WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC: DEAD OF THE GREAT WAR

The Polytechnic Memorial Plaque lists ‘Pautard, H.P.’, while the records note the existence of a H.G. Pautard, a student of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary Boys School from 1907 to 1909. Henry George Pautard was born on January 12th, 1894, and was the son of Henry Pautard, a collector, of 18 Woodland Terrace, Charlton. He was previously educated at Woolwich Garrison School, joining the Polytechnic School on September 12th, 1907, and finally leaving on July 23rd, 1909. His Polytechnic Record Card notes that he went on to Cussack’s College Institute, and that he became a ‘boy clerk’ with the Civil Service. It is conceivable that Henry Percy and Henry George were brothers, although this might appear unlikely.

Some light may be shed on this problem through the publication, in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for October 29th 1915, of the proceedings of a memorial service for parishioners of Congregational Church, Rectory Place, Woolwich who had been killed in the war. Five men were listed under the title: ‘Died for King and Country’, amongst which was ‘Henry Percy Pauthard, 3rd London Yeomanry’. No other biographical details were provided. The appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War (for those died from the 3rd County of London Yeomanry), lists a Henry Percy Pantard, Lance Corporal 1038 from this regiment who died while on home service on June 7th 1915. This individual was born at Oldgate and enlisted at Charlton. All in all the convergence of facts seems to suggest that Henry Percy Pautard, Henry Percy Pauthard and Henry Percy Pantard are the one and the same man.

However, the name Pautard is apparently not listed in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records. The only Henry Pautard listed in the PRO, in their Medal Index Cards is Pautard, Henry, S/4582, Warrant Officer Class II, apparently eligible only for the British War Medal. Finally, there is no record of H.P. Pautard on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour, or the Greenwich War Memorial Roll of Honour.

PERRY, Lawrence Percy

Student of the Polytechnic, 1914-1917. He was an active member of the Scout movement (WPM Dec. 1918, p.17). Born on August 8th, 1898, he was the son of Sybella Amy Perry and the late Percy James Perry, of 22, Wellington Street, Woolwich, London (CWGC; WPR). He was a ‘Trade Lad’ with the Woolwich Arsenal entering the Polytechnic at the age of 16, in 1914 and leaving in 1917 to join the forces. His record card shows that he a 100% attendance record, and that his work in the fields of Mathematics, Engineering Drawing and Inorganic Chemistry was consistently of a high standard, attaining 80-90% marks. He was mistakenly listed as Perry, L. on the Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

Second Lieutenant, 48th Squadron, Royal Air Force (CWGC; WWM). Alternatively listed as ‘Lieutenant, RAF’ (WPM Dec. 1918, p. 17). Killed in action, September 2nd, 1918, aged 20 (CWGC). It was reported in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for December 1918 that: ‘Lieut. Lawrence Perry, RAF. Observer, fell in action, in France, on 2nd September 1918. His machine was seen to fall behind German lines, and for some time it was hoped that he might have been taken prisoner, but news has now been received by his parents that he was killed.’ (WPM Dec. 1918, p.17).

Second Lieutenant Perry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, Arras, France. The Flying Services Memorial commemorates men of the RNAS, RFC and RAF who were killed on or over the Western Front and who have no known grave. This memorial is surprisingly small, but is surmounted by a globe encircled by a dove. Second Lieutenant Perry is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

In late 1917 and early 1918 the 48th Squadron was a component part of the Fourth Brigade, Fourteenth Wing supporting the Second Army in the northern part of the British line. At this time the 48th Squadron was equipped with Bristol Fighters.
 
 

REITH, William Robertson

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. He was the son of William R. and Mrs E.B. Reith of Eltham Golf Club, Eltham, and was a native of Edinburgh (CWGC).

Second Lieutenant (Temporary), 9th Battalion, Tank Corps (OD). Listed as Lieutenant by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine (WPM Jan 1921, p.39). The Medal Index Cards at the Public Records Office indicate that he was formerly 1544, Acting Warrant Officer class II in the Royal Sussex Regiment, before transferring at the same rank to the Tank Corps (75391), eventually receiving his commission. He first served in France on March 4th 1916, and was entitled to the British War and Victory medals (‘Mutt and Jeff’) (MIC). Second Lieutenant Reith died of wounds on February 17th 1919, aged 27 (CWGC). His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for October 20th 1918 noted that Mr and Mrs Reith had four sons serving with the forces, and that at that time three of them were at the Front. Unfortunately, this piece was published under the title: ‘Toll of War. Killed and Wounded’, and it recorded the death of the youngest of the four brothers, Gunner Douglas Reith of the Royal Field Artillery, who had been at the Front for a year and who was killed in action on October 1st 1916. The same newspaper carried news of the eldest of the four brothers in its May 10th 1918 issue. Under the column headed ‘War Casualties’, it was reported that Serjeant F.W. Reith of the Royal Engineers had been wounded by shrapnel, on Good Friday 1918. More bad news was to befall the Reith family with the death of Second Lieutenant W.R. Reith in 1919.

