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Hi everyone.
Firstly, apologies for not being on Rootschat so much lately. Work is hectic and I've been working hard on a personal project.
However - on to more important matters...
I was mooching about a reclamation yard the other day when I was stunned to find an old WW1 memorial tucked away in the corner of a building. I was worried that it might have been sold on or even melted down as scrap, so contacted the UK National Index of War memorials (UKNIWM) to see if they could help. They replied really quickly and put me in touch with the War Memorials Trust. Emails were exchanged.
I returned to the reclamation yard and spoke to the proprietor who very kindly said that they would be willing to let me have the memorial for free if I could find a proper home for it. I would really like to get it back to where it was originally dedicated and that's why I am appealing for your help.
A copy of the memorial can be found here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Dogpo/Memorial.jpg
I have managed to identify 18 of the 20 names and am struggling to positively identify Horace Harding and Percy White.
The UKNIWM and Memorials Trust are also researching their records.
If anyone can give me a pointer as to where this may have originally come from, I will do the rest and get it back to where it belongs. If I can't locate anywhere specific and, since the majority of the fallen come from the Reading/Berks area, and the majority appear to have served in the Royal Berks Regt, I will contact either the Reading museum or the Royal Berks Regimental museum to see if they would like it.
The main thing is that it has been saved and will be restored somewhere - but let's try to get it as close to home as possible.
Thanks, in advance for your help.
Thudders
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Thudders
You are a star!
Well done you.
I wonder if has come from a redundant church or a demolished one??
Or perhaps one of those clappy happy ones that decided that the minimalist look was best?
Or even one that has been turned into a mosque....
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Hi Scrimnet.
The memorial mentions a church so you could be right. I dread to think what it may have become now!
Good to know that these 20 men will not, now be forgotten.
Thudders
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Eighteen is a very unusual surname. That might narrow it down.
meles
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Oh Thudders ! how terrific .... thank you !
I'm looking !
Do you have them in 1901 ? ..... did they all live in the same area ?
Annie :)
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The Eighteens seem mostly to come from Reading, Berkshire and Hadleigh, Suffolk.
meles
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...and there's a Henry Aust born 1870 Reading.
meles
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...and Horace Pinker b. Reading 1896.
My guess is Reading!
meles
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And Frank Gilbert Weight, b. 1896 Reading.
Certain, now.
meles
added: Q1 1896 Reading 2c 352. The birth certificate would narrow down his birth - possibly even to the church itself.
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I'd say Reading too ! the ones I looked up were Reading .... and I was going to say that maybe they didn't all die .... they may have served .... ( I found that on my Honour Roll !! )
And they're not all Army ..... Satchell is buried at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery !
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since the majority of the fallen come from the Reading/Berks area, and the majority appear to have served in the Royal Berks Regt, I will contact either the Reading museum or the Royal Berks Regimental museum to see if they would like it.
Oh dear - sorry Thudders. "If all else fails, read the instructions..!" ::)
But at least - eventually - I think I might have narrowed it down a bit. :-\
meles
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Theres got to be more churches than this .... but heres some old ones !! :)
Reading
Broad Street Meeting Independent
Kings Road Meeting Baptist
Primitive Methodist
Saint Giles
Saint James RC
Saint Mary
Church Street Wesleyan
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Sorry, I should have put up those that I have found. All information has been identified from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. I haven't had time to go through the 1901 census yet.
Harry E Aust ( Lt. 1st/4th Bn. Yorkshire Regt )
Charles Bostwick ( LCpl. 2nd Bn Essex Regt )
Francis S Brain ( Capt. 1st Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt )
Stanley Challen ( LSgt. 'A' Coy. 6th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt )
Wilfred Colebrook ( Pte. Berkshire Yeomanry )
W Marsden Cooper ( 2nd Lt. 2nd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment )
Wilfred W Drake ( Lt. 2nd Bn. Devonshire Regiment )
J Bernard Eighteen ( Dvr. 'D' Bty. 75th Bde. Royal Field Artillery )
H Thomas Eighteen ( Pte. 1st/4th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment )
Arthur E Freeman ( Pte. 2nd/14th Bn. London Regiment - London Scottish )
Horace Harding - Can't positively identify (yet).
Walford V Knowles ( 2nd Lt. 3rd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment )
Stanley H May ( Spr. 237th Field Coy. Royal Engineers )
Charles William Moss ( 2nd Lt. Royal Berkshire Regiment )
Horace L Pinker ( Pte. 4th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment )
John Satchell ( Cpl. Submarine mining block 'C'. Royal Marine Light Infantry )
Phillip G Steer ( Cpl. 'A' Coy. 17th Bn. Royal Fusiliers )
Mark Watts ( Cpl. 15th Bn. Hampshire Regiment )
Frank G Weight ( LCpl. 32nd Div. Signal Coy. Royal Engineers )
Percy White - Can't positively identify (yet).
Thanks, all.
Thudders
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It might also be worth asking the Record office which church it might have come from.
Private Pinker's parents were John and Jane, living in Reading.
J Bernard Eighteen's parents are listed as Mr & Mrs F S Eighteen of Reading Berkshire. He was Royal Field Artillery
And Harry E Aust's parents were Thomas and Mary Ann Aust of "Carn Brea," Northcourt Avenue, Reading.
Can we find them in 1901?
Nell
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I think if that they can be found on the 1901 census, we will probably find them all within a few streets....
Then we can play find the church!
A trip to Reading Museum looks on the cards for one of us (step forward Thudders!)
Seriously, I live not a million miles from Reading and might be able to assist on a day off....
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Just another thought, as Meles says, 'Eighteen' is quite an unusual name. I wonder if there's any Eighteens still living in the Reading area? Anyone got access to the Voters' Register for Reading.
Scrimnet, if you get a day off and can go to Reading, give me as much notice as possible and I'll meet you there!
Thanks everyone. I've got a good feeling about this.
Thudders
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Satchell lived in the parish of St Lawrence in 1901 !!
Check this out ..... maybe this is why !!
http://www.stlreading.org (http://www.stlreading.org) |Link updated sadly the original page no longer exists 2015
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Northcourt Avenue is Redlands area. Some university professors lived there in 1914.
Which church might have been demolished near there?
Nell
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I have found little Horace Pinker, aged five, in 1901, at 69 London Road, Reading, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Giles and St Luke. I think both churches still seem to be there.
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Christ Church is the closest church to Northcourt Avenue and still exists but is undergoing a restoration programme:
http://www.bgisl.com/christchurch/
I wonder if it came from there.
Nell
Lovely photo of it here:
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/630976
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Surely they would not have chucked away a war memorial?
I guess we could contact the vicar.
http://82.110.105.29/christchurchreading.org/index.html
meles
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Frank G Weight is also St Giles and St Luke ~ and Walford Knowles, aged only 3 & living at 39 London Road.
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Who lives in Reading ?? .... maybe a few phone calls might provide some answers !! :)
It's long distance for me !!! ............ ;D
http://www.sgilesreading.org.uk/
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Unless someone purloined it................ :(
Ask the vicar.
I've looked at the old maps of Reading for 1913 and Christ Church is definitely the nearest Anglican church. Unless they all worshipped in a non-conformist church.
The only other possibility that I can see is St Luke's Church on Erleigh Road but that also is still standing.
All these adresses might fit with either church.
Nell
St Luke's became a separate parish from St Giles in 1912
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I haven't found those particular Eighteens yet, but a number are listed in Reading.
The associated parishes are: St Giles, St Bartholomew, St Mary & Holy Trinity.
