Surviving participants in WW1, K - L
KEELEY William Daniel b 24 Sep 1874 Preston 5/6 children to William (a Gunner in the Royal Artillery for 21 years then a blast furnace man, b Wicklow, Ireland) and Catherine (née Galvin) from Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester. Their surname is sometimes spelled Kealey with an a. His family moved around the country, but William enlisted in the army in Chester 28 Jun 1898, no 5770 in the 3rd battalion of the Cheshire regiment. According to his service record on fmp, a militia attestation, William joined up first at Chester 28 June 1898. He was a clerk working for Mr Hicks in Tattenhall, Cheshire, and lived at Tattenhall House (of which more later). Service no 4570. Attested to 3rdBn Cheshire regiment till 9 Aug 1898. Then there’s a short service attestation as service number 5770 at Chester 10 Aug 1898. Born in Preston, Lancs. Is 21 yrs 2 months. 3rdBattn Cheshire Regt. 5’ 81/2 “, 118 lbs, Fresh compexion, hazel eyes, brown hair (though our other info says he was actually 24).
He was promoted to Lance Corporal, then Corporal (promotion details are in the London Gazette), however he was found guilty of being AWOL and reduced to the ranks. He then served in South Africa Jan 1900 - Jul 1902, before being discharged as medically unfit in Aug 1902. He received the South African medal. He married in Jul 1903 to Lucy Bellis in West Kirby, Liverpool. He was working as a clerk at that time. In the 1911 census they were in Lincoln where he was head of the St Hugh’s Boys home for waifs and strays (one of his prior clerical jobs was in a waifs and strays home in Chester). In 1913 William and Lucy moved to SP where he became master and Lucy later became Matron of the St Boniface Home for Waifs and Strays on Lower Town. His brother Thomas was assistant master at the Waifs and Strays home in Tattenhall House, Tattenhall, W Cheshire, where William Kelley had worked earlier for the same Master of the Home, Mr Hicks. From about 1912 to 1933 Thomas Keeley was in charge of organising sending Home boys to Canada, including many from SP, and travelled with them to Gibbs home in Sherbrooke, Quebec, where he was eventually superintendent.
Almost immediately after war was declared in Aug 1914, William enlisted in the 8th Devons Labour Corps, aged 40, and within two months had the rank of Sergeant. His initial role was training of military recruits at Aldershot camp. He first saw active service in France 26 Jul 1915. Due to a shortage of officers he led his platoon in the battle of Loos and on 25 Sep 1915 his platoon was badly affected by gas - from shells fired from his own side for the first time in battle. Two other SP soldiers (brothers Walter and Lewis Gale – see entries above), were also caught up in the botched gas attack. William was shot in the shoulder and due to the weight of his kit and the mud was unable to move. He was released from his kit by a “kiltie” from the 2nd Gordon Highlanders. He described all this in an article for the Waifs and Strays magazine in November 1915:
“Military Auxiliary Hospital. Dear Mr H --- I promised to write to you from France. At first there was nothing worth writing about, and when there was I was past it. On our arrival in France they taught us all that was necessary to take our place in the firing line. We had got quite used to the trenches when the rumours of the big attack spread. Our battalion was given a place of honour to lead the attack from our sector. We were short of officers, and I was chosen to lead a platoon in the advance. We thought the attack would be about 4.30 am, but at 4 am I received word it would not be until two hour later. I told my men, and what do you think they did – wrapped themselves in their waterproof sheets and went to sleep. About 6.30 am the signal was given, and like one man the battalion was over the top and making a bee line for the German trenches. After taking two lines of their trenches, I turned round to look for my platoon – for we had advanced under a storm of shrapnel …………. I went forward to join a company in front, but had not gone ten paces before I was struck in the back by a piece of shrapnel, and went to sleep. I awoke some hours afterwards to find I had had a fair allowance of gas and acquired acute neuritis in the right leg. With my equipment on I was unable to move, and I could not expect any help for at least twenty-four hours. To my joy I saw a ‘kiltie’ coming along the top of the captured trench. I called him and he came, took off my kit, dressed my wound, gave me water, and helped me over a deep trench. I don’t know his name, but I pray for him. It was two miles to a dressing station, and by making a special effort I did it in four hours. Within a week I was back in England. They are patching me up – getting me ready for another advance. I am in a Voluntary Aid Hospital. Everyone is kind and I feel at rest. Please excuse this scrawl, but I am feeling tired – Yours very faithfully, W.D.K (Sergt)”.
He recovered and by Jun 1916 he returned to the front with rank of acting Quarter Master Sergeant. In Oct 1917 he was promoted again to acting 2nd Lieutenant and on taking charge of the company on 17 Sep 1918 he was promoted again to acting Captain. When he relinquished the command of the company on 30 Jun 1919 he reverted to the rank of Lieutenant and shortly afterwards was discharged from active service. He did not return to SP, but in the 1939 register he was superintendent at the Talbot Boys home, Bournemouth where his wife Lucy was Matron. Shortly afterwards he retired and Willam and his wife Lucy moved to Broughton, Lancashire. William died in Horwich, Lancs on 9 Jun 1940 and his wife Lucy died 1 Sep 1945 and was buried in Hindley, Lancs.
KEMP Frank Wallis- b Oct 1884, Bampton, the son of Frank Kemp, b 1852 Hockworthy a farmer and his wife Catherine (née How). The family lived at Cudmoor Farm, Bampton in 1891. Frank, snr. died Jul 1893, aged 41 and Catherine re-married to George Palfrey, a farmer 11 years her junior, in 1897. Catherine had probably inherited Cudmoor Farm, where she and George were living in 1901 with Frank, his sister Catherine Mary and their baby step-brothers Harold and Herbert. By 1911, Frank was farming at Churchwalls Farm, SP, with his sister (identified on the Census form by just the initial 'M'). He married Edith M Heard in 1914 (Q2 Tiverton, 5b 973). Frank signed up as a gunner with RFA (#69318). He returned to the village after demobilisation and was on 1918-1920 ER at Churchwalls with his wife, Edith Mary. They left the village and don't appear to have had any children. Frank died in 1927, aged 42.
KERSLAKE Ernest John b 13 Nov 1891 SP to Lydia Mary Kerslake, a single mother, b 30 Sep 1873 and bp 23 Feb 1892. In 1901 census he lived with his mother Lydia, who had by then married an Eli Crook and they lived with Ernest’s widowed grandmother, Charlotte Kerslake, at Winks Cottage, Whitnage Road SP. By 1911 census he was gardener to the vicar and lived at the (newer) Rectory on Higher Town. In Nov 1911, aged 19, he married Ellen Harriet Heyward (b Oct 1892) who was pregnant at the time. Their baby Louisa Lydia Ellen Kerslake was b 1 Mar 1912. He started active service in France 16 Mar 1915 as private 7647 in the 2nd Devons – 5 days before the baptism of their second child, Ernest. He later moved to 1st Gunnery Battalion, Devons, and was home on leave in August 1917. Discharged exactly 3 years after enlisting on 16 Mar 1918. However on the 1919 Electoral roll he was shown as absent from the village on military service - #176436 Gunner with RFA, home address Higher Town. He and his wife continued to live in Higher Town, having a third child, Laura, in 1924. Last record available for residency being 1934 Electoral Roll. In the 1939 register they lived at Mounts Cottages, Higher town where his occupation was lorry driver, creamery. Their married daughter Louisa Lydia Ellen Smith also lived there, as did their son Ernest F Kerslake. Ernest John Kerslake died in Q11961 at Waterloo Cross, shortly after the death of his wife Ellen Harriet. His occupation shown as shop assistant. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
He was promoted to Lance Corporal, then Corporal (promotion details are in the London Gazette), however he was found guilty of being AWOL and reduced to the ranks. He then served in South Africa Jan 1900 - Jul 1902, before being discharged as medically unfit in Aug 1902. He received the South African medal. He married in Jul 1903 to Lucy Bellis in West Kirby, Liverpool. He was working as a clerk at that time. In the 1911 census they were in Lincoln where he was head of the St Hugh’s Boys home for waifs and strays (one of his prior clerical jobs was in a waifs and strays home in Chester). In 1913 William and Lucy moved to SP where he became master and Lucy later became Matron of the St Boniface Home for Waifs and Strays on Lower Town. His brother Thomas was assistant master at the Waifs and Strays home in Tattenhall House, Tattenhall, W Cheshire, where William Kelley had worked earlier for the same Master of the Home, Mr Hicks. From about 1912 to 1933 Thomas Keeley was in charge of organising sending Home boys to Canada, including many from SP, and travelled with them to Gibbs home in Sherbrooke, Quebec, where he was eventually superintendent.
