Roll of Honour

They Also Served

World War One had far reaching impacts in every community. Huge numbers of men left small communities. Over two hundred left Felsted.

Names A - G of Felsted Residents who also served in World War 1

Frederick Allen

Private Soldier 11007 – 9th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent) Regiment
Private Soldier 45671 – Machine Gun Corps

Address at Enlistment: Leighs Priory Cottages, Felstead.
Occupation: Cowman
Age at enlistment: 24 years 4 months
Enlisted Warley: 29/05/1916
Height: 5' 4½"
Chest Size 35½"
Next of Kin: Frederick Allen, Father, Blackley Lane Cottage, Felstead.

Attested: 05/12/1915
Posted to Reserve: 09/12/1915
Mobilized: 25/05/1916
Posted to 9th Buffs: 31/05/1916
Transferred to Machine Gun Corps: 28/07/1916
BEF France: 24/10/1916 (embarked Folkestone, disembarked Boulogne)
Posted to 11 Company MGC: 23/01/1917
Hospitalized Eastbourne: 19/01/1918
Posted to 5th Reserve Battalion: 19/07/1918
Demobilized to Army Reserve: 25/04/1919 – Fractured right elbow
Home address at demobilization: Black Notley, Braintree.
 

Victor Andrews Appears on the 1918 absent voters list normally resident at Crooked Billet. The Crooked Billet was an ale house at Gransmore Green, and stood on the site now occupied by the Kinvara Business Centre.

Victor Harry Andrews was born in Rayne in 1897, the year before his parents Harry Andrews and Emily Sophia Bloomfield married.

In the 1901 and 1911 census he is listed as Victor Harry Bloomfield. By the time of his military service he appears to have started using the name Victor Andrews.

There are 12 Victor Andrews listed in the National Archives medal card index.

Victor Andrews died aged 43 in 1941.
 

Frederick Charles Archer

Frederick Charles Archer was born in the Dunmow registration district on 12th January 1899

In 1901 he is living with his grandparents at the Terrace, Willows Green (The terrace was located in what is now Evelyn Road)
William Kemp, aged 49, Horseman on Farm
Mary Kemp (née Archer), aged 50.
Frederick Archer, aged 2.

In 1911 he is still resident at the Terrace,
William Kemp, aged 60, Widower, occupation: Farm Labourer.
Lizzie Archer, aged 33, single, relationship to head of household: Housekeeper (Lizzie appears on the 1891 census as William's step-daughter) (In 1901 both Lizzie (age 24) and her sister Annie (age 21) are in service at Rayne, in the household of Thomas Newman)
Fred Archer, age 12, relationship to head of household: Son.

His age at this time means he would not be eligible for military service until early 1917.

He appears on the 1918 absent voters list normally resident at The Terrace, Willows Green.

The Ardley Brothers The Bell Inn - Detail from Postcard dated 1915In 1901 the Ardley family were resident at the Bell Public House in the centre of Felsted.
Arthur Ardley, age: 48, occupation: Beerhouse Keeper & Cab Proprietor, born: Stisted, Essex.
Harriett Ardley, age: 42, born: Stisted, Essex.
Arthur A Ardley, age: 12, born: Stisted, Essex.
Isaac W Ardley, age: 12, born: Stisted, Essex.
Percy J Ardley, age: 11 born: Stisted, Essex.
Walter H Ardley, age: 9, born: Felsted, Essex.
Robin F Ardley, age: 7, born: Felsted, Essex.
Lillian Ardley, age: 6, born: Felsted, Essex.
Hedley R Ardley, age: 9 months, born: Felsted, Essex.
William Fuller (Lodger), age 48, occupation: Bricklayers Labourer, born: Felsted, Essex.
Walter Hills (Lodger), age: 34, occupation: Coal Merchants Carryman, born: Sheering, Essex.
Thomas Bentall (Lodger), age: 58, occupation: Carryman and Agricultural Labourer born: Felsted, Essex.
 
Frank Robin Ardley Frank Robin Ardley was born in Felsted in 1893. Baptised at Holy Cross Church on 27th August 1893.

Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as R. F. Ardley, the differences between the census entries and the initials on the honour might indicate he preferred to be called Robin.

The 1911 census records a Frank Robin Ardley being 17 years old.

possibly: Frank R. Ardley. Private Soldier 12211 Essex Regiment. He joined on 31 August 1914 and went to France with the 9th Battalion on 30 May 1915. He was invalided out of the army through sickness on 3 June 1916 and was awarded a Silver War Badge.
 

Hedley Rowland Ardley Born in the third quarter of 1900.
Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at Coblers Green.
He has no listed medal entitlement as he would have just turned 18 in the final months of the war and probably never served abroad.
 
Walter Horace Ardley Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as W. Ardley
1911 census records a Walter Horace Ardley age 19
The absent voters list records Walter Horace Ardley, resident the Village. The absent voters list also records a Walter Horace Ardler also resident in the Village. I suspect this is the same person, and Ardler is a typographical error.

Walter Ardley went on to own a freight transport business in the village and was regularly contracted to work for the Felsted Sugar Factory.
 

William Kenrick Armitstead

W.K. Armistead 1923
W.K. Armitstead 1923
courtesy Felsted School

William Kenrick Armitstead, third child of Sydney Henry Armitstead of Sandbach Heath, born on 4 July 1878. He was educated at Rossall, where he was Captain of the School, and Hertford College, Oxford. On going down from Oxford he went to teach at Dunchurch Hall prep school from 1903 to 1908, and played hockey for Warwickshire. In 1908 he went to Felsted School.

He appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as Armistead Lieut. W. K.

