Branksome

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Burials at Branksome St Clement & All Saints Churchyards & Branksome Cemetery
Research by Richard Smith into the lives and deaths of the CWGC War Casualties buried in Branksome Park.

CWGC Burials at Branksome (St Clement) Churchyard, Poole

BRACKSTONE Herbert Cherret Private No. 12274 Depot Royal Warwickshire Regiment, previously No. 53479 Royal Garrison Artillery.

Born about January 1895 in Parkstone, son of Charles Robert Brackstone, a potter and labourer, and his wife Mary Anne Cherrett. Known as Bert at
home, in 1911 he was a fishmonger aged 16 living with his parents at 1 Croft Villas, Croft Road, Upper Parkstone. Army records show he served in
the Gallipoli campaign, but then died of dysentery at University War Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire on 16th November 1915 aged 20. He was
buried to the north of the church on the 20th. Note the CWGC lists his middle name as Chennet, an error.

HODGES Edwin Jack Flight Sergeant No. 1321993 61st Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve based at Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Born in Poole in March 1921, son of Alfred Jesse Hodges, a labourer for Gas Co. and his wife Elizabeth Victoria Maud Beament. In 1939 they were
living at Old Wareham Road, Poole. In June 1942 Edwin married Phyllis Joan Freer. Edwin was an Air Bomber and he died on 2nd May 1944, where his
death was registered at Chichester, Sussex. His burial record, listed as Edwin Harry Hodges, says he died in an air crash, but I found no further
details, giving his address as 19 Grenville Road, Poole. He was buried west of the church on the 9th.

ROSE Robert Bertram Stoker 1st Class No. P/KX 151111 HMS Copra Royal Navy

Born in Poole on 6th March 1923, son of Robert Rose, an H.G.V. driver, and his wife Lillian Edith Baker who married at Poole in 1921. Robert died of
pulmonary tuberculosis at Royal Victoria and West Hants Hospital, Boscombe on 28th January 1947 and was buried west of the church on 1st February. His
probate to his mother Lillian on 20th May 1947 for £166 2s. gave the family address as 2 Rosemary Road, Parkstone.

STANIER Cecil George Private No. 8/38028 51st Battalion Devonshire Regiment.

Born about April 1900 son of Charles Stanier, a general labourer, and his wife Emily Mary Abbott Scott who lived in Ringwood Road, Upper Parkstone.
Army records show Cecil died in hospital at Norwich, Norfolk on 27th July 1918, but give no cause of death. He was buried on August 1st in the south
east corner

WHEELER Harry John Thomas (known as Jack) Private No. 22110 8th Battalion Wiltshire (Duke of Edinburgh's Own) Regiment.

Born in Findon, Sussex on 2nd March 1899 son of Harry John Thomas Walpole Wheeler, a stableman for a race horse trainer, and his wife Annie Fuller,
and in 1911 they were living at Manton Downs, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. Army records show Jack died on 16th November 1915 aged 19 at the Infectious
Diseases Hospital, Alderney, Parkstone but gave no cause of death. He was buried on the 19th to the north of the church.

WILLY Frederick Joseph Captain 3rd Dorset (Poole Battalion) Home Guard

Born in Bromley, Kent on 2nd January 1887, son of Henry Willy, a laundry proprietor who died in 1918, and his wife Eliza Jane Jenkins who died in
1912. Frederick enlisted in the Royal Navy on 12th February 1902, serving until 28th January 1916, when he was a Petty Officer. Was then transferred
as a temporary Sub Lt. to the R.N.V.R. and was badly wounded by a gun shot in his thigh on 25th April 1917, involving a stay in hospital. He had
married Gertrude Alice Dyett at Parkstone on 23rd November 1916. In the pre War 1939 register he was Secretary of the local Conservative Club, and they
were living at "Malvern" 17 Kingston Crescent, Parkstone. He then joined the Poole Battalion of the Home Guard, and on 13th April 1942 was one of many serving
and retired military staff invited to witness a live firing rehearsal at Imber on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire taking place prior to a similar event
to be held in the presence of Winston Churchill. A flight of six Hawker Hurricanes from No. 159 Squadron RAF were to fire on mock tanks and old
vehicles on the ground. Sadly, the final Hurricane pilot was distracted by glare from the sun and fired on the assembled crowd. 25 were killed,
including Frederick, and some 70 injured - the final figures were approximate in the chaos after the shooting. He was buried on the 18th
north of the church.

