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GAMBLE Robert Joseph
Private. 26641.
8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action 4th October 1917. Age: 20
Private Robert Joseph Gamble was born in Northampton, and was the son of Mr and Mrs Gamble, of 27, Vicarage Street, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel 38 to 40. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial. Private Charles Gamble, possibly his brother was killed in action on the 1st July 1916.
GARRETT William
Private. M/399553.
M.T Depot Army Service Corps
Died 21st May 1918. Age: 36
Private William Garrett was the husband of Kate Lucy Garrett, of 17, Deverill Road, Warminster, Wiltshire. A monotype caster and operator, he was employed by the Somerset Standard and lived in Frome,but later returned to Warminster and was employed by the Warminster Journal, where he had served his apprenticeship. He was exempted from military service, but preferred to enlist into the army. The Warminster Journal had to suspend publication, due to the loss of his service. William had only joined the army a few weeks prior to his death, after completing a route march, he died suddenly in his billet at 1.30 pm. He was a member of the Warminster Volunteer Corps, the local lodge of Oddfellows, and the Cooperative Society. He is buried at Warminster (Christchurch) Churchyard, Wiltshire. Grave Ref: E. 9. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
GAMBLE Charles
Private. 9645.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1916.
Private Charles Gamble was born at St. John’s Northampton, and lived in Frome. He was killed in action on the first day of the “Battle of the Somme”, France. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 A. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial. Private Robert Joseph Gamble, possibly his brother was killed in action on the 4th October 1917. New " Charles Gamble and Charles Lee may be one and the same person, but this can't be proved at the moment" new
GENT Alfred George (photo available)
Private. 9856.
1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Died of wounds 27th December 1914. Age: 20
Private Alfred George Gent was born in Swindon and was the twin son of Arthur and Mary Ann Gent, of 150, The Butts (Hermans Rank), Frome. Having served for two years in the 1st Battalion of the GloucestershireRegiment, he went to the Western Front with the Expeditionary Force in August 1914. According to the local newspaper of the time, he died from wounds received in action on the 20th of December 1914. The day before he was wounded he wrote home, and this was the first words his parents had received from him for eighteen months. He wrote, “...I am sorry I have not been able to write before, I have been out here since the war broke out. We are having very rough weather out here, especially in the trenches, but thank God, we are now having a well earned rest. Do not be surprised, but I have shed a drop of blood on French soil, I was slightly wounded in the leg, but nothing serious. He is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. B. 18. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
GEE Joseph Howard (photo available)
Sapper. 139743.
86th Field Company Royal Engineers
Killed in action 7th August 1917. Age: 24
Sapper Joseph Howard Gee was born in Beckington, near Frome, and was the second son of Joseph George and Sarah Annie Gee, of Beckington. Before war broke out he was managing his father’s buisness in Bath Street, Frome, (saddler and harness maker). A member of the choir and a bellringer at Beckington parish church. In November 1915, he felt that he should join up, and was drafted to the Royal Engineers, where he followed his occupation during training at Chatham, Plymouth and in Wales. In September 1916, he was sent to France. A letter from his officer, said, “...He was killed this afternoon by a shell which burst near him, and death was instantaneous. We buried him this evening...Your son was in my section, and I could always rely on him to do his duty cheerfully and bravely. He was on duty when he was killed...”. In another letter a warrant officer said, “...I was speaking to your son less than five minutes before his death”. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Boezinge, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: IV. A. 39. His name appears on Beckington War Memorial.
GERRETT Herbert Charles
Private. 20677.
12th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 18th September 1918. Age: 24
Private Herbert Gerrett was born in Whatley, Frome, and was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs T. Gerrett, of the Rectory Lodge, Whatley, Frome. He died at 5.40 pm on the 18th of September 1918, in a military hospital in France from gunshot wounds to the face and both legs, received in action on the 3rd of September 1918, having been in France for only ten weeks. He volunteered for service three years previous, being employed locally as a gardener. Joining from a sense of duty, as soldiering was not congenial to him, he threw himself into it thoroughly, as he did into everything else he thought he had to do. Herbert joined before conscription was in operation to offer his services. In a letter to his mother an unnamed author wrote, “...he was wonderfully cheerful and plucky, and had asked me to write and to make light his wounds...” He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Ref: R. II. V. 3.
GEORGE Robert Edgar
Air Mechanic 2nd. Class. 7578.
30th Sqadron Royal Flying Corps
Unknown cause of death 29th April 1916. Age: 20
Air Mechanic Robert Edgar George was the son of Mr and Mrs Charles George, of Nunney Catch, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panels 6 and 61. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
GEORGE Edward (photo available)
Private. 36566.
10th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Died 8th June 1917. Age: 29
Private Edward George was born at Laverton, Somerset, and was the son of Mr and Mrs Frank George, of Laverton; and husband of Emily George, of 17, Lynton Road, Midsomer Norton, Bath. He was a former member of the Laverton Church choir, and was employed by Fussell & Sons, of Rode Brewery as a drayman. He joined the army in April 1916, and was attached to the 4th Gloucester's, then transferred to the 10th Battalion. After training on Salisbury plain, he went home for leave during August 1916, returning to his battalion on August Bank Holiday before going out to France. He contracted German Measles, followed by bronchitis, suffered trench feet, then developed tuberculosis. He laid unconscious for ten days before he died of pneumonia at Le Havre, France. He left a widow and a child of a month old. He is buried at St. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Ref: Div. 62. I. D. 10. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
GIBSON Frederick James (photo available)
Driver. 506609.
Royal Engineers
Died 23rd October 1918. Age: 22
Driver Frederick James Gibson was born in Frome and was the secondson of William and Rose Gibson, of 13, New Buildings, Frome. He died in Salonika of influenza and bronchial pneumonia. Prior to joining the army on the 22nd of February 1916, he worked at the Great Western Railway Station at Frome, as porter. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece. Grave Ref: I. B. 16. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
GIBSON John
Private. 27366.