His Short Service Record:
ARMITSTEAD, W. K. Lieut.
2nd Lieut. 3/5th Bn. Cheshire Regt. (T.F.) 26/8/15.
Lieut. 30/3/16. In France with 1/5th Cheshire Regt. (T.F.), 56th Div,,
on the Somme Aug. — Oct. 1916. Wounded at Les Boeufs 2/10/16.
With 13th (S) Bn. Cheshire Regt. Dec. 1916 — Dec. 1917, 25th Div. at Messines.
Acting Capt. 25/8/16 — 16/9/16.
Invalided home 14/12/17. 4th (Res.) Bn.
Cheshire Regt. Transferred to Un-attached List 8/12/18.

In 1915 he went on active service with the Cheshire Regiment. He was a company commander on the western front and was wounded in October 1916, and was nursed by his future wife, Maria Gezina Swinnerton (Mollie), who he married on 7 April 1920 at Beaumaris. They had four children three of which served during the Second World War.

He went on to Command Felsted School OTC.
 

Albert Walter Arnold Royal Flying Corps
Brother of Lancelot Arnold
The National Archive contains a very brief record card for an A W Arnold, sadly with no address or next of Kin details. The record shows that this AW Arnold had service number 179566 who was sent to the 1 School of Observation to work in the Central Pay Office on 10th December 1918, and was subsequently "Relegated to Reserve" on 6th January 1919, Class G. Class G indicated that he was subject to recall from the reserve if required. This class of reservist was cancelled in 1920 and all those it applied to were formally discharged from the reserve.
 
George Edward Attwood George Edward Attwood was born in Felstead in 1892. He was the eldest child of George and Rosanna Attwood who were married in 1891.

The 1901 census shows them still living in Felsted:
George Attwood (snr), age 33, occupation: Engine Driver on Farm, born: Braintree.
Rosanna Attwood (née Childs), age 28, born: Felstead.
George Attwood (jnr), age 8, born: Felstead.
Rose Attwood, age 6, born: Felstead.
Joseph Attwood, age 2, born: Felstead.

In 1911 George was a driver in the Royal Horse Artillery in Ordnance Road, London.

George appears on Felstead Roll of Honour for 1914 as G. Attwood
 

Arthur Baker Arthur Baker was born in the last months of 1890.

Baptised at Holy Cross Church on 27th September 1891.

In 1901 the census records the family living at Oxneys Farm, Bannister Green.
Charles Baker, aged 44, occupation Horseman on Farm, born Felstead
Emma Baker, age 42, born Felstead
Edith Baker, age 17, born Felstead
Nellie Baker, age 12, born Felstead
Arthur Baker, age 10, born Felstead, (The 1911 census list the 20 year old Arthur being a General Farm Labourer.)
Lily Baker, age 8, born Felstead
Ethel Baker, age 8, born Felstead
Frank Baker, age 1, born Felstead.

Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as Baker A.

The Essex Regiment Museum records service number 12280, rank Sergeant, having first enlisted with the 9th Battalion in 1914, and later transferred to the 11th Battalion. He was discharged on 29th March 1919.
 

Frank Baker Brother of Arthur Baker listed above. Being born in 1890 he would only have been eligible for active service during 1918 so may have not served overseas.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at Oxneys Farm, Bannister Green
 

The Bantock Brothers In 1901 the Bantock Family were living in the village:
Harry Bantock, age 38, occupation: Farm Bailiff, born: Boxford, Suffolk.
Laura Bantock, age 37, born: Lt. Wallingford, Suffolk.
Harry Bantock, age 16, occupation: Farm Labourer, born: Newton, Suffolk.
Frederick Bantock, age 14, occupation: Gardener Domestic, born: Halstead, Essex.
Florence Bantock, age 12, born: Halstead, Essex.
George Bantock, age 9, born: Halstead, Essex.
Edith Bantock, age 7, born: Halstead, Essex.
Alfred Bantock, age 2, born: Felstead.
 
Frederick Bantock Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as being resident 4 Dunmow Road.
Frederick J. Bantock served as Gnr. 69208 with the Royal Field Artillery.
 
Harry Bantock

Private Soldier 25766   33rd (Labour) Battalion Royal Fusliers
Private Soldier   Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry
Private Soldier 93657   Labour Corps 157 Company

Born 1884
Address at attestation: Coblers Green, Felstead
Age: 32 years 1 month
Occupation: Farm Labourer
Marital Status: Single
Next of Kin: Harry Bantock, Father, address Panfield Hall, Braintree

Attested: 25/02/1916
Posted to Reserve: 26/02/1916
Mobilized: 20/03/1916
Posted to 33rd Labour Battalion, Royal Fusiliers: 22/03/1916
Transferred to DCLI Labour Battalion: 28/03/1916
Attached to 3rd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry: 29/03/1916
BEF: 07/05/1916
Transferred to 157 Company Labour Corps: 09/05/1917
Appointed Lance Corporal: 28/06/1919
Reverted to Private: 23/08/1919
Demobilized: 05/10/1919

Character Report: Good.
 

Charles Bentall The 1911 census shows Edward and Alice Bentall lived Felstead Village:
Edward Bentall, age 43, occ: Farm Labourer, Cowman on Farm, born Felstead
Alice Bentall, age 53, born Leighs
Charles Bentall, aged 17, occ: Farm Labourer, born Felstead.
Percy Bentall, aged 13, occ: Farm Labourer, born Felstead.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident in the village, Felstead.
 

Fred James Bentall The 1911 census shows James and Mary Bentall living at Bradford Street, Bocking.
A son Frederick was aged 16. He was born in Bocking, although his father James was born in Felsted.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident in the village, Felstead.
 

