Additional notes about the casualties:
Abbreviations
batt or btn - battalion
DCM - Distinguished Conduct Medal
DoW - Died of Wounds
KiA - Killed in Action
mar - Married
MC - Military Cross
MM - Military Medal (awarded for bravery to those who were not commissioned from 1916 onwards, backdated in some instances to 1914)
S/o Son of
ToW - Theatre of War
Wo - War Office
 BRINDLEY, Private Joseph William
Born 15 Jan 1898, Biggin.
Baptised 13 Mar 1898 at St Thomas, Biggin.
Son of Joseph David and Miriam Brindley, of Corner House, Biggin, Hartington, Buxton, DBY.
- 1910 - At the recent examinations for minor scholarships Joseph W. Brindley, Biggin. Scholarship for 3 years ("Ashbourne
Telegraph", 5 August 1910).
Regiment: Royal Marine Light Infantry, 1st R.M. Bn. R.N. Div.
Service Number: CH/19896
Died 5 September 1918, aged 20 years.
Buried: Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, France, Sp. Mem. A. 1.
ToW: France.
Honours/Awards: Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Ashburnian Honoured. D.C.M. Presented at the Grammar School ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 11 July 1919).
"On Saturday morning last at an assembly of the staff and scholars of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School the Distinguished Conduct Medal
awarded to the late Private Joseph Wm. Brindley, a former pupil, was presented by the headmaster (Mr. R. C. Legge B.Sc.) who was accompanied
on the platform by Mr. and Mrs. J. Brindley, of Biggin, Hartington, the deceased soldier's parents and his brother F. Brindley, who is a pupil
at the school.
The Headmaster said he had the very great honour of being asked to present to Mrs. Brindley the Distinguished Conduct Medal which had been won
by her son ... and he regretted that he was not headmaster at the school when Bridley was a pupil there. He also regretted that the late headmaster,
Mr. Butcher, had not lived long enough to see how well the boys who were with him at the school had done in the war ..."
Entered the school in 1910 and was there for four years. Passed the Senior Cambridge examination in his last year. Volunteered at the beginning of
the war and served for four years in Egypt and France. Killed on 5th Sepember 1918.
The official record stated:-
"On 25th August 1918, near Grevillers, when his detachment was advancing in the early stages of an attack their progress was impeded by the
fire of a machine gun, he went forward and single-handed captured the machine gun, taking the whole of the team prisoners. His gallantry and determination
were a splendid example to all ranks."
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
CALLOW, Second Lieut. Donald
- 1911. He was one of a number of pupils in the chorus of an entertainment by the school minstrel troupe, with proceeds given to the school tennis lawn fund
("Ashbourne Telegraph" 7 April 1911).
Regiment: Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 1st/5th Bn.
Died 1 July 1916, aged 19 years.
Son of J. M. and Mrs. Callow, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
First wounded Oct., 1914.
London Gazette, 24 Jul 1915: 5th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment); the undermentioned to be Second
Lieutenants. Dated 25th July, 1915 :-
Private Donald Callow, from the 14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish).
London Gazette, 9 Sep 1915: The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). The appointment of the undermentioned
Second Lieutenants bears date 10th July, 1915, and not as previously stated :- Donald Callow.
Mrs. Callow initially received news that her son was missing. He had taken part in much heavy fighting in France the previous year
("Ashbourne Telegraph", 14 July 1916).
His death was confirmed by Prisoners of the First World War, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ref R 150058. Donald Callow,
1/5th Sherwood Foresters: "Last seen in German trenches alive & believed to be killed. Killed July 1st." A report was later
sent to his father.
Commemorated at: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
ToW: France
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
CHARLESWORTH, Private Arthur John Valentine
Born 14 Feb 1892, Mayfield, STS.
Christened 17 Apr 1892 Stanton, St Mary, STS.
Service Number: 12/1172
Regiment: Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F.
His parents were Francis Charlesworth and Edith Ellen, later Mrs. Heath. He was with widowed his mother and siblings at Bank Farm, Mayfield in 1901.
By 1911 he had left home, was living in Ashton under Lyne and had become an apprentice to a printer and stationer.
He departed from London as a 2nd class passenger for Montreal Canada on 8 May 1912, giving his occupation as Farming.
It is unclear when he moved to New Zealand but embarked from Wellington for Suez on 14 December 1914.
Died 25 April 1915
Buried or commemorated at Baby 700 Cemetery, Anzac, Turkey, Grave ref. D. 4.
Also commemorated St Peters Church, Ellastone STS - WW1 And WW2 Plaque (WMR 13326)
DUCAT, Major Richard
Born 12 Jul 1871, Ahmednuggar, India.