2nd Battalion Hampshire Regiment
Died of wounds 20th February 1917
Private John Gibson, formerly 22485 Somerset Light Infantry, was born at Faulkland, Bath, and lived in Rode. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Ref: O. VI. F. 6. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
GIFFORD Percy George (photo)
Lance Corporal. 17155.
7th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s (Light Infantry)
Killed in action 2nd October 1916. Age: 38
Lance Corporal Percy George Gifford was born in Sparkford, Somerset, and was the second son to the late George Gifford and Emma Gifford, of Woodbine Villa, Trudoxhill, Frome. Lance Corporal Gifford was formerly 17155, Somerset Light Infantry, serving for seven years in the army, in India, Ceylon and South Africa, and on leaving the army joined the Frome troop of the North Somerset Yeomanry. Percy had been back in civilian life for ten years when war broke out, so rejoined soon after the war started, and went to the Western Front in the early stages. He was wounded in the hand, and was in hospital for several months on the Isle of Wight and returned to the Western Front in June 1916. Having a good tenor voice, he was a member of the MarstonChurch Choir and the Frome Male Voice Choir. Percy was also a bell ringer at Marston Church. A muffled peal was rung in his memory soon after he died by his fellow ringers assisted by ringers from Frome and Nunney. His younger brother (Walter) was killed in the South African War. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 B. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial, and Marston Church, Frome, which was formerly in Trudoxhill Church before it closed in the 1980’s.
GIFFORD Douglas William
Sergeant. unknown number.
King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Died 1919
Sergeant Douglas William Gifford is listed in the Somerset War Memorial as being a sergeant in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He is buried at Nunney (All Saints) Churchyard, Frome. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
GODDARD George (photo)
Gunner. 167954.
5th Seige Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Killed in action 23rd September 1917 Age: 29
Gunner George Goddard was born at Vallis, Frome, the second son ofMarie and the late James Goddard; and husband of Rose Maude Goddard (nee Neale, of Mells) of Berry Hill, Nunney, Frome. They were not long married. When he left school he worked alongside his father, employed by a Mr Armstrong as a carter, until January 1917, when he enlisted in the army and drafted to the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed by enemy shellfire, having only been with the battery a very short time. The captain of the battery spoke of him as, “a good brave soldier”. On his headstone are the words, “Till the day breaks”. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Boezinge, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: III. H. 8. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Memorial in Frome.
GODDARD Wallace John (Photo)
Gunner. 158487.
125th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Died of wounds (gas) 9th May 1918. Age: 31
Gunner Wallace John Goddard was born in Rudge, near Frome, and was the son of John and Mary Goddard; and the husband of Isabel Goddard, of Rudge. Wallace joined the army on April 23rd 1917, and was sent to France in November 1917. On the 21st of March 1918, he was gassed, and his wife went to France and remained with him until he died. He left six little girls, all under 12 years of age. A memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Rudge, Frome. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: LXVII. B. 17. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
GOMM Ernest Arthur
Lance Sergeant. 19038.
6th Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Died of wounds 2nd January 1916. Age: 22
Lance Sergeant Ernest Arthur Gomm was born in Willingdon, Sussex, and was the son of William Free and Sarah Ann Gomm; and husband of Daisy H. E. Gomm, of 28, Gloucester Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, formerly Frome. He is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave Ref: VI. D. 7. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
GOULTER Charles
Sapper. 154077.
2nd Field Company Royal Engineers
Killed in action 26th March 1918.
Sapper Charles Goulter lived at Rode, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 10 to 13. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
GRANT Graham
Private. 2689.
1st/4th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Died of wounds 6th February 1916. Age: 25
Son of Mr and Mrs Charles J. Grant, of Willow Vale, Frome. Private Graham Grant was born in Frome, and was living in Bristol when war broke out. In September 1914 he joined the 4th Gloucester's with his brother Private Charles Grant, serving in the same platoon as his brother and were companions both in training and in the trenches. They went out to the France, landing at Boulogne on the 30th March 1915. From the 15th of May 1915, they were part of the 144th Brigade, 48th Division. On the 23rd of December 1915, a day or two before he expected to get his leave and return home to Frome, he was with his platoon in a trench at 8.30 pm, they were about to be relieved and go into dug outs, when a German machine gun opened fire on the trench, what happened was explained in a letter sent home by Private Charles Grant, “...Iand a pal were standing close together looking over a parapet when we heard five pops by a maxim (machine gun). I “ducked”, but my pal fell dead instantly in the trench. I picked him up and called to Graham to help me, but there was no response. An officer came to me and said ‘I think your brother would like to see you.’ I was with him in five minutes. We picked him up and put him on a stretcher, and carried him back to the village. The journey took us three hours...” The bullet struck Private Grant in the back, and although his brother said the wound was not serious, it was found on his removal to Rouen Hospital, France that it was serious. Graham remained in Rouen hospital for three days, then moved to Le Havre, France, placed in a hospital ship and brought back to England, arriving at Southampton and taken to Cheltenham hospital where little hope was made of his recovery. X-rays shown that his spine had been shattered and he was paralysed from his waist down. He remained conscious until the end, there were times he was bright, and spoke of times back in Frome. The case was regarded as hopeless and he was allowed to have anything he wanted to eat and drink and to see as many friends as he liked. Members of his family visited him in Cheltenham Hospital, and his mother and three sisters were at his bedside when he passed away at 3 am on the Sunday morning of the 6th of February 1916. His body was brought back to Frome and interred at (Christchurch) Churchyard, Grave Ref: III. 6650. A service was held at St John’s Church, Frome. Private Graham Grant was a member of St John’s Church choir, both as a boy and as a man, he was the first chorister of St John’s who had given his life for his country. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
GRACE Alfred
Private. 7231.
