Killed Archives - WW1 Roll Of Honour

Army

Beacham, Charles

28th March 202628th March 2026
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Charles Joseph Beacham

Rank: Corporal

Regiment: 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade

Parents: Mr James & Mrs Frances Beacham of Hastings

Wife: Mrs Alice Beacham

Address: 194 Sunnyhill Road, Streatham, London

Other Info: According to CWGC, Harold died aged 39 on 25th August 1915. He is remembered at the Desplanque Farm Cemetery, La Chapelle-D’Armentiers, grave reference B6. Charles joined the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade on October 26th 1891 and served in India from 1893 till 1903 at end of his service. He re-joined with 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade in 1914. Additional information provided by Derek Fry. Image and further information about Charles can be read here.

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Army

Godward, Charles Theodore

25th August 202525th August 2025
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Charles Theodore Godward

Rank: Private

Regiment: 10th Battalion (Royal East Kent & West Kent Yeomanry), The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Parents: Mr Charles & Mrs M. E. Godward

Parent’s Address: Monson Colonade, Tunbridge Wells

Other Info: Died on 2nd September 1918. Buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, grave reference: III. N. 1.

Charles enlisted aged 19 and was posted to the “C” Squadron of the 1/1st West Kent Yeomanry Regiment. During the summer of 1915 the Brigade was dismounted for overseas service and in September 1915 the battalion boarded the RMS Olympic for Gallipoli. The worst of the fighting had already taken place so they did not bear the brunt of the campaign. However, in November 1915 Charles Godward was wounded and rejoined his unit in Egypt the following month. The Buffs spent about a year in Egypt, focusing on the Suez Canal defences and then as part of the Western Frontier Force. The regiments were then reorganised and Charles Godward was transferred to the 10th Battalion East Kent Regiment.

The new Battalion formed part of Allenby’s successful Palestine offensive against the Turkish Army and took part in the invasion of Palestine in 1917 and 1918. The battalion also played a leading role in the capture and defence of Jerusalem. The heavy casualties on the Western Front forced the withdrawal of infantry divisions from other theatres of war, so in April 1918 the Buffs embarked for Alexandria, landing in Marseilles in May. The Buffs spent the following three months training in the methods of warfare on the Western Front, moving around places which were close together, south of the town of Hazebrouk. Finally, they were moved to La Perriere and the Buffs were warned that at any moment the Battalion would need to move into action.

In August they advanced on Calonne and an attempt to advance further failed. Starting in September 1918, as part of the Fourth Army, the Buffs took part in the Hundred Days Offensive – a final push against German positions on the Western Front. The first attack took place on September 2nd, but the Buffs were in reserve in a valley south-west of Moislains, where they were heavily shelled with gas and high explosives all day, during which two soldiers were killed. One of them was Charles Godward – barely two months before the end of the war. He was buried at Perrone Communal Cemetery Extension. Additional information provided by Mary Godward.

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Army

Pagnoni, George

25th February 202322nd September 2023
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George Pagnoni

Rank: Private

Regiment: 13th Kensington Battalion, London Regiment

Parents: Mr Henry & Mrs Flora Pagnoni (nee Bendall)

Parent’s Address: 95a Hughenden Road, Hastings

Other Info: Severely wounded at Albert, France and died aged 18 on 17th September 1916. He is remembered at Kensal Green (All Soul’s) Cemetery, Screen Wall 213.6.9.

An article in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer dated 30th September 1916 reports “Although only 18 years of age, George Pagnoni, lately residing at 22 Southwater Road, St. Leonard’s, did not disregard the call of duty. In April 1915 he enlisted in the County of London Regiment, and went to France the following August.

Towards the end of June he was blown up in his trench as the result of German mining operations (sic), but apart from being extremely shaken he emerged from that alarming experience unhurt.

On July 1st when the Big Push was commenced Pagnoni’s Regiment along with other gallant London battalions took part in the operation. Whilst rushing upon the enemy trenches the faithful soldier was struck upon the head by a piece of shell and sustained a fractured skull.

He was sent to England and placed in hospital at Denmark Hill, and afterwards to a nursing home at Byfleet, Surrey, where for a time he seemed to improve. He had a relapse however, and with all speed possible he was transferred to the Fulham Military Hospital. Despite all that was done for him he passed away. Private Pagnoni was a bright and cheerful boy and his death is deeply regretted.

