Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage & Education Centre

[Sean Clemenson]

Hi all, 

 

Just a small update. 

 

Firstly, we've managed to find a photograph of Joseph E Russell, as well as letters from his father. We do not have any photographs of the men in our archive, so it's splendid to put a name to a face. I've added these photographs to his portal, which can be viewed here: www.lrfoundation.org.uk/public_education/Staff-bible-project/Joseph-E-Russell.aspx

 

Secondly, after numerous replies, it appears our records about Maurice G Boyer were indeed incorrect. According to a number of different forums/contacts, it appears Boyer served in the French Army, not the British as we believed originally.

 

Thirdly, despite all the feedback, it seems information for Joseph C Smith has been quite thin on the ground. Has anyone got any info on Smith?

 

Lastly, i'd just like to once again thank each and everyone one of you for contributing. You've been a great help!  

 

Kind regards,

Sean.

[kenf48]

The service records and other information for Joseph Charles Smith 4973  2nd Bn HAC  are on FMP

http://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbm%2fwo363-4%2f7329841%2f3%2f35

 

not much there but with the other records SDGW etc you could work it up

 

Ken

[Sean Clemenson]

6 minutes ago, kenf48 said:

The service records and other information for Joseph Charles Smith 4973  2nd Bn HAC  are on FMP

http://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbm%2fwo363-4%2f7329841%2f3%2f35

 

not much there but with the other records SDGW etc you could work it up

 

Ken

Brilliant Ken! Cheers.

[kenf48]

Just an observation on the RoH you show Pte Smith's dob as 1900 and his age at death in 1917 as (19).

 

The 1911 Census on Ancestry  shows he was aged 13, therefore born 1898, his age on enlistment was given as 19 on the Casualty form but he was not asked to declare it when he enlisted in the HAC (TF) on the 9th November 1915. He didn't go on active service overseas until the following October, my guess is the HAC probably recognised he was 17/18 on enlistment.  He could legitimately join the TF at seventeen for home service.  He was probably just 19 when he died.

 

Ken

Edited 21 November , 2016 by kenf48

[Sean Clemenson]

20 minutes ago, kenf48 said:

Just an observation on the RoH you show Pte Smith's dob as 1900 and his age at death in 1917 as (19).

 

The 1911 Census on Ancestry  shows he was aged 13, therefore born 1898, his age on enlistment was given as 19 on the Casualty form but he was not asked to declare it when he enlisted in the HAC (TF) on the 9th November 1915. He didn't go on active service overseas until the following October, my guess is the HAC probably recognised he was 17/18 on enlistment.  He could legitimately join the TF at seventeen for home service.  He was probably just 19 when he died.

 

Ken

Perhaps i could put both 1898 and 1900?

[michaeldr]

3 hours ago, Sean Clemenson said:

Thirdly, despite all the feedback, it seems information for Joseph C Smith has been quite thin on the ground. Has anyone got any info on Smith?

 

With any luck this link should take you to the pages of the HAC history which cover the events of 5th May 1917

see http://thedards.zenfolio.com/p1020667981

Edited 21 November , 2016 by michaeldr

[kenf48]

4 hours ago, Sean Clemenson said:

Perhaps i could put both 1898 and 1900?

 

I'm assuming that's a merry quip.

 

The only birth I can find for Joseph Charles Smith in the registration district of Camberwell is the second quarter of 1897.   As the 1911 Census was taken on the 2nd April if born any month after that then he would be shown as thirteen (rising fourteen).

It's on Ancestry here

 

You would need to order a birth certificate to confirm.  GRO are currently experimenting online I have confirmed with GRO this is him, mother's maiden name Annie Eliza Harmer marriage to George Joseph Smith 1894 (2nd Quarter) on Ancestry here

 

You need to register to search the GRO site, they are currently trialling PDF certificates at a reduced price. Once registered you can order the document.

https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

 

Ken

[ss002d6252]

14 minutes ago, kenf48 said:

 

I'm assuming that's a merry quip.

 

The only birth I can find for Joseph Charles Smith in the registration district of Camberwell is the second quarter of 1897.   As the 1911 Census was taken on the 2nd April if born any month after that then he would be shown as thirteen (rising fourteen).

