Unknown
Woman and man found in wreckage at Randolph Road after air mine attack on 12 June 1941 (RH)

Wade, C
Christopher Wade. He was a pensioner who died on 12 September 1944, aged 78 (65). He lived at 6 St John's Road and died at Folkestone Road

He was buried on 20 September at St James, Dover, 21 CQ.

Wakefield, M. A
Mabel Agnes Wakefield was born in Suffolk, the daughter of Charles Huggins, a blacksmith, and his wife, Sarah. She died on 25 September 1944, aged 59 (58?) at London Road. She was the wife of Thomas William Wakefield, of 1 Erith Street, Buckland. In 1911 Mr Wakefield had been a grocer general dealer, and Mrs Wakefield, formerly Huggins, was assisting him in the business. They had a son, Reginald, 11 months old. The couple married in 1905 and had already suffered the tragedy of losing their daughter, Doris, aged 1, in 1908.

Mrs Wakefield was buried on 30 September 1944 at Buckland, Dover. C 5. Amongst the mourners were her husband, her son, Reginald Wakefield, and her daughter-in-law. Her younger son, Douglas, married to Gladys Standord in 1936, was unable to attend as he was away on active service.

Walker, J. G
John George Walker. A boat proprietor, he died on 11 September 1940, aged 54, on the beach opposite Granville Gardens. He had been sheltering under his boat with his dog, which also died (RH)  He was buried at St Mary's, Dover. 17 EE. He had been one of the Town Councillors who had opposed a suggestion from London that evacuation in Dover should be ninety percent of the population, and that the Council should be reduced to nine members

He was the husband of Sarah Ann Walker, of 8 Princes Street, and father of Lallie. The couple had married in 1906 in Dover; Mr Walker became stepfather to his new wife's daughters, Sabian, 14, Eleanor, 12, and Queenie, 11. They had in 1911 also two children of their own, Johnny, 5, and Emily, 1, and the family were living at 2 Princess Street with Mr Walker's uncle William and a boarder.

"Ever in our thoughts. One of the best" (September 1941)

Warman, W. E. and E. A.
William Elgar and Ethel Ann Warman lived at 86 Union Road.. They died on 3 April 1942 at Union Road Trenches. William was a coal merchant, aged 58, the son of Arthur James Elvey and Jane  Warman, and Ethel was 53. She was the daughter of Thomas and Ann Fassoms.  The couple had married in Dover on 25 December 1911 at the Salem Baptist Chapel. They had a son, Horace, born in 1913, to whom their effects were given. He was then serving as a leading aircraftman in the RAF.

Mr and Mrs Warman had been sheltering with some thirty other people in the Union Road trenches when the shelter was hit by a bomb. The end of the shelter collapsed, and nine people were killed, with others injured. This occurred during the early hours of Good Friday, during one of the frequent moonlit raids. The bombing and the corresponding anti-aircraft fire went on for some three-quarters of an hour.

On 12 April a memorial service for the deceased was held at the Primrose Road Mission Hall., with Mr John Husk officiating. Mr and Mrs Warman were buried on 15 April at St Andrews, Buckland, Dover C11 11, with the first part of the service taking place at the Mission Hall. Mr Husk was Assistant Officiant. Members of the ARP were bearers of the Union Flag draped coffins, and many family and friends were present at the graveside.
 

The photograph  (left) is unidentified, but may be Mr and Mrs Warman on their wedding day. Above is is a meeting of the Fur and Feather Society at Garden Hall.

Above, the mourning card for Mr and Mrs Warman

Buried on the same day in the same cemetery were Mrs Emma Marsh and her granddaughter, Dorothy Marsh. Mrs Warman was the niece of Emma as her mother, Annie, and Emma Marsh were sisters. Mr and Mrs Warman's son, Horace, and his wife Molly, attended both funeral services.

