December 1916

The Surrey Advertiser reported that Miss Stephens had organised a concert for the provision of comforts for Ewhurst Men serving with the colours. But unfortunately the hardships of the war were beginning to bite and the £10 raised was short of the amount needed and so it was decided to hold another concert in the new year.

Lance Corporal Frank Dedman

Lance Corporal Frank Dedman of the Queens (Royal West Surrey) Regiment was killed in action at   on 5th December 1916. Frank was the son of James and Ann Dedman of Horseblock Hollow. He had volunteered in September 1914, giving his age as 19, although he was probably only 18. His elder brother James signed up the day before. Both brothers fought at the Battle of Loos and the Battle of the Somme, although with different units.

On the night of 5th September Frank took part in a trench raid on the Germen frontline and was killed by a trench mortar along with three others from the raiding party.