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Charing Crematorium

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Charing (Kent County) Crematorium, Newcourt Wood, Charing, Ashford,

Kent, was opened on 1 June 1936. During the Second World War 60

servicemen and women were cremated at the Crematorium. They have all

been commemorated by name on the Portland stone panel shown above,

which is set into a recess on the west pavilion of the Crematorium building.

ALLDRED, CECIL JOHN. Lance Bombardier, 940000. 53 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died Sunday 8 December 1940. Aged 22. Born Surrey. Resided Canterbury, Kent. Son of Percival J. Alldred and Millicent Alldred (née Smallpiece). Husband of Marjorie Edith Alldred (née Vooght) of South Woodford, Essex. Cecil was a pre war member of the Royal Artillery. Cecil’s birth was registered in the Chertsey, Surrey, Registration District during the third quarter of 1918. His death was registered in the Colchester, Essex, Registration District during the first quarter of 1941. At the time of his death, Cecil’s home address was 37, Bassett gardens, North Weald, Essex. The names of Cecil’s parents above, is as shown on the CWGC commemoration details for Cecil. It was noted whilst carrying out the research on these casualties, that on some data sources accessed that Cecil’s father is shown as being James Alldred, and that he had married Millicent Smallpiece in the Chertsey, Surrey area in 1916. ALLEN, HAROLD. M.A. Squadron Leader, 79030. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Sunday 16 January 1944. Aged 27. Born 25 July 1916. Son of Charles and Ethel E. Allen. Husband of Joan Allen (née Reeves) of Sandhurst, Kent. Also commemorated on the Sandhurst, Kent civic war memorial, and on a memorial plaque in the parish church of St. Nicholas, Sandhurst, Kent. Harold was educated at the King Edward VI School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, from 1926 to1935, and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire from 1935 to1939, from where he graduated as a Batchelor of Arts with Honours in the Mathematics Tripos (Wrangler 1938), and obtained a Cambridge Certificate in Education in June 1939. Having taken up an appointment as a School Master after leaving Cambridge, Harold left his civilian employment to serve in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in May 1940. Whilst he was stationed at R.A.F. Coltishall, Norwich Norfolk, Harold was tragically killed in a railway accident at Ilford Railway Station, Essex on 16 January 1944. Following an enquirey by Lieutenant-Colonel A.H.L. Mount, and Major G.R.S. Wilson on which was conducted on behalf of the Ministry of War Transport, it was decided that the accident which cost Harold and 8 other people their lives, was resultant of weather conditions (fog) and Driver Error. The accident occurred at 7.20pm when 2.40 Norwich to Liverpool Street express collided at about 20/25 miles per hour with the rear of the 2.38pm Yarmouth train, having passed a succession of signals at danger. In addition to the fatalities, 39 people were injured in the crash.

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ANDERSON, WILLIAM JOHN. Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1174776. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Saturday 12 July 1947. Aged 43. Son of James and Daisy Anderson. Husband of Dorothy Emily Anderson of Whitstable, Kent. William’s death was registered in the Bridge, Kent Registration District during the third quarter of 1947. Probably due to the date of his death, is the reason why William is not commemorated on the Whitstable, Kent civic war memorial. ANDREWS, DENIS ARTHUR. Guardsman, 2627556. 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died Monday 28 January 1946. Aged 19. Born and resided Hastings, Sussex. Son of Herbert Frank Andrews and Carrie Elizabeth Andrews (née Stevens) of Hastings, Sussex. ASHBY, PETER JOSEPH. Sapper, 1930002. Royal Engineers. Died Friday 29 March 1940. Aged 22. Born Oxford, Oxfordshire. Resided Hampshire. Peter’s birth was registered in the Headington, Oxfordshire, Registration District during the first quarter of 1918. His death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District during the first quarter of 1940. BALL, ANTHONY GUY. Leading Aircraftman, 702125. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died Sunday 10 August 1947. Aged 29. Anthony’s death was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1947. BARNES, ROBERT OXLEY. Corporal of Horse, 305253. 2nd Royal Horse Guards (The Blues). Household Cavalry. Died Thursday 15 June 1944. Aged 26. Born and resided Yorkshire. Son of Robert and Sallie Barnes. Husband of Betty Sophia Barnes of Charing Heath, Ashford, Kent. Commemorated on the Flamborough, Yorkshire civic war memorial. Pre war member of the Royal Horse Guards, Household Cavalry. BEST, RONALD FREDERICK. Flight Sergeant (Pilot), 1330319. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died Monday 11 October 1943. Aged 22. Son of Ernest Rowland and Mary Jane Best of Cheriton, Folkestone, Kent. Commemorated on the Folkestone, Kent, civic war memorial, and in the parish church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe, Folkestone, Kent.

