Detailed information of the people whose names are on the Cirencester Memorials
Click here to see Introduction to this project for an explanation of why the names are or are not on each memorial. These pages outline what we know about the named people, in many cases, very little. If you find errors or have more information we would be pleased to know. Contact: WW1 @ cirenhistory.org.uk
The Names
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A chronological list of Cirencester deaths is available in Newsletter 61
Click on name below to go to detailed information…..
Baxter to Bowley …..
BAXTER, Arthur
Memorial Parish Church ARTHUR BAXTER Memorial Hospital BAXTER, A.
23336 Private Arthur Baxter. 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).
Born [c.1885, Stroud] Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 13 November 1916. Aged 31. Killed in Action. France .
Grave III.A.31. Ancre British Cemetery, Beamont-Hamel.
Notes: In 1901 Census, living at Stroud: father Nathl. Baxter, aged 57. In 1911 Census Arthur Baxter was living at 12 Dyer Street (aged 25, c.1886, Stroud), as a lodger, occupation listed as Solicitor’s Clerk.
Wilts & Glos Standard 13 January 1917 CIRENCESTER SOLICITOR’S CLERK KILLED IN ACTION
We regret to hear that Private Arthur Baxter, Royal Fusiliers, formerly reported missing, is now reported killed in action, having been shot through the head in France on 13th November. Private Baxter was a native of Stroud, and is the second member of his family to lose life in the war. He was for several years before enlisting, a member of the staff of Messars. Sewell and Rawlins, solicitors, Cirencester. He joined up last January and went over to France in June. Source: FB image 1917 01 13 Ref 106
BENNETT, Wilfred J.
Memorial Parish Church WILFRED J. BENNETT Memorial Hospital BENNETT W.J.
421 Private Wilfred Joseph Bennett. 20th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
Born [c.1888 Cirencester]
Enlisted [location]
Died 20 September 1917. Aged 30. Killed in Action. France .
Panel 7-17-23-25-27-29-31. Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Notes: Son of Charles and Edith Bennett of 16 Castle Street, Cirencester.
In 1891 Census, at 107 Dyer Street. In 1911 Census Wilfred Bennett (aged 22, c.1888, born Cirencester) living in High Street, Thornbury. Employed as baker & confectioner’s assistant to his father, Charles. Information courtesy of Heather Dallimore.
Wilts & Glos Standard 30 March 1918
PRIVATE WILFRED BENNETT KILLED IN ACTION
We regret to hear that the death is now reported of Private Wilfred J. Bennett, of the Australian Imperial Forces, which occurred on September 20th in the fight for the Zonnebecke Ridge. Private Bennett was the younger son of Mr and Mrs Charles Bennett, Castle Street, and was in his 30th year. He was previously reported as wounded and missing.
Source: FB image 1918 Jan 5th to July 27th 1918 03 30 Ref 180, 181
BERRY, Albert
Memorial Parish Church ALBERT BERRY Memorial Hospital BERRY A.
9548 L. Corporal Albert B. Berry. 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment.
Born [c.1894, Place]
Enlisted [location]
Died 15 May 1918. [Aged]
[Type of Casualty]. [Location], [Theatre of War].
Grave R67 (Section 3). Cirencester Cemetery GL0067.
Notes; Son of William and Ellen Berry.
In 1901 Census living at 19 School Lane.
In 1911 Census Albert Berry (aged 17, born c.1894), living at 157 Gloucester Street, Cirencester, employed as farm labourer.
Correspondence with Derek Porch, January 2013. Brother of Edward Berry, “Uncles on my mother’s side”
BERRY, Edward
Memorial Parish Church EDWARD BERRY Memorial Hospital BERRY E.
39621 Private Edward Berry. 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).
Born [c.1900, Cirencester] Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 26 April 1918. Aged 18. Killed in Action. France .
Panel 119 to 120. Tyne Cot Memorial.
