WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC: DEAD OF THE GREAT WAR

Student of the Secondary School 1908-1912 (RWP 1919, p.2). He was born in Woolwich (SD vol. 4). Youngest surviving son of the late Councillor James Henry Hodgin, a builder, of 45 Thomas St. Woolwich, and Mrs Eleanor Matilda Hodgin (KIKM June 23rd, 1916; CWGC; WPR). He was born on September 25th, 1896 and joined the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, after being educated at L.C.C. Fox Hill Elementary School, Plumstead, on September 10th, 1908, finally leaving on September 26th, 1912 (WPR). His academic profile was good overall. On leaving, he was an apprentice to Messrs Thomas & Edge, contractors, of Woolwich (KIKM June 23rd, 1916), although his Polytechnic record card shows that he was apprenticed to Messrs Smart & Brown of Erith.

121431, Sapper, 70th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He enlisted at Woolwich, Kent (SD vol. 4), and was released by his firm to ‘join the colours’ in September 1915 (KIKM June 30th, 1916). He died of wounds in France on June 10th 1916, aged 19 (SD vol. 4; CWGC). Two pieces were published about him in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail. The first, published on June 23rd 1916 under the title ‘The toll of war’ reported the ‘sad news of the death from wounds of Sapper Charles W. Hodgin’. The second, a longer piece published with a photograph on June 30th 1916, under the title ‘Died for his country’, reported that he ‘died in hospital at Bethune on 10th June, and is buried in the cemetery there. Of the party that he was with, four were killed and twelve wounded.’ It went on to describe him ‘as a bright, cheery, lad fun and spirit, he was eager to join at once, but promised his mother he would not join active service until he was 19. On his birthday he told her he had been accepted....and in a few months he was in France.’ He had been ‘engaged in pioneer work, and the billet in which he was shattered with shell fire, and poor Charlie was mortally wounded in the chest and his arm broken’, and two days later he died.

Sapper Hodgin is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France, in Plot V, Row E, Grave 10. Bethune was a railway and hospital centre, as well as a Corps and Divisional Headquarters. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.
 
 
 
 

HORLOCK, Arthur Illiyd Wates

Staff, appointed at the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School as Mathematical Master in 1905, and was Senior Mathematical Master when he left to join the forces in Easter of 1916; he was the only full-time Polytechnic teacher to be killed in the War. He was born at Llantwit Major, Glamorgan, South Wales in 1880, and was educated at the People’s College Nottingham, gaining a scholarship which took him to the High School. At the age of 17 he obtained an ‘exhibition’ to Oxford (Merton College), where he graduated. He joined the Polytechnic in 1905 after early teaching experience at Kivernell’s College, Hampshire, and George Green School, Poplar. He married his cousin—a former pupil of the Secondary School—Jesse Davis, ‘on the eve of the war’, and they had a child (WPM Oct 1917, p. 1). He lived in Blackheath. His application to be given leave to join the forces was submitted to the Education Committee of the Polytechnic in a letter dated 4th April, and was accepted and noted in the minutes of a meeting held the next day. His death was recorded by the same Committee on July 17th 1917, following the receipt a letter from his wife, dated July 10th. His departure from Polytechnic life was noted by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for October 1916, which reported, under the title ‘Secondary School Notes’, that: ‘we have seen some of our masters leave us to serve their King and Country—Mr Horlock, Mr Clarke, Mr Leather and Mr Jackson’ (WPM Oct 1916, p. 7). The same issue recorded: ‘a flying visit from Mr Horlock and Mr Leather before they went up to Edinburgh to join their unit’ (p. 9).

G/49760, Private, 9th Platoon, ‘C’ Company, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (WPM May 1917, p. 27; SD vol. 12; MIC). He enlisted At Greenwich, and was formerly Stk/2529, 31st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (SD vol. 12). Mr Horlock wrote to the School, as recorded in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine, in May 1917 (p.16), ‘thanking the boys for gifts of tobacco and pipes’. He was killed in action, in France, on July 2nd, 1917, whilst performing sentry duty, aged 36 (WPM Oct 1917, p. 1-3). His ‘latest address’ (as above) was given in the same issue. His date of death is recorded as July 3rd on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour. Private Horlock was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal (‘Mut and Jeff’) (MIC).

