WW1  Pershore

Corporal Walter EDWARDS

Service No 240491

Age: 34

1st/8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Died at Flanders France on 5th October 1918

Born in Pershore. Went out Easter 1915. Served in Italy

August 1918. Buried in Beaurevoir British Cemetery, France,

Grave C. 29. Name appears on: Pershore Abbey, Kempsey St Mary's Church

 Husband of Rose Edwards of Worcester Road, Pershore

Second Lieutenant Sidney Fitzroy D FELL

Service No 2662

Age: 24

12th Battalion attached 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action on 10th July 1916 at Flanders, France.

Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, France, Pier and Face

5A and 6C.

Appears on: Worcester Guildhall - appears twice, Worcester

Cathedral Choir Memorial Window, Pershore Abbey

Husband of Mrs Jessie Fell of High Street

Evesham Journal 22nd July 1916 – “News has been received officially that Lieut. S F Fell was killed in the recent fighting. He was a son of the late Mr R Fell of Fellcourt, County Cork. He had lived at a suburb of Hereford before he came to Worcestershire seven or eight years ago. He lived for a time at Pershore where he was a member of the Abbey Choir and of the C.E.M.S. Later he came to Worcester and he was articled to Mr Arrowsmith Maund but the outbreak of war cut short his legal studies. He was a member of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir and was associated with the St John Scouts. When war broke out, his patriotism first found expression in organising the Public School Boys’ Corp with whom he left the city. He was afterwards given a commission in a Worcestershire Battalion. He was employed for a long time in a training camp in Devonshire and crossed to the front only a month ago. In January 1915 he married Miss Dowty, daughter of the late Mr WW Dowty Chemist, Pershore and Sister to Mr W W Dowty photographer, Pershore.”

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Private Harry (Henry) FLETCHER

Service No 9295

Age: 22

Private Alfred Ernest FULCHER

Service No 8956

Age: 28

2nd Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Died on 17th February 1917 in Salonika, Greece

Born St Peter's, Worcester, enlisted Worcester

Buried in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta, Grave D. XVII. 6.

Ganderton's Entry. Shropshire Light Infantry.

Appears on: Worcester St John in Bedwardine Church,

Worcester Guildhall, Pershore Abbey

Husband of Jane Brant of Newlands, Pershore

Evesham Journal, 4 June 1917 - ``DIED ON HIS WAY BACK.'' 

Mrs. Fulcher, of the Newlands, Pershore, has received notice that her husband, Lance-Corpl. A.E. Fulcher, of the Shropshire Light Infantry, died on board the vessel which was taking him back to join his regiment at Salonika. Lance-Corpl. Fulcher, who was 28 years of age, had been twice wounded in action in France, He had served 9 years with the same regiment. Only two months ago he married the daughter of Mr. G. Brant, of Pershore, and much sympathy is felt for her.''

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Private Henry GARRETT

Service No 7278

Age: 36

3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action  on 1st June 1916 at Flanders, France.

Born at Pershore. Went out to the Front in 1914.

Buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi,

France, Grave III. A. 8.

Son of Mrs Emma Pugh of Church Street, Pershore

Sergeant Frederick GEORGE

Service No 11737

Age: 21

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action at Flanders, France on 18th February 1915

Lance Sergeant, 1st Worcesters

Born & resided in Pershore, enlisted Worcester

Buried in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France,

Grave VIII. E. 6.

Son of Edmund & Sarah George of High St, Pershore

Evesham Journal, 27 February 1915:-- A PERSHORE SERGEANT KILLED.

Pte. J.E. Stanton of the 1st Worcesters writes us from France as follows under date February 20th:- ``I am writing you these few lines to thank you for the two copies of the `Evesham Journal' which you have been kind enough to send out to me each week, and which I have received quite safely. I may say I hand them on to T. James, E. Smart and R. Knight, who are Evesham chaps in the company, also to E. Hughes of Pershore. I am sorry to say that the sergeant over our platoon was killed on the 18th last. He was Sergt. F. George, and came from Pershore, and he was very much liked by both the men and officers, and he is one who will be greatly missed. We have been having a lot of wet weather out here lately, which of course makes the trenches in a very bad state, but yesterday and today have been tow grand days, and we are now beginning to look forward to better weather. Again thanking you for the good old `Journals' which I may say we always look forward to''

Evesham Journal 6 March 1915:-- PERSHORE SOLDIER'S DEATH.

