Research into the men listed on the Thornbury War Memorial
If you stand at the War Memorial at Woodacott Cross, you will quickly see that it commemorates the loss of only one of Thornbury’s sons in the Great War. This research includes both those who died in the Great War, and those who returned.
We also discuss two men who were killed in battle and were omitted from the memorial and one man who was included as having returned, but who died as a direct consequence of the war, in 1922. As much information as possible about the remaining men who returned is also included.
Any further information is welcome, including photographs and family stories.
Sergt. Thomas Jeffery Skinner, 1887 – 1916
Maj.Gen. Sir Edward Ritchie Coryton Graham KCB, KCMG.
Thomas Edgar Brock, 1890
William Frederick John Daniel, 1896
Sidney James Daniel, 1897
Frederick John Gilbert, 1897
James Goodenough, 1886
John Goodenough, 1898
William H. Goodenough, 1888
Richard Hamlyn, 1879
Samuel John Hutchings, 1898
John Henry Jeffery, 1895
Henry Jollow, 1896
Francis Jollow, 1891
Walter William Jollow, 1887 – 1922
George Henry Langdon, 1890
James Hamilton Paige, 1898
(Albert) Howard Piper, 1899
Samuel Piper, 1878
Bryant Sanders, 1885
George Sanders, 1898?
Harold John (J.H.) Sanders, 1895
Samuel John Sanders, 1890
Walter James Sanders, 1890
Horace Edgar Skinner, 1899
Samuel Skinner, 1882
William Henry Skinner, 1895
Mark Sluggett, 1889
William George Westlake, 1893
Not listed on the War Memorial:
Cyril Richard Cloke 1899 –1918
Percy Owen Fishleigh, 1899 – 1917
Details of the men for whom service records are available follow:
Thomas Jeffery Skinner born early 1887
Parents: Leonard and Elizabeth Skinner, both deceased, of South Wonford.
2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment some time before 1911 when was in Malta, Private
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, 8003 from 22.8.14. Private and then Sergeant.
Attestation and Service
Joined the army between 1901 and 1911 and was serving as a private in the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment in Malta in 1911. From 1914 posted with the 1st Battalion to France and promoted to Sergeant. Killed in Action 4 Sep 1914 in the Battle of Guillemont.
1914 Star, the British Medal and the Victory Medal (posthumously).
Service Dates
22.8.14 – disembarked in France
4.9.16 – killed in action in France. Buried at Flat Iron Copse Cemetery B in Plot 5 G 9.
Injuries / Illness
Killed in action.
William (Frederick John) Daniel Born 03 Oct 1895
Parents: Frederick and Elizabeth Daniel of Lower Manor Cottage, Thornbury.
3/1st Royal North Devon Hussars 2516 from 27.5.15
16th Battalion Devonshire Regiment from 16 Dec 1916. 345770 Private
Disembodied 14 Mar 1919 to home address of Lower Manor Cottage, Thornbury. No claim for a disability at that time.
Attestation and Service
27th May 1915 at Barnstaple – medical category A1 and fit for Territorial Force, 5’ 4.75”, 8 st 12lbs, expanded girth 35”, 3” expansion, fresh complexion, grey eyes, auburn hair, 3 vaccination marks left arm.
Aged 19 yrs 7 months, unmarried, Mason/bricklayer living in Thornbury. Wesleyan. For duration of the war.
Place of emergency rejoining Fovant
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
Alexandria and France, Lewis Gunner
12.1.16 Embarked Devon HMS Burton? Devonport
22.1.16 Disembarked Alexandria
27.5.17 Granted Class II Prof Pay
30.4.18 Embarked Alexandria
7.5.18 Disembarked Marseilles 7.5.18
30.8.18 Granted leave for ? France
11.9.18 Rejoined? Unit France
29.1.19 ? France
5.2.19 ? France
5.2.19 To UK for Demobilisation, embarked for Dispersal Unit Fovant
Injuries / Illness
No record of wounded in action.
