Coppard, F. R.
This was Frederick Alfred Coppard, 60490, a Private in the 9th battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (formerly 23238 the 4th battalion of the East Surrey Regiment). He was wounded in the head by a rifle shot on 1 April 1918, and died on 12 April. He was 39. He is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, X C 7a.

He was born in Tunbridge Wells, the son of Frederick Richard Coppard and his wife Eliza Frances, née Hall, from Tunbridge Wells. Frederick had four sisters and two brothers: Rose, Violet, Edwin, Henry Charles, Minnie Eliza, and Alice Matilda.

Frederick enlisted and lived in Dover, but formerly had lived in Folkestone, where he worked as a brickmaker's apprentice. He lived at Goodman's cottage, Park Farm, where Maud Winter was working as a domestic servant. The couple married in 1901, and went on to have four children: Charles Edward, Frederick Richard, Kit, and Dorothy Maud. At his death, his family were living at 13 Peter Street, Dover.

In 1920, Maud remarried, to Frederick Foxley, a widower whose wife Fanny, née Carpenter, had died in the Fever Hospital in Dover only a few months after they had been married in 1917

Cork, A. G
Alfred George Cork (surnamed Cook on Soldiers Died), 42616, was a Private in the 10th battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. He was 18 when he was killed in action on 17 April 1918. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial.

He was born and enlisted in Dover, and was the son of Elizabeth Cork, 14 George Street, Buckland, Dover. (We Remember 06) (Two Special Visits)

picture right - left to right - John James Cork, George Edward Cork, and Henry George "Harry" Cork. Harry is  Alfred's father. He is buried at Buckland cemetery, Dover, D2067, having died two days before his son was killed, and saw service also in the Boer war. He is half brother to John and to George, who had 22 years' service in the Navy.

During the second world war George was probably involved in the evacuation from Dunkirk, and also worked on the boom defences in Dover Harbour, during which he was blown up and then medically discharged. He then worked in an aircraft factory, but became terminally ill, thanks to the hazardous nature of the work. He died on 23 September 1943.

There were possibly six brothers in all: the others were Nelson Cork, died 1938 in Palestine, William Leonard Cork, who served in the battle of Dogger Bank, when the Blucher was sunk, in 1915, and Albert, who served in the artillery, and in the tunnels as a telephonist beneath Dover Castle.

The picture, left, is believed to be Harry Cork, son of Henry George "Harry" Cork

George Cork's nephew would like to hear from any relatives. Please contact us

with thanks to John Cork

Cork, J. J.
John James Cork, S/906, was a Private in the Royal Sussex Regiment, serving in the  2nd battalion. He enlisted in Dover in 1914 as a "Kitchener's Recruit", and embarked for France on 11th January 1915. He arrived at just after two pm on 13 January, and was killed 12 days later, on 25 January 1915. He was 25. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.

He was born at Charlton, Dover, to George Norris Cork, and Mrs Eliza Ann Cork, née Sharp, from 18 Erith Street, Buckland, Dover (We Remember 06) (Two Special Visits)

Left: John James Cork's scroll, penny, medals, and badge are still proudly kept by his family

John James was one of at least six children. George Edward, (pictured above under Alfred George Cork) was the eldest, born in 1885. John was born in 1890. then Frances, born 1891, Bertha Elizabeth in 1894, William Leonard in 1897, Albert Edward in 1902, and Nelson Frederick Cork, born 1904. 

with thanks to John Cork

Cork, V. 
Victor Cork, G/27665, was a Corporal in the 2nd battalion of the (Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment).

He was the son of Walter John Cork, a gardener,  and his wife Clara, née Horsman, of 3, Malmains Road,  Maxton, Dover. He was born on 25 August 1896 at "Dalmonsden" (Tilmanstone) and enlisted in Dover. On the 1911 census, when the family were still living at Tilmanstone, Victor's name is given as Austen Victor Cork, and he had five brothers and sisters, including Walter Heathfield Cork, who was working as an engine cleaner for the SECR, Archibald George Cork, who was an undergardener, Margaret Ellen Cork, and Robert Baden Cork. His other sister was named Edith.

The same year, in July, Victor was working as a baker's boy when he observed and reported the ill-treatment of a pony on the Dover Road near Tilmanstone, resulting in the offender receiving two months' hard labour.

