The Horn family during WW1, told by Diana Horn.

From our ‘Family histories’ section: The Horn Family Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

This is the story of my Grandparents and their family during WW1. They were, I should think, a typical agricultural family of the period. They had 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters:

While looking at family postcards sent during WW1 I found one which mentioned the name Alf Fletcher. (From Frederick Horn) Since then I discovered his name in my father’s birthday book, written in there in 1912 I believe by his sister perhaps who gave him the book. He is the only non family member there which meant to me he was a close friend.

So I looked further and found that he lived in Staple Street, his father a Market Gardener and must have grown up with the younger Horn boys, one of the 'naughty boys' I call them as they look full of fun in 2 cards I have.

Alf was at first a farm labourer and went into the Royal Garrison Artillery no 161677. He survived the War and I have no other information except that his death was registered in Canterbury in 1976. There may be descendants who have memories of him. I have remembered him on the Imperial War Museum site but it would be good to have a photo!

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

Below is a selection of the postcards sent from different members of the Horn family:

We are not sure where Elsie fits into the Horn family, but she may be Fred’s Wife Evelyn. She is writing to the Horn family on behalf of one of the family.

The transcribed text reads:

10/9/17: ‘I had a letter from France yesterday + he wished me to give you all his love + will write as soon as he can but things are keeping him busy. Is very well + has good weather. Please excuse pencil as am in the cafe at Hythe. Love Elsie’ ‘He had not received parcel’

Miss E Horn, Staple Street, Hernhill, Faversham

The next card is addressed to Miss Haughton 'Alice' but we do not know who sent the card'

The transcribed text reads:

'25th May 15: We came this Monday good lodgings shall be pleased to see everyone. Love from us all. C/o Mrs Coleman 2 Alexandra Terrace Whitstable.’

‘Miss Haughton, Staple Street Farm, Hernhill, Faversham’

Next is a Birthday card from 'unknown' to Edith.

The transcribed text reads:

‘Miss Edie Annie Horn, Staple Street Farm, Herne Hill, Nr Faversham.’

Lastly is a card from Char to, we believe, Edith

The transcribed text reads:

'1.12.16: Have you heard from Fred he is well address being 23rd Field Ambulance 7th Division B.E.F France. Am doing A.1. on guard tonight goodbye Char.'

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

The eldest daughter, Caroline, was born in 1879. She married in 1905 but became a widow; whether due to Ww1 I do not know. She was a tobacconist and confectioner, first at 10 East St Faversham and then at 17, West Street. This is a photo of her daughters Olive and Lucy at a celebration of Peace in Faversham.

Next was Emma. Born in 1881, she left home and went into 'service'. She married John Proctor, known as Jack, but he died in 1914 and so far I have not found out whether or not this was due to WW1.

My grandmother Mary died before I was born but I knew my Grandfather James who lived then in Boughton Street.

The eldest son James was the first son to go to War. He married Mabel (Mab and Jim) in 1912.

I have postcards sent to the family from Egypt and a card from Mabel telling them how lonely she is.

The transcribed text reads:

‘Dear Edie. Just a card & thanks for the P C Jim sent me a time back hoping you are well. Mab tells me you had a good time when you were at Tadworth and that you have been doing yourself well on the farm this year. Just fancy Jim getting off with one of these girls.’

The next card is from Mabel in which she mentions hearing from Jim to let Edith, back on the Farm, know he is well.

The transcribed text reads:

14.6.15: 'My Dear Edie & all I know you will be anxious to get this. I heard from Jim yesterday he was well letters written the 20th & 27th of June. No chance of getting home in fact they had just heard they were going to Mesopotamia but hope there is no truth in it but he is not far from there now. We are still at the hotel just going up to the house to see what we can do. Love to all. Ever yours Bert & Mabel xx ‘This is a P.C. of the House’

‘Miss Horn, Staple Street Farm, Hern Hill, Nr Faversham, Kent

The last card is also from Mabel to the Farm

The transcribed text reads:

4.8.15 Whitstable: 'Dear Ma. How we wish all were here today. The sea is lovely and just now the sun is shining lovely. Love to all yours etc M ta ta.

