Ramsgate in the Great War
Welcome to the town page for Ramsgate. 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 Laura Probert.
Prior to the First World War, Ramsgate was a very popular seaside town with an active fishing fleet, and it also had history as a military and naval town. The War had a great impact on tourism, and once initial Government restrictions were lifted on entertainment, the town made an effort to encourage people to visit. Entertainment at venues in the town continued throughout the War.
The First World War had a long term impact on the fishing fleet. German U-boat activity and extensive mining, by both sides, in the Channel resulted in many of the boats moving to other ports such as Brixham because of the difficulty of conducting fishing in the area. Heavy losses had been suffered by the fishing fleet before boats moved to other areas. The harbour in Ramsgate became an important base for the armed fishing boats, drifters and tugs which formed part of the Dover Patrol.
Ramsgate gained a reputation as the most bombed seaside town in the First World War, suffering many Zeppelin and Gotha bomber raids and being shelled several times from the sea. Tunnels into the cliff provided civilians with shelter, and in 1917 an air raid shelter was opened at Ellington Girls School.
In common with other coastal towns, large hotels were taken over to be used as hospitals and convalescent homes, not only for the British Army but also for those of other nationalities. Canadian troops were sent to the Granville Special Hospital and to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Red Cross Hospital, and injured Belgian troops were also accommodated in the town.
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. Nethercourt Card
2. WW1 Memorial Dedication
3. WW1 Bells
4. Town Hall
At the outbreak of War 600 local men volunteered to be Special Constables at the Town Hall. Many recruiting meetings were held including one in September 1915 by Sgt Niemeyer; a wounded Canadian recovering in Ramsgate. Ramsgate people meet here every year to observe two minutes silence at 11am on 11th November.
5. Chaning-Pearce
Wilfred was a qualified Doctor when he enlisted in the RAMC in October 1914. He served in various locations and in 1917 his sister Lois volunteered for overseas service in France as a VAD nurse. Wilfred was killed in October 1917 whilst treating wounded men in the trenches.
6. Redbourn
7. Blackburn Susan
8. Blackburn
Mr Frederick Taylor Blackburn lived in 7 Wellington Crescent. He served as a stretcher bearer at Ramsgate Station and Thanet Group of Hospitals. His role involved meeting the ambulance trains as they arrived at the Ramsgate Stations at any time of the day or night to assist moving the patients.
9. Ramsgate Cliff Railway
Much used during the War despite the steepness of the gradient and lack of room it was the closest to the harbour, wounded soldiers were brought here by ambulance train and to the Town Station (where Chatham Court flats are now).
10. Entry of Death
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
11. Imperial War Graves Commision
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
12. Census of England and Wales
13. Postcard
14. Letter and Reply
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
15. James Burke’s Enlistment
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
16. Casualty Form
17. Medical History
18. Regiment of the Buffs
19. Conduct Sheet
20. Army Reserve Attestation
21. The Waterfall
On 17th December 1920 a sculpture called Destiny, by the sculptor Gilbert Bayes, was unveiled in Albion Gardens as the Ramsgate Peace Memorial. It was presented to the town by Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills.
22. Confidential Recruiting Officer
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill; was born in 1890, and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914. He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
23. Statement of the Service
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill; was born in 1890, and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914. He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
24. Records Office
25. Military History Sheet
26. Roll of Honor
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
27. Burial Return
James Burke of 4 Newcastle Hill was born in 1890; and went to St Paul’s School. He joined the East Kent’s as a Territorial when he was 18. When war was declared he was mobilised and went to France in November 1914.He was killed in action 7th June 1915.
28. The Granville Canadian Hospital
gained local notoriety in September 1915 when it was reported that the empty hotel was being used by German spies; a search by armed police found no evidence. In October 1915 it became a Canadian Hospital with 300 rooms.
29. Role of Stretcher Bearers
30. Damage to Albion Place
There was a significant air raid from a Zeppelin on the 17th May 1915, the image shows the damage done to the Imperial Bazaar at 6 Albion Hill, but the damage at the rear of the property was said to have been big enough to put a fire engine into.
31. Damage back of Albion Hill
There was a significant air raid from a Zeppelin on the 17th May 1915, the image shows the damage done to the Imperial Bazaar at 6 Albion Hill, but the damage at the rear of the property was said to have been big enough to put a fire engine into.
32. 6 Albion Hill
There was a significant air raid from a Zeppelin on the 17th May 1915, the image shows the damage done to the Imperial Bazaar at 6 Albion Hill, but the damage at the rear of the property was said to have been big enough to put a fire engine into.
