Coppard, F. R.
Frederick Richard Coppard, 60490, was 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 1st April 1918, and died on 12th April. He was 39. He is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, X C 7a.

He was born in Tunbridge Wells, the son of Frederick Alfred Coppard, from Tunbridge Wells, and enlisted and lived in Dover. He left a wife and four children, who lived at 13 Peter Street. 

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 17th 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. 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 13th January, and was killed 12 days later, on 25th 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 killed in action on 28th November 1917, when he was 20, and is buried in the Tyne Cot cemetery.

He was the son of Walter and Clara Cork, of 3, Malmains Road,  Maxton, Dover. He was born at "Dalmonsden" (Tilmanstone?) and enlisted in Dover. (Two Special Visits)

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 31st March 1918, when he was 25. He is buried at the Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension

He was the son of Mr W S and Mrs E J Corteen, from Ivy Villa, Loke Road, King's Lynn, and had come from Peel, Isle of Man. He enlisted in Wakefield, and lived in Norfolk. He had been a bellringer at Dover.

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

Cohsall, J.
James Cohsall or Coshall, S/10450(9)?, was a Private in the 1st battalion of The Buffs. He died from wounds on 11th 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 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

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, of 2 Arthur's Place, St James' Street, Dover, and her late husband Alfred. He was brother to Edward, below.

"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. He was the son of Mrs Emily Manser Coveney, from 2 Arthur's Place, Dover, and brother to Alec, above.

"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 the 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. Mrs Crascall 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, nee 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.

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 is buried at Basra War Cemetery. He died in 1917, when he was 25. Mrs Crepin's name was Edith, and Charles' parents' names were Frederick and Ann. He was born in Dover, but enlisted and lived in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk.  

Crockford, C. W. 
Charles William Crockford, 198167, was a First Class Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. He died at the age of 33 (22?) when the HMS Hawke was torpedoed on 15th October 1914. 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.

 

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, Goshen 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.

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 3rd September 1917.

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

"Gone but not Forgotten"

He was the "dear son" son of Mrs Emily Jane Curd, of 1 Biggin Court, Biggin Street, Dover.

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 the HMS Tartar, he was killed by a mine explosion in the Straits of Dover on 17th June 1917. He was 24. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis, of 23 Hope Street, Landport, Portsmouth, and the husband of Nellie Gertrude Curtis, of Mitre Hotel, 77 Snargate Street, Dover