Roll of Honour - Cambridgeshire

Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget

The Royal British Legion

COTTENHAM WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Copyright © Phil Curme / Martyn Smith 2000

The Cottenham War Memorial is situated at the junction of the High Street and Denmark Road, Cottenham. It takes the form of the figure of a serviceman dressed in field kit with helmet, gas mask and pack, with his head bowed and rifle reversed standing upon an elaborate, large, square pedestal with a two-stepped base. The inscription is to be found on the sids of the pedestal. The pedestal as an arch at the top on each side within these arches are carved laurel wreaths on the front and bback, crossed flags on the right hand side and a rifle and pack on the left hand side. There is a large fish leaning on the servicemasn's leg which may have something to do with t he architect's naval connections. There are 60 names listed for World War 1, 17 for World War 2 plus 2 civilains from World War 1. The monies for the memorial were raised by public subscription amounting to £544 6s 0d. The architect was Mr Fred Baccus; the mrmorial was dedicated by local clergymen and unveiled by Major-General Sir S W Hare on 4 September 1921. In World War 2 the railings surrounding the memorial were removed for the war effort. There are two ladies mentioned from the VAD/Red Cross, one of these, Commandant Florence Cox, was the local Doctor's wife. Details appeared in the Cambridge Chronicle & University Journal 7 September 1921.


Photographs above copyright © Phil Curme 2000 Photographs below copyright © Martyn Smith 2002



Unveiling parade from an old postcard

In Grateful and Honoured Memory

OF THE MEN OF COTTENHAM
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 - 1918
THEIRS THE IMMORTALITY, OURS THE MEMORY

On the back panel of the stone are the lines:

THEIR LOT THE GLORIOUS PRICE TO PAY,
OURS TO RECORD WITH GRATEFUL PRIDE
THAT FREEDOM LIVES WITH US TODAY
BECAUSE THEY DIED.