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BIDLAKE, VICTOR MARCEL. Sergeant (Pilot), 918823. Royal Air Force. Died Thursday 27 March 1941. Aged 22. Youngest son of the late William Henry Bidlake, M.A., F.R.I.B.A. (1862-1932), and of Gertrude Bidlake of “Vespers,” Wadhurst, Sussex. 22 year old Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) Charles Henry Denis Frost of Maidstone, Kent, also died whilst serving with Victor, and he too is commemorated at Charing Crematorium. Victor’s death was registered in the Banbury, Oxfordshire, Registration District during the second quarter of 1941. Victor’s late father was an Architect who had practised in Birmingham, and in addition to being arguably best remembered for designing churches, he had also designed war memorials. BOUTWOOD, The Rev. FREDERICK SADLER. Chaplain 4th Class, 135547. Royal Army Chaplains' Department. Died Thursday 10 July 1941. Aged 33. Born and resided Hastings, Sussex. Son of Robert Frederick Boutwood and Alice Maude Boutwood (née Sadler) of Hastings, Sussex. Frederick resided at Priory Mount, Holmesdale Gardens, Hastings, Sussex. He died at the Victoria Hospital, Friary Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Although purely speculation on the part of the transcriber of these brief commemorations, but as Frederick died at Lichfield, Staffordshire, it would seem likely that he was attached to one of the two county of Staffordshire infantry regiments at the time of his demise. Frederick was a member of The Guild of All Souls, which is an Anglican devotional society dedicated to prayer for faithful departed Christians. His father was a well known Auctioneer and Estate Agent in the Hastings, Sussex area. BOWLES, CLARE RICHARD. Lieutenant, 148572. 1/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Died Friday 17 April 1942. Aged 22. Born Buckinghamshire. Resided Harrow, Middlesex. Son of Clare T. Bowles and Florence E. Bowles (née Baker) of Harrow, Middlesex. Clare’s birth was registered in the Amersham, Buckinghamshire, Registration District during the third quarter of 1919, and his death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District during the second quarter of 1942. BROMLEY, KENNETH ROBERT. Aircraftman 1st Class, 1483607. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Wednesday 15 July 1942. Aged 20. Son of Charles Robert Bromley and Lina Lorreta Bromley (née Sidwell) of Birstall, Leicestershire. Kenneth’s birth was registered in the Maidstone, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1919, and his death was registered in the Canterbury, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1942.

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BROOKE, CECIL HENRY MARTIN. Captain, 58407. 11th (Home Defence) Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Died Saturday 1 March 1941. Aged 41. Born and resided Folkestone, Kent. Son of Henry and May Brooke of Bishopsbourne, Canterbury, Kent. At the time of the 1901 census, the Brooke family resided at 106, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent. Head of the house was 30 year old Folkestone, Kent native Henry Brooke, who was an Own Account Wine Merchant. At the time of his death, Cecil resided at Flat 4, 1 Priory Gardens, Folkestone, Kent. Cecil had served as a Lieutenant in The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) during the Great War. He died at Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent, and his death was registered in the Dover, Kent, Registration District during the first quarter of 1941. BROWNE, GORDON DENNE. Lieutenant. Royal Navy, H.M. Submarine Spearfish. Died Wednesday 13 March 1940. Aged 22. Son of Owen Henry Gill Browne and Freda Isabel Browne (née Jones) of Rochester, Kent. Gordon’s birth was registered in the Medway, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1917. At the time of his death, Gordon’s home address was “The Gleanings,” St. Margarets Street, Rochester, Kent. Gordon lost his life as the result of a motor accident whilst on war service. His death was registered in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, Registration District during the second quarter of 1940. Gordon’s father; Owen Henry Gill Browne was a Company Director. BROWNE, HARIVAL WENTWORTH. Major, 101876. 3 Field Bakery, Royal Army Service Corps. Died Wednesday 5 February 1947. Aged 50. Born Rotherham, Yorkshire. Son of George Harival Shaw Browne and Catherine Browne. Harival’s death was registered in the Thanet, Kent Registration District during the first quarter of 1947. BRYANT, GRAHAME JOHN DEVENEY. Flight Lieutenant (Navigator), 103501. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 210 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Thursday 16 November 1944. Aged 25. Son of George John Thomas Bryant and of Winifred Victoria Bryant (née Deveney). Husband of Yvonne Joyce Bryant (née Harris) of Rochester, Kent. Grahame and his parents arrived at Tilbury, Essex on 28 April 1923, onboard the 10,986 ton Peninsula and Orient Steam Navigation Company Ltd vessel Malwa. The Malwa had travelled from Bombay, India, calling at Gibraltar and Plymouth en-route, and the Bryant family had boarded the ship at Gibraltar. At the time of travelling on the Malwa, Grahame and his parents’ final destination had been 54, Nelson Road, Gillingham, Kent.

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BUCHANAN, NEIL ALEXANDER (Buckie). Flight Lieutenant (Pilot), 78719. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Wednesday 9 September 1942. Aged 28. Eldest son of Neil Buchanan and Ivy Grace Buchanan. Husband of Dorothy Miles Buchanan (née Reynolds) of Pyrford, Woking, Surrey. Also commemorated on the R.A.F. Bradwell Bay Memorial, Essex, as shown on the photograph above, which was very kindly provided for inclusion here by Sean Doughty of Waterford, County Waterford, Ireland. BUSH, ALFRED EDWARD. Serjeant. 8th Kent (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Home Guard. Died Thursday 14 September 1944. Aged 57. Born Bethnal Green, London. Son of Alfred and Martha Ann Bush. Husband of Louise Maud Bush of Folkestone, Kent. At the time of the 1901 census, the Bush family resided at 43, Benbow Road, Hammersmith, London. Head of the house was 43 year old St. Melton, Norfolk, native Alfred Bush (senior), who was a Missionary with the London City Mission. At the time of his death, Alfred (junior) was employed by H.M. Inspector of Taxes. His death was registered in the Folkestone, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1944. CLEEVE, ANTHONY THOMAS RUSSELL. Flying Officer (Pilot U/T), 160943. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Thursday 1 March 1945. Aged 22. Son of Cecil Cleeve and Inez Cleeve (née Russell) of Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Also commemorated on the Great Chart, Ashford, Kent civic war memorial. Anthony was a Pilot Under Training at the time of his death. His death was registered in the Northumberland North First, Registration District, Northumberland during the first quarter of 1945. Anthony’s father who died on 19 February 1955 served as Captain in the Warwickshire Yeomanry during the Great War, and was a son of the late Sir Thomas Henry Cleeve J.P., D.L. of Sunville House, Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland. COCKS, OSWALD CHARLES. Sapper, 2093984. Royal Engineers. Died Saturday 25 October 1947. Aged 36. Son of Frederick Charles and Margaret Bluebell Cocks. Husband of Nina May Joan Cocks (née Farmer) of Eastleigh, Hampshire. Oswald’s birth was registered in the Elham, Kent, Registration District during the second quarter of 1911. Oswald’s marriage to Nina May Joan Farmer was registered in the Lewisham, London, Registration District during the first quarter of 1940. His death was registered in the Maidstone, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1947.

