TOPIC:

In Bell Meadow Park, Chelmsford.





















1st Battalion
Major Massy H. I. - date of death 22.3.1900
Captain Milward T. W. - 10.5.1900
Captain Hebden W. A. - 27.1.1900
Lieutenant Parsons F. N. (V.C.) - 10.3.1900
Lieutenant Matthews H. L. - 24.5.1902
Second Lieutenant Coddington A. B. - 10.3.1900
Second Lieutenant Cunningham G. A. D. F. - 25.1.1902
Sergeant Major Fowler C. - 21.5.1900
QMS Brewster C. - 4.6.1900
Sergeant Franklin W. - 10.3.1900
Sergeant Plowden G. -2.5.1900
Sergeant Cogdale R. P. - 22.5.1900
Sergeant French A. - 29.6.1900
Sergeant Desborough T. - 12.5.1900
Sergeant Nunn F. - 10.2.1901
Lance Sergeant Mason T. - 18.2.1900
Lance Sergeant Southgate F. - 6.4.1900
Corporal Walsham C. - 18.2.1900
Corporal Suckling A. - 30.3.1900
Corporal Trickey A. - 20.3.1900
Corporal Blanks A. - 13.5.1900
Corporal Chilvers F. - 2.6.1900
Lance Corporal Wright H. - 18.2.1900
Lance Corporal Scudder J. - 10.3.1900
Lance Corporal Whittaker W. - 10.3.1900
Lance Corporal Dudley J. - 20.4.1900
Lance Corporal Ganby J. (Gandy?) - 8.5.1900
Lance Corporal Smith G. F. - 17.5.1900
Lance Corporal Johnson A. C. - 23.5.1900
Lance Corporal Banks H. A. - 6.7.1900
Lance Corporal King W. - 15.7.1900
Lance Corporal Bailey J. (W.?) - 17.1.1901
Lance Corporal Stokes C. - 25.2.1901
Lance Corporal Wallis W. - 10.8.1901
Lance Corporal Sargent T. - 24.12.1901
Lance Corporal King J. - 20.5.1902
Drummer Soughan J. T. - 10.3.1900
Drummer Riste A.
Drummer Martin T. - 26.3.1900
Drummer Bowgett A. - 15.5.1900
Private Houchin H. - 13.1.1900
Private Aldridge W. H. 18.2.1900
Private Young T. - 26.2.1900
Private Cardy A. - 10.3.1900
Private Saltmarsh A. E. - 11.2.1900
Private Lake T. - 18.2.1900
Private Welham W. - 21.2.1900
Private Pearce G. -10.3.1900
Private Morgan J. - 18.2.1900
Private Wollard J. - 18.2.1900
Private Cook A. - 9.3.1900
Private Emberson C. - 10.3.1900
Private Field G. C. - 18.2 1900
Private Sell A. - 18.2.1900
Private Kemp E. - 13.3.1900
Private Weller D. - 10.3.1900
Private Mansfield G. - 19.2.1900
Private Kettle J. - 23.2.1900
Private Kettle A. - 14.3.1900?
Private Considine, W. - 10.3.1900

