First World War Private Monument - Private Norman Edwin Sheldon, Australian Infantry Force - Died of Scarlet Fever

All Saint's Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
UK

All Saint's Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
UK

 

"A. I. F Australia 8022 Pte N. E. Sheldon, 16th Btn, Born Feb 2nd 1897, Died March 31st 1918. And of his brother, Harold Percival Sheldon Born May 5th 1887, Died Jan 5th 1972. Also of Maude beloved wife of Harold born Sept 6th 1888 (death obscured)."

Pte. Norman Edwin
Sheldon

Norman Edwin Sheldon was born on 2nd February 1897 in Gloucestershire, England to parents John Henry Sheldon, a Farmer, and Hettie Elizabeth. Norman can be found on the 1901 Census, aged 4, living with his parents and elder sister May at The Laurels, Rangeworthy Road, Gloucestershire. At that time Harold does not appear to be living with his family.

Harold Percival Sheldon was born on 5th May 1887 in Fredericktown, Canada and can be found living with his parents in his birth town aged 4 on the 1891 Census of Canada

On the 1911 Census Norman can be found as a pupil at Townsend Academy, a private boys' school in Harptree, Somerset. His elder brother Harold, now a Bank Clerk, has since moved to England and is listed as a visitor at his cousin Percy Henry Sheldon's house at 25 Wheelwright Road, Gravely Hill, Erdington, Warwickshire. 

At some point before 1917 Norman and his parents emigrated to Cookernup, a small town in the south of Western Australia, where he worked as a Farmer. On the 8th May 1917, Norman enlisted at Bunbury city in Western Australia, and from there on 5th June 1917 he was sent to the 28th Battalion 21st Reinforcements then on to Machine Gun School on 25th June 1917. On the 18th October 1917, Norman was moved to the 16th Battalion, 27th Reinforcements. On the 31st January 1918 Norman arrived in England to the 13th Training Battalion at Codford Wiltshire, where unfortunately on the 14th March he was taken ill with Measles and Scabies and was admitted to the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital, Codford, a military hospital on the western rim of Salisbury Plain.

Ward at the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital,
Codford, Wiltshire. A postcard from 1917.

Later, on 26th March Norman was transferred to the Sailsbury Isolation Hospital, this time for Scarlet Fever, where he finally succumbed to the disease on 31st March 1918 aged just 21 years. Norman was then buried at All Saint's (Maidenhead) Cemetery in Section A Grave 5Y. 

~ ~ ~

In 1916 Harold married Alice Maude Plainstowe in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Alice was born on 6th September 1888 in Wycombe March, Buckinghamshire, to parents John Henry Plaistowe and Edith Mary Ball. In on 10th February1919 Harold and Maude welcome their only child, son Norman John Plaistowe Sheldon, who can be found on the 1921 Census, aged 2, living with his parents, maternal grandmother Edith Mary Plaistowe, and maternal uncle John Henry Plaistowe, at 72 St Mark's Road, Maidenhead. Norman can next be found on the 1939 England and Wales Register as a student at Leicester University, residing at Queen's Hall, student accommodation at the time. Norman passed away on 30th September 1991 at Westminster, Greater London.  Unfortunately, the only record I can find of his wife Hilary Mary is her death on 13th May 2016

Harold and his wife Maude can be found on the 1939 England and Wales Register living at Westmount, 40 Belmont Park Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Harold occupation listed as a Bank Manager and Maude as Unpaid Domestic Duties. Living with them at Westmount is Maude's mother Edith, and 16-year-old Mabel Gammon, their domestic servant.  Harold passed away at Maidenhead on 5th January 1972 aged 84 years. He was followed by his wife Maude in 1973.

Sources:

Ancestry.co.uk

Wikipedia 

Anzac Heroes

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."

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.

 

 



Commonwealth First World War Gave - Private Reginald John Pope 4th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment and his brother Frederick Elias Pope - Prisoner of War in Germany

For the month of November in honour of Armistice Day we will be revisiting the local war graves I have researched.  This post was originally published 26th September 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".

