INTRODUCTION
2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of WW1, a conflict which was to last for four years and which devastated many communities across the world. It is estimated that there were 9.7 million military deaths with a further 21.2 million wounded. But that was not all - there were also approximately 0.95 million civilian deaths as a result of direct military action with another 6 million dying as a result of disease or famine.
However, the statistics do not even begin to tell the story of the effect that the extent of this war had on families on both sides of the conflict. While many serving men may have survived the war, a sizeable proportion could either never work again or would be limited in what they could do. Some died only a few years later and are not reflected in the recorded number of deaths.
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In Angmering, out of a population of 1026 (1911 Census), approximately 250 volunteered or were conscripted between 1914 and 1918. We do not know the names of all of them but we do know most of them. Nearly 20% of these (approx 1 in 5) would not survive the war. These are listed below, many surnames still being familiar with today's parish residents.
Information on each of those who died comes from numerous sources including Angmering's war memorial, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Roll of Honour website, the Ancestry website, the Find My Past website, Canadian Attestation Papers, Census records, West Sussex Records Office, the Worthing Gazette, Kelly's Directory, and "Scribble". Of these, "Scribble" probably tells us more than any about the actual person. "Scribble" was an approximate monthly newssheet published by William Hollis, the developer of the Angmering-on-Sea estate, and contained information largely on people and happenings in Angmering, East Preston, and Rustington during the years 1916-1919.
Angmering war memorial lists 40 military personnel who died during WW1 (including nurse Janet Clare-Ball). Two are also mentioned on war memorials outside Angmering while there may be a number of others who were not recorded on any. During the research for this article, there are two men who lived or worked in Angmering who do not appear on its war memorial for some reason - farm worker Harry B Pulman (from Avenals Farm) and Albert A Walsha who lived with his family in the High Street until he joined the Army. These two are rightly included below with the rest of Angmering's Fallen. In the case of Harry Pulman (see photo right), although he worked for some years in Angmering, his parents did not, and therefore he probably had no one to put forward his name for inscription on the war memorial. This is the exact opposite of Stanley Messenger whose parents lived in Angmering although its is doubtful whether Stanley himself ever did.
Related Links
1914-1918 Centenary - Angmering's Survivors
1914-1918 Centenary - A View from Home
1914-1918 Centenary - Stanley Messenger correspondence
Angmering War Memorial
Neil Rogers-Davis
Editor, Angmering Village Life
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow
old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down
of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
ANSELL, Frederick James
Lance Corporal L/5928, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Died of wounds on the Marne 11th September 1914. Aged 34. Regular Soldier. Son of Walter and Mary Ansell of Station Cottages. Angmering. Husband of Mrs. Edith Mildred Ansell of 19, Sydney Terrace, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Lewes. Dorchester W. M. Buried Priez Communal Cemetery F. 1134
Pre-war occupation: Soldier (1st Royal Sussex Reg’t)
ARNELL, John Henry
Stoker Petty Officer 304192, H.M.S. "Begonia", Royal Navy. Lost when a U-Boat in The Atlantic torpedoed the Sloop 6th October 1917. Aged 35. Son of William and Mary Ann Arnell of Ham Farm, Angmering. Born in Bramber. Husband of Mary Arnell of 19 Tipnor Street, Stanshaw, Portsmouth. Commemorated on The Portsmouth Naval Memorial MR. 3.
Pre-war occupation: Stoker (Royal Navy)
ASHMORE, Alfred Lewis
Lance Corporal 11306, 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment. 8th Division. Died in France 12th August 1918. Aged 34. Born in Anerley, Surrey and enlisted in London. Buried Glageon Communal Cemetery F. 1213. Son of Alfred and Mary Ashmore of Gardener’s Cottage, Ham Park
Pre-war occupation: Soldier (1st Worcestershire Reg’t)
Note: Ashmore Avenue, Angmering, is named after L/Cpl Alfred Lewis Ashmore, 1st Worcester Regt. who was killed during WW1.