WOODMAN Stanley Gordon Private No. 20928 8th Battalion Wiltshire (Duke of Edinburgh's Own) Regiment.

Born in Marlborough, Wiltshire on 6th October 1896, son of Henry Augustine Woodman, a stone mason and builder, and his wife Elizabeth Jane Rudman.
They were living at 28 St. John's Close, Marlborough when Stanley died on 29th November 1915 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Alderney, Parkstone
from fever and bacterial meningitis. He was aged 19 and was buried on December 2nd north of the church.

CWGC Burials at Branksome (All Saints) Churchyard

ALDERSON Rev'd Alexander George Jermyn 2nd Lieutenant 5th Battalion Duke of Conrnwall's Light Infantry - later attached to Machine Gun Corps

Born in Fulham, London on 1st June 1880, son of Frederick Henry Alderson, a surgeon who died in 1908, and his wife Eliza Willett. He went to Oxford
University and then took Holy Orders, so on 13th June 1914 he was appointed as a 2nd Lt. to Sherborne School, Dorset in charge of the school's Officers
Training Corps. By 1916 he was stationed at the Machine Gun Corps training Camp at Harrowby, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, and it was here that he was
accidentally killed in a bombing practice on 19th October 1916. He was buried to the north of the church on the 23rd. His probate to his brothers
Frederick and Percy on 22nd December 1916 was for £2381 16s. 2d giving his address as Aboukir House, Poole Road, Branksome.

JACKSON Stuart William Sergeant Pilot No. 1182826 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve - 57 Squadron based RAF Feltwell, Suffolk

Born in Christchurch, Hampshire on 2nd May 1921 son of Gordon Wallett Jackson, an architect, and his wife Eva Elsie Noble who died in 1937. They
had married at Yeovil in June 1912. Gordon then married Julia Catherine Campbell at Bournemouth in July 1938. Stuart was piloting a Wellington 1c
bomber returning from a raid over Duisberg, Germany on 16th July 1941 when he crashed near Brandon, Suffolk attempting a landing in bad weather. He
was killed and then buried on 21st in grave No. E.2 65. His father and stepmother were living at "Octa" 9 Leicester Road, Branksome.

POLDEN Ernest William John Sergeant Pilot No. 754618 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 500 (City of Kent) Squadron based at Bircham Newton, Norfolk.

Born in Christchurch, Hampshire on 16th February 1917 son of Henry Richard Polden, a grocer and provision merchant, and his wife Minnie Elizabeth
Lacey. Educated at Poole Grammar School, it seems he joined the RAFVR in 1939, as he was home on leave in the September 1939 register with his parents
at Parkstone. He married Edith Grace Whiteman registered at Poole in April 1940, and they were living at 235 Ashley Road, Parkstone. On 26th June
1941 Ernest was flying Avro Anson No. N 9732 from RAF Coltishall, Norfolk with two experienced film makers aboard, namely Otto Kanturek of 20th
Century Fox Films Ltd. and Jack Parry. They were filming two Hawker Hurricanes having a dog fight for the film "A Yank in the RAF". Sadly,
Hurricane No. Z3391 from 257 Squadron collided with the Anson near Aylsham, Norfolk and all three on the Anson were killed, but the Hurricane pilot
survived. Ernest was aged 24, and was buried in grave No. E.1 9 on July 2nd.

ROWE John Sutton Private No. 6106149 Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)

Born in Poole on 19th June 1923 son of Frank Edward Rowe, a lead manufacturer, and his wife Dorothy Sutton who lived at "Fairstowe"
Pinewood Road, Upper Parkstone. He does not appear in the Sept. 1939 register, so had he already enlisted? He died on 25th April 1942, with his
death registered at Maidstone, Kent, but I found nothing about the circumstances or cause of death. He was buried in grave No. E.1. 23 on May 1st.

SCAMMELL Lily Emma Member No. 9239 Women's Royal Air Force

Born in West Tytherley, Hampshire in June 1873 daughter of Thomas Scammell, a carpenter who died in 1883, and his wife Elizabeth Parnell who died in
January 1914. In 1911 Lily was living with her widowed mother, single aged 37, at "Ranelegh" Alder Road Upper Parkstone. On 3rd April 1918 Lily
applied to join the WRAF giving here age as 42, and was posted to RAF Beaulieau, Hampshire. The WRAF record is annotated that she died on 22nd
August 1918, but does not give a cause of death, which was registered at Poole, suggesting that she died at home. She was buried north of the
church on the 26th.

