Welcome to the town page for Canterbury. Explore your town map to discover people who lived in your town during the First World War.

Don’t forget to visit the 100 MILES pages via the links below for the Trail information and downloadable leaflet, booklet, walking directions and quiz. These trails were developed in partnership with Jacqui Cotterill and Richard Young.

Canterbury 100 MILES page

Harbledown 100 MILES page

Canterbury was the garrison town for the Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) before the First World War. When mobilisation occurred in early August 1914 the West Kent Yeomanry, Territorials and Kent Cyclists were sent to Canterbury as their Home Defence position.

During one of their regular patrols the Territorials came across a motorcyclist tapping the telegraph wire- the man was subsequently arrested and handed over to the authorities. Regiments from Sussex arrived mid August, having marched from Maidstone, bivouacking at Charing overnight en route.

Many recruits from East Kent would travel to Canterbury to enlist, for example the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (Reserve) recruited at the Drill Hall in St Peters Lane (now The Westgate Hall).

In September 1914 St George’s Hall Canterbury was taken over by the YMCA to be used as a meeting place for troops stationed in the town, providing refreshments and free writing material.

In August 1914 the Kent VAD mobilised a hospital at St Augustine’s to receive casualties, this hospital was handed over to the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) in September 1914. Other local VAD hospitals included Abbots Barton lent by Francis Goldney (MP) and Dane John House. Dane John became a VAD hospital in September 1914 with 115 beds – male and female volunteers acted as nurses, cooks, needle women, cleaners, air raid wardens and orderlies.

Women also undertook other roles illustrated by Mabel Banks of 23 St Stephens Road Canterbury being a volunteer laboratory assistant. Women from Canterbury volunteered to assist in other Kent locations as well as becoming trained nurses. Some went on to serve overseas, on the ambulance trains or as ambulance drivers.

School children knitted socks, scarves and blankets which were distributed by the War Work Depot based at 26 St Margaret Street, the War Depot also collected and sold waster paper to raise funds for its work for those serving in the forces or prisoners of war.

There were numerous collections and fund raising efforts for example in 1914 a Blue Cross appeal to help horses at the Front raised £46, in 1916 a Flag Day for the VAD raised £152, and a concert by blind musicians raised funds for the work of St Dunstan’s for servicemen blinded in the Forces.

Attributed Canterbury Cathedral Archive, Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Kent and Sussex Courier Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe and Cheriton Herald, The Red Cross

Please add information to your town page by clicking Upload Your Story. Tell those important stories about your relatives – share their experiences to help build a picture of your community during this period. Don’t forget to check out your local clubs and societies, and whilst you are exploring our site take a look at the other towns around the coast to discover more about Kent’s rich history during the First World War.

Royal East Kent Yeomanry Memorial adjacent to Nason’s and Foresters Hall

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Charles Clements of 3 Mill Lane joined up at the outbreak of the War and served as Sergeant with the 8th Battalion of the Queen's (Royal West Kent) Regiment. He died 15th November 1915 aged 30 and commemorated at Spoilbank Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. Maude Clements, possibly his sister, served as a VAD cook in Dane John Hospital in Canterbury.

Prospect Cottages was a cottage where Christopher Baddeley lived. He enlisted just 5 days after war was declared. After serving in the reserve he was sent to France with the Buffs in March 1916. He was recorded missing in action in August 1916. His body was never found and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

Hall Place was the home of Lt Col WW Cordeaux, who took all his household to war in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Miss Violet Cordeaux made her contribution to the war effort as a VAD member helping in the kitchen at Dane John Hospital. Today only the gatehouse is visible.

The parents of Stephen Keeler and Ernest Holness lived here. Stephen Keeler was enlisted in Canterbury and served with the 82nd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. He died at the age of 19 on 13th May 1915 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Belgium and on the Canterbury Civic War Memorial in Kent.

Edward Albert Iddenden of 13 The Mint, had lived with his mother and worked as a carpenter before he enlisted on 15th November 1915 ,joining the No. 45 Field Ambulance. He was wounded several times whilst helping injured soldiers under fire. He died of his wounds at a Casualty Clearing Stations at Dozinghem, Belgium, on 30th November 1917.

