Deal in the Great War

Welcome to the town page for Deal. 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 page for the Trail information and downloadable leaflet, booklet, walking directions and quiz.  These trails were developed in partnership with Alan Buckman, Judith Gaunt, Steve Goodsell, Suzanne Green, Sheila Harris, Jenny Keaveney, Dick Robinson, Michael Rogers, Peter Rose, Colin Varrall, Jenny Wall, David White and Deal Maritime & Local History Museum.

Deal has a long military history predating WW1 that includes its associations with the Royal Marines. Henry VIII had built three castles along the straight shingle seafront to protect the safe waters of the Downs, and during the War the cellars of these were sometimes used as air raid shelters. An airfield was established and operated at Hawkshill, and was later commissioned and used by the Royal Naval Air Service.

Merchant ships were stopped and searched in the Downs during this period, and the townsfolk are likely to have been very aware of the regular sea battles occurring out in the Channel. Local lifeboat crews were often called into action for the crews of shipping that had been attacked.

Some boats and ships had lucky escapes, such as the passenger and cargo vessels the Galicia and the Surrey, both of which were beached at Deal for repair after they were damaged by mines; however, some were less fortunate, including the blockade ship the Montrose in 1915 and the German submarine U48 in 1914, both claimed by the famous Goodwin Sands. One remarkable account describes the locals watching the gunboat HMS Niger sinking following an attack by a German submarine.

The Victoria Hospital was built in 1919 as a memorial to the men from Deal and Walmer who had lost their lives in the Great War, and their names are inscribed on two large wooden panels inside the front entrance. During the War, Deal had two Auxiliary Hospitals: The Grange, and Sholden Lodge.

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.

1. The Elementary School, Kingsdown

Kingsdown School Oct 1928

Attended by the young men from the village who served in the War, including James and Arthur Pay. Their headmaster was Mr Thomas Prosser Beavan, who lived in the School House, and the school had an average attendance of 80. The original school no longer exists.

 

Kingsdown School Pupils

2. The Schon Sisters

Ursula-Schon Ursula-Schon

A-Schon A-Schon-2

3. Yeoman of Signals Alfred John Ward

Alfred Ward YS

4. Gertrude Campbell

Gertrude Campbell Gertrude Campbell 2

5. Captain Alan Patterson

Patterson Capt Alan

There is a large wooden Memorial Cross in the churchyard of St Leonard’s Church which was erected by Reverend Patterson and his wife on Sunday 29th October 1916 to the memory of their son, Alan, along with all those servicemen from the congregation and parish of St Leonard’s who had also by that stage of the war lost their lives.

Alan was educated at Charterhouse and entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in 1905 where he continued the athletic interests he started at Charterhouse. He won the Army quarter mile and half mile titles several times and represented Great Britain in the 1908 London and 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

He gained the rank of Captain and saw service in South Africa and India He returned to England in 1914 to train Gunners for the War, before going with the 71st Brigade Royal Field Artillery to Flanders. His Colonel twice recommended him for the D.S.O. before he was fatally wounded on the 14th March 1916 by a piece of shrapnel from a German shell. He is buried at Fosse 7 Military Cemetery, (Quality Street) Mazingarbe, Pas-de-Calais, France. Grave Ref: II. G. 2.  He left behind a widow, (Nan) at their home, 30 Clarence Road, Walmer (now part of Archery Square).

6. Edith Appleton

Edith AppletonEdith Appleton grew up in Deal in the family home at 9 Golden Street. It was a typically large Victorian family and her father, Edward, was a Trinity House Pilot guiding ships past the treacherous Goodwin Sands.

In the 1900s Edith known as Edie by the family began training at St Bartholomew’s Hospital followed by a career in nursing.  With WW1 looming she volunteered for Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve, arriving in France on 10 October 1914. During the next five years she served in many locations, often close to the front line. Throughout that time, she kept a detailed daily journal describing not only the horrors she experienced caring for wounded and dying men but also the ways in which she spent her time off duty, going for long walks, swimming in the sea and including many sketches of the scenery.

In 2007 Edie’s great nephew, Dick Robinson – with the help of two cousins, transcribed over 100,000 words of the diaries into a website and in 2012 an edited version was published by Simon & Schuster jointly with the Imperial War Museum (see http://anurseatthefront.org.uk/the-book/). Since then Dick and his wife have given over 80 illustrated talks about Edie all over the country.

Our thanks to Edie’s great nephew Dick Robinson for the article above.

9-Golden-Street-Plaque-Edith-Appleton

 

7. Lce Sgt John Burgess RFR

Lce. Sgt. J Burgess RFR

8. Sergeant Peter Slee

Slee Sergt P

Peter Slee was a regular soldier serving with the Royal Marine Light Infantry as a Sergeant when War was declared. He was mobilised immediately and fought on the Western Front in the defence of Antwerp. In 1915 his brigade was deployed to Gallipoli where he was killed in action on the 28 May 1915.

