Allen, W.
William Allen  died on 24 March 1943, aged 65, at Godinton Road, Ashford,. He lived at 61 Beaver Lane, Ashford, and was the son of William Exton Allen and Emma Allen, of 209 Folkestone Road, Dover.  

Atherden, O. L.
Olive Lucy Atherden died on 4 October 1940 when she was 66, at 47 Westhurst Drive, Chislehurst. She was the daughter of George Henry and Emma Atherden, of 42 Heathfield Avenue, Dover.

Baker, G. E.
George Elgar Baker died on 28 November 1942, aged 59, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Waldershare, Tilmanstone,. He was the husband of Nellie Baker, of 26 Tower Hamlets Road, Dover. He was a firewatcher in the A.R.P. Rescue Service. 

Baker, H. G.
Henry George Baker, known as George, was born in 1878 in Dover, and was a Merchant Navy man. Off work through illness, he was 68 when he was killed on the first day of the Blitz in London. He died on 7th September 1940 at 27 Varley Road, in the Docklands area.   

His parents were John Hunt Kittams Baker, and Mary Ann Baker, nee Smith. His mother died when he was just eight months old; his father died a few years later.

George had two older brothers. George Thomas Baker, known as Tom, lived in Dover and worked for the Harbour Board. He was a veteran of the Great War, and served in the Home Guard in the second. The eldest brother, William John Baker, known as Fred, went to sea at the age of 15, and eventually settled in Port Arthur, Texas, USA. The last letter that George wrote was received by Fred shortly before George was killed. 

with thanks to Elizabeth Baker Bobbitt Hebert

Barton, C. W.
Christopher William Barton. He was an awardee of the Military Medal. A dock worker, he was injured at Dover on 12th September 1944, and died at Hurstwood Park War Emergency Hospital, Haywards Heath on 24th September 1944, when he was 50. He was buried at St James on 30th September, 5 CQ.

His home was at 1 Approach Road, Dover. 

Balsom, S. J.
Sarah Jane Balsom was 54 when she died at the Red Lion Inn, Sidwell Street, in the Borough of Exeter. The date was 4th May 1942. Her husband was John Balsom.

She had been a firewoman in the NFS. She was the daughter of Ellen Lydia Stirrup, from 36 Albany Place, Dover, and the wife of Leonard Blackford, of the Merchant Navy.

Bocutt, A. H.
Alexander Herbert Bocutt died on 14 December 1943 at the Horton Emergency Hospital, Epsom. He was aged 37 and died from an illness contracted while on duty during air raids at Dover. He was a fireman in the N.F.S.

He was the husband of Ivy Mary Bocutt of 30 Longfellow Road, Dover, and the son of Alfred Arthur Bocutt, of the same address, and the late Jessie Bocutt.  

His brother, Alfred Arthur Bocutt, also died, in 1941, serving with the Royal Navy.

Borthwick, G.
Graham Borthwick died on 1 December 1941, aged 56, at Landsdowne Road opposite the Hydro Hotel in Falmouth. An officer on a telegraph ship, he was struck by falling masonry while ashore during an air raid.

 He was the husband of Helen Borthwick of 99 Buckland Avenue, Dover, and a member of the Kearsney Bowling Club. 

Bourner, E. A.
Eliza Ann Bourner died on 14 October 1940, aged 80, at 3 Tharp Road, Wallington. Her body was not found until ten days after her death.

She was the widow of James George Bourner. Her address was 47 Clarendon Place, Dover. 

She was buried at St James in the grave of her late husband, with the funeral cortege leaving from the home of her daughter, Mrs C. Macey, of 121 Clarendon Place. Her daughter laid a wreath, "Her sorrowing daughter and son-in-law, Elsie and Charlie".

