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WAITE Harry Walter
Private. 3/5930.
1st Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry
Died of wounds 4th May 1915. Age: 23
Private Harry Walter Waite was born in Chopping-Knife, Marlborough, Wiltshire, and was the son of Walter George and Rose Mary Waite, of Stockwood, Keynsham, Bristol. He enlisted in Frome and was in the “A” Company of the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. The Waite family moved to Camerton, near Bath, Somerset and his mother died there. His father lived for many years at Old Ford, Frome. Hill Corner, Berkley, Frome, and at Spring Gardens, Frome, where he died. The Waite family still live locally and the daughter of Harry’s sister, “Ivy”, visited his grave in 1999. The first time it had ever been visited. Harry is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave Ref: II. A. 175. “ At Englands call I took my chance. Only to fall on the soil of France”, is inscribed on his headstone. His name does not appear on Frome War Memorial.
WARWICK Albert Alfred
Rifleman. P/1371.
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade
Killed in action 14th April 1917. Age: 20
Private Albert Alfred Warwick was born in King’s Cross, London, the son of Arthur Henry and Mary Caroline Warwick, of 3, Bridge Street, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 9. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
WATERS Arthur George
Private. 203441.
2nd/4th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed in action 22nd March 1918. Age: 39
Private Arthur George Waters was born at Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire, the son of George and Mary Waters, of 35, Church Street, Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire; and husband of Elfrida M. D. Waters, of Warminster Road, Beckington, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 56 and 57. His name appears on the Beckington War Memorial.
WATTS Arthur George
Private. 205291.
2nd/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Died 26th November 1918. Age: 22
Private Arthur George Watts was the son of Thomas and Clementina Annie Watts, of 15, East Woodlands, Frome. He died from bronco pneumonia at Gladstone Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria. Employed by Newport and Son, of the Market Place, Frome, prior to joining Lord Kitcheners Army in January 1916, attesting in December 1915. Arthur was suffering from an unnamed illness which made it unlikely for him to join up, but was drafted to Salonika in March 1917. He was in hospital for several months after joining up with impetigo, and is buried at Sofia War Cemetery, Bulgaria. Grave Ref: I. A. 6. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WATTS Charles
Unknown rank and number.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment)
Unknown cause of death and date
No record can be found of a Charles Watts of the Wiltshire Regiment connected with Frome. His name appears on the Christ Church Memorial in Frome.
WEBBER William John
Private. 17325.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 30th November 1917. Age: 36
Private William John Webber was born in Walcot, Somerset and was the brother of Mrs Mary Ellen Robey, of 1, Council House, West Hendred, Steventon, Berkshire. William had lived in Frome according to “Soldiers Died”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panels 41 to 42 and 163A. His name does not appear on any Frome Memorial.
WEBLEY Albert Frank (photo)
Private. 1937.
Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force)
Died on 21st October 1915. Age: 18
Private Albert Frank Webley was the son of Mr and Mrs Charles Webley, of Fromefield, Frome, and formerly worked for Wilson & Co, at Welshmill, Frome. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps on September 22nd 1914, attached to the 1st/2nd Royal (South Western) Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance,and left England on the 26th September 1915. Albert died of dysentery at Alexandria, Egypt. A letter was received from him on the 13th of October 1915, stating that he was quite well, ten days later his parents were notified that he was lying dangerously ill with dysentery at Alexandria. His father was a member of the Frome Volunteer Corps and was serving with the Somerset’s at Tidworth, having been called up as a Reservist on the 1st February 1915. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Albert has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panels 199 & 200 or 236 to 239 and 328, which is unusual as he died in Egypt and should have a grave there. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s.
WATTS William Albert L. MC. DCM
Regimental Sergeant Major. 2835.
1st/5th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action 30th November 1917. Age: 46
Regimental Sergeant Major William Albert Watts was the son of Worthy and Mary Watts, of Norton St. Phillip, Bath; and husband of Mrs C. A. B. Watts, of 39, View Street, Bolton, Lancashire, formerly of 80, Fletcher Street Barracks, Bolton, Lancashire. William had served 28 years with the colours, the D.C.M awarded to him was gazzetted on the 11th March 1916, whilst serving in the 5th Battalion. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 8. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WEST Sydney Isaac Photo new
Private. 18776.
6th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 16th September 1916. Age: 38
Private Sydney Isaac West was born at Coleford, Bath, Somerset, and was the son of Albert and Elizabeth West; and husband of Mary West, of Frome Road, Nunney, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name appears on the Nunney and Frome War Memorials.
WEST Percy William (photo)
Private. 54313.
