Allen, W.
William Allen died on 24 March 1943, aged 65, at Godinton Road, Ashford,. He lived at 61 Beaver Lane, Ashford, and was the second son of the late William Exton Allen and Emma Allen, of 209 Folkestone Road, Dover. He was buried at Ashford cemetery, with the first part of his service taking part at the Methodist Church. His brothers E O and A D Allen, Mrs Ernest Allen (sister-in-law?), and his sisters, the Misses E. and M. Allen were at his graveside, as was his friend, Mrs St. Claire.

Frank Stewart Allen was his brother  and he was the uncle of Cyril Arthur Allen

Atherden, O. L.
Olive Lucy Atherden died on 4 October 1940 when she was 66, at 47 Westhurst Drive, Chislehurst. She was the daughter of George Henry and Emma Atherden, of 42 Heathfield Avenue, Dover.

In 1911 she was living at the same address with her father, who was 69, a widower, and a pensioner marine fireman. Also there were George Henry, a son, employed as an engine room artificer in the Royal Navy, and his wife, Lucia Jane, née Stanley, who had married the year before. Olive was 36 and working as a dressmaker.

Olive's effects went to Emma Elizabeth Hyde, probably née Atherden, the wife of Walter Hyde, and to Lucia.

*Baker, G. E.
George Elgar Baker died on 28 November 1942, aged 59, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Waldershare, Tilmanstone. He was the husband of Nellie Baker, of 26 Tower Hamlets Road, Dover. He may be the G J E Baker commemorated in the Book of Remembrance.

In 1891 he was living, aged 8, with his family at 81 Snargate Street, Dover. His father, Ham, then 38, was a chimney sweep. He had married Ruth Simmonds in 1878; she was in 1891 an eating-house keeper. With them were their other children too, Castle Oliver, 10, William, 6, and Thomas Dillon, 4. By 1911 the family were living at 10 Charlton Green, with Mr Baker working as a chimney sweep and boiler cleaner. George had become a carman for a wholesale grocer, while William was working as a smith in a colliery. The family had been joined by another son, John, then 13.

During the Great War he served as a private in the Army Service Corps, Motor Transport. He was a motor lorry driver when he enlisted at the aged of 32 on 20 November 1915 at Grove Park. His home address was then 10 Charlton Green, Dover.  He was demobbed on 18 September 1919, and lived then at 23 Bridge Street, Dover. In World War II he became a firewatcher in the ARP

He was buried on 3 December 1942 at Charlton, 21 S.

#Baker, H. G.
Henry George Baker, known as George, was born in 1878 in Dover, and was a Merchant Navy man. Off work through illness, he was 68 when he was killed on the first day of the Blitz in London. He died on 7 September 1940 at 27 Varley Road, in the Docklands area

His parents were John Hunt Kittams Baker, and Mary Ann Baker, née Smith. His mother died when he was just eight months old; his father died a few years later

George had two older brothers. George Thomas Baker, known as Tom, lived in Dover and worked for the Harbour Board. He was a veteran of the Great War, and served in the Home Guard in the second. The eldest brother, William John Baker, known as Fred, went to sea at the age of 15, and eventually settled in Port Arthur, Texas, USA. The last letter that George wrote was received by Fred shortly before George was killed 

with thanks to Elizabeth Baker Bobbitt Hebert

#Balsom, S. J.
Sarah Jane Balsom was 54 when she died at the Red Lion Inn, Sidwell Street, in the Borough of Exeter, Devon on  4 May 1942. Her husband was John Balsom, the licensee.

John was born on 26 June 1886 in Exeter, and in 1911 he was in the Royal Marine Depot at Walmer as a Corporal of the Royal Marine, number 10383, Plymouth Division, having enlisted on 27 February 1901. Also there were his wife, Sarah, née Roberts, born in Deal on 28 September 1888, and their son, Stanley. The couple had married in 1909 in the Plymouth area, and Stanley was born there in 1910. Lily was born in the Eastry area in 1913.

In 1927 to 1928 it appears that John Balsom became the licensee of the Shakespeare Inn, near the marine station in Dover, leaving there to be the licensee until 1932 of the Rose and Crown, in Clarence Place, Dover. He may be the same person who, in March 1938, described as a retired Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines, from "Fairhaven", Sandwich Road, Whitfield, and in February 1940, spoke for the erection of a new pub at the top of the Whitfield Hill (this pub, The Archer, was eventually erected around 1959 after having been turned down in 1938, 1939, and 1940). During examination in 1939 Mr Bolsom confirmed that "not by any means" was he a teetotaller.

John Balsom died in 1950 in Exeter, at the age of 64.

Note:
on birth Sarah's second name was registered as "Jane"
in the 1891 census Sarah is noted as "Sarah J"
on marriage Sarah's second name was registered as "Ann"
in the 1911 census Sarah's second name is given as "Ann"
There is a register entry for a John Balsom who married in Exeter in 1943 an Edith Baxter. Perhaps this is a remarriage for iJohn, after being widowed by the raid.

with thanks for research to Joyce Banks
public house information from Paul Skelton

Barton, C. W.
Christopher William Barton was the son of Edward Barton and Alice Maria, née Phipps. By 1911 Mrs Barton had been widowed. She was living at 7 St James' Place, Dover, with seven children, Edward, 19, a fishmonger's assistant, Christopher, 17, who was working as an iron foundry labourer for a pier contractor, and Lizzie, 11, Nellie, 9, Eddie, 7, Ivy, 4, and Lillian, 3. All the children had been born in Dover.

He was awarded the Military Medal during the Great War, when he served as G/1036 with The Buffs. He was 19 when he joined up on 4 September 1914, and had been working as a labourer. His mother was then at 32 Chapel Place, Dover.

Going out to France on 18 August 1915, he became a lance corporal on 5 April 1917, and a sergeant on 21 March 1918. He was wounded by gun shot to his right shoulder. When he was demobilised on 31 March 1919 he was transferred to class Z army reserve. His home was then 1 Approach Road, Dover, .

Becoming a dock worker, he was injured at Dover on 12 September 1944, and died at Hurstwood Park War Emergency Hospital, Haywards Heath on 24 September 1944, age 50.

