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Petty Officer LEONARD PAKEMAN R.N. P/K 46187 petty Officer Stoker, Royal Navy, HMS Victory. Age 44 Died 8.5.1944
Petty Officer LEONARD PAKEMAN, Royal Navy, was the son of Albert Edward and Lois Pakeham of Stockport, Cheshire. He was married to Milly Eleanor Frances Pakeman of South reddish Stockport, Cheshire. He lodged at No.51 St. Edwards, Gosport. Petty Officer Pakeman, passed away on Monday 8th of May 1944, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport. The cause was not given, but it is thought that he had a heart attack. Petty Officer LEONARD PAKEMAN, Royal Navy, was buried on Friday 12th May 1944, and is laid to rest, Plot 32 Space 12, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Mr EDWARD T.F. PALMER M.M.R. 2nd Engineer, HMS Zaida, Merchant Maritime Reserve. Age 32 Died 16.10.1916
2nd Engineer, EDWARD T.F. PALMER M.M.R., was taken ill and admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar, Gosport. He was diagnosed as suffering from typhus fever, his condition continued to worsen, and he never recovered. He passed away on the 15th October 1916. 2nd Engineer, EDWARD T.F. PALMER M.M.R., was buried on the 16th October 1916, and is laid to rest, Plot 35 Space 12, and is commemorated by a Family Memorial.
Leading Cook’s Mate RICHARD WILLIAM PAYNE, R.N. PO/366105, Leading Cook’s Mate, Royal Navy, HMS Onslow. Age 27 Died 8.6.1916
Leading Cook’s Mate RICHARD WILLIAM PAYNE, Royal Navy, came from Gosport. His parents lived at No. 8 King Street, Gosport. He was serving on HMS Onslow, of the 13th Destroyer Flotilla, part of the British Grand Fleet. On the 31st of May 1916, The Grand Fleet sighted the German High Seas Fleet, off of the Jutland Peninsular. Early in the engagement, Admiral Beatty ordered HMS Onslow and HMS Moresby, to go to the aid of HMS Engadine, and stand by her until repairs could be implemented. At 5.00pm, with this done, both destroyers rejoined the battle, but were driven off by the German ships Frankfurt and Pillau, who had superior gun range. When the Lutzow also joined in the destroyers attempted to withdraw out of range, during this time the Lutzow, straddled both ships with successive salvos, but did not score a hit luckily.
HMS Onslow then took up a position on the starboard bow of HMS Lion. At 6.05pm, Onslow sighted the Wiesbaden, which was closing Admiral Beatty’s Fleet. Onslow steamed at full speed to intercept her. She fired 58 rounds of 4-inch shells, which made the German ship think again about attacking. Immediately after this, HMS Onslow noted that German battle cruisers were also closing in to attack the Fleet. Once again Onslow changed course to attack them. She fired a torpedo on the run-in, but this missed its target. In retaliation, Lutzow sent two 5.9-inch shells at Onslow, which exploded in her engine-room. This reduced her available speed, but she continued the fight. She fired three torpedoes, on of which hit the Wiesbaden, the other two were fired at the Kronprinz, both narrowly missed her. Virtually becoming surrounded, HMS Onslow made a break for it, she managed to escape, but was hit twice by two 4.1-inch shells fired by the Rostock, and although briefly engaged by the Konig. HMS Onslow took no further part in the battle; she was towed to port by HMS Defender, arriving in the Humber on the 1st June 1916. HMS Onslow suffered 2 men killed (of which Ldg Cook’s Mate Payne, was one), and 3 men wounded. The effect of the shelling HMS Onslow received was, the 4.1-inch shells hit the galley and the radio room. The 5.9-inch shells all holed the side of the ship, two, burst in the No. 2 boiler room and the third in an aft cabin room, the cabin and boiler room were both flooded. Ldg Cook’s Mate Payne had been in the boiler room helping out, when he was killed.
Leading Cook’s Mate, RICHARD WILLIAM PAYNE’s body, was returned to his hometown of Gosport, and he was buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, at the request of a relative (no details of who remain). He was laid to rest, Plot 48 Space 33, and is commemorated by CWG headstone.
