Blandford Forum

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Burials at Blandford Cemetery
Research by Richard Smith into the lives and deaths of the CWGC War Casualties buried in Blandford.

Burials from CWGC at Blandford Main Cemetery

ALMOND Charles Private 2nd Class No. 295395 Recruits Training Wing Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born at Erbistock, Denbighshire, Wales on 25th August 1872 son of William Almond, a woodman in 1891 who died in 1916, and his wife Sarah Ann who died
in 1901. Charles was a game keeper when he enlisted in the Imperial Yeomanry as a Trooper on 23rd February 1901. He served in the 2nd Boer War
in South Africa in the 88th Squadron, 9th Battalion until discharged on 3rd September 1902. Sometime in 1909 he married Marian Vaughan (in Wales ?) and
in 1911 he was again working as a game keeper when they were living at 22 Church Street, Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, Wales. He died at the Blandford
Military Hospital, cause not known, on 12th October 1918 and was buried on the 17th in grave No. 1163.

BARRIE-SMITH Ian Macintosh Sapper No. 2073306 38th Div. Field Stores Section Royal Engineers.

Born at Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales on 21st August 1917 son of William Barrie-Smith, an engineer and clerk of works at Cardiff Royal Infirmary,
and his wife Mary Adelaide Morse. In 1939 Ian was a draughtsman living with his parents at 1 Longcross Street, Cardiff, before in June 1941 at
Cardiff he married Barbara Irene Molyneux. He died at Blandford Camp on 4th March 1943, cause not found, aged 25 and was buried in grave No. 31

BRADY James Private 2nd Class No. 303133 Recruits Training Wing, Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born at Monaghan, Ireland on 24th June 1885 but I failed to pin down his parents. He married Margaret Ann (surname not known) about 1910 in Ireland
and in 1911 he was a lamplighter living with Margaret at Mourne Street, Potting, Down, Ireland.

He died at Blandford Military Hospital on 10th November 1918, cause not found, and was buried on the 13th in grave No. 75.

BRIGG George Thomas Watkin Captain No. 112559 Royal Army Service Corps - was a Lieutenant R.A.S.C. 10. 1. 1940, late of Indian Army.

Born at Richmond, Surrey on 22nd February 1902 son of Walter Alfred Bring, an umbrella manufacturer, and his wife Jessica Constance Barrett who died
in 1934. George married Irene Violet Gill at Brentford, Middlesex on 6th July 1932, and in 1939 he was the Club Secretary of the Equestrian Club at
Richmond. Army records show he was noted as "dangerously ill" on 20th September 1940 - no details of his illness and he died on the 22nd. He was
buried in grave No. 57. His probate to his widow Irene gave an address of R.A.S.C. Depot at Warminster, Wiltshire and was for £570 11s. 1d on 5th
April 1941.

BRIGGS Albert George Lieutenant No. 211762 Royal Engineers

Born at Eastern Cape, South Africa on 14th July 1905, son of Eugene Ward Briggs and his wife Annie Mary Frearson. In 1911 his father Eugene was a
Colour Sergeant with Lancashire Fusiliers No. 4510. I did not find Albert's military record, but I think he arrived at London on 12th December 1939 on
S S Garth Castle from Cape Town, South Africa, noted as Sgt. No. 1959339 Royal Engineers. I found no details of the cause of Albert's death on 3rd
November 1942, but it was registered at Blandford, so maybe he died in hospital there. He was buried on the 7th in grave No. 63. His brother
Charles Eugene Briggs W.O.1 and Armourer Sgt. Major O.B.E. No. 7578860 R. A. O. C. and H/Q Sudan Defence Corps was killed in Egypt on 17th November 1941
- he was born in 1899.

BRYDON James Stenhouse Flying Officer No. J/ 10154 90 Squadron (RAF) Royal Canadian Air Force.

Born at Toronto, Canada on 12th November 1913 son of Arthur MacKenzie Brydon, an architect, and his wife Ellen Mary Miller (K/as Helen). He was
killed piloting a Stirling bomber returning from a raid on L'Orient, France when engine trouble caused it to fly into Bold Barrow Hill near Blandford
on 16th February 1943. Three of his crew did survive but he was buried in grave No. 33 on the 19th.

BUNCE Frederick Leslie Lance Bombardier No. 1453578 310 Battery, 72nd Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery.

Born at Blandford on 9th March 1921, the son of Louis Leslie Bunce, a boot and shoe dealer, and his wife Ethel Mary Backway. He died at Lymington
Cottage Hospital, Hampshire, cause not found, on 12th March 1941 and was buried on the 17th in grave No. 125. His probate granted to his father
Louis on 23rd July 1941 was for £1,437. 19s. 11d giving his address as Lime Tree House, The Blocks, Blandford.