William Lott, an alumnus and one of the most distinguished sportsmen of Simon Langton School in Canterbury, lived in The Yews. Serving later in 6th Buffs, he led his platoon into action during the Battle of Somme, and reached the German parapet when he was shot on 7th October 1916.

Charles Clements of 3 Mill Lane joined up at the outbreak of the War and served as Sergeant with the 8th Battalion of the Queen's (Royal West Kent) Regiment. He died 15th November 1915 aged 30 and commemorated at Spoilbank Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. Maude Clements, possibly his sister, served as a VAD cook in Dane John Hospital in Canterbury.

Harold Norton, one of 5 sons of William and Constance Norton from 4 Summer Hill, was the youngest of his brothers, all of whom were serving in H.M. Forces. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery. He died 27 June 1917 aged 21 and buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

At the outbreak of WW1 Walter Gabriel, who served with the 6th Dragon Guards, lived with his wife and family in Army Officers married quarters in Summer Hill. After the declaration of war he was sent to France and was lost at the Battle of Gheluvelt on the night of 30th and 31st October 1914.

Canterbury Cathedral Crypt

July 4 1916

The transcribed text reads:

‘Saw the soldier on Sunday and he was sent to Shornecliffe the next day. He was loaded with cake and fruit and we brought home to tea with us. Possibly he will write to you if not to this address. Best wishes L M Bolton’

To Mrs RW Allen,

‘Wrekin’, The Brent,

Dartford, Kent

This is an intriguing card with a very cryptic message. Given the date of the card and the destination of the soldier we are assuming that he was being sent to the Somme. The mention of bringing him home to tea is an example of the many acts of generosity shown to soldiers by the residents of Canterbury which the various regiments experienced when they were stationed in the town. There are various newspaper articles where regiments comment on the warm welcome they received in Canterbury.

Monastery Ruins at Canterbury Cathedral

December 24 1915

642can-monstery-ruins-canterbury-cathedral

The transcribed text reads:

‘With best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Bright New Year from W & G at Chilham’

To Miss Fridd

South Street

Boughton Faversham

We don’t know anything about the sender or recipient of this card but it demonstrates the efficiency of the postal service with 8 deliveries a day that a card posted on Christmas Eve could be expected to be delivered by Christmas Day.

Canterbury Cathedral - Christ Church Gate

February 22 1916

The transcribed text says:

R A Headquarters Canterbury

Dear Kathy Thank you very much for the toffee which was simply ripping. How are you going on, could you manage a walk round ?? to Jane now? Please remember me to all .Yours very sincerely Andy x

To Miss M Stackhouse

5 Penwortham Hill,

Penwortham,

Nr Preston, Lancs

We know that several Lancashire and Liverpool regiments did their training in Kent prior to being sent to France. Certainly the 3^rd West Lancashire Brigade Royal Field Artillery were based in Canterbury before they were attached to the 2^nd Canadian Division and crossed to France 31 Sep/Oct 1915. This card dates from 1916 so we are not certain if the sender was with the 3^rd West Lancashire Brigade or not

Additional information liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/local-regiments.html

Image courtesy of Darrienne Price

25.01.15 11.45am

Canterbury

The transcribed text reads:

I wonder if you have seen this house. Expect you have. Hope you are keeping well. Tell Mrs S the Germans have not yet paid a visit to the Cathedral, but we have our orders if they attempted it. Wonder if A and R have been writing you in place of me.

