Camelford Roll of Honour
World War One
LANTEGLOS-BY-CAMELFORD (ST. JULITTA) CHURCHYARD
With special thanks to the following for their help in collating some of the information below
|
Rosie Harmsworth
Roger Pyke |
Jennifer Rowe
Cameron Valentine |
36700 Driver
Frederick Baker
(D Battery 14th Brigade), Royal Horse Artillery
31st August 1916, aged 30.
Plot VI. A. 8.
Son of Richard and Eliza Baker of High St. Camelford, Cornwall and Husband of Ellen Baker, 6 William O'Brien St. Clonmel. Born at Clonmel in Ireland.
His headstone bears the inscription "We Have Loved Him In Life Let Us Not Forget Him In Death Jesus Mercy"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 9th September 1916.
News has been received this week that Driver F. Baker of the R.F.A. has been killed in action, the first Camelfordian to have fallen in the fight. He was the son of Mr. Richard and Eliza Baker of High St. and was in the army for some years before the present hostilities commenced. He landed in France nine days after the declaration of the war. 33 years of age he leaves a wife and two boys in Ireland and his relatives in Camelford where he bore a good character and respected, much sympathy is expressed.
Frederick is buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme in France
Frederick Baker
(D Battery 14th Brigade), Royal Horse Artillery
31st August 1916, aged 30.
Plot VI. A. 8.
Son of Richard and Eliza Baker of High St. Camelford, Cornwall and Husband of Ellen Baker, 6 William O'Brien St. Clonmel. Born at Clonmel in Ireland.
His headstone bears the inscription "We Have Loved Him In Life Let Us Not Forget Him In Death Jesus Mercy"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 9th September 1916.
News has been received this week that Driver F. Baker of the R.F.A. has been killed in action, the first Camelfordian to have fallen in the fight. He was the son of Mr. Richard and Eliza Baker of High St. and was in the army for some years before the present hostilities commenced. He landed in France nine days after the declaration of the war. 33 years of age he leaves a wife and two boys in Ireland and his relatives in Camelford where he bore a good character and respected, much sympathy is expressed.
Frederick is buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme in France
SS/14038 Private
William Baker
18th Labour Company, Royal Army Service Corps
13th August 1915.
Panel 199 or 233 to 236 and 331.
William was an Ostler.
The 18th Labour Company of the Army Service Corps was en route to Mudros on the Isle of Lemnos when the troopship “Royal Edward” was sunk by a German torpedo on the 13th August 1915.
The Royal Edward had set sail from Avonmouth and made her first landfill at Alexandria, where she collected fresh supplies and more troops. As she picked her way through the Dodecanese Islands she was attacked by a U-14 and sank, with great loss of life, six miles west of Kandelioussa Island in the gulf of Kos.
The majority of the 18th Labour Company was from Cornwall. Most of the men died when the ship sank and their bodies never found. Others survived the sinking only to die from the effects of exposure or from wounds a few days later. In a very few cases bodies were recovered by allied ships and taken to Alexandria for burial. Some men came through the ordeal only to die at Gallipoli a few months later.
William is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli in Turkey
William Baker
18th Labour Company, Royal Army Service Corps
13th August 1915.
Panel 199 or 233 to 236 and 331.
William was an Ostler.
The 18th Labour Company of the Army Service Corps was en route to Mudros on the Isle of Lemnos when the troopship “Royal Edward” was sunk by a German torpedo on the 13th August 1915.
The Royal Edward had set sail from Avonmouth and made her first landfill at Alexandria, where she collected fresh supplies and more troops. As she picked her way through the Dodecanese Islands she was attacked by a U-14 and sank, with great loss of life, six miles west of Kandelioussa Island in the gulf of Kos.
The majority of the 18th Labour Company was from Cornwall. Most of the men died when the ship sank and their bodies never found. Others survived the sinking only to die from the effects of exposure or from wounds a few days later. In a very few cases bodies were recovered by allied ships and taken to Alexandria for burial. Some men came through the ordeal only to die at Gallipoli a few months later.
William is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli in Turkey
K1894 Petty Officer Stoker
Matthew Rosevere Davey Burnard
Royal Navy (H.M. S/M. "E47.")
20th August 1917.
Panel 22.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 8th September 1917.
Mr & Mrs Burnard of Tregoodwell, Camelford have received the sad news of the death of their eldest son, Stoker Petty Officer Matthew R.D. Burnard, killed in action on one of H.M. ships last month. As a youth he was employed at the North Cornwall China Clay works which he left nearly nine years since, on attaining the age of 18 years, to join the navy. For some weeks he fought through the Jutland Battle. Mr Burnard was 26 years of age and was only married in March last to the daughter of Mr. W. Stott of Boscastle. The young widow resides at Teignmouth. Mr & Mrs Burnard had also one nephew killed in action at Salonika and another died of wounds in France. They have one son-in-law and six nephews still serving with the colours. Much sympathy has been expressed with the family in the death of Stoker Matt Burnard, a typical sailor, who possessed many excellent qualities.