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COPELAND, JAMES EDWIN. Serjeant, S/57558. Royal Army Service Corps. Died Friday 20 June 1947. Aged 26. Born Surrey. Resided Kent. Son of James Harold and Lillian Maud Copeland (née Clayton). Husband of Violet Emma Copeland (née Penney) of Chatham, Kent. James’s birth was registered in the Farnham, Surrey, Registration District during the third quarter of 1920. His marriage to Violet Emma Penney was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the second quarter of 1947. His death was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1942. COULTHARD, STEVEN JEFFERSON. Cadet. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Britannia. Died Friday 3 May 1946. At the time of his death, Steven was training to an officer in the Royal Navy, at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Devon. His death was registered in the Tonbridge, Kent, Registration District during the last quarter of 1946. DART, KENNETH CHARLES DAYMOND. D.F.C. Squadron Leader (Pilot), 42397. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 703 Naval Air Squadron. Died Thursday 21 March 1946. Aged 24. Born Hampstead, London. Son of Charles Daymond Dart and Nellie Kathleen Dart (née Wright) of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Husband of Meryl Rosemary Dart (née Maldwyn-Jones) of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Also commemorated on the Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent civic war memorial. Kenneth was the sole occupant of Mosquito (No. TW235), of 703 Naval Air Squadron when it crashed at Rusthall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, after losing control of the aircraft during low level aerobatics, and the Mosquito dived into the ground. 703 Naval Air Squadron, to which Kenneth was attached, was initially formed on 3 June 1942 as a long range catapult squadron operating the American built Vought Kingfisher float plane. The squadron's shore base was Lee-on-Solent with flights deployed on various armed merchant cruisers to carryout convoy patrol work. In addition the squadron operated 3 Walrus amphibians from a shore base in South Africa. The Squadron disbanded on 1 May 1944. It reformed again in April 1945 at Thorney Island as a trials squadron, called the Air Sea Warfare Development Unit. In this role it operated an extensive variety of aircraft including the Avenger, Barracuda, Firefly and Sea Mosquito. The following is the citation appertaining to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Kenneth whilst serving in 204 Squadron, Royal Air Force which was published in the London Gazette on 4 November, 1941. “Flying Officer Dart, as captain of an aircraft, carried .out an important reconnaissance from which he brought back valuable information. On the return journey his aircraft was

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attacked by four enemy fighters which carried out concerted attacks for 10 minutes. The first burst of fire from the leading enemy aircraft put the aircraft's rear turret out of action besides causing other damage and wounding three of its crew. Flying Officer Dart, by skilful maneuvering, saved his aircraft from further damage and enabled his remaining guns to damage one of the fighters which then disappeared. Flying Officer Dart's aircraft was then joined by another aircraft and, between them, they shot down an enemy fighter into the sea. Flying Officer Dart has continuously displayed exemplary courage, coolness and skill in action.” DEFRATES, ARTHUR LEONARD. Commander. Royal Naval Reserve. Died Friday 7 October 1947. Aged 49. Born Barking, Essex 31 January 1898. Son of Henry Francis and Emily Adelaide Defrates (née Pitt). Husband of Lodovica ‘Louise’ Aldegonda Defrates (née De Haan) of 18, Parrock Avenue, Gravesend, Kent. Commemorated in the Gravesham Borough Council, Book of Rememberance. Arthur was apprenticed to thee General Steam Navigation Company just before the commencement of the Great War. When the war broke out in 1914 his ship was taken over by the Royal Navy and, in consequence of same he was commissioned as Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve. Following the cessation of hostilities, Arthur returned to the General Steam Navigation Company, initially serving as a Second Mate and later as First Mate aboard a number of the companies’ ships. Subsequently he obtained his Master's Certificate and was called to Trinity House as a Thames River Pilot working between Gravesend and London Bridge. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Arthur was recalled to serve in the Royal Naval Reserve. He carried out a variety of duties within the United Kingdom, and eventually having been promoted to the rank of Commander, Arthur was put in charge of shipping convoys leaving the American eastern seaboard. Arthur was demobilised in 1946 and returned to the Trinity House Piloting Service. Unfortunately while he was serving in America, Arthur contacted Tuberculosis, from which he died whilst receiving treatment for his illness at the Royal North Hospital, Holloway, London. DREW, ANTHONY CLAYTON. Flight Sergeant (Pilot), 1324352. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 56 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Saturday 29 July 1944. Aged 20. Son of Frank and Gladys Drew of Hastings, Sussex. Anthony’s death was registered in the Folkestone, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1944. In 1944 56 Squadron, Royal Air Force moved to R.A.F. Newchurch, Romney Marsh, Kent, and was re equipped with the new Hawker Tempest V, becoming part of the No.150 Wing under the command of ‘ace’ Wing Commander, Roland Prosper Beamont C.B.E., D.S.O. & Bar, D.F.C. & Bar. Whilst based at R.A.F. Newchurch, 56 Squadron's role was to defend south east England against the German V1 flying bombs, and the squadron was credited with shooting down approximately 75 V1’s.

