WW1 Roll Of Honour

Army

Collier, Sidney Alfred Proctor

4th December 2021
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Sidney Alfred Proctor Collier

Rank: Corporal

Regiment: 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment

Father: Mr A Collier

Father’s Address: 84 Sandygate Road, Folkestone

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 22nd July 1916 reads: “News has been received of the death in action of Corporal Sidney Alfred Proctor Collier, nephew of <text unclear> Collier of Cranford, St Peter’s Road, St Leonards.

Corporal Collier was only 27 years of age and belonged to the Devon Regiment. He was killed in the big push. He was held in the highest esteem by his comrades. Second Lieutenant J. G. Pocock, of the Devon Regiment, writing to the father, Mr Alfred Collier, brother of the late Mr W. Payne Collier of ‘The Briars’, Hastings says – ‘Dear Mr Collier, I am most distressed at the news of your son’s death in action, while leading his bombers, and I beg to offer you my deepest and sincere sympathies.

I knew your son when the battalion was raised till the Battle of Loos when I came back wounded. We picked him out of the ground in January 1915 I think, and I never regretted my choice. He wrote me several times since Loos and I followed his movements with utmost interest, because amongst many men in my platoon, there was none I liked more personally or appreciated more as an N.C.O. He was a good soldier, smart, and keen, and above all, cheerful, and I feel his loss very much.

In all his work your son was so quiet, and dependable, and all the officers in the Command shared my very high opinion of him. I feel certain he fell gallantly leading his men, and this helped to uphold the glorious tradition which the regiment holds.

We shall always be proud of him, and the others who paid the great price. If you have a copy of his photograph I should appreciate it very much. When I return to France there is none I shall miss more than him. It is hard to write all one feels, but I trust you will be comforted by the knowledge of our high opinion of you son, and that you will accept my sincerest sympathy in a loss which I fully realise is to you something greater than we can ever know.”

According to CWGC, Sidney died on 1st July 1916 is remembered at the Devonshire Cemetery, Mametz, grave reference A.6.

Published: July 1916

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Army

Powell, John Stewart

27th November 2021
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John Stewart Powell

Rank: Captain

Regiment: 11th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment

Parents: Mr William Henry & Mrs Clara Powell

Parent’s Address: Cranford, St Peter’s Road, St Leonards

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 15th July 1916 reads: “Information has been received by Mr W. H. Powell that his brother, Captain John Stewart Powell of the Hampshire Regiment was killed in action on July 3rd. Captain Powell was the third son of the late Mr William Henry Powell, F.R.I.B.A. and Mrs Powell of Cranford, St Leonards. He was educated at Marizburg College, Natal, and at King’s College School, Wimbledon Common. For over ten years he was on the staff of Middlesex County Council, and obtained leave of absence early in the War.

He received his commission as Second-Lieutenant in April 1915 and Captain in September 1915. He went to the Front in December of the same year.

In a letter received by Mr Powell is is explained that Captain Powell was killed by a chance shell which burst close beside him, a piece entering his thigh and cutting the main artery. The letter also contained many references to the esteem in which Captain Powell had been held by his fellow officers and men, and a remark made by a subaltern in his regiment, “He was simply loved by all ranks, and his death has cast a gloom over us all”, testifies to the loss sustained. Sincere sympathy will be offered to the family in their bereavement.”

According to CWGC, George is remembered at Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension, grave reference I.F.5.

Published: July 1916

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Army

Smith, George William

21st November 2021
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George William Smith

Rank: Sapper

Regiment: 491st Field Company, Royal Engineers

Parents: Mr George & Mrs William Smith

Parent’s Address: 11 Gladstone Cottages, Church Street, Cirencester

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 8th July 1916 reads: “We regret to have to announce the death of Sapper G. W. Smith, R.E. He was killed with a comrade by a shell on July 1st. His loss is deeply felt by the whole of the officers and men of the Company, among whom he was most popular, also by his many friends here.

He was very devoted to his work, and had previously had several very narrow escapes. Deceased, who was very well known locally, was for some time assistant to Mr J. Watson, jeweller and optician, Queens Road, and joined up soon after war broke out. Some time ago he brought over several souvenirs, which are still being exhibited in Mr Watson’s window.

According to CWGC, George died aged 25 on 1st July 1916. He is remembered at Wailly Orchard Cemetery, grave reference I.C.9.

Published: July 1916

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Army

Daniel, Walter James

20th November 2021
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Walter James Daniel

Rank: Sapper

Regiment: Balloon Kite Cable Section, Royal Engineers

Parents: Mr John & Mrs Emma Daniel

Born in: Hastings

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 1st July 1916 reads: “Another Local Casualty. Sapper Walter J Daniel, whose death from wounds took place in the Twelfth Stationary Hospital, France on June 22nd, was an old Hastings boy.

