LEST WE FORGET
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
This remembrance book is dedicated to those brave young men from Hertford Grammar School, who gave their lives serving King and Country during, and just after, the First World War.
With posthumous thanks to Ken Parker who spent many hours researching their service records. Ken recorded each fatality in chronological rather than alphabetical order, and so this Remembrance Book has followed the same principle.
PHILIP JAMES ROBINSON 1892-1914
Philip attended Hertford Grammar School from1906-1908.
He previously attended St Mary’s Elementary School, Ware.
His father was a coachman.
He lived at 66, Vicarage Road, Ware.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a Private in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment, service number 2636.
Philip was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium, on the 17th November 1914, aged 22.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium, Panels 54 & 56.
PERCY HENRY HUGGINS 1891-1914
Percy attended Hertford Grammar School in 1905.
He previously attended Ware Grammar School.
His father was an upholsterer.
He lived in Baldock Street, Ware.
He was a Private in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment, Service number 2701.
Percy was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium, on Christmas Day 1914, aged 23.
He is commemorated/buried at le Touret Memorial Cemetery Richebourg-L’Avoue, reference 1.F.12.
PERCY CHARLES KRONENBERGER 1894-1915
Percy attended Hertford Grammar School from 1907-09.
He previously attended Broxbourne Elementary School.
His father was a clerk.
He lived at 26, Briscoe Road, Broxbourne.
He left school to become a bank clerk.
He was a rifleman in the Queen’s Westminsters. Service number 1400.
Percy was killed in action at Armentieres, France, on the 16th April 1915, aged 21.
He is buried in the Houplines Communal Cemetery extension, France. Plot 3, Row A, Grave 45.
ROBERT REGINALD DELLOW 1897-1915
Robert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1910-1912.
He previously attended Buntingford National School.
His father was a baker.
He lived in Buntingford.
He left school to become a baker.
He was a Lance Corporal in the 1st Bedfordshire Regiment, service number,14798.
Robert was killed in action on Hill 60, Ypres, Belgium, on the16th May 1915, aged 18.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium, Panels 31 and 33.
HARRY SAMUEL COULSON 1891-1915
Unfortunately there are no records of Harry’s Schooldays.
He lived in Welwyn Village.
He was a Sergeant in Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion of the London Rifle Brigade. Service number 9903.
Harry was killed in action on the Menin Road, near Ypres, Belgium, on the 13th of May 1915 aged 24.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium, Panels 52 and 54.
ALFRED ERNEST LONG 1895-1915
Albert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1907-1911.
He previously attended Standon Elementary School.
His father was a builder.
He lived in Puckeridge.
He left school to become a farmer.
He was a Private in the 3rd Royal Fusiliers, Service number 9183.
Albert was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium, on the 24th May 1915, aged 20.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium, Panels 6 and 8.
CYRIL WILLIAM FOWLER 1896-1915
Cyril attended Hertford Grammar School from 1908-1910.
He previously attended Hoddesdon Church of England Elementary School.
His father was a schoolmaster.
He lived in the schoolhouse 32, Amwell Street, Hoddesdon.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a Private in the 23rd County of London Regiment. Service number 3174.
Cyril was killed in action at Givency, France, on the 26th May 1915, aged 19.
He is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France, Panels 45 and 46.
His brother Wilfred, mentioned later in this book, was to die two years later on active service at Arras.
EWART LINLEY WELLS 1884-1915
Unfortunately there are no records of Ewart’s schooldays.
After school he lived at 25, Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, where his father was an architect.
He was 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Wellington Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, service number 10/2029.
Ewart was killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, on the 8th of August 1915, aged 31.
He is commemorated on the Chunuk Bair Memorial, Anzac Gallipoli, Panel 17.
HUBERT HENRY PHILLIPS 1893-1915
Hubert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1912.
He was Captain of cricket and football, and was also Head Boy.
His father was a clerk.
He lived at Roe Green in Hatfield.
He left school to become an accountant.
He was a Lieutenant in the 7th Leicestershire Regiment.
Hubert died of wounds on active service at Loos, France, on the 14th November 1915, aged 22.
He is buried in the Merville Communal Cemetery, France, Plot 5, Row B, Grave 20.