BURCHALL R. Private No. 523605 Labour Corps.

I failed to find anything about him, except that he died on 6th March 1919 and was buried in grave No. 83.

BYSOUTH Royston James Sergeant No. T/ 66354 3rd Div. Supply Column Royal Army Service Corps.

Born at Liskeard, Cornwall on 31st August 1918, son of William Herbert Bysouth, a carman, and his wife Susannah Jones. He married Florence
Winifred Goodman at Hendon, Middlesex early in September 1940 just before he died on 11th September 1940. His death was registered at Sturminster
Newton so maybe he died at the Military Hospital there, cause of death not found. He was buried in grave No. 56 on the 13th. In 1939 his parents were
living at 138 North Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex.

CARTER Thomas Lance Corporal No. 8723 Royal Defence Corps.

Born at Blandford in October 1861 son of Joseph Lazarus Carter, a boot and shoemaker who died in 1874 and his wife Caroline Rolls who died in 1902.
In 1884 he enlisted as a Private No. 2447 in 9th Lancers, then Thomas married Edith Founding in 1886. In 1911 he was a boot and shoemaker like
his father living with Edith at 13 Orchard Street, Blandford. I have not found any record about his death on 2nd December 1918 aged 58 before he was
buried in grave No. 107. His widow Edith living at The Cabin, Kings Road, Blandford sailed to New Zealand on 17th July 1925, and she was then living
at 3 Patrick Street, Perone, Wellington, New Zealand. Their oldest son Charles, born January 1890 died from drowning at sea whilst serving on H M
Submarine K.4 on 31st January 1918.

CARTWRIGHT William Richard (sometimes Richard William) Ordinary Seaman No. R/613 3rd Reserve Battalion Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Born at Upper Arley, Staffordshire in 1878 son of Richard Cartwright, a farm labourer who died in 1908, and his wife Mary Ann who died in 1911. On
6th June 1906 William married Emma Callow at Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire, and in 1911 they were living at Ladywood, Droitwich,
Worcestershire - he worked as a domestic groom / gardener. He died from bronco-pneumonia at 5. 50 p.m. on 23rd February 1917 aged 39 at Camp
Hospital, Blandford and was buried in grave No. 1241. His widow Emma was living at 6 Warwick Street, Newtown, Stourport, Worcestershire.

CHANNING Joseph Arthur Private 2nd Class No. 296135 Royal Air Force

Born at Chelsea, London on 26th August 1900 son of Joseph Channing, a taxi driver and his wife Mary Hine who died in 1913. He enlisted on 17th
September 1918 but within one month had died on 13th October 1918 - was it at the Military Hospital, Blandford - maybe Spanish Flu ? He was buried in
grave No. 1014 on the 19th. His father was living at 17 Radipole Road, Fulham, London.

CLEMENTS Daniel Private 2nd Class No. 308954 Previously No. 10444 Royal Air Force

Born at Middlesborough, Yorkshire in September 1895 son of Daniel Clements, an iron works stock taker, and his wife Sarah Ann Farrer. In the 1911
census the family were living at 80 Theodore Street, Middlesborough and Daniel, aged 15 was an apprentice boiler maker. He died of pneumonia on 9th
November 1918 at Blandford Military Hospital and was buried in grave No. 76. Probate granted to his sister Annie was for £107. 8s. on 20th March
1920.

COBB Arthur Loveless Driver No. T/2 12453 Heavy Transport Army Service Corps.

Born at Coombe Keynes, Lulworth, Dorset in June 1893 son of Richard George Cobb, a brick maker, and his wife Jane Maria Loveless. In 1911 is listed
living with his mother at Coombe Keynes working as a farm labourer. He enlisted on 25th September 1914 and was discharged as medically unfit and
unable to do any work on 16th March 1917. Extensive tests at Royal Hospital Chelsea refer to issues re chest pains and heart issues first raised when
in Salonika in March 1916. He died at 27 Orchard Street, Blandford on 23rd July 1918, actual cause not found and was buried in grave No. 101 on the
26th. Probate to his sister Clare Pitfield, wife of George Charles Pitfield, of Bournemouth on 16th November 1918 was for £64 7s.