He was killed in action on 28 November 1917, when he was 20, and is buried in the Tyne Cot cemetery, LVIII B 26. At the bottom of his headstone are the words, "Till he come". In 1919 in their In Memoriam announcement. Victor's parents appealed for any soldier who may have been with him on the day of his death to send them any information he might have.

 (Two Special Visits)

grave picture by courtesy of Jean Marsh

Corteen, W.
Walter Corteen, 29318, was a Private in the 7th battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment (formerly SS/1258 RASC). He died of wounds on 31 March 1918, when he was 25. He is buried at the Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension.

Walter, born on 7 February 1893 in the Peel area of the Isle of Man, was the son of Walter Scott Corteen, born 26 January 1863, and his wife Elizabeth Anne, née Cretney, born 24 May 1872. The couple had married on 7 November 1892 at the parish church, Patrick, Isle of Man (right), when they were living at Peel and Patrick respectively. Mr Corteen was then a diver; his father William was a mason, living in 1871 at Ballacorteen Cottage, Maughold, and apprenticed by 1881. In 1889 William was listed in Porter's Directory as a farmer and mason. Mr Robert Cretney was a labourer.

By 1899 the family were living in Folkestone, at 5 Ethelbert Road. Gladys Emily was christened on 2 January 1900 at St Saviour, Folkestone, joining Walter, William Robert, born 1895, and Lily May, 1897, who had all been born on the Isle of Man. The family moved to Dover, where were born Thomas Alfred, about 1902, Isabella, about 1905, Douglas James, 1907, and Eileen Phyllis, born 29 January 1911. (Douglas on 7 March 1910 between 5pm and 6pm was run over by an empty timber tug belonging to William Crundall; the wheel passed over his shoulders. Very fortunately, after examination at the hospital, he was  declared to be not seriously injured and was allowed home with his mother. The family were living at Dour Street).

On 15 October 1909 Mr Corteen, described as an Admiralty Mason Inspector, was presented to the Prince of Wales on the opening of the Dover National Harbour. The Prince asked him a number of questions about his diving experiences, both in a bell and in a suit. Sadly, a gale was blowing, and a procession through the harbour entrance bringing the royal party had to be abandoned.

In 1911 the family were at 48 Dour Street. Mr Corteen was a submarine diving inspector, working for the Dover Harbour Board. Walter had become a pastrycook and baker at Mcintyre's, while William was an apprentice to an engine fitter plumber at Pearson's works. Walter was a bellringer at St Mary's; on 30 October 1912 he rang the tenor for the first local peal, and on 2 April 1913 he again rang the tenor for 5040 changes of grandsire triples. He rang the 5 for 336 changes of grandsire triples on 5 January 1913 as a farewell to Rev Reed, a fellow ringer, and the treble for 308 changes of grandsire triples on 24 September 1913, alongside the first lady to have rung at St Mary's.

By 1920 the family had moved to King's Lynn, Norfolk. Walter's residence on "Soldiers Died" was given as Norfolk; he had enlisted in Wakefield. His family address on CWGC was Ivy Villa, Loke Road, King's Lynn; the couple in 1939 were at Glenmaye, Marsh Lane, with their daughter Eileen, who had married John Coston. Mr and Mrs Corteen died in the 1940s.

Bellringing information from research by Hazel Basford, Kent County Association of Change Ringers

Note: there is an Edward Mahany Corteen, 112243, of 10th battalion the King's (Liverpool Regiment) buried in the Douglas, Isle of Man, cemetery. He was 21 when he died on 18 November 1918; he was buried on 24 November 1918 in grave L26. He was the son of Robert Henry and Lena (possibly Angelina) Corteen, of 9 Duke Street, Douglas. Also buried there on 8 April 1931 are Robert Henry Corteen, a compositor then of 14 Victoria Crescent, who died at the age of 73 on 5 April 1931, and on 11 March 1927 Norah Louise Corteen, who was 27 when she died on 9 March 1927.