Pte. J.E. Stanton's letter from France sent to the ``Journal'' and published last week, was the first information Pershore people had of the fate of Sergt. Fred George of the 1st Worcesters. Since then the official intimation of his death has been forwarded and the deepest regret is generally felt at the loss of another gallant Pershore lad.

The deceased was the younger of the two sons of Mr. Edmund George, of Pershore and a handsomer boy or finer looking soldier has never donned khaki. Though but 21 years of age, he had served several years in the service and was stationed in Egypt when war was declared. In his school days, which seem but yesterday, and for a short time afterwards when he was residing at home he took the keenest interest in Pershore hockey, and was no mean exponent of the game. His pleasant manners, good looks, and sportsmanlike attributes made him a great favourite with all, and none will give a sadder or kindlier thought to his memory than his old colleagues, the members of Pershore Hockey Club. 

HOCKEY PLAYERS IN KHAKI. 

It will not be irrelevant to enumerate here the name soft other Pershore hockeyites in whom the love of contest and conquest has shown itself on so many a pleasant mead in various parts of the county, who when the sterner call of their country's need came answered readily and willingly:-- Messrs. C.H.Lushington, C.E.Slater, W.H.Taylor, H.Mumford, A.Gray, J.Staynor, R.Wagstaff, J.Lord, H.Sharpe, F.Wood, J.Knight, L.Hook, D.Hook, C.W.Hellier, Hiram Moulson and possibly one or two more, whose names cannot be recalled at this moment. And a large percentage of the remainder of the members of the Club chafing under the disagreeable truth of that unfortunate phrase ``Too old at 40'' applicable alike to military as well as industrial interests, have sought what peace of mind they can get by joining the local Voluntary Training Corps.

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Lance-Corporal Arthur GILES

Service No: 240731

Age: 33

Lance Corporal, 1st/8th Worcesters.

Died of influenza at home on 27th November 1918.

Appears on: Pershore Abbey, Pinvin St Nicholas Church,

Pinvin British Legion Club now in Pinvin C of E School,

under Naunton Beauchamp casualties

Buried at St Nicholas Church in Pinvin, Pershore.

Son of Edwin & Sophia Giles of Head St, Pershore

Husband of Mary Giles of 2 Deerhurst Terrace, Pinvin

Gunner Albert Mark GILES

Service No 106924

Age: 25

42nd Battery 2nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery

Killed in action on 21st March 1918 by a stray bomb amongst the horses at Flanders, France. 

Born in Pershore, enlisted in Newark, Nottinghamshire

Commemorated on Arras Memorial, France, Bay 1.

Private Joseph GRINNELL

Service No 15662

Age: 37

10th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment

Formerly 15583, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Killed in action on 13th October 1915 at Flanders, France.

Born in Pershore, married Sarah Webb in 1898 in West Bromich. Enlisted at Birmingham. Went out 8th August 1915, killed 13th October 1915. 

Commemorated on Loos Memorial, France, Panel 60 to 64.

Husband of Sarah Webb  of West Bromich. Son of Charles & Maria Grinnell of Oldbury.   

Private George William GRINNELL

Service No 240280

Age: 26

1st/8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action on 26th August 1917 at Flanders, France. 

Enlisted at Pershore.

Commemorated Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, Panel 75 to 77.

Son of Charles and Jane Grinnell of Head St., Pershore. Husband of Mary Ann Grinnell

Evesham Journal 15 September 1917 - ``PERSHORE CASUALTIES.

Three more well-known Pershore lads have lately made the great sacrifice. All were Williams, and belonged to the fighting Worcesters. Pte. William Grinnell fell on the 26th August. Lieut. J.R. Willis, in a letter of sympathy to his wife, who lives in Pershore, says he was killed instantaneously by a shell while outside his dugout. The lieutenant adds, `He was a company signaller, and consequently is a great loss to us. It is only the best men who are picked to be trained as signallers' Pte. Grinnell was mobilised at the very beginning of the war, and had seen and experienced the horrors of much bitter fighting. Three more brothers, who are the sons of Mr. Charles Grinnell, Head-street, are with the colours, namely, Sergt. C.L. Grinnell, who has been at the front and is now in England; Pte. George, now home from France; and Pte. Albert, who now lies wounded in hospital. Pte. Grinnell leaves a wife and one child.''

Private John GRINNELL

Service No 8033

Age: 28

3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action on 16th June 1915 at Flanders, France.

Born and resident of Pershore, enlisted at Besford

Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium, Panel 34.

Son of Charles and Cecilia Grinnell of Newlands, Pershore.

Husband of Rose - lived in Pensham. Overseer of Mr Blyth's Plantaton.