1st Bn. Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 31st October 1914. Age: 26
Private Alfred Grace was born at Knook, Wiltshire, and was the son of Mrs J. Grace, of Mells. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. panel 33 to 34. His name appears on the Mells war Memorial.
GRAY William Eli (Photo)
Lance Sergeant. 400810.
21st Battalion Canadian Infantry (East Ontario Regiment)
Killed in action 9th April 1917. Age 21
Only son of Mr and Mrs Gray, of Seymour’s Court Cottages, Beckington, Frome. Lance Sergeant William Eli Gray emigrated to Canada when he was 19 years old to work on the land, and when war broke out volunteered and joined the Canadian Infantry. William came back to the U.K with the third contingent, and was stationed at Shorncliff, where they trained for three months. Returning home to Beckington for six days leave before returning to France, where he served for fifteen months. He is buried at Zivy Crater Cemetery, Thelus, Pas de Calais, France. Grave 1. His name appears on the Beckington and Berkley War Memorials, Frome.
GRAY Lewis
Private. 25576.
7th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 14th August 1917. Age: 35
Private Lewis Gray was born in Mere, Wiltshire, and was the son of the late Moses and Elizabeth Gray, of 55, Selwood Road, Frome. He joined the army on the 29th of May 1916, and went to France October 1916. Formerly a farm labourer for a Mrs Tucker of Mere, Wiltshire. He left a widow and four children. He is buried at Duhallow Military Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: VII. C. 4. His name appears on Marston Church, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
GREENLAND Herbert Russell
Private. 39808.
1st/5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 9th October 1918
Private Herbert Russell Greenland was the son of William Greenland, of Frome. He fought all through the Mons retreat, had suffered frost bite three times, on each occasion returning home to recover. Herbert was killed in action on the 9th of October 1918, whilst engaged in a successful attack on a village in Flanders, leaving a widow and child. He is buried at Busigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave Ref: III. A. 34. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and St. John’s Memorial.
GRIMSTER Edgar
Able Seaman. 194771(CH) (R.F.R. B/3582)
H.M.S “Pembroke” Royal Navy
Died 14th October 1916. Age: 36
Able Seaman Edgar Grimster was born in Frome, and was the son of Nathaniel and Annie Grimster, of 14, Wadley Road, Leytonstone. He died of phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs), and is buried at Woodsgrange Park Cemetery, East Ham, Essex. grave Ref: II. 11493.
GREENLAND Edward Henry
Private. 20682.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 16th September 1916
Private Edward Henry Greenland was born and lived in Buckland Dinham, Frome. Edward was killed in action during the “Battle of the Somme”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A.
GUMMER Basil Austin (Photo)
Second Lieutenant
9th Battalion King’s (Liverpool Regt.)
Killed in action 12th August 1916. Age: 29
Second Lieutenant Basil Austin Gummer was the third son of Mr Oakley Gummer of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Basil moved from Salisbury and worked at Lloyds Bank, Frome. He tried to enlist into the army, but was rejected, and was told if he underwent an operation his medical unfitness could be removed. Feeling so strongly the call of his country he decided to undergo the necessary operation, and when fit, joined the Artists Rifle Officers Training Corps, obtaining a commission on the 1st June 1916 in the 9th King’s Liverpool Regiment. In a letter to his parents his colonel wrote “... Your son was killed whilst gallantly leading his platoon in an attack on the German trenches. Although he had been with us only just over four weeks I had formed a high opinion of his capabilities. He had evinced a great keenness in his work, and was very popular with his fellow officers and the men of his platoon...”. Basil had lived in Frome for three years, and during this time was a member of St. John’s Church, the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Freewill Offering Scheme, took a keen interest in local church organisation, and was a Shakespearean scholar and gifted reciter.Just before war broke out he contemplated exchanging the bank job for the stage, and arrangements were in progress for him to join the Benson Shakespearean Company. He has no 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 St. John’s Memorial.
HAINE Walter
Rifleman. R/6146.
11th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Died of wounds 17th September 1916. Age: 28
Rifleman Walter Haine was born in Westbury, Wiltshire, and was the son of Thomas and Sarah Francis Haine, of Woolverton, Beckington, near Frome. He is buried at Guards’ Cemetery, Les Boeufs, Somme, France. Grave Ref: VIII. N. 2.
HAMBLIN Albert Thomas (Photo)
Corporal. 87620.
218th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Killed in action 24th July 1917. Age: 36
Son of the late Edward James Hamblin, formerly of West Cranmore,and Mrs Hamblin, of Windsor Cottage, 31, Portway, Frome; and husband of Mrs A. T. Hamblin, who was living with her mother, Mrs Hayward, of Keyford Dairy, Frome. Corporal Albert Thomas Hamblin was born in Holcombe, Bath and lived at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, but since he joined up about a year prior to his death, his wife and three children returned to live in Frome. Albert was home on leave the week before Christmas 1916, returning to France around New Years Day 1917. On the night of July 23rd-24th, he was in charge of a party, to construct a heavy gun emplacement, and whilst engaged on this duty a shell fell amongst them, killing him and two other soldiers outright. His officer wrote, “...a conscientious and willing NCO, always carrying out his orders to the best of his ability...”. He is buried at Bus House Cemetery, Voormezeele, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: G. 3. His name appears on the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church Frome.
HALLETT Jack
Private. D/14909.
4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards
Died of wounds 23rd January 1920. Age: 28
Private Jack Hallett was the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Hallett, of 114, The Butts, Frome. He is buried at Frome (Christ Church) Churchyard. Grave Ref: III. 568. His name appears on Frome War Memorial and Christ Church Frome.
HAMES Wyndham (Photo)
Private. 34246.