Almost immediately after war was declared in Aug 1914, William enlisted in the 8th Devons Labour Corps, aged 40, and within two months had the rank of Sergeant. His initial role was training of military recruits at Aldershot camp. He first saw active service in France 26 Jul 1915. Due to a shortage of officers he led his platoon in the battle of Loos and on 25 Sep 1915 his platoon was badly affected by gas - from shells fired from his own side for the first time in battle. Two other SP soldiers (brothers Walter and Lewis Gale – see entries above), were also caught up in the botched gas attack. William was shot in the shoulder and due to the weight of his kit and the mud was unable to move. He was released from his kit by a “kiltie” from the 2nd Gordon Highlanders. He described all this in an article for the Waifs and Strays magazine in November 1915:
“Military Auxiliary Hospital. Dear Mr H --- I promised to write to you from France. At first there was nothing worth writing about, and when there was I was past it. On our arrival in France they taught us all that was necessary to take our place in the firing line. We had got quite used to the trenches when the rumours of the big attack spread. Our battalion was given a place of honour to lead the attack from our sector. We were short of officers, and I was chosen to lead a platoon in the advance. We thought the attack would be about 4.30 am, but at 4 am I received word it would not be until two hour later. I told my men, and what do you think they did – wrapped themselves in their waterproof sheets and went to sleep. About 6.30 am the signal was given, and like one man the battalion was over the top and making a bee line for the German trenches. After taking two lines of their trenches, I turned round to look for my platoon – for we had advanced under a storm of shrapnel …………. I went forward to join a company in front, but had not gone ten paces before I was struck in the back by a piece of shrapnel, and went to sleep. I awoke some hours afterwards to find I had had a fair allowance of gas and acquired acute neuritis in the right leg. With my equipment on I was unable to move, and I could not expect any help for at least twenty-four hours. To my joy I saw a ‘kiltie’ coming along the top of the captured trench. I called him and he came, took off my kit, dressed my wound, gave me water, and helped me over a deep trench. I don’t know his name, but I pray for him. It was two miles to a dressing station, and by making a special effort I did it in four hours. Within a week I was back in England. They are patching me up – getting me ready for another advance. I am in a Voluntary Aid Hospital. Everyone is kind and I feel at rest. Please excuse this scrawl, but I am feeling tired – Yours very faithfully, W.D.K (Sergt)”.
He recovered and by Jun 1916 he returned to the front with rank of acting Quarter Master Sergeant. In Oct 1917 he was promoted again to acting 2nd Lieutenant and on taking charge of the company on 17 Sep 1918 he was promoted again to acting Captain. When he relinquished the command of the company on 30 Jun 1919 he reverted to the rank of Lieutenant and shortly afterwards was discharged from active service. He did not return to SP, but in the 1939 register he was superintendent at the Talbot Boys home, Bournemouth where his wife Lucy was Matron. Shortly afterwards he retired and Willam and his wife Lucy moved to Broughton, Lancashire. William died in Horwich, Lancs on 9 Jun 1940 and his wife Lucy died 1 Sep 1945 and was buried in Hindley, Lancs.