‘Miss Horn, Staple Street Farm, Nr Faversham, Kent’

Jim returned home safely and in retirement they lived in Reculver Rd Beltinge where I spent summer holidays, visiting aunts and uncles.

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

Alice Horn was born in 1885 and like her older sister Emma she went into 'service'. As her postcards home show Alice moved around the south of England. She married William Houghton a groom in 1913. I remember my Uncle Will as a chauffeur always very smart usually in a bowler hat.

William went to fight in WW1. He was in the Army Service Corps, and sent postcards home from France. In 1918 he wrote to the family at the farm 'Well I guess you were all pleased with the News that this Show is finished. I can tell you I was and am now looking forward to getting home.' The postcard is of Captain Charles Fryatt who was considered a hero at that time, having been executed in Belgium in 1916.

The transcribed text reads:

17/11/18

‘Dear Mother and Dad. I am well & hope you are all keeping well. Sorry to hear that George was taken Ill. Hope he is getting on alright now also Ted. 'Well I guess you were all pleased with the News that this Show was finished. I can tell you I was and am now looking forward to getting home. Hope to see you all this Summer. Hope you will like this card. fond love to you all from yours etc Will.'

Will returned to Alice and they lived at 4, Manor Cottages, where I loved to go as a child and took my own children when Alice was elderly. He wrote another card as he landed back in England on May 5th 1919. He calls Alice 'My O D W' my own dear wife and hopes to see her at the weekend in Faversham. The post card shows a view of the bomb damage in Bury.

The transcribed text reads:

Tilbury Dock, May 5th 1919

‘My O.D.W received yours get what you can on bike sorry could not write before have been on the road all day we were at Tilbury tonight go on to Chatham in the morning. this is a view of the damage caused by the Bombs in Bury will write letter tomorrow love from your etc Will Hope to see you this weekend at Faversham’

‘Mrs A Houghton, 27 Russell St, Leamington, Warwickshire’

Below is an example of another postcard sent from Will to Edie, Will's Sister.

The transcribed text reads:

Arras - Jan 3rd 1919

‘Dear Edie Just a P card which I got this morning where I was walking around to whiling the time away waiting to get home thought you would like it. Well at the moment I am not doing a lot but the weather is rotten so don’t want to do much. now the war is over all we want now is to get home. Well we did not have much of a Christmas and New Year came in very dull with the exception of the row we made ourselves. It was the coming in of what is sure to be our home coming year but what time I do not know. Sooner the better well for I am awfully fed up stuck out in this country, best wishes for the New Year love from Will.

Image and text courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

Joseph (Joe) was born in 1888 and Edward (Ted) in 1889. They both worked on the farm where Joe was a senior hand, hard work with men and horses away at war. Joe married Mabel in 1914 and I believe they have grandchildren who may live in Kent.

Ted married Harriet (Harty) in 1918, but in the mean time he was conscripted into the army in Suffolk, the need for men on the Front must have been greater than the need for food, but the war ended before he was sent to fight. Harriet Howland played her part and ran a hotel in Canterbury as far as I know. Ted sent a postcard of Felixtowe to Edith while he was there saying how glad he is that she has heard from George.

The transcribed text reads:

25th July 18: 'My Dearest Edie thanks for letter received Wednesday so glad you have heard from George hope he still improved, I am A1 I hope this will find you all well at home, have been up to see about teeth + go again on Saturday. Had a letter from H + Mable & glad they are well also Jim will write letter soon. Goodbye ... from your E. L. Brother Ted xxx

‘Miss E Horn, Forge Farm, Staple Street, Hornhill, Faversham, Kent’

Another card from May 4th 1915 said that he had been to Dymchurch and: 'heard the guns from Dover today to keep the Germans off'.

The transcribed text reads:

4.5.1915: 'Dear Eddie and all just a card have been to Folkestone today and got there quarter past 8 o clock and then to Hythe by bus and then walked 4 and a half miles to Dymchurch to Harty Aunt’s. We heard the guns at Dover today to keep the Germans off. Is in the paper tonight. Hope Fred is not gone love from T & H xx' 'have been by here today.'