Lieutenant WARREN COLCLOUGH PEMBERTON,R.F.C. 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Canadian Pioneers, attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Age 20 Died 25.4.1916
Lieutenant WARREN COLCLOUGH PEMBERTON,R.F.C., was born on the 1st of December 1895 at Mountjoy, Victoria, British Columbia. He enlisted for service with the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, on the 18th August 1915, taking his oath of allegiance at Lydd, Kent. On the 31st of that month he joined the 32nd Reserve Battalion, as a Lieutenant, carrying his rank from his service with the Canadian 50th Gordon Highlanders.
Lt. Pemberton was drafted to No.40 Squadron RAF, Fort Grange Aerodrome for instruction in flying. On the 25th of April 1916, Lt. Pemberton took off from the aerodrome at 12.45pm in an Avro 504A, service no 4067. The weather on the day was turbulent, with strong gusting winds. The machine rose rapidly to a height of between 100 and 150 feet where it made a sharp left-hand turn downwind, upon doing so the aeroplane dipped its nose and crashed onto the airfield. Lt. Pemberton was taken from the wreckage of the aeroplane, which had caught fire. He was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar. Where he was treated for a fractured thigh and extensive burns to arms, legs, face, back and severe shock, he survived the night, but passed away during the following morning. At the inquest the suspected cause of the accident was attributed to the fact that the aeroplane ‘got out of the eye of the wind’, obtained a certain amount of drift. And it was surmised that Lt. Pemberton attempted to turn the aircraft too sharply, which caused the machine to side slip and nose-dive into the ground. A verdict of accidental death was recorded, the Coroner gave strong recommendation to the Commanding Officer at Fort Grange aerodrome, that a suitably qualified medical officer be available at the airfield during times of flying was conducted.
Lieutenant WARREN COLCLOUGH PEMBERTON, R.F.C., was buried on Wednesday 26th April 1916. He is laid to rest, Plot 50 Space 91, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Trooper GEORGE ROBERT PERCY 5053790, Trooper, Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, 8th Armoured Brigade, 79th Armoured Division, XXX Corps. Age 29 Died 9.6.1944
Trooper GEORGE ROBERT PERCY, Royal Armoured Corps, was the son of William Joseph and Edith Elizabeth Percy. He was the husband of Eileen Eliza Percy, of Fulham, London. He was badly wounded during the fiercest fighting, to take the ‘Gold beach’. Trooper Percy’s Notts. Yeomanry, were due to land on the beaches directly behind the Units of General Hobart’s specialist vehicles. Which were known affectionately as ‘Hobart’s Funnies’. The job, which they achieved, went a large way to prevent high casualties suffered in taking the beaches. Trooper Percy was in a special tank. It was amphibious. A canvas skirt was erected around the sides of the tank, and propulsion was generated by the ‘Duplex Drive’. Basically, it meant that it could operate in water or by changing gear, act as a normal tank.
The weather on the 6th June 1944, (D-Day) meant that the sea was rather choppy, and the idea to launch these special tanks some miles off the beaches could not be implemented. By the time the tanks landed later in the day the mopping up on the beach had been nearly completed. The tanks were immediately sent inland to back up the infantry. Trooper Percy’s tank was hit by anti tank fire from an ambush, whilst it was attempting to clear the southern area of the town of Bayeux. The date, – 7th June. Infantry put up a covering fire, and Trooper Percy, the only member of the tank crew still alive was rescued from the side of his tank. He was badly wounded. Taken to an Emergency Casualty Clearing Station it was decided he should be transferred immediately to a hospital ship for surgery. The extent of his injuries, were such that he died two days later (9th) on the way back this country.
Trooper GEORGE ROBERT PERCY, was buried on Monday 12th June 1944, in the War Graves Section, and is laid to rest, Row 4 Graves 11, his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Private HENRY PICKERING, R.M.L.I. PO/11353, Private, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Age 38 Died 5.10.1919
Private HENRY PICKERING, Royal Marine Light Infantry, was the son of Mark and Rebecca Pickering, who lived at No. 2 Houlbech Cottage, Scagglethorpe, Yorkshire, and the husband of Sophia A. they lived together at No. 8 St. Ann’s Crescent, Gosport. Private Pickering, was a pensioner, who lived with his wife at No 8 St. Ann’s Crescent, Gosport. He had been pensioned out of the army as a result of contracting tuberculosis of the lung, which he contracted whilst serving in the trenches of France. Henry Pickering was taken ill during the winter of 1919. He lingered on, all the while he was nursed by his wife. He passed away on the 5th of October 1919 at home, as a result of phthisis (now known as pulmonary tuberculosis) a wasting decease.