It's on Ancestry here

 

You would need to order a birth certificate to confirm.  GRO are currently experimenting online I have confirmed with GRO this is him, mother's maiden name Annie Eliza Harmer marriage to George Joseph Smith 1894 (2nd Quarter) on Ancestry here

 

You need to register to search the GRO site, they are currently trialling PDF certificates at a reduced price. Once registered you can order the document.

https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

 

Ken

I concur with Ken - it's the only birth I could find as well.

Craig

[Sean Clemenson]

For those interested, we've also got more info on the men in another forum, which can be viewed here: www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=759563.new#new.

 

I'm also pleased to report, we have sourced three images of members of staff, as well as locating a relative of Joseph Smith. Smith was his great uncle!

 

It's been an incredible ride so far!

[Sean Clemenson]

Another update for everyone!

 

We've now managed to find three photographs of the men, i've attached 2 of them and linked one below.

 

Maurice Godfrey Wells photograph.

 

From another forum, it also looks as if there are 2 potential Walkers. The first being Henry Walker of the 7th Battalion, Essex Regiment. The other being  James Henry Walker of 2/20th London Regiment who died in Syria 5 days after the other Walker. As you can understand, it is a very popular name and we are currently researching to see which Walker is named in the Memorial.

 

Lastly, I'm also very proud to report that the project has been viewed over 1,500 times across 24 countries. When the idea for the project was conceived, we never thought that it would have such an instant impact with the public, so a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the team over the past two weeks.

[Sean Clemenson]

Please note, the above images are copyright by the Governors of Dulwich College (top,Russell) and Nick Mann (bottom,Smith)!

[kenf48]

On 12/2/2016 at 13:10, Sean Clemenson said:

 

From another forum, it also looks as if there are 2 potential Walkers. The first being Henry Walker of the 7th Battalion, Essex Regiment. The other being  James Henry Walker of 2/20th London Regiment who died in Syria 5 days after the other Walker. As you can understand, it is a very popular name and we are currently researching to see which Walker is named in the Memorial.

 

 

 

 

Yes, they have been busy.

 

Probate for James Henry Walker (2/20th London) probate shows he lived at 8 Tichfield Terrace North Gate Regents Park and 7 Compston Street Ambleside Westmoreland.

 

In the 1911 Census he was aged 27, (b 1884), single and employed at Marshall and Snellgrove as an 'assistant’. He enlisted in Oxford Street. Marriage to Maude E Thompson 3rd Quarter 1915.

 

Once again I'm a little confuse. Where does the J. Henry A Walker come from? I can't see a J on the Tablet. I assume you have employment records the man named on the tablet is Henry A not James H

 

So different name, different regiment and different year of birth to the tablet information, not likely to be him is it?

 

Ken

[Sean Clemenson]

On 12/3/2016 at 16:02, kenf48 said:

 

Yes, they have been busy.

 

Probate for James Henry Walker (2/20th London) probate shows he lived at 8 Tichfield Terrace North Gate Regents Park and 7 Compston Street Ambleside Westmoreland.

 

In the 1911 Census he was aged 27, (b 1884), single and employed at Marshall and Snellgrove as an 'assistant’. He enlisted in Oxford Street. Marriage to Maude E Thompson 3rd Quarter 1915.

 

Once again I'm a little confuse. Where does the J. Henry A Walker come from? I can't see a J on the Tablet. I assume you have employment records the man named on the tablet is Henry A not James H

 

So different name, different regiment and different year of birth to the tablet information, not likely to be him is it?

 

Ken

Hi Ken,

 

I too had the initial gut feeling that the J Henry A Walker of the 20th was not the same one mentioned in the memorial. However, i thought it was best to double check our archived material as a lot of it is incorrect.

 

Although the memorial refers to Walker as Henry, his actual first name in our records was J. Henry Walker, even though our employment records as mentioned, are quite thin on these men.

 

After further research, the Memorial is referencing the Walker of the 7th rather than the 20th. 

[Sean Clemenson]

Hi all.

First of all i hope you had a great Christmas and New Year. 

Another update for you! I've managed to make contact with the great nephew of Maurice Godfrey Wells, who has provided images of Wells in uniform as well as a photo of his grave. We even have a photo of Wells as a child (to be added to his profile shortly!) To see Maurice's profile, visit: www.lrfoundation.org.uk/public_education/Staff-bible-project/Maurice-G-Wells.aspx

Also, we now have a project updates page to let everyone know about the project's progress, which can be viewed here: www.lrfoundation.org.uk/public_education/Staff-bible-project/Project-Updates.aspx

We've also almost reached 2000 page views for the entire project, which really has exceeded our expectations given that the project was only launched in November.