Frederick Thomas Bentall MM Lance Corporal 19788 Essex Regiment
Born 1894
Reported wounded in the Essex Weekly News of 11th August 1916.
Awarded the Military Medal reported in the London Gazette of 29th August 1918
 
Percy Bentall Percy Bentall was the second son on Edward and Alice Bentall, and younger brother of Charles Bentall above.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident in the village, Felstead.
 

The Bircher Brothers In 1911 the census records the Bircher family living at Bartholomew Green:
Charles Bircher, age 57, born: Austrey, Warwickshire.
Mary Jane Bircher, age 55, born: Warton, Warwickshire.
Arthur Sidney Bircher, age 21, born: Amington, Warwickshire.
Gerald Bircher, age 19, born: Amington, Warwickshire.

Ernest Bircher had already joined the Army by 1911 and was serving as a Gunner with the No. 31 Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He is listed as age 20, born Amington, Warwickshire.
 

Arthur Sidney Bircher Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as A. Bircher.
There are two records for Arthur S. Bircher in the National Archive medal card index.
 
Ernest Bircher Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at Millfield
The National Archive medal card index show he served as Bombardier 29464 (Acting Serjeant) with the 109th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
 
Albert Percy Blackwell Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at  "Glandfields"
 
Daniel Bohannon Daniel Bohannon was born on 20th April 1884 at Ford End, Great Waltham. (The surname is spelt Bohannan in the register index)

Daniel Bohannon married Alice Maud M. Salmon in 1909

The 1911 census, shows the Bohannon family living at the Terrace, Felstead:
Daniel Bohannon, age 27, occ: Postman, born Great Waltham.
Alice Bohannon, age 27, born Stebbing.
Violet G. Bohannon, age, 5 months, born Felstead.
Beatrice Salmon, age 14 (visitor), born Stebbing.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident in the Village, Felstead.
Served as Private soldier G/29736 Middlesex Regiment.

Daniel died in the Chelmsford district in 1966.
 

Frederick Attie Bohannon Frederick Bohannon was born in October 1887.

Private Soldier 2290, 3/8th (Cyclist) Battalion, Essex Regiment
Lance Corporal 43254, 2nd Battalion, Bedford Regiment

In 1901 the Bohannon family were resident in a property in Chelmsford Road near the Swan Public House:
Clayden Bohannon, aged 63, Groom
Ann aged 53, wife
David, aged 16, Bookmaker's Apprentice
Attie, aged 13, Grocer's Apprentice.

The 1911 census records Frederick living at 63 Albany Villas, Mount Road, Braintree, and working as an Assistant Grocer.

Address at Attestation: c/o C Bohannon, Felstead, Essex.
Height: 5’ 8”
Chest Size: 34”
Eyesight: 6/6
Age at Attestation 27 years 9 months

Attestation at Colchester: 02/09/1915
Transferred to 5th Battalion Bedford Regiment: 01/09/1916
BEF: 01/07/1916 – 01/09/1916
Posted to 2nd Battalion, Bedford Regiment: 16/05/1917
BEF France: 13/06/1917 – 02/12/1917
Appointed Lance Corporal: 01/10/1917
Reverts to Private on proceeding to England: 18/11/1917
Hospital (SG Poison) 02/12/1917 – 06/04/1918
Demobilized 18/03/1919

Frederick married Ethel M. Webb, in Braintree registration district, 2nd quarter 1919.

He died in the Ilford district in 1963.

Daniel and Frederick were two of four brothers. The older brothers were Alfred (born 1868) and George (born 1877). They also had three sisters. In 1901 Alfred, his wife Elizabeth and daughter Hilda were living in Witham Road, Fairstead but by 1911 they were living in Carshalton, Surrey. George had moved from the family home in Pleshey to Hammersmith by 1901 and Shepherds Bush by 1911, where he worked first as a liftman (1901) and then as a restaurant waiter (1911).
 

Joseph Nunn Boreham Jospeh Nunn Boreham was born in 1893 in Sible Hedingham, Essex, the son of Frederick and Jane Boreham.

The 1911 the family were living at North End, Felsted, in the Parish of Ford End.
Frederick Nunn Boreham, age 48, occ: Farm Labouer, born Sible Hedingham
Jane Boreham, age 50, born Sible Hedingham.
Joseph Nunn Boreham, age 17, occ: Farm Labourer, born Sible Hedingham
Martha Ellen, age 15, occ: General Servant, Domestic, born Sible Hedingham
Dorothy Mabel Boreham, age 12, Born Great Waltham.

Joseph appears on the absent voters list for 1918 as normally resident at Appletrees, Hartford End
 

Samuel J. Bullock Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as S. Bullock.
He was employed as a servant at Felsted School.

He enlisted on 31st August 1914, and served as Private Soldier 12223, with the 9th Battalion the Essex Regiment.

A Samuel Joseph Bullock was born in Lexden near Colchester in the first quarter of 1897.
 

Frederick Carlton Burles Appears on the absent voters list for 1918, resident at the Ford. This is in the parish of Little Dunmow. Service details are listed on the Little Dunmow page
 
W. Brown Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour

The 1920 electoral register includes Walter Brown, resident Broadway
The 1920 electoral register includes William Brown, resident Hartford End. The Ford End Church, Roll of Duty includes W. Brown, Gunner, Royal Field Artillery.

 

Albert Carder Albert Carder was born in Saling in 1879, and married Katie Rosanna Easter in 1901.