Private, HENRY PICKERING, a Royal Marine Light Infantry pensioner, was buried on the 10th of October 1919, many of his former comrades in arms, attended and officiated at the service. Private PICKERING is laid to rest, Plot 80 Space 44, a CWG headstone commemorates him.
Mrs IVY ELLEN PITT No. 135 Forton Road, Gosport Age 41 Died 5.12.1940 SEE – Mr WILLIAM HENRY CHARLES CANDY
Private WILLIAM JAMES PLESTED, R.M.L.I. PO/8631, Private, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Age 38 Died 18.6.1920
Private WILLIAM JAMES PLESTED, Royal Marine Light Infantry, was the son of Joseph and Martha Plested, of No. 287 Forton Road, Gosport. Private Plested, was one of the Royal Marines who had not long returned to their Gosport Barracks (St. Vincent), Besides being involved in the First World War, some detachments of the Royal Marines, were embarked on HM ships and laying off the Baltic Sea, as the Russian uprisings continued. After some five to six month deployment aboard the warships deployed, the ships finally began to be relieved, and the crew and Marines aboard them, allowed leave, followed by return to their various units.
Private Plested, was taken ill, and admitted to the barracks Infirmary (Cottage Hospital, Field House, now demolished), at St. Vincent, Forton Road, Gosport. He initially felt unwell, and was running a high temperature, he was found to be suffering from tuberculosis, from which he did not recover. He quietly passed away in the early hours of the 18th June 1920. Private WILLIAM JAMES PLESTED, R.M.L.I., was buried on the 23rd of June 1920. He is laid to rest, Plot 69 Space 32, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Leading Aircraftsman JOHN ALEXANDER PORTER 528460, Leading Aircraftsman, Royal Air Force Age 33 Died 9.6.1946
Leading Aircraftsman JOHN ALEXANDER PORTER, R.A.F., aged 33, was the husband of Gwynnyth. Together they lived at No. 40 Dolphin Crescent, Alverstoke. Very little else is known about him, except that he survived the war, he passed away at his home in Dolphin Crescent, as a result of causes attributable to his war service, on the 9th of June 1946. Leading Aircraftsman, JOHN ALEXANDER PORTER, R.A.F., was buried on Wednesday 12th June 1946, in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), and is laid to rest, Row 6 Grave 10, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Mr JOHN ALBERT POUNDS Skilled labourer No. 6 Lavinia Road, Gosport, Age 58 Died 14.6.1941 SEE – Mr WILLIAM HENRY BARNES
Colour Sergeant THOMAS HENRY PRESS, R.M. PO/20546, Colour Sergeant, Royal Marines. Age 46 Died 15.9.1946
Colour Sergeant THOMAS HENRY PRESS, Royal Marines, and son of Sgt. Michael John Press, formerly of the Royal Marines and Elizabeth Ann Press of Gosport. He was also the husband of Emmie Katherine Press No 26 Avenue Road, Alverstoke, died on Sunday 15th September 1946, at No. 20 Fairfield Avenue, Fareham. The cause, was not given, but it thought, that Mr Press died as a result of treatment he endured, at the hands of his Japanese captors, whilst held as a prisoner of war.
Former Colour Sergeant THOMAS HENRY PRESS, Royal Marines, was buried on Wednesday 15th September 1946, he is laid to rest, Plot 44 Space 72, and is commemorated by a Family Memorial headstone.