1st/5th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 10th April 1918. Age: 36
Private Wyndham Hames was born in Mells, Frome, and was the son of Richard and Mary Hames, of Keepers Lodge, Mells, Frome. Private Wyndham Hames was assistant to his father from his school days. He was an excellent shot, and it was not long after he joined the North Somerset Yeomanry in August 1916 as army number 2200, that he found himself in the firing line in France. In spite of his outdoor life and training he suffered greatly in the trenches in the severe weather about Christmas 1916, and in the early part of the New Year was invalided to Rouen Hospital, France, where he lay in a precarious state for more than three months. When he was able to be removed he was in hospital at Manchester for two months or more, and then two months at Croydon. After a short period at home he was ordered to report to Plymouth, and from there was sent out with a draft of the Somerset Light Infantry to join the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Wyndham was first reported missing after an engagement which he took part as a signaller in Palestine. The Turks drove our forces back, and Private Hames was part of ten companions were cut off and killed, their bodies remaining unburied until the end of November 1918. A Captain Cecil G. Ames, of Frome, sent the information in a letter from Palestine dated 2nd December 1918, to “Keeper Dick”, his father, which said, “...It is my sad duty to have to inform you that your son, Private W. Hames, who was previously reported missing, is now officially reported killed in action. We were all extremely sorry when the sad news reached the company. I can well imagine the great grief which the news must cause you after so many months of hope, uncertainty and anxiety. He and ten others of our men were killed in an attack on a Turkish position on top of a hill called “Arara”, which took place last April. We were at the time, however, unable to hold the hill, but since the recent operations the hill has come into our possession, and his body has been found and buried, together with his ten comrades. I myself was one of the burial party. We made a little cemetery near the top of the hill where they were killed. Each grave has a cross made of olive wood, with the name of the soldier painted on it, and on each grave we planted some bulbs whichgrow out here. They bloom from the last half of January until the middle of May, pretty little white flowers with about twenty heads on the stem of two feet, I took a photo of the cemetery, which I am having developed, and I shall be very pleased to send you a copy. The enclosed New Testament was found in a pocket of the tunic which your son was wearing. On behalf of his many friends and comrades in the regiment. I offer our deepest sympathy for the great loss which you have suffered. I can only regret that my acquaintance with him was not longer than it was. Coming from Frome myself, we used often enjoy a chat together about the people and places which we both knew, and I feel proud to have known him. Please accept my personal sympathy for your sad loss...”. Mr Hames also received from the records office, notifying the death as having occurred on April 10th 1918. “Killed in action with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force”. He is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Grave Ref: S.46. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
HANNEY Alexander Desmond (Photo)
Private. 48647.
5th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment
Died of wounds 26th May 1916. Age: 18
Private Alexander Desmond Hanney was born in Frome, and was the son of George Henry and Anna Hanney, of 132, Marston Road, Frome. Formerly 40409 Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry). He is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: II. D. 19. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial., and Christ Church, Frome.
HANNEY Frederick (Photo)
Private. 9736.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry.
Killed in action 7th July 1915.
Private Frederick Hanney was born in Faulkland, Frome, and was the son of George Henry and Anna Hanney, of 132, Marston Road, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines, Belgium. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial., and Christ Church, Frome.
HANNEY George Stanner Price (Photo)
Corporal. 1299.
3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment
Killed in action 8th May 1915. Age: 19
Corporal George Stanner Price Hanney was born in Treharris, Glamorgan, and was the son of George Henry and Anna Hanney, of 132, Marston Road, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 50. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
HANSFORD Stanley MM
Sergeant. 9536.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 1st July 1916. Age: 19
Sergeant Stanley Hansford was born in Frome, and was the son of Albert George and the late Ellen Hansford, of Bove Moor Cottage, Street, Somerset. He was killed in action on the first day of the, “Battle of the Somme”, and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Awarded the Military Medal. Pier and Face 2 A. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
HARES Cecil Albert John (Photo)
Private, 2862.
2nd/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died India 16th June 1916.
Eldest son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Hares, of Marston Road, Frome. Private Cecil Albert John Hares was born in Frome, and had died of malarial fever at Port Blair, in the Andaman Islands (group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, a province of India). Cecil was formerly employed by Hodder & Sons of Frome, and joined the 2nd/4th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry Territorials, who had formed at Bath in September 1914. They trained on Salisbury Plain and were billeted in Bath, being part of the 135th Brigade, 45th Division. On the 12th December 1914 the battalion sailed for India, arriving on the 23rd January 1915, but the Division was broken up in August 1915 to the Andaman Islands. Cecil went with the battalion to India, which was stationed for some time at Bangalore, where he was selected with a contingent of 140 men to go to Port Blair to guard convicts. On the Tuesday before his death a letter was received from him stating that he was healthy, and that he hoped to continue so until the time came for him to return home. He spoke of the solitude of Port Blair, with it’s vistas and coconut trees and it’s illimitable expanse of ocean. There were several Frome men at Port Blair. He is buried at Port Blair Cemetery. Face 10. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
HARFITT Henry Joseph
Private. 11302. 2nd Battalion Irish Guards
Died 1st August 1917. Age: 35
Private Henry Joseph Harfitt was born in Belfast, County Antrim, and was the son of Herbert and Louisa Harfitt, of Salisbury, Wiltshire. He enlisted into the army at Frome, and lived at Rode, Frome, He is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery, Elverdinghe, Ieper,. Belgium. Grave Ref: II. E. 8. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
HARRIS Ernest Edwin
Rifleman. C/9914.
20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Died of wounds 2nd July 1917. Age: 22
Rifleman Ernest Edwin Harris was born in Beckington, Frome, and was the son of James and Rosa Harris of Rudge, Frome. He died of gunshot wounds received in action. He joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in January 1916, and went to France in March 1916. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: XXII. M. 25A. His name appears on the Beckington and Berkley War Memorials.