Regiment: 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own Infantry (Brownlow's Punjabis) - joined 1892. He joined the Indian Army in 31 Aug 1896.
Country of Service Indian.
KiA 11 November 1914.
Third son of the late Major-General Charles Merewether Ducat of Bombay; husband of Mrs. Ducat, of 60, Abingdon Villas, Kensington, London.
He had mar Dora Margaret Collyns on 5 Jan 1910 at St. Mary Abbott's, Kensington (Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) 27 January 1910).
He was a pupil at Ashbourne under Mr. R. M. Hugh Jones ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 22 January 1915).
His twin brother John and their younger brother Gerald Ducat were also pupils at QEGS in the 1880s and all three had attended the school's tercentenary
in 1884. Fifty years later, in 1934, the then headmaster Major Ball was enquiring to see if any of them were still alive and, if so, where they lived
so they could be invited to the school's 350th anniversary celebrations ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 30 November 1934).
1885 - Twins John and Richard playing football with eldest Jourdain and some of the staff ("Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal", 13 March 1885).
1887 - Twins played cricket for QEGS against Ashbourne town ("Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal", 15 July 1887).
1887 - Cambridge Local Examinations, Mansfield District. Juniors who have satisfied the examiners: R. Ducat, of Ashbourne Grammar School ("Nottingham
Journal", 8 March 1887).
Later educated "at a private school" (Crewkerne Grammar after Ashbourne), and at the R.M.C., Sandhurst ("Bedfordshire Mercury",
9 August 1890 - success in the cadetship examinations). His twin brother John was there at the same time.
John (1871-1892) died in Bengal. Gerald, who joined the Navy, passed away in 1955.
An obituary said that whilst at Ashbourne Major Ducat was captain of the school cricket eleven, and with his brother (John) played an exceptionally good game
in the forward line of the football team ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 20 November 1914). He was the first of two former pupils who were members
of the Football XI of 1887 to be killed in WW1("Ashbourne Telegraph", 16 August 1918).
His Colonel wrote to his wife the day after he died:
"You will like to know that in the position which your husband's companies occupied when he fell he was rendering me an invaluable service
in protecting the left of the regiment, and leaving me free to operate with entire confidence on the right." (British Army, Bond Of Sacrifice:
Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1916)
A fellow officer later stated that he was shot at close quarters whilst leading his men. His regiment had taken part in the actions at Taku Forts,
Pekin, Ali Masjid, Afghanistan (1878-80), Egypt 1882, Tel-el-Kebir, Punjab Frontier and China 1900. Tel-el-Lebir, Punjab Frontier, and China 1900
("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 15 January 1915).
Medals/awards: Frontier medal with clasp, Chinal medal (1900), Tibet medal (1903-4).
Buried: San-i-yek, on the Shat-el-Arab River, Persian Gulf (British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918), aged 43.
Commemorated at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq, III. J. 7.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
FINNEY, Lce.-corpl. William Fielding Best (Bill)
Born Thorpe Q2 1897
Baptised Thorpe DBY 25 Jul 1897
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry, 14th Bn., so formerly 2039, Derby Yeomanry
Service Number: 43068
Son of the late Thomas and Laura (nee Poyser) Finney. His father passed away in 1915 but his mother had died in 1898.
The family were living at Thorpe in 1901, and then moved to Bakewell some time before 1910, when he had already become a pupil at Lady Manners in
1910 - he competed and came first in the 100 yards Boys (under 14) race ("Sheffield Daily Telegraph", 28 June 1910).
He had been a member of the Bakewell Church Lads' Brigade and the boy scouts.
Enlisted Oct 1914 Bakewell. Address given as Orchard House, Bakewell. No date of birth given on his record (Wo 363 - First World War Service
Records 'Burnt Documents')
He was present at his father's funeral in Thorpe in 1915 and wore his uniform for the service. He was referred to as Trooper William Finney
then and was still with the yeomanry in late 1915 when he was granted a commission ("Derbyshire Times, 27 November 1915"). He was attached to the
D.L.I. when the Yeomanry went to France.
After his death his sister received a letter from Captain Allden Owles:-
"It is with deep regret I write to inform you of the death of your brother ... He was shot by a German sniper whilst doing duty in the first
line, and although everything was at once done for him, it soon became evident that the wound was fatal, and he died soon after reaching hospital.
The funeral took place on Monday at a cemetery here, where a cross in his memory will be placed. Many of us attended he funeral. He was always so
willing and ready to do all that was required of him, and conscientious in all his duties, and one I felt I could always rely upon. He was much liked
by officers and men, and I assure you we all feel his loss keenly. To you I can only ask that you may be brave in this great trouble, as he was
always and be proud of him as well you may be. With my very deepest sympathy, in which the officers join." ("Derbyshire Courier", 20 January 1917.