9. Air Raid – The Beach

Cecil Pedlar

Cecil Pedlar



George William Castle

George William Castle



On the morning of Sunday 20 February 1916 two friends, George Castle and Cecil Pedlar, were walking along The Beach when there was a surprise air raid. The first bombs landed in the sea, moments later another ‘fell with a blinding flash at their feet,’ killing George aged 16, and seriously injuring Cecil, aged 17.

10. Kent Cyclist Battalion

The Kent Cyclist Battalion

11. St George’s Church, Deal – St Clair Tisdall Memorials

St George’s Church, High Street, Deal

A memorial cross stands in front of St George’s Church to the memory of Sub Lieutenant Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall RNVR VC and his brother Second Lieutenant John Theodore St Clair Tisdall, both sons of the vicar of St George’s Church and his wife.  It also lists the men of the congregation and the parish who died in the conflict.

 

Sub Lieutenant Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall

Sub Lieutenant Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall



Memorial-to-Arthur-Walderne-StClaire-Tisdall

Lieutenant John Theodore St Clair Tisdall

Lieutenant John Theodore St Clair Tisdall



Memorial-to-John-Theodore-StClair-Tisdall

12. Sandown Castle

Sandown Castle

13. The Strand, Walmer

The Strand Walmer

14. Warden House

Warden House

Warden House, Red Cross Hospital was used as an Auxiliary hospital during the First World War.

Ethel May Wilkins 1

Ethel May Wilkins 2

 

15. Deal Memorial Hospital

Deal Hospital

16. Kingsdown Lifeboat – James Pay

James Pay Cox'n Kingsdown Lifeboat

The coxswain of the Kingsdown Lifeboat was James Pay of 8 South Street.

17. St Saviours Church

St Saviours Church Walmer

18. Astor Theatre – Stanhope Road

Astor Theatre Stanhope Rd

19. South Barracks Walmer – The Royal Marines Light Infantry depot

south barracks entrance Walmer

Looking through the Jubilee Gates, Dover Road, Walmer, towards the Officers' Mess, South Barracks.



Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Walmer Castle in 1916

Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Walmer Castle in 1916

20. Lieutenant J F Moxham- Masonic Roll of Honour

Lieutenant J F Moxham

There are 8 men listed on the Masonic Roll of Honour from the Wellington Lodge 784. One of these was James Frederick Moxham; a sergeant in the Royal Marines Light Infantry; who was married to a local girl Maria Shelly Jordan and lived at 43 Gilford Road with his wife and two sons in 1911. He was a career soldier who had enlisted in 1894 and at the time of his death in May 1915 in Gallipoli had completed over 20 years’ service. He is buried at Lone Pine Cemetery Anzac in Turkey; his boys were aged 13 and 11 when he was killed.

21. South Eastern (Queens) Hotel and Tank

Hotel and Tank

22. Making Hay

Making Hay While Sun Shines

 

592dea-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines-fornt592dea-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines-back 

London

June 9 1916

2.30pm

The transcribed text reads:

Dear Ern

Sorry it cannot be arranged for Daisy to come down the week you wanted her to, but owing to my holidays being altered, you must expect Sid and myself instead. That is if Tom and Katie can put us up for the week.

 Will

 

Sergt E E Burton

Depot R.M.

Deal

S.E.

 Image courtesy of Darrienne Price

23. Deal Castle

This postcard shows the impact of the War on train travel. It was posted on the 20th August 1914



148DEA - Deal Castle (Postcard) (Front & Back)

The transcribed text reads:



'Dear Will. I find that owing to the bad train service here we will not arrive home on Saturday till about 4.30pm. This will not leave us enough time to join you at 5o’clock. Could you leave word at 59 Richolt where you are going and Miss Francis and I will join you later. Thanks very much and with kindest regard to all Arthur'



Mr W Gibbs, Egremont, Colville Road, Leytonstone, Essex



From the collection of D Price


24. Daniel Fireman Wyborn

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Daniel Fireman Wyborn

Age: 63

Date of Death: 23 March 1917

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: SS Achille Adam

Memorial Location: Tower Hill, London



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

25. Kenneth Struthers

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Kenneth Struthers

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Date of Death: 07 October 1916

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 9C and 13C)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

26. William George Storkey

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



William George Storkey

Rank: Chief Petty Officer

Service Number: 182054

Age: 38

Date of Death: 09 July 1917

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: HMS Vanguard

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (21)

School: Sholden School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

27. George Richard Henry Welland Small

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



George Richard Henry Welland Small

Rank: Leading Seaman

Service Number: J/872

Age: 22

Date of Death: 25 February 1915

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: HMS Agamemnon

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (9)

School: Parochial School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

28. John Henry Payne

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



John Henry Payne

Rank: Able Seman

Service Number: 214259

Age: 28

Date of Death: 15 October 1914

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: HMS Hawke

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (2)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