HARRISON Frederick (Photo)
Rifleman. C/9879.
20th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Killed in action 29th May 1918
Rifleman Frederick Harrison was born in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, and enrolled into the army in Frome. He was the youngest brother of Mrs Sherston, of 15, Summer Hill, Frome, and Mrs Moore, of 16, Innox Hill, Frome. He was in the army for two and a half years, and had served in France for two years. He was wounded in August 1917, recovered, returning to France the week after Christmas 1917. In a letter from his officer, whom he was batman too, said, “...he was in my platoon...he was hit in the head. He was buried in a British Cemetery quite close, by our padre...”. He is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: VI. A. 21. His name appears on the War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
HARVEY Alfred Lionel (Photo)
Sapper. 359519.
Royal Engineers
Died of wounds 30th May 1918. Age: 33
Alfred Lionel Harvey was born in Frome, and was the fourth son of Mr and Mrs James Harvey of Phoenix Terrace, Frome. Alfred had served an apprenticeship in the fitting department at J. W. Singer & Sons art metal works in Frome, and was a member of the Volunteers and Territorials, becoming a member of the National Reserve on it’s formation. Within a week or two of the outbreak of war he volunteered for active service, giving up his job at Messrs Spencer’s, of Melksham, Wiltshire. First attached to the Wiltshire Regiment, as 13256, but because of his skills, was transferred to the Royal Engineers, 350th Engineering and Mining Company, seeing service in the Mediterranean, and was in the Suvla Bay landing and other actions in the Dardanelles. At Suvla Bay Alfred was wounded by shrapnel, and recovered, he was wounded for a second time, and returned to England. After recovery he was drafted to France and on the 30th of May 1918 was wounded, sent to the 57th casualty clearing station, where he died the same day at 5 pm. He is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: IV. H. 7. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
HARVEY Edward James
Rifleman. 47530.
1st/28th Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own)
Killed in action 22nd August 1918. Age: 22
Rifleman Edward James Harvey was born in Frome, and was the son of Mrs Ada Harvey, of Spring Grove, Frome. Formerly 533414 Royal Flying Corps. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en- Artois Memorial Pas de Calais, France. Panel 10. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial. Sapper
HASKETT C. E. S
Private. 202248.
2nd/4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died unknown 12th March 1919. Age: 31
Private C. E. S. Haskett was the son of Henry and Eliza Haskett, of 26, Hill Corner, Berkley, Frome; husband of Daisy F. Haskett, of 8, Sunnyside, Ogmore Vale, Glamorgan. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimmille, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: XV. B. 13. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
HASKETT Henry George (Photo)
Corporal. 6414.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 8th August 1916. Age: 22
Son of the late Henry Haskett and Eliza J. Pike (formerly Haskett) of 26, Hill Corner, Berkley, Frome. Corporal Henry George Haskett was born in Wincanton, Somerset, and lived at Laverton, Frome. Joining the army at 18, he was in the reserve when war broke out, and was called up on the 8th of August 1914, to re-join his regiment, and trained at Devonport, where he was promoted to Corporal. In order to go to the front Line Henry gave up his stripes and went out as a private in December 1914, where he was in some of the early fighting with the Somerset’s, including one of the great battles at Ypres, Belgium, again being promoted to Corporal. Henry was wounded on the 12th of April 1915 from shrapnel to the face and hands and remained in hospital for some time, after having some three operations. As soon as he was well Henry re-joined his regiment on the 3rd August 1916. On the 8th of August 1916 he was killed in action with the Somerset’s. Corporal Haskett is buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium. Grave Ref: III. D. 20. Next to the cemetery is the site of the dressing station where Lt. Colonel John M. McCrae, Royal Canadian Medical
Corps wrote his famous poem, “In Flanders Fields” in 1915.
HAYMAN Alfred George MC (Photo)
Captain. “A” Company.
2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment
Killed in action 8th September 1916. Age: 32
Captain Alfred George Hayman. MC was the only son of the late Alfred and Ellen Dorothy Hayman of Great Elm, Frome; and husband of Marjorie Hayman of Cromarty, Elmsleigh Road, Weston Super Mare, Somerset. Having held a commission in the army Alfred resigned to take up farming on a large scale in Canada, but returned to England to join his old regiment at the outbreak of war. Was wounded during the great push at the front on the Somme, by shrapnel but recovered, but was killed outright by a shell in a trench called “Anderson” trench, running along the side of “High Wood” (Bois des Fourceaux), about a kilometre away from Longueval village, Somme, France. The wood was finally cleared of the German defenders on September 15th 1916, one week after his death, after fierce fighting. It was during the lead up to this victory that Alfred was awarded the Military Cross. “For great gallantry and devotion to duty in keeping his men together under very heavy shell fire during a whole week in the front line trenches”. Extracts of a letter from a brother officer; “... I am more than pleased to be able to tell you that your husband was awarded the Military Cross.......and no man more thoroughly deserved it. A lot of men in his company, used as they are to death, were crying like children over his death, and no greater tribute can be paid to an officer. I look back on my friends who have gone and above all stands one...a little higher, a little nobler, a little finer than all the rest....your husband.” He is buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France. Grave XI. B. 33.
HAYWARD William Hugh (Photo)
Second Lieutenant.