33. Isle of Thanet Evacuation Plan
34. The Parrott Family
Linda Richardson has submitted some pictures and a rare letter from the trenches by her Grandfather ‘Charles Henry Parrott’. The photo below shows a picture of the Parrott family which was taken around the same time as the writing of the letter: November 3rd 1916.
The following images show the Certificates both Bertie and Herbert received. The first is addressed to Bertie Parrott, presented on Empire Day 1916.
The second is addressed to Herbert Parrott which acknowledges his help in the Christmas Day Gifts project which saw gifts delivered to Sailors and Soldiers away from home. The third is also addressed to Herbert for Empire Day 1915 again for the help in sending comfort and happiness to the Sailors and Soldiers fighting in WW1.
Also included here, is a letter which was written from the trenches by Linda’s Grandfather and Bertie and Herbert’s Father. The letter gives us insight into what life was like for Soldiers fighting in the Somme.
Linda is looking for any information regarding what regiment Charles Henry Parrot was in.
All information and pictures are courtesy of Linda Richardson
35. Airman 2nd Class Harold Gilbert White
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Airman 2nd Class Harold Gilbert White
Son of: Mr. & Mrs. C. H. White, of ‘Lancaster House’, High Street, Broadstairs
Emigrated to: Australia – Returned to England at the end of 1915
Husband of: Ethel Caroline White, of 22 Penshurst Road, Ramsgate
Service Number: 42201
Branch of Service: Royal Flying Corps
Date of death: 30th April, 1917
Died: At the Aylesbury Military Hospital, Buckinghamshire
Age: 35 yrs
Burial location: St Peter's Churchyard
Grave Ref: 19, 20
Research courtesy of John T Williams
36. Private Francis Joseph Wales
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Private Francis Joseph Wales
Husband of: Kathleen Mary, Wales of 31 Bloomsbury Street, Ramsgate
Service Number: G/9882
Unit: 10th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
Date of death: 7th June, 1917
Age: 28 yrs
Burial Location: Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3
Grave Ref: XIII E, 5
Research courtesy of John T Williams
37. Private F C Stokes
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Private F. C. Stokes
Son of: John and Fanny Stokes of 4 Tabernacle Cottages, Northwood, Ramsgate, Kent
Service Number: 31291
Unit: 63rd Battalion, Royal Naval Division - Machine Gun Corps
Date of death: 28th November, 1918
Age: 23 yrs
Burial Location: Etaples Military Cemetery
Grave Ref: LI, C, 19
Research courtesy of John T Williams
38. Private Thomas Simpson
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Private Thomas Simpson
Born: Canning Town, London
Son of: Henry and Ellen Simpson of ‘Star Cottage’, Westwood, Ramsgate, Kent
Enlisted: Canterbury
Service Number: L/8223
Unit: 'B' Company, 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent.Regiment)
Age: 27 yrs
Memorial Location: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Ref: Panel 12 and 14
Research courtesy of John T Williams
39. Private William John Sheperdon
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Private William John Sheperdon
Son of: Mr. Sheperdon & Mrs A. A. Sheperdon, of 1 Fern Cottages, Westwood, Ramsgate, Kent
Employed by: Mr. Brockman, Market Gardner of Westwood
Enlisted: July 1917
Service Number: 26614
Unit: East Surrey Regiment
Secondary Unit: posted to 1st/2.3rd Battalion, London Regiment
Date of death: 9th May, 1918
Age: 18 yrs
Memorial Location: Pozieres Memorial
Ref: Panel 44 and 45
Research courtesy of John T Williams
40. Lance Corporal Walter Denmee
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Lance Corporal Walter Denmee
Husband of: Ellen F. Denmee of 30 Denmark Road, Ramsgate, Kent
Service Number: 101519
Unit: Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry)
Date of death: 13th July, 1917 (In Brighton Hospital (VAD))
Burial location: St Peter's Churchyard
Grave Ref: 19, 25
Research courtesy of John T Williams
41. Private Frederick Holness Castle
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Private Frederick Holness Castle
Place of birth: Ramsgate
Brother of: Mrs. Charlotti S. Chapman of 1 Paramor Cottages, Westwood, Ramsgate, Kent
Enlisted: Ramsgate
Service Number: G/8455
Unit: 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Date of death: 3rd July, 1916
Age: 32
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial
Grave Ref: Pier and Face 5, D
Research courtesy of John T Williams
42. Gunner W Brenchley
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Gunner W Brenchley
Son of: Mrs. Brenchley and the late Mr. Brenchley
Husband of: Mrs. R.L. Gunner William Brenchley
Address: 2 Tabernacle Cottages, Northwood, Ramsgate
Service Number: 189070
Unit: 109th Battery Royal Field Artillery
Date of Death: 7th June, 1919
Age: 32
Burial location: St Peter's Churchyard
Grave Ref: 20, 66
Research courtesy of John T Williams
43. Gunner John Harold Byng
Broadstairs War Memorial WWI Casualty list:
Gunner John Harold Byng
Address: Beacon Lodge, St Peter's, Broadstairs, Kent
Husband of: May Harriett Byng, of Somerset House, Albion Road, Ramsgate, Kent
Service Number: 30146
Unit: 55th Battery, Royal Field Artillery
Date of Death: 9th February, 1916
Age: 30 yrs
Cause: Pneumonia
Burial location: St. Peter's Churchyard
Grave Ref: 18, 14
Research courtesy of John T Williams
44. Private Douglas J. Dray
Private Douglas J. Dray (named after his uncle) grew up in Ramsgate and enlisted as part of the Royal Fusiliers.