VINCENT Reginald George Able Seaman No. J/ 29249 (P. O.) HMS Vindictive Royal Navy

Born in Branksome on 7th December 1897, son of George Vincent, a coachman, and his wife Eliza Charlotte Cresswell. He enlisted as a boy sailor on 14th
January 1914 when employed as a greengrocer's boy. Served on HMS Princess Royal at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and on HMS Hindustan at raids on
Zeebrugge and Ostend in April 1918, and in the Baltic. He died at Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Portsmouth on 16th March 1920 having suffered from
influenza and pneumonia, and was buried to the north of the church in grave No. 27. 244 on the 23rd. His parents were living at 7 Princes Road, Branksome.

WATSON John Alfred Herbert Leading Aircraftman No. 617060 Royal Air Force Coastal Command 143 Squadron

Born in Tower Hamlets, London on 21st June 1919 son of James Henry Edwin Watson, Local Manager for Exchange Telegraph Co., and his wife Florence
Daisy Love. John was serving at RAF Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland on 24th July 1941 when he was killed on the ground during a German Air Raid along with
one other RAF member. He was aged 22 and was buried in grave No. E.1. 13 on the 29th. His parents were living at 25 Highland Road, Upper Parkstone.

WHITING William Henry Sergeant Air Gunner No. 1601035 97 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, based at RAF Woodall Spa, Lincolnshire

Born in Holborn, London on 28th June 1921, son of Walter Mills Whiting, a retired caterer, and his wife Florence Ellen Derry. In Sept. 1939 he was
a draper's porter living at home with his parents at 10 Alumdale Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth. He was part of the aircrew of a Lancaster bomber
returning from a raid on Berlin, Germany on 30th March 1943 when the plane crashed whilst circling to land at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. He was
buried in grave No. C.6 31 on April 6th.

CWGC Burials at Poole (Branksome) Cemetery

BENNETT Walter George Private No. D/ 24107 6th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Born in Kinson, Bournemouth on 4th October 1890 son of George Alfred Bennett, a labourer, and his wife Annie Chalk. He was already serving in
the 7th Hampshire Territorial Force when he enlisted in the 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales's Own) No 4247 "A" Squadron on 10th February
1910. On 8th March 1914 he was medically discharged as unfit for further military service owing to early signs of tuberculosis. He was commended as
fit for civilian life and noted as a good groom and horseman. In April 1915 at Poole he married Rose Ellen Gibbs, and in 1939 she was living at 35
Fisher Avenue Poole, as I think Walter had re - enlisted by then. He died at Bovingdon Camp Military Hospital on 26th September 1940 (was it from
tuberculosis ?) and was buried in grave No. A.K. 79. His widow Rose married Wilfred A. Gurden at Poole in October 1942.

BISHOP James Henry Private No. 42769 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - previously No. 122613 Army Service Corps

Born in Highworth, Wiltshire in July 1893, son of Joseph William Bishop, a bricklayer, and his wife Annie Brandum. In 1911 aged 17 James was a
baker's assistant living with his family at 27 Church Street, Woking, Surrey. He died of war wounds at Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield,
Yorkshire on 24th April 1918 and was buried in grave No. B. QQ. 11C. His parents were then living at 4 Francis Road, Upper Parkstone.

BRACKSTONE Ethel Blanche Teresa Corporal No. 422825 Womens Auxillary Air Force with Fighter Command based at Ibsley, Hampshire

Her family is complex. She was the daughter of Sarah Anne Ferry Blanche Roper and was born January 1922 in Christchurch, Hampshire. Sarah had
married Arthur Henry Froud at Poole on 20th September 1908, but Arthur subsequently died in October 1914 at Christchurch. Sarah then married Herbert
Ashcroft at Poole in January 1919, but Sarah then died at Poole in January 1923. CWGC says Ethel was then adopted by a Mrs K E Cooper of Parkstone.
Kathleen Elizabeth Corbett had married William J. Brackstone in 1913, but he died in 1933. Kathleen then married Harry Cooper at Poole in January
1938. Ethel died at Christchurch aged 22 on 30th January 1945, but I did not find a cause of death. She was buried in grave No. G. 1

BROOMFIELD George Roy D.S.M. Ordinary Seaman No. 237502 HMS Hyderabad Royal Navy

Born in Bournemouth on 15th September 1890 son of George Broomfield, a builder's labourer and later a railway engine driver, and his wife Hannah
Curtis. George enlisted in the Royal Navy as a boy sailor on 7th August 1906, and in 1915 was serving on HMS Hollyhock, a mine sweeper/layer when
he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his contribution to laying and sweeping mines (announced 31 December 1915). He died at the Royal
Naval Hospital Haslar, Portsmouth on 1st April 1918 from Myelitis. and was buried in grave No. B. FF. 13C. His parents were living at "Heathside"
67 Victoria Road, Upper Parkstone.

