Main menu:
CALVER Owen
Private. 26764.
15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Died of wounds 21st April 1917. Age: 36
Private Owen Calver was born in Ringsfield, Staffordshire, and was the son of Owen and Fanny Calver; and husband of Grace Calver, of 49, Selwood Road, Frome. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: XIX. F. 6A. Etaples, a town 27 kilometres south of Boulogne, the town was used to set up field hospitals, Eleven General , One Stationary, and Four Red Cross, including a convalescent depot. It was from these hospitals, that this cemetery was used for soldiers who died from their wounds. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
CARTER William (photo available)
Company Sergeant Major.
2118. 9th Battalion Welsh Regiment
Killed in action 25th September 1915. Age: 42
Company Sergeant Major William Carter, was born in Frome, and was the son of the late Charles and Martha Carter, of Frome; and husband of Mary Carter, of 5, Bath Street West, King’s Road, Southsea, Hampshire. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel Ref: 77 & 78. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
CARVER Ernest Edward James
Private. PO/8331 (R.M.R/B/712)
Royal Marine Light Infantry.
Killed 19th March 1918. Age: 40
Private Ernest Edward James Carver was the son of John and Mary Carver, of Buckland Dinham, Frome; and husband of Lilias Maud Carver of 12, Crackmore Road, Southampton. He was killed by explosion following a collision, in H.M.S “Motagua”. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. Panel 30. His name appears on the Buckland Dinham Memorial
CASE Norman George Manning
Lance Corporal. 15032.
12th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 24th July 1916. Age: 23
Lance Corporal Norman George Manning Case, was born in Frome and was the son of George and Louisa Case, of Frome. He is buried at Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme, France. Grave Ref: IV. F. 2. His name appears on The War Memorial, Christ Church, St. John’s, and Trinity Memorials in Frome.
CHAMBERLAIN Jesse Edgar (photo available)
Lance Corporal. 17563.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 22nd August 1917. Age: 34
Lance Corporal Edgar Chamberlain was born in Mells, Frome, and was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs S. Chamberlain, of “Rashwood”, Mells, Frome. He joined the “Somerset’s” in March 1915, and was sent to France in September of the same year, and was wounded at the Battle of The Somme in August 1916, being invalided to a Birmingham Hospital, returning to the front later. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendaele, Belgium. Panel Ref: 41 to 42, and 163A. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
CHARLTON Albert (photo available)
Private. PLY/7978.
Royal Marine Light Infantry.
Killed in action 31st May 1916. Age: 39
Son of the late Benjamin and Mary Ann Charlton, of Wine Street, Frome. Private Albert Charlton served for 20 years in the navy, having taken part in the “Battle of the Falkland Islands” in December 1914 on H.M.S. “Invincible”, which was one of fourteen British ships later to be sunk in the great naval battle off Jutland, on the Danish coast, in the North Sea, against the German high seas fleet. H.M.S “Invincible” was part of the 3rd British battle cruiser squadron led by Rear Admiral Horace Hood in advance of the Grand Fleet and reinforcements for Admiral Beatty. As H.M.S “Invincible” entered the battle she opened fire on an enemy battle cruiser of the Derfflinger type, more than her match in guns, displacement, armour and being more modern. The mist started to clear around H.M.S “Invincible” and revealed her clearly to the Derfflinger and Konig, whofired several salvos on her side. Within a minute the Invincible was ablaze, and within another minute an explosion burst her apart and she sunk. Over1,000 officers and men died with the admiral, Private Albert Charlton wasone of those who perished. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Memorial, Devon. Panel 18. His name appears on the Frome War
CHARLTON Arthur (photo available)
Private. 8823.