In 1911 the Carder family were resident in Rayne, part of which was in the parish of Felsted:
Albert Carder, age 32, occ: Bricklayer, born: Saling, Essex.
Katie Rosanna Carder, age 32, born: Felstead.
Reginald Easter Carder, age 8, born: Felstead.
Gladys Carder, age 7, born: Rayne.
Cyril Carder, age 2, born: Felstead.
Maurice Carder, age 1, born: Felstead.

Appears on the absent voters list for 1918, resident at Rayne
 

Walter Carder Appears on the absent voters list for 1918, resident at Rayne

Walter Carder was born in Felsted in 1895 and was the youngest brother of Albert Carder. Both were children of Walter and Emma Carder.
 

George Chalk According to the Essex Regiment Gazette George awarded a 2nd class certificate of education on 19th July 1909 when he was a Private soldier.

In 1911 census, George was a Lance Corporal in "H" Company, 1st Bn. Essex Regiment and was serving in Quetta Baluchistan, India

On 26th March 1913 George achieved his 1st class certificate of education.

On 1st November 1913 George transferred to the 3rd Battalion the Royal Fusiliers.

George was the brother of Joseph Chalk.
 

Berite Champness Born Bishops Stortford 1891
Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as B. Champness
He was employed as a servant at Felsted School

Bertie Champness enlisted on 31st August 1914, and served as Private Soldier 12206 with the 9th Battalion, the Essex Regiment
Bertie was discharged from the army because of sickness on 28th May 1916 and received Silver War Badge 16504.

He married Violet CE Mabey, at Bishops Stortford during the September quarter of 1917.
 

Frank Childs

Private Soldier 11015, 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent) Regiment

Address at enlistment: Mole Hill Green, Felstead
Occupation: Blockman
Age at enlistment: 19 years 9 months
Enlisted Warley: 14/02/1916
Height: 5' 6½"
Chest Size 35"
Next of Kin: Henry Childs, Father.

Attested: 14/02/1916
Posted to Army reserve: 15/02/1916
Mobilized: 27/05/1916
Posted: 30/05/1916
Posted to 2nd Buffs: 01/09/1916
Sent to France to Join 2nd Buffs: 20/10/1916
Embarked Marsielles to join MEF (Mediteranian Expeditionary Force) 24/10/1916
Disembarked Salonica: 17/11/1916
Embarked Salonica 11/11/1918
Demobilized 03/05/1919 – Class “Z” meaning he could be recalled if hostilities resumed.
 

William Childs appears on the absent voters list for 1918, as normally resident at Wales Cottages.
 
Craufurd Chittock


Craufurd Chittock 1922
Photograph courtesy Felsted School

 

London Gazette reported on 3 December 1914 that Craufurd Chittock to be Second Lieutenant for service with the Felsted School Contingent, Junior Division, Officer Training Corps. Dated 2nd December, 1914.

The register of Officers and Cadets held at the Essex Records Office shows he joined the OTC in the January term 1915.

Crauford Chittock remained at Felsted School as a Master, and continued to be an officer with the OTC rising to the rank of Major.

He also compiled the School alumni.

 

George Claydon appears on the absent voters list for 1918, as normally resident at Braintree Road.
 
Ernest Cloughton

Private Soldier 302057 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Born: 1884
Address at Enlistment: Grismore Green, Felstead (now Gransmore Green)
Occupation: Postman
Age at enlistment: 31 years 9 months
Enlisted Warley: 11/08/1916
Height: 5' 9"
Chest Size 36"
Next of Kin: Lizzie Beatrice Cloughton (née Salmon) wife, married: 31/12/1904
Children:
Gladys Muriel b: 11/11/1908
Percy Austin b: 23/01/1910
Bertha Mildred May b: 04/07/1911
Beatrice Verdun b: 19/07/1916

Attested 07/12/1915
Posted to Army Reserve 08/12/1915 – Private Soldier 5458 1/8th Durham Light Infantry
Mobilized 12/08/1916 – Private Soldier 302057 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Home Service: 10/08/1916 to 10/01/1917
BEF in France 11/01/1917
Reported Missing Presumed dead 26/03/1918
Prisoner of War 31/03/1918 – 29/11/1918
Posted to Depot: 30/11/1918
Discharged – no longer fit for War Service 04/07/1919. Suffering from Trench Feet. 30% disabled.
 

F. Cloughton Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour

Possible Fred Cloughton born 1888 or Frank Cloughton born 1890.
Neither appear on the electoral register for 1914.

The medal card index at the National Archive does not give a record for Fred Cloughton but has entries for two Frank Cloughtons:

Frank Cloughton, Private Soldier with Royal Army Service Corps, Motor Transport, and
Frank Cloughton, Private Soldier 1808, later 80641 with the Essex Yeomanry.
 

George William Cox Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as G. Cox
Appears on absent voters list George William Cox, address: Leighs Lane.
 
Ernest Edward Collingridge In 1911 The Collingridge family are living at Rosslyn House, Felstead:
Ernest Edward Collingridge, age 31, occupation: Master Market Gardener, born London.
Nellie Collingridge, age 28, born Forest Gate, Essex.
Leonard Polley, (boarder) age 18, occ: Chauffeur, born: Birch, Essex.
Hubert Richard Brice, (nephew) age 4, born: Chadwell Heath, Essex.

Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour E.E. Collingridge
At the outbreak of War Ernest was Private Soldier 1216, with the Essex Yeomanry, and rose through the ranks to become Staff Quarter Master Sergeant 80256, with the Essex Yeomanry.
He appears on absent voters list as Ernest Edwd Collingridge, address: "Rosslyn House"
 

George Collins Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Hartford End
Appears on the Ford End Church, Roll of Duty as T.G. Collins, Private, Devonshires.
 