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DYKE, ALEXANDER MACGREGOR. Aircraftman 2nd Class, 542952. Royal Air Force. Died Monday 31 July 1944. Aged 29. Son of George Macgregor Dyke and Alice Mary Dyke (née McDonnell) of Tankerton, Whitstable, Kent. Alexander’s birth was registered in the Wandsworth, London, Registration District during the second quarter of 1915. His death was registered in the Bridge, Canterbury, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1944. EDWARDS, FRANK ERNEST. Trooper, 14516953. 1st Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps. Died Friday 14 December 1944. Aged 31. Born and resided Kent. Son of Ernest George and Alice Edwards. Husband of Phyllis Viola Edwards of Strood, Rochester, Kent. Frank’s death was registered in the Uckfield, Sussex, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1944. At the time of Frank’s death, the 1st Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps was serving in the United Kingdom as Divisional Troops with the 55th (West Lancashire) Division. Having previously served in the 9th Armoured Division, Frank’s regiment joined as the divisional reconnaissance regiment on 2 August 1944, and remained in that role until it left the division on 15 June 1945, to transfer to the 35th Armoured Brigade. FROST, CHARLES HENRY DENNIS. Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner), 910014. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Thursday 27 March 1941. Aged 22. Son of William Henry Frost and Dorothy Beaumont Frost (née Hampshire) of Maidstone, Kent. Charles was killed with Sergeant (Pilot), Victor Marcel Bidlake who is also commemorated at Charing Crematorium. Charles’s death, like that of Victor’s was registered in the Banbury, Oxfordshire, Registration District during the second quarter of 1941. GILLIES, THOMAS STEVENSON. Captain, 152394. Royal Engineers. Died Thursday 29 December 1946. Aged 47. Son of David and Margaret Gillies. Husband of Ivy Frances Gillies (née Fisher) of Gillingham, Kent. Thomas’s death was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1964. In view of Thomas’s age when he died, it would be possible that he was a veteran of the Great War, and as such mention should be made of the fact, that during the research process to briefly commemorated those who are commemorated at Charing Crematorium, that there is a medal index card entry for a Sapper, 283983, Thomas S. Gillies, Royal Engineers who later served Sapper, WR/274211, Royal Engineers.

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GILLINGHAM, NANCY ULRIKA. Section Officer, 7734. Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Died Thursday 17 August 1944. Born Epping, Essex. Only daughter of the late Algot Herbert Josefsson and of Hilda A. Josefsson (née Gillingham) of South Kensington, London. Also commemorated on the Sevenoaks, Kent civic war memorial. Nancy’s true surname was Josefsson, but she enlisted and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force using the surname alias Gillingham, it being her mothers’ maiden name. The reason why Nancy was commemorated on the Sevenoaks, Kent civic war memorial is that the Josefsson family had formerly resided at “Windover,” Burntwood Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. Nancy’s late father Herbert Josefsson was a native of Sweden, he married Hilda A. Gillingham in Essex in June 1911. He was a resident of Woodford, Essex when he received his British Certificate of Nationality and Naturalization, when it was issued to him on 28 July 1930. Algot died at Sevenoaks, Kent in 1940. GLAISHER, ANTHONY JAMES DOUGLAS. Leading Aircraftman, 902571. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 961 Balloon Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Friday 5 December 1941. Aged 22. Born Greenwich, London. Son of James Glaisher and of Violet May Glaisher (née Parker) of Lee, London. Anthony’s birth was registered in the Greenwich, London, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1919. His death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1941. GOULBORN, RODNEY RYLE. Lance Corporal, 6403496. 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died Saturday 21 March 1942. Aged 22. Born Middlesex. Resided Sussex. Son of Joseph Henry Alexander Goulbom and Florence Eliza Goulbom (née Timpson) of Eastbourne, Sussex. Rodney’s birth was registered in the Hendon, Middlesex, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1919. His death was registered in the Bridge, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1942. GRANT, BRUCE ALBERT. Corporal, 572649. 500 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Saturday 1 November 1947. Aged 26. Son of Keith Ethelbert Grant and Ivy Kathleen Louise Grant. Husband of Winifred Hilda Grant (née Marshall) of Dartford, Kent. Bruce married Winifred Hilda Marshall in the Dartford, Kent, Registration District during the first quarter of 1946. Bruce’s death was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1947.

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GREENWOOD, JOSEPH THOMAS. Corporal, 1274826. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Wednesday 7 November 1945. Husband of D. E. Greenwood of Ashford, Kent. Also commemorated on the Ashford, Kent civic war memorial. Joseph’s death was registered in the Ashford, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1945.

GRICE, DENIS NEVE. Flying Officer (Pilot), 70266. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force). Died Thursday 8 August 1940. Aged 28. Son of Neve J. Grice and Ethel Agnes Grice of Ealing, Middlesex. Husband of Margaret Grice. Denis is also commemorated on two memorials in Thanet, Kent, which are in rememberance of him and his crew. One is located at the entrance to the Old Ramsgate Hospital, and the other is in the Royal Air Force Memorial Garden at the Spitfire Museum, Manston, Ramsgate, Kent. In January 1939 600 Squadron was re-equipped with Blenheim aircraft, and on the outbreak of the Second World War both day and night patrols were flown by the squadron, with experiments with airborne radar beginning in December 1939. On the same day that the Germans invaded France and the Low Countries, on Friday 10 May 1940, the squadron dispatched six of its aircraft to attack the former Dutch military airfield Waalhaven near Rotterdam. The raid could best be described as ‘costly’, as five of the six aircraft were shot down by German Messerschmitt Bf 110's, and seven aircrew were killed, including the 31 year old Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader James "Jimmy" Michael Wells the son of Sir Sydney Richard Wells, Bt., D.L., M.P., and Mary Dorothy Wells, of Felmersham, Bedfordshire. As a result of operations like this, it soon became obvious that the Blenheim was not a suitable aircraft for daylight operations in a fighter role, and Denis’s squadron was allocated to a night defence role only a