Former Bakewell Scout killed.).
Later that month the news of Lance-Corpl. W. B. Finney's death, who was formerly of Pike Hall House, near Ashbourne, has been received "with much
regret in that district, where the family is so well known and respected. (The news of the death of Lance-Corpl, W. B. Finney, of Bakewell, and
formerly of Pike Hall House, near Ashbourne, has been received with much regret in that district, where the family is so well known and respected
("Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal", 26 January 1917).
He was present in uniform at his father's funeral in Thorpe in 1915.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
GREAVES, F. (Frank W.?), 2nd Lieutenant Rifle Brigade, d. before 1922)
There is very little information about this casualty and it is not known if he is the same F. Greaves who served in the Black Watch and is shown on
the previous page. It is quite possible that he re-enlisted, but into a different regiment so some
information is reproduced here to help resolve this.
Mentioned at QEGS, assuming this the right person:
1905 - F. Greaves had distinguished himself in Drawing at QEGS ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 3 February 1905)
1905 - F. Greaves in QEGS cricket team ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 30 June 1905).
WW1:
A Frank W. Greaves served in two sections of the army, as Soldier Number 534651, a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps and, as Soldier Number 2791,
a Private in the Rifle Brigade (British Army Medal Index Cards, 1914-1920).
War Medals: If this is the F. Greaves on the school's memorial he was awarded the Victory Medal and the British Medal (British Army Medal Index Cards, 1914-1920).
Rank: Private.
Service number 2791 (for Rifle Brigade).
Service number 534651 (for RAMC).
1922 - His name is included on List of fallen ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 28 July 1922).
As I have nothing more to add I have duplicated the information, hoping that someone will know the answer. Please get in touch if
you know anything about him. Contact details in the page footer (below).
HARRISON, Lance Corporal Albert Harry
Born 1895 Sileby LEI
Service Number: 1814
Regiment: Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 1st/6th Bn.
Enlisted Ashbourne.
Died 9 April 1915, aged 19.
Son of Harry and Emily Harrison, of Devon House, Mayfield Rd., Ashbourne. His parents moved to Ashbourne not long after his birth. His
father was the manager of the Ashbourne Gas Works. Albert was still at school in 1911.
- 1911. He was one of a number of pupils in the chorus of an entertainment by the school minstrel troupe, with proceeds given to the school tennis lawn fund
("Ashbourne Telegraph" 7 April 1911).
"Intimation of the death of Lance. Corporal Albert Harrison was received on Tuesday morning by his father as follows :
— From the Wesleyan chaplain, North Midland Division, April 10th, 1915. — Dear Mr. Harrison. — You will have heard by wire of the death
of your gallant lad, 1814, Lance-Corporal Albert Harrison, 6th Sherwood Foresters. He and three companions were instantaneously killed by
a high explosive shell. He was buried at 2a.m. this morning, his friends being present in the beautiful little cemetery where lie others who
have given their lives on the field of honour. I have arranged for the marking of the grave by a simple cross bearing his name, &c. At
present the spot is under fire and I am unable to say where it is, but a the earliest moment allowed I will tell you its exact position. We,
his comrades, send you our deepest sympathy. A Stanley Bishop ("Ashbourne News Telegraph" 16 April 1915)."
Buried: Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Belgium, E. 52.
ToW: Western European Theatre
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
HAWKSWORTH, Corporal Ernest Alfred
Service Number: R/1408
Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps, 12th Bn.
Born 1894 Kniveton DBY
The family were living in Kniveton in 1901 and 1911. Ernest, though, had moved away by 1911 he was living with his brother in law and sister
in Sparkbrook, Birmingham and employed as a shop assistant.
Enlisted 1914 when he was a grocer's assistant in Birmingham. He trained on Salisbury Plain before going to France in Feb 1915.
Invalidated home with pneumonia and had visited Ashbourne in May, after leaving a Mansfield convalescent home.
A letter sent to his mother by Captain T. Sampson said he was killed instantaneously during a British advance by a single rifle shot from a
German sniper. He had three brothers - John Simpson of South Street, Ashbourne and Emanuel and George were at serving in France ("Ashbourne
News Telegraph", 31 August 1917).
The article decribed him as a native of Kniveton and affirmed that he had been educated at QEGS.
KiA 16 August 1917, aged 23
Commemorated Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, Panel 115 to 119.
HENSTOCK, Captain Arthur Frank Newman, M.C.
He had been head boy of QEGS.
Educated at the Wesleyan School before obtaining a county scholarship to QEGS (the top boy in the county), where he remained for 8 years. He then went to
Aberystwith University, graduating with first class honours, one of two in the whole of Wales that year. He was one of four former pupils from Mr. Butcher's
time as headmaster to be awarded a degree ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 11 July 1913)
He was killed in action on 22 March 1918.
