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Private SAMUEL BEATTIE 5836384, Private, 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, 69th Brigade, 50th Division, British XXX Corps Age 25 Died 13.6.44
Private SAMUEL BEATTIE, was the husband of Esther Irene, and they lived at Maidenhead, Berkshire. He was badly wounded during the push inland by the allied forces whilst securing the D-Day beachhead. He was in transit back to this country, when he succumb to his wounds on Tuesday 13th June 1944. He was buried two days later with service honours in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), Row 4 Grave 14, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Mr ARTHUR CHARLES BEAVIS Pensioner, Air Raid Warden Age 67 Died 20.8.42
Mr JOSEPH MAXIMILIAN BOWKER Air raid Warden Age 55 Died 20.8.1942
Mr ARTHUR CHARLES BEAVIS, of 16 Village Road, Alverstoke, husband of Mrs L.M. Beavis, was on ARP duty with Mr JOSEPH MAXIMILIAN BOWKER, of the The Avenue House, Alverstoke. The son of Joseph Bowker, of Hope House, Kersal, Manchester, and the husband of Ethelreda L.C. Bowker. Were on Air Raid Precautions Patrol, on the night of Thursday 20th of August 1942. Mr Beavis need not have been on that duty, he decently told one of his colleagues he would cover his duty, so that the man could be with his family. Together Mr Beavis and Mr Bowker patrolled the area. Observing a light, down a small alleyway from Jellicoe Avenue, Alverstoke. They were making their way down the connecting alley, towards the light source, as they did so a bomb fell exploding just a few yards away. Both men were instantly killed. This was the period of low level ‘hit and run’ raids. There had been virtually no warning. Mr Bowker resided at Avenue House, Alverstoke; he was 55 years of age. Mr Beavis was 67. The Hampshire Telegraph dated 28th August, printed the following report:
TRIBUTE TO DEAD WARDENS – Representatives of the Civil Defence Services of a South Coast town, paid tribute to the Memory of two Air Raid Wardens, Mr Joseph Maximilian Bowker age 55 and Mr Arthur Charles Beavis ages 67. The coffins were draped in Union Jacks, were borne into the church by wardens and the choir. The Rector conducted the service, chief mourners were: Mrs Bowker, (wife), Mr R.D. and Mr G. Bowker (sons), Mr and Mrs E. Allen (brother and Sister in law) and Mrs Glyn-Bott.
Mr Beavis and Mr Bowker were laid to rest on Monday 24th August, Plot 194 Space 7 and Plot 41 Space 3.
Mr Bowker is commemorated by a Family memorial, Mr Beavis by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Mr ARTHUR THOMAS HENRY BEAVIS Age 32 Died 13.1.41
The late night of the 10th/11th January 1941 witnessed one of the heaviest air raids on the Gosport area was to suffer throughout the war. The wailing sirens stirred the sleeping inhabitants, who understandably were reluctant to leave the relative warmth of their homes, to the freezing cold of an air raid shelter. As a result of this, the night’s casualty figures were very high, many being killed. Reports state, some 300 plus enemy aircraft were involved. In the Portsmouth/Gosport area, 171 were killed, 430 injured and leaving over 3,000 people homeless.
Mr ARTHUR THOMAS BEAVIS, a labourer, aged 32, was at his home, No. 74 Dunkeld Road, no doubt worried about incendiary bombs, he had ensured his family were in the small Anderson shelter at the bottom the garden, but had remained vigilant in his home. During the height of the raid, which it is believed had targeted the ammunition factories of Frater, half a mile to the north-west of his home, a large explosion blew the house to pieces. Leaving the road badly damaged. Mr Beavis was trapped underneath the rubble of his home. He was rescued from the remains of No. 74, but he had terrible head injuries, and was unconscious. He and his wife were taken to Gosport War Memorial Hospital; she had slight head injuries, and survived. Mr Beavis never regained consciousness, passing away two days later (13th). It was found that the massive destruction, had been caused by a parachute mine, designed to explode above the ground, this produced tremendous blast shock waves, leveling a very large area.
