Ransley, P.
Patience Ransley was the daughter of Thomas Hughes and his wife Louisa, who in 1891 were travelling through Lushington Road, Eastbourne. Mr Hughes was a travelling hawker, and at the time there were eight children; Thomas, 20, Louisa, 18, Charles, 16, Patience, 14, Esther, 12, Bertie, 10, Abraham, 6, and Rachel, 2.

In 1895 in Thanet Patience married James Ransley. By 1901 they were living in a caravan at 1 Cowper Road, Sittingbourne, with James working as a brickfield labourer. They then had two children, Louisa and Esther. Esther was deaf and dumb, and in 1913 would be sent to a specialised school after being found begging in Strond Street, Dover.

Mrs Ransley died on 26 September 1944, aged 63, at Barwick's Cave. The armour-piercing shell had penetrated 40 feet of chalk and 9 inches of concrete (RH). Mrs Ransley, a widow since 6 December 1935, was living at 6 Union Row. Previously Mr and Mrs Ransley had lived at 12 Bowling Green Hill, Dover, and also 5a Bowling Green Hill.

Mrs Ransley was buried on 2 October at St James, Dover, 20 CQ. Amongst the mourners were Louise Ransley, her daughter, her son Mr Ransley and his wife Maria, and Mr Mark and Mrs Celia Foster, daughter and son-in-law.  

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photo available

Reid, A. G
Alfred George Reid was the husband of Grace M. Reid, formerly Durrant, whom he had married in 1927. They lived at 1 Oswald Road, Buckland. They had a son, Brian, born in 1931.

Alfred was a papermaker, and died on 12 August 1940, aged 38, at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, after being injured at St Radigund's Road by an explosion. He was buried at Buckland, Dover. C7 10.

His coffin was borne by workmates, and there were many floral tributes. Amongst the mourners were his widow, his parents, Mr and Mrs H Reid, his sisters Lucy and Florence (Mrs Bailey), and his brother Harry. Also present were members of his wife's family.

"In proud and ever loving memory of my darling husband and Brian's dear Daddy, Alfred George Reid ... Thy way, not mine, O Lord. One of life's best. From your loving wife Grace and dear son Brian" (August 1940)

 

August 1941

In loving memory of our dear son and our brother, Alfred George Reid Deep in our hearts lies a picture, Of one who is laid to rest; In memory's frame we will keep it, Because he was one of the best From his loving Mum, Dad, Sisters and Brother in Law

"Resting where no shadows fall, in perfect peace he awaits us all" (brother Harry, Hilda, and Joyce)

It is probable that he was the brother of Albert Victor Reid, who died of wounds in 1918.

Revell, E. E., Q. E., G., and J.
Ernest Edwin, Queenie Elizabeth, Gladys, and Joyce Revell. They lived at 71 Union Road and died when a bomb exploded on the Union Road Trenches, a concrete shelter, on Good Friday morning, 3 April 1942. Around thirty people had been sleeping there, and one end of the shelter was completely wrecked.

The raid had begun half an hour after midnight, and the all-clear was sounded at ten past two. The target was believed to be the railway, which probably stood out clearly in the moonlit night, though enemy reports later said they had hit the harbour. The anti-aircraft firing was very intense, and believed to have diverted some of the enemy pilots; the din was said to be incessant and so loud that it drowned the whistle of the bombs as they came down.

Ernest was 50, the son of Edwin George and Eliza Jane Revell. He was employed by the corporation and in the ARP. Rescue Service. Queenie was 42 and the daughter of Mr and Mrs Cranvill, of London. Her sister Annie was mother-in-law to James Robert Holman.

Gladys was 16 and Joyce was 13. Joyce may be the little girl behind the pram in the picture above (probably from around Autumn 1940) of children playing at the corner of Union Road (now Coombe Valley Road) and MacDonald Road.

The family were interred at Buckland, Dover, with Mr and Mrs Revell in one grave, C11 9,  and their daughters in another, C11 10, adjoining.

The first part of the burial service was held in the Primrose Road Mission Hall. Family, alongside staff from the Scottish Laundry, who had worked with Gladys, and the Dover Corporation attended. The children from Buckland school sent a wreath, while another was sent to "two little playmates", from Teddy.

At the bottom of the gravestone the words read: "Safe in the arms of Jesus"
 

Note:  Driver E E Revell, 910961, is noted in the Great War Battery Roll, and as having died 3 April 1942.

Right may be his picture, which is described as Driver E Revell, son of Mr and Mrs J(?) Revell, of 71 Union Road, serving in 1916 in Mesopotamia.