CAINS Cyril George Stoker 1st Class No. R/ KX 664540 HMS Jan Van Gelder Royal Navy

Born in Parkstone on 10th July 1923, son of George Thomas Clark Cains, a bricklayer, and his wife Lily Rose Wellman. In 1939 they were living at
139 Cranbrook Road, Parkstone. On 22/23rd March 1945 Cyril was serving on HMS Jan Van Gelder, a minesweeper previously in the Dutch navy, when he
drowned at sea off the Isle of Arran, Scotland, but the circumstances are not recorded. He was buried in grave No. W.W. 113.

CONELEY Abraham Patrick Ordinary Seaman No. P/ JX 519332 M T B 245 Royal Navy

Born in Pokestown, Bournemouth on 6th August 1925, son of Abraham Coneley, a steam loco driver (roads), and his wife Sophia Phipps. In 1939 they
were living at 452 Ashley Road, Parkstone. Abraham was aged 18 when he died at sea on Motor Torpedo Boat 245 on 1st April 1944, but I found
nothing about the circumstances. He was buried in grave No. A.N. 116.

COOPER Lionel Private/Driver No. T/90164 Royal Army Service Corps

Born in Bromley, Kent in February 1920, son of Percy James Cooper, a civilian RAF Signals Instructor, and his wife Gladys Louise Mary Tuthill.
In 1939 they were living at 30 Princess Road, Poole. Army records show that Lionel died on 5th May 1941 at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester following
an unspecified "Accident". He was buried in grave No. A.E. 118. His probate to his father for £193 4s. 8d was issued 16th October 1941.

DYETT Harry (or Henry) William Private No. 536554 Royal Army Medical Corps

Born in Parkstone on 6th January 1896, son of Elijah Stephen Henry Dyett, a plasterer, and his wife Martha Fry. In 1911 they were living at 7 Brook
Road, Upper Parkstone, where Harry was an apprentice boot maker. He died aged 22 on 20th September 1918 at Fylde Auxillary Military Hospital,
Kirkham, Lancashire, but no cause of death was found. He was buried in grave No. F. J. 48

FERRETT William James Pioneer No. WR/ 318260 Royal Engineers, previously No. 292650 Inland Waterways and Docks Company.

Born in Gussage St. Michael, Dorset about June 1879 son of Charles Titus Ferrett, a farm labourer who died in 1907, and his wife Mary Ann Bendall.
On 10th April 1910 he married Jane Martha House at Christchurch, Hampshire and in 1911 they were living at Stoke Cottage, Bournemouth Road, Parkstone.
William enlisted on 3rd June 1916 but died at Sandwich Military Hospital, Kent of tuberculosis at 3.45 a.m. on 9th February 1919, and was buried on
the 13th in grave No. B. FF. 9C. His widow Jane was living at 166 Florence Road, Parkstone.

GARLAND Albert Edward Private No. 17020 8th and maybe 6th Battalions Somerset (Prince Albert's Own) Light Infantry.

Born in Ringwood, Hampshire on 5th September 1888, son of Frederick Garland, an ironworker, and his wife Mary Ellen Shutler. In 1911 aged 21
he was single and working as a scullery man at the Vale Royal Hotel, Bournemouth. Then on 21st June 1913 he married Kate Barrett at Poole. He
enlisted and was posted to France on 6th October 1915, but in December 1916 he was wounded by gun shot wounds. He died at hospital at Parkstone on 21st
May 1917 and was buried in grave No. B. QQ. 5C. His widow married Frederick George James at Poole in July 1918 living at 215 Wimborne Road, Poole.