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few days later. Despite the fact that all of the shortcomings of the Blenheim as a day fighter were fully appreciated by August 1940, but in view of the prevailing situation which faced the Royal Air Force at the time of Denis’s death, it came as no real surprise to learn something about what happened to him during the ‘Battle of Britain,’ at which time it was not just the pilots of the Hurricanes and Spitfires who countered the might of the Luftwaffe. At 1155hours on Thursday 8 August 1940, Denis was the pilot of Blenheim (No. L8665) which was shot down in flames over Ramsgate, Isle of Thanet, Kent, by 22 year old Oberleutnant Gustav “Micky” Sprick of III Gruppe of 8./JG 26. Dennis without a doubt saved many lives in the town of Ramsgate after his Blenheim was hit, by wrestling with the controls of his stricken burning aircraft he managed to fly it clear of the town, and crashing into the stricken aircraft into sea. After their bodies were recovered from the sea, Sergeant (Air Gunner), Francis Keast was laid to rest in his home town of Whitstable, Kent, where he is commemorated on the civic war memorial. In view of where he is at rest, it would appear that the body of the other crew member of the Blenheim was not recovered with Francis and Dennis, as 19 year old Aircraftman 1st Class, John B. W. Warren of Chelmsford, Essex, is buried at Calais Southern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. In September 1940 the month after Denis’s death, the first of his squadron’s Beaufighter’s was received, with conversion being completed early in 1941. The day that Denis and his comrades lost their lives was significant for two specific reasons appertaining to their deaths, as Thursday 8 August 1940 was the first day of the second phase of the Battle of Britain. Seven squadrons from 11 Group and two from 10 Group were engaged in fierce combat that would prove costly to the Royal Air Force, and has been often referred to by many commentators as being the first day of the real ‘Battle of Britain.’ There had been a notable lull for the last few weeks prior to the day that Francis lost his life, which was primarily as the direct result of the lack of British shipping in the English Channel. But on the day that Denis died, a huge British shipping convoy of about 25 merchant ships with armed Royal Navy escort was passing through the Dover Straits, and heading in westerly direction towards the Atlantic Ocean. This was to be the first time for two weeks that a merchant convoy was going to attempt passage through the English Channel. The convoy had assembled at Southend, Essex, on the evening of 7 August, ready to pass through the Dover Straits during the hours of darkness en-route for Swanage, Dorset. Unfortunately the German radar Freya had soon picked them up, and it was a gift that was not to be missed by the enemy. German torpedo boats attacked first in the half light of dawn, then out went the order to the 8th Flying Corps based at Abbeville, to send out all available Ju87 Stuka dive-bombers, in addition to which the fighters based at the Luftwaffe 27 Group at Carquebut and Crepon in Normandy, France, plus all other available aircraft were detailed to set course for the British convoy CW9 which was codenamed "Peewit" by the R.A.F. In all, some 300 Stuka Ju87's and 150 Messerschmitt Bf109s took to the air with orders to attack the convoy during the early morning. Thursday 8 August 1940 was also of significance for the German pilot who shot down Blenheim (L8665) that day, as Oberleutnant Gustav “Micky” Sprick was appointed Staffelkapitän of III Gruppe of 8./JG 26 the same day. Having scored

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his first victory on 10 May 1940, when he shot down a Dutch Fokker T-5 twin-engined bomber over Breda, Holland, he accrued nine victories by the fall of France. However, on 14 June 1940 he was shot down, near Evreux, by R.A.F. Hurricane fighters after claiming one of their number. He force-landed but survived the incident uninjured after being rescued by German troops. Gustav Sprick was awarded the Ritterkreuz (Knights Cross) on 1 October 1940 after achieving victory number 20 on 28 September 1940. By the end of 1940 he had recorded 24 victories, achieved victory number 30 on 22 June 1941. On 28 June 1941 whilst in aerial combat with R.A.F. Spitfires he performed a split-S manoeuvre whereby the right wing of his Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-2 (W.Nr. 5743) promptly collapsed, and he plummeted to his death near Holque, which is a village and commune in the Nord département of northern France. Prior to his death, Gustav Sprick was credited with a total of 31 victories having flown 192 combat missions. HAWKES, ERNEST THOMAS. Captain, 147299. Royal Engineers. Died Sunday 7 December 1947. Aged 61. Born Chatham, Kent. Son of Alfred and Emily Jane Hawkes. Husband of Elsie Ellen Hawkes (née Goodban). At the time of the 1901 census, the Hawkes family resided at 2, Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, Kent. Head of the house was 39 year old Rochester, Kent native Alfred Hawkes, who was employed as a Carpenter at H.M. Gun Wharf, Chatham, Kent. Ernest married Elsie Ellen Goodban in Dover in 1909. It would seem likely that Ernest had served as a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers during the Great War, and that he had been Mentioned in Despatches in 1917. His death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District in the fourth quarter of 1947. HOARE, HAROLD FRANK. Corporal, 32810. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Friday 9 June 1944. Aged 46. Son of George and Agnes Hoare. Husband of Betty Mabel Hoare (née Jewess) of Chatham, Kent. Harold is possibly the 2 year old boy who was recorded by the census enumerator on the 1901 census as “Frankie.” At the time of the census, the Hoare family resided at Upper Froyle, Alton, Hampshire, which is also where “Frankie” was born. Head of the house was 48 year old North Warnborough, Hampshire native George Hoare, who was employed as a Cowman on a Farm. Harold’s marriage to Betty Mabel Jewess was registered in the Medway, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1929. His death was registered in the Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Registration District in the third quarter of 1944.

