Sergeant Alfred John Maynard (2070) of "A" Company, was killed in action 7th October 1915 at Gallipoli.
Alfred was born at Bletchingley, Surrey, Sergeant Maynard was the son of Mrs A. Maynard, and had lived in Southend and Great Wakering for twelve years, latterly at Primrose Cottage, Eastwood, employed as a market gardener. He enlisted in August 1914 and was sent to the Dardenelles in July 1915, having been promoted to Sergeant in the previous April.
At about 6 o'clock on the 7th October 1915 he had just got up into the firing position to see to an iron sniping plate when he was shot through the head, dying instantly. He was buried N.N.E. of Anzac Cove, and was 30 years old. His officer, Captain Eric W. Jee wrote the following to his mother:
October 26th.
Dear Mr & Mrs Maynard
As the commanding officer A company, 1-6th Essex Regiment, it is my painful task to confirm the news of your sons death and tell you as much about it as I know. Your son was on of my most trustworthy non - commissioned officers, and had been with me through thick and thin since we landed. I had only one other officer with me, but Sergeant Maynard commanded his platoon or took charge of a section of trench equally well. The great thing about him was his cheerful and helpful word for all his men , and this really made him an ideal leader of men. I am afraid my words can be of little use to you in losing so gallant a son. He died doing his duty in the trenches, fortunately his death was instantaneous and painless. A snipers bullet hit him in the head. Sergeant Maynard was applying for a commission out here, and no-one would have done more credit to the rank. He was at all times remarkable for his personal bravery and disregard for danger. He was complimented by the commanding officer for information brought in regarding the country in front of our trenches, where he had taken a patrol. He was properly buried by a chaplain in Australian Gully, the commanding officer and many of his personal friends attending during the darkness. Sergeant Maynard and myself were friends apart from our duties, and we often had tea together, and we used to talk of old times in England. Assuring you of my deepest and sincerest sympathy, and that his loss is remembered and mourned by N.C.O.s and men as well.
Alfred is commemorated in 7th FIELD AMBULANCE CEMETERY, Turkey, and remembered on the Little Wakering Roll Of Honour.