Cohsall, J.
James Cohsall or Coshall, S/10450(9)?, was a Private in the 1st battalion of The Buffs. He died from wounds on 11 August 1915 when he was 19, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Born in Rochester, he was the son of Mr Thomas and Mrs Patience Cohsall, from 15 Bowling Green Hill, Dover, formerly 3 Hartley Street, previously 4 Blucher Row. He had four brothers, Thomas, who served in the Royal Navy in WWII, William, Henry, and Archie, and two sisters, Patience and Eliza.

Although he lived in Dover, he enlisted in Canterbury  on 27th February 1913, when he was eighteen years and one month. At the time he was employed as a greengrocer for Charles Andrews, a Fruiterer and Greengrocer of 89 Longfield Road, Dover, and was noted on enlistment as having a tattoo of a heart pierced with a sword on his right forearm.

He was soon in trouble in his new career; on March 29th he was confined to barracks for a week for not complying with an order, not getting his equipment marked, and for gambling. On 18th April he was confined for ten days, again for not complying with an order. He probably expressed his view of the order too, as he was also charged with using obscene language to an NCO!

James was sent out with the expeditionary force on 11th November 1914.  Just a few days before he lost his life, he had an amazing escape. An enemy bullet struck him while he was on sentry duty. Hitting the Buffs emblem on his cap, the bullet was diverted upwards by the head of the dragon and passed harmlessly through the top of his cap.  The dragon, however, lost its head.  

Below is James' brother, Henry. The picture on the left, below, is the Queen's Royal Regiment at The Royal Tournament, Olympia, in George V's Silver Jubilee year of 1935; Henry is in the second row, far left.

Left is Henry on sentry duty, and below is an unidentified picture of one of the family. If you know who this is, please do contact us

On the right is the Coshall family during hop-picking. Many families from Dover would supplement their income this way each autumn, staying on the farm for up to six weeks.

The Coshall surname is said to go back to the time of William the Conqueror, or William the Bastard as he is known in unconquered Kent. His half-brother Moretaine's first son, also named William, is believed to have taken the surname Cossall or Coshall, after the village. The transposition of the 's' and the 'h' is believed to have occurred during the reign of Queen Victoria. 

with thanks to John Coshall
with thanks to Dawn Coshall
with thanks to Joyce Banks

Court, B. J. 
Bert James Court, S/10338, was a Private in the 1st battalion of the Buffs. He died of wounds on 11th March 1915, and is buried at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres.

He was born and lived in Folkestone, but enlisted in Canterbury.

Couzens, R. H. 
Reginald Harold Couzens, 260286, was a Private in the 1st/5th battalion (territorial) of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (formerly 2889 East Kent Regiment). He was reported missing on 4th October 1917, and later as killed. He was 19, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

He was born and enlisted in Dover. His mother, Eliza Emma Couzens, who lived at 49 Adrian Street, referred to him as "Reggie". He was brother to Sidney, below.

The gravestone below is in St Mary's cemetery, and reads:

	In Loving Memory of Albert Edward Couzens who died November 23rd 1911 aged 48 years "Rest in Peace"
	Also in loving memory of two sons of the above Sid and Reg who were Killed in Action in France 1917. "For King and Country"
	also Eliza Emma Couzens, wife of the above who died January 15th 1932 aged 60 years. At Rest.

transcribed by Joyce Banks
Tyne Cot photo Jean Marsh

Couzens, S. 
Sidney Couzens, A/200261, was a Rifleman in the 11th battalion of the King's Royal Rifle Corps (formerly 2891, The Buffs). He had been in active service for two years and nine months before he was fatally wounded on 17th August 1917. He was 23, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium

He was born and enlisted in Dover. He was said to have been a twin, perhaps to Jessie, and was the third son of Mrs Couzens of 49 Adrian Street, Dover. She had four sons serving, one of whom, Reggie, above, also died.

Coveney, A. J. 
Alec Joseph Coveney, 7126 (613077), was a Private in the 1st/19th (County of London) battalion (St Pancras)  of the London Regiment (formerly 2974 of 2/4th the East Kent Regiment). He was killed in action on 29th September 1916, when he was 23, but his death was not confirmed until May 1917. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

He was born and enlisted in Dover. Known as "Stormy" to his family, he was the "dearly loved third son" of Mrs. Emily Manser Coveney, née Potter, of 2 Arthur's Place, St James' Street, Dover, and her late husband Alfred, who had died in 1910 at the age of 47.