Second Lieutenant W.R. Reith is buried in Duisans British Cemetery, Etruin, France, in Plot VII, Row C, Grave 14. This area was under British occupation from March 1916 onwards. Unusually, the cemetery was used for British burials up to 1920, with several rows of men who died in 1919 and 1920, presumably of wounds treated in France itself. The cemetery is peaceful now, but scars of bullet impacts on the entrance and the cross of sacrifice note the intrusion of a later war. Second Lieutenant Reith is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

RICHARDSON, Harry Sydney

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club; ‘his energies were devoted principally to the Harriers’ (WPM May 1917, p. 8). He emigrated to Australia in 1913, where ‘he prospered until the outbreak of war’ (WPM May 1917, p. 8). His middle name is recorded only in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission register. Son of Edward and Frances Ann Richardson, of Crane Lodge, Cranmore, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight; he was a native of Belvedere, Kent (CWGC).

1281, Corporal, 53rd Battalion, Australian Infantry, Australian Imperial Forces (CWGC). Died of wounds on March 9th, 1917, aged 28 (CWGC). It was reported that he joined the AIF in Australia, and was wounded in Gallipoli before being sent to England. He rejoined his regiment in 1916, and was drafted to the Western Front (KIKM March 23rd 1917; WPM May 1917, p. 8). The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for May 1917 noted that he was wounded on the March 7th 1917, and died in hospital on March 9th. His death: ‘makes a total of six Club fellows who have given their lives for their country and for the benefit of prosperity’ (WPM May 1917, p. 8). His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

Harry Richardson’s military career was noted in the regular Woolwich Poly A.C. column in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail. On August 20th 1915, the column recorded that: ‘Harry Richardson, a late member of the [harrier] section, who some two years ago went to Australia, is now in Egypt with the contingent from that colony. He writes to say that he is still much alive...’. He was wounded, as noted in the column for November 12th 1915: ‘Harry Richardson...is now in No.2 London General Hospital, with shrapnel wounds in his legs, and states that he is progressing favourably, and hopes to be soon about... Joining the Australian contingent, he was sent to the Dardanelles at the opening of the operations there.’ A reminder of this wound, gained in Egypt, was published in the same column for January 14th 1916, when it was reported that he was one of only three casualties so far. He was not to survive later wounds; the circumstances of his death were recorded in the column for March 23rd 1917, which noted that he had been ‘fatally wounded in action at the end of last week, and thus makes a total of six club fellows who have given their lives for their country’.

Corporal Richardson is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Dernancourt, south of Albert, France, in Plot VI, Row C, Grave 33. Dernancourt was the site of the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in March/April 1917. This cemetery is contains many Australians far from home, and Corporal Richardson’s grave is simply marked, with no personal inscription or epitaph.

ROCHE, Maurice

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club and St. Johns F.C. (KIKM Aug. 18th 1916). There is also a ‘Roche, M. Jack’ in the Polytechnic records, showing 100% attendance (45 hours) in Physical Exercise classes for the session 1906-07, at the age of 21. No other classes were taken. His address was given as 106, Hudson Road, Plumstead, and his occupation, a labourer.

Sergeant, Royal Field Artillery. His death was reported in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for August 18th 1916. A letter from Captain E.H. Framall to his mother was published in a column headed: ‘War Casualties, Death of a Woolwich Polytechnic Boy’. This letter carried all the usual condolences, and noted: ‘I knew your son extremely well, as he was in my section before I took command of the battery, and a more reliable and efficient Sergeant it would be difficult to find.’ It noted that he was: ‘killed instantly with five of his comrades’ and ‘ he lies buried near the gun position’.

The Medal Index Cards of the PRO list at least four men with the name ‘Maurice Roche’ with no initial: 30108 Gunner, RGA, who served in the Balkans, noted as ‘dead’; 59951, Gunner, RGA; 4576, Private, Royal Munster Fusiliers; and 4963, Private, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who served on the Western Front, and who was noted as ‘drowned’. The Royal Regiment of Artillery volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War lists the following: Roche, Maurice. Born Cork. Enlisted Cork, Ireland. 30108, Gunner, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action, Gallipoli, June 5th 1915. This is supported by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records which gives the same information, listing his unit as the 13th Battery, RFA, and noting his commemoration on the Helles Memorial to the Missing, Gallipoli, on Panels 21 and 22. Unfortunately, this his does not appear to tie in with the information provided by the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail.

Maurice Roche 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. The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1921 recorded the erection of a Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ to the fallen of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. According to the list published, Maurice Roche was omitted from this tablet. Similarly, he was omitted from the original main Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

ROWE, Douglas William

Student of the Secondary School, 1909-1912 (RWP 1919, p.3). Resident of Eltham (SD, vol. 79). Son of Percy and Lily Madeline Rowe, of 2, Greenholm Road, Eltham, London. One of his record cards survives in the Woolwich Polytechnic archive, for the session 1911-12. His academic profile was satisfactory to good, although he was detained a number of times for poor conduct.