‘Miss E. Horn, Staple Street, Hernhill, Faversham’

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

Next in the family came two brothers who both took part in WW1. Frederick(Fred) was born in 1893 and George, my father, in 1896 and they grew up as close companions. They are seen in this photo with my father in the chair with Spot the dog. My father had had an appendix operation in Canterbury Hospital and had a long period of rest, as was usual then.

Fred worked on the farm but was obviously interested in medical matters as he was part of the Boughton Ambulance Brigade. He had a young lady called Evelyn who was close to the family.

Fred joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in WW1 and sent a telegram to his brother George when he was about to go to the Front.

I have some postcards that Fred sent home during the War. In one card he says that he has met Alf Fletcher, also of Staple Street, and a school friend. Most of the postcards are humorous and he says that he is A1. It is plain that they are sending parcels and money when needed.

The first Postcard is from 11th November 1915

The transcribed text reads:

11.5.15: 'Dear E, Alf Fletcher is only about a stones through from us and I have walked into Aldershot with him this afternoon as we are done from 2 till half past 9 on Saturday. We have just had some tea. We did not get any money yesterday we shall get any before next week but still I have got plenty. From your L.B. Fred

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The following Postcard is from 5th August 1916:

The transcribed text reads:

2.30PM - 5.8.16 ‘Dear E, Just a card to let you know I have received letter with note. Thanks very much. Am pleased to hear you got the money, and I guess you will have got my letter asking you for some. Am just A goodbye from Y.L.B. Fred.’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The following Postcard is from 11th August 1916:

The transcribed text reads:

11.8.16: ‘Dear Edith, just a card to let you know I am A.1 we had some sports yesterday and I won a prize a gold tie pin. Weather was lovely. Hoping you are all well goodbye love to all from your L.B. Fred’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from the 12th September 1916:

The transcribed text reads:

12.9.16: ‘Dear Mother, Just a card to let you know I shall be coming home on Thursday. Goodbye love to all from Evelyn & Fred.’

‘Mrs J Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from 23rd of ? 1916:

The transcribed text reads:

23.?.16: 'Dear Edie, Just a card to let you know I got back alright I have got Harty's letter with hankies alright and have had a letter from George and Em. I am just going to post this and then undo the parcel and do myself a bit of good. Goodbye from Y.L.B Fred

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The following postcard is from 16th August 1917:

The transcribed text reads:

16.8.17: ‘Dear Edie, just a card to let you know I am getting on A.1. Hoping you are all the same. By now you will be back off your holiday and I hope you have had a ripping time with love to all from Fred xxxxx’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from the 24th August 1917:

The transcribed text reads:

24.8.17: ‘Dear Edith, Just a card to let you know I am keeping A1. Will you send on Wills address please. The weather is lovely hoping you are enjoying the same from Y L B Fred xxxx’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from the 29th August 1917:

The transcribed text reads:

29.8.17: 'Dear Edie, just a card to let you know I am getting on A.1. Hoping you are all the same from your L.B. Fred xxxxxxxxx’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The following postcard is from 9th September 1917:

The transcribed text reads:

9.9.17: ‘Dear E, Many thanks for paper and letter received today am A1. Hoping this finds you all the same from Y.L.B Fred xxx’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from the 25th June 1918:

The transcribed text reads:

25.6.18: ‘Dear Mother this is a view of the place where we were staying when I first went in to hospital. Am getting on A.1. now with love from Fred.’

‘Mrs J Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The next Postcard is from the 30th June 1918:

The transcribed text reads:

30.6.18: ‘Dear Edith, Just a card to let you know I am getting on first rate. Have been up a little while this afternoon and went to a concert, it was great this is a view on top of a hill and I have been round here many a time. Goodbye from Y.L.B. Fred’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The last postcard is from the 20th of September but we are unsure on the year:

The transcribed text reads:

20.9.?: ‘Dear Edith, just a card to let you know I am getting on A.1 I have heard from E and she did not get my P.C. until Tuesday so that got mislaid. I wrote to mother on Sunday did she get it alright, goodbye love to all from Y.L.B. Fred’

‘Mrs E Horn, Staple St, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

Fred was killed in action in 1916 in Flanders. His memorial is in Hernhill Church.