Arthur Horlock’s death was briefly reported in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for July 20th 1917 under the title: ‘On the Western Front. Death of Mr Arthur Horlock’, the report was provided by the ‘Tutorial staff of the Woolwich Polytechnic’, who stated that: ‘It is with feelings of deep regret that we announce the death, which occurred on July 2nd on the Western Front, of our friend and colleague...We feel sure that his loss will be equally felt outside the Polytechnic, for he was well-known and most popular not only in Woolwich, but also in the neighbourhood’. It was also recorded in the Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes of the same local paper on July 27th 1917: ‘The death of Mr Horlock...has far-reaching effects which extend directly to the Athletic Club. Mr Horlock at all times took a lively interest in the development of sport among the day school boys and was responsible thereby for the initial training of many of the Club’s most efficient members’.

A fuller obituary, dedicated poem and photograph were published in the October issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine, under the title: ‘A.I.W. Horlock, 1880-1917’. It reported: ‘On July 2nd 1917, Mr Horlock was killed in action on the Western Front. He was performing sentry duty and death was instantaneous. Familiar as we are, in these sad days, with loss and suffering of War, this news coming just before we broke up for the holidays, cast a gloom over the whole Polytechnic.’ The piece extorted his virtues; his musical talent, his versatility, fair-mindedness and patience. ‘Pacific in disposition, and philosophic in his detachment from everything appertaining to violence and hate he, nevertheless, offered his services voluntarily to his country and enlisted with Mr Leather as a private foot-soldier in a line regiment—the Royal Fusiliers. After three months training he went to France and saw a good deal of fighting in the lines as they moved on over the old battle-fields of the Somme.’ Mr Leather himself was quoted: ‘His patriotism was great then, but the hardships and dangers of war have only served to increase it. He has seen much more of these than I, as after being wounded, I found that those with him had been through six weeks of the most bitter fighting—such as I’d never seen.’ His army name was Jim: ‘Jim was lion-hearted and scorned ever to shew the least fear. Many people told me of his wonderful determination to ‘stick it’. The piece finished: ‘So perished, in his country’s cause, a brave and good man, the memory of whom will not readily die. He is the first of the Polytechnic teachers to lay down his life for his country’. A dedicated poem accompanied the piece:

Arthur Horlock’s death was commented on elsewhere in the same issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine. In the ‘Athletic Club Notes’, dated July 27th, it was explained that: ‘Mr Horlock, the popular master in the Secondary School, who was reported killed on active service last week has far reaching effects which extend directly to the Athletic Club. Mr Horlock at all times took a lively interest in the development of sport amongst the day school boys, and was responsible thereby for the initial training of many of the Club’s most efficient members.’ (WPM Oct 1917, p. 7). On page 18 it was reported that: ‘It will interest past members of the School....to hear that we are perpetuating the memory of our late master, Mr Horlock...by the institution of the ‘Horlock Swimming Challenge Cup’ to be held annually...’. In the ‘House Notes’ (p. 24) it was recorded that: ‘a great blow fell on the [blue] House through the death, in action, of our old House master, Mr Horlock....In his last letter his message to Blue was ‘Play the Game’....’.

Private Horlock is buried at Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux, near Arras, France, in Plot I, Row F, Grave 6. This cemetery is situated close to the A1 autoroute, yet it is at peace. It is small, but has a beautiful classical arcade, and it has been in the news for the recent burial of several of Arthur Horlock’s fellow Royal Fusiliers, killed in the Battles of Arras and discovered eighty years later during construction of the autoroute. Private Horlock’s grave is simply marked—with no epitaph—a sad memorial to on of the Woolwich Polytechnic’s brightest stars. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

HORNE, George Thompson

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic, for at least the sessions 1913-15, enrolled on practical maths and building construction courses (SD, vol. 78; WPR). He was also an old boy of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary and St Michael’s schools (WPR). He was born on January 4th, 1887, the son of George Thompson Horne and Magdalene Horne, of 75, Heathwood Gardens, Charlton, London (CWGC; WPR). He lived at 3, Woodville Street, Woolwich, and was a carpenter and joiner with W. Downs Ltd, Woolwich.

T4/037729, Corporal, 3rd Reserve H.T. Depot, Army Service Corps. (WPM Jan 1916, p.5; SD, vol. 78; CWGC). He enlisted at Maresfield, and died in Britain on October 31st 1918, aged 31 (SD, vol. 78).