COLLETT Ernest Joseph Private (Boy) No. 328156 Recruits Dept. Royal Air Force

Born at Kentish Town, London on 23rd January 1903 son of Ernest Henry Collett, a police constable, and his wife Rose Elizabeth Rogers. In 1911
the family were living at 85 Winns Avenue, Walthamstow, Essex. Ernest joined the RAF as a Boy entrant on 12th March 1919 but died at the
Divisional Hospital Blandford on 1st July 1919 aged just 16 - cause of death not found. He was buried in grave No. 62 on the 4th of July.

CORNISH George Harry Air Mechanic 3rd Class No. 298712 Reinforcements Wing, Blandford Royal Air Force

Born at Worcester, Worcestershire on 14th August 1900 son of George Cornish, a coachman, and his wife Agnes. He died at the Group Clearing
Hospital, Blandford on 18th November 1918 aged 18, cause not found, and was buried in grave No. 80. His parents were living at 48 Bellis Street,
Edgbaston, Birmingham.

COX William Henry Sergeant No. 46039 Royal Air Force

Born at Blandford in January 1886 son of Joseph Cox, a carpenter who died in March 1892, and his wife Emma Hart. In 1911 William and widowed Emma
were living at Orchard Street, Blandford and he enlisted on 29th February 1916. He died aged 32 at Old Sarum Isolation Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire
on 5th November 1918, cause not found, and was buried in grave No. 1352.

CRAYMER Harry Percy Private No. Deal/1946(S) Royal Marines Training Division Tarrant Monkton.

Born at Plumstead, Kent on 22nd November 1894, the son of Harry Charles Venn Craymer, a commercial clerk, and his wife Emily Elizabeth Barnard. He
died at the Cottage Hospital, Blandford on 13th May 1917 as a result of a motor cycle accident which happened when he was not on duty. He was buried
in grave No. 1241A, and his probate to his Uncle William McKnight of 40 Little Heath, Old Charlton, London on 5th December 1917 was for £382. 4s 11d.

DAY Edward John William Sergeant No. 2046958 Royal Artillery

Born at Southwark, London in January 1903 son of Edward Day, a plaster, and his wife Ester Sarah Day. He married Alice Muriel Steel at Finchley,
Middlesex on 6th October 1935. His death is a puzzle - CWGC say he died between 6th and 7th June 1941 aged 38 and Army records suggest he was
"Accidentally Killed" but I found no details of his death. He was buried on 11th in grave No. 36. His widow Alice was living at Carshalton Beeches, Surrey.

ELLIS Alfred John (sometimes John Alfred) Gunner No. 905957 141 Field Regiment Royal Artillery.

Born in Blandford in 1916 son of William John Ellis a brewer's carter in 1921, and his wife Louisa Harvey. I found no record of cause of his death
on 7th August 1944 aged 27, but he was buried on the 12th in grave No. 18.

GRAY Walter Private No. CH/1832(S). 1st Reserve Battalion Royal Marines Light Infantry.

Born at Gittisham, Devon in about July 1895, the son of Edward Gray, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary Ann Basten. In 1911 Walter was lodging with a
baker at Ottery St. Mary, Devon as a baker's apprentice. He died at the Divisional Hospital, Blandford of broncho-pneumonia on 27th January 1917
aged 21, and was buried in grave No. 1329. His parents lived at Gorse Cottage, Gittisham, Near Honiton, Devon.

GREEN James Private 2nd Class Royal Air Force

Born at Clapham, Surrey on 24th January 1876 son of Alfred Green, a carbon cutter in 1891 who died in 1895, and his wife Rebecca Smith who died in
1891. In 1891 James was living in London with his brother Alfred, and in 1911 lodging at Lambeth, Surrey working as a picture frame maker. He died
of bronchitis at Blandford Military Hospital on 30th October 1918 and was buried in grave No. 1337.

GRUNDY Percy Bertram Clerk 3rd Class Mo. 306558 Recruits Training Depot, Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born at Manchester on 11th November 1870 , son of Thomas Nichol Grundy, a bank worker who died in 1921, and his wife Mary Arden who died in 1906.
Thomas married Maude Bernice Calendra London in June 1896, but they were divorced in January 1906. In the 1911 census he was living with his
widowed father at 2 Monks Hill Grove, Eccles, Lancashire, then in September 1911 he married Margaret Eden at Barton Upon Irwell, Lancashire. His Army
records then talk about illness with degeneration of the myocardium (muscles of the heart) so likely this caused his death on 27th October
1918. He was buried on 2nd November in grave No. 1336. His widow Margaret was then living at 26 Livesey Branch Road, Ewood, Blackburn, Lancashire.

HARTNEY Norman John Patrick Flying Officer No. J/ 10412 90 Squadron (RAF) Royal Canadian Air Force.