His brother, F J Revell, then serving as a Driver for the RRA at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, is pictured left

Richards, E. E
Elma Elisa Richards. She died at her home at 10 Castle Hotel Flats, Clarence Place, on 28 November 1940, aged 42. She was the wife of Sapper Percival Cyril Richards, the mother of Ada, and the daughter of Madame Guilbert, of Souchez, Pas de Calais, France

She is buried at St James, Dover. 18 HV, and her husband laid a wreath, "In loving memory of my darling Wife, from her loving husband"

"Sadly missed by those who loved her best. Safe in God's keeping. Rest in peace." 1941

Richardson, A. P., G. M. L., and J. M.
Annie Pendleton, Grace Mary Luna, and Joan Mary Richardson. They died at their home at The Sussex Arms, Townwall Street, on 11 September 1940
 

On September 11, at 32 Townwall Street, Dover, the result of enemy action, Grace, the beloved wife of Francis Richardson, aged 42 years; Joan, daughter of Francis and Grace Richardson, aged 17 years; and Annie, beloved mother of Francis Richardson, aged 69 years

Mr Richardson was the sole survivor, and was dug out from beneath a 15 feet pile of rubble. Stoker Lowe, of the Royal Navy, tunnelled in to help Mr Richardson, working in a small cavity and in constant danger of being crushed by the collapse of a large heavy chimney breast leaning on the debris. He later rescued Mrs Terry, who had been trapped for over three hours under a similar pile of rubble.  Mrs Terry's two daughters, Lena and Doris, sadly died  

The Richardsons were buried on 17 September in neighbouring graves at St James, Dover. Annie in 24 DR and Joan in 23 DR. Mr Francis Richardson was brother to Edward Richardson, and Annie was Edward's mother

Mrs Richardson - "Always remembered" - Daphne

Note: Mr. Richardson had taken over as licensee from Mrs. W. Marsh, whose husband William had been killed in the Great War 

Ricketts, L. E.
Lydia Ellen Ricketts. She died on 1 September 1944, aged 43, at her home at 18 Wyndham Road, Tower Hamlets. She was the "beloved wife" of Leonard James Ricketts and the daughter of Mr and Mrs L Gardiner, of 57 Tower Hamlets Street

She was buried on the 5 September at Charlton, Dover, 14 2S, with the first part of the burial service taking place in St Bartholomew's church. On the headstone the name of her husband, Leonard James is also inscribed, he died on 7 February 1963, aged 66

Note: Could she be or be connected with "Lill Pascall-Ricketts"? She may also be the sister of Sidney Gardiner

Robson, E. A
Elsie Agnes Robson.  She died on 3 April 1942, aged 58, at her home at 9 Pencester Road. She was the daughter of the late John James Robson, formerly a well-known traction engine proprietor, from Crabble Hill, and his wife Sarah. In 1891 the family were at 2 River View, River, Dover, and there were three younger daughters there too, Nellie, 6, Annie, 4, and Enid, 2. All four daughters were born at River.

Miss Robson was buried at River churchyard, Dover. The first part of the service was held at St. Bartholomew's, where her coffin had rested overnight. For many years Miss Robson had been closely associated with that church and its organisations. She was also treasurer of the local Preventive and Rescue Association, and secretary of the House Committee.  Since the war she had joined the Women's Voluntary Service, "where her thoroughness and reliability were highly appreciated". Her brother, Jack, and cousin attended the funeral, with many people from the organisations she represented.

Rogers, F.
Frank Rogers. Formerly a licensee of the Flying Horse in Canterbury, he was 64 when he died on 10 September 1940 at Preston Hall, Aylesford, after being injured at The Admiral Harvey, Bridge Street, the day before. He was the licensee, since April 1912, and "beloved husband" of Mrs Elizabeth Jane Rogers, formerly Ashby. Mrs Rogers suffered a fractured arm in the incident (RH)

Mr and Mrs Rogers had married in February 1911.

Their son Charles Rogers also died, lost with H.M.S. Glorious just three months earlier. Ivy Raper, the daughter of Mrs Rogers and her first husband, Albert Ashby,  lost her husband, William Ferry Raper, on 31 May 1916, in the Battle of Jutland, a year after they were married.

Sadler, M.
Marketa Sadler, formerly Moore, was the wife of Robert John Sadler.

Mrs Sadler died on 5 September 1942, aged 46, at her home at 1 Albert Road. Her son Robert, born 1931, was injured but survived (RH) 

She was buried on 10 September at Charlton, Dover. 27 2S The cortège left from 47 Union Road, and in attendance were her husband and her son Edward J Howell, child of her first husband, William. Also there were her sister and brother-in-law Mr and Mrs Beckley.

Seath, A. S.  
Ann Stanner Seath was born in Shepherdswell, the daughter of James and Ann Ash. She married Edward William Seath in 1904, and the couple had a son, Percival Edward. In 1911 they were living at Shepherdswell, with Mr Seath working as a groom/gardener.