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this site throws some light on some of the memorials in Reading. http://www.readingremembrancetrust.co.uk/
old rowley
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That's great OR !
Henry Thomas Eighteen is there ! but no info ! :-\
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Did it come from a school?
Alfred Sutton School memorial is apparently where two three four of them were commemorated. This was originally Wokingham Road Schools.
Nell
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It says church on there Nell !!
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Yeah, but perhaps they had a chapel. Could it mean church as in house of God of whatever religion they were?
And on the site that old rowley found, four of them are commemorated on the Alfred Sutton School memorial - four out of eighteen is quite a coincidence.
Nell
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Well done Thudders, a big internet clap on the back to you ;D
I have no local knowledge, but perhaps this may help. Genuki have a church database, type Reading in the search engine and that's where my local knowledge lets me down. The results can be shown on a Google map and that could help the census searchers.
Most likely to be from a redundant church in my 'bitter' :( experience. I'd look for one that closed, derelict and either demolished or rescued minus it's plundered memorial :(
Good luck to everybody involved in this - an extremely worthwhile effort and one you should be proud of. They did so much for us, the least we can do is remember.
Tony
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/churchdb/
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I've been looking at the names of Next of Kin and addresses on CWGC and all the ones I can identify come from Reading.
BUT - quite a few have full addresses listed. I will post later in case that helps narrow down a specific area.
However, two of them actually lived on the same road - and one of the father's was a Reverend. I wonder if that might help. Unfortunately I can't find him on the 1901 census so if anyone else can that may provide a clue
STANLEY H MAY 137850 ROYAL ENGINEERS
Son of John Herbert May, of "Shalbourne", Shinfield Rd., Reading. Native of Beckenham, Kent.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=487090
AND
PHILIP G STEER
Royal Fusiliers "A" Coy. 17th Bn. 5716
Son of The Rev. Thomas R. Steer and Kate Steer, of "Fircroft," 66 Shinfield Rd., Reading. Native of Swanage.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=524212
I had a little search on the area around Shinfield Road and found two interesting bits of info. http://www.risc.org.uk/readingfairtrade/who.htm
Firstly, the University of Reading is around there and the Chaplaincy is actually on Shinfield Road
Secondly, there is a Sainsbury's supermarket there.
If either of these have been built recently (or any other buildings) then maybe a church was demolished in the process (just a thought)
Milly
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I've just worked out the same as you, Little Nell.
I've sent an email to the lady on the website located by Old Rowley (well done!) in the hope that she can shed some light on it all. I'll see what she says before sending an email to the Alfred Sutton School. Some of the buildings on the school's website look quite old too.
Thudders
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The Rev Thomas Steer was a Congregational Minister. Ok - now of which church.
Apparently there were five: one in Castle Street; Trinity in Queens Road; one in Broad Street; another in Hosier Street; and the fifth may be Park Institute?
Nell
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And Shinfield Road and Northcourt Avenue are parallel roads. Some of them lived very close to each other.
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Thudders !
Came into this tread really late, but I have to say
And on the site that old rowley found, four of them are commemorated on the Alfred Sutton School memorial - four out of eighteen is quite a coincidence.Nell
Well done all, many memorials were turfed out when fashions changed, a lot were on street corners for pals battalions, or outside pubs, or workplaces :-\
Good luck with the search
Wendi :)
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Here are the names I think are possibly/probably those I can identify on CWGC. Have also tried to match to possible 1901 census entries.
Perhaps there will be a pattern in the addresses and areas which will throw up some more clues
John Bernard & Henry Thomas Eighteen
Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Eighteen, of Reading, Berks.
(Brother of Henry Thomas Eighteen - see 1901 Census RG13/1152/45/6)
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Bartholomew
CHARLES EDWIN BOSTWICK
Son of Mr. C. H. and Mrs. L. Bostwick, of 64, Amity Rd., Reading, Berks.
FRANIS SYDNEY BRAIN
Son of Sydney and Gertrude Mary Brain, of "Kelvin," 48, Alexandra Rd., Reading. B.A. (Cambridge). Scholar of Trinity Hall, Cambridge.
(1901 census RG13/1150/1256
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Giles and St Luke
WILFRID WALLACE DRAKE
Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Drake, late of Stalham, Norfolk; husband of Gladys Drake, of Reading, Berks.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=139947
1901 in Norfolk RG13/1821/12/15
POSSIBLY..
ARTHUR E FREEMAN
513651 London Regiment (London Scottish)
Son of James and Mary Elizabeth Freeman, of 8, Castle St., Reading.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=646890
1901 CENSUS RG13/Piece/1144/113/30
Civil Parish: St Mary
Ecclesiastical parish: St Mary the Virgin
POSSIBLY...
HORACE HARDING
Can't identify on CWGC
1901 CENSUS RG13/1152/50/15
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Bartholomew
WALFORD VERNON KNOWLES
Son of Vernon and Winifred Knowles, of 7, Bloomfield Avenue, Bath. Born at Reading.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=491741
1901 CENSUS RG13/1148/11/13
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Giles and St Luke
STANLEY H MAY 137850 ROYAL ENGINEERS
Son of John Herbert May, of "Shalbourne", Shinfield Rd., Reading. Native of Beckenham, Kent.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=487090
1901 CENSUS RG13/1145/30/18
Civil Parish: St Mary
Ecclesiastical parish: Holy Trinity
CHARLES WILLIAM MOSS Royal Berkshire Regiment
Son of Charles and Margaret Moss, of Reading; husband of Edith Clara Moss, of "Dunnville," 118, Basingstoke Rd., Reading.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=185834
1901 CENSUS RG13/1150/144/4
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Giles and St Luke
HORACE L PINKER 203760
Son of John and Jane Pinker, of Reading.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=337739
1901 CENSUS RG13/1148/24/39
Civil Parish: St Giles
Ecclesiastical parish: St Giles and St Luke
JOHN SATCHELL
Royal Marine Light Infantry Submarine Mining Block "C" PO/3333 (S)
Son of John and Ella Satchell, of "Highclere," 54, Westbrook Avenue, Margate. Born at Reading, Berks.
1901 CENSUS RG13/1152/107/10
Civil Parish: St Lawrence
Ecclesiastical parish: St Lawrence
PHILLIP G STEER
Son of The Rev. Thomas R. Steer and Kate Steer, of "Fircroft," 66 Shinfield Rd., Reading. Native of Swanage.
Royal Fusiliers "A" Coy. 17th Bn. 5716
FRANK G WEIGHT
Son of Henry Amos Weight and Florence Harriet Weight, of 42, Curzon St., Reading.
Royal Engineers32nd Div. Signal Coy. 103117
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=335989
Milly
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Have to call it a night as I'm up stupidly early in the morning :-[
Thank you so much everyone. I have to say that I'm leaning towards contacting Alfred Sutton School at the moment. Let's see what the weekend brings and decide in a few days.
Thank you all again.
Thudders
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Amity Road, Alexandra Road, Shinfield Road, Northcourt Avenue, Basingstoke Road - all within an area of about 1 square mile. It includes Christ Church, St Lukes Church and St Bartholomews church - same person in charge of both these last two.
I hope that lady replies soon - it would be nice to know if we're on the right track.
Nell
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Good job Milly ! thank you !
Annie :)
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Looking at a map.... (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Reading,+RG6+1JR,+UK&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title shows the school -but if you put the other roads in the search bit it shows where those are too)
...
They are all around the area of the University. The school is just to the north east.
