Black Notley War Memorial
A Brief memorial to those connected to Black Notley who fell in two world wars
Other local war memorials
Braintree & Bocking Cressing Panfield Gosfield Finchingfield Warner & Sons Great BardfieldWebsite Contact Bandbwm@Yahoo.co.uk
World War One
ANDREWS, WILLIAM. Private G/25896 The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 6th Bn. 37th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. Date of Death: 23/10/1918. Aged 21. BRILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
Died of wounds 18 days before the armistice.
Born Little Leighs 1897 by 1911 William was living in Black Notley and working as a domestic gardener. his father was a blacksmith, his two older brothers wheelwrights. There was one sister.
BARNARD, JOHN OSMOND. Private 3216 Australian Infantry, A.I.F. 55th Bn. 14th Brigade, 5h Division. Date of Death: 20/07/1916 Age: 46. V.C. CORNER AUSTRALIAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL, FROMELLES. Son of Osmond and Elizabeth Barnard. Native of Earls Colne, Essex, England
Lived at Black Notley Hall while a farmer in 1911. A world traveller it is unclear how he enlisted in the Australian Army. The 55th Battalion was raised February 1916.
55th Battalion suffered heavily at Fromelles, partly through inexperience of infantry and artillery. In June 1916, the battalion was transferred to the European theatre along with the other battalions of the four Australian infantry divisions that were in the Middle East at that time and they arrived in France at the end of the month. Following this, the 55th Battalion took its place in the trenches along the Western Front in mid-July, amidst heavy fighting on the Somme. The battalion did not have to wait long before they experienced their first engagement of the campaign, being committed to the Battle of Fromelles a week later on 19 July. Initially they were placed in reserve, but as the attack stalled, the 55th Battalion was tasked with providing the rearguard for the withdrawal of the assault formation. 55th BattalionBARNARD, E. Sapper 35030 Royal Engineers. 71st Field Coy. 13th (Western) Division. A 'Kitchener' unit. Date of Death: 27/11/1915 Age: 34. GREEN HILL CEMETERY. Sulva Bay, Gallipoli. Son of Walter and Ellen Barnard, of Notley Place, Braintree, Essex.
Buried at Chocolate Hill, re-interred in Green Hill July 1920. Does not appear to have been either killed in action or died of wounds. Company at Sulva Bay, Hill 60. Many men died from disease in summer and icy conditions during November.
BUTLER, HENRY GEORGE. Private 14539 Essex Regiment 10th Bn. 53rd Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. Date of Death: 19/04/1916 Age: 25. CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY. Somme. Son of James Butler, of London Rd., Rivenhall End, Essex.
Henry entered the war in July 1915 with the Service Battalion the 10th Essex. He was killed in action somewhere around Maricourt, possibly in the wood, either by rifle, machine gun or very likely artillery fire. Originally buried at Maricourt, re-interred in the early twenties.
COE, ERNEST C. G. Private 35407 Essex Regiment 1st Bn. 112th Brigade in 37th Division. Date of Death: 23/08/1918 BUCQUOY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, France.
Born Springfield, Chelmsford 1897, son of George, a horseman on farm, mother Rebecca. Brother cattleman on farm.
DIGBY, ALFRED VICTOR. Private 49283 Date of Death: 07/12/1917 Age: 30 Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 161st Coy. 54th (Eastern) Division. Cemetery: DAMASCUS COMMONWEALTH WAR CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Mr Alfred and Mrs Jane Digby, of Buckwood's, Black Notley, Essex; husband of Florence Lily Digby, of Crawford's Cottages, South Hornchurch, Essex.
"Peace Perfect Peace"
Died of Wounds. Born 1888 Black Notley father Alfred a farmer, in 1911 Alfred Victor worked as a cowman. Transferred from Essex regiment (possibly the 1/5th Territorial Battalion) which served in Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Probably died while the army neared Jerusalem.
FRANK PERCY GARWOOD Lance Corporal S/8701 Date of Death: 01/12/1917 Age: 35 Rifle Brigade. 1st Bn. 11th Brigade 4th Division. Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, Arras. Husband of Ellen Garwood, of Buckwood Cottages, Notley Rd., Braintree, Essex.