In 1911 Mrs Coveney was living at 18 St James Street, with her sons Albert Ernest, 19, a nurseryman's clerk, Alec Joseph, 17, a stationers' errand boy, Edward Potter, 16, a greengrocers' errand boy, Arthur Bachelor, 11, and Thomas Daniel, 8, and her daughters, Helen May, 18, Jessie Marion, 14, and Clara Kathleen, 9, were also at St James Street.

All the family were born in Dover, and two of Alec's brothers also died in war-time; Edward, below, and Thomas Coveney, civilian casualty in World War II.

"Peace, perfect peace"

Coveney, E. P. 
Edward Potter Coveney ("Chum"), 290487 (2?), was a Private in the Huntingdon Bicyclists, or the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment. He was killed in action on 22 March 1918, when he was 22. He is buried at Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon, France

He was born, lived, and enlisted in Dover, and was christened at St James on 9 May 1895, when the family were living at 12 Woolcomber Street. He was the son of Mrs Emily Manser Coveney, from 2 Arthur's Place, Dover, and brother to Alec, above, and to Thomas Coveney

"Deeply mourned"

Coventry, T. E.
Thomas Edward Coventry, 19831, was a Private in the 6th battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. He died of wounds on 17th September 1916, when he was 19. He is buried at Heilley Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, France.

He was born at St James's in Dover, enlisted at Marylebone, and lived in Knightsbridge. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth Molly Coventry, of 35, Castle Avenue, Dover, Kent.

The headstone is in Charlton. It reads:

In Ever Loving Memory Of Elizabeth Molly Beloved Wife of Thomas Coventry Passed Away 29th September 1934 Aged 79 Years

Also Our Dear Son Thomas Edward, Late D.C.L.I. Killed In Action In France 17th September 1916 Aged 18 Years "Nearer My God To Thee" photo and transcription, Joyce Banks

Crascall, C. H.
Coulson Henry Crascall, 177293, was an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy. He was born on 15 September 1878 at Dover and died on 22nd September, 1914, aged 36, when HMS "Cressy" was sunk off the coast of Holland by the submarine U-9.  The "Cressy" was the third vessel to be struck, the other two being the first the "Hogue" and then the "Aboukir". 1,459 men were lost, and 837 survived, some of the survivors being taken to Holland by the Dutch steamer "Rosa".

Coulson, known as Harry, was 5 feet 6 inches tall, had brown hair and blue eyes, and a tattoo of HC on his left arm. Before he joined the Navy he had been working as a barber.

When he died, Harry, was living at 10 Percival Terrace, Dover (left). In 1881 he was listed at his grandparents' house, Alfred and Hannah Uden, at 9 Military Road. The 1901 census showed him as a 24 year old seaman in Dover. In 1907 he married Charlotte Ann Hedgecock, and in 1911 the couple were living at 28 Douglas Road. In August 1915 Mrs Crascall was told to go home after being found drunk and disorderly in Snargate Street; she said she had no home to go to. She remarried in 1916, to John Parker.

Coulson Henry Crascall is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial and was also commemorated on the War Memorial at Christchurch, Folkestone Road, Dover. Coulson is an ancestral name, given to the first-born son in the family. A 400-year tradition came to an end with Harry's death.  

Divers have visited the wrecks of the Cressy, the Hogue, and the Aboukir  - they lie 25 miles off the Dutch coast and a hundred feet down. They're sunk so closely together in soft mud that it's difficult to ascertain which is which. But the remains of bridges and gun stations can still be seen, along with a gaping area of damage on one of the vessels - probably the result of the torpedo attack.  
(Exhibition 06)  (article) (article 2)

Harry Crascall is Maggie S-K's great great uncle

Harry and Eddie's names on the Christchurch memorial, now in storage after demolition of the church

Harry is brother to Eddie (entry below). Another brother, Richard (Dick), born on 19th July 1889, served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He enlisted on 18th August 1915 into the 68th Overseas Battalion when he was 26. At this time he lived with his wife Florence (Flo) at 2120 Wascana Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, and he was noted as a labourer with blue eyes and black hair, standing at five feet three inches.