Born at Toronto, Canada on 1st May 1920 son of John Howard Hartney (K/as Jack), a printer with Toronto Daily Star, and his wife Elsie Mabel Collis.
Educated at St. Clare's school and Vaughan Road College 1927 - 1938, then working as a truck driver when he enlisted on 12th February 1941. He was
the air bomber on a Stirling bomber returning from a raid on L'Orient, France when engine trouble caused it to fly into Bold Barrow Hill near
Blandford on 16th February 1943. Three of his crew survived but he was buried on the 19th in grave No. 32. In 1941 his parents were living at 95
Roseneath Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

HEALY Harry Air Mechanic 2nd Class No. 21634 Recruits Wing, Blandford Royal Air Force.

I found nothing to identify him or his family. He died on 26th February 1919 aged 30 and was buried in grave No. 82 on 1st March.

HIGGINS Michael Private 2nd Class No. 309065 Arrivals Section, Blandford Royal Air Force.

RAF records say his father was Michael, and I suspect born in Ireland, but I found nothing more about his family. He died at Group Clearing Hospital
Blandford on 30th October 1918, no cause stated and was buried in grave No. 1338 on the 8th of November.

HILL William Air Mechanic 3rd Class No. 309952 Royal Air Force.

Born at Kerry, Ireland on 19th October 1899 son of William Hill, a farmer, and his wife Catherine Pollard, who lived at Flemby, Ballymalellight,
Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland. William died at Blandford Military Hospital, cause not found, on 6th November 1918 and was buried in grave No. 70

HODGES Francis Douglas Tom Chief Petty Officer B.E.M. No. P/J 579 HMS Spartiate Royal Navy.

Born at Blandford on 14th November 1891, son of Samuel Hodges, a road contractor for Dorset C.C. in 1911 who died in 1926, and his wife Alice
Barnes who died in 1930. I did not find his full Naval Service record, but HMS Spartiate was a shore base in Scotland operating from the St Enoch
Hotel, Glasgow charged with the security and safety of the River Clyde waterway in W. W. Two. Francis was awarded the British Empire Medal in the
King's birthday honours list 1942, no doubt for his work there. He died at the R N Auxiliary Hospital Kilmalcolm, Renfrewshire on 6th November 1943 of
an intestinal obstruction, and was buried on the 11th in grave No. 1721B.

KIRKER James Private 2nd Class Royal Air Force Blandford Depot.

He was born about 1889 but I failed to confirm with his parents. His death certificate said he died at Military Hospital, Tarrant Monkton, Dorset of
Bronchopneumonia and cardiac failure on 19th October 1918, but made no mention of relatives. He was buried in grave No. 1332 - burial authority
was given by Pte. G. H. Campbell R.A.M.C. at the Hospital.

KRIKORIAN Charles Fielding Temporary Lieutenant 2nd Drake Battalion Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Born in London on 27th November 1891, son of Krikor Krikorian, a hotel proprietor at Brighton, Sussex, and his wife Jessie Ellen Carrie Bulkeley.
Charles married Emily Elizabeth Sawyer at St George's church Hanover Square, London in the last quarter of 1911. He was commissioned as a
Temporary Sub Lieutenant on 13th January 1915, and a Temporary Lieutenant on his posting to Blandford on 27th November 1915. He died of heart disease
aged just 34 on 22nd May 1916 at Blandford Divisional Hospital and was buried in grave No. 652A. His probate to his widow Emily on 9th March
1920 was for £139. 17s. She was living at 11 Helena Court, Highland Gardens, St. Leonards on Sea, Sussex. His address on the probate in 1916 was 67
Claverton Street, Victoria, London.

LENNON William Cook Private 2nd Class No. 308568 "A" Section Recruits Training Wing, Royal Air Force.

Born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire in July 1901 son of Charles Lennon, a coachman who died in London in December 1900, and his wife Kate Turner. In
1911 William was staying with his grandfather John Turner at Hardwick, Worksop. He died aged 17 at the Military Hospital, Blandford on 2nd
November 1918, cause not found, and he was buried in grave No. 73 on the 12th of November.

MANLEY John Private 2nd Class No. 306352 Royal Air Force "K" Section.

He was born about 1888 but I have failed to find his parents or family. He died at the Military Hospital, Blandford on 21st October 1918, cause not
found, and was buried in grave No. 1334. I suspect that by then his parents were dead as his Register of Effects page lists Uncle Timothy and Uncle and
Aunt David and Kate Barry - I wonder if the family came from Ireland ?