At the memorial service in St. Oswald's Parish Church Canon Morris recounted how he had been told to march his soldiers to
the furthest fire of the battle, a distance of about 18 miles, and to hold the outpost "at all costs". His men
were totally outnumbered and fell one by one. Only a few were left when he told them to withdraw, but he stayed behind and
was "riddled with bullets". "He was a capable, reliable, fearless and altogether excellent officer" ("Ashbourne
Telegraph", 17 May 1918).
His M.C. was listed in the London Gazette and reported in the "Derby Daily Telegraph", 3 January 1918. He was one of
7,000 who whose act of gallantry was recognised.
Commemorated: Poiziers Memorial.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 52 to 54.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
There is more about him on Ashbourne: Church Street, about 1905
HUNTER, Sergeant Leslie
Service Number: 75976
Regiment: Canadian Infantry, 29th Bn.
Born 1887 at Clifton, DBY.
Country of Service Canadian
Son of Edward and Beatrice Hunter, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire; husband of Ethel Hunter, of 43, Richmond St., Burton-on-Trent, STS. They had
moved from Horninglow, STS about 1885. His father was the manager of the Ashbourne Branch OF Lloyds Bank in 1891 and 1901 and the family lived
on the bank's premises on Compton Street. Most of the Hunter family left Ashbourne in the summer of 1907.
Leslie had mar Ethel Watson, also of Ashbourne, in Derby on 14 Feb 1910.
"News has been received from the officer of his platoon of the death of Sergt. Leslie Hunter, of the 29th Vancouver B
(Canadian contingent). Sergt. Hunter, who was the son of Mr. E. Hunter, formerly manager at Lloyd's Bank, Ashbourne, was
in Canada at the outbreak of the war, and at once offered his services to his native country, coming over with the Canadians
to England for final training. He leaves a widow and one little child, to whom the deepest sympathy is extended. The deceased
had been out of the trench trying to locate a troublesome German sniper, but failed, and on returning to his destination, was
shot through the heart, presumably by the sniper he was seeking, Death was instantaneous." ("Ashbourne Telegraph",
8 October 1915. Ashbourne Canadian Killed at the Front.)
KiA 30 September 1915, aged 28.
Buried or commemorated: Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium, I. A. 30.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
He is also commemorated at the Memorial Park.
JOURDAIN, Lieut Colonel Charles Edward Arthur, D.S.O.
Born Manchester.
Wrongly recorded in the newspaper as his brother Henry Francis Newdigate Jourdain, who also served in WW1 but did not pass away until 1968
Second s/o Rev. Francis Jourdain, vicar of Ashbourne and Emily (nee Clay).
Educated QEGS, where he was a member of the Football XI of 1887.
- 1885/6. Cambridge Local Certificate (examined Dec 1885) seniors, 16-18 years - C. E. A, Jourdain, third class honours, distinguished
in Latin, 23rd place (out of 223) ("Derbyshire Times", 8 August 1886).
From QEGS he went to the Royal Military College Sep 1887-Jul 1888 ("Derby Daily Telegraph", 26 December 1913).
He obtained an Infantry Cadetship in 1887, having passed 30th out of 90 successful candidates ("Derbyshire Times",
10 August 1887). The following year he passed out 24th in the honours ("Derby Daily Telegraph", 8 September 1888).
Served at Mhow, Bombat, Poona, Ceylon and South Africa. He went to India and was awarded the Durbar Medal in 1911. He went to East Africa,
Palestine and later to France (Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (2nd Battalion): records of officers' service, 1860 - 1912).
-1888. Passed with Honours at Royal Military College (Wo 76 - Regimental Records Of Officers' Services 1775-1914.).
Other Army service before WW1, including the Boer War:
- Promoted to Captain (1894), Major (1903). Lieut.-Col. (1906).
- Foreign Languaged. French, Hindoostani. Coloquial, no certificates.
- Other regiments/units: attached to Mounted Infantry, Captain.
- Medals/awards, Boer War: Queens, with 6 clasps, King's with 2 clasps (WO100/192 page 392; WO100/336 page 129).
- Decorations, Boer War: Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette, 27 Sep 1901)
- He was mentioned in dispatches.
- 1909. Went to India, where he was awarded the Durbar medal.
- 1913. Promoted to Lieut. Colonel, and appointed to the command battalion ("Alfreton Journal", 16 August 1918).
1912. Mar 9 Oct 1912. His wife was Alexia Gracie Papillon at St. John's, Blackheath ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 18 October 1912).