He later became part of the 3rd Canadian Pioneer Battalion, which saw action at Ypres, the Somme, and Vimy Ridge. From the Pioneers he was transferred on 9th May 1917 to the 29th Canadian Battalion. He survived the Great War, and in the 1960s came home with his wife to visit Dover again.

with thanks to an Ontario viewer for information about Dick Crascall
pictures from Maggie S-K's collection: above left, in Canada, Dick and Flo Crascall on their Golden Wedding, above right, in Dover, l to r, Robert Easton, his wife Elsie, née Lund, and Dick Crascall.  Bob and Elsie Easton were Maggie S-K's grandparents, and Bob Easton was nephew to Dick Crascall, and also cousin to WWI casualty William Gatehouse. The Crascalls were cousins-by-marriage to casualty George Wellard.
A snippet of interest discovered in the Dover Express 8 April 1892 reveals that Harry, with an Albert Tapley, was arrested on 14 February 1892 for breaking into the shop of William Alfred Adley, and stealing various silver and bronze money, English and foreign, and postage stamps to the value of 7s, on 14th February 1892. They received a penalty of one day's imprisonment, having been in custody since 14 February. Sentencing them, the Recorder said that he was sorrowful to see them in the dock. They had given great pain to their parents, and had brought disgrace upon hard-working honest respectable people. He was inclined to think they had been led astray by someone older than themselves. See entry under Sidney Adley for information about the shop.

Crascall, E. F.
Edward Francis Crascall. G/21352. Private in the 2nd Batalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He died on 2 April 1917. He is noted in the 1901 census as an errand boy, aged 11. He was the fifth son of the late Henry Crascall, who lived at 1 Maxton Hill Cottages and died on 12 March 1917, aged 69, after a six week illness. In 1911 Eddie, with his father, and his brothers Ernest and Herbert, were living at 2 Wrights Cottage, Mount Pleasant, Dover.

According to the regimental diary, the 2nd Battalion were mounting a second attempt to relieve the town of Croisilles just before Easter Sunday. After a cup of cocoa - it was frosty night, under bright moonlight - they advanced under some shellfire to attain their attack positions by one in the morning. Attack began at 5.15, and, like the previous attempt, was greeted with heavy machine gun fire for Croisilles was strongly held by the enemy. The battalion managed to advance under cover from their own Lewis guns, but had already had lost all officers in B company, forcing this company to reorganise with C Company. Eventually, after fighting until nearly eleven that following evening - eighteen hours - they handed over to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Edward may have been one of the 25 Other Ranks killed that day. He is buried in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, grave reference IV F 4 and was also commemorated on the War Memorial at Christchurch, Folkestone Road, Dover 

He was brother to Harry and Richard (who survived), above, and their brother William Alfred Crascall, from 13 Manor Road, requested that Harry and Eddie should be placed on the Town Memorial. (Exhibition 06) (article)

Eddie Crascall is Maggie S-K's great great uncle

Susannah Stephenson-Knight at her great great great Uncle Eddie's grave
Euston Road cemetery, E F Crascall's grave second from left, bottom
The grave was visited the next day by Eddie's nephew and niece-in-law and family, who wrote this in the visitors' book .......

"Proud of our Uncle and Great Uncle Eddie"

Crepin, C. J.
Charles Joseph Crepin, M/314435, was a Private in the 695th Mechanical Transport Co. of the Army Service Corps. There was a report of his death in the Dover Express, which read:

The following is an extract from the "Bury St Edmund's Free Press" in connection with the death of Private Charles Joseph Crepin, elder son of Mr and Mrs F. Crepin, of 5 Prospect Place, Buckland, Dover, who died in Mesopotamia from heat stroke on August 28th 1917.

"It is with no small measure of regret that we have to record the death of Private Charles Joseph Crepin, a well known and esteemed townsman of Bury. The deceased soldier's wife, who resides at 61 Queen's Road, received the distressing intelligence on Wednesday evening that her husband passed away on August 28th, succumbing to an attack of heat stroke in Mesopotamia. Private Crepin joined the Army last April, when he enlisted in the Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport. Within a very short time he was despatched to some unknown foreign destination.  In due course Mrs Crepin received an intimation of his whereabouts, and, naturally, the news of his death came as a shock to her of the most painful character.