1914-1918
BEAUMONT	Albert William aka William	Sergeant, 3/10374, 11th Suffolk Regiment, died from pneumonia at Warminster December 19 1915. Aged 39. Born Soham, he had served with the Colours over 1.0 years including the South African War. He married Minnie Robertson of Cottenham in 1906. His was the first military funeral ever remembered at Cottenham, the Gun-carriage with six horses accompanied by 25 soldiers with officers, proceeding from his home in Garibaldi Terrace along Rooks Street, High Street to the Cemetery in Lambs Lane.
CLARKE	William Robert Bruce	Captain, 14th London Scottish attached to Royal Air Force, came home from France on 48 hours leave, his wife being ill. He was taken ill with influenza and died at lst Eastern General Hospital Cambridge, December 1 1918. Aged 32. Buried in Cottenham Churchyard. Son of Dr William and Effie Bruce Clarke of Harley Street, London, he married 1913 at Cottenham Church, Ethel, only daughter of Dr and Mrs Cox of Cottenham.
BURGESS	Andrew Thomas	Private, 3145 1st East Yorks Regiment, formerly (23691), Suffolk Regiment, killed in France November 23 1916. Aged 21. Buried Cambrin Churchyard near La Basse, Northern France. Son of John William and Emma Ann Buroess (Butchers), of Rooks Street.
CARRIER	Ernest Edward	Private, 235149, 8th Lincolnshire Regiment, formerly (7908), Cambridgeshire Regiment. Killed by a shell in France/Flanders December 26 1917. Aged 30. Son of William and Eliza Carrier. Buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery, Zillebeke. Belgium. Plot 9A. Row C. Grave 1.
CHAPMAN	Harry	Trooper, 114146, lst Canadian Mounted Rifle Battalion. Missing in action June 3 1916 at Hooge near Ypres. age 36. Husband of Mrs Ada Chapman (Canada) and son of George and Susannah Chapman of Cottenham. He went to Canada in 1905. Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium.
CHIVERS	Frank William	Private, 40100, 1st Suffolk Regiment, formerly (3328), Suffolk Yeomanry which he joined in 1914. Transferred to 1st Suffolk Regiment September 1916, and to Salonica where he died of pneumonia at 67th General Hospital October 2 1918. Aged 22. Son of Thomas and Harriet Chivers. Buried in Mikra British Cemetery, Salonika. Grave 1344.
CLARK	Arthur	Private, 351263, The London Regiment, served 14 months in France, killed on the Somme October 31 1916. Aged 31. Son of Arthur and Hannah Clark (later Mrs Charles Todd). Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France
COLLINS	Fred	Private, G/18102, 7th Royal West Kent Regiment, formerly Suffolk Yeomanry, enlisted December 1915. Went to France August 1916. Killed in action October 2 1916. Aged 22. Son of Arthur and Louisa Collins. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France.
CORNELL	Thomas	Private, 6130, 24th (County of London) Battalion, The Queen's, London Regiment. Killed in action France/Flanders September 11 1916. Aged 26. Son of Herbert and Hannah Cornell. Buried in Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France. Plot 1. Row H. Grave 35.
COX	Bertie	Private, 15th Lancashire Fusiliers, formerly (39978), Northamptonshire Regiment, killed in France July 10 1917. Aged 19. Son of Ezra and Agnes Cox. Before joining the services was horsekeeper for William Moore. Buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. Plot 1. Row E. Grave 45.
COX	Charles Harold	Private, 14446, 11th Service Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Ex-Serviceman, died of tuberculosis January 29 1919. Aged 21. Buried in Cottenham Cemetery. Husband of Mrs Elsie Cox and son of Arthur and Esther Cox. buried in Cottenhain Cemetery.
CROSS	Ralph Leslie	Rifleman, 650961, 1st Surrey Rifles, died at Hammersmith Hospital, London April 5 1918. Aged 21. He is buried in Section BA, Row la, Grave 30 in Ipswich Cemetery, Suffolk. His home address was Ruskin Road, St Helens, Ipswich. He was baptised at Cottenham Church, December 1 1896, son of Arthur William and Lizzie Cross. Their Grocery and Drapery store on the site of the present Co-operative Society Stores at Cottenham. The family left the village about 1905.
CROXON	George Richard	Private, G/53989, 1/19 London Regiment. Killed in action between Morlan Court and Bray, France August 22 1918. Aged 19. Son of Richard and Selena Croxon. Commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial to the Missing, France.
