November 1917

News from the Front

In November, the parents of Sergt. James George Dedman learnt that he had died in August. Sergt Dedman had been serving with the 7th Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment and had been reported as Missing in the Miraumont area on the 28th February. Under the heading ‘Village Hero’s’ the Surrey Times reported “Mr and Mrs Dedman, Winterfold Cottage, Albury Heath have just received news that their eldest son Sergt. J Dedman, The Queens, died of wounds on August 28th, while a prisoner of war in Germany. He was reported missing on Feb 28th last.  Sgt Dedman who was nearly 24 years of age joined the Queens, the month following the outbreak of war and went to France in December 2 1914. He had been twice wounded before he was taken prisoner and leaves a young widow. Mr and Mrs Dedman’s second son [Frank] was killed at Arras last Dec and their youngest and only remaining son Pte. R [Richard] Dedman is in Egypt.”

It was also reported that Sergt Albert Nash had been wounded “Ms Nash, Woolpits Cottage, Ewhurst has received information that her son, Sergt. A. Nash, Royal Worcester Regiment received a gunshot wound in the leg, severe, well in action on the 9th October. He is now in hospital at Dearnly near Rochdale. In July 1916 Sergt. Nash was gassed, re-joining his regiment in December. His brother Pte W. Nash has been serving in France for nearly three years.

Bravery in the field – Ewhurst man awarded Military Medal

On 24th November, the Surrey Times reported that Private W Thompson, son of Mr & Mrs Thompson of Ewhurst Green, had been awarded the Military Medal. He had originally joined the local regiment, The Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment, but had been transferred to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He had been wounded at the Battle of Loos in 1915.