When Thou Hadst Overcome the Sharpness of Death / Thou Didst Open the Kingdom of Heaven to all Believers
+ IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM / THIS PARISH WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES /
FOR KING AND COUNTRY / IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918

The son of a domestic coachman, Tom was born in Horsham. His mother Kate abandoned her husband and children by the time Tom was 7, and she spent the rest of her life in Bournemouth, where she passed herself off as a widow called Kate Anger and worked as a domestic servant for wealthy elderly people. By 1901 Tom’s father had returned to Oxford, where (with the help of a housekeeper) he brought up his three youngest children. By the age of 17 Tom was an officer’s servant at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich. His link with Osney is tenuous: his father (still married to Tom's mother, but claiming to be a widower) had by 1911 come to lodge at 24 East Street, and so that would have been considered Tom’s home address.

⇒ Full biography

Born in New Osney in 1873 and baptised at St Thomas's Church on 8 February 1874

† Killed in action in France
1 July 1916, aged 42

4 Earl Street

Sergeant, Hampshire Regiment “A” Company, 1st Battalion (Service No: 16387)
Enlisted in Oxford

Redan Ridge Cemetery No 2,
Beaumont-Hamel, France: A.18

Awarded the Military Medal

CWGC / Not on City Roll

The son of a bricklayer’s labourer, Frederick Allsworth grew up in St Thomas’s parish. He joined the army in 1891 at the age of 18, and fought in the Boer War. He came to live in Osney after marrying an Osney girl, and worked as a car-washer in a garage. He had two sons

⇒ Full biography

Born at 75 Mill Street, Oxford in 1894 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 4 March

† Killed in action in Belgium
3 November 1914, aged 20

1 Ferry Hinksey Road

Private, Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars (Service No: 1700)
Enlisted in Oxford

Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium: Panel 5

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Albert William ARCHER & Rose Ann KIMBREY (married at St Giles's Church on 10 September 1882). They had five children: four still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Journeyman miller

1901 census: Harold (7) with family at 1 Ferry Hinksey Road

1911 census: Harold (17) was an apprentice joiner, living with parents at 1 Ferry Hinksey Road

Next of kin after war: His parents at 1 Ferry Hinksey Road

Also on war memorials of the Central Boys' School, Oxford and of St Thomas's Church

Born at 55 Abbey Road, Oxford on 28 November 1896 and baptised at St Thomas's Church on 18 December

† Died of enteric in Mesopotamia
25 May 1917, aged 20

3 Abbey Road

Private, Machine Gun Corps  (Infantry), 132nd Company (Service No: 34104)
Formerly 3345, Seaforth High

Baghdad (North Gate) War
Cemetery, Iraq: XV.J.10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Arthur Augustus BALDWIN & Rose Maud BRAIN (married at SS Philip & James's Church on 8 August 1893). They had nine children: five still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Builder’s foreman

1901 census: William (4) was living with his parents at 3 Abbey Road

1911 census: William (14) was Junior Clerk to a builder, living with his father and new stepmother at 3 Abbey Road

Next of kin after war: His father and stepmother at 3 Abbey Road; still there in 1928

Born in New Botley in 1894 and baptised at Standlake on 22 July

† Died of wounds in France
20 July 1917, aged 23

16 Duke Street

Lance Corporal, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 35th Company (Service No: 19286)
Enlisted in Abingdon

Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun,
France: V.A.10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Samuel Francis BARFOOT & Elizabeth HANSLOW (married at Standlake on 26 October 1889). They had three children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Street paviour for Oxford Corporation.

The family had moved to 16 Duke Street by early 1899 when Alfred's sister Amy was baptised at St Frideswide's Church

1901 census: Alfred (6) was living at 16 Duke Street with his father Samuel (30), who was a stonemason (pavier), his mother Bessie (40), and his sisters Fanny (9) and May (2)

1911 census: Alfred (16) was a garden boy at the Rectory, Nuneham Courtenay, Berkshire. Parents were home at 16 Duke Street

Next of kin after war: his parents at 16 Duke Street. Still there in 1928

Born at 33 Earl Street on 28 June 1897 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 22 August

† Killed in action in France
23 July 1916, aged 19

10 Duke Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 4th Battalion (Service No: 5165)
Enlisted in Oxford

Pozières British Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boisselle, France: I.A.47

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: James BARSON & Henrietta Martha BOWERMAN (married at St Frideswide's Church on 29 June 1896). They had five children: four still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: GWR engine driver/fireman

1901 census: James (3) was living with his parents at 10 Duke Street

1911 census: James (13) was a messenger to the University Registrar, living with his parents at 10 Duke Street

Photograph (left) in OJI says he was wounded, but in fact he was already dead

Next of kin not given, but parents at 10 Duke Street can be assumed

Born in Newport, Monmouthshire in 1888/9

† Died of wounds in France
4 September 1916, aged 28

2 Barrett Street

Private, 1st (Royal) Dragoons (Service No: 3426)
Enlisted in Birmingham

Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, France: II.A.31

CWGC / Not on City Roll

Parents: Arthur BREEZE & Mary Ann DAVIES (married in the Atcham district in the fourth quarter of 1885). They had eight children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway foreman/GWR engine driver

1891 census: James (2) was home with his parents at 1 Albion Street, Newport

1901 census: James (12) was home with his parents at 2 Barrett Street

1911 census: James (24) was a Private, 1st Royal Dragoons in Muttra, India. Rest of family at home at 2 Barrett Street

[Funeral of Agnes Breeze (24) in OJI on 4 Oct 1911]

Next of kin after war: his parents, who were back in Newport, Mon.

Born in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire in 1887/8

† Killed in action in Belgium
9 May 1915, aged 27

37 West Street

Serjeant, Royal Berkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 8371)
Enlisted in Abingdon

Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium:
Panel 7 & 8

CWGC / Not on City Roll

Parents: John William BRETTELL & Harriet HELEY (married in the Leighton Buzzard district in the first quarter of 1886). They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Supernumerary railway porter

Brettell found a German helmet during the Christmas Day truce: see photograph in OJI of 13 Jan 1915.

1891 census: Oliver (3) was living in Lake Place, Hoylake, Little Meolse, Cheshire with his father John (26), who was a railway porter, his mother Harriet (28), who was a bonnet sewer, and his younger brother John (one month)

1901 census: Oliver (13) was living at at 37 West Street, Osney with his parents and brother John (10), and Ethel (3)

1911 census: Oliver (23) was a Lance Corporal, Royal Berks Regiment, in Meerut, India. His parents were home at 37 West Street

Next of kin after war: Parents at 48 King’s Road, Caversham, Reading

Born in Little Linford, Bucks in 1892 (reg. second quarter)

† Died of wounds in France
31 August 1915, aged 23

[House “A”, West Street]

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 1st/1st Bucks Battalion (Service No: 2211)
Enlisted in Aylesbury

St Acheul French National Cemetery, Amiens, France: 12

CWGC / Not on City Roll

Parents: William BRIGHTMAN & Emily COOPER (married in Marylebone in the third quarter of 1872). They had thirteen children: ten still alive in 1911.

1901 census: Ernest (8) home with his family in Rivett’s Yard, Great Linford, Bucks

1911 census: Ernest (18), an apprentice fitter, home with his family at Great Linford

Ernest married Margaret HILL in the Newport Pagnell district in the fourth quarter of 1914

FMP says that Ernest lived in Felbridge in Sussex when he died. His brother, Arthur Brightman, was living at House A, West Street, Osney in 1911, and Ernest was probably added to memorial as a courtesy because Arthur was Churchwarden of St Frideswide 1903–1973.