Wells, B. J.
Basil John Wells died on 10 September 1940, aged 17. He was injured on 9 September 1940 at Taylor's Garage, Elms Vale Road, where he worked as a garage hand, and died at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road

He was the son of Mr Ernest Wells and his wife Mabel, formerly Summerton, of 121 Snargate Street. "Ever in our thoughts"

He was buried at St Mary's, Dover 17 FB, on 14 September, where his parents laid a wreath, "To our dearest son, John, from his ever-loving Mum and Dad" and their family, "In remembrance, from his ever loving brother and sister, Ernie and Bessie"

"Too dearly loved to be forgotten" - Mum, Dad, Brother and Sister (September 1941)

Mr and Mrs Wells had already lost a son; Reginald, who died in infancy in 1926. On 24 October 1943, Mrs Wells  died, "after a long illness, patiently borne", at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Waldershare. She was buried in the same grave as her son, John.

~#Wells, E. A.
Edith Agnes Wells was an Ambulance Sister in the Dover Nursing Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade, having been one of the original members in 1928. She had been in charge of the Cadet Division for a while, and since 1942 had been Storekeeper. She had been a very much valued member of the division before the war, and it was said that practically all her spare time was given to ambulance work in public duties and in the training of ARP personnel

She died peacefully in her sleep on 6 June 1940, aged 55, at  Brookfield House, Buckland Avenue, and was cremated at Charing, Kent. It was requested that there should be no mourning. Amongst those who attended were her son, Mr. Norman G Wells, and her daughters and sons-in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkes and Mr. and Mrs. Harris, and her daughter, Mrs Martin. Floral tributes included, "To dearest mother, from Boy and Peggy" and "To darling mother, from her broken-hearted daughter, Stella and Charles"

She was the daughter of Henry and Sarah Jane Moseling and the wife of Arthur Isaac H Wells, whom she had married in 1916. She was probably the aunt of Alfred Harry Hawkins Moseling.

details, Joyce Banks

Wheeler, R.
Robert Wheeler died on 1 September 1944, aged 55. He was injured by his home at Pavilion Bungalow, Lower Road, Kearsney, and died at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road. He was a Special Constable and had just telephoned the police station from a police box in Lower Road

He was the widower of the late Kathleen Wheeler and the son of Mr and Mrs Wheeler, of 107 Charles Street, Tredegar, Monmouthshire

Mr Wheeler is buried with his wife at Shepherdswell. Amongst the mourners at his funeral were Miss Genie Wheeler, his daughter. She was in the WRNS, and had been stationed at Chatham when her father was killed. Also present were his brothers, Cornelius and Alfred, and his brothers-in-law Mr Ivor Lewis and Mr Emlyn Morgan. The many mourners included Mr Wheeler's friends, and Officers, WOs and NCOs from the Corps of Signals

Amongst the floral tributes were those from the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Corinthian Lodge, Kearsney Bowling Club, and R J Barwick of Dover; Miss Wheeler had worked for Barwick's before joining the WRNS

In the photograph above, Mr Wheeler is on the far right, front row. The Sergeant sitting next to him is Daniel Borrett, brother-in-law of John Collon Fox. If you can identify any of the other officers, or where this photograph was taken, please do let us know.

with thanks to Cathleen Millwood

White, L. W. P.
Leonard Wilfred Pearman White was a farm worker and Lance Corporal in the Home Guard, a member of G company, St Margaret's.

He married Doris M West on 7 March 1942. Exactly six months later, on 7 September 1942, he died, aged 37, at the Casualty Hospital after being injured by enemy action the day before at his home, 21 Pioneer Road.

He was buried on 10 September 1942 at Charlton, Dover, 14 SK. The funeral left from 14 Underdown Road, and the first part of the service was held at St Martin's church. Members of the Home Guard acted as bearers, and there was an arme descort to the graveside provided by the East Surrey Regiment. Two buglers sounded the Last Post and the Reveille at the conclusion of the service. On the coffin, draped with the Union Flag, was Mr White's bayonet. Members of the Home Guard and neighbours attended the funeral, and amongst the floral tributes was one from Mr Huntley, of Pineham, Mr White's employer.

in memoriam - 1944

Whitewood. H. J.
Henry John Whitewood. He died on 16 June 1944, aged 60 at the Casualty Hospital after having been injured on 7 June at the Marine Station (another account suggests the loco sheds in Beach Street). He had been a fitter on the Southern Railway, and several SR workmates acted as bearers: G.Brown, F Chant, R Easton, T Joyner, J Partridge, W Twist.  The coffin was draped with the Union Flag. The first part of the service was held at St Martin's church, near Henry's home at 36 Markland Road. The Rev W F Jenkins officiated. Henry's grave is unmarked, but is at 3 FR at St James. It lies directly to the right of the grave pictured, behind the two headstones on the left. In the background may be seen some of the World War II graves at St James.