Evesham Journal 26th June 1915 - PERSHORE MAN DIES OF WOUNDS

On Thursday, Mrs Grinnell of Pensham, Pershore received news of the death of her husband, Private Jack Grinnell of the 5th Battalion 3rd Worcesters. The sad intelligence came on a postcard as follows:-

"Dear Mrs Grinnell - it is with deep regret and pain that I write to tell you that your husband, Jack Grinnell, has died from the effects of wounds received in battle.  Cheer up and do not let this worry you too much. He died an honourable death, fighting for his children and yourself.  I am his chum, Pte Ernest Kingham and thank God I have so far managed to come through it all right. "

Though no official information has been received, Mrs Grinnell is obliged to accept it as being only too true.  She had been accustomed to send her husband a parcel every week and he when writing home had frequently mentioned how much this same chum enjoyed a share of the things she sent. Pte. Grinnell was 28 years of age and leaved 2 small children, one 3 years old and the other 12 months. He was a special reservist and was called up and sent to France on the outbreak of war.  Wounded in the hand and with frost-bitten feet, he was declared unfit for service and came home in December last.  He was called up and sent out again before the year was out.  Formerly Pte. Grinnell managed the garden plantations of Mr Blythe at Pensham.

Private John Francis GRUNDY

Service No 325441

Age: 22

Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars (Worcester Yeomanry)

Killed in action in Egypt on 23rd April 1916

1st/1st Worcester Yeomanry, embarked at Avonmouth 9th April 1915 for service with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, disembarked at Alexandria

Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial, Israel, Panel 3 and 5.

Appears on: Worcester Cathedral Worcestershire Hussars & Pershore Abbey

Worked at Messrs Phillips & Sons of High St, Pershore.

Son of John Francis and Florence Louise Grundy of High St, Pershore

Gunner Arthur HALL

Service No 831784

Age: 32

61st Division Ammunition Column Royal Field Artillery

Killed in action on 6th September 1917 at Flanders, France

Born and enlisted Pershore, Worcestershire

Buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium,

Grave IX. H. 27.

Appears on: Pershore Abbey & Worcester Post Office

Son of Arthur & Susan Hall of Priest Lane, Pershore

Evesham Journal, 22 September 1917 (contd. from Harry Baylis entry) - `

`While one mother gets news that brings comfort, another gets tidings that cause poignant sorrow. Mrs. Hall, of Priest-lane, who, too, is widow, has had official intimation that her son, Arthur, a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, has been killed in France. Less than two months ago Arthur was home on leave, and was married to Miss Colley, who used to be manageress of the International Stores, Pershore, and who holds the same position for the firm in her native home of Leominster. The aged mother and the young widow have the deepest sympathy of all who know them. Gunner Hall, who was a fine strapping young fellow, was attached to Pershore Post Office before joining the colours. He was a valued member of Pershore Abbey choir, and in his service last Sunday, the Vicar made reference to him. He was also a member of Pershore Amateur Dramatic Society.

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Corporal Ernest HALL

Service No 12418

Age: 24

4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action on 6th August 1915 in Gallipoli

Born Pershore, Worcestershire 2nd Worcesters. 

Commemorated on Helles Memorial, Turkey, Panel 104 to 113.Son of 

Thomas & Sarah Hall of Newlands, Pershore

Captain George Meysey HAMMOND

Australian Infantry, A.I.F. 28th Bn.

Died aged 25 on 14th June 1918 of wounds at Morlancourt, France

Son of Mr & Mrs G R Hammond of High St, Pershore

Evesham Journal 2nd September 1916 “A WOUNDED ANZAC  

Mr & Mrs G R Hammond of High Street, Pershore have received intimation that their only son, Sergt. Maysey Hammond of the Australian Infantry Forces has again been wounded and is in a base hospital in France. Sergt. Hammond was previously wounded at the Gallipoli Peninsula. Many residents in Pershore, besides his parents, will be gratified if he is fortunate enough to recover from his injuries and come home safe from conflict.

Sergt. Hammond is a young man of much promise, who, with sheer hard study and determination, fitted himself for good positions in the Civil Service. He lived for six years in North-West Australia and when the war broke out was employed in an administrative department in Broome. He joined the Australian Infantry a little more than two years ago and went through the horrors of Gallipoli, where, as before mentioned, he was wounded.

His last letter from France states ‘I received a dose of shrapnel in my left leg on the glorious night when the battalion went over the top. The Doctors have extracted the stuff but goodness knows when I will commence crawling about again. I do so want to get back to the good old 28th instead of lying so helpless here. We had a hell of a time. There is only 30 of us left, so perhaps a fellow must count himself extremely lucky to come out with only a leg wound. All our officers have gone and I’m rather anxious to know what they propose doing with the small remainder of the company.