GLASSON Ronald George Private No. 14354484 Pioneer Corps

Born in Poole about June 1924 son of William George Glasson, a painter and decorator who died in March 1944, and his wife Florence Mabel Southard. In
1939 the family were living at 55 Albert Road, Parkstone. Late in 1945 Ronald married Alice Irene Leach at Battersea, London. There are no Army
records regarding his death at Weymouth on 20th November 1946 aged 21, where he was buried in grave No. A. 129. His widow Alice continued to live
at Battersea and in 1959 married Charles Green there.

GRIFFITHS William Joseph Private 3rd Battalion Dorset (Poole) Home Guard.

Born in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire on 14th June 1883, son of William Griffiths, a railway engine stoker (1891), and his wife Fanny Jane
Greene. I think he married Miriam Alice West at Abergavenny in 1905, but I failed to find any detail about his war service in World War One. In 1921
he and Miriam were living at Raglan, Monmouthshire where William was working as a chauffeur. I then think he married Violet May Booth at
Bournemouth in January 1930, Violet had been born in Bedwelty, Monmouthshire in May 1904. In 1939 they were living in a flat in Ashley
Road, Parkstone with William continuing to work as a chauffeur. William died at Poole on 25th May 1942 aged 58 but there is no Army record about the
circumstances of his death. I wonder if he was one of the guests from various Home Guard depots who, with other officers, witnessed the live
firing tragedy at Imber on Salisbury Plain on 13th April 1942 and he died from injuries received in that accident. There was no list of the 70 or so
guests who were injured owing to the chaos after the event? He was buried in grave No. A.H. 120.

GUMBLETON Leslie Charles Warrant Officer No. 546358 Royal Air Force Technical Training Command

Born in Poole about June 1915, son of Charles Edward Gumbleton, a taxi driver, and his wife Emily Sophia Gumbleton. In 1921 they were living at 1
Castle View, Colehill, Wimborne. About July 1945 Leslie married Joan Millicent Newson, but he died at RAF Hospital, Uxbridge, Middlesex (cause
of death not found) and was then buried in grave No. R. 119 His probate to his widow Joan on 1st June 1946 for £495 9s. 5d, gave his address as 14
Buckland Road, Parkstone.

GURNEY William John Ordinary Seaman No. J/ 57296 HMS Victory Royal Navy

Born in Parkstone on 13th October 1897, son of Thomas John Gurney, a plumber, and his wife Agnes Beatrice Watts. In 1911 the family home was a
35 Gladstone Road, Parkstone, with William working as a plumber's mate with his father. On 1st September 1916 he enlisted in the Royal Navy, but was
invalided home on 21st December 1916 suffering from diabetes mellitus. He died at home on 4th January 1918, and was buried in grave No. D. EE. 41,
but I did not find a cause of his death.

LEE G A is an enigma. Army records have a Private G A Lee No. 43304 serving with the 4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment and his Effects page
says he died on 19th February 1919, but gives no name of any relative to receive his War gratuity (suggesting they had no details of relatives).
He is listed as having "Died after being discharged".

The CWGC website repeats the above, and says he was son of Alfred James Lee and his wife Love who died aged 19 on 19th February 1919, buried in grave
No. C. PP. 52. Alfred and Love did have a son baptised Charles Alfred George Lee on 23rd September 1900 (born June 1900) but his burial record says that he died
at Parkstone on 12th February 1919. I found no other likely details for a Private G A Lee.

LILLINGTON Frank Robert Private No. 4132772 Cheshire Regiment.

Born in Parkstone on 10th October 1910 son of Frank Robert Lillington, a milk roundsman, and his wife Mary Wall. In September 1939 the family were
living at 35 Jubilee Road, Parkstone, where Frank Jnr. was working as a driver for a furniture company. On the night of December 12th/13th 1940
Sheffield suffered a very heavy bombing raid by some 330 German planes. Frank was killed along with several other members of his Regiment that
night, and was later buried in grave No. H. 9.

MARCHANT A. Lance Corporal No. 8773 3rd Battalion Scots Guards.

I think is Albert Marchant Born in London about May 1895, son of Albert Marchant, a brick layer who died in 1915, and his wife Naomi Ruth Moffat
who is mentioned in Army pension records. In 1911 they were living at 40 Belgrave Street, Stepney, London. Albert is listed as having died on 9th
March 1919 after discharge from the Army, but I failed to find any details of the circumstances or cause of his death. He was then buried in grave No.
C. PP. 9.