Next of kin after war: parents in Great Linford, Bucks, and wife Margaret Brightman at Acacia Cottage, Felbridge, East Grinstead, Sussex

Born in Wootton, near Woodstock, in 1877 and baptised there on 3 June

† Died of wounds in UK
17 June 1918, aged 42

Botley Road

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 4th Reserve Battalion (Service No: 202017)

Wootton (St Mary) Churchyard,
Oxon, England

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Thomas BROOKS & Emily STROUD (married at Wootton, Oxfordshire on 20 March 1869: both signed their name with a cross). They had at least six children.

Father’s occupation: Agricultural labourer; Mother’s occupation: Gloveress

1881 census: James (2) was living at Crockwell, Wootton with his parents

1891 census: James (12) was living at Hordley, Wootton with his parents, and already working as an agricultural labourer

1901 census: James (23) was lodging at 56 Christchurch Street, Chelsea and working as a shop assistant. His parents were living on their own at the Killingworth Castle in Wootton

1911 census: James (33), who was still single, was living with his widowed father back in Wootton and working as a farm labourer again

James probably moved to Oxford after his father died in 1912 (reg. Woodstock fourth quarter). The OJI of 17 July 1918 says that he lived on the Botley Road.

Next of kin after war: Unknown

Born in New Botley on 9 August 1889

† Died of pleurisy in England
3 January 1917, aged 27

43 Hill View Road

Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class,
Royal Navy: HMS Indomitable (Service No: M/2647 (CH))

Funeral at St Frideswide’s Church on 8 January 1917, then interment at Osney Cemetery, England: Special Memorials section. See gravestone

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a GWR engine driver, Henry Brown came to New Botley with his family by 1908. He joined the Royal Navy by 1911. He married a Summertown girl less than six months before his death

⇒ Full biography

?

† 

Address uncertain

?CWGC / Not on City Roll

NOT FOUND

Not listed on Oxford City Honour Roll

Born in Ladywood (St Mark’s), Birmingham, in 1893 (reg. third quarter) and baptised as an “adult” (aged 17) at St Frideswide’s Church on 17 December 1910

† Killed in action in Belgium
23 October 1916, aged 23

7 Mill Street

Private, London Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles), 15th Battalion (Service No: 6275)
Enlisted in London

Woods Cemetery, Belgium: III.B.9

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Walter BURDEN & Mary Ann MERRY (married at St Clement's Church on 23 December 1886). They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway wagon repairer (Gloucester Wagon Co. Ltd)

1901 census: William (7) was living with his parents at 7 Mill Street

1911 census: William (17), a dentist’s mechanic’s assistant, was living with his widowed father at 7 Mill Street

OJI says that William had moved to Walton Street by 12 Jan 1916, when he was invalided, prior to returning to the front.

Next of kin after war: his sister Miss Edith Mary Burden of 61 Iffley Road, Oxford.

Born at 4 Russell Street in 1894 and baptised at St Frideswide's Church on 28 October

† Killed in action in France
23 July 1916, aged  21 or 22

4 Russell Street

Lance Corporal, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 2801)

Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, France: XIII.J.17

CWGC / City Roll

The sons of a builder’s labourer, Herbert and Sidney Bunce were born and bred at 4 Russell Street. Their mother lost her husband in 1913, and by 1915 four of her sons were fighting in the First World War. Only two returned

⇒ Full biography

(Both out of alphabetical order on the memorial)

Born at 4 Russell Street in 1896/7 and baptised at St Frideswide's Church on 16 March 1897

† Died of sickness in France
14 June 1918, aged 21

4 Russell Street

Lance Corporal, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 20165)

Premont British Cemetery, France: IV.A.41

CWGC / City Roll

Born at 2 Russell Street on 29 June 1896 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 18 June 1898

† Killed in action in France
23 July 1916, aged 20

10 Bridge Street

Private, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, 1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 200210)
Enlisted in Oxford

Thiepval Memorial, France:
Pier and Face 10A & 10D

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Eli John BUSBY & Elizabeth OSBORN (married in the Headington district in the fourth quarter of 1882). They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Cab driver

1911 census: Bertie (3) was with his parents at 10 Bridge Street

1911 census: Bertie (13) was still at school and home with his parents at 10 Bridge Street

Next of kin after war: Unknown, probably parents. There was a John Busby listed at 10 Bridge Street in 1928

Born in Uxbridge, Middlesex in 1887 and baptised at St John's Church, Southall on 27 March

† Killed in action in the Persian Gulf on 7 January 1916, aged 28

Address in Oxford not known:
was married and in OBLI

Company Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
(Service No. 7676)

Basra Memorial, Iraq: Panel 26 and 63

CWGC / City Roll

This is Thomas Henry Busby, known as Henry Busby.

Parents: Thomas BUSBY and Eliza GEORGE (married in Uxbridge in 1868)

Father's occupation: Gas stoker

Wife: Annie Elizabeth [surname not known]

1891 census: Thomas Henry (4) was living at 2 Denmark Cottages, Southall, with his parents and his siblings Eliza (21), Alice (11), Daisy (2), and Charles (three months)

1901 census: Thomas Henry (14) was a milk carrier, living at the same address with his parents and sister Daisey (12) and brother Charles (10)

1911 census: Thomas Henry (24) was a married Lance Sergeant in the 1st Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, based in

Next of kin after the war: His wife Annie Elizabeth Busby of 2 Denmark Cottages, Southall, Middlesex

Born in Wytham in 1882/3 and baptised there on 1 April 1883

† Killed in action in France
11 April 1918, aged 36

22 Duke Street

Private, South Lancashire Regiment, 1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 235090)
Formerly 8555, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Loos Memorial, France: Panel 76

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Henry BUSTIN & Eliza Sarah HASTINGS (married at Wytham on 1 February 1869). They had nine children: seven still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Cattleman on farm

1891 census: Herbert (8) was home with his parents at Wytham

1901 census: Herbert (18), an under-cattleman on a farm, was living with his parents at Wytham

Herbert married Rosanna TOMKINS in the Crickhowell district in the third quarter of 1908

1911 census: Herbert (28) was a cowman on a farm, living with his wife in Botley. They do not appear to have had any children

FMP says Herbert was living at Cokethorpe, Witney and enlisted in Oxford

Next of kin after war: Parents at Wytham; and wife at 22 Duke Street (still there in 1928)

Born at Lee Green, Kent in 1894/5 (reg. first quarter of 1895)

† Died of broncho-pneumonia in Greece
16 December 1918, aged 23

31 East Street

Private, Royal Army Service Corps, 910th Mechanical Transport Company (Service No: M2/102347)

Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Greece:  983

Also listed (as George Calcutt) on the Great War memorial of the former in Blackfriars Road, St Ebbe’s

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: William John CALCUTT & Mary Ann BLAKE (married in the Abingdon district in the first quarter of 1891). They had ten children: eight still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Baker

1901 census: William (6) was living with his parents at 5 Stanley Terrace, Sun Street, Great Burstead, Billericay

1911 census: William (16), a builder’s improver, was living with his parents at 4 Gonsalva Road, Battersea

At the time of his enlistment on October 7, 1914, Calcutt  gave his home address as 138 Fifth Avenue in Kilburn.

George married Frances May WALTER at Holy Trinity Church, St Ebbe’s, Oxford on 27 December 1915. The couple lived at 31 East Street, Osney, and do not appear to have had any children

Next of kin after war: Parents in Lee Green, Kent and wife at 31 East Street

George was admitted to the 52nd General Hospital (a collection of wooden huts) at Kalamaria in Greece on 4 December 1918 after the war was over, and died there twelve days later.

Born in Jericho, Oxford on 12 November 1894 and baptised at St Barnabas’s Church on 22 November

† Killed in action in Belgium
25 September 1915, aged 21

28 Alexandra Road

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry,5th Battalion (Service No: 10977)

Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium:
Panel 37 & 39

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Walter CLIFFORD & Catherine WALKER (married at St Barnabas's Church on 19 January 1880). They had twelve children: eleven still alive in 1911.