Private Kelly J. - 10.3.1900
Private Newell W. - 21.3.1900
Private Brazier G. - 23.4.1900
Private Noble G. - 10.3.1900
Private Cleary J. - 14.5.1900
Private Pryke S. - 19.5.1900
Private Eton T. (Eaton?) - 26.5.1900
Private Parker A. - 17.6.1900
Private Attridge J. - 25.4.1900
Private Haviland J. - 10.6.1900
Private Perks H. - 4.4.1901
Private Purkis F. - 13.8.1901
Private Ward C. - 17.2.1902
Private Wand F. - 4.3.1900
Private Ennals J. - 13.3.1900
Private Marshall H. - 6.4.1900
Private Crow J. - 27.4.1900
Private Kettle V. - 11/14.3.1900
Private Seaman G. - 15.5.1900
Private Williams E. - 13.5.1900
Private Devenish H. - 1.6.1900
Private Brady J. - 29.6.1900
Private Barrick G. - 24.7.1900
Private Wentworth A. - 11.2.1900
Private Chapman J. - 27.6.1901
Private McLeod T. - 6.1.1902
Private Davitt M. - 19.2.1902
Private Underwood A. - 11.2.1900
Private Hennesey J. (Hennessey) - 11.3.1900
Private Harris G. - 7.4.1900
Private Collier T. - 16.4.1900
Private Lowe W. R. - 5.5.1900
Private Rodgers J. (Rogers?) - 16.5.1900
Private Barker J. - 2.5.1900
Private Gurton E. - 2.6.1900
Private Cambridge F. - 30.6.1900
Private Woodwards W. - 21.5.1900
Private Digby G. - 18.2.1900
Private Mansfield F. - 6.6.1901
Private Godden G. - 8.1.1902
Private Gander R. A. - 24.12.1901
Private Norris T. - 11.3.1900
Private Clarke W. 14.4.1900
Private Thear A. - 28.4.1900
Private Arthey C. - 6.5.1900
Private Swallow T. - 17.5.1900
Private Saine G. (Saines?) - 22.5.1900
Private Crabb W. - 7.4.1900
Private Hills G. - 13.5.1900
Private Weston A. - 10.4.1900
Private Doe J. - 10.3.1900
Private Tatum W. - 6.6.1901
Private Miller A. (R?) - 5.2.1902
Private Baker C. - 11.1.1902
Private Willis H. - 24.3.1900
Private Bull F. - 20.3.1900
Private Manning W. - 3.5.1900
Private Gentry J. - 12.5.1900
Private Logsdale W. - 17.5.1900
Private Kendle T. (Kendall?) - 26.5.1900
Private Attwood E. - 13.6.1900
Private Barker C. - 15.1.1900
Private Kettle R. - 15.5.1900
Private Symonds W. - 6.4.1901
Private Brown H. - 3.8.1901
Private Murphy A. - 15.2.1902
Private Flight C. - 4.8.1901

2nd Battalion
Sergeant Reed J. - 19.4.1902
Corporal Tobias J. - 9.3.1902
Lance Corporal Sherwood R. - 19.4.1902
Lance Corporal Stalley E. - 9.5.1902
Private Walsh J. - 2.2.1902 (Welsh?)
Private Swan F. - 4.4.1902
Private Bewers W. H. - 15.5.1902
Private Smith W. - 4.2.1902
Private Lewis J. - 9.4.1902
Private Offen G. - 31.5.1902
Private Tofts C. - 9.3.1902
Private Payne J. - 19.4.1902
Private Cakebread W. - 25.5.1902
Private Blythe A. (Blyth?) - 10.3.1902
Private Melton A. V. - unknown
Private Cason J. - 26.6.1902
Private Campan G. - 16.3.1902
Private Aubury H. - 22.4.1902
Private Wright E. - 11.7.1902

Mounted Infantry Companies
Colour Sergeant Patient T. - 11.4.1902
Sergeant Harbridge W. - 11.4.1902
Corporal Jordan H. - 22.7.1900
Corporal Benton W. H. - 2.2.1902
Corporal Revelle H. - 6.5.1902
Lance Corporal Pyner H. J. - 17.5.1900
Lance Corporal Tindall A. - 16.3.1901
Private Childs H. - 13/14.1.1901
Private Gregg G. - 28.10.1901
Private Doe R. - 24.2.1902
Private Newman H.- 6.3.1901
Private Glover W. (Clover?) -16-17.11.1901
Private Northcombe H. W. - 24.2.1902
Private Hoy W. - 17.3.1901
Private Morgan W. - 19.12.1901
Private Peek A. (Peck?) - 3.3.1902
Private Boggas G. - 9.9.1901
Private Shelley J. - 19.12.1901
Private Salmon A. - 9.6.1902
Private Bailey J. - 9.9.1901
Private Jones R. - 25.2.1902
Private Saich S. G. (Saith?) - 14.10.1900