Seaman GEORGE CHARLES AUSTIN PRIOR, R.N. P/L 4645, Cook, 2nd Class, RN, S.S. Dunluce Castle. Age 53 Died 3.11.1944
Seaman Cook GEORGE CHARLES AUSTIN PRIOR, Royal Navy, was the son of Robert John Ridley Prior and Lucinetta Lillian Prior (nee Phillips). He was also the husband of Elsie Margaret Prior, who lived at No. 17 Keeley Road, Gosport. He served on the SS Dunluce Castle; this was a ship of 8,114 tons, which had been requisitioned into service at the start of the War. And was used as a minesweeper base ship. The cause of his death was reported in records to have been due to injuries received, when a doodlebug (V1 flying bomb), exploded nearby. Badly injured George Prior was taken to the Royal Hospital, St. Pancreas, London, where he died of his wounds on Friday 3rd November 1944. Brought back to his hometown Gosport, at the request of his wife, Seaman Cook GEORGE CHARLES AUSTIN PRIOR, Royal Navy was buried on Saturday, 11th November 1944. And is laid to rest, Plot 107 Space 90, and his is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Boy Soldier GEORGE PRIOR, R.G.A. 210426, Boy Soldier, Royal Garrison Artillery. Age 14 Died 3.11.1918
Boy Soldier, GEORGE PRIOR, (14), served with the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was the son of George W. (Lt. R.G.A. Retd.) and Alice Mary Prior, who lived at Seaton Villa, Binstead, on the Isle of Wight. During this time, it was customary for the sons of servicemen to follow in their father’s footsteps, by joining the same service unit. Boy Soldier Prior was no exception. His father had served with the same unit, rising to the rank of Lieutenant, after having joined as a boy soldier. His son had only been with the Royal Garrison Artillery for a few months. It is thought that he was serving at Fort Gomer (one of the Palmerston’s Follies), a line of fortifications built during the 1850’s, solely for the purpose of protecting the naval dockyard at Portsmouth.
These forts were notoriously damp and cold. They were used for accommodation as recently as the Second World War. Servicemen billeted there were expected to sleep on straw mattresses (palliases’s). The bitter cold winter conditions 1918/19, together with the rationing of coke and coal for heating purposes. Meant that conditions at the forts were very bleak. After years of food rationing, most people were in poor health. Europe had been swept by an influenza epidemic, which had begun ravaging this Country. Boy Soldier George Prior, was taken ill, and was admitted to the Queen Alexandria Military Hospital, at Cosham, (Queen Alexandria) where he sadly died on the 5th of November 1918, as a result of contracting the ‘Spanish Flu’. Before the epidemic ended, more than one million people had died as a result of contracting it! Boy Soldier GEORGE PRIOR, Royal Garrison Artillery, was laid to rest, Plot 39 Space 5, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Private HENRY PULLINGER 28357, Private, Dorsetshire Regiment, transferred to the 648th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps. Age 35 Died 27.10.1918
Private HENRY PULLINGER, was the son of Henry and Jane Pullinger, who lived at No. 6 Frater Lane, Elson, Gosport. He was born in Fareham in 1883. Private Pullinger had joined up and went into the Dorsetshire Regiment and was given the service number 28357. Owing to his health, he was transferred to the 648th Agricultural Company of the Labour Corps, and given the new number 440983 (he had worked on the land before the war). Private Pullinger, was yet another person to be taken ill during the autumn/winter of 1918.
He was admitted to the Queen Alexandria Military Hospital, he passed away on the 27th of October 1918, as a result of contracting the ‘Spanish Flu’ epidemic, which raged throughout war torn Europe. Somewhere in the region of a million people died after becoming infected. Private HENRY PULLINGER was buried on the 31st of October 1918. He is laid to rest, Plot 39 Space 12, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Corporal STANLEY NELSON PRISCOTT 7906645, Corporal, 15/19th King’s Royal Hussars. Age 25 Died 26.2.1943
Corporal, STANLEY NELSON PRISCOTT, was the son of Frank Owen and Helen Lavinia Priscott of Gosport. He was also the husband of Doris Kathleen Priscott, and they lived at No.82, Bury Hall Lane, Gosport, Corporal Priscott, died on Friday 26th February 1943, at Rothbury, Northumberland, the cause was due to an accident. The accident was investigated by a Coroner’s Inquest, under the Northern Division of Northumberland. The result of which was that his death was ‘accidental’ His body was returned to Gosport, Corporal STANLEY NELSON PRISCOTT was buried on Thursday 4th March 1943, and is laid to rest, Plot 33 Space 25, and he is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Marine HENRY EDWIN PROCTOR, Royal Marines PO/15340, Marine, Royal Marines. Age 44 Died 19.11.1939
Marine HENRY EDWIN PROCTOR, Royal Marines, was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, at Haslar, Gosport. It appears that he had been seriously wounded on a merchant ship, part of a convoy, which was attacked by a German U-boat. The sub fired a torpedo at the merchant ship (which is not named in records), the explosion occurred below the gun, which Marine Proctor was manning. Killing four of the gun crew, and wounding Proctor and one other person. Marine Proctor was transferred to Haslar, on the ship’s arrival at Spithead. He received surgery but died of his wounds on the 19th November 1939. Marine, HENRY EDWIN PROCTOR, R.M., was buried at AHC, on the 23rd November 1939, and is laid to rest, Plot 60 Space 50. No memorial marks the site of his final resting-place.