13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Died 14th August 1918. Age: 20
Private Percy William West was born in Bath, the son of Mr West, of Alexandra Terrace, Frome. He was employed at Cockey & Sons, engineers of Frome, before joining the army around August 1916. Formerly 183639, Royal Field Artillery, before being transferred to the Durham Light Infantry at the end of 1916. He went to France early 1917 and to Italy in December 1917, where he stayed, being transferred to a hospital in St. Germains, France. He died suffering from jaundice. He is buried at St. Germain-Au-Mont-D’Or Communal Cemetery Extension, Rhone, France. Grave Ref: B. 14. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WHEELER Arthur (photo)
Stoker 1st Class. K/27294. H.M.S “Warrior” Royal Navy
Killed in action 31st May 1916. Age: 21
Stoker Arthur Wheeler was the son of Frank and Ruth Wheeler, of 6, Rodden Lake, Frome. He was killed in action during the “Battle of Jutland” on H.M.S “Warrior”, an armoured cruiser which was part of the 1st cruiser squadron led by Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot. “Warrior”was hit by salvos from the German battle cruisers. The first struck her starboard engine room, wrecking her hydraulic pumps, thus the turret crews had to work their guns by hand. As the German battle cruisers passed within range they fired at the now crippled cruiser with all their guns. One shell wrecked the dynamo room, so all lights and communications were lost in the magazines and other compartments. The deck was torn up and the engine room holed. Admiral Evan-Thomas’s squadron then passed by, the “Warspite” part of the squadron turned to help the “Warrior”. This in turn left the “Warrior” safe, and she slowly steamed away using her port engine. The engine room became unbearable and the ship came to a stop and disabled. After being towed for a period, she had to be abandoned. It was during this period of action that Stoker Wheeler was killed. He was last home on the 19th of April 1916. On leaving school he was employed at the Frome Standard Office, and when war broke out he was working at the Great Western Railway engine sheds as a cleaner. He joined the navy on the 24th of June 1915. His training in the engine sheds qualified him as a stoker, and was promoted to 1st Class Stoker. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Memorial.
WHEELER George Ray (photo)
Second Lieutenant.
Royal Air Force
Killed whilst flying. 26th November 1918. Age: 21
Second Lieutenant George Ray Wheeler was the son of George and Helen S. Wheeler, of 18, Somerset Road, Frome. George joined the forces on leaving school in December 1915, and served at first with the Queen’s Westminster’s. Serving six months in France, and a similar period in Salonika, and then to Egypt. George went through the Palestine fighting, and joined the Royal Air Force in April 1918, with of the 19th Training Depot. He was killed by accident whilst flying his aircraft within a week of his 21st birthday, and is buried at Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Grave Ref: B. 91. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Christ Church.
WHEELER H. W. E
Private. 19474.
Depot. Dorsetshire Regiment
Unknown cause of death 8th February 1919. Age: 29
Private H. W. E. Wheeler, was the son of Henry Wheeler; and husband of M.H. White (formerly Wheeler) of Grassmere House, Panay Road, Bedwas, Newport, Monmouthshire, formerly of 4, Holt Cottages, Witham Friary, near Frome. He died at Fovant Military Hospital, and is buried at Witham Friary (St. Mary’s) Churchyard, Somerset. His name appears on the Witham Friary Memorial. possibly brother to John Wheeler (see Wheeler J).
WHEELER John (photo)
Private. 17771.
8th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of wounds 11th October 1917
Private John Wheeler was born in Witham Friary, Frome, and was the brother of Miss J. Wheeler, of 34, Argyle Street, Gorse Hill, Swindon, Wiltshire. He is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, Nord, France. Grave Ref: I. D. 33. His name appears on the Witham Friary Memorial. Possibly brother to Wheeler H.W.E (see Wheeler H.W.E)
WHEELER William Alfred (photo)
Bugler. PO/18390.
H.M.S “Hampshire” Royal Marine Light Infantry
Killed 5th June 1916. Age: 16
Bugler William Alfred Wheeler was the son of William and the late Mary Ann Wheeler, of 2, Wyndsom Place, Southwick, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. William was on H.M.S “Hampshire”, when Lord Kitchener Secretary of State for War and his staff were on board. They where on their way to Russia, when the ship was sunk, to the west of the Orkneys, by a mine. The “Hampshire”, a cruiser, was escorted by two destroyers and was making her way in the face of a north easterly gale. During the evening the weather worsened and the two destroyers turned back, but “Hampshire” continued. At about 8 pm she struck a mine and sunk within minutes. It took place about a mile and a half offshore and fourteen managed to reach land, over 700 lives were lost. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial. One of the youngest men from Frome to lose his life.