29. Arthur George Moat

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Arthur George Moat

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/8820

Age: 33

Date of Death: 20 May 1916

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Wimereux Communal, France (I.M.24A)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

30. W. May (Junior)

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



W. May (Junior)

Home Town: Sholden



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

31. W. May

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



W. May

Home Town: Sholden



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

32. John Charles Marsh

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



John Charles Marsh

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 1867

Age: 19

Date of Death: 28 September 1916

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 2nd/3rd (Home Counties) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Memorial Location: St Nicholas, Sholden, Kent



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

33. A.E. Luscombe

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



A.E. Luscombe

Home Town: Sholden



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

34. Walter George Love

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Walter George Love

Rank: Private

Service Number: CH/16863

Age: 23

Date of Death: 30 April 1915

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: Chatham Battalion, Royal Naval Division / RMLI

Memorial Location: Helles, Turkey (2-7)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

35. Harry Charles Love

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Harry Charles Love

Rank: Able Seaman

Service Number: 216079

Age: 34

Date of Death: 20 January 1918

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: HMS Raglan

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (28)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

36. George E Laming MM

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



George E Laming MM

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 52341

Age: 28

Date of Death: 31 October 1918

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 48 Battery, Royal Field Artillery

Memorial Location: Terlincthun British, France (VI.E.38)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

37. Leslie Kennett

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Leslie Kennett

Rank: Mate

Date of Death: 02 January 1920

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: SS Peronne

Memorial Location: Les Baraques Military, France (XX.A.3A)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

38. Alfred Thomas Hawkes

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Alfred Thomas Hawkes

Rank: Signaller

Service Number: 265454

Age: 21

Date of Death: 13 February 1919

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 1/1st Kent Cyclist Battalion, Army Cyclist Corps attached Lahore Signal Company, Royal Engineers

Memorial Location: Ramleh, Israel (EE.64)

School: Parochial School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

39. John Henry Goss

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



John Henry Goss

Rank: Commisioned Gunner

Age: 32

Date of Death: 31 May 1916

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: HMS Lion / RMLI

Memorial Location: Plymouth Naval (18)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

40. Frank Gimber

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Frank Gimber

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 207971

Date of Death: 01 April 1918

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 248 Field Company, Royal Engineers

Memorial Location: Hedauville Communal, France (C.3)

School: Parochial School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

41. Ernest Baston

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Sholden



Ernest Baston

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/24688

Date of Death: 18 November 1916

Home Town: Sholden

Unit: 7th (Service) Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Memorial Location: Stump Road, France (A.79)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

42. William Ronald Thake

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



William Ronald Thake

Rank: Private

Service Number: 203083

Age: 19

Date of Death: 12 October 1917

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 8th (Service) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment

Memorial Location: Tyne Cot, Belgium (79-80, 163)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

43. Ralph D’Albin Morrell

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Ralph D'Albin Morrell

Rank: Captain

Date of Death: 08 August 1916

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 1/4th (Territorial Force) Battalion, King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 5D and 12B)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

44. Victor Manners Long

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Victor Manners Long

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/5172

Age: 34

Date of Death: 25 September 1915

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 8th (Service) Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Memorial Location: Loos, France (13-15)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

45. Robert Charles Grey

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Robert Charles Grey

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/7666

Date of Death: 10 October 1918

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Mikra British, Greeece (594)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

46. Arthur Harold Foster

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Arthur Harold Foster

Rank: Private

Service Number: 784937

Age: 36

Date of Death: 30 October 1917

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (East Ontario Regiment)

Memorial Location: Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium (10)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

47. William Dennis

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



William Dennis

Rank: Stoker (1st Class)

Service Number: K/25508

Age: 24

Date of Death: 23 December 1917

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: HMS Torrent

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (23)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

48. Frederick Dennis

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Frederick Dennis

Rank: Private

Service Number: CH/18986

Age: 23

Date of Death: 07 June 1915

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: Chatham Battalion, Royal Naval Division / RMLI

Memorial Location: Helles, Turkey (2-7)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

49. George Henry Court

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



George Henry Court

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: S/4092

Age: 20

Date of Death: 10 July 1916

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 13th (Service) Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)

Memorial Location: Pozieres, France (III.E.14)

Ringwould School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

50. Charles Edmund J Cooper

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Charles Edmund J Cooper

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/42776

Age: 27

Date of Death: 01 December 1917

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 16th (Reserve) Battalion (Public Schools), The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Memorial Location: Cambrai, Louveral, France (9)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

51. Bertram George Burgess

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



Bertram George Burgess

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 27926

Date of Death: 22 March 1918

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 9th (Service) Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Memorial Location: Arras, France (7)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

52. James Allen

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ripple



James Allen

Rank: Private

Service Number: 442202

Age: 25

Date of Death: 13 June 1916

Home Town: Ripple

Unit: 7th Battalion (1st British Columbia),Canadian Infantry

Memorial Location: Railway Dugouts, Belgium (Special Memorial G.27)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