Mr GEORGE ANTON PURRET Formerly Major in the Royal Engineers Occupation at time of death – Grocer. Age 45 Died 28.12.1946
Mr. (formerly) Major GEORGE ANTON PURRETT, was the son of James and Emily Purret. He was the husband of Mabel Purret, and they lived at No.71, Shaftesbury Road, Gosport. He Died on Saturday 28th December 1946, at his home. The cause is not recorded, but once again, it is known that his death was as a direct result of his treatment as a prisoner of war, which broke his health, and ultimately led to his premature death in the cold weather of December 1946. (Former) Major GEORGE ANTON PURRETT was buried on Tuesday 31st December 1946. He is laid to rest, Plot 42 Space 57, and his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Corporal ALBERT JAMES RALPH, R.M. CH 24819(T), Corporal, Royal Marines. Age 41 Died 28.3.1943
Corporal ALBERT JAMES RALPH, Royal Marines, was the son of James and Hannah Ralph of Gosport. He was the husband of Gwendoline Ivy Ralph, and they lived at No.27 Peel Road, Gosport. Corporal Ralph passed away on Sunday 28th of March 1943, at the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, Sherborne, Dorset, as a result of wounds received whilst he was manning a gun turret on a board a merchant ship, which was part of a convoy, crossing the Atlantic form America to this country, carrying war supplies. It is not known what the cause was! Corporal ALBERT JAMES RALPH, R.M., was buried on Friday 2nd April 1943; he is laid to rest, Plot 44 Space 53, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Steward, RICHARD WILLIAM RALPH, M.M.R. Steward, Maritime Merchant Reserve, HM Yacht Amalthea. Age 51 Died 2.8.1917
Steward, RICHARD WILLIAM RALPH, M.M.R., served aboard His Majesties Yacht Amalthea. The motor yacht had been commandeered by the Royal Navy, for use as a patrol boat during the First World War. Her area of patrol was off the numerous small islands around the Shetland Isles. On the 2nd of August 1917, she was caught in a severe storm, whilst patrolling off the south-west of the Shetland Isles, The yacht was soon wallowing in the huge waves and drifting in the treacherous swirling currents in the channel she was in. First the engine failed, this meant that the generator stopped. With no power for the pumps, the yacht was soon swamped, and sank. The wreckage of HMY Amalthea was found some days later on rocks off the Shetland’s. There were no survivors. Over the weeks after the storm, some of the crew’s bodies were washed ashore. Steward, RALPH’s body, was recovered from the foreshore of a small island.
He was identified and on the request of relatives, his remains were returned to Gosport for interment. Steward RICHARD WILLIAM RALPH, MMR, was laid to rest on the 13th of August 1917, Plot 37 Space 29, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Able Seaman SYDNEY RANDALL, R.N. P/J 32090, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, S.S. Baron Erskine. Age 45 Died 30.1.1943
Able Seaman SYDNEY RANDALL, Royal Navy, was the son of Albert and Sarah Randall. He was also the husband of Ethel Randall, and they lived in Gosport. He served aboard the SS Baron Erskine. The ship was owned by H. Hogarth & Sons, and was 3,657 tonnage. The vessel was one of an inbound convoy. She had left Tampa Bay, Florida, United States of America, on the 6th January 1942, and was making for Garston, on the River Mersey, near Liverpool. Her cargo contained war materials.