Herbert Collins Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Hartford End
Appears on the Ford End Church, Roll of Duty as H. Collins, Private, R.W.S.
 
Herbert Charles Cornell Herbert Charles Cornell was born in 1891.

In 1911 the Cornell family were resident in Braintree:
Arthur William Cornell, age 44, occ: Farm Bailiff, born Felsted.
Charlotte Cornell, age 41, occ: House Wife, born Little Easton.
Herbert Charles Cornell, age 19, occ: Gardener Journeyman, born Braintree.
Bertie Cornell, age 14, occ: Grocer's Apprentice, born Braintree.
Charles Cornell, age 71, (widower), occ: Labourer on farm, born Felstead.

Herbert appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Braintree Green

In 1921 Herbert married Sarah A Turner.
 

Arthur Ernest Cox The Cox family appear on the 1911 census as resident at Leighs Lane, Hartford End, Felstead.
George William Cox (senior), age 40, occ: Horseman on Farm, born Steeple Bumpstead.
Eliza Cox, age 42, born Hempstead, Hertford.
George William Cox (junior), age 18, occ: Gardener Domestic, born Bocking.
Arthur Ernest Cox, age 16, occ: Horseman on Farm, born Braintree.
Florence Mary Cox, age 12, at school, born Felstead.
Winifred Maud Cox, age 8, born Felstead.
Ernest Albert Charles Cox, age 6, born Felstead.
Constance Hilda May Cox, age 4, born Felstead.
Charles Edward Cox, age 1, born Felstead.

Both men appear on absent voters list as normally resident at Leighs Lane
 

George William Cox
Douglas Walter Crane In 1911 the Crane family were resident at Hall Cottage, East Donyland, Colchester:
George Crane, age 52, occ: Horseman on Farm, born: Chediston, Suffolk.
Alice Maria Crane, age 45, born Melton, Suffolk.
Frederick Samuel Crane, age 15, occ: Working on Farm, born Bishops Stortford Herts.
Douglas Walter Crane, age 13, occ: working on Farm, born  Bishops Stortford Herts.
Edward Lawrence Crane, age 12, occ: School, born  Bishops Stortford Herts.
Robert Crane, age 10, occ: School, born  Bishops Stortford Herts.
Hilda Helen Crane, age 8, occ: School, born  Bishops Stortford Herts.
William Herbert Crane, age 4, born Rattlesdon, Suffolk.

It has only been possible to positively identify service details for Douglas W. Crane, who served as Private Soldier 2290 and later Private Soldier 200539, with the 4th Battalion, the Essex Regiment.

All three men appear on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at Grandcourts Gate.
 

Edward Lawrence Crane
Frederick Samuel Crane
Herbert Crow

Private Soldier 171412 Labour Corps

In 1901 the census shows Herbert Crow living at Bannister Green as a Boarder/Gardner with John & Emily Hutchin.

On 27/04/1901 he married Emily Wright at Holy Cross Church, Felsted.

A daughter Winifred Lila Crow was born on 19/02/1903.

Address at Attestation: Chelmsford Road, Felstead
Age: 40 yrs 11 months
Height: 5' 3½"
Chest Size: 38"
Weight: 128 lbs
His medical records show he had a small sebaceous cist on his back and some rigidity of the spine. He was classified as B2.

08/08/1916: posted to depot company, Middlesex Regiment
10/08/1916: posted to 29th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment
21/08/1916: posted to 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment
01/02/1917: posted to 11th Work Company, Liverpool Regiment
24/04/1917: posted to 309 Company, Labour Corps
23/06/1917: posted to 365 Company, Labour Corps
13/10/1917: posted to Agricultural Company, Labour Corps, Purfleet.
Demobilized: 29/03/1919
 

Charles Edward Davey The Davey family are listed on the 1911 census as living at Bannister Green:
Annie Davey, age 42, occupation: Laundry maid, born: Felstead.
William Davey, age 20, occupation: Machine Labourer, born Felstead.
Charlie Davey, age 12, at school, born Felstead.

Both brothers appear on absent voters list as normally resident at Bannister Green
 

William Davey
Arthur William Davis Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident at Wales Cottage.
 
Private Dawson In his diary "Echoes of the Great War" Reverend Andrew Clark, the Vicar of Great Leighs records on Thursday 26 November 1914:
"Charles Ward tells an amusing story: Joe Brock's sister's son, a lad called Dawson, got leave for forty-eight hours. When he came to Chelmsford, he was the only soldier in the train. The Chelmsford people thought this was suspicious; pounced on him as a deserter; imprisoned him in the guard's room, and wired to his regiment. Finding that he was on furlough, they came to him at 2 a.m. to tell him he was free. But he, very sensibly, refused to budge till daylight, and insisted on being provided with a meal and a blanket. In the morning he just had time to see his people in Felsted."

Whilst a definite identification has yet to be proved the best guess is Herbert George Dawson. Private soldier 40057, with the Essex Regiment, later Private soldier 545303, The Labour Corps.

The 1911 Census records the Dawson family as resident at Valentine Villas, Grandcourts Gate, Rayne, Essex.
Charles Dawson aged 48. A Cowman on farm.
Sarah aged 48.Wife.
Herbert aged 17. Born Stebbing. A Carpenter.
Edward aged 8. Born Felstead.

In 1914 Charles Dawson appears on the Electroral Register for Felstead as being resident at Grandcourts Gate.
 