Mr Beavis, was buried on Thursday 16th January 1941, Plot 194 Space 15, and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Private THOMAS BEDFORD 8074, Private, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Age 26 Died 20.8.1914
Private THOMAS BEDFORD, the son of James Bedford, came from ‘South View’, Goring Road, Staines, Middlesex. His death was as a result being ‘accidental killed’, on 20th August 1914. It is thought that Private Bedford was accidentally shot during weapons training. Inquest Reports, which would have given the reason, have not survived. Private THOMAS BEDFORD, was laid to rest, Plot 58 Space 17, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone
Mrs ELIZABETH ANNIE BLACKBURN – Miss DOROTHY JOAN BLACKBURN – Master EDWARD GEORGE BLACKBURN Age 50, 10, and 13
Mrs BENJAMINA MILLER CARTER – Mr JAMES FREDERICK GEORGE, CARTER Age 21, 29
Mr FRANCIS WILLIAM JOHNSON Age 75
Mrs KATE MILLER Age 65
On the night of Sunday 27th April 1941, the darkening skies heralded yet another air raid on the Gosport area, the main attack: targeting Portsmouth Dockyard area. A lone enemy aircraft found itself illuminated by the searchlight units. The German pilot threw the aircraft around the sky in a desperate bid to escape the anti aircraft flak focused on it. To this end, the bomb load was jettisoned, helping considerably the handling of the plane, and reducing slightly the risk: of the deadly flak hitting and exploding the plane. This decision taken high above them to jettison the bomb-load sealed the fate of those below in Hartington Road, Gosport.
At No. 10; Mr FRANCIS WILLIAM JOHNSON (75), a builder by trade, had taken what steps he could to shelter from the attack it was to no avail, he was killed when the house around him collapsed.
At No. 16 Mrs ELIZABETH ANN BLACKBURN (50) a widow and two children DOROTHY JOAN, (10) and EDWARD GEORGE, (13) were trapped under the wreckage of their house, when brought out from the remains of the building, rescue services found that both of the children had been killed, their mother seriously injured and barely alive, was taken to the War Memorial Hospital, Gosport, where in the early hours of the 28th she succumbed to her injuries.
At No. 22 JAMES FREDERICK GEORGE CARTER & his wife BENJAMIN MILLER CARTER, were visiting Benjamina’s mother KATE MILLER (wife of William), (65), and had left their home close by in Malvern Road, Gosport. James Frederick George Carter was a skilled labourer and was 29 years of age, his wife, Benjamina Miller Carter, was 21 years old all stood no chance when the bombs went off and they were killed outright.
Also killed in the raid on Hartington Road, was Mr. WILLIAM BENNETT, who I am led to believe, was visiting his in-laws home (Mr and Mrs Carter). He is not buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, but at Chichester.
Mr Francis William Johnson (75), was buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport on Thursday 1st May 1941, and is laid to rest, Plot 16, Space 52 and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Mr James Frederick George (29) and his wife Benjamina Miller Carter, (21) were also buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery Gosport on Thursday 1st May 1941, and are laid to rest, Plot 43 Space 77, and are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Mrs Elizabeth Ann Blackburn (50), her children Dorothy Joan (10) and Edward George (13), were buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, on Saturday 3rd May 1941, and are laid to rest, Plot 173, Space 55, and are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone. Mrs Kate Miller, (65) was also buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, on 3rd May 1941, and is laid to rest, Plot 9, Space 48, she is commemorated by a Family Memorial.
SIGISMUND BLASCHKOWSKI Soldier German Army Born 20.8.1924 Age 19 Died 8.6.1944
SIGISMUND BLASCHKOWSKI, died Thursday 8th June 1944 at the Alverstoke Emergency Hospital (requisitioned Children’s Home, Clayhall Rd), of war wounds, buried Thursday 15th June 1944 in the War Graves Section, German Plot Row 4, Grave 3, final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
GERHARD BOROWIETZ killed in action on Tuesday 15th August 1944. Was buried Saturday 19th August 1944, in the War Graves Section, German Plot Row 1 Grave 1, his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Flight Sergeant CHARLES HENRY BOWDEN, R.A.F., was the son of Charles and Susan Bowden. He was the husband of Lillian, and they lived at No.62 Rothesay Rd, Gosport. He passed away on Sunday 11th of February 1945 at the RAF Hospital Wendover, Aylesbury, Wilts, of natural causes. Flight Sergeant CHARLES HENRY BOWDEN, R.A.F., was buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, on Friday 16th of February 1945 he is laid to rest in the War Grave Section (See Plan on back pages), Row 9 Grave 10, his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Petty Officer GILES BOWERS was the son of Jack and Susan Bowers, he was married to Marjorie Nellie. Their home was at 9 Hamble Rd, Gosport, he was a Petty Officer Stoker aboard HMS Quorn, a Hunt Class’ destroyer pennant No L 66, and was launched 27th March 1940 on Monday 20th April 1942, the destroyer was patrolling off the English Coast, when she struck a mine. In the resulting explosion Petty Officer Giles was killed, although badly damaged, HMS Quorn managed to limp back to harbour, there were several other fatalities and many injuries, mostly amongst those in the engine room, were Giles Bowers was on duty. Petty Officer GILES BOWERS, R.N., was buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, on Friday 1st May 1942, and is laid to rest in the War Graves Section (See plan on back pages), Row 5, Grave 4, and his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Sapper JOHN PHILLIP BOX, was the son of Harold and Cicely Box, of Longbridge, Birmingham, Warwickshire. He was wounded during war operations in Normandy, following D-Day. Brought back to this Country, he was taken to Haslar, Royal Naval Hospital, where sadly he died of his wounds on Monday 12th June 1944.