Mrs Seath died at the Union Road Trenches on 3 April 1942, age 64. She lived at 102 Union Road.

She was buried at Buckland, Dover. Grave 1594. The first part of the funeral service took place at the Primrose Road Mission Hall, where she had for a number of years attended. Amongst the floral tributes was one, "In loving memory of dear mum"

Shearn, A. E., A. G., J. E., and B. A.
Alice Ellen, Alice Georgina, Joan Ellen, and Brenda Ann Shearn. They lived at 13 Edred Road, and died at their mother's/grandmother's home at 20 Glenfield Road on 25 October 1943. Alice was 38, the wife of Gunner George H Shearn in the Royal Artillery, and the daughter of Edmund John Payne and Phoebe Sarah Payne. Alice G was 15, Joan was 13, and Brenda was 3

They and Phoebe Payne were buried together on 30 October at Charlton, Dover. 1 3S, their coffins draped with Union Flags. One daughter, Margaret, who was 9, was badly injured but survived (RH)

The gravestone lists their names and ages, and that they were killed by enemy action. However, Alice is noted there as being 14, and Joan is noted as "Jean", aged 12

Sherwood, W. S.
Walter Sidney Sherwood. A bus driver, he died at the East Kent Garage on 23 March 1942, aged 31. He lived at 7 Underdown Road, and was the husband of Ethel May Sherwood, formerly Gilham, whom he had married on 18 October 1935 at St Mary's, Lydden. The couple had a son, Barrie, born in 1939.

His funeral took place on 28 March at St James, Dover. 23 JL. Members of the Home Guard bore his Union Flag draped coffin, and many of his family attended, along with many work colleagues. Among the numerous floral tributes was one bearing the card, "To our darling Daddy, who leaves a beautiful memory with his loved ones, Mummy and Barrie".

Mrs Sherwood, the elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Gilham of 32 Stonehall, Lydden, remarried on Christmas Day 1946 to Arthur Charles Watkins.

in memoriam 1943

Silk, E. V.
Ernest Victor Silk. He was with colleague George Decent, having just come out of the King William after enjoying a pint after their shift on the railway. He was injured at Tower Hill and died at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, on 25 October 1940, aged 53

He was the "dearly beloved husband" of Mary Elizabeth Silk, née Lowes, of 12 Devonshire Road, Tower Hamlets; the couple had married on 8 August 1914 at St Andrews, Buckland. He was then a fireman for the SECR, aged 27, living at 71 Edred Road. His wife was the daughter of Henry Lowes, a bricklayer, and lived at 2 Upper Hillside. They were the parents-in-law of James Winton, their daughter Bessie having married him in 1941.

Albert Silk, from 8 Devonshire Road, father of Albert Alfred Silk, was brother to Ernest. Their parents were George Thomas Silk, a labourer in 1914, and Mary Charlotte, his wife, née Fell; Ernest was born at 135 Clarendon Street on 27 June 1887

He was buried at Charlton, Dover. SL 2, and fellow engine drivers G Whitnall, H Mockeridge, C Tracey, A Usherwood, T Joyner, and R Easton, from the Southern Railway acted as bearers. Many wreaths were laid, including those "From his broken-hearted Wife" and "From his ever loving son and daughter-in-law"

"Until we meet again. At rest"

Note: R.Easton, bearer, was Maggie S-K's grandfather 

October 1941

I often pause and think of him, And think of how he died; To think we could not have said good-bye Before he closed his eyes. Gone from those who loved him, But God alone knew best, And gave him peace and rest His loving wife Mary He left this world without a tear. He said goodbye to none; His spirit flew before we knew That from us he had gone. But we, who loved him, love him yet, He's ours to remember when others forget From his Bess and son-in-law Jimmy In treasured memory of a dear friend Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Alf Fox & family Away from this world of sorrow, to a place of eternal rest His son, Ernie

In 1943, Ernie was serving in the MEF

Simpson, I. B.
Isabella Bonor Simpson. She died on 23 September 1944, aged 47, Salvation Army Canteen, Snargate Street. She was a CD Canteen Worker. She was the wife of H. A. Simpson, of 32 Brookfield Avenue and the daughter of Mrs. Rutherford, of Glencaple, Dumfriesshire.

She was buried on 29 September at St. James, Dover, 19 KL. Her son Mr D. Simpson, and her parents-in-law were amongst the mourners. Civil defence volunteers bore her coffin. The funeral service was a joint one with Captain W Aspinall and Miss M. Goldup, who also died at the Red Shield Club. The first part of the service was held at the Salvation Army's temporary citadel at the old Buckland Wesleyan church. All three coffins were covered with the Salvation Army flag, and borne on one vehicle to the Citadel before a large crowd. There was a long procession to the cemetery, with the cortege being saluted by rescue workers and Dovorians it passed. A Memorial service was held the following Sunday evening.