BENTINCK, Francis John Mark
Private 57113, 'A' Company, 61st Battalion, The Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action 17th June 1918. Aged 29. Son of William (deceased) and Sarah Bentinck of Brighton. Husband of Mrs. Ethel Mary Bentinck of 5, Church Road, Angmering. Born in Brighton and enlisted in Chichester. Formerly Royal Fusiliers. Buried Berguette Churchyard F. 497
Pre-war occupation: Plumber. Roadman for R.D.C.
BERRY, Alfred John
Private TF. 241308 1/5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 48th Division. Killed in action near Ypres. 4th October 1917, aged 27. Son of Daniel and Louisa Berry of Cripple Gate, Ecclesden Common, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Worthing. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Belgium MR. 30
Pre-war occupation: Farm labourer
BROWN, Frederick
Private SD. 3301 2nd. Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st. Division. Killed in action. 20th August 1916 at Bazentin la Petit. Aged 25. Son of George & Helen Brown of Passals Farm, Blackboys. Born in Maresfield and enlisted in Arundel. Resident of Angmering living with parents in 1911 at Angmering Park Cottages. Formerly with the South Downs Battalions. (12th Battalion, SDGW Part 40) Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial MR. 21
Pre-war occupation: Farm Labourer
BURCHFIELD, Samuel Thomas
Able Seaman R/2725, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died 29th September 1918. Aged 31. Son of Walter (deceased) and Martha Burchfield, of Littleworth Cottages, High Street, Angmering; husband of Emily Jane Burchfield, of Norriss Cottages, East Preston, Littlehampton, Sussex. Born at Sillage, Angmering.No known grave. Commemorated on Vis-enf-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 1 and 2. Also included on the East Preston War Memorial.
Forces Record
ex-245525 Private 2/1st West Kent Yeomanry, enlisted Territorial Force 10/12/15, transferred to RND 16/6/17 ; Draft for BEF 4/7/17, joined Hood Battalion 28/8/17-9/1/18 Bronchitis, Invalided to UK 24/1/18 ; Draft for BEF 6/8/18, joined Hood Battalion 23/8/18-29/9/18 Discharged Dead.
Pre-war occupation: General Labourer
BURNS, William Spier
Sergeant SD/3304, 'D' Company, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. British Expeditionary Force. Aged 35. Killed in action 30th June 1916. Son of John & Mary Burns of Tibbers, Thornhill, Dumfries. Husband of Edith Burns of Singleton, Sussex. Born in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire. Enlisted in Arundel. Commemorated on The Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh and Singleton Parish Church W. M. Commemorated on The Loos Memorial MR. 19.
Scribble (May 1917): three Angmering soldiers have been missing since the August push, and as nothing further has been heard of them, the War Office has now intimated to their relatives that their death must be presumed. They were Sergeant Burns, Private Henry Pocock, and Private George Horton.
Pre-war occupation: Stockman on farm
CHALK, John
Sergeant 730002, 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment). Died 6th September 1917. Aged 37. Born 14th may 1880 in Angmering. Husband of Kate Chalk, of 15, Gilholm Avenue E., Galt, Ontario. Previously served in the Queen's Own West Kent Regiment. Enlisted and passed fit 8th November 1915 at Galt, Ontario, Canada. Height 5 feet 7½ inches, girth 34½ inches, complexion fair, eyes blue, hair fair. Religion Baptist or Congregationalist. Buried in Bruay Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Plot/Row/Section K. Grave 11. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1599 - 8
Pre-war occupation: Labourer
CHANT, Harry
Private G/1745, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 18th Division. Killed in an air raid near Boves 6th April 1918. Aged 23. Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Chant of 22, Chalks Cottages (now Chants), Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Chichester. Buried Boves West Communal Cemetery Extension F. 881.
Pre-war occupation: Farm labourer
Scribble (Dec 1917): Harry was severely gassed on the Western front.
Worthing Gazette (17 April 1918): Chant who was one of two brothers who joined and served together was killed instantly by a bomb dropped from an aeroplane flying very low. His brother John was only twenty yards distant at the time.
CHEESEMAN, Harry George
Lance Corporal G/3465 Depot Royal Sussex. Died at home 26th February 1917. Aged 23. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Cheeseman of "The Cotterells" Angmering. Badly wounded in November 1915 and discharged. Not included in SDGW Part 40. Buried St. Margaret's Churchyard, Angmering.