Sapper JOHNPHILLIP BOX was laid to rest in the War Graves Section Row 1 Grave 20. A CWG headstone commemorates him.
Private TERRY BRIDLE 356156, Private, Highland Light Infantry. Age 42 Died 11.11.1918 Private TERRY BRIDLE, Highland Light Infantry, died on 11th December 1918, after being admitted to the Hill House Hospital, Minster, Ramsgate, Kent. He died of wounds received during the last few days of the First World War, before the armistice was announced. He came from the Gosport area, and was returned here for interment. Private TERRY BRIDLE, was buried the 17th December 1918, Plot 39 Space 22. A CWG headstone commemorates him.
Sergeant ROBERT GEORGE BROOKES, R.C.A.F. R 72338 Sergeant Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, R.C.A.F. Age 23 Died 30.11.1942 Sergeant ROBERT GEORGE BROOKES, R.C.A.F., a Canadian, was born 28th September 1919 the son of George H. and Clara J. Brookes of St. Catherine’s Ontario, having taken a college course in wireless studies. At the outbreak of war Brookes enlisted at Toronto, Victoria, just eight days short of his twenty-first birthday. Undergoing training he was promoted to A/C1 in May 41 after completing a wireless operators course, three months later he passed his air gunner’s course and was further promoted to Sergeant. After enjoying 14 days embarkation leave, Robert Brookes left Canada, arriving in this Country September, and was posted to a Signal School finally graduating from the R.A.F.’s Radio School.
After posting to 1 (C) Operational Training Squadron at RAF Silloth, Brookes was posted May 42, onto the strength of 407 “Demon” Squadron at RAF Bircham Newton where served until being posted to No 2 A.A.C.U. on the 3rd of September 1942. Another promotion, to that of Temporary Warrant Officer class 2 was conferred upon him 1st day of November. On the 30th November 1942, Robert Brookes and duty pilot Flying Officer S. Rowland took off from RAF Gosport in a Boulton Paul Defiant for a routine target towing exercise off the Nab Tower. A ‘hit & run’ FW 190 German fighter intercepted the by now obsolete British fighter, raking in with cannon shells, Flying Officer Rowland in the much inferior machine, somehow managed to escape from the raiders attentions, but not before his aircraft had been severely damaged. By superb handling Rowland managed to make it back to RAF Gosport, where he had to crash-land. Emergency services rushed to plane as it came to a stop, W/O Brookes was found to be seriously wounded and was immediately taken to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar where he was operated on. Sadly he died of his wounds later that day. F/O Rowland also wounded, was taken to hospital, he recovered.