12th Battalion Manchester Regiment
Killed in action 31st August 1918. Age: 33
Second Lieutenant William Hugh Hayward was the only son of Hugh and Elizabeth Hayward, of 29, Catherine Hill, Frome, formerly of Nunney, Frome; and husband of Annie Augusta. Hayward, of 16, Raby Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath. Second Lieutenant William Hayward joined the army in March 1915, and served for some time with the Manchester’s, and was later attached to the 52nd Trench Mortar Battery. He was Superintendent of Rook Lane Sunday school for some years, and from time to time revisited it on his leave from the Front Lines, and gave scholars and teachers inspiring messages, the dominant note of which was what prayer in the home land means to the Christian in the trenches. He was trained as a teacher at the Frome Council School, and also ran night schools, and physical instruction classes in Frome, which were a great success. He was very well thought of in the community, and was married at Rook Lane Chapel on March 2nd 1918, to Annie Augusta (Dolly) Cooper, only daughter of the late Mr. W. J. Cooper and Mrs Cooper, of the Market Place, Frome. He was then on his final leave, and left to join his unit a couple of days later. At a memorial service held at Rook Lane Sunday School, references were made to him as, “...a fine Christian man, who during his long experience in the army from private to Second lieutenant maintained brave consistent testimony for Christ, his master, amongst conditions of severe trial...”. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs-Somme, France. Grave Ref: IV. S. 10. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
HENNING Samuel Harry (Photo)
Private. 26601.
8th Bn Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 7th July 1918. Age: 25
Private Samuel Harry Henning was born in Wincanton, Somerset, and was the husband of Mrs E. B. King (formerly Henning), the landlord of the “Griffin” public house in Milk Street, Frome. Having come to Frome some years previously, he had been the landlord of the “King’s Arms” at Warminster. Samuel joined the Somerset’s in August 1916, and went to France, where he was wounded six months after by shrapnel in the right leg, but did not return home, recovering and returning to the trenches again. A Lance Corporal Tom Young, of Frome, wrote a letter to Samuel’s wife, saying, “...This morning early, about 1 o clock we were being releived from the trenches when a stray machine gun bullet caught your husband through the head which killed him instantaniously...”. In a letter from a chaplain stated, “...Private Henning was taking his share in the important work of holding the line...”. Lance Corporal Tom Young, died of wounds received in action on the 2nd of September 1918. (see Young Arthur Tom) some two months later.Private Henning is buried at Couin British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: F. 4. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
HENRY Joseph Charles M.M. (Photo)
Private. 1/17542. Royal Fusiliers.
Died 20th October 1918. Age: about 23
Private Joseph Charles Henry, Military Medallist was a former gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, and it was there that he won the Military Medal, in June 1917, but he was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, and posted to the 30th London Regiment. He was formerly employed as a miner in Lancashire, and married Lucy, the daughter of Mr Edward Reddeck, of Coleford, Bath. Due to the urgent needs at home for miners, Joseph received his discharge on the 20th of October 1918, having ten days previously been handed the medal awarded to him for bringing in wounded under heavy fire in June 1917. He was very ill when he returned home on Sunday the 20th of October 1918, and became rapidly worse. According to the local newspaper report, it stated that he passed away on the Wednesday, which would have been the 30th of October 1918, and not the 20th of October 1918, which is stated on his head stone. His wife and two children were also lying seriously ill, but for the kindness of his friends and the Salvation Army it might have been even more distressing, the paper report adds. The members of the Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Federation (D.S.S.F) took the funeral arrangement in hand. The authorities permitted the use of a gun carriage from one of the neighbouring camps. The Town Military Band, attended and headed the procession, playing the “Death March” from Saul, the “D” Company 2nd Volunteer Battalion Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry furnished a firing party, and between forty and fifty members of the D.S.S.F. formed an escort. The ceremony at the graveside concluded with the firing of three volleys in the air and the sounding of the “Last Post”. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, to which was attached the Military Medal, and on it were placed his cap and bayonet, and a number of wreaths. He is buried at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Somerset. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
HERRIDGE Frederick
Private 281176
South Nottinghamshire Hussars
Died 13th December 1917
Fred was born in Nunney, but lived in Altoxeter. Buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery, Greece. Grave Ref 1309 (New addition)
HEYLUER Stanley Reginald
Lance Corporal. 27788.
1st Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s (Light Infantry)
Killed in action 4th October 1917
Lance Corporal Stanley Reginald Heyluer was born at Midsomer Norton, Bath, Somerset, and was the son of Ed and Elsie Heyluer of Frome Road, Beckington, near Frome. Stanley was formerly 23039 Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry). He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendael, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel 80 to 82, and 163A. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
HIBBERD Frederick Francis Arthur ( Photo)
Private. 39728.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 24th October 1918. Age: 19
Private Frederick Francis Arthur Hibberd was born in Buckland Dinham, Frome, and was the eldest son of Francis and Agnes Hibberd, of The “Coffee Rooms”,Buckland Dinham, Frome. He was educated at Buckland Dinham School, and was a member of the church choir. He joined the army in 1917, with just over a year of service before he met his death in France, where he had not long arrived. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 4.
HIGGINS Lewis Rood
Private. 301748.
1st/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Killed in action 5th November 1916.
Private Lewis Rood Higgins was born in Beckington, Frome. He was formerly 29809, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He is buried at Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: VI. F. 24. Warlencourt and Eaucourt-L’Abbaye was the scene of fierce fighting in 1916, Eaucourt was taken early in October 1916. His name does not appear on the Beckington War Memorial.
HIGGS William James
Lance Corporal.
8702. 2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire
Regiment)
Died 12th December 1914. Age: 22
Lance Corporal William James Higgs was born in Reading, Berkshire, and was the son of Mr and Mrs J. Higgs, of 3, Low Water, Frome. He is buried at Kortrijk (St Jean) Communal Cemetery, Kortrijk, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: Sp. Mem. 26. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
HILLIER Albert
Private. 8995.
1st Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 22nd September 1914.