 

 

 

Reginald John Pope was born on 22nd July 1900 in Whymondham Norfolk to Elias Pope, a crockery hawker, and his wife and Sarah Elizabeth Betts.  Reginald's family were travelling folk who sold their wares up and down the country.  On the 1911 Census the family are shown living in 'a gypsy caravan' at Blackamore Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, with their eight children, many of whom, including Reginald were attending a local school. Sometime before 1916 Reginald and his family settled down at 22 Kings Street where Elias became a coffee dealer.

 

Reginald served in the 4th Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment and may have fought in the Battle of Megidoo. Sadly he died in Maidenhead on 19th October 1918. On 6th November 1919 the following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Mr. and Mrs. E Pope desire to to thank all kind friends for sympathy shown to them in the loss of their two sons; also flowers sent."

 

Reginald's brother also served in the First World War with the 1/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He became a prisoner of war  in Germany after being reported as missing on 9th April 1918. Frederick was later discharged as unfit due to disability in September 1919.



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Stoker First Class Arthur Fletcher Ada, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Phoebe - Hero of the Zeebrugge Triumph

 

"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".

 

 

Arthur Fletcher Ada was born in Maidenhead in 1882 to John Fletcher Ada, a draper, and his wife Mary Ann East.

 

Arthur first appears on the 1891 Census aged 8 living with his parents and his elder siblings, Mary, John, and William, at 6 Queen Street.

 

In 1901 Arthur was working as a draper's assistant at a large department store, 12-17 St Andrew's Street in Cambridge.

 

In 1911 Arthur is back in Maidenhead and running his own drapery business from 11 Queen street in Maidenhead.

 

After the outbreak of World War I, Arthur enlisted in the Royal Navy in September 1916.  Arthur became a Stoker First Class on the H.M.S Phoebe and unfortunately lost his life due to enemy action during the Raid of Zeebrugge.

 

Arthur was considered a hero by those he left behind in Maidenhead, which his obituary in published in the Maidenhead Advertiser leaves us in no doubt.

 

"A Maidenhead Hero

 

Killed in the Zeebrugge Triumph

Public Honours for Stoker A. F. Ada

Great victories are not bought without a price, and Maidenhead has paid its tragic toll for the thrilling Nelson-like triumph at Zeebrugge. Mingled with last week's joy were the tears of bereavement at losing in that memorable enterprise one of our best-known and best-loved younger tradesmen - a man who belonged to a family that has for three generations been respected for their zeal in the religious, social and commercial life of the town. Mr Arthur Fletcher Ada, content to serve as a humble stoker in the Navy when he saw the beacon-call of duty,has laid down his life at the young age of 35, finding glory in the commonplace and forfeiting by the cruel irony of fate, perhaps by months only, the grand climacteris of domestic joy which most men reach. The public honours done our latest local hero were commensurate with his personal worth as with his unshrinking patriotism. He surely died doubly nobly; for it was when his watch below was done he went aloft to do merciful work in tending wounded mates, and while at that task he was struck by a shell and died very soon after.
Arthur Fletcher Ada was the third son of the late Mr John Ada, of the firm of Ada & Co., drapers, Queen-street, established many years ago. He was educated at Maidenhead Modern School. As a young man he succeeded to the business and worked at it in conjunction with his brother-in-law (Mr Leach) as partner. His prowess as a swimmer was well known all around this district, for he carried off many prizes in the swimming carnivals in the old days. In religious circles he was prominent as financial secretary to the Baptist Church in Marlow Road, and further as the organist there for about 12 years. In recent times he took a big share in forming the V.T.C., of which he became an active member.