BERTRAM JAMES LAWRANCE 1893-1915
Bertram attended Hertford Grammar School from 1904-1908.
His father was a carpenter.
He lived in 44, Trinity Road, Ware.
He was a Lance Sergeant in the 5th Northampton Regiment, Service number 12427.
Bertram was killed in action at Halluch in France, on the 15th November 1915, aged 22.
He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France, Panels 91 to 93.
HERBERT GEORGE BREWSTER 1895-1916
Herbert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1906-10.
He previously attended Miss Morris’s Private School, in Ware Road, Hertford.
His father was a fish merchant.
He lived at 62, Fore Street, Hertford.
He left school to become a fishmonger.
He was a Sergeant in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. Service number 1718.
Herbert died of wounds on active service at the Somme, France, on the 24th July 1916, aged 21.
He is buried in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France, Plot 8, Row A, Grave 143.
BERNARD HIPPISLEY LE BLOND 1896-1916
Bernard attended Hertford Grammar School from 1908-1910.
He previously attended Holt House Private School, Cheshunt.
His father was a dairyman.
He lived in Hammond Street, Cheshunt.
He left school to become a bank clerk.
He was a Private in the Gloucester Regiment and also the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment, service number 1953.
Bernard was killed in action in Northern France, on the 30th July 1916, aged 20.
He is buried in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, France, Plot 17, Row H, Grave31.
VIVIAN GRAY 1896-1916
Vivian attended Hertford Grammar School from 1907-1911.
He previously attended All Saints Church of England Elementary School, Hertford
He lived at 40, Currie Street, Hertford.
His father was a carpenter.
He left school to become a bank clerk.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the King’s Liverpool Regiment.
Vivian was killed in action in Northern France, on the 18th August 1916, aged 22.
He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France, Pier and Faces 1D, 8B and 8D.
ERNEST LANGFORD DAVIES 1889 –1916
Ernest was the son of Mr and Mrs David Davies of 2325, Berkeley Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.
He was born in Brazil but educated in England.
Unfortunately there are no records of Ernest’s schooldays.
He was a Lieutenant in the 87th Battallion, Canadian Infantry, Quebec Regiment.
Ernest was killed in action at the Somme France, on the 21st November 1916, aged 27.
He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France, names in alphabetical order.
GEORGE WILLIAM IVES 1897-1916
George attended Hertford Grammar School from 1910-1912.
He previously attended Hertford Heath Elementary School.
His father was a college clerk.
He lived in College Road, Hertford Heath.
He left school to become a printer.
He was a Private in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. Service number 3093.
George died of wounds suffered at Boulogne, on the 30th October 1916, aged 19.
He is buried in the Bois-Guillame Communal Cemetery France, Plot 2, Row B, Grave 7 A.
ANDREW WALTER WHYBREW 1890-1916
Andrew attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1907.
He previously attended Ware Grammar School.
He lived in Wareside, near Ware.
He was a Sergeant in the 1st London Rifle Brigade. Service number 229.
Andrew died of wounds suffered at the Somme, on the 2nd December 1916, aged 26
Andrew is buried in the Wareside, Holy Trinity Churchyard.
JAMES THORBURN McLELLAN 1898-1917
James attended Hertford Grammar School from 1911-1913.
He previously attended Cowper School, Hertford.
His father was a licensed victualler.
He lived at 1, Bircherley Street, Hertford.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery. Service number 184825.
James was killed in action in Macedonia, on the 27th February, 1917, aged 19.
He is buried at the Salonika, Lembet Road Military Cemetery, Greece, Grave 899.
STEPHEN JOHN SMITH 1894-1917
Stephen attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1909.
He previously attended the British Elementary School, Hertford.
His father was a sign writer.
He lived at 32, St Andrew Street, Hertford.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a Lance Corporal in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. Service number 265749.
Stephen died of wounds suffered in Belgium, on the 1st March 1917, aged 23.
Stephen is buried at the Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium, Plot 6, Row B, Grave 14.
HORACE GRAY 1880-1917
Unfortunately there are no records of Horace’s schooldays.
Horace left school to become a builder and decorator, eventually owning his own business.
He lived in Bengeo, and was a member of Hertford Town Council for 4 or 5 years prior to the outbreak of the War.