He was buried on 30 September at St James, Dover, 5 CQ, with the funeral leaving the home of his sister, 55 Manor Road. Amongst the mourners were his brothers Ted and Alf, and his sisters, Nell, Ede, Ivy, and Lil. Another brother, George, was unable to be at the funeral as he was on service abroad. Some of his workmates acted as bearers and there were many flowers, including tributes from The Officers and Staff of the KHM's depot and whole of the Dockyard Employees, Friends of the Hare and Hounds public house, Boat's Crew of the Dockyard, Dover, and friends and neighbours of Manor Road.

#Blackford, E. R. St-Q.
Ellen Rita St Quentin Blackford died on 11 September 1944, aged 26, at the Hurstwood Park War Emergency Hospital, Haywards Heath, after having been injured at Dover (burial record says Brighton Mental Hospital). She was buried on 18 September at St James, Dover. 17 QK

She had been a firewoman in the NFS and is commemorated on the National Firefighters Memorial, close to St Paul's Cathedral. She was the "dear daughter" of Ellen Lydia Stirrup, née Sutton, from 36 Albany Place, Dover, and the late John Stirrup, who died in 1937 after twenty years of marriage. In 1911 the family were living at 6 Elsam's Cottages, Dover, where Mr Stirrup was working as a general labourer in the drainage works, and there was a son, John, just two years old. In 1915 the couple lost another son, Henry, in infancy.

She was the wife of Leonard Blackford, of the Merchant Navy.

In 1948 an in memoriam notice was place from "her loving Mum and Wee George"

Bocutt, A. H.
Alexander Herbert ("Bert") Bocutt was a leading fireman in the N.F.S. Bert was in 1939 working as a house decorator foreman and had been employed by Mr Cecil Hodgson, a builder, from 104 Clarendon Street; Bert was present representing Mr Hodgson's staff at his funeral in 1941.  He was also in the police war reserve.

Bert died on 14 December 1943 aged 37 at the Horton Emergency Hospital, Epsom, from an illness contracted while on duty during air raids at Dover (CWGC). His death announcement states that he passed away "after much suffering, patiently borne". He is buried at St Mary's, Dover. Six firemen were bearers of his coffin, which was draped in the Union Flag

He became on 9 March 1929 at St Martin's the "beloved husband" of Ivy Mary Kilyon, of 30 Longfield Road, Dover; he was the son of Alfred Arthur Bocutt, of the same address, and the late Jessie Bocutt, who had died suddenly on 6 January 1941. His widow, his father, and his brothers, CSM Charles W Bocutt and Mr Robert S G Bocutt, were amongst the mourners at his funeral. CSM Bocutt had served throughout the North African campaign and the initial landing at Sicily.

In 1911 Alfred Bocutt, and his wife Jessie née Wright, born 11 April 1876, who had married in 1902, were living at 4 Coastguard Station, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset. Mr Bocutt was a coastguard, and had been born in Meerut, India on 20 April 1875. Children at home then were Alfred, born in Dover in 1903, Charles William, born at Newhaven on 25 August 1905, and Alexander, born 30 November 1906,  and Robert, born 1909, both born at Swanage.

Robert Stanley Gordon Bocutt in 1926 was a GPO messenger, studying at evening classes at Barton Road school for clerkship, and by 1941 was a Post Office Engineer. Charles William Bocutt in 1934, an employee for ten years of Messrs Hayward and Paramor, while on holiday at Lulworth from Dover, helped rescue a marooned man, being lowered 340 feet over the cliff at midnight and having to search for an hour before finding him. His father, it was reported, had been a coastguard during the Great War and himself had taken part in cliff rescues. Charles (right) married on 24 August 1949 at St John's Church, Folkestone, Mrs Lilian Grace ("Patsy") Amos, née Payne, widow of Mr Frederik E Amos.

Alexander and Ivy Kilyon had a son, Peter Brian, born 29 November 1929. He received on 19 November 1948 a prize from the Dover Technical College for his second year part-time study of motor vehicle service mechanics. Five years previously, on 27 September 1943 Peter, then 13, was injured by a bakelite grenade which he and two other boys had found on Plum Pudding Hill. He and John Earl, 14, from 48 Longfield Road, were wounded in the face, arms and body. Very sadly the eldest lad, Donald Smith, 16, from 185 Folkestone Road, lost a hand and seriously injured another, and also hurt both his eyes. (see also "In the Caves")

1944 - "In beautiful and treasured memory of my dear husband and Peter's dad"

The headstone reads: "In Loving Memory of A. H. Bocutt. Died 14th December 1943. Aged 37. Also Ivy Mary Wife of the above. Died 15th September 1963. Aged 52. Reunited".

Borthwick, G.
Graham Borthwick died on 1 December 1941, aged 56, at Lansdowne Road opposite the Hydro Hotel in Falmouth An officer on a telegraph ship, he was struck by falling masonry while ashore during an air raid

 Born in Falkirk, Scotland, he was the husband of Helen Borthwick of 99 Buckland Avenue, Dover, to whom his effects were sent, and a member of the Kearsney Bowling Club 

Bourner, E. A.
Eliza Ann Bourner died on 14 October 1940, aged 80, at 3 Tharp Road, Wallington. Her body was not found until ten days after her death

She was the widow of James George Bourner. Her address was 47 Clarendon Place, Dover 

She was buried at St James, Dover in the grave of her late husband, 16 KW, with the funeral cortège leaving from the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. Macey, of 121 Clarendon Place. Her daughter laid a wreath, "Her sorrowing daughter and son-in-law, Elsie and Charlie".

Mrs Bourner was the grandmother of Albert Edward James Bourner.

In memoriam 1942

#?Browne, D. P. E.
Daphne Patricia Elliot Browne, who died at Brougham Road, Portsmouth on 24 August 1940, aged 17. She was the daughter of W H Browne, and with an address of 59 Claremont Road, may have had Dover connections. She may be the "Dolly" in the In Memoriam announcement of 1941:

Sweetest memories of our darling Dolly, who was suddenly called home through enemy action Sleep on, dear Dolly, and take thy rest, God taketh those He loveth best; We miss you when the morning dawns, We miss you when the night returns, Dear Dolly, we miss you everywhere So loved, so missed. Safe in God's keeping

It is possible that she is one of the unidentified civilian casualties commemorated on the Kingston cemetery memorial in Portsmouth.