Matthew is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon
Matthew Rosevere Davey Burnard
Royal Navy (H.M. S/M. "E47.")
20th August 1917.
Panel 22.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post dated 8th September 1917.
Mr & Mrs Burnard of Tregoodwell, Camelford have received the sad news of the death of their eldest son, Stoker Petty Officer Matthew R.D. Burnard, killed in action on one of H.M. ships last month. As a youth he was employed at the North Cornwall China Clay works which he left nearly nine years since, on attaining the age of 18 years, to join the navy. For some weeks he fought through the Jutland Battle. Mr Burnard was 26 years of age and was only married in March last to the daughter of Mr. W. Stott of Boscastle. The young widow resides at Teignmouth. Mr & Mrs Burnard had also one nephew killed in action at Salonika and another died of wounds in France. They have one son-in-law and six nephews still serving with the colours. Much sympathy has been expressed with the family in the death of Stoker Matt Burnard, a typical sailor, who possessed many excellent qualities.
Matthew is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon
M2/155680 Private
Alfred John Colwill
V Corps Troops M.T. Company, Army Service Corps
12th November 1918, aged 29.
Plot I. C. 13.
Son of John Colwill of Victoria Road, Camelford and Husband of Catherine Derry nee Couch of St Tudy, Cornwall.
(The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has his name incorrectly recorded and inscribed as "Colwell".
Taken from his Service Record
Alfred John Colwill was a Motor Mechanic, working in Okehampton, Devon prior to enlisting. He joined the Army Service Corps on the 18th February 1916 and arrived in Rouen in France on 15th August 1916. Prior to travelling to France he married Catherine Derry Couch. Alfred Contracted Spanish Flu on 8th November 1918 and died four days later.
Alfred is buried in Caudry British Cemetery, Nord in France.
Alfred John Colwill
V Corps Troops M.T. Company, Army Service Corps
12th November 1918, aged 29.
Plot I. C. 13.
Son of John Colwill of Victoria Road, Camelford and Husband of Catherine Derry nee Couch of St Tudy, Cornwall.
(The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has his name incorrectly recorded and inscribed as "Colwell".
Taken from his Service Record
Alfred John Colwill was a Motor Mechanic, working in Okehampton, Devon prior to enlisting. He joined the Army Service Corps on the 18th February 1916 and arrived in Rouen in France on 15th August 1916. Prior to travelling to France he married Catherine Derry Couch. Alfred Contracted Spanish Flu on 8th November 1918 and died four days later.
Alfred is buried in Caudry British Cemetery, Nord in France.
451203 Private
Thomas Coombe
58th Bn. Canadian Infantry
22nd January 1917, aged 25.
(Thomas is referred by various sources as either Coombe or Coombe(s). Research shows that the correct spelling should be Coombe, the name given at birth.)
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on the 24th February 1917.
Further particulars are to hand regarding the death of Private Thomas Coombe of Camelford, killed in action on Jan 22nd, whose portrait we reproduce. This young man was 25 years of age in May last. After being employed by Mr. W. S. Ward of Greylake Camelford as an agricultural workman he emigrated to Canada in April 1912 and enlisted in the Canadian Army on May 17th 1915. The chaplain in his letter to the relatives at Camelford states that he met his death instantaneously owing to the explosion of a shell and while at the post of duty. Two officers attended his burial service on January 24th. The popularity which Private Thomas Coombe enjoyed among his comrades in the army was only equaled by that he merited and received among his associates in his native district. He was an industrious youth of good principles and much regret has been expressed at his death. His only two brothers are serving, one in the Army and one in the Navy.
After the war Thomas's remains were either unidentifiable or lost and so therefore his name is inscribed on the Canada Memorial at Vimy in France
Thomas Coombe
58th Bn. Canadian Infantry
22nd January 1917, aged 25.
(Thomas is referred by various sources as either Coombe or Coombe(s). Research shows that the correct spelling should be Coombe, the name given at birth.)
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on the 24th February 1917.
Further particulars are to hand regarding the death of Private Thomas Coombe of Camelford, killed in action on Jan 22nd, whose portrait we reproduce. This young man was 25 years of age in May last. After being employed by Mr. W. S. Ward of Greylake Camelford as an agricultural workman he emigrated to Canada in April 1912 and enlisted in the Canadian Army on May 17th 1915. The chaplain in his letter to the relatives at Camelford states that he met his death instantaneously owing to the explosion of a shell and while at the post of duty. Two officers attended his burial service on January 24th. The popularity which Private Thomas Coombe enjoyed among his comrades in the army was only equaled by that he merited and received among his associates in his native district. He was an industrious youth of good principles and much regret has been expressed at his death. His only two brothers are serving, one in the Army and one in the Navy.
