World War I centenary: Paving stones to honour heroes

Discussion in 'Prewar' started by dbf, Aug 4, 2013.

  1. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    John Dimmer
    Jubilee Gardens,South Bank London

    DIMMER, JOHN HENRY STEPHEN
    Rank:
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Date of Death:
    21/03/1918
    Age:
    35
    Regiment/Service:
    King's Royal Rifle Corps
    attd. 2nd/4th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment
    Awards:
    V C, M C
    Grave Reference:
    II. B. 46.
    Cemetery:
    VADENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, MAISSEMY
    Additional Information:
    Husband of Dora Garvagh (formerly Dimmer), of Ashby Hall, Lincoln.

    Citation
    An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 19th Nov., 1914. records the following:-"This Officer served his machine gun during the attack on the 12th November at Klein Zillebeke until he had been shot five times - three times by shrapnel and twice by bullets, and continued at his post until his gun was destroyed.


    John Dimmer - Wikipedia
     

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  3. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    John Vallentin
    St Marys Gardens
    Lambeth

    VALLENTIN, JOHN FRANKS
    Rank:
    Captain
    Date of Death:
    07/11/1914
    Age:
    32
    Regiment/Service:
    South Staffordshire Regiment
    1st Bn.
    Awards:
    V C, Mentioned in Despatches
    Panel Reference:
    Panel 35 and 37.
    Memorial:
    YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
    Additional Information:
    Son of Lucy Vallentin, of 116, Albert Place Mansions, Battersea Park, London, and the late Grimble Vallentin.


    John Vallentin - Wikipedia
     

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  4. ritsonvaljos

    ritsonvaljos Senior Member

    Private James Alexander Glenn Smith V.C. (born James Alexander Glenn)
    Date of V.C. action: 21 December 1914

    ................................................................
    The WW1 centenary paving stone for James Smith V.C. was temporarily 'unveiled' at Workington railway station on 21 December 2014 before being temporarily housed in Workington library awaiting renovations to the railway station. The renovation work having been completed, the paving stone and information board were moved to their permanent positition in April 2017, seen in the attached photographs. The reason Workington railway station was chosen for the site of the centenary paving stone is because this is where he arrived back at Workington and given a hero's welcome in 1915, after the announcement of the Victoria Cross award.

    One of the photographs on the information board (seen on the bottom right) was supplied by 'Yours Truly'. It shows James Smith with a small group of Border Regiment soldiers, one of whom is Abraham Acton V.C. from Whitehaven who was awarded the V.C. for the same action as James Smith.

    James Smith V.C. was born at Workington, then in Cumberland, as James Alexander Glenn on 5 January 1881 and baptised at the nearby St John's parish church. At the age of 13, he enlisted to the Border Regiment under the surname of Smith (his mother's maiden name).

    As a reservist in 1914 James Smith was called up shortly after Britain declared war on Germany. He was initially posted to the 3rd Battalion The Border Regiment (the reserve battalion for the 1st and 2nd battalions) and was sent over to France in November 1914, being attached to the 2nd Battalion The Border Regiment. The action for which James Smith and Abraham Acton were jointly awarded the Victoria Cross took place on 21 December 1914.when they rescued two comrades from "No Man's Land" while under enemy fire at Rouges Bancs.

    James Smith V.C. survived WW1 and made his home at Middlesborough. In WW2 he served in the Home Guard. He passed away at Middlesborough in 1968, aged 88. His medal group are displayed at Cumbria's Military Museum, Carlisle.
     

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  5. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    I eventually stopped by this one, also went along to see his grave.

    Alistair

     

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  6. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Frederick Palmer
    Hammersmith London

    For the award of the Victoria Cross.

    [ London Gazette, 3 April 1917 ], Near Courcelette, France, 17 February 1917, Lance Sergeant Frederick William Palmer, 22nd Bn, Royal Fusiliers.



    For most conspicuous bravery, control and determination.
    During the progress of certain operations, all the Officers of his Company having been shot down, Sjt. Palmer assumed command, and, having cut his way under point blank machine gun fire, through the wire entanglements, he rushed the enemy�s trench with six of his men, dislodged the hostile machine gun which had been hampering our advance, and established a block. He then collected men detached from other regiments, and held the barricade for nearly three hours against seven determined counter-attacks, under an incessant barrage of bombs and rifle grenades from his flank and front.

    During his temporary absence in search of more bombs an eighth counter-attack was delivered by the enemy, who succeeded in driving in his party, and threatened the defences of the whole flank. At this critical moment, although he had been blown off his feet by a bomb, and was greatly exhausted, he rallied his men, drove back the enemy and maintained his position.