CUNDELL	Henry	Private, 36540, 6th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales), died of wounds at Le Treport Hospital, France, October 18 1917. Aged 34. He was the first serviceman to be buried with full Salvation Army honours in France at Mont Huon Cemetery, Le Treport, a small seaport 25 kilometres N.E. of Dieppe. Son of Alfred and Ellen Cundell. He was the first soldier of the Salvation Army to have a Salvation Army military funeral. Born Rampton, Cambridgeshire, enlisted Cambridge, resident of Cottenham. Photograph Copyright © Barry Cundell 2010
DANN	Ernest John	Private, 38742, 2/8 Lancashire Fusiliers, formerly (23635), East Kent Regiment. Died of wounds in France, November 19 1917. Aged 22. Joined March 15 1917 on his birthday and went to France in June. Son of James Graves and Charlotte Dann. Buried in Lijssendloek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Plot 27. Row B. Grave 9A.
ELY	Albert	Private, 4055, 7th Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action France/Flanders, July 31 1917. Aged 36. Husband of Mrs Jennie Ely and son of James and Sarah Ely. Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium.
ELY	Frank Wayman	2nd Lieutenant, 20 Squadron Royal Air Force, killed when his plane came down in France in 1918. Aged 22. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers April 1915, went to France in 1916 for 16 months, coming home to attend a Flying School in 1917. He was gazetted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps, November 1917. Son of George and Ann Ely. Commemorated on the Flying Services Memorial to the Missing, Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. He was a pilot with 20 Sqn. RAF at the time of his death. Killed in action 8.10.1918. Aged 22, flying Bristol F.2b with observer 2/Lt.John Gordon McBride (from Aberdeen,aged 25 ; ex-3rd Battn. Gloucs. Regt.,also killed). Shot down nr. Brancourt, probably by Offstv. F. Altemeir of Jasta 24.
FEW	Albert	Private, 235242, 2nd/5th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment. Born Cottenham, enlisted Cambridge, resident Cottenham. Last heard of as Prisoner of War at Munster H Westphalia, presumed killed in action March 31 1918. Aged 35. Formerly 271683, Hertfordshire Regiment. Commemorated by name on the Pozieres Memorial, France. The Pozieres Memorial encloses Pozieres British Cemetery, which is on the north-west side of the Albert-Bapaume road, 6 kilometres from Albert. Husband of Mrs Mary Few and son of James and Hannah Few. Before joining the services he was employed as a thatcher.
GAUTREY	Norman Vincent	Corporal, 778, Household Battalion, formerly (2648). Royal Horse Guards. Killed in action near Polecapell October 11 1917. Aged 25. Husband of Mrs Lily Gautrey and son of Albert and Bessie Gautrey. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.
GENTLE	Arthur	Private (Signaller) 202237, 1/1st Cambridgeshire Regiment, formerly (3621), Suffolk Yeomanry, killed in France February 4 1918. Aged 23. Husband of Mrs Florence Gentle and son of Albert and Rose Gentle. Buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France. Plot 10. Row A. Grave 18.
GIFFORD	Ernest Levi	Private, 33419, 6th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action in Belgium June 19 1917. Aged 27. Son of William and Mary Ann Gifford. Buried in Derry House Cemetery No. 2, Wytschaete, Belgium. Plot 2. Row A. Grave 14
GIFFORD	Percy Edward	Private, 1236, 3rd London Rgt (Royal Fusiliers), wounded on August 18 1916 and died the next day in France. Aged 19. He had joined the army 4 years, went to Malta in 1914 and sent to France in 1915. Son of Frederick and Edith Gifford. buried in Couin British Cemetery, France. Plot 2. Row C. Grave I 1.
GOLDING	Sidney	Private, 62828, 20th Royal Fusiliers, formerly 27196, Middlesex Regiment, wounded and missing in France, April 14 1917. Aged 38. Joined the army December 1916, went to France March 1917. Husband of Mrs Florence Golding and son of Morling and Elizabeth Golding. He was employed by Harry Sarjeant the Cottenham agent for the L.N.E. Railway and for 20 years had been a familiar figure in the transportation of goods to and from Oakington Station. Buried in Cojeul British Cemetery. France. Row B. Grave 17.
GRAINGER	William Henry	Private, 43087, 9th Suffolk Regiment, killed by shrapnel in France. having been there 22 days, September 30 1916. Aged 32. Before joining the forces he was employed as a horsekeeper to William Vawser. Farmer. Buried in Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs, France. Plot 12. Row M. Grave 2.