Warrant Officer ROBERT GEORGE BROOKES, R.C.A.F., was buried on the 5th of December 1942. He is laid to rest in the War Graves Section, Row 6 Grave 5, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Corporal ERNEST BROTHERTON 7920401, Corporal, 22nd Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps, 30th Armoured Corps, 30th Armoured Brigade, 79th Armoured Division. Age 37 Died 6.6.1940 Corporal ERNEST BROTHERTON, was the son of Seth and Sarah Hannah Brotherton, of Bradford, Yorkshire. He was married to Lily Norman Brotherton and they lived at Great Horton, Bradford, Yorkshire. He was killed on 6th June 1944, D-Day whilst storming ashore at the Normandy beaches. He was serving with the Division nick-named ‘Hobarts Funnies’. Named after their inventor Major General Sir Percy Hobart. His armoured inventions were able to overcome many of the numerous obstacles and defensive traps encountered on the beachheads by the amphibious assault. Being one of the first to be killed he was transferred to a landing ship for the voyage home. Corporal Brotherton was buried on Saturday 10th June, with full military honours, in the War Graves Section Row 1 Grave 17, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Mrs ADA EMMA BROWN – Miss VERA BROWN Age 37,14 mnths Master DONALD FRANCIS FREEBURY Age 15 Mrs MARY ANN ELIZABETH GRATWICK Age 62 Mr ALBERT EDWARD RANN Age 70 Mr ERNEST EDWARD & EMMA ELIZABETH SEABROOK Age 64, 66 All died 20.9.1941
On the late evening of Saturday, 20th September 1941. Air-raid sirens sounded once again as enemy aircraft approached the area. All to shortly afterwards the bombers were overhead and the raid started, high explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped, Portsmouth and Gosport were again on the receiving end of the enemy attentions.
Leesland Road, Gosport, runs parallel to the Gosport to Fareham railway line. The north side of the houses backing on to the rail-lines, it may be that aircraft which dropped its bombs intended the railway as its target, however the bombs hit some of the houses along the road.
At No. 46 Lees land Road, Mrs ADA EMMA BROWN, (37), a widow who had remarried, the wife of Leslie Harold, and children VERA (14 months) & DONALD FRANCIS IS FREEBURY (15), were ki1led outright, the house completely collapsed on them.
At No. 79, Mrs MARY ANN ELIZABETH GRATWICK, (62), a widow, and her next door neighbour at No. 81, Mr ALBERT EDWARD RANN (70), formerly of the Roval Marines and now retired, were killed when their houses were ripped apart by an exploding bomb.
At No. 85, Mr ERNEST EDWARD SEABROOK (64) and his wife EMMA ELIZABETH; (66) were also killed when their home was totally destroyed in an instant, they could not have known much about it.
All the above were buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport, the details of which follow; Mrs ADA EMMA BROWN her daughter Vera And son Donald Francis Freebury, were buried on Wednesday, 24th September 1941, and are laid t6 rest, Plot 97, Space 51, and are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Mrs Mary Ann Elizabeth Gratwick and Mr Ernest Edward Seabrook and his wife Emma Elizabeth, were also buried on Wednesday 24th September 1941, and are laid to rest, Plot 34, Space 46, and Plot 26, Space 54 respectively. A Civilian War Grave headstone commemorates Mrs Gratwick’s final resting-place, and a Family Memorial commemorates Mr and Mrs Seabrook.
Mr Albert Edward Rann was buried on Thursday 25th September 1941, and is laid to rest, Plot 26,Space 55 beside his neighbours Mr and Mrs Seabrook, and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Mr ALBERT COSHAM BUDD Formerly of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS Bulwark. Age 40 Died 15.12.1920
Mr ALBERT COSHAM BUDD, formerly of the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Served aboard His Majesties Ship, ‘Bulwark’. This ship was badly damaged during a naval engagement during World War One. Marine BUDD was seriously wounded in the action, as a result of which he was hospitalised when the ship reached Portsmouth. Owing to the severe nature of his wounds, Marine Budd was invalided out of the R.M.’s. Continual surgery over the war years and after, sapped his strength, finally he passed away on 15th December 1920. Mr ALFRED COSHAM BUDD, was laid to rest, Plot 51 Space 34, and is commemorated by a Family Memorial.
Unteroffizer FRITZ BUDIG Unteroffizer German Air Force Age 26 Born 2.4.1914 Died 12.8.1940
Unteroffizer FRITZ BUDIG, born 2nd April 1914, was serving with 2/ZG2 of the German Luftwaffe, who were tasked with a bombing mission of Portsmouth Dockyard on Monday 12th August 1940, it was just after midday that the escorting formation split up as their fighter escort circled the Nab Tower, one section attacked Ventnor Radar Station, destroying all the surface buildings, putting the station out of action for several days. Budig’s section continued their run-in towards the Dockyard and other military bases in Gosport, causing large scale damage and casualties, they were unaware that their presence had been detected by radar, and that fighters were hurtling towards them.