Corporal Horne is buried in Greenwich (Charlton) Cemetery, London, Grave 2 ’C’ N 352. Greenwich Cemetery has a total of 54 war graves. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

LEDINGHAM, William Alexander

Student, ‘educated at the High School Woolwich, and subsequently at the Woolwich Polytechnic, where he gained several scholastic distinctions’ (KIKM, March 8, 1918). Born in Woolwich (SD vol. 65), he was the second son of Mrs Amelia Huttman Ledingham and the late John Machray Ledingham. of Woolwich, London (CWGC). He left Woolwich ‘about five years ago to take up a responsible position as steel foundry manager in Bathgate, N.B.’ (KIKM, March 8, 1918). His Polytechnic record cards for the years 1900-09 give his address as Manager’s Quarters, Royal Arsenal, and give his occupations as Laboratory Assistant, Chemical Laboratory Assistant and Metallurgists Assistant with the Royal Arsenal. His academic achievements are quite impressive although variable in some cases, and he gained Institute prizes in Metallurgy and Iron and Steel Manufacture, as indicated by the Prize Distribution Programme for 1906.

S/18888, Private, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (SD vol. 65). Listed as Lance-Corporal in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail. Enlisted at Glencorse, died of wounds in France on February 23rd 1918. His death was reported in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail, for March 8th, 1918 under the title ‘The Supreme Sacrifice’. The piece reported that he voluntarily resigned his post in July of the previous year, and had been drafted to the 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders on active service. He died on the February 23rd 1918, aged 32, at a Casualty Clearing Station in France, ‘from shell wounds received on the same day’. His death was also briefly listed in the ‘War Casualties’ section of the April 5th, 1918 issue, again listing him as Lance Corporal. He is listed in neither the Roll of Honour nor the Roll of Active Service of the Polytechnic, published in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for May 1921. Despite his achievements at the Woolwich Polytechnic, his mae was omitted from the original Memorial Plaque.

Private Ledingham is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, France, in Plot II, Row A, Grave 27. This cemetery was opened in 1917 following the Battle of Arras, as in April and May 1917, the VII Casualty Clearing Station was located nearby. It is a lovely cemetery which also contains a significant number of soldiers killed in 1940. Private Ledingham’s grave is in the front row and is visible from the road. The headstone is in good condition, and it bears the personal epitaph:

LEE, E. J. (Eric J. or Ernest John)

Eric J. Lee was a student of the Secondary School, 1910-1914 (RWP Jan 1919, p.2). However, the archived records of the Woolwich Polytechnic note the existence of only an Eric Lee, but his record cards do not indicate a middle initial. Eric Lee was born on July 13th, 1899, the son of Reginald Ryle Lee, a clerk, of 5, Ormiston Road, Greenwich. He entered the Polytechnic on September 12th, 1910 from L.C.C. Halstow Road Elementary School, Greenwich, his fees paid for by the L.C.C., and he left on November 26th, 1914, whereupon he joined the Chemical Department of the Royal Arsenal (WPR). His record card for the session 1913-14 shows a satisfactory achievement, although weak in some areas.

The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1916 lists an E.J. Lee as a Private in the Royal West Surrey Regiment (p.5). However, there is no record of this name in the appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War. Further information published in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1918 (p. 18) noted that Eric Lee had visited the school between September 1917 and January 1918, and was serving with the 53rd Royal Sussex Regiment, then at Aldershot. Again, the appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War does not list a casualty under this name. In addition, there appears to be no Eric J. Lee listed in the Medal Index Cards at the Public Record Office.

Some resolution to the problem may be found with reference to The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Their records list Lee, Ernest John, C/9586, Rifleman, 20th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, who died on July 24th, 1916, aged 23. Importantly, he is the son of Alan and Jenny Lee of 12, Hewlett Road, Roman Road, Bow, and he enlisted at Woolwich. It is therefore distinctly possible that this is the same man. Rifleman Ernest John Lee has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme (CWGC).
 
 
 
 

MAY, A.