Private Albert Hillier was born in Frome, and was the son of Mr and Mrs Hillier, of Ridgeway, Frome. There was some confusion at first regarding the death of Albert, there was no mention of him on any published lists or any notification from the military authorities, only a report from another Nunney soldier, Private Preece, also of the Wiltshire's. It caused his parents some distress, not knowing. On the 18th of September 1914, Albert sent home a letter on the special postcards that were used by the army informing his parents he was all right. His mother wrote a letter to the War Office over the confusion and received a letter back confirming that her son had in fact been killed in action. Private Albert Hillier had been in the army for about two years. He is commemorated on a special memorial at Vailly British Cemetery, Aisne, France. Special Memorial 16. Vailly-Sur-Aisne village was the point at which the 3rd Division crossed the river on the 12th September 1914, in the advance from the Marne. It fell to the Germans in 1915. The cemetery has 650, war casualties commemorated on the site, nearly half are unidentified and special memorials are erected to forty officers and men known or believed to be buried among them. His name appears on the Nunney War Memorial.
HILLMAN Frederick William (Photo)
Private. 16626.
9th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action 25th January 1917. Age: 25
Private Frederick William Hillman was born in Frome, and was the only son of Mrs Hillman, of 25, Welshmill Lane, Frome. He was employed by W. H. Smith & Son’s in Frome, working up to chief assistant, and was later transferred to a branch at Leamington Spa. It was from here he joined up in the summer of 1915. His employer at Frome said that he was a young man of exceptional promise, devoted to duty, and always willing, as well as possessed of a determination to win for himself a place in the world. He was killed in action in Mesopotamia. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: XIX. J. 17. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
HINTON William Harold
Private. 17540.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 14th April 1917. Age: 20
Private William Harold Hinton was born at Upton Scudimore, Wiltshire, and was the son of Charles and Lily Hinton, of Woolverton Terrace, Woolverton, near Frome. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: XXII. H. 4. His name appears on the Berkley War Memorial, Frome.
HOBBS Bertie (Photo)
Private. 4414.
1st/4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment
Died Mesopotamia 22nd July 1916. Age: 26
Private Bertie Hobbs was born in Frome, and was the son of Charles and Sarah Hobbs. He was formerly in the Somerset Light Infantry as service number 4175. He is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Grave Ref: VI. A. 13. His name appears on the frome War Memorial.
HODDER Ernest George
Private. 754423.
58th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regt.)
Killed in action 30th September 1918. Age 31
Private Ernest George Hodder was the son of Joseph and Mary Hodder, of 35, Castle Street, Frome. He is buried at Anneux British Cemetery, Nord, France. Graver Ref: II. D. 34. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, Frome. His brother Edgar Reginald Hodder was killed in action on the 28th April 1917 (see Hodder E. G).
HODDER Edgar Reginald
Private. 17524.
8th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 28th April 1917. Age: 22
Private Edgar Reginald Hodder was born in Frome, and was the son of Joseph and Mary Hodder, of 35 ,Castle Street, Frome. He lived in Minehead, Somerset. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 4. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome. His brother Ernest George Hodder was killed in action on the 30th September 1918 (see Hodder E.G).
HOLBORN C G
Private. 30697.
4th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Unknown Death 13th February 1917. Age: 21
Private C G Holborn was the son of George and Alice Holborn, of 5, Peter Street, Frome. He is buried at Bournemouth East Cemetery, Hampshire. Grave Ref: Q. I. 148. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
HOLDSWORTH William Ewart
Private. 44498.
2nd/5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 24th April 1918
Private William Ewart Holdsworth was born in Scarborough, and enlisted into the army at Frome. Formerly in the Devonshire Regiment army number 71649. He was a clerk at Parrs (Stuckey’s) Bank in Frome, and was engaged to be married to the youngest daughter of Mr Mann, of Frome College. William was only in France for three weeks, and in action for the first time from April 22nd 1918, when he met his death on the 24th. He is buried at Vieille-Chapelle New British Cemetery, Lacouture, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: V. A. 2. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
HORNER Edward William
Lieutenant.
18th (Queen Mary’s) Hussars
Killed in action 21st November 1917. Age: 29
Lieutenant Edward William Horner was born in 1888, and was the son of Sir John Horner, K.C.V.O., and Lady Francis Horner, of Mells, Frome. Educated at Summerfields, Eton and Balliol College, Oxford, and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple, when he was 24 years of age. He first held a commission in the North Somerset Yeomanry, then transferred to the Hussars, training at Tidworth, and went out to France in February 1915. In May 1915 he was very seriously wounded, and it was thought that he would never be able to fight again, but after an operation and long convalesce, he returned to light duty in Egypt in February 1916. He returned to England in May 1916, serving some time on General Lumley’s staff. In the spring of 1917, he was again fit for active service and rejoined his regiment at the Western Front in early March 1917. On November the 21st 1917, he died of a gunshot wound to the chest, that he received in action. He was the brother in law of Raymond Asquith. (see Asquith Raymond), and is buried at Rocouigny Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: I. E. 23. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
HORWOOD Clement Harry (Photo)
Private. 29842.
5th Battalion Machine Gun Corps
Died of wounds 2nd September 1918. Age: 21
Private Clement Harry Horwood was born in Frome, and was the son of Minnie and the late Clement Horwood, of 98, The Butts, Frome. Wounded, he was taken to the No. 2 casualty clearing station in France, where he died, after giving loving messages to the chaplain for home on the 2nd September 1918. A Mr Waters and others employed him in Frome town. On reaching the age of eighteen, he immediately joined the Somerset Light Infantry, but was later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was twice wounded in 1917, and received treatment in France and Folkstone. He is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: V. F. 18. Private Alexander Hanney and Private Arthur Gordon White, of Frome are also buried in this Cemetery. (See Hanney A and White A G). His name appears on the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church Memorials in Frome.
HOLT Thomas Entwhistle
Mechanician. 311271.