53. Charles Albert Morris

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ringwould



Charles Albert Morris

Rank: Private

Service Number: 21023

Age: 25

Date of Death: 15 February 1918

Home Town: Ringwould

Unit: 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards

Memorial Location: Fampoux British, France (E.3)

School: Ringwould School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

54. Ernest Maple

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ringwould



Ernest Maple

Rank: Private

Service Number: S/120

Age: 38

Date of Death: 13 October 1915

Home Town: Ringwould

Unit: 6th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Loos, France (15-19)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

55. Alfred John Hughes

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ringwould



Alfred John Hughes

Home Town: Ringwould



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

56. Frederick William Deveson

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ringwould



Frederick William Deveson

Rank: Private

Service Number: CH/19856

Date of Death: 05 December 1915

Home Town: Ringwould

Unit: Chatham Division, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Memorial Location: Gillingham (Woodlands), UK (Naval.22.1146)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

57. Bradford Mack Adams

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Ringwould



Bradford Mack Adams

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/50937

Age: 20

Date of Death: 28 April 1917

Home Town: Ringwould

Unit: 4th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Memorial Location: Arras, France (7)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

58. W. Wyborn

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



W. Wyborn

Home Town: Northbourne



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

59. Christopher Towner

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Christopher Towner

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 25144

Age: 31

Date of Death: 15 September 1918

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 21 Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

Memorial Location: Gouzeaucourt New British, France (V.G.15)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

60. H. Sutton

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



H. Sutton

Home Town: Northbourne



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

61. Wilfred Arthur Saunders

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Wilfred Arthur Saunders

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: CH/17005

Age: 20

Date of Death: 08 August 1915

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: HMS India / RMLI

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (13)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

62. Frank Richards

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Frank Richards

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/6268

Age: 23

Date of Death: 07 October 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 6th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Bancourt British, France (V.M.12)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

63. Edward Steady Pain

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Edward Steady Pain

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/2875

Date of Death: 26 September 1915

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 8th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Loos, France (15-19)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

64. Percy William Millard

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Percy William Millard

Rank: Private

Service Number: L/8971

Date of Death: 03 May 1915

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium (12-14)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

65. Walter James Marsh

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Walter James Marsh

Rank: Private

Service Number: L/9643

Age: 22

Date of Death: 20 October 1914

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Ploegsteert, Belgium (2)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

66. George Robert Marsh

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



George Robert Marsh

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 8640

Age: 30

Date of Death: 04 February 1918

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 2nd Battalion, Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Memorial Location: Metz-En-Couture Communal, France (II.G.13)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

67. A.J. Jupp

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



A.J. Jupp

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 245868

Age: 40

Date of Death: 13 August 1918

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: D Battery, 251 Brigade, Royal Artillery

Memorial Location: Villers-Bretonneux Military, France (Special Memorial 2)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

68. Joseph George Johnson

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Joseph George Johnson

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 52973

Age: 30

Date of Death: 12 September 1918

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 73 Battery, 5 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Memorial Location: Grevelliers British, France (XIII.B.10)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

69. Frederick Edward Johnson

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Frederick Edward Johnson

Rank: Boy (1st Class)

Service Number: J/29141

Age: 17

Date of Death: 03 February 1915

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: HMS Clan McNaughton

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (10)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

70. Walter Horton

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Walter Horton

Rank: Chief Petty Officer

Service Number: 157792

Age: 40

Date of Death: 01 January 1915

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: HMS Formidable

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (9)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

71. Leonard William Horton

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Leonard William Horton

Rank: Private

Service Number: 14496

Age: 46

Date of Death: 07 October 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 15 Veterinary Hospital, Army Veterinery Corps

Memorial Location: Salonika, Greece (527)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

72. George Reginald B. Hollamby

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



George Reginald B. Hollamby

Rank: Lieutenant

Age; 22

Date of Death: 27 September 1918

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division /

Memorial Location: RMLI Hermies Hill, France (III.F.10)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

73. Sydney Philip Hannam MC

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Sydney Philip Hannam MC

Rank: Lieutenant

Age; 24

Date of Death: 11 July 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 161 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Memorial Location: Authuile Military, France (H.8)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

74. Francis Gifford

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Francis Gifford

Rank: Private

Service Number: 613087

Date of Death: 29 September 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 19th (County of London) Battalion (St Pancras), London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 9C, 9D, 12C and 13C)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

75. Richard James Fuller

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Richard James Fuller

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: G/343

Age: 31

Date of Death: 18 March 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 6th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Loos, France (15-19)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

76. S. Dewell

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



S. Dewell

Home Town: Northbourne



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

77. Reuben John Dewell

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Reuben John Dewell

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 58715

Age: 32

Date of Death: 08 February 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: Royal Garrison Artillery

Memorial Location: Suzanne Communal, France (E.22)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

