WAR GRAVES
William Ernest BARNES aged 21 died 4 August 1940
Service Number: T/97234, Royal Army Service Corps
William Barnes, a native of Spalding, lived at 13a Double Street, Spalding. William joined the Army just over a year ago and before that was employed as a driver by Battley Transport.
During the historic evacuation of Dunkirk, Driver Barnes volunteered for the very dangerous job of driving an ambulance containing five stretcher cases to safety. The job was entirely voluntary, and Driver Barnes had never before driven an ambulance. Unfortunately, a Nazi bomb hit the ambulance and Driver Barnes was the only one who could be got out of the wreckage, He had received shrapnel wounds in the head.
4 August 1940 after nine weeks in a Berkshire hospital at the age of 21, he passed away, during which time his parents were near him. He was the only son of Mr. Sam and Mrs. Florence Barnes.
Harold William BARNETT, aged 31, died Saturday 7 July 1945
Service Number: T/70673 Royal Army Service Corps,
There were particularly sad circumstances surround the death of Spalding man Private. Harold William. ("Lal") Barnett, aged 31, Royal Army Service Corps, which occurred in West Suffolk General Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds . He returned home in January after serving abroad for four years in Africa, Ceylon, India and Burma, He was called up at the outbreak of war, being on the Supplementary Reserve, Son of William and Florence. Barnett of Spalding.He married Miss Ivy Law, by whom he had two children. They lived at 13a, Bourne Road, Spalding, before the war he worked for Mr. E. M. Cole, Haulage contractor, Pinchbeck West.
Military honours were accorded at the funeral, at St, Johns' church, Hawthorn Bank, preceding the interment at the cemetery, soldiers of a local unit were bearers, and the Last Post was sounded by a bugler of the Army Cadet Force.
Warrant Officer Air Gunner CHARLES NORMAN BASKER
RAF Vol Reserve aged 33
Charles Norman Basker, only son of Mr, and Mrs W, Basker of Winsover-road, passed peacefully away in Kelling Sanatorium, Holt, Norfolk, he was 33. He survived 40 operational flights over enemy territory, but he was a war victim. For over a year he had endured the ravages of tuberculosis with the bravery that he faced the hazards with his bomber crew, Doctors fought with him, giving the best medical aid possible, but it was in vain, and the end came peacefully after a week of grave anxiety.
He was educated at Spalding Grammar School, and on leaving school entered his father's pork butcher's business, in which he was a partner. He volunteered for the R.A.F. at the outbreak of war, and when demobilised 18 months ago had attained the rank of Warrant Officer. His operational flights from Upwood, Peterborough were over Germany and Italy, and his duties were the most unenviable of all in a bombing crews, those of rear gunner. He came through without any serious injury.
On leaving the RAF, Mr. Basker returned to civilian life and his business. Had he lived he would have taken over the business as his father was going to his farm near Lincoln. He entered the sanatorium a year ago. Each Sunday he had been visited by his parents, and they were with him at the end. Mr. Basker has a wide circle of friends. He went through his short life with a smile and will be sadly missed. He was one of the most popular members of the Constitutional Club, and was a skilful billiards and snooker player, having won various trophies.
Aircraftsman First Class SYDNEY ARTHUR BATES age 25 died 14 August 1941
service no. 1156946 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
For several years until joining up about a year ago, Sydney Arthur Bates was a popular assistant with Messrs. Halfords, of Station Street. A Spalding born young man, he was a member of a well known local family, the only son of Mr. John. T. Bates, now of Harrogate, and the late Mrs. Bates.
He lost his mother and only sister in the influenza epidemic of 1918, and was brought up by his grandmother, Mrs Sawyer, of Gore Lane, with whom he lived until his marriage to Miss Ruby Edna Williamson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Williamson, of Bourne Road, and now living at 2 Catherine Villas, Bourne Road, Spalding, with their two months old baby.
News was received by his wife that Sydney Arthur Bates, aged 25, of had been killed on active service 14 August 1941. He was home on a brief leave at the beginning of the week, returning for duty on Wednesday. Much sympathy is extended to the widow and family.
Leading Aircraftsman CYRIL WHITBY BETTS age 33, Died 9 Sept 1945
Service number 1082010, Royal Airforce Reserve
Cyril Whitby Betts, aged 33, had been a keen footballer, and in civil life a baker's rounds man for G Mawer, New Road, and then continuing with Mr. Turner. He was married to Doreen Irene Holmes and lived at 60 Commercial Road, Spalding. He was the only son of Mrs Mary Elizabeth Betts, and the late Mr. Ernest Betts.
He served with the RAF Volunteer Reserve, as a leading aircraftman. He served for 2½ years in Northern Ireland and two in this country. He was admitted to Hillingdon
County Hospital, Middlesex, in June 1943 and then removed to Peterborough Memorial Hospital. He was at home a month, and died 9 Sept 1945.