Private Crepin was a native of Dover, but for the past ten years he had resided in Suffolk. Before joining the Army he was an energetic and most useful special constable, and was attached to the Tuesday night section. He was a valued employee of Mr G W Henshall, of The Cornhill, for whom he acted as traveller. In consequence of his business connections, he was known throughout a wide area of the Eastern Counties, and we have no doubt the sad news of his untimely end will be received with sincere sorrow and regret by the numerous business and social friends he possessed.

Mrs Crepin is left with a daughter, five years old, to mourn her loss, and deep sympathy is felt for her in the extremely sad blow which has befallen her."

Charles was born in Dover on 19 August 1882 and christened on 8 October at St Mary's. He was the son of Frederick Crepin, a butcher in 1881 and a goods porter in 1882, and his wife Ann, née Chapman, who had married at St Andrews, Buckland, on 13 July 1881. Frederick Crepin was born in Gravesend about 1857, the son of Thomas Crepin, a stoker. In 1881 Frederick had been boarding at the home of Maria Peirce and her niece Ann Chapman at 8 Beaconsfield Road.

In 1891 the family had moved. Maria Peirce was now living with Mr and Mrs Crepin at 5 Prospect Place. Mr Crepin had become a miller's labourer. There were then three children; Charles Joseph, Ellen Amy, born in 1885, and Florence Annie, 1891. By 1901 Charles had become an ironmonger's apprentice. By 1911 the Crepins had been joined by another son, Frederick Reuben, born in 1901. They had lost two of their five children, one of them being Florence who had died in 1905. Charles, meanwhile, had married Edith Lunn, born on 3 October 1983, on Boxing Day 1908 at the parish church, Battersea, and the couple had moved to 61 Queen's Road, Bury St Edmunds, where Charles was working as a shop assistant in an ironmonger's business. On 2 September 1912 they had a daughter, Ivy Florence, born at 61 Queen's Road.

Charles enlisted in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk, on probably 5th December 1915. He died in 1917, when he was 25, and is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq, I B 2. At the foot of his headstone are the words, "Until the day break and shadows flee away".

Notes: Mrs Ann Crepin died on 17 September 1921 aged 61 after "a painful illness patiently borne", and is buried at Buckland. Ivy Crepin married Michael Addy, a proprietor of a boys' and men's outfitting business, in 1938, and in 1939 they were living at 21 Queen's Gardens, Peterborough; Ivy's mother was living with them.

Crockford, C. W. 
Charles William Crockford, 198167, was a First Class Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. He died at the age of 33 when the HMS Hawke was torpedoed on 15th October 1914. His sister, Eliza Kadwell, living at 21 Artillery Road, East Cliff, Ramsgate, was notified of his death.

He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. A gravestone in St James reads: "In Loving Memory of Our dear brother, Charles William Crockford. First Class Petty Officer, Lost in the North Sea on H.M.S. Hawke, 15th October 1914. Aged 33 years. Loved By All."

His parents were Richard Ballard Crockford and Fanny Crockford, from Canterbury. He was born at Northgate, Canterbury, on 6 June 1882. The family were living at 49 Old Ruttington Lane, Canterbury in 1881, with Mr Crockford working as a labourer. Then at home were Eliza, 12, Elizabeth, 10, Harriet, 8, and Richard, 3, all born at Northgate, Canterbury.

With Mr and Mrs Crockford dying in 1890 and 1889 respectively, their daughter Emily, a bobbin maker, became head of the household, and at home with her were Richard and young Charles, then 9. Boarding with them was George Pierce, a wood dealer. By 1901 Charles had become an ordinary seaman, and was on board the Pioneer at Bighi Bay, Malta.
 

His "broken-hearted sweetheart", Grace, placed this verse in October 1914, "in ever loving memory" "His toils are past; his work is done; And he is fully blest; He fought the fight; the victory won; And entered into rest. Never to be forgotten"

He was the "dearly loved younger brother" of Mr R Crockford, Mrs Kadwell, and Mrs S R Hubbard, Goschen Road, Dover A sudden change; I in a moment fell, I had no time to bid my friends farewell; Think nothing strange, death comes to all; I today; tomorrow you may fall. Forbear, dear friends, to mourn and weep, Whilst sweetly in the sea I sleep; This toilsome world I left behind, A glorious crown I hope to find.