WHEELER William Russell (photo)
Boy 1st Class. J/20385.
H.M.S. “Bulwark” Royal Navy
Killed 26th November 1914. Age: 18
Seaman William Russell Wheeler was the son of James Wheeler, of Egford Bottom, Frome. He had been in the navy two and a half years, for the last year and a half on H.M.S. “Bulwark”. William had written home just before the accident stating he had just passed his first class examination. The vessel was sent to the bottom of the sea by an internal explosion, off of Sheerness. The newspapers reported that, “probably the cause of the terrible explosion will never be known, the country has to mourn the loss of 800 gallant and brave sailors who found a watery grave without having had the chance of striking a blow for the country”. In a letter to his father on the 19th of November 1914, he wrote, “Just a line to let you know I am still alive and all right, and trust that you at home are all the same. I have got plenty of work to do now that the war is on, but I don’t mind that. We have to work from half past five in the morning until four in the afternoon, and then we have to keep watch all night for the Germans. They may come out at any minute, but we are ready for them whenever they like to come. My mate and I were talking yesterday morning about the war, and I told him that you went right through the South African war, and was away from home for three years, and I told him that Grandfather Wheeler went through the Crimean war, and he remarked on what a soldiers family yours was. I am very happy, and hope I may be spared to be able to complete my term of service in the Navy.” In a footnote he added: “I am living in hopes of seeing you all at Christmas, but at present I cannot say. God bless you all.” He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WHITE Albert Edward
Private. 291636.
2nd/7th Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in motor accident 23rd September 1917. Age: 33
Private Albert Edward White was born in Frome and was the son of Frederick & Sarah White, of 18, Victoria Road, Frome; and husband of Winifred White of 28, Highfield Rd, Luton, formerly of Easton, Portland, Dorset. Private White was living at Easton, Portland, Dorset, with his wife and child when he was involved in a motorcycle accident with a milk cart at Margate. An inquest was held and a Henry Wright who was driving the milk cart had said, on Sunday morning he was doing a milk round at Tivoli, and about 8.45 he was in College Road. After getting under the railway arch he was turning into Orange Road, when a motor cyclist came from behind him and in attempting to pass, struck the horse on the fore leg. The machine “slid” and after going some distance, fell over, with the deceased on it. Henry Wright jumped off his cart and got the man free from the machine. He was then unconscious. He had not struck the kerb, but was lying a short distance from it. When the horse turned there was about 2 ½ feet in which to pass it, which was not sufficient for a motor cycle to pass through. After hitting the horse, the cyclist went about thirty feet before falling. The horse was not too badly injured. Another witness said, the man on the motor cycle, in order to avoid the cart, attempted to pass under the horses head. He remained unconscious and had suffered scalp wounds to both sides of the head, he remained in this condition until he died at 6.45 p.m. The actual cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull and extreme concussion of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Private Smith was buried with full military honours. A band, firing party, air escort, and 300 men accompanied his body to his funeral, held at Cliftonville Wesleyan Chapel. Before joining the army Private White was a pianoforte tuner and organ builder. He is buried at Margate cemetery, Kent. Grave Ref: 7154. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
WHITE Arthur (photo)
Second Lieutenant.
2nd (Wessex) Field Company Royal Engineers
Killed in action 18th January 1915. Age: 23
Son of Arthur and Jane White, of “Restholme”, Portway, Wells, Somerset. Formerly of West Barn Farm, Witham Friary, Frome. Lt. Arthur White on leaving school joined the Wilts & Dorset Banking Company, working at Bideford and Dorchester. While he was at Bideford he joined the Territorials for three years. He left the banking career to join his father working on the farm. He played for the Frome Hockey Club, and was secretary of the Witham Polling District Conservative & Unionist Association. At the outbreak of war he joined the North Somerset Yeomanry, and later he obtained a commission in the Wessex Engineers. He went to France shortly after Christmas 1914 and was killed two days after his arrival in the trenches. In a letter to his wife from Colonel G. Keen, who was a personal friend wrote, “...I am extremely sorry to have to write you to impart the sad news that Arthur was killed in action last night. I am a very poor hand at expressing sympathy, especially feeling as I do over this. It is a great blow to me, but what must it be to his father and you. He was such a good officer, always doing his best to learn his job, and on this occasion he was marking out work to be done at night. He lies where he fell, but his Company Commanding Officer will recover his body tonight and bury it in or near a churchyard not far off, when he may someday let you know where we have been. I know this is a sad blow to you, but at any rate you have the satisfaction of knowing he died a noble death and that it was for his country”. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave Ref: III. F. 64. His name appears on the Witham Friary Memorial.