Father’s trade: Printer’s labourer, later bricklayer

1901 census: Alfred (6) and Bernard (4) were with their parents at 7 Mount Street in Jericho

1911 census: Alfred (16) was an apprentice printer and Bernard (14) was still at school. They were both still living with their parents at 7 Mount Street. They must have moved to Alexandra Road around the time of the war

By 1914 Alfred was a college servant at Corpus Christi College, and is remembered on their war memorial board, and is also listed on their online roll of honour

Next of kin after war: Their widowed mother at 28 Alexandra Road

See Harriet Patrick, An Oxford College at War: Corpus Christi College, 1914–18 (Profile Books Ltd, 2018), pp. 58–59 for more on Alfred William Clifford

Born in Oxford in 1897 (reg. second quarter), baptism not found

† Killed in action in Belgium
31 July 1917, aged 20

28 Alexandra Road

Private, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 25th Company (Service No: 60564)
Enlisted in Oxford, formerly PS/10754, Royal Fusiliers

Aeroplane Cemetery, Belgium: II.C.28

CWGC / City Roll

Born at Egerton Cottages, Wallingford in 1887 and baptised at St Leonard’s Church there on 4 September

† Killed in action in France
21 December 1914, aged 26

32 Earl Street

Private, 7th Dragoon Guards
(Princess Royal’s) (Service No: 3888)

Le Touret Memorial, France: Panel 1

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: James Michael Shipton CLINCH & Elizabeth DICKENSON (married in Stroud in the third quarter of 1886). They had nine children, all still alive in 1911

Father’s occupation: Fireman of the Railway Company Locomotive Department

James & Elizabeth Clinch’s first two children, Ernest and his sister Martha Isabella, were born at Egerton Cottages in St Leonard’s parish, Wallingford (baptised respectively at their parish church on 4 September 1887 and 27 April 1889). The family then moved to Botley with Martha but not Ernest, and had seven more children, including Gilbert.

1891 census: Ernest (3) may be the Ernest Michael Clinch (wrong middle name), born Wallingford, living with his aunt, Mrs Isabella Goodship (née Clinch) and her husband and two young children at 105 Edgehill Street, Reading. Meanwhile Ernest’s father had moved to Oxford and was living at 32 Earl Street with his wife, his daughter Martha, and the new baby James (two months).

1901 census: Ernest (c.13) hard to find. Gilbert (8) was living with his parents at 32 Earl Street

1911 census: Ernest (c.23) hard to find. Gilbert (18) was an out-of-work general labourer, living with his parents at 32 Earl Street. Martha (22) was living at Wood Lawn in Norham Road as a housemaid of the Professor of Chinese

Mrs Elizabeth Clinch, the mother of Ernest and Gilbert, died in Oxford at the age of 66 in 1925 (registered third quarter).

Next of kin for Ernest after the war: His father at 32 Earl Street and the late Elizabeth Clinch. No one is listed for Gilbert, but they are likely to be the same.

In the 1911 census, the boys’ father said he and his wife had had seven children, but they may only have been including the ones still at home. He also said that they had been married for 22 years, when in fact it was 24 years.

Born at 32 Earl Street, Oxford in 1892/3 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 16 April 1893

† Killed in action in France
9 October 1916, aged 23

32 Earl Street

Private, London Regiment, 1st/23rd Battalion (Service No: 5841)
Enlisted in Oxford; formerly 22623, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry.

Thiepval Memorial, France:
Pier and Face 9D, 9C, 13C & 12C

CWGC / City Roll

Born in Trowbridge, Wilts in 1897 (reg. second quarter)

† Killed in action in France
28 April 1917, aged 20

19 Barrett Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, “D” Company, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 200445)
Enlisted at Oxford

Thiepval Memorial, France:
Pier and Face 10A & 10D

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: George Harry COVEY & Annie DADE (married in the Yeovil district in the first quarter of 1890). They had two children: both still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: GWR engine driver

1911 census: Stanley (4) at home with his parents at 19 Barrett Street

1911 census: Stanley (14) was still at school and home with his parents at 19 Barrett Street

Next of kin after war: Parents at 19 Barrett Street

Born in Kidlington in 1893 and baptised there on 16 July

† Held as prisoner and died in hospital in Germany 16 October 1918, aged 25

Medley Lodge

Private, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 50th Company (Service No. 36548). Enlisted at Oxford. Formerly 22415 OBLI

Niederzwehren Cemetery, Germany: VI.F.11

Also on Kidlington war memorial

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frank DAVIS and Leah Louisa MILES (married at Kidlington on 8 October 1887). They had three children (all still alive in 1911)

Father’s occupation: Baker, then Market gardener, then Publican

1901 census: Norman (7) was at home with his parents and two siblings in Moor Street, Kidlington. His father was then a market gardener

1911 census: Norman (17) was at home with his parents and two siblings at the King’s Arms Inn in Moor Street, Kidlington, helping his father, who was the landlord

Norman (or his father) probably went to work for Arthur Henry Taylor, MA, who lived at Medley Manor and ran the Manor dairy farm, some time between 1911 and 1916: possibly William Davis, the Binsey milk carrier, was his relation

The OJI caption indicates that his parents still did not know that he had died two months after his death, and a month after the Armistice

Next of kin after war: Not named, probably his parents

Born at 72 Bridge Street, Oxford in 1895

† Drowned when the hospital ship Lafranc was torpedoed between Le Havre and Southampton
17 April 1917, aged 22

49 Hill View Road

Private, Royal Army Medical Corps (Service No: 23307)
Enlisted in Southampton

Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a GWR goods guard, Lawrence was born and bred in Osney. He worked as a college servant. There are also plaques both to him and his mother on the wall of St Frideswide’s Church

⇒ Full biography

Born at Ducklington near Witney in 1887 and baptised there on 29 January 1888

† Died in France
25 February 1916, aged 28

8 East Street [OJI says Earl Street]

Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery,
59th Siege Battery (Service No: 24999)
Enlisted in Oxford

Chocques Military Cemetery,
France: I.H.112

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: John EDWARDS & Mary HARRIS (married at Bampton Aston on 15 September 1879). They had nine children (all still alive in 1911)

Father’s occupation: Labourer

1891 census: Richard (3) was living with his parents and six of his siblings at Witney Road, Ducklington

1901 census: Richard (13) was already working as an agricultural labourer and living with his parents and four of his siblings in Ducklington

1911 census: Richard (23) was an indoor servant with the 59th Siege Company of the RGA in Roorkee, India, while his parents were living at 27 Pensons Gardens, St Ebbe’s. They subsequently moved to Osney

FMP says that Richard was living at Beckley when he enlisted.