Post War
In 1939 living in Langsford Lane, Holsworthy with wife Mabel (dob 07 Jul 1904) and son William (dob 23 Jun 1930)
Sidney James Daniel Born 24 Mar 1897
Parents: Frederick and Elizabeth Daniel, Lower Manor Cottage.
Somerset Light Infantry 24329 from 29.2.16 – 1.4.16
9th Reserve Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 27887 from 2.4.16 – 19.8.10 when discharged under KR para 39v sec iii cc
Attestation and Service
29th February 1916 at Holsworthy – medical category Poor, Class II, 5’ 0.5”, 7 st 5 lbs, expanded girth 33”, 2” expansion. Loss of terminal phalange of ring finger on left hand. Dental treatment
Aged 18 yrs 11 mths, unmarried, Blacksmith living in Thornbury
Next of kin Frederick John Daniel, Lower Manor Cottage, Thornbury, father.
Discharged Wareham 2.8.16
- Vascular Disease of the heart
- There is an aortic systolic murmur propagated into the neck and he suffers from pains in the chest and shortness of breath
- Not attributable to military service
- Not fit for war or home service
Not likely to become an efficient soldier.
Post War
1939 Living at Chapel House, Woodacott Holsworthy with wife Kathleen (nee Sanders?) (dob 11 Jun 1899) Sons William F J (dob 7 Dec 1924), |Leslie J (dob 23 Jul 1926) and mother in law? Mary A H Sanders (dob 23 Sep 1863).
James Goodenough born 27 June 1886
Parents: John and Mary Goodenough of South Wonford and formerly Cookbury.
3/1st Royal North Devon Hussars 2526 from 27.5.15
16th Battalion Devonshire Regiment from 16 Dec 1916. 345773 Private
Disembodied 15 Mar 1919 to home address in South Wonford. No claim for a disability at that time.
Attestation and Service
2nd June 1915 at Barnstaple – medical category A1 and fit for Territorial Force, pending dental treatment. 5’ 3”, 10st 7lbs, expanded girth 39”, 3” expansion, ruddy complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, 1 vaccination mark left arm.
Aged 28 yrs 0 months, unmarried, Carter living in Bradford.
Next of kin John Goodenough (Father) South Wonford, Thornbury, Brandis Corner. C of E
For duration of the war.
Place of emergency rejoining Fovant
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
France,
2.6.15 – 10.1.16 – Home
11.1.16 – MEF
2.6.17 Granted Class II Prof Pay
5.2.19 To UK for Demobilisation, embarked for Dispersal Unit Fovant
Injuries / Illness
No record of wounded in action.
Post War
In 1939 living in Torquay as a lorry driver, with wife Mary (dob 13 Nov 1892).
Samuel John Hutchings born 8 Aug 1898
Parents: (Samuel) Walter and Lydia Hutchings of Woodacott
Royal Marine Light Infantry 2nd Battalion, 63rd Division, 2225 from 27.5.15 Private
Attestation and Service
30 May 1917 at Okehampton
Aged 18 yrs, unmarried, Horseman. CofE.
Next of kin Walter Hutchings (Father) Woodacott, Thornbury, Brandis Corner.
For duration of the war.
Disembodied 22 Jan 19
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
31.May.17 Recruit Depot Deal. E Company
5 Oct 17 – 31 Dec 17 Victory V (RN Brgde?) B Company
1 Jan 18 – 21 Sep 18 Victory V (RN Brgde?) B Company
22 Sept 18 – 31 Dec 18 Plymouth. B Company
1 Jan 19 – 22 Jan 19 Plymouth, B Company
Musketry Exam Class 1 Pass 24 Nov 17 at Blandford.
General character very good.
Injuries / Illness
19 Dec 17, 18 Mar, 3 Mar 18 BEF France , Wounded, Gas. Admitted 7 Mar 18, transferred to sick convoy 9 Mar 18 from the 150th Royal Naval Field Ambulance to No 1 Ambulance Train.