    The very conspicuous bravery displayed by this Non-commissioned Officer cannot be overstated, and his splendid determination and devotion to duty undoubtedly averted what might have proved a serious disaster in this sector of the line.

    Frederick Palmer was invested with his Victoria Cross, and presented with his Military Medal, by King George V in Hyde Park, London, on the 2nd June 1917.



    After demobilization Palmer lived in Singapore and became a director of several companies. In 1942 the family home was destroyed when Singapore fell to the Japanese; his Chinese wife, a magistrate's daughter who had worked as a nurse in Singapore, and the Palmer's two young children were driven north and placed in a refugee camp for four years. During this time Palmer had no news of them, but when the war was over the family was reunited and they moved to Hordle in Hampshire.

    Frederick Palmer died in Lymington Hospital on 10th September 1955, aged 63, was cremated at Bournemouth Crematorium, and his ashes buried in All Saints' Churchyard, Hordle.
    FREDERICK PALMER VC
     

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  7. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    George Dorrell
    Kensington London



    On 1 September 1914, at Néry, France, during a fierce attack by the enemy, all the officers of 'L' Battery were either killed or wounded, including the officer (Edward Kinder Bradbury) in command, who, although having had one leg taken off by a shell, continued to direct the firing until he died. Battery Sergeant-Major Dorrell then took over command with the support of a sergeant (David Nelson) and continued to fire one of the guns until all the ammunition was expended.[1]

    As brevet lieutenant colonel, Dorrell served as a company commander in the Home Guard during World War II.

    His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum in London.
    George Thomas Dorrell - Wikipedia

    George Thomas Dorrell V.C. M.B.E. | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
     

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  8. ritsonvaljos

    ritsonvaljos Senior Member

    Lance-Sergeant Tom Fletcher Mayson, V.C.
    V.C. Centenary paving stone
    Dedicated 31 July 2017, Whicham and Silecroft War Memorial

    .......................................
    "On 31 July 1917 at Wieltje, Belgium, when his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire, Lance-Sergeant Mayson, without waiting for orders, at once made for the gun which he put out of action with bombs, wounding four of the team; the remaining three of the team fled, pursued by Lance-Sergeant Mayson to a dug-out where he killed them. Later, when clearing up a strongpoint, this NCO again tackled a machine-gun single-handed, killing six of the team. Finally during an enemy counterattack he took charge of an isolated post and successfully held it until ordered to withdraw and his ammunition was exhausted."

    The London Gazette (Supplement), No. 30284, 14 September 1917, P. 9533
    001. Silecroft W.M. and Tom Mayson V.C. stone.JPG 002. Silecroft W.M. and Tom Mayson V.C. stone.JPG 003. Silecroft W.M. and Tom Mayson V.C. stone.JPG
     
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  9. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Frederick Parslow
    Islington,London
    Master (Lieutenant R.N.R.)PARSLOW, FREDERICK DANIEL
    Died 04/07/1915

    Aged 59

    H.M.T. "Anglo Californian" (London)
    Mercantile Marine

    V C


    INSCRIPTION
    AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM





    The London Gazette dated 24th May 1919 records the following

    "For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of the Horse Transport "

    Anglo Californian" on the 4th July 1915. At 8am on 4th July 1915 a large submarine was sighted on the port beam at the distance of one mile. The ship, which was entirely unarmed, was immediately manoevred to bring the submarine astern; every effort was made to increase speed, and a S.O.S. call was sent out by wireless, an answer being received by a man-of war. At 9a.m. the submarine opened fire making occasional hits until 10.30a.m. meanwhile Lieutenant Parslow constantly altered course and kept the submarine astern. At 10.30a.m. the enemy hoisted the signal to abandon the vessel as fast as possible and in order to save life Lt. Parslow decided to obey and stopped engines to give as many of the crew as wished the opportunity to get away in the boats. On receiving a wireless message from a destroyer however urging him to hold on for as long as possible he decided to get way on the ship again. The submarine then opened a heavy fire on the bridge and boats with guns and rifles wrecking the upper bridge, killing Lt. Parslow and carrying away one of the port davits causing the boat to drop into the sea and throwing its occupants into the water. At about 11a.m. two destroyers arrived on the scene and the submarine dived. Throughout the attack Lt. Parslow remained on the bridge on which the enemy fire was concentrated entirely without protection and by his magnificent heroism succeeded, at the cost of his own life, in saving a valuable ship and cargo for his own country. He set a splendid example to the officers and men of the Mercantile Marine."