Possibly Arthur Thomas May, a student of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, 1911-1914. However, no Mays are listed in the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools Record of Service. A.T. May was born on September 19th, 1899, the son of John May, a worker in Tate’s sugar refinery, of 18, The Manorway, North Woolwich. He joined the Polytechnic School from L.C.C. Elizabeth Street Elementary School, North Woolwich, on September 18th, 1911, and left on July 30th 1914. He was a very good and strong student.

In addition, the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine Prize Distribution for 1895 - 96 lists another May—May, S.A.H.

Probably coincidentally, Dartford Town Memorial, Kent lists a May, A, of the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, with his next of kin at 193 Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent.

There are several men listed as May, A. on the Medal Index Cards in the PRO, although there are no specific details to link them with the Polytechnic.

MAYER, Leonard Joseph

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic, for at least the period 1911-1913 enrolled on mechanics and chemistry courses. He was also an old boy of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, where he gained a prize in mathematics and science for the session 1905 (WPR). He was the second son of Joseph and Louisa Mayer, of ‘Hiberthan’, Cleanthus Rd, Shooters Hill, Woolwich, London (CWGC); previously of ‘Brentnor’ Shooters Hill (KIKM, June 9th 1916). He lived in Woolwich, at 28 Maisma Road, Plumstead (SD vol. 76; WPR), and worked for the London County Council as a clerk in the Public Control Department (LCC, Appendix, p. 40; WPR).

2981, Lance Corporal, 1/20th Battalion, County of London Regiment (Blackheath and Woolwich). Enlisted at Blackheath, died of wounds in France, May 31st 1916, aged 26 (WWM; SD vol. 76; CWGC). A short notice of his death was published in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail, on June 9th 1916 under the title ‘The toll of war. Local heroes.’ which reported that he ‘died of wounds received in action on May 21st. His death was outlined in the London County Council’s Record of Service of its employees which was published in 1922, which detailed the attack at Souchez near Vimy Ridge in May, and noted that: ‘Lance-Corp. L.J. Mayer (20th Lond., Publ. Cont.) died at Abbeville on the 31st of wounds received on the 21st..’ (LCC, p.35). A brief record of his service was given in the appendix to the same volume: ‘Mayer, Leonard Joseph (1914-1916); Lance-Corporal, 20th Bn. London Rgt.; France 14 months; Died of wounds 31st May, 1916.’ (LCC, Appendix, p. 40).

Lance Corporal Mayer is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France, Plot III, Row J, Grave 12. Abbeville was headquarters of the British lines of communication and three hospitals were stationed here from 1915 to 1919. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour, and the Roll of Honour and Book of Remembrance of the Twentieth Battalions, The London Regiment.

The 20th County of London Regiment, part of the 47th Division, held the line at Souchez, in Artois in the early part of 1916. This region was an area of intense activity due to the strong German fortifications, and a small scale German offensive was launched near Souchez on 21st May 1916, following an intense artillery bombardment. Many soldiers of this battalion and others of the 47th Division lie buried in Cabaret Rouge Military Cemetery, near Souchez, bearing the 21st May on their headstones.

MEDLEN, Leslie Lashbrook

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic and Honorary Member of the [Royal Ordnance Factories] Trade Lads’ Association. He was the second son of Charles Henry and Annie Lashbrook Medlen, of ‘Maycroft’, New Barn Hill, Longfield, Kent (address given as Kent House, Eglinton Hill, Plumstead in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for January 4th 1918, an address repeated on his attestation forms) and was born on May 30th, 1896 (WPR), his father being an accountant (OR). He was educated at Eglinton Road and Bloomfield Road schools before joining the Polytechnic Secondary School and finally the Polytechnic itself with an L.C.C. Evening Exhibition, studying Chemistry and Metallurgy (WPR). A final entry on his record card for the session 1913-14 was ‘doctor advises discontinuance’, although there is no further explanation. His address at this time was given as 11 Vernham Road, Woolwich. After passing through the Engineering Shops and Drawing Offices of the Royal Gun Factory, he entered the Metallurgical Department, where he completed his apprenticeship, becoming an assistant metallurgist (KIKM Jan 4th 1918). He was mistakenly listed as Medlen, L. I. on the original Polytechnic plaque.