Post War
In 1939 living at the Post Office in Thornbury as a smallholder and poultry farmer, with wife Gladys (dob 27 Nov 1896).
Died Nov 27 1965.
John Henry Jeffery born about Jun 1895 (possibly 10 Apr 1895)
Parents: Unknown, but possibly Martha Anne Jeffery. Aunt, Mary Jeffery of Brendon.
Devonshire Regiment 3rd Battalion, 18390 from 27.5.15 Private
Attestation and Service
1 Jun 1915 enlisted
26 May 1915 at Holsworthy – medical category Fair, 5’ 5.5”, 9 st 3 lbs, expanded girth 35”, 2.5” expansion. Fitted with dentures in Exeter 21.8.15.
Aged 20 years and 52 days. Farm labourer
For duration of the war.
Transferred to the Reserve 21 Mar 19. Home address Forda, Thornbury
British War Medal and Victory Medal and Star.
Service Dates
1.6.15 – 16.12.15 Exeter
17.12.15 – 2.10.16 BEF France
24.1.7 – 1.8.17 MEF
2.8.17 – 29.12.18 Salonica
30.12.18 Depot posted
14.1.19 3rd Natt posted
24.1.17 – 30.12.18 Salonika
Injuries / Illness
2.7.16 – 11.7.16 adm 23 Gen H Etaples GSW Head
12.7.16 Trans to 6 Con Dep Etaples
26.9.16 – 5.10.16 adm 6 BRCH Etaples GSW r wrist
2.10.16 to Eng GSW F arm adm Carrington H Nottingham GSW R arm
18.11.16 F to 27.11.16
48 days in hospital with shrapnel wound of right arm.
3.6.17 First contracted Malaria and treated in hospital in Salonika. Last attack in Nov 18
Malaria due to service in present War. No disablement Reject – 9.4.19
Post War
No further information about him.
Francis Jollow born about Jun 1891 (probably 2 March 1891)
Parents: James (dec) and Mary Jane Jollow (widow) of Brendon.
Royal Garrison Artillery, C/187th Brigade 145421 from 20.3.17 Gunner
Attestation and Service
Medical 7 Oct 1916 at Okehampton age recorded as 25 years and 215 days.
13 Mar 1917 enlisted at Okehampton, recorded as joined 20 Mar 1917.
Medical category A
Aged 24 years. Farm labourer/ Horseman from Brendon. Next of kin initially Mary Jane Jollow, mother and later his wife Elizabeth Jane Jollow (Balsdon) who he married at the Register Office Holsworthy 7 Jul 1917. (He was reported as overstaying his leave and being absent for 15 hours from 12 midnight 8.7.17 to 3 pm on 9.7.17 for which he was first docked pay but this was later changed to admonished)
Wesleyan
Transferred to the Reserve 30 Feb 1920. Home address on demob Hawktill Cottage, Sutcombe.
Place of emergency rejoining Plymouth
Service Dates
Gunner
20.3.17 – 26.7 17 Home, Plymouth, Gravesend and Bexhill
27.7.17 – BEF.
6.8.17 – No 1 Reinforcement Corps
8.9.17 – To hospital “sick”
6.10.17 – To duty with Unit
17.10.17 – Awarded 5 days on 12.10.17 for “when on active service not complying with V Army RO 7479. 2. Stating a falsehood to a M. Police”
28.9.18 – 27.2.20 – Rejoin BEF
1.4.19 – Camp? Germany
4.4.19 – Hull Posted?
6.5.19 – 20.5.19 – Leave to UK for RA
30.8.19 – Leave for UK via Calais
14.9.19 – 27.9.19 – Home ?
28.10.19 – RFA Att
5.11.19 – Garrison
27.2.20 – To Con: camp for Demob
30.3.20 – Transferred to Z Class on Demobilization.
Injuries / Illness
None recorded. Later reported by the MO in Germany that his own dentures had been broken in service and they needed repairing or replacing
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Post War
In 1939 he is living with his wife Elizabeth (dob 19 Jan 1900) as a farm labourer at Heddon Moor.