Shinfield Road to the South West, and the other roads seem to be upwards from Shinfield Road along the west of the university to the north of it. Definitely all in a very close area.
There is also the Royal Berkshire Hospital nearby. (Another potential developer of a site of a former church!)
If the school still have their memorial plaque - then my money is on the University having built a new building on an old church site. ::) ::)
Perhaps an e-mail to their chaplain on Shinfield Road might be an idea?
Milly
Little Nell - how did you find out Rev Steer was a Congregational Minister?
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how did you find out Rev Steer was a Congregational Minister?
I looked at a contemporary street directory, as well as the 1913 map - and current maps for comparison purposes.
Nell
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Well done - an interesting snippet although I guess the Reverend could be a red herring. ;D
Milly
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Just catching up - at the 'coo's tail' as usual!!
Well done Thudders for rescuing the plaque!
I came across a very similar thing about a year ago. It was a brass WW2 plaque inside a church which had been earmarked for conversion into flats.
To cut a big convoluted story short, I phoned all the local ministers, told them about the plaque and each and every one of them said they'd be delighted and honoured to give it a new home. I now know it has gone to one of them - I've still to check which one though. Just not enough hours in the day!
Anne :)
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Hi everyone.
Very many thanks for all your help. I have also posted on another thread and someone has pointed me towards the Thames Valley Branch of the Western Front Association.
I think what may be best is to wait to see what the NIWMC come up with (after searching about 5000 records!) and see what the TV Branch of the Western Front Assn have to say before progressing further.
A good suggestion was also a local newspaper appeal, so I will be following that up too.
If no one specific location can be identified, my feelings at the moment would be to go for the Alfred Sutton School due to four of the chaps being definately associated with the school. However, I have made no approach to them as yet.
Just my thought of the moment, but of course I will keep you all updated.
Very many thanks to you all.
Thudders
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PM sent Thudders...
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SDGW has this lad:
Pte 19963 Horace Harding 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers KIA 25/10/16 F+F
Born and Enlisted Reading
Nearest for Percy White:
DM2/130444 Pte Percy Alfred Henry White RASC
Born Bournemouth,Enlisted and Resident Reading
Died 10/5/17 F+F
:)
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Hi everyone.
I thought I would give you a full overview of where I think we are at the moment after collating all the information identified so far, from all the different sources.
I believe our chaps are as follows (including their link to Reading where known):
· Lt Harry Aust – Yorkshire Regt. Northcourt Avenue, Reading.
· LCpl Charles Bostwick – Essex Regt. Amity Road , Reading.
· Capt Francis Brain – Royal Berkshire Regt. Alexandra Road, Reading.
· LSgt Harold Challen – Royal Berkshire Regt. Bulmershe Road, Reading.
· Pte Gordon Colebrook – Berkshire Yeomanry.
· 2nd Lt W. Cooper – Worcestershire Regt. – London Street, Reading.
· Lt Wilfred Drake – Devonshire Regt. Living in Reading with wife.
· Dvr John Eighteen – Royal Field Artillery. Living in Reading.
· Pte H.T. Eighteen – Royal Berkshire Regt. Living in Reading.
· Pte Arthur Freeman – London Regt. Castle Street, Reading.
· Pte Horace Harding – Royal Scots Fusiliers. Born Reading.
· 2nd Lt Walford Knowles – Royal Berkshire Regt. Born Reading.
· Spr Stanley May – Royal Engineers. Shinfield Road, Reading.
· 2nd Lt Charles Moss – Royal Berkshire Regt. Basingstoke Road, Reading.
· Pte Horace Pinker – Royal Berkshire Regt.
· Cpl John Satchell – Royal Marines Light Infantry. Born Reading.
· Cpl Phillip Steer – Royal Fusiliers. Shinfield Road, Reading.
· Cpl Mark Watts – 15th Hants Yeomanry.
· LCpl Frank Weight – Royal Engineers. Curzon Street, Reading.
· Pte Percy White – Royal Army Service Corps. Sidmouth Street, Reading.
I have made contact with the following organisations:
· UK National Inventory of War Memorials
· War Memorials Trust
· Thames Valley Branch of the Western Front Association
· Reading Remembrance Trust
· Reading University
· Royal Berks Regiment Museum, Salisbury
I am awaiting replies from:
· UKNIWM, who are checking about 5000 paper records (phew!)
· Reading Remembrance Trust
· Reading University
Enquiries are in hand with:
· Researchers who have carried out extensive research into the men of Alfred Sutton School
· Researchers who have carried out extensive research into the Royal Berkshire Regiment
· I have to wait for office hours to contact the Diocesan Church House, Oxford, but will do so this week
The memorial may have originated from a Baptist Church situated on Basingstoke Road, Reading, which was demolished to make way for a roundabout. This information is being checked out. Another possible location is the Alfred Sutton School. Again, this is being checked out.
Sites that may be approached to accept the memorial (although no approaches will be made until further investigations have been completed):
· Reading University
· Alfred Sutton School
· Royal Berkshire Regiment in Salisbury
· However, if the original location can be identified, I think I might approach the nearest church to that location. Let’s discuss that once we have a clearer picture.
The future:
· Get these chaps ‘back home’.
· Have a re-dedication service
· Liaise with a very nice chap who has offered to get several soldiers in WW1 uniform to attend the re-dedication service.
I think that’s where we all are at the moment. I cannot thank you all enough. This really has been a great team effort. I will, of course, keep you all up to date with developments.
Sorry about the long post!
Regards,
Thudders
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Well done Thudders- you seem to have it all covered.
Milly
:)
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That's great Thudders ! ..... can't wait to hear the next installment !! :D :D :D
Certainly warms my heart !
Annie :)
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I have made contact with the following organisations:
· UK National Inventory of War Memorials
· War Memorials Trust
· Thames Valley Branch of the Western Front Association
· Reading Remembrance Trust
· Reading University
· Royal Berks Regiment Museum, Salisbury
I would add the Berkshire Family History Society - who publish transcripts of all village church etc memorials and all those in military units. A third volume covering workplace memorials has not been completed (not sure if anyone is actually working on it anymore).
www.berksfhs.org.uk/berksfhsbooks/WarMemorials%20CCE.htm
If you memorial came out of a church recently then it will be in there.
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Many thanks Newburychap.
Email sent to the Berkshire FHS. I'm confident that we are getting very close to where we want to be.
Hopefully not much longer to wait!
Regards,
Thudders
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I am pretty sure the memorial came from Trinity Congrgational Church in Reading.
Watford Vernon Knowles of Kendricks View, Reading was a member of this church and the congregation merged with Park United Reform Church on Wokingham Road in Reading in the 1980s
John
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Hi John and welcome to RootsChat !! :) :)
That's interesting .... do you know this family by any chance ?
Annie :)
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Hi Annie
No - I do not know the family - my interest is in the Royal Berkshire Regiment and memorials in Berkshire
John
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So have you seen this memorial before then ? .... back in the days when it was shiny ? :)
Annie :)
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Annie
No - But I have all but one of the men in my database of Men from Berkshire and there is a detailed biography of Knowles in the Berkshire Chronicle of 11th Jan 1918 page 2
John
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I am pretty sure the memorial came from Trinity Congrgational Church in Reading.
Watford Vernon Knowles of Kendricks View, Reading was a member of this church and the congregation merged with Park United Reform Church on Wokingham Road in Reading in the 1980s
John
That's very interesting as one of the boys' fathers was Reverend Thomas Steer - a congregational minister. I have had a bit of an internet search to see if I can find out which church he was at but not come up with anything yet - so if anyone could link him to this church that would be really helpful.
