top of page

Stories

The history that is taught in schools is usually about big events and famous people. History at HMS Leigh Guardian of the Thames is about recognising the hidden history of everyone, mother, father, brother, sister, as well as those that got themselves noticed. The HMS Leigh Story Call is all about the memories of those who lived through the amazing and terrible times of WW2 or had experiences shared with them by a family member or friend. 

  

If you would like to share your story, documents or photographs from that time then you can use the form below to share it with the HMS Leigh Community to make sure this hidden history is valued and remembered by future generations. 

Name
Rank
Image
Description
THE RHODES FAMILY
Civilians & Irish Guards
The history of different members of the Rhodes Family
EVA FORSDICK
Civilian
Eva worked in a parachute factory before she met and married Walter Forsdick. They were known to be very happy together until he died from a burst appendix in his forties
AGNES WHITWELL
Civilian
In the 1871 census Agnes is listed as being a Servant, so in common with many girls of the age Agnes went into Domestic Service with a well off family.
JOHN EDWARD ROYSTON YOUNG
2nd Leiutenant
John joined the Artists’ Rifles ranks in June 1916 and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Flying Corps in February 1917.
HENRY CLIFFORD STROUD
Captain
Henry Clifford Stroud followed in his father’s footsteps in terms of academic ability, although his passion was for engineering.
CHARLES STONE
Regimental Sergeant Major
Charles Stone was born in Wiltshire and went to sea after leaving school, then served 21 years with the 3rd Dragoon Guards in India, Egypt and South Africa. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and promoted to Warrant Officer 1st Class.
GEORGE AUSTIN GUY
Rifleman
George volunteered to join the Isle of Wight Rifles in 1915 when he was only 18 years old.
CECIL HUBERT CRAY CATTELL
Trooper
Cecil's regiment was fighting during the 2nd Battle of Ypres in May 15 and Cecil was killed in action in Flanders on the 14th May 1915.
MISS ELIZABETH SUMNER BANNESTER
Civilian
Headteacher of local school and Southend's first female councillor
CLEMENT GEORGE BAKER
Pioneer
Clement signed up late in the war - 12th Feb 1918 at Southampton and was a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery and transferred to the Royal Engineers Signals Section in July 1918.
Page 1 of 3
story
bottom of page