78. Harold Dewell

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Harold Dewell

Rank: Private

Service Number: 7129

Age: 19

Date of Death: 29 September 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 1/19th (County of London) Battalion (St Pancras), London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 9C, 9D, 12C and 13C)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

79. George Chapman

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



George Chapman

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 9947

Age: 28

Date of Death: 28 April 1917

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 6C)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

80. G. Brading

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



G. Brading

Home Town: Northbourne



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

81. Sydney Bedwell

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Sydney Bedwell

Rank: Private

Service Number: 13437

Age: 22

Date of Death: 04 May 1917

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: 7th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Arras, France (2)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

82. Percy James Bartlett

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Northbourne



Percy James Bartlett

Rank: Bombardier

Service Number: 5495

Age: 32

Date of Death: 16 May 1916

Home Town: Northbourne

Unit: Y' 14th Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Memorial Location: Agny Military, France (B.15)

School: Northbourne School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

83. S.J. Terry

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



S.J. Terry

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

84. Andrew Joseph Fortune

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



Andrew Joseph Fortune

Rank: Private

Service Number: 2832

Age: 23

Date of Death: 22 June 1917

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton

Unit: 23rd (Service) Battlion (2nd Football), The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Memorial Location: Lijssenthoek Military, Belgium (XV.E.19A)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

85. Edward John Brenchley

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



Edward John Brenchley

Rank: Acting Bombardier

Service Number: 49401

Age: 26

Date of Death: 10 November 1916

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton

Unit: 55 Battery, Royal Field Artillery

Memorial Location: Guards', Lesboeufs, France (IX.S.8)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

86. Charles Fennell Brenchley

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



Charles Fennell Brenchley

Rank: Private

Service Number: 7458

Age: 25

Date of Death: 04 February 1916

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton

Unit: 5th Royal Irish Lancers

Memorial Location: Quarry, France (E.6)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

87. Leonard Belsey

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



Leonard Belsey

Rank: Petty Officer

Service Number: 210639

Age: 32

Date of Death: 12 March 1917

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton

Unit: HM Submarine E49

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (21)

School: Ripple School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

88. H. Atkins

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Little Mongeham and Sutton



H. Atkins

Home Town: Little Mongeham and Sutton



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

89. Herbert Vickery

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Herbert Vickery

Home Town: Kingsdown



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

90. George Thompson

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



George Thompson

Home Town: Kingsdown



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

91. D McB Sutton

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



D McB Sutton

Home Town: Kingsdown



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

92. Cyril Steele Steele-Perkins

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Cyril Steele Steele-Perkins

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: 27

Date of Death: 26 August 1914

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 1st Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Memorial Location: Naves Communal Extension, France ( IV.B.15)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

93. Leslie K. Rayner

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Leslie K. Rayner

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Age: 27

Date of Death: 18 April 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 13th (Service) Battalion (3rd South Down), Royal Sussex Regiment

Memorial Location: Vlamertinghe Military, Belgium (VI.G.1)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

94. James H. Pay

Lce Corpl James PayDeal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham

James H. Pay
Rank: Private
Service Number: 12138
Age: 19
Date of Death: 13 October 1915
Home Town: Kingsdown
Unit: 10th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment
Memorial Location: Loos, France (60-64)

Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

95. Arthur John Pay

Pte Arthur PayDeal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham

Arthur John Pay
Rank: Private
Service Number: C/29681
Age: 19
Date of Death: 02 July 1918
Home Town: Kingsdown
Unit: 6th (Service) Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
Memorial Location: Bouzincourt Ridge, France (I.A.6)
School: Kingsdown School

Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

96. Richard Horn Patey

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Richard Horn Patey

Rank: Private

Service Number: 47907

Age: 19

Date of Death: 05 October 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 13th (County of London) Battalion (Princess Louise's Kensington Battalion), London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)

Memorial Location: Tyne Cot, Belgium (28-30, 162-163A)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

97. Percy Pettman Patey

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Percy Pettman Patey

Rank: Private

Service Number: 203196

Date of Death: 05 July 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 1/4th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 2C and 3A)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

98. James A Lilley

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



James A Lilley

Home Town: Kingsdown



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

99. Luke Jarvis

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Luke Jarvis

Rank: Acting Colour Sergeant

Service Number: CH/13747

Age: 32

Date of Death: 17 February 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 1st Royal Marine Battalion, 63rd Royal Naval Division

Memorial Location: Queens, Bucquoy, France (I.M.8)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

100. Herbert Walter Hyde

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Herbert Walter Hyde

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Age: 22

Date of Death: 20 May 1916

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 16th (Service) Battalion (3rd Birmingham), Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Memorial Location: Faubourg-d'Amiens, France (I.B.44)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

101. Herbert John Roy Hosking

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Herbert John Roy Hosking

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Age: 19

Date of Death: 23 July 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 7th (Service) Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 11C)

School: Dover County School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

102. Malcolm Arthur Hills

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Malcolm Arthur Hills

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Age: 25

Date of Death: 15 September 1916

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Thievpal, France (Pier and Face 5D)

