Buckland Newton WW1 War Memorial

[Eric Ponton]

I am helping to trace descendants of 3 persons on this memorial. Another casualty from Buckland Newton was discovered 2/3 years ago and it is hoped to add his name to the memorial and to invite descendants of those already inscribed

I am trying to trace descendants of ALBERT C DOWNTON (born 1905) A ERNEST DOWNTON (born 1907) and BERTIE (ALBERT) DOWNTON (born 1905)

also GILBERT VARDY (born 1904) and WALTER ROBINS (born 1896)

I have tried to trace siblings of all of these persons from 1901/1911 Census with varying success but as yet have not come across any living relatives

Any help/ideas would be grateful appreciated

[Richard1955]

Hi Eric
Did these people fight in the Great War? They were only 11, 13 and 14 years old when the war finishes.
Looks like you have the same person twice with Bert and Albert Downton b1905

Anyway, The National Archives are the place to start and I'm sure someone will be right behind me with subscription
to a genealogy website that has some military records.

[Nicolina]

according to the CWGC Private G. VARDY was the son of Luke VARDY and was aged 25 when he died on 19th August 1917. This gives an estimated date of birth of 1892 not 1904. However the 1911 Census gives an estimated dob of 1894 and, on FMP, he's been transcribed as Gebbert!!!!! Interestingly there is a George ROBINS living with them and listed as a 14 year old son.

[Eric Ponton]

Yes sorry about error on birth dates.Also the 3 Downton persons are as stated on the War Memorial in Buckland Newton
Thanks for both your suggestions but it is descendants that I am trying to trace

[Richard1955]

Hi Eric
The correct families have to be established on the census to work out the descendants so the correct DOB are required.
So is Albert (Bertie) and Albert Downton two different people.

[Eric Ponton]

Hi Richard. What you say is correct and is what I have been workin on with little success so far
As both Albert C and Bertie appear on the memorial then yes they must be 2 different people. I have found Albert C on 1911 census but not Bertie.

[Richard1955]

I'd love to help you Eric but there are two many options for each of the names and need at least birth years to narrow it down.
Perhaps the parish records will help you or the nearest library to Buckland Newton.

Sherborne Library. www.dorsetforyou.com - Sherborne Library, Hound St, Sherborne - 01935 812 683
Sturminster Newton Library. www.dorsetforyou.com - Bath Rd, Sturminster Newton - 01258 472 669
Puddletown Library. High St, Dorchester - 01305 848 506

[Richard1955]

I'll tell you what Eric, we'll try and do it another way.
Can I have some help here please.
We need to find this soldier's birth, next of kin and family on the census to trace decendants.

Name: DOWNTON
Initials: Albert C
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 16/07/1918
Service No: 41338
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. H. 14.
Cemetery: NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY

Another to follow

[Richard1955]

Name: DOWNTON, ERNEST
Initials: E
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Wiltshire Regiment
Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Date of Death: 09/04/1916
Service No: 21175
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30 and 64.
Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL

[Richard1955]

Name: DOWNTON, BERTIE (Son of Sarah Downton)
Initials: B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Dorsetshire Regiment
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 22/02/1917
Service No: 12823
Additional information: Son of Sarah Downton, of Buckland Newton, Dorchester.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. B. 25.
Cemetery: GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE