2/LT EC VAN EEGHEN, Royal Garrison Artillery

[nilis11]

In my search for Dutchmen in WW1, I came across 2/LT Esme Charles van Eeghen, 324th Siege Battery, RGA. He was kia 20/7/1917 aged only 20.

He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery. His parents lived in Amsterdam.

Does anyone have more information on this 2/LT?

thanks

Niels

[toofatfortakeoff]

There is a book 'With a Poppy and a Prayer-Officers died at Passchendaele' which is available through the Navl and Military Press in the UK this ought to help. If you can't find this get back to me-I know someone who has one

Seanio

[toofatfortakeoff]

On second thoughts this might well be a little too early....I will think again. Might be worth a try though

[essdee]

Niels

The National Archive hold this officers file under ref:

WO 339/75702 VAN EEGHEN E

Stuart

[Stebie9173]

Can't find any reference to him in the London Gazette.

2 references to a L.V.F. van Eeghen in 1919.

EDIT:

All right, I lied. Didn't look hard enough.

LG 18-12-1916

ROYAL REGIMENT OP ARTILLERY.

War Office,

18th December, 1916.

SPECIAL RESERVE OF OFFICERS.

The undermentioned, from Officers Cadet Units, to be 2nd Lts. (on prob.) : —

ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY.

10th Dec. 1916.

Esme Charles Van Eeghen.

His birth was registered in September Quarter 1896 in Chelsea as "Esme Charles van Eghen" per the BMD transcription.

1901 Census:

Living at 13 Cheyne Walk off the Kings Road, in the area of 209 Kings Road, Chelsea, London + 3 servants (Cook, Housemaid, Nurse)

Donald Van Eghen abt 1865 Holland Head, Sugar Merchant.

Florence A Van Eghen abt 1866 Leyton, Essex, England Wife

Esme C Van Eghen abt 1897 London, England Son

-----

Also further mentions to Leslie Vivian Frederick van Eeghen (also RGA) on 28-11-1917 (2/Lt (?) 25-11-1917) and another 1919 mention.

Leslie van Eeghen's birth was registered in Fulham in Dec Quarter 1891.

Perhaps a brother but probably a cousin?

Steve.