Back, C. H.
Charles Henry Back, G/2082,  was a Private in the 7th battalion of The Buffs. He was born in Dover and enlisted there. He died on 23rd March 1918, aged 36, at St Quentin, France, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France, Panel 16.

He was the fourth son of the late John Back and Mrs Back. Alison Back, of 3 Priory Hill Cottages, Dover, requested that he should be named on the Town Memorial

Back, J. R.
John Richard Back was born in Charlton Dover, on 28th October 1881. In 1891 he was living at 23 Tower Street, Dover, with his father, John, a general labourer born in Aldington, Kent, and his mother, Eliza. She, like all of their children, was born in Dover. In the family that year were Frederick, 18, Charlotte, 15, Ernest, 11, John, 9,  Charles, 7, William, 4, and Naomi, 18 months. By 1901 John was working as an ordinary seaman, and was on boat the Ocean at Hong Kong.

In 1908 John married Emily Jane E Wright, and three years later they were living at 65 Bulwark Street, Dover. He was then employed on the Belgian Shore Force. AnAble Seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve, he was one of the many Dovorians lost when the "Live Bait" squadron - the Aboukir, Cressy, and Hogue - were sunk in the north sea on the morning of 22nd September 1914. Like many of his comrades he is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Bailey, B. J.
Benjamin John Bailey was born in Dover and enlisted there into the 6th battalion of The Buffs. Perhaps he was this man (left) who was attached to the French forces. He was reported missing since 7th October 1916. His parents lived at 14 Union Road, Dover

The CWGC gives information that Benjamin Bailey, G/9690, of the 6th battalion, Buffs, died 7th October 1916, was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France

Bailey, E. T.
Edwin Thomas Bailey, 10962, was born in Dover. He was the "dearly loved" son of Mr and Mrs Bailey from 25 Tower Hamlets Street. He enlisted in Folkestone. He was a Private in the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) with the 49th Field Company, and formerly G/21328 in the Royal Fusiliers

Private Bailey was killed by a splinter from a heavy shell on 8th September 1916, at the age of 25 years 11 months, and is buried at the Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametzt, France. III H 14 

His commanding officer wrote, "Death was instantaneous and absolutely painless. Please allow me to offer my sincerest sympathy in your loss. He was a very fine fellow, most popular with his companions and a man of whom, under various degrees of discomfort and danger for nearly nine months, I had formed a great opinion, both as a companion and soldier, and he was always very cheerful under the worst conditions, and therefore a great help in keeping up the spirits of his fellow companions. He was one of the best workers I have had, and was very good and courageous when under fire. I, and also all the men of my section will miss him very much indeed, and we wish to let you know how we share your loss

"I will not say more as words are inadequate on such occasions, but I would like to say once more how much I admired your son, if only all men were like him, the world would be a much pleasanter place to live in"

The gravestone is at Charlton cemetery, and reads:

In Loving Memory of Our Dear Mother Elizabeth Bailey Died 8th October 1928 Aged 72

Also of William Husband of the Above Died 13th November 1929 Aged 77 RIP

Also of Edwin Thomas Son of the Above Who was killed in action in France 8th September 1916 Aged 22 "Thy Will Be Done"

photo and transcriptions with thanks to Joyce Banks

Bailey, F. C.
Frederick Charles Bailey, 55794, was a Private in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 16th battalion. He enlisted in Dover and was formerly 18868 in the Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was killed in action on Boxing Day, 1917, when he was 20 and is buried at Croix-du-Bac Cemetery, Steenwerck, France. I C 5

Born in Rotherhithe, Kent, he was the son of Mr and Mrs F. E. Bailey of 81 Hillside Road, Buckland, Dover. The headstone at Buckland, St Andrews, reads:

Baker, G. F.
George Frank Baker, T/270166, was a Private (and Despatch Rider) in the 10th battalion of The Buffs, formerly 1870 of the 1st East Kent Yeomanry. He was killed by a shell near Gaza, Palestine, on 6th Nov 1917, aged 28  He was buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel.   

He was the son of the late Mr and Mrs Frank Baker, from Mereworth, Kent, where he was born. He enlisted at Broadoak, Sturry, Kent, and lived at Littleworth, Sussex

Baker, G. H.
George Henry Baker was in the 2nd battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. He was killed in action just after the war began, on 14th September 1914. He is commemorated on the La-Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, France

He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs W H Baker, from 34 George Street, Dover

Baker, J.
John Baker. This is a second entry for John Baker Saunders

The memorial card, requesting his name to be included is made out in the name of "John Baker", 3/4657, a Private in the York and Lancashire Regiment, who died on 8th May 1915 at La Bassay, France.