Skelton, A. E. G.
Arthur Edward George Skelton. A builders merchants'  foreman, and a firewatcher, he died on the evening of 8 November 1941, aged 39, at 1  King Lear's Way. He had been standing at the back door when a bomb fell between his house and the Anderson shelter in his garden, where his wife and their children were fortunately protected.

He was the son of William E. Skelton, of 15 Old Folkestone Road, Ropewalk, and of the late Emily Skelton. He was the husband of Amelia Maud Skelton, later of 1 Gloster Way, Ropewalk. The family had already suffered tragedy in 1940, when their son, John Edwin Skelton, was drowned after being evacuated to Wales. Mrs Skelton lost her brother,  James Blogg, in the Great War.

Mr Skelton's funeral departed from 15 Old Folkestone Road, with his coffin draped by the Union Flag. He was buried at St James, Dover. 13 DR. Amongst the many mourners at his graveside were directors and fellow workmates from the Castle Concrete Company, and friends from the Castle Concrete Air Raid shelter.

Note:  Mr "Joe" Keyton (A W Keyton), the Skeltons' neighbour, was buried in debris from the bomb, and was seriously hurt. He was 80 years old.  He died on 17 November

Smillie, D. D. and M. D. 
Donald Drummond and Maureen Drummond Smillie. They were the children of AC1 John Drummond Smillie, RAF, and both died on 20 March 1944 at 13 Prioress Walk. Donald was 7 and Maureen was 5. They were buried at River churchyard, Dover.

This is probably the incident when Signalman J Kemp of the Royal Corps of Signals was commended by the sub-commander of Civil Defence for his valuable help searching for people trapped under the debris of a house. The mother was rescued but the two children had died.

Smith, D. M.
Doris May Smith. She died at her home at 10 Randolph Road, Buckland, aged 3, on 12 June 1941. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Percival Smith, and was buried on 16 June in the grave of her grandparents, Frederick and Florence Cock, at Buckland, Dover. C9 8, who died at the same time. Her mother Ella and her older sister Daphne survived

Gone from us but not forgotten
Never shall her memory fade
Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger
Round the spot where she is laid. - Mummy, Daddy, Daphne, 1942

Sneller, P. W.
Percy William Sneller. He died at the Conservative Club on 23 March 1942, aged 60. He had for many years conducted a carriage business in Dover, as had his father before him, and also held the Corporation scavenging contract, supplying vehicles and drivers. . He was a constable in the Police War Reserve, and the husband of A K Sneller, of 5 Millais Road

He was buried on 28 March at Charlton, Dover. 23 RK His grave was covered with numerous floral tributes. There were many mourners, including his widow and children, other family, and business associates. The Deputy Mayor, the Surveyor, the Borough Treasurer, and the Deputy Town Clerk were also present. Present too were many Freemasons, including Past Masters and Officers, from the Lodge of Peace and Harmony, No 199, with present also Mr P Goldfinch SW and Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction, No 199.  The Men of Kent and Kentish Men and the Conservative Club were also represented

in memoriam 1943

Note: On 11 August 1942 three employees of P W Sneller Ltd escaped death after a raid on Deal in which some seven or eight people were killed. They were Dover men F A Langley, R Smissen, and A Macauley. Mr Langley was within a few feet of a bomb which fell, and was protected by being between a truck and a wall. He suffered severe shock, injuries to his chest from the wall, which collapsed under the blast, and scalds from steam

Harold, Percy Sneller's son, died in 2005. He had joined the Territorial Anti-Aircraft battery in 1939, was called up on 24 August, and demobbed on 24 January 1946. He was trained for radar and was stationed on the Western Heights battery during the Battle of Britain.

Spinner, F. E. G.
Frederick Ernest George Spinner. He died at Priory Station on 13 September 1944, aged 9.

The Dover Express reports in a post-war summary, "There was a particularly vicious bombardment on Wednesday, September 13th, lasting  nearly nine hours. Firing began at 4pm with five shells in the first half hour. Then the rate of attack increased, and it appeared that six guns were being employed. Terrific detonations rumbled among the cliffs, while at other times the explosions were more distant and it was impossible to tell how many shells had burst. One of the first two shells of the bombardment fell outside the Priory Station, where, after the explosion, the entrance hall had the appearance of a battlefield. A train had just arrived and passengers were leaving the station as the shell fell. Many of them were seriously injured, for some of them were only a few feet from the crater, and though five lost their lives, it was surprising that the death-roll was not higher. The station staff, including the ticket collector, who had himself a miraculous escape from injury, began giving first aid to the injured before the arrival of ARP rescue parties. More than 20 people were treated and most had to go to hospital." Freddie's sister, Dora Emberley, was amongst the injured people. 