Notes Son of William and Ellen Berry. In 1911 Census living at 157 Gloucester Street, ‘Teddy’ Berry, aged 9. Correspondence with Derek Porch, January 2013. Brother of Albert Berry, “Uncles on my mother’s side”.
BILES, Ernest F.
Memorial Parish Church ERNEST F. BILES.
Memorial Hospital BILES, E.F.
240179 Private Ernest Frederick Biles. 1/5th (Territorial) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment.
Born [Date, Ciren]
Enlisted Cirencester
Died 5 April 1917. [Aged] Killed in Action. France Grave E.83. Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery.
Notes: Son of George Frederick and Mary Ann Biles.
In 1911 Census Ernest Biles (age 19, born c. 1892 Ciren) living at 3 Querns Lane, Cirencester, employed as grocer’s porter, with his father George Frederick Biles. Married: wife living at 16 Gloster Terrace, Watermoor, in 1917.
Wilts & Glos Standard 21 April 1917 Photocaption
LANCE-CORPORAL ERNEST F. BILES Gloucestershire Regiment, of 16 Gloucester Terrace, Watermoor, Cirencester, and son of Mr and Mrs Biles of Querns Lane, whose death in action was recorded in our issue of last week.
Source: FB image 1917 04 21 Ref 225 with photo
BISHOP, Charles A.
Memorial Parish Church CHARLES A. BISHOP Memorial Hospital BISHOP C.A.
409268 Private Charles Alfred Bishop 13th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, Quebec Regt.
Born [c.1886, Place]
Enlisted [location]
Died 6 September 1916. Aged 30.
Memorial Vimy Memorial.
Notes: Son of Wm. Henry and Margaret Bishop living at 82 Chester Street, Cirencester, in 1916
BISHOP, H.W.
Memorial Parish Church Not recorded Memorial Hospital BISHOP H.W.
5866 Private Harry Walter Bishop. 1st Battalion, Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry).
Born [Date/Cirencester] Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 2 November 1914. [Aged] Killed in Action. France Panel 3. Ploegstreet Memorial.
Notes: In 1911 Census, Harry Walter Bishop living at 39 Coxwell Street (age
28, c.1883, Ciren) employed as labourer (gardens). James Bishop listed as head of house: widower, aged 65, beer retailer. Brother of James Bishop (died 3 Nov 1917)
Wilts & Glos Standard 12 February 1916
LOCAL WAR NOTES Private H.W. Bishop of the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, who was reported “missing” on November 2 1914, and is now reported dead. Private Bishop was a son of Mr. James Bishop, of the Flying Dutchman, Coxwell Street, Cirencester, and was called up from the Reserve.
Source: FB image 1916 02 12 Ref 242, 244 for photo
BISHOP, Horace E.
Memorial Parish Church HORACE E. BISHOP Memorial Hospital BISHOP H.E.
2472 Ri eman Horace Edgar Bishop 1/5 London Regiment (London Ri e Brigade)
Born [Date/Place]
Enlisted [location]
Died 1 July 1916. [Aged]
Memorial Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 9D.
Notes: In 1901 Census, Horace E. Bishop (age 15, born Ciren) living at 11 Sheep Street, with parents Frances W. and Jane M. Bishop. Father’s profession given as grocer (employer).
Wilts & Glos Standard July 22 1916
RIFLEMAN HORACE. E. BISHOP KILLED IN ACTION We regret to state that Rifleman Horace E. Bishop, London Rifle Brigade, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Frank Bishop, of Wimbledon, and formerly of Cirencester, was killed in action on July 1st. He was 30 years of age.