School: Saint Pauls School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

103. Frank William Furner

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Frank William Furner

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/40004

Age: 20

Date of Death: 23 April 1917

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 1st Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Memorial Location: Arras, France (2)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

104. Henry Christopher Friend

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Henry Christopher Friend

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: G/4730

Age: 24

Date of Death: 19 August 1915

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 6th (Service) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Memorial Location: Calvaire (Essex), Belgium (III.B.1)

School: Kingsdown School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

105. Charles H. Berkeley Farmer

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Charles H. Berkeley Farmer

Rank: Private

Service Number: PO/17048

Date of Death: 15 June 1915

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: Deal Battalion, Royal Naval Division / RMLI

Memorial Location: Helles, Turkey (2-7)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

106. Henry Cook

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Henry Cook

Home Town: Kingsdown



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

107. William John Bunyard

 L Corpl Bunyard WilliamDeal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham

William John Bunyard
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service Number: 6/2958
Date of Death: 04 July 1918
Home Town: Kingsdown
Unit: New Zealand Provost Corps
Memorial Location: St Johns, Kingsdown, Kent
School: Kingsdown School

Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

108. Harold Herbert Bunyard

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Harold Herbert Bunyard

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 207507

Age: 21

Date of Death: 01 November 1919

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 63 Signal Company, Royal Engineers

Memorial Location: St Johns, Kingsdown, Kent

School: Kingsdown School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

109. Edward Nettleton Balme MC MiD

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Edward Nettleton Balme MC MiD

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: 32

Date of Death: 21 April 1918

Home Town: Kingsdown

Unit: 11th (Service) Battalion, Essex Regiment

Memorial Location: Mendinghem Military, Belgium (X.B.35)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

110. William Charles Shonk

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



William Charles Shonk

Rank: Stoker (1st Class)

Service Number: 306892

Age: 28

Date of Death: 22 September 1914

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: HMS Aboukir

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (5)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

111. Frederick Stephen Shonk

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Frederick Stephen Shonk

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 9903

Age: 24

Date of Death: 09 May 1915

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Memorial Location: Ploegsteert, Belgium (5-6)

School: Great Mongeham School



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

112. Ernest Ellender

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Ernest Ellender

Rank: Stoker (1st Class)

Service Number: K/19308

Age: 21

Date of Death: 03 December 1916

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: HM Submarine E37

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (17)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson


113. Hugo Delves Broughton MiD

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Hugo Delves Broughton MiD

Rank: Captain

Age: 37

Date of Death: 05 April 1916

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: 8th (Service) Battalion, Cheshire Regiment

Memorial Location: Basra, Iraq (14&62)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

114. Edward Basil Blogg DSO

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Edward Basil Blogg DSO

Rank: Major

Age: 28

Date of Death: 16 March 1916

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: 4th (London) Field Company, Royal Engineers

Memorial Location: Bethune Town, France (II.M.10)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

115. Reuben Blake

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Reuben Blake

Rank: Chief Stoker

Service Number: 172821

Age: 47

Date of Death: 02 May 1917

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: HMS Derwent

Memorial Location: Chatham Naval (23)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

116. John Thomas Bean

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



John Thomas Bean

Rank: Private

Service Number: S/180

Age: 42

Date of Death: 23 April 1915

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: Plymouth Battalion, Royal Naval Division

Memorial Location: Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium (12&14)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

117. Walter Joseph Atkins

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



Walter Joseph Atkins

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 207179

Age: 22

Date of Death: 26 October 1917

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: 247 Field Company, Royal Engineers

Memorial Location: Buffs Road, Belgium (C.47)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

118. A.T. Arnold

Deal and District “The Fallen” (1914 – 1919) – Great Mongeham



A.T. Arnold

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: G/9271

Date of Death: 21 March 1918

Home Town: Great Mongeham

Unit: The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)



Research courtesy of Adrian Wilkinson

119. Sgt Burton (POW)

204DEA - Sgt Burton (POW) (Front & Back)

This picture of Sgt Burton, Royal Marine Light Infantry Battalion, and some other of his fellow POW’s is on a postcard sent to Miss Furminger of East Bottom Farm Kingsdown, the picture was also published in a German newspaper at the time.



204DEA - Sgt Burton (POW) (Newspaper Clipping - Front)

The transcribed text reads:



‘No 10102 Sergt E Burton, Royal Marine Lt Infantry, 8/5 Barracks, Gefangsusa – Lagrs, Foressitc Deutschland.’



‘Miss C. Firminger, East Bottom Farm, Kingsdown, Deal, England, Kent’



Courtesy of D Price


120. A Portrait Postcard

265DEA - Portrait Postcard (Front)

We know little about this postcard although it seems to be a portrait of the author written May the 8th 1914.



Courtesy of D Price

121. Percy Phillips

This is another story featuring the Brewery Farmhouse from Marion Boyce.



