Private Edward John Norsworthy, Plasterer and Volunteer of Royal Berkshire Regiment, Maxim Gun Detachment - Full Military Funeral

Monument to Edward John Norsworthy, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband, Edward John Norsworthy who entered into rest January 1st 1895 Aged 26 Years."

Edward John Norsworthy was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1868 to Edward Norsworthy, a plasterer, and his wife Emma Edwards.

In 1871 Edward appears on the Census aged three years old, living with his parents, elder sister Jessey and younger brother William at 21 Victoria Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Lodging with the family is Thomas Holmes, a blacksmith.  

By 1881 the family had moved to 7 Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  Edward's younger sisters Emily had been born in 1872 and Clara in 1874.  Sadly in 1882, 10-year-old Emily was to pass away.  In 1889 Edward's mother Emma passed away.

Edward was an avid football player and played several matches for Boyne Hill Football Club. He was also a volunteer for the Royal Berkshire Regiment.

Two years after the death of Emma the family are still together in Victoria street.  William is working as a house painter, while Edward has followed his father in becoming a plasterer.  Living with the family at the time is their cousin Emily Edwards.

In 1892 in Eton, near Windsor, Edward John married Charlotte Sarah Jefferys.  Sadly, Edward was to die just three years later on 1st January 1895. On 2nd January 1895, the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"NORSWORTHY—January 1st, at 7, Victoria Street, Maidenhead, Edward John Norsworthy, eldest son of Edward Norsworthy, after a very brief illness, aged 26. Deeply lamented."

On 9th January 1896, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the funeral of Edward:

"VOLUNTEER FUNERAL. 

On Saturday afternoon last a very imposing funeral took place in connection with the Maidenhead Company, 1st V.B. Royal Berko Regiment, when the remains of the late Private E. J. Norsworthy were laid to rest in the churchyard All Saints', Boyn Hill. 

The young man, who was only 26 years of age, succumbed to a brief but painful illness, at an early hour on New Year's morning. The deceased leaves a widow, but happily no children, having been married about two years. Several years ago he joined the local company of Volunteers, and after three or four years' service, he resigned, owing to his employment taking him away from the town a great deal. On the formation of the Maxim gun detachment last year, Norsworthy rejoined the company and was posted to the gun section, and was present at the annual encampment at Churn in August last. He was much respected by his comrades, and this, no doubt, accounted for the large muster of Volunteers at the funeral on Saturday last--a bitterly cold day. 

The Volunteers paraded at their Armoury in York-road shortly after two o'clock, and were joined by a large muster of the Maidenhead Town Brass Band, under Mr. W. J. Harris. Half an hour later these had taken up their position near the house where the young man breathed his last—in Victoria-street. The coffin, which had on it a Union Jack, some military accoutrements, and some elegant floral tokens, was borne from the house of the deceased to an open funeral car by six friends and comrades of the deceased, viz., Lance-Corpls. W. Reckley, W. Johnson, and J. Lloyd and Privs. E. Soundy, F. C. Johnson, and G. Baldwin. The mournful procession then wended its way to All Saints' Church, Boyn Hill. in the following order:— Firing party of Volunteers, under Colour-Sergt. J. Burnham ; Maidenhead Town Brass Band, which played the Dead March in Saul very effectively en route; the funeral car, on which was the coffin containing the corpse; five coaches, is which were relatives of the deceased; about 70 rank and file of the Volunteers, under Sergt.- Instructor Belcher; and representatives from the Maidenhead Conservative Working Men's Club and the "Loyal Queen of England" Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U. Captain L. H. Banbury, commanding the Maxim gun detachment, had been expected to attend, but telegraphed his inability to do so. The procession was met at the church by the Rev. R. P. Newhouse (curate) and the choir, the service in the sacred edifice being choral. The building was filled in every part, and the solemn service was impressively conducted by the Rev. R. P. Newhouse, who also officiated at the grave. The service in the church over, a move made to the grave, where the remains were lowered to their last resting-place, amidst the sobs of sorrowing relatives and sympathising on-lookers. 

The service at the grave was brief, and at the close the customary three volleys were discharged by the firing-party. The coffin, which was of polished elm, with brass mountings, bore a suitable inscription. Mr. G. Hooper, of Gloucester-terrace, the Broadway, was the undertaker, and he carried out his duties most satisfactorily. The Volunteers, to the number of about 98 (including the firing-party, bearers, drummers, buglers, and pioneer) formed up outside the church after the funeral obsequies had been performed, and, headed by the Maidenhead Town Brass Band, which played some lively music, marched backed to the Armoury and dismissed. 

The Union Jack which was placed on the coffin was lent by Mr. A. E. Whitaker, of Queen-street, who has now presented it to the Maidenhead company of Volunteers. The interment took place close to where lie the remains of the late Private H. Greenwood, who was a member of the local detachment of Volunteers, and who was buried with military honours some three or four years ago. The funeral on Saturday was witnessed by several thousand persons."

In 1900 the widowed Charlotte married William Henry Pillar, a police constable.  They remained together until William's death in 1939.  Charlotte followed William to the grave in 1956.  They had no children.

First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private Horace James Wise - 184th Machine Gun Corps

War grave of Private Horace J Wise.
All Saint's Cemetery, 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".

 

 

 

Horace James Wise was born on 20th May 1891 to Alfred Wise, a bricklayer, and his wife Maria Woodward, a sweet shop owner.

Horace attended the local Wesleyan Sunday school as a child and was mentioned in a report of the Anniversary Celebration commending his singing. Horace also played to the town's Football Club, The Maidenhead Magpies. 