"God is Love"
Born Colchester 1882, married Ellen 1910. Entered war 1st June 1915 and qualified for '1915 Star.'
HAMMOND, G F. Private 41861 Bedfordshire Regiment. 6th Bn. 112th Brigade. 37th Division. Date of Death: 03/04/1918 Age: 19. GOMMECOURT BRITISH CEMETERY NO.2, HEBUTERNE. Son of George F. and Emma Hammond, of Black Notley, Braintree, Essex.
The 6th Bedford's participated in ending the last Great German 'Push' of the war. 'Operation Michael' was supposed to push the British army back to the ports and out of France. It failed and Private G.F. Hammond was one of the young defenders in the thick of the action.
HARVEY, WILLIAM GEORGE. Private 4044 Essex Regiment. 2nd Bn. 12th Brigade, 4th Division. Date of Death: 24/05/1915 St Jean, Ypres. Age: 36. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Son of Benjamin and Sarah Harvey, of Buckwood Cottages, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex.
Born Terling 1877, father Benjamin an agricultural labourer, mother Sarah, sister Emily Jane. Both parents appear deceased by 1915. His will made out to married sister. His army number indicates he enlisted between January 1893 and February 1894, possibly late 1893. However dying in 1915 indicates he would be 38, not 36. Aged 4 on 1881 census. Did he enlist as a ten year old claiming to be 12 years old as a drummer boy or suchlike? There is no 1911 census return so possibly he remained in the army. He was with the 2nd Essex when they entered the war on the 24th August 1914 and he was awarded the '1914 Star.'
Effects to Minnie Blanche £15/14/9d War gratuity to Mrs Minnie B Perry £5.
HUMPHRIES, Joseph Private 7635. Essex Regiment. 2nd Bn. 12th Brigade, 4th Division. Date of Death: 26/08/1914. ESNES COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Born Braintree 1885, father Arthur a Farm Baliff, mother Jane, four brothers. Enlisted late 1903 according to army number. the 1911 census finds him working in a yard in Thronton heath. Like many other ex-servicemen he rejoined his regiment as war broke out. Killed in Action aged 29, 26th August 1914. Buried alongside comrades by Germans. Their stone read "Honour & Glory to 112 British soldiers. The grave of the battle of 26th Aug 1914" This was the date of the 'Battle of Le Cateau.' The regiment, as part of the 4th Division entered the war on 22nd August 1914
PILGRIM, MAURICE. Private 81090 .1/1. Essex Yeomanry. 8th Cavalry Brigade in 3rd Cavalry Division. Date of Death: 22/12/1917 Age: 21. BELLICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme. Son of Elizabeth Taylor (formerly Pilgrim), of Rifle Hill, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex.
Born Black Notley 1897, father deceased soon after, mother remarried 1905. Two sisters, one brother and two half siblings. Death accepted on 22nd December 1917. At times, the Cavalry brigades formed dismounted units and served in the trenches as regiments under the command of their brigadiers. It appears Pilgrim was lost at such a time.
RICHARDS, EDWARD STANLEY Lance Corporal 12455. Essex Regiment. 9th Bn. 35th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. Date of Death: 03/09/1916 Age: 21 AVESNES-LE-COMTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, nr Arras. Son of Edward and Annie Richards, of Black Notley, nr. Braintree, Essex.
"Sad memory, Mum and Dad, from Black Notley"
Born Leytonstone 1896, father Edward a carpenter, mother Annie. One brother, two sisters. 1911 worked as gardener, domestic. The 9th Battalion were a volunteer 'Kitchener' Service Battalion formed at Warley.
SUTTON, W.H. No information
SPENCE, J. No information
TAYLOR, FREDERICK. Private 8962. Cheshire Regiment. 2nd Bn. 84th Brigade, 28th Division Date of Death: 24/05/1915. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Father Arthur Taylor of Black Notley, deceased by 1914. Enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment at Bury St Edmunds 1908. Entered France 16th January 1915. Sister Susan Robinson of Kings Cross the only surviving relative. During 1910 he became drunk in Belfast and 'violently resisted' the MP's arresting him, he got 10 days CB.