#Burkett, M. S. 
Maria Sarah Burkett was the daughter of the late Frederick and Florence Elizabeth Macdonald. In 1880 she married in Dover William Wood Burkett. He was a baker and yeast merchant, and in 1905 became Mayor of Dover. In1911 the couple were living at 7 Maison Dieu Place. Mr Burkett died three years later, on 5 March 1914.

Mrs Burkett, aged 88, was killed in a raid on  3 June 1942 at 12 Oaten Hill Place, Canterbury.Her relatives, sisters Pleasant Williams and May Craven, and Mrs Craven's daughter, Meredith Macdonald Craven, also died.

Mrs Burkett was buried on 8 June at St James, Dover. 14 VK. Her estate was administered by George Macdonald, who also administered the estates of Mrs Williams and Mrs and Miss Craven.

Carver, M. E.
Marie Evelyn Carver was the daughter of William Alfred and Amy Caroline West, baptised on 26 May 1907 at St Andrew's, Dover. Mr West was a motor car body painter in 1911, when the family were living at 128 Heathfield Avenue, Buckland. Marie, then 3, had a younger brother, Lionel, aged 7 months. She was their only daughter; they later lived at 92 Oswald Road..

Mrs Carver was  33 when she died on 8 November 1940 at Mayday Hospital, Croydon. She had been injured the day before at 71 Falkland Park Avenue, her home.  She was married to Walter Ernest Carver, who also died from his injuries, at the age of 35. Walter was the son of Ernest Edward Carver, a postman, and Alice Maud Carver, and in 1911 was living with his younger sister, Olive Mary, and their parents at 163 Florence Road, Wimbledon, Surrey. Walter's effects went to his mother-in-law.

#Chambers, M. H. 
Maurice Herbert Chambers was born on 8 July 1898 at Faversham. In 1911 the family, Herbert and Esther Chambers, with Maurice and elder sister Dorothy,  were living at De Burgh Hill in Dover, when Mr Herbert Chambers, his father, was working as a railway clerk.

Mr Chambers had served during the Great War, between 25 October 1915 to 24 July 1919, as a Private in the Royal Artillery Ordnance Corps Unit 4. He undertook clerical duties, but is said also to have ridden a one-eyed horse. He worked as a junior reporter on the Dover Standard before joining up. After the Great War he joined the railway as a clerk, later becoming a Purser on SS Maid of Kent.

In 1927 in Dover he married Vera Marjorie Louisa Whitnall, and the couple had three children; Maurice born in 1928, Jean, born in 1929, and Donald, born in 1930, all in Dover. The family lived at 91 Markland Road, and the children attended St Martin's School. In June 1940 they were evacuated to Wales.

The staff of the Marine Department at Dover had been transferred to Southampton, and on 26 September 1940 Mr Chambers was one of forty-eight civilians who died during an air raid. Ten of them died at Southampton docks when the granary in which they were sheltering received a direct hit. The seawall was weakened, and water pumped by firemen fighting the fire led to a breach, with an influx of seawater into the shelter beneath. Bodies were not recovered for three days. Mr Chambers' probate gives his date of death as 29 September 1940.

It is said that Mr Chambers should not have been on duty the day he died, but had taken the place of a friend whose wife was about to have a baby. Mr Chambers had been staying at Oaklea, Upper Deacon Road with his colleague John Hawkes, who also died. Both were clerks from the Southern Railway Marine Department, working at Southampton. They were buried in the same grave at St James,  Dover 22 ER, in a double funeral. His wife laid a wreath:

"His loving wife Vera, and children"

by courtesy of Mr Donald Chambers

Dock House Memorials

The plaque on the right is for WWII, and contains the name of Maurice Chambers. It was unveiled on 5 July 1948 by Mr R P Biddle, the Docks and Marine Manager. He said, "Those we commemorate were not all members of the services. They include members of our staff who were carrying out their responsibilities as civilians. Some lost their lives during the bombing raids within a few yards of where we are now standing. But all were imbued with the same spirit as those of our colleagues who fell in the 1914-1918 war. We had hoped that that war was a war to end wars but, unfortunately, our hopes were not realised. Today we talk of the "last War". May we not again be disappointed."

Dock House in Southampton was built in 1872,  and used as offices for the Southampton Dock Company. It was then used London and South Western Railways and the building contained the booking office for their steamers and the Dock Master's office. Southern Railway subsequently used it for their offices. The left-hand, Great War, memorial bears at the top the initials of the L&SWR, and the right hand memorial the initials of Southern Railway. This was formed in 1923 and incorporated the L&SWR. Thoresen, a Norwegian company, took over, and renamed the building Ferry House. In 1989, it became a public house and remains so, from 2008 under new management and name.

photos of the memorial by courtesy of Southampton City Council

Clayson, J. T. E.
James Thomas Edward Clayson died on 15 October 1940, aged 16, at Rhette, Wrotham Heath Place, Platt,. He was the "beloved son", "darling Jim", of Thomas Clayson and his wife Jane, née Sutton, who had married in 1914, brother of Patricia, and lived at Rambler Cottage, St Margarets-at-Cliffe, Dover.

October 1941

He had a nature you could not help loving A heart as true as gold, And to us, who knew and loved him, His memory will never grow cold Mum, Dad, and Pat

Thomas Clayson died on 20 October 1959, his effects being given to his widow.

#Collard, F. J.
Frederick James Collard died on 5 August 1944, aged 46, at Malling Road, Snodland, Kent. He was the husband  of Marjorie Collard  of Alpha, Malling Road, and the son of the late William and Annie Louise Collard, of Temple Farm, Temple Ewell, Dover  

with grateful thanks for all his unstinting help to Tony Grant, who tells us that there was a V1 attack at Malling Road.  This may have been the sad cause of Mr Collard's death. There is a commemorative plaque to ten who died situated at the Medical Centre in Catts Alley,  off Malling Road, along from Rocfort Road which leads from the A228 into Malling Road.  The plaque was instigated by the Town Council, and unveiled by John Gladdish, whose sister Narcissa had been killed in the attack 
Top two pictures below from the South Eastern Gazette, regenerated by Gerald Edgelar. Reproduced by permission

Malling Road after the V1
Malling Road in 2010, with new houses built where the previous were destroyed. Right, the plaque at the Medical Centre, Catts Alley	In memory of Leonard, Alice, and Mary Brooker, Police Sergeant William Braddick and his wife Olive, Narcissa Gladdish, Rayden Saunders, Horace Wells and two unidentified females who lost their lives 5th August 1944 in Malling Road, Snodland

#Cotton, C. J. 
Charles James Cotton was 59 when he died at the Victoria Hospital after being fatally injured in Deal on 11 August 1942, during a raid which claimed seven or eight lives there. He was married to Matilda Cotton, formerly Priest, from 12 Bush Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent; when probate was granted his address was given as 1 Bush Avenue.