KEMP Frank Wallis- b Oct 1884, Bampton, the son of Frank Kemp, b 1852 Hockworthy a farmer and his wife Catherine (née How). The family lived at Cudmoor Farm, Bampton in 1891. Frank, snr. died Jul 1893, aged 41 and Catherine re-married to George Palfrey, a farmer 11 years her junior, in 1897. Catherine had probably inherited Cudmoor Farm, where she and George were living in 1901 with Frank, his sister Catherine Mary and their baby step-brothers Harold and Herbert. By 1911, Frank was farming at Churchwalls Farm, SP, with his sister (identified on the Census form by just the initial 'M'). He married Edith M Heard in 1914 (Q2 Tiverton, 5b 973). Frank signed up as a gunner with RFA (#69318). He returned to the village after demobilisation and was on 1918-1920 ER at Churchwalls with his wife, Edith Mary. They left the village and don't appear to have had any children. Frank died in 1927, aged 42.
KERSLAKE Ernest John b 13 Nov 1891 SP to Lydia Mary Kerslake, a single mother, b 30 Sep 1873 and bp 23 Feb 1892. In 1901 census he lived with his mother Lydia, who had by then married an Eli Crook and they lived with Ernest’s widowed grandmother, Charlotte Kerslake, at Winks Cottage, Whitnage Road SP. By 1911 census he was gardener to the vicar and lived at the (newer) Rectory on Higher Town. In Nov 1911, aged 19, he married Ellen Harriet Heyward (b Oct 1892) who was pregnant at the time. Their baby Louisa Lydia Ellen Kerslake was b 1 Mar 1912. He started active service in France 16 Mar 1915 as private 7647 in the 2nd Devons – 5 days before the baptism of their second child, Ernest. He later moved to 1st Gunnery Battalion, Devons, and was home on leave in August 1917. Discharged exactly 3 years after enlisting on 16 Mar 1918. However on the 1919 Electoral roll he was shown as absent from the village on military service - #176436 Gunner with RFA, home address Higher Town. He and his wife continued to live in Higher Town, having a third child, Laura, in 1924. Last record available for residency being 1934 Electoral Roll. In the 1939 register they lived at Mounts Cottages, Higher town where his occupation was lorry driver, creamery. Their married daughter Louisa Lydia Ellen Smith also lived there, as did their son Ernest F Kerslake. Ernest John Kerslake died in Q11961 at Waterloo Cross, shortly after the death of his wife Ellen Harriet. His occupation shown as shop assistant. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
KERSLAKE Frederick James b 1892 SP was the eldest of 13 children of Frederick James Kerslake (1872-1934, Manager Lime Kilns) and Annie Salter (1872-1950). His brothers Henry and Herbert also participated in the war. He lived with his parents at Hill Kilns, SP, in 1901, worked as a quarryman after he left school, then enlisted in the army for 12 years in Taunton in Dec 1910 as gunner #34097 in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He first entered the theatre of war 22 Jun 1915 in the Balkans (SE Europe) and would have provided long range artillery fire from behind the front lines with target guidance from Morse code messages from the RFC (Royal Flying Corps). Whilst on leave, on 4 Oct 1918 in Halberton he married Emily Mary Osmond (1890-1981). He was disembarked in Dover 17 Mar 1919 and transferred to the reserves. He returned to Kings Cottages, Lower Town (2018: site of 5-7 Lower Town). Their first child, Frederick Harold, was b 7 Sep 1919 in SP and at his christening a month later, the father gave his occupation as “Coal Yard Manager”. Their second son was b 31 Jan 1922 in SP. Frederick’s 12-year period with the army officially ended on 28 Dec 1922.They had two further children in 1927 and 1929. An Osmond relation remembers him delivering coal by horse and cart. It must have been thirsty work as he was known to stop at the odd pub or two on his round. She also remembers a tattoo of a woman on his arm, which he could make danceby twisting his arm! In the 1939 register he was still living at 1 Kings Cottages, Lower town with his wife and the two younger children – the two elder boys had left home. His occupation had reverted to Quarry labourer. He died in Dec 1969 in SP, and his wife died 1981. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