Marion supplied the photos and story below and tells me her grandfather, Percy Phillips, was in the photos. She was unable to supply details of any of the others.



304DEA - Percy Phillips

'A searchlight was set up in a field in the village, and was manned by local Home defence soldiers. Percy is the one standing at the very end on the right, if my history serves me, searchlights were under the control of the Sappers.'



'My Grandfather, Percy, served during WWI at Richborough as a member of the Royal Artillery. When I was about 4 or 5, my grandfather told me a humorous memory of his. The story occurred in World War I. Some men from the group were on watch by night for fires, aeroplanes, Zeppelins etc. They were based in the top storey Brewey Farmhouse. They heard a droning sound and went on the alert for planes coming over--only to realise that it was the farmer sleeping on the first floor up, below them, snoring! The farmer was Mr Solley.’



305DEA - WW1 Phillips in searchlight battery

The picture above shows Percy again, this time sitting at the front third from left. He has a moustache. The round cap badge is for the Sappers (Royal Engineers) and those with the royal coat of arms cap badge are GS/LC (General Service/Labour Corps); both Corps would have been at Port Richborough in large numbers.



Image & text courtesy of the Great Mongeham Society


122. The Brewery Farmhouse

'The information below comes from Frederick Solley’s Daughter Joan Wakeham:


303DEA – The Brewery Farmhouse

‘The Solley’s Famhouse’ became ‘The Brewery Farmhouse’ shortly after the First World War. The farm’s horses were requisitioned and shipped to France to support the War effort. The long building behind Brewery Farm House was used to stable the mules and house the gun carriages belonging to an artillery unit billeted in the village. The mules were temperamental beasts and the young conscripts couldn’t manage them. They smashed the gates, which certainly didn’t please Frederick Solley. Joan remembered the kitchen maids polishing up the brass buckles and buttons for the soldiers who were billeted in the village.



One day a Zeppelin flew over the village. Frederick Solley rushed downstairs to get a good view. In the rush he didn’t have time to put his trousers on. His wife threw a pair down to him but they ended up hanging over the telephone wires. An airship came down in a nearby field.



Joan remembers seeing her father stroking the noses of the horses when they returned to the farm after the war. They were battle scarred and one was deaf. It was a solemn moment.'



Image & text courtesy of the Great Mongeham Society


123. Peace Day at Deal 19th July 1919

297DEA - Peace Day at Deal, 19th July 1919

A spanning view looking towards Deal pier showing crowds of people watching events unfold behind during Peace Day on Deal seafront on 19th July 1919.



Image and text courtesy of Colin Varrall


124. A Christmas greetings postcard

296DEA - A WW1 Christmas greetings postcard

'A Christmas greetings postcard produced during WWI showing different views of injured men being treated and recovery at the Royal Marines Depot Infirmary at Deal.'



Image and text courtesy of Colin Varrall


125. Walmer Airfield Memorial

295DEA - Walmer Airfield Memorial

‘A memorial was erected as the Walmer Airfield Memorial in memory of the gallant airmen who gave their lives in France, who were stationed at the Walmer Aerodrome between April 1917 and October 1918. The memorial was presented on Saturday 7th August 1920 by Countess Beauchamp. Almost three quarters of the pilots came from overseas, including men from Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The site of the former aerodrome is now known as Hawkshill Freedown and is a public common maintained by Walmer Parish Council.



The airmen commemorated by the memorial are;


Flt Cmdr. F C Armstrong, DSC – Missing (believed killed) 25/3/18, Flt Sub Lt. F E Bayley, DFC – Killed 23-10/18, Flt Sub Lt. E J Buckley, Two Foreign – Kill in action 28/9/17, Flt. Cmdr. S T Edwards, DSC and bar – Died (Aero accident) 22/11/18, Lieut. J E Green – Killed 5/11/18, Flt Lt. E T Hayne, DSC – Killed (Aero accident) 24/4/19, Lieut. C R R Hickey – Accidentally killed, Flt Lt. R A S Hill – Missing 12/8/19, Flt Cmdr. R A Little, DSC and bar, USC and bar – Killed in action 27/5/18, Flt Lt. J G Manuel, DSC – Dead 10/6/18, A/Flt Cmdr. R McDonald – Died 14/7/19, Squ Cmdr. T C Vernon – Died of wounds 15/9/17, Flt Cmdr. R R Winter – Killed in action 3/2/18, Flt Sub Lt. D R C Wright – Killed 23/12/17.’



Image and text courtesy of Colin Varrall


126. Field Marshal Sir John French 1st Earl of Ypres

293DEA - Field Marshal Sir John French

‘John Denton Pinkstone French was born at Ripple Vale in 1852 as the son of a Naval Officer. Attending Harrow School he trained at Portsmouth and was appointed as a midshipman assigned to HMS Warrior. Developing a fear of heights French instead served with the Suffolk Artillery transferring to the British Army. Becoming a Field Marshal in June 1913, he resigned his position on the Imperial General Staff in April 1914 after a disagreement with Prime Minster H. H. Asquith’s Government. On 1st August 1914 he resumed his post as Inspector-General of the Army on the outbreak of WWI. French commanded the British Expeditionary Force, but he had disagreements with Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener and was relieved in December 1915, replaced by General Sir Douglas Haig. Appointed to command the Home Forces he became Viscount French of Ypres in January 1916.