He was an engine driver who had formerly lived at Dover; in 1911 the family were living at 88 Clarendon Street, where Charles, then 28, was a railway engine stoker. He had already begun his career in 1901, being then a railway engine cleaner. He was born in New Cross, London, and his wife, then 26, at Kensington. With them were their children Amy Lilian, 7, born Dover, Elsie Gladys, 6, born Folkestone, and Reginald Charles, 3, and Alfred George, 8 months, both born in Dover.

Though the family moved to Ramsgate, George remained well-known in Dover.

#Craven, M. and M. 
May and Meredith Craven. On 3 June 1942, they died at their home, 2 Oaten Place, Canterbury. They were the daughter and granddaughter respectively of John Macdonald, from 17 Templar Street, Dover. Another daughter, Pleasant Williams, from that address, also died

Mrs Craven was the widow of Arthur Craven. She was aged 46, and Meredith was 21. Like Pleasant Williams their estates were administered by George Macdonald, cablehand, probably Mrs Craven's brother.

Arthur Craven had died on 25 April 1931. In 1911, aged 18,  he had been living at 10 Longfield Road, Dover, with his parents William, a grocer shopkeeper, and Sarah.

research with thanks to Joyce Banks

#Dobson, P
Percival Dobson was married to Henrietta Louisa Frost on 1 March 1904. Their first daughter, Ivy, was christened at the same church, St Andrews, Buckland, less than a year later, on 1 January 1905. By 1911 the couple had three more children; Percival, born in Gillingham and aged 4, William Thomas, named after his grandfathers, born in Dover and aged 2, and Frank Harold, just three months, born at Gillingham. The family were then living at 21 Eva Road in Gillingham. Percival himself appears to have been boarding that night at 300 Canterbury Road, Gillingham, working as a baker. 

Mr Dobson was injured during a raid on 2 October 1941 at his home at 48 Military Road, Dover. He died on 13 November 1941, aged 62, at the Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford.

He was buried at St Andrews, Buckland, B0 16. Amongst the mourners were Mrs T Walton from Dover Master Bakers and Mr Wilfred Chitty, Mr Gavener, and Mr Hopper from G W Chitty and Co.  Amongst the many floral tributes were those from the United Yeast Company, Dover, Dover Butchers FC, St Bart's Old Boys' FC, and from Ward 7 at Preston Hall

Probate was granted to bakers Percival and William Thomas Dobson. The 1931-2 street directory notes that at 48 Military Hill there was a baker's, Dobson and Sons.

in memoriam 1942

also in 1943 from Arthur and Don

#Dyer, W. H.
William Henry Dyer was 50 when he was killed on 22 November 1940 in Birmingham. He was a member of the Home Guard, and during the Great War had served at home in The Buffs. In June 1915 he had married Madeline Eleanor Thomas (Nellie)

Their first child was born in Dover in 1916; others were born in Shrewsbury or Birmingham. The family moved to Birmingham after William's discharge from the Army; he is believed to have served as a PT Instructor. He then became a tram-conductor and afterwards a bus-conductor. An address they occupied in Birmingham was 65 Monica Road, Small Heath, Birmingham 

On the night he died he had been out on trade union business, and was walking home with a colleague. They took shelter from an air raid in an "entry", but both were killed by the blast from a bomb which hit the pub on the other side of the road. William is buried in Yardley cemetery, Birmingham, in Section 55, Grave 57982. Nellie died at the age of 84, and her cremated remains were buried on 12th February 1971 with her husband. Muriel, one of their daughters-in-law, aged 71, married to Sydney, was buried there also on 7th February 1991

There are several inscriptions on the grave. The headstone reads: "Treasured memories of William Henry, the beloved husband of Madeline E. Dyer, who was killed by enemy action, November 22nd 1940, aged 50 years. Also of his beloved wife, Madeline Eleanor, who fell asleep February 6th 1971, aged 84 years"

The book-shaped stone at the foot of the grave reads: "Muriel Dyer, beloved wife and mother, 1920-1991. A Treasure Lost" on the left-hand page, and on the right, "Sidney Dyer, beloved husband and father, 1919-2000. Reunited".  On the kerbstone at the foot of the grave are the words, "Dearly Loved by All", and on the flower-holder is inscribed, "Dad and Mom"

Near to the grave is a memorial garden (right) to all the civilians who died in Birmingham during WWII and who are buried at Yardley. Their names are recorded in a memorial book held in the chapel. The wreath was laid "In grateful remembrance from the Lord Mayor, Councillors, and Citizens of the City of Birmingham"

William was the eldest son of William Henry Dyer, the eldest brother of Edward George Dyer, who lived at St Andrew's Terrace, Dover, and who died on 1st December 1941. William's wife, Madeline, was a younger sister of Elizabeth Maude Thomas, Edward George Dyer's wife. William was also cousin to Albert and Abraham Dyer.

photo, above right: William with his wife, and probably their second son, circa 1917

Note: the CWGC grave next to William's is that of a sixteen-year-old, Edward Harrison, of the 4th Warwickshire Battalion Home Guard. He died on 23rd November 1940. At the foot of his headstone are the words, "His brother Kenneth, Flying Officer, RAF, was lost on operations 15th August 1943, age 21. They died that we might live"

with thanks to Mike Davis

Edson, N. C.
Norah Christine Edson died on 6 November 1940, aged 14, at the Civic Centre Shelter (School of Art) in Southampton. She was the "dearly loved youngest daughter" of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Edson, of 15 Heathfield Avenue, Dover  

With an address given as 74 Balfour Road, she was buried on 12 November at Charlton, Dover. 3 F9

Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember From her loving Mum, Dad, and Joan Do not ask us if we miss her, There is such a vacant place; Can we e'er forget her footsteps, And her dear familiar face? From her loving Gran and Granddad

#Ellen, G. R.
George R. Ellen lived at 2 Astley Avenue, Dover, with his wife. Their home was destroyed in a raid in January 1944, and they moved to Church Road. Unfortunately, owing to the shock and the exposure, Mr Ellen became ill. He went to stay with his daughter, Mrs Alfred Romsey, but died from pleurisy on Monday 7 February at Whitton, Middlesex. He was 62. He was buried at St Paul's Churchyard, Mill Hill, London, NW7 on 10 February, after a service at the Union Church, Mill Hill.  Enquiries were to be directed to V G Ellen, of 98 Burns Lane, NW7. Amongst the mourners were his sons, Vyvyan and Gerald.