BISHOP, James Memorial Parish Church JAMES BISHOP Memorial Hospital BISHOP, J. 21450 Private James Bishop. 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Born [c.1880, Hor eld, Glos] Enlisted Stroud. Died 3 November 1917. Aged 39. Died. Persian Gulf, Asiatic Theatres. Grave IX.D.14. Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery. Notes: Formerly 7947, Somerset Light Infantry. In 1911 Census, James Bishop (aged 30, born c.1880 Bristol) as head at 40 Coxwell Street, porter (manager in bank); with wife and three children. Brother of H.W. James (died 2 Nov 1914). Wilts & Glos Standard 1 December 1917 …. Somerset Light Infantry, and was disappointed in not being allowed to accompany his comrades to France. No opportunity of seeing active service with his old corps presenting itself, Pte. Bishop became transferred to the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, which was attached to the Indian Expeditionary Force and was sent to Mesopotamia, where he spent the last two Christmases and accompanied the force which marched to the relief of Kut. Pte. Bishop, who was 39 years of age, saw active service during the South African war, for which he was awarded medals. He leaves a widow and four children, who reside at Brimscombe. It will be remembered that Private Bishop’s only brother, Private H. Bishop, S.L.I., was reported as killed in France in November 1914, after being for a long time reported missing. Our photograph was taken whilst on leave in India in the spring of the present year. Source: FB image 1917 12 01 Ref 027 with photo [Incomplete] Is this Private James Bishop? Wilts & Glos Standard 1 December 1917 DEATHS. Nov. 3, in Mesopotamia, of smallpox, Private J. Bishop, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, I.E.F., dearly loved husband of Mrs J. Bishop, Hillside Cottage, Swells Hill, Brimscombe, and eldest son of James Bishop, 39 Coxwell Street, Cirencester, aged 39 years. Source: FB image 1917 12 01 Ref 036 James Bishop’s father was Colour Sgt., 4th Bttn. Glos. In 1891. (Information courtesy of Peter Grace) |
BLACKWELL, Ernest G. Memorial Parish Church ERNEST G. BLACKWELL. Memorial Hospital BLACKWELL E.G. 18276 Sergeant Ernest George James Blackwell. 13th (Service) Battalion (Forest of Dean) (Pioneers), Gloucestershire Regiment. Born 25 Apr 1878. ?Stoke St Gregory, Somerset Enlisted Cirencester. |
Died 31 July 1917. [Aged] Killed in Action. France
Grave I A 39 Duhallow A D S Cemetery
Notes: Son of James Blackwell, of Far Oakridge.
In 1911 Census, Ernest Blackwell (aged 33, c.1878, Bridgwater, Somerset), living at 133 Cricklade Street, mason paviour. Married to Georgina with 6 children. The report, with photograph, in the Cheltenham Chronicle &
Gloucestershire Graphic for September 8 1917 also records the death of his son Reginald (q.v. 7 April 1917), and his brother (q.v. ?Martin, 25 Feb 1917).
BLACKWELL, Martin
Memorial Parish Church MARTIN BLACKWELL.
Memorial Hospital BLACKWELL M.W.
29319 Private Martin William Blackwell. 7th (Service) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. Born [Date/Bisley] Enlisted Bristol.
Died 25 February 1917. Aged 39 Killed in Action. Mesopotamia.
Panel 17. Basra Memorial.
Wilts & Glos Standard 24 March 1917
CIRENCESTER SOLDIER KILLED
Mrs Blackwell, of Sheep Street, Cirencester, received official information on Tuesday morning that her husband, Pte. Martin Blackwell, of the Gloucester Regt., was killed in action on February 25th. The deceased soldier, who was 39 years of age, joined the army on June 13th 1916. Previously he worked for Lord Bathurst, and was for many years a member of the Cirencester Fire Brigade. He leaves a widow and eight children, the youngest of whom is only six weeks old. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Blackwell and family in their bereavement. Source: FB image 1917 03 24 Ref 18
BLACKWELL, Reginald
Memorial Parish Church REGINALD BLACKWELL.
Memorial Hospital BLACKWELL R.