    Frederick Daniel Parslow - Wikipedia

    upload_2017-10-18_17-20-27.png
     

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  10. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Frederick Booth
    Islington,London
    Booth was born in Holloway, North London, and educated at Cheltenham College. He served in the British South Africa Police in Southern Rhodesia from 1912 to 1917 and his regimental number was 1630. He was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the British South Africa Police attached to the Rhodesian Native Regiment during the First World War, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

    On 12 February 1917 in Johannes Bruck, German East Africa (now Tanzania), during an attack in thick scrub on an enemy position, Sergeant Booth went forward alone to rescue an injured man. He then rallied the poorly organised native troops and brought them to the firing line. On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck, and endurance.[1]

    In 1918 he was commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment and in 1939 served with the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps.[2][3]

    upload_2017-10-18_17-24-50.png

    Frederick Booth - Wikipedia
     

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  11. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    Cpl William Clamp VC, placed by the Motherwell War Memorial (also a separate plaque at the Craigneuk War Memorial).

    For most conspicuous bravery when an advance was being checked by intense machine-gun fire from concrete blockhouses and by snipers in ruined buildings. Corporal Clamp dashed forward with two men and attempted to rush the largest blockhouse. His first attempt failed owing to the two men with him being knocked out, but he at once collected some bombs, and calling upon two men to follow him, again dashed forward. He was first to reach the blockhouse and hurled in bombs, killing many of the occupants. He then entered and brought out a machine-gun and about twenty prisoners, whom he brought back under heavy fire from neighbouring snipers. This non-commissioned officer then again went forward encouraging and cheering the men, and succeeded in rushing several snipers' posts. He continued to display the greatest heroism until he was killed by a sniper. His magnificent courage and self-sacrifice was of the greatest value and relieved what was undoubtedly a very critical situation.

    — The London Gazette, No. 30433, 18 December 1917

    William Clamp - Wikipedia

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  12. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    George Evams Fulham War Memorial,Fulham High Street.
    Company Sergeant-Major Evans volunteered to take back an important message after five runners had been killed in attempting to do so. He had to cover about 700 yards, the whole of which was under observation from the enemy. He succeeded in delivering the message in spite of being wounded, and then rejoined his company despite having been advised to go to the dressing station. The return journey had again meant facing 700 yards of severe rifle and machine-gun fire, but by dodging from shell-hole to shell-hole he managed it.[1][2]

    Evans was captured following his VC action, and spent the rest of the war as a POW. His Victoria Cross, gazetted in January 1920, was the last to be gazetted for the First World War.
     

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  13. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Edward Dwyer,Fulham War Memorial,Fulham High Street.

    Corporal DWYER, EDWARD
    Service Number 10523

    Died 03/09/1916

    Aged 20

    1st Bn.
    East Surrey Regiment

    V C

    Cross of St. George (Russia).


    INSCRIPTION
    WE KNOW THAT HE ABIDETH IN US
    Casualty



    He was 19 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, British Army during World War I, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 20 April 1915 at Hill 60, Belgium.

    For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at "Hill 60" on the 20th April, 1915. When his trench was heavily attacked by German grenade throwers he climbed on to the parapet, and, although subjected to a hail of bombs at close quarters, succeeded in dispersing the enemy by the effective use of his hand grenades. Private Dwyer displayed great gallantry earlier on this day in leaving his trench, under heavy shell fire, to bandage his wounded comrades.[1]

    Dwyer was also awarded the Cross of St. George by Russia.[2] He later achieved the rank of corporal. He was killed in action at Guillemont, France on 3 September 1916. His grave is located at Flatiron Copse Military Cemetery, France which is 4 miles east of Albert (Plot III, Row J, Grave 3).[2]


    Edward Dwyer - Wikipedia
     

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  14. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Frank Wearne,Fulham War Memorial,Fulham High Street.

    Second Lieutenant WEARNE, FRANK BERNARD
    Died 28/06/1917

    Aged 23

    3rd Bn. attd. 10th Bn.
    Essex Regiment

    V C

    Son of Frank and Ada Wearne, of The Manor Lodge, Worcester Park, Surrey.
    Casualty


    On 28 June 1917 east of Loos, France, Second Lieutenant Wearne, commanding a small party in a raid on the enemy's trenches, had gained his objective in the face of fierce opposition and managed to maintain his position against repeated counter-attacks. Then, realising that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, he leaped onto the parapet and followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench firing and throwing bombs. While doing this he was severely wounded, but continued directing operations until he received two more wounds, the second mortal.[2][3]
    Frank Bernard Wearne - Wikipedia
     

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  15. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Charles Spackman,Fulham War Memorial,Fulham High Street.

    He was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

    On 20 November 1917 at Marcoing, France, the leading company was checked by heavy fire from a gun mounted on a position which covered the approaches. Sergeant Spackman, realising that it would be impossible for the troops to advance, went through heavy fire to the gun, where he succeeded in killing all but one of the gun crew and then captured the gun.[1]

    He was demobilised at the end of the war and rejoined the Border Regiment, as a part of the Territorial Force. He was issued service number 3589576 in 1920.