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HOLLAND, JOHN EDWARD. Captain, 89420. 6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Died Saturday 8 November 1941. Aged 27. Born and resided Cheshire. Son of Robert P. Holland and Flora D. Holland of Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire. Pre war member of the Cheshire Regiment. John’s death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District in the fourth quarter of 1941. JOHNSTON, JOHN ALEXANDER HOPE. Pilot Officer, 62025. 500 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Friday 18 April 1941. Aged 27. Son of Mrs. Kathleen Winsome Johnston of Aberdeen, Scotland. Husband of Shirley Jean Johnston of 42, Gresham Gardens, Golders Green, London, NW11. Shortly before the commencement of the Second World War, John’s squadron was mobilised, and began flying patrols over the English Channel and the North Sea serving in Coastal Command, Royal Air Force. In April 1941 conversion to Bristol Blenheims took place, and these were used for reconnaissance patrols and bombing raids on enemy coastal targets. John was amongst the four man crew of Bristol Blenheim Z6050 MK-? which was being flown by 26 year old Pilot Officer (Pilot), Joseph D. Ready of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Canada, when it took off from R.A.F. Detling, Kent on Friday 18 April 1941, engaged on a training flight. An engine on the Blenheim cut on take-off, stalled and rolled, and the aircraft crashed on the A249 Maidstone to Sittingbourne Road, then caught fire. All four crew on the Blenheim lost their lives, and their deaths were registered in the Maidstone, Kent, Registration District during the second quarter of 1941. KELLY, HENRY RELF. Chief Petty Officer, C/JX 129606. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Pembroke. Died Tuesday 22 April 1947. Aged 35. Son of Henry Amery Kelly and Kate Monica Kelly (née Relf). Husband of Norah Kelly (née Hughes) of Maidstone, Kent. Henry’s birth was registered in the Lewisham, London, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1911. He was serving at the Chatham, Kent, Royal Navy shore establishment H.M.S. Pembroke at the time of his death, which was due to a road traffic accident. His death was registered in the Greenwich, Greater London, Registration District during the second quarter of 1947. LANE, PATRICIA ELIZABETH. Aircraftwoman 1st Class, 2004740. Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Died Sunday 25 April 1943. Aged 20. Patricia’s death was registered in the Liverpool South, Lancashire, Registration District in the second quarter of 1943.

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LINNELL, Sir FRANCIS JOHN. K.B.E., C.B. Air Marshal. Royal Air Force. Died (Road Accident) Wednesday 3 November 1943. Aged 52. Born Margate, Isle of Thanet, Kent 16 March 1892. Son of William Henry and Kate Linnell. Husband of Lady Margaret Christabel Linnell (née Carpenter) of St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. Francis obtained his Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificate at the Grahame-White Flying School, Hendon, Middlesex on 19 June 1915, flying a Grahame-White Biplane. When he obtained his certificate, Francis was serving as Flight Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal naval Air Service, and his address for correspondence had been at 69, Barrowgate Road, Chiswick, London W. At the time of his marriage to Miss Margaret Christabel Carpenter on 26 May 1917, at the parish church of Christ Church, Turnham Green, Middlesex, Francis resided at 9, Cliftonville Avenue, Margate, Isle of Thanet, Kent, and he was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service. Sir Francis served as the Deputy Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Royal Air Force Mediterranean and Middle East from May 1943. He was thrice Mentioned in Despatches, twice during the Great War, and once during the Second World War. The recommendation for the appointment of then Flight Lieutenant Francis John Linnell, to be awarded the O.B.E. was dated 23 May 1923, and states “This officer has done exceptionally good work in connection with Signals. His liaison with the Navy and the Army has been excellent.” In addition to his British decorations, Sir Francis was also invested as a Commander of the Legion of Merit (U.S.A.). MacDONALD, DONALD. Pilot. Lighthouse and Pilotage Authorities. Trinity House Service. S.S. Stokesley. Died Monday 24 April1940. Aged 41. Son of John and Christina Howat MacDonald (née Anderson). Husband of Bessie A.L. MacDonald of Glasgow, Scotland, formerly of Park Avenue, Dover, Kent. The 1,149 ton S.S. Stokesley was built for W. A. Souter & Co. Ltd., of Newcastle by Verschure & Company, in Amsterdam, Holland, and she was launched in April 1922 as the S.S. Wynding. In 1937 the vessel was sold to Frances Duncan Steamship Co. Ltd., Cardiff, (J. T. Duncan & Co. Ltd., Managers), and renamed the S.S. Stokesley. She was still owned by Frances Duncan Steamships when she was lost after hitting a mine and sunk in Thames Estuary near the Nore Light, about 11 miles north-north-west of Margate, Kent, on Monday 24 April1940. At the time that she was sunk the ship was on passage from Antwerp, Belgium to London, laden with a cargo 1,600 tons of sulphate of ammonia. Fourteen of the crew of S.S. Stokesley were also lost in addition to Donald, and four survivors were rescued by H.M. Drifter “Plummer”. Although Donald and his family resided at Park Avenue, Dover, Kent at the time of his death, regrettably he is not commemorated on the Dover, Kent civic war memorial, nor is Donald’s sacrifice in the service of his country recorded in the Dover, Kent, Second World War Book of Rememberance.

