Category Archives: Surrey Regiments
1st Queen’s Epitaphs
Recently I’ve been doing some more research into the 1st Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). The battalion had a chapter in the regimental history, published in the early 1920s, but other than that little has been written about its experiences … Continue reading
For England and Alice
In 1915 an interesting story appeared in several newspapers, concerning L/8863 Sergeant Cecil Robert Newman of the 2nd Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Cecil was born in Twickenham but lived in Mitcham. He was a pre-war Regular soldier … Continue reading
The Tragedy of War
My research into the men named on Carshalton war memorial uncovered some sad stories, but one particularly tragic one in my eyes is that of Frederick Baldwin. Frederick was born in Carshalton and lived with his parents on Stanley Road. … Continue reading
In the Footsteps of the 1st Queen’s
At the end of May I ventured once more to the battlefields of Flanders. There was no specific reason for my trip, more a desire to return after nearly nine months away, for what might be my only visit this … Continue reading
‘The bayonet was freely used’ – The 3/4th Queen’s at the Battle of Broodseinde 4th October 1917
The 3/4th battalion of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) was a territorial battalion that been formed in 1915 and went overseas in June 1917, joining 62nd Brigade, 21st Division, in August. Although the battalion spent some time in the … Continue reading
‘A mad scheme in my opinion’: The 1st Queen’s attack on the Hindenburg Line 23/04/1917
The 1st Battalion of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) did not participate in the opening phase of the Battle of Arras from 9th April, but on 15th April as part of the ‘fresh’ 33rd Division, moved into support north … Continue reading
The 1st Queen’s 1914 Star Medal Roll
It has been a while since I last posted on here but I’ve been trying to fit in my ongoing research into the 1st Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) when time allows. One project I recently completed was … Continue reading
Sutton and the Somme, 1st July 1916
Like communities up and down the country, Sutton and the surrounding area were hugely impacted by the Battle of the Somme. Ten men from Sutton (representing 2% of the names on Sutton memorial) and 20 from Carshalton (8% of the … Continue reading
“The whole attack had been a most costly failure” – The 1st Queen’s 15th July 1916
The average shopper in Guildford may be forgiven for not paying a visit to the church of Holy Trinity at the top of the High Street. The attention of those who do venture down the path at the side of … Continue reading
Mapping Carshalton’s First World War casualties
Recently I have been ‘mapping’ the men named on Carshalton war memorial to show where they lived in the area. My research into the men has really focused on them as individuals rather than looking at how the community was … Continue reading