2249, Private, 1st/3rd East Anglian Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (CWGC). Enlisted at Walthamstow, and died of wounds received at Gallipoli on September 22nd 1915, aged 19 (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; SD, vol. 79; CWGC).

Private Rowe is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta. Many sick and wounded servicemen were evacuated to Malta during the Gallipoli Campaign. Private Rowe is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial, where he is recorded simply as Rowe, Douglas, although with the same date of death. He also listed as Rowe, Douglas in Soldiers Died in the Great War.

SAVAGE, Stuart George Victor

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. He was born at Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, and was a resident of Bristol (SD, vol. 78; CWGC). He was the son of John George Savage (Colour Serjeant, 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment), and Emma Maria Savage, of the Grammar School Lodge, Tyndalls Park, Clifton, Bristol (CWGC).

S/26770, Corporal, acting Staff Serjeant, Army Service Corps, attached York and Lancaster Regiment (SD vol. 78; CWGC). Also listed as Lance-Corporal, A.S.C. in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine (WPM Jan 1916, p.6). In a later issue of the same magazine, his address, published after his death, was given as Headquarters, 4th Division, A.S.C., B.E.F. (WPM Oct 1917, p. 37). The 4th Division was composed mostly of Regular Infantry. He enlisted in Bristol, and died of wounds in France on July 2nd, 1917, aged 23 (SD, vol. 78; CWGC). The Commonwealth War Graves Commission register notes that Staff Serjeant Savage was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’. This award was published in the London Gazette on May 29th 1917, p. 5319 (MIC). His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39; listed as G.C.V. Savage). Mistakenly listed as Savage, S.C.V on the Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail noted in its regular Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. column for April 23rd 1915, that a letter had been received from Stuart Savage reporting that ‘in spite of hard work, [he] is quite well’; and in the same column for July 30th 1915 that he: ‘writes in a most cheery letter to say that he is fit and well, and to thank all the fellows for his periodical parcel of goods’. He was a regular correspondent to the Polytechnic Athletic Club, and brief records of his letters were often reported, for example on August 13th 1915 (‘fit and well’) and August 27th 1915 (‘reports fit from the front’). His death was announced in the same column for March 2nd: It is with the deepest regret that the secretary learns that S.V.G. Savage, who will be remembered more conspicuously by the cricketers, has made the supreme sacrifice in France. A corporal in the ASC. he was at headquarters for many months, during which time he met many club fellows on their way through. He was recently recommended for a commission, and was killed two days before being gazetted. His frequent letters will be missed in the Den...’.

Staff Serjeant Savage is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France, in Plot IV, Row A, Grave 21. Boulogne was one of three base ports most often used by the BEF. Staff Serjeant Savage is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

SKETCHLEY, George Harold Alexander

Initially a student, and later (1907-1909) both a student and assistant pupil teacher of the Woolwich Polytechnic, 1904-1909. He joined the Polytechnic at the age of 15, and became an assistant pupil teacher at the age of 18 (WPR). He was the son of Mr S.A. and Mrs E.M. Sketchley, of 78, St John’s Park, Blackheath, London (CWGC; SD vol. 1), although a native of Waltham Abbey (CWGC). His record cards exist, and show that his studies were exclusively confined to art and design. He was best at freehand and modelling, as he appears to have failed in other aspects of drawing, in particular anatomy, modelling and drawing ‘from the antique’ and still life. However, the Woolwich Polytechnic Annual Prize Distribution notes for the year 1907-08 shows that he attained many prizes: Board of Education Bronze Medal and Book Prize of £1; National Competition, Studies of Birds treated for Design, and various academic successes in Model Drawing, Memory Drawing of Plant Form, Model Drawing and Blackboard Drawing (WPR).

40414, Private, City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), posted to 1/1 Battalion, East Riding Yeomanry (CWGC; WPM Jan 1916, p.6). His original regimental number in the City of London Yeomanry was 2770 (MIC). He is also alternatively recorded as Private, ‘Yorkshire Yeomanry’ (WWM). He enlisted at Putney, in London, and died on November 17th, 1917 in Palestine of wounds received on the previous day, aged 28 (SD vol. 1; CWGC; MIC). He first entered the Middle Eastern Theatre of War on May 7th 1915, and was therefore awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal (‘Pip, Squeak and Wilfred’; MIC).

Private Sketchley is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel, Grave P. 50. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

The Yeomanry regiments played an important part in General Allenby’s advance into Palestine in November 1917, reaching the outskirts of Ramleh in mid-November, and Private Sketchley must have played his part in this.