Scribble (April 1917): We regret to have to record the death of Lance-Corporal Harry Cheesman, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, who was buried with military honours at Angmering on Saturday, March 3rd, when an impressive scene was witnessed. He was shot after he had brought in a wounded comrade, and was about to rescue another. That was in November, 1915, and for the past 16 months he has been physically helpless in consequence of his injuries. Harry Cheesman was 23 years of age, and his family has the proud distinction of contributing four others to the Army, brothers of the deceased. The Littlehampton Volunteers provided the gun team, and the firing party at the ceremony, which was witnessed by a very large number.
Worthing Gazette (18 Dec 1915)
Lance Corporal Harry Cheesman is now in Hospital at Boulogne as the result of a wound which he sustained while helping an injured comrade in the fighting line. A bullet passed through one of his lungs and injured his spine and his condition was regarded as so serious that his parents have been sent for and have left for Boulogne to see him. Corporal Cheesman is one of four brothers who are serving in the Forces at the present time.
Worthing Gazette (7 March 1917): An impressive scene was witnessed at Angmering on Saturday when Lance Corporal Harry Cheeseman of the Royal Sussex Regiment was buried with Military honours. He was shot after he had brought in a wounded Comrade and was about to rescue another. That was in November 1915, and for the past sixteen months he has been physically helpless in consequence of his injuries. Cheeseman was 23 years of age and his family has the proud distinction of contributing four others ot the Army brothers of the deceased. It was due to the interest of Colonel FG {Humby ?} APD with the cooperation of Captain ABS Fraser JP that the funeral ceremony on Saturday was of a Military character, the arrangements being made by Sergeant Major Renham. Littlehampton Volunteers provided the gun team and the firing party and the ceremony which was of a most impressive character was witnessed by five hundred people.
Pre-war occupation: Dairy roundsman
CLARE-BALL, Janet
Died in December 1916, aged 40. Nurse, V.A.D. Born in Twickenham, Middlesex. Lived at Church Farm House, Rectory Lane, Angmering.
Scribble (Feb 1917): There was a representative gathering at the funeral of Miss Clare-Ball, which took place at Angmering on Tuesday, January 2nd. This lady was a sister-in-law to Major Fleming (President of the Angmering Unionist Association) and was well known and respected in the parish. For some time past she has been nursing wounded soldiers at the Littlehampton Voluntary Aid Hospital. She has resided in the district for the last ten years. The deceased lady was the second daughter of the late Col. Clare-Ball, C. B. and much sympathy is felt for her mother, Mrs Knox Clare-Ball. As well as the family mourners, several nurses from the Littlehampton Red Cross Hospital attended at the graveside to pay their last tribute of respect.
Pre-war occupation: none
CLEVETT, Herbert George
Corporal L/6816, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division. Died of wounds at first Ypres 6th November 1914. Regular Soldier. Aged 30. Son of Arthur Charles (deceased) and Louisa Clevett, and the grandson of Charles Clevett (deceased) of Cripples Gate, Ecclesden Common, Angmering. Husband of Ivy Clevett of 19 New Street, Worthing. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Chichester. Also recorded on Portslade and West Hove War Memorial. Buried Ypres Town Cemetery Extension, Menin Gate, Belgium B. 58.
Pre-war occupation: Coal porter
DENYER, James
Private G/15976, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Died of wounds 26th October 1916. Aged 25. Son of James & Sarah Ann Denyer of Littlehampton. Born in Alfold, Surrey and enlisted in Angmering. Buried Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension F. 44
Pre-war occupation: Laundry worker
Worthing Gazette (6 Dec 1916): James Denyer died of wounds received in action. Denyer who leaves a widow and two children was formerly a roadman in the employ of the RDC.
FIELD, Archie
Driver 59548, 'A' Battery, 256th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action during the March Retreat 21st March 1918. Aged 20. Son of George and Ellen Field of 3, Church Road, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Worthing in 1914. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial MR. 20
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
FINCH, Frederick Henry Harvey
Private SE/24697, Woolwich Depot, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Died at home 24th January 1917, aged 41. Born in Ripe, Sussex, and enlisted in Angmering . Buried St. Margaret's Churchyard, Angmering. Husband of Ellen Finch of Angmering.