He died in the December quarter of 1978.
Walter William Jollow born 5 Apr 1887
Parents: James (dec) and Mary Jane Jollow (widow) of Brendon
Royal Marines Light Infantry 2266 from 30.5.17: Private
Attestation and Service
30 May 1917 enlisted at Okehampton.
Aged 28 years. Carpenter and Wheelwright from Wonford. 5’ 8.5”, fresh complexion, brown eyes, brown hair.
Next of kin Mary Jane Jollow, mother.
Invalided out of the service 31 Jul 1919. Home address South Wonford.
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
Transferred from Army with 9 days’ service
9.6.17 – 1.11.17 – Dept RM Deal Travelled to port and embarkation
2.11.17 – 31.12.17 – 1st RMLI Batt
1.1.18 – 28.1.18 – 1st RMLI Batt
29.1.18 – 31.12.18 – 1st RM Battn.
28.5.18 – reported lost
12.8.18 – reported POW in German hands. Actual duration 24.3.18 to 29.1.19.
1.1.19 – 28.3.19 – 1st RM Battn.
29.3.19 – 31.7.19 Ports Division and invalided out.
Injuries / Illness
Awarded War Gratuity of £12.10 on 18.7.19.
Post War
He died on 27 February 1922 as a direct consequence of the war. According to the Ruridecanal Magazine “the ill-health which led to his death was caused by neglect while a prisoner of war. Though he lived for some years after the cessation of hostilities, by his death he shares in the honour and grateful remembrance due to those who laid down their lives for their country.”
By rights, Walter should appear on our War Memorial.
George Henry Langdon born 24 May 1890 in Cheam in Surrey but came to Thornbury with his family between 1893 and 1901.
Parents: John and Annie Langdon of St Peter’s Villa, Thornbury.
Royal North Devon Yeomanry, 2613 and Devonshire Regiment, 203656. From some time in the summer of 1915. Private.
Attestation and Service
Summer 1915 enlisted
Aged about 25.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Service Dates
About Feb 1916 to Sid Bishr.
Disembarked 14.5.19.
Injuries / Illness
4.3.16 admitted with Enteritis and valvular disease of the heart. Transferred to sick convoy 14.5.16 from Sidi Bishr to England. 72 days under treatment.
Post War
In 1939 seems to be living in Barnstaple as a postman with his wife Beatrice (dob 17.9.1892).
James Hamilton Paige born 28 Mar 1898
Royal Horse Artillery, 216545, Gunner.
Attestation
Unknown
Service
Unknown
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Injuries
Unknown.
Post War
In 1939 he is back in Lashbrook with his wife Margaret (29 Jun 1906) and is a farmer.
Bryant Sanders born 19 Jan 1885
Parents: William and Kate Sanders of South Wonford
Royal North Devon Imperial Yeomanry 1371, from 2 Mar1901, Trooper
1/1Royal North Devon Hussars 106, from 1 June 1911, Corporal
Attestation and Service
Joined Royal North Devon Imperial Yeomanry on 2 Mar 1904 at Holsworthy for 3 years. Aged 17 years and 2 months. Working for Mr Smale as a farmer with access to a horse for annual training. Considered fit. 5’ 5”, weight 8st 11lbs, expanded girth 34”, 2” expansion. Complexion fair, eyes blue and hair light brown.
Wesleyan.
Re-engaged on 22.2.07 and 16.10,07, each for one year and then again 16.10.07. Aged 20 years and 2 months, 5’ 6.5” tall, weight 10 stone. Expanded chest 36.5”, complexion fair, eyes blue and hair light brown.
Transferred to the Royal North Devon Yeomanry on 18 Apr 1908 aged 23 at Torrington for 4 years. Re-engaged 2.3.09, 2.3.10, 2.3.11 and 2.3.12, 2.3.13, and finally 2.3.14 – 2.3.15. March 1916 declared that he did not wish to re-engage and this was accepted.
