William Thomas Cumberpatch

Acting Bombardier 284777 156th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery

William Thomas Cumberpatch was born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England in Q3 1893. He was the son of Uriah Cumberpatch and his wife Esther nee Hett. William Thomas was baptised on 23 November 1894 in St Philips Church, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England.  

William Thomas Cumberpatch was a stoker in the Royal Navy between 30 June 1910 and 23 July 1916. He was described as:

• Height: 5 feet 7¾ inches
• Chest: 37
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Complexion: Fresh
• Wounds, Scars, Marks: Tattoo Sailor & Union Jack & Star on Right forearm. Heart & flower on left forearm

In 1914 William Thomas Cumberpatch painted a picture of Salisbury Cathedral.
After being discharged from the Royal Navy William Thomas was recalled into Military Service on 7 September 1916 as Gunner SR/9777 and later became Acting Bombardier 284777. He was described as:

• Age: 25 years 101 days
• Height: 5 feet 9 5/8 inches
• Chest: 39½  inches expanded with 3½ inches of expansion
• Distinctive marks: Anchor Heart & Snake & swallow left fore arm Sailor Butterfly &c. Right Fore Arm
• Name and Address of Next of Kin: Esther Cumberpatch, 11 Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane; Relationship: Mother
• Desires North Staffordshire Regiment has a brother in this Regiment
• Birthplace: Nottingham
• County: Nottinghamshire
• Trade: Discharged Royal Navy
• Weight: 156 lbs
• Physical development: Very good
• Vision: right eye: 6/6 left eye: 6/9
• Transferred to: No. 4 Depot RGA Regimental No: SR 9777
• Examined: 1 Sep 1916 at Nottingham

He served with the British Expeditionary Force in France from 2 May 1917 to 13 April 1918:

Home from 1 Sep 1916 to 1 Mar 1917 = 182 days
British Expeditionary Force from 2 Mar 1917 to 13 Apr 1918 = 1 yr 43 days
Total Service = 2 years 225 days [1yr 225 days]

William Thomas Cumberpatch died of shell wounds on 13th April 1918 in the 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital located at Doullens, France. His mother was notified by telegram:

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

To; Mrs Cumberpatch, 11 Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham

Regret inform you Officer Commanding 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital Doullens telegraphs 13th April your son 284777 L/Bdr W T Cumberpatch 156 Heavy Battery died 13th April shell wounds.
His mother Esther received his personal effects on 26 July 1918 and they consisted of:

• Letters, 
• photos, 
• photo case, 
• Match box case, 
• cigarette holder, 
• watch & strap. 
• Ribbon. 
• Lighter Certificate