Second Lieutenant (Temporary), 16th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and General List (OD; CWGC). He joined the RFC in June 1917, and after a course of training, crossed to France on October 16th, 1917 (KIKM Jan 4th 1918). His ‘current address’ was listed by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for October 1917 as: ‘Sec. Lieut. L.L. Medlen, RFC., No 16 Squadron, 1st Wing, BEF, France (WPM Oct 1917, p.36). Killed in action, ‘shot down in aerial combat’, on December 22nd 1917, aged 21 (CWGC). His loss was reported in the January 1918 issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine under the heading ‘The Trade Lads’ Association’: ‘It was with deepest regret that we learnt of the death of Sec.-Lieut. Leslie L. Medlen, RFC, an honorary member. He was killed whilst attacking an enemy plane, ‘somewhere in France’. In Les Medlen we have lost a jolly good fellow.’ (WPM Jan 1918, p.15).

Second Lieutenant Medlen’s records survive in the Public Record Office. He attested as a private in the RFC on June 26th 1917, at South Farnborough. He was 21, and his height given as 5 feet 9 inches, with good physical development. He was discharged from when he was appointed to a temporary commission as Second Lieutenant on the General List, on September 12th 1917. Leslie Medlen had obviously applied for a commission in the RFC early on; his application being dated June 1st 1917, his academic referee being the Principal of the Polytechnic,William Hogg. A reference from Mr Munday, Metallurgist at the Royal Arsenal dated May 21st commented that Leslie Medlen had been engaged at the Arsenal for 5^1/₂ years, where he had received training as an engineer, attending concurrently at the Polytechnic. It noted that: “Mr Medlen has good presence and address, is an excellent motor cyclist and an all round sportsman, and his personal character is everything that can be desired.” He was examined for pilot on August 20th 1917, but was found to be temporarily unfit; the form remarked that his adenoids needed removal. These were duly removed in hospital from August 21st to 29th, 1917, and he was re-examined for pilot on August 30th. He was found to be unfit as a pilot, although fit to be an observer, having perfect vision. A copy of the telegram to his father announcing his death in action on December 22nd 1917 is present in the file. Poignantly, correspondence between his father and the War Office seem to suggest that Leslie Medlen had only been confirmed as a Pilot Officer Observer the day before—December 21st 1917.

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail reported his death in two pieces on January 4th 1918 and January 11th 1918. The first of these noted the circumstances of his death, which recorded that: ‘He and his pilot were shot down by a German machine that they had gallantly attacked....[he] was killed instantly by a bullet through his head’. This article also noted that Second Lieutenant Medlen had two brothers serving with ‘the Colours’: Lieutenant C.K. Medlen RFC, in France, and W.E. Medlen, RGA, in Salonika. The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for October 1917 listed one of his brothers addresses alongside his own: ‘Lieut. C.K. Medlen, 3rd Balloon Section, RFC, BEF, France’, indicating that Leslie Medlen was not the only ‘old boy’ of the Polytechnic in the family. Charles Kingsley Medlen’s record card for 1912-13 notes that he was an apprentice engineer registered with various engineering courses at the Polytechnic.

A second, short, piece with a photograph was published in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail on January 11th, the photograph taken just before he travelled to France, his uniform displaying no ‘wings’. The obituary section of the January 4th Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail also reported the death of Mrs W.A. Nicholls, Second Lieutenant Medlen’s grandmother, The piece reported that: ‘The news of Second Lieutenant L.L. Medlen conveyed by wire from the War Office on Christmas Day so deeply affected [her]...that she passed away the same evening, overwhelmed by the tragic event’.

Finally, the January 4th issue of the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail also noted Leslie Medlen’s death in a column for the Royal Ordnance Factory Trade Lads’ Association, of which he was an honorary member. It reported that: He was killed while attacking an enemy machine ‘somewhere in France’, where he has been for only a few weeks. In Leslie Medlen the Association has lost a jolly good fellow. He was one of the little party of fellows who first held meetings to talk over the formation of the Association’

Second Lieutenant Medlen is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Aubigny-en-Artois, France, in Plot IV, Row J, Grave 4. Burials in this cemetery were made from the 42nd, 30th, 24th, 57th and 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations during 1916-1918. The cemetery contains a great many airmen; the majority officers and therefore aircrew presumably shot down in combat. The cemetery is large, and sits alongside French civilian and military graves, but is self contained and peaceful. Second Lieutenant Medlen’s grave is set in a row which consists exclusively of airmen, and bears the personal epitaph:

Leslie Medlen is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

In 1917, 16th Squadron RFC. formed part of the First Brigade, First Wing supporting the First Army at its junction with the Second Army near Armentieres. The First wing had a primary reconnaissance role, and was supported by the Tenth Wing, mostly equipped with fighting scouts. The 16th Squadron itself was equipped with R.E. 8 (‘Harry Tate’) reconnaissance machines and was based at Camblain-l’Abbé.