His address was Shinfield Roadm Reading. I wonder how far that is fromthe church on Wokingham Road?
Milly
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Hi Milly
Trinity was at the corner of Queens Road and Sidmouth St - I guess about a mile from the start of Shinfield Road.
regards
John
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This is the Reading Town Forum .... wonder if a posting on there would also bring results ?? they're talking about the church John mentioned !!
http://www.reading-forum.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2623
Annie :)
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Hi Milly
Trinity was at the corner of Queens Road and Sidmouth St - I guess about a mile from the start of Shinfield Road.
regards
John
That's Northwest of University area right in the middle of the area where the various soldiers lived (the ones we have addresses for) so again an interesting clue. Northwest of University area
Milly
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What a fantastic result - I knew my Rootschat chums would come up trumps!
I am more than happy that the memorial came from the Trinity United Reform Church. Not only did this information come from johnmiles, but it was also suggested by Liz Tait of the Reading Remembrance Trust. Brigdeen Fox of the Thames Valley Western Front Association has also been a great help.
I will send an email to the minister of Park United Reform Church to see if he would be wiling to re-home the memorial.
Here's a link to the church: http://www.parkurc.org.uk/
I'll keep you all updated.
Thank you all for your help.
Thudders
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Did you hear anything yet Thudders ?
Impatient Annie ::)
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Hi Annie,
I received the following reply from the Minister today:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
I will refer the matter to the Church Elders and to the Wessex Synod officers.
Between us we should find a more appropriate place for this memorial.
Please contact me again in two weeks – if you have not had a further message from me!
So it looks like we might very well get the boys home in a couple of weeks!
Obviously, I will let everyone know when the decision has been made and I'll try to get some photographs and post them on the thread.
Thudders
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That sounds great !
I'm so proud of you Thudders for finding that !! ....
did you ever find what you went in to find in the first place ?? :)
Just askin !! ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Oh Thudders, well done :) and all else involved
T
x
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Well Done Thudders ;D
I guess the owners of the reclaim yard will now let you have it for free ;D ;D ;D
Wendi :)
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Yep, I'm sure I'll get it for free Wendi. ;D
Annie, would you believe me if I said that I hadn't actually gone in the yard to get anything. I didn't even know the yard was there! I was out with a friend who just wanted to 'pop in' to see what was there. Talk about a lucky break!
Thudders
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That's OK then Thudders !!
It's just that I know - that like some of us .... you can be easily sidetracked !! ::) ;D ;D
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It was obviously meant for you Thudders...............hate to think what might have happened to it, had your pal not dragged you in ;D
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Greetings everyone.
I can tell you that it was almost certainly from Trinity Congregational, and then United Reformed Church in Reading. The church was situated on the corner of Sidmouth Street and Queens Road in Reading.
I was a member there for a good many years until it closed in the early part of 1980. It ws demolished not long after before Reading Borough Council could list it!
Part of the site is now occupied by Trinity Hall, a student accommodation facility, and it would be good for it to go there if they would accept it. Otherwise, it could fing lodging at the church that I now attend, which is a daughter Church of Trinity.
I must add that I am writing this without any proper authority, but would be prepared to be involved in any negotiations.
I am so glad that you found it Thudders, I wonder how it came to be where it was.
I still have a sale catalogue of the contents of the church, but there is no mention of the plaque.
I also have a photo of the church which is on the front of the catalogue which I will scan and post for you to see, but I cannot do it until Monday.
This should clear up the mystery for you all. Thank you for you concern for it's welfare.
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That will teach me to read all the replies before I open my big mouth won't it because I see that you have got that far already.
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Hi Midnight and welcome to RootsChat ! :) :)
That's OK to repeat things here ...... half of us are hard of hearing anyways !! ;D ;D ;D
I for one - would love to see what the church looks like or any other snippets you can tell us !! - and thank you for the offer !
Annie :)
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Good Morning everyone, as you might gather I am a Lark rather than an Owl! Last night was an exception.
Here is some more information which might be of interest.
The Brain family were solicitors, Brian & Brain.
The Eighteens were Fishmongers and had a number of branches in the town including one or two 'Chippies'.
The Colebrooks were Butchers.
A Minister was mentioned in one reply, and short of reading back through them all I can't recall his name, but he was not a minister at Trinity.
Here is a list of those who were.
1847 to 1850 W. Guest
1851 to 1854 Samuel Kilpin.
1855 to 1861 H. Bateman.
1862 to 1874 J.F. Stevenson.
1876 to 1882 George Sale Reaney
1883 to 1889 John Oates
1891 to 1898 Dr Amdrose Shepherd
1899 to 1906 Harry Snell
1907 to 1912 Albert Swift
1912 to 1929 Percy Harrison
1921 to 1923 Duncan Carson
1924 to 1928 Robert Teasdale
1929 to 1936 Wilfred Massey
1937 to 1946 C. E. Surman
1946 to 1960 G. P. Smailes
1962 to 1975 Lawrence Wheeler.
Coincidentally, I am also a member of Reading Forum which had a mench at one stage, and it was brobably me that had been talking about Trinity. Another member used to play with the Smailes's children when he was a child. The Smailes lived in Northcourt Avenue, Reading.
Thudders, would it be poosible to know just where the Depot was where you found the plaque?
Have a good day everyone.
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There was a fish and chip shop called 'Eighteens' in King Street, Maidenhead.
I used to be taken there as a treat in the late 40's early 50's. You could sit
down and eat your meal - unusual then!
Great story, well done all,
Abiam
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Hi - Great news Thudders -
Hi Midnight Runner - Thomas Steer was the one we believe to be a congregational minister - father of Phillip Steer. I guess he must have been at another church or perhaps a lay preacher or retired or something).
I'd love to see any photos too...
Milly
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I will see if I can find out anything about Thomas Steer. I am certain that he was not a minister at Trinity and almost certain that he was not at Park either. He might have been at Castle Street Congregational Church which closed in the 60s and the site sold and assets realeased used to build a church on what was then a new housing estate at Southcote.
Now I am going to try to attach some photos of Trinity.
Oh, OK, the files are too big. What, only 500kb allowed!
I'll come back later.
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OK I will try this.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2256942507_6d5fc4fd94_m.jpg)
Yup, that worked.
This is the north end of the church overlooking Queens Road. I do not know the date of the photo. I may have some others stored away in my loft on either b&w film or slides.
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Here is another one
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2256942653_ae33c0b570_m.jpg)
This is the Binns Organ. Binns had two on offer at the time and this is the one that the University of Reading could not afford! For organ buffs, it had a 16ft pipe with a tremulant which effectively turned it into a 32 footer. When Bertie Barkus let rip with the Toccata and Fugue the tiles on the roof rattled!
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The Apse at one time was quite magnificent, but sadly over the years the paintwork deteriorated badly and it had to be coated over. The original finally won the battle though because the original paint kept on bleeding through the emulsion paint covering it.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2256942763_afc8a0b00e_m.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2257739906_89f16a6139_m.jpg)
As you can see from the second pen & ink drawing, the building was huge and cost an absolute fortune to heat even back in the 70s. I shudder to think what it would cost now.
If you would like any further information please do ask.
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Hi everyone.
Hi Midnight Runner - welcome to Rootschat. Sorry I've not been here sooner - work again, I'm afraid! (Sidetracked again Annie!)
Thank you very much for the additional information you have provided. I'm particularly interested in the photograph of the Apse. The large square in the centre looks remarkably like the memorial at the centre of this quest. Are you able to magnify that part of the photo and re-post? It would be fantastic to have a photo of it in its original location.