Scribble (Feb 1917): The funeral took place at Angmering Churchyard on Tuesday afternoon, January 30th, of Mr. Fred Finch, aged 41, who before enlisting on the 4th January was employed as coal carter for Mr. Chalk, Greengrocer. The first part of the service was held at the chapel on the hill, where the deceased was in the habit of attending. A detachment of the Home Brigade from Littlehampton, of which Mr. Finch was a member before being obliged to join the colours, attended, with the gun carriage to convey the corpse to the graveside.
Pre-war occupation: Carter (coal and flour)
GATES, Arthur William Roper
Private SD/4969, 'A' Company, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action 18th March 1916. Aged 19. Son of Florence Annie Roper Gates of Church Farm Cottage, Rustington. Born in Worthing and enlisted in Littlehampton. Also included on Rustington W. M. Buried Sailly sur la Lys Canadian Cemetery F. 254
Pre-war occupation: Gardener
GILBERT, William Allan
Sergeant 6442 4th Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment. 29th Division. Killed in action at Gallipoli 6th August 1915. Aged 31. Son of Allen & Fanny Gilbert of Upper Barpham, Angmering. Husband of Gertude Gilbert. Born in Burpham and enlisted in Chichester. Next of kin: Birmingham Commemorated on the Helles Memorial Gallipoli MR. 4.
Pre-war occupation: Gardener
HAMMOND, Edwin James
Boy Soldier (2nd Class) J.93100 with Royal Marines Artillery training at HMS Impregnable. Died of disease on 31 October 1918, aged 15, and buried Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse Cemetery, Plymouth, Devon in Sec. L. (General Ground)/8./10. Parents: Edwin and Elizabeth Hammond living at 3 Council Cottages, Angmering.
Note: Name stated on Angmering War Memorial as James Hammond but 1901Census records indicate that he and his father were both named Edwin living at Gladstone Cottages, Water Lane, Angmering . 1911 gives his name as James by which name he was known by his family and villagers.
Pre-war occupation: none
Note: Hammond Close, Angmering commemorates James Hammond who died in World War 1, members of the family still live in Angmering.
HILLIER, Maurice
Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 9th Division. Killed in action 9. 4. 17. Aged 19. Son of Edward Guy Hillier C.M.G. and Mrs. Ada Hillier of Peking, China. Educated at Sandhurst. Gazetted in 1916. Buried Bailleul Road Cemetery F. 644/5
Scribble (May 1917): The death of 2nd Lieut. Hillier, of King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and the elder son of Mr. E.G. and Mrs. Hillier of White Cottage, Angmering, is announced, the deceased officer, who passed into the Army from Sandhurst, was 21 years of age, and had been at the front since last May.
Pre-war occupation: None
HORNE, George
Lance Sergeant 7845, 4th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. 27th Division. Killed in action near Ypres 8th May 1915. Aged 25. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Arundel. Son of Henry & Sarah Horn of Whites Corner, Arundel Road, Angmering. Commemorated on The Menin Gate Memorial Ypres. MR. 29.
Pre-war occupation: Soldier with KRRC
Note: The 1911 Census shows that George Horne was serving in India with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He joined that regiment in 1907.
HORTON, George Lancaster Gladman
Private SD/5048, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action 30th June 1916. Aged 19. Son of Jesse and Anne Horton of Byfleet Cottages, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Worthing. Commemorated on The Loos Memorial Mr. 19.
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
Scribble (May 1917): three Angmering soldiers have been missing since the August push, and as nothing further has been heard of them, the War Office has now intimated to their relatives that their death must be presumed. They were Sergeant Burns, Private Henry Pocock, and Private George Horton.
Note: Horton Place, Angmering, was named after Pte George Horton, 13th Royal Sussex, who was killed during WW1. Members of the Horton family still live in the village.
LINFIELD, Joseph Henry
Private L/10867, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 24th November 1919. Buried in Rawalpindi War Cemetery, Pakistan. Plot 4. Row A. Grave 2. Aged 39. Parents William & Jane Linfield lived at Littleworth Cottages, High Street, Angmering.