Given the response, there is a serious possibility that the project could be extended in the near future to also cover Lloyd's Register's 1916 Roll of Honour - which included the names of over 80 members of staff who were serving at the time of it's publication.

Here's to a happy and prosperous new year to all!

Kind regards,
Sean.

[Sean Clemenson]

My name is Sean Clemenson and I am the Research Specialist & Digital Content Manager for the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage & Education Centre. If you haven’t heard of us, we are the custodians of Lloyd’s Register’s library and archive, offering its resources to the public for free. Our purpose is to enhance public understanding in marine and engineering science and history.

I wonder if the Soldiers forum would be interested in our new project? HEC needs you! Ive previously posted a topic in the general discussion, but fear that it wasn't widely received to all

Subsequently, please see an introduction of the project below.

In November, to coincide with Armistice Day, we launched our brand new First World War crowd sourcing project – HEC needs you!

The project aims to uncover any information regarding the 15 members of staff named in our First World War Memorial at 71 Fenchurch Street. Using materials from our archive, the Heritage & Education Centre team have published the employment and military information of the 15 members of staff that are named in our First World War memorial. The severe loss of life during the First World War often means that the individual lives of those that fought are forgotten. However, the team realise that our archived material, whilst offering a unique glimpse into the past, can only tell so much.

We’re contacting any regimental military groups, heritage centres, ancestry groups asking for any information regarding these 15 men:

1. John E Davis – Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery

2. Ernest Grainger – Private, 7^th Battalion Middlesex Regiment

3. William Greig – Private, 14^th (County of London) Battalion – London Scottish

4. William F Hutchison – Sergeant, 10^th Battalion Essex Regiment

5. Clifford J Macey – 2^nd Lieutenant 28^th Couny of London Regiment, Artists and 1^st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

6. Archibald MacLean – 2^nd Lieutenant, King’s Own Scottish Borderers

7. Reginald J Prescott – 2^nd Lieutenant, 18^th Battalion Lancashire Fusilliers

8. Joseph E Russell – 2^nd Lieutenant, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment

9. James H Sandhall – 2^nd Lieutenant/Captain, Royal Garrison Artillery

10. Joseph C Smith – Honourable Artillery Company

11. Charles T Squires – 2^nd Lieutenant, 11^th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment

12. J Henry A Walker – Private, 7^th Battalion, Essex Regiment

13. Maurice G Wells – 2^nd Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery & Royal Horse Artillery

14. Leslie G West – 2^nd Lieutenant, 5^th Battalion, London Rifle Brigade

15. Maurice G Boyer – Captain, 116^th Heavy Artillery Regiment

Since the project’s launch, thousands of people have accessed the site, sending in letters, photographs and journals of the men. In total, we’ve reached people in 37 countries worldwide. All of the information gathered is shared online for free.

Please find photos of the Memorial attached.

If you think our project would be of interest to any of your contacts, please do not hesitate to circulate this email. Furthermore, if you would like to find out more about the Heritage & Education Centre’s activities/resources/events, please visit our website. Alternatively, you can also find us on Twitter & Facebook.

If you have any enquiries about the project please contact me directly via email.

Many thanks & kind regards,

Sean.

[ss002d6252]

1)
#115731
His service records survive. He enlisted at Southwark on 13 May 16 but wasn't called up to the August. Lived at 91 Sayers St, New Road, Kent when he enlisted. Aged 35 when he died, born 5/2/1881 - was a warehouseman & cutter pre-war. Landed at Le Have on 23 Dec 1916.

He was killed in action

Craig

Edited 14 February , 2017 by ss002d6252

[Sean Clemenson]

48 minutes ago, ss002d6252 said:

1)
#115731
His service records survive. He enlisted at Southwark on 13 May 16 but wasn't called up to the August. Lived at 91 Sayers St, New Road, Kent when he enlisted. Aged 35 when he died, born 5/2/1881 - was a warehouseman & cutter pre-war. Landed at Le Have on 23 Dec 1916.

He was killed in action

Craig

I've updated John E Davis' Craig, thanks for such a speedy response.