After his death she remarried and became Alexia Gracie Johnston of Blackheath.
WW1:
- ToW: Africa. He had seen service in East Africa, when his battalion was heavily engaged at Tanger, then in Palestine and lastly in France.
- Date of entry: - 15.
- Additional medals: 15 Star, Victory (WO 372/11/81775).
- KiA 29 July 1918, age 49 years old. He died near Grand Rozoy (Champagne Front) (info taken from Huguenot Proceedings 1921).
- Buried or commemorated: Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, France, X. D. 1.
After his death a correspondent of "The Times" wrote of him:-
"With his regiment he was a foremost favourite, and as a regimental officer her was without an equal. Keen and energetic, fearless in action, he was
adored by his men and popular with all his officers. His sense of devotion to duty was ever present, and he never spared himself when he could benefit those
whom he commanded. At the time of his death he had nearly completed thirty years' service, the whole of which he spent in his regiment which he had served so
loyally and devotedly for so many years." ("Alfreton Journal", 16 August 1918)
Also see: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
KEWLEY, Second Lieutenant George Raymond
Born Paulton, Somerset 30 Mar 1895
s/o Joseph and Elizabeth A. Kewley, later of Wolverton BKM.
Regiment: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 8th Bn.
His father, Rev. Joseph Kewley, had been the Wesleyan Superintendent at Ashbourne ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 15 July 1910), moving to the town in 1905
and moving away in 1908.
GRK was later educated at Kingswood School, Bath (1911) and Pembroke College Oxford, where he was elected to the Hull Scholarship in Classics
in 1913 ("London Evening Standard", 7 May 1913. He graduated 1915.
Became 2nd Lieut. in 1915 (London Gazette, 22 June 1915)
KiA 20 May 1916 at Vimy Ridge
Buried at Ecoivres, nr. Mont St. Eloy (British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918)
Commemorated at Arras Memorial, France, Bay 7.
ToW: France
KITCHEN, Sapper Harry
1906 - H. Kitchen, Wesleyan School, gained minor county scholarship. Tenable for 2 years ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 24 August 1906).
1910 - Cambridge University Local examinations, H. Kitchen ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 2 September 1910).
Service Number: 64736
Regiment: Royal Engineers, 13th Signal Coy.
DoW 2 September 1915, aged 22, from wounds received at Gallipoli.
Had been admitted to the military hospital on Sept. Ist, "and the same evening the gallant young fellow passed away". He was the younger son
of Mr. and Mrs. T. Kitchen of 46, Wellington Rd. North, Stockport. His parents had lived at Northcliffe, Ashbourne, before moving to Stockport. After
he left QEGS he received a Civil Service appointment at Stockport and served as a clerk at Stockport Post Office before enlisting. He was connected
with the Heavily Sunday School and Mount Tabor Church. He sailed to Alexandria on 15 June 1915 and two days later left for the Dardenalles in June.
He sustained a severe wound to the left leg and hand on Aug 10 (from "Manchester Courier", 15 September 1915 and "Ashbourne News Telegraph",
17 September 1915 and CWGC).
Commemorated: Malta, Piata Military Cemetery
Grave Reference: B. VII. 4.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
LOCKER, Private John William
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry, 15th Bn.
Service Number: 81300
Born Ashbourne 1899
Son of John W. and Violet Ann Locker, of Buxton Rd., Ashbourne. He had two sisters. In 1911 the family were living on Green Road, next to QEGS and John was at school.
Enlisted Buxton 17 Apr 1917.
He was a chemist's apprentice before then.
After his death his parents were sent some of his belongings - a pocket watch, letter, photos, cards, steel mirror in case, 2 rel[igious]
books, rel pamphlet, 4 razor blades (Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt Documents').
The document was unsure whether he was killed in action of DoW between 15 /27 April 1918 . This was because of the fierce fighting at the time.
Died 27 April 1918, aged 18.
Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, Panel 128 to 131.
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
PHIPPS, Private William Henry John, M.M.
Service Number: 235319
Regiment Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Bn. (Formerly 2995, Essex Regt., M.M. and Bar.)
Born 19 Aug 1894
Bap 28 Oct 1894 Shimpling St. George, Suffolk
Enlisted Nov 1914.
Son of Charles and Catherine Phipps, of The Grammar School, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. His father was the school caretaker at the Green Road site
in 1911 and William was still at school. He had gained a scholarship.
- 1911. He was one of a number of pupils in the chorus of an entertainment by the school minstrel troupe, with proceeds given to the school tennis lawn fund
("Ashbourne Telegraph" 7 April 1911).
On leaving school he became a pupil teacher at the Mayfield Road boys' school. He became an assistant schoolmaster at Witham, ESS and was studying
for a B.A. degree.