He was born and lived in Dover and his mother was Mrs F Saunders, of 217 High Street, Cheriton, Folkestone

Balding, F.
Frank Balding, 10207, was a Corporal in the Army Pay Corps. Enlisting in Oldham, he served in the 24th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, formerly 14220. He died on 13 July 1918, aged 25. He was born in Ranley, Louth and is buried in the Louth Cemetery, 27.71

He left a widow, Evelyn Beatrice Balding who lived at 8 The Avenue, Kearsney, Dover

Baldry, A. H.
Albert Henry Baldry, 593473, was a Rifleman in the London Regiment 18th (County of London) Battalion(London Irish Rifles), and formerly 4290, 4th Battalion, The Buffs. He enlisted in Canterbury, though he was born and a resident of Dover, to parents, the late Henry and Amelia Baldry. He was killed in action on 23rd March 1918 (CWGC gives 23rd August) aged 29

He is buried in the London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, France. 10 H 39

Ballard, T.
Thomas John Ballard, 6434, He was a Corporal, in the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays), serving under the Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (including Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps). He was wounded on 21st September 1914, and again on 15th September 1916. He died the following day, when he was 28 and is buried in the Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France. 1C 30

Born in Buckland, Dover, and a resident who also enlisted in Dover, he was the second son of Mr R J Ballard, of 6 Randolph Road, Dover, and three more of his brothers were also serving 

For his ancestry, see Faded Genes, by Dave Dixon

He lived at Twickenham, where he was a master at the school, and enlisted at Hounslow on the outbreak of the war. Promoted for services in the field, he was an acting QMS, aged 36, when he was killed in action on 15th September 1916. He had then been serving with the 1/8th Middlesex (Duke of Cambridge's Own)

He is buried at Combles Communal Cemetery Extension, France. II F 48, and is also named on the Salem Baptist Church Memorial, Dover

Barber, G.
George Jonathan Barber, 32552, served in the 8th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, formerly with 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's) 32902. He enlisted in Waterford, Ireland and was 29 when he died on 12th October 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium

He was the son of Ellis and Caroline Barber, born in Dover  

Barclay, E. W. H.
Edward Wilfred Howard Barclay was a Second Lieutenant, serving with the 2nd Battalion, The Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. He died on 27th January 1918 and is buried in the Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, France. IV A 7 

Barden, W.
William John Barden, G/20129, was a Private in the 6th Battalion of The Buffs. Born in St Mary's, Dover, and enlisting there he is associated with 18 York Street. He died on 3rd May 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France

On 3 January 1945 Mrs Emily Ann Barden, a widow of 18 York Street, died at the age of 87. She was buried at St Mary's, Dover in the grave of another of her sons, John William Barden, who had died in 1915

Barker, W. J.
William John Barker a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force died from accidental injuries on 27 April 1918 when he was 23

His parents were Mr and Mrs Jesse Burwood Barker of 1, Malthouse Cottage, St. Radigunds Road, Dover. He is buried at Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. C 1

There is a headstone commemorating him at St Andrews, Buckland. It reads:

"In Loving Memory of Hilda Elizabeth Barker, Who fell asleep 27th? August 1918. Aged 19 years. Also Lieut. William John Barker. Royal Air Force. Killed while flying in Egypt, 27th April, aged 23 years. Interred at Ismailia. "When the day break and the shadows flee away". Also of Harriet Elizabeth Barker, The devoted mother of the above Passed into the higher life ? November 1929 aged 54 years. Sister, child, and mother meet once more. The golden door stood open, a gentle voice said "come", and with farewell unspoken, she calmly entered home."

above: Ismailia Cemetery. 2nd Lt Barker's grave is in the first row, first on the right 
right: Brian Rowland laying a poppy-cross on 2nd Lt Barker's grave

Ismailia pictures with thanks to Michelle and Andy Cooper

Barnard, S. H.
Sidney Herbert Barnard, 4074. A Private from no:1 company of the 1st Battalion of the Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry) who died age 32 on 13 November 1916. He lived in Dover and enlisted at Armoury House

He was the son of Mrs M. R. Barnard, of 157, Folkestone Rd, Dover. He died at Beaumont-sur-Ancre, France and is one of the thousands with no known grave commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, France. He is also commemorated on the Congregational Church, now URC, Roll of Honour, Dover

The gravestone above is at St James, Dover HJ 19, and reads: 

In Loving Memory of Thomas Edward Barnard formerly of Cowes I. W. who was called to his rest 11th June 1911 aged 63 years Peace, Perfect Peace