I have sent you a pm letting you know the details of the reclamation yard.
I'll let you all know when the minister recontacts me.
Regards all.
Thudders
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It does look like it could be the memorial stone.... how exciting. Can't wait to see the pic at higher resolution ;D ;D ;D
Milly
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perhaps you could put it in Reading cemetary
(not read the whole thread this may already have been suggested)
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In response to Mr. Thudnuts request, here is an enlarged section of the back wall of the apse showing the location of the plaque. Well spotted sir.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2266/2259385259_16172f2189.jpg)
I guess that a gap of 28 years, nearly 29, is excuse enough for not remembering it being just there, especially as my ageing remembery cells no longer function as efficiently as they used to.
In response to Toni I would say that I should hope that somewhere more suitable will be found than the Cemetary.
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In response to Toni I would say that I should hope that somewhere more suitable will be found than the Cemetary.
they have memorials in the cemetary in my home town, one in the cemetary, one in the churchyard and three in the town centre. i see no problem with putting it in the cemetary for they shall still be not forgotten and it is where people go to remember
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Because of the way that councils are neglecting cemetaries around the country and the way in which they are being vandalised...not just by ignorant youth but by the councils themselves, I feel as a serving soldier that this suggestion, although worthy would be sadly inappropriate.
We have found in our travels whilst looking for family graves, inordinate amounts of what I would call desecration, knocked over stones, grave stones being used as kerb stones and road blocks. This all notwithstanding the general desolation of the areas themselves.
I feel that this has been "lost" for too long and that if we can find a willing church it would be better looked after.
I cannot speak for the state of the Reading cemetaries, I haven't looked there yet, but with the constraints on local government quite tight I cannot see there being much difference, or the potential for much difference.
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The memorials in town centres are large and well known; this is but a small plaque....
I also feel that this should be in the community from whence the soldiers that are commemorated came from
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The two cemeteries that would be candidates are at Cemetery junction (where the WW1 graves are and very scattered and neglected) and Henley Road (where there is a very pleasant WW2 CWGC section. However in my opinion neither are at all suitable for providing a home for this plaque - Park URC or even Wesley Methodist which is but about 50 yards away from the site of Trinity are much better bets - failing that Reading Museum. The regimental museum in Salisbury would be both inappropriate and we wouldnt take it anyway.
John
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Hi everyone.
I'm still inclined to go for Park URC, or wherever the Minister recommends. The nearer to the original location the better.
Scrimnet,
this is but a small plaque....
It's about 4' square and weighs a ton! (Yes, I had had my weetabix for breakfast!) ;)
Thudders
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Hi Everyone,
On part of the site of the old Trinity Church stand a student accommodation hostel owned and run by the Wessex Synod of the United Reformed Church actually called Trinity Hall. In my humble opinion, that would be the most appropriate resting place for the memorial. Unlike a lot of similar places, this is a calm and fairly placid place and is well controlled.
There is another United Reformed church fairly close, St Andrews, next to the Royal Berkshire Hospital which could also be a home for it.
I do hope that in the final decision making, the views of all you kind people will be taken into consideration, after all, if it hadn't been for you it could have vanished forever.
Toni, I am sorry that if, in being brief, I seemed to put down your suggestion which I am sure you made in good faith. I did not intend to convey that impression.
I will be happy to keep you all posted on the progress.
I will see what further information I can find out about Rev. Thomas Steer. They may still have records at Church House of the U.R.C. I will get in touch with them.
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What a fantastic thread this is and it sums up everything I love about Rootschat.
Well done to everyone - I can't wait to hear the final outcome!
Pinetree
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Hear hear to the last.
Salty
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It's about 4' square and weighs a ton!
That's 'cos they made them to last........
Well done Thudders !
Wendi :)
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Hello, its me again.
I have just found some photos that I took of the inside of Trinity and there is one of the Communion Table and associated furniture and it shows a bit of the back wall of the apse. Guess what, the plaque is not there!
So it must have been moved and relocated elsewhere in the church when it was all redecorated. That was pre 1960. Now, can I scratch my one remaining brain cell and remember where it was? Give it time.
I was talking to a friend of mine this afternoon who is a retired URC minister, and I asked if John Steer meant anything to him. He knew of a Louis Steer who was a minister. Did any of your research turn him up? He may not have been a Reverend until later in his life.
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No sign of a Louis Steer in any of the census reserach I did. I never managed to find Phlip & Thomas Steer in any census.
Mily
:)
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Ooo, spooky, a phantom Minister! :o
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I never managed to find Phlip & Thomas Steer in any census.
The Reverend Thomas Steer & family (including 10 year old Philip) are in Swanage in 1901,
RG13/ 1985/Folio 7/ Page 4.
They are indexed as 'Steck' on ancestry.
Jennifer
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Hi everyone.
I've just got back from a quick visit to the Park United Reform Church, where I had the pleasure of meeting the minister, Rob Weston and our very own Midnight Runner. Thank you for the coffee!
I know the issue is going to be discussed this evening by the Church Elders, and look forward to the outcome of that discussion. Having now visited and listened to the counsel of those with a better local knowledge than I, I would be more than happy for the memorial to go to Trinity Hall. This would be as near to the original site as we can get ,and it is also under the direction of the Church Elders at Park URC.
If we get the go-ahead, I hope everyone will be satisfied with that decision/location.
I will make arrangements in the very near future to get the memorial to the Park URC so that they can make whatever arrangements for the full restoration of their boys. Once it is in their care, I can hand over the baton.
This would be a good time to say thank you to a few people who have made this all possible:
Brigdeen Fox, Liz Tait, John Chapman and Ian Cull - Members of the Thames Valley Branch of the Western Front Association.
Midnight Runner and everyone who has worked so hard to get the boys back home.
Well done one and all!
Thudders
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Soon as you have a date matey, let me know and I'll sort out the military presence...You have my number...
Actually I'm off for half term...Reading being but 30mins away... ::)
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Well done one and all!
Thudders
But especially well done to you!
I've been following this thread with great interest and I'm thrilled at the wonderful outcome.
:D
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Thudders !
That is such great news .... I'm delighted that the Roll of Honour is going home ( or at least close by !! )
Thanks to you for your keen eye and all your hard work !! ( not bad for a Holt boy !! ;D ;D ;D )
Seriously ........ thanks ! :)
Annie
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Having been a bit depressed about the general state and flipping selfishness of society today, I have been reinvigorated and cheered by this thread. It shows how a few good-hearted, intelligent people can cooperate with a great outcome for the general good and betterment of society.
It also shows how the internet can be great if used with positive intentions.
Well done all.
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I feel priviledged to have been a part of this enterprise, even if only for a short time.
I was thinking this morning (a rare event at any time, not just in the mornings) what a wonderful illustration this is of the wonderful tool the internet can be when used properly. Normally it is only the bad stuff that gets into the news.
I am also a member of Reading Forum and although we are the world's worst mickey takers out of each other, when someone has a problem or a question and we all pull together to sort it out, the results can be amazing.
Mind you, we do get the odd thorn in the flesh as well, but they get sorted out.
I think that I am hooked on Rootschat as well now!
signed Old square eyes!
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Having been a bit depressed about the general state and flipping selfishness of society today, I have been reinvigorated and cheered by this thread. It shows how a few good-hearted, intelligent people can cooperate with a great outcome for the general good and betterment of society.
It also shows how the internet can be great if used with positive intentions.