MARTIN George John Air Mechanic 3rd Class No. 299418 "F" Section Recruits Training Wing, Royal Air Force

Born about 1898 he died at the Military Hospital, Blandford on 25th October 1918 and was buried in grave 1250. He left a widow Mrs D A Martin who was
living at St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. Despite all that I failed to find his or her families, or his cause of death.

McSHANE Charles Henry Hubert Sergeant 4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment.

Born at Westminster, London on 7th September 1909 son of Hubert McShane who was a Lance Sergeant in Scots Guards and died serving in Belgium in
November 1914, and his wife Dora Coleman. Charles married Winifred Florence Louise Shave at Paddington, London in July 1932. He must have contracted
tuberculosis serving abroad as he died at the Douglas House Convalescent Home (for TB sufferers), Southbourne, Bournemouth on 15th January 1944
and was buried in grave No. 831 on the 19th. His probate to his widow Winifred on 14th February 1944 was for just £156 4s 4d. They were living
then at 29 Bryanston Road, Blandford.

MEDDEMMEN William James Gunner No. 1692471 238th Battery 76 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Unit Royal Artillery.

Born at Woolwich, London on 20th April 1912, son of William Henry Meddemmen, a fish porter at Billingsgate market in 1911, and his wife
Eleanor Mary King. He married Elsie Eva Baldwin at Deptford, Kent in April 1936. He is said to have died in a car accident at Blandford Camp on 12th
September 1941, aged 29, and was buried on 17th in grave No. 35. Probate to Elsie on 10th November 1941 was for £1036. 16s 3d - their address was 29
Beaumont Road, Petts Wood, Kent.

MITCHISON Robert Air Mechanic 3rd Class Reinforcements Wing (Blandford) Royal Air Force.

Born at Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland on 4th January 1890 son a William John Mitchison, a gardener, and his wife Anna Christina Waldie. In 1911 Robert
was listed as a chauffeur in Ireland, and appears to have joined the RAF on 21st October 1918, but died aged 28 of pneumonia at Blandford Military
Hospital on 5th November 1918. He was buried in grave No. 71.

MOODY William Patrick Private 2nd Class Recruits Training Wing, Blandford Royal Air Force

Born at Carlow, Ireland on 17th March 1899, son of William Moody, a farmer, and his wife Charlotte. In 1901 they were living at Bellmount, Clonmore,
Carlow, Ireland, but by 1911 William Snr. had died and Charlotte was living at Summer Hill, Wicklow, Ireland. It seems William Jnr. joined the
RAF on 8th October 1918, but died of pneumonia at Blandford Military Hospital on 3rd October 1918 aged 18. He was buried in grave No. 74 on the
12th of October.

MOORS Victor Henry Private No. 5726576 4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Born at Blandford in October 1918 son of Arthur Henry Moors, in 1921 a lorry driver for Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, and his wife Annie Eliza
Pitman. He married Betty Grace Rideout at Blandford in April 1941. He died on 14th May 1943 aged 24 and was buried on 19th in grave No. 911B, but
I could not find details how or where he died. There is a death registered at Dover, Kent for H.V. Moors April - June 1943 aged 24 looks like him ?

MORRIS Walter Frederick Private 2nd Class Recruits Training Wing Blandford Royal Air Force

Born at Salford, Lancashire about August 1868 son of Henry Morris (K/as Harry) a cotton merchant who died in 1892, and his wife Fanny Louisa
Lewis who died 25th November 1918. Walter married Ella Gertrude Wright in October 1901 at Ashby de la Zouch, Nottinghamshire, and in 1911 they were
living at Sidmouth, Devon - listed as living on Private Means. He died on 1st October 1918, no cause found, I suspect at the Military Hospital,
Blandford and was buried in grave No. 1162 on the 5th October.

MORTON William Cuthbert Flight Sergeant No. R/ 75596 90 Squadron (RAF) Royal Canadian Air Force.

Born at Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada on 1st September 1914 son of Ben F. Morton, a machine tool fitter, and his wife Catherine. Educated at
Ingersoll, he enlisted on 30th September 1940, when he worked as an insurance agent. He was the wireless operator/air gunner on a Stirling
bomber returning from a raid on L'Orient, France when engine trouble caused it to fly into Bold Barrow Hill near Blandford on 16th February 1943. Three
of his crew did survive but he was buried on the 19th in grave No. 34A. His parents were then living at Dundas, Ontario.

POWIS H. (maybe Herbert?) Private No. 6388 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

He served in 2nd Boer War in South Africa but Army records say he forfeited any medals as he "Deserted" - no details. I failed to find further
information about him or family. He died and was buried in grave 69 on 20th December 1918.