Evesham Journal 23rd September 1916 “AN ANZAC’S PROMOTION 

Mr George Meysey Hammond, only son of Mr and Mrs G R Hammond of High Street, Pershore, has been promoted from the rank of Sergeant to that of Second Lieutenant ‘for services in the Field’. Lieut. Hammond, who belongs to the Australian Infantry Forces, is at present lying wounded in hospital in France, having received his injuries during the recent offensive. He was previously wounded at the Gallipoli Peninsula. Lieut. Hammond went to Australia in 1911, and passing fifth out of a huge number of candidates for the Commonwealth Public Service (Post Office Branch) was appointed to a post at Broome, NW. He joined the Army in March 1915 and has been on active service ever since. His many friends at Pershore will be glad to hear of his promotion”.

A biography of George can be found at http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hammond-george-meysey-6542.

Private GEORGE H HANDS

Devonshire Regiment Service No: 37690

Lancashire Fusiliers Service No: 47034

Royal Army Service Corps Service No: R/449862

Age: 36

Google search lead to following information:

George Hamilton HANDS

Born 1882 in Oxfordshire

Died 1st February 1918 in Killingbeck Military Hospital, Leeds of Trench Fever

Chaplain Frank Robert HARBORD

Royal Artillery Chaplain 4th Class.

Age: 49

Army Chaplain's Department. Attached 25th Division Chaplain's Depot.

Died from wounds on 8th August 1917 near Ypres.

Vicar of Dunchurch, Rugby. Also served as Chaplain during the Anglo-Boer War. He was made Deacon in 1890 and Priest in 1893 by the Bishop of Bloemfontein. He then held various appointments in the Orange River Colony. Acting Chaplain to the Forces in the Boer War, 1900-02. Curate of Yorktown and Camberley 1909.10, Pershore 1910-12, Vicar of Dunchurch from 1912. 

He is commemorated in his former parish church at Dunchurch. A plaque commemorates his service in the South African war and a magnificent stained glass window was paid for by his wife in memory of his WW1 service. 

                                                                 Chaplain 110 Brigade R.F.A. Died one year after joining up. 

                                                                 Buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Belgium, Grave V. A. 1.

                                                                 Son of William E. And Mary Harbord; husband of Edith C. Harbord

Husband of Edith Clara Harbord of Southern House, Broad St, Pershore

Cheltenham Chronicle, Saturday 25th August 1917: CASUALTIES TO LOCAL OFFICERS - REV. F.R. HARBORD 

“Rev. Frank Robert Harbord who died of wounds on August 8, while serving with the R.F.A., was vicar of Dunchurch, near Rugby, and prior to that was curate of Pershore. He was 49 years of age, and was the youngest son of the late W. Engledow Harbord, of the Manor House, Sutton. He was preparing for Cambridge when he had a breakdown in health and was ordered to South Africa where he took Holy Orders. For many years he was stationed in the Orange Free State, and for two years was an acting chaplain with the forces in the Boer War. On the outbreak of the present war he volunteered for service but was not called up until August 1916, and had completed exactly a year of service abroad on the day of his death. He had just arranged for a further extension of leave from his parish, and in one of his last letters home wrote:- "I cannot leave the Army when the hardest fighting is to take place."

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Cheltenham Chronicle Archives

Lance-Corporal William George HAYNES

Service No 4034

Age: 32

Worcestershire Regiment – 1st/8th Battalion.

Died of wounds at Flanders, France on 15th December 1916.

Commemorated on Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt I.F. 2

Husband of Mrs Ellen Haynes of Lower Newlands, Pershore

Son of Henry & Mary Haynes of Newlands, Pershore

Evesham Journal 6th January 1917 – “MORE PERSHORE MEN KILLED. 

Two more names have been added to Pershore’s Roll of Honour. Mrs Haynes of the Newlands, has been officially informed that her husband, Lance-Corpl. George Haynes of the Worcesters has been killed in France. A letter from Capt. Gist speak of him as a ‘splendid type of soldier, an excellent leader of men and one who will be greatly missed by all the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of his company’. Lance-Corporal Haynes was certainly a popular young fellow in Pershore and many will grieve that they will never see him in this life again. He was one of the best exponents of soccer football the town has produced, which is saying a good deal considering the name Pershore has had for the sporting spirit for a number of years. He invariably played centre or left half and was a strong, fearless tackler and clean kicker. He belonged to a good many clubs in the district as well as Pershore for he seemed to find delight in playing occasionally against his old colleagues. Lance-Corpl. Haynes benefitted considerably under the wills of two Pershore Uncles and at the time of his death held reversionary interest in a great deal of property, land and tenements. He leaves and widow and four children.”