WHITE Arthur Gordon
Private. 20686.
6th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
Died of wounds 25th August 1918. Age: 19
Private Arthur Gordon White was born in Wandsworth London and was the son of Frederick and Harriet White, of Wallis Oak, Frome. He is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: VI. C. 36. His name appears on the Frome War Memorials.
WHITE Benjamin Charles (photo)
Private. 456066.
231st Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action 30th October 1918. Age: 27
Private Benjamin Charles White, of 21, The Butts, Frome, was killed by a shell, which also seriously wounded another Frome man, Private Charles Starr, his comrade in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Butler and Tanner, printers of Frome employed Private White before he joined up in September 1914. Benjamin had gone through the fighting at Suvia Bay, Salonika, Egypt and France, and was home on leave at the beginning of August 1918, when he was married. He is buried at Tournai Communal Cemetery, Allied Extension, Hainaut, Belgium. Grave Ref: V. H. 8. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
WHITE Charles Henry (photo)
Corporal. 1454.
Household Cavalry Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)
Died of wounds 21st October 1914. Age: 22
Corporal Charles Henry White was born in Frome, and was the son of Charles and Mary White, of 29, Keyford, Frome. Charles joined the army in 1910, and was educated at Wesley Boys School, Frome, and won a scholarship which enabled him to attend Trowbridge High School in Wiltshire. Serving an apprentice with a Mr Charles Waters, a grocer, of Frome, before joining the Horse Guards. Promoted to Corporal just beforegoing out to the front line. For two years was the second best shot in his squadron. He also served in the scouts, having won a first class badge. A good footballer, involved with the Frome Thursday team, and was deemed one of the best backs. Charles pursued his sport in the army and was captain of the regimental team, and played for Windsor and Eton. In a letter dated the 5th of October 1914, he wrote, “...It grieves me that the football season has started, and I have not been able to have a kick yet towards winning another gold medal...”. Corporal White had died from a wound to the stomach which he received in the trenches on October the 20th 1914. A letter from Corporal Collins, a friend, who was with him at the time, to his father, Mr Charles White. The letter was dated 26th of October 1914:- “Dear Sir, No doubt you will wonder who this epistle is from, but I thought it best as an old chum of Charlie’s to write and let you know about him, myself. It happened on the 20th at a place near....., where we were in the trenches holding the German’s advance. Charlie with myself and another fellow, were in one hole. The enemy spotted the trenches and we were absolutely a target for their artillery. You could not lift your head up or else you would have been raked with maxim gun fire and rifle fire. A shell burst upon Charlie’s head and another’s head. A shot went through one fellow and a piece of shell entered Charlie’s abdomen, inflicting a big hole there. We had to leave the trenches under heavy fire, but at night time, with the Germans 300 yards away, some fellows got all the wounded to a farmhouse. No medical men being handy all that was possible was done for them. The men had to leave those there who could not walk, and the next morning we met the farmhouse people coming from their farm owing to the German advance. We asked them how the wounded men were, and through an interpreter we were told that the one shot through the abdomen died during the night. We suffered a lot of casualties during that and the next day. But we were all sorry for “Toosh”, as we called Charlie. He was my football chum and he was a great favourite with the men. I am deeply sorry for you all . Will you send a copy of this to the Windsor and Eton newspaper, as it will let the people know there who knew him as a footballer of his untimely end. Yours Sincerely, C. W. Collins (Corporal) Composite Household Cavalry regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade”. Corporal Charles White had written many letters back home before his death, one of which he wrote:- September 22nd 1914. We had to lay in the trenches with the infantry. These were full of water and I was drenched to the skin. Shrapnel was bursting over us, and there were rifle shots all round. Then my section were told to go into the firing line, and we were there from four in the morning to 12 the next day. It was one continual rain of shells all around us. My horse was struck and killed. Even when I was frying a bit of bacon, a piece of shell came and blew the fire to pieces. I was passing a yard when a shell burst smothering me with stones etc. Our officer was shot through the stomach with a maxim gun, The next day I was eating a bit of bully beef when a shell burst near, and I felt my leg numbed. I found a piece of shrapnel sticking out of my putty just above my boot. The doctor cut the putty carefully away and found that the shrapnel had only just broken the skin. He said I must have a skin like a hippopotamus and that I was not meant to be killed. Corporal Charles White has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WHITE Frederick James
Private. 33854.