RANDALL Reginald Albert "Boy" "E" Section Blandford Royal Air Force

Born at Tonbridge, Kent on 27th January 1903 son of Albert Randall, a traction engine driver in 1901, and his wife Susan Emily Jane Lucas who
died in 1908. Albert then married Annie Elizabeth Lucas at Tonbridge in April 1912. Reginald died from Spanish Flu at Blandford Military Hospital
on 8th March 1919 aged 16 and was buried in grave No. 84.

ROBERTS Leonard Langfield Private 2nd Class Instructional School, Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born at Huddersfield, Yorkshire in July 1887, son of Frederick Roberts, a leather worker (currier), and his wife Margaret Fisher Langfield who died
about 1900. Leonard seems to be missing in the census of 1901 and 1901 (he was not with his widowed father) and may have served in Yorks and
Lancs. Regiment No. 202323 and Labour Corps No. 577690. He died at Blandford of pneumonia on 22nd October 1918 aged 31 and was buried on the
26th in grave No. 1249. His father was living at 13 Colony View, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, Yorkshire.

ROBINSON Robert Private 2nd Class Royal Air Force Blandford.

Born at Dublin, Ireland in 1893 son of Richard Robinson, a wheelwright's assistant, and his wife Marie Celestine Robinson who in 1911 lived at 64
Nightingale Road, Harlesden, London. It seems that Richard also served joining the Dorsetshire Regiment No. 44725 on 7th October 1916. He survived
the Great War and in 1921 was still living at Nightgale Road. Robert died at Blandford Military Hospital on 28th October 1918 aged 23, cause not
found, and was buried in grave no. 1253.

ROGERS John (Henry) Private No. 69640 265th Protection Company Royal Defence Corps previously No. 291225 Devonshire Regiment.

Born at Bewdley, Worcestershire about 1879 but I failed to pin down his parents with certainty. He died at RAF Hospital at Blandford on 27th
October 1918, cause not found, and was buried in grave No. 1251 on the 2nd November. His next of kin was Mary E Elliott.

ROSENBERRY Willard Kennedy Warrant Officer 2nd class 90 Squadron (RAF) Royal Canadian Air Force.

Born at Coeur De Alene, Idaho, USA on 23rd August 1921, son of David Dudley Rosenberry, a lumber worker, and his wife Rose Kennedy who died in 1929.
Educated at La Pas School then La Pas College 1927 - 1939, then Brandon College, Idaho 1939/40. Willard enlisted in R.C.A.F. on 6th April 1941, and
arrived at Belfast from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on SS Akaroa. He was the navigator on a Stirling bomber returning from a raid on L'Orient,
France when engine trouble caused it to fly into Bold Barrow Hill near Blandford on 16th February 1943. Three of his crew did survive but he was
buried in grave No. 34. His father was then living in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SCRIVEN Charles Able Seaman No. Z/ 1535 (London) 2nd Anson Battalion Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Naval records say he was born on 21st August 1896, but I failed to find his parents although he had a sister Mary Scriven living at 149 Lorremore Road,
Kennington, London - does that suggest both his parents were dead ? He enlisted on 16th April 1915, joined Anson Battn. on 20th August 1915 as
part of British Expeditionary Force but contracted Dysentery and was invalided back to UK on 3rd September 1915. Rejoined Anson Battn. 21st June
1916, but died of pneumonia at Blandford Camp Hospital on 26th June 1916 and was buried in grave 1330, aged 19.

SKENE Allen "Boy" Recruits Depot, Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born in Scotland on 22nd October 1900 son of John Scene and his wife Christina of Upper Kirkgate, Aberdeen. He died at Military Hospital
Blandford on 11th July 1918, no cause found, and was buried on the 16th in grave No. 1244.

SQUIBB Frederick John Sergeant No. 10254 3rd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment.

Born at Blandford in 1896 son of Henry Squibb, a nurseryman, and his wife Eleanor Ballot who died on 5th November 1918. In 1911 he was aged 15 at
home helping his father living at 2 Charles Street, Blandford. He enlisted on 31st August 1914 and died at Bury St Edmonds Military Hospital, Suffolk
from pneumonia after influenza. He was buried in grave No. 103 on the 6th - the day after his mother had died. She was buried on the 9th.

STUDDEN Edward John Air Mechanic 3rd Class Recruits Wing Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born about 1878 I found nothing about him or his family - I suspect he grew up and married living in Brazil. He is listed as arriving alone from
Belem, Brazil on SS Maneco at Liverpool on 7th September 1918, and he died at Blandford Military Hospital, cause not found, on 23rd October 1918 aged
40. He was buried in grave No. 1247 on the 29th. His widow Alice Wallace Student had an address Largo Godre, 290 Para, Brazil.