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Lance Corporal Ernest Walter HAYNES

Service No 17103

Age: 26

11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Killed in action on 24th April 1917 in Salonica, Turkey.

Prior to joining the 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment he worked for Mr Mumford. He was reported missing on 24th April 1917. 

Commemorated on Doiran Memorial, Greece.

Worcester Cathedral Cloister Windows Bell Ringer.

Son of George and Sarah Haynes of Three Springs Rd, Pershore

Evesham Journal 16th June 1917 - Corpl. Ernest William Haynes of the Worcesters, son of Mrs S Haynes of Three Springs Road, Pershore, is reported missing.  He was probably in the same fight as the late Sergt. Need" (note discrepancy in names!)

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal 

GDSN William Henry HITCHINGS

Service No 21323

Age: 21

Grenadier Guards 3rd Battalion.

Died at Flanders, France on 8th February 1917

Enlisted at Pershore. Was born in 1896 and lived in Wickwar, Gloucestershire.  In 1911, his occupation is listed on the Census as "Apprentice Grocer".  

Buried Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, Somme.

Son of Arthur and Malinda Hitchings of The Buthay, Wickwar, Gloucestershire.

Lance-Corporal William Douglas HOOK

Service No 1941

Age: 22

Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion-Territorial.

Died of wounds at Flanders, France on 13th February 1917

Commemorated at Bray Military Cemetery, France

Son of Sergt. Major Richard & Mrs Fanny Hook of High Street,

Pershore.

Evesham Journal 24th February 1917 CORPL. HOOK KILLED

“Scarcely a week passes but what additional names have to be added to Pershore’s Roll of Honour, which now numbers 54. The latest is Corpl. Douglas Hook, who it is officially announced to the parents, has succumbed to wounds received in action on the 4th inst. He died on the 13th at No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station, France, at the age of 22 years. 

Corpl. Douglas Hook was the youngest son of Sergt. Major Richard Hook of Pershore, was one of the smartest of the many that Pershore has sent out. He belonged to the Signal Section of the Royal Warwickshire Territorial Regiment, mobilised in August 1914. After experiencing 20 months’ hard fighting in France, he was wounded on July 1st 1916 in one of the battles on the Somme. He was in the General Hospital at Oxford for four months having received serious shrapnel wounds in the side and arm. He returned to France at the end of the year. His death will be genuinely lamented throughout the district for he was widely known and very popular. He possessed in a full measure the sporting spirit characteristic of the family. He played football, hockey, cricket, while as a runner he had many successes. He won the Boy Scouts’ race for three successive years at Pershore Flower Show. He was an old Choir boy of Pershore Abbey. Hubert, the eldest son of Sergt. Major Hook, is still serving in the trenches and Louis, who went through the Gallipoli campaign as a Sergeant in the Worcestershire Yeomanry, is now at home.”

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal 

Major Arthur Cyril HUDSON

Age: 36

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Died of wounds on 2nd October 1916 at Flanders, France.

Commemorated at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, VII A.2.

Pershore Abbey, Wick War Memorial, Wick Church

Son of Colonel Alfred & Lydia Hudson of Wick Manor.

Husband of Irene Hudson

Evesham Journal 31st August 1915 - MAJOR A C HUDSON WOUNDED

News has been received at Wick House that Col. Hudson's second son, Major Arthur C Hudson of the Royal Welsh Fusilliers was wounded when fighting in Northern France last week.  The Major had only been in France a week or two and this was his first experience of warfare. The shot struck him in the arm just as he was leaving the trenches after successful bombing of the enemy's lines. He was removed to the base hospital and now has just arrived at a London hospital.

"The Times" Thursday, October 5, 1916,

"Major Arthur Cyril Hudson, Royal Fusiliers, who died on October 2, of wounds received in action during the previous week, was the third son of Lieutenant-Colonel A.H. Hudson and Mrs. Hudson, of Wick House, Pershore. Educated at Clifton College, he joined the South Staffordshire Regiment in 1900, and served in the South African War. At the conclusion of the war he was gazetted to the Royal Fusiliers, and served in India with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of that regiment. At the outbreak of the present war he was on leave in England, and was attached for duty to a Service Battalion of the same regiment, in which he was promoted to the rank of major. He came home wounded in 1915, and returned to the front in February last. He married in 1908, Irene, daughter of the Rev. H. Clifford, of Endon Hall, Pershore, and leaves one son."