(Mrs S R Hubbard was the former Winifred Crockford, who married Stephen Richard in 1895)

Croft, R. J. J. 
Robert John Jeffrey Croft became a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1914, being promoted from Quarter Master Sergeant. He served in the 2nd battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, and had already served through the Boer war, receiving three medals and two bars. He died at St Eloi on 21st March 1915, and is buried at Dickebush New Military Cemetery.

His mother was Emily Croft, and his father was Mr Charles E Croft, from York Street and later 6 Dour Street. Mr Croft was an old Dover resident, having worked for thirty years for Messrs Hills, the Coachbuilders. Robert was brother to William, below. 

Croft, W. J. 
William John Croft, 7916, was a Serjeant in A company of the 1st battalion of the Gloucester Regiment. He was wounded at Poperinghe, and died at the London Hospital on (27th) 29th November 1914. He was 29, and is buried in the Brompton Cemetery, London. 

He was brother to Robert, above, and born at Dover, son of Emily and Charles Croft. His wife was Emma Eloie Adamthwaite (formerly Croft), from 38 St Vincent Street, Southsea, Portsmouth.

At the foot of his headstone are the words, "Peace, Perfect Peace"

pictures with thanks to Jeane Trend-Hill

Crofts, E. L. 
Edwin Lawrence Crofts, G/8388, was a Private in the Buffs (East Kent Regiment, the 6th battalion. He was killed in action on 27th August 1918, and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois memorial.

He was born, enlisted, and lived in Dover, and his brother was Frederick, below.

Netley Hospital, Edwin lying down, front row
with thanks to Mr and Mrs O'Bree and Mrs Ellerington

(We Remember 06)

Crofts, W. F.
Probably Frederick William Crofts L/9742, who was a Private in the the 6th battalion of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). He joined the Buffs in 1912, and was in the 6th battalion, like his brother Edwin, above. He was killed in action on 9th April 1917, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

He was born in St Mary's, Dover, and enlisted and lived in that town, being the son of Mr and Mrs Crofts, from 15 Hartley Street.

(We Remember 06)

Their brother, Harold, became a POW. On his safe return, the letter below was issued by the King.

It reads:

"1918. The Queen joins me in welcoming you on your release from the miseries and hardships which you have endured with so much patience and courage.

During these many months of trial, the early rescue of our gallant Officers and Men from the cruelties of their captivity has been uppermost in our thoughts.

We are thankful that this longed for day has arrived, and that back in the old Country you will be able once more to enjoy the happiness of a home and to see good days among those who anxiously look for your return.

George R I"

with thanks to Mr and Mrs O'Bree and Mrs Ellerington
F. W. Crofts is named on the new panel, placed on the Memorial on 11 November 2009
Frederick and Edwin Crofts are first cousins twice removed to Brian Banks, husband of Joyce, stalwart DWMP volunteers

Croockewit, A. E.
Alexander Edward Croockewit was a Second Lieutenant of the 3rd battalion, but attached to the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. He died from wounds received at Menin Road on 26th October 1917, when he was 31. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

He was educated at Bedford School, and was the son of John Henry (Jan Hendrik) and Fanny Mary A H U  Croockewit, nee Rapp, of "Menin," 32 Leyburn Road, Dover, who married in 1878.

On 1st February 1923, when the Town Memorial was being discussed, 2nd Lieutenant Croockewit's mother wrote to the Town Clerk, "Although my dear son's name stands already honoured on three other memorials, his regiment, his school, his last place of residence, I am proud to feel that his name will be remembered with all the brave heroes of his birth place".

Crutchfield, J. H.
James Henry Crutchfield, 4577, was a Colour Serjeant in the East Surrey Regiment. He served in the South African War and for 11 years was a Staff Serjeant in the Indian Unattached List. He died of sickness on 30th June 1919 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, after having been gassed in the Great War. He was 47. He is at rest in Charlton cemetery, buried there on 5th July from 27 Tower Hill, 2H 18.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Sarah Crutchfield, and the husband of Annie Crutchfield, of 35 Peter Street, Dover.

Left is his family, with, in the back row, Joe, Elsie, and Fred, and in the front,  Jim, Ivy, Annie (his wife),  and Violet. Right is the beginning of a letter he wrote in August 1905 to his Mother, from the 2nd East Surrey Regiment Halfmoon Bks, Ranikhet, India.