Next of kin after war: Parents at 8 East Street

Born at Grove Street in Wantage in 1879

† Killed in action in Belgium
25 September 1915, aged 36

97 Bridge Street

Lance Serjeant, Royal Berkshire
Regiment, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 5694)
Enlisted at Reading

Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium:
Panel 7 & 8

CWGC / Not on City Roll

The child of a single mother, Ernest Eltham was brought up in Wantage by his grandparents. He married there, and by 1909 came to Osney to work for the Great Western Railway as a porter. His third child was baptised at St Frideswide’s Church

⇒ Full biography

Born in North Oxford in 1873

† Killed when his ship was torpedoed near Malta on 27 April 1916, aged 42

Bridge House, Botley Road

Major, Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS Russell

Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel reference 21

CWGC / City Roll

The son of the University of Oxford Savilian Professor of Geometry, William Esson grew up in North Oxford and joined the navy at the age of 20 in 1893. He came to live in the Botley Road after his marriage

⇒ Full biography

Born in Gloucester on 30 June 1894

† Drowned in the North Sea with all 857 crew when his ship sank during Battle of Jutland
31 May 1916, aged 21

11 Arthur Street

Leading Signalman, Royal Navy:
HMS Black Prince (Service No: J/10916)

Portsmouth Naval Memorial:
Panel 14

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frederick Richard EVANS and Bessie Annie May JARVIS (married in the Cirencester district in the fourth quarter of 1893). They had four children: three still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Shoeing & general smith; later Boiler smith

1901 census: Frederick (6) is hard to find. His parents were living at Dean Row, Coln St Aldwyn, Glos with their two younger sons

1911 census: Frederick (16) is hard to find. His parents were home at 11 Arthur Street with their two younger sons

Misnamed as William Evans in OJI (left). Same article shows his brother, Harry George Evans, who was saved from HMS Tiger

Next of kin after war: Parents at 11 Arthur Street

Born in North Hinksey in 1873/4 and baptised there on 8 March 1874

† Died of sickness in Mesopotamia
20 April 1918, aged 44

Duke Street [?No. 24]

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 1st Battalion (Service No: 10111)
Enlisted in Oxford

Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery), Iraq: XVIII.E.8

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a master boot & shoe maker, John Fenemore moved with his parents from North Hinksey to Osney in 1874, and became a carpenter. He moved to St Thomas’s parish after his wedding in 1900, but was back in Duke Street by 1915. His was a sad life: by 1912 his parents, his wife, his two daughters, and five of his six brothers and sisters were all dead, and his only surviving sister had moved away. His son, however, survived

⇒ Full biography

Born in Cork on 21 November 1896

† Killed in action at Ypres
26 October 1917, aged 20

Address in Osney uncertain

Private, 5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
(Service No. 44958)

Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 19 to 23 and 162)

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: James FINLAYSON, a cook and confectioner from Scotland, and his wife Catherine

Ernest was still in Cork with his parents in 1901, but by 1907 the family had moved to Macclesfield, and they can be found there in the 1911 census. He was then an apprentice engineer, and worked for an ironmonger.

He enlisted in Macclesfield in the autumn of 1915, and the family moved to Osney soon afterwards.

His lived at 36 Vicarage Road, Henley in the early 1920s.

⇒ Full biography on “Macclesfield Reflects” website

Born at 95 Bridge Street, Oxford on 14 August 1897 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 3 October

† Killed in action in Belgium
 26 October 1917, aged 20

12 West Street

Private, Devonshire Regiment,
9th Battalion (Service No: 31372)
Enlisted in Swindon

Hooge Crater Cemetery,
Belgium: IX.J.11

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Joseph FUL[L]BROOK & Fanny GODFREY (married at St Thomas's Church on 14 September 1895). They had five children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Platelayer

1901 census: Family living at 95 Bridge Street, inc. Reginald (4) and Norman Sidney (1)

1911 census: Sidney (11) was at school and living at 12 West Street with his parents. Sidney Norman Fulbrook (14) is hard to find.

Next of kin after war: Widowed mother at 12 West Street

Born at 95 Bridge Street, Oxford on 7 January 1900 and baptised as Norman Sidney Fulbrook at St Frideswide’s Church on 17 February

† Died in France
24 August 1918, aged 18

12 West Street

Rifleman, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 51st Battalion (Service No: 56162)
Enlisted in Cambridge

Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre,
France: Div. 62, V.B.4

CWGC (spelt FULLBROOK) / City Roll

Born at Charney/Pusey in 1879

† Killed in action in France
16 August 1916, aged 37

5 Alexandra Road

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 5043).

Thiepval Memorial,
Pier and Face 10A & 10D;
also on OUP war memorial

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a Pusey gardener and deaf mother, George was sent to live with a childless uncle and aunt in Oxford, which greatly improved his prospects: unlike his brothers, he did not have to start work at 12. He became a compositor at Oxford University Press, and married in 1904 and settled in Osney. He had no children, and volunteered to serve in the war.

⇒ Full biography

?

† 

Address uncertain

CWGC / Not on City Roll

May have been the Walter Gibbons born in Sheffield on 25 September 1897 who served in the Canadian Infantry. Canadian records say that this man was born in Oxford, but that may have been his last place of residence in the UK.

Connection with Osney area to be established. A Lawrence Henry Gibbons lived at 3 Alexandra Road and a Richard Gibbons at 32 Bridge Street by 1911: both had families, but neither had a son called Walter

Not listed on Oxford City Honour Roll

Born in Woodstock on 3 March 1894 and baptised there on 15 April

† Killed in action in Salonika
9 May 1917, aged 23

47 Bridge Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 7th Battalion (Service No: 8598)
Enlisted in Oxford

Doiran Memorial, Greece

CWGC (age of 22 should read 23) / City Roll

Parents: Edwin HALL & Beatrice Emily TAYLOR (married at Woodstock on 8 November 1893). They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Innkeeper in 1901, Groom in 1911

1901 census: William (6) was living with his parents in Kidlington.

William’s mother died at the age of 34 in 1907 (reg. second quarter)

1911 census shows William (16) living with his widowed father and grandfather in Woodstock and working as a groom

OJI says that when he suffered an earlier wounding in the war in 1916, William was living in east Oxford.

Next of kin after war: Widowed father at 47 Bridge Street

Also on Woodstock war memorial

Born at 30 East Street in 1893/4 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 9 April 1894

† Killed in action in France
28 April 1917, aged 23

41 Bridge Street

Corporal, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 201477)
Enlisted in Oxford

Thiepval Memorial, France:
Pier and Face 10A & 10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frederick HARBUD & Lydia SILMAN (married in the Witney area in the third quarter of 1891). They had nine children: six still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Worked for the Co-op, first as a porter and then as an oil salesman

1901 census: Harry (7) was with his parents at 41 Bridge Street

1911 census: Harry (18), was a grocer’s porter, presumably for the Co-op, living with his parents at 41 Bridge Street

Harry Harbud is also remembered on the Oxford Co-operative and Industrial Society war memorial plaque, now at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

Born at 17 East Street, Oxford on 22 July 1897 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 22 August

† Died of wounds in France
1 July 1916, aged 18

20 Oatlands Road

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, “D” Company, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 4199)

Laventie Military Cemetery,
La Gorgue, France: II.B.10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frank William Keen HARTWELL & Florence Twigg COLLIN (married in the Abingdon district in the first quarter of 1888). They had seven children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Compositor

1901 census: Frank (3) was at 17 East Street with his parents

1911 census: Frank (13) was still at school and living at 17 East Street with his parents.

The family are listed at 20 Oatlands Road by the time of Kelly’s Directory for 1915.

Next of kin after war: Parents at 20 Oatlands Road

Born at 24 Earl Street, Oxford in 1894/5 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 17 February 1895

† Died of wounds in France
30  January 1918, aged 23

10 Earl Street

Private, 8th (King’s Royal Irish) Hussars (Service No: 29660)

Tincourt New British Cemetery,
France: VI.J.21

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: John Edwin HOLLIDAY & Isabella JAMES (married at Newcastle-under-Lyme in the first quarter of 1894). They had five children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Builder’s labourer

1901: Lewis (6) was at home with his parents at 10 Earl Street

1911 census: Lewis (16), a butcher’s errand boy, was still living at 10 Earl Street with his parents

Next of kin: Parents at 10 Earl Street

Born in ?

† Killed in action in France
9 May 1915 , aged ?

39 Hill View Road

Rifleman, Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 2615)

Rue-David Military Cemetery,
Fleurbaix, France: II.D.12

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: George HUNT & Mary ?

Hard to identify the family in the censuses

William appears to have been living in Broad Street at the time he was killed.