Mrs. Alice Lottie Whitewood (née Leveridge) was Henry's wife. They had been married nearly 38 years, having wed at Peckham on 27 July 1907. In 1911, with Mr Whitewood already working as a locomotive fitter for the SECR, the couple were living at 272 Alderminster Road, Bermondsey, with their little son Henry John, aged 1. Mrs Whitewood became a seamstress, making dresses for Danny La Rue amongst others.

After the funeral Mrs Whitewood thanked her friends and neighbours for their sympathy, and also the Casualty hospital and members of the Southern Railway for their kindness, and for all the floral tributes sent.  Mrs. Whitewood died in the 1980s, aged around 90.

The Whitewood family came from the Isle of Wight, but Henry and Alice (née Leveridge) probably married in London. A family story says they were evacuated from London to Dover                     with thanks to Terry Cleaver

note: R. Easton, coffin bearer, was Maggie S-K's granddad

#Wildey, S. A.
Sarah Annie Wildey was the wife of Albert Wildey. In 1901, living at 4 Queen's Gardens, he was a butcher, and the couple had two children, Bertha and Edith. By 1911 the family had moved to 4 Maison Dieu Place, with Mr Wildey working as a butcher's assistant and Bertha as a milliner's assistant. .

Mrs Wildey died on 20 September 1940, aged 67, at 7 Maison Dieu Place, and was buried at Charlton, Dover. SK 9

Amongst the mourners at her funeral were her husband, Mr. Albert Marsh, her brother, and Mr. Alfred Thomas W  Lund, her son-in-law, married to her daughter Edith.

The words on her headstone read:

In Affectionate Remembrance of Sarah Annie the beloved Wife of Albert Wildey who died 20th September 1940 Aged 67 years Also of the above Albert Wildey who died 5th February 1947 Aged 81 years “Re-united”

photo and transcription Joyce Banks 

Wills, J. C, H. M., H. A., V. and B. J.
James Cauty, Hilda May, Horace Alfred, Vera, and Brian John Wills. They all died on 12 June 1941, killed by a parachute mine. James, Hilda, and Brian died at their home at 14 Randolph Road, and Vera and Horace died at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, after having been injured at home. James was 54, Hilda 50, Horace 25, Vera 16, and Brian 4 

Hilda, aged 22, daughter of James and Hilda, and married to Private Ronald Mills, also died. They were buried at Charlton, Dover on 18 June, in neighbouring graves; Brian and his parents in one, 2 T3, his brother and sisters in another, 2 T7. Another son, Frederick, and Horace's fiancée Lille Crofts, were among the many mourners at the graveside. Frederick had been fighting abroad, and like his brother Douglas had not been in the house when the mine fell

Pictured left - Before the storm clouds gathered: the Wills family in the mid 1930s. The lad in the flat cap is Horace Wills, on his right is Jesse Wills, and on his left is his sister Hilda. Next to her is Frederick, then little Vera. At the back is James Cauty Wills, holding Douglas. Next to him, in front, is his wife, Hilda, mother of the children. Little Brian had not then been born  

*

June 1942

with thanks to Lynda Mackintosh

There were further In Memoriam announcements in 1943, amongst which was one "From their loving Mother, brother Jesse, and sisters Mabel and Ada - Their lives are a beautiful memory, Their death was sudden, They sleep in a beautiful garden In sunshine in perfect peace"

The headstone, left, read: In Memory of James Wills Aged 53 years Hilda May Wills Aged 50 years Brian John Wills Aged 4 years Killed By Enemy Action 12th June 1941

It was replaced (2013) by a new headstone, right. Here James is remembered as "James Courtney".

grave photos by Joyce Banks  

Willson, E. A.
Elizabeth Ann Willson was the wife of William Charles Willson. The couple married on 21 August 1915 at St Bartholomew, Dover.