2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment
Killed in action 29th October 1914. Age: 27
Son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Charlton, of 11, Redland Terrace, Frome; and husband of Mrs Constance Mabel Charlton, of Bridge Street, Frome. Later of Church St. Nunney. Private Arthur Charlton was born in Frome. He was killed in action by machine gun fire, in the Belgium town of Ypres. In a letter from a Private Tripp, of the same company to Private Charlton’s mother he said, “ ...He was killed instantaneously by a machine gun. It occurred about seven o’clock in the morning. We were in the trenches at Ypres, and the enemy started to bombard us. An order to retire was given, and Arthur and I were the last two out of the trenches. We got halfway out, when I got wounded. There was no time to bandage the wound, so Arthur asked me if I could manage to get to a hayrick, about 100 yards away. We got there all right, but we hadn't been there long before we had to get out. Arthur asked if we should go some ten paces from one another in moving away. Arthur was first, and he had not gone far before he was knocked out by a machine gun. I had to lay beside the haystack until I was almost scorched on the one side, but the smoke got so thick that I was able to get away later. Arthur was missed very much, as he was so happy and used to cheer the boys up...”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 37.
CHESTERMAN John (photo available)
Private. 34563.
2nd/4th Battalion Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Killed in action 20th April 1918.
Son of Mr and Mrs Chesterman, of Standerwick, Berkley, Frome, formerly of Keyford, Frome, Private John Chesterman was born in Frome, enlisted into the army at the outbreak of war with the Somerset Light Infantry, army number 13860. He was involved in a number of engagements in France before being drafted with his regiment to Salonica, where he was seriously wounded in February 1917. Spending months in hospital, he was invalided home the following September. He recovered from his wounds and was drafted into the Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, and was sent to France on March 31st 1918, three weeks before he met his death. He is buried at St. Venant-Robecq Road British Cemetery, Robecq, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. D. 21. His name appears on, Frome War Memorial, St. John’s Church, Berkley, and Beckington.
CHIVERS Arthur James
Private. 165711.
North Somerset Yeomanry
Killed in action 11th April 1917
Private Arthur James Chivers lived at Lullington, Near Frome. He is buried at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. D. 20.
CLARK Arthur Russell Samuel. Croix de Guerre (France)
Orderly.
British Red Cross Society
Killed in action 24th July 1918. Age: 33
Son of Samual and Annie Clark of 21, Lower Keyford, Frome. Orderly Arthur Russell Samuel Clark, “Russ” was a figure moulder at J.W. Singers of Frome, a member of the Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Section of the Y.M.C.A. He joined the Red Cross in France in October 1914 attached to 16th Sanitary Section of the Royal Army Medical Corps. In 1916 he volunteered to form a convoy to assist the French Red Cross. His section was twice mentioned in despatches during the fighting around Verdun. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre. The Extrait de l’Ordre General, No. 89, stated that he “…assured with courage and devotion, during five consecutive days and nights, the removal and transport of wounded across a zone submitted to artillery bombardment,” “…has carried out for many months, with untiring zeal and devotion, and has shown the greatest self-sacrifice in dealing with the wounded in areas which were heavily shelled.” He was badly scalded some months previous, spending three months in hospital. He rejoined his section, and was in a convoy on the afternoon of the 24th of July 1918, which was being heavily shelled, a shell exploded in a tree near him, killing him instantanously. Full French Military honours were given to him. In a letter to his parents, his Commanding officer said, “… Your son has been with me nearly four years, and I have never seen a more willing and conscientious worker. He always proved himself equal to any emergency, and was cheerful and contented under all circumstances. …”. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimmille, Pas de Calais, France. Grave XVI. A. 27. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
CLARKE Wilfred Charles
Private. 33527.
1/1st Battalion Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Killed in action 16th August 1917. Age: 25
Private Wilfred Charles Clarke was born at Selwood, Frome, and was the son of Peter and Annie Clarke. In the season 1913-1914 he was a well known official and referee of the Frome Christ Church Football Club. He was a monotype operator, and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Paschendaele, Belgium. Panels 96 to 98. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
CLEM. A
Private. 5546.
Devonshire Regiment
Died 11th June 1919
Private A Clem was born in Frome. He is buried at Rugeley Cemetery, Staffordshire. Grave Ref: II. 446. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
COCKEY John Edmund Percival
Second Lieutenant.
20th Battalion The King’s (Liverpool Regiment)
Killed in action 30th July 1916.