In memoriam 1942

?Browne, D. P. E.
Daphne Patricia Eliiot, who died at Brougham Road, Portsmouth on 24th August 1940, aged 17. She was the daughter of W H Browne, and with an address of 59 Claremont Road, may have had Dover connections. She may be the "Dolly" in the In Memoriam announcement of 1941:

Sweetest memories of our darling Dolly, who was suddenly called home through enemy action. Sleep on, dear Dolly, and take thy rest, God taketh those He loveth best; We miss you when the morning dawns, We miss you when the night returns, Dear Dolly, we miss you everywhere. So loved, so missed. Safe in God's keeping

Burkett, M. S. 
Maria Sarah Burkett died at the age of 88 on 3rd June 1942 at 12 Oaten Hill Place, Canterbury. She lived at 96 Maison Dieu Road, Dover, and was the widow of William W. Burkett. She was the daughter of the late Frederick and Florence Elizabeth Macdonald. Her relatives, Pleasant Williams and May and Meredith Craven, also died. 

She was buried at St James on 8th June, 14 VK. 

Carver, M. E.
Marie Evelyn Carver was 33 when she died on 8th November 1940 at Mayday Hospital, Croydon. She had been injured the day before at 71 Falkland Park Avenue, her home.

Her parents were Mr and Mrs West, from 92 Oswald Road, Dover, of whom she was the only daughter. She was married to Walter Ernest Carver, who was also killed, at the age of 35.

Cashman, D. F.
Donald Frank Cashman, was 18 when he died on 22nd November 1940. He lived at 5 Johnson's Terrace, Nonington. His parents were Mr and Mrs F. Cashman. 

Chambers, M. H. 
Maurice Herbert Chambers was 38 (another report states his age as 42), and died on 26th September 1940 through an air raid at Southampton. His wife was Mrs V Chambers, from 91 Markland Road, Dover. He had been staying, with his colleague John Hawkes, who also died, at Oaklea, Upper Deacon Road, and both were from the Southern Railway Marine Department, working at Southampton.  

Both were buried in the same grave at St James, in a double funeral. His wife laid a wreath:

"His loving wife Vera, and children"

Clayson, J. T. E.
James Thomas Edward Clayson died on 15 October 1940, aged 16, at Rhette, Wrotham Heath Place, Platt,. He was the "beloved son", "darling Jim", of Thomas and A. Clayson and sister of Pat, and lived at Rambler Cottage, St Margarets-at-Cliffe, Dover.  

October 1941

He had a nature you could not help loving A heart as true as gold, And to us, who knew and loved him, His memory will never grow cold. Mum, Dad, and Pat

Collard, F. J.
Frederick James Collard died on 5 August 1944, aged 46, at Malling Road, Snodland,. He was the husband  of Marjorie Collard  of Alpha, Malling Road, and the son of the late William and Annie Louise Collard, of Temple Farm, Temple Ewell, Dover  

with thanks to Tony Grant, who tells us that there was a V1 attack at Malling Road.  This may have been the sad cause of Mr Collard's death. There is a commemorative plaque to ten who died at the medical centre in Catts Alley, just off Rocford Road, a turning off the Malling Road. 

Court, A. F.
Alan Francis Court was 5 when he died on 22nd November 1940 at his home, 6 Johnson's Terrace, Nonington. His parents were Francis Harold George and Lilian Alice Court.

Craven, M. and M. 
May and Meredith Craven. On 3rd June 1942, they died at their home, 2 Oaten Place, Canterbury, but were the daughter and granddaughter respectively of John Macdonald, from 17 Templar Street, Dover. Another daughter, Pleasant Williams, from that address, also died.

Mrs Craven was the widow of Arthur Craven, and was aged 46. Meredith was 22.

Dobson, P
Percival Dobson died on 13 November 1941, aged 62, at the Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford. He lived at 48 Military Road, Dover, and was injured there on 2 October 1941. 

He was buried at St Andrews, Buckland, B0-16. Amongst the mourners were Mrs T Walton from Dover Master Bakers and Mr Wilfred Chitty, Mr Gavener, and Mr Hopper from G W Chitty and Co.  Amongst the many floral tributes were those from the United Yeast Company, Dover, Dover Butchers FC, St Bart's Old Boys' FC, and from Ward 7 at Preston Hall.

in memoriam 1942

Dyer, W. H.
William Henry Dyer was 50 when he was killed on 22 November 1940 in Birmingham. He was a member of the Home Guard. In June 1915 he had married Madeline Eleanor Thomas (Nellie), and they lived at 65 Monica Road, Small Heath, Birmingham.  He was the eldest son of William Henry Dyer, who lived at St Andrew's Terrace, Dover, and who died on 1st December 1941.