Mr Ellen was born in Guston, and at an early age went to work for G. A. Clark and Son Ltd. during the Great War he joined the East Kent Yeomanry, and was transferred to the Buffs when he served in France. After being reported missing in 1917, it was discovered he had become a POW. He was released at the Armistice, and returned to work at Clark's. He left Clark's in 1941, and worked for Messrs F G Dolbear, the builders, with whom he remained until not long before his death

Mr Ellen was known for his expertise in horticulture, and detailed knowledge of the wild flowers and orchids of Kent. For some time he served as agricultural referrer for the Public Assistance Board. He was Chairman of the Guston Flower Show, and Secretary of the Dover Co-operative Gardeners' Society. He was also Secretary for the Ancient Order of Foresters for many years, having been a past grand master, and was Secretary to the Dover Branch of the East Kent Beekeepers Association, winning the County Cup for several years in succession.  He collected gifts of honey for the men of the submarine service, and at the  Pencester Gardens Hospital Fete he gave demonstrations on bee-keeping

Mr Ellen and his wife had been volunteer Air Raid Wardens at Post A5, Barton Road, Dover. He had become Deputy Post Warden, and was on duty when he lost his home

On 29 May 1944, at Post A5, a plaque was unveiled to his memory. Mr J H Mowll, the Chief Warden, gave the address, referring to the late Mr   Ellen's work as Deputy Post Warden, and to his kindly personality. The plaque was unveiled by the Deputy Chief Warden, Mr G. Youden, and dedicated by the Rev T A Roberts

Mr Ellen's brother and sister-in-law attended, as did other members of the family. Others present were Mr H. Philpott, Head Warden Group "A" , Mr T. A. Norman, Post Senior Warden, Mr F. Holmes J.P. and Mr L. Mason, Deputy Post Wardens, and the Wardens of Post A.5 

with thanks to Joyce Banks

Freakley, S. B.
Stella Beatrice Freakley was injured on 30 August 1944 at 55 Herbert Road, Woolwich, by Doodlebug, and died the same day at the Woolwich and District War Memorial Hospital. She had married Albert Thomas Freakley, Sergeant of the Royal Engineers, in 1940. Their son, Thomas William John, aged three, died at their home.

She was born in Dover in 1919, the daughter of William George Eaglen, RA, who died in 1992, and his wife Stella Gertrude, née Wooltorton, who died in 1989. The couple had married in 1918 in the Medway area.

with thanks to Joyce Banks

#Geer, M.
Mary (Polly) Geer died on 20 April 1941, aged 27, at her home at 2 Primrose Cottages, Rye Lane, Dunton Green, Kent. She was the wife of Frank William Geer, and the daughter of  Mr. O'Hara, of Singledge Farm Cottages, Singledge, Whitfield, Dover.

Mrs Geer was a firewatcher, as was her husband. He also died, along with their two sons, Lionel Frank, aged 7, and Barry William, aged 3.

Gilbert, W. R.
The Reverend William Richard Gilbert was killed at his home at 61 Cawley Road, Hackney during an air raid on 8 December 1940. He was 33. Four lady assistants also died

He was the son of Mrs. W R Gilbert, of Chatham, and her late husband (14 Mitchell Avenue), and the husband of Kathleen E Gilbert. He was the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. W Gilbert, of 14 Market Street, Dover, and the nephew of Mr and Mrs. G Cook, from 286 London Road, Dover

The Reverend Gilbert was born in Dover in 1907, and for several years he worked in the Snargate Street Sunday School and Church. He trained at Richmond College, and entered the ministry in 1927. He worked in a number of circuits before going to London in September 1940. This was at the time when the bombing intensified, and he evacuated Mrs. Gilbert and their children to a home in Harpenden. His own home he turned into a hostel for his staff

A report from the Methodist Recorder states: " He had already shown himself to be a minister of high courage and resourcefulness, counting no cost too high in his service for the poor people of the borough. He has given his life for the cause of Christ in London's East End. A young man of outstanding ability, he had gifts that would have taken him far: he was content to devote them to the service of the humble and the afflicted. Tragic as his sudden passing must inevitably seem to his colleagues who remain to carry on the work of the mission, his earthly end was nevertheless in keeping with his sacrificial life. With the Sisters who perished in the same indiscriminate attack, he upheld to the end the highest traditions of pioneer Methodism. They visited the stricken homes of the people, maintained the regular services at the hall, provided shelter and food at the mission's community centre, and in various other ways ministered to the neighbourhood. Their lives, so unselfishly surrendered, remain an example to the living" 

December 1941

In loving memory of the Rev W R Gilbert from his loving Wife and Children and his dear Mother from all at 14 Market Street, Dover Always in our thoughts From Auntie and Uncle Cook

#Goldsack, P. J.
Percy John Goldsack was 50 when he was killed by enemy action on 10 May 1941. He had worked on the Southern Railway Line at Worth, and just after his train had left a Southern station (Worth?) it was machine-gunned. Mr Goldsack died on the way to hospital. His fireman, Mr Stickells, from Belgrave Road, was wounded, with a compound fracture of his left arm 

Mr Goldsack was buried on 16 May at St James, Dover 28 FR, his coffin covered by a Union Flag. Many people attended his funeral, including many railway staff, amongst them R. Easton.