Son of Edmund Percival Cockey, M.D. London; Grandson of the late Dr. Edmund Cockey, formerly of Frome. He was born in Little Waltham, Essex, on June 12th 1893, and was educated at the King’s School, Worcester. He was working at the Union of London & Smith’s Bank, Regent Street, London, up to the outbreak of the war, and was a member of the London Rifle Brigade. On the outbreak of war he trained with his company and left for France in November 1914. After being wounded in the trenches he returned home in February 1915, and convalesced in hospital at Oxford and Henly-on-Thames. In July 1915, 2nd Lieutenant Cockey was attached to the Officer Training Corps, at Press Heath Camp, Whitchurch, Salop,where he was commissioned and transferred to the King’s Liverpool Regiment. He left for France again in June 1916 and joined his battalion. In a letter to Miss Cockey, of Frome, dated the 8th of August 1916, a 2nd Lieutenant A. J. Brockman, of the 4th Lancasters wrote ....” I have just returned from scouting towards the German positions. The terrain was that over which the Liverpool’s advanced in attack, and far away over I came across the body of an Officer...Words are useless, and the only thought that console is that with many other gallant fellows on that day he died the greatest death possible to man. We also have suffered, and it makes me choke when I think of the chums that have gone. I write these few lines, as I thought you would like to hear from one capable of giving convincing testimony. Give us peace in our time, O Lord....”. 2nd. Lieutenant Brockman was also later killed in action. Second Lieutenant Cockey has known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier & Face 1D 8B & 8C. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial., and Christ Church, Frome.
COLEMAN E.J.B
Sapper. WR/267199.
Royal Engineers
Died 16th November 1918. Age: 22
Sapper E.J.B. Coleman was the son of Mr H. Coleman, of 56, Keyford, Frome. He was in the 51st Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company of the Royal Engineers. He is buried at St. Pol British cemetery, St. Pol-Sur-Ternoise, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II.D.2. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
COLES Frederick Charles
Private. 285087.
2nd/1st Battalion Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Killed in action 22nd August 1917
Private Frederick Charles Coles was born at Nunney, Frome, and lived at North Brewham, Somerset. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel 96 to 98. His name does not appear on any War Memorial in Nunney, or Frome.
COLLIER Frederick (photo available)
Lance Corporal. 19489.
5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Died of wounds 14th October 1917. Age: 30.
Youngest son of Samuel and Sarah Ann Collier, of Summerhill, Frome. Lance Corporal Frederick Collier was formerly 1133 North Somerset Yeomanry. A hairdresser on the Royal Edward, sailing between England and Canada, he joined the North Somerset Yeomanry in 1915, and went to France in July 1916, but was later transferred to the Dorset Regiment. He was wounded in action on the 3rd October 1917 and died at the No1. South African General Hospital, Abbeville, France, from blood poisoning. He was a widower, and left a little daughter of 8, who lived with her grandmother at Summerhill Frome.He is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave Ref: III.D.4. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
COLLINS Frederick
Sergeant. 3/769.
Depot Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died 1st December 1917. Age: 50
Husband of Frances E. Collins, of 21, Avenue Road, Frome. Sergeant Frederick Collins was born at Lavington, Wiltshire, and lived in Frome. He first enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment in 1885, and served for thirteen years at Aldershot, Jersey and India. He was then employed at Frome workhouse and in 1906 was appointed master, and his wife matron of Bradford on Avon workhouse. In 1914 he rejoined his old regiment at Devizes and was attached to the depot. Sergeant Collins had not been well for a period and was found dead from a heart attack in his quarters at Devizes. His funeral took place at Devizes with all military honours. He is buried at Devizes Cemetery, Wiltshire. Grave Ref: 429. His name appears on the Frome and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
COMPTON Herbert
Private. 47161.
22nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Died of wounds 10th April 1917. Age: 29
Private Herbert Compton was born in Frome, and was the son of Seward and Kathleen Compton, of Bruton, Somerset; and husband of Elizabeth Ann Beasley (formerly Compton), of 35, Coombe Street, Bruton, Somerset. He is buried at Ste. Catherine British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: C. 11.
COOMBS Frederick Herbert (photo available)
Able Seaman. K/17342.