Next of kin after war: Parents at 39 Hill View Road

Born in North Hinksey in 1893 and baptised there (as Rudolf Stanley Hutson) on 14 May 1893

† Killed in action in Belgium
17 August 1917, aged 24

27 Bridge Street

Lance Corporal, Oxford & Bucks
Light Infantry, “A” Company,
1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 201704)

Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium:
Panel 96–98

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Francis (Frank) HUTSON & Fanny HARRIS (married in North Hinksey Church on 6 December 1886). They had nine children: all still alive in 1911 (Father declared only eight on census form that year, but this seems to be an error).

Father’s occupation: Shepherd on farm

1901 census: The family, including Stanley (8), was living in North Hinksey village

1911 census: Stanley (18) was an apprentice hairdresser in Bootle. His parents were at 25 [sic] Bridge Street with their other eight children

Next of kin after the war: Parents at 27 Bridge Street

Born in Chesterton near Bicester in 1887/8 and baptised there on 1 April 1888

† Killed in action at Gallipoli
6 August 1915, aged 28

9 Park End Street

Private, Hampshire Regiment,
2nd Battalion (Service No: 17259)
Formerly 7980, OBLI.

Helles Memorial, Turkey:
Panel 125–134 or 223–226,
228–229 & 328

CWGC / City Roll

Son of Richard INWOOD & Frances Mary WELCH (married in the Wellingborough district in second quarter of 1869). They had at least six children

Father’s occupation: Gardener’s labourer

1891 census: Albert (3) was at home with his parents and siblings in Chesterton

1901 census: Albert (13) was the only child left at home with his parents in Chesterton

Albert’s mother died at the age of 59 in 1910 and was buried at Chesterton Church on 8 June

1911 census: Albert (24) was a Corporal in the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and based at Cowley Barracks

In the first quarter of 1915 Alfred married Lilian Frances MORRIS in Oxford, but was killed a few months later

Next of kin after the war: His wife at 9 Park End Street, Oxford.

Born in Oxford in 1899

† Killed in action in France
23 July 1916, aged 16

31 Henry Road

Private,  Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 1st/4th Battalion (Service No: 4504)

Pozières British Cemetery,
Ovillers-La Boiselle, France: I.B.33

CWGC / City Roll

Son of a milkman, who must have lied in order to enlist in the army and who died at the age of 15. Walter Jenkins (below) was his uncle

⇒ Full biography

Born in Jericho, Oxford on 25 January 1880

† Killed in action in Gallipoli on 10 August 1915, aged 35

38 Duke Street

Private, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment), 5th Battalion (Service No: 3/227). Enlisted in London

Helles Memorial, Turkey:
Panel 156 to 158

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a coachsmith who grew up in Osney, Walter Jenkins joined the Grenadier Guards in 1898 and fought in the South African war. He came out of the army in 1910 and worked as a labourer in a cabinet works in Bedford, and volunteered to serve near the beginning of the First World War. His father died in the Radcliffe Infirmary in 1887, and his mother in Cowley Road workhouse in 1912. Henry Jenkins (above) was Walter’s nephew (the son of his older brother Frank)

⇒ Full biography

Born at 8 [?24] Earl Street, Oxford on 28 July 1888 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 19 September

† Died of wounds in France
27 September 1915, aged 27

135 Botley Road (then numbered 123)

Lance Corporal, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 9th Battalion (Service No: 13523). Enlisted in Llanelli

Chocques Military Cemetery, France: I.E.23

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Charles KING & Eleanor HASTINGS (married in the Abingdon district in the second quarter of 1880). They had eight children: four still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Porter at Ashmolean Museum; later an Engine stoker
Mother’s occupation: Laundress

1891 census: George (2) was then the baby of the family, at home with his parents at 24 Earl Street

1901 census: George (12) and Harry (9) were at home with their parents at 24 Earl Street

1911 census: George (22) is hard to find; Harry (19), a GWR carriage cleaner, was at home with his parents at 123 (later 135) Botley Road

Next of kin after war: Parents at 135 Botley Road. This house was on the eastern corner of Earl Street, and has been demolished

Born at 8 [?24] Earl Street, Oxford in 1892 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 24 April

† Wounded in action, and drowned at sea on hospital ship 17 April 1917, aged 25

135 Botley Road (then numbered 123)

Private, Devonshire Regiment,
8th Battalion (Service No: 18671). Enlisted in Swansea

Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton

CWGC / City Roll

Born in St Thomas’s parish, Oxford in 1894

† Died of wounds in France
16 May 1917, aged 22

The present 92 Botley Road

Second Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps, 66th Squadron and General List.

Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, France: XI.A.4

Also on Oxford City Boys’ High School memorial

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a prosperous hide & skin merchant and broker, Albert Lucas grew up in a large house with servants on the Botley Road. He was married at St Frideswide’s Church, and his only child was born two months after his death

⇒ Full biography

Born in Leamington in 1888 (reg. fourth quarter)

† Killed in action in France
23 March 1918, aged 29

11 South Street

Lance Corporal, Royal Marine Light Infantry, 1st Royal Marine Battalion (Service No: CH/2441(S))

Arras Memorial, France: Bay 1

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a painter & decorator, William Joshua Mace grew up in Leamington Spa. He came to lodge in Osney as a gas fitter, and later became a GWR linesman. He married a local girl, and they had one daughter, baptised at St Frideswide’s Church; he died before she was five months old

⇒ Full biography

Born in Cirencester in 1899 (reg. second quarter)

† Died of wounds in France
4 September 1918, aged 19

East Street

Corporal, Hampshire Regiment,
1st Battalion (Service No: 28632)
Enlisted at Oxford

Ligny-St Flochel British Cemetery,
Averdoingt, France: IV.A.4

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: George Ernest MAJOR & Annie Elizabeth EASTON (married in the Yeovil district in the third quarter of 1892). They had six children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway engine driver

1901 census: George (1) was with his parents in South Street

1911 census: George (11) was still at school and living with his parents at 11 South Street

Next of kin after war: Parents in Oxford

Born at Lambeth on 2 April 1898

† Killed in action in France
25 March 1918, aged 20

17 Henry Road

Corporal, East Surrey Regiments, 12th Battalion (Service No: 6186)

Arras Memorial, Bay 6

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: William Alfred MALLETT and Adelaide Gertrude COOPER (married at St John the Evangelist Church, Lambeth on 29 July 1894), who appear to have had five children. William's mother died in 1905, and in 1906 his father married his second wife Louisa Elizabeth Olney in Bromley and they appear to have had seven children

Father’s occupation: Carman for the Evening News/Newsagent

1901 census: William (2) was living in part of 19 Berryfield Road, Newington with his parents and two sisters

1911 census: William (13) was still at school and was living at 16 Harris Street, Camberwell with his father, his stepmother, his two sisters, and his four half-siblings

The family had moved to 7 Henry Road in west Oxford by 1918

Report about Military Medal: OJI 31 October 1917

Presentation of Military Medal: OJI 13 February 1918

William's youngest half-sibling Rosina Mary Mallett was born at 17 Henry Road on 14 September 1921 and baptised at St Frideswide's Church on 8 January 1922

Born in Oxford in 1892

† Killed in action in Belgium
22 August 1917, aged 24

24 Barrett Street

Serjeant, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 201057)

Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium:
Panel 96–98

CWGC / City Roll

Alfred was born at his father’s beerhouse at 3 Rewley Road, Oxford and moved to Osney with his family as a small child when his father became a pianoforte porter. When he was 18, Alfred was working as a footman at Cuddesdon College

⇒ Full biography

Born in Devizes in 1886

† Wounded, probably at Ypres, and died of wounds in UK
26 May 1915, aged 27

1 Hythe Bridge Street

Private, Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars, 2nd/1st (Service No: 1607)

Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, UK: I1.26

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a prison officer, Walter North was born in Devizes. His father came to Oxford by 1901 and was employed as a Proctor’s "bulldog". Walter worked as a tram conductor, and was married in 1907. He had four children: the last was born after his death and was given the middle name “Ypres” at his baptism at St Frideswide’s Church

⇒ Full biography

Born at 48 Mill Street, Oxford in 1891 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 17 January 1892

† Died of sickness in Nigeria
10  January 1917, aged 26

12 Barrett Street

Corporal, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion, attached Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force (Service No: 3343)

Morogoro Cemetery, Nigeria: VIII.E.1

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a gardener, William spent all his life in Osney. His mother died when he was six, and when his father remarried and moved into his new wife’s home nearby, William remained with his older married brother at 12 Barrett Street. He was employed as a cutter in an underclothing factory

⇒ Full biography

Born in Yarnton in 1896/7 and baptised there in March 1897

† Killed in action in Belgium
19 October 1917, aged 21

29 Henry Road

Private, Royal Berkshire Regiment “B” Company, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 220079)

Prowse Point Military Cemetery,
Belgium: III.B.31

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Charles NORTON & Ellen (Nellie) PONTING (married in the Cirencester district in the third quarter of 1890). They had five children, all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: GWR Signalman

1901 census: Ernest (4) was with his parents at Lower Village, Cassington

1911 census: Ernest (14) was still at school, and living with his parents at 95 Bridge Street

The family was still living at 95 Bridge Street in 1915 (Kelly’s), but they must have moved to 29 Henry Road between then and 1917. ( The OJI photograph (left) has Henley Road for Henry Road.)

Next of kin after war: Parents at 29 Henry Road

Born at 20 West Street, Oxford in 1892/3 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 2 April 1893

† Killed in action in France
25  January 1915, aged 21 or 22

29 Hill View Road

Private,  Coldstream Guards, 1st Battalion (Service No: 12393)
Enlisted at Stratford, Essex

Le Touret Memorial, France:
Panels 2 & 3

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Henry PALMER & Ellen TOWNSEND (married at St Martin's Church, Carfax on 24 June 1882). They had seven children: six still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Labourer

1901 census: Richard (8) was with his parents at 29 Hill View Road

1911 census: Richard (18) was working as a barman at his parents’ pub, the King’s Head, at Potter Street, Harlow, Essex.

OJI published his photograph on 10 February 1915 when he was missing, and again on 21 April 1915 when it was confirmed that he had been killed, describing him as “late of Hill View Road”.

Born at 29 Plantation Road, Oxford on 16 December 1897 and baptised at Ss Philip & James's Church on 13 February

 † Died of wounds in Belgium 18 April 1918

Address uncertain

Gunner, 136th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
(Service No. 292638)

Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery

CWGC / City Roll

This is Reginald William Parsons, confirmed as R. William Parsons on City Roll
Parents: William John Parsons (a plumber) and Minnie Holder, who were married at Ss Philip & James's Church on 29 August 1897

1911: Aged 11 and at school, living at 52 Juxon Street
OJI of 29 May 1918 states that he lived in Norreys Avenue

An Albert Edward Parsons lived at 6 Arthur Street and had children baptised at St F 1902 & 1904: could this be his brother? He was still there in 1928

Born in Chawley, Cumnor in 1877 (probably the Ernest Pearsy reg. in second quarter) and baptised at Cumnor as Ernest Piert on 1 July 1877

† Died of wounds in France
1 August 1916, aged 39

38 Duke Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 8759)
Enlisted in Oxford

Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, France: Plot 2, Row A, Grave 11

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: John PEART & Fanny SLADE (married at Minster Lovell on 7 February 1869). They had eight children: six still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Farm labourer

Ernest joined the 3rd Battalion of he Royal Berkshire Regiment on 15 October 1894 when he was aged 17yrs 3mths (Service No. 4860). His full army records, including some convictions, are available on FMP. He served in the South African Campaign.

1901 census: Ernest was probably in South Africa. His parents were at home at 38 Duke Street

1911 census: Ernest Peart (33), unmarried, was working as an engineer’s labourer and living with his parents at 38 Duke Street.

Next of kin after the war: His parents at 38 Duke Street (mother Fanny misnamed Mary by CWGC)

Born in Cholsey in 1879 and baptised there on 12 March 1880

† Killed in action in Belgium
25 September 1915, aged 36

Barrett Street

Rifleman, Rifle Brigade,
2nd Battalion (Service No: S/11254)
Enlisted in Oxford; formerly 65020 RFA

Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium: Panel 10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frank & Mary Jane RUMBLE. They had fifteen children: nine still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway plate-layer

1881 census: George (2) was at home with his parents at The Forty, Cholsey

1891 census: George (11), who was at school, and Walter (7 months) were at home with their parents at 18 Barrett Street, Osney

1901 census: George (23), who was working as a railway engine stoker, was boarding at 13 Orchard Road, Birkenhead. He is described as married, but this may be an error (although a George Rumble did get married in the Abingdon district in the fourth quarter of 1891). Walter (10) was at home with his parents at 18 Barrett Street

1911 census: George (30) was a railway porter and Walter (20) was a railway labourer. Both were described as single, and at home with their parents at 18 Barrett Street

By 1915 the family must have moved to Ascott-under-Wychwood, as FMP says both Walter and George lived in the Chipping Norton area.

Next of kin after war: Parents at Ascott-under-Wychwood

Born in Osney in 1890 (reg. third quarter)

† Killed in action in Belgium
16 August 1917, aged 26

18 Barrett Street

Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, 7th/8th Battalion (Service No: 23852)
Enlisted in Oxford, and was formerly 18832, OBLI

Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium: Panel 42

CWGC / City Roll

Born in Swindon in 1896 (birth reg. third quarter as Frank Charles J. Russell)

† Accidentally killed in France
8 August 1918, aged 22

12 Hill View Road

Serjeant, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 201225)

Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbecque, France: Plot 1, Row D

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Francis RUSSELL & Susan CRAYFORD (married in the Highworth registration district in the third quarter of 1884). They had ten children, all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway engine driver

1901 census: Frank (4) was living at 21 Manchester Road, Swindon with his parents and five of his siblings

1911 census: Frank (14) was still at school and living with his parents and six of his siblings at 10 Helen Road

The family probably moved to 12 Hill View Road before the end of the war, as the OJI (left) says that Frank lived there at the time of his death

Next of kin after war: Parents at 12 Hill View Road

Born at 38 Bridge Street on 23 September 1883 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 1 December

† Died of disease in Italy
22 April 1918, aged 34

38 Bridge Street

Petty Officer Stoker, Royal Navy
HMS Earl of Peterborough (Service No: O/N305500)

La Spezia (Boschetti) Communal Cemetery, Italy: 774 North side (Protestant section)

CWGC (age wrong) / Not on City Roll

Parents: Albert SAUNDERS & Mary Ann (surname unknown), who were married in 1874/5. They had fourteen children: nine still alive in 1911.

1891 census: Henry (7) was at school and living with his parents and six of his siblings at 38 Bridge Street

1901 census: Henry (18) was working as a Boots in a boarding house at 10 & 12 Trinity Road, Scarborough. His parents were at 38 Bridge Street with six of his siblings

1911 census: Henry (28), who had already joined the navy, was away at sea. His parents were at 38 Bridge Street with three of his siblings.

Next of kin after war: His mother at 38 Bridge Street

Born in Southborough, Kent in 1897/8 (reg. first quarter of 1898)

† Died of wounds in France
26 August 1918, aged 20

22 Bridge Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion (Service No: 203336)
Enlisted at Oxford, was formerly 2232, QOOH.