At the outbreak of the War he joined the Royal Engineers as a Sapper, Service number 551000.
Horace died at a Munitions Works, as the result of an explosion of high explosives, on the 4th April 1917, aged 37.
He is buried in All Saints Churchyard, 2nd Quarter, 1st Row, 4th Grave.
JACK CECIL HAMMOND 1898-1917
Jack attended Hertford Grammar School from 1910-1912.
He previously attended All Saints Church of England Elementary School, Hertford.
His father was a maltster.
He lived at ‘Carisbrooke’, London Road, Hertford.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Northants Regiment.
Jack was killed in action at Arras, France, on the 11th April 1917, aged 19.
He is buried in the Fosse Number 10 Communal Cemetery Extension, Sains-En-Gohelle, France, Plot 1, Row C, Grave 40.
ALFRED CECIL ATKINS 1898-1917
Alfred attended Hertford Grammar School from 1907-1916.
He previously attended Stanstead Abbotts Elementary School.
His father was a chemist.
He lived in Stanstead Abbotts.
He left school to enlist in the army.
He was a Private in the Somerset Light Infantry. Service number 26991.
Alfred was killed in action at Vimy Ridge France, on the 13th April 1917, aged 19.
He is buried at the Saint Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France, Block O, Plot 8, Row F, Grave 8.
WILLIAM LESLIE BRIMLEY FOWLER 1894-1917
Wilfred attended Hertford Grammar School from 1906-1908.
He previously attended the National School in Hoddesdon.
His father was a schoolmaster.
He lived in the Schoolhouse, 32, Amwell Street, Hoddesdon.
He left school to become a brewery clerk.
He was a Lance Corporal in the 6th Seaforth Highlanders. Service number 265632.
Wilfred was killed in action at Arras France, on the 12th May 1917, aged 23.
He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France, Bay 8.
His brother Cyril, mentioned earlier in this book, died two years earlier in action at Givency. The third tragedy for the poor mother Anne, whose husband William Fowler died between the deaths of her two sons.
WILLIAM JOHN MAY 1890-1917
William attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1908.
He previously attended Ware Grammar School.
His father was a harness maker.
He lived at 57, Star Street, Ware.
He left school to become a student teacher.
He was a Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers. Service number 550311.
William was killed in action in Northern France, on the 6th July 1917, aged 27.
He is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Plot 3, Row D, Grave 201.
CECIL KINGSLEY 1894-1917
Cecil attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1907.
He previously attended Amwell School.
His father was a farmer.
He lived at Chardingleye Farm, Amwell.
He was a Private in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. Service number 268075.
Cecil was killed in action at St Julien, France, on the 31st July 1917, aged 23.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium, Panels 54 and 56.
FRANK PAGE DSO AND BAR 1878-1917
Unfortunately there are no records of Frank’s schooldays.
Frank was the son of Alfred Page, the managing director of ilbertson and Page, game food manufacturers of Hertford.
He was born and lived in Highfield House, Queens Road, which is just at the back of the top field and for many years housed the school music department. Highfield House belonged to the school until it was sold in 1998.
Frank left school to join the family business and eventually became managing director.
In 1912 he became the youngest ever Mayor of Hertford.
Frank was a Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment. On the 23rd of June 1915 Frank was mentioned in despatches and 2 days later he was awarded the DSO.
In November 1916 he was awarded a Bar to his DSO.
His citation read, “ For conspicuous gallantry in action. He handled his Battalion in the attack with great courage and determination. Later he showed marked ability and judgement in consolidating his first objective, thereby repelling enemy attempts to counter attack.”
He was killed in action at St Julien, being killed instantly by a piece of shell, on the 31st July 1917, aged 39.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium, panel 54 and 56.
The School honoured Frank by naming Page House after him.
HORACE HERBERT ALBANY 1881-1917
Unfortunately there are no records of Horace’s schooldays.
Horace was 1st Mate in the Royal Naval Reserve on the SS ‘Minnehaha’.
He was killed on board the SS ‘Minnehaha’ when it was torpedoed without warning, by a German submarine, 12 miles south east from the Fastnet, Southern Ireland, on the 7th September 1917, aged 36.