The fifth son of the late John Daniel, at one time florist of Clive Vale, he was educated at Halton Schools, and later attended the Evening Continuation Classes at Priory Road. For a short time he was on the Staff of Messrs F. J. Parsons Ltd, but passing a competitive examination, entered the local Post Office. A sorting clerk and telegraphist he made good progress and was popular with all his colleagues. Later he was transferred to the Newhaven Post Office.

On the outbreak of war he at once volunteered, but his services were retained on important Government work till last autumn, when he was enrolled in the Signal Section of the Royal Engineers.

After the usual strenuous course of training he left for France in good spirits, and found himself attached to one of the Army Headquarters. In less than a fortnight his active service terminated, and a life of great promise and usefulness closed. He leaves two brothers, the Rev John Daniel, Baptist Minister, Folkestone and Private Joseph H Daniel, of the Canadian Forces.”

According to CWGC, Walter died aged 29. He is remembered at St. Pol Communal Cemetery Extension, grave reference A. 12.

Published: July 1916

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Army

Howell, George Henry

13th November 202113th November 2021
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George Henry Howell

Rank: Private

Regiment: 30th Labour Company, Army Service Corps

Wife: Mrs Martha Jane Howell

Address: 77 Milward Road, Hastings

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 27th May 1915 reads: “Hastings Soldier Drowned. The many friends of Private George Howell, of the Army Service Corps, and late of 3 Gordon Road, Hastings will be sorry to hear of his untimely end. He was drowned on the 19th May whilst bathing with his company in a (text unclear) Havre. A sergeant who got into trouble at the same time was rescued. Private Howell, supposed to have been seized by cramp, was never missed until too late.

The same evening his body was recovered. The deceased, who was 40 years of age, prior to joining the Army was with Mr L. O. Glenister, wine and spirit merchant, for 25 years. The greatest sympathy is being felt for the widow and four children. The funeral took place on Monday with full honours.

According to CWGC, George is remembered at St. Vallery-sur-Somme Communal Cemetery.

Published: May 1916

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Army

Chick, Francis Richard

7th November 2021
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Francis Richard Chick

Rank: Private

Regiment: Australian Imperial Force.

Sister: Mrs Laker

Brother: A J Chick

Father: Tom Chick

Sister’s Address: 24 Cornfield Terrace, St Leonards

Father’s Address: Collumpton, Devon

Other Info: Wounded in the Dardanelles, now in hospital in Suez. Francis’ war service papers can be viewed for free by searching here.

Published: February 1916 in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer.

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Army

Hicks, James Thomas William

6th November 2021
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James Thomas William Hicks

Rank: Private

Regiment: 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment

Parents: Mr Albert & Mrs Emma Hicks

Home Address: Homelands, Cadborough Road, Rye

Other Info: James was killed in action in France on 24th May 1915. According to CWGC, James died aged 20 and is remembered at Bethune Town Cemetery, grave reference IV.C.64.

Published: Hastings & St Leonards Observer, January 1916

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Army

Vigor, John Henry

30th October 2021
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John Henry Vigor

Rank: Private

Regiment: Australian Imperial Force

Parents: Mr & Mrs A Vigor

Home Address: 301 Battle Road, Hollington, St Leonards

Other Info: Wounded in the Dardanelles on 27th September 1915. Now convalescent in England. John’s war service papers can be viewed for free by searching here.

Published: December 1915 in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer.

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Navy

Kedge, Frederick Markwick

30th October 2021
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Frederick Markwick Kedge

Rank: Leading Seaman

Ship: HMS Achilles

Parents: Mr William Markwick & Mrs Mary Ann Mercy Kedge

Home Address: 6 Duke Street, Silverhill

Other Info: Lost off of HMS Achilles on 26th October 1915. According to CWGC, Frederick is remembered at Portsmouth Naval Memorial, on panel 7.

Published: December 1915 in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer.

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Army

Marshall, Robert

27th October 202130th October 2021
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Robert Marshall

Rank: Private

Regiment: 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment

Parents: Mr Samuel Arthur & Mrs Emma Jane Marshall

Aunt: Mrs R Sutherland

Home Address: 46 Grove Road, Ore

Other Info: Died of enteric fever in France on 10th October 1915. According to CWGC, Robert is remembered at Etaples Military Cemetery, grave reference III.D.5A. He is not named on either Hastings or Ore War Memorial.

Published: November 1915 in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer.

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