Douglas was killed in action on the 24th April 1917, age 19. He is buried in Chili trench Cemetery in France.
Pictured below is the certificate that was presented to Douglas’ sister, Rose Foreman. Rose was still at school in Ospringe when she received this certificate which was dated 1919, during the Armistice. Rose worked at St Lawrences as a housemaid and went on to have a son Derek. Rose met Derek’s father, at St Lawrences where he was working as a handy man.
Image and text courtesy of Derek Dray.
45. Sydney Taylor
From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Taylor Family: ‘Sydney Taylor’: Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
Sydney can be seen in the picture below with his brothers Frank and Percy.
Sid served in the Royal Horse Artillery as can be seen below:
Sid also wrote a postcard to his friend 'Dusty' Miller in 1919 (See 360RAM)
Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
46. Charles Taylor
From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Taylor Family: ‘Charles Taylor’: Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
Charles Taylor was the youngest of the brothers. He enlisted in 1917, to serve in France with the Dragoon Guards. He later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and then the Tank Corps.
He too was to see service in India before leaving the service in 1926.
Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
47. Frank Taylor
From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Taylor Family: ‘Frank Taylor 1895 – 1980 and his wife Irene Taylor’: Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
Frank Taylor was Ken Taylor’s father. He was born in 1895 and lived with his family in St David’s Road, Ramsgate. At the age of 18 he was working as an apprentice butcher in the London Central Meat Company in Broadstairs High Street (which is still trading today) when he joined the Royal Artillery in 1914.
Below is a picture of three of the brothers, Frank in the middle with Syd and Percy.
He is also pictured here on horseback aged 19.
Frank saw active service during the Gallipoli Campaign (also known as the Dardanelles Campaign) against the Ottoman Empire in 1915 and in Mesopotamia. He recalled incidents of the Gurkha soldiers sneaking up during the night to cut the ligaments of the Turk’s horses to hamper their progress.
Frank returned home and went on to raise three children with his wife Irene. He went on to become manager of the same butcher’s shop where he had worked before the war (see below: Frank is on the right closest to the window) and he was later able to open his own shop in St Peter’s in 1934. Frank died in 1980
Ken’s mother Irene worked as a dressmaker in Margate and, aged 15 remembered Zeppelins coming in over the town.
Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
48. Percy Taylor
From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Taylor Family: ‘Percy Taylor’: Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
Percy can be seen in the picture below with his brothers Frank and Sydney.
He served with the Kent Cyclists in Europe as well as on the North West Frontier in India.
Percy returned home from the war but later died from wounds inflicted during the war. He was buried with his father in St Lawrence Churchyard.
Courtesy of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Memory Book – Memories recalled by Mr Ken Taylor
49. Ramsgate Waterfall
The postcard below was sent 21st August 1914. Perhaps the author is writing to someone who has enlisted in the army and won’t be seeing him again for a while.
