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

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.

2. The Schon Sisters




3. Yeoman of Signals Alfred John Ward

4. Gertrude Campbell


5. Captain Alan Patterson

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

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.

7. Lce Sgt John Burgess RFR

8. Sergeant Peter Slee

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

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

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


Lieutenant John Theodore St Clair Tisdall

12. Sandown Castle

13. The Strand, Walmer

14. Warden House

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


15. Deal Memorial Hospital

16. Kingsdown Lifeboat – James Pay

The coxswain of the Kingsdown Lifeboat was James Pay of 8 South Street.
17. St Saviours Church

18. Astor Theatre – Stanhope Road

19. South Barracks Walmer – The Royal Marines Light Infantry depot
20. Lieutenant J F Moxham- Masonic Roll of Honour

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

22. Making Hay


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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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
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.

'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.’

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:

‘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
124. A Christmas greetings postcard
125. 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

‘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.’


Image and text courtesy of Collin Varrall
127. 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

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.

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

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