SMITH, E. [Edward]

Student and/or member of the Woolwhich Polytechnic Athletic Club. The Woolwich Polytechnic Archive has a record card of Edward Smith, apparently without a middle initial, who attended the Polytechnic for one session between 1902-03. He was a builders apprentice, aged 15 years and 9 months on attendance at the Polytechnic, and lived at 17, Joseph Street, Woolwich.

The Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour lists three Smiths with the single initial letter ‘E’: Smith, Edward, Sergt., 14th Hussars, 16th August 1916; Smith, Edwin, Rifleman, 4th Rifle Brigade, 23rd October 1918; and Smith, Ernest, Private, 1st London Regiment, 8th October 1916. There are eight other E. Smiths listed, all with middle names. According to the appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War, Edward Smith, 28826 Sergeant, 14th Hussars enlisted at Meerut and died in Mesopotamia on August 8th 1916. Altough evidence is slender, this appears to be the only Woolwich-based Edward Smith (with no middle initial) who was killed in the Great War, and therefore the balance of probabilities is that this is the same man.

There are, however, three other Edward Smiths who have an association with the Polytechnic. The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for May 10th, 1918 recorded the death of Edward Albert Smith of 24 Nithdale Road, Plumstead, who was educated at the Woolwich Polytechnic School. There is, however, no mention of his name in the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools Record of Service (see below). It is possible that this name represents an additional Smith who has not been accounted for, or commemorated upon, the Memorial Plaque, and his service record is discussed below. The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for October 1917 listed a Corporal M.E. Smith, O/1705, No 4 Company, AOC, BEF, APO, Calais, France. However, the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial has no listing of Smiths with the initial ‘M’, and it is unlikely that this is the man who died. Finally, the Annual Prize Distribution Programme for the session 1893-94 lists an E.J. Smith who achieved a second class mark for mathematics. Again it is unlikely that this is the same man that was killed.

SMITH, Edward Albert

Former pupil of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School (KIKM May 10th 1918). However, he is not listed in the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools Record of Service. In his obituary in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail (May 10th, 1918), it was reported that Edward Albert Smith worked for the Woolwich Equitable Building Society, working for them for ten years before becoming the secretary of a city firm. He was married and an active member of the Woolwich Y.M.C.A. His address was given as 24 Nithdale Road, Plumstead. [See also the entry for SMITH, E., above. It is possible that there were two E. Smiths, one who has not been accounted for or commemorated upon the Memorial Plaque.] He 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. His name was also omitted from the original memorial plaque.

Gunner, 177136, Royal Horse Artillery (SD). The Royal Regiment of Artillery volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War notes that he was born in Plumstead and that he enlisted in Woolwich, being killed in action on the Western Front. The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail noted that he had joined the R.H.A in May 1917, and was killed on April 4th 1918 never having had a spell of home leave School (KIKM May 10th 1918) and his date of death is corroborated by both the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour and the appropriate volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War .

SMITH, Frederick

Student and Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. The Woolwich Polytechnic Programme of the Fourth Annual Distribution of Prizes for Session 1894-95, lists Frederick Smith, who was awarded a 1st Class Advanced Certificate, Model Drawing.

It was reported in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for December 1918 that: ‘Those who remember poor Freddy Smith will realise what a fine chap is lost to the sporting world. The news of his being killed in action was received here many months ago. Officially, however, it was not endorsed; and, indeed, a contradiction was published in the local press, and its was with the deepest possible regret that the official intimation was afterwards received’ (WPM Dec 1918, p. 2). However, he was apparently not listed on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan. 1921, p. 39).

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail noted in its regular Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. column on June 15th, 1917 that: ‘Regrettable is the news from France that Fred Smith has been killed in action. Although not active in the club for some years, Fred was always one of the most energetic and successful members of his day’. Confusingly, the same column for March 22nd 1917, noted that: ‘The official intimation of Fred Smith’s death is exceedingly regrettable. The club’s sympathy is also extended to those who have at last had the slender thread of hope broken after so many months of painful anxious waiting.’ This backs up the information in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine, although seems to contradict the notice of his death already given.

The Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour lists two Smiths with the single first name Frederick: Smith, Frederick, Sergeant, 52248, RFA, 24th March 1918; and Smith, Frederick, Gunner, 119009, RGA, 30th March 1917. There are three other Frederick Smiths listed; all, however, with middle names.

SMITH, S. [Stanley or Sydney]

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club (Stanley Smith; KIKM). Another S. Smith, Sydney Smith, was listed in the Record of Service of the Woolwich Polytechnic Day Schools, as a student of the Secondary School, for the period of 1907-1911 (RWP 1919, p.3). The Woolwich Polytechnic Records list a Stanley George Smith from 54 Ruthin Road, Westcombe Park, later to move to Clarmont Villa, Upper Abbey Wood, Belvedere. He was registered with the Polytechnic from 1902 to 1905 as an apprentice builder, working as a carpenter for Thomas & Edge. He achieved well in his studies in building construction. It is possible that this is the same Stanley Smith, although the presence of an initial does cast some doubt on this.