GRAVES	Alfred Ernest	Private 23094, 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Died of wounds at Xl Casualty Clearing Station, France, October 8th 1917. Aged 22. Born Arlesey, enlisted Bedford, resident Cottenham, Cambs. Buried Godewaersvelde British Cemetery, France - a village near the Belgium border 16 kilometres south west of leper (Belgium). The youngest son of William and Elizabeth Graves of Bute House. Telegraph Street. See Arlesey War memorial also.
HEWITT	Frederick Thomas	Private, 17674, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, killed at Ypres June 15 1915. Aged 25. He is commemorated by name on Panel 2 of the Le Touret Memorial, France. Son of Joseph and Arabella Hewitt. Before joining the services he was a member of the Metropolitan Police Force.
HEWITT	John	Private, 3/8040, 7th Suffolk Regiment, killed in France December 21 1915. Aged 24. Son of David and Mary Ann Hewitt. Buried in Guards Cemetery, Windy Comer, Cuinchy, France. Plot 2. Row J. Grave 7.
HEWITT	Robert	Private, 34530, 12th Suffolk Regiment, killed in France November 24 1917. Aged 32. Son of David and Mary Ann Hewitt. Commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing, France.
HOLT	Arthur Horace	Boy 1st Class, J/2139 1, Royal Navy. He was on the H.M.S. Bulwark when it blew up November 26 1914. Aged 17. He is commemorated by name on Panel 3 of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Son of William Walter and Mary Ann Holt; they were the last licensees of the Lord Nelson public house closed in 1910.
HOPKINS	Ernest Edward	Private, 5223, 5th Dragoon Guards, attached to 1st Life Guards, missing and presumed died October 30 1914. Aged 30. Commemorated by name on Panel 5 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. This memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin and Courtrai, and bears the names of 55,000 men who were lost without trace during the defence of the Ypres Salient. Son of Arthur and Emily Hopkins.
HOUGHTON	Samuel George William	Sergeant, 8398, 12th Suffolk Regiment, died of wounds in France/Flanders April 16 1918. Son of John and Elizabeth Houghton. Buried in Toumai Communal Cemetery, Allied Extension, Belgium. Plot 2. Row H. Grave 2
KIMPTON	Herbert	Private, 20589, 11th Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action France/Flanders July 1 1916. Aged 36. Licensee of the Fountain public house from 1909, his wife carrying on the business in his absence. Son of Fred and Sarah Ann Kimpton. Husband of Louisa Kimpton. commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France.
LACK, MM	Bert	Sapper, 84467, 130th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action May 27 1918. Aged 30. Posthumously awarded the Military Medal for bravery, he gave his life, holding his post, allowing his comrades to escape. He is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France. The town of Soissons stands on the left bank of the River Aisne approximately 100 kilometres north west of Paris. The Memorial is in the public square facing the river. Husband of Mrs Elizabeth Lack and son of George and Lilias Lack of Cottenham. Before joining the forces he was employed by Charles Lack and Sons, Engineers of Cottenham.
LEETE	Alfred John	Sergeant, 23968, 2nd Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action France/Flanders June 18 1917. Aged 20. Son of Charles and Ann Leete. Employed Cambridge & District Co-operative Society Ltd. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the Missing, Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.
MANGES	George	Private, G/15119, 6th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, killed on the Somme October 7 1916. Aged 17. Commemorated by name, on Pier II, Face C of the Thiepval Memorial, France. Son of Christopher and Julia Manges, who came to Cottenham with a travelling theatrical group in 1915. Their shows can be remembered taking place in a marquee in the field now 85 Histon Road.
MILTON	John	Driver, 206449, Royal Horse Artillery, 12th Brigade Ammunition Column. Killed in action near Ypres October 5 1917. Aged 28. Husband of Mrs Miranda Milton, of Alpha Terrace, Trumpington, and son of Jonathan and Martha Milton, of Cottenham. Buried in Duhallow ADS Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium.