Awards Military Medal and Bar (Derby Daily Telegraph 28 January 1919) for conspicuous bravery in the field.
The chaplain of the C. of E. clearing station wrote to inform his parents that he was dangerously wounded; this was followed by a telegram reporting
that he had died the next day. The chaplain then wrote:— "I am sorry to have to tell you that your son, W. Phipps, passed away here of wounds
on the 9th inst. He received every care and attention but was too badly wounded to recove. He has been buried here according to the rights of the
Church of England. ... May God give you His grace to pear your sad bereavement.—Yours sincerely, A. L. Wilson, chaplain (C. of E.)"
He had first experienced war when he landed in the Dardenelles on his 21st birthday, contracting both dysentry and enteric fever. He was invalided
to England and then sent to France. On one occasion he was buried alive by a shell; he also suffering from tetanus and was hospitalized for almost
a year. He returned to France ; after a further 6 months he was awarded the M.M. ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 25 October 1918
On Friday 12 Dec 1919 his name was amongst a number of the fallen who were commemorated on a Roll of Honour in the main schoolroom of the Boys' School,
Mayfield Road ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 19 December 1919).
KiA 9 October 1918, aged 24.
Buried: Delsaux Ferm Cemetery, Beugny, I. D. 13.
ToW France.
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
POTTER, Gunner Frank William
Born Ashbourne 1896
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery, 146th Siege Bty.
Service Number: 73629
Son of Robert James and Annie Elizabeth Potter, of Green Road and later of St. John's Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
When he enlisted in Feb 1916 he gave his occupation as Draper's Assistant; presumably working for his father who was a Draper in the town. He was
given instruction in Signalling and Telephony at Cooden Camp in May 1916 (Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt Documents').
A memorial service was held in the Parish Church to pay tribute to "nine more of Ashbourne's heroes", including Captain Henstock
(above) and Gunner Potter. Canon Morris preached the sermon ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 17 May 1918).
A slightly earlier memorial service for him was held on 21 Apr 1918 at St. John's Church ("Ashbourne News Telegraph" 3
January 1919).
On Friday 12 Dec 1919 his name was amongst a number of the fallen who were commemorated on a Roll of Honour in the main schoolroom of the Boys' School,
Mayfield Road ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 19 December 1919).
Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery XXXIII. E. 23.
ToW France.
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
RIGBY, Captain Francis John, M.C.
Seaforth Highlanders, 3rd Bn. attd. 1st Bn.
Born 31 Jan 1888
After QEGS, he went to Rugby School and then to Gonville and Caius, Cambridge, gaining honours in the Law Tripos and graduating in 1910
He was killed in action not long after the list of those serving at the end of 1915 was compiled.
He was the son of Mr. John Richard Rigby (of the well-known Ashbourne firm of Holland, Rigby and Williams, solicitors) and his wife Sarah Jane.
In 1911 he was a Law student living at Ingram House Residential Club, Stockwell Road, London. He was a barrister, and on 15th August, 1914 was
one of the Inns-of Court Officers Training Corps to be Second Lieutenants (London Gazette, 21 August 1914). Served in the Expeditionary Force
to France from Nov 1914. In December that year he was listed as on probation as a Second Lieut. with the Seaforth Highlands (London Gazette,
8 December 1914). He was promoted to captaincy in July 1915 ("Ashbourne Telegraph" 30 July 1915). He saw service on the
service on the Western Front and then in Egypt; he was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous service (London Gazette, 14 Jan 1916).
KiA 21 January 1916 at Orah, aged 27.
Buried: Mesopatamia (British Army, De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918)
Commemorated: Basra Memorial
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 37 and 64, Iraq.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
SKIDMORE, Sergt. William Elias, D.C.M.
Born Nantwich, CHS 1887 and bap there 20 Nov 1887.
s/o Robert Elias and Frances Skidmore, of Cliffe House, Marston Montgomery, DBY
Service Number: 9032
Regiment: Royal Scots Fusiliers, 2nd Bn.
On 8 Aug 1906, aged 18, he applied for the 3rd Notts & Derby Regiment (Wo 96 - Militia Service Records 1806-1915) and joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers
on 27 Sep 1906. In 1911 he was serving is South Africa, at Roberts Heights Pretoria Transvaal South Africa, Overseas Military, Ships and Overseas
Establishments. He was then with the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, Roberts Heights, Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa
Honours/awards: Citation for Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded "for gallantry and coolness at Shaiba (Turkey in Asia), on 12th April 1915,
when he laid a fresh telephone line for Cairn Piquet under heavy fire after te line had been broken. Also, on 13th April, for unremitting
assistance in looking after and keeping telephones in working order throughout the day under shell and rifle fire" (The Edinburgh Gazette, 13 August 1915).