He is buried in Yardley cemetery. 

Edson, N. C.
Norah Christine Edson died on 6 November 1940, aged 14, at the Civic Centre Shelter (School of Art) in Southampton. She was the "dearly loved youngest daughter" of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Edson, of 15 Heathfield Avenue, Dover  

She is buried at Charlton

Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember. From her loving Mum, Dad, and Joan Do not ask us if we miss her, There is such a vacant place; Can we e'er forget her footsteps, And her dear familiar face? From her loving Gran and Granddad

Geer, M.
Mary Geer died on 20 April 1941, aged 27, at her home at 2 Primrose Cottages, Rye Lane, Dunton Green. She was the wife of Frank William Geer, and the daughter of  Mr. O'Hara, of Singledge Farm Cottages, Singledge, Whitfield, Dover 

#Gilbert, W. R.
The Reverend William Richard Gilbert was killed at his home at 61 Cawley Road, Hackney during an air raid on 8th December 1940. He was 33. Four lady assistants also died.

He was the son of Mrs W R Gilbert, of Chatham, and her late husband (14 Mitchell Avenue), and the husband of Kathleen E Gilbert. He was the grandson of Mr and Mrs W Gilbert, of 14 Market Street, Dover, and the nephew of Mr and Mrs G Cook, from 286 London Road, Dover.

The Reverend Gilbert was born in Dover in 1907, and for several years he worked in the Snargate Street Sunday School and Church. He trained at Richmond College, and entered the ministry in 1927. He worked in a number of circuits before going to London in September 1940. This was at the time when the bombing intensified, and he evacuated Mrs Gilbert and their children to a home in Harpenden. His own home he turned into a hostel for his staff.

A report from the Methodist Recorder states: " He had already shown himself to be a minister of high courage and resourcefulness, counting no cost too high in his service for the poor people of the borough. He has given his lifefor the cause of Christ in London's East End. .. A young man of outstanding ability, he had gifts that would have taken him far: he was content to devote them to the service of the humble and the afflicted. Tragic as his sudden passing must inevitably seem to his colleagues who remain to carry on the work of the mission, his earthly end was nevertheless in keeping with his sacrificial life. With the Sisters who perished in the same indiscriminate attack, he upheld to the end the highest traditions of pioneer Methodism. They visited the stricken homes of the people, maintained the regular services at the hall, provided shelter and food at the mission's community centre, and in various other ways ministered to the neighbourhood. Their lives, so unselfishly surrendered, remain an example to the living." 

December 1941

In loving memory of the Rev W R Gilbert from his loving Wife and Children and his dear Mother from all at 14 Market Street, Dover Always in our thoughts From Auntie and Uncle Cook

Goldsack, P. J.
Percy John Goldsack died on 10 May 1941, aged 50, on the Southern Railway Line, Worth. He was the husband of Annie Louise Goldsack, of 119 Priory Hill, Dover and the son of the late Henry and Mary Jane Goldsack, of 1 Selborne Terrace, Dover 

Hawkes, J. W. 
John Walter Hawkes, husband of Mrs E. Hawkes, from Jacena, Minnis Lane, River, died in an air raid in Southampton on 26th September 1940, at the age of 37. He was an employee of the Southern Railway Marine Staff in Dover, but had been working in Southampton. He died at the docks.

A double funeral was held at St James, as his colleague, Maurice Chambers, died in the same circumstances.  Wreaths laid for Mr Hawkes included:

"In loving memory of of my dear husband, from Ena"
"His broken-hearted Mum and Dad"

How oft there comes before us You dear face, fond and true; But death can never take away Our fond memories of you. Some may think that we forget you When at times they see us smile But only those who have lost can tell What is hidden beneath that smile. Always remembered by his loving Wife, Mum, and Dad Always in the thoughts of Win, Arthur, June and Bill

Hunt, A.
Annie Hunt died on 21 August 1944, aged 79, at her home at 207 Wharncliffe Gardens, St Marylebone. She was the widow of Seymour Steventon Hunt and the daughter of the late George Dunne of Dover.