H.M.S. “Natal” Royal Navy
Killed 30th December 1915. Age: 28
Mechanician Thomas Entwhistle Holt, a native of Lancashire, was the son of William and Mary Holt, of Bolton, Lancashire; and husband of Lily R. A. Holt, (nee Ledbury) of Duke Street, Frome. He had served eleven years in the Navy, and was married for six years and had a child. He lived at Chatham until the outbreak of war, and returned to Frome. H.M.S “Natal” was the victim of an internal explosion in the Cromarty Firth, and sunk. Fourteen officers and 373 men were saved, but Thomas Holt was killed. His name is commemorated on the Chatham Memorial, Kent. Panel 11. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
HOULTON William Charles (Photo)
Private. 19016.
2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Killed in action 8th July 1916. Age: 26
Private William Charles Houlton was born in Frome, and was the son ofEdward C. and Annie Houlton, of 5, Victoria Street, Weymouth, Dorset. He was killed in action during the advance on the Somme in France. He wasemployed by Mr E. Cox, of Christchurch Street, Frome, for seven years, and then groom at Longleat stables, before his family moved to Weymouth, Dorset. He joined the army in January 1915, and trained at Weymouth, going out to France in August 1915. In a letter from Lieutenant N. H. Martin, “...It occurred yesterday just after we advanced and taken a German trench. One of the snipers shot him through the head, in fact death was instantaneous...”. A letter from Captain E. W. Ward, officer commanding his company, “... Your son helped to gain a very substantial success...”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 13A. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
HOWARD Charles Reginald OBE. M.D (Photo)
Captain.
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action 6th September 1918.
Captain Charles Reginald Howard, OBE. M.D, was born in 1875, and was the youngest son of Mr Robert Luke Howard, of Teignmouth, Devon, formerly of St. Albans. Captain Charles Reginald Howard, B.A., B.C., M.D., MRCS England, L.R.C.P., London, of Garston House, Frome, was killed in action in East Africa. Was educated at Bengeo, Hertfordshire, Repton, Pembroke College, Cambridge, and Guy’s Hospital, London, and was married to Hilda Margaret Moore, and had two daughters and a son. Acting as assistant house surgeon at Guy’s Hospital, and then went to East Africa as bacteriologist to the Zanzibar government. Reading a special study of plague, and “Plague in Zanzibar” was the subject he chose for his medical thesis when sitting for his M.D in 1906, and published a book on the subject. Captain Howard served in the Boar War in South Africa with the Dorset Yeomanry, and was awarded the South Africa War medal with five bars. He settled in Frome and in 1910, was appointed Medical Officer of Health for the Frome Rural District, and a number of appointments as examining medical officer for insurance companies. Was honorary surgeon to the Frome Victoria Hospital, and an assistant medical inspector of schools under the Somerset Education Committee. When the war broke out he became a lieutenant with the Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C) in September 1914, and went to France in charge of the 1st Motor Red Cross Ambulance, including the Mons retreat. Due to bad health, he returned home, but after recuperation returned to the R.A.M.C. Having a good knowledge of the Swahili language, and a knowledge of tropical diseases, and with his studies and experiences in Zanzibar, he was selected for service in German East Africa. He was promoted to Captain in the R.A.M.C and attached to the King’s African Rifles, where he served from March 1916 to the date of his death, when he was senior medical officer of the force and acting Lieutenant Colonel, with the expectation of receiving the rank within a day or two when he was killed. In letters from his fellow officers, “...On the morning of6th September the King’s African Rifles, ‘bumped’, the Hun’s main fighting force at Pere. As fierce fighting ensued, the ambulance section, unfortunately, feeling the full brunt of it, being centrally placed in the column. Captain Howard, who was the senior medical officer to the column, was seen to rush, when the fight was at it’s height, towards ‘No man’s land’ endeavouring, it seemed, to pull into safety some badly wounded lying there, and before he could accomplish his objective, he himself fell, shot through the chest dying instantly. We could not recover the body that day, but on the next. He was accorded a full military funeral, every officer being present to pay a last respect.....He was most popular and beloved by all out here...”. He is buried at Lumbo British Cemetery, Mozambique. Grave Ref: I. A. 2. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
HOWELL Reginald Arthur
Private. 3314125.
58th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)
Unknown death. 20th November 1918. Age: 26
Private Reginald Arthur Howell was the son of William and Julia Howell, of Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, and previously had lived in Rode, Frome. He could have died from wounds received in action, as he is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France, where a number of field hospitals existed, and the cemetery was used mainly for soldiers who died from wounds. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: I. F. 26. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
HUGHES Percy Isaac
Gunner. 94521. Royal Field Artillery
Died at Sea 23rd October 1915. Age: 25
Gunner Percy Isaac Hughes was born at Witham Friary, Frome, and was the son of Mrs Louisa Hughes, of 24, Witham Friary, Frome. He was attached to the 29th Division, Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, and was on the hired transport ship "Marquette", when it was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-Boat, 'U35' on the 23rd of October 1915, 57.5 kilometres south from Salonika Bay. She carried the 29th Division Ammunition Column and the New Zealand Stationary Hospital. He is commemorated on the Micra Memorial, Greece. His name appears on the Witham Friary War Memorial.
HUNT Cecil George
Lance Corporal. 22925.
4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action 23rd April 1917. Age: 28
Lance Corporal Cecil George Hunt was born in Stour Row, Dorset, and was the son of Mrs M. A. Hunt, of 34, Witham Friary, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 6. His name appears on the Witham Friary War Memorial.
HUNT Frank Alfred
Private. 110250. Tank Corps.
Killed in action 9th October 1917.
Private Frank Alfred Hunt was born in Frome, and enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery service number 190517 at Abertillery, Monmouth, attached to “A” Battery, later transferring to the Tank Corps. He is buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery, Heuvelland, West-Vlaaderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: III. D. 15. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.