Evesham Journal 7th October 1916 “DEATH OF MAJOR ARTHUR HUDSON”

“An official telegram to Wick House on Saturday morning announced that Major Arthur Hudson had been seriously wounded and was in hospital at Boulogne. A second telegram in the evening of the same day at Endon Hall reported the words “Seriously wounded” and authorised Mrs Hudson, the Major’s wife, to go to France. Too late for the last train that night, Mrs Hudson commenced her journal by the earliest on Sunday morning but the Major had passed away before she reached France. He died that day and the sad announcement was officially made to Colonel Hudson early on Monday morning.

Major Hudson of the Royal Fusiliers was the second son of Col. And Mrs Hudson and son-in-law of the Rev. H & Mrs Clifford of Endon Hall, Wick. He married Miss Irene Clifford, their eldest daughter, at Evesham about eight years ago and the hearts of all classes of people in Pershore go out in sympathy to both families, who are now suffering this deep personal sorrow, for the young widow and her child, and especially for Col. And Mrs Hudson who now mourn the loss of two out of three of their soldier sons.

Their younger son, Lieut. Aubrey Hudson of the Worcester Regiment, was killed in the battle of the Aisne, September 20th 1914. Major Warren Hudson, also of the Worcester, is at Salonika. The late Major Arthur Hudson served through the South African War, getting the Queen’s medal and clasp. He joined the Royal Fusiliers in 1902 as a second lieutenant. When war broke out in 1914 he was home on leave with his regiment from India. He was wounded at Loos in 1915 when taking part in a successful bombing raid on the enemy’s lines. He had been in the Somme fighting since July and it was here he received his death wounds. He was thirty-six years of age. His Father, Colonel Hudson is Regimental Commandant of the Worcestershire Volunteer Movement and his Father-in-Law, the Rev H Clifford, is commandant of Pershore and District Platoons.”

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal 

Lieutenant Aubrey Wells HUDSON

Age: 31

5th Battalion attached 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Died on 20th September 1914 at Aisne, France.

Commemorated on La-Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, France.

Pershore Abbey, Wick War Memorial, Wick Church

Son of Colonel Alfred & Lydia Hudson of Wick Manor.

Evesham Journal 3rd October 1914 - LIEUT AUBREY HUDSON MISSING

Among the list of casualties issued from the Press Bureau on Saturday night was the name of Lieut. L A W Hudson, reported as missing.  Lieut. Aubrey Hudson, who is 31 years of age, is the youngest son of Col. A H Hudson of Wick House. For several years he was with the Cape Mounted Rifles in South Africa under Col. Lukin and was transferred in 1909 to the 5th Worcesters (Special Reserves), about 600 of whom were encamped at Croome Park this summer. On the very day that war was declared against Germany, Lord Coventry presented the battalion with its new colours and Lieut. Hudson was told by his commanding officer to receive the colours from his Lordship.

Lieut. Hudson was appointed to the 2nd Battalion of the Worcesters for active service and was present at all the engagements including Mons. He was serving with the 2nd Division of the 5th Brigade which has just been commended by Field Marshall Sir John French for its excellent work. The missing officer was most popular in the Pershore District with which his family has been honourably associated for a great number of years. He was a keen follower of the Croome Hunt and a fine full back player for the Pershore Hockey Club. Two other sons of Col. Hudson have gone for active service. Capt. Arthur Hudson is with the 7th Royal Fusiliers and Lieut. W Hudson is serving with one of the Worcestershire Service Battalions of Kitchener’s new army.

Berrow's Worcester Journal, 3rd October 1914:

Lieut. A.W. Hudson is the youngest son of Lieut.-Col. A.H. Hudson, of Wick House, Pershore. He is 31 years of age. He served for several years with the Cape Mounted Rifles, in South Africa, under Col. Lukin, and was transferred in 1909 to the 5th Worcesters (Special Reserve). On the outbreak of the War he was appointed to the 2nd Battalion of the Worcesters for active service, and he has been present at all the engagements, including Mons. Two other sons of Col. Hudson are in the Army, viz., one in the Royal Engineers and the other in one of the Worcestershire Service Battalions of Kitchener's New Army.