Well done all.
I couldn't agree with you more if i tried Old square eyes aka midnight runner and others, what a worthwhile cause we are all in engaged in :)
Enuf said, God Bless all of you :)
T
x
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I never managed to find Phlip & Thomas Steer in any census.
The Reverend Thomas Steer & family (including 10 year old Philip) are in Swanage in 1901,
RG13/ 1985/Folio 7/ Page 4.
They are indexed as 'Steck' on ancestry.
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer - not relevant to the memorial but it was bugging me that I couldn't find it ;D ;D ;D
Milly
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Well done - and I'm looking forward to seeing it returned to a more suitable residence than the old reclamation yard... Not far away so maybe see a few of you there..
Milly :)
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When we get the memorial back on display in a suitable venue could I suggest we have a get together to celebrate and view. I got drawn into this forum on the back of this thread and have had several other interesting dialogues on other threads so thank you to all of you.
regards
John
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What a heart-warming story!
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Good Morning everyone, Please may I correct a couple of very small errors that I have noticed on this thread.
1) Trinity did not merge with Park. When Trinity closed its various members just went elsewhere, some of us went to Park, some to Abbey Baptist Church, some to Tilehurst U.R.C., one family joined the Society of Friends (Quakers) and so on.
2), and this is a very common mistake, the denomination's proper title is
United Reformed Church. (We are Reformed and Reforming, it is a continual process).
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Hi Midnight Runner.
Many thanks for the pointers. I'm sure you are aware that there was no intent to offend.
Look forward to hearing for you soon with regards taking the memorial.
Kind regards,
Thudders
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I look forward to seeing the outcome.
It's amazing what one can do when several heads get together.
meles
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Hi Thudders and everyone.
Absolutely no offence was taken at all, it was just a matter of putting the record straight.
The latest news is that there is not a meeting of the Trinity Hall Trustees until April, so no final decision can be taken until then. However, the chairman of the trustees is one of our elders, and he is in favour of the idea.
In the meantime it can come to Park for safe keeping. I have even worked out where we can keep it safely without having to put too much effort into moving it around. Just let us know when to expect it.
Take care everyone.
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Hi Midnight Runner,
would it be convenient to bring the memorial to you on Friday morning (22nd Feb)? I can get a vehicle suitable for moving it then.
It would get to you about 10.00am - 10.30am
Let me know if that would be in order.
Kind regards,
Thudders
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Greetings Thudders and all Rootschatters,
Friday morning will be fine Thudders, I will see you there 10:00 to 10:30.
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Don't forget to take photos! :)
Some of us have been watching this with huge interest.
meles
PS (And please don't drop it like they did with the piano the other month... ::)
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Maybe those of us who can't be there - can celebrate the event with one of these !!
http://bakingforbritain.blogspot.com/2005/11/1916-trench-cake-remembrance-sunday.html
Annie :)
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Well done to all on this thread to get such a result .
Have a great day Friday and don't forget your camera .
I toast you all ..................cheers.
Tazzie
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Maybe those of us who can't be there - can celebrate the event with one of these !!
http://bakingforbritain.blogspot.com/2005/11/1916-trench-cake-remembrance-sunday.html
I'm not sure if a celebration is quite in order. Rather a quiet commemoration for those who died for us.
meles
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You know what I mean Meles ..... ! ( The point was - to make "a trench cake " !! :-\ )
I'll certainly be thinking of them !
In from the cold and not forgotten !
Annie
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Hi everyone.
Everything is now in place for the boys to return home this Friday.
Thanks for the link Annie. I might make one of those cakes for when there is the re-dedication service. It would complement the chaps who plan to attend in WW1 uniform.
Rest assured, Meles, the boys will be shown due respect.
Kind regards,
Thudders
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... ( The point was - to make "a trench cake " !! :-\ ) ...
Annie
What an appropriate find!
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Hi again everybody,
Please, I am not nit picking, (for a change), but I did just want to point out that the boys will not be actually getting home on Friday, but quite a lot nearer.
There is a bit of a way to go yet before they are where I would like them to be.
However, by all means think of Thudders and I as we manhandle the plaque to a place of safety for the time being. And Park Church is a daughter church of Trinity, and was established by 1914. In fact we are celebrating our centenary right now.
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At least they will be back in Reading Midnight Runner :)
Fear not about manhandling the memorial - I've conned Thudnut (not so) junior into coming along!
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Regards,
Thudders
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If timings allow...You might even get a Scrimnet to assist... ;)
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All these people volunteering...? ;)
meles
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Ahhhhhh....Never volunteer for anything!! :o :o :o
I just want a look see at the thing!!!
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Good stuff, Scrimnet.
Saves me giving you a phone call tomorrow evening then!
I'll be the one with a big lump of metal under my arm!
Thudders
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Thought it weighed a ton ?? ::)
You must be stronger than your avatar looks !! ;D
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I've just read this through from begining to end, wonderful, fantastic effort.
My own tupence worth for the next time such a treasure is found is that a RC memorial from that age (or WWII for that matter) should be easy to identify. It will almost certainly have the initials R.I.P. on it and possibly latin inscription on the lines of "eternal rest grant unto them o Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them" the customary prayer said for the dead. Of course that does not rule out a High Church Anglo Catholic CofE congregation, but no R.I.P. and it probably isn't RC.
Thudders / Midnight Runner will you post the details of when the rededication is to be?
Many thanks for the privilege of reading this saga.
Happy hunting
Canuc
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Good stuff, Scrimnet.
Saves me giving you a phone call tomorrow evening then!
I'll be the one with a big lump of metal under my arm!
Thudders
Thudders ...PM me with the details matey...Oh and your mobby number...You know the rules about an officer and a map!!
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Good morning everyone,
Scrimnet, you will be more than welcome, I will be the one with a camera in my hand!
Canuc, that was an interesting piece of info, thank you. I would not have made the connection had I read it on anything, probably even if it was in a Catholic Church!
Gentlemen, I shall have the kettle on!!
See you tomorrow or 'CU tomo' for the texting generation.
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Excellent, thank you Midnight Runner.
Scrimnet - You know the drill..... "Sir, give the Sgt the map if you want to get to where you're supposed to be!"
Until tomorrow, gentlemen.
Thudders
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Or take a woman with you !! ;D
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Ooohhhh, I'm sooooo tempted to post a reply!!
But I'm not that brave!
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Oh go on Thudders ;D
It's that way
::) Oh, I meant that way ;)
Joking apart, you have all done a brilliant job between you. Many congratulations.
Salty
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Something about women having no spacial awareness??
Or this is perhaps pertinent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjxY9rZwNGU
Or even...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39qdhbkTko4&feature=related
I dare!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I'd say you were "cruisin'" Mr Scrimnet !!! :o ..... don't even go there !! :-\ :)
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Thudders, how do you do that?
Oh, I think that I have got it!
I wonder if it will work on Reading Forum? I must try it.
No, it didn't!!
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Ooohhhh, I'm sooooo tempted to post a reply!!
But I'm not that brave!
Have a go Thudders ;D
Nowt to fear from scousers, they are all mouth and no trousers as the say in Manchester :)
Have a great day tomorrow, you've all done so well, what less should we expect from such great people :)
God bless
T
x
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Oddly enough, some of us were discussing this subject of women and maps, and to be fair the reluctance of men to ask for directions, and we came to the conclusion that because of the proved fact that women need to say far more words during the course of a day than men, they would rather ask for directions than try to get the map sorted, and that men have a fear of showing themselves to be lacking in any aspect of the art of living.