His parents were the late Henry and Mary Goldsack, from 1 Selbourne Terrace, Dover. Henry Goldsack was an engine driver, working for the LCDR in 1891. The family then lived at 2 Winchelsea Terrace, and Percy, a few months old, was then the youngest of six children at home, the others being Eliza, 11, Edith, 7, Ellen, 5, Henry, 3, and Ethel, 2. Ten years later the family were at Washington Villas, 1 Monins Road and had been joined by Mabel, then 6. By 1911 Percy had begun his career on the railways, being an engine cleaner for the SECR.

Percy married Annie Louise Mills, née Wellard, in Dover in 1926; she later lived at 119 Priory Hill. The couple had a daughter, Rita.

"Duty nobly done"

1942 - "Only those who have lost can tell, the bitter heartache without farewell"
"Loving memories of dear Perce, from Harry, Ede, Phil, and Will".

Annie was formerly the wife of Walter Albert Mills

Henry Goldsack died on 26 November 1943. He was buried at Charlton with his wife, Mary, who died on 13 February 1940.

#Hawkes, J. W. 
John Walter Hawkes, husband of Mrs E. Hawkes, from Jacena, Minnis Lane, River, died in an air raid in Southampton on 26 September 1940, at the age of 37. He was an employee of the Southern Railway Marine Staff in Dover, but had been working in Southampton, as a clerk. He died at the docks

A double funeral was held at St James, Dover 22 ER, as his colleague, Maurice Chambers, died in the same circumstances.  Wreaths laid for Mr Hawkes included:

"In loving memory of of my dear husband, from Ena"
"His broken-hearted Mum and Dad"

How oft there comes before us You dear face, fond and true; But death can never take away Our fond memories of you. Some may think that we forget you When at times they see us smile But only those who have lost can tell What is hidden beneath that smile Always remembered by his loving Wife, Mum, and Dad Always in the thoughts of Win, Arthur, June and Bill

#Hunt, A.
Annie Hunt died on 21 August 1944, aged 79, at her home at 207 Wharncliffe Gardens, St Marylebone, London. She was the widow of Seymour Steventon Hunt and the daughter of the late George Dunne of Dover. Her effects went to her son, Philip Seymour Hunt, then a railway traffic inspector.

In 1901 she was living at 43 Pentney(?) Road, Balham, with her husband, Seymour, a hairdresser, and five children; Olive, 9, Dora, 8, Philip, 6, Howard, 4, and Madge, 2. They were all born in areas of London.

Jones, C.
Charlie Jones. Probably Special Constable Charles John Austen Jones, from 31 Morehall Avenue, Folkestone. He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone, at the age of 33, on 29 May 1941. He was the "dearly loved" and "devoted" husband of Ivy Gladys Annie Jones (née Pott) and father of Marjorie, the only son of Mrs Emmie Jones and the late Mr Robert Jones of 67 Oswald Road, Dover, who died 25 August 1939, and brother of Ivy, Laurel, and Myrtle

He was buried at Buckland cemetery, Dover C9 9, at the church where he had been christened in 1907 and his parents had married in 1902. Members of the Special Constabulary bore the coffin. As well as a full representation from the police forces, both Dover and Folkestone, there were many friends and relatives at the funeral, and a large number of floral tributes sent. They included one from his "broken-hearted" wife and one to "darling Daddy" from his little daughter

Mrs. Jones and Marjorie moved to 17 Markland Road, Dover, just after Mr Jones' death.  His effects were given to his widow, who remarried in 1942 to Henry Francis Lane.

"Just sleeping" "Safe home at rest" "My dearly-loved and only son"

#Jones, W. E.
William Edward Jones was an engineer, aged 26.  He died on 22 August 1944 at Knolly's Road, Streatham, having lived at number 145 in that road. He was the "beloved husband" of Sylvia Violet Jones, and his parents were Mr. and Mrs. A E Jones, from Bryn Awelon, Tal y Bont, Conway, Caernarvonshire 

He was buried from 48 Nightingale Road, the home of himself and his wife, on 26 August at Charlton , Dover, 18 2W

Kirby, S. T.
Sidney Thomas Kirby died on 25 October 1940, aged 40, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Waldershare, Tilmanstone, after being injured on 24 October 1940 at Martin Farm. He was of the Dover Auxiliary Fire Service and was the son of Mr Thomas and Mrs Caroline Kirby, of Waterworks Road, Martin, Kent. In 1911 the family had been living at Martin, near Dover, when Mr Kirby was working as a farm labouer. Then there were four children; Sidney, 11, George, 7, and Winifred,4 and Maud, all born at East Langdon.

With a semi-military funeral, he was buried at East Langdon.

#Lemar, W. H.
Born in Dover, William Herbert Lemar died on 28 July 1944, aged 34, at Lewisham High Street, killed by a flying bomb. He was a Corporal in the 36th County of London Home Guard, and a Southern Railway waggon examiner. In 1930 he became the was the husband of Mrs Elizabeth ("Bess") Lemar, née Horton, of 100 Courthill Road (not Dover), and their children probably were Geoffrey, born 1932, Peter, born 1934, and Eileen, born 1938, all in Dover.

He was the son of Mrs. Nellie Marsh (formerly Lemar), of 32 Lowther Road, Dover, and of the late William Charles Lemar, who in 1911 was a soldier in the West Kents and on 3 January 1917 was discharged owing to wounds.  

He was buried on 5th August at Charlton, Dover, 2 ZV, the grave of his late sister Eileen Florence Lemar, who died in November 1932. The Southern Region Dover Home Guard were bearers, and many others from the Home Guard attended.

August 1947 -  Always with us the loving memory of Bill, my dear husband and daddy killed by a flying bomb, Lewisham 28 July 1944 ---- from Bess and children

She is buried at St Peter's, Whitfield, Dover, and among the wreaths laid were: 

"To my Darling, from her heart-broken Mum"
"Her own Bill" - Mr W Lawton was Miss Marsh's fiancée

#Newman, W. I.
Wilfred Ingram Newman, aged 45, grandson of the late William Ingram Newman, of Dover, was killed by enemy action on 11 September 1940. He had been on duty as Assistance Officer, Deptford, and was a Captain of the Mercantile Marine living then at 2 Endymion Terrace, London. He is noted as having died at Central Hall.

His wife was W J Newman, of Hazledene, Courtwood Lane, Addington, Surrey.