After the war Thomas's remains were either unidentifiable or lost and so therefore his name is inscribed on the Canada Memorial at Vimy in France
16146 Private
George Couch
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Regiment
21st March 1918, aged 28.
Panel 30 and 31.
George was born in 1889 at Lanteglos-by-Camelford to parents John Henry Couch and Elizabeth Couch (nee Hayne), his mother died 10 years later in 1899. Prior to enlisting in the army he worked as a farm labourer near St. Breward. His wife was Edith Stephens whom he married in 1915.
George was killed on 21st March 1918, the first day of 'Kaiserschlacht' the great German offensive, such was the chaos at the time that many men could not be buried at the time. George was one of these and his remains, if they were ever recovered could not be identified and he is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial to the missing. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and died on the Somme from 21st March 1918 to 7th August 1918.
George is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, Somme in France
George Couch
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Regiment
21st March 1918, aged 28.
Panel 30 and 31.
George was born in 1889 at Lanteglos-by-Camelford to parents John Henry Couch and Elizabeth Couch (nee Hayne), his mother died 10 years later in 1899. Prior to enlisting in the army he worked as a farm labourer near St. Breward. His wife was Edith Stephens whom he married in 1915.
George was killed on 21st March 1918, the first day of 'Kaiserschlacht' the great German offensive, such was the chaos at the time that many men could not be buried at the time. George was one of these and his remains, if they were ever recovered could not be identified and he is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial to the missing. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and died on the Somme from 21st March 1918 to 7th August 1918.
George is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, Somme in France
240328 Private
Thomas John Edwards
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
28th March 1918, aged 20.
Panel 45.
Son of Mary Ann Couch, 1 Hendra Cottages, Western Road, Launceston, Cornwall.
Thomas was born in 1898 at Delabole in Cornwall and by 1911 was living in Camelford where he attended the local school. His Mother Mary Ann had remarried to Robert Couch.
Thomas is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, Somme in France
Thomas John Edwards
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
28th March 1918, aged 20.
Panel 45.
Son of Mary Ann Couch, 1 Hendra Cottages, Western Road, Launceston, Cornwall.
Thomas was born in 1898 at Delabole in Cornwall and by 1911 was living in Camelford where he attended the local school. His Mother Mary Ann had remarried to Robert Couch.
Thomas is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, Somme in France
24551 Private
George Ellacott
1st (Garrison) Bn. Hampshire Regiment, (Formerly 18774 Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry)
23rd February 1917.
George was the son of George and Jane Ellacott, he had been born in Advent around 1884.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on 3rd March 1917.
Private George Ellacott of Camelford has died in hospital following an operation. Before enlistment he was employed at the clay works. He leaves behind a widow and four young children. His father was an agriculturist who lives in Boynton.
George is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
George Ellacott
1st (Garrison) Bn. Hampshire Regiment, (Formerly 18774 Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry)
23rd February 1917.
George was the son of George and Jane Ellacott, he had been born in Advent around 1884.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on 3rd March 1917.
Private George Ellacott of Camelford has died in hospital following an operation. Before enlistment he was employed at the clay works. He leaves behind a widow and four young children. His father was an agriculturist who lives in Boynton.
George is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
240158 Private
William Hawke
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
22nd March 1918, aged 21.
Sp. Mem. B. 3.
Son of Mrs Phillippa Hawke of Highertown Advent Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus"
William is buried in Ham British Cemetery, Somme in France
William Hawke
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
22nd March 1918, aged 21.
Sp. Mem. B. 3.
Son of Mrs Phillippa Hawke of Highertown Advent Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus"
William is buried in Ham British Cemetery, Somme in France
45751 Private
William Trevossa Hawke
9th (Service) Bn. Devonshire Regiment
10th May 1917, aged 22.
France. Plot I. F. 16.
Inscription "Sunshine Passed Shadows Fall But Love An Remembrance Outlive All"
Son of Trevossa Hawke of Victoria Road, Camelford, Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 19th May 1917.
Mr & Mrs T. Hawke, Victoria Road have received official intimation of the death of their elder son, Pte. W. Hawke, 22 years of age at the front. He was a young man everybody liked, respectful, industrious and unassuming. With the Fore St. Methodist Church he was closely identified. In October 1914, he enlisted in the Yeomanry, was transferred to the infantry and drafted across in December last.
William is buried in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais, in France
William Trevossa Hawke
9th (Service) Bn. Devonshire Regiment
10th May 1917, aged 22.
France. Plot I. F. 16.
Inscription "Sunshine Passed Shadows Fall But Love An Remembrance Outlive All"
Son of Trevossa Hawke of Victoria Road, Camelford, Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 19th May 1917.