He joined H.M. Navy in September 1916, and proceeded to his training at Chatham and other naval stations. He became attached to H.M.S. Phoebe as stoker. When he was home last, only a fortnight ago last Monday, he was aware of some great naval move being imminent, but his friends little thought they had seen him for the last time. The Destroyer on which he was serving was covering the "Vindictive", and towards the end of the engagement he had just left his watch below and had gone on deck to help in rescuing the survivors of one other of our Destroyers which had gone down. It was early on the morning of St. George's Day, April 23rd, when our brave fellow townsman was doing this extra duty at rescuing that he was struck by an enemy shell and expired almost immediately.
Petty-Officer Attridge was sent to apprise the family of the details of Mr Ada's death, and he also brought with him the verbal sympathy of the captain, officers and mess of the Destroyer, as well as three wreaths to be placed over the remains, Mrs. Ada having desired that the body might be sent home for burial.

The sympathy with deceased relatives and his betrothed, Miss Jessie Bloomfield, is very deep and widespread, and was given expression to at the funeral on Monday, and by shoals of lettes received."

 

 

A further report was made on the funeral -

 

"The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, and was a public tribute to the quiet esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes. Most of the tradesmen's shops had black boards, and blinds were generally drawn. Opposite the Baptist Church, the V.A.D. Red Cross flag was drooping at half mast. A squad of the Maidenhead Volunteers, under Lieut. Voules, formed the guard of honour. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack and many lovely wreaths, was carried on the shoulders of half-a-dozen local bluejackets under chief petty officer A. Emberley, viz., petty officer, 1st class, Riches; leading seaman Carter (wounded from East Africa); leading stoker Maybury; and an air mechanic Royal Naval Air Arm, and an A.B. Both the latter were on leave and volunteered to act as bearers. The undertakers were Messrs Partlo Bros., friends of the deceased.

On the rostrum were the Pastor (Rev. T. Wreford Way) and Rev. T.F.Lewis, of the Congregational Church; and among the crowded congregation were the Mayor (Mr C.W.Cox, J.P., C.C.), who also attended at the graveside, and Ald. Truscott, J.P., and Councillor O.T. Chamberlain, J.P. The chief mourners were: Mrs Ada (mother), Mr John E. Ada (brother), Mr F.W.Leach and Mrs Leach (brother-in-law and sister), Mr Richardson (uncle), Miss Ada (sister), Mr S. East (uncle), Mrs Sutton (cousin), Mr W. V. Bloomfield and Mr A.G Bloomfield.

 

Wreaths and other floral tokens of sympathy were sent by the following:- >From his own Jess; mother, brothers and sisters; Mr and Mrs Bloomfield, Rosa and Alfred; Lance-Corpl. Edmund Bloomfield; The Staff at 11, Queen Street; The Marlow Road Baptist Choir and Church; Mrs Eadres, 36, Town Wall Street, Dover; T.W.Naller and R. Coates, HMS Phoebe; from Messmates of HMS Phoebe; from Frank Trevoe; Members of 1st Berks Volunteer Regt,"C" Co., Maidenhead; Maidenhead Fire Brigade; Mr and Mrs H. Andrews and Mrs Goodman; Mr and Mrs. J. W. Goldsmith and Winnie; Mr and Mrs Reeves; Mr and Mrs Harold H Neve; Mr and Mtrs Hunt; Mr and Mrs John Tomlinson, and Frank."

 

Jessie Caroline Bloomfield, a music teacher and Arthur's fiancee never married and later passed away in Devon in 1967

Arthur was like so many brave men that left their family and loved ones to fight, and never came back alive.



First World War Private Monument - Air Mechanic 1st Class Frederick George Bennett, 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".

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.  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. 

Unfortunately, I cannot find any further information about Frederick's war service. Just before Frederick died pneumonia in Cliveden Military Hospital, he married Frances Dora Larter in the September of 1918.  Their time together was short as Frederick died on 21st November 1918 aged just 23 years.



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private James Henry Golding, 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".

 

 

 

James Henry Golding was born in Londonon 18th October 1875 to John Golding, and his wife Mary Eacott, a mangle and needlework woman.  Sometime between James's birth and 1881 Mary was widowed.