Do you follow that argument? Well then, congratulations.
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Ah, Tony - I'm a Scouser, so watch it fella!! ;D
I don't read maps anymore as the clever lady in my sat nav gives me directions.
Just about to have breakfast, then off to Reading!
Thudders
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Sat Nav???
I have a Sat Nag in the passenger seat....
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Ah, Tony - I'm a Scouser, so watch it fella!! ;D
I don't read maps anymore as the clever lady in my sat nav gives me directions.
Just about to have breakfast, then off to Reading!
Thudders
Have a truly wonderful day you've earned it :) Annie had a QUIET word with me so I've revised my opinion about cousins down the M62 :) Don't forget to take some pictures.
Godspeed
Tony
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I'm afraid I wont be attending this AM...I have a huge infection on my left eye and I cant see a thing at the mo...I look like the elephant man at the moment... :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
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Well - the deposit at Park URC went well and it was great to meet you all (thats who turned up of course) - hope to post a few pictures later
regards
John
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Indeeed, John. It was a wonderful morning. Thank you to everyone who made the arrival that little bit more special.
Scrimnet, don't worry me old chum. We can all get together at the re-dedication service, as and when that's been arranged. Rest assured, I won't take the micky ;) (smiley must be like looking in the mirror, eh?). Hope you recover soon.
What a fab day! I'll get some pictures sorted and post soon.
Thudders
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Hi everyone,
A good little gathering at Park this morning.
Here are a couple of pics for you delectation.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2283335031_7596c88eee.jpg)
Here it is still on the back of the pick up. the fingers belong to Thudders and son, and don't worry, they still had all of them when they left.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/2283335147_f2255a51fb.jpg)
And here is the reception committee.
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Wow .... you weren't kidding Thudders .... that's pretty big !! ::) ...... and looks like it was made to last !! ....
I can't get over the serendipity of it all ! ..... amazing !! :) Thank you for bringing it home !!
Now Thudders ....... I'm trying to find the Honour Roll of the Gorton Monastery ..... could you please go mooching around scrap yards in Manchester and surrounding areas for me please ??!! ..... seems to me you have a good eye !! ( oh sorry Scrimnet !! didn't mean that pun !! :-\ )
Annie :) :)
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The Journey....
Where it all began:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Dogpo/MemorialinYard.jpg)
Is that what I think it is?:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Dogpo/MemorialinYardcloseup.jpg)
Time to return the boys back home:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Dogpo/LoadingUp.jpg)
Safely back in Reading:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Dogpo/ArrivedSafely.jpg)
Midnight Runner, I hand the baton to you, Sir, with my warmest wishes.
Thudders
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I've only just found this thread....and in a way, I'm glad.
I was born in Reading, but haven't been there for many years now.
I am so glad that this Roll of Honour has been returnd home.
It was unbelievably wrong that these men's names and sacrifice should be thrown in a scrap yard. They deserved better than that.
How many more are there out there, I wonder.
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Hi Paula.
To be fair, the memorial hadn't been thrown out. The original church was demolished by the father of the lady who owns the reclamation yard. As a result of the demolition, the memorial went into their possession and ended up in the back of a shed somewhere, as the family did not know what to do with it, but were certain that they did not want to throw it away or sell it for scrap.
They were delighted when I made the approach to them and have been nothing but helpful throughout.
Sorry if I hadn't made that clear anywhere previously in the thread.
Thudders
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Well done all. Lovely photos.
Would have made a great story for local TV.
meles
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To be fair PaulaToo, it wasn't in a scrap yard but a reclamation yard, and the lady who ran it had been wondering what to do with it. It took someone with a pedigree like Thudnut's to recognise its vallue to history.
I agree that it should never have been in the reclamation yard, but that is a very long story which is probably best left untold.
On a separate theme, if you want to catch up with your old home town, have a look at www.reading-forum.co.uk
While I was typing this Thudnut beat me to it, but I will post it anyway.
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Well, it's nice to know that, Thudnut, and I'm glad.
But I bet a lot of them have already been melted down.
Not on, is it.
And while I was posting this, you posted yours, Midnight Runner.
I'll have a look at that link, it will probably stir some memories.
and I did, and it did, and now I've gone all soppy...
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Great photos ......... stories like this are what makes this site work for so many people.
Keep up the good work and best wishes to alll.
Tazzie
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Some more photos for your collection
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And two more
the second is the War Memorial at Park URC
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Absolutely brilliant.
All of you should be so very proud of what you have done. As I hope every one on here is of you.
Salty
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And Harry E Aust's parents were Thomas and Mary Ann Aust of "Carn Brea," Northcourt Avenue, Reading.
Can we find them in 1901?
Nell
A thought struck me this morning while I was looking at the plaque, and the name Aust definitely rang a bell. We used to have a customer, a Mrs Aust, who lived in Warwick Road, which is not more than 1/2 mile from Northcourt Avenue. She was always Mrs Aust, her other half have departed from the scene before we knew her, although my dad might have known him. we never knew her initials,much less her first names.
The striking thing about her house was that it was a time capsule. The electrical wiring was extremely ancient and she had a single bar electric fire with exposed element hung precariously on the wall over her bath. The fuse boxes had both live and neutral fuses of the old ceramic carrier type, and one of them had a bit of fence wire in it. All the pendant lights were of the raising/lowering type with a counterbalance weight which consisted of a ceramic container filled with lead shot.
The inside of the house had not been redecorated for years and years.
Sorry, that has gone way off thread, but I did wonder if there was any connection.
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What a fantastic story Rootschatters,
I do wish I had found it before. What a wonderful job you have done.
Congratulations are in order for all the people involved. When everthing is done and dusted please keep us in the picture! I am near Reading too, worked there most of my life!
Thankfully I don't live there, it is not the town it was in the old days! Then it was a country market town and very pleasant.
Scrap yard reclamation yard, 'a rose by any other name and all that'. You have saved it that is surely what matters!
Rabbit B
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Scrap yard reclamation yard, 'a rose by any other name and all that'. You have saved it that is surely what matters!
Rabbit B
I am afraid that I have to disagree with you there Rabbit B, If it had gone to a scrap yard it would have been something else by now, possibly two or three times over.
If you go to a reclamation yard you will be welcomed to look around, if you go to a scrap yard for a mooch you will be welcomed by at least a couple of fairly bad tempered dogs.
Reclamation yards are interesting and useful places. Recycling par excellance
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Hello again good people.
John's pic of the WW1 Memorial Plaque at Park U.R.C. having not come out too well, I took one of it this morning. For you camera anoracks the exposre was 1/5th second at f2.8, and it was hand held, I thought not bad for someone of my advanced years.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/2291572606_42dda635ba.jpg)
Perhaps I should say now that there might be a problem locating the Trinity Plaque at Trinity Hall because it is so big. I did have some doubts when I saw it Friday and showing it to two people involved with Trinity hall yesterday they too expressed some concern. However, we shall continue to work at it.
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That's a smashing photo, especially with a hand held camera !
Pity about the big plaque, let's hope the problem can be resolved.
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Read this thread from beginning to end with mounting interest and excitement!
Well done everyone for keeping at it through to the very end of the story.
It just goes to show what can be achieved when ordinary people put their mind to it.
Linda
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What a heartwarming story! It is wonderful to know that there are people out there like you, who are willing to give up so much of their time and effort in order to honour men who died over 90 years ago.
Well done to all of you! Your selfless actions will ensure that these brave men will be remembered and honoured.
I know it is an old cliche, but actions like yours really do restore one's faith in human nature!