MUMFORD Sydney Francis Private No. 153072 Royal Army Medical Corps

Born in Ashtead, Surrey on 4th November 1872 son of John Mumford, an H.M. Court Record Keeper who died in 1873, and his wife Elizabeth Rosamund
Harford. Sydney married Mary Allingham in Epsom, Surrey in July 1895, and was a pianist and piano tuner. Did Mary then die as in 1901 he was living
at Bournemouth with a lady Rosa whom Army records listed as unmarried wife. In 1911 they were living at 112 Commercial Road, Bournemouh. Sydney then
enlisted at Dorchester on 10th June 1918, but he died on 9th July 1918 at 2nd Western General Hospital, Manchester from pneumonia and cancer of the
tongue. He was buried in grave No. B. OO. 5C on the 14th, and Rosa is noted as Mrs Rosa Brown at "Hamlett" Salisbury Road, Upper Parkstone.

NOBBS Harry Ernest Private No. 8593 Dorsetshire Regiment, then Labour Corps No. 172980

Born in Poole on 14th December 1873, son of Mark William Nobbs, a shoemaker who died in 1908, and his wife Elizabeth Merina Hill who died in 1887.
Harry served in the Dorset Regiment Reserve No. 3445 from 3rd March 1892 whilst working as a brick maker and labourer. On 28th April 1906 he
married Mary Jane Treasure at Poole, and in 1911 they were living at 4 Gladstone Road, Poole. He enlisted on 27th October 1914, but on 27th June
1917 was declared as not physically fit for further military service, but no indication of the reasons. He died at Parkstone on 29th August 1918 aged
44, but I did not find a cause of his death. He was buried in grave No. B. OO. 7. His widow Mary Jane was living at "Cannanore" East Road, Upper Parkstone.

OSBORNE H C Private No. 17146 South Wales Borderers

I think this was Henry Charles Osborne, Born in Bedminster, Bristol (not South Zeal, Devon as per CWGC) in 1890 son of John Osborne who died before
1901, and his wife Bessie Hill who died in 1902 - they had married in Cardiff, South Wales in 1883. In 1901 Bessie was living with Henry at South
Tawton Devon. I could not find Henry in the 1911 census, before he enlisted on 5th September 1914. He served in France but was declared unfit
for further military service and discharged from the Army on 25th July 1916 - no medical details found. His next of kin was listed in Army records as
Bessie's sister Matilda Woodfield living at 106 Main Street, Cadoxton, Barry, South Wales. He died at Poole on 16th October 1917, but no cause of
death found (was it gas or war wounds?) and he was buried in grave No. F.E. 28.

PEATY William Edward Private No. 3/ 8863 3rd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment.

Is confusing but I think he was born in Christchurch, Hampshire on 8th July 1879 son of John Peaty, a labourer, and his wife Rachel Harris. He enlisted
in the Royal Navy on 19th August 1895 and served until 3rd July 1899. He enlisted at Dorchester on 24th February 1915 working as a coal porter, but
died at the Cordelia Hospital, Poole from pneumonia on 13th October 1915 and was buried in grave No. B. SS. 13 on the 15th. He had suffered from
pleurisy and pneumonia in camp before being taken to hospital. In 1911 he was living at 1 Lime Cottages, Valley Road, Branksome as a coal porter with
a lady named Louisa "Peaty" and three children, but I cannot find any marriage for them. There is an Army Pensions Record saying that four
children (one was born August 1911) listed were illegitimate with the surname of Edwards. I think they were children of William Edwards, a piano tuner
born in Bournemouth in 1879, and Louisa born Kentish Town 1879 listed in the 1901 census living at Euston Street, St. Pancras, but again no marriage
traced. Further I think William Edwards and William Edward Peaty were one and the same person with Louisa, but without any marriage I don't know her
maiden name. It seems Louisa was admitted on 26th July 1913 to the Dorchester Mental Hospital (later Herrison Hospital) at Charminster (per
census 1921 No 540) under the surname Peaty, (no admission/health details found) and likely died there in the last quarter of 1921? The
CWGC and Army Effects records say that William Peaty's widow in 1915 was Emily Lavinia Eliza Short. They had married at Christchurch in Apr-June
1914. His widow Emily was living at "Fernglen" 5 Gwynn Road, Upper Parkstone.