Royal Navy Career

Portsmouth

SS110079

Name: William Thomas Cumberpatch

Date of Birth: 23 May 1891

Place of Birth: Hyson Green Nottingham

Occupation: Collier

Ships, &c., served in	List and No.		Rating	From	To	Character	If Discharged: whither, and for what cause.	Date and Period of S.S. Engagement
Victory II	15a3	8743	Sto II	30 June 1910	23 July 1910	Very Good 31 Dec 1915 G		30 June 1910 – 5+7 yrs
Renown	15as	3389	Sto II	24 July 1910	10 Sep 1910	Very Good 21 Dec 1911 Satisfactory
Victory II	15a4	9847	Sto II	11 Sep 1910	22 Oct 1910	Fine 31 Dec 1912 Supr
Toparge	15	65	Sto II	23 Oct 1910		Good 31 Dec 1913 Satisfactory
Toparge	15	65	Sto I	20 Apr 1911	17 May 1911
Victory II	15 a3	1091	Sto I	18 May 1911	25 May 1911
Philomell	5a2	68	Sto I	26 May 1911	9 Jun 1912		14 days cells
Philomell	5a2	49	Sto I	24 Jun 1912	27 Aug 1912		35 days detention (absence)
Philomell	5a2	49	Sto I	27 Sep 1912	22 Oct 1913
Victory 2	15 a/6	912		23 Oct 1913	26 Jan 1914	Very Good Satisfactory	Run	Run 26 Jan 1914 Victory (recd) Recovered 3 Feb 1914. Victory II L18.74.81 & sentenced to 42 days detention by Ward 7 Feb 1914
Victory 2	15 a/6	225	Sto I	18 Mar 1914	27 Mar 1914
Princess Royal	5a2	619	Sto I	28 Mar 1914	11 Jun 1914	Indifference 31 Dec 1914 Satisfactory	30 days detention (absence)
Victory	14 3	1551	Sto I	12 Jun 1914	7 Jul 1914	Good 31 Dec 1915 Satisfactory
Princess Royal	5aII	644	Sto I	8 Jul 1914	30 Aug 1915		10 days cells
Princess Royal	5aII	644	Sto I	10 Sep 1915	13 Dec 1915		7 days cells
Princess Royal	5aII	644	Sto I	21 Dec 1915	14 Jan 1916		14 days cells
Princess Royal	5aII	644	Sto I	29 Jan 1916	25 Feb 1916		60 days HL (disobedience)	H.L. 23863 of 3 Aug 1916 Approves discharge
Victory II	15ab	2595	Sto I	16 Apr 1916	19 May 1916		42 days detention
Victory II	15ab	2704	Sto I	25 Jun 1916	8 Jul 1916
Barham	5a2	99	Sto I	9 Jul 1916	23 Jul 1916		42 days detention (absence) Shore SNLR (29 Aug	SNLR Vide Victory II List 19/39

Height: 5 feet 7¾ inches

Chest: 37

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Complexion: Fresh

Wounds, Scars, Marks: Tattoo Sailor & Union Jack & Star on Right forearm. Heart & flower on left forearm

Class for conduct:

• 2nd 10 Jun 1912
• 1st 9 Dec 1912
• 2nd 15 Jan 1916

WW1 RECORD OF SERVICE ENROLMENT PAPER Nottingham

Ex Stoker Royal Navy Recalled

No.: 60748 SR9777

Name: William Thomas Cumberpatch

Address: 11 Ratcliffe Row Coalpit Lane Nottingham

British Subject: Yes

Age: 25 years 101 days

Trade: Discharged Royal Navy

Married: No

Previous service: Yes, Royal Navy 6 years

Preferred branch: North Staffordshire Regiment

Wish to return to Royal Navy: No

7 Sep 1916 Derby

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT ON ENROLMENT

Name: William Thomas Cumberpatch

Age: 25 years 101 days

Height: 5 feet 9 5/8 inches

Chest: 39½ inches expanded with 3½ inches of expansion

Distinctive marks: Anchor Heart & Snake & swallow left fore arm Sailor Butterfly &c. Right Fore Arm

Name and Address of Next of Kin: Esther Cumberpatch, 11 Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane; Relationship: Mother

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET

Medals: British War & Victory Medal 13908

 

To Mrs Esther Cumberpatch 11 Ratcliffe Row, Platt Street, Nottingham

Sir or Madam,

I am directed to forward the undermentioned articles of private property of the late No. 284777 Rank: Gunner A/Pd/L/Bombardier

Name: Cumberpatch W.T.

Regiment: 156 Heavy Battery RGA

Letters, photos, photo case, Match box case, cig holder, watch & strap. Ribbon. Lighter Certificate

Date: 29th July 1918, receipt acknowledged by Mr E Cumberpatch

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET

Home 5 Sep 1916 to 1 Mar 1917

BEF France 2 Mar 1917 to 13 Apr 1918

Died of wounds Doullens 13 Apr 1918

Medals: British War & Victory Medal 13908

 

B13908

I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the “British War and Victory Medals” granted in respect of the service of No. 284777 Gunner W.T. Cumberpatch., Royal Garrison Artillery. Date 18 Mar 1922