Memorial Service at Marston Montgomery 20 Aug 1916 for W. E. Skidmore (from "Ashbourne News Telegraph", 29 December 1916).
KiA 30 July 1916, aged 29
Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 3 C.
ToW France
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
SPENCER Private Robert
Regiment: 3/6th Sherwoods, "c" Coy. 1st/6th Bn.
Service Number: 4511
Born Ashbourne 23 Feb 1898 (family then of South Street)
Baptised 16 Mar 1898, Ashbourne, Zion (Congregational)
Enlisted Chesterfield 19 Aug 1915.
Son of Mr. Joseph Frederic and Mrs. Louisa Spencer of 3, Hall Bank, Green Road, Ashbourne.
His Army service records show that he gave his age as 19 years 6 months when enlisting (Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt Documents').
He embarked for France on 18 Mar 1916 and joined his unit in the Field on 5 April.
He had been medically examined and declared fit at Ashbourne on 19 Sep 1915.
At the outbreak of war he was employed by Mr. H. E. Morgan, an ironmongery firm in Loughborough. After enlisting he attended a training course and
was then was drafted to France. He was engaged in "the great advance" when we was shot in the stomach; he was treated in hospital but
died there. It is particularly poignant that his parents were negotiating with the authorities for his release until he was 19 years old.
"He was a bright and promising boy, and very popular with his chums, and his loss will be mourned by many." ("Ashbourne
Telegraph", 29 September 1916)
At a memorial service in Ashbourne Parish Church, Canon Morris read an extract from a letter his parents had received from Col. Goodman:
"You have certainly reason to be proud of your son, ... and he certainly has willingly offered himself for King and country, ... for he
could have been sent back from the strenuous life of the trenches until he was 19, but would not shirk what he thought his duty." Indeed,
he had written to his parents: "With regard to claiming me, never let a thing like that enter your head, unless something happens to you
or mother. I have come out here to fight, and do my bit, and until peace is declared I'm still trying to stick to it." ("Ashbourne
News Telegraph" 13 October 1916)
His sister Maud was the recipient of his personal items, including letters, his watch and silver cigarette case, a leather purse and a note case
(Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt Documents').
DoW 21 Sep 1916 at 44 Casualty Clearing Station, aged 18.
On Friday 12 Dec 1919 his name was amongst a number of the fallen who were commemorated on a Roll of Honour in the main schoolroom of the Boys' School,
Mayfield Road ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 19 December 1919).
Buried Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, France, II. G. 9.
Cemetery or memorial: Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, France. Grave ref II. G. 9.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
SUTTON, Private Albert Sealey Bendall 12th Glouc. R. (Albert on Army records)
Born 1896 Sheffield
Bap Albert Sealey Bendall s Joseph and Mary Louisa All Saints, Brightside 27 May 1896
Service Number: 20159
Regiment: 3rd Gloucestershire
Enlisted 25 May 1915. He had been employed as a clerk before enlisting.
Awarded place at QEGS: "We are pleased to find that at the recent examinations for County Scholarships ... Master S. Sutton of Hall Bank
and Mr. William Gretton have been successful in winning scholarships tenable at Ashbourne Grammar School." ("Ashbourne News
Telegraph", 5 August 1910, Hartington Scholars Success). His scholarship was to last for two years.
Discharged 23 Apr 1917 as physically unfit, with a fractured left arm and loss of grip (Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt
Documents').
Died at Biggin 1919. Father of Waterloo Inn, Biggin at son's decease.
Commemmorated at Biggin:
SUTTON.—On April 24th, at Biggin, Albert Sealey Bendall Sutton, son of Mr. J. Sutton, late of Hartington.
"He shares the eternal reward of a soldier's sacrifice." ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 02 May 1919)
TAYLOR, Serjeant Reginald
Service Number: 241126
Regiment: Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 2nd/6th Bn.
Enlisted Buxton.
Died 26 Sept 1917, aged 21.
Buried or commemorated at Westoutre British Cemetery, Belgium, P. 11.
He had been working for his father before he enlisted ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 11 August 1916). The battalion was sent to
Dublin in 1916 and he witnessed a great deal of the troubles. He then spent time at Arklow, co. Wicklow.
Husband of Mrs. Winifred Taylor, of 35, Violet St., Derby. Son of Mr. Tom and Mrs Grace Taylor of Dig Street. His parents had four sons serving in the
forces; Clifford had been killed a few weeks before his brother ("Ashbourne News Telegraph", 31 August 1917). The 2/6th Sherwoods
War Diary for Sept 1917 records 2 ORs [other ranks] were wounded on 25th and the month's total casualties were 11 Officers and 220 ORs (TNA:
WO325 2/6th Bn Notts and Derbys).