Original next of kin William Sanders of South Wonford but changed to his wife Mrs M Sanders of St Peter’s Villa, Thornbury. (Married Annie J M Langdon in June Q 1914 in the Okehampton District)
Discharged from RNDH 22 May 1916 in Barnstaple. Aged 30, 5’ 6”, expanded girth 38”, 2” expansion. Dark complexion, brown hair, brown eyes and a farmer. His intended resident was Chase Gate, Holne, Ashburton. Discharged at it was the termination of his period of engagement Para 392 (xx) K R. Military character very good. He had completed 8 years and 34 days service.
1914 – 15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
2.3.04 – 17.4.08 Private in the RNDIY
18.4.08 – 30.4.10 Private in the RND Hussars
1.5.11 Promoted to Corporal
21.7.08 – 2.6.14 Undertook annual training
5.8.14 – 22.5.16 Embodied Service.
18.4.08 – 22.9.15 Home
23.9.15 – 27.4.16 Med Ex. Force
23.9.15 – Embarked for Gallipoli from Liverpool.
31.12.15 – Disembarked Alexandria From Gallipoli
5.4.16 – Embarked for England from Port Said per HMS Toronto, Tome expired
28.4.16 – 22.5.16 Home Discharged on T of E.
Injuries / Illness
No record of wounded in action or illness.
Post War
In 1939 he is living at Holme Parke Garage, Ashburton as a carter on an estate, with his wife Annie (dob 12 Feb 1893)
Harold John Sanders born about Dec 1895
Parents: Isaac (dec) and Nora G Sanders (Widow), of Lashbrook (formerly Thorne Farm East.)
3/1st Royal North Devon Hussars, 2515 from 27.5.15 Private
16th Devon Regiment from 16.12.16, 345769
Attestation and Service
27 May 1915 at Barnstaple – considered fit for service, 5’ 3.5”, 8 st 5 lbs, expanded girth 34.5 ”, 2.5” expansion. Complexion fresh , eyes grey, hair brown. C of E.
Aged 19 years and 11 months. Farmer
Next of kin Nora G Sanders, mother of Lashbrook, Thornbury.
For duration of the war.
Place of rejoining Fovant Dinton
Disembodied on demobilisation 10.5.19 to home address, Lashbrook, Thornbury. Character very good. Medical category Gd Two on discharge.
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
27.5.15 – 2.7.16 – Home
3.7.16 – 29.4.18 – BEF
30.4.18 – 6.5.18 – en route?
7.5.18 – 13.9.18 – BEF
14.9.18 – 10.5.19 – Home
Injuries / Illness
4.9.18 – Shell wound, ankle (L) and bullet wound, head (sev) Adm 1 GH Etretat 4.9.18.
Post War
He may have married an Adelaide Holden in Holsworthy in 1928 but she is a mystery and there is no further information about either of them.
Horace Edgar Skinner born 12 Feb 1899
Parents: John and Jane Skinner of South Wonford
2/1 Dorset Yeomanry, 2621 from 16.3.17 Private
Dorset Regiment 31804, 231460, from 14.1.18, Private
2nd Worcestershire Regiment 57608, from 24 Apr 1918, Private
Attestation and Service
16 Mar 1917 at Exeter. 5’ 4”, 8 st 11 lbs, expanded girth 37”, 3” expansion. Physical Development fairly good. Slight kyphosis.
Aged 18 years, 32 days, a carpenter and wheelwright of Thornbury Mill. Employer Mr H J Hutching, Wheelwright, Holemoor, Bradford, Brandis Corner.
Next of kin Jane Skinner, mother of South Wonford, Thornbury.
Place of rejoining Chiseldon?
Disembodied 14 Mar 1919, Discharged on demobilisation 31 Mar 1920. Military character good. Medical category Fit for discharge.
British War Medal and Victory Medal
Service Dates
16.3.17 – 14.4.18 – Home British Service
15.4.18 – 2.10.18 – BEF
3.10.18 – 14.3.19 – Home Service
12.04.18 – transferred to Dorset Regt.