KERSLAKE Frederick John b 6 Mar 1896 SP was the eldest of 6 children of John Kerslake (1867 SP, Carter on Farm) and his second wife Elizabeth Upham (1870 Halberton). His father was actually born John Kerslake Pillar to the single woman Sarah Ann Pillar (b 1848 SP). The father of John Kerslake Pillar could well be John Kerslake, a lime burner, living nearby at Hill Kiln, who was two years older than the unmarried Sarah Ann Pillar. Sarah had another son, William Thomas Kerslake Pillar, b 16 Nov 1870 and baptized 28 Apr 1871. The assumed father John Kerslake married a Charlotte Walker on 5 Apr 1871. In the 1901 census Frederick lived at Barton Cottages (2018: 4 and 6 Boobery)with his parents and 2 siblings. In 1911 census the family (now 6 children) had moved to Park Cottage (which no longer exists, but was near the former pond at Sampford Barton). Frederick (age 15) was employed by a Market Gardener. He joined the Devon Regiment in 1916, initially as 2663 then Private 201630 with 1 / 4 Devons. The regiment moved to Iraq Feb 28 1916 and over 400 men were hospitalised due to heat related illnesses – including Frederick who suffered a sandfly attack. He was on the SP absent voters’ electoral roll in Autumn 1919, home address Pond Cottage – which was where his parents lived. He was demobilised Oct 1919. His father died in Apr 1920, but Frederick continued to live at Pond Cottage with his widowed mother, Elizabeth until Spring 1924. In the 1939 Register his mother Elizabeth was at Kings Cottages, Lower Town, SP, but Frederick was living in Exmouth with his wife, Florence (née Wakeham), and was working as a brickworks labourer. He died in 1983. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/68538081/family
KERSLAKE Henry John b 13 Sep 1896 SP - 3rdof 13 children of Frederick James Kerslake (1872-1934, Manager Lime Kilns) and Annie Salter (1872-1950). He lived with his parents at Hill Kilns in 1901 and 1911, then later moved to The Square, Uffculme where he became a baker. He served with the 87thRASC (Royal Army Service Corps) Private 314095 – enlisted Nov 1916 aged 19 and 60 days. He married Emily Mary Webber (1891-1948) on 8 Apr 1917 in Uffculme and gave his occupation as baker. After the end of the war Henry and Emily returned to SP and lived at his parents’ former house – Hill Kiln Cottage, until Autumn 1922. In Spring 1923 they moved to the newly constructed Council Houses (number 2), later to become Beaufort Close, where he died Jan 1960, aged 63. His occupation was factory dairy hand, Creamery. His wife Emily died 12 years earlier in 1948. They had no children. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
KERSLAKE Herbert b 19 Jul 1895 SP – 2ndof 13 children of Frederick James Kerslake and Annie Salter. His brothers Frederick and Henry also took part in the war. Herbert lived at Hill Kiln cottage with his parents and siblings in 1901 and 1911 census. He enlisted #2350078 as a private with 449 Ag Co Labour Corps – details in 1919 SP absent voters electoral roll where he gave home address as West Pitt (farm). In Jun 1920 Cullompton he married Alice Doble (b 1895) and they had two girls. Alice died in 1930, aged just 36. Herbert remarried the following year in 1931 to Florence Harris and they had four children. In the 1939 register he lived at Widhayes Cottage, Uplowman with his son Dennis and 3 others. Herbert lived to the age of 86, whilst his second wife, Florence, died in 2002 aged 96. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
KERSLAKE Frederick John b 6 Mar 1896 SP was the eldest of 6 children of John Kerslake (1867 SP, Carter on Farm) and his second wife Elizabeth Upham (1870 Halberton). His father was actually born John Kerslake Pillar to the single woman Sarah Ann Pillar (b 1848 SP). The father of John Kerslake Pillar could well be John Kerslake, a lime burner, living nearby at Hill Kiln, who was two years older than the unmarried Sarah Ann Pillar. Sarah had another son, William Thomas Kerslake Pillar, b 16 Nov 1870 and baptized 28 Apr 1871. The assumed father John Kerslake married a Charlotte Walker on 5 Apr 1871. In the 1901 census Frederick lived at Barton Cottages (2018: 4 and 6 Boobery)with his parents and 2 siblings. In 1911 census the family (now 6 children) had moved to Park Cottage (which no longer exists, but was near the former pond at Sampford Barton). Frederick (age 15) was employed by a Market Gardener. He joined the Devon