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Died of wounds 22nd November 1917. Age: 19
Private Frederick James White was born in Frome, and was the son of Frederick J. and Emma White, of “Kildare”, Dorchester Road, Poole, Dorset, formerly of Vallis Way Frome. Private White was formerly 3720 Royal North Devon Hussars, before being transferred into the Devonshire |Regiment, he was treasurer of the local Y.M.C.A. He died on the 22nd of November 1917 from wounds received in action on the 5th of November 1917, in a hospital in Sheffield. He was brought back to England three weeks to the day from the time he sailed for France. He is buried at Frome (Vallis Road) Cemetery, Somerset. Grave Ref: G. 30. His name appears on the Frome War Memorials and St. John’s Church Memorial in Frome.
WHITE Percy. W
Private. L/72220.
16th Labour Coy. The King’s (Liverpool Regiment)
Died of influenza 16th March 1919.
Private Percy. W. White was the son of Mr Frank White, of the Butts, Frome. After attending his father’s funeral at Frome, Private Percy White returned to his unit, and about six weeks later he died of influenza in a hospital in Cambridge at 1 a.m. His wife, who lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was at his bedside when he passed away on the 16th of March 1919. He joined the army soon after the outbreak of war, transferring to (48457) Labour Corps. He spent the last 12 months driving a plough, after being invalided from France. His body was brought back to Frome and is buried at Frome (Vallis Road) Cemetery, Somerset. Grave Ref: P.63. His name does not appear on any Memorial in Frome.
WHITE Wilfred Henry Ernest
Guardsman. 26861. 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards
Died of wounds 23rd July 1917. Age 34
Guardsman Wilfred Henry Ernest White was born in Frome, and was the son of Joseph Herbert and Emily White; and husband of Fanny White, of Pylle, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. He is buried at Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Elverdinge, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: I. C. 2. His name does not appear on any Memorial in Frome.
WHITE W G
Unknown rank. Service Number. Regiment
Unknown cause and date of death
No trace can be found of a White W. G. in “Soldiers Died” or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, associated with Frome. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
WHITMARSH Walter Henry (photo)
Private. 4448.
1st/4th (T.F) Battalion Hampshire Regiment
Drowned 27th January 1916. Age: 21
Private Walter Henry Whitmarsh was born on the 21st of August 1894, at Egford, Frome, and was the son of Thomas and Ada Whitmarsh, of 102, Broadway, Frome, formerly of Egford, Frome. He was employed at the “Maypole” Dairy Shop in Stony Street, Frome. In a letter from his sister, Emily E. Hurley, she recalls seeing her brother in the shop in his “White Jacket and Apron”, behind the counter shaping margarine. He also worked at Frome Post Office as a supernumerary postman. He then, for a period lived with his maternal grandmother, Mrs Elizabeth Coombs, at 163, Beatrice Road, Leicester, and while he was there was a member of the Independent Order of Rechabites, and of the Territorial Force, the 4th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. He was formerly 4016 Somerset Light Infantry, before being transferred over to the Hampshire Regiment. Private Whitmarsh suffered a horrific death by drowning in the River Tigris, Mesopotamia. He was batman to a 2nd Lieutenant Ronald Vallis at the time, and in a letter to his parents from him, it stated:- Private Whitmarsh was travelling with other troops up the river Tigris in a large barge, and was kicked by one of the many mules on board at the time, into the river and drowned. Two other soldiers tried to save him to no avail, owing to the very strong currant. It was believed from another source that the River Tigris was shark infested. (A poem, especially written in “Memoriam” to Private Whitmarsh, written by Lieutenant Everard Lindesay Brine, 4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who died on the 24th of September 1918 can be found further on in the book). Walter is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel 21 and 63. His name appears on The War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial in Frome.
WHITTOCK Benjamin
Corporal. 14834.
12th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action 29th July 1916. Age: 25
Corporal Benjamin Whittock was born in Hemington, near Frome and was the husband of Evelyn Gertrude Whittock, of 41, Trinity Street, Frome, formerly Nunney, Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2A. His name does not appear on any Frome Memorial.
WILCOX Edgar James
Driver. 2630.
3rd Wessex Field Company Royal Engineers
Drowned 27th July 1916. Age: 31
Driver Edgar James Wilcox was born in Frome, and was the husband of Ellen Wilcox, of 12, New Buildings Lane, Frome. For nine years he worked as a carter at the Great Western Railway, and at the outbreak of war joined the National Reserves at Frome. When the appeal for recruits came he volunteered and was drafted in to the Wessex Engineers. After training at Taunton, Edgar then went to the East Coast for further training and it was from there, owing to a Zeppelin raid, he had a nervous breakdown. He was treated in hospital, and was later transferred to a Bath hospital. After a visit by his wife Ellen at the hospital, he saw her off at the Bath Railway Station, but never returned to the hospital. His body was found three days later in the river at Bath. An Inquest was held and an Open Verdict, “Found Drowned”, was reached. Driver Wilcox had been in the army for one year and eight months. He left four young children. He is buried at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Somerset. Grave Ref; Old Part 2. His name does not appear on Frome War Memorial.