#Norris, M. E.
Margaret Ellen Norris died 18 June 1944, aged 21, at The Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Westminster. She lived at 28 Penywern Road, Earl's Court, Kensington, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George John Norris, of Godmasham, 145 Lewisham Road, River, Dover

She was buried at Buckland, with her choral funeral service held in St Andrew's church. Representatives of the East Kent Road Car Company were present, and many friends. Floral tributes included those from the East Kent Road Car Company, the GPO, and Buckland Girls' School.  

#Olifent, W. L.
Wilfred Lancefield Olifent was an ARP Stretcher Bearer from 187 Norwood Road, London. He was killed while on ambulance duty at Westminster Bridge Road on 17th April 1941 at the age of 36.

He was born in 1904 in Dover, and was the "dearly loved youngest son" of  Henry James Olifent and Martha Olifent of The Cliff, Grove Road, Sonning Common Reading, formerly from Dover and Capel. In 1911 they were living at 19 York Street, when Mr Olifent was working as a tailor. Wilfred, then aged 6, was the youngest son. Also there were Lilian Violet, 19, a drapers' assistant, Henry James, 17, a coach body maker, Reginald Duncan, 14, a van boy, and Dora Mary, 4. 

He was the "beloved husband" of Dorothy Olifent, whom he married in 1930, and "dear daddy" of Brian and Hilary.

"He died at duty's call" -Mum, Dad, Dorie, and All-1943
"Faithful unto death"-Dorothy-1943

Pegden, D. J. and J. S.
Derek John Pegden was just 22 months old and his sister Jeanne Sylvia Pegden was ten when they died at their home at 4 The Durlocks, Folkestone, on 25th September 1943. They were "two dearly-loved children" of Mr John Arthur Charles Pegden and his wife Norah, née Keefe

#Pickering, E. G. V. and R.
Elsie Gertrude Victoria Pickering and Robert George (Bobby) Pickering. Mrs Pickering was 43, and her son was 12 when they died as the result of an air raid at Welling on 8th October 1940. They had moved there, to 17 Charmouth Road, from 31 Friars Way, Dover,  and Mrs Pickering was Dover born

Robert (Bobbie) was killed instantly at home, but Mrs Pickering died three days later, at the Woolwich and District War Memorial Hospital, as the result of her injuries. Left to mourn was her husband, Robert's father, also named Robert. He remembered his "dear son" and his "dear wife". "Love's last gift, Remembrance".

#Podevin, C. W.
Constance Gladys Stephanie Winifred Podevin was lost in the North Atlantic 23 January 1943, aged 49, from S.S. Ville de Tamatave. She lived at 16 Howick Place, London, S.W.1 and was the daughter of Amelia Caroline Podevin, of Dover, and of the late Charles Podevin

It is believed that Charles Ewart Podevin, who died from wounds on 10th November 1918, was her brother. Her effects were given to another brother, Albert Edward Henry Charles Podevin, who was a head foreman of a provision department.

#Pollard, J. R.
John Robert Pollard died on 8 December 1940, aged 48, at Oldchurch County Hospital, Romford. He was an F. A. P. Mobile Unit Driver, and was killed while on ambulance duty at Romford, Essex

He was the husband of Bessie Florence Pollard, of 33 Vine Street, and the eldest son of the late Robert Wadsley Pollard, and Emily Pollard, of 56 Odo Road, Dover. In 1911 the family were living at 9 Odo Road, and Mr Pollard was working as a flour mill labourer. At home were John Robert, 18, an errand boy in a domestic bazaar, Ettie Emily, 12, Lily Georgina, 9, Emily Catherine, 6, George William, 5, Robert Wadsley, 3, William Henry, 1, and Nellie Violet, 7 months. All were born in Dover except Mr Pollard and John Robert, who were born in Lincolnshire, John possibly at Oldham.

On 15 September 1911 John was considered fit for service at St Martin's Place, Dover. He signed up for the Home Counties (Cinque Ports) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Force. He did his annual training at Lydd, and was also discharged later at Dover.

#Poulson, C. W.
Charles William Poulson was born on 12 August 1882 in Kensington, the son of John William and Annie Poulson. He married Annie Baston in 1911, and they had a daughter, Vera Cecilia Annie, born on 8 September 1913.

On 18 June 1915 Charles enlisted in the Royal Marines at Deal; he had been working as a coachman. He was transferred to the Royal Engineers on 31 January 1917, becoming 200086, a sapper. He was demobbed on 6 July 1919, then living at 2 Canada Road, Deal.

He died from injuries on 29 December 1940, aged 57, at Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford. He is described as being of 2 Salisbury Road, Dover.

He was buried in Deal cemetery on 3 January 1941. The curate of Walmer, Rev B Gibbs, officiated. Attending were his brother, RSM Poulson of the RASC, and Mr Rowland Heard, his son-in-law, who had married his daughter Vera in 1935. Also there were Messres Taylor, Bastin, and Reed, his brothers-in-law. Representatives from the NAAFI in Dover, where he had worked, and Deal also attended.  

Smith, E. I.
Ellen Irene Smith died on 25 November 1944, aged 19, at New Cross Road, Deptford. A shop assistant, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Basil Cyril Smith, of 65 Alfred Road, Dover. She was buried at St Mary's, Dover. 25 ZG

#Stanley, E. J. T. and E. R. F.
The Reverend Edward John Theodore Stanley BA, aged 61, and his sister Elizabeth Rebecca Frances Stanley, aged 58, were on convoy route HG from Gibraltar to the UK, said to be returning from unoccupied France, whence they had gone on missionary work. Traveling on the "S.S. Avoceta", they lost their lives  with 74 other passengers and 46 crew when she was sunk by submarine U-203 on 25 September1941. Reverend Stanley was vicar of Christchurch, Folkestone Road, Dover, between 1923 and 1934, and had famously challenged the Archbishop of Canterbury over the form of words to be used at the unveiling of the Dover Town Memorial..

They were the of the late George Wilson Stanley and Rebecca E. Stanley, of The Beeches, Ashburton Road, Croydon, Surrey

#Stevens, C. W.
Charles William Stevens was killed in Ashford on 24 March 1943 at Stanhays, Godinton Road. He was the husband of Caroline Stevens, of 2 Forge Lane, who received his effects. His address at death was 25 Forge Lane, Ashford.

