Second World War Commonwealth War Grave - Leading Aircraftman Edmund John Michael McGrath, 13 Elementary Flight Training School - Flying Accident

Gravestone of Leading Aircraftman Edmund John McGrath, Under Training Pilot, Royal Air Force. All Saints' Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

Edmund John Michael McGrath was born in 1911 in Aldershot, Surrey, to Edmund Louis McGrath,  a clerk at the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company, and his wife Rosalind White. On 10 April 1913 Edmund's father passed away. 

Edmund first appears in the 1921 Census, aged 9, living with his widowed mother Rosalind, who was working as a teacher, at 20 Sister's Avenue, Wandsworth, London. Edmund's mother Rosalind was to pass away in the first quarter of 1939.

On 21st December 1940 Leading Aircraftman Edmund John McGrath was due to pilot a de Havilland Tiger Moth aeroplane BB754 from R.A.F Crazies Hill, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire to  R.A.F White Waltham, Berkshire. The Tiger Moth stalled on take off and crashed at the Henley-on-Thames airfield, killing Edmund on impact. Edmund was just 29 years old at the time of his death.

 

 



 



Annie Harriet Lowndes, of Rutland Lodge, Boyne Hill, Lady Superintendent of St John's National School, Winchester

 

 

 

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

 

 

"Annie Harriet Lowndes.  

Born 2nd February 1855.  

Died 15th January 1914."

 

 

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

 

Annie first appears the 1861 Census, aged six, living at Esher House, Cobham, Surrey, with her parents and her 6 year old cousin Edith Phillips.

 

In 1870 Annie's mother, Letitia passed away.

 

At the age of 16 on the 1871 Census, Annie can be found boarding at Sussex House School for Girls in Clifton, Bristol.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Annie Harriet Lowndes passed away on 15th January 1914 at her home, 87 Dorset Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. On 17th January 1914 the following announcement appeared in the Surrey Advertiser:

"Deaths

LOWNDES —On the 15th of January, at Bexhill-on-Sea. Annie Harriet Lowndes, only daughter of the late S. Lowndes, Esq.. O,P. the County of Dorset, and grand-daughter of William Loftus Lowndes. Q.C."

On 24th January 1914 the Surrey Advertiser reported:

"DEATH MISS LOWNDES. T

he death occurred at Bexhill-on-sea on Thursday week of Miss. Annie Harriet Lowndes, daughter of the late Mr. .S. Lowndes, J.P. for Dorset, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. William Loftus Lowndes. Q.C. 'Miss Lowndes had devoted her life to work among friendless girls, having laboured for in London for some years and at Winchester. .She was instrumental in starting  a home, known as St. Anne's. at Pewsley, and worked there many years, giving freely her time and money Much sympathy will extended to Mrs. Lowndes of Chichester-place, Epsom road, deceased's stepmother."

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On 18th March 1914 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"A LOCAL LADY'S Will.

—Miss Annie Harriet Lowndes, formerly of Rutland Lodge, Boyne-hill, Maidenhead, daughter of the late Samuel Lowndes, whose death occurred at Bexhill-on- Sea, Sussex, on January 15th, has left property of the value of £7,354 8s. 10d., of which the net personalty is £7,175 2s. 10d. Mr. William Loring, of Allerton House, Grotes Buildings, Blackheath, Kent, barrister-at-law, and Mr. Richard Lowndes, of 4, Tokenhouse Buildings, London, stockbroker, are the executors. The will is dated March 11th, 1909, wherein testatrix leaves £50 per annum to Eliza Jane Foxley Norris, £50 per annum to her aunt, Rebe Lowndes, with remainder to her godson, Arthur William Foxley Norris, £50 per annum to her stepmother, Isabel Gore Lowndes, £50 per annum to Margaret Kempe, and £l00 to St. Anne's Laundry Home, Yiewaley, Middlesex, providing that it is carried on on the same lines as at present. The residue of her property she leaves to her brother, Harry Loftus Lowndes, for life, then as to £l00 to her godson, Arthur William Foxley Norris, and £l00 to St. Anne's Laundry Home, with remainder to the children of her brother Henry, whom, failing, to her said god-son."