PECK	William Henry	Rifleman, 43428, 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, formerly (4947), London Regiment, killed near St Quentin, March 21 1918. Aged 35. He is commemorated by name on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Members of the Royal Irish Rifles are on Panels 74-76 of this memorial. Husband of Mrs Olive Louisa Peck of Westminster, London, and son of William and Ann Peck of Cottenham.
PETERS	Sidney Charles	Private, 24183, 8th Suffolk Regiment, killed by a shell in the battle of the Somme at Thiepval, France September 26 1916. Son of Charles and Annie Peters. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France.
PIERSON	Arthur	Private, 3/8404, 2nd Suffolk Regiment, died of wounds in No. 13 Hospital, Boulogne from a shell splinter March 22 1916. Aged 23. He had been in France 18 months. Son of John and Elizabeth Pierson. Buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. Plot 8. Row D. Grave 82.
PIERSON	William Henry	Corporal, 40733, 2nd Suffolk Regiment, killed in France May 10 1917. Aged 24. He joined the forces in March 1916. Son of Henry and Caroline Pierson. Buried in Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, France. Plot 1. Row F. Grave 36.
PONT	Alfred	Private, 24304, 11th Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds in France/Flanders August 9 1916. Aged 21. Husband of Mrs Ivy Pont and son of Alfred and Lydia Pont. Buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, France. Plot 2. Row E. Grave 18.
RAYMENT	Arthur William	Private, 119775, serving with 50th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), died whilst a prisoner of war at Langensaiza Camp hospital suffering from dysentery, lack of food and brutal treatment October 6 1918. Aged 20. He is buried in Plot 2, Row D, Grave 2 in Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Glageon is a village 3 kilometres west of Trelon, 11 kilometres south east of Avesnes and 56 kilometres east of Cambrai. Son of John and Mary Rayment.
ROGERS	Frederick William	Lance-Corporal, 26649, 7th Suffolk Regiment, died of wounds at the battle of Arras February 21 1917. Buried in Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. Plot 2. Row D. Grave 19. Son of Walter and Rosetta Rogers.
SANDERSON	Charles Alexander	Private, 326448, with the 1st. Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment for a year and 11 months in France. Enlisted May 1915, killed July 31 1917. Aged 24, whilst carrying out his duties as a runner. Husband of Mrs Mabel Sanderson. Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium.
SAVIDGE	Amos	Private, 40745, 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment, wounded by flying shell from aircraft at Felixstowe, Suffolk and died at the Cliff Military Hospital, Felixstowe July 7 1917. Aged 33. Buried Cottenham Churchyard. Husband of Mrs Mabel Savidge and son of William and Sarah Ann Savidge.
SCOTT	Fred H.	Corporal, 93057, 'X' 46th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds received in action in France November 29 1917. Aged 29. Son of Herbert and Eliza Scott. Buried in Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Plot 4. Row A. Grave 8.
SMITH	Henry John	Gunner, 1240, 125th Siege Battery, South African Heavy Artillery. Born Cottenham 1880, son of James and Elizabeth Smith living in Histon Road, went to South Africa as a young man, joined the forces and was killed in action in 1914-18 War, buried in Sailly-Labourse Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave E12.
SMITH	William	Private, 4080, 4th Suffolk Regiment, died of wounds received France/Flanders November 18 1916. Aged 30. Son of James and Elizabeth Smith and brother of Henry John. Buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Block 0. Plot 2. Row I. Grave 6.
THULBOURN	Ernest	Private, 18123, Royal West Kent Regiment, died of wounds in France October 5 1916. Aged 27. Buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. Plot 8. Row C. Grave 169. Husband of Mrs Ellen Thulbourn and son of Charles and Annie Thulbourn.
THULBOURN	Harry	Private, 22358, 7th Suffolk Regiment, killed in France August 9 1916. Aged 31. Son of James and Elizabeth Thulbourn living in Histon Road, Cottenham. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memeorial to the Missing, France.
TODD	Reginald Richard	Sergeant, TT/01282, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to the 272nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was on his way home when taken ill with Malaria in Egypt and died December 22 1918. Aged 24. He is buried in Plot Q, Grave 210 in Cairo War Memorial Cemetery. Cairo War Memorial Cemetery is situated 5 kilometres south of the centre of Cairo, on the north side of old Cairo. Son of Ezra and Martha Todd of Todd's Stores (Grocers).