Jones, C.
Charlie Jones. Probably  Special Constable Charles John Austen Jones, from 31 Morehall Avenue, Folkestone. He died at his home (at the Victoria Hospital?) at the age of 33, on 29th May 1941. He was the "dearly loved" husband of Ivy Jones (nee Pott) and father of Marjorie, and the only son of Mrs Emmie Jones and the late Mr Robert Jones of 67 Oswald Road, Dover.

He was buried at Buckland cemetery, C9-9, with members of the Special Constabulary acting as bearers. As well as a full representation from the police forces, both Dover and Folkestone, there were many friends and relatives at the funeral, and a large number of floral tributes sent. They included one from his "broken-hearted" wife and one to "darling Daddy" from his little daughter.

Mrs Jones and Marjorie moved to 17 Markland Road, Dover, just after Mr Jones' death.

"Just sleeping" "Safe home at rest"

He was buried at Charlton from 48 Nightingale Road, on 26th August, 18 2W. 

Kirby, S. T.
Sidney Thomas Kirby died on 25 October 1940, aged 40, at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Waldershare, Tilmanstone, after being injured on 24 October 1940 at Martin Farm. He was of the Dover A. F. S and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Kirby, of Waterworks Road, Martin.

Lemar, W. H.
William Herbert Lemar died on 28 July 1944, aged 34, at Lewisham High Street. He was a Corporal in the Home Guard, and an SR examiner. He was the husband of Mrs. Lemar, of 100 Courthill Road, and the son of Mrs. Marsh (formerly Lemar), of 32 Lowther Road, Dover, and of the late W. C. Lemar. 

He was buried on 5th August at Charlton, 2 ZV

She is buried at St Peter's, Whitfield, and among the wreaths laid were: 

"To my Darling, from her heart-broken Mum"
"Her own Bill" - Mr W Lawton was Miss Marsh's fiance.

Norris, M. E.
Margaret Ellen Norris died 18 June 1944, aged 21, at The Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Westminster. She lived at 28 Penywern Road, Easrl’s Court, Kensington, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George John Norris, of Godmasham, Lewisham Road, River, Dover. 

He was the "beloved husband" of Dorothy Olifent, and "dearly loved youngest son" of  H J Olifent and M Olifent of The Cliff, Grove Road, Sonning Common Reading, formerly from Dover and Capel.

Pegden, D. J. 
Derek John Pegden was just 22 months old when he died at his home at 4 The Durlocks, Folkestone, on 25th September 1943. His parents were Mr and Mrs John Arthur Charles Pegden. 

Pegden, J. S.
Jeanne Sylvia Pegden was 10 when she died on 25th September 1943. She died at Folkestone at her home at 4, The Durlocks. Her parents were Mr and Mrs John Arthur Charles Pegden.

Pickering, E. G. V. and R.
Elsie Gertrude Victoria Pickering and Robert George (Bobby) Pickering. Mrs Pickering was 43, and her son was 12 when they died as the result of an air raid at Welling on 8th October 1940. They had moved there, to 17 Charmouth Road, from 31 Friars Way, Dover,  and Mrs Pickering was Dover born.

Robert (Bobbie) was killed instantly at home, but Mrs Pickering died three days later, at the Woolwich and District War Memorial Hospital, as the result of her injuries. Left to mourn was her husband, Robert's father, also named Robert. He remembered his "dear son" and his "dear wife". "Love's last gift, Remembrance."

Pollard, J. R.
John Robert Pollard died on 8 December 1940, aged 48, at Oldchurch County Hospital, Romford. He was an F. A. P. Mobile Unit Driver, and was killed while on ambulance duty at Romford, Essex.