Stubbington, C.
Charles Stubbington died on 8 November 1940, aged 40, at the Royal George Hotel, Beach Street, Folkestone. He was the "dearly beloved husband" of Ivy Selina Stubbington, of 53 Devonshire Road, Dover and the son of Mrs Stubbington, of 1 Castle Cottages, Charlton Green, Dover, and of the late Charles Stubbington

He is buried at St Mary's, Dover, and his wife laid a wreath, "Sweet memories, from his Wife"

November 1941

I often pause and think of you, dear, And think of how you died, To think I could not say good-bye Before you closed your eyes From loving wife Ivy, and little son Charlie I miss his smile, his kindly ways, With him I spent my happiest days, I miss him when I need a friend, On him I always could depend, And our secrets I shall keep to the end from his pal, Tom Thoughts return to scenes long passed: time rolls on but memory lasts from Maud and Philip Death, where is they sting? Grave, where is thy victory? At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember From his loving Mother and sister Margaret

Talbot, M. J.
Minnie Jane Talbot died on 1 July 1941, aged 57, at Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford. She was injured on 12 June 1941 at her home at 12 Randolph Road, Dover. She was the widow of Charles Joseph Talbot

#Tanton, E. C
An old County (Grammar) School boy, The Reverend Ernest Coveney Tanton died through enemy action at the age of 54 at his home at 12 Lemna Road, Leyton, Leyton on 10 February 1945. He was the son of James Tanton and his wife Rosa Greenland Coveney, who had married in 1885 in Dover.

In 1891 the family were staying at the home of Rosa's parents at 7 Connaught Park Gardens, Dover, with Ernest a baby of just three months. He had an older sister, Lillian. His father was working as a gold jeweller. Ten years later, they were living at 148 Snargate Street, and had been joined by daughter Hilda, then 4.

He had served through the Great War in the Royal Army Chaplains in Mesopotamia, his home address then being 148 Snargate Street. On 27 June 1917, at Bondgate Wesleyan Church in Darlington, he married Mary Kinnings, the only daughter of the Rev A T and Mrs Kinnings, of Darlington. The bride's father performed the ceremony, assisted by the Rev White. Rev Tanton was then living in Worksop, Notthinghamshire. Sadly the marriage was to be short, as Ernest was widowed in 1921, his wife and baby Betty having passed away owing to childbirth. The Rev Tanton remarried in 1926, to Jeanetta Frith, and the couple probably had two children, Dorothy and Brian.

Tomlin, H. H..
Hubert Harold Tomlin was the younger son of Mrs Tomlin and the late Harold Tomlin, an old boy of Dover County (now Grammar), School, having been taught by the late Mr F Whitehouse. He was said to be well known in Dover and to have had a brilliant school career. He was a member of St James choir, as had been his father for many years

He was 36 when he was killed by enemy action at "Posada" on 3 January 1941.  A fireman of the AFS, he was in the Bristol bank, having taken a crew of eight with him to the High Street. A bomb brought down a warehouse and shops, and buried him and his crew. His body was not recovered until a week later

His mother had gone to Bristol after the sad news. The family had been doubly-struck as Mrs Leslie Tomlin, wife of Hubert's elder brother, had died the previous October after a short illness. Hubert himself had left a widow, Kathleen Blanche, nee Turner, of 45 West Town Lane, Brislington, Bristol

#Whitnall, A. A. L.
Albert Arnold Leslie Whitnall was the son of Mr and Mrs A Whitnall. He was living at 91 Walmer Road, Portsmouth, and died there from enemy action on 4 May 1941

#Williams, P.
Pleasant Williams died on 3 June 1942, aged 48, at 12 Oaten Place, Canterbury. Born in Dover, she was the widow of Lieutenant George E J Williams, AEF, whom she had married in 1917, and the daughter of John Henry Macdonald, a former stationary engineman of 17 Templar Street, Dover (where she also lived), and of the late Pleasant Macdonald. John Henry Macdonald and Pleasant Elizabeth Holdstock had married in Dove in 1877. 

The probate of Mrs Williams' will was given to George Macdonald, a cablehand, probably her brother. Her ashes were interred on 8th June at St James, Dover. 10 QY

Her sister, May Craven, and niece Meredith, also died, as did her relative, Maria Burkett 

Wilson, E. R.      
Ernest Robert Wilson was born in Hougham, Dover, on 14 May 1891, and served in France during the Great War 

On 22nd November 1944, he died of injuries at the Woolwich and District War Memorial Hospital, after a V2 rocket had demolished his home at 34 Orchard Rise East, Sidcup, Kent. His wife, Emily, and daughter, Hilda, were also in the house at the time; they survived with minor injuries  

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had seven  children,  two of   whom, John and Claud, also lost their lives in the Second World War. Dorothy, one of their daughters, served in the WRNS in Dover. She sadly died in 1975. Their youngest son, Sidney, and their other three daughters, Margaret, Edith, and Hilda, were evacuated to Wales.  Hilda joined the WAAF as soon as she was able

Before the war the family had lived at 6 Dour Street, a property unfortunately bombed in 1941, leading to the death of the then resident, Mr. Patrick Carberry.  In 1943 Mr and Mrs Wilson were living at 34 Orchard Rise, Sidcup.  Mrs. Wilson returned to Dover after the sad loss of her husband

pictures: Ernest Wilson, 1917/18
with thanks to Hilda Beddows

#Wisdom, H. W.
Harry William Wisdom died on 18 September 1940 through enemy action, at Cross Keys, Rochester. He was 24 and lived at 24 Grange Way, Rochester. A fitter, he worked in Rochester in the accountants' department of the firm Shorts Seaplane Works, and before then had worked for Worsfolds, Dover. He was an old Barton Road school boy 

His parents were Bert and Emily Bertha Maud Wisdom, and they lived at 15 Astley Avenue, Dover.  Harry was buried on 4 October in his home area of Buckland, Dover C 13, and amongst the wreaths were;

"In affectionate remembrance of our loved one, from Dad, Mum, and Annie"
"In loving memory of our dear brother, with much love, from Bert and Lily"
"To my darling Harry, from your ever loving sweetheart, Carol" 

The inscription on the gravestone reads:

Affectionate Memory of our dear son Harry W Wisdom. Killed by Enemy Action, 18th September 1940, aged 24 years

photo and transcription by Joyce Banks