3rd Battalion
Corporal Scale W. - 16.9.1902
Lance Corporal Ebbudd H. (Ebbert?) - 25.9.1902
Private Ruggles W. - 18.2.1900
Private Dunt D. - 14.5.1900
Private Newton A. - 20.5.1902
Private Bentick H. - 11.3.1900 (Bantick?)
Private Anker J. 20.5.1900
Private Long A. - 17..9.1902
Private Field A. - 14.4.1900
Private Reynolds H. - 18.7.1900
Private Hooton T. - 6.9.1902
Private Keeble J. - 25.4.1900
Private Lodger G. (Lodge?) - 11.12.1900
Private Gibson C. - 28.4.1900
Private Smith H. - 18.2.1900

4th Battalion
Lance Corporal Miller W. - 16.12.1900
Private Harknert J. - 3.7.1900
Private Gadson W. B. (Gladson? Gadsdon?) - 7.11.1901
Private Paynter R. - 10.11.1900
Private Carwell G. (Carvell ?) - 7.12.1901
Private Siggins W. - 11.12.1900
Private Wood A. - 7.1.1901
Private Nott E. - 24.1.1901
Private Jamieson G. - 2.10.1901
Private Scanlon J. - 7.2.1901

Special Service Companies (Volunteer Battalions)
Colour Sergeant Bolden W. - 9.7.1900
Sergeant Miller A. - 10.8.1900
Lance Corporal Rodgers J. R. - 30.4.1900
Private Courtney A. - 2.6.1900
Private Perkins A. A. - 5.8.1900
Private Scott A. J. - 23.7.1901
Private Brown A. H. - 3.8.1901
Private York F. - 11.8.1900
Private Ward W. - 15.2.1902
Private Chester F. J. - 4.7.1900
Private Howe A. - 23.6.1901
Private Brown G. : C. - 9.4.1902, J. - 29.6.1900
Private Penson J. - 6.7.1900
Private Baggs J. - 22.6.1900
Private Chadwell J. E. (Shadwell?) - 16.7.1900
Private Hyett W. D. - 12.6.1900

Essex Regiment casualties not on the memorial
A. Welham 10.3.1900
S Moore 17.5.1900 Died in the UK
B James - unknown
W. Holmes - 12.5.1902 Died in the UK
R. A. Gander - 24.12.1901
C Denny - unknown
T. Cooper - 11.3.1900
A. Bennett - 1.4.1902 Died at sea
W. Brown - 15.3.1902 Died in the UK
Private J. Chapman - 27.6.1901

At three o'clock to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon the Essex South African War Memorial presented to Chelmsford by Sir F. Carne Rasch, Bart., and erected in the Market-road on a site provided by Messrs. Wells and Perry next to the new Baptist Church, will be publicly unveiled by Major-General T. E. Stephenson, C.B., commanding the Second Division, Aldershot Command, who commanded the Essex Regiment in the war. By the courtesy of the Mayor of Chelmsford, Ald. T. J. D. Cramphorn, who, with the Mayoress, Miss Cramphorn, will generously entertain the numerous guests and troops after the unveiling, and of Major Fred. Taylor, who is making the local military arrangements in behalf of Major F. G. Anley, we are enabled to give full particulars of the imposing ceremony.

On arrival at Chelmsford Station the various units will march to the Drill Hall.
2.20. Parade of the various units in the Drill Hall in the following order: -
3rd Essex Regiment, with Band and Colours.
Essex Royal Horse Artillery.
Essex Yeomanry.
Essex Fortress Engineers.
4th Essex Regiment.
5th Essex Regiment.
6th Essex Regiment.
7th Essex Regiment.
Eastern Mounted Brigade Supply and Transport Column (Army Service Corps).