H.M.S “Indefatigable” Royal Navy
Killed in action 31st May 1916
Able seaman Frederick Herbert Coombs was the son of James Coombs, of Clifford Farm, Beckington, near Frome. Having served in the Royal Navy some years, he was with the “Indefatigable” when it was involved in the great naval fight at Jutland, on the Danish coast. Admiral Beatty engaged the German battle cruiser squadron and battle fleet, inflicting heavy losses. The enemy dispersed and retreated, with the result of fourteen British ships being sunk, amongst them was the battle cruiser “Indefatigable”. The “Indefatigable” was the rear battle cruiser in the British fleet, and the German guns concentrated on her and gave her a pounding. Part of her fire control position was shot away, and then she was struck by a series of salvos. Under the enemy’s massed fire the “Indefatigable” heeled over until her bilge keel could be seen. Then a salvo of shells blew the bottom out of the ship. 790 officers and men went down with her, including Seaman Coombs, and three other Frome men, William John Applegate, Arthur John Richards, and Nelson Alexander Topp. His name is on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Panel 15. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
COOMBS Albert
Driver. 86089.
15th Reserve Battery Royal Field Artillery
Died 26th February 1915. Age: 23
Driver Albert Coombs was the son of Shem and Mary Ann Coombs, of Spring Gardens, Frome. He died of pneumonia. He is buried at Portsmouth (Eastney or Highland Road) Cemetery, Hampshire. Grave Ref: K.14.2. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial. Nine other men from Frome lost their lives on this day, during this battle: See Benger Nelson. Richards Arthur John. Applegate William John. Topp Nelson Alexander. Malcolm Alfred Ashby. Keen William Edgar. Wheeler Arthur. Charlton Albert. Sparrow John.
COOMBS Harry Geoffrey
Petty Officer Stoker. 294175.
H.M.S “Cumberland” Royal Navy
Drowned 2nd June 1918. Age: 38
Youngest son of Mrs E. Coombs, of 20, Butts Hill, Frome. Petty Officer Harry Geoffrey Coombs had served for eighteen years in the Royal Navy, and was looking forward to his retirement. He had served continuously on the larger battleships, having started as a stoker. He is buried at the Royal Naval Cemetery, Bermuda. Grave ref: 70. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
COOMBS Henry Whitaker
Lieutenant.
18th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Died of wounds 2nd July 1916. Age: 23
Lieutenant Henry Whitaker Coombs BA., Oxon.; a junior master in Wellington College, was the son of Arthur Henry and Mary Sophie Whitaker Coombs, of the Manse, Bratton, Wiltshire; and of Keyford School, Frome. He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave Ref: I.B.8. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
COOPER George Nelson (photo available)
Private. 37490.
12th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 27th December 1917. Age: 28.
Son of George and Annie Cooper, of High Sreet, Sutton-Veny, Warminster Wiltshire; and husband of Amy Elizabeth Lindsay (formerly Cooper), of Park Rd., Cabramatta, Sydney, Australia. Formerly of East Woodlands, Frome. Private George Nelson Cooper was born in Sutton Veny, Warminster, Wiltshire, and was chauffeur to the Rev. Dr. Dunn, of East Woodlands Vicarage. He joined the West Somerset Yeomanry on the 18th of September 1916 and was later transferred to the 12th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed in action whilst serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panel 17. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
COOPER Corin Henry Benedict
Lieutenant.
Royal Engineers
Died of wounds 20th November 1916
Lieutenant Corin Henry Benedict Cooper was the eldest son of the Reverend S. Cooper, formerly vicar of Christ Church, Frome. He was reported as seriously wounded in the Somerset Standard on the 13th of October 1916, and died on the 20th November 1916. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: I. A. 70. His name appears on Christ Church Memorial, Frome.
COTTLE William George
Private. 25803.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 30th November 1917.
Private William George Cottle was born and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 4 and 5. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
COUCH William
Sergeant. 121.
5th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment
Killed in action 16th August 1915.
Sergeant William Couch was killed in action in the Galipolli campaign, and has no known grave. He is
commemorated on the Helles Memorial along with 20,000 other men who fell, having no known grave or
who were lost or buried at sea during that campaign. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
COWARD Herbert Frank
Private. 14710.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 18th September 1916. Age: 21
Private Herbert Frank Coward was born in Gillingham, Dorset, and lived at Lullington, near Frome. He was the son of Herbert Charles and Sarah Louisa Coward, of 9, Little Keyford, Frome. He is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, Somme, France. Grave Ref: I.F.2. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
COTTRELL William ( photo available)
Private. 7305.