He begins, "Dear Mother, I now write these few lines to let you know that we are all quite well except poor old Fred he does not seem to get on much up here in the Hills he is much better off on the Plains. He get ague and fever very bad at times but the others are getting along first class especially Violet, she is a little caution and is beginning to talk already."   Further in the letter he describes the weather, "We have just got the rains on us now and it does come down when it starts and it makes such a noise on the roof that you have a hard job to hear what each other is saying you can guess what it is like for the roofs up in the hills are of iron like the huts down Roppicking and there is plenty of thunder and lighting."

The headstone at Charlton reads:

In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband Staff Sergt J H Crutchfield, IML who died 30th June 1919 after a long and painful illness aged 47 years

also of Annie Wife of the Above Called to rest 21st May 1960 aged 80 years Life's Work Well Done

for two pictures of James Crutchfield see Exhibition 06,  for family tree see faded genes by Dave Dixon. Little Jim Crutchfield later married Iris King, daughter of casualty Edward King.

with thanks to Marilyn Friend

Curd, W. A. 
William Alfred Curd, K/35204, was a First Class Stoker in the Royal Navy. With HMS Pembroke (ashore at the Royal Naval Barracks), he died aged 25 during the air raid on 3 September 1917. He had been home on sick leave, having previously survived a torpedoing in the Mediterranean on 15 May 1917.

He is buried at Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery. the words at the bottom of his headstone read,

"Gone but not Forgotten"

Born on 14 November 1891, he was the "dear son" of Mrs Emily Ann Curd, née Graves, born 18 September 1872, of 1 Biggin Court, Biggin Street, Dover. The family were living there in 1901, with Mr William Alfred Curd, his father, working as a carter on a farm. William was their eldest son, and there were also Ellen Elizabeth, born about 1894, Bessie Florence, 1896, Annie Emily, 1897, and Frederick James, 1900, all born in Dover like their father. Mrs Curd was born in Deal. In 1911 the family had been joined by Eliza Emma, 1903, Alfred George, 1904, John Edward, 9 January 1907, and Ethel May, 21 March 1911. Mr Curd was working as a general labourer, as was William.

A light is from our household gone, The voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant from our home, Which never can be filled. from Mother, Father, Sisters, and Brothers

A sudden change, he in a moment fell: He had no time to bid me farewell. from his loving sweetheart, Emily September 1917

The drill hall, above, is now a university library and believed to be the longest one in Europe. The former parade ground is in front. A plaque outside the main entrance commemorates the casualties of the air raid; the hall was at the time being used as an overflow dormitory and some 900 ratings were sleeping there. There is also a memorial at Gillingham (Woodlands) cemetery, where many of the casualties are buried.

Mr Curd died on 20 July 1922, and is buried at St Mary's. Mrs Curd died in 1951.

Curling, E. E.
Ernest Edward (Edwin) Curling, 34984, was a Private in the 1st/5th battalion (territorial force) of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (formerly 5240 of the East Kent Regiment). He was killed in action on 1st October 1918, when he was 28. He is buried at Proville British Cemetery.

He enlisted in Canterbury and lived in Dover. He was the husband of Ellen Potter (formerly Curling), from 7 Monins Road, Dover.

Curtis, A. E.
Albert Edward Curtis, 19384, was a Leading Stoker in the Royal Navy. Serving aboard HMS Tartar, he was killed by a mine explosion in the Straits of Dover on 17 June 1917. He was 24. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Born on 2 August 1892, he was the son of John and Sophia Curtis, of 23 Hope Street, Landport, Portsmouth. In 1901 they were living at 21 Hope Street, with Mr Curtis working as a brewers' labourer. At home were Alfred, 14, Thomas, 12, Henry, 10, George, 8, Albert, 6, and Beatrice, 2.

He was the husband of Nellie Gertrude Curtis, née Pilcher, of Mitre Hotel, 77 Snargate Street, Dover, formerly 2 Dublin Cottages, River, and father to a baby son, also Albert Edward. The couple had married on Albert's birthday in 1916 at SS Peter and Paul, River. Nellie was the sister of George Henry Pilcher.