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
TWIGGE, Francis
Born 1887, Atlow, DBY.
Baptised 21 Aug 1887, Atlow, DBY.
S/o late John George and Lavinia Jane Twigge, of The Moat, Atlow and then Steeple Grange, Wirksworth, DBY.
Brother of Ralph TWIGGE, who also fought in WW1. Francis is missing from the plaque in the school's entrance hall.
Regiment Royal Fusiliers, Northumberland Fusiliers.
Rank: Private, Corps: Royal Fusiliers (from 5 Aug 1916).
Second service record Rank: Second Lieutenant, Corps: Northumberland Fusiliers.
Service number PS/3307.
Medals/awards: 15 Star, Victory, British.
Educated at QEGS, joined the Public Schools Brigade?
Formerly apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Wardle, Chemist, Ashbourne Market Place.
Showed promise of being a great singer, having appeared before audiences in both London and the Provinces.
His Regimental Colonel wrote: "It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son ... who was shot by a German
sniper whilst leading his platoon in an attack upon a village. He was a gallant boy and I deeply sympathise with you in your loss."
DoW 9 April 1917, aged 30.
Buried: Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains, E. 16.
ToW France.
WALKER, Horace Arthur
Gunner, Royal Field Artillery, "D" Bty. 48th Bde.
Born Atlow (1893. 1911 census) Christened there 9 Apr 1893.
Service Number: 88695
DoW 24 September 1915, aged 22 years
Parents William Frederick and Mary Ann Walker. His mother remarried after his father's death.
"From the information already received it appears that Gunner Walker was badly wounded by shrapnel on Friday and passed away later the day. He was 22 years of age.
Deceased, who enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery last September, had been farming on his own account for the previous twelve months, being the tenant of Parkside Farm,
Ellastone. He was a very popular young man in the locality, and his death has occasioned great regret." He was the third son of Mrs. Heaton of Waste Farm. A
memorial servce was held in Ellastone Church. (from "Ashbourne News Telegraph", 1 October 1915. "Ellastone Soldier's Death" and CWGC.)
Buried/Commemorated: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. A. 42.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
WALLIS, Lance Corporal Francis Wallace
Born Ashbourne 1894
Regiment: Grenadier Guard, 3rd Bn.
Service Number: 21172
Enlisted Buxton Dec 1914.
Son of the late Robert and Mrs. Eva Wallis, of 50, Mayfield Rd., Ashbourne and the grandson of the former proprietress of the Green Man Hotel, the late Mrs. Fanny
Wallis (See Picture Gallery : Derbyshire: Ashbourne: St. John Street & The Green Man.).
When he aswered the call to arms he had been in a good position at Shrewsbury ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 6 October 1916).
He was wounded on 15 Sep 1916 and admitted to No 34 Casualty Clearing Station with wound to right arm and neck (War Office: First World War Representative Medical
Records of Servicemen). He was then treated at a Birmingham Hospital as he was suffering from severe wounds in the neck, shoulder and left [sic] arm ("Ashbourne
Telegraph", 6 October 1916) but returned to the Front.
He was formerly employed by Messrs. Howell & Marden's of Ashbourne and had been a member of Ashbourne Wednesday Football team. He was described as having a bright
and cheerful disposition ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 21 September 1917).
A requiem mass was held at All Saints' Catholic Church on 28 Sep 1917 ("Ashbourne Telegraph", 6 October 1916).
DoW 13 September 1917, Age 23 years old
Buried: Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium, VII. C. 1.
See: Former Pupils Serving in the Armed Forces in late 1915
His name is inscribed on the memorial inside St. Oswald's Church as well as at the Memorial Park.
HAY, Second Lieutenant James Blackwood
Born 18 Oct 1887
Regiment: York and Lancaster Regiment, 4th Bn.
Son of James and Jane Hay, of Houghton, Carlisle; husband of Catherine Hay, of 23, Brandling Park, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Educated at Carlisle Grammar School, where commemorated (Carlisle Grammar School - WW1 (WMR 4268)), then Normal Dept, Armstrong College, Newcastle, 1906-9 where gained
B. Litt. 1909, M. Litt. 1916.
Classics Master at QEGS from 1913 (Teachers' Registration Council Registers)
Mr. Hay moved to Castletown, IoM in 1916 (from "Ashbourne News Telegraph", 4 August 1916)
York & Lanc. R. - James Blackwood Hay. The undermentioned, from Officer Cadet Units, to be 2nd Lts (London Gazette, 25 September 1917)
Died in hospital at 29 October 1918, aged 31 years.
Buried: Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa, I. D. 5.
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