Regiment in 1916, initially as 2663 then Private 201630 with 1 / 4 Devons. The regiment moved to Iraq Feb 28 1916 and over 400 men were hospitalised due to heat related illnesses – including Frederick who suffered a sandfly attack. He was on the SP absent voters’ electoral roll in Autumn 1919, home address Pond Cottage – which was where his parents lived. He was demobilised Oct 1919. His father died in Apr 1920, but Frederick continued to live at Pond Cottage with his widowed mother, Elizabeth until Spring 1924. In the 1939 Register his mother Elizabeth was at Kings Cottages, Lower Town, SP, but Frederick was living in Exmouth with his wife, Florence (née Wakeham), and was working as a brickworks labourer. He died in 1983. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/68538081/family
KERSLAKE Henry John b 13 Sep 1896 SP - 3rdof 13 children of Frederick James Kerslake (1872-1934, Manager Lime Kilns) and Annie Salter (1872-1950). He lived with his parents at Hill Kilns in 1901 and 1911, then later moved to The Square, Uffculme where he became a baker. He served with the 87thRASC (Royal Army Service Corps) Private 314095 – enlisted Nov 1916 aged 19 and 60 days. He married Emily Mary Webber (1891-1948) on 8 Apr 1917 in Uffculme and gave his occupation as baker. After the end of the war Henry and Emily returned to SP and lived at his parents’ former house – Hill Kiln Cottage, until Autumn 1922. In Spring 1923 they moved to the newly constructed Council Houses (number 2), later to become Beaufort Close, where he died Jan 1960, aged 63. His occupation was factory dairy hand, Creamery. His wife Emily died 12 years earlier in 1948. They had no children. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
KERSLAKE Herbert b 19 Jul 1895 SP – 2ndof 13 children of Frederick James Kerslake and Annie Salter. His brothers Frederick and Henry also took part in the war. Herbert lived at Hill Kiln cottage with his parents and siblings in 1901 and 1911 census. He enlisted #2350078 as a private with 449 Ag Co Labour Corps – details in 1919 SP absent voters electoral roll where he gave home address as West Pitt (farm). In Jun 1920 Cullompton he married Alice Doble (b 1895) and they had two girls. Alice died in 1930, aged just 36. Herbert remarried the following year in 1931 to Florence Harris and they had four children. In the 1939 register he lived at Widhayes Cottage, Uplowman with his son Dennis and 3 others. Herbert lived to the age of 86, whilst his second wife, Florence, died in 2002 aged 96. Family tree: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/74614375/family
LEGG(E) Albert George b 4 Feb 1900, Halberton to Charles Legg (b 1863 Milverton, Somerset) - ag lab and Mary (née Cook) b Oct 1860 SP. Albert was the youngest of 5 children – the first 4 were born in Willand. In 1898/9 the family moved from Willand to Halberton and were living there for the 1901 census. His mother Mary d Nov 1904, aged 44 and was buried in SP 18 Nov. The family moved to Boobery (2018: number 3) SP and the widowed father, Charles, appeared on Electoral Rolls of 1908, 1910 and 1912. Charles – ag lab and widower and three children, including Albert, were recorded in 1911 Census in Boobery, SP.
It appears that Albert’s father, Charles, remarried in Exeter in Apr 1911, just after the census date, to Elizabeth Skinner. The whole family, with the exception of Albert, emigrated shortly afterwards to Canada. No information has emerged to explain why Albert stayed in the UK and indeed who looked after him after his father and siblings emigrated. However Albert travelled to Devonport in Sep 1915 where he signed up to the RN as a cabin boy, aged just 15 ½.
He enlisted 6 Sep 1915 and spent a year on Impregnable, a month on Pembroke and then 2 ½ years on Penelope to Mar 1919. On his 18thbirthday (4 Feb 1918) he enlisted for 12 years and was made up to AB (Able Seaman). He was paid a war Gratuity. HMS Penelope was renamed Indomitable and he served there until Jun 1919 before returning to Vivid 1, a shore-based installation at Plymouth. He continued to move round ships and although he passed the educational sufficiency test to become a Petty Officer, he remained an AB. It appears that after his 12-year service expired in Feb 1930 that he re-enlisted – although there are no records available to confirm this.