For A/B Randall, the voyage had been an arduous one, several of the ships in the convoy, had been sunk by German U-boats, which had shadowed them across the Atlantic Ocean. He was a gunner on the ship’s gun, and had spent long cold hours ‘closed up’ at action stations. With the majority of the voyage behind them, and fast approaching the West Coast of Ireland, the date was Saturday 10th January 1942. The shadowing wolf pack of German U-boats closed in again, under the cover of darkness. U-701 torpedoed the ‘Baron Erskine’ some 300 miles to the west of Ireland; the ship sank rapidly causing the loss of 40 of her crew. Sydney Randall was plucked from the freezing seawater, and although injured survived. On survivors leave, and convalescing in an effort to recover from exposure and injuries he had suffered, he had been allowed home, at Rothsay Road, Gosport. Sadly, due to his injuries and exposure to the elements, Sydney Randall contracted pneumonia and passed away at his home on Sunday 30th January 1943.
Able Seaman SYDNEY RANDALL, R.N., was buried on Thursday 3rd February 1943, and is laid to rest, Plot 42 Space 27. A CWG headstone commemorates him.
Mr ALBERT EDWARD RANN Pensioner, Royal Marines, No. 81 Leesland Road, Gosport. Age 70 Died 20.9.1941 SEE – Mrs ADA EMMA BROWN
Sergeant BERNARD STANLEY RANSOM, R.A.F. 1322952, Sergeant, No. 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Age 20 Died 30.11.1943
Sergeant, BERNARD STANLEY RANSOM, Royal Air Force, was the son of William and Annie Edith. He was born in Gosport, his home address being 16 Prince Alfred Road. Having joined the RAF, he was trained as a bomb-aimer, and posted to the strength of 101 Squadron equipped with the famous ‘Lancaster’ bomber.
At 3.31am the early morning hours of 30th of November 1943, Sgt. Ransom’s aircraft a Lancaster Mk 1, ED552 coded Q for Queen and nicknamed “Gremlin Queen”, took off for a night cross-country exercise from their base at Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire. Upon becoming airborne the aircraft started to slowly gain height but not enough the aircraft crashed into trees on the high ground at South Cliffe, just 4 miles south east of the R.A.F. Airfield they had just taken off from. The crew never stood a chance; P/O W.T. Hobday (pilot), Sgt L. Mayden, F/O L. Waite, Sgt. R. Waterhouse, Sgt. T.J. Knock and Sgt. B.S. Ransom were all killed. All the crew were returned to their hometowns for burial.
Sergeant BERNARD STANLEY RANSOM, Royal Air Force, was buried on Friday 2nd April 1943; he is laid to rest in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), Row 3 Grave 7, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Lieutenant STEPHEN LANCELOT RAY, R.N.R. Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Rhodora. Age 48 Died 11.2.1940
Lieutenant, STEPHEN LANCELOT RAY, Royal Naval Reserve, was the son of Stephen Daniel and Ada Harriet Ray. He was the husband of Maude Aly’s Ray of Gosport. Lt. Ray had been engaged for 18 years on the engineering side of yachting. His first commission, was on the motor-yacht ‘Vonna’ (132 tons), owned by Lord Wavertree, and afterwards he gave special service on the motor-yacht ‘Endymion’ (301 tons) as guarantee engineer.
For the 15 years, prior to the Second World War, and before serving on the yacht. Lt. Ray had been employed by Mr. Lionel de Rothchild OBE, initially as chief engineer on the motor-yacht ‘Anne’, (ex-Rhodora (121 tons), then on the motor-yacht ‘Rhodora’ (700 tons), first as second engineer, and then as chief. When the yacht was taken on active service. He was appointed Engineer Lieutenant, R.N.R., and in this role, he was serving at the time of his death.