The transcribed text reads:
‘Dear Bert hope you arrived home safe I missed you after you had gone back I stopped on the pier for an hour after you had gone, then came back to Ramsgate. I am going over to see Edie today Friday. Don’t forget Sunday write soon, love Violet’
‘Mr Cresswell, 2 Loftus villas Loftus road Shepherds Bush, London’
Courtesy of D Price
50. 1915 Souvenir Postcard
This is a French souvenir postcard and shows the amount of parcels and treats which were sent to the troops abroad. The card was sent 15th March 1915
The transcribed text reads:
‘Dear Louie. Just a line am quite well and still merry and Bright. Have received parcel quite safe thanking you very much. Love to one and all will write later on. Boby. P.S. don’t forget the cigarettes’
‘Miss S Leornwell, 34 Margate Rd, Ramsgate, Kent’
Courtesy of D Price
51. 27th April 1917 Ramsgate Attack
A victim of the bombardment in the early hours of 27th April, was Miss Ivy Edith Thorncroft aged 22 years. At the time Ivy was living at No.1 Upper Dumpton Park Drive.
"A flower cut off in the beautiful bloom of youth" words told by Rev. Dr. Nicholson who conducted the service "yet gone not to death but to life eternal".
Crowds lined the route to the cemetery to pay their last respects to their fellow citizen who had fallen victim to the murderous designs of a ruthless enemy. Her escorts from her home were from the Navy: - Lieut - Commander Chipps, Lieut. Phillips and Sub Lieut. Cross.
Ivy was the daughter of a respected Ramsgate tradesman and Wesleyan lay preacher, she was also a popular member of the local ladies' rink hockey team. At her graveside were her brother Private N.A. Thorncroft (County London Ambulance), Mr. John Newby (Uncle) and Lieut. A.T. Newby, Canadian Army (Cousin) and many more family members and friends. The inscription upon her memorial reads: - "In loving memory of our darling girl, killed in the bombardment 27th April 1917 aged 22 years".
Funeral arrangements were carried out by W.P. Blackburn & Son.
Courtesy of the Ramsgate Historical Society
52. The Ramsgate Raid 19th March 1916
The grave of Gladys Eveline Saxby & her brother James are located in the Family Memorial at Ramsgate Cemetery. The siblings were killed on Sunday the 19th March 1916, at just after 2p.m.
Gladys and James were on their way to Sunday school when two seaplanes were spotted above; not knowing the danger, the children stood and watched. The bombs fell on St. Luke's Avenue just passed the junction with Dumpton Park Road. In all 10 bombs were dropped on Ramsgate during this raid. Many children were badly injured and five children and two adults were killed:
Mrs G.M. Bishop aged 23 and Harry Herbert Divers, a Taxi driver aged 49. Also Gladys Saxby aged 6, James Saxby aged 4, Herbert Gibbens, Frank Hardwick and Ernest Philpott aged 12
Courtesy of the Ramsgate Historical Society
53. Jack Luck
Jack Austen Luck: (Service No.1302). Pilot under training - Royal Flying Corps. 06 Training Reserve Squadron.
Jack died in a training accident on the 3rd November 1916 aged 20. His memorial can be found at Ramsgate Cemetery.
Courtesy of the Ramsgate Historical Society
54. A Censored postcard to Mrs Hutchinson
This censored postcard dates from after the Armistice and reminds us that military service continued on as the 11th November 1918 only represented an Armistice – not the final peace. This card was sent 11th December 1918
The transcribed text reads:
"My dear M, I was so pleased to receive another letter from you last night am glad to hear you are still improving. We are having lovely weather here. today I could almost fancy it is spring instead of winter. Sorry to hear Billy is poorly trust it is only a cold and that by now he is improving. My best again to all friends and ... to yourself ... Yours And"
‘Mrs A D Hutchinson, ‘Hillside’, Minster, Ramsgate, England’
Courtesy of D Price
55. A Standard Issue Response Card
This is an example of a standard service issue response card. This particular card was sent 16th December 1917.
We have not ascertained who Dudley was but a kind censor allowed him to bend the rules and passed the card even though Dudley had written his Xmas greetings on the bottom of the card in contravention of the instructions.
Courtesy of D Price
56. A series of censored postcards from Sgt Burchett to Mrs Wood
This postcard is part of a series of correspondence (see also 145RAM below.) In this card, Sgt Burchett is expressing his frustration that he is still waiting to come home. The card was sent 4th March 1919
The transcribed text reads:
"Dear Sadie, Just a line hoping you are keeping quite well and fit. No word of getting away yet, but will do someday I suppose. Hope johnnee is well and going along A.I. Yours Best Sergt. R Burchett"
‘Mrs J Wood, 56 Margate Road, Ramsgate, Kent’
This second card is also from Sgt Burchett who was still away, a reminder that the soldiers were still stationed abroad after the Armistice on 11th November 1918. We believe that Sgt Burchell was part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. This card was sent 9th May 1919
The transcribed text reads:
"yours received will be writing later. Hope all are well and how is John is he demobbed yet. yours Bob. R.E Burchett. Sgt."