Mary Louisa Haines Built, Domestic Cook for Captain Charles Prettyman at Boyne Holme, Maidenhead.

 

 

 

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

 

"Sacred To The Memory Of 

Mary Louisa Built 

Died Dec 19th 1902 

Aged 39 years."

 

 

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

 

 

On the 1871 Census, 8 year old Mary is boarding with the Ashley family at Daycroft House, Walford, Herefordshire.  Mary's mother, working as a dressmaker, and her younger sister Benedicta are boarding at the home of the Whittaker family at Bulls Hill in Walford, Herefordshire.

 

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

 

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

 

In 1881 Mary the 18 year old Mary is still living in the Ashley family home at Daycroft House and is now working as a general servant.  Mary's 12 year old sister, Benedicta, is visiting the home of Elizabeth Davis at 2 Bellevue, Burcott Row, Herefordshire.  Living next door at 3 Shrewsbury Place is Mary and Benedicta's mother Benedicta Lancaster, her husband Charles and his children Drusilla, and Frederick. 

 

On the 1891 Census Mary is working as a domestic cook for Captain Charles H. S. Prettyman and his family at Fairfield Peterschurch, Herefordshire, her sister Benedicta however is working for the Graves family in Bradenham, West Wycombe, as a general domestic servant. Mary and Benedicta's mother, is living in the town on Tiberton, Herefordshire with her husband Charles.  Boarding with them are two children 12 year old Alice E Edmonds, and 11 year old Leonard Phillips.

 

In 1901 Mary is still working as a domestic cook for Captain Charles H S Prettyman and his wife family, this time at Boyne Holme, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.

 

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

 

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

 

Just a year later on 19th December 1902 Mary passed away at the age of 39. On Christmas Eve of 1902 the following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Deaths-

BUILT,—On December 19th, at Boyne Holme, Maidenhead, Mary Louisa Built, aged 39. Deeply regretted."

 

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

 

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

 

Benedicta Built passes away in Windsor, Berkshire in 1953.

 

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - In Loving Memory Of...

 

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

 

 

 

 



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Frederick James Baylis of the Maidenhead Advertiser, his wife Deborah Elizabeth Baylis, and son Corporal Herbert Henry "Duke" Baylis of the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment

 

 

 

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

 

"In Loving Memory Of 

Our Dear Parents And Brother, 

Frederick James 

Baylis

Died Dec 27 1895 

Aged 34 years 

and 

Deborah Elizabeth 

Died August 10 1940 

Aged 78 years.  

Herbert Henry 

"Duke" 

Killed In Action 

in France 

August 2 1917."

 

 

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

 

Frederick first appears on the 1871 Census aged 9, living with his parents, grandfather William Baylis, and younger siblings Edith, and Gerald at 4 Jessamine Villas, Parliament Street, Littleworth, Gloucestershire.

 



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

 

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

 

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

 

Deborah first appears on the 1871 Census aged 8, living with her uncle and aunt, Robert and Charlotte Angel, landlords of The Bull Inn in Warfield, Berkshire.  Living with the Angel family is Deborah's grandmother Ann Drewett.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Just a year later in 1892 Frederick and Deborah welcomed another daughter, Kate, into their family.  Sadly just three years later in 1895, Frederick suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and passed away aged just 34 years.  On  1st January 1896 the following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"DEATH. 

Baylis.—December 27th, after a short illness, of cerebral haemorrhage, Frederick James Baylis, member of the staff of the Maidenhead Advertiser, aged 34 years. [His widow desires to offer, through this medium, her most grateful thanks to many friends and neighbours for the great kindness, sympathy and helpfulness they have shown to her in her sad bereavement, of which personal acknowledgement would be almost impossible."