TANSWELL Reginald Charles Private No. P/O 16949 Royal Marines Light Infantry HMS Bulwark.

Born at Blandford on 11th March 1895 son of William Albert Tanswell, a carrier who died in 1907, and his wife Alice Catherine Eyres. In 1911 he
was living with his widowed mother Alice at 3 Alexandra Street, Blandford and working as a domestic gardener. It seems that he was lost at sea from
HMS Bulwark on 16th November 1914, and his body later recovered and buried in grave No. 592 on 15th January 1915.

TAYLOR Frederick Sergeant Major No. 302107 I. S. W. Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born in 1883 and died at Blandford Military Hospital on 17th November 1918, cause not found. He was buried in grave No. 79. Had a widow Ada and sons
Dennis born 9. 1906 and Freddie born 2. 1908 but I was still unable to identify him or his family.

THUMPTON John Private 2nd Class No. 308920 Reinforcement Wing, Blandford Royal Air Force.

He was born about 1895 at Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland but he appears in no census, and there is nothing I found about his family except his
mother Sarah Kavanagh is listed at "Fairfield" Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. He appears to have enlisted on 18th October 1918 and three weeks later died at
Blandford Military Hospital on 5th November 1918 aged 18 - no cause of death found. He was buried on the 13th in grave No. 72.

TOOGOOD Frederick Lance Corporal No. 21130 5th Battalion Wiltshire (Duke of Edinburgh's Own) Regiment.

He was born about 1879 and Army records show he suffered unspecified war wounds and was discharged as unfit for future service on 7th October 1916.
He died registered at Blandford on 25th January 1919, and was buried in grave No. 81 on the 29th, but I failed to find a cause of death. He appears
to have had a widow Beatrice, but I also failed to find anything about his family.

TOWNSEND James Regimental Sergeant Major No. R/38178 Army Service Corps.

Born at Sawston, Cambridgeshire in 1867 son of James Townsend, a gardener who died in 1917, and his wife Mary Ann Hodge who died in 1902. Was at
home in 1881 aged 15, but some time in the 1880's he joined 21st Regiment Empress of India's Own Lancers No. 2154, serving in India, and whilst there
married Mary Ann Biddulph on 17th December 1890 at Bangalore, Madras, India. He was with the regiment living in Gillingham, Dorset in 1891. He
also held the Dorset Yeomanry Good Conduct and Long Service Medal. In 1911 he was a Soldier Instructor at Blandford living at 47 Damory Street when he
then died there on 16th May 1917 - cause of death not found. He was buried in grave No. 95. His probate to his widow Mary Ann on 29th September 1917
was for £265 14s 8d. She was then living at 16 Jessica Road, Wandsworth Common, London.

TRIM Arthur Henry Private No. 200839, previously 2525 4th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment.

Born at Briantspuddle, Dorset in July 1886 son of George Henry Trim, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary Jane Lowman. In 1911 he was living with
his parents aged 24 in Pimperne. Dorset working as a farm shepherd. He died whilst on demob furlough at Blandford, cause not found, on 6th April 1919
and was buried in grave No. 109

TRIPP Joseph Charles (sometimes Charles Joseph) Gunner No. 1601532 S.L. Training Regiment Royal Artillery.

Born at Islington, London on 2nd December 1919 son of Joseph Harry Tripp, a gas and plumbing engineer, and his 2nd wife Catherine Margaret Nelson (K/as
Kate) - J. H. had previously married Maud Rose Shulver at Islington on 25th December 1906. In 1939 Joseph, Kate and J.C. were living at 50 Elfont
Road, Islington. Army records say he died of wounds, source not specified, on 12th October 1940 and his death was registered at Sturminster Newton,
Dorset, so I suspect he died at the Auxiliary Hospital there. He was buried in grave No. 58 on the 17th.

TRIVETT Emmanuel George (known as George) Petty Officer 2nd Class 1st Reserve Battalion Royal Navy.

He was born at Droxford, Hampshire on 11th March 1869 but his parents are not known. In the 1871 census he was aged 2 listed at Droxford' s Union
Workhouse, before joining the Royal Navy on 19th February 1885. Had a long career with Very Good Conduct recorded throughout. In 1896 he married Ellen
Maria Blaker, and in 1911 they were living at Tullymore, Galway, Ireland where George was H.M. Coastguard. On 19th September 1914 he joined Nelson
Battalion R.N.R. but caught Pyrexia (fever) and was invalided back to UK on 3rd Sept. 1915. After a spell at Portland Naval Hospital and 28 days leave,
he joined R.N. Camp at Blandford on 21st October 1915 but died there of what was listed as "natural causes" on 26th December 1915, before being
buried on the 30th in grave No. 95. His widow Ellen was living at "Glendale", Fenhill Road, Lancing, Sussex - the area where she was born.