Stanley Smith was a Trooper in the ‘Middlesex Imperial Yeomanry’. His ‘current address’ was listed by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for October 1917 as: Trooper S. Smith, 4246 Troop 4, ‘A’ Squadron, Middlesex Imperial Yeomanry, Arbour Hill Barracks, Dublin (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; WPM Oct 1917, p. 37; RWP 1919, p.3). Two notices of him in Ireland were published in the Woolwich Polytechnic A. C. Notes of the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail in 1916. On May 5th it was noted that: ‘Stan Smith is stationed at Newbridge Barracks, which is in close proximity to Dublin. It would be interesting to know if he has taken part in the suppression of those regrettable disturbances with which that distressful country has recently been fraught.’ On May 26th a follow up to this was published: ‘Stan Smith writes from Newbridge, Ireland, in reply to a note which appeared here some three weeks ago. He was on the spot during the recent rising in Dublin, and although not actively in the fighting was guarding communications.’ However, no record of Stanley Smith could be traced in the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Middlesex) part of Soldiers Died in the Great War.

Stanley Smith also crops up in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1918. In the Athletic Club notes, it was reported that: ‘Stan Smith’s father sends us news that Stan has received a bullet wound in his left thigh. He is in hospital in Cairo, having received his injury on November 8th last.’ This was confirmed in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for December 21st, 1917, which recorded the same information in its own regular Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Notes column. An update was published in the January 4th column, which noted that: ‘Stan Smith writes from hospital at Cairo, to say that he is much improved, and the wound in his thigh is not serious.’

Unfortunately, neither Stanley, nor Sydney Smith are listed on the Woolwich War Memorial Roll of Honour.

STANLEY, George Thomas

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic, 1908-09. He was registered on evening classes in Mathematics and Chemistry, at the age of 16 years and 2 months, achieving first and second class marks, and an Institute Prize of 2/6. He lived at 12 Ripon Road, Plumstead, and he worked as a Chemical Laboratory Assistant at Silvertown (WPR).

Attendant, No. 9099, HMS. Hawke. Drowned 15 October 1914 (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; WWM).

Attendant Stanley has no known grave and is commemorated on the Royal Naval Memorial, Great Lines, Chatham as Stanley, G.T. Sick Bay Attendant. This impressive memorial on the high ground to the south of Chatham dockyard is of simple design but is a fitting memorial to all seamen who have no known grave. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

HMS Hawke, a cruiser with a displacement of 7350 tons was sunk by the submarine U9, captained by Lt. Otto Weddigen, in the northern North Sea. The Hawke was sunk whilst changing course to investigate a neutral collier flying a Norwegian flag. It was hit whilst moving at moderate speed, and part of the ship’s side was torn away in the explosion. From a crew of 500, only 4 officers and 69 men were saved; only one boat got away, and although others clambered onto life rafts, the cold was extreme and many fell back into the water (LCC, p.135-6).

STEEL, Clifford

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club, reported by the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail as a ‘promising wicket-keeper’ for the club (KIKM August 11, 1916). Born in Plumstead, Kent (SD, vol. 11) he was the brother of (Nurse) Lottie Florence Steel of 5 Cattle View, West Cross, Swansea (CWGC).

16/1057, Private, 16th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Enlisted Moseley, Birmingham. Killed in action, 27th July 1916, (WWM; SD vol. 11), aged either 22 (KIKM August 11, 1916) or 25 (CWGC). His death, the fourth from the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club, was recorded in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail under the Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column for August 11th, 1916, which stated that ‘Clifford was a bomb-thrower with the Warwickshires, a regiment which has covered itself with glory during the recent advances, and which contains more than one of the Poly. members’. His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

Private Steel has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing of the Somme, France. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

The 16th Warwicks attacked at Delville Wood (Somme) on Thursday 27th July, 1916 as part of the 5th Division (15th Brigade).

TOWLSON, Albert John, M.M.

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. He was the son of Joseph Thomas and Eliza Towlson, of 9, Saville Road, Silvertown, London and was formerly a draughtsman at the Indiarubber plant in Silvertown, where his father was a machine shop foreman (KIKM, Nov 10 1916; CWGC). Albert John Towlson was originally listed simply as Towlson, A. on the Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

Second Lieutenant, 122nd Field Company, Royal Engineers (CWGC). He was listed by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1916 as: ‘Sapper, Royal Engineers’ (WPM Jan 1916, p.6), and this rank is probably supported by the award of a Military Medal, given only to ‘other ranks’. This award was published in the London Gazette on October 27th 1916, which noted the award of the Military Medal to Acting Corporal A.J. Towlson of the 1st London RE. His Medal Index Card in the PRO records his rise through the ranks: 1099, Sapper, Royal Engineers; 546214 Acting Corporal, Royal Engineers, and then Second Lieutenant, commissioned on June 29th 1916 (MIC). He first entered France on December 12th 1914 and was also awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal (‘Pip, Squeak and Wilfred’; MIC).