24.4.18 – transferred to 2nd Worcestershire Regt.
Injuries / Illness
27.4.17 – 10.5.17 Cellulitis of R leg.
29.9.18 – GSW / Bayonet wound to R Leg, adm. to No. 1 Australian General Hospital in France. Transferred to England. 2nd Southern General Hospital in Bristol, 3.10.18, VAD Hospital Badminton 12.10.18, Cleave Hill Hospital, Downend, Bristol 9.1.19. Discharged 10.2.19. No disability caused by the wound.
Post War
In 1939 he was living at Bennets Hole, Brandis Corner with his wife Gladys (dob 4.12.00) as a Provision Merchant and Motor Lorry Driver.
Samuel Skinner born about 1882
Parents: James and Mary Jane Skinner of Cranapool
12th and 3rd Devon Regiment , 24334, from 4.4.16 and 11.12.16. Private
Wiltshire Regiment 24897, 188889, from 5.4.16 Private
6th Infantry Labour Corps, No 2 Coy 12th Lab Bn, 3rd Labour Battn. From 14.6.17 445th Agric Coy. 186829, 186869 from end of Sept 1917..
NOTE – his Regimental numbers are extremely muddled.
Attestation and Service
4 Apr 1916 at Okehampton. 5’ 2.5”, 9 st, expanded girth 34.5”, 2” expansion. Rt eye is blind + occlusion of pupil cannot be improved? This man is malingering? With his left eye reads 6/60 but with glasses reads 6/18 easily?
Aged 35 years, a labourer of Cranapool, Thornbury. Employer Mr H J Hutching, Wheelwright, Holemoor, Bradford, Brandis Corner.
Next of kin James Skinner, father of Cranapool, Thornbury.
CofE
For Duration of War.
Place of rejoining Fovant.
Disembodied 14 Mar 1919, Transferred to Class Z 11.4.19. to Cranapool, Thornbury. Miltary character good. Medical category B2..
British War Medal and Victory Medal. One blue Chevron.
Service Dates
4.4.16 – 13.6.16 Home / Exeter
14.6.16 – 5.10.16 – France
6.10.16 – Home
28.5.17 – Transferred to 3rd Labour Corps, Egg Buckland
30.6.17 – posted to Labour Centre, Egg Buckland
13.7.17 Posted to 644th Agricultural Service Employment, Devizes.
Injuries / Illness
1.10.16 Adm Hospital – St John Amb. Brigade Hptl, Etaples, with Bronchitis
5.10.16 Invalided to England on H.S .Brighton. Transferred to St Luke’s Hospital Halifax and discharged 1.12.16.
1.12.16 – 11.12.16 – Granted Furlough to go home to Cranapool.
19.7.17 – Found fit for Cat Bii
No record of wounded in action.
Post War
No further information available.
William Henry Skinner born 31 Aug 1895
Parents: John and Jane Skinner of South Wonford
3/1 Royal North Devon Hussars, 2499, from 20.5.15, Private
16th Batt. Devon Regt 245759 from 16.12.6. Private
Attestation and Service
20 May 1915 at Barnstaple. 5’ 6”, 10 st 13lb, expanded girth 39 ”, 3.5” expansion. Complexion fresh, eyes brown and hair brown. Fit for service.
Aged 19 years 9 months, a farm labourer of South Wonford, Thornbury
Next of kin Jane Skinner, mother of South Wonford, Thornbury.
Wesleyan
For Duration of War.
Place of rejoining Fovant.
Disembodied 9 Aug 1919, to South Wonford, Thornbury. Medical category A1
British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Service Dates
Transport Driver. Served in France and Mediterranean Forces.
20.5.15 – 10.1.16 Home
11.1.16 – 29.4.18 – MEF
12.1.16 – embarked on HMS Burton at Devonport
? – Disembarked Alexandria
30.4.18 – Embarked Alexandria
30.4.18 – 6.5.18 – En route
6.5.18 – disembarked Marseilles
7.5.18 – BEF
Injuries / Illness
No record of wounded in action.