Freddie was the son of Mrs Winifred Amos (formerly Spinner, née O'Beirne), of 22 Paul's Place, and of the late Frederick Thomas Spinner, who had died at the Isolation Hospital on 4 October 1937, when he was 41. The couple had married on 1 December 1917 at St Bartholomew, Dover. Mr Spinner may have been the brother of William Spinner.  Mrs Amos may have been the niece of Henry O'Beirne and her husband, Ernest Amos, the uncle of Ernest McGuire.

Father and son are buried in the same unmarked grave at St Mary's, Dover. 21 XH. The paper marks the spot. Amongst the mourners were his mother and his stepfather, his grandparents Mr and Mrs Chappell, and Mr Sid Amos, Mr Reg Amos, and Mr J MacGuire, his uncles. 

"In ever lasting memory of our darling little Freddie, who was taken from us very suddenly through enemy action" - 1949 -  Always in our thoughts from his loving Mother, Frank, Dora and Gordon.

(We Remember 06)

Freddie was one of the casualties featured in the Service of Remembrance for Civilians on 6 November 2007. Directly after this service a new headstone for his grave was dedicated.

In August 2014 one option in a poll created by the Dover Express for the naming of a new Dover hospital  was  "The Frederick Spinner Memorial Hospital".

If you have a photo of little Freddie, or know of one, please do contact us

Stacey, W. E.
William Edward Stacey. He died at Limekiln Street on 2 October 1941, aged 66, and was buried on the 7th at St Mary's, Dover. 21 ME. His coffin was covered with the Union Flag. Amongst the many floral tributes were one from "his previous workmates at Marine Factory, SR" and one from "Officers, NCOs, and Men, Home Guard"  (Mr and Mrs Halke, Phyllis, and Donald)

He was the "beloved husband" husband of Emily Jane Stacey, of 10 Rope Walk Road. In 1911 Mrs Stacey was recorded at 6 Oxenden Street, with children Jessie, George, William, and Albert, all born in Sandwich.  Mr and Mrs Stacey probably had two further sons, Arthur, born 1919, and Ernest, born 1924. Sadly, little Jessie died in 1915, aged ten. She was buried by a Wesleyan minister in the nonconformist section of St Mary's.

In memoriam 1942

Stanford, F. J. C.
Frederick John Charles Stanford. He died on 8 October 1940, aged 18, at the Casualty Hospital, Union Road, after being injured at Dover Harbour in a trawler (probably H.M.T. Burke). He was the son of Mr Charles H Stanford and his wife Florence, formerly Durban, 143 Clarendon Place, and probably had a sister, Elizabeth, born in 1928.

He was buried on 12 October 1940 at Charlton, Dover. RH 27, and wreaths laid included one from "His sorrowing Mum and Dad"

Staveley, R. E.
Rosalyn Elizabeth Staveley, formerly Marsh, was the second wife of Charles Robert Stavely. In 1911 he was working as a stoker on the mail boats, living at 44 Dickson Road, Dover, with his wife, Mary Ellen, and their sons Charles, 10, and Albert, 7.

Mrs Stavely died in 1914, and the following year Mr Staveley married Rosalyn. They had at least two children; William, born 1916, and George, born 1918. George was christened on 6 Ocotber 1918 at St Bartholomew's, when his parents were living at 44 Dickson Road, and Mr Stavely was working as a ship's fireman.

Mrs Staveley died at her home of 44 Dickson Road on 2 September 1944, aged 60. She was buried on 18 September 1944 at Charlton, Dover. 10 2S

Streeter, R. G.
Rubina Georgina Streeter. She was the daughter of Edward Thomas Streeter and his wife Rose Florence P., formerly Edwards, née Nix, of 14 Chapel Place. She died on 28 June 1943, aged 11, at the County Hospital after being injured at  Cannon Street on 27 June by a bursting shell. Twelve forces people also died and twenty one were injured, along with ten civilians

Her coffin was draped with a Union flag when it was borne on the 3 July to St Mary's cemetery, Dover. 7 DF She was interred  in the same grave as her half-brother, George Thomas Edwards, a Private in the Queen's Royal Regiment, who died aged 20 on 9 December 1942. Amongst the mourners were Mr and Mrs E T Streeter, parents, and Mr and Mrs Marsh, brother-in-law and sister, with Captain Geary of the Day Star Mission. St Mary's school sent one of the floral tributes

Above - George Edwards' gravestone on the left and Rubina Streeter's on the right
(The grave in the background is that of two of Maggie S-K's great-grandparents)

Sydenham, E. M.
Ellen Miriam Sydenham. She died on 25 September 1944, aged 30, at London Road. She was the daughter of John W Castle and his wife Ellen, formerly Bailey, of 21 Pilgrim's Way, where she was living, and the wife of Private Reginald J Sydenham, The Devonshire Regiment, whom she had married in 1938. They had a daughter, Patricia, born in 1939.