Each unit will send out a right marker to take up position as allotted by Major Fred. Taylor on the site.
2.30. The Parade will march off under the command of Major F. G. Anley (Essex Regiment) viâ Market-road, Corn Exchange, and Duke-street to the Memorial in Market-road.

The 3rd Essex Regiment will be formed up in the Market-road facing the memorial.

The remaining units will form three sides of a square, the Artillery on the right and the other units as in order of parade.

2.50. The Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors in state, with the Chaplain to the Forces and the Rev. Canon Lake, will leave the Public Library and march to the position reserved for them on the left of the Memorial.
3.0. On arrival Major-General T. E. Stephenson, C.B., will be received by his Worship the Mayor of Chelmsford (Ald. T. J. D. Cramphorn) and with a General Salute, and will afterwards inspect the units on parade.
Capt. F. C. Rasch, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), on behalf of Major Sir F. Carne Rasch, Bart., will ask Major-General T. E. Stephenson, C.B., to unveil the Memorial.
After the unveiling the following Versicles and Prayers will be said by the Chaplain to the Forces, the Rev. W. B. Dowding:
O FATHER Almighty, the God of the Spirits of all flesh, who, through Thy Son Jesus Christ, hast destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel; remember, in love and mercy, we beseech Thee, Thy Servants whom we commemorate before Thee, and all who fell in the late war, that they, now resting from their labours, may at length with all Thy faithful departed attain to a joyful Resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. - Amen.

O HOLY Ghost, the Comforter, console, we beseech Thee, all who mourn their loved ones, taken away by wounds, accident, or disease; strengthen and support the orphan and the widow, and so quicken them and us that we may come to that land of blessed re-union, where sorrow and sighing are done away; Who livest and reignest in the Unity of the Father and Son world without end. - Amen. The following hymn will then be sung: -
God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle-line,
Beneath Whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine;
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget.

The tumult and the shouting dies.
The captains and the kings depart,
Still stands Thine ancient Sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart;
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget.

Far-called our navies melt away,
On dune and headland sinks the fire,
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Ninevah and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget.

If, drunk with power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe,
Such boasting as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the law;
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget.

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard,
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard,
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
Benediction by the Rev. Canon H. A. Lake (rector of Chelmsford).
Major-General T. E. Stephenson, C.B., will speak as to the Essex Regiment and propose a vote of thanks to Major Sir F. Carne Rasch, Bart., for his gift.

Essex County Chronicle, Thursday 31st December 1909

13.1.1900 - Private H. Houchin, who was among the first detachment of the Essex Regiment to leave England, died of enteric fever on Jan. 13. The deceased was well-known and was a general favourite at Ongar where he was for several years connected with the local post office. Private Houchin was about 24 years of age, and had been in the 1st Essex Regiment for several years.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 27th January 1900

28.1.1900 - Capt. Wilfrid Arthur Hebden, of the 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment, who has died in De Aar Hospital of enteric fever, was nearly 33 years of age, having been born on Feb. 16, 1867. He had seen fourteen years' service, but this was his first campaign. His commission as lieutenant bore date Jan. 30, 1886, and he obtained his company on July 8, 1897.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 2nd February 1900

18.2.1900 - Private Morgan, of the Essex Regiment (killed), was a son of Mr. Morgan, 17, Holloway-road, Harrow Green. Private Aldridge (killed) was a Leytonstone man, and a well-known member of the Leytonstone Baptist Church.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 9th March 1900

4.3.1900 - An official message from Cape Town states that 2555 Private F. Wand, 1st Battalion Essex Regiment, died of a gunshot wound at Modder River on March 4.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 9th March 1900
Below will be seen a portrait of Lance-Corpl. J. Kettle, of the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment, who has recently died of wounds received in the engagement with the Free State Army at Paardeberg in the middle of last month. His parents reside at Colchester, and he is well known by many in the town. Lance-Corpl. kettle enlisted in the "regulars" at Warley in July, 1890, but previous to that he belonged to the Essex Militia. He served in the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment for over seven years, and was stationed at Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Lucknow, and several other places.