Mr & Mrs T. Hawke, Victoria Road have received official intimation of the death of their elder son, Pte. W. Hawke, 22 years of age at the front. He was a young man everybody liked, respectful, industrious and unassuming. With the Fore St. Methodist Church he was closely identified. In October 1914, he enlisted in the Yeomanry, was transferred to the infantry and drafted across in December last.
William is buried in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais, in France
240332 Private
Sampson Edwin Jasper M. M.
1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
30th August 1918, aged 26.
France. Plot I. E. 4.
Son of Richard and Elizabeth Jasper.
Extract taken form the Cornish & Devon Post on 28th August 1919.
In loving memory of S.E. (Ned) Jasper of High St. Camelford, killed in action in France on 30th August 1918. From his loving wife Theresa, Freddie, Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.
Sampson is buried in Vaulx Hill Cemetery, Pas De Calais in France
Sampson Edwin Jasper M. M.
1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
30th August 1918, aged 26.
France. Plot I. E. 4.
Son of Richard and Elizabeth Jasper.
Extract taken form the Cornish & Devon Post on 28th August 1919.
In loving memory of S.E. (Ned) Jasper of High St. Camelford, killed in action in France on 30th August 1918. From his loving wife Theresa, Freddie, Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.
Sampson is buried in Vaulx Hill Cemetery, Pas De Calais in France
240667 Private
Percy Keast
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
25th March 1918.
Plot III. C. 5.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 13th April 1918.
Mr and Mrs E. Keast, of Watergate Camelford, have received the sad intelligence that their son Private Percy Keast was killed in action on March 25th. Prior to enlistment in October 1915, he was employed at the North Cornwall China Clay Works. A steady and promising young man, he was held in high esteem by his associates. Letters have been received from the Wesleyan chaplain stating that Private Keast died from a severe wound. He had known the young man for a good while and was sure he was a good lad. He was in no pain, felt very comfortable and gratefully responded to the prayers offered at his bedside. The body was laid to rest and the spot marked. Then the chaplain, with all the wounded who could walk, had to take the road and got clear just in time to avoid capture. The chaplain regretted to say that the ground where the young man lies is now in German hands. Mr & Mrs Keast and the other relatives have the sympathy of one and all in their great loss.
Percy is buried in Roye New British Cemetery, France
Percy Keast
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
25th March 1918.
Plot III. C. 5.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 13th April 1918.
Mr and Mrs E. Keast, of Watergate Camelford, have received the sad intelligence that their son Private Percy Keast was killed in action on March 25th. Prior to enlistment in October 1915, he was employed at the North Cornwall China Clay Works. A steady and promising young man, he was held in high esteem by his associates. Letters have been received from the Wesleyan chaplain stating that Private Keast died from a severe wound. He had known the young man for a good while and was sure he was a good lad. He was in no pain, felt very comfortable and gratefully responded to the prayers offered at his bedside. The body was laid to rest and the spot marked. Then the chaplain, with all the wounded who could walk, had to take the road and got clear just in time to avoid capture. The chaplain regretted to say that the ground where the young man lies is now in German hands. Mr & Mrs Keast and the other relatives have the sympathy of one and all in their great loss.
Percy is buried in Roye New British Cemetery, France
10763 Private
Samuel Robert Lewis
13th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
26th April 1917.
Plot F. 8.
Husband of Hilda M. Lewis nee Martin of Fore St. Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post.
Delabolians heard with regret that Pte. Bert Lewis, admitted to hospital on the 23rd of April died on the 26th. He was struck by shrapnel in the right shoulder and the metal penetrated the lung. A chemist’s assistant at Camelford, he enlisted in May of last year and was drafted to France in July where he has been usefully employed with a Lewis gun section. Intelligent and plucky, he gave a good account of himself and with all his associates he was very popular. His mother resides near Delabole. With her and the deceased soldiers wife left with one child, the utmost sympathy is expressed.
Samuel is buried at St. Pol Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais in France
Samuel Robert Lewis
13th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
26th April 1917.
Plot F. 8.
Husband of Hilda M. Lewis nee Martin of Fore St. Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish and Devon Post.
Delabolians heard with regret that Pte. Bert Lewis, admitted to hospital on the 23rd of April died on the 26th. He was struck by shrapnel in the right shoulder and the metal penetrated the lung. A chemist’s assistant at Camelford, he enlisted in May of last year and was drafted to France in July where he has been usefully employed with a Lewis gun section. Intelligent and plucky, he gave a good account of himself and with all his associates he was very popular. His mother resides near Delabole. With her and the deceased soldiers wife left with one child, the utmost sympathy is expressed.
Samuel is buried at St. Pol Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais in France
45638 Private
Herbert John Richards
8th Service Bn. Devonshire Regiment
26th October 1917, aged 21.
Panel 38 to 40.