Deborah was expecting her seventh child at the time of Frederick's passing.  Frederick Watson Baylis was born after his father's death in 1896

 

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

 

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

 

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

Deborah, Eva, and Henry are still living at 3 Raymond Road in 1939. Henry is now working as a house painter.

 

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

 

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - IHS

 

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

 

 

 

 

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Maidenhead Station Master James Chamberlain , and his wife Anne Chamberlain

 

 

 

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

 

 

"In 

Loving Memory 

Of 

James Chamberlain 

Who Departed This Life 

December 26th 1892 

Aged 79 years.  

Also Anne His Wife 

Who Died October 25th 1895 

Aged 85 years.  

Gone But Not Forgotten."

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In 1891 James and Anne are still living in Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  James's occupation is now listed as a retired station master.  Just a year after that Census was taken, James passed away on Boxing Day of 1892, aged 79 years.  On 4th January 1893 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"DEATH OF MR. JAMES CHAMBERLAIN. 

- Mr. James Chamberlain, of Victoria-street, has just passed away, at the age of 78 [sic]. Mr. Chamberlain will be remembered by many inhabitants as the stationmaster at the old Folley-hill (Castle-hill) station, prior to the erection of the present Maidenhead station, and when residents desirous of journeying by other than Wycombe branch trains to trudge or engage a cab to the old Taplow station. Mr. Chamberlain was for many years in charge of the "little station on the hill." When be was superannuated, some years since, he retired with the esteem and good wishes of all ' who knew him, and was presented with a suitable testimonial. Mr. Chamberlain was a warm supporter of St. Paul's church."

Anne was to pass away nearly three years later on 25th October 1895

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 



Ruth Hawker, and Mary Ann Hawker, wives of John Hawker, Baker of King Street Maidenhead, and his son Albert Hawker

 

 

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

 

 

"In Loving Memory of 

Ruth Hawker wife of John Hawker 

Died Nov 4th 1865 aged 47 

- Interred in Wesleyan Churchyard -

 

Albert Hawker fourth son of 

Ruth and John Hawker 

Died July 8th 1892 aged 42.

 

Mary Ann Hawker second wife of 

John Hawker 

Died May 26th 1896 aged 83"

 

 

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

 

In 1841 the young family can be found living in Boyn Hill Maidenhead.  However by the 1851 Census Ruth and family had moved to Maidenhead High Street.  The family had since welcomed the births of Fanny, Mary Ann, William, and baby Albert.  Living with the family at the time was 17 year old George Smith, a baker's apprentice.

 

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

 

Sadly in 1862 Fanny passes away.

 

In 1863 Ebenezer, the last child of John and Ruth Hawker was born.  Sadly two after her youngest son's birth, Ruth passed away on 4th November 1862.  

 

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

 

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

Mary Ann first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 25, living with her widowed mother Mary Maria, and her younger brother Thomas Brant, in Market Street, Maidenhead. Mary, her mother, and brother Thomas were still living and working in Market Street in 1851.

1861 finds Mary living on her own in Park Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

By 1871 John and his second wife Mary had moved to King Street along with Albert, Louisa, Frederick, and Ebenezer.

 

1881 the family has moved again to 3 Lansdowne Villas, Norfolk Road, Maidenhead.  John is now listed as a retired baker, young Ebenezer is now an architect.  Living with John and Mary Ann is Louisa, her husband Henry and their two young children. 

  

Albert, now 29 years old, is a pauper patient at Berks County Moulsford Lunatic Asylum, listed as a lunatic, where he remained until his death on 8th June 1892

 

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

 

Mary Ann passed away on 26th May 1896. On the 27th May 1896 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.

—The death has occurred, at the ripe age of 83, of Mrs. Mary Ann Hawker, wife of Mr. J. Hawker, who formerly carried on business as a baker and confectioner in King-street, but some years since retired and now resides in Norfolk park. Mrs. Hawker was well-known, having lived in Maidenhead for very many years. The funeral will take place at the Cemetery tomorrow (Thursday)."