 

In 1891 census James is an errand boy, living with his mother at 6 West Street, Maidenhead.  I am unable to locate him on the 1901 census, but in 1906 James married Elizabeth Maynard in Eton.  In 1908 they had a daughter Amy Ethel.  By 1911 James was a postman working and living at 45 Portlock Road, Maidenhead Berkshire. 

 

James Henry enlisted with the 3rd Royal Berkshire Regiment on 16th January 1914 However a problem that had plagued James since he was 27 years old was to cut his service short when he was discharged as no longer being fit for service on 13th July 1915.  His Amy Pension Record states,

 

"Reason for discharge: Chronic suppurative disease of the middle ear.

He appears to be dull and stupid.  Probably on account of defective hearing which is only ½ of normal.  There is no discharge from the ears at present, but the ear specialist reports that there is a dry perforation with much destruction of membrane in both ears & that no improvement is likely.

Not fault of nor aggravated by service

Discharged as permanently unfit."

However, in 1918 it seems that there was a change of mind as his record states,

"The Pension Appeal Tribunal decided on 22^nd Nov 1918 that this man’s unfitness was aggravated by military service is consequence of the present war."

James continued to work at Maidenhead Post Office until his death on 5th January 1919 at his home 45 Portlock Road, Maidenhead. On 15th January 1919 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Golding- On Jan. 5th, at 45, Portlock-road, James Henry Golding, aged 43 years."
 

 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private Laurence Cyril Winstone, Royal Warwickshire 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".

 

 

Laurence Cyril Winstone was born on 13th September 1900 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to Frederick Thomas Winstone, a general labourer, and his wife Alice Mary Burton.

Laurence recorded as Lawrence, fist appears on the 1901 census aged just six months old, living at 68 Reform Road with his parents and five elder siblings. By the 1911 census the family had moved to 54 Waldeck Terrace, Reform Road, Maidenhead.

 

In 1918 Laurence enlisted with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 5th Battalion.  Sadly only 3 months into service Lawrence was wounded.  Lawrence was then sent to 16 Northumberland Voluntary Auxiliary Hospital (Later Ashington General Infirmary), where he contracted Bronchial Pneumonia and passed away on 11th October 1918

On 16th October 1918 the maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Winstone- On Oct. 11th, 1918, at Ashington  V.A.D. Hospital, Northumberland, of broncho-pneumonia, Lawrence [sic] ("Lorry"). Cyril Winstone, 5th Warick Regt., aged 18 years. 'Thy Will be done'."

 

 

Ashington Hospital

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - War Memorial - Charles and Edward Turner

Maidenhead War Memorial

 

 

"Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore."

 

 

Today I wanted to post about two members of my husband's family and their scarifice in The Great War.

C. W. Turner - Charles William Turner was born in 1898 in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead to Walter Thomas Turner, a general labourer and his wife Jessie Rebecca White.

E. H. Turner - Edward Horace Turner was born in 1890 in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  He was the elder brother of Charles William.

Charles William of the Machine Gun Corps died of wounds received in battle on 30th March 1918 in France.  Charles is buried in Duisans British Cemetery.

Edward Horace of 1st Battalion of Royal Berkshire Regiment was killed in action aged 24 on 3rd November 1914 in France.  Edward is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Do you like cemeteries and churchyards? Found anything interesting on your wanders? Why not join in with the Cemetery Sunday linky? Just link up with your favourite picture or story, you can say as much or as little as you like. Link up via your blog, Flikr or Photobucket account.

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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Lieutenant Edward Norkett, Royal Army Service Corps

 

 

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

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

 

Edward Norkett was born in Maidenhead Berkshire on 29th March 1880 to Edward Norkett, an Art Metal worker and his wife Harriet Bissley.

Edward first appears on the 1881 census aged just a year old, living with his parents and maternal aunts Catherine, and Mary, at Broadway, Maidenhead. By 1891 the family had moved to All saint's Avenue in Maidenhead.