Son of Mr J and Mrs L A Richards of Tregoodwell, Camelford, Cornwall.
Herbert is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium
Herbert John Richards
8th Service Bn. Devonshire Regiment
26th October 1917, aged 21.
Panel 38 to 40.
Son of Mr J and Mrs L A Richards of Tregoodwell, Camelford, Cornwall.
Herbert is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium
240723 Private
Joshua Richards
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
4th August 1918, aged 38.
His headstone bears the inscription "At Rest"
Son of Charles Richards of Newhall Green, Delabole.
Joshua is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
Joshua Richards
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
4th August 1918, aged 38.
His headstone bears the inscription "At Rest"
Son of Charles Richards of Newhall Green, Delabole.
Joshua is buried in Lanteglos (St. Julitta) Churchyard, Camelford in Cornwall
240092 Lance Corporal
Harry Sandercock
4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
13th November 1918, aged 23.
Son of John and Elizabeth Sandercock of Aldermoor Advent.
His headstone bears the inscription "Gone But Not Forgotten"
Extract from the Cornish & Devon on the 23rd November 1918.
After much suffering, Lance Corporal Harry Sandercock has died at the home of his parents, Treclego Camelford. Prior to enlistment in 1913, he was a claymaker and was discharged from the army in October 1917 as being no longer fit for war service. Many sympathisers attended the funeral at Advent Church on Sunday afternoon.
Harry is buried in Advent (St. Adwena) Churchyard near Camelford, Cornwall
Harry Sandercock
4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
13th November 1918, aged 23.
Son of John and Elizabeth Sandercock of Aldermoor Advent.
His headstone bears the inscription "Gone But Not Forgotten"
Extract from the Cornish & Devon on the 23rd November 1918.
After much suffering, Lance Corporal Harry Sandercock has died at the home of his parents, Treclego Camelford. Prior to enlistment in 1913, he was a claymaker and was discharged from the army in October 1917 as being no longer fit for war service. Many sympathisers attended the funeral at Advent Church on Sunday afternoon.
Harry is buried in Advent (St. Adwena) Churchyard near Camelford, Cornwall
Location of Advent (St. Adwena) Churchyard
242117 Private
Leonard Short
2nd/8th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, attached to 182 Light Trench Mortar Battery
8th August 1918, aged 23.
Plot 5. Row B. Grave 11.
Son of William and Kate Short of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Always in Remembrance"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on the 24th August 1918.
Camelford deeply sympathises with Mr William Short, monumental mason, and Mrs Short in the death through enemy action on August 8th, of their second son Private Leonard Short aged 23 years. When war broke out he was with the Territorials in camp and was drafted to France three years ago last May. Through all the experiences of that long period he passed unscathed but a fortnight ago since when sleeping in a shelter, the building was struck by a heavy shell and he was killed instantly.
A bright, willing and intelligent youth, he was very popular among his associates and respected by all.
In a letter to the bereaved parents, a Lieutenant wrote: “During the time your son was attached to my battery he proved himself to be a very brave and cheerful soldiers at all times and was thoroughly liked by all his officers and fellow soldiers who were all very grieved at his death and ask you to accept their deepest sympathy in your great sorrow.”
As Private Short was a member of the Wesleyan Church and his family are closely associated with that place of worship, the pulpit on Sunday was draped in black.
Leonard is buried in Tannay British Cemetery, Nord in France
Leonard Short
2nd/8th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, attached to 182 Light Trench Mortar Battery
8th August 1918, aged 23.
Plot 5. Row B. Grave 11.
Son of William and Kate Short of Camelford Cornwall.
His headstone bears the inscription "Always in Remembrance"
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on the 24th August 1918.
Camelford deeply sympathises with Mr William Short, monumental mason, and Mrs Short in the death through enemy action on August 8th, of their second son Private Leonard Short aged 23 years. When war broke out he was with the Territorials in camp and was drafted to France three years ago last May. Through all the experiences of that long period he passed unscathed but a fortnight ago since when sleeping in a shelter, the building was struck by a heavy shell and he was killed instantly.
A bright, willing and intelligent youth, he was very popular among his associates and respected by all.
In a letter to the bereaved parents, a Lieutenant wrote: “During the time your son was attached to my battery he proved himself to be a very brave and cheerful soldiers at all times and was thoroughly liked by all his officers and fellow soldiers who were all very grieved at his death and ask you to accept their deepest sympathy in your great sorrow.”
As Private Short was a member of the Wesleyan Church and his family are closely associated with that place of worship, the pulpit on Sunday was draped in black.
Leonard is buried in Tannay British Cemetery, Nord in France
18391 Sapper
Frederick James Stephens
20th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers
7th September 1917, aged 39.
Plot IV. F. 24.
Son of Henry and Mary Jane Stephens.
Frederick is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen in Belgium
Frederick James Stephens
20th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers
7th September 1917, aged 39.