WATERMAN Leslie Frederick Victor Sergeant 230 Searchlight Training Regiment Royal Artillery previously enlisted 8. 5. 1922 in Queen's Royal
West Surrey Regiment and 63rd Searchlight Regiment.

Born at Thornton Heath, Surrey on 20th May 1905, son of Frederick Thomas Waterman, a carpenter, and his wife Rose Baker - in 1921 they were living
at 50A Gillett Road, Thornton Heath. Leslie married Winifred Lily Brasier at St Saviour's church, Croydon on 26th December 1930. He was noted as a
gas fitter. Army records say he was accidentally shot and killed at an N.C.O.'s class at Blandford Camp - details not described - on 28th May
1941, aged 36, and was buried on May 31st in grave No. 61.

WELLS Arthur Walter Gunner No. 1650862 475 Battalion 2nd Searchlight Regiment Royal Artillery.

Born at Blandford on 10th December 1909 son of William Wells, a farm labourer, and his wife Emily Hall. He married Margaret Lane at Blandford
in October 1938 and in 1939 was a general labourer at the Militia Camp living at 15 Damory Court Street, Blandford. His death on 15th April 1941
aged 31 was registered in Weymouth, but I found no details. He was buried on the 19th in grave No. 166.

WESCOTT Sidney E. Sergeant No. 7007070 2nd battalion Royal Ulster Rifles.

Served in Palestine 1936 - 39 but died on 1st January 1941 and was buried in grave No. 60. I failed to trace his family with certainty - there were
Wescott families in London ?

WIDDICOMBE Albert Edward Private 2nd Class No. 305280 "K" Section Reserve Depot Blandford Royal Air Force.

Born in Hackney, London on 26th January 1901 son of Frederick Charles Widdicombe, a worker at General Post Office, and his wife Emily Winifred
Smith who died in 1909. In 1911 Albert was living with his father at 40 Knott Green Road, Leyton, Essex. His father served from 1914 to 1919 with
Mounted Field Ambulance Brigade in Egypt and on a hospital ship at Gallipoli, Turkey. Albert is said to have died of Spanish Flu at Blandford
Military Hospital on 18th October 1918 and was buried on 24th in grave No. 1248. He was 17 years old. In July 1910 his widowed father had married
Prudence Dean Pearce at West Ham, London and by 1919 they had moved to "Saieda" Berghers Hill, Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire returning to work
for GPO.

WRENN Frederick Private No. 29018 13th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

I think is Frederick William Henry Mortimer Wrenn born at Woolwich, Kent on 14th April 1878, son of William Wrenn who in 1878 was a Gunner with 5th
Battalion Royal Artillery, and later in 1901 a furnace stoker at a powder works - he died later that year, and his wife Elizabeth Ann Stanley who
died in 1914. Frederick appears to have joined the Royal Horse Artillery but then deserted on 30th May 1899. He appears to have been in and out of
Plumstead Workhouse 1910 - 1912, and he died at Blandford Cottage Hospital on 20th June 1916, cause not found, being buried in grave No. 1329A on 22nd
(CWGC says he died on 22nd).

WYATT Frank Lithgow Ordinary Seaman No. Bristol/ Z1827 Royal Naval Depot, Crystal Palace.

Born at Pimperne, Dorset son of Arthur Lithgow Wyatt, an ironmonger at Blandford, and his wife Elizabeth Letitia Payne. In 1911 the family were
living at Market Place, Blandford Frank died aged 18 at Norwood Cottage Hospital, Surrey of disease, but cause not found, on 31st December 1916,
and was buried on January 3rd in grave No. 311.

YOUNG George Henry Gunner No. 1676998 Searchlight Training Regiment Royal Artillery.

Born on 18th November 1908 at Eastry, Kent son of Henry Thomas Young, a chimney sweep, and his wife Charlotte Brown who died in 1920. In 1939 he
was living with his father at 259 Telegraph Road, Deal, Kent working as a builder's labourer. I did not find the circumstances of his death on 12th
December 1940, registered at Sturminster Newton, but he was buried on 14th in grave No. 59.

65 Names Listed

Richard Smith

orchidgrower@btinternet.com

February 2025

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