    Charles Spackman - Wikipedia
     

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  16. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Issy Smith ,Ropewalk Gardens,Whitechapel

    Born Ishroulch Shmeilowitz (and other renderings), to parents residing in Egypt, Smith travelled to Britain as a child stowaway and first volunteered to serve in the British Army in 1904. He emigrated to Australia after discharge, where he remained until mobilised as a reservist in 1914. As a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, Smith was engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres. On 26 April 1915, Smith, on his own initiative, recovered wounded soldiers while exposed to sustained fire and attended to them "with the greatest devotion to duty regardless of personal risk".[3] His conduct secured a recommendation for the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to Smith in August 1915.[3]
    Issy Smith - Wikipedia
     

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  17. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Geoffrey Woolley,Bethnal Green Gardens,London

    The Queen Victoria's Rifles were posted to the Ypres Salient. On 17 April 1915, the British Army captured Hill 60, a low rise to the south-east of Ypres. In the midst of fierce German efforts to retake the hill, Second Lieutenant Woolley's company were sent up on the afternoon of 20 April to take ammunition supplies to the defenders. The situation quickly deteriorated, with many men and all the other officers on the hill being killed. Woolley refused verbal and written orders to withdraw, saying he and his company would remain until properly relieved. They repelled numerous attacks through the night. When they were relieved the next morning, he returned with 14 men remaining from the 150-strong company.[1] The citation for the Victoria Cross he was awarded for this action reads:

    For most conspicuous bravery on "Hill 60" during the night of 20th–21st April, 1915.

    Although the only Officer on the hill at the time, and with very few men, he successfully resisted all attacks on his trench, and continued throwing bombs and encouraging his men till relieved. His trench during all this time was being heavily shelled and bombed and was subjected to heavy machine gun fire by the enemy.[3]


    Geoffrey Woolley - Wikipedia
     

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  18. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Frederick William Holmes Abbey Street,Bermondsey.

    Holmes was 24 years old, and a Lance Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, British Armyduring the First World War when the following deed took place at the battle of Le Cateau for which he was awarded the VC.

    On 26 August 1914 at Le Cateau, France, Lance-Corporal Holmes carried a wounded man out of the trenches under heavy fire and later helped to drive a gun out of action by taking the place of a driver who was wounded.[2] He later achieved the rank of Captain.

    Frederick William Holmes - Wikipedia
     

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  19. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Charles Pope ,Victoria Cross,Sidney Square,Whitechapel,London

    Lieutenant POPE, CHARLES
    Died 15/04/1917

    Aged 34

    11th Bn.
    Australian Infantry, A.I.F.

    V C
    CITATION

    An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 8th June, 1917, records the following

    "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a very important picquet post in the sector held by his battalion, his orders being to hold this post at all costs. After the picquet post had been heavily attacked, the enemy, in greatly superior numbers, surrounded the post. Lt. Pope, finding that he was running short of ammunition, sent back for further supplies. But the situation culminated before it could arrive, and in the hope of saving the position, this very gallant officer was seen to charge with his picquet into a superior force, by which it was overpowered. By his sacrifice Lt. Pope not only inflicted heavy loss on the enemy, but obeyed his order to hold the position to the last. His body, together with those of most of his men, was found in close proximity to eighty enemy dead, a sure proof of the gallant resistance which had been made."
    Casualty



    On 15 April 1917 at Louverval, France, during the Battle of Lagnicourt, he was in command of a very important picquet post, with orders to hold it at all costs amidst a heavy German attack. The enemy, in greatly superior numbers, attacked and surrounded the post and ammunition was running short. Pope, in a desperate bid to save the position, was "seen to charge with his men into a superior enemy force, by which they were overpowered",[5] although heavy losses were inflicted. He had "obeyed the order to hold out to the last"[5] and his lifeless body, along with those of most of his men, was found amongst 80 enemy dead.[2]
    Charles Pope - Wikipedia

    upload_2017-12-4_19-26-52.png
     

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  20. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    William Burman,Victoria Cross,Arbour Square,Stepney,London


    Burman was 20 years old, and a sergeant in the 16th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

    During the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge on 20 September 1917 south-east of Ypres, Belgium, when the advance of his company was held up by a machine-gun at point-blank range, Sergeant Burman shouted to the men next to him to wait a few minutes and going forward to what seemed certain death killed the enemy gunner and carried the gun to the company's objective where he used it with great effect. Fifteen minutes later it was seen that about 40 of the enemy were enfilading the battalion on the right. Sergeant Burman and two others ran and got behind them, killing six and capturing two officers and 29 other ranks.[1]

    William Burman - Wikipedia


    upload_2017-12-4_19-35-7.png
     

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