 

On the 1901 census, Edward is listed living with his parents and siblings at 6 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Edward's occupation is listed as a blacksmith.

 

On 28th July 1904 Edward married Amy Ann Pattisson at St Mary's Le Park Chapel of ease in Battersea London, where Amy was living at the time in Bolan Street.  On 8th February 1906 their daughter Nora Frances was born, sadly she was to pass away on 19th February 1906.

On 21st February 1906 the following announcements appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Births

Norkett- On February 8th, at 15 , Bolan-street. Battersea Park, S.W., the wife of Edward Norksett jun., of a daughter."

"Deaths

Norkett- On 19th February, at 15, Bolan-street, Battersea Park, S.W., Nora Frances, infant daughter of Edward and Amy Norkett."

 

Edward Norkett was an active member in St Luke's Church in Maidenhead, playing violin there as a child and later dedicating a wrought iron and gold leaf screen, made by himself, to the church in 1910. 

Decorative Wrought Iron Scene made by Edward
St Luke's Church, Maidenhead, Berkshire

On the 1911 census Edward is listed as the manager of an Art Metal Works, he is living at 16A King Street, Maidenhead with his wife Amy, and her younger brother Walter Lawrence Pattisson, who is Edward's Apprentice.

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War I, Edward enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps.  The Royal Army Service Corps were responsible for land, coastal, and lake transport; air dispatch; supply of food, water, fuel, and general domestic stores such as clothing, furniture and stationery; administration of barracks; the Army Fire Service; and provision of staff clerks to headquarters units. He was stationed in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Lieutenant Edward Norkett (right)
and his son Walter

 

Unfortunately, I cannot trace Edward's Military Service Records.  He died from kidney disease on 25th March 1919 at the military hospital in Wareham Dorset.  

On 2nd April 1919 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Death of the Ex-Mayor's Son.

A Military Funeral.

We deeply regret to announce the death in hospital of Lieutenant Edward Norkett, R.A.S.C., the elder son of the ex-mayor, Councillor E. Norkett, of All Saints'-avenue and High Town-road. He died on Tuesday in last week at the Wareham Military Hospital, after a useful career in the A.S.C. during the war, in which service he rose to a commission as a Lieutenant. We feel sure that all our readers will share our deep regret at the sad loss sustained by the ex-mayor and his respected family, and will concur in the public expression of condolence passed by the Town Council at their last week's sitting.

The late Lieutenant Norkett was widely known in the town and neighbourhood, and took a prominent part in the efficient maintenance of the Volunteer corps. He assisted his father in the motor business in High Town-road, and his loss to the business will be irreparable. The deceased, who was well-known in the Wareham district, was a member of the Ringwood Lodge of Freemasons.

The body was removed from the hospital to Wareham Station on Friday, preparatory to the internment at Maidenhead. The coffin was borne on a gun carriage drawn by six horses, and behind it followed the deceased's charger, with the deceased's riding boots reversed, and  Lieut-Colonel Maurice, R.A.S.C., Major Collier, Major Wilson, and Captain Lloyd. The pall-bearers were three of the deceased's brother officers and three officers of the Tank Corps (Wareham). The R. E. Training Centre at Christchurch were represented by Lieutenant Cooper; the Army Veterinary Corps by Sergeant-Major Tillett; the New Zealand Engineers by Sergeant-Major Brownlee, Sergeant-Major Dyson and Sergeant Duncan; Mr. J. W. Whiting represented the D O.R.E., Christchurch, and others present included Mr. D. Wilton, late of Maidenhead, who had known the deceased since boyhood.