In January 1898 Kettle came out on the reserve but rejoined the colours in the following August. During that period he was employed at Messrs. Davey, Paxman, and Co.'s. When he rejoined Kettle was posted to the 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment at Warley but during the summer of 1898 he was employed at the butts at Landguard as a marker. He was promoted to be Lance-Corpl. in July or August last, and on November 11 he proceeded with his regiment to the Cape and was stationed for a little while at de Aar, after which the regiment moved on to the Orange River Camp. At the latter place Lance-Corpl. Kettle met with a nasty accident having his toe crushed by a railway metal. On that occasion he was carried by his brother to the Hospital, a distance of quite a mile. On recovery Kettle was discharged from the Hospital and ten days afterwards took part in the action at Paardeberg where he received the wounds that led to his death.

Lance-Corporal Kettle was a keen sportsman, being a member of both the regimental cricket and football teams. He was a general favourite, and was much respected both by officers and men; he was a teetotaller, and his loss will not only be felt by his relatives, but by his many acquaintances. Kettle was 26 years of age, having been born in Colchester on Nov. 15, 1873.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 17th March 1900

10.3.1900 - Pt. Pearce, 2704, Essex Regiment, killed at Driefontein, was a native of Coopersale, Epping.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 23rd March 1900

10.3.1900 - KILLED IN ACTION. - The parents of Pte. A. Cardy, of the 1st Essex Regiment, whose names appears in the list of those killed at Driefontein on March 10-12, are now residing at Clacton, having recently removed there from Warmington. The deceased soldier was only 21 years of age, and had been in the regiment about three years.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 24th March 1900

Mr. and Mrs. Kettle, who reside at 32, Burlington Road, have suffered a great deal of trouble recently, no less than three of their sons having died on active service. The fighting at Paardeberg was responsible for the death of Lance-Corpl. Kettle, 1st Batt. Essex Regiment, of which promising soldier we gave a portrait in our last issue, together with a sketch of his successful career. The casualty lists on Saturday contained the name of Prvt. N. Kettle, of the same regiment, who is reported to have died of wounds received at Driefontein. The number was that of Victor Kettle, the initial "N," it is presumed, being due to the name "Nock" by which Prvt. Victor Kettle was known.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 24th March 1900

10. 3.1900 - Private Victor Kettle, of the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment, a portrait of whom we give below, was among the list of those who died from wounds received at the battle of Driefontein on March 10, which was published last week.

Private V. Kettle was born at Colchester, on December 29, 1880, and previous to his enlistment in the Essex Militia in August, 1897, he was employed by Colonel Lawrance, of the 1st Dragoon Guards, and afterwards by Messrs. Dobson and Sons. On the conclusion of one training in the Militia he entered the regular army, being posted to the 1st York and Lancaster Regiment, when it was stationed at Colchester. He afterwards was enabled to join the 1st Essex Regiment to which two of his brothers already belonged. Private V. Kettle, like his brothers, was very popular with his comrades, and a smart soldier, and the news of his death at the early age of 19 years came as a great blow not only to his relatives, but to all his many acquaintances.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 31st March 1900