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MALLALIEU, PETER. Flying Officer (Pilot), 41442. Royal Air Force. Died Friday 8 November 1940. Aged 19. Son of Oliver and Agnes Mary Mallalieu (née Whitehead) of Rhos-on-Sea, Denbighshire, Wales. Peter’s birth was registered in the Ashton, Lancashire, Registration District during the first quarter of 1921. His death was registered in the Malling, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1940. MEAUTYS, THOMAS GILLIAT. Captain, 67769. B.A. (Cantab.). 14th/20th King's Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps. Died Sunday 21 September 1947. Aged 32. Born London. Resided Sussex. Son of the late Lieutenant Thomas Gilliat Meautys and of Norah Nell Meautys (née Hotblack) of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Thomas (senior) was killed in action during the ‘Battle of the Aisne’ on 22 September 1914, aged 25, whilst serving as a Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment). He is buried at Vendresse British Cemetery, Aisne, France. Grave Ref: Plot III. Row J. Grave 10. Thomas (senior) is commemorated on the Clayton, Sussex civic war memorial, and on the Burgess Hill, Sussex civic war memorial. The birth of Thomas (junior) was registered in St. George, Hanover Square, London, Registration District during the second quarter of 1915. Tragically, Thomas (junior) died just one day short of the anniversary of his fathers’ death in action 33 years previously, his death was registered in the Battle, Sussex, Registration District during the third quarter of 1947. MORGAN, BRYANY HAWLEY. Corporal, W/221794. Auxiliary Territorial Service. Died Tuesday 28 August 1945. Aged 23. Born and resided Kent. Also commemorated on the Whitstable, Kent civic war memorial, and on a Second World War memorial plaque, which is located in the parish church of All Saints, Whitstable, Kent. Bryany’s birth was registered in the Blean, Kent, Registration District in the first quarter of 1922, and her mothers’ maiden name was Salmon. MORIARTY, WILLIAM LEWIS. Captain, 200694. Royal Artillery. Attached to the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Died Sunday 2 December 1945. Aged 39. Born South Africa. Resided Merton Park, Surrey. Son of Theodore William Carte Moriarty and Georgina Kate Moriarty. Husband of Hilda Agnes Moriarty (née Allen) of Merton Park, Surrey. William had been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in The Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment, on 9 August 1941. William’s death was registered in the

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Folkestone, Kent, Registration District during the last quarter of 1945. Although in need of more detailed and in-depth research, but William’s father might have been the same Theodore William Carte Moriarty (1873-1923), who is arguably best remembered as being the founder of the mysterious “Order of Melchizedek.” PRYOR, PETER FRANCIS. Lieutenant (A). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Daedalus, 816 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. Died Monday 7 August 1944. Aged 28. Born Surrey. Son of Walter Reginald Pryor and Marion Pryor (née Francis) of Yattendon, Thatcham, Berkshire. Peter’s birth was registered in the Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, Registration District during the first quarter of 1916. Peter died of injuries, and his death was registered in the Maidstone, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1944. He had been in temporary commanded of 816 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm from April 1943 to July 1943, and had led the squadron in attacks against German E-boats in the English Channel during May 1943. In April 1944, Peter’s squadron was re-equipped with 12 Swordfish and attached to 19 Group Royal Air Force Coastal Command at Perranporth, Cornwall and at St. Merryn, for duties in the English Channel leading up to D-Day activities at Normandy. 816 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm was finally disbanding at Perranporth in August 1944.

RADBONE, JAMES WHALEY. Flight Lieutenant, 70558. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died Sunday 4 August 1940. Aged 30. Born Schenectady, New York, U.S.A. 29 July 1910. Son of Victor James Radbone of “Ravenswyck,” Esher, Surrey. Husband of Evelyn Betty Radbone (née Jupe) of 5, Longdown Lane, Ewell, Surrey. James arrived at Liverpool, Lancashire with his mother, Katherine Small Radbone on 7 May 1918, onboard the 24,563 ton White Star Line liner “Adriatic,” which had sailed from New York, U.S.A. At the time of travelling on the “Adriatic,” James and his mother were making their way to 172, Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire. James obtained his Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificate at the London Aeroplane Club on 3 May 1929, flying a De Havilland “Moth.” At the time of obtaining his certificate, James resided at 268, St. James Court, Buckingham Gate, London. SW1. He was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 1 January 1938. James’s death was registered in

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the Medway, Kent Registration District during the third quarter of 1940. James’s father; Victor James Radbone enlisted in the British army at New York, U.S.A. on 27 February 1918, and arrived at Glasgow on 4 April 1918. He initially served as Private, 12896, in “D” Company, Inns of Court, Officers Training Corps, prior to being granted a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 8 April 1919. Following his class “Z” discharge to the Army Reserve, Victor returned to work at his previous occupation as an Electrical Engineer with the General Electric Company at Schenectady, New York, U.S.A. RANDALL, HENRY GEORGE. Lance Bombardier, 11254752. 301 Light Anti Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery. Died Saturday 26 August 1945. Aged 44. Born New Brompton, Kent December 1900. Son of Henry James Randall and Lilian Sarah Randall. Husband of Lilian Gertrude Randall (née Pascall). At the time of the 1901 census, Henry resided with his mother Lilian Sarah Randall at 19, Gorst Street, Gillingham, Kent. Henry’s marriage to Lilian Gertrude Pascall was registered in the Portsmouth, Hampshire, Registration District during the second quarter of 1926. His death was registered in the Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Registration District during the third quarter of 1945. RAYFIELD, ARTHUR. Lance Corporal, 2033441. Royal Engineers. Died Tuesday 18 March 1947. Husband of Maud S. Rayfield of Chatham, Kent. Arthur’s death was registered in the Chatham, Kent. Registration District during the first quarter of 1947. REED, FREDERICK WILLIAM. Sergeant (Flight Engineer) 1181898. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Died Thursday 8 June 1944. Aged 24. Son of Frederick and Ada Annie Reed (née Phillips) of Benenden, Kent. Also commemorated on the Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent civic war memorial. Frederick’s birth was registered in the Blean, Kent, Registration District during the second quarter of 1920, and his death was registered in the Howden, Yorkshire East Riding, during the second quarter of 1944. RICHARDS, EDGAR ELGAR. M.V.O. Commissioned Gunner. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Pembroke. Died Thursday 19 October 1944. Aged 39. Son of Herbert and Lena Richards. Husband of Winifred May Richards (née Trood) of Gillingham, Kent. Edgar’s birth was registered in the Romford, Essex, Registration District during the second quarter of 1905. Edgar died of an illness, as opposed to the result of enemy action, his death was registered in the Dartford, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1944.