St Hilaire Cemetery Extension, Frevent, France: N. 15

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Charles John SIMMONDS & Ada NEWMAN (married in the Abingdon district in the second quarter of 1894). They had eight children: seven still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Carman to GWR; later a carting agent

1901 census: John (3) was living with his parents at 27 Christ Church New Buildings, Oxford

1911 census: John (13) was still at school, and was at home at 22 Bridge Street with his parents and six of his siblings

Born in Cowley St John in 1895 (reg. fourth quarter)

† Killed in action in France
26 March 1918, aged 22

Mill Street

Private, Army Cyclist Corps, 6th Corps (Service No: 13012)
Enlisted in Oxford, formerly 2243 OBLI

Arras Memorial, France, Bay 10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: George James SIMMS and Cassie UDELL (married at Cowley St John Church on 20 January 1894; Cassie signed with cross). They had eight children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway porter, later Cab driver

1901 census: Walter (5) was with his family at 6 Gordon Street, St Aldate’s

1911 census: Walter (15) was still at school and with his family at 7 Russell Street

They were still at 7 Russell Street in 1915, but OJI gives Walter’s address in 1918 as Mill Street

Next of kin after war: Presumably his parents

Born at 80 Cardigan Street, Jericho on 2 June 1896 and baptised at St Barnabas's Church on 2 July

† Killed in action in France
19 July 1916, aged 20

105 Bridge Street

Private, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 4317)

Laventie Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, France: II.D.3

CWGC / Not on City Roll

Parents: William Joseph SIMPSON & Elizabeth DEAN (married at Holy Trinity Church, St Ebbe's on 6 October 1889)

George’s father is listed at 105 Bridge Street in 1915

FMP gives George’s first middle name as Edward rather than Edwin

Next of kin: Parents at 30 Marlborough Road, Oxford

George Edwin Lovell Simpson is also on a brass memorial plaque inside St Matthew's Church in south Oxford

⇒ Full biography on St Matthew's website

Born in Oxford in 1895 (reg. second quarter)

† Killed in action in France
6 April 1917, aged 22

17 Hill View Road

Lance Serjeant, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion; OJI says Light Trench Mortar Battery (Service No: 201177)

Vermand Communal Cemetery, France: A.1

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Francis Hugh SMITH & Elizabeth REEVES (married in the Ashby de la Zouch area in the second quarter of 1886). They had seven children: five still alive in 1911.

1901 census: Francis (6) was living with his parents and four of his siblings at 17 Hill View Road

1911 census: Francis (16), who was working as a probationer draper’s apprentice, was with his parents and three siblings at 17 Hill View Road

Next of kin after war: Parents at 17 Hill View Road

Also on war memorial of the Central Boys' School, Oxford

Born at Davis’s Farm, Cumnor in 1886 and baptised at St Lawrence’s Church, North Hinksey on 13 February 1887

† Died of wounds in France
10 March 1915, aged 28

28 Duke Street

Acting Bombardier, Royal Garrison Artillery, 5th Mountain Battery (Service No: 27450)
Enlisted in Northampton

Euston Post Cemetery, Laventie,
France: C.4

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: John SMITH & Sarah Elizabeth ? They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Labourer, then Traction engine driver

1901 census: George (14) was a draper’s errand boy at home with his parents at 28 Duke Street

1911 census: George (24) is hard to find. His parents and two of his brothers were still at 28 Duke Street

Next of kin after war: Father at 28 Duke Street

Born at 32 Duke Street on 19 April 1896 and baptised at St Frideswide's Church on 18 January 1898

† Died of wounds in UK
20 July 1918, aged 22

32 Duke Street

Corporal, Royal Field Artillery, “A” Battery, 251st Brigade (Service No: 86556)
Enlisted at Evesham

Honiton (St Michael) Churchyard,
England: M.983

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Andrew Joseph SMITH & Octavia Annie HOLTON (married at St Frideswide’s Church on 17 February 1887). They had seven children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway engine stoker; later General municipal labourer

1901: Richard (4) was living with his parents and three older brothers at 32 Duke Street

1911: Richard (14) was an apprentice typewriter mechanic, living with his parents and five of his siblings at 32 Duke Street

Next of kin after war: Mother at 32 Duke Street

Born in New Hinksey in 1885

† Died of pneumonia in Salonika after the Armistice
5 October 1918, aged 33

18 West Street

Sapper, Royal Engineers, 273rd Railway Construction Company (Service No: WR/295440)

Bralo British Cemetery, Greece: 37

CWGC / City Roll

The son of a clothes cleaner and a laundress, John Soundy grew up in New Hinksey. He was working as an errand boy at 15, and as a labourer for a baker & coal merchant in 1911. He married in 1909, and had moved to 18 West Street by 1914. His third child was baptised at St Frideswide’s Church

⇒ Full biography

Born in St Pancras in 1898 (reg. fourth quarter)

† Killed in action in France
9 August 1916, aged 18

10 West Street

Rifleman, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 13th Battalion (Service No: R/15473)
Enlisted in Richmond

Arras Memorial, France, Bay 7

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: William George STARR & Elizabeth Frances HEIS (married in the Holborn district in the first quarter of 1892). They had two children: both still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Railway worker

1901: Joseph (2) was living with his parents and older brother at 50 Polygon Buildings (Block B), St Pancras, London

1911 census: Joseph (12) was still at school and living with his parents and older brother at 10 West Street

Next of kin after war: Parents at 10 West Street

Born in Reading on 3 May 1892

† Died when his ship struck a mine between Jutland and Russia (Lord Kitchener killed at same time)
5 June 1916, aged 24

Alexandra Road

Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy:
HMS Hampshire (Service No: K/27222)

Portsmouth Naval Memorial: Panel 19

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: David SWEETZER & Flora Caroline DOWDEN (married in the Wokingham district in the fourth quarter of 1876

Father’s occupation: Railway labourer/painter

1901 census: Herbert (8) was living with his parents and three of his siblings at The Street, Stratfield Mortimer, Berkshire

Herbert’s mother died in 1902 (reg second quarter)

1911 census: Herbert (18), a railway engine cleaner, was boarding with the Skelcher family at 16 West Street. His father, now a widower, was living at 73 Catherine Street in Reading with a housekeeper and his youngest son

Next of kin after war: Father at 73 Catherine Street, Reading

Sweetzer worked for the GWR for eight years, ending up as a fireman in the Locomotive & Carriage Department.

Known as Harry. Born at 31 Arthur Street, Osney on 4 October 1896 and baptised at St Frideswide Church on 24 December 1896

Stoker, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), 17th Company

21 Barrett Street

† Killed in action at the Somme in Belgium on 16 March 1916, aged 19

Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: James William TAYLOR and Sarah Kate LANGHAM, who were married at St Frideswide Church on 13 December 1893

Father's occupation: Great Western Railway worker

1901 census: Henry (4) was living at 34 Arthur Street with his parents and three of his siblings

1911 census: Henry  (14) was an apprentice iron founder, living at 21 Barrett Street with his parents and seven siblings, plus a boarder

Born in ?

† 

Address uncertain

?CWGC / Not on City Roll

NOT FOUND.

A George H. Thompson was a grocer at 42 Botley Road in 1915

A Robert Thompson lived at 2 Mill Street in 1915 (Mrs R. Thompson by 1928)

Not listed on Oxford City Honour Roll

Born at 54 Bridge Street, Oxford in 1892 and baptised at  St Frideswide’s Church on 12 February 1893

† Killed in action in France
16 September 1916, aged 24

35 Hill View Road

Corporal, Middlesex Regiment, 1st/7th Battalion (Service No: TF/1595)
Enlisted in Hampstead.