Some aspects of his war service was published in the December 1918 Supplement to the Royal Engineers Journal. On the outbreak of war, Albert Towlson was a time-expired territorial, but re-enlisted in a RE company in London, and went into training with the purpose of being sent in an early draft to France. He went to France in early 1915 as a lance-corporal, and worked in the RE Headquarters as a surveyor and draughtsman. After the award of his MM he was nominated for a commission and after being gazetted was attached to the 62nd (Field) Company. He was liaison officer between the Commander RE and the Adjutant RE during the German offensive in 1918, but then obtained a transfer to the 122nd (Field) Company of the 36th Division, working with the Second Army.

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for November 10th 1916 recorded the award of his gallantry medal under the title: ‘Silvertown Sapper Honoured’. It reported that the Major-General commanding signed his order to No 1099 Sapper (Corpl.) A.J. Towlson, 1st London Field Company (T.F.): ‘Your commanding officer and brigade commander have informed me that you distinguished yourself during the attack on ‘The Bluff’ on March 2nd, 1916, executing a most important survey successfully under heavy fire. I have read their report with much pleasure.’ In reporting his award, the newspaper also noted that Sapper Towlson had been on service in France for two years, having enlisted in August 1914, and that his brother was also serving, having survived Gallipolli, and who was then serving in the Somme campaign.

In its regular Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for February 5th 1915 noted that a letter had been received from A. Towlson, who reported himself ‘fit and well’, and in the same column for October 22nd 1915, that he was ‘fit’, and for November 5th 1915, ‘fit and well’. Another letter received was reported in the same column on February 25th, 1916. Second Lieutenant Towlson was killed in action at Courtrai, October 16th, 1918, aged 26 (CWGC). His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39; listed as A. Fowlson).

Second Lieutenant Towlson is buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Belgium, in Plot III, Row A, Grave 5. This cemetery is close to the communal cemetery, and has within it a German blockhouse. The cemetery was made after the Armistice by the concentration of smaller graves and burial sites from the surrounding areas. It mostly contains men from the 9th, 35th and 36th divisions who fought in this area during 1918. Second Lieutenant Towlson’s grave is adjacent to two other RE who died on October 16th 1918: L.Cpl. W.A. Hillington, aged 36, and Sapper W.R. Chesher, also aged 36. Presumably they were all killed in the course of their duties as sappers. Second Lieutenant Towlson’s grave bears the personal epitaph:

Dadizeele was seven miles behind the German lines during most of the war. Hill 41, south of the village, was captured by the 36th (Ulster) and 9th divisions in September 29th-October 1st 1918, after fierce fighting.

WILLIAMS, Alfred

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, 1907-09. He was born on November 4th, 1895, the son of William Williams, a Chief Officer with the L.C.C. in the Botany Department at Avery Hill, and lived at 72 Davisee Road, Eltham. He was the brother of Harold Williams, also educated at the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, and killed in action in the war. Alfred Williams entered the Polytechnic on January 8th, 1907, having been previously educated at St Marks Church School Hanwell, and the L.C.C. Gordon Elementary School, Eltham, and he left on July 23rd 1909 to take up gardening (WPM Jan 1916, p.7; RWP 1919, p.4; WPR). His Polytechnic record card for the year 1908-09 shows that he was not a scholar; with poor conduct and unsatisfactory work: ‘has steadily neglected his work throughout the term’. According to Soldiers Died in the Great War, he was born in London, and lived in Belgravia, although this seems ulikely (SD vol. 8).

G/339, Corporal, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; SD vol. 8; CWGC). He enlisted in London (SD vol. 8), and died on July 12th 1915 (CWGC). This date is given as July 10th 1916 on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour. His death was reported in the first issue of the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine (Jan 1916), as: ‘killed in action in Belgium on July 12th, 1915’ (WPM Jan 1916, p. 7).

Corporal Williams is buried in Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert, Belgium, in Plot III, Row A, Grave 4. This is a small cemetery (218 graves) besides a building called Essex House by the troops. It is south of Ploegsteert Wood by the side of the road; Corporal Williams’ grave is simply marked with no personal epitaph. Corporal Williams is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

WILLIAMS, Harold

Student of the Secondary School, 1906-1911 (RWP 1919, p.4). He was born on April 14th 1893, the son of William Williams, a Chief Officer with the L.C.C. in the Botany Department at Avery Hill, and lived at 72 Davisee Road, Eltham. He was the brother of Alfred Williams, also educated at the Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, and killed in action in the war. He entered the Polytechnic on September 9th, 1906, having been previously educated at St Marks Church School Hanwell for five years, and the L.C.C. Gordon Elementary School, Eltham for one, and he left April 8th 1909 (WPR). Only one record card survives, for the year 1908-09, which shows that he had good conduct, and although he was not the brightest scholar, he achieved well in Geography and Chemistry. Like his father and brother, he took up horticulture, and worked for the Education Department of the London County Council, under their ‘Botany Scheme’ (LCC, Appendix, p. 129).