The funeral took place at Stoke Road (Gosport Methodist Church, and then on to Ann’s Hill Cemetery, on Friday 16th February 1940, of Lieutenant Stephen Lancelot Ray, R.N.R., who died at Birkenhead on Sunday 11th February 1940, at the age of 48. His death was as a result of wounds received during a heavy bombing raid on the dock’s area his vessel’s mooring place. Mrs Ray (widow), MASTER C. RAY (son), Mr Bert Ray (brother), messr’s Ted Ray and Holder (uncles), Mr Fred Ray (nephew), Messrs S. Arms, C. Dyard and Holmes (cousins) attended the funeral. Also Misses H. and V. Courtman (nieces), Mrs Ray (sister in law) Mr Courtman (brother in law), Messrs Cook, Green, Humby, Weaver, Reeves and L. Humby.
Lieutenant STEPHEN LANCELOT RAY, R.N.R., is laid to rest, Plot 30 Space 19, and is commemorated by a Family Memorial headstone.
Private HERBERT HENRY READ 21918, Private, 15th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. Age 24 Died 21.12.1915
Private HERBERT HENRY READ, was the son of Mrs Emma Read, who lived at No. 18 Zetland Road, Gosport. He was serving with the 15th battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. He was wounded in action during November, and had been medically evacuated from France. He was brought back to the Military Hospital at Winchester. After further surgery, to avoid gangrene, he seemed to be making good progress, but he caught a cold, which developed into pneumonia, from which he passed away on the 21st December 1915. He was returned to his hometown for interment. Private HERBERT HENRY READ, was buried on the 28th of December 1915, and is laid to rest, Plot 132 Space 64, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Aircraftsman Class 1 HARRY REED, R.A.F. 630523, Aircraftsman 1st Class, No.930 Barrage Balloon Squadron, Royal Air Force. Age 19 Son of harry and Edith Reed of Lea Hall, Birmingham, Warwickshire. Died 12.8.1940 SEE – Corporal ARTHUR REGINALD OWEN BARRELL, R.A.F.
Mrs MARY ANDERSON REEKIE Age 34 Master MICHAEL JOHN REEKIE Age 11 Miss PAMELA MARY, REEKIE Age 8 No. 35 Church Path, Gosport. All died 23.5.1944
Mrs MARY ANDERSON REEKIE, a widow, and her two children MICHAEL JOHN, and PAMELA MARY, were at their home at No. 35 Church Path, Gosport, on Tuesday 23rd May 1944, when the sirens announced another air raid was about to occur. The expected raid, started at 30 minutes past midnight, and lasted for just over and hour. RAF Station, Gosport’s Log Book, records that ‘Some bombs fell on the airfield, but caused no casualties and little damage’ a further reference to that night concluded ‘Bombs were falling in the neighbourhood’, and concluded ‘The evident target, appears to be Portsmouth harbour area, as it main objective’.
How right, that short entry was! Portsmouth Dockyard and central Gosport were getting a hammering, causing substantial damage to properties but thankfully few casualties. Mr Reekie and her children were sheltering in their home, a bomb hit the house in Church Path, the floors caved in and the roof fell in. Mrs Reeke and her children, Michael John and Pamela Mary, stood no chance under the tremendous weight of the collapsing masonry. It was not until the early hours, that their bodies were recovered. Many other homes in the street were badly damaged by the blast and debris.
Mrs Mary Anderson Reekie and her children were buried on Friday 26th may 1944, and are laid to rest, Plot 145 Space 24, and are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Private DAVID GEORGE REES 14600586, Private, Devonshire Regiment, 231st Brigade, 50th (Northumberland) Division, XXX Corps Age 19 Died 9.6.1944
Private DAVID GEORGE REES, was the son of Frederick George and Helen Nora Rees, of Bridgwater, Somerset. He was badly wounded in the allied amphibious landings, during the liberation of Northern France area of Normandy. On Thursday 8th June 1944, he was wounded attempting to dislodge a German machine gun nest, which had stopped further movement inland. Despite being wounded, he managed to call back vital information, which allowed the gun nest to be silenced. Private Rees, was taken aboard a hospital ship, but sadly on the return voyage back to this country he succumb o his wounds on Friday 9th June 1944.
