ZSL War Memorial

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) was founded in 1826 by Sir Stamford Raffles. In 1828, London Zoo opened. At the start of the First World War in 1914, the ZSL employed about 150 male staff, 92 of whom enlisted, although 14 were rejected on medical grounds. 12 members of the ZSL’s staff were killed… Continue reading ZSL War Memorial

Ball J & Sheffield F

Privates Joseph Ball and Sheffield, both of the 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, had gone absent in December 1914. After only six weeks active service, they had deserted together from their unit. This happened while the rest of their unit made its way to the front line, ready for the attack on Neuve Chapelle. Ball and… Continue reading Ball J & Sheffield F

David Stevenson

Private David Stevenson (52128), a member of 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, had absconded whilst in a forward area, and remained at large for seven weeks. Details of this offence were posted in Rouen on 2 August 1918. He was then seen in a village, located in the rear. When he was questioned, Stevenson claimed that… Continue reading David Stevenson

Ernest Worsley

Ernest Worsley enlisted at the start of World War One in 1914. After serving with the 11th Battalion The Middlesex Regiment, he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion in 1916. During Autumn 1917, while serving in the front line, Private Worsley had been sent back to retrieve some food rations. Instead of returning with the… Continue reading Ernest Worsley

William Simmonds

Private William Henry Simmonds (G/11296), Middlesex Regiment, was tried with desertion at a Field General Court Martial held on 19 November 1916 at Poperinghe. The court consisted of a President and three members. The court consisted of a President and three members. PRESIDENT Lieutenant-Colonel W.F. Soames (10th R.W. Kents) MEMBERS Captain E.G. Bowden (11th Queens)… Continue reading William Simmonds

Henry Carter

Private H. Carter (335), Middlesex Regiment, was tried at a Field General courts-martial held at Vermelles on 12 April 1916. The court consisted of a President and two members; the minimum number required for a Field General courts-martial. One of the officers trying Private Carter, Lieutenant Maynard, came from the same battalion. PRESIDENT Lieutenant-Colonel S.… Continue reading Henry Carter

Abraham Beverstein

Abraham Beverstein was a Jewish soldier from the East End of London. Due to some people viewing it was dishonourable for a Jewish person to enlist as a soldier, Beverstein enlisted under the false name of Harris. He was also his parent’s only son. After enlisting in September 1914, he was sent to Aldershot for… Continue reading Abraham Beverstein

William & Albert Scotton

William Scotton enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment during July 1914, before the outbreak of World War One in August 1914. At the end of December 1914, Scotton was convicted of going absent. Despite this, on 23 January 1915, he repeated the offence. While he was absent, his unit had seen service in the front line.… Continue reading William & Albert Scotton