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Research by Den Budden 2007

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Lieutenant GEORGE SIMPSON BATEMAN, R.F.C.2nd Lt., 2nd Battalion Canadian Infantry, (Eastern Ontario Regiment), attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Age 22 Son of Joseph and Mary Ann Lisle Bateman, of Springbrook, Ontario. Died 18.5.1916

Lieutenant ARTHUR PENROSE SELWYN, R.F.C. 2nd Lt. 11th King Edward’s Own Lancers (Probyn Horse, Indian Army), attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Age 26 Son of the late Canon E.C. Selwyn D.D., and husband of Eileen Mary, of 3/209, High Street, Kensington, London.   Died 18.5.1916

At 11.30am on the morning of Thursday the 18th of May 1916, two officers, Lieutenant’s ARTHUR PENROSE SELWYN and GEORGE SIMPSONBATEMAN, made an ascent in an aeroplane. The flight under the direction of a Lt. Norman B. Paterson, who in evidence at the inquest, stated that ‘both men were very good airman’, Lt. Selwyn was flying the machine, and was the more experienced of the two, Lt. Bateman was in the observers seat.

The aeroplane, although not identified, was stated to be a modern type. It had been examined before the flight, and found to be in good working order. After taking off, the machine climbed to a height of about of between 300 - 400 feet. During a turn to the right, the machine was seen from the ground, to nose-dive and plummet into the ground at Holbrook. At the hearing, Lt. Paterson when questioned, was of the opinion that ‘the pilot had attempted to turn the machine at an insufficient height, and the aeroplane had stalled’. Lt. Bourchier was the first officer to reach the stricken aviators. Both men were taken from the wreckage, and were found to have died of their injuries.

Lt. H.G. Smart, who was airborne at the time, testified that he observed the other aeroplane from a distance of about three-quarters of a mile away. He confirmed that during a turning manoeuvre the left wing dipped, then sank and the machine made a rapid dive into the ground. After the accident, the wreckage of the machine was examined. It was found every control was correctly connected, except for one, which had been broken as a result of the crash. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

Both airmen were buried with service honours, four days later. A CWG headstone commemorates Lt. Bateman, Plot 48 Space 25 and Lt. Selwyn, Plot 52 Space 57, both.

Private SAMUEL BEATTIE 5836384, Private, 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, 69th Brigade, 50th Division, British XXX Corps    Age 25 Died 13.6.44

Private SAMUEL BEATTIE, was the husband of Esther Irene, and they lived at Maidenhead, Berkshire. He was badly wounded during the push inland by the allied forces whilst securing the D-Day beachhead. He was in transit back to this country, when he succumb to his wounds on Tuesday 13th June 1944. He was buried two days later with service honours in the War Graves Section (see plans on back pages), Row 4 Grave 14, and is commemorated by a CWG headstone.

Mr ARTHUR CHARLES BEAVIS Pensioner, Air Raid Warden Age 67 Died 20.8.42

Mr JOSEPH MAXIMILIAN BOWKER Air raid Warden Age 55   Died 20.8.1942

Mr ARTHUR CHARLES BEAVIS, of 16 Village Road, Alverstoke, husband of Mrs L.M. Beavis, was on ARP duty with Mr JOSEPH MAXIMILIAN BOWKER, of the The Avenue House, Alverstoke. The son of Joseph Bowker, of Hope House, Kersal, Manchester, and the husband of Ethelreda L.C. Bowker. Were on Air Raid Precautions Patrol, on the night of Thursday 20th of August 1942. Mr Beavis need not have been on that duty, he decently told one of his colleagues he would cover his duty, so that the man could be with his family. Together Mr Beavis and Mr Bowker patrolled the area. Observing a light, down a small alleyway from Jellicoe Avenue, Alverstoke. They were making their way down the connecting alley, towards the light source, as they did so a bomb fell exploding just a few yards away. Both men were instantly killed. This was the period of low level ‘hit and run’ raids. There had been virtually no warning. Mr Bowker resided at Avenue House, Alverstoke; he was 55 years of age. Mr Beavis was 67. The Hampshire Telegraph dated 28th August, printed the following report:

TRIBUTE TO DEAD WARDENS - Representatives of the Civil Defence Services of a South Coast town, paid tribute to the Memory of two Air Raid Wardens, Mr Joseph Maximilian Bowker age 55 and Mr Arthur Charles Beavis ages 67. The coffins were draped in Union Jacks, were borne into the church by wardens and the choir. The Rector conducted the service, chief mourners were: Mrs Bowker, (wife), Mr R.D. and Mr G. Bowker (sons), Mr and Mrs E. Allen (brother and Sister in law) and Mrs Glyn-Bott.

Mr Beavis and Mr Bowker were laid to rest on Monday 24th August, Plot 194 Space 7 and Plot 41 Space 3.

Mr Bowker is commemorated by a Family memorial, Mr Beavis by a Civilian War Grave headstone.

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