Having bombed the targets the aircraft turned homewards, straight into the intercepting fighters, immediately the skies above the Solent were turned into a deadly battlefield, during the next few minutes a heavy casualty rate was inflicted on both raiders and defending aircraft, as the battle continued southwards. Unteroffizer Fritz Budig’s Me 110D/O (3316) coded 3M+MK with Staffel Kapitan Kulbel at the controls, twisted and turned in a vain attempt to avoid the swarming British fighters, there was to be no escape, the aircraft was shot down into the sea at Spithead, Kulbel and Budig were killed, Uffz Budig’s body was recovered from the sea by an RAF Launch.
Unteroffizer Fritz Budig G.A.F., is buried at AHC, plot 188 grave 32, commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Lieutenant GUSTAV LEWIS BULLIMORE, R.N. Lieutenant, Royal Navy Age 59 Died 5.9.1944
Lieutenant GUSTAV LEWIS BULLIMORE, R.N., was the son of William and Adelaide Bullimore, and the husband of Maria Dare Bullimore, and Gosport. The Evening News dated 8th September 1944 carried the following obituary:
The death has taken place in Manchester, on Friday 5th September 1944, of LIEUTEANT LEWIS BULLIMORE R.N., who before the war, was in partnership with Mr. B.M. Hansard. Together they ran a wholesale newspaper business in North Street, Gosport. Mr Bullimore, who was 59 years of age, joined the Royal Navy, as a boy, who was promoted to a commissioned rank, after the Falklands Battle during the 1914-18 War.
After the Great War, he left the service, taking up residence in Gosport to become involved in the newspaper business as stated. With the outbreak of the second World War, he was recalled, being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, where he served with distinction before being invalided from the service about 2 years ago through ill health.
Lieutenant GUSTAV LEWIS BULLIMORE, R.N., was brought back to Gosport, and was buried on Thursday 11th September 1944, he is laid to rest, Plot 101, Space 102, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Able Seaman PERCY BUNDEY, R.N.124043, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, HMS Fisgard. Age 47 Died 4.9.1914
Able Seaman PERCY BUNDEY, Royal Navy, was the son of Charles and Esther Bundey, of Fareham. He was married Eleanor A., and their home was at No. 140 Avenue Road, Gosport. He was a pensioner, who had been recalled to the service, to help train young sailors aboard HMS Fisgard, an old wooden wall warship, which was anchored off Hardway, Elson, Gosport. A/B Bundey became unwell, and was taken home, where his condition worsened. A doctor was called and he was diagnosed as having enteric fever (stomach condition, causing fever). After treatment, his condition seemed to improve, but after a relapse his fever returned and complications set in. He passed away three days later on the 4th of September 1914.
Able Seaman PERCY BUNDEY, R.N., was laid to rest on the 7th of September 1914, Plot 58 Space 23, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Corporal GEORGE ATKINSON, R.A.F. 565463, Corporal, Royal Army Force. Age 26 Died 16.8.1940 Gunner JACK BUNDY R.A.825880, Gunner, 57th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery Age 25 Son of Wilson George and Eliza Alice Bundy, of Hardway, Gosport. Mr EUGENE MORRIARTY Age 26 Corporal ALLEN JAMES STEWART R.A.F.334962, Corporal, Royal Air Force Age 48 Private WILLIAM TEES 6213628, Private, Middlesex Regiment Age 27 Son of David and Annie K.B. Tees, of Glasgow. Private NORMAN DENIS WENHAM 6213355, Private, Middlesex Regiment Age 25 Aircraftsman ROBERT TERNCE YATES R.A.F. 919260, Aircraftsman 1st Class, Royal Air Force Age 21 All died 16.8.40
On Friday 16th August 1940, heavy air attacks on south coast airfields continued. RAF Station, Gosport and the Royal Naval Air Station at Lee-on-Solent, were the designated targets for part of a large force of enemy aircraft, which split up into three smaller formations, as they approached the Isle of Wight. One formation attacked RAF Tangmere, the main Sector Station for Sector ‘A’ of No. 11 Group. Despite being intercepted, the enemy raiders succeeded in destroying a couple of hangars, and badly damaging many other buildings. Casualties were heavy, in one air-raid shelter, eighteen WRAF personnel were killed, when the shelter received a direct hit. The third formation turned back on its self. This formation consisted of Junkers 88’s and they dive bombed the RADAR Station on St. Boniface Down, above Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight. This Ventnor Station, was part of the Chain of early warning system. The personnel had detected the oncoming large flight, and had taken shelter when the planes were nearly overhead. Thankfully no personnel were killed. But the RADAR equipment was so badly damaged that the Station remained out of service for around four weeks. The remaining formation forged on ahead, attacking the airfields at Gosport and Lee-on-Solent. The attack started at 13:00p.m., when ten Ju 87’s masked by the sun, dive bombed from 10,000 feet reaching just 500 feet above the ground they released their bombs. The ground defences opened up with everything they had, but to little avail. Again, the airfield’s non-essential personnel had been ordered to take shelter. The Technical Blocks, cookhouse and a house were seriously damaged.