TOMPSETT	Henry Thomas	Private, C4693, 2nd East Kent. Killed in action in France 3rd May 1915. Husband of Mrs Alice Tompsett (nee Furbank, daughter of Josiah Furbank of the 'Wheatsheaf'), son of Mr and Mrs Henry Tompsett of London. Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium
WARD	Arthur	Private, 3/10387, 1st Suffolk Regiment, killed in France May 8 1915. Son of Walter and Ellen Ward. Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium.
WARD	Fred	Private, 40420, 8th Suffolk Regiment, struck by a fragment of shell at Hontforest, France November 17 1917. Aged 37. Licensee of the Rose and Crown, Cottenham since 1914, he joined the army in April 1916 and served in France 14 months, his sister carrying on his business in his absence. Son of William and Jemima Ward. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Tyne Cot Cemetery
WARD	James	Private, 67989, 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, formerly (27869), Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action France/Flanders August 27 1918. Aged 27. Husband of Mrs Elsie Rose Ward and son of William and Mary Ann Ward
WATERS	Arthur H.	Private, 25747, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, transferred 94076, Labour Corps. Died of influenza when home on leave October 28 1918. Aged 23. Buried in Cottenham Cemetery.
WORLAND	Frank	Private, 3/7953, 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action December 27 1915. Aged 24. Buried Spoilbank Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium. The cemetery is next to the old canal from Ypres to Comines. A regular soldier, he had served 5 years with the Colours. Son of Fred and Eliza Worland, brother of Harry and Herbert.
WORLAND	Harry	Private, 15633, 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, killed on the Somme July 1 1916. Aged 17. Buried Gordon Dump Cemetery near La Boiselle, France. Son of Fred and Eliza Worland, brother of Frank and Herbert.
WORLAND	Herbert	Private, 22162, 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, killed on the Somme July 1 1916. Aged 25. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Son of Fred and Eliza Worland, brother of Frank and Harry.
Other Casualties
COX	Florence	Commandant of the Cottenham Red Cross Hospital 1915 - 1918. Mrs Florence Cox, wife of Dr Charles Hayden Cox (the village doctor for over 40 years), died January 17 1919 and buried in the Churchyard.
NORMAN	Malcolm	Red Cross Orderly at the Cottenham VA.D. Hospital, died October 23 1916. Aged 18 and buried in the Cemetery.
1939 - 1945
BRACKENBURY	Charles Cecil	Captain, EC/6998, 14/10th Baluchi Regiment, Indian Army, killed by the Japanese when, as Intelligence Officer, he was reconnoitering the Me Chaung crossing at Ruywa Road, Arakan, Burma, March 2 1945. age 24. Mentioned in Despatches. Youngest son of Sir Cecil and Lady Brackenbury of Mitchell House, who gave the lectern at Cottenham Church in his memory. Before joining the Indian Army, Captain Brackenbury was an undergraduate at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and connected with the Scout movement at Cottenham. Buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myamnar. Plot 11. Row J. Grave 4.
CARTER	Harold Gordon	Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 54667, serving with the Royal Air Force, 514 Squadron based at Waterbeach, flying Lancasters, killed in bombing raid over France July 29 1944. Aged 24..He is buried in Plot 4, Row A, Collective Grave 18-20 in Choloy War Cemetery, France. Choloy is a village 28 kilometres west of the town of Nancy and some 5 kilometres west of Toul, a town on the road from Paris to Nancy. Choloy War Cemetery is about 3 kilometres west of Toul, and adjoins the French National Cemetery. Husband of Mrs Violet Carter and eldest son of Robert and Dorothy Carter. Before joining the services he was employed by the Co-operative Stores, Cottenham.
CORNWELL	Stanley Walter	Lance-Corporal, 5827603, 2/5 Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey), killed in North Africa while tending the wounded April 19 1943. Aged 24. Buried Enfidaville War Cemetery near Tunisia. Husband of Mrs Cissie Cornwell of Waterbeach and son of Walter and Gertrude Cornwell of Oakington Road, Cottenham. Before joining the forces he was employed by Herbert Bishop, Dairyman, Cottenham.