Private DAVID GEORGE REES, was buried on Monday 12th June 1944, in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), and is laid to rest, Row 4 Grave 12, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Private WILLIAM GEORGE RICHARD BARRACLOUGH RICHMOND 281152, Private, 2nd/5th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment Age 21 Died 27.3.1919
Private WILLIAM GEORGE RICHARD BARRACLOUGH RICHMOND, was the son of Mrs S.A. Richmond, who lived at No. 16 Seahorse Sreet, Gosport. He had survived the Great War, the often quoted ‘War to end wars’ and had finally been returned to Hampshire Regiment’s temporary base at Gosport. The ‘Palmerston Follies’, fortifications, built in the mid 1800’s, which were used to accommodate the returning soldiers. Private Richmond, was stationed at Fort Rowner. All of these forts were damp and cold; the winter of 1918/19 was an exceptionally cold and long winter. Private Richmond, was yet another serviceman who became ill, he was taken at first to the fort’s sick bay, where his condition worsened. He was taken by ambulance, to the Queen Alexandria Military Hospital at Cosham, despite all that could be done for him, he developed double pneumonia as a result of contracting the ‘Spanish Flu’ epidemic, which raged throughout war torn Europe. Somewhere in the region of a million people died after becoming infected.
Private WILLIAM GEORGE RICHARD BARRACLOUGH RICHMOND, passed away on the 27th of March 1919, He was brought back to Gosport at the request of his mother, and was laid to rest on the 31st of March 1919, Plot 70 Space 18, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Able Seaman HARRY RICKWOOD, R.N. PO/218091, Able Seaman, Royal navy, HMS Sable. Age 32 Died 25.5.1919
Able Seaman HARRY RICKWOOD, Royal Navy, was the son of Mrs. Sarah Emma Richmond, who lived at No. 61 Alver Road, Gosport. He served aboard HMS Sable. He was home on extended medical leave during May 1919. He had caught a cold, and developed a fever. His condition worsened and he was diagnosed as having contracted tuberculosis. He was awaiting discharge from the navy, and was staying at No. 12 St Edward’s Road, which it is thought, may have been used as a nursing home for the sick. On the 25th of May 1919, he quietly passed away, after his condition became critical.
Able Seaman, HARRY RICKWOOD, R.N., was buried on the 30th of May 1919, and is laid to rest, Plot 69 Space 66, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Private ROBERT JOHN RODGERS 1582, Private, Highland Light Infantry. Age 26 Died 5.4.1915
Private ROBERT JOHN RODGERS, was the son of Robert J. Rodgers. He was serving with the Highland Light Infantry. They were based at Fort Gomer, and were awaiting mobilisation to France. An outbreak of enteric fever swept the fort, and some twenty men were affected, Private Rodgers being amongst them. He was taken to the Queen Alexandria Military Hospital at Cosham. After a few days his condition worsened, he died a week after being admitted, on the 5th of April 1915. Private ROBERT JOHN RODGERS, was brought back to Gosport, where he was buried on the 7th April 1915, he is laid to rest, Plot 81 Space 48, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
WALDEMAR ROLT Soldier, German Army Age un/kn Died 16.8.1944
WALDEMAR ROLT, of the German Army, was seriously wounded, during the allied liberation of the Normandy area of France. The action, in which he received his wounds, took place in the area of Falaise Village. Where the German occupying forces, had been pushed back in the break out of the allied forces, from the Normandy Beaches. The Germans, had been outflanked on three sides, and only a suicidal effort by a rearguard action allowed many thousands of Germans to escape back to make a fighting retreat. Waldemar Rolt was taken aboard a hospital ship for transfer to this country. He died of his wounds on the voyage back on Wednesday, 16th August 1944. On arriving back in this country, WALDEMAR ROLT was buried on Saturday 19th August 1944, in the German Plot of the War Graves Section, Row 2 Grave 4, his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Stoker RICHARD THOMAS RUSBRIDGE, R.N. P/KX 87951, Stoker Class 1, Royal Navy, HMS Hornet. Age 63 Died 17.5.1945
Stoker, RICHARD THOMAS RUSBRIDGE, Royal Navy, of No. 5 Freemantle Road, Gosport, passed away on Thursday 17th May 1945, after being admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport. It is thought that he died of a heart attack. RICHARD THOMAS RUSBRIDGE, R.N., was buried on Tuesday 22nd May 1945 in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), Row 5 Grave 6, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.