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action 13th March 1915. Age: 30
Private William Cottrell was born in Tipton, Staffordshire, and was the son of the late Edward and Pheobe Cottrell, of Rode, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panels 17 and 18. His name does not appear on the Rode War Memorial.
COX Charles Henry
Private. 8859.
6th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s (Light Infantry)
Killed in action 18th August 1918.
Private Charles Henry Cox lived at Beckington, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 B. His name does not appear on the Beckington War Memorial
COX Francis
Private. 605.
5th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment
Died of wounds 22nd September 1915. Age: 22
Private Francis Cox was born at Cloford, Frome. Son of Walter and Rebecca Cox, of Hillside Cottage, Cloford, Frome; and the brother of Private Walter Charles Cox. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: D.168. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
COX Stanley Clarence
Private.G/63268.
19th London Bn.Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regt.)
Killed in action 1st September 1918
Private Stanley Clarence Cox was born in Frome, and was the youngest son of Leonard and Trissie Cox, of Thames Ditton, Surrey. He is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: X. B. 3. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, in Frome.
COWARD Percy Herbert
Private. 123546.
42nd Battalion Machine Gun Corp (Infantry)
Died of wounds 12th April 1918. Age: 21
Private Percy Herbert Coward was born in Westbury, Wiltshire, and was the son of Charles and Lily Coward of 10, Bradley Road, Tunbridge Wells, formerly of 6, Whitewell Road, Frome. He was wounded in France on the 28th of March 1918, and died of his wounds at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich on the 12th of April 1918. He is buried at Frome (Vallis Road) Cemetery. Grave Ref: P.43. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
CRAWFORD Alfred George Thomas
Private. PO/1621(S)
Royal Marine Light Infantry
Killed in action 28th April 1917. Age: 28
Private Alfred George Thomas Crawford was the son of George and Mabel Crawford, of Goose Street, Beckington, near Frome. He was in the 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division, of the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 1. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
CREES Henry Victor (photo available)
Private. 601.
13th Battalion Australian Infantry A.I.F
Killed in action 3rd May 1915. Age: 31
Eldest son of Mr H. Crees, of Rodden Farm, Frome. Private Henry Victor Crees had left the United Kingdom, some five years previous to war breaking out. On the 30th of September 1914, he volunteered for service and joined the Australian Expeditionary Force, where after initial training, went to Egypt to continue training, and later embarked with the force for the Dardanelles. He was killed in action during the Gallipoli campaign. He left a widow, Mary Ellen Crees, of Church Farm, Upton Noble, Bruton, Somerset. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Turkey. Panel 68 Plot 6. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
COX Walter Harold
Private. 33562.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 6th August 1917. Age: 27
Private Walter Harold Cox, was born at Ridgeway, Frome, and was the son of Walter and Rebecca Cox, of Hillside Cottage, Cloford, Frome; and the brother of Private Francis Cox. Walter Cox was formerly a police constable with the Wiltshire Constabulary. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium. Grave Ref: XVII. B. 3A.
CROOK Frederick Charles
Private. 3/97.
Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 10th December 1918
Private Frederick Charles Crook is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
CREES Henry William
Corporal. 12863.
1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action 29th September 1915. Age: 32
Corporal Henry William Crees was born in Lymington, Hampshire, and was the son of Henry and Fanny Crees, of Marten Manor, Burbage, Marlborough, Wiltshire. He is buried at Carnoy Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: T. I. His name appears on the Marston Bigot Memorial, near Frome.
CURWEN William Lynedoch MC
Captain.