In 1926 in Taunton he married Florence Elsie Daley (1902-1994), daughter of Frederick Daniel Daley, Ag Lab, and Alice Gill. Florence was residing at Bishops Hull, near Taunton at the time of Albert’s death. They had one son b Mar 1928 Taunton. However Albert George Legge died at sea in WW2 on 17 Jan 1942. He was on board the Destroyer HMS Matabele on convoy duty between Iceland and Mirmansk in Russia. The ship was sunk by a U-boat torpedo and 236 men perished of 238 crew. It was reported that many died of hypothermia in the icy cold sea before they could be rescued. His name is recorded on a memorial in Plymouth – panel 65. Family tree:
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/117570145/family
LOCK George James - b 4thApril 1890 Uplowman, the youngest of 7 children to William Lock (1849-1903) an “Agricultural Labourer/Herdsman” (1891 Census – living at Green End, Uplowman)and Mary Ann Bradford. They were married in Uplowman in 1875. On the 1901 Census, the family were living in Whitnage, which George gave as his place of birth on the 1911 Census when he was an “Assistant Butcher” boarding with George Hodges (Butcher, aged 43) and his family at 7 New Buildings, Frome.
He served as a bombardier in the RFA. The Western Times of 24 Dec 1914 carried an interesting letter which he wrote to his mother in Higher Town (2018:site of 29, 31 or 33). This letter is quoted in full in the earlier section on recruiting for the war. George later worked on the railways: UK Railway Employment Records 1833-1956 (Ancestry) reveal that he was a “Porter” at Blaina(Ebbw Vale, S.Wales)(6 May 1919) and a “Brakesman” at Aberbeeg (a few miles down the valley) (9 Feb 1920), and that he was “Recalled to Army” (11 Apr 1921). His record sheet shows him back at Aberbeeg as a “Goods Guard” only seven weeks later (9 Jun 1921) and still employed up to 9 Jun1924, but with no indications as to where or in what capacity. By this latest date he had married May Williams (reg. Pontypool Q4 1923) and they had two children, both registered in Pontypool. The 1939 Register shows the family in Wells, with George a “Great Western Railway Guard” and his wife May on “Unpaid Domestic Duties”. George died Q3 1946 (reg. Wells, Somerset).
LOVELL Henry James b 16 Dec 1883, Burlescombe to James Lovell (GWR plate Layer) and Lavinia Holley. In Feb 1900, aged 16, he joined GWR as a “Uniformed Lad Porter”. In Q3 1906 Tiverton he married Mabel Lavinia Norman (b Sep 1895) from Watchet, Somerset. In 1911 Census he lived in Lower Town (2018: 23 Lower Town), with his wife and 2 children -Phyllis and Ronald and worked for RS Norrish and Sons as a “Butter Packer”. They had a third child, Evelyn May in Oct 1913. His application for exemption from Military Service was turned down in May 1916. He enlisted 16 Jun 1916, and gave his occupation as factory engineer. He joined the Military Transport Division of the RASC (#M2/193950) and saw service in India, South Africa and Salonika. He contracted dysentery and was transferred out of the army Feb 1919. He returned to SP after discharge and in 1919 he was a cycle maker / dealer on Lower Town. In 1920-1926 trade directories he still lived in Lower Town, but occupation now shown as “Chauffeur”. In 1930-39 directories (Kelly’s) he once again returned to cycles – as a dealer / distributor. In the 1939 register he was a commercial traveller, cattle feedstuffs, lived at Rockfield, SP with his wife Mabel and married daughter Evelyn May Palfrey. He died in Mar 1969, aged 87.
It appears that Albert’s father, Charles, remarried in Exeter in Apr 1911, just after the census date, to Elizabeth Skinner. The whole family, with the exception of Albert, emigrated shortly afterwards to Canada. No information has emerged to explain why Albert stayed in the UK and indeed who looked after him after his father and siblings emigrated. However Albert travelled to Devonport in Sep 1915 where he signed up to the RN as a cabin boy, aged just 15 ½.