Corporal GEORGE ATKINSON, Royal Air Force, age 26, was the son of Andrew Cosser Mather and Louisa Atkinson, he came from Jarrow, Co. Durham. He was busy on routine duties on the airfield. Corporal Atkinson was among those killed, it is believed that he was in one of the hangars, which were badly damaged. The air station took some time to recover after the raid. The Atkinson family lost two other sons during the Second World War, both are commemorated on the headstone of their brother George. Corporal GEORGE ATKINSON, Royal Air Force, was buried on Wednesday 21st August 1940, in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), Row 1 Grave 10, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone. The Station’s fire engine, which rushed to put out the fire was hit, Corporal ALLEN JAMES STEWART (48) and A/C 2 ROBERT TERENCE YATES (21) were killed.
In the anti-aircraft gun positions, Private WILLIAM TEES (27) and Private NORMAN DENIS WENHAM (25) were killed when their gun position was hit. They were serving with Middlesex Regiment, who at the time was drafted as part of the airfields ground defences. Mr EUGENE MORRIARTY (26) a civilian construction worker, employed by Wimpey’s was working on expansion of the airfield by Rowner Lane. He was trying to take shelter, but was killed by a near miss, when the bomb exploded.
Just to the north of the airfield a heavy anti-aircraft battery sited at Holbrook, were in the thick of the action. As one of the Stuka dive-bombers slightly overshot, he delayed his bomb release, and aimed at the gun site. The bomb fell right in front of No. 4 gun. A sergeant lost his arm in the blast. Gunner JACK BUNDAY (25), manning the gun, was hit by a large piece of shrapnel, which tore through the armoured protection around the gun, fatally wounding him. He was taken to Haslar, Royal Naval Hospital, but died a few hours later. The battery, manned by men of the 215th Battery, 57th Regiment of the Royal Artillery, continued to fire with the remaining three guns. It is of high merit, that the women of the NAAFI, also serving at the gun-site, were commended for their bravery and courage in immediately going to the aid of the injured men. Unlike the reactions, the ‘big brass’ said would happen when they were under fire! One up to all the brave women who served during wartime.
Details of the burials, which took place 20th August 1940, in the War Graves Section: Gunner Bunday buried Row 4 Grave 12, Corporal Stewart Row 1 Grave 12, Private Tees Row 2 Grave 4, Private Wenham Row 2 Grave 2, A/C 2 Yates Row 2 Grave 8
Also buried on the 20th August 1940, was Mr Morriarty, who was laid to rest Plot 195 Space 65, and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Private ROBERT BUNTIN 2758212, Private, Black Watch (Royal Highland) Regiment. Age 21 Died 18.6.40
In March 1940, the 1st Battalion the Black Watch. joined the 5lst(Highland) Division in the Maginot Line, near Metz. Private ROBERT BUNTIN, (21), was a member of that battalion. The so-called ‘Phoney War’ a period of inactivity since the declaration of war on Germany. This peace was shattered when the blitzkrieg (lightening war), was launched. The German forces instead assaulting the Maginot Line, went around it, traversing the Ardennes, something that the Allies thought impossible fierce fighting broke out and the Highland Division bravely held their position until ordered to with draw some five days later. Upon reaching Etian and Varennes, the news filtered through to the French armies were on the point of collapse, and a German or break-through by an armoured division was beginning to drive a wedge between the Highland Division and the rest of the British Units, desperately tired. They withdrew to Paris, taking up a defensive position at Abbeyville, where they engaged the German Front. Some success resulted, but the Battalion became fragmented, and was finally ordered after taking further casualties, to withdraw. Despite some success the number of casualties grew, and along with the 4th Battalion the 1st were ordered to retreat to Dieppe, the evacuation of Dunkirk in the meantime was well underway. As the 1st Battalion fell back onto St. Valery, the Division surrounded, and with no possibility of escape, were and taken prisoner and spent the rest of the war in P.O.W. Camps. Scant reward for the determined and brave rearguard action they had mounted for so long.