Much love M C H

To: Miss Day

26 Stade Street

Hythe

24.05.1916 10pm

Canterbury

The transcribed text reads:

Dear F

Just a P.C. to tell you that we will leave for camp tomorrow what will be about 6 miles from C. Any letters addressed to number 9 will be forwarded to me O.K! I am keeping A1. Trust you and all at home are quite well - will write first opportunity – cheer OK! Au ‘revoir’ with kindest regards to all and C J

To: Miss F N Joye

6 West Park

Whitchurch

Tavistock

Devon

May 12, 1915, 11.30 am

The transcribed text reads:

Miss D Halfere

Heatherdene

The Grove

Slough

Bucks

September 20, 1918, 7.30pm

646can-st-georges-street-canterbury-front

646can-st-georges-street-canterbury-back

The transcribed text reads:

Friday

Received your Pc. We will send in to Herne as requested. Surprised to hear your parcel got pilfered especially in England. We dispatched one last night and sincerely hope you’ll get it intact. You should get it Saturday.

Keep smiling old ...?

Will write again soon to you

Love Lena

To: Norman G Holman

“Wireless operator”

RAF

LZ5793 Auxiliary Military Airfield

Ashton Hays

Chestershire

Dated June 30, 1915, 10pm

645can-macawbers-little-inn-canterbury-front

645can-macawbers-little-inn-canterbury-back

The transcribed text reads:

Dear Lil,

I am having a fine. Will tell you all when I return

I am going to London for the weekend. With best love remain to all at Breaside

Your loving friend Donald

To: Miss L Marigold

Breaside

Ashley Road

Upper Park Stowe

Dorset

643CAN- The Crypt Canterbury Cathedral

Postmark July 4 1916

Transcription

‘Saw the soldier on Sunday and he was sent to Shornecliffe the next day. He was loaded with cake and fruit and we brought home to tea with us. Possibly he will write to you if not to this address. Best wishes L M Bolton’

To Mrs RW Allen, ‘Wrekin’, The Brent, Dartford, Kent

This is an intriguing card with a very cryptic message. Given the date of the card and the destination of the soldier we are assuming that he was being sent to the Somme. The mention of bringing him home to tea is an example of the many acts of generosity shown to soldiers by the residents of Canterbury which the various regiments experienced when they were stationed in the town. There are various newspaper articles where regiments comment on the warm welcome they received in Canterbury.

642CAN – Monastery Ruins Canterbury Cathedral

Postmark Dec 24 1915

Transcription

‘With best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Bright New Year from W & G at Chilham’

To Miss Fridd South Street Boughton Faversham

We don’t know anything about the sender or recipient of this card but it demonstrates the efficiency of the postal service with 8 deliveries a day that a card posted on Christmas Eve could be expected to be delivered by Christmas Day.

641CAN – Christ Church Gate

Postmark February 22 1916

Transcription

R A Headquarters Canterbury

Dear Kathy Thank you very much for the toffee which was simply ripping. How are you going on, could you manage a walk round ?? to Jane now? Please remember me to all .Yours very sincerely Andy x

To Miss M Stackhouse 5 Penwortham Hill ,Penwortham, Nr Preston, Lancs

We know that several Lancashire and Liverpool regiments did their training in Kent prior to being sent to France. Certainly the 3^rd West Lancashire Brigade Royal Field Artillery were based in Canterbury before they were attached to the 2^nd Canadian Division and crossed to France 31 Sep/Oct 1915. This card dates from 1916 so we are not certain if the sender was with the 3^rd West Lancashire Brigade or not

Additional information: liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/local-regiments

640CAN The Parade Canterbury

Postmark Mar 1917

Transcription

Dearest Elsie

I thought I would just send this card before I leave Canterbury. I am writing it in the Cathedral. After I rang you up dear I had quite a long talk with Mr Sheppard and afterwards had some dinner there 1s/3d and actually ate some butter beans. I think I told you all the news so I have not much to write about just now. Please tell Dad particulars. I will write to you as soon as possible. Well dearest I must finish now. With fondest love from your affectionate hubby Les

To Mrs EJ Hutchinson , 10 Marine Terrace, Margate

We have not be able to discover to which regiment Les Hutchinson was attached . The shop of Marchant and Tubb, which was a tailors, hatters ,hosiers, glovers and shirtmakers was at 5 The Parade according to Kellys Canterbury Directory of the period.

Location: 5 The Parade Canterbury CT1 2JL