WELLER, C W. Private 2957 Essex Regiment. 2/5th Bn. Home Service. Date of Death: 15/03/1916 Age: 21. BLACK NOTLEY (SS. PETER AND PAUL) CHURCHYARD. Son of Mr and Mrs H. Weller, of Bulford Lane, Black Notley.
Enlisted for only a few months, worked in Mill, died of illness in Cambridge.
Not on Memorial but with connection to the village
McNAUGHTON, PETER TRAVERS. Private 1803 South African Medical Corps. Date of Death: 05/12/1917 Age: 24 DAR ES SALAAM WAR CEMETERY. Son of Emma Constance Louise Johnson (formerly McNaughton), of Hillcrest House, Black Notley, Essex, England, and the late Peter McNaughton.
Born Bathgate 1893, son of Peter and Emma Constance Louise McNaughton. Emigrated to South Africa and enlisted 1914 in Rand Rifles and served in western Campaign. November 1915 he joined the RAMC and Nalmugu, East Africa he contracted Blackwater Fever and died. His mother remarried and lived in Black Notley.
NICE, HENRY THOMAS. Private 55917 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. 15th Bn. 128th Brigade, 43rd Division. Date of Death: 27/07/1917 Age: 30. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Husband of Edith Lillian Nice, of "Poplar's," Black Notley, Braintree, Essex.
Born Stanway 1887 father Thomas a Nurseryman and mother a laundress. 1911 Henry was also a nurseryman and married Edith 1914 and moved to Black Notley. The 15th Royal Welsh were a 'Service' Battalion and it is likely Henry enlisted after 1916 and was placed in this regiment.
On Braintree & Bocking Memorial but not on Black Notley Memorial.
PERCY WALTER OVERALL Private 27341. 12th Bn. Essex Regiment (Reserve Battalion based Harwich). Died age 25 on 08 April 1916. Husband of Edith Overall, of 68, Manor St. Braintree, Essex. DOVERCOURT (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD. Born Black Notley 1890.
Sson of a groom at 'Oaklands' Black Notley. Brother John, sisters Hilda & Flora. Father a coachman and groom, Percy became chauffeur at Oaklands. Married 1914 had one son Arthur Percy, who was awarded the DFM but killed in action 1941.
Died of illness.
World War Two
BARNARD, ROBERT OWEN. Private 14664890. Royal Warwickshire Regiment. 2nd Bn. 185th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Date of Death: 12/08/1944 Age: 20 BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Barnard, of Black Notley, Essex.
The 185th Infantry Brigade,3rd Infantry Division, landed on D-Day on 6 June 1944 with the first assault on the Normandy beaches and fought the Battle for Caen and the break out from Normandy. From D-Day until the end of the war the 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment lost 286 officers and men killed in action, with nearly another 1,000 all ranks wounded, missing or suffering from exhaustion. Robert Owen Barnard was buried at first near Saliere France, reburied Bayeux War cemetery 1954.
"God takes our loved ones from our homes
But never from our hearts."
COULT, ERNEST JOSEPH. Sergeant Air Gunner 538866. Royal Air Force. 218 Sqdn. Wellington Bomber 1c, R1326, code HA-G. Date of Death: 12/03/1941 Age: 27. BERGEN GENERAL CEMETERY. Son of Walter Thomas Coult, and of Emma Lucy Coult, of Braintree, Essex.
"At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember him"
Born Braintree 1914, father farm labourer, grandparents agricultural labourers from Inworth.
GOWLETT, BERNARD EDWIN Private 14730043 King's Shropshire Light Infantry. 2nd Bn. 185 Brigade of the 79th Armoured Division. Date of Death: 04/04/1945 Age: 19. RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY. Son of Frank and Gladys Gowlett, of Black Notley, Essex.
Born Saffron Walden 1926. The men of the fighting services buried at Rheinberg mostly lost their lives during the battle of the Rhineland, or in the advance from the Rhine to the Elbe. The battalion had seen nearly a year of solid action - but at a high cost; it lost 144 men killed, 66 missing and 552 wounded.