Evesham Journal 10th October 1914 - DEATH OF LIEUT AUBREY HUDSON

Pershore's first victim of the war is Lieut. A W Hudson of the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. The intelligence of his death was officially communicated to the family from the War Office early on Sunday morning and the news, which quickly disseminated throughout the district, was received with profound sadness and regret by all classes of the community, for the deceased young officer was as popular and beloved for his affable and kindly manner as he was admired for his splendid physique and handsome appearance. None answered to the call of his country's need more willingly and eagerly than he and none, we feel sure, felt a greater desire and determination to uphold the proud and glorious traditions of his race. The expressions heard everywhere eloquently testify to the deep sympathy felt for the family in this great bereavement. In his sermon at the Abbey Church on Sunday morning, the Rev. J Jervis (Vicar of Wick) made touching allusion to the sad event.

But few particulars have yet come to hand of the circumstances of his death which we understand took place on 20th September in the conflict which is still raging, that of Aisne. In reconnoitring a wood with his company a concealed battery of maxim guns opened fire upon them and Lieut. Hudson and many other brave men in officers and rank and file were killed.

Lieut. A W Hudson was the youngest son of Col. A H Hudson of Wick and was 31 years of age. He served for several years with the Cape Mounted Rifles in South Africa under Col. Lukin. He was transferred in 1909 to the 5th Worcesters (Special Reserve). Lieut Hudson was appointed to the 2nd Battalion of the Worcesters for active service and had been present at all the engagements including Mons. He was serving with the Second Division of the 5th Brigade, which has just been commended by Field Marshall Sir John French for its excellent work. Lieut. Hudson was very popular in the Pershore District where his family is held in universal esteem. A keen sportsman, he occasionally followed the Croome Hounds and often played for the Pershore Hockey Club. He was also a member of the Evesham Golf Club and was associated with various social movements in the district.

Two other sons of Col. Hudson's have answered the call of the King and Country in this war. Capt. Arthur Hudson is serving with the 7th Royal Fusiliers and Lieut. W W Hudson is serving with one of the Worcestershire Service Battalions of Kitchener's new army.

Berrow's Worcester Journal, 10th October 1914: Wor'shire Casualties Death of Lieut. Hudson.

The family of Lieut. Aubrey Hudson (who last week reported missing) have received an official communication from the War Office that he is dead.

Deep sympathy is extended by a large circle of friends in the district to the family in their bereavement.  At the harvest festival service on Sunday in Pershore Abbey, the Rev. J. Jervis, Vicar of Wick, made a touching reference to his death, and to the toll of human life in the European War.

Lieut. Hudson was the youngest son of Col. A H Hudson of Wick, Pershore. He was 31 years of age. He served for several years with the Cape Mounted Rifles in South Africa under Colonel Lukin. He was transferred in 1909 to the 5th Worcesters (Special Reserve). It will be remembered that the Special Reserve, numbering about 600 officers and men, were encamped at Croome Park this summer, and that, on the day war was declared by Great Britain against Germany, Lord Coventry presented to the Battalion its new colours, and Lieut. Hudson was told by his Commanding Officer to receive the colours from his Lordship. Lieut. Hudson was appointed to the 2nd Battalion of the Worcester's for active service, and had been present at all engagements, including Mons. He was serving with the Second Division of the 5th Brigade, which has just been commended by Field Marshall Sir John French for its excellent work. Lieutenant Hudson was very popular in the Pershore district, where his family is held in universal esteem. A keen sportsman, he occasionally followed the Croome Hounds, and often played for the Pershore Hockey Club. He also associated himself various social movements in the district.

Two other sons of Col. Hudson's have answered the call of the King and Country in this War. Capt. Arthur Hudson is serving with the 7th Royal Fusiliers, and Lieut. W. W. Hudson is serving with one of the Worcestershire Service Battalions of Kitchener's New Army.

An almost identical report can found in the Malvern Advertiser, 10th October 1914.

Berrow's Worcester Journal, 17th October 1914:   LATE LIEUT. AUBREY HUDSON

Sir, - I am enclosing the copy of a letter which I have received from Colonel Westmacott, who is officer in command of my son's Regiment. I have received so many kind inquiries from my son's friends since he has been reported "missing," asking for further information regarding him, and as reports have been so misleading, I am sending you a copy of his Colonel's letter, which contains the particulars of his death, and I should be very grateful if you would kindly insert it in your paper this week.

Yours faithfully

A.H. Hudson

(Copy of letter from Colonel Westmacott, Commanding 2nd Worcesters, to Lt.-Col. Hudson).