Thiepval Memorial, France:
Pier and Face 12 &13B

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Job TOLLEY & Sarah Keziah KNIGHT (married at Steeple Aston on 31 March 1877). They had nine children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Blacksmith

1901 census: Thomas (8) was living with his parents and five siblings, plus a boarder, at 35 Hill View Road

1911 census: Thomas (19), a gas fitter’s assistant, was living with his married brother George, a gas fitter, at 33 St Julian’s Road, Kilburn. FMP says he lived in Paddington when he enlisted. His parents were at 35 Hill View Road with two of Thomas’s younger siblings

Next of kin after war: Parents at 35 Hill View Road

Born c.1891

† Killed in action in France
14 November 1916, aged 25

15 South Street

Lance Corporal, South Wales Borderers, 5th Battalion (Service No: 36302)
Enlisted in Oxford

Thiepval Memorial, France,
Pier & Face 4A

CWGC / City Roll

This is possibly the Francis William Twiss whose birth was registered in the Marylebone district in the third quarter of 1891, who in turn is the Francis W. Twiss, born at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London

1901 census: The above Francis W. Twiss (9) was an orphan at the Boys Home in Hanley Castle, Upton on Severn, Worcs.

1911 census: Frank Twiss (19), a fishmonger’s porter, was boarding at 106 Cardigan Street. His place of birth is given as Melford, Suffolk, but no such birth was registered in that district; and FMP implies that he told the army he was born in Oxford.

Frank Twiss (23) of 15 South Street (no father given) married Sophia Jane WYATT of the same address at St Frideswide’s Church on 26 December 1914. Their son George Francis Twiss was born at 66 Bridge Street on 2 June 1916 and baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 18 July 1916: his father’s occupation given as soldier

Next of kin after war: Wife back at 15 South Street

Born in Croydon in 1897 (reg. third quarter)

† Killed in action in Belgium
22 August 1917, aged 20

86 Botley Road

Lance Corporal, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, 2nd/4th Battalion (Service No: 201458)
Enlisted in Oxford

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium: III.C.4

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: James Eli TYLER & Margaret Ann WILLIAMS (married in the Orsett district in the second quarter of 1891. They had five children: all still alive in 1911.

Occupation of father: Manager of joinery works

1901 census: Hard to find

1911 census: Benjamin (13) was still at school and living with his parents and four siblings at what was then 60 Botley Road and is now No. 86

Next of kin after war: Parents at what was then 99 and is now the veterinary practice at 111 Botley Road

Born in ?

† 

Address uncertain

?CWGC / Not on City Roll

UNKNOWN.

A Percy Walker, son of James (farm labourer) & Ann of 20 Earl Street, was baptised at St Frideswide’s Church on 4 August 1889. Still living at 20 Earl Street in 1901, aged 11, and listed as Percy C. Walker (but the only P. C. Walker listed by CWGC is not the one)

Parents were still living on their own at 20 Earl Street in 1911.

In 1911 a Percy Victor Walker (17) was an assistant bedmaker living at 41 Western Road, Grandpont.

A Frederick Walker lived at 20 Earl Street in 1928

Not listed on Oxford City Honour Roll

Born at Forest Hill in 1892 and baptised there on 5 June

† Killed in action in France
9 August 1916, aged 24

15 Earl Street

Corporal, London Regiment,
2nd/13th Kensington Battalion (Service No: 3731)
Enlisted in Kensington

Maroeuil British Cemetery, France: III.C.8

CWGC / Not on City Roll

Parents: Henry Edward WATTS & Mary Ann COLWELL (married at Forest Hill on 9 February 1891). They had four children

Father’s occupation: Hurdle maker

Cecil’s father died at the King’s Arms, Forest Hill at the age of 33 and was buried at Forest Hill on 31 July 1899.

1901 census: Cecil (9) was living with his widowed mother and his three siblings at her parents’ home in Forest Hill

1911 census: Cecil (19) was a coal clerk, staying in a boarding house at 27 Fenelon Road, Kensington. His brother Algernon (15) was still living with his grandparents

FMP says that Cecil lived in New Botley, and he may have gone to live with his brother

Next of kin after war: His brother Henry E. Watts of 15 Earl Street

Born at 4 Duke Street on 14 December 1897 and baptised at Ss Philip & James's Church on 16 January 1898

† Killed in action in France
11 August 1918, aged 20

4 Duke Street

Private, Dorsetshire Regiment, 1st Battalion (Service No: 34294)
Enlisted in Oxford

Bouchoir New British Cemetery,
France: III.A.10

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Charles WELLER & Sarah Ann STONE (married at Wolvercote on 27 April 1882). They had two children: both still alive in 1911

Father’s occupation: Porter, later School caretaker

1911 census: Charles (3) was with his parents and his only brother William (15) at 4 Duke Street

1911 census: Charles (13) was still at school and living with his parents at 4 Duke Street

Charles was a server in the church and has a memorial on its wall

Next of kin after war: His parents at Columbia House, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham

Born at Noke in 1900 and privately baptised there as Walter Cyril Wiggins on 10 April

† Died at sea
10 October 1918, aged 18

Possibly 5 Botley Road

Private, Household Cavalry and
Cavalry of the Line, Scottish Horse Panel (Service No:  27412)
Enlisted at Guildford

Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: Frederick WIGGINS and Maria DORRELL, who were married at Noke on 2 April 1881. (His father signed his name with a cross but his 19-year-old mother could write: neither of them knew who their parents were.) They had 14 children, 12 of whom were still alive in 1911.

Father's occupation: Farm labourer (cowman)

1901 census: Walter (1), as he was still called, was living at Noke (probably at a cottage on Upper Farm) with his parents and eight of his siblings

1911 census: Cyril (11) was still at school and living at Oddington with his parents and five of his siblings

At some point between 1911 and 1918 Cyril appears to have moved to Oxford with his parents. His father died there at the age of 66 in 1921. His address may have been 5 Botley Road, where his older brother Frederick James Wiggins (born 1894) lived in 1928.

Cyril was killed when he was returning home on leave on RMS Leinster from Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin to Holyhead and the ship was torpedoed.

He is also remembered on the war memorial in the Church of St Andrew in Oddington.

Born at Walworth, London in 1899 (reg. second quarter)

† Died of wounds in UK
27 October 1915, aged 16

43 West Street

Private, Seaforth Highlanders,
4th Battalion (Service No: 3307)
Enlisted in Bedford

Full Military Funeral at St Frideswide’s Church on 16 Oct 1915. Interred at Osney Cemetery, England: St Frideswide’s section: gravestone

CWGC / City Roll

Parents: John Henry WILSON & Mary Ann, who were married in 1889/90. (She is likely to be the Mary Ann McDONALD who married a John Henry Wilson in the St Saviour’s registration district, which included Walworth, in the third quarter of 1889.) They had four children: all still alive in 1911.

Father’s occupation: Printer Compositor

1901 census: Raymond (7) and Alfred (2) were at home with their parents at 43 West Street

1911 census: Raymond (17) was already serving in the navy and was in HMS Venus in Gibraltar harbour, while Alfred (12) was still at school and home with parents at 43 West Street

The two brothers died within a few months of each other in 1915. Alfred was brought back alive to the UK, and was given a military funeral at St Frideswide’s Church: see photographs in OJI of 20 October 1915. He was a server in St Frideswide’s Church, and there is a memorial to him on its wall. Raymond was wounded around July, when his photograph appeared in the paper, and died in Egypt on 18 August.

Next of kin after war: Their parents at 43 West Street

Born at Walworth, London in 1893 (reg. second quarter)

† Died of wounds in Egypt
18 August 1915, aged 22

43 West Street

Trooper, Australian Light Horse, 6th (Service No: 828)

Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Cemetery, Egypt: J.50

Previously served in the Royal Navy as a Boy 1 Class

CWGC / City Roll

We therefore pray Thee, Help Thy servants
Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.