The body having been brought to Maidenhead, the funeral service was held on Saturday afternoon at All Saints' Church conducted by the Rev. J. F. S. Russell, and the internment was in the graveyard attached to the church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norkett and the widow have received a number of letters from officers and others testifying to their deep respect for the late Lieutenant. Major M. C. Collier writes from the Wareham Headquarters:- "He was an officer that knew his duty and performed it with precision, and one that I could always trust implicitly. Christchurch during his tenure of command was always my model station. May I tell you that I sent his name up twice for inclusion in the 'honours' list, and I was always sorry that it was cut out by higher authorities, as if anyone deserved a 'mention' it was he."

Lieut.-Col. A. J. Maurice, in the course of a sympathetic letter to the young widow, says that though he had known Lieut. Norkett only six months "I had learned to appreciate his character, and value to the good and strenuous work he always did. I know that he endeared himself to all who came in contact with him, and he will be sadly missed."" 

Edward's World War I Medal Card suggests that Amy applied for his Territorial Forces Medal after his death on 3rd May 1920.  The Territorial Force War Medal was a campaign medal awarded to members of the British Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Services who served overseas in World War I, it is the rarest of the five British Great War medals.

After Edward's death Amy and Walter moved to 36 Cromwell Road, Maidenhead, where they can both be found on the 1921 Census.

 

Edward and Amy's only surviving child Walter Edward Norkett was to serve with the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II, sadly he died during service sometime between 31st May and 4th June 1940, just two years after the death of his mother.  He is buried in Dunkirk Cemetery in France.

 

Maybe it was some small mercy that Amy died before Walter after losing Edward to war service.

 



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.

 



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 on "0th May 1882 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 had 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.

 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Sapper Charles Edward Cox, Royal Engineers - Maidenhead Station Ticket Collector

 

 

"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 Middleton, 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 was residing at Oxford Wood Barracks with his mother and father.  On 14th July 1906 Charles entered the employ of the Great Western Railway, Swindon Division as a Shed Boy,  resigning the position on 1st March 1907

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. Later the couple moved to 29 Grenfell Place, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

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, 29 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.

On 10th March 1920 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Two Funerals for Railwaymen.

Two very impressive funerals took place last week, each being that of a member of the staff at Maidenhead G.W.R. Station.

The second funeral was that of Ticket-Collector Charles Edward Cox, of Grenfell-place, who passed away after only a few days' suffering from pneumonia, following influenza. He had been about 13 years in the company's service, and the last eight years were spent at Maidenhead. He had only been released from the Colours about three months, after having served some three years in the R.E.s' in France.  The funeral took place at All Saints' Church on Thursday, the Rev. J. F. S. Russell officiating. In this case also, about forty of the deceased's colleagues from Maidenhead and neighbouring stations attended to pay a last mark of respect. Four of his late comrades acted as bearers, namely, Ticket Collectors Cook and Hall, and Porter Ball, and Lampman Ramsey. Mr. Wills, the station master, was represented by Messrs. Fletcher, Calcott, and Jacques, of the office staff.

The mourners were, Mrs. C. E. Cox (widow), Mfr. and Mrs. Cox (father and mother), Mr. G. W. Groves (father-in-law). Mrs. Eason (aunt), Mr. and Mrs. G Groves, Mr. and Mrs. J Wheeler, Miss. D Groves, Mr. A Groves, Mr. T Wheeler, and Mr. F Groves, (brothers and sister-in-law), Mr. Bowyer (friend)." 

The now widowed Elsie can be found on the 1921 Census living with her father George Groves, and siblings Arthur Groves, and Daisy Groves, at 27 Grenfell Place. Elsie never remarried and passed away on 27 July 1973 at her home, 184 Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

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.

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. 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Sapper Joseph 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 2 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.

Joseph 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 in the dock, and pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and having assaulted P.C. Tubb."

Thomas was sentenced to 21 days of 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 of hard labour for being drunk and disorderly, 2 months for the assault on George 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?"

Joseph 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 Martialed 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. The 1921 Census finds the widowed Lydia living with her two daughters Kathleen Ellen, and one month old Joan Cecily at Prospect Place, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where Lydia is running a general store. Frederick is living with his uncle Albert Harry Palmer in Swindon Wiltshire.

