THE  DOVER WAR MEMORIAL  PROJECT

 

war memorial at dusk, photographed by Michelle Cooper
 

 

World War II

 

CIVILIANS WHO DIED IN DOVER
# =not named in book of Remembrance

Surnames Q to T

Q - none

R

gravetone, with thanks to John Vaughan Ransley, P.
Patience Ransley. She 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). Patience lived at 6 Union Row and was the widow of James Ransley (article)

She was buried on 2 October at St James, Dover. 20 CQ

Reid, A. G
Alfred George Reid. He 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

He was the husband of Grace M. Reid and lived at 1 Oswald Road, Buckland

"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)
In Memoriam, courtesy Dover Express
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)

Revell, E. E., Q. E., G., and J.
children playing in Union Road, now Coombe Valley Road, courtesy Dover Express 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 on Good Friday morning, 3 April 1942. Ernest was 50, the son of Edwin George and Eliza Jane Revell. He was in the ARP. Rescue Service. Queenie was 42 and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cranville, of London. Gladys was 16 and Joyce was 13.gravestone by Joyce Banks

Joyce may be the little girl behind the pram in thie 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

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 

headstone,b y Simon Chambers, 67-5147Ricketts, 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 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. On the headstone the name of her husband, Leonard James is also inscribed, he died on the 7 February 1963, aged 66

Note: Could she be or be connected with "Lill Pascall-Ricketts"? A Mabel Gardiner married a Mr Pascall in 1924.

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, from Crabble Hill and 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. 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, and "beloved husband" of Mrs E J Rogers. Mrs Rogers suffered a fractured arm in the incident (RH)

Their son Charles, also died, lost with H.M.S. Glorious just three months earlier

 

S

Sadler, M.
Marketa Sadler. She was the wife of Robert John Sadler and died on 5 September 1942, aged 46, at her home at 1 Albert Road. Her son Robert was injured but survived (RH) 

She was buried on 10 September at Charlton, Dover. 27 2S The cortege left from 47 Union Road

Seath, A. S.  
Ann Stanner Seath. She died at the Union Road Trenches on 3 April 1942, age 64. She lived at 102 Union Road, and was the widow of Edward William Seath

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"

headstone, by Joyce BanksShearn, 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.
1943, courtesy Dover ExpressWalter Sidney Sherwood. A bus driver, he died at the East Kent Garage on 23 March 1942, aged 31. He was the husband of Ethel May Sherwood and lived at 7 Underdown Road

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"

in memoriam 1943

grave, by Joyce BanksSilk, 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 of 12 Devonshire Road, Tower Hamlets, and the brother of Albert Silk, from 8 Devonshire Road, father of Albert Alfred Silk. The brothers' parents were Thomas George Silk and Mary Charlotte, his wife, nee 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 

The gravestone reads:

In Loving Memory
of
My dear husband
Ernest Victor Silk
Who died 25 October 1940
Aged 53 years
"Till we meet again"

Also of
Mary Elizabeth Silk
Wife of the above
Who died 16 August 1955
Aged 67 years

In Memoriam, courtesy Dover Express
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 the 29 September at St. James, Dover. 19 KL

in memoriam 1942, courtesy Dover ExpressSkelton, A. E. G.
Arthur Edward George Skelton. A builder's foreman, he died on 8 November 1941, aged 39, at 1 (4?) King Lear's Way. He was the husband of Amelia Maud Skelton, later of 1 Gloster Way, Ropewalk and the son of William E. Skelton, of 15 Old Folkestone Road, Ropewalk

His funeral departed from 15 Old Folkestone Road, with his coffin draped by the Union Flag, and 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

in memoriam 1942

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.
1943, courtesy Dover ExpressPercy 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.

F Spinner, house, by Simon Chambersthe label that marked Freddy's grave, held out, by Simon ChamabersSpinner, F. E. G.
Frederick Ernest George Spinner. He died at Priory Station on 13 September 1944, aged 9. He was the son of Mrs. W. Amos (formerly Spinner), 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 

Father and son are buried in the same unmarked grave at St Mary's, Dover. 21 XH. The paper marks the spot

area of F Spinner's grave - note the little flag of paper, by Simon Chambers

"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

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

in memoriam 1942, courtesy Dover ExpressStacey, 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 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 and Mrs C H Stanford, of 143 Clarendon Place

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. She died at her home at 44 Dickson Road on 2 September 1944, aged 60. She was the wife of Charles Robert Staveley

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, 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 step-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 Stoker, 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)s.

Sydenham, E. M.
Ellen Miriam Sydenham. She died on 25 September 1944, aged 30, at London Road. She was the wife of Private R J Sydenham, The Devonshire Regiment, and the daughter of Mr and Mrs J W Castle, of 21 Pilgrims' Way

 

T

gravestone by Joyce BanksTalbot, 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

They were both buried at Buckland, Dover. C10 15. 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, Bert and Harold, and Harry and Fred (overseas). 

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 in memoria, courtesy Dover ExpressTallent

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 and Annie Frances Tanner died on 6 May 1941 at their home at 29 Bell Grove, Aylesham. Fanny was 50 (53), and was the daughter of Mr F Cook, of Branch Road Cottages, Chilham, Canterbury, and the "dearly beloved" wife of Daniel Tanner. Her choral funeral service was held at the Baptist Church, 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  

Annie was 22, and was the "dearly beloved" wife of John C Tanner and the youngest "dear daughter" of Mr B Russell and his late wife, from 27 The Crescent, Snowdown, and "dear sister" of Hilda, who went to Hastings. Among the floral tributes were "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

funeral details: Joyce Banks

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 at St James. 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. They were buried together on 8 October at St James, Dover. 14 WE

"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 conducitng 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

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)

"Always remembered" - Barbara

Tozer, C. J.
Cyril Joseph Tozer. Living at 80 Limekiln Street, he was naval pensioner and an F.A.P member and was killed by a bomb while working on his allotment at Aycliffe, Old Folkestone Road, on 8 September 1940. He was 62. He was buried at St James, Dover. 25 FX 

He was the husband of Muriel Tozer, and she and Mrs Short, their daughter, were amongst the mourners. Floral tributes included, "From his devoted wife" and "To dear dad, Harold and Rosie". Friends and neighbours of Old Folkestone Road also sent a tribute


In memoriam, courtesy Dover Express
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

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

Trow, S. C.
Sidney 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. He 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 

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



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