eastsurreyregiment

John Alfred Whittard Bigger. Fourth of seven children born to William Grimshaw Bigger [b.1861 d.1922] a doctor and Emily Philadelphia Bigger nee Whittard [sic] [b.1862 d.1941]. Born in the First quarter of 1893, baptised on 22nd February 1893 at the Parish Church of the Immanuel, Streatham, London. The 1901 census records him living at “Aberfoyle” the family home overlooking Streatham Common, London, with his parents and older brothers Walter [b.1889], William [b.1891] and younger brother Charles [b.1899]. The household also comprised four live-in domestic servants. The 1911 census records him living at with his parents at “Aberford” 512 High Road, Streatham, London. Also in the household are his older sister Kathleen [b.1888], brothers Walter & William – both now Medical Students, and two cousins. The family now has only three domestic servants. John’s occupation is recorded as being in the “Woollen Trade”. His medal record card shows that he joined the 5th East Surrey Regiment as a Private and was later commissioned into the 4th East Surrey Regiment. It further shows that he first served in India. London Gazette entry – February 1917 – Special Reserve Officers Cadet Unit, to be 2nd Lieuts. with effect 25th January 1917 .... J A W Bigger, East Surrey Regiment. His entry in the National Probate Calendar reads “Bigger, John Alfred Whittard of The Croft, Commonside East, Mitcham, Surrey. 2nd Lieut. H>M Army died 8th May 1917 France on active service. Probate London 23rd May to William Grimshaw Bigger, physician and surgeon. Effects £1327 9s 6d.

My ancestor was private Frederick Henry Ashworth of the East Surrey’s. Can you confirm if this is him?

What a man! Wonder what he did in WW II.

Account of the exploits that won him the Victoria Cross.

His medals on display at the Canadian War Museum.

Willem Nice info - thanks for adding it!

nice

IWM Collections IWM Collections obvisly

The Wikipedia article records him as born 29th June 1891 in the Marylebone area of London.

However, while the dob may be correct, his birth was actually registered in the Wandsworth District in the July to September 1891 quarter, and on the 1901 census he is recorded as born Herne Hill, Surrey !.

On that census, the 9 year old Benjamin was recorded at 131 Palace Road, Lambeth, living in the household of his widowed mother, Blandinah E, (aged 55 and from Islington, London, shown as Living on Own Means). Her other children living with her are:-
Arthur B..........aged 22....born Portman Square, London....Student
Ethel M...........aged 18....born Portman Square...Student, Kindergarten College, Stockwell
Grace S...........aged 11....born Portman Square
Herbert M.........aged 19....born Portman Square...Student
Stanley...........aged 21....born Portman Square...Government Clerk, Somerset House
Winifred M........aged 26....born North Audley Street, London

The battalions war diaries have been transcribed and are on-line.

On the 17th April the Royal Rngineers had blown a mine under the German Positions on Hill 60 and the 1st Battalion were pushed forward to assist with holding the newly won ground.

12th - 19th April 1915
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ESD0011915003.pdf
20th April 1915
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ESD0011915004.pdf
21st - 22nd April 1915
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ESD0011915005.pdf

"Lieutenant" Geary gets a mention on the 8th March 1915 as being on an officer patrol at night in no mans land
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00119150302.pdf