He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
JOHN HOLDER STEARN DSO AND CROIX DE GUERRE 1894-1917
John attended Hertford Grammar School from 1906-1913.
He was Captain of the School cricket and football teams.
He previously attended the Manse, Buntingford.
His father was a tailor and outfitter.
He lived in Buntingford.
He was a Lieutenant in the Durham Light Infantry.
John was killed in action at Cambrai in France, on the 3rd December 1917, aged 23.
He is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, France, Panel 10.
His citation for being awarded the DSO and the Croix-De-Guerre[France] reads, “ For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men with great skill and determination, personally putting an enemy machine gun out of action. Later he commanded his company, and, although wounded himself, carried on for 16 hours in an exposed position.”
CECIL JOHN COOPER 1892-1917
Cecil attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1906.
He previously attended Hales Grammar School.
His father was an ironmonger.
He lived at 20, Queens Road, Hertford.
On leaving Hertford Grammar School, he went to the Friends School, Saffron Walden.
He was a Private in the Bedfordshire Regiment. Service number 28076.
Cecil was killed in action in Northern France, on the 12 December 1917, aged 25
He is buried in the Lijssenthock Military Cemetery, Belgium, Pot 27, Row DD, Grave 7.
WALTER FRANK TURPIN 1891-1917
Walter attended Hertford Grammar School in 1905.
He previously attended Hales Grammar School.
He lived at 4, Villiers Street, Hertford.
He was a private in the 1st Artists Rifles. Service number 760546.
Walter was killed in action in Cambrai, France, on the 30th December 1917, aged 26.
He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France, Pier and Face 12.
CYRIL BERNARD DONOVAN MC 1897-1918
Cyril attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1909.
He previously attended Hales Grammar School.
His father was a master tailor.
Cyril lived at 9, West Street, Hertford.
He left school to become a tailor.
He was a Captain in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Cyril was killed in action at Maricourt, France, on the 25th March 1918, aged 25.
He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France, Panels 79 and 80.
The award of the MC was noted in the London Gazette Supplement of January 1st 1918. There are no details as the award appears to be part of the New Year’s Honours list. There may be some information in the War Diary of the Royal Fusiliers 2nd Battalion, but this is not available for downloading from the National Archives.
He is, however, mentioned in ‘Crown and Country’, the History of the 2nd Battalion. “ He took part in the attack on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme. On the night of May 2nd/3rd 1917 he took part in a raid on German trenches to take prisoners and gain information before the Battle of Messines.” This was his last mention, and is thought, by the now Secretary of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association, to be why he was awarded the MC.
HERBERT JOSEPH BARKER 1897-1918
Herbert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1907-13.
He previously attended Miss Morris’s Private School, Ware Road, Hertford.
He lived at 22, Queens Road, Hertford.
He left school to become a gardener.
He was 2nd Lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment.
Herbert died in action from wounds inflicted at the Somme, on the 28th March 1918, aged 21.
He is buried in the Anzin-St Aubin British Cemetery, France, Plot 3, Row B, Grave 18.
REGINALD ERNEST CAMPKIN 1889-1918
Reginald attended Hertford Grammar School 1904-1906.
He lived at the ‘Limes’ in Datchworth.
He was 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers.
Reginald was killed in action at Arras, France, on the 28th March 1918, aged 27.
He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, France, Bay 9R.
WILFRED STEPHEN SQUIRES 1900-1918
Wilfred attended Hertford Grammar School from 1911-1914.
He previously attended All Saints Church of England Elementary School, Hertford.
His father was a cashier.
He lived at ‘Ashbourne’, 121, Ware Road, Hertford.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was a Rifleman in the Queens Westminster Rifles, London Regiment. Service number 40901.
Wilfred was killed in action at Villers-Bretonneu, France on the 24 April 1918, aged 18.
He is buried at the Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneu , France, Row 7B, Grave 24.
SCOTT FINDLAY 1897-1918
Scott attended Hertford Grammar School from1911-1913.
He previously attended Thundridge Elementary School.
His father was a farmer.
He lived at Sawtrees Farm, Thundridge.
He left school to become a farmer.
He was 2nd Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment.
Scott was killed in action in Northern France, on the 8th of May 1918, aged 21.