John French had suffered bladder cancer and died on 22nd May 1922 at Deal Castle. He was buried at St. Mary the Virgin Church cemetery at Ripple near Deal.’

Ripple Vale House

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Image and text courtesy of Collin Varrall

127. Simon Forbes, Highland Light Infantry

261DEA - Simon Forbes, Highland Light Infantry

This is a picture of Private Simon Forbes of the Highland Light Infantry taken in Deal, Kent during the First World War. As you can see the photo was taken at 119 High Street, Deal. Like many servicemen he would have sent this photo home as a keepsake for his family.



Simon's service number (333379) suggests he served with 21st Bn Highland Light Infantry, which was based in Deal for much of 1917 and 1918. In poor health at the start of conscription, he was placed in the 21st Battalion HLI, which was UK based battalion, although many of its soldiers ended up serving on the Western Front, including Simon.



At some point in during 1917 or 1918 Simon was posted abroad and ended up serving with the 10th Battalion HLI in Flanders until the end of the war. One unexplained anomaly with the photo is that he is wearing the uniform of the 1/9th HLI, which was the only active HLI Bn to wear this kilt, which uses the government tartan. Whether Simon ever joined the 1/9th is likely to remain a mystery, although soldiers were often moved between battalions.



Simon survived the war as did his two elder brothers, William who served in Gallipoli with the 1/1st Scottish Horse Battalion and Richard who served on the Western Front with the 5th Battalion Scottish Rifles. It must have been a worrying time for his parents.



Simon returned home, worked as clerk for Glasgow City Council and was a founder of the Glasgow Ramblers, through which he met his future wife Mary. They had two daughters, Susan and Rosemary.



Photo and Story courtesy of Stephen Johnson (One of Simon's Grandsons)

128. A censored postcard from Arnold to Jess

This postcard was written 14th January 1917 and sent from ‘Arnold’ who was stationed somewhere in France. As you can see the postcard has been censored, but Arnold has mentioned there were many ‘chaps’ from Deal passing by his location.

86DEA - Arnold's Postcard (Front & Back)

The transcribed text reads:

 

"Dearest Jess. Just a card to let you know that I am OK. Please forgive card but I have not yet been able to get hold of any note paper. I have not received any letters etc, since I came here about a week ago, and dare say they are hung up at the battery or wagon line. I hope you received my Wednesday’s letter from here. I have no news to tell you, as this little village is a very quiet and dull place. The day before yesterday I was in the signalling school with a battalion each of ---- and ----- marched through on their way to the line, but I could not get out to see them, which was a pity, as there were sure to be a great number of Deal chaps in these regiments that I know. We had a heavy snowfall in the night, and the place looks properly winterish. Hope all are well at home. All my love, dear, Arnold"

 

 

‘Miss J Meakins, ‘Port Arms’, South Parade, Deal, Kent’

 

Courtesy of D Price

129. Bandstand and Pier Holiday Postcard 1917

A postcard of Deal Bandstand and Pier sent 25th August 1917. It is not possible to determine why the sender, Reg, was visiting the town but we believe that the Colin referred to in the card was brother to Reg and the recipient of the card, Violet.



78DEA - Bandstand and Pier Holiday Postcard 1917 (Front & Back)

The transcribed text reads:



'Dear Vi. Thank very much for your letter & sketch. Tell father that Deal is very much like Southsea on a smaller scale. Colin came here when he first joined up. Fondest Love Reg'



'Miss Violet Fowler, The Hollies, Parkstone Avenue, Parkstone, Dorset'



From the collection of D.Price

130. Deal Pier Postcard Holiday 1915

A Postcard showing Deal viewed from the Pier and sent in 1915 by a holidaymaker who had travelled to Deal with her Mother by motor bus. It could be that they were staying privately with friends or possibly in a small guest house as much of the larger accommodation was taken over by soldiers. The card was sent 29th September 1915

Deal Pier Postcard Holiday 1915

The transcribed text reads:

'My dear Rose, Just at Deal, hope it will find you quite well I am enjoying my holiday very well, we went here by motorbus yesterday, it was a lovely day it’s awful today. Had a line from Bob this morning, he will land in Mesopotamia after all. Ma & I went to Wingham Sunday. Mrs S sends her love. Ma had made all arrangements to come back with me, now it is cancelled. Ted goes back to school and she dare not leave him here with her as they will not grant Ted permission after the holiday. much love from us all Love Cousin May'

'Miss Roser, Wenlock House, 2 Bucleyton Place, Eastbourne, Sussex'

From the collection of D.Price