The funeral took place last Wednesday afternoon, the first part of the burial service was held at the chapel of the hospital. There were a number of wounded soldiers present. A deputation of his colleagues from the Natural History Museum, where he was an Attendant, were present at this service. The internment was made at Kensal Green Cemetery and full military honours were accorded. The mourners were: Mrs Pagnoni (mother), Miss Pagnoni (sister), Mrs Pagnoni (aunt), Miss Bendall (aunt). Wreathes were contributed by all the mourners, and also by the staff of the Natural History Museum, staff of the North End Road School, Madame Helen and family, neighbours, two old chums Monty and Will, Matron and staff at the Byfleet Convalescent Home, Mrs Cornish and Miss Morgan.”

Photograph and additional information from the Lives of the First World War website.

Published: September 1916

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Army

Reid, James Lestock Ironside

14th January 2023
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James Lestock Ironside Reid

Rank: Lieutenant

Regiment: 1st Battalion, Attached to 2nd Battalion, 2nd King’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)

Parents: Colonel James Henry Erskine Reid & Mrs Reid

Address: 52 Sedlescombe Road, St Leonards

According to CWGC, James died aged 27 on 2nd November 1914. He is remembered at Neuve-Chapelle Memorial, on Panel 18 to 20.

Image from the book ‘The bond of sacrifice; a biographical record of all British officers who fell in the Great War’ which is available to view for free at Archive.org.

This book says that “he was born at Eastbourne on the 4th January, 1887, the only son of Colonel James Henry Erskine Reid. late of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. On his mother’s side Lieutenant Reid was first cousin (two removed) of the late Brigadier-General John Nicholson, the hero of Delhi.

Lieutenant Reid was educated at Wellington College and at the R.M.C., Sandhurst. He joined the Scottish Rifles in October, 1907: was transferred to the 10th Gurkhas in September, 1909. and to the 2nd Gurkhas in January, 1913.

He was killed in the trenches at Neuve Chapelle on the 2nd November, 1914, with all his brother officers. Lieutenant Reid was fond of polo, football, and hockey, and was good at all games. He was not married.’

Published: November 1914

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Army

Calrow, William Robert Launcelot

7th January 2023
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William Robert Launcelot Calrow

Rank: Lieutenant

Regiment: ‘C’ Company, 1st Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Parents: Mr Gerald Walton & Mrs Mabel Selina Calrow

Other Info: Lieutenant Calrow is named on Hastings War Memorial, but it is unclear what his connection to the town is.

According to CWGC, Arthur died aged 19 on 7th October 1914. He is remembered at La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial.

Image from the book ‘The bond of sacrifice; a biographical record of all British officers who fell in the Great War’ which is available to view for free at Archive.org.

This book says that “was born at San Antonio. Texas. U.S.A., on the 12th March, 1895. His parents were both English, Gerald Walton Calrow. and Mabel Calrow, daughter of the late Edmund King. He was a great-grandson of the late William Calrow. Esq., J.P., D.L., of Walton Lodge. Lancashire.

Second-Lieutenant Calrow lost his mother when he was only a year-and-a-half old, and having come to England with his father was brought up by his grandmother, Mrs. Calrow, and educated in England. He was first at a preparatory school at Seascale. Cumberland, then at the School House, Rugby, and finally at the R.M.C. Sandhurst.

He was gazetted to the Army in September, 1913, and joined at Aldershot, where he remained till the 12th August, 1914, when the accompanied his battalion to France for the Great War. He was present at the battle of Mons in the retirement thence, and in the battles of the Aisne and the Marne.

He was killed instantaneously by high-explosive shell on the 7th October, 1914. Both officers and men testified in the highest terms to his courage, coolness and efficiency, and to his kindness and consideration for his men. Only on the morning of his death one of the latter said to the Officer commanding his company : ” Young Mr. Calrow is a hero, if ever there was one.” The same Officer, in writing to his Aunt said: ” Calrow behaved perfectly splendidly; he was wonderfully cool and collected.” While yet another wrote: “A thoroughly efficient young officer, as brave as you make them, and a great loss to us.”

Second-Lieutenant Calrow was very fond of hunting and was a fearless rider from early Boyhood. His recreations also included camping out, and walking among the mountains of Wales. Cumberland, and Switzerland, where he enjoyed skiing.