Plot IV. F. 24.
Son of Henry and Mary Jane Stephens.
Frederick is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen in Belgium
Picture of the Tabb Family from Tregoodwell, Camelford
In the back row are the three Tabb brothers who all served in the Great War. The only one identified is John who survived the war and is standing in the middle of his two brothers, who died in the war. Unfortunately we are unable at this time to definitely confirm which brother is which.
240333 Private
Joseph Tabb
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
13th July 1917, aged 23.
Plot III. A. 21.
Inscription "His Country Called Him And He Went From All At Home, Beatrice Tabb"
Joseph was born in Tregoodwell, Camelford in 1893 to Henry and Elizabeth Ann Tabb. He had two brothers and two sisters and worked as a rock man in a quarry. In 1911 he married Beatrice Bath and had one daughter, Gwendoline.
On 13th July 1917 he was bathing in a river in Northern France when he tragically drowned. He had been sucked down by the current and although two men tried to rescue him, he had already sunk.
His wife received sympathetic letters from the chaplain, the commanding officer and a second-lieutenant. The last mentioned describes Tabb as one who had always stood out as a really strong and determined man. The chaplain says that he was very popular in his company and his loss is deeply regretted. “I am very sorry indeed” the commanding officer writes “to lose from my company a strong man who never failed in his work and always wore a cheerful countenance thus cheering others. Never have I known him to be anything but cheerful.”
He is buried in St. Hilaire Cemetery, Frevent in Northern France.
Joseph Tabb
1st/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
13th July 1917, aged 23.
Plot III. A. 21.
Inscription "His Country Called Him And He Went From All At Home, Beatrice Tabb"
Joseph was born in Tregoodwell, Camelford in 1893 to Henry and Elizabeth Ann Tabb. He had two brothers and two sisters and worked as a rock man in a quarry. In 1911 he married Beatrice Bath and had one daughter, Gwendoline.
On 13th July 1917 he was bathing in a river in Northern France when he tragically drowned. He had been sucked down by the current and although two men tried to rescue him, he had already sunk.
His wife received sympathetic letters from the chaplain, the commanding officer and a second-lieutenant. The last mentioned describes Tabb as one who had always stood out as a really strong and determined man. The chaplain says that he was very popular in his company and his loss is deeply regretted. “I am very sorry indeed” the commanding officer writes “to lose from my company a strong man who never failed in his work and always wore a cheerful countenance thus cheering others. Never have I known him to be anything but cheerful.”
He is buried in St. Hilaire Cemetery, Frevent in Northern France.
2359 Private
Richard Tabb
1st/4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
7th December 1916, aged 19.
Richard was the youngest son of Joseph Henry and Elizabeth of Tabb of Tregoodwell Camelford Cornwall. He was born in 1897 and had 2 brothers and two sisters. The 1911 census stated that he was working as a cattle boy at an nearby farm at the age of 14.
At the age of 17, Richard was employed at the Stannon Clay Works, and enlisted at the beginning of the war and was
drafted to India and volunteered for service in Aden.
An extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on 27th January 1917 states the following
Private Richard Tabb, son of Mr. Henry Tabb Tregoodwell, is the second Camelfordian to make the supreme sacrifice. Captain Blamey, the officer commanding, has written an appreciatory letter of the young man’s conduct to the parents, in which he stated: “He was in the front firing line and was unfortunately struck in the head by a Turkish bullet, dying immediately. You will, I am sure feel proud that your son died whilst doing his duty nobly for his King and Country. We were in a tight fix and had it not been for the gallantry of your son and his comrades there might have been a far different tale. Since he has been here he has proved himself a soldier of sterling merit; a splendid worker, full of pluck, always ready to take on tasks when called for men of courage and endurance. On behalf of my brother officers, the N.C.O’s and men of his company I should like to express our deepest regret at the loss of your son and offer you our sincerest sympathies.
Richard's body was never identified and he is therefore commemorated on the Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial in Egypt.
Richard Tabb
1st/4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
7th December 1916, aged 19.
Richard was the youngest son of Joseph Henry and Elizabeth of Tabb of Tregoodwell Camelford Cornwall. He was born in 1897 and had 2 brothers and two sisters. The 1911 census stated that he was working as a cattle boy at an nearby farm at the age of 14.
At the age of 17, Richard was employed at the Stannon Clay Works, and enlisted at the beginning of the war and was
drafted to India and volunteered for service in Aden.
An extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post on 27th January 1917 states the following
Private Richard Tabb, son of Mr. Henry Tabb Tregoodwell, is the second Camelfordian to make the supreme sacrifice. Captain Blamey, the officer commanding, has written an appreciatory letter of the young man’s conduct to the parents, in which he stated: “He was in the front firing line and was unfortunately struck in the head by a Turkish bullet, dying immediately. You will, I am sure feel proud that your son died whilst doing his duty nobly for his King and Country. We were in a tight fix and had it not been for the gallantry of your son and his comrades there might have been a far different tale. Since he has been here he has proved himself a soldier of sterling merit; a splendid worker, full of pluck, always ready to take on tasks when called for men of courage and endurance. On behalf of my brother officers, the N.C.O’s and men of his company I should like to express our deepest regret at the loss of your son and offer you our sincerest sympathies.
Richard's body was never identified and he is therefore commemorated on the Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial in Egypt.
3/6076 Lance Corporal
Fred Thomas M. M.
1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
8th May 1917, aged 43.
Bay 6.
Son of William and Mary Thomas of Downing St. Bodmin and Husband of Annie Thomas of the White Hart Temperance Hotel Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 19th May 1917.
A chum conveyed to Mrs Fred Thomas, Fore St., the sad intelligence that her husband, Lance Corporal Thomas has been killed in action. He was a native of Bodmin where his parents still reside. He served through the South African War, receiving two medals with five bars, and when the present hostilities commenced gave up his employment as a mason and responded to the call. For two years and five months he had been in the thick of the fighting, only coming home once. A fine specimen of the British soldier, he possessed plenty of mettle and had numerous narrow escapes and carried through many daring exploits, for one he received the Military Medal. He was 42 years of age and Camelford was proud of this plucky and seasoned soldier, much regret being expressed by the townsfolk generally on hearing that he has made the supreme sacrifice. The widow’s three sons are on active service.
Fred's body was never identified and he is therefore commemorated on the Arras Memorial at Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery in Arras, France.
Fred Thomas M. M.
1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
8th May 1917, aged 43.
Bay 6.
Son of William and Mary Thomas of Downing St. Bodmin and Husband of Annie Thomas of the White Hart Temperance Hotel Camelford Cornwall.
Extract taken from the Cornish & Devon Post dated 19th May 1917.
A chum conveyed to Mrs Fred Thomas, Fore St., the sad intelligence that her husband, Lance Corporal Thomas has been killed in action. He was a native of Bodmin where his parents still reside. He served through the South African War, receiving two medals with five bars, and when the present hostilities commenced gave up his employment as a mason and responded to the call. For two years and five months he had been in the thick of the fighting, only coming home once. A fine specimen of the British soldier, he possessed plenty of mettle and had numerous narrow escapes and carried through many daring exploits, for one he received the Military Medal. He was 42 years of age and Camelford was proud of this plucky and seasoned soldier, much regret being expressed by the townsfolk generally on hearing that he has made the supreme sacrifice. The widow’s three sons are on active service.
Fred's body was never identified and he is therefore commemorated on the Arras Memorial at Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery in Arras, France.
33547 Private
George Whale (Front Row, Third From The Left)
1st/1st Bucks. Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
29th October 1918, aged 20.
Plot 2. Row A. Grave 8.
George was born in 1897 to John and Mary (nee Downing) Whale at Penpont, Altarnun. He had 6 siblings, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Both his parents had passed away by 1902 so he went to live with his eldest Sister Mary Downing and her Husband John Downing at the School House, Shobrooke, Crediton. He enlisted at Bodmin initially with the Hampshire Regiment (Regimental No 34059) but was subsequently transferred to the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1st Bucks Battalion (Regimental No.33547). He was killed in action in Italy fighting against the Austrians on the 29th of October 1918.
Cornwall’s War History website says that his name appears on the War Memorials at Altarnun, Camelford and Lanteglos by Camelford (with the spelling WALE.)
He is buried in Barenthal Military Cemetery in Italy
His brother Edwin also served in the war and was killed in action on 21st August 1917 in the battle for Hill 70 near Lens in Northern France. At the age of 19, he emigrated to Canada and he enlisted with the Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment, Regimental No. 886399) serving with the 28th Battalion. His body was never identified but he is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, in France.
George Whale (Front Row, Third From The Left)
1st/1st Bucks. Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
29th October 1918, aged 20.
Plot 2. Row A. Grave 8.
George was born in 1897 to John and Mary (nee Downing) Whale at Penpont, Altarnun. He had 6 siblings, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Both his parents had passed away by 1902 so he went to live with his eldest Sister Mary Downing and her Husband John Downing at the School House, Shobrooke, Crediton. He enlisted at Bodmin initially with the Hampshire Regiment (Regimental No 34059) but was subsequently transferred to the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1st Bucks Battalion (Regimental No.33547). He was killed in action in Italy fighting against the Austrians on the 29th of October 1918.
Cornwall’s War History website says that his name appears on the War Memorials at Altarnun, Camelford and Lanteglos by Camelford (with the spelling WALE.)