She was buried at River churchyard, and amongst the mourners were her parents, her sister, Miss Castle, and her sister-in-law, Mrs Castle. Her husband was unable to attend as he was on active service overseas. Mrs Sydenham was sister to Thomas Castle.

Talbot, C. J. and M. J.
Charles Joseph ("Dot") and Minnie Jane Talbot. Charles was 56 and died at his home at 12 Randolph Road on 12 June 1941. His wife Minnie was injured at home and taken to the Preston Hall Emergency Hospital at Aylesford, where she died on 1 July.

This was the second marriage for both Mr and Mrs Talbot. In 1911 Charles, a general labourer, was living at 11 Primrose Road with his wife Hannah, and their 9-month son Charles Clayton Talbot.  The couple had married in Dover 1909. Possibly they had a second son, George, in 1913. Sadly, the former Miss Ramsey died in 1914, aged just 28.

In 1906 Minnie Jane Sutton had married Philip George Clark in Dover. They probably had five children, Alice, Ada, Philip, Minnie, and Edward. Mr Clark also died in 1914, aged 39.

The next year Charles Talbot married Minnie Clark in Dover, and they probably had four sons; Charles, 1920, Frederick, 1921, Herbert, 1923, and Harold, 1926.

Mr and Mrs Talbot were both buried at Buckland, Dover. C10 15.  At Mr Talbot's funeral family members attended, including his sons, H and F Talbot, and  his brother, G Talbot. At Mrs Talbot's funeral, as well as her daughter Minnie Chaffey and her sons, Harry, Fred, and H. Talbot and other members of the family,  there were many friends and neighbours and also members of the Buckland branch of the Mothers' Union.

 In Memoriam announcements in 1942 were from their children, one, Ted, in Scotland, married to Lily, with a grandson Teddy, and from daughter, Ada. In 1943 the announcements were from their brothers, George and family and Bill, Nell and family, also Ada, Min and families, Bert and Harold, also Fred and Harry (overseas).

Mr and Mrs Talbot's probate was given to Ada Elizabeth Fincham, formerly Clark, and Minnie Marie Chaffay, formerly Sutton, both probably Mrs Talbot's daughters.

The gravestone reads: In Memory of Charles Joseph Talbot. Killed by Enemy Action 12 June 1941. Aged 56 years

Tallent, R. W. L.
Ruby Winifred Louise Tallent, nee Browne ("Dolly"). She died on Saturday, 24 August 1940, age 19 (21?), at Avenue Road, when a shell fell directly on her house at about ten in the morning. She was the wife of Edward Tallent

Mrs Tallent was found dead under the debris, but her sister Pearl, six years old, survived. She was found sitting on a settee, covered in debris and shocked, but with only a cut on her neck. Mrs. Tallent's six month old baby was found unharmed in a pram, although a piece of shell was nearby

Mrs Tallent's mother, a widow, had left the house a short time before to go to work, and her son, Mrs Tallent's brother, aged 15, was unharmed in a shelter close by   

Mrs Tallent was buried at St James, Dover. 6 HW

in memoriam, 1942

#Tanner, F. A. and A. F. 
Fanny Eliza Tanner (left, believed to be) and Annie Frances Tanner died on 6 May 1941 at their home at 29 Bell Grove, Aylesham. Fanny was the daughter of Mr Frederick William and Susan Mary Cook, of Branch Road Cottages, Chilham, Canterbury, and the "dearly beloved" wife of Daniel Tanner. She had met him in South Wales, when she had left Blean to become a midwife; they married in the Pontypridd area in 1916. After the general strike in 1926, when work in Wales became scarce, Mr and Mrs Tanner walked back to Kent for him to work in the coalfields there. In 1939 Mr Tanner's occupation was given as a colliery hewer below, heavy worker.

Mrs Tanner died the day before her 50th birthday. Her choral funeral service was held at the Baptist Church on  12 May, where a large number of friends gathered. She was buried at Chilham, and amongst the floral tributes was one from "her heartbroken husband and daughter", with others from Hatfield Lodge, Chilham, and from the Baptist Choir, Women's Own, and the Sunday School.

 The headstone on her grave, right, reads, "In loving memory of my wife, Fanny Eliza Tanner, born 7th May 1891, killed by enemy action the 6th May 1941. Gone but not forgotten".  