In their endeavours they had bought precious time for the British Expeditionary Forces and their allies to escape back to Britain via Dunkirk, along with many others forming the rearguard. This miracle would not have been possible. It is not surprising then, that at the time, the men of the Highland Division felt very let down by those in higher command. But as History records the fact, that the evacuations were able to take place, was a lasting memorial to their courage and determination, of those who survived, few escaped to fight again. It is fitting to note, that after the successful D. Day invasion, the 5 1st Highland Division, returned to St. Valery in triumph, the town where they had been forced to surrender to General Rommel’s Overwhelming forces some 4 years before.
Private, ROBERT BUNTIN was one of the casualties the Battalion suffered, badly wounded, he was one of those evacuated, and like so many others brought back to this Country, those most seriously wounded, were taken to the large military hospitals for immediate attention. Robert Buntin was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport, where sadly on Tuesday 13th of June 1941 he succumb to his wounds.
Private ROBERT BUNTIN was buried on Friday 21st June 1940, with full mi1itary honours. Laid to rest in the War Grave Section (See plan on back pages), Row 1 Grave 4, and his final resting place is commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Lieutenant ALEXANDER BURNS R.F.C..Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Age 24 Died 20.4.1917
Lieutenant Alexander Burns R.F.C. was serving with the 59th Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, he was born in Indooroophilly, Queensland, Australia, and was 24 years of age.
On Friday the 20th of April 1917 he took off in DH1a aeroplane, service no A 1625, from Grange Aerodrome, the ascent was normal and controlled, and the machine rose to a height of some 400 feet. Without warning, the machine appeared to those on the ground to get of control, the machine dipped its nose, and the angle steepened, finally it nose-dived and crashed into the ground. Immediate assistance was rushed to the scene and Lt. Burns was taken from the wreckage of his aeroplane to the Queen Alexandria Hospital at Cosham, where he died of his injuries shortly after being admitted.
Lieutenant Alexander Burns R.F.C., was buried on the 26th of April 1917. He is laid to rest, Plot 29, Space 58, and is commemorated by a Family Memorial headstone.
Mr WILLIAM BURRIDGE-Mrs AMELIA, BURRIDGE Age 71, 56 Mr ERNEST VICTOR COPE – Mr FREDERICK ARTHUR, COPE Age 40, 17 Mrs ETHEL LYDIA KATHLEEN DAWES – Miss ELIZABETH A.S. DAWES – Miss KATHLEEN E.J. DAWES Age 35, 4, and 5 Marine VALENTINE JELLICOE GOYMER, R.M. – Mrs MAY GOYMER PO/X1862, Royal Marines Age 26, 19 Mrs MABEL HILL Age 56 Mr ALBERT CYRIL LAWRENCE Age 22 Mrs DAISY LEWIS Age 29 Mr AUSTYN MALONE Age 24 Mr DONALD McLEAN Age 31 Mr GEORGE STOKES Age 28 MR FRANK TRUNER Age 24 Miss MARY VALERIE ANN WILLIAMS Age 2 years 6 months Died on 10.3.1941
During an air raid on the Gosport area on 10th March 1941, the target most probably was the goods yard at the nearby railway station, or the fuel depot on the opposite side of Forton Road. The bombs fell to the west, exploding in the residential estates. In Avenue Road. The devastation was severe. The site were the houses were hit is marked today, by the insertion of modern houses, with angled frontages to the road.
At No. 56; Mr WILLIAM (72) & Mrs AMELIA (56) BURRIDGE, Mrs DAISY LEWIS (29) (their daughter), Royal Marine VALENTINE JELLICOE, the son of John and Ellen Jane Goymer, who lived in Forton, Gosport, & his wife MAY GOYMER (19), were killed when the house received a direct hit. Mr Burridge and his wife had shortly been evacuated from Gibraltar, where he worked as a gardener in the grounds of the Governor’s House. Equally unlucky was Valentine Goymer, who was on leave, after having served for year’s abroad.
At No. 66; Mr ALBERT (BERT) CYRIL LAWRENCE (22) an engineer by trade, was crushed when the wall of the house was blown in by the blast of the exploding bomb.
At No. 76; Mrs MABEL HILL (56), wife of Royston Hill, was killed when another bomb completely demolished her house.