240447 L/Corporal Reginald Blackwell. 2/5th Battalion (Territorial), Gloucestershire Regiment. Born [c.1897, Watermoor] Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 7 April 1917. Aged 19. Killed in Action. France
Grave I.C.38. Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy.
Wilts & Glos Standard 28 April 1917
Killed in action in France, on April 6 1917 [?], Reginald Blackwell, dearly beloved son of Sergeant E. Blackwell, Gloucester Regiment, aged 19 years and 8 months. From his loving mother, father, sisters and brother. 27 School Lane, Watermoor.
Wilts & Glos Standard 26 May 1917
A WATERMOOR SOLDIER’S DEATH
Mrs Blackwell, of 27 School Lane, Watermoor, has received the following letter in respect of the death in action of her son, No. 2238 Lance-Corporal Reginald Blackwell, of the Gloucester Regiment, as previously announced. Mrs Blackwell’s husband, Sergeant E. Blackwell, is in a Pioneer Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment serving in France, and the writer of the subjoined letter refers to the fact that both father and son were serving their King and country: Dear Mrs Blackwell, – Am writing to express my deepest sympathy with you in the loss of your dear son, who lost his life on the night of the 16th April [sic], when our battalion made a gallant attempt on the enemy’s lines. Having lived in Cirencester for some years previous to the war, I knew your son, also his father, well, so I thought I would drop a line, although rather late, but have been so busy or would have written before. I might add your son was making great progress, and in time would have made a name for himself. He was beloved by all his comrades, and will be missed by none more than myself. I hope that his father is keeping in good health and free from danger, and when this cruel war is over we may meet again in Old England. So kindly accept my sincerest sympathies in your great loss. From yours sincerely, A.E.
Lascelles, Sergt.
Source: FB image 1917 04 28 Ref 240; see also 1917 05 26 Ref 283-4. Sergt. Ernest Blackwell died 31 July 1917
BOOTH, Frank
Memorial Parish Church FRANK BOOTH Memorial Hospital BOOTH F.
17249 Corporal Frank Booth. 8th Service Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment.
Born [Date/Cirencester].
Enlisted Cirencester.
Died 18 November 1916. [Aged] Killed in Action. France Grave B.84. Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt.
Notes Son of Albert and Matilda Booth. In 1911 Census Frank Booth (age 19, c.1892, Daglingworth) living at 7 Barton Lane. Employed as stable hand. Brother of Walter E. Booth, died 23 June 1917, q.v
BOOTH, Walter E.
Memorial Parish Church WALTER E. BOOTH Memorial Hospital BOOTH W.E.
20511 Private Walter Eli Booth. [7th Battalion], Gloucestershire Regiment.
Born [c.1887/Place]
Enlisted [location]
Died 23 June 1917. Aged 31. [Type of Casualty – Home?] [Location] [Theatre of War] Grave R.68 (section 3). Cirencester Cemetery.
Notes: In 1911 Census Walter Booth (age 24, c.1887, Daglingworth) living at 7 Barton Lane, employed as labourer. Father and mother: Albert & Matilda Booth; with children Charles 27, Walter 24, Frank 19,
Hilda 15 and Victor 11. Son of Matilda Booth, of 147 Gloucester Street [D22/1197]. Brother of Frank Booth, died 18 Nov 1916, q.v.
BOWLEY, Adolphus
Memorial Parish Church ADOLPHUS BOWLEY. Memorial Hospital BOWLEY A.
20150 Orivate Adolphus Bowley. 10th Battallion Worcestershiore Regiment.
Born [c.1894, Daglingworth
Enlisted Cirencester
Died 3 July 1926 Aged 23. Killed in Action. France
Pier & Face 5A and 6C Thiepval Memorial
Notes: I n1911 Census Adolphus Bowley (aged 17, c.1894, Danglingworth) living in 11 Wain’s road, Danglingworth, working as a under carter. Parents George & Elizabeth Bowley. Son of George and Elizabeth, 12 The Barton.