He is buried in Barenthal Military Cemetery in Italy
His brother Edwin also served in the war and was killed in action on 21st August 1917 in the battle for Hill 70 near Lens in Northern France. At the age of 19, he emigrated to Canada and he enlisted with the Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment, Regimental No. 886399) serving with the 28th Battalion. His body was never identified but he is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, in France.
2921 Private
Charles Webber
2nd/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry, Transferred to 377721 768th Company Labour Corps
29th October 1917, aged 32.
Plot IV. B. 1.
Inscription "Lest We Forget
Charles was born at Poldue Farm near Advent, Cornwall in 1885 to Richard and Elizabeth Jane Webber (Nee Burnard). He had six siblings, three brothers and three sisters. Two of his brothers served in the Great War and survived, William his eldest brother served in the D. C. L. I. and the Royal Engineers and Samuel in the Royal Field Artillery. We have been unable to confirm if Richard his youngest brother served in the war.
On 21st August 1909 he married Phoebe Cook and had one daughter Rhoda May who was born on 16th May 1915. The census of 1911 states that he was working as a Mason.
Charles was passed fit to join the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry on the 13th September1915 and he later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on the 15th August 1916. He arrived in France on the 2nd November1916 but was admitted to No. 20 General Hospital at Camiers near Étaples in France and confined to base camp. On 21st January 1917 he was classed by the medical board as P. B. (Permanent Base) due to laryngitis. On 23rd September 1917 he transferred to 768th Labour Corps for benefit of service. On the 27th October 1917 he was wounded from an airbomb, which resulted in damage to his skull and brain, lower jaw, left arm and left leg. He was treated at Malo-les-Bains hospital near Dunkerque where he died two days later.
We have been unable to find an image of Charles but his service record shows that was 5ft 8ins tall, 37 and a half chest, good vision and physical development, subject to dental treatment.
He is buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery in France.
Charles Webber
2nd/5th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry, Transferred to 377721 768th Company Labour Corps
29th October 1917, aged 32.
Plot IV. B. 1.
Inscription "Lest We Forget
Charles was born at Poldue Farm near Advent, Cornwall in 1885 to Richard and Elizabeth Jane Webber (Nee Burnard). He had six siblings, three brothers and three sisters. Two of his brothers served in the Great War and survived, William his eldest brother served in the D. C. L. I. and the Royal Engineers and Samuel in the Royal Field Artillery. We have been unable to confirm if Richard his youngest brother served in the war.
On 21st August 1909 he married Phoebe Cook and had one daughter Rhoda May who was born on 16th May 1915. The census of 1911 states that he was working as a Mason.
Charles was passed fit to join the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry on the 13th September1915 and he later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on the 15th August 1916. He arrived in France on the 2nd November1916 but was admitted to No. 20 General Hospital at Camiers near Étaples in France and confined to base camp. On 21st January 1917 he was classed by the medical board as P. B. (Permanent Base) due to laryngitis. On 23rd September 1917 he transferred to 768th Labour Corps for benefit of service. On the 27th October 1917 he was wounded from an airbomb, which resulted in damage to his skull and brain, lower jaw, left arm and left leg. He was treated at Malo-les-Bains hospital near Dunkerque where he died two days later.
We have been unable to find an image of Charles but his service record shows that was 5ft 8ins tall, 37 and a half chest, good vision and physical development, subject to dental treatment.
He is buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery in France.
202530 Private
Francis Harry Welch
2nd/4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
31st October 1918, aged 21.
Plot 9. A. 6.
His headstone bears the inscription "Cherished Memories, Missed By Mum, Dad And Family, Eternal Rest"
Francis was born in Trewalder near Lanteglos in 1897 to William Henry and Keturah Jane Welch (nee Rush.) He had five siblings including two brothers who also served in the war, William who was also in 2nd/4th Bn. D. C. L. I and stationed in India and Reginald who was in 6th Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Both brothers survived the war.
Francis enlisted in 1914 and had been in India for nearly two years but tragically at the end of the war he contracted Spanish flu and died on 31st October 1918.
He is buried in Delhi War Cemetery in India.
Francis Harry Welch
2nd/4th Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry
31st October 1918, aged 21.
Plot 9. A. 6.
His headstone bears the inscription "Cherished Memories, Missed By Mum, Dad And Family, Eternal Rest"
Francis was born in Trewalder near Lanteglos in 1897 to William Henry and Keturah Jane Welch (nee Rush.) He had five siblings including two brothers who also served in the war, William who was also in 2nd/4th Bn. D. C. L. I and stationed in India and Reginald who was in 6th Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Both brothers survived the war.
Francis enlisted in 1914 and had been in India for nearly two years but tragically at the end of the war he contracted Spanish flu and died on 31st October 1918.
He is buried in Delhi War Cemetery in India.
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The War Memorial position at Lanteglos Churchyard
The position here shows a new memorial which was erected in the town at the turn of this century