‘Mrs J Wood, 56 Margate Road, Ramsgate, Kent’
Courtesy of D Price
57. Belgian soldiers at the Bethel in Ramsgate
'Images of the front and back of a postcard showing wounded Belgian soldiers at the Bethel in Ramsgate. The postcard is date stamped 8th November 1914 and the building still stands proud overlooking Ramsgate Harbour. The reference in the message to G-ships maybe to German-ships as the postcard was sent to Lowestoft, about ten miles down the coast from Yarmouth which war shelled, not very effectively, by German warships on November the 3rd 1914 just 5 days before the card was posted.'
As far as can be made out, the transcribed text reads:
'Many happy returns of the day. These are some of the wounded Belgium soldiers who are being … at the bethel. Several of them have been up here so beginning to seem like old friends now. Did you see anything of the G. Ships … … . Love to you… & all good wishes … X...’
Below is an excerpt from an article written by James Brazier about the Bethel and the Royal Sailors Rest in WW1.
The Ramsgate VAD Hospital at the Royal Sailors’ Rest in WWI
Next to the Royal Hotel on Harbour Parade stands an imposing building which proudly bears its name Royal Sailors’ Rest in large letters across its elegant front. Shortly after the start of the First World War, this building was to serve as an important VAD (Voluntary Air Detachment) temporary hospital and the above postcard shows a number of wounded Belgian soldiers in its chapel (known as the Bethel), which had been converted into a ward. Part of the message on the back of the above postcard reads: “These are some of the wounded Belgian soldiers who are being nursed at the Bethel. Several of them have been up here so begin to seem like old friends now.” The postmark shows that the postcard was sent from Ramsgate to an address in Suffolk on 8th November 1914.
According to Kent’s Care for the Wounded, published in 1915, the Wounded Allies Relief Committee had arranged for the reception of wounded Belgians and had taken over the Royal Sailors’ Rest early in October 1914. The owners of the building, the British and Foreign Sailors’ Society, had made it available for use as a hospital with accommodation for 72 beds. Within a few days, the first wounded Belgian soldiers to be sent to the Bethel arrived on 10th October 1914. More wounded Belgians arrived at the Bethel in the following days whilst others were taken to temporary hospitals at Margate and Broadstairs. The East Kent Times carried reports in early October 1914 of the honour which was extended to the Thanet towns on receiving wounded soldiers from the ‘brave little country’ (as Belgium was commonly referred to at that perilous time in its history).
The Ramsgate VAD (officially known as Kent 2) was formed from the Ramsgate Nursing Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade. It was registered in 1910 and held the distinction of being the first women’s VAD detachment throughout the whole of Kent. Although the temporary hospital’s first patients were wounded Belgian soldiers, it was not long before the hospital received a number of British soldiers who had suffered ‘Blighty’ wounds. Indeed, by the summer of 1915, it is reported that a total of 324 patients had passed through its wards.
There are around 20 wounded Belgian soldiers and three nursing staff shown in the above postcard and it is likely that the photograph was taken around the middle of October 1914.
Image and text courtesy of James Brazier
58. Clarice Spratling
Clarice Spratling was born in Ramsgate and lived for sometime at 1 Elmstone Road, Ramsgate.
Clarice volunteered as a VAD in 1915 and served abroad in France. Somehow Clarice found time to keep a diary about her experiences, and this has been transcribed by Clarice’s great niece the artist Dawn Cole.
Image and text courtesy of Dawn Cole
59. Bomb Damage to the Bull and George Hotel
Pictured here is bomb damage to the Bull & George Hotel in Ramsgate High Street. This was the result of a Zeppelin raid on 17th May 1915.
Image courtesy of the Ramsgate Collection
*New information below courtesy of the Ramsgate Historical Society
Ramsgate woke early on the 17th May 1917, at 1.47a.m. to be precise. A Zeppelin, flying at a high altitude, dropped over 20 bombs on the town. Two lives were lost from Hythe; John Smith aged 42, a visitor to the town who was in room 12 of the Bull and George Hotel in Ramsgate High Street and Florence Earle Lamont aged 43. Both were from 21A Hythe Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. The hotel itself was wrecked and neighboring businesses were also badly damaged.