Sergeant William BLOGG, aged 29 Death 14 April 1944
Royal Engineers 28 Mechanical Equipment Sec. Service Number:2133607
The Rotherham Coroner Mr. W. J. Bradford conducted an inquiry into the death of 29 Year old Sergt William Blogg, of Pulford House, Little London, where he lived with his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs Harold Fox, and whose body was recovered from a Rotherham canal last week. A verdict of "Death by misadventure" was returned.
Sergt. Blogg, son of Joseph Kay Blogg and Ellen Blogg, was a well-known and popular man in Spalding. He had been in the Army nearly 3 years and served abroad 2 years and nine months, returning to this country in January. He spent three weeks leave in Spalding in February. Before joining up he had lived with Mr. and Mrs. Fox for 11 years and was foreman at Messrs, Prestwick. Tarmacadam contractors. He was a bachelor. Two of his brothers are serving overseas.
Private. CECIL BOOTHBY Date of Death: 13 February 1916 Aged 18
Service: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit: 4th Bn. Service Number:2575
The funeral took place at Spalding Cemetery of Pte. Cecil Boothby, eldest son of Mrs. Scotney, of 25 Willow Walk, Spalding. Although only 17 years of age he went out to France with the Territorials, but had to return suffering from the effects of exposure. At the age of 18, he passed away in at the military Glen Emergency Hospital in Southend where death resulted from illness contracted in the trenches.
He sadly just wasted away with TB of the lymph glands. As they produced the necessary products for digestion he would not have been able to digest anything he ate and basically would starve to death even though he was given food. His mother was with him when he died.
The coffin was carried by four soldier companions and only the family mourners attended in addition. A number of beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave. The Rev. St. Yates was the officiating clergyman.
Aircraftwoman First Class Florence Mary BOWMAN, aged 21,
Service No 2057431 died 29 April 1945
Florence was the youngest child of Thomas and Emma Bowman, and in1939 they were living on South Drove, Spalding Common. Florence was working as a clerk at this time. She attended Goodfellows Primary School, Spalding Common. She had been serving in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force. as a telephonist for three years, but had been of indifferent health for six months.
Before joining the Forces she was with Messrs. Foster Bros, Hall Place. Her death occurred in Westminster Hospital on Sunday 29 April 1945 at the age of 21.Messrs Walter and Harry Bowman (brothers) are on service overseas. An Officer and two aircraftswomen of the station to which Miss Bowman was attached were present.
ARTHUR CECIL BULL Died 24 December 1946 aged 34
Royal Army Service Corps Driver T/133533
Arthur was born on the 10th July 1912 and was the 4th child and only son of Amos and Alice Maud Bull (nee Smart). In 1911 they were living at 82 Winsover Road, Spalding. As he went to the Methodist Church he either went to The Board School in Westlode Street or to the Willersby School in Station Street which would be near his home.
In 1939 he was living with his widowed step-mother Sarah Ann Baker at 124 Winsover Road, Spalding. Arthur became a mechanic and salesman dealing with tractors at a Spalding firm and he was well known on the motor bike racing circle.
Arthur joined Royal Army Service Corps, but in May 1940 he was taken a prisoner by the Germans. He remained there until October 1943 when he was repatriated due to ill health. He died on Christmas Eve 1946 aged 34, and was buried in Spalding cemetery.
Private Barbara June CANNON, aged 19; died 9 June 1942
Service No. W/52788 Auxiliary Teritorial Service
Under tragic circumstances Miss Barbara June Cannon aged 19, daughter of Tom Devine and Florence Mary Cannon, Holbeach Road, Spalding has died while serving with the Auxiliary Territorial Service. She passed away in Mill Hill Hospital, Huddersfield being due to Tubercular Meningitis.
At an inquest at Huddersfield a death from natural causes was recorded. It was stated that Miss Cannon who was a private in the ATS had fallen down some stairs at Huddersfield, She was apparently all right after the incident but reported sick a week later, and was shortly afterwards taken to hospital where she died June 9th, 1942.
Norman CRAFT, aged 24, died 3 March 1941
Royal Artillery gunner, 446 Battery, 65 (2/6th Bn.,
Essex Regiment) Searchlight Regiment, Service Number:976089;
Norman Craft, aged 24, born in Yorkshire, son of Frederick and Mary Craft of Spalding, the husband of Gladys Evelyne Craft of Spalding.
News was received that Norman Craft, of Corrine Grove. Hannam Boulevard, had been killed by enemy action, aged 24 years. He joined the army at the outbreak of the war and was with the Royal Artillery, and had been in the army 11 months,, serving the searchlight battalion & gun emplacement.
