Leamington's fallen First World War soldiers remembered

A first ever written roll of honour to all those from the Leamington area who died in the First World War is now being compiled.



Gulf War veteran and town resident David Eason has already spent years compiling memorials to Leamington soldiers killed since the start of the Second World War in 1939 – which are available to view in full at our website

And now he is going back further to try to compile a full list of fallen soldiers from the Great War, which he hopes to complete by August 4, 2014, the 100th anniversary of the start of that conflict.

He said: “As with my previous searches, I am looking for descendants and anyone else who can help me with information and photos of those who so far I have confirmed as coming from Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick and Southam areas.

“As with my memorials to soldiers since 1939 and the 11th Hussars, this has never been written before.”

During Mr Eason's research he has found that the Warwickshire Royal Horse Artillery – a territorial force which saw action the First World War – was based initially at Warwick Castle in January 1908 under the command of Lord Brooke, son and heir of the 5th Earl of Warwick, with an establishment of more than 220 officers and soldiers plus a host of guns.

In December 1911 the 'Battery' moved headquarters to 9 Clarendon Place, Leamington, where the Warwickshire Cadets are now.

At the outbreak of war in 1914 the 'Battery' then became known as the 1st/1st Warwickshire Royal Horse Artillery (TF), with two further 'Batteries' launched.

On August 14, 1914, the 1st/1st Battery mustered at the Midland Oak Park near Lillington - where the Regiments War Memorial stone and plaque now stands - and then rode down Leamington train station before travelling to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, prior to arriving in France in the evening on October 31.

During the war the 1st/1st lost 61 officers and men, and the 2nd/1st 14 officers and men, though more be confirmed.

The names of the 74 officers and men are recorded in a book of remembrance with its Memorial Plaque located affixed to the wall, at St Mary's Church in Warwick.

To help David in search for information email easondavid45@yahoo.co.uk or call him on 07896 201176.