Bertie Dodd Bertie Dodd c.1911Bertie Dodd was born in Felstead in the 3rd quarter of 1880

In 1891 his family is living at Rutland's Farm:
Frederick Dodd, age 40, Agricultural labourer, born Felstead.
Emily Dodd, age 37, born Great Leighs.
Amelia Dodd (away census night), age 14, born Felstead.
Florence Dodd (away census night), age 14, born Felstead.
Peter Dodd, age 12, born Felstead.
Bertie Dodd, age 10, born Felstead.
Arthur Dodd, age 1, born Felstead.

By 1901 Bertie has enlisted and the census records his occupation as Private Soldier, Infantry, and his is at the Garrison in Colchester.

Bertie Dodd was a Private Soldier with 'B' Company the 1st Battalion, the Essex Regiment prior to the outbreak of war and appears on the 1911 census as being in Quetta, aged 30 and working as a cook. The picture on the left was provided by the Essex Regiment Museum and was taken  from a larger photograph showing all the cooks serving with the Battalion at that time.

Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour B. Dodd
Appears on 1918 absent voters list as Bert Dodd, address: Mole Hill Green

The National Archive medal card index show a Bertie Dodd was a Private Soldier 6153 with the Essex Regiment and later Acting Sergeant 36568 Scottish Rifles.
 

Peter Dodd Peter Dodd was born in Felstead in 1878

In 1911 Peter Dodd was working as a Horseman on Farm, at Havering Park Farm, and was a lodger with George Robson, the Farmer.
Peter was then given as 29, although a rough calculation would make him 33.

Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Mole Hill Green
 

Terence O’Cahir Doherty

Corporal Terence O'Cahir Doherty
Terence Doherty before being commissioned to the Essex Regiment

 

 

 

 

 

King Haakon VII Liberty Cross
King Haakon VII Liberty Cross

Appears on the Felsted Honour Roll as Doherty T.O.G (sic)

Terence O’Cahir Doherty was born in Plumstead on 10th September 1897. His father was Rev. Edward John Doherty who was Vicar of Felsted between 1911 and 1924.

Terence was enrolled at Felsted School in January 1912 when he was 15 years old. He was a day boy at Montgomery’s House until 1914.

At the outbreak of war he enlisted with the 19th (Public Schools) Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers as Private Soldier PS/272 with which he went to France on 15th November 1915, qualifying for the 1914/15 Star. 

He was commissioned to the Essex Regiment on 15th August 1916 as a subaltern.

He went back to France on 14th September 1916 joining the 11th Battalion, the Essex Regiment on 18th September 1916.
He was wounded on 15th October 1916 and returned to England on 22nd October 1916.
After he recovered he then served in Palestine and Syria with the 1st Garrison Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, and later joined the General staff. At the end of the war he held the rank of temporary Captain.

After the war he became a career soldier rising through the ranks of the Essex regiment.

Second Lieutenant Terence O'Chair Doherty 1916
Terence Doherty in the uniform of a subaltern in the Essex Regiment, before being injured in 1916 when he lost his right eye

He served in Ireland with the Regiment between 1920 and 1922 and is mentioned in William Sheehan’s book “British Voices from the Irish War of Independence 1918 – 21” who includes some of the memoirs of Brigadier Frederick Charles: “B Company took over Bandon. They arrived with a new name to me, Terence O’Cahir Doherty – this being his first visit to Ireland. His father was the rector of Felsted in Essex where Terence went to school as a day boy. He was at once named Cyclops by the Trout as he had lost one eye on the Somme.”

He went on to serve on the Gold Coast as a Captain and served as the Assistant District Commissioner to the British Governor. He is briefly mentioned in the book "Letters from the Gold Coast" by Princess Marie Louise.

In the summer of 1926 he married Enid Matthews.

He returned to England early in 1928.

During 1934 and 1935 he was posted with the 1st Battalion to police the Saar Plebiscite, a protectorate established as part of the treaty of Versailles in South eastern Germany on the border with France.

By 1940 he had been promoted to the rank of Major and in 1941 was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was commanding the Training Centre at Warley.

From 16th July to 18th December 1945, he was in Norway assisting with the repatriation and disarmament of German troops.  In 1948 the London Gazette reported the award of the King Haakon VII Liberty Cross by the King of Norway to Lieutenant Colonel (temporary) Terence O’Cahir Doherty. The Essex Regiment.

In 1946 he was the Commandant of the Italian Labour Battalion at Merrythought, near Penrith. In 1947 he was made Commandant of Sheet Camp for German POWs at Ludlow, Shropshire. He remained in that post until he was demobbed, in 1948

He died in 1971.

His daughter Gillian Häkli (née Doherty) has written a detailed biography for the website and provided more pictures
 

Lt. Col. T. Doherty c.1945
Lieutenant Colonel Terence O'Cahir Doherty

Henry Selwood Dowsett In 1901 the Dowsett family lived at the White Hart Inn, near the almshouses, Felstead:
Harry E. Dowsett, age 33, Licensed Victualler, born: Great Waltham
Edith Dowsett (née Selwood), age 35, born: Coleshill, Bucks.
Henry S. Dowsett, age 7, born: Walthamstow.
(The 1920 electoral Register shows Harry and Edith Dowsett were resident at the Chequers Public House.)

Henry appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as H. Dowsett.

He was possibly Private Soldier 3524, Henry S. Dowsett, Royal Fusiliers.
 

Albert Durose Albert Durose married Ethel Easter, in the Dunmow registration district during the summer of 1916.

He appears on the 1918 absent voters List is normally resident at West View.