Royal Garrison Artillery
Died of Wounds 30th October 1917. Age: 33
Captain William Lynedoch Curwen was born at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland and was the son of Robert Ewing and Helen Cheape Curwen, of The Elms, Frome. Attached to the 27th Mountain Battery, Indian Army, he died of wounds received during the fighting on the Lukeladi River, East Africa. He was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, Scotland, where he was a lieutenant in the cadet corps, and won his football and cricket colours. His family had settled in Frome, and when he left school he worked in the offices at Butler & Tanner, printers, of Frome for four years. He then moved and worked for the large mercantile house of Turner, Morrison & Co, Liverpool, spending some years in their Calcutta branch. When war broke out he was a member of the Calcutta Port Naval Volunteers. He volunteered for active service, and went to East Africa in December 1914, and fought through the whole campaign as a bombardier with the bullock battery, and then, having gained a commission, in the mountain battery (India), at the earliest advance until the Central Railway was reached, and afterwards in the fighting west of Kilwa, finally in the advance from Lindi. Captain Curwen was mentioned in despatches twice and received the Military Cross on February 14th 1917. He was gazetted Captain in the Mountain Battery a few weeks before he met his death. He is buried at Dar-Es-Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania. Grave Ref: 5.H.21. His name appears on The War Memorial, St. John’s, and Trinity Memorials in Frome.
DANIELL Charles Cecil
Private. 2398.
58th Battalion Australian Infantry A.I.F
Killed in action 2nd September 1918. Age: 46
Son of Alfred and Lillian Daniell; and husband of S. Daniell, of Lake Entrance, Rockdale, Victoria, Australia. Private Charles Cecil Daniell was born in Frome, and is buried at Assevillers New British Cemetery, Somme, France. Grave Ref: VII. H. 7. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DANIELS Frank
Private. 8466. 1st Battalion
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 22nd June 1915. Age 29
Son of George and Susan Daniels, of Standerwick, Frome. Private Frank Daniels was born at Standerwick, and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 53. His name appears on the Berkley War Memorial, Frome.
DANIELS George
Private. 26367.
6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action 23rd October 1918.
Private George Daniels was born at Nunney, Frome, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 5. His name does not appear on the Nunney War Memorial.
DAVIS Albert Charles
Private. 3/9137.
1st Battalion The Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 15th June 1915.
Private Albert Charles Davis was born and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 53. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Memorial in Frome.
DAVIS William John Arthur
Corporal. 456041.
Royal Army Medical Corps
Died of wounds 31st October 1918. Age 27
Corporal William John Arthur Davis was born at Westbury, Wiltshire, and was the son of Mr J. A. and Mrs H. Davis, of 32, Chitterne Road, Codford, Wiltshire. He was with the 231st Field Ambulance, and is buried at Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension, Tournai, Hainaut, Belgium Grave Ref: V. H. 7. It is remarkable to note that when I visited his grave, I found Private Benjamin Charles White, also of the 231st Field Ambulance, from the Butts, Frome, buried next to him, (see White B.C) He was killed one day before Corporal Davis died. They both enlisted at Frome, so may have been chums. Corporal Davis name appears on both Beckington and Berkley War Memorials near Frome.. The words, “The path of duty was the way to glory” are written on his headstone.
DAVIDGE Ernest William
Unknown rank and number.
Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 26th August 1914. Age: 18
Ernest William Davidge was the son of Mrs Moore, of Feltham Mill, Frome. There are no records recording his name with “Soldiers Died” or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, only that which was reported in the local paper of the time. He was born at the “Fox and Hounds” Tytherington, where his father was tenant for some years. He had joined the army one year prior to his death, being with the Expeditionary Force. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DAY William James
Gunner. 162816.
524th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery
Killed in action 21st March 1918.
Gunner William James Day was born in Taunton, He was formerly a police constable in the Somerset Constabulary, joining the force on the 26th of May 1914, and was posted to Midsomer Norton on July 6th 1914. On the 7th of August 1914 he was transferred to Frome, and then to Buckland Dinham, where he remained until May 26th 1917, when he joined the army and became a signaller in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was very popular in the district and left a widow who lived at Buckland Dinham, Frome. He is buried at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. G. 14.
DE GEX Francis John, CB, CMG
Brigadier General.
General Staff
Died 2nd April 1917. Age: 55
Brigadier General Francis John De Gex, was born in Frome, and was the son of The Reverend F. De Gex; and husband of Edith H De Gex,of Stone House, Camberley, Surrey. Educated at Oxford and The Royal Military College at Sandhurst. He commanded of the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment. ((Officers) Base Commandant Rouen, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment). He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine- Maritime, France. Grave Ref: B. 5. 27. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DEAN Fred
Private. 25948.