He enlisted 6 Sep 1915 and spent a year on Impregnable, a month on Pembroke and then 2 ½ years on Penelope to Mar 1919. On his 18thbirthday (4 Feb 1918) he enlisted for 12 years and was made up to AB (Able Seaman). He was paid a war Gratuity. HMS Penelope was renamed Indomitable and he served there until Jun 1919 before returning to Vivid 1, a shore-based installation at Plymouth. He continued to move round ships and although he passed the educational sufficiency test to become a Petty Officer, he remained an AB. It appears that after his 12-year service expired in Feb 1930 that he re-enlisted – although there are no records available to confirm this.
In 1926 in Taunton he married Florence Elsie Daley (1902-1994), daughter of Frederick Daniel Daley, Ag Lab, and Alice Gill. Florence was residing at Bishops Hull, near Taunton at the time of Albert’s death. They had one son b Mar 1928 Taunton. However Albert George Legge died at sea in WW2 on 17 Jan 1942. He was on board the Destroyer HMS Matabele on convoy duty between Iceland and Mirmansk in Russia. The ship was sunk by a U-boat torpedo and 236 men perished of 238 crew. It was reported that many died of hypothermia in the icy cold sea before they could be rescued. His name is recorded on a memorial in Plymouth – panel 65. Family tree:
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/117570145/family
LOCK George James - b 4thApril 1890 Uplowman, the youngest of 7 children to William Lock (1849-1903) an “Agricultural Labourer/Herdsman” (1891 Census – living at Green End, Uplowman)and Mary Ann Bradford. They were married in Uplowman in 1875. On the 1901 Census, the family were living in Whitnage, which George gave as his place of birth on the 1911 Census when he was an “Assistant Butcher” boarding with George Hodges (Butcher, aged 43) and his family at 7 New Buildings, Frome.
He served as a bombardier in the RFA. The Western Times of 24 Dec 1914 carried an interesting letter which he wrote to his mother in Higher Town (2018:site of 29, 31 or 33). This letter is quoted in full in the earlier section on recruiting for the war. George later worked on the railways: UK Railway Employment Records 1833-1956 (Ancestry) reveal that he was a “Porter” at Blaina(Ebbw Vale, S.Wales)(6 May 1919) and a “Brakesman” at Aberbeeg (a few miles down the valley) (9 Feb 1920), and that he was “Recalled to Army” (11 Apr 1921). His record sheet shows him back at Aberbeeg as a “Goods Guard” only seven weeks later (9 Jun 1921) and still employed up to 9 Jun1924, but with no indications as to where or in what capacity. By this latest date he had married May Williams (reg. Pontypool Q4 1923) and they had two children, both registered in Pontypool. The 1939 Register shows the family in Wells, with George a “Great Western Railway Guard” and his wife May on “Unpaid Domestic Duties”. George died Q3 1946 (reg. Wells, Somerset).
LOVELL Henry James b 16 Dec 1883, Burlescombe to James Lovell (GWR plate Layer) and Lavinia Holley. In Feb 1900, aged 16, he joined GWR as a “Uniformed Lad Porter”. In Q3 1906 Tiverton he married Mabel Lavinia Norman (b Sep 1895) from Watchet, Somerset. In 1911 Census he lived in Lower Town (2018: 23 Lower Town), with his wife and 2 children -Phyllis and Ronald and worked for RS Norrish and Sons as a “Butter Packer”. They had a third child, Evelyn May in Oct 1913. His application for exemption from Military Service was turned down in May 1916. He enlisted 16 Jun 1916, and gave his occupation as factory engineer. He joined the Military Transport Division of the RASC (#M2/193950) and saw service in India, South Africa and Salonika. He contracted dysentery and was transferred out of the army Feb 1919. He returned to SP after discharge and in 1919 he was a cycle maker / dealer on Lower Town. In 1920-1926 trade directories he still lived in Lower Town, but occupation now shown as “Chauffeur”. In 1930-39 directories (Kelly’s) he once again returned to cycles – as a dealer / distributor. In the 1939 register he was a commercial traveller, cattle feedstuffs, lived at Rockfield, SP with his wife Mabel and married daughter Evelyn May Palfrey. He died in Mar 1969, aged 87.