Annie was born on 18 April 1919 and was  the youngest "dear daughter" of Mr Albert Victor Russell, and his late wife, Daisy, née Hayward, from 27 The Crescent, Snowdown. Mr and Mrs Russell had married in 1912; Mrs Russell had died at the age of 46 in the Canterbury area. In 1939 Mr Russell, born 5 April 1899 and working as a fan attendant, colliery, was at home with Annie. In 1940 Annie married John C Tanner and the couple were expecting their first baby when she was killed. Annie and Jack are pictured left.

One of several children, Mrs Tanner was described as the "dear sister" of Hilda, who had gone to Hastings, while her husband described her as "dearly beloved".  Amongst the floral tributes when she was buried at Nonington were those from "Her heart-broken husband, Jack", and "Her sorrowing and loving dad"

1943
Annie - "Dearly loved and sadly missed by all" - Dad
Fanny - "Always remembered" - husband and family and sister
Mum and Annie - "Always in our thoughts" - Ted, Glen, and John

Note: Mr John Tanner, left, remarried on 14 February 1943 at Aylesham Baptist Church to Miss Glenys Amelia Morgan. They would have eleven children. Mrs Tanner's family too had walked from Wales to take work in the Kent coalfields.

Mr Daniel Tanner, right, is buried in the same grave as his wife, Fanny. The reverse of the headstone reads, "Also Daniel Tanner, born 31st May 1888. Killed by road accident 1st January 1948, aged 59 years. Silent thoughts and fondest memories". Mr Tanner, of 53 Kings Road, Aylesham, had been dislodged from a lorry at Woodnesborough; the lorry had rounded a bend between The Street and Church Lane and had jerked as the driver engaged the clutch and restarted the engine. Mr Tanner had been one of two men riding on the back of the lorry - normal practice - which on 18 December was carrying  to the tip at Burgess Green nine air raid shelters dismantled from Woodnesborough . Taken to Kent and Canterbury hospital, Mr Tanner died on New Year's Day from causes associated with his injuries. A keen pigeon fancier and member of Snowdown colliery band, Mr Tanner, formerly a miner, Mr Tanner had been employed by Eastry council for nine months and was described as a "loyal and devoted employee".

funeral details of both Mrs Tanners: Joyce Banks
photos of the Tanner family with grateful thanks to Clifford Tanner

Tapsell, J. and A. M.
James and Annie Mary Tapsell. They died on 2 October 1941, both aged 68, at their home at 7 Dour Street, and were buried together on 8 October at St James, 14 WE.

Annie was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. M. Beaker, of 154 Snargate Street and James was of independent means, the son of the late Mr and Mr. Tapsell, of "Albion Inn", East Cliff. In 1901 James had been an assistant barman at the Albion, with his widowed mother being the publican. By 1911 James had lost his mother and had become the licensed victualler. He was living at the Albion with his wife, Annie Mary, and their two children, Freda Annie, 3, and James Michael, 8 months. At the time of the marriage of his daughter, Freda, to Arthur Robert Bradley, in 1933, James was retired.

"Treasured Memories of our dear Dad and Mum," Jim, Elsie, and the Boys,  "Always Remembered"

Taylor, B.
Brian Taylor. He was born on 27 October 1909, and educated at the Junior King's School and also at King's School, Canterbury, from 1918 to 1927. There he became a Holme House Monitor in 1926, and Head of House. In 1926-7 he played in the cricket XI

After leaving school he worked between 1927 and 1930 for Shell Mex Ltd. He then joined the East Kent Road Car Company in Canterbury, and later went to Dover becoming Local Manager in 1938.  During World War II the staff of the bus company were formed into a Home Guard Unit, and he became a Lieutenant in the Dover Platoon

At 19.15 on 23 March 1942 the Dover Garage was bombed by a JU88. An armour-piercing bomb penetrated the shelter in the garage, killing most of those inside. Brian Taylor was killed as his office was demolished   

He  lived at Court Cottage, Kearsney, and was the son of Alfred Harold and Jane Taylor, of Broom Hill, Wingham, Canterbury. Mr Taylor's remains were cremated at Charing, Kent, with the vicar of Wingham conducting the service. Amongst the mourners were his father, Mrs Arthur Burton Cooper, Mrs Alan B Winter and Miss Helen Taylor, his sisters.

with grateful thanks to P Dagwell
photo of Brian Taylor by courtesy of John Hamblin

More information about Brian Taylor is here - King's School, Canterbury Roll of Honour

Terry, A. A.
Agnes Annie Terry. She died on 5 October 1942, aged 35, at 34 Adrian Street. She was the wife of George James Terry. Seemingly uninjured, she was deemed to have died of shock (RH)

She was buried on 10 October at Charlton, Dover. 4 ST, the cortege leaving from 29 Beaufoy Terrace. Among the floral tributes was one from Messrs Hoare, Gothard, and Bond Ltd