22.3.1900 - We sincerely regret to note that a fine and promising officer of the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment, in the person of Major HUGH INGOLDSBY MASSY, has fallen in his first campaign, his death being due to enteric fever. He was in his forty-eighth year, and had served with the Essex Regiment for the past twenty-five years, reaching his present rank in July, 1891. He served in India with the 1st Battalion for five or six years, and came back with the battalion to Colchester. After being stationed at the Tower of London, Colchester, Bradford, and Devonport, the battalion was sent to Buttevant, co. Cork. In 1891 Major MASSY [returned from] Ireland to take his turn at regimental depot duty at Warley Barracks. Mrs. Massy came with him, and their residence was _____ valley. After two years' service ______ Major MASSY went back to the _______ when the 1st Essex Regiment _______ from Ireland to Warley in September, ____ Mrs. Massy remained behind in Ireland. The deceased was an Irishman, and he had an estate in Limerick, on which Mrs. Massy, who is a member of a Limerick family, and ________ residing. When the Essex Regiment _______ active service last November ________ over to bid her husband _____ accompanied him to Southampton ______ Brentwood. The family consists of _______ the eldest of whom is about 20, and the youngest about seven years of age. Major MASSY was a tall, well-built man, and ________ disposition, and of very active _______.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 30th March 1900 Best transcription I could manage.

25.4.1900 - ATTRIDGE. - On April 18th, at Springfield, South Africa, of enteric, third son of the late Charles Attridge, Pipers Farm, Good Easter, Chelmsford, Essex, aged 30 years.
The Essex Newsman, Saturday 9th June 1900

10.5.1900 - Captain T. W. Milward, 1st Essex Regiment, who died on May 10, at Bloemfontein, of pneumonia, was educated at Wellington College and Sandhurst, and entered the service as second lieutenant in February, 1888, was promoted Lieutenant, August 6, 1890, and Captain in 1896. He was Adjutant of the Regiment for five years. Captain Milward was wounded at the battle of Paardeberg throughout the march to Bloemfontein, and was present at the battle of Driefontein, when his Regiment and the Welsh Regiment drove the enemy from their entrenchments at the point of the bayonet. He was the fourth son of Colonel T. W. Millward, R.A., C.B., and A.D.C. to the Queen, and was 33 years of age.
The Essex County Standard, Saturday 19th May 1900

21.5.1900 - Sergt.-Major C. Fowler, of the 1st Essex Regiment, who died at Bloemfontein, on May 21st, of enteric fever, was a Colchester man, and the eldest of four brothers serving in the Army - three with the 1st Essex Regiment in South Africa, and the fourth in the 2nd Battalion in India.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 1st June 1900

There will be universal regret in the Essex Regiment at the loss of Sergt.-Major Fowler. No other testimony than the smartness of the gallant 44th is needed to testify to his being a thoroughly efficient soldier. He leaves behind him a widow and five children, the youngest being under a month old. The eldest is a boy of 12, whom Mrs. Stephenson is arranging to send to an orphanage. Funds from the Chronicle will assist Mrs. Fowler to start again in life, for she is anxious to do what she can. She will be started, we hope, with means to earn a livelihood for her fatherless children, like a true-hearted Englishwoman, and with this worthy endeavour we are sure she gains the sympathy and respect of all.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 15th June 1900

1.6.1900 - Saturday's papers reported the death of Private Devenish, of the 1st Essex. The deceased had been servant to General Stephenson since he took command of the regiment, and the General will feel the loss keenly, for Devenish was the most devoted, faithful servant. Over and over again, in writing home, General Stephenson has said, "Devenish is such a comfort to me, always has everything just right, and saves me every kind of trouble possible."
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 15th June 1900

4.6.1900 - Great respect is expressed in Colchester at the death of Quartermaster-Sergt. Brewster, from enteric fever, at Bloemfontein. He leaves a widow and five children. He is a great loss to the Regiment. He was orderly-room sergeant and will be hard to replace.
Essex County Chronicle, Friday 15th June 1900

ARMOUR MUSEUM AT TEMPE, BLOEMFONTEIN - MEMORIAL BOARD FOR DRIEFONTEIN

PAARDEBERG BRITISH MEMORIAL

Brilliant Berenice. I have the QSA clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg & Driefontein to 5246 Pte. V. Kettle. I bought this medal a long time ago in my early days of medal collecting and since then had managed to find only very scant information on him. Then I saw your post with information on him and a photo too. You've made my day.!

Many thanks.

David