BRAMPFORD SPEKE - THE WAR MEMORIAL

There are two parts to the War Memorial in Brampford Speke: the first part is mounted on the wall inside the church and consists of a sheet of white marble on which names are carved; this is mounted on a sheet of pink marble. 

Below the heading "Roll of Honour" and a carved wreath, are the words THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918. Six names follow and the Memorial is concluded with the words "THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE."  

A matching pair of marble sheets have been added below to accommodate the names of two dead from the Second World War, headed simply 1939 - 1945.

Across the lane outside the church is an additional burial ground. Its gates are flanked by two granite gate posts which form the second part of the Memorial. The left-hand gate post is inscribed with the words: ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR KING AND COUNTRY IN

The inscription continues on the right-hand gate post: THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 WHOSE NAMES ARE RECORDED IN THE CHURCH.

Brampford Speke - memorial gates to the churchyard extension

 ©Richard J. Brine

   WORLD WAR 1   1914 - 1918

Private Charles John Andrews of the 1st Battalion, the Dorsetshire Regiment. Son of George and Ann Andrews of Stevenstone Cottage, Upton Pyne. Born in the June Quarter of 1887. Died 13 October 1914 aged 27.

Rifleman Frederick John Brewer of the 10th Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Son of John and Harriet Brewer of Townton Farm. Born in Brampford Speke in the June Quarter of 1897. Died 20 September 1917 aged 20.

Private William Henry Caryl of the 4th Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment. Son of William and Fanny Caryl. Born in Brampford Speke in the December Quarter of 1895. Died 21 April 1915 aged 19. Buried in St. Peter's Churchyard, Brampford Speke.

Military record not yet confirmed. Son of Daniel and Emily Harvey of Church Lane Cottages, Brampford Speke. Born in Brampford Speke in 1888.

36898 Private Frederick Charles Leach of the 6th Battalion, the Wiltshire Regiment. Son of Charles and Rhoda Leach (née Garland). Born in Brampford Speke 7 November 1898. Died 18 October 1918 aged 19.

The Memorial names Frederick James Leach. However, it is currently believed to refer to Frederick Charles Leach as above  and a correctionhas been made to the memorial. (not shown above)

Private Frederick John Western of the 1st Battalion, the Hampshire Regiment. Son of Henry and Emily Western of Hill Cottage, Brampford Speke. Born in the September Quarter of 1896. Died 27 April 1917 aged 21.

WORLD WAR 2  1939 - 1945

LESLIE W. NEWCOMBE

Private Leslie William Newcombe of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Believed to be the son of Charles and Ruth Newcombe of Thorverton and husband of Dorothy Newcombe of Parracombe, Devon. Born in 1912. Died 8 July 1944 aged 32.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) Albert James Western of the RAF Volunteer Reserve, 405 Squadron (R.C.A.F.) Son of James and Mary Ann Western of Brampford Speke and husband of Joan. Born in 1917. Died 24 July 1942 aged 25.