The National archives medal card index, records four possible Albert Durose service records:
Private 200850, The Lincolnshire Regiment
Bombardier 701478, Reserve Regiment of Artillery
Gunner 1297, Royal Field Artillery
Gunner 216838, Royal Garrison Artillery

A memorial notice has been regularly placed in the Derby Telegraph for Albert Edward Durose, died 13 Nov 1953, and Ethel Durose, died 17 Nov 1982. Could this be our Albert and Ethel Durose?
 

Seiriol John Arthur Evans

Stone Effigy of Seriol Evans at Gloucester Cathedral
©Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral
(used with permission)

Private Soldier 13206, Inns of Court Officer Training Corps Regiment “The Devil’s Own”

Born: 22/11/1894.

Address at Attestation: Felsted School.
Occupation given as Student, Cambridge.
Age: 21 years 2 months.
Height: 5' 8¾"
Chest Size: 36"
Next of Kin: John Arthur Evans, Father, The Vicarage, ?, Staffordshire

Attested: 12/02/1916
Mobilized: 13/02/1916
Posted to Reserve: 05/06/1918 – reason given “schoolmaster”
All of Seiriol’s service was home service and as such has no medal entitlement.

As a member of “The Devil’s Own” Seiriol did rather well as he was Ordained in 1921 after studying at Salisbury Theological College.
He was Curate of St Mary and All Saints, Kiddeminster.
Sacrist of Gloucester Cathedral
Precentor of Ely Cathedral from 1923 to 1929
Rector of Upwell, Cambridgeshire.
In World War 2 he was a Chaplain in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR)
Archdeacon of Wisbech 1945 - 1953
And the Very Rev Seiriol Evans CBE, Dean of Gloucester Cathedral 1953 – 1972 where a stone effigy has been dedicated to him.

He spent his retirement in Fulbourn, and died on 29/06/1984 just short of 100 years old.
 

Thomas Fairfax-Ross M.C.

The register of Officers and Cadets held at the Essex Records Office shows he held the cadet rank rank of Colour Sergeant for 'A' Company of the OTC in the Spring term 1914.

He appears on Felstead Roll of Honour as Fairfax-Ross Lieut T.
In 1914 the electoral register for Felsted includes Edith Fairfax-Ross, resident the Village, Felsted.

The London Gazette includes numerous references to to Thomas Fairfax Ross
10th November 1914: Appointed 2nd Lieutenant to The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own)
8th March 1915: Promoted Lieutenant.
11th February 1917: Promoted Captain (and to remain secd,) [Had been seconded to the General Staff]
26th September 1917: Awarded Military Cross

He remained with the Rifle Brigade after the War, in 1924 he was appointed vice adjutant.

By 1937 he was serving with the Territorial Army and was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of L.R.B. Rifle Brigade.

By the end of the Second World War he had reached the rank of Brigadier, and the London Gazette of 3rd January 1947 recorded:
Brig. Thomas Fairfax-Ross M.C. (5872) to be Hon. Col., 7th Bn. (London Rif. Bde.), vice Brig. Gen.
 

Albert William Farrow

Portrait - Albert Farrow

Private Soldier 28245, 6th Middlesex Regiment
Private Soldier 34875, 18th Hampshire Regiment
Private Soldier 106342, Labour Corps

Born 21st April 1897, Felsted
Lived Gransmore Green. Felstead.
Enlisted aged 19 years,
Height 5' 2½"
Trade: Moulder possibly at Rayne Foundry
Next of Kin: Frederick George Farrow, Father

Enlisted to 6th Middlesex – 14/05/1916
Transferred to 18th Hampshire – 01/02/1917
Transferred to 178 Company, Labour Corps 28/04/1917
Furlough 03/08/1918 – 17/08/1918
Discharged 07/10/1919 - 20% disabled

Appears on 1918 absent voters list as a resident of Hawkins Farm

Married Kathleen Rose Stock 1927
Children:
Massie D F Farrow b:1930
Dorothy J Farrow b: 1932
Sylvia M Farrow b: 1939

Died: 1973
 

Albert Farrow aged 19
William Thomas Farrow In 1911 the census shows William Farrow living at Leila Cottage, Felstead.
William Thomas Farrow, age 35, Occupation: Commission Agent, Assurance Company, born Bury St Edmunds, Essex.
Eliza Farrow, age 37, born White Notley.
Arthur Henry Farrow, age 7, born Felstead.
Mary Isabella Farrow, age 5, born Felstead.
Ernest William Farrow, age 2, born Felstead.

William Thomas Farrow was Churchwarden of Holy Cross Church for 30 years.

Appears on the 1918 absent voters list as normally resident The Terrace.
 

Cyril Victor Farthing Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Leighs Priory, Hartford End
 
Edward Fletcher Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Mill House
 
Reginald Thomas French
Reginald French
In 1911 the French family were living at Hartford End:
Philip French, age 50, Occupation: Labourer at Brewery, born: Great Waltham.
Mary Anne French, age 48, born: Boreham.
Reginald Thomas French, age 18, Occupation: Brewers Labourer, born: Great Waltham
Valentine L.R. French, age 6, born Great Waltham.

Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Appletrees, Hartford End.

Reginald Thomas French, known as Reg, served as Corporal 2111 with the 5th Battalion of the Essex Regiment.


Reg French can be seen on the right of this group of men of the 5th Essex as they practice trenching at Clacton in 1914
Pictures provided courtesy the Essex Regiment Museum.