"Sadly missed by her loving husband and daughter Betty" - 1943
"Always in our thoughts, from her loving Mum and Step-father"
"Sadly missed by Uncle Ollie and Aunt Flo and family. Not a day do we forget you"

Terry, D. I.
Doris Irene Terry. She died, aged 15, on 11 September 1940 at 1 Townwall Passage. She was the daughter of F C Terry, of 96 Maid Street, Maidstone, Kent. She was buried at St James, Dover. 24 ER

Her sister, Lena Amos, also died, but her niece Jean, aged five months, and her mother survived (RH). Mrs Amos and Miss Terry were the granddaughters of Bill and Louisa Annie Terry; Mrs Terry died on 13 September 1941.

"Always remembered" - Barbara

Tozer, C. J.
Cyril Joseph Tozer was born in Trinidad on 4 July 1879. In 1901 he was an Able Seaman ashore with HMS Pembroke, and served as 184456. He was following in his father's footsteps as William Hopkins Tozer had been a Master Mariner; in 1872-1873 he had sailed as Second Mate on the tea clipper Falcon. Cyril's mother was Ann Pearce Siegnien; the couple had married in the London area in 1875.

By 1911 Cyril was living in Kettlebaston Road, Leyton, West Ham, with his first wife, Ada G., and her one-year-old son Edmund Norris. He was then working as a collector in the coal trade.

He married Muriel Smith in Dover in 1915, and that year they had a daughter, also Muriel, who sadly died shortly after birth.

In 1940 he was a naval pensioner and an FAP member. Living at 80 Limekiln Street, he was killed by a splinter from a bomb on 8 September while working on his allotment. He was 62. He was buried at St James, Dover. 25 FX 

Mrs Tozer and their daughter, Mrs Rose Short, were amongst the mourners. Floral tributes included, "To dear Dad, from his devoted wife". Friends and neighbours of Old Folkestone Road and the Ropewalk and Signal Station also sent a tribute as did members of the WRNS of Dover.

September 1941

In loving memory of Cyril Joseph Tozer Some may think that I forget you When at times they see me smile But they little know the heartache That's hidden all the while from his loving wife

Mr Tozer is on the left, in his shirtsleeves, in the picture above, with his brother and his sister-in-law.
Image courtesy Laurie Arthurs

Trinder, H. C.
Herbert Charles Trinder. He died on 18 October 1940, aged 36, at the Admiralty Pier. He lived at 37 Mayers Road, Walmer, Kent and was the husband of Kathleen Ellen Trinder, formerly Blown. The couple had married in 1930 and had a son, Dennis, born in 1932.

Mr Trinder was a bricklayer, the son of John Herbert Trinder and his wife, Emily Julia.

Trow, S. C.
Sydney Cleveland Trow. An Electric Welder (worker?) died on 8 October 1940, aged 32, on H.M. Trawler. He lived at 18 Palmerston Boulevard, Trighton, Leicestershire. In 1911 he was living with his parents, Thomas, a business agent, and Mary, assisting in the business, at 29 Mayfield Road, Eccles. At home then were four other children; Thomas Henry, 22, and George Edward, 21, both clerks, and daughters Doris Margery, 8, and Hilda Alice, 6.

Sydney was buried on 21st October at St James, Dover. 21 ER. His relatives were unable to attend but a Mr R W B Harvey and a Mr E A Thorp did

His brother and sisters sent a floral tribute, as did the directors, staff, and employees of Bulwark Engineering Company, Ships Company, Transit Camp.

Sydney's brother Thomas, serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in the Great War on 12 May 1916. He had been married only the year before, on 18 September 1915, at the Wesleyan Methodist church in Salford, to Margaret Lucy Comac. Their daughter, Alice Margaret, was born a month after Thomas' death, on 10 June 1916.

On 22 May 1916 in the Manchester Evening News, was this announcement:

TROW - Corporal Harry Trow, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, killed in action
When alone in my sorrow and the bitter tears flow
There stealeth a dream of a sweet long ago.
And unknown to the world he stands by my side
And whispers these words, "Death cannot divide".
From his sorrowing wife  and relations, Martin-street, Weaste

Turner, J. T. and R.
Joseph Thomas "Tom", a caretaker, and Rosa Turner. They died at their home at Burlington Mansions on 7 September 1941. Joseph was aged 62 and Rosa was 65. She was the daughter of Samuel Jones. Clearly visible in the bright moonlight of that night-time raid, the Mansions were fortunately almost wholly unoccupied

They were buried on the 12 September 1941 at St James, Dover. 7 GS. They two had sons, "Sonny" and Chris. "In loving memory of our dear mother and father" - 1944