer Gerard Hamilton Maffett, Royal Air Force

 

"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 first appears on the 1921 Census, aged 5, living with his father and siblings at York Road, Bognor Suessex. His mother Gwendoline was away from the home at the time of the Census.

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 the 1939 Register Gerard can be found living with his parents at Wellington Lodge, Ray Park Road, 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 Hamilton Maffett

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 R.A.F was also killed in action on 12th February 1942.  He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Egham, Surrey.

Reginald Ernest Maffett passed away on 12th August 1950 and Gwendoline Mary on 2nd October 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.

*No longer on display.

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery

 

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 

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Blog Hop - Cemetery Sunday - Resting

 

'Resting', All saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 



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Cemetery Sunday - St Peter's Church, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Spooky Carved Stone Face, St Peter's Church, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.

 

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday - Buried Beneath The Holly Tree

 

St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cemetery Sunday - Alone

 

A lone small cross gravestone lent against a tree.

 

St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

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