Private HERBERT CROWSON, Age 21 Date of Death:21/11/1918
Royal Army Medical Corps Service Number:21055
Son of Ernest and Mary Crowson, of 28, Cowbit Road, Spalding, he enlisted 7-6-1915. aged 19. The Active Service Casualty Form for Herbert Crowson RAMC shows that he was admitted to St Andrews Military Hospital Malta 26/9/1917 - 12/3/1918 and 18/7/1918 - 5/8/1918. He was invalided home 5/8/1918 arriving UK 20/8/1918.
First to FMS Military Hospital then to Edmonton Military Hospital London where he was recommended for permanent discharge on 31/10/1918. His final discharge date was 7/11/1918. His disease was Diabetes which he first recognised in June 1917 - reporting sick in July 1917 as he had lost 2.5 stone in weight. From this period he continued to have glycosima relapses which led to his discharge. The body was brought to Spalding, and interred in the Spalding Cemetery.
Private WILLIAM HENRY CUTTOO, aged 35,
Royal Garrison Artilllery, Service No. 77805;
Son of the late William Henry and Rebecca Cuttoo, of 22 Holbeach Rd., Spalding, William Cuttoo was a market gardener. He enlisted in Lincoln and joined the army as a gunner in May 1916.
Went out to Salonika in December 1916, where he underwent a serious operation. He was transferred to Malta. Short time after having only been in England a fortnight he died 30 December 1917 of Tuberculosis, in the Grove Military Hospital, Tooting, London
The body was brought to Spalding, and interred in the Spalding Cemetery; a number of local soldiers attending. The 'Last Post' was sounded over the grave.
Private WILLIAM DRING aged 17, died 24 August 1916
North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment 3rd Battalion Reg No 24803.
William Edwards Dring was born in Spalding in 1899, his parents being George Dring (1869-1932) and Susannah Buck (1869-1944). He also had a sister, Hilda Annie Dring (1897-1915) who was tragically murdered. The family lived in Marsh Road, Spalding, but when he joined the military in 1916, he was listed as a Labourer living at 28 Albion Street, Spalding.
William was tragically in an accident on 24 August 1916. He and Private William Millward of Burslem were drowned during a bathing parade held in Hartlepool. Some 47 men were in the sea when Millward called for help. Sergeant Shakespeare and Dring went to his assistance, and pulled him shoreward for five minutes.
Dring then said he would swim ashore for a boat, but he never reached it, and while Shakespeare was resting, Millward drifted beyond his reach, and could not be rescued. Millward's body has not been recovered.
A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, the Coroner and jury expressing appreciation of the brave and heroic attempts at rescue. William Dring’s body was brought to Spalding, and interred in the Spalding Cemetery.
George Henry FOREMAN, aged 26, Date of Death:28/10/1918 Driver,
Royal Garrison Artillery, East Anglian (Essex) Heavy Bty, service no. 316584.
Son of Henry W, and Elizabeth Foreman, of 117 Commercial Road, Spalding; he was born in Spalding. He was formerly with the Northants Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Service No. 895758; next the East Anglian (Essex) Heavy Battery (TF).
Appears to have died in 4 London General Hospital Demark Hill SE down as KIA 11/10/18 in France or Belgium.
Captain Charles Lewis HARVEY, Age 38 Date of Death:10/05/1917
Lincolnshire Regiment Date of Death: 10/05/1917
Son of Henry Herbert and Helena Harvey, 40 Albion Street, Spalding, clerk to the Spalding Urban Council Lincolnshire, husband of Kathleen Mary Taprell Harvey, of West Elloe, Spalding. He attended Spalding Grammar School.
He returned to England in consequence of a wound received at the Front, and though at first the injury was not thought to be serious, his condition was then reported to be grave, septic poisoning, followed rapidly by an abscess beneath the skull. It was decided that the only chance was a very delicate operation to remove the abscess, but it was generally felt with the utmost regret in the town that the end was not far off.
He died at Chelsea Hospital May 10th 1917
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Sergeant Norman John ALLEN, aged 22 Warrant Officer Air Gunner,
RAF Vol Reserve service no. 142847124
January 1944, the sad news was received by Mr Francis Allen & Mrs Eliza Ann Allen 15 Pennygate, Spalding of the death of their younger son, Sergeant Warrant Officer Air Gunner, Norman John Allen.
He was part of a crew who took off from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, in a Wellington X LN948 -Y, on a cross country training flight, but crashed 4 minutes after departure due to the failure of the starboard engine.
A popular young man, he had been in the RAF two years and three months. Before joining the RAF he was employed in the LNER Goods Office; he had also worked for family grocers Hallam & Blackbourn , and for Mr F George.
Sgt Allen had attended the Council School; been a member of the Parish Church choir, and for a number of years a server. An added note of tragedy is that Sgt Allen and his fiancée Miss Florence Harrison 1 Hereward Road, Spalding were shortly to have been married, most of the preparations for which had been made, and naturally, the girlfriend is now suffering from shock.