WILKINS Arthur James (photo)
Private. 7186.
10th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
Killed in action 7th July 1916
Private Arthur James Wilkins was born in Abingdon, Berkshire, and was the son of Mrs Wilkins, of Locks Hill, Frome. A shell had dropped between four soldiers, one of which was Private Wilkins, he was killed. A letter from a Private E. Jackson stated, “...I am sorry to tell you there was no chance of your Arthur being taken by the other side. Our battalion has put him down as missing, but I was with Arthur at the time and I have no hope for him. It is a bitter blow to me because we were the best of chums, both in England and over here. But I am sorry from the bottom of my heart, and if God spares me to pull through I will come and see you, and then I can explain it better to you...”. Another letter from the same author dated the 9th of July 1916 said, “...I was with him at the time when a shell dropped between four of us, Arthur and myself were two of the four. I was hit just below the heart, my prayer book was ripped in two and a steel mirror in my pocket bent, so that is what probably saved me. I was also thrown twenty feet away into a wood and picked up by the R.A.M.C...”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
WILCOX Ernest William
Gunner. 120776.
113th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
Died of wounds 19th October 1917. Age: 31
Gunner Ernest William Wilcox was the son of the late William and Thirla Wilcox, of Buckland Dinham, Frome; and husband of Edith Miriam Wilcox, of The Stores, Leigh-on-Mendip, Bath. He is buried at Dochy Farm New British Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: III. B. 28.
WILLIAMS Ernest
Lance Corporal. G/1995.
6th Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regt.)
Killed in action 9th April 1917.
Lance Corporal Ernest Williams was born at Mells, near Frome, and lived in Brookwood, Surrey. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 2. His name does not appear on the Mells War Memorial. Possibly brother to Leonard Williams (see Williams L).
WILLETTS G
Unknown rank, Service number,
Regiment/Ship
Unknown cause and date of death
No Willetts G can be found in “Soldiers Died”, or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.database, associated with Frome. The name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
WILLIAMS Leonard
Private. 17296.
3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards
Killed in action 22nd September 1916. Age: 19
Private Leonard Williams was born at Mells, near Frome, and was the son of the late Annie Tutt, and S. R. Tutt (Stepfather), of 289, Connaught Road, Brookwood, Surrey. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs, Somme, France. Grave Ref: XII. L. 8. Lesboeufs was attacked by the Guards Division on the 15th of September 1916, and captured by them on the 25th. It was during this period of attack that Private Williams was killed. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial. It is possible that Lance Corporal Ernest Williams was his brother, as he was born at Mells, and lived in Brookwood also. (see Williams E).
WILLIAMS Sidney Charles
Sapper. 30995.
5th Field Squadron Royal Engineers
Killed in action 27th March 1918
Sapper Sidney Charles Williams was born and lived in Frome (Great Elm). He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 10 to 13.
WILLS William John (photo)
Private. 34257.
3rd Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Died of drowning 4th May 1917. Age: 25 years.
Private William John Wills was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Chas. Wills, of West Woodlands, Frome. William worked alongside his father on the farm, and when the call from Lord Kitchener came he was one of the few farmers son’s in the district who joined, and enlisted into the North Somerset Yeomanry at first, training at Bath and Tidworth camp, Wiltshire, but later, when more men were needed for the infantry he transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry. He arrived in France in November 1916, and took part in the “Battle of the Somme”. He was invalided home and was sent to a hospital in Guildford. After recovery he spent ten days at home on leave, then went to Plymouth, and was with a draft which went over to France in May 1917. In his last letter he told of a long train journey across France, and that he was expecting to go to Egypt, but did not know his real destination. He was one of the casualties in the hired transport ship "Transylvania," of 14,315 tons, which was sunk by torpedo off Cape Vado, a few miles South of Savona, in the province of Genova, 25 miles South-West of Genoa, together with 398 military casualties in addition to those of the crew. It was proceeding to Salonika with reinforcements. The bodies recovered at Savona were buried two days later, in a special plot in the Town Cemetery at Zinola. The municipal authorities erected a commemorative marble tablet, and the survivors collected funds for a memorial (now re-erected at Bergeggi). According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, he has no known grave and is commemorated at Savona. Cemetery index number I.14, although the 3rd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry were a home battalion, and never went on active service. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial and St. John’s Church Memorial.