John was to pass away three years later on 3rd December 1899. On 13th December 1899 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"DEATH AND FUNERAL OF AN OLD TOWNSMAN. 

On Thursday last the funeral took place, at the Cemetery, of Mr. John Hawker, of St. Luke's-road Maidenhead, whose death ( on the 3rd inst.) we announced in our obituary column last week. The deceased gentleman was of independent means, having retired from business upwards of 21 years ago. He was in his usual good health up to within a few days of his death, and was to be seen in the streets on his tricycle, but he became ill somewhat suddenly and succumbed practically to senile decay, having attained the patriarchal age of 83 years. 

He was widely known and universally respected. The deceased gentleman had been closely associated with the trade of Maidenhead for well-nigh 60 years, for though be himself retired from active business life a couple of decades ago, he was succeeded by his son, Mr. Fredk. Hawker, as baker, &c., in King-street, who so developed the business that he now occupies one of the finest blocks of shops in the town, known as " Hawker's Market." Mr. John Hawker commenced business as a baker at Boyn Hill. He subsequently took a shop in High-street, where Mr. A. C. Rippon's tobacconist's shop now stands, and where his son Fredk. was born. When Queen-street developed into a business thoroughfare Mr. Hawker's establishment was pulled down, and the business was removed to King-street, where the "Royal Dairy" now is. The late Mr. Hawker owned a good deal of property in Maidenhead. The deceased leaves four sons, viz., Mr. John Hawker, a missionary in India; Mr. Fredk. Hawker. Mr. Wm. Hawker, and the Rev. Ebenezer Hawker. The funeral took pace on Thursday afternoon last, at the cemetery, the Rev. T. F. Lewis officiated."

 

 

  

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.

Charles Quibell Rogers, Pork Pie Maker from Melton Mowbray - Rests Alone at All Saints' Maidenhead Cemetery

 

 

 

Monument to Charles Quibell Rogers, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

"In 

Memory

Of 

Charles Q. Rogers 

Died March 9th 1950 

Aged 73"

 

Charles Quibell Rogers was born in 1876 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, to Charles Rogers, a pork pie maker, and his wife Mary Quibell, a provisions dealer.

 

Charles first appears on the 1881 Census, aged five years, living with his parents, elder sisters Elizabeth, and Sarah, twin sister Emma Rachel, and younger sister Edith, in Sage Cross Street in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

 

In 1891, fifteen year old Charles, now a pie maker, is boarding in the home of Arthur Barrett, a confectioner and baker at 109 Charmwood Street, St Margaret's, Leicestershire.  Charles's twin sister Emma is working as a general domestic servant in the home of Charlotte Rose at 65 Princess Street, Leicester, Leicestershire.

 

In 1898, Charles married Emma Holmes, the widow of Frederick Holmes, in Shardlow, Derbyshire, taking on Emma's two children from her previous marriage, Frank, and Florence Holmes.

 

A year later in 1899, Charles's twin sister Emma Rachel married John Wayness Cheyne, a plumber and gas fitter, in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

 

Charles's new family can be found on the 1901 Census, living at 12 Oakleys Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, where Charles's occupation is now listed as a bread maker.

 

Emma Rachel and her husband John Wayness can be found living at 68 Granstead Road,  Colchester, Essex.

 

By 1911 Charles and his family had moved to 57 Oakleys Road in Long Eaton, Derbyshire.  Charles is now working as a confectioner for the Co-operative.  Frank, and Florence are working in the lace making and mending industry. 

On 7th May 1912 Charles' sister Emma and her husband had emigrated to Australia. 

 

Charles Quibell Rogers was to pass away on 9th March 1950 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  His twin sister Emma Rachel Cheyne died aged eighty five years old in Chelmsford, Essex on 28th July 1961.

 

I wonder what brought Charles to Maidenhead and why he lies alone in All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery

 

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 

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