5th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 15th January 1917
Private Fred Dean was born in Ringwood, Hampshire, and lived in Frome. He is buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DELLOW Ernest Frederick Pentyn
Private. 535329.
15th Battalion London Regiment
Killed in action 21st July 1917
Private Ernest Frederick Pentyn Dellow was born at Croydon, and lived in Frome. He was in the Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles. He is buried at Oak Dump Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref; E.2. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DEOL Alexander Frederick Richard (photo available)
Private. 67306.
5th Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action 9th April 1918
Private Alexander Frederick Richard Deol was born in Frome, but lived in Yeovil, Somerset. he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panel 16. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
DIX Herbert Maurice
Private. 205259.
3rd Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment
Died 5th January 1919. Age: 25
Youngest son of William and Dinah Dix of Frome, Private Herbert Maurice Dix joined the 2nd/4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry after the outbreak of war, and went to India with them in November 1914. While serving on the Andaman Islands, he contracted malaria, and later had recurring attacks and heart problems. On account of his health he was attached to the Lincoln Regiment, and then to the Bedford Regiment for garrison duty, serving in various parts of India and Burma. He was invalided home, and was ready to embark from Bombay, when he was taken ill with heart problems. He was admitted to the Greeman Thomas Hospital, Bombay, India on the 31st of December 1918, and died from influenza and pneumonia 6 days later. On the day before the official notification of his death, his relatives received a letter from him, expressing happiness at the prospect of coming home after an absence of over four years. He was Captain of Christ Church Football Club. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914- 1918 Memorial, India. Face A. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
DOEL Francis
Stoker 1st Class. K/30445 (Dev)
H.M.S “Vivid” Royal Navy
Died 24th June 1917. Age: 18
Francis Doel was born in Glastonbury, Somerset,but lived for many years in Frome with his parents. He joined the Navy in January 1916, being promoted very quickly. He died by unknown cause, and was returned to Frome for burial. He is buried at Berkley Church Cemetery, Frome. Grave Ref: C. 4. 12. His name appears on the Berkley War Memorial, Frome.
DOMAN E
Private. Service number unknown.
Worcestershire Regt
Unknown cause and date of death
No trace of a Doman E. can be found associated with Witham Friary or Frome from, “Soldiers Died” or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
DOMAN Harold Uriah (photo available)
Private. 3/9915.
5th Battalion The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 25th January 1917. Age: 20
Private Harold Uriah Doman was the fourth son of Mr and Mrs George Doman, of Gaer Hill, Frome. He was killed in action in the same campaign and on the same day as Private Frederick William Hillman (See Hillman) of Frome. Harold was in the Wiltshire Reserves, and employed at Dunkerton Colliery, Peasedown St. John, Bath. Being called up as soon as war broke out. He had suffered from malaria fever and was in hospital for a period. Two other brothers also served in the army. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: XVII. A. 1. His name appears on the Marston Church Memorial, Frome.
DONSON William (photo available)
Private. SS/21101.
28th Labour Company. Army Service Corps
Died 26th October 1916
William Donson was born in Southwell, Nottingham. He joined the Army Service Corps in October 1915, and trained at Aldershot, Hampshire, before going out to Salonika. On the 27th of October 1916, his wife received a telegram informing her that her husband was lying dangerously ill with fever in hospital at Malta. She then received another telegram informing her that her husband had died from malaria fever in the Valletta Hospital Malta. He left nine children. He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta. Grave Ref: D XIV 3. His name appears on the Frome and St. John’s Church Memorials in Frome
DORE Jack Percival Charles (photo available)
Private. T/205130.
7th Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surry Regiment)
Killed in action 23rd August 1918. Age: 19
Husband of Mrs Donson, of Victoria Road, Frome. Private Private Jack Percival Charles Dore was the son of Albert and Jemima Dore, of 192, Whitley Wood Lane, Reading; and brother of Mrs Bation, of The Wheatsheaf Inn, Bath Street, Frome. Private Jack (John) Dore was living with his sister at the Wheatsheaf Inn, for four years, and worked at J. W. Singers of Frome, prior to enlisting. He was formerly army number 8178 of the Cambridge Regiment. He is buried at Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: II. D. 3. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DOWDEN Ernest Leonard
Guardsman. 16306.