Also Norman Youngest and beloved son of the above who passed away 5th May 1915 aged 21 years At Rest

Also of Sidney Herbert Barnard HAC Sixth son of TE and MR Barnard who fell in action in France 14th November 1916 aged 32 years

And of Martha Rosina the beloved and devoted wife of Thomas Edward Barnard who passed to her rest 17th April 1934 aged 79(?) years The Dawn Breaks and the Shadows Fall

photo and transcription with thanks to Joyce Banks

Barron, S. W. J.
Sidney William James Barron was an Old Pharosian, who attended the Dover Grammar School for Boys. His name is commemorated on the beautiful stained glass window in the entrance hall there, along with many others from the school who also fell 

Serving as a Lieutenant in the Baluchistan Light Infantry of the Indian Army, he died, aged 32, on 25th July 1918. He now lies in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, B74.

He was born in Dover and was the only son of William and Frances Barron, of 64 Dour Street, Dover 

*Barstow, M. W.
Probably Michael William Barstow, the son of the Rev T. W. and Mrs Barstow, who was born at Canterbury on 12th March 1897. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery, 203SB, and died age 20 on 3rd June 1917.  He is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Belgium.

His parents moved to Norton Lees Vicarage, Sheffield

Bartlett, C. F.
Charles Frederick Bartlett, 1858D, died on 22 September 1914, aged 40. A RN Seaman, he was serving aboard HMS Aboukir when she was sunk by enemy submarine, along with HMS Cressy and HMS Hogue. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 3.

Born on 31 October 1873 at Deal, he was the son of James Bartlett and Mary Jane, née Dumper. They had both come from Sussex, and married in the Tunstead area of Norfolk in 1864. The family have moved several times before settling in Dover. In 1881 the family were living at 31 Clarendon Place, Dover. Mr Bartlett was working as a Stoker on the LCD Railway Marine section. They had eight children: Edith, then aged 15, William,  aged 14, a stewards' boy, both born in Bacton, Norfolk, Edward, aged 10, born in Margate, Lily, aged 9, born in Sheppey, Charles, and finally Mary, 4, Arthur, 3, and Annie, 1, all born in Dover.  

Ten years later the family were at 5 Bowling Green Terrace, Dover. Edith had married and had a son, William Webb, born in Berkshire. His uncle William was absent, while Mr Bartlett had become a Ships' Fireman. Three of the children had positions; Lily was a dressmaker, Charles was working as a Call Boy on a Steam Ship, and Mary, at the age of 14, was a Monitress at National School. 

Charles married Fanny Ann Flory at West Ham in 1902; she was living at 70 Ladysmith Avenue, Barking Road, East Ham, London, after his death. Charles' parents were spared the sad news about their son; Mr Bartlett died in Dover in 1908, aged 76, and Mrs Bartlett a year later, aged 68.

Barton, H. F.
Henry (Harry) Frederick Barton G/9029, enlisted in Dover and became a Private in the 8th Battalion of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), and later transferred to the Queens Royal West Surrey 

Born and resident of Dover, he was a tram driver before enlistment at Canterbury age 19, and was the youngest son of Mr. Edward Stephen and Mrs Emma Barton, of 31, Peter St, Dover. In 1901 the family were living at 17 Hartley Street, where Harry's sisters and brothers were named as Nellie, Albert, Charlie, and Ethel, all born in Dover.  In 1881 they were living at 1 Union Row, with their young family of three sons, George, 3,  Edward, 1, and William, who was just 7 weeks old. George, sadly, died in the Boer War.

Harry was killed in action in France on 6 September 1916 while still in his teens. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. (Exhibition 06) (Memorial)

 with thanks to Mrs R. Wells

Notes: on his decease these details were given

Bartram, H. B.
Harry Brocklesby Bartram was a Captain in the Royal Horse Artillery, E Battery. He fought in the battles of Mons and Cambrai, and was 36 when he died from gastritis, caused by privations in the field, on 16th September 1914. His father stated that Captain Bartram's Battery was 36 hours without food, and when it did arrive there was no time for a proper meal as there was continuous fighting, day and night. Captain Bartram collapsed with gastritis on 30th August, and it took nine days travel in motor vehicles before he was able to reach the coast from the front   

He was born on 17th September 1877 in Tunbridge Wells, and was the only son of the Rev Canon and the late Mrs Henry Bartram (formerly Amy Robinson), who had married in 1876 in Reverend Bartram's birthplace, Hastings.  Reverend Bartram, vicar of St Mary's, until 1912, and before in 1891 vicar at Ramsgate, is credited with, in 1907, suggesting the idea of the Dover Pageant*

