Signaller William Pearce, 956450, A Battery, 76th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died from pneumonia on May 19th, 1919, in the 42nd Stationary Hospital, Cologne, while serving as a member of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.

A telegram to his parents at 46 Beech Road, Luton, two days before his death said he was seriously ill, but a permit to visit him could not be granted. A Chaplain and the hospital Sister later wrote to inform them of their son's death.

Gunner Edward Joseph Asbury, 153810, Royal Field Artillery, was listed killed in action on March 25th, 1918, after he had initially been reported wounded and missing on that date.

Born in 1890 to John and Mary Ann Asbury, of 4 Midland Cottages, Harlington, he had joined up in September 1916. Previously he was in business in the milk trade and resided at West View, Old Bedford Road, Luton.

Percy met a tragic end, in a house in Luton.

Billeted in town whilst serving with 6th Reserve Brigade. Royal Field Artillery; for whatever reason, he commited suicide.

He hailed from East Ham, married to Flora Perkins, father of two children

We can only guess at the mental anguish this man felt which, made him take his own life.

Percy, you are remembered.

The Luton News: Thursday, December 17th, 1918.

Driver Stanley Fensome, 124499, Royal Field Artillery, died in hospital in Palestine on December 2nd, 1917, as the result of an infection. He was aged 22.

Stanley was the nephew of Mrs Louisa Walker, of 39 Chase Street, with whom he had lived since chldhood. He joined up in 1915, having previously worked for carter Mr Pollard, of New Town Street, Luton.

Bertie Frederick Eales was born in Luton in 1886. Eldest child of 6 born to Edwin & Kate.

In early 1911 26 year old Bertie married Ellen Emma Shaw & at the time of the census in April that year they had set up home together at 104 Bury Park Road. Both are working in the hat trade, Bertie is a warehouseman & Ellen in a straw hat finisher.

In 1912 their son Bertram Reginald was born, but sadly on 25th July 1915 he died.

Gunner Montague George Fountain, 132456, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on the Somme on August 24th, 1916, less than a fortnight after arriving in France.

He was aged 32 and had joined the R.F.A. at Biscot Camp in March 1916. He was billeted there for some time, and after four months training was drafted to France.

Patrick Grogan was born in Ireland in 1885. He came from a large Roman Catholic family, 1 of 9 children born to Paul, a farmer & Maria.

In 1901 he is living in Feakle, Co. Clare. He is working with his mother &  father on the farm with his siblings James 24, Mary 22, Ellen 20, Delia 14, Michael 12, Thomas 10, Dan 8, Paul 6 & 2 year old Josie.

Patrick married Edith Mary Fulks on 28th September 1913 in Poole in Dorset. Their son Percy Raymond was born on 3rd December 1914 in Wigginton, Tring, Hertfordshire.

Son of the late Charles George Fowler. Born in London.

Buried in Luton Church Burial Ground (Crawley Green Road).

Charles Fowler tragically took his own life in the Waller Street Baths, Luton, in April 1916. The coroners report speculates that the stress of military service contributed to his decision.

There are many casulties in war, not all are directly caused by enemy action. We will remember them.

He was buried with full military honours.

Edgar William Bright was born in Leicester in 1879, only child of William Bright & Sarah Bannister Bright.

In 1911 he is living with his parents at 77 George Street, Luton. He is 32 years old & working for his father as a tailor's cutter. His 62 year old father is a tailor maker/outfitter at the family home. Edgar's 52 year old aunt, Ellen Barnard is also living with them.

No military records can be found for Edgar, but according to the CWGC he served in the Royal Field Artillery & died of pneumonia in Middlesex War Hospital on 15th April 1917.

Colin Hessey was born in Englefield Green, Surrey in 1884.

In 1901 he is living at 6 Mount Place in Old Windsor, Berkshire with his parents & sister. His father John is working as a gardener's labourer & his mother Eliza is a Laundress. Colin is 16 years old & working as a garden boy. His sister Georgina is at school.

Colin married Ellen Maria Churchman in 1908 & in 1911 they are living at 15 Round Green, Luton. Colin is now working as a bricklayer's labourer & Ellen is at home looking after their 3 year old son Victor James.

Memories of what my father told me

by Harold Smith, November 2014

The award of the Military Cross to Luton-born Sec Lieut Walter William (Bill) Brown (Royal Field Artillery), who had originally enlisted in the Canadian Infantry when in North America in October 1914, was reported in the Tuesday Telegraph of January 14th, 1919. He was son of hat manufacturer Walter E. Brown and his wife Georgina, of 6 Dunstable Road, Luton.

Albert Edward Thrussell was born in January 1898, the eldest son of William & Ellen.

In 1911 Albert was 13 years old & working as a news boy. He is living with this family at 99 Church street.

His father William 35, is working as a general labourer, his sister Maude 15, is working as a straw hat finisher & his 35 year old mother is at home looking after his 3 brothers, Fred 10, George 7 & 6 year old Ernest.

No service record can be found for Albert, but he did serve in the Royal Field Artillery.

17 year old Frank Cashmore died at Wardown Park V.A.D. Hospital on the 15th October 1914.

He was the son of James and Mary Ann Cashmore, of I, Arthur St., West Bromwich.

Sadly, he had served less than 6 months in the forces when he died, so his father recieved no payment upon death. 

Harold Ernest Shepherd was a Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, and was part of the teaching staff at Biscot Camp. He died in Dover Military Hospital of influenza (pneumonia) on December 30th, 1918, a week after he had been admitted. His wife had travelled from Luton to be with him.

Harold was a primary school teacher, so he was ideally suited to work in the education department at Biscot. He had been on duty at Dover in connection with the repatriation of prisoners of war.