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards
Killed in action 4th September 1914. Age: 20
Guardsman Ernest Leonard Dowden was born at Buckland Dinham, Frome, and was the son of James and Elizabeth Dowden, of Lower Street, Buckland Dinham. He was killed in action at the battle of Mons, Belgium. He had been reported missing in action on September 1st 1914, it was a few months later the news came through that he had been killed. He is buried at Guards Grave, Villers Cotterets, Aisne, France. Grave Ref: 6. His brother, below, Private Henry John Dowden, died of wounds on the 10th of August 1918.
DOWDEN Henry John (photo available)
Private. G/69293.
6th Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
Died of wounds 10th August 1918. Age: 20
Private Henry John Dowden, was born in Buckland Dinham, Frome, and was the youngest son of James and Elizabeth Dowden, of Lower Street, Buckland Dinham. Formerly of the Royal Sussex Regiment, under the service number 17033. He died of wounds received in action in France. He is buried at Montigny Communal Cemetery Extension (Somme) Somme, France. Grave A. 12. His brother, above, Ernest Leonard Dowden, was killed in action on the 4th of September 1914, at the Battle of “Mons”.
DOWLING Arthur Stanley (photo available)
Private. 7339.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 31st October 1914.
Private Arthur Stanley Dowling was born in Frome, and was the only son of Mr William Dowling, of Keyford, Frome. He joined the army when he was 17 years old, and had served nearly nine years. He spent two and a half years in India and three and a half years in South Africa. He was an enthusiastic motorist and had learned to drive a motor vehicle in the army and had passed his exams and obtained a certificate. After leaving the army he worked as a chauffeur in Cardiff . Being a reservist, he was called up to rejoin his regiment when war broke out. He had been wounded, and his parents received a postcard on the 30th October 1914, from a base hospital at the Front Line, and later a letter from the War Office that he had died from his wounds. He is buried at La Gorgue Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave Ref: I. P. I. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome
DREDGE Thomas
Private. 21429.
8th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1916
Private Thomas Dredge was born in Buckland Dinham, Frome, and was the son of William and Mary Dredge, of 1, Pendennis Road, Brislington, Bristol. He is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers-La- Boisselle, Somme, France. Grave Ref: V. P. 4. His name does not appear on any War Memorial in Frome.
DREDGE Walter Raymond (photo available)
Private. 24631.
10th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s (Light Infantry)
Killed in action 14th November 1916. Age: 26
Private Walter Raymond Dredge was born in Frome, and lived at Oakhill, Bath. He was the son of Mr Dredge; and brother of Miss Emily A. Dredge of 27, Broadway, Frome. He joined the army in February 1916, and trained at Plymouth, before going out to the Front Line in July 1916. His father received a letter from Private Dredge’s commanding officer, who said that his son had been “...killed by a sniper with a shot in the chest, and died instantly...”. A Captain Cripps, in a letter to Miss Dredge said, “...he was a good lad, and always did excellent work...”. He had three brothers in the army. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6B. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and on the War Memorial at Stoke St. Michael,
DREW Ivor Phillip
Private. 74597.
7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action 23rd March 1918.
Private Ivor Phillip Drew was born in Cardiff, and lived at Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, and Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DUCK George Edwin
Private. 2757.
1st/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 22nd November 1915. Age: 21
Private George Edwin Duck lived in Frome, and was in charge of the bookstore at Frome railway station for 3 years. His parents lived in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Enrolling at the outbreak of war, went to India and volunteered for active service with the Persian Gulf Expeditionary Force, attached to the Dorset Regiment. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
DYER Herbert Clarence
Gunner. 212152.
5th Reserve Brigade Royal Field Artillery
Died 28th February 1917. Age 18
Gunner Herbert Clarence Dyer was the son of Mr and Mrs F. Dyer, of Buckland Dinham, Frome. He was born at Upton Lovell, Wiltshire, and enlisted in Frome. He died of meningitis whilst training and is buried at Brighton (Bear Road) Borough Cemetery, Sussex. Grave Ref: ZGV 44.
Red denotes new information received after the publication of the book.