Pre-war occupation: Soldier (Cook) (1st Royal Sussex Reg’t)
Note: Linfield Close, Angmering was named after Pte Joseph Henry Linfield, 1st Royal Sussex Regt., and Pte. William Denn Linfield, 7th Royal Sussex Regt., who were both killed during WW1.
LINFIELD, William Denn
Private SD/3164, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 12th Division. Killed in action at Senlis Mill 5th April 1918. Aged 23. Born in Stroud, Gloucs. and enlisted in Worthing. Resident in Angmering. Commemorated on The Pozieres Memorial MR. 27. Parents William & Jane Linfield living at Littleworth Cottages, High Street, Angmering.
Worthing Gazette (1 May 1918): News has been received of the death in action of Private William Linfield son of Mr RD Linfield of the Cottrells. Private Linfield had been previously wounded on two occasions.
Note: Linfield Close, Angmering was named after Pte Joseph Linfield, 1st Royal Sussex Regt., and Pte. William Denn Linfield, 7th Royal Sussex Regt., who were both killed during WW1.
Pre-war occupation: Messenger
LUCK, Robin
Rifleman 23/1511, 1/3rd Battalion, The New Zealand Rifle Brigade. New Zealand Division. Killed in action on the Somme 15th September 1916. Aged 31. Born in Angmering. Son of Frederick and Annie Luck of Church Hill House, Angmering. Commemorated on The Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial.
Pre-war occupation: Carpenter
Scribble (Feb 1917): We also regret to have to record the death of Robin Luck, who has been killed in action. He was in New Zealand when the war broke out, and very early in the war joined up with the Volunteers in the Expeditionary Force. His brother, Mr Alfred Luck, is clerk to the Angmering Parish Council. We are sure we are expressing the feelings of all when we offer Mr and Mrs. F. Luck our condolences.
McKENZIE-SLATER, John
Private L/10589, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 18th Division. Killed in action 8th September 1917. Aged 20. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mckenzie-Slater of Angmering. Born in Brockley, Kent and enlisted in Chichester. Buried Duhallow ADS. Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium B. 20.
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
Scribble (Oct 1917): News has been received of the death of Private Jack McKenzie, of the Royal Sussex Regiment and an old boy at Older’s School, who was killed by a shell in France.
MESSENGER, Stanley
Private STK/468, "B" Company, 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Killed in action 15th July 1916. Aged 26. Born and resident Hampstead, enlisted London. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Messenger, of Roundstone House, Old Worthing Road, Angmering. No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.
Pre-war occupation: Clerk
Note: Stanley Messenger's parents moved from Hampstead to Angmering c1912. His father was a retired dentist.
MITCHELL, Frederick
Sergeant G/153, 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 12th Division. Killed in action at Arras 9th April 1917. Born in Manchester and enlisted in Hove. Resident in Angmering. Buried Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery F. 531
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
PARSONS, Arthur James
Private G/5683, 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 18th Division. Killed in action 14th December 1915. Aged 19. Son of James and Marion Parsons of 23, Chalks Cottages, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Worthing. Buried Dernancourt Communal Cemetery F. 176.
Pre-war occupation: Labourer
Note: Parsons Close in Angmering is named after Private Arthur Parsons of the 8th Royal Sussex Regiment who was killed during WW1.
PEARSON, H John
Private G/17985, 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. 5th Division. Died of wounds 12th February 1917. Aged 30. Son of John and Louisa Pearson of Limehouse. Born in Limehouse, East London and enlisted in Chichester. Resident of Angmering. Former Royal Sussex. Buried Bethune Town Cemetery F. 80].
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
Note: The post-WW1 Angmering Memorial Committee Minutes’ Book gives his name as Harry Pearson, Royal West Kent Regiment
PELLING, William
Private, Royal Sussex Regiment probably William Henry PELLING, Private G/1380. 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died of wounds 9th May 1915. Born in 1897 and enlisted Worthing. Buried in Rue-Des-Berceaux Military Cemetery, Richebourg-l'Avoue, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row D. Grave 15.