2490, Lance-Corporal, 1/14th Battalion, County of London Regiment, (London Scottish) (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; SD vol. 76; CWGC). Enlisted in London; killed in action, July 1st 1916 (WWM; SD vol. 76). His death was outlined in the London County Council’s Record of Service of its employees which was published in 1922, which described the action of its employees in the Battle of the Somme, noting that twenty-three of the Council’s staff had been killed on July 1st alone, amongst them: ‘Lance-Corp. H. Williams (14th Lond., Educ.)....at or near Gommecourt.’ (LCC, p.41-42). A brief record of his service was given in the appendix to the same volume: ‘Williams, Harold (1914-1916); Lance-Corporal, London Rgt.; France 17 months; Killed in action, 1st July 1916.’ (LCC, Appendix, p. 129).

Lance Corporal Wiliams has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing of the Somme, France. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

The London Scottish was in action as part of the 56th Division (168th Brigade) attack at Gommecourt, First day of the Somme. Some graves of unidentified London Scottish soldiers killed on July 1st 1916 exist in Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery, Foncquevilliers.

WILLIAMS, Walter

Student of the Polytechnic and Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club (WPR; KIKM, Feb. 25th 1916). His Polytechnic record card for the session 1913-14 indicated that he was 18 and a Trade Lad with the Royal Arsenal. It seems he was unrelated to Alfred or Harold Williams, both students of the Polytechnic who were killed in the War from the same family. Walter Williams was originally educated at Bloomfield Road School, and had been with the Polytechnic since leaving in 1910. His address was given as 6, St Johns Road, Plumstead. His record card shows that he achieved well in the fields of pure and applied maths, as well as mechanical engineering.

Royal Field Artillery (WPM Jan 1916). Reported killed in France, February 1916 in the Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column published in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail on February 25th 1916. It was noted that: ‘It is with deep regret that his name has to be added to the club list of heroes. One of the youngest members of the club, he was perhaps not so well-known as many.’ He was a member of the junior football teams, and he ‘endeared himself to all his fellows, both by the sporting characteristics he possessed, as well as by his usefulness in the side for which he played.’ The column also noted that: ‘His sacrifice brings the club total up to three’. The Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour does lists only one Walter Williams, with no initial: Rifleman 16th KRRC, died September 26th 1917, and two others: Walter Joshua Williams, Rifleman 17th KRRC, died September 20th 1917; and Walter Steven S. Williams, Able Seaman, H.M.S. Defence, died May 16th 1916. None of these fit in date and service details. In addition, no record of Walter Williams is given in The Royal Regiment of Artillery volume of Soldiers Died in the Great War .

The Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for January 1921 recorded the erection of a Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ to the fallen of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. According to the list published, Walter Williams was omitted from this tablet. His name is, however, listed in the Roll of Active Service of the Polytechnic, published in the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine for May 1921. Despite this, his name was omitted from the original Polytechnic Memorial Plaque.

WOOLGAR, Harry

Member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, he was a resident of Eltham, Kent (SD vol. 4). Son of Mr and Mrs W. Woolgar, he was married with two sons. He had been a prominent member of the late Plumstead St. Johns F.C. and when it was disbanded he joined the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club with the other members (KIKM May 19, 1916).

12527, Second Corporal, [listed as A/and/Cpl in Soldiers Died in the Great War] 57th Field Company, Royal Engineers (WPM Jan 1916, p.6; SD vol. 4; CWGC). Enlisted at Woolwich. Died of illness in Britain on May 8th 1916 (SD vol. 4; CWGC). His ‘sad death’ was reported by the Woolwich Polytechnic Magazine in May 1916 (WPM May 1916, p. 25) and a long appreciation of him was published in the October issue of the same magazine, in which it was noted that: ‘He shall be remembered as one of the Polytechnic’s great sacrifices to this frightful God of War. His place has been won in men’s estimation by the sheer merit of his nature. He is mourned as he was loved, and what greater token can be forthcoming’ (WPM Oct 1916, p. 27-28).