WITCOMB Alfred Hugh Philip (photo)
Corporal. 206163. Tank Corps
Killed in action 14th August 1917
Corporal Alfred Hugh Philip Witcomb was born at Yeovil, Somerset, the only son of Mr and Mrs Phillip Witcomb, of the Court House, King Street, Frome. Educated at King’s School Bruton, where he won three cups in athletics. About 1909, he became an articled pupil to Mr R.H.W. Crouch, dentist. Alfred joined the army in April 1916, and carried out his training at Thetford and Wareham, and was formerly 32296 in the
Machine Gun Corps. He was posted to France in April or May 1917 with the Tank Corps. In a letter from his tank commander....” Corporal Witcomb, the senior N.C.O. of my tank crew, was killed on Wednesday last, the 15th inst. (August) We were held up during the day on our way up to the line. We were outside the tank at the time, and your son was washing when he was struck by a piece of shrapnel and killed instantaneously. Everybody speaks of him with great esteem and affection.....”. In a letter signed by six of the tank crew, sending their sympathy, said...” We do miss his presence and shall do so even more in the future. He was always so bright and cheerful, even in the midst of troublesome times and petty worries of which we get so many, and has times without number helped us all to stick things out and do our duty.” A letter from an officer said, that a shell burst overhead and a fragment hit Corporal Witcomb in the temple. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Boezinge, Ieper, Belgium. Grave IV. C. 20. His name appears on the Frome War Memorials, and St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
WITCOMBE Thomas Charles
Private. 33683.
9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action 5th January 1917. Age: 22
Private Thomas Charles Witcombe was born in Frome, and was the son of Austin William and Amelia Ann Witcombe, of Saw Pit Hill Cottage, Mells, near Frome. He is buried at Serre Road Cemetery No. 1, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: III. G. 3. His name appears on the Mells War Memorial.
WINDELL Herbert Charles
Private. 22593.
8th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry)
Killed in action 10th April 1917
Private Herbert Charles Windell was the youngest son of Thomas Windell, of Rowe Farm, Laverton, Frome. He is buried at Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. E. 9.
WITHEY James
Sapper. 102847.
178th Company Royal Engineers
Killed in action 8th February 1916. Age: 46
Sapper James Withey was born in Frome, and was the son of Mrs E. Sears, of 1, Hillside Terrace, llanhilleth, Newport, Monmouthshire. He is buried at Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, Somme, France. Grave Ref: I. B. 40. His name appears on St. John’s Memorial in Frome.
WITHEY A
Private. 54/140018.
Army Service Corps
Died 19th May 1921. Age: 38
Private A. Withey was born at Frome, and was the son of John and Lizzie Withey; and husband of Annie Withey, of 16, The Mint, Frome. He died of malaria and is buried at Frome (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Somerset. Grave Ref: Old Part 2. His name appears on Trinity Church Memorial, Frome.
WOOD Harold William. Rev. BA. CF
Chaplain. 4th Class.
Royal Army Chaplains Department
Died 1st November 1918. Age: 31
The Reverend Harold William Wood was born at Birmingham, the son of the Reverend Arthur William and Sarah Ann Wood; and was the husband of Mrs H. F. Wood, of “Woodside”, Alum Chine Road, Bournemouth. Harold trained for the ministry at the Baptist College, Bristol, and his first and only church was Sheppard’s Barton Baptist Church, Frome. In August 1918 he left Frome, after five years at Shepherd’s Barton to take up duty as chaplain to the forces in France, attached to the 282nd Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, having previously seen war service with the Y.M.C.A in Salonika, Mudros, the Grecian area, and also Italy. He died from pneumonia following influenza, and is buried at Terlincthum British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: VI. F. 45. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and is commemorated on a brass plaque in Shephard's Barton Church, Frome.
WOODS George Victor
Driver. 25624. 56th Battery Royal Field Artillery
Killed in action 14th September 1914
Driver George Victor Woods was born at Battersea in London and lived at Rode, near Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France. His name appears on the Rode War Memorial.
WOODS Herbert Charles
Private. TF/1187.
1st/8th Bn. Duke of Cambridge’s Own Middlesex Regiment
Killed in action 26th April 1915
Private Herbert Charles Woods was born in Northchurch Hertfordshire, and lived in Frome. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium. Panel 49. His name appears on the Frome War Memorials.
WOODLAND Frederick (photo)
Private. 201979.