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Hi everyone.
Sorry for not being around lately - work again (groan!).
Midnight Runner, many thanks for the update. I am sure that you will find an appropriate location. Let me know when the rededication service will be and I'll make sure I'm there!
I also made a presentation booklet which I passed to Julie Brant of J Brant Reclamation Ltd, as a thank you for their help in making all this possible.
Kind regards, as always.
Thudders
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That was really a nice thought about the booklet Thudders ! ... I bet they liked that !!
Sorry you've been working .... ( don't you hate it when that happens ?? ::) )
It will be really cool to hear everything that goes on at the rededication service ...... I'm so glad you did what you did ..... the soldiers really are worth all the trouble we go to to make them be remembered !
Annie :)
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....not a complete idiot, some parts are missing....
Well your heart's there, and in the right place, Thudders.
Lovely idea to make the booklet for them, after all, they could have asked something for it, not let you have it for free.
Yes, there are still some darned good people about, and we seem to meet a lot of them in this Family Research of ours.
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Yes you do Paula!
Well done Thudders, it is a lovely thing to have done.
Rabbit B :)
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Well done Thudders for finding the Memorial and Midnight Runner for finding the last resting place for those brave men who gave their lives.
Well done also to all those Rootschatters who found out so much information about the soldiers.
It just proves yet once again what a great site this is and how caring everyone is.
Jean
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I met up with Brian Eighteen on Saturday who is related to the two Eighteen's on the Memorial. For your interest I am copying the e-mail I sent him about the men of his family in my database. Hopefully he will be abale to come to the rededication.
Regards
John
Brian
As promised on Saturday here is the information on Eighteens in WW1. I have five of themm in my database
FRED
12 Arthur Rd Reading
wounded 5/4/1917
formerly Berkshire Yeomanry
Royal Berks 203750
HENRY THOMAS
30 Leopold Rd Reading
kia 24/11/16
buried Adnac Military Cemetery
on the Trinity Congrgational Church War Memorial
he attested 26/11/1915 as a salesman, was called up 11/5/1916 to serve with the 8th Royal Berks as 23774
he transferred to the 1st/4th Royal Berks as 20350 where he was killed.
J
joined Royal Berks around 1918/1919 as 54374
got Army number 5329387 in 1920
discharged 24/4/1940
JOHN BERNARD
served with Royal Field Artillery as 10213 in D Battery 75th Brigade
was a 2nd Lt aged 21 when he died 25/6/1917
buried at Wimereux military cemetery
on the Trinity War Memorial
STANLEY JAMES
30 Leopold Rd
Joined the Royal Berks 4th Battalion
Renumbered 201938 in 1917
wounded in eye
There is one other Eighteen in the CWGC records
FREDERICK CHARLES
10 Benton St Hadleigh
1815 in the 5th Suffolk Regt
died 10/3/1916
If you do have any more info on these we would be grateful.
I'll let you know when the plaque is to be rededicated
regards
John
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Thank you John,
Very interesting information. I'm so pleased that everything worked out as it did.
Don't forget to let us know when a rededication servie has been organised!
Kind regards, as always.
Thudders
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What a good thing to have found a relation John ! ... I really hope you find many more !! :)
I really hope others get as excited as us over this wonderful treasure !!
Annie :) :)
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Just found this thread ... hello again Annie ;)... Why am I not surprised by the stirling work and efforts of Rootschatters in their quests to do the right thing ...well maybe because it's happened before ....
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
well done thudnut and everyone else who has made this such a rewarding read !
Poll....
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Remembering all the soldiers on this special memorial .... we won't forget !
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All local lads to me!
I wonder if any of them were in the Royal Berkshire Regiment have just spotted two that were.
My OH served in that regiment in Cyprus in the 50's on active service.
Rabbit B :-\
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double post :-[
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My OH served in that regiment in Cyprus in the 50's on active service.
Rabbit B :-\
That's interesting, I was at Akrotiri 1956-1958!
Alan NZ
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My OH served in that regiment in Cyprus in the 50's on active service.
Rabbit B :-\
That's interesting, I was at Akrotiri 1956-1958!
Alan NZ
Hi Alan,
OH was in the Troodos and Nicosia at the same time that you were there 1956-1958. He was my Fiance then.
Rabbit B ;D
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Hi Thudders
Suprise you haven't contacted us yet
Pte GW Colebrook - known as Fred. He have a large amount on him.
Any other Berks Yeoman listed ?
Andrew French
Asst Hon Curator
Berks Yeo Museum
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I met up with Brian Eighteen on Saturday who is related to the two Eighteen's on the Memorial. For your interest I am copying the e-mail I sent him about the men of his family in my database. Hopefully he will be abale to come to the rededication.
Regards
John
Brian
As promised on Saturday here is the information on Eighteens in WW1. I have five of themm in my database
FRED
12 Arthur Rd Reading
wounded 5/4/1917
formerly Berkshire Yeomanry
Royal Berks 203750
HENRY THOMAS
30 Leopold Rd Reading
kia 24/11/16
buried Adnac Military Cemetery
on the Trinity Congrgational Church War Memorial
he attested 26/11/1915 as a salesman, was called up 11/5/1916 to serve with the 8th Royal Berks as 23774
he transferred to the 1st/4th Royal Berks as 20350 where he was killed.
J
joined Royal Berks around 1918/1919 as 54374
got Army number 5329387 in 1920
discharged 24/4/1940
JOHN BERNARD
served with Royal Field Artillery as 10213 in D Battery 75th Brigade
was a 2nd Lt aged 21 when he died 25/6/1917
buried at Wimereux military cemetery
on the Trinity War Memorial
STANLEY JAMES
30 Leopold Rd
Joined the Royal Berks 4th Battalion
Renumbered 201938 in 1917
wounded in eye
There is one other Eighteen in the CWGC records
FREDERICK CHARLES
10 Benton St Hadleigh
1815 in the 5th Suffolk Regt
died 10/3/1916
If you do have any more info on these we would be grateful.
I'll let you know when the plaque is to be rededicated
regards
John
Hi all,
Sorry to bump this thread after so long, but it certainly caught my eye as I have been researching my Eighteen relatives for much of this year and have been able to put together a fairly comprehensive family tree, as well as get in touch with numerous relatives.
I'm quoting this particular post as it mentions some of my grandfather's brothers. Some of them are mentioned in this article from last year: http://cemeteryjunctionwargraves.org.uk/henry-thomas-eighteen/
I don't know who wrote it, but it's quite interesting and well worth a read.
The son of one of my second cousins is currently writing a book about the everyday lives of soldiers during the Great War, which I believe is sort of anecdote/diary-based and in chronological order of the campaigns of that conflict. Some of those stories/accounts will be for a few of the people mentioned above.
I think this is a fascinating thread and a damned good read, and I commend all those who took part in managing to get to the truth -- or at least fragments of it. If anyone has any interest in the Eighteen family of Reading or knows anyone from it, I'd be much obliged if you could let me know here or by PM, as I am always keen to get in touch with relatives and try to add to the fascinating - and often tragic - history of the Eighteen family.
Incidentally, the aforementioned Brian Eighteen was by all accounts a font of local knowledge and well-respected character about Reading. Sadly, he passed away in April. There's a thread about it on the Reading Forum.
Cheers,
James
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I have just stumbled across this post in Search. I am the granddaughter of R. G. Eighteen (deceased) of Reading, Berks and am trying to find out about family members. I am new on the site and the posts I am replying to are over eight years old, so fingers crossed! Lin