The name Harry Woolgar was to often to appear in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail , in its regular Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column. The gist of a letter from him to the Polytechnic Athletic Club was printed on January 29th 1915, reporting that he was with the 57th Company, Royal Engineers, ‘at the Front’, and stated that he was ‘very much alive’. It hinted at the 1914 Christmas truce: ‘we were in them [the trenches] on New Year’s Eve, and at Midnight the general idea seemed to be no firing from either side. Our people sent up a series of star shells, and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’, and the Germans joined in and called out for cigarettes.’ Other news was reported as the weeks went on: the column for April 2nd 1915, reported that he had been ‘especially mentioned in official despatches from the front this week’, while that of August 4th 1915 noted that he had been promoted to Lance-Corporal. The November 5th 1915 column noted that he was: ‘likely to be drafted back to England... It will be remembered that his work in France commenced at the very beginning of the war. Since that time he has been incessantly in the front line, and will have a well-earned rest if the news is true.’ His period of leave was reported, commencing in the December 3rd 1915 column, which also noted his re-enlistment: ‘Harry Woolgar is expected home today (Friday) on twenty-eight days leave. His time having expired [as a territorial], the leave has been granted in consideration of his rejoining for the period of the war.’ His return to the front was recounted in the December 31st column: ‘Harry Woolgar returned to the Front, on Tuesday last [December 28th], having completed his leave.’

Brief notice of other letters received from Harry Woolgar were also regularly published in the Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column: March 5th 1915 (‘enjoying good health’); March 19th 1915 (‘received the parcel dispatched from the club’); April 30th 1915 (‘quite well’); May 7th 1915 (‘withdrawn from the trenches and now employed in the regimental office’); June 11th 1915 (‘in the best of health and spirits despite the hot time [he] has had lately’); July 23rd 1915 (‘in the best of health...and expresses his thanks for the parcels he receives so regularly); August 13th 1915 (‘fit and well’); August 27th 1915 (‘reports fit from the front’); September 24th 1915 (‘in the best of health and humours’); October 22nd 1915 (‘sends his best wishes to all’).

The Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail finally reported Corporal Woolgar’s death under the title: ‘Death of local athlete. Fought at front.’ on May 19th 1916. This piece noted that he was ‘a Reservist in the Royal Engineers, he was called up at the outbreak of war, and was one of that splendid Army that landed in France in August 1914. After 16 months of the hardest fighting he completed his term of service, but re-engaged, and was allowed home on a few weeks leave. Soon after his return to France he was taken ill, and an operation for appendicitis was necessary. In addition to this he contracted scarlet fever, and was brought home to Plymouth.’ He died aged 31 following an operation on Easter Monday, and his funeral was held at Plumstead Cemetery. An abbreviated version of this article was published, again under the title ‘Death of local athlete’ in the Kentish Independent and Kentish Mail for May 26th, 1916, but this time with a photograph of him in civilian clothes.

The Woolwich Polytechnic A.C. Notes column for May 19th 1916 was dominated by his death, and added more biographical details. It noted that: ‘Harry Woolgar, whose record during his service has been one of consistent good report, died at Mount Gold Hospital Plymouth on May 8th. At the outbreak of war he was the first among many Poly Men to see active service. He left England mysteriously during the first week of August 1914, among the flower of the British Army, who, at that time, were flitting away, none knowing when nor how. Proceeding immediately to the front line he was at that ever memorable retreat from Mons, and later at the Marne. He has borne himself in that irreproachable manner significant of the true Briton, and has proved himself to be a worthy soldier and a credit to the Woolwich Polytechnic. His work during the earlier period of his service had been conspicuously good, and recently he had been employed in the Staff Office at the Base’. It noted that he his operation for appendicitis was held at Rouen, he was sent to England and died at Plymouth. It noted the ‘sad irony indeed is such an end to one who has risked so much in the cause of the nation’. In the same column, published on November 17th 1916, notice of a commemoration of Harry Woolgar was given, in the form of a framed photograph of the 1913-14 football team of which Harry had been a prominent member, and which went on to win the Kent Senior Cup. This photograph was presented to the club and presumably hung in the Den. As a final act of remembrance, his name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

Second Corporal Woolgar is buried in Woolwich (Plumstead) Cemetery, London, in Grave M.187. He is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

WRIGHT, Walter Tom Crosby

Student of the Woolwich Polytechnic, 1908-1913, and member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club. He was the son of William Thomas and Betsy Louisa Wright, of 9, Vicarage Park, Woolwich, London (CWGC). He was employed as a Trade Lad at the Woolwich Arsenal in the R.C.D. department, and was previously educated at Ancona Road School. His record card for the session 1912-13 shows that he was enrolled on Mechanical, Electrical and Motor Engineering courses, and had variable successes, being most suited to Mechanical Engineering.

Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Tank Corps (OD; CWGC). Listed as Second Lieutenant in the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour. Killed in action, August 8th 1918, aged 26 (OD; CWGC). No Medal Index Card with his name could be found in the PRO. His name was recorded on the Woolwich Polytechnic Athletic Club Memorial Tablet in the ‘Den’ (WPM Jan 1921, p.39).

Lieutenant Wright has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial to the Missing, in the grounds of the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, France, on Panel 11. This memorial is very impressive in the classical manner, with columns surmounted by ionic capitals. A central panel depicts St George and the dragon. Lieutenant Wright is also commemorated on the Woolwich Hospital War Memorial Roll of Honour.

Information sources are noted in the text using the abbreviations given below:

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