MEYER, Leslie George

Former pupil of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School and Fossdean Road School, Charlton (KIKM, June 21st 1918). He was the younger son of Lt. J.O. Meyer of 82, Delafield Road, Charlton, and was born in Jamaica (SD). His record card for the session 1912-13 shows that he was a weak student; his conduct was noted as ‘very unsatisfactory’ for his second term, and typical comments indicate he was prone to ‘careless work’ and ‘should do better’ (WPR). However, Leslie Meyer is neither listed in the Roll of Honour nor the Roll of Active Service of the Polytechnic, published in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for May 1921. He is not listed in the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools Record of Service, and his name was omitted from the original Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

Private, 630402 2nd/20th Battalion, County Of London Regiment (Blackheath & Woolwich) (SD; CWGC). The Medal Index Cards of the PRO note that his original service number was 1743 in the same battalion. The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail listed him as: ‘Signaller, The London Regiment, and noted that he was ‘killed in action in Palestine, April 30th, 1918’. His death was reported with a photograph—taken in Cairo a month before his death—in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for August 21st, 1918, under the title ‘Died for Country’. He enlisted at Holly Hedge, Blackheath on August 7th 1914 at the age of 15 years and 9 months, and was sent to France on June 24th, 1916, when he ‘served through the push on the Somme, later being sent to Salonica, and then Egypt’. This is supported by the information in Soldiers Died in the Great War, which noted his death as part of the EEF (Egyptian Expeditionary Force). The letter from his officer to his parents was quoted in the KIKM piece: ‘ your son was one of the most popular in my company...His end was a most gallant one, and occurred in one of the hardest fights the battalion has had...He was hit by a bullet and died shortly after...He is buried about ten to twelve miles east of Jericho, and about five miles west of the Jordan, his head towards Jerusalem.’ The Medal Index Cards in the PRO indicate that Private Meyer was awarded the Victory and British War Medals (‘Mutt and Jeff’).

Private Meyer is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel in grave reference N.18. It is 4.5 km north of the walled city, situated on the neck of land at the north end of the Mount of Olives, west of Mount Scopus.

MONEY, Harry

Student of the Polytechnic Secondary School, from September, 1905, to July, 1910 (WPM Oct 1917, p.13). He was born on February 25th, 1894 and was the son of the late Amos Money and Emma Money, of Heath Reach, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire (CWGC; WPR). His Polytechnic Record Card gives the name Albert H. Haik under ‘name of father or guardian’, and lists his address as 338 High Street, Plumstead (formerly 26 Wickham Lane). He joined the Polytechnic School, on a grant from the L.C.C., on September 12th 1905 from L.C.C. Purrett Road Elementary School, Plumstead, and left on July 22nd 1910 (WPR). His conduct and academic achievements were generally good. When War broke out he was in business in New York, but he left the States for Canada, joined the Canadians with his brother, and went out to the front with them (WPM Oct 1917, p.13).

112095, Private, 5th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles (Quebec Regiment). Died June 5th 1916, aged 22 (CWGC). The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine listed a different regiment and date of death. In the issue for October 1917, it recorded that he was a ‘bomber’ with the 7th Canadian Mounted Rifles, and noted that he had been killed in action at St.Eloi, on 2nd June 1917, aged 22 years (WPM Oct 1917, p.13). It seems too coincidental to be anyone other than the same person, although the differences in the dates of death are puzzling.

Private Money of the 5th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France, in Plot V, Row D, Grave 21A. Etaples was the site of immense reinforcement camps and hospitals.

MORSLEY, Ivan Stuart

Student of the Secondary School, 1914-1915, listed as Morsley, Ivan on the Record of Service of the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools (RWP 1919, p.3). Born on December 12th, 1899, he was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs W. Henry Morsley, of 80, Grangehill Road, Eltham (KIKM, Sept. 27, 1918; WPR). His father was a writer in the central office of the Royal Arsenal. Ivan Morsley joined the Polytechnic from the L.C.C. Gordon Elementary School, Eltham on January 13th, 1914, and left on June 4th 1915 to become a junior clerk with the Board of Guardians, Woolwich (WPR). He was a bright and able scholar, as denoted by his record card for 1914-15.