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RINGE, LEONARD ALFRED. Company Quartermaster Serjeant, 6285415. The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). Died Wednesday 5 January 1944. Aged 31. Son of Albert and Olive Louise Ringe (née Nicholls). Husband of Marjory Joan Ringe (née Duvall) of Tonbridge, Kent. Leonard’s army number is indicative of him having enlisted in The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), prior to the commencement of the Second World War. Leonard’s birth was registered in the St. Marylebone, London, Registration District during the third quarter of 1912. His death was registered in the Tonbridge, Kent, Registration District during the first quarter of 1944. ROGERS, BENJAMIN JOHN. Chief Petty Officer, P/238940. Royal Navy. Died Friday 31 October 1947. Aged 55. Born Battle, Sussex 29 December 1891. Son of William and Elizabeth Rogers (née Kendall) of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Husband of Dorothy Rogers (née Good) of Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Commemorated on the Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex civic war memorial. At the time of the 1901 census, the Rogers family resided at 9, Wilton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Head of the house was 49 year old Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex native William Rogers, who was a Royal Navy Pensioner. Benjamin, who had served in the Royal Navy during both world wars, died of natural causes as opposed to the result of enemy action, and his death was registered in the Battle, Sussex, Registration District during the third quarter of 1947. SAMSON, EDWIN JAMES. Sub-Lieutenant (A). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Daedalus, 783 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. Died Thursday 28 March 1946. Aged 24. Born Medway, Kent. Son of Walter James Samson and Louise Emily Samson (née Rayfield) of Gillingham, Kent. Edwin lost his life in an air crash. TWEEDY, BENJAMIN CHARLES ARTHUR. Commander. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Yeoman. Died Wednesday 20 August 1947. Aged 50. Born Northallerton, Yorkshire 3 March 1897. Son of Charles and Annie E. Tweedy. At the time of the 1901 census, the Tweedy family resided at Market Place, Northallerton, Yorkshire. Head of the house was 43 year old Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, native Charles Tweedy, who was a Surgeon. Benjamin died of an illness, as opposed to the result of any enemy action, his death was registered in the Chatham, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1947.

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UNDERHILL, WILLIAM JOHN RUSSELL. Warrant Officer Class II (M.Q.M.S.), T/65522. Royal Army Service Corps. Died Wednesday 5 August 1942. Aged 38. Born Plymouth, Devon. Resided Kent. Husband of Dorothy M. Underhill (née Hellyer). William’s birth was registered in the Plymouth, Devon, Registration District during the first quarter of 1905. His marriage to Dorothy M. Hellyer was registered in the Plymouth, Devon, Registration District during the first quarter of 1926. William’s death was registered in the Tonbridge, Kent, Registration District during the third quarter of 1942. VOY, ERIC ALASTAIR. Sergeant (Pilot), 1258671. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 217 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died Tuesday 6 January 1942. Aged 30. Husband of Lorna Eirene Voy (née Matkin) of Sudbury, Suffolk. Eric’s birth was registered in the Woodbridge, Suffolk, Registration District during the first quarter of 1912. His marriage to Lorna Eirene Matkin was registered in the Barnett, Middlesex, Registration District during the second quarter of 1940. Eric’s death was registered in the Thanet, Kent, Registration District during the first quarter of 1942. Eric was the pilot of Bristol Beaufort (No. AW283) which took off from R.A.F. Manston, Isle of Thanet, Kent at 2020 hours on 5 January 1942. The Beaufort took off down wind (wrong direction), and crashed through the aerodrome boundary into a ploughed field and caught fire. Both the subsequent Court of Inquiry, and the Air Officer Commanding could not explain the apparent failure of Eric to confirm that he had lined up in the correct direction for take off. Pilot Officer A. H. Gambling who was the aircrafts Wireless Operator/Air Gunner was only slightly injured during the crash. Eric succumbed to his injuries the day after the crash. Eric’s widow Lorna, who was born at St. Pancras, London on 2 January 1918, married Cretingham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, native Harry James Turner at Barton Mills, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk in 1946, and she died at Sudbury, Suffolk on 19 March 2007 aged 89. WARD, DEREK JOHN. Private, 14104180. General Service Corps. Died Tuesday 18 December 1945. Aged 19. Born Middlesex. Resided Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Son of John and Hilda Minnie Ward (née Fenner) of Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Derek’s birth was registered in the Hendon, Middlesex, Registration District during the third quarter of 1926. His death was registered in the Maidstone, Kent, Registration District during the fourth quarter of 1945. Derek’s mother; Hilda Minnie Ward who was born in 1896, was a native of Chatham, Kent.

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