Captain Bartram is buried at St Mary's, Dover in the same grave as his mother, and as his father, who died in 1934. The words at the bottom of his headstone read, "From Mons to Fontenay. Faithful until death. The crown of life"

In 1907 he married Alice Eugenia Smith, from Blidworth Dale, Linby, Nottingham. His only son, Harry Bob Brocklesby Bartram, of the Royal Artillery died in the Second World War, aged 37. An in memoriam notice in 1943 states that he "died on Christmas Day in the defence of Hong Kong"

headstone and transcription with thanks to Joyce Banks. picture right: Harry Bartram's funeral
* from the Dover Pageant website (www.doverpageant.com), by Mike McFarnell

Barwick, J. B.
John Bird Barwick, 2388, was a Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers, 1st.3rd Kent Field Company. He died on 28 October 1915 and is commemorated on the Helles memorial, Turkey.

He was born in Folkestone, as was his brother Edwin, but his brother Frederick and his mother were born in Dover, and in 1901 the family were living at 94 Clarendon Road. He was the son of Thomas, born at Great Mongeham, and Selina Barwick, and the husband of Florence Jane née Hoare, whom he had married in Dover in 1909. They probably had children, Frederick, born in 1914 and John, born in 1912

Bates, G.
George Bates G/16787. Private in "A" company, 1st Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) He was killed in action on 3 October 1917 age 32 and  was the son of James and Elizabeth Bates, 20 Winchelsea Terrace, and the husband of Amelia Bates of 69 Longfield Road, Dover. He was born at Elmstead, Kent, the eldest son of James and Elizabeth Bates, who went on to have ten or eleven more children. His father James was a bricklayer in Dover. Before then he had been the landlord of "Timber Batts" at Elmstead, later called "The Carpenter's Arms" and now known as "Froggies" George's wife, Amelia, whom he married on 6 June 1910 in the Wesleyan Chapel, Snargate Street, was the daughter of Elizabeth (nee Clarke) and John Page, the owner of a shop selling oysters, situated at 69½  Snargate Street, Dover

George was a cook/confectioner working at Holmes Morris on the corner of Worthington and Biggin Street, Dover, and lived at 69 Longfield Road. He was in the Royal Field Artillery, 2352(T). On enlistment in Dover he was measured at 5' 5" and weighing 112lbs. He was posted to his Battalion on 6th January 1917 and went out to the Western Front that spring

The area where he fought in October 1917 was described as "a sea of more or less liquid mud" by Major Moloney in his book "Invicta" The battalion could progress at only a mile an hour, and it took them over six hours to relieve the front line positions in the trenches during the night of the 2nd to 3rd October, ready for an attack However, on 3rd October the front line trenches were themselves twice attacked and there was "very intense shelling", resulting in around 120 dead, of whom about 80 have no known grave. In his book "The Machine Gunner" Arthur Russell states that "Shrapnel and pieces of shell were at all times whistling and screeching through the air striking down many of the waiting soldiers. A group of infantrymen carrying supplies into the line were caught by two shells not ten yards from our pill-box". The battalion eventually went over the top on 4th October, attacking at 6am  

Owing to the conditions of the terrain, George's remains were not recovered until the early 1920s. He was identified by a ring, which was sent to his wife, who was receiving a widow's pension of 18/9 per week, on 5th December 1925 for confirmation. George is now buried at the Bedford House Cemetery, just south of Ypres, Belgium.

At the foot of his gravestone are the words "until the dawn breaks" "from his devoted wife and son Leslie"

Leslie Sandford Bates was just three years old when his father was killed   

right: Bedford House cemetery George Bates' grave has the cross of remembrance in front of it

Notes:
George Bates is credited with bringing the first Yule Log (that is, the Christmas cake) to Dover
Amelia Bates, nee Page, was the aunt of  Charles Percy Page
Old St Martin's school boy, Flt Sgt Leslie Bates, George's son, was presented with the BEM in 1942

with thanks to Peter Bates 
grave pictures by Brian Dixon

(Exhibition 06) (We Remember 06) (Harry Bates) (Two Special Visits) (Memorial)                                      

*Bayard, A. R. R.
Aubrey Reginald Richard Bayard. This may be a Lieutenant who died on 17th May 1916, while serving in The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).  He is buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. HR 12 

Bayley, J. T.
James Thomas Bayley. He was a carpenter before enlisting at Moose Jaw, Canada. Then he was described as five feet five inches, with blue eyes and light hair, and having scars on both shins. He became 1009803, a Private in the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles (Saskatchewan Regiment). He died on 12th September 1918, and is buried in the Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, France. He is also commemorated on the Congregational Church, now the URC, Roll of Honour, Dover