William Henry French

Born: Felstead, 2nd quarter of 1877

05/09/1895 - Enlisted at Warley.
Age: 18 years 6 months.
Height: 5’ 5¾”
Weight: 116 lbs
Chest Size: 34½”
Occupation: Labourer/Groom

Private Soldier 4465 – Somerset Light Infantry (from 09/09/1895)
Private Soldier 7935 – Norfolk Regiment (from 03/01/1909)
Private Soldier 9225 – 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment (from 03/01/1912)
Private Soldier 11023 – Royal Scots Fusiliers (from 06/01/1914)

Home Service: 04/09/1895 – 03/11/1899
South Africa: 04/11/1899 – 30/04/1903
Home Service: 01/05/1903 – 04/11/1908
Malta: 05/11/1908 – 16/12/1909
Gibraltar: 17/12/1909 – 14/12/1914
BEF France: 15/12/1914 – 29/03/1919
Home Service: 30/03/1919 – 27/04/1919

Employed as Soldier Servant to Brigadier-General Colquhoun Grant Morrison at Boulogne from 16/12/1914.

Married Susan Chapman Jarvis at Saint Mary’s Bocking on 03/02/1916
Daughter: Gladys Nancy French born at Maldon on 26/07/1918.

Appears on 1918 absent voters list as a resident of Rayne Street.
 

Frank Harry Fuller Frank Harry Fuller was born in Felstead in 1892. By 1911 his mother had re-married and Frank was living at Oxneys Farm, Bannister Green, Felstead:
Walter Suckling, age 40, occupation: Horseman on Farm, born: Felstead.
Emily Suckling, age 41, born Felstead.
William Suckling, age 15, occupation: Bricklayer's Labourer, born Felstead.
Bertie Suckling, age 13, occupation: Kitche boy on farm, born Felstead.
Mable Suckling, age 9, born Felstead.
Ellen Suckling, age 6, born Felstead.
Ernest Suckling, age 7, born Felstead.
Frank Fuller (stepson), age 19, occupation: Farm Labourer, born Felstead. Walter and Emily had been married 16 years.

Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Rayne Street
 

Fred Fuller Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Harmony
 
Frederick Fuller In 1911 the census records the Fuller Family as being resident at the The Gore, Rayne:
Frederick Fuller (Senior), age 57, Occupation: Iron Moulder at Foundry, born: Rayne.
Emily Fuller, age 47, born Trowbridge, Wilts.
Beatrice Fuller, age 25, Occupation: Shop Assistant (Fancy Goods), born: Rayne.
Frederick Fuller (Junior), age 14, Occupation: Errand Boy fro Cabinet Maker, born: Rayne.

Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at The Gore, Felstead
 

Harry Bertie Fuller In 1911 the Fuller family are resident at Ladysmith Cottages, Causeway End, Felstead:
George Fuller, age 68, Occupation: Farm Labourer, born: Felstead.
Emma Fuller, age 64, born: Felstead, (The census records that Emma had twelve children, one of which had died)
Joseph Fuller, age 39, occupation: Horseman on Farm, born: Felstead.
Herbert Fuller, age 24, occupation: Cowman on farm, born: Felstead.
Harry Fuller, age 22, occupation: Horseman on farm, born: Felstead.

One of the brothers appears on Felstead Roll of Honour of 1914 as H. Fuller

Harry Bertie Fuller appears on absent voters list as normally resident at The Street
Herbert Fuller appears on 1918 absent voters list as Herbert Fuller of New House Farm
 

Herbert Fuller
W. Giblin Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour

possibly W.H. Giblin, Private Soldier 12256, then 23197, 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment.
Walter Henry Giblin, was born in 1896 in Roxwell in the Chelmsford Registration District.

In 1901 the Giblin family were resident in Felstead in 1901:
James Giblin, aged 41, Farmer
Elizabeth Giblin, aged 38
Walter Giblin, aged 4
William Giblin, aged 3
The 1920 electoral register includes James Richard Giblin, resident Blackleys Farm
 

G.B. Gilder Appears on Felstead Roll of Honour
 
Willie Gilder Willie Gilder was born in Great Bardfield in the first quarter of 1898. He was the son of John and Sarah Gilder.

By 1901 the family were resident in Felstead:
John Gilder, age 38, born Finchingfield, Occupation: Foreman on Farm
Sarah Gilder, age 39, born Wethersfield.
Arthur Gilder, age 17, born Finchingfield, Occupation: Farm Labourer
Sarah Gilder, age 15, born Finchingfield, Occupation: Nurse Domestic
Annie Gilder, age 13, born Finchingfiled.
Ruth Gilder, age 13, born Finchingfield.
Willie Gilder, age 3, born Gt Bardfield.

He appears on Felstead Roll of Honour W. Gilder
He appears on 1918 absent voters list as Willie Gilder, address: Fentons Farm

The National Archives medal card index show one W.E. Gilder served as a Private Soldier, with the East Lancashire Regiment.
 

John Gleave Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Whelley Cottage
 
Leopold Arthur Goldwater Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at the Village.

Possibly:
Private 535604 with 2/15th Battalion the London Regiment (Civil Service Rifles)
Private 3304 with the Rifle Brigade

Leopold A. Goldwater was married in the Dunmow registration district in 1911, and died in the Hampstead registration district in 1927 aged 39 years.
 

Samuel Gooday Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at New Road, Rayne
 
Charles Green Charles Ernest Green was the son of Charles and Sarah Ann Green, and was baptised at Holy Cross Church, Felsted on 29th April 1894.

In 1911 the Green family were resident at Coblers Green, Felsted:
Charles Green (senior), age 58, occupation Cowman on Farm, born: Felstead.
Sarah Green, age 52, born: Felstead.
William Green, age 26, born: Felstead.
Rose Green, age 20, born: Felstead.
Charles Green, age 16, born: Felstead.
Ellen Green, age 13, born Felstead.
Katie Green, age 9, born Felstead.

Appears on absent voters list as normally resident at Felstead