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

My father, George, kept a few precious mementoes of the War and of his brother Fred. He said little but I always knew it was a serious and emotional topic. When George left school he became a grocer's errand boy and then was apprenticed to a grocer in Faversham, Lawrence and Son.

When war came he joined up as a Gunner with the Garrison Artillery.

He was very ill at one point which is mentioned in his post cards but he and Fred kept in touch when they could. A Christmas card was sent Christmas 1916 which was folded in my father’s pocket for many years as can be seen below. In it as usual he says he is A1, and has had a letter from Home and that he is getting his letters alright now.

Here is a couple of the cards George sent whilst away:

The transcribed text reads:

29.8.1918:‘Having the day here so doing fine. Goodbye George xx’

‘Miss Edith Horn, Staple Street, Nr Faversham, Kent’

The card below shows soldiers crossing a Pontoon Bridge over the river Jordan in Palestine:

The transcribed text reads:

July 12th 1918:‘To Edie. Hoping you are well I am A1 of course. Looking forward to the time when I can see you all, then I can explain all these places to you, hoping you are loving good weather from George'

George survived the War and went on in the Grocery Trade. He married in 1929 and I was born in 1937. Most of my childhood holidays were spent visiting my Aunts and Uncles.

My father visited Staple Street in 1977 and although blind recognized his old home.

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

Edith the youngest child in the family was born in 1900. She was a child during WW1 but remained at home to help on the farm, in the house and with the garden. She was the collector of postcards and so the recorder of much of this information. In 1914 Edith was given the family Bible in order to keep a record.

She was married in 1931 to an older man John Barnes who had returned from exploits in Canada. They built Hernhill Bungalow but he died in 1944. She lived there alone frugally, and it was when she was very ill that I had the postcards and photographs to keep them safe for the family I have come to some conclusions of my own about this family and their life during WW1.

They still lived in a mild sort of feudal system, accepting their place in society but proudly so. They did not rebel but quietly accepted what went on around them, doing their duty to God and the King. They did not appear to show a great deal of emotion but in their cards and messages were always A1, which was a favored phrase of my father George. They kept in touch with their cards and probably letters in the same way that I text my daughters today. They sent parcels of fresh fruit and veg to those away and lived mainly off the land. They had their own barrel of beer in the kitchen! The centre of their life at that time was the farm, Hernhill and Boughton Street.

Below is some of the postcards sent from Edith during this time

The transcribed text reads:

Marlborough, '1915: Dear Mother I came here yesterday. I have marked with a cross where Will is. I am glad to say he is well. I shall go home next week so will write all news then. Love to all from Edith & Alice’

‘Miss Horn, Staple Street Farm, Hernhill, Nr Faversham, Kent’

The transcribed text reads:

'23.12.1915: Dear Mum & Dad. Just a card to wish you all a happy Xmas. Has dad dressed the beam in the kitchen up. With love you ever loving daughters Alice & Edie xxxx’

‘Mrs J. Horn, Street Farm, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

The transcribed text reads:

‘The Old Vicarage Tadworth July 26th 1917’

‘Dear G. Doing fine & as you will see, Emma & I are staying with Mabel for a fortnight. Hope you are well. M Heard from Jim today he was very well she sends her love to you. The soldiers here had a night attack last night, very little sleep for us there’s a large common in front of the House, & the rockets were a lovely sight & the noise oh dear. Goodbye dear love from all yours ever Edith xxxxxxx’

‘519439. Gunner G. Horn, Staple Street, Nr Faversham, Kent’

The transcribed text reads:

23.7.18: ‘My Dear Mother. Many thanks for Parcel which we got on Saturday also for P.C. which we received this morning will write & tell you all news in the week. The cherries were lovely also peas & spuds & lettuce. I heard from Fred also he sent his photo hope you are well with love Alice & Edith’

‘Mrs J. Horn, Street Farm, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent’

Courtesy of Diana Jones Nee Horn

James Horn the father of the family in the little house he lived in in Laburnham Cottage, Boughton Street, plus one of him in the hop fields, I believe he was a 'teller', keeping the records.

Thank you Kent in WW1 for giving me the opportunity to tell their story.

Courtesy of Diana Jones nee Horn