Pre-war occupation: Carter on farm
POCOCK, Henry Peter
Private SD/3200, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action 30th June 1916. Aged 22. Son of Simeon and Kate Pocock of Blaber Cottage, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Lewes. Commemorated on The Loos Memorial MR. 19.
Pre-war occupation: Butcher
Scribble (May 1917): three Angmering soldiers have been missing since the August push, and as nothing further has been heard of them, the War Office has now intimated to their relatives that their death must be presumed. They were Sergeant Burns, Private Henry Pocock, and Private George Horton.
PULMAN, Harry B
Private, 1st/4th Royal Sussex Regiment. Wounded in action in Galipoli and died on 11 November 1915, aged 22. Born in Cricklewood in 1893, the son of Harry and Gertrude Ann Pulman. Buried in the Pieta Military Cemetary, Malta (grave D.V.2.).
Pre-war occupation: Farm worker living at Avenals Farm, Angmering (Census 1911).
Note: Not included on Angmering War Memorial.
ROLFE, Lionel Thomas
Private SD/ 3002, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action 30th June 1916. Born and enlisted in Worthing. Wife, Florence, living in Water Lane, Angmering – son aged 5. Buried St. Vaast Military Cemetery F. 631
Pre-war occupation: Farm labourer
SMART, Stephen William
Private 38644, 2nd Battalion, The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. 32nd Division. Killed in action 25th August 1917. Aged 27. Son of Stephen and Emily Elizabeth Smart of 17, The Cotterells, The High Street, Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Chichester. Commemorated on The Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium Mr. 30.
Pre-war occupation: Farm labourer
Scribble (Oct 1917): After being wounded three times Private William Smart, of the Yorkshire Light Infantry, has been killed in action. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smart, of Cottrell Cottage. The deceased was previously in the employ of the Rural District Council, and he was one of the first to volunteer from the Angmering village.
TERRY, Albert Edward [John]
[Listed as Albert John TERRY on memorial] Private 291591. 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment). Died of wounds 30th October 1917. Born 23rd July 1892 in Angmering. Son of Mrs James Terry, of The Square, Angmering. Resident Desford, Manitoba, Canada. Emigrated to Canada circa 1913. Enlisted and passed fit 28th February 1916 at Boissevain, Manitoba, Canada, aged 23 years 7 months, height 5 feet 5½ inches, girth 36 inches, complexion fair, eyes grey, hair medium brown; religion Church of England. He sailed for England on the SS Olympic on 13th November 1916. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Plot XXX. Row H. Grave 17. National Archives of Canada Accession Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 9573 - 13
Pre-war occupation: Butcher
Worthing Gazette (12 Dec 1917): The death has occurred at a Military Hospital in France of Private AE Terry fifth son of Mr and Mrs J Terry of Angmering as a result of wounds received in action. In conveying the sad news to the bereaved parents an Army Chaplain with the Canadian Forces writes that "He was a good soldier and faithful comrade and we all feel his loss most keenly. He met a soldiers death as the result of wounds received whilst courageously carrying out his duty on the front line of battle, with his face to the foe, and you with us have every reason to feel intensely proud of his record".
TERRY, Frank
Private G/15982, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division. Killed in action 26th September 1916. Aged 34. Eldest Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Terry of "The Square" Angmering. Born in Angmering and enlisted in Littlehampton. Buried Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps. F. 156.
Pre-war occupation: Butcher
Worthing Gazette 911 Oct 1916): Angmering has just lost another of her sons in the Great War. This is Frank Terry of the Fourth Royal Sussex Regiment who is reported to have been killed by a shell and whose death was witnessed by another Angmering man Alfred Smith. In civilian life Terry was engaged as a temporary postman and is described as "general assistant to everybody".
WADEY, Harry
Corporal 32356, 10th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment transferred to 488901, 977th Employment Company, Labour Corps. Died 29th November 1918. Buried in Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Greece. Grave 951. Possibly Henry Wadey, born Brighton 1898. Probably son on Mark & Rhoda Wadey and born in Angmering in 1876. Living at The Cottage, Lenton Hall, Nottingham in 1911 and married to Eva Jane Wadey (with one son).