My dear Hudson, - I am very sorry to have to tell you, but I think you know it already, that your son, Aubrey, was killed, and please accept my sincerest sympathy. He was getting on so well and fell at the head of his men in a wood fight, in which his Company got somewhat scattered. Many men were missing for some time. I heard afterwards from a N.C.O., who saw him fall, that his end was merciful and painless. His body was afterwards found by some men of another Regiment and buried in the wood. We know the spot, and it can be approximately identified after the war. I am, of course, not allowed at present to give the whereabouts. I am so very sorry. We have not as yet received very much for the men in the shape of comforts by reason of the very inconvenient postal arrangements, but these are getting better every day, and we may expect them now at any time. We do not require any clothing as Government give the men as much as they can carry. Cigarettes, papers, tobacco, chocolate, matches, etc. are what are most needed.

We are all very fit and well and getting on famously. Many thanks for all your good wishes.

Yours very sincerely,

C.B.L. WESTMACOTT

Lieutenant Aubrey Hudson

Lieutenant Alban John Benedict HUDSON

Age: 23

Born in Headington, Oxfordshire in July 1893 - not on Pershore's War Memorial. 

"B" Company, 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment formerly "A" Company, 11th Battalion. 

Killed in action on 7th June 1917 at Flanders.

Buried Lone Tree Cemetery (Spanbroekmolen), Wijtschate, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: I. B. 1. 

Commoner of Magdelen College, Oxford.

Commemorated at Malvern Priory, Worcestershire, and in the parish church of St. Mary, Wick, Worcestershire, also in the Chapel of Wyke Manor, Pershore,Worcestershire. 

Alban’s parents later moved in to Wick Manor where an alabaster monument in the form of a recumbent effigy of Alban on a quatrefoiled tomb chest was installed in the Chapel. 

Nephew of Alfred Henry Hudson of Wick Manor, Wick, Pershore - cousin of Aubrey & Arthur Hudson

Son of Rev & Mrs C H Bickerton Hudson of Holy Rood , St Giles, Oxford and later of  Wyke Manor, Wick, Pershore.

Evesham Journal 16th June 1917 – PERSHORE AND THE WAR

“ The little village of Wick, which has sent practically all her eligible sons to the war, many of whom, alas, will never return, sorrows again to learn of the death in action of Lieut. Auben Hudson, who was so well known to the villages by his frequent visits before the war to his second cousin, Colonel A H Hudson, Wick House. This fine young officer was the only son of the Rev. C Bickerton Hudson of Oxford, who has considerable land and property possessions in Wick. The deceased belonged to the Worcester and was killed in a recent action in France. In the early months of the war he was billeted in Worcester some time with Captain Warren Hudson ,who is now a Major, and in commence of a labour battalion. Seldom an important battle takes place in this mighty war but the Worcesters are in it and with the Worcesters of course are the majority of the Pershore men. The Roll of Honour which is attached to the door of the old Abbey Church gets larger and larger and now assumes considerable proportions.

Mr W Need, the Verger at the Abbey, knows the names on the Roll of Honour almost be heart and now he has the sorrow of reading thereon the name of his own son, Sergt. Jack Need of the Worcesters ho has fallen a victim to the bullets of the Bulgarians. Writing his Mother only in April last, Sergt. Need,who had then been wounded, said he had been up on the high mountains of Salonika for sixteen months and was only carried down to go into hospital. He rejoined his company in their incessant vigil again in May and the War Office now reports him as killed. Great sympathy is felt for the parents who have two other sons in the service, their eldest, Harry, Royal Engineers and Tom who has been two years in France and has been wounded, only slightly fortunately, no less than five times. These three lads were valued choristers at the Abbey Church where their Father has been a faithful servant many years. 

Corpl. Ernest William Haynes of the Worcesters, son of Mrs S Haynes of Three Springs Road, Pershore is reported missing. He was probably in the same fight as the late Sergt. Need. Capt. Hugh Mumford, who is now attached to the Worcesters at Salonika, is reported wounded and in hospital, Mrs Collins of High Street has heard that her husband, Pte Sam Collins, has been shot in the left arm. He has two older Brothers in the service. “

With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal

Private Edward James Hughes
Service No 9035

Age: 25

Worcestershire Regiment 1st Battalion. Enlisted at Pershore.

Killed in action on 13th March 1915 at Flanders, France

Listed on Le Touret Memorial. Pas de Calais, France.

Lived in Worcester. Born in Flint, North Wales

Private Philip HUNT

Service No 27767

Age: 34

Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/7th Battalion

Died of wounds at Flanders France on 8th October 1917

Listed on Tyne Cot Memorial.

Son of George & Hannah Hunt of Bridge St, Pershore