The Unfortunate Children of James Nash, House Painter of King Street, Maidenhead

Monument to James, Florence Catherine, Albert George and Alfred Henry Nash, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire.

"Sacred To The Memory of

James Nash died Feb.y 9th 1878 aged 3 years

Florence Catherine Nash died Feb.y 3rd 1881 aged 11 months

Albert George Nash died Jan.y 18th 1882 aged 5 years

'Of such is the kingdom of heaven'

Alfred Henry Nash died June 1st 1887 aged 3 years"

James, Florence, Albert, and Alfred were all the children of James, a house painter and decorator, and Martha Catherine Lewis.

James Nash Snr was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in 1853, he later became a house painter before he married Martha Catherine Lewis in 1874. The couple soon moved to King Street in Maidenhead and started their family with the arrival of James in 1875 and followed by Albert George in 1876, Frederick William in 1879, Florence Catherine in 1880 and Alfred Henry in 1884, Frank Edward in 1886 and Bessie Louise in 1889. Tragically three were to die in the space of nine years.

In 1891 their mother Martha Catherine Nash passed away, yet she seems to have been buried elsewhere and not with her children.

In 1901 Frederick William Nash was subject to a burglary at his home in Furze Platt, Maidenhead.  The Slough, Windsor and Eton Observer reported on the matter -

"Berkshire Quarter Sessions

The county Quarter Sessions were held at Reading on Monday, when Uriah Weston, 24, tinker, and George Henry Wilton, 26, compositor, pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the residence of Frederick William Nash at the Furze Platt, Maidenhead, on Dec 1 and stealing therefrom articles of the value £26.16s.  Wilton, who had already undergone twelve months' imprisonment for housebreaking, was now committed for a similar term, while Weston was sentenced to six months' hard labour."

Poor James had lost three of his children, and his wife within 17 years of their marriage. James didn't remarry and continued to live and work in King Street with his surviving children until his death at the relatively young age of 51 on 2nd July 1904. A year later James's eldest surviving child Frederick William married Susan Amelia Hight. The 1911 Census finds the couple and their two children Reginald Lewis, and Winifred Mary living at 3 Risborough Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Frederick William is listed as being a Paper Hanger.

Frank Edward Nash never married. He can be found on the 1911 Census living with his sister Bessie Louise at 15 Risborough Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire where Frank is listed at a House Decorator.  After the outbreak of World War I, Frank enlisted with the 1st Surrey Rifles. He served with the 21st County of London Battalion until his death on 10th December 1917

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Frank death on 16th January 1918 as follows:

"Of the 1st Surrey Rifles (London Regt.) son of the late Mr. James Nash, of Maidenhead, whose death in action on December 10th we recorded in our issue of 2nd January. He leaves an only brother (who has joined His Majesty's Forces) and a sister to mourn his loss." - Maidenhead Advertiser, 16th January 1918.

The report in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 2nd January 1918 is as follows:

"The Supreme Sacrifice

Rifleman Frank E Nash, 1st Surrey Rifles, London Regiment (son of the late Mr. James Nash), aged 31, was killed in action in France, Dec. 10th, 1917. The deceased had been home on his leave to visit his friends, and a few days after his return to the trenches, a bomb from the enemy exploded, killing him and several other comrades. A letter of sympathy has been received by his sister from H.M. the King, also from his Commanding Officer and the comrades of his platoon, who held him in high esteem and deeply regret the loss of such a reliable soldier from their ranks. The deceased was a well-conducted young man, a good tradesman, and a employer of labour, and greatly respected by all with whom he had business transactions. He was a native of Maidenhead." - Maidenhead Advertiser, 2nd January 1918.

By the 1939 Register, Bessie Louise was a patient at Fair Mile Mental Hospital, Cholsey, Berkshire, where she remained until her death in 1962. Bessie is buried in an unmarked grave at St Mary's Churchyard, Cholsey, now Oxfordshire.