1st/4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment
Killed in action 23rd February 1917
Private Frank Woodland was the son of Mr and Mrs Edward Woodland, of 94, Broadway, Frome, and was employed by a Mr Udell of Frome, as steersman on a motor lorry. Frederick spent two years with the Territorials, and was formerly 4284 Somerset Light Infantry. He had been missing since the night of the 23rd/24th of February 1917, and it wasn't until the end of 1918, that his parents were notified that their son was missing in action, presumed killed or died. Frederick was then attached to the Hampshire Regiment, and was involved on the fresh advance on Mesopotamia. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panels 21 and 63. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial, and Trinity Church Memorial.
YEO Walter E
Private. Number not known.
Royal Army Medical Corps
Unknown cause of death and date
Private Walter Yeo, appears in the Somerset War Memorial as a private in the Army Medical Corps. No information on a Yeo W.E can be found associated with Frome. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
YOUNG Arthur Tom
Lance Corporal. 34208.
8th Battalion Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry
Died of wounds 2nd September 1918. Age: 21
Lance Corporal Arthur Tom Young was the eldest son of Mr A. G. Young, of 1, Keyford Terrace, Frome. Tom was secretary of the Conservative Club in Frome, and jobbing overseer at the Somerset Standard Office in Frome. Formerly 1532 North Somerset Yeomany. Tom had been seriously wounded from a gunshot wound in the left arm, which was fractured, received in the 2nd Battle of Bapaume, France, between the 31st August 1918, and the 3rd September 1918, and was taken to the Number 2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, France, where he died. Tom had been in France for two years and this was the second time he was wounded, and had also suffered from trench foot and shell shock. He is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Grave Ref; IV. D. 15. His name appears on the War Memorial, and Christ Church, Frome.
YOUNG Basil
Private. 20642.
2nd Battalion King’s (Shropshire Light Infantry)
Died 7th February 1917
Private Basil Young was born at Frome, the son of William and Sarah Young of Frome He was formerly 22589 Somerset Light Infantry, and is buried at Salonika Lembet Road Cemetery, Greece. His name appears on the Frome War Memorial.
YERBURY John Hedley Wright (photo)
Private. 18161.
4th Battalion (Queen’s Own) Hussars
Killed in action 23rd March 1918. Age: 21
Private John Hedley Wright Yerbury was born in Frome, and was the son of Alban and Mary Ellen Yerbury, of Bonneyleigh House, Frome. John was employed by Parrs Bank at Yeovil, prior to the war, and joined up at
the end of August 1914, at the age of 18, and chose the 4th Hussars and was sent to Curragh, in Ireland for training. He went out to France with the first draft in May 1915 to join the regiment, was offered a commission three times, but refused, preferring to remain a private, but after much persuasion consented, on the 8th of December 1917, signing all the relevant papers and ready to join the Tank Corps and the relevant training. John was killed in action before he was commissioned, has no known grave and is commemorated on the Poziers Memorial, Somme, France. Panel 3. His name appears on Frome War Memorial, St. John’s Church Memorial, and Berkley War Memorial in Frome.
YOUNG Ernest William
Private. M2/182640.
913th Motor Transport Company Army Service Corps
Died 30th December 1918. Age: 40
Private Ernest William Young was the husband of Mrs Young, of 15, Paul Street, Frome. He died of influenza and is buried at Bralo British Cemetery, Greece. Grave Ref; 86. His name does not appear on the Frome War Memorial.
YOUNG Charles William (photo)
Engine Room Artificer
3rd Class. M/3109. Royal Navy
Killed 3rd January 1918. Age: 28
Eldest son of Charles Ivor and Emily Young, of 6, Weymouth Road, Frome; and husband of Gladys Young of 22, Lyndhurst Terrace, Rodden Lake, Frome. Artificer Charles William Young was apprentice to Wilson & Company of Frome before he joined the Navy in 1911 as engine room artificer. He was well known in the Frome area as an athlete, playing regularly for Frome Rugby Club, and polo team, afterwards he played for the Royal Navy. At Copenhagen in 1913 he captained the English team against the Danes. At that time he was serving on Queen Alexandra’s yacht during her tour in European waters and the Mediterranean. He was involved in the Heligoland Battle and saw long service in the war. Charles had been offered a commission but refused on a number of occasions, but on his next voyage he would have been given the highest warrant
rank. He was officially posted as missing and believed to have lost his life on one of His Majesty’s ships whilst on duty in the North Sea on war service. (He had joined a new ship three weeks prior to his death) Leaving a widow and child, he is commemorated on the Plymouth Memorial, Devon. Panel 27. His name appears on the War Memorial, St. John’s, and Christ Church, Frome.