28270, Private, Depot, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment) (CWGC). He is alternatively listed on the Woolwich Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour as: Trooper, Wiltshire Yeomanry, although the date of death tallies. He is not listed in the cavalry volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War, where it would be expected that he would be a member of the Royal Wiltshire Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own). Died of wounds, September 17th, 1918. The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail reported his death, aged 18 years 9 months, on September 27th 1918, in a piece entitled ‘Military Funeral’. ‘The funeral, with military honours, took place at Plumstead Cemetery on Saturday last’. It recorded that the ‘deceased had joined the 20th London in January last, and was transferred to the Wilts Yeomanry on being sent to Ireland. From there, sometime in July, he went overseas, and was wounded at Mount Kemmel on Sunday, September 1st, and died in Edmonton Military Hospital on Tuesday, September 17th, after great suffering’.

Private Morsley is buried in Woolwich (Plumstead) Cemetery, London, in Grave H.691. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.
 
 
 
 

MURPHY, Hugh Palmer

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, for the year 1907-08 at least (WPR). Unfortunately, according to his Polytechnic Records, his academic achievements were not high (WPR). However, he is not listed in the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools Record of Service. Son of Henry Palmer Murphy and Susan Murphy, of 64, Genesta Road, Plumstead, London (CWGC). Hugh Palmer, who was 23 at the time of his death, was born in Plumstead, and had worked for five years in Jamaica, and joined the Lincolnshire Regiment on October 10th 1915, after returning from the Caribbean especially to enlist (KIKM Aug. 18 1916).

Lieutenant (Temporary), 10th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment (OD; CWGC). Also listed as ‘Second Lieutenant, 9th Lincolns’ in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine (WPM Jan 1916, p.5). Killed in action, August 6th 1916, aged 23 (OD; CWGC). The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail carried news of his death under its War Casualties column for August 18th 1916. This piece noted that Lieut. Palmer was: ‘killed in action whilst defending a German trench recently captured by the British’. It went on to note that: ‘He had only been out at the front four weeks before meeting with his death’.

Lieutenant Murphy is buried in Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, France, in Plot XI, Row E, Grave 28. This cemetery is a large one, formed by the concentration of isolated graves and small cemeteries. Set on a ridge adjacent to Caterpillar Valley, it presents views over the Somme battlefield, particularly towards Delville and High woods. Lieutenant Murphy’s grave is simply marked, with no personal epitaph.

Caterpillar Valley was captured in July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. The 9th Lincolnshire Regiment formed part of the 34th Division (101st Brigade), and attacked at Delville Wood.

MYLES, John

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic. He entered the Polytechnic as an evening student in September, 1911, continuing his studies in Practical Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering until his enlistment on the outbreak of war (WPM Jan 1916, p.7; WPR). The son of Charles McBride Myles and Margaret Myles, of 29, Saville Road, Silvertown, London (CWGC), he was born in Kilmalcolm, and was a native of Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire (SD vol. 14; CWGC). He was employed as a draughtsman by I.R.G.P & Telegraph Workers Company, Silvertown (WPR).

15924, Corporal, 8th Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment (WPM Jan 1916, p.5; SD vol. 14). Enlisted St Paul’s Churchyard (SD vol. 14), he died on October 5th 1915, aged 25 (CWGC). His death was reported, with a slight difference in date, in the first issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine (Jan 1916), which stated that he ‘was killed in action in France on October 4th, 1915’ (WPM Jan 1916, p.7).

Corporal Myles is buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Bécourt, France, in Plot I, Row C, Grave 4. Norfolk Cemetery, east of Albert on the Somme, was first used by the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, in August 1915, and then by other units, including the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. After the Armistice it doubled in size. The cemetery is set in a north-south trending dry valley which is also used by a local road. It is quiet and close to other cemeteries resulting from the battles of 1916. Corporal Myles’ grave bears the private inscription:

NICOLLS, Robert Henry

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1918 reported: ‘One of the youngsters of the Club, he was perhaps not so well known as many, but there are those who well remember his deliveries on a damp wicket’ (WPM Jan 1918, p.8).

The Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour lists R.H. Nicholls as a Private in the 9th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), noting his date of death as July 26th 1916. However, he is not listed in the appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War, and there is no record under this name or regiment in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The CWGC does, however, list an R.C. Nicholass from the 11th Battalion The Queen’s who died on July 26th 1916, but it is very unlikely to be the same man. The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail reported, in its Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column for January 26th 1917, the return to active service after a period of recovery from shrapnel wounds, of R.F. Nichols. Whether there is any relationship, or whether the name is spelt wrongly is difficult to assess.

The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine reported his death in the Athletic Club Notes, dated December 21st, 1917, and published in January 1918: ‘It is with deepest regret that we learn of the great sacrifice having been paid by another of our Members. After being reported missing for some days, news has now been officially received that R.H. Nicholls was killed in action during last month.’ (WPM Jan 1918, p.8). This would place his date of death as November 1917. The only casualty listed under the name R.H. Nicholls by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is: 178192, Driver, 7th Mountain Brigade, Small Arms Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He died July 23rd 1917, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kilimaria, Greece, situated 8 km south of Thessaloniki (Salonika). The spelling of the name and the year of death are correct, but the month is wrong. No other R.H. Nicholls are listed by the CWGC. The balance of probabilities is therefore that this is the most likely person. R.H. Nicholls was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

NIGHTINGALE, Herbert Barlow

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. He was known as ‘Nobby’; and his prowess was as a centre-half (WPM May 1916, p. 22-23). His middle name (Barlow) is not recorded in any other publication that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission register and in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail. He was the son of John and Hannah Nightingale of 61, Mount Street, Charlton, London (CWGC). The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for February 4th 1916 alternatively gave his address as 48 Mount Street.

58017, Gunner, 35th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (SD vol. 3; CWGC). Alternatively listed as Royal Horse Artillery (WPM, Jan 1916, p.5) and Gunner, Royal Field Artillery (WPM May 1916, p.22-23). Killed in action, January 13th 1916, in Belgium, aged 28 (SD vol. 3; CWGC). The regular Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for October 1st 1915 that as an ‘active service member’, he ‘reported himself fit’. In a column headed Casualties at the Front, Killed in Action, the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for February 4th 1916 recorded that Gunner Nightingale was ‘killed by a German shell near Messines, Belgium on 13th January. Gunner Nightingale enlisted in May last, and had been in several actions and at the Battle of Hooge. He only went back after a weeks leave on the 9th inst, and his loss is deeply mourned by his sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters, and many friends.’

Herbert Nightingale was reportedly the first member to be actually killed from the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club (WPM May 1916, p.22-23). The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for January 14th 1916, noted in its Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes that Harry Bird was the first fatal casualty from the club, although this was from illness in Gallipoli. In the May 1916 issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine, it was noted that: ‘Speaking of members who had served or were serving at the front, Mr McCoy [Secretary of the Athletic Club] regretted the death of H. Bird, and added with further regret that he had just received the news that H. Nightingale (known as ‘Nobbie’) had been killed.’ (WPM May 1916, p.22). Later in the same issue, under ‘Club Notes’ it was recorded that: ‘It is with deepest regret that we have to announce that Herbert Nightingale, known better to his intimates as ‘Nobby’, has been killed at the front. Herbert was always a keen and efficient member, and his prowess as a centre-half has been frequently brought home to many a forward when well away for the ‘Poly’ goal. This loss has robbed the club of a record which it has held since the war began, since he is the first to be actually killed. May he be the last!’ (WPM May 1916, p. 23). A similar write up was published in theWoolwich Polytechnic A.C. column of the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for February 4th 1916, which reported that he had been ‘killed at the front’. His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

Gunner Nightingale is buried at R.E. Farm Cemetery, Wytschaete, Belgium, in Plot III, Row B, Grave 6. ‘R.E. Farm’ was the name given by the troops to the Ferme des douze Bonniers on the west side of the road from Wytschaete to Wulverghem. This farm still exists; the cemetery is exactly adjacent to it, some of its windows overlooking it. The cemetery is atmospheric, and Gunner Nightingale’s grave bears the following plea:

Gunner Nightingale is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.
 

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