HALESTRAP, JOHN PHILIP. Flying Officer Navigator 165325 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 68 Sqdn. Date of Death: 04/03/1945 Age: 20. IPSWICH CREMATORIUM. Son of Arthur and Gladys Gwendoline Halestrap, of Black Notley, Essex.
"Your knightly virtue proved
Your memory hallowed
In the land you loved"
In July 1944 the Squadron went to Scotland, where it remained for the rest of the war. Tain, Caithness, 28/06/44.
Liberator VIII: Feb 1945 - Apr 1946.
HAMMOND, CYRIL LESLIE Sergeant 1215156 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 5015 Airfield Construction Sqdn. Date of Death: 22/04/1945 Age: 24. BLACK NOTLEY (SS. PETER AND PAUL) CHURCHYARD Son of Walter and Edith E. Hammond, of Braintree.
MARJORAM, ERIC ROBERT. Gunner 957172 Royal Artillery. 76 (Shropshire Yeomanry) Medium Regt. Date of Death: 21/08/1943 Age: 24. Born Saffron Walden 1919. DAMASCUS COMMONWEALTH WAR CEMETERY. Son of Aaron and Lily Maud Marjoram
Possibly died from disease.
In April, the Regiment moved to Syria and because of a shortage of guns in Tunisia had to lose its own. In May, more guns arrived and combined operations with further intensive training were carried out in the Suez Canal area. Shropshire Regimental Museum
MOSS, ALROY EZRA. Sergeant 639953 . Royal Air Force Date of Death: 20/03/1946 Age: 26. Born Saffron Walden 1920. BLACK NOTLEY (SS. PETER AND PAUL) CHURCHYARD. Son of Albert Mark and Annie Moss: husband of Maisie Moss, of Blackmore End.
Mentioned in Despatches
Died at the 'Emergency Hospital, Black Notley.' Mentioned in Despatches
NUNN, S No information
OVERALL, ARTHUR PERCY. D. F. M. Sergeant Pilot. 903084 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Date of Death: 12/09/1941 Age: 24. Born Black Notley December 3rd 1916. BLACK NOTLEY (SS. PETER AND PAUL) CHURCHYARD. Son of Percy Walter Overall. and of Edith Overall, of Black Notley.
Father died in Great War. Known as 'Mick.' 'The Cottage on the Hill' Black Notley.
Died at Saltby Sproxton, Leics.
PLAYLE, MARK CARDINAL. Private 6013366 Essex Regiment. 8th Bn. 210th Independent Infantry Brigade (Home). Date of Death: 20/07/1940 Age: 20. Born Brentwood 1920. BLACK NOTLEY (SS. PETER AND PAUL) CHURCHYARD. Son of Henry and Evelyn Mary Playle, of Black Notley.
"Not just today but every day
In silence we remember."
The 8th battalion raised for Home defence.
SHARP, RONALD DENNIS. Stoker 1st Class Service No: C/KX 136498 Royal Navy. H.M.S. "Curacoa" Date of Death: 02/10/1942. Parents: George Sharp, 1892–1961 Grace Edith Shelley, 1892–1980 CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
HMS "Curacoa"
Escorting the RMS "Queen Mary" carrying 10,000 US Troops the "Curacoa" was in collision with the liner. The liner followed a zig-zag pattern slightly faster than the ageing Cruiser escort yet the escort attempted to stay close by as protection against aircraft attack. The Cruiser did not adjust it's position when the liner continued to follow their course and eventually the "Queen Mary" rammed the "Curacoa" midships cutting her in two. The rear of the vessel sank immediately, the front remaining afloat for a few minutes. Escort destroyers eventually picked up 101 men. Some 337 officers and men were lost Ronald Dennis Sharp, a 1st Class Stoker was among them, his position aboard leaving no chance of escape.This link has eye witness accounts and descriptions of the collision and contains pictures of the Stokers at work while docked in Rosyth. WW2 TodayNavalHistory net account.