He was born in Dover, on 24th July 1884, and his next of kin was his aunt, Mrs Richard Gut??ly, from 14 Liverpool Street, Dover

Bean, A. J.
Alexander John Bean, G/9311. He was born in Dover and enlisted there. Aged 20, he lost his life near Passchendaele, Belgium, on 12 October 1917, whilst serving with The Buffs. He had already been wounded in 1916, and convalesced in a hospital in Swansea, South Wales

He is buried in the Cement House Cemetery, Belgium, VII D 21, and is also named on the Roll of Honour at the Wesleyan chapel, Dover

His parents were Albert Edward Leonard Bean and Henrietta Christina Bean of 290 London Road, Dover.  The picture left was accompanied by a caption stating he was the nephew of Mr H. Bean, 16 Paul's Place, Dover

Bean, W. E. C.
William Edward Charles Bean, 75976, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London) He was formerly TR/9/1874 of the 26th TR Battalion and was 19 when he died on 24th April 1918

Born and enlisting in Dover, he was the son of Mr and Mrs William Bean, of 126 London Road, Dover. He is buried at Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, France. VII B4

A headstone in St Andrews, Buckland, reads, "In Ever Fond Memory of my dear husband William Bean, Called home 20th March 1937 Aged 62 years. Also William, son of the above, Who fell in action 24th April 1918 At Villiers Brettoneaux, Aged 19 years. And of Connie Daughter of the above, Called home 26th June 1907 Aged 7 years".

He left a widow, Mrs Nelly Beattie, nee Croucher, who worked at the Buckland Paper Mill, cleaning the rags, and five children: Alma, Frank, Henry, Violet, and Edie. Henry was educated at the Duke of York's school, as the son of a solider who died in service

with thanks to Mrs D Parkinson

Becks, T.
Tom Becks was in The Buffs. In December 1914 he came home from India, then went to France on 17th January 1915. He was wounded in the throat with a grenade on 12th April 1915. He returned to France the first week in July 1915, and after having been buried by a shell for some hours returned to England . He was admitted to the London General hospital on Denmark Hill on 12th March 1916, suffering from shell shock, an injured back, and a frost-bitten foot. He was then progressing favourably. He was the youngest child and only son of Mr and Mrs T Becks of 3 Tower Street, Dover.  Date of death still to be confirmed

Becks, W. J.
William James Becks, L/8788, a Private, served in the 2nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). He had enlisted in Canterbury, and had begun his service career  when he was passed fit at Dover Castle on 22 May 1907. He was then aged 19 and working as a labourer; his family lived at 8 Tower Street, Dover. He joined the Buffs as 8515 in the 3rd battalion on 25 January 1908 at, presumably, their annual training   having undergone six months drill.

He died of pneumonia on 16th March 1916, when he was 29, and is buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord), France. J 33

His parents were Thomas and Emily Jane Becks, of 3 Stone Cottages, Temple Ewell, Dover, formerly of 3 Tower Street, Dover. He was born at Charlton, Dover

1925 - In loving memory of William James Becks ... His memory is as dear today as on the hour he passed away. From his loving Mum, Dad, sisters, and brother

Bedwell, H.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission give Henry Bedwell, G/40872, as a Private  in the 16th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment

He was 37 when he died on 31 May 1917, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France 

He was born and resident in Dover, and enlisted there. He had two children, Matilda and Edith Ellen, and two stepchildren, Henry and Harry Marsh. He was the "dearly loved husband" of Elizabeth Bedwell (formerly the wife of William Marsh (married 1895), née Palmer), of 38, Adrian St, Dover. Mr and Mrs Bedwell married in 1910. Mrs Bedwell stated that her husband was in the Royal West Kents at Hounslow when he was killed (May 1940)  He was brother to Thomas Bedwell, below

"Loved and remembered always by his loving Wife and family" (May 1941)

with thanks to Lynn Bergin

Bedwell, T.
Thomas William Bedwell, 11880. He was born in Newport, Monmouthshire and enlisted there as a Private from D Company of the 8th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment. He was wounded in action on 19th April 1916, and died from enteric fever on 15th August 1916 in the Cumballa War Hospital, Bombay, when he was 26

He is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India

He was married to Elizabeth Bedwell, nee Tapenden. He was brother to Henry Bedwell, above; their mother being Elizabeth Bedwell, of 32 Chapel Place, Dover, previously 9 Chapel Place. Henry and Thomas were also uncles to Albert Silk, being brothers to his mother Alice Kate Silk, nee Bedwell

1917 In ever loving memory or our dear beloved son