CROXON	George Eric Bray	Private, 5827605, 5th Battalion The Suffolk Regiment, taken Prisoner of War by the Japanese at the surrender of Singapore February 15 1941, transported to Thailand for the building of the notorious Thai/Burma railway October 1942, and died of cholera July 28 1943. Aged 25. Eldest son of Frederick and Maud Croxon of Rooks Street. Before joining the forces he was employed by Horace Simpkins, Market Gardener, Cottenham. Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 55. Extract from local paper: Death of Prisoner of War.—Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Coxon, 74, Rook’s St., that their eldest son, Pte. George Eric Bray Croxon, of the 5th Suffolks, died from cholera on July 28th, 1943, whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. Pte. Croxon, who was reported missing after the fall of Singapore, was 25 years of age at the time of his death. He was a former pupil of the Cottenham Council School, and before joining the Army he was employed by Mr. H. Simpkins, market gardener, Cottenham.
GOLDING	Sidney Wilfred	Corporal, 2nd. Battalion The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in Italy May 12 1944. Aged 21. Son of Leonard and Hilda Golding of High Street. Before joining the forces he was employed as a draughtsman and designer by Kerridge, the Cambridge builders. Buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy. Plot 16. Row A. Grave 23. Extract from Cambridge Independent Press in 1944: Killed In Italy. — News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. L. Golding, of 137, High Street, Cottenham, that their only son, Corporal Sidney Wilfred Golding, was killed in action in Italy on May 12th. Cpl. Golding was 21 year's of age. Before joining the Forces he was employed as a draughtsman and designer by Messrs. Kerridge, builders, of Cambridge, and was educated at Cottenham school and the Technical School, Cambridge. He was a good sportsman, being keen on football and clever at skating, and was a member of the Cottenham Youth Club and pianist in the club dance band.
HEMPSTEAD	Cyril John	Trooper, 5779215, 53rd Regiment Reconnaissance Corps, accidentally killed in a tank accident March 1 1943. Aged 30. Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Grave 6440. Husband of Mrs Lille Hempstead and son of Samuel George and Mary Selina Hempstead of Cambridge. Before joining the services he was living in Smith's Path, Cottenham and worked on the Oakington aerodrome.
HOPKINS	Frederick	Able Seaman, badly wounded when his ship H.M.S. Vortigan was hit by a mine in 1940. Invalided from navy, working as a civilian at Bourn aerodrome when killed there in an air raid August 25 1941. Aged 22. Buried in Chesterton Churchyard. Husband of Mrs Margaret Hopkins of Cambridge. He joined the navy after leaving Cottenham School.
HOPKINS	Reginald	Quartermaster-Sergeant, joined Suffolk Regiment in 1932. served 7 years in India, died there of fever January 7 1942. Aged 25. Youngest son of William and Eliza Hopkins of Rampton Road. Buried Kangra Valley Military Cemetery, Rawalipindi, India.
MILTON	Jack Harold	Private, 963559, killed in Normandy July 30 1944. Aged 27. Son of John Milton (killed in 1914-18 War) and Miranda Milton. Before joining the forces was employed as a gardener to Sir Haviland and Ladv Hiley of Madingley Road, Cambridge. Buried in Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery, France. Plot 8. Row F. Grave 8.
MILTON	Lionel Victor	Private, 14773069, Middlesex Regiment attached to 2nd Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, one of five soldiers killed when a tree fell on their hut at a Military Camp, North Yorkshire, January 19 1945. Aged 19. Buried Cottenham Cemetery. Eldest son of Victor Brentwood and Florence May Milton of Rampton Road. Before joining the forces he worked with his father, a Fruit Grower.
SANDERSON	Stephen Jacob	Private, 5835570, 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action at Singapore between 5th-15th February 1942. Husband of Mrs Millie Sanderson and son of James and Amelia Sanderson. Before joining the services he was employed by the Cambridgeshire County Council. Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Column 56.