Pre-war occupation: Gardener
WALSHA, Albert Arthur
Lieutenant. Date of Death: 18/09/1918. Regiment. Service:Norfolk Regiment 9th Bn. Grave Reference II. H. 12.Cemetery. CHAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY, HOLNON. Next of kin (wife): Mrs Marion W Walsha. Commissioned: 1 July 1918.
Worthing Gazette (9 Oct 1918): News has been received that Lieutenant AA Walsha of the Norfolk Regiment whose home was at Kinnoull Cottage [High Street, Angmering] was killed in action on the 18th September. The youngest son of Mrs C Walsha and the late Mr Herbert Walsha the deceased officer was just over 30 years of age and has seen twelve years’ service in the Regular Army. He was in South Africa when the War broke out and he went to France in 1915. He was wounded in September 1917 and returned to England but in June this year he was again sent out to France. He leaves a young wife having been married only in May of this year. Four of Mrs Herbert Walsha's five sons are in the Army and the fifth is on work of national importance.
WELLER, Alfred W
Private 5253 (CWGC) or 241877 (SDGW), 1st/6th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Killed in action 8th March 1917. Aged 22. Born and enlisted Brighton. Brother of Mrs. Bertha Bowrah, of 14, St. Martin's St., Lewes Rd., Brighton. Buried in Foncquevillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais , France. Plot III. Row D. Grave 3.
Pre-war occupation: Butcher
Scribble: Young Weller, who was employed as roundsman for Mr. Bradley, of Angmering, was killed in France on the 8th March. He was a very promising young fellow, and Mr. Bradley considered him one of the best and most straightforward men he had ever employed.
Worthing Gazette (21 March 1917): Before he joined the Army, Lance Corporal Weller was employed by Mr Bradley and was a member of the local section of the Littlehampton Company of Volunteers.
Note: The photo of Alfred Weller indicates that he was in the Royal Sussex Regiment. However, this may either be incorrect or he may have originally joined the Royal Sussex and possibly transferred later to the Sherwood Foresters.
WELLER, George Abraham
Private 25759, 1st Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment. 5th Division. Died of wounds 15th March 1917. Aged 33. Husband of Mrs. Fanny Weller (remarried) of Lyminster. Born in Dorking and enlisted in Angmering. Included on Rustington W. M. Buried Bethune Town Cemetery F. 80
Pre-war occupation: Gardener
Scribble: George Weller, who was recently killed, was before joining employed in the Gardens of Ham Manor, and was one of Angmering’s best bowlers at cricket. He leaves a widow, who resides at Rustington, and four young children.
WHITFIELD, Ernest George, D.S.M. ,Médaille Militaire
Leading Seaman. 182706 Royal Navy. HMS "Alert" Killed in action in Mesopotamia 30th September 1916. Aged 38. Husband of Mrs. Mary Cecilia Whitfield (née Sayers) of Littleworth Cottage, Angmering. Awarded DSM and Medaille Militaire (Fr). Buried Baghdad (North Gate) Cemetery, Iraq.
Scribble (July 1919): After three years of anxiety and suspense, definite news has now been received of Ernest Whitfield, DSM who was taken prisoner at Kut. It has been ascertained that he succumbed to sunstroke on the terrible march. We tender our sincerest sympathy to his young widow, who experienced so short a married life [Note: they married in 1915].
Note: Research indicates that Ernest Whitfield was probably one of the volunteers from HMS Alert who were seconded to SS Julnar. Julnar was disabled whilst attempting to reach Kut (24th April 1916) with supplies for the besieged garrison and the survivors of the ship's company fell into the hands of the Turks. 26 of the crew seem to have died of illness in the months from May 1916, whilst being held as prisoners of war by the Turks. In January 1916, he was awarded the DSM for distinguished service in the Mesopotamia and Serbian campaigns. He was one of a number of men of the British Naval Forces awarded the Médaille Militaire by the President of the French Republic in 1918 for distinguished services rendered during the War. This was awarded posthumously.
Pre-war occupation: Unknown
Note: Whitfield Close in Angmering was named after L/S Ernest Whitfield, DSM, MM (Fr), of HMS Alert, who was killed during WW1
I would welcome any additions/amendments/photos to the foregoing list. See Contacts page.
Neil Rogers-Davis
May 2014