Post War
In 1939 living in South Lane Cottage, Thornbury? As a Horseman on a farm with wife Margaret (dob 19.12.03).
War Memorial Village Returnees with No or Limited Service Details
Thomas Edgar Brock, born 1890. Parents William and Lucy Brock of Glovers’ Cottage Milton Damerel.
Frederick John Gilbert, 1897. Born Cookbury. Possibly son of Margaret Gilbert of Cookbury.
John Goodenough, 1897. Parents John and Mary Goodenough of Holsworthy Hamlets.
William H. Goodenough, 1889 in Cookbury. Parents John and Mary Goodenough of Holsworthy Hamlets.
Richard Hamlyn, Born 1879 in Hartland living in Thornbury in 1911 and married with a family. Parent Jamin and Susan Hamlyn of Berry Farm, Thornbury.
Henry Jollow, 1896. Parents James and Mary Jollow of Brendon and brother of Walter, Francis and Henry.
(Albert) Howard Piper, 1899. Parents John and Susan Piper of Bagbeare.
Samuel Piper, 1878. Parents Stephen and Elizabeth Piper of Thorne Farm.
(Francis) George Sanders, 1898 born Thornbury. Parents Cephas and Pollie Sanders of Halsden, Cookbury.
Samuel John Sanders, 1890. Parents probably William and Kate Sanders of South Wonford.
Walter James Sanders, 1890. Parents probably Samuel and Corish/Doris Sanders of Bradford or Cookbury.
Mark Sluggett, 29 Aug 1890. Parents Stephen and Mary Sluggett of Wonford Moor. Probably in the 6th and 10th Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 27869. Enlisted 31.3.16 and discharged 3.10.17 due to wounds. Awarded British and Military Medals.
William George Westlake, 1893. Parents William and Ellen Westlake of Home Tenement, Thornbury.
The following two men had Thornbury connections but are not on the memorial and are remembered in Marhamchurch and Huish memorials respectively:
Cyril Richard Cloke born Autumn 1899
Parents: Richard and Elizabeth Cloke of Salthouse, Marhamchurch but Cyril born in Thornbury.
6th Somerset Light Infantry, 40311, Private.
5th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, 48696, Private.
Attestation and Service
Killed in action 26.6.18 carrying out work on the trenches prior to the Battle of Bouzincourt.
The British Medal and the Victory Medal (posthumously).
Service Dates
7.7.15 – disembarked in France
26.6.18 – Killed in action. Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension. Plot 4 B 15
Injuries / Illness
Killed in action.
Percy Owen Fishleigh born late 1899
Parents: Owen and Damaris Fishleigh, Home Farm, Huish, Dolton but Percy born in Thornbury.
1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, 15674, Private.
Attestation and Service
From 7.7.15
Death regarded 9 May 1917, probably at the third battle of the Scarpe but his body was never found.
1915 Star, the British Medal and the Victory Medal (posthumously).
Service Dates
7.7.15 – disembarked in France
9.6.17 – Death regarded. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 4, Course E, Stone n. 3.
Injuries / Illness
Regarded as dead.
The following information was recorded about Percy Fishleigh:
On 9 May 1917 the 1st Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment, were part of what was supposed to be a coordinated attack to recover the village of Fresnoy in northern France, lost to the Germans the previous day. Unfortunately the Canadian battalion earmarked to support the left flank of the Devons in their attack on Fresnoy received their orders too late. Nevertheless Captain Lionel Maton felt ‘honour bound’ to carry the operation through. The Germans were ready for the counter-attack and manned their trenches in strength: the battle lasted all day, scarcely any ground was gained but the 1st Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment lost six officers and 80 men killed and a further 98 officers and men wounded.
It is likely, therefore, that Private 15674 Fishleigh died in that action. He is remembered with honour at the Arras Memorial, alongside more than 30,000 other servicemen from the UK, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the area and who have no known grave. He is also remembered with honour on the memorial at Huish.