At No. 82; Mr ERNEST VICTOR (40) & his son FREDERICK ARTHUR COPE (17), who were boilermakers by trade, were casualties of the resulting blast damage, their roof collapsed down, crushing the lower floors, on which they were sheltering.
Across the road, at No. 85; Mr FRANK TURNER (24), was sleeping, when a combination of blast and debris reduced his home to rubble. He worked in the Welding and Burning Department of HM Dockyard, Portsmouth.
About a quarter of a mile away, on the opposite side of the railway line, at No. 19 Park Road, Gosport, Mrs ETHEL LYDIA KATHLEEN DAWES (35), wife of James Reginald Dawes, and her daughters ELIZABETH ALICE SLYVIA (4) and KATHLEEN EDITH JEAN (5), were visiting Mrs Janet Williams and her daughter MARY VALERIE ANN (30 months). Mrs Williams was a widow, having lost her husband on active service. The only person to survive the air raid was to be Mrs Williams; all the others were killed when a bomb hit the house.
The other fatal casualties in Gosport that night were two motor drivers, who had lodgings at No. 19 Gordon Road, Mr AUSTYN MALONE (24) and Mr GEORGE STOKES (28). They stood no chance when a bomb struck the house they were in.
Mr DONALD McLEAN (31) lived in Gosport, at No. 283 Forton Road. He was an Auxiliary Fireman, he was on duty dealing with the many fires which were blazing in Portsmouth. The Dockyard had been hit, but particularly badly hit was HMS Vernon, RN shore base. Despite the fact that the raiders were still overhead, they were tasked with extinguishing the numerous blazes started by incendiary bombs. High Explosive bombs were also being dropped and severe damage was resulting. Mr McLean and a fellow fire fighter were busy attempting to quell a blaze in buildings next to the Mining Tank. This Tank was constructed within a tower, and was reached by using a lift to get to the open top of the tank, housed in a top building. Here divers practiced disarming, and dealing with underwater mines etc. In the early hours of the morning a large calibre H.E. bomb penetrated the roof above, smashing its way through failed to explode on impact, plunged through the floor at the top of the tank, finally exploding after striking the steel runners of the lift some twenty feet above the ground. The two firemen stood no chance, the explosion ripped the water tank, sending tons of water gushing everywhere, shrapnel and debris flew in all directions. The bodies of the men, where recovered after the ‘all clear’ siren had sounded, and they were found to be missing.
All the above are buried at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, the details are: Mr Donald McLean was buried on Thursday 13th March 1941, Plot 34 Space 10, and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Friday 14th March 1941 Mr Cope and his son Frederick were buried Plot 40 Space 89, and are also commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone. Mr Lawrence and Mr Frank Turner were buried Plot19 Space 41 and Plot 19 Space 33 respectively; a Family Memorial commemorates both.
Saturday 15th March 1941 Mrs Dawes and her daughters were buried Plot 53 Space 70, and are commemorated by a Family Memorial.
Miss Valerie Anne Williams was buried, Plot 29 Space 94, a Civilian War Grave headstone commemorates her.
Mrs Hill, was buried Plot 173 Space 52, and is commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Marine Goymer and his wife May, were buried Plot 173 Space 50, and are commemorated by a CWG headstone.
Mr Burridge and his wife Amelia, were buried Plot 173 Space 52, and are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Monday 17th March 1941 Mr Stokes and Mr Malone, were buried Plot 165 Space 60, and Plot 165 Space 62, respectively, are commemorated by a Civilian War Grave headstone.
Lance Corporal DENNIS BERNARD BYRNE X/206,Lance Corporal, 2nd Regiment, South African Infantry. Age 25 Died 28.2.1917
Lance Corporal DENNIS BERNARD BYRNE, 2nd Regiment, South African Infantry, was taken ill, and admitted to the Southwark Temporary Military Hospital, East Dulwich, his condition deteriorated. He passed away on 28th February 1917. He was returned to Gosport, where records state, some relatives lived (the details of which were not recorded). Lance Corporal, DENNIS BERNARD BYRNE, was buried, Plot 86 Space 7, and is commemorated by a CWG/Family headstone.
Private EWARD ERNEST BUXEY 5563523, 393 battery, 48 Anti Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers. Age 47 Died 19.2.1940
Private EDWARD (TED) ERNEST BUXEY (47), was married and lived at No. 14 Bedford Street, died on Monday 19th February 1940, at his home, no cause of death is known, He was buried on Friday 23rd February 1940, Plot 136 Space 34, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.