PIKE William Raymond Sergeant (Air Gunner) No. 3033009 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Born in Parkstone in October 1925, son of William Christopher Pike, a bus driver, and his wife Ethel Williams who in 1939 were living at "Burlington"
off Albert Road, Parkstone. On 10th January 1945 William was part of the crew of a Wellington bomber HE832 which took off at 5.20 p.m. from RAF
Turweston, Buckinghamshire on a cross country training flight. At about 9.30 p.m. the plane was emerging from cloud in a heavy snow storm and
the pilot failed to spot rising ground ahead and flew into a hill near Nettlebed, Oxfordshire at some 670 feet above sea level. Three crew survived,
but two including William aged 19 were killed. He was buried in grave No. E. 111.

PORTER Patrick William Gunner No. 1731288 310 Independant Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery Royal Artillery.

I do not know who his parents were. He was Born in Lambeth, London on 19th March 1907 but his birth record does not name his mother. He appears
aged 3 at St Mary's Roman Catholic school at Eltham, London in 1911, and at Farnborough, Kent Orphanage aged 14 in 1921. He married Elizabeth Mary Walsh
registered at Bournemouth in July 1938, and in 1939 they were living at 25 Fortesque Road, Parkstone. He was working as a contractor's labourer. He
died on 23rd July 1946, cause not known, and was buried in grave No. C. 2.

PRIOR Robert Frederick Guest Signalman No. 2588512 Royal Corps of Signals

Born in South Stoneham, Hampshire on 27th January 1910 son of Sidney John Prior, a furniture dealer and Army Pensioner who died in September 1940,
and his wife Caroline Elizabeth Wellman. In 1939 the family were living at "Gladwyn" Sunnyside Road, Parkstone. I found no Army record about
the death of Robert aged 31 at Bournemouth on 5th December 1941 - he was buried in grave No. O. 102.

RANDLE Kenneth Frederick Robinson Petty Officer Motor Mechanic No. C/MX 501893 H.M.L.S.E. (L.C.) 51 Royal Navy

Born in Parkstone on 6th April 1924 son of Levi Robinson Randle, a wood cutting machinist and cordite worker, and his wife Ethel May Loader. In
September 1939 the family were living at 24 Eastlake Avenue, Parkstone where Kenneth was working as a gas fitter's mate. He died aged 21 on 30th
August 1945 at Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire from Ureamia and acute haemorrhagic nephritis. He was buried in grave No. W.W. 112.

ROGERS Colin Charles Edward Aircraftman 2nd Class Technical Training Command Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Born in Parkstone on 9th April 1906, son of Alfred Charles Lancelot Rogers, a lighting inspector, later a garage worker who died in January 1942, and
his wife Jane Grace Green. On 19th September 1936 at Parkstone he married Elsie Spencer and in 1939 he was working as a works telephonist. He died
aged 35 on 30th May 1941 at RAF Hospital, Kirkham, Lancashire from pneumonia, and was buried in grave No. D.D. 43. His probate to his widow
Elsie on 18th August 1941 for £182 13s 10d gave their address as 43 Sherwood Avenue, Parkstone.

ROGERS Frederick James Private No. 9975 5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Born in Christchurch, Hampshire in March 1889 son of William Henry Rogers, a boatman and fisherman, and his wife Sarah Ann Barnes. In 1911 the
family were living at 4 York Road, Upper Parkstone with Frederick working as a general labourer. He enlisted on 17th August 1914, but on 11th
September 1915 he was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, Hampshire suffering from War Wounds, namely a gun shot wound to his pelvis
which had perforated his bladder. He died from his wounds and blood loss there on 23rd October 1915, and was buried in grave No. G. K. 9.

SERJENT Frederick John Driver No. 12020 "A" 5th Reserve Battery Royal Field Artillery

Born in Weymouth on 14th May 1865, son of Edwin Sergent, a seaman/cook who died in September 1884, and his wife Melina Welch. He first enlisted in
the Royal Artillery on 17th October 1884 and served in South Africa 1899 - 1901 before he was discharged at the end of his period of service on 14th
October 1901. On 3rd October 1892 he had married Ruth Short at Melcombe Regis, Weymouth, but she died in February 1903. He then married Sarah
Amelia Millicent Goddard at Bridport on 22nd January 1908, and in 1911 they were living in Bridport where he worked as a general labourer. He enlisted
again at Poole on 2nd September 1914 and served in France, but Army records show he suffered from chronic bronchitis and potential heart issues. He was
discharged as unfit for further War service on 2nd June 1916, and died at Parkstone on 21st November 1916. He was buried in grave No. B. GG. 9C. His
widow Millicent was living at "Danesfield" 115 Ashley Road, Parkstone.