Published: October 1914

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Army

Gilliat-Smith, Arthur

1st January 2023
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Arthur Gilliat-Smith

Rank: Lieutenant

Regiment: 26th Field Company, Royal Engineers

Parents: Mr Harold & Mrs Laura Sybil Gilliat-Smith

Parent’s Address: 37 Kenilworth Road, St Leonards

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer dated 7th November 1914 reports that: “A promising young officer, Lieut. Arthur Gilliat-Smith, only son of Mrs Harold Gilliat-Smith, or 37 Kenilworth Road, St Leonards, was killed in action on All Saints’ Day. He was in the 26th Co., Royal Engineers, and was leading his men to reinforce some infantry against an attack when he fell.

Lieutenant Gilliat-Smith was formerly a pupil at St Paul’s House, St Leonards. He afterwards went to Hillside, Godalming and Rugby Schools. His military career throughout had been with the Regulars. He obtained his commission in 1908 and became a Lieutenant in 1911. After leaving Chatham he went to Bordon Camp. He was one of the first officers to go with the Expeditionary Force.

According to CWGC, Arthur died aged 26 on 1st November 1914 and is remembered at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial on Panel 9.

Image from the book ‘The bond of sacrifice; a biographical record of all British officers who fell in the Great War’ which is available to view for free at Archive.org.

This book says that “he was born at Blackheath on the 3rd July, 1888, the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Giilliat Smith, and great-grandson of the late Joseph Smith, formerly of The Oaks, Woodmansterne, Surrey. He was also related to the late Sir Edmund Bainbridge, K.C.B. He was educated at St. Paul’s House, St. Leonards-on-Sea : Hillside, Godalming and subsequently at Rugby and the R.M.A., Woolwich.

He was gazetted to the R.E. in December, 1908, and after leaving Chatham joined the 26th Field Company at Bordon Camp, Hampshire, where he served all the time he was in England. He became Lieutenant in February, 1911.

He was a cross-country rider, and won several point-to-point races in 1913-14. He was also expert on ski, and always spent part of his winter leave in Switzerland or Norway. In the Great War he was killed on the 1st November, 1914, near Ypres, when leading his section to reinforce some infantry under a very hot fire. His Commanding Officer wrote of him: “I have lost a loyal friend and a most keen and efficient officer.”

Published: October 1916

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Navy

Beaney, Albert Edward

27th December 2022
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Albert Edward Beaney

Rank: Able Seaman

Ship: HMS Hogue

Parents: Mr William Foord & Mrs Esther Beaney

Wife: Mrs Mary Jane Beaney

Brother: Charles Arthur Beaney

Address: 154 Hollington Old Lane, Hollington

Parent’s Address: 57 Norman Road, St Leonards

Other Info: An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 31st October 1914 reports “The sad news has been received that Mr Charles Arthur Beaney, of 57 Norman Road, St Leonards, was killed on the ‘Falcon’ destroyer, during the recent bombardment of German forces by our Fleet. Mr Beaney was a single man, aged 38, and was a Petty Officer. What makes his death more distressing is that quite recently a married brother, a Postman between Battle and Westfield, was lost on the ‘Hogue’.

HMS Hogue was sunk along with her sister ships HMS Aboukir and HMS Cressy, by German submarine U-9 on 22nd September 1914. Albert was one of 1,459 seamen lost on that day.

According to CWGC, Albert died aged 35 and is remembered at Chatham Naval Memorial on Panel 2.

Published: October 1914

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Navy

Beaney, Charles Arthur

27th December 202227th December 2022
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Charles Arthur Beaney

Rank: Petty Officer Stoker

Ship: HMS Falcon

Parents: Mr William Ford & Mrs Esther Beaney

Brother: Albert Edward Beaney

Address: 57 Norman Road, St Leonards

According to CWGC, Charles is buried at Hastings Cemetery, grave reference E.A.18X.

Published: October 1914

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Army

Atter, Harold Norman

26th November 2022
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Harold Norman Atter

Rank: Private

Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Mother: Mrs Elizabeth Ann Harmer

Address: 3 Carlton Terrace, Halton, Hastings

Other Info: According to CWGC, Harold died aged 29 on 18th August 1916. He is remembered at the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 1c and 2a.

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Army

Armitage, J A R

20th November 2022
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J A R Armitage

Rank: Captain

Regiment: 15th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own)

Father: Mr J A Armitage

Address: Netherwood, St Helens Park, Hastings

Other Info: Captain Armitage died on 19th July 1919 and is remembered at Hastings Cemetery, screen wall K.C.J3.

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