SCOTT	Walter Mostyn	Lance Corporal, 14205742, Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in Normandy following the D-Day landings June 28 1944. Aged 23. Son of Mr M. Scott of Trumpington, lived with his aunt, Mrs Miranda Milton of Oakington Road, Cottenham. Before joining the services was apprenticed to Kerridge the Cambridge builders. Buried in Hennanville War Cemetery, France. Plot 1. Row W. Grave 22.
SMITH	Douglas Vernon	Private, 14724264, King's Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action April 19 1945. Aged 27. Buried at Soltall, Germany. Son of Harry and Alice Smith. Before joining the services he was employed by G.W Lack & Sons, Engineers, Histon Road. Buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany. Plot 4. Row C. Grave 10.
TRUNDLEY	Alef Alfred	Sapper, 2073578, joined the Cambridgeshire Territorials before the War and was attached to the 287th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese at the surrender of Singapore, February 15 1942, transported to Thailand for the building of the notorious Thai/Burma railway May 1943 and died of beriberi on October 6 1943. Aged 28. Son of Albert Edward and Rose Ellen Trundley of New Town Cottenham. Before the war he was employed by F.L. Unwin Ltd, the Histon builders. Buried Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myamnar. Plot 26. Row 0. Grave 2.
WARD	Arthur James	Sergeant, 976625, serving with the Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) 127 Squadron, based LG 88, Egypt, flying Hurricane fighters, killed at El Alamein August 21 1942. Aged 24. He is buried in Plot 33, Row C, Grave 3 in El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Husband of Mrs Margaret Ward of Cambridge and son of James (killed 1914-18 War) and Elsie Rose Ward, afterwards Mrs Carrier. Before joining the services he was employed by Herbert Robinson Ltd (Motor Engineers), Cambridge.
WARD	Thomas Arthur	Leading Aircraftman, 1152201, serving with the Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve), 29 Squadron, based Wellingore, Lincs, flying Blenheims, killed in a flying accident over the Bristol Channel when testing Radar equipment, July 31 1940. Aged 20. He is commemorated by name, on Panel 24 of the Runnymede Memorial, Egham, Surrey. Son of Percy and Harriett Jane Ward of Twentypence Road. Before joining the services he was employed by Pye Radio, Cambridge on Radar work. Extract from Cambridge Independent Press 1940: COTTENHAM PARENTS LOSS Airman Son Killed MR. AND MRS. P. WARD, of 5 Twentypence Road, Cottenham have received the sad news that their son, Leading Aircraftman Thomas Arthur Ward, lost his life in a flying accident off the coast Last July. He had previously been reported missing, believed killed. L.A.C. Ward had been in the R.A.F. only a few weeks when he met his untimely end at the age of 20 years. He .had been employed at the Pye Radio Works since leaving school at the age of 14. There he had many friends, and was making good pro¬gress as a junior research physicist. In a letter his Commanding Officer states: “Your son's death is a great loss to the Service; his keenness anal efficiency had impressed us all, and we feel his loss keenly. I can only add that he gave his life for his country, and the ideals for which we are fighting, just as surely as so many young men have done, and are doing daily, in actual combat with the enemy.” A letter in similar terms was also received from his section sergeant and comrades. This is the first fatal Service casualty to be reported in the village of local man since the outbreak of war. His father served as a sergeant-instructor all through the last war in the Suffolk Regiment.
YOUNG	Benjamin Frank	Private, 5959743, 5th Battalion, The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment, taken Prisoner of War by the Japanese at the surrender of Singapore February 15 1942, and died of diphtheria September 6 1942. Aged 33. Husband of Mrs Ivy Young of Histon and son of Thomas and Clara Young of Rooks Street. Before joining the services was employed by Boyton & Wright, Cambridge, Builders. Buried in Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Plot 10. Row C. Grave 1.

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Inside the church a further memorial:

'John Sherbrooke BANKS, Major 33rd Bengal Native Infantry, Provisional Chief Commissioner in Oude. Who was killed in the discharge of his duty during the siege of the Residency of Lucknow, July 21st 1857. Aged 45'

More information including the picture of Rook St and Sgt Beaumont's military funeral.

Last updated 24 September, 2025

War Memorials Trust