 

http://www.lrfoundation.org.uk/public_education/Staff-bible-project/John-E-Davis.aspx

[ss002d6252]

17 minutes ago, Sean Clemenson said:

I've updated John E Davis' Craig, thanks for such a speedy response.

 

http://www.lrfoundation.org.uk/public_education/Staff-bible-project/John-E-Davis.aspx

I made a typo in my earlier post - he was 37 when he died (35 when he enlisted)

Craig

[Sean Clemenson]

1 hour ago, ss002d6252 said:

I made a typo in my earlier post - he was 37 when he died (35 when he enlisted)

Craig

Thanks Craig, i'm editing the page as i type this!

[kenf48]

Before folk do a lot of unnecessary look ups this is an exact duplicate of a thread begun in November last year 'cept this time we're not told how fantastic we are.

 

Ken

[John_Hartley]

Sean

 

The best source of information about the officers will be their service files - all held by the National Archives at Kew. The files have been weeded over the years but you should still expect to find their application form to become an officer (and their enlistment documents if they originally joined as a private). Should also detail at least their initial units with they served, together with all sorts of snippets of information - perhaps a "debriefing" report if they were taken prisoner.

 

Offciers are regularly mentioned by name in the various battalion war diaries (originals held at Kew, online access via Ancestry). Local newspapers may well have carried obituaries for all of your men.

 

Apologies if I'm telling you research stuff that you already know.

 

John

[David Earley]

5 hours ago, Sean Clemenson said:

Charles T Squires – 2^nd Lieutenant, 11^th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment

 

A quick whizz through Ancestry gives us the following:

CHARLES THOMAS SQUIRES

Birth      Regd JULY 1884 qtr. Deptford, Kent, England

Death    30 March 1918.  Near Amiens, Northern France

Parents:               John Robinson Squires (1850-1920)

                              Mary Elizabeth Eaddy (1851-1927)

Wife                     Grace Ethel Ancutt (1886-1930)

                              Married July 1910 qtr, Lewisham

1911 Census

Address                2 Forest Road, Beckenham

                              Charles Thomas Squires  (aged 26) Occupation     Clerk Lloyds Register of Shipping

      Grace Ethel Squires (aged 25)      

 Other web sources: 

CWGC record

TNA file - WO 374/64650 (2/Lieutenant Charles Thomas SQUIRES. The Royal Sussex Regiment.)

London Gazette, 10th October 1917  "The undermentioned, from Officer Cadet Units, to be 2nd Lts.: —  

                      R. Suss. R.—Charles Thomas Squires

This is the relevant page of War diary for the 11th RSR 

 

[johnmelling1979]

Hello

RE : Maurice G Boyer – Captain, 116^th Heavy Artillery Regiment

I am wondering if this was the French Artillery... looking at your description on the page ! He was working in France

There is a blog \ page in French with a picture and a description which I partly translated with google said

 

In Haute-Alsace, Gunners of the 116th RAL

a photo dated August 15, 1917, was taken in Sternenberg, in upper Alsace.
It is the 116th Regiment of heavy artillery Gunners. This is the 4th piece of 37th battery.

 

http://photos1418.blogspot.co.uk/

 

May help you discover more !

 

cheers

 

John

 

Edited 14 February , 2017 by johnmelling1979

[Sean Clemenson]

22 hours ago, kenf48 said:

Before folk do a lot of unnecessary look ups this is an exact duplicate of a thread begun in November last year 'cept this time we're not told how fantastic we are.

 

Ken

Hi Ken,

 

I probably should have linked to the previous forum, to avoid duplication of work, my mistake.

 

I must stress something. I do appreciate the work that members have put into the previous forum, so please do not think i'm dismissing everyone's efforts. Without the previous forum a lot of information provided for the project would have been missing. The basis for this forum being created is too broaden the project's reach, not to demean the previous one.

 

For those wishing to read the previous forum, where the likes of Ken, Craig, Phil, David contributed so greatly, it can be found here: 

 

I hope this clears everything up.

 

All the best,

Sean.

[sotonmate]

Here are five Officer file numbers for look-up at Kew:

MACEY.        WO339/30342

PRESCOTT. WO339/99336.

RUSSELL.    WO339/69650.

WELLS.        WO339/105764.

WEST.          WO374/73196.

 

2 other Officers need more of a search later. A re-check shows that you spelt the names wrong from that on the Memorial.

Edited 15 February , 2017 by sotonmate