He was the husband of Bessie Florence Pollard, of 33 Vine Street, and the eldest son of the late Robert Wadsley Pollard, and Emily Pollard, of 56 Odo Road, Dover

Podevin, C.W.
Constance W. Podevin was lost in the North Atlantic 23 January 1943, aged 49, from SS “Ville de Tamatave”. She lived at 16 Howick Place, London, S.W.1 and was the daughter of Amelia Caroline Podevin, of Dover, and of the late Charles Podevin

Poulson, C. W.
Charles William Poulson died on 29 December 1940, aged 57, at Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford. He lived at 2 Salisbury Road, Dover  

Smith, E. I.
Ellen Irene Smith died on 25 November 1944, aged 19, at New Cross Road. Deptford. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Basil Cyril Smith, of 65 Alfred Road, Dover 

Stubbington, C.
Charles Stubbington died on 8 November 1940, aged 40, at the Royal George Hotel, Beach Street, Folkestone. He was the "dearly beloved husband" of Ivy Selina Stubbington, of 53 Devonshire Road, Dover and the son of Mrs Stubbington, of 1 Castle Cottages, Charlton Green, Dover, and of the late Charles Stubbington

He is buried at St Mary's, and his wife laid a wreath, "Sweet memories, from his Wife"

November 1941

I often pause and think of you, dear, And think of how you died, To think I could not say good-bye Before you closed your eyes From loving wife Ivy, and little son Charlie I miss his smile, his kindly ways, With him I spent my happiest days, I miss him when I need a friend, On him I always could depend, And our secrets I shall keep to the end. from his pal, Tom Thoughts return to scenes long passed: time rolls on but memory lasts. from Maud and Philip Death, where is they sting? Grave, where is thy victory? At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember. From his loving Mother and sister Margaret.

Talbot, M. J.
Minnie Jane Talbot died on 1 July 1941, aged 57, at Preston Hall Emergency Hospital, Aylesford. She was injured on 12 June 1941 at her home at 12 Randolph Road, Dover. She was the widow of Charles Joseph Talbot 

Williams, P.
Pleasant Williams died on 3 June 1942, aged 48, at 12 Oaten Place, Canterbury. She was the widow of Lieutenant George E. J. Williams, AEF, and the daughter of John Henry Macdonald, of 17 Templar Street, Dover, where she also may have lived, and of the late Pleasant Macdonald. Her ashes were interred at St James on 8th June, 10 QY.

Her sister, May Craven, and niece Meredith, also died, as did her relative, Maria Burkett. 

Wilson, E. R.      
Ernest Robert Wilson was born in Hougham, Dover, on 14th May 1891, and served in France during the Great War. 

On 22nd November 1944, he died of injuries at the Woolwich and District War Memorial Hospital, after a V2 rocket had demolished his home at 34 Orchard Rise, Sidcup, Kent. His wife, Emily, and daughter, Hilda, were also in the house at the time; they survived with minor injuries.  

Mr and Mrs Wilson had seven  children,  two of   whom, John and Claud, also lost their lives in the Second World War. Dorothy, one of their daughters, served in the WRNS in Dover. She sadly died in 1975. Their youngest son, Sidney, and their other three daughters, Margaret, Edith, and Hilda, were evacuated to Wales.  Hilda joined the WAAF as soon as she was able.

Before the war the family had lived at 6 Dour Street, a property unfortunately bombed in 1941, leading to the death of the then resident, Mr Patrick Caberry.  Mrs Wilson returned to Dover after the sad loss of her husband.

pictures: Ernest Wilson, 1917/18
with thanks to Hilda Beddows

Wisdom, H. W.
Harry William Wisdom died on 18th September 1940 through enemy action, at Cross Keys, Rochester. He was 24 and lived at 24 Grange Way. He worked in Rochester in the accountants' department of the firm Shorts Seaplane Works, and before then had worked for Worsfolds, Dover. He was an old Barton Road school boy. 

His parents were Bert and Emily Bertha Maud Wisdom, and they lived at 15 Astley Avenue, Dover.   Harry was buried in his home area of Buckland, and amongst the wreaths were;

"In affectionate remembrance of our loved one, from Dad, Mum, and Annie"
"In loving memory of our dear brother, with much love, from Bert and Lily"
"To my darling Harry, from your ever loving sweetheart, Carol" 

The inscription on the gravestone reads:

Affectionate Memory of our dear son Harry W Wisdom. Killed by Enemy Action, 18th September 1940, aged 24 years.

photo and transcription by Joyce Banks