SHORT Sidney Ernest Private 2nd Class No. 229926 Royal Air Force

Born in Kinson, Dorset on 10th December 1877, son of John Baker Short, a carpenter and joiner, and his wife Ellen Mary Bush. He married Ada Louisa
Troke at Poole in April 1904 and when he enlisted in the Royal Navy on 10th May 1917 he was working as an inspector for a gas company. On the 31st
March 1918 he switched to the R.A.F. and was working as an Officer's Mess Steward when he died aged 40 of pneumonia at home in Parkstone on 4th
November 1918. His probate to his widow Ada and John Lampard on 4th February 1919 was for £1613 8s. 9d. giving their address as Homestead,
Churchill Road, Upper Parkstone.

STANBROOK Ralph Arthur Aircraftman 2nd Class No. 1401908 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Born in Greenwich, Kent on 10th July 1921 son of William Henry Stanbrook, a labourer, and his wife Florrie Louise Walters. In 1939 they were living
at 44 Princes Street, Southampton, but later at Parkstone. Ralph died on 24th February 1943 aged 21 at Poole but I did not find any RAF record
relating to his cause of death. He was buried in grave No. A.K. 119.

STURGESS Samuel Private No. 5845 "C" Co. 3rd/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Born in Tisbury, Wiltshire about June 1887 son of Samuel Sturgess, a farm shepherd, and his wife Jane Sarah Newman who died in 1918. In January
1910 he married Nellie Matilda Fancy at Christchurch, Hampshire, and in 1911 they were living at Brookside, Albert Road, Parkstone when Samuel
worked as a milk roundsman. He died on 16th July 1916 at Tidworth General Hospital, Wiltshire but cause of his death not found. He was aged 29 and
was buried in grave No. C. QQ. 34C. His widow Nellie was then living at 56 Granville Road, Upper Parkstone.

TURNER Robert Frank Private No. 6205269 Corps of Military Police

Born in Parkstone on 5th September 1918 son of Albert Edward Turner, a confectioner and cake maker who died in 1944, and his wife Mary Ellen
Corbin who died in 1921. In 1939 the family were living at 18 Belmont Road, Parkstone, with Robert working as a bus conductor. Robert was killed
riding his motor cycle from Chelsea Barracks along Millbank, Chelsea on 3rd August 1942 when he skidded and collided with a bus and died from his
injuries later that evening in Westminster Hospital. He was buried in grave No. B.B. 30.

VANNER James Charles Captain D.S.O., M.C. and Bar (known as Jim) "A" Company 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment.

Born in Southwark, London on 23rd March 1896, son of James Vanner, a builder, and his wife Mary Vickery Maidment. He was educated at the High
Education Centre at Clapham, London ending as head boy before joining the Board of Trade as a civil servant. He was aged 19 when allowed to enlist
and joined the Queen's (Westminster Rifles) 3rd/16th London Regiment. He quickly applied for a Commission granted on 27th January 1916, joining
the Leicestershire Regiment. Promoted twice he was an acting Captain by May 1917 and been awarded his first Military Cross, demonstrating "cool
courage and leadership". He was awarded his Distinguished Service Order for "conspicuous gallantry and leadership" in March 1918 in the Battle for
Epehy after his regiment suffered heavy losses of officers and men. He was awarded his second Military Cross on 24th August 1918, again for "conspicuous
gallantry and leadership" in the Battle for Ancre (Somme) but towards the end of the battle he was wounded and gassed. He ended the
war in Wandsworth Hospital, London, but was just about well enough to receive his medals from King George V1 on 13th December 1918. He had
talked about marrying his girlfriend Iris, but sadly died from tuberculosis at 84 Southbourne Road, Bournemouth on 19th March 1919. He was aged 22 and
was buried in grave No. C. MM. 22. His probate to his father James on 5th August 1919 for £228 1s gave their address at "Aliwal" Cromwell Road,
Parkstone.

WALKER Thomas Trooper No. 14278996 Royal Armoured Corps

He died on 5th November 1947 and was buried in grave No. A.E. 131, but I failed to find any definite information about him, but was he son of Alfred
Walker and Annie B. L. Hedgecock, who had married in 1914 at Poole, and was Born in Poole Jan-March Quarter of 1921?

49 Burials in all

June 2025

Richard Smith

orchidgrower@btinternet.com

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