Mrs Willson was the daughter of Edward and Mary Jane Austin, from 3 Edred Road, and the sister of John James Austin. In 1911 Mr Austin was working as an admiralty labourer in the dockyard, and at home were nine children; Edward, 23, John James, 21, Emily, 19, Elizabeth, 16, Dorothy, Isabella, 8, Betsy, 5, Thomas, 12, and Walter, 10. Twelve children had been born to the family, of whom two had died before 1911.

Mrs Willson died on 25 September 1944, aged 50, at her home at 37 Edred Road, Tower Hamlets. She was buried on 29 September at Charlton, Dover, 7 YW, and members of the ARP acted as bearers. Amongst the mourners were her husband, her son Mr W E Willson, and her sisters, Mrs G (Ellen) Ellender, Mrs J (Emily) Inglis, Mrs D Bridger, and Mrs W (Isabel) Wright. Her brothers, Messrs T, T.F, and P Austin were also present. Miss Queenie Willson, her daughter, and Mrs Wainwright, her sister, were unable to attend owing to illness.

The headstone is at Charlton. It reads:

Treasured Memories Of A Dear Wife and Mother Elizabeth Ann Willson Who Died From The Result of Enemy Action 4 September 1944. Aged 50 "In Memory’s Garden We Meet Again"   photo and transcription, Joyce Banks

Also William Husband of Above. Died 11 July 1979. Aged 90

Wilshire, E. E.
Ernest Edgar Wilshire. A house decorator, he died on 9 September 1940, aged 47, at his home at 5 Monins Road. He is buried at St James, Dover. 26 FR

He was the husband of Ethel Wilshire, formerly Brett, whom he had married on 15 February 1919 at River, and the son of William and Sarah Wilshire. In 1901 they lived at 125 Clarendon Place, where Mr Wilshire was working as a steam engine fitter. There were five sons at home then; Walter and Sydney, who were apprentice carpenters, and Ernest, Charles, and Leonard. By 1911 Ernest had become a writer and decorator, another son, Arthur, was a french polisher, and Mr Wilshire was an engine driver - stationary - war office.

Mr and Mrs Wilshire had lost another son, Charles Eric Wilshire, in the Great War. Two other brothers attended the funeral, with their parents and Mr Wilshire's widow. Mr. Dawn represented the neighbours of Monins Road, and Mr. G W Davies represented the Ancient Order of Shepherds  

"RIP" "Cherished in memory's garden" (September 1941)

funeral details: Joyce Banks

Young, A.
Arthur Young. He was a shipwright; even as a child of 13 he had been interested in the docks, often being found there instead of at school. He was 34 when he was injured at the shipyard on 8 October 1940, and he died at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, the next day.

He lived at 2 Endeavour Place and was the husband of Rose A Young and father of several children. He was the only son of Mrs Isabel Young, of 15 Winchelsea Terrace, whence the funeral cortège departed. 

He was buried on 15 October at St Mary's, Dover. 29 YH. Amongst the wreaths laid were:

"His loving Wife, Rose"
"Mum and Dad"
"The Ship's Company, Transit Camp"
"Directors, Staff, and Employees, Bulwark Engineering Co"
"Tower Hamlets and Winchelsea Caves" 

October 1941

I often sit and think of you, dear, And think of how you died; To think you could not say good-bye Before you closed your eyes. Do not ask me if I miss him, Life for me is not the same: All the world would be like heaven Just to have him back again From his loving wife, Rose Some may think that we forget him When at times they see us smile But they little know the heartache That is hidden all the while Sleep on, dear son, 'till the dawn breaks and we meet again. From his loving Mum The call was sudden, the shock severe, To part with one we loved so dear; Only those who have lost can tell The bitter parting without farewell. He died doing his duty From his loving sister Vera, brother-in-law Harry, and Boys

Rose Young remarried in 1943, to Ted Smith. She may have been the sister of William Frederick Henry Chandler, who died on 26 April 1918. A picture of Arthur Young's sister, Vera Sedgwick, and her mother, Isabel Young, may be seen here. Vera's sister Elizabeth Gladys may have married the Horace Bishop, the brother of Frank and William Bishop