Aldershot Military Cemetery 3

IF WAR STONES COULD TALK…………………………

It is common knowledge that the outbreak of the First World War, was August 1914 and if anyone is ever asked “Do you know the name of the first soldier killed during the conflict?”  The answer, if known would “John Parr, who was killed on the 21^st August” John Parr, was buried at St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, Mons, Belgium.  Agreeable that is the correct answer, however, what about those men, who died from the 4^th August till the end of that month.

To establish who these men were, the 1911 Census and the Commonwealth War Grave Commission records will be used.  The first two men to have died on the 4^th, were Private G. Davies, of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, Chatham Division and 27-year-old Private Joseph Viles, 1^st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry.

In order to give to give an example of what this work will cover.  The First World War burials at Aldershot Military Cemetery number to 700 burials, 6 of burials are dated from August 1914.

What information can be found about Private G. Davies?

George Davies was born 20^th August 1873.  At the time of the 1911 Census, George, aged 36, is residing at 37 Drummond Crescent, Seymour Street, Euston, London.  His occupation is listed as Railway Liftman.

On the first day of the war, George died due to disease, and was buried at St. Pancras Cemetery, East Finchley, London.  On the personal information given, in regard to relatives, his sister Mrs W. Sheldrake, of 3 Sandmere Gardens, Senece Road, Clapham was given.

What information can be found about Private Joseph Vilers?

Joseph was born, 1886.  At the time of the 1901 Census, Joseph then aged 14, was living at 19 Peter Street, St. Pauls, Bath with his parents, Joseph and Sarah Viles, both aged 40.  Father Joseph, occupation is listed as a General Labourer. And son, Joseph occupation as Pot Boy.   

British Census
31st March 1901
19 Peter Street, St. Pauls, Bath

 

A decade later, at the time of the 1911 Census, Joseph has enlisted and is serving as a Private with the 2^nd Battalion, Somersetshire Light Infantry.  The battalion is based in Malta. 

British Census
2nd April 1911
Army Barracks, Malta

 

Joseph Viles
St. James' Cemetery, Bath

On the first day of the First World War, Joseph is to lose his life, when he is knocked off his bicycle.  Joseph is buried at St. James’ Cemetery, Bath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about those buried in Aldershot Military Cemetery?

Arthur J. Whittington, who died on the 5^th August. 

Arthur James Whittington, who was born 1882, Brading, Isle of Wight. Arthur was the son, of John and Kate Whittington.  Arthur enlisted with the army during 1900, by the time of the First World War he was ranked as Sergeant.

At the time of the 1901 Census, soldier Arthur serving with the Army Service Corps Cleaning Area was based in Aldershot Military in Stanhope and Wellington Lines.  His previous occupation is listed as a Butcher.

British Census
31st March 1901
Aldershot Military, Stanhope and Wellington Lines

 

A decade later, at the time of the 1911 census, Arthur now 2^nd Corporal, serving with the Army Service Corps is based in Egypt.  The census records that Arthur is married.

British Census
2nd April 1911
Army Barracks, Egypt

 

The only reference to his wife, is her name, Daisy, is mentioned the Register of Soldiers’ Effects. Arthur is recorded to have died from Syncope.

Register of Soldiers' Effects

 

 

The next burial, E. Poulton, who died on the 8^th August.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ernest Poulton was born 1891, Finsbury Park.  At the time of the 1911 Census, 20-year-old Ernest, was residing at 22 St. James Road, Enfield, Holloway, with his mother, Maria Poulton, aged 64.  His occupation is records as Nursery Hand.

British Census
2nd April 1911
22 St. James Road, Enfield, Holloway

 

The Register of Soldiers’ Effects, indicates that Ernest joined the army during 1912.  At the time of his death, Ernest is a Guardsman serving with the Coldstream Guards.

Register of Soldiers' Effects

 

 

 

The next burial, Frederick Stowers. 

There is limited information in regard to census records for Frederick.  The only information is that on the headstone, which states that Frederick was a Private and served with the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.  He died on 10^th August 1914.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Register of Soldiers’ Effects indicates that Frederick joined the army during 1902.  His wife, Prudence Stowers was the next kin.  They got married during 1911.  Prudence died 1960.

Register of Soldiers' Effects

 

The next burials, B. A. Wadd who died 14^th August.

Bertie Abbott Wadd, was born, 1892, Kettering, Northampton.  Bertie was the son of Tom and Susannah Wadd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the time of the 1901 Census, Albert is residing at 205 High Street, Kettering.

British Census
31st March 1901
205 High Street, Kettering

 

1907 joins the Royal Navy, and it is these records that gives a good description of Bertie.  At the time of this enlistment he is 5ft 5” tall, with brown hair and grey eyes and a fresh complexion.  The records also indicate that Bertie has tattoo, on his left and that he has mole below both nipples.

Royal Navy Service Record

 

HMS Ganges

Ranked as a Boy, Bertie first serves on HMS Ganges, from June 1907.   She is a training ship, first launched in 1821.  From 1905, HMS Ganges was Royal Naval Training Establishment.  She was broken up during 1930, and some of the ship’s timbers were used to constructed Guildford Cathedral Cross. 

October 1907, Bertie then serves on HMS Impregnable.  HMS Impregnable is also a Royal Naval Training Establishment.

 

January 1908, Bertie is invalided from the Navy with heart disease.

The Register of Soldiers’ Effects indicates that Bertie joined the army during 1911.  His previous occupation before his joining is listed as Baker.  Bertie served with the Army Service Corps.

Register of Soldiers' Effects

 

The next burial, J. Hay, who died 17^th August.

James Hay, who like Frederick Stowers, there is limited information about.  James serves as a private with the Royal Army Medical Corps.  The Register of Soldiers’ Effects indicates that James joined army on 7^th August 1914, his birthplace was Plymouth.   The Register does not state who his next kin was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Register of Soldiers' Effects

 

The last burial for August 1914, is that of H. W. Ewings, who died on the 20^th August.

Harold William Ewings, born 1895, Islington. Harold is the son of George Tomas and Sarah Ewings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the time of the 1911 Census, 16-year-old Harold, is residing at 16 Windsor Road, Holloway.  His occupation is recorded as Railway Clerk.

British Census
2nd April 1911
16 Windsor Road, Holloway

 

The following year, 1912, the then 17-year-old Harold, joins up with the 4^th (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers)

Register of Soldiers' Effects