He is commemorated on the Tynecot Memorial Passchendale, Belgium Panels 120-124 and 162 to 162A, and 163 A.
FRED SHARP 1895-1918
Fred attended Hertford Grammar School from 1910-1911.
He previously attended Buntingford Elementary School.
His father was a tailor.
He lived in the High Street, Buntingford.
He left school to become a clerk.
He was 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Middlesex Regiment.
Fred was killed in action in Northern France, on the 3rd August 1918, aged 23.
He is buried in the Thelus Military Cemetery, France, Plot 5, Grave Reference VC9.
WILLIAM WALLIS EVERETT 1891-1918
William attended Hertford Grammar School from 1905-1910.
He was Head Boy, and Captain of cricket and football.
He previously attended Holy Trinity Church of England School, Chelsea.
His father was a coachman.
He lived at Goldings House, between Sele Farm and Waterford.
He left school to become an assistant schoolmaster.
He was a captain in the Norfolk Regiment.
William was killed in action in Grancourt, France, on the 8th October 1918 aged 27.
He is buried in the Montbrehain British Cemetery, France, Row A, Grave 1.
WALTER FREDERICK FITCH MC 1893-1918
Walter attended Hertford Grammar School from 1908-1910.
He previously attended All Saints Church of England Elementary School, Hertford.
His father was a gardener.
He lived in the Lodge, Balls Park, Hertford.
He left school to become a bank clerk.
He was a Captain in the 7th Suffolk Regiment.
Walter died of pneumonia at Camp Lewis, Washington, USA, on the 1st of November 1918, aged 25.
He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery Virginia, USA, l4139, Southern Division, Officers’ Section.
At the time of being awarded the Military Cross, Walter was a 2nd Lieutenant.
This citation is taken from the London Gazette of 14th November 1916. “ For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He did fine work consolidating the new position, organising the line under heavy fire and keeping up communications.”
FREDERICK WILLIAM PRIOR 1883-1918
Unfortunately there are no records of Frederick’s schooldays.
He was the son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Prior of Hertford.
He was the husband of Frances Alice Prior of ‘Ivanhoe’, Horeham Road, Sussex.
Frederick was an Air Mechanic 1st Class at the 32nd training depot station, of the RAF. Service number 34976.
He died of pneumonia at the Dundee War Hospital, Scotland, on the 6th November 1918, aged 35.
He is buried in All Saints Church, Hertford, Eastern boundary.
HENRY ALBERT CURRELL 1886-1918
Unfortunately there are no records of Henry’s schooldays.
He was born and lived in Hertford during his schooldays.
Henry was a Private in the 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment. Service number 23670.
He died of pneumonia in a Felixstowe hospital, on the 7th November 1918, aged 32.
Henry is buried in All Saints Church Yard, Hertford, Section E, Row 4.
HARRY LESLIE DUESBURY 1892-1919
Harry attended Hertford Grammar School from 1903-1905.
He previously attended Hales Grammar School, Hertford.
His father was a gas engineer.
He lived at ‘Sunnyside’, Hertford.
Harry was a Lance Corporal in the 6th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Service number 39277.
He died of wounds suffered at the Somme, on the 2nd of March 1919, aged, 26.
Harry is buried in All Saints Graveyard, Hertford.
ROBERT DURHAM HARDING 1892-1919
Robert attended Hertford Grammar School from 1904-1907.
He previously attended Hales Grammar School, Hertford.
His father was a printer.
He lived at 47, Fore Street, Hertford.
He was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, Canadian Corps Signals. Service number 62206.
Robert died of bronchitis at the 61st Casualty Clearing in France, on the 6th March 1919, aged 27.
He is buried in the Theux Communal Cemetery, France, Grave 14.
LESLIE GEORGE DUNCAN ROBERTSON 1900-1919
Leslie attended Hertford Grammar School from 1911-1914.
He previously attended Stanstead Abbotts Elementary School.
His father was a french polisher.
He lived in Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts.
He left school to become a Post Office clerk.
He was private in the 45th Royal Fusiliers. Service number 128979.
Leslie was killed in action fighting the Bolshevics in Russia, on the 14th September 1919, aged 19.
He is commemorated on the Archangel Memorial, Russia.
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