 

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 gunshot 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 underwent a Laparotomy (an exploratory operation on the abdomen), which found that the wounds had not penetrated his bowels.

 

Horace never returned to fight at the front, on 20th February 1919 he became unwell and was again admitted to the Grantham Military Hospital on 25th February and was found to be suffering from Influenza and Bronchial Pneumonia, sadly despite all efforts to save him, Horace died at 5:30am on 27th February 1919.

 

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

On 12th March 1919 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Wise- In ever loving memory of our dear Son, Pte. H. J. Wise, who passed away in Military Hospital, Grantham, on Feb. 27th, 1919; aged 27 years. Ever mourned by his sorrowing Mother, Father, Brother and Sister."  

After his death, on 8th December 1919 his father Alfred wrote enquiring as to what became of his son's brand-new Camden boots. It is unclear if the boots were returned to his family.

 

 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George Eaton, Royal Berkshire Regiment - Accidental Death, Struck by Train.

War Grave of Private George Eaton.
All Saint's Cemetery, 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".

 

George Eaton was born in 1859 in Knowl Hill, 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).  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, Henry 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 outbreak of World War One, George enlisted with The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  I have been unable to locate any War Records for George.

Before his death 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.

On the 26th July 1915 George was accidentally killed after being struck by a train at Winchester Station in Hampshire.  On Saturday 31st July the Hampshire Advertiser reported:

"An inquest was held on Wednesday at Winchester Hospital on the body of George Eaton, aged 54, of 61, Reform-road, Maidenhead, a private. Deceased had gone on leave on Saturday to Monday, on which day he was returning from Maidenhead to Southampton. He was seen off at Reading Station by his son and then appeared to be in good health and spirits. He alighted from the train at Winchester, and met his death when attempting to board the train when in motion. He took hold of the door of one of the compartments, but his left foot slipped off the footboard, and he fell beneath the platform and train. Three coaches passed over him, but the train was pulled up. The unfortunate man was picked up and taken to the hospital, but died on the way. His injuries consisted of a compound fracture to the thigh and left arm, a crushed left hand, four fractured ribs, a broken shoulder, and minor injuries. The deceased had a good character in his regiment.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow.  The deceased was identified by his son, Private H. B. Eaton, who returned home wounded from the front. He has a brother in the trenches. The Jury and Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives, as did also an officer from the deceased's regiment." 

On the 4th August 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported about the accident in greater detail:

"Death Of A Maidenhead Solider At Winchester Station.

When Boarding A Moving Train.

On Wednesday an inquest was held at The Royal Hants County Hospital, Winchester, concerning the death of a Maidenhead solider - Pte George, of 61, Reform-road, serving in the 4th. Battalion Royal Berks Regiment who died on the pervious Monday from injuries received through being crushed by a train. 

2nd Lieut. J. L, Martin, of the 4th Royal Berks Regiment (who in private life is a solicitor and Coroner for Reading) appeared on behalf of the Regiment. 

Pte. Henry Benjamin Eaton, of the 1sr Battalion Royal Berks Regiment (home from the Front wounded) identified the deceased as his father, aged 54, a private in the 4th Batt. Royal Berks Regt. He was a Reservist before he rejoined and was a gardener by occupation. Deceased was stationed at a Rest Camp, Southampton. He last saw his father alive on Monday evening at Reading Station, when he was returning to Southampton after being on leave from Saturday. He was then in good health and spirits. Witness and his sister went with the deceased to Reading and he had a friend with him.

Pte Thomas Winter, of The Kings Royal Rifles, Winchester, stated that he was on police duty at the station, and saw the 5.55 from London arrive. He also saw it start, and as it was moving deceased ran along the platform from the lavatory. He took hold of the handle of the compartment with his hand, and placed his left foot on the footboard. His foot slipped and the man released his hold, falling between the train and the platform. about three coached passed over him. The train was stopped and witness helped to get the deceased from the line to the platform. He was in a crouching position near the wall and exclaimed - "Oh! My poor arm." His left hand lying across the metals, was very badly injured. He did not see the deceased leave the train and only saw him trying to join it.

The Coroner: " There was no suggestion that there was anything improper?"
Lieut Martin: "No."

The son said that his father had with him one of the men with whom he slept in camp who was going back with him. His father was quite sober.

The Coroner: "There was no suggestion that he was otherwise."
Lieut Martin: "He bore a very good character in the Army."

A. Foster, a porter, stated he did not see the accident, but he gave the signal for the train to start and stop.

PC Gattrill said that he obtained a stretcher and took the deceased to hospital, but he was found dead on arrival. Deceased had a "pass" from Saturday to Monday in his possession. 

Dr. Montague Wallace, house surgeon at the Hospital, said that the deceased was dead when brought in. The post-mortem examination showed that the deceased had a fractured left thigh, fractured left arm and forearm, left hand crushed, four ribs on the left side fractured, left shoulder broken, and left lung injured. all internal organs and the brain were healthy. Death was due to shock from the injuries received."

Such a tragic end to poor George's life.

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 on 3rd February 1892 in Stoke Poges 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 from Broncho Pneumonia at Reading War Hospital 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 and George Jr can be found on the 1921 Census living at 58 Powney Road, Maidenhead. Living with them is Edith's orphaned nephew Henry Eaton. Later Edith and George Jr moved to 11 Belfast Avenue, Slough, Buckinghamshire, where George Jr is working in the local milk factory. George Jr remained in Slough until his death in 2017

Edith later remarried in 1926 to Frederick Gray.

 

Connections: Edith Eaton's uncle George Eaton.