Signature: Mrs E Cumberpatch

20 Mar 1922

STATEMENT OF SERVICES of William Thomas Cumberpatch

General Service Depot Called up for Service Private 1 Sep 1916

RGA Posted Gunner 5 Sep 1916 No. 4 Depot RGA

Depot Posted Gunner 2 Oct 1916

Heavy Battery 188 Battalion Posted Gunner 27 Sep 1916

Reserve Battery HA Winchester Posted Gunner 26 Jan 1917

Base Details Posted Gunner 2 Mar 1917

Posted Gunner 8 Mar 1917

Posted Gunner 4 Nov 1917

1st… Posted Gunner Nov 1917

Appointed Acting Paid Lance Bombardier 27 Mar 1918

Died of wounds Lance Bombardier 13 Apr 1918

3 Canadian Stationary Hospital Doullens

 

Home 1 Sep 1916 to 1 Mar 1917 = 182 days

BEF 2 Mar 1917 to 14 Apr 1918 = 1 yr 43 days

Total Service = 2 years 225 days [1yr 225 days]

MEDICAL HISTORY of Cumberpatch William Thomas

Desires North Staffordshire Regiment has a brother in this Regiment

Birthplace: Nottingham

County: Nottinghamshire

Examined: 1 Sep 1916 at Nottingham

Age: 25 years 101 days

Trade: Discharged Royal Navy

Height: 5 feet 9 5/8 inches

Weight: 156 lbs

Chest: 39½ inches expanded with 3½ inches of expansion

Physical development: Very good

Vision: right eye: 6/6 left eye: 6/9

Distinctive marks: Anchor Heart & Snake & Swallow left fore arm Sailors Butterfly &c. Right fore arm

Transferred to: No. 4 Depot RGA Regimental No: SR 9777

Became non-effective by: Died of Wounds on 13th April 1918

Hospital Admissions

Military Hospital Bulford, admitted: 9 Nov 1916, discharged: 8 Feb 1917 Gonorrhea

Regiment: 156 Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery

284777 Acting Bombardier William Cumberpatch deceased

STATEMENT of the Names and Address of all the Relatives of the above-named deceased Soldier in each of the degrees specified below that are now living.

Widow of the Soldier: None

Children of the Soldier: None

Father of the Soldier: None

Mother of the Soldier: Mrs Esther Cumberpatch age 57

Brothers of the Soldier:

Full Blood: Uriah Cumberpatch (Married) Age 28, 14 Dincomb Street, St Anns Well Road, Nottingham
Half blood: Nil

Sisters of the Soldier:

Full Blood: Mrs Sarah Raven (Married) Age 35, 8 Red Street, Platt Street, Nottingham
Half blood: Nil

Declaration by Esther Cumberpatch, Mother, 11 Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham 22nd May 1919

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

To: Mrs Cumberpatch, 11 Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham

B2131 Regret inform you Officer Commanding 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital Doullens telegraphs 13th April your son 284777 L/Bdr W T Cumberpatch 156 Heavy Battery died 13 th April shell wounds

 

OHMS Kingsway

2 Cas P112908 OC3 Can[adian] Staty Hos Doullens telegraphs 13 April died 13 April 284777 L/Bdr W T Cumberpatch RGA 156 Batt S[hell] wounds 15 Apr 1918, Dover

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

2 Cas P112908 O/C3 Can[adian] Staty Hos Doullens telegraphs 13 April died 13 April 284777 L/Bdr W T Cumberpatch RGA 156 H[eavy] Batt S[hell] wounds 15 Apr 1918, Dover

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

7 Feb 1917

To: Medical Bulford Camp

Your 424 today send 9777 Cumberpatch rejoin his regiment at Aldershot

 

OHMS Bulford Camp 3.40

O/C Records RGA

424 7 Feb 1917 aaa Cumberpatch W T 9777 188 Batty Being discharged tomorrow advise where report

Medical Bulford

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

OHMS Bulford Camp

O.C. Records Royal Garrison Artillery

424 7 Feb 1917 aaa Cumberland [sic] W T 9777 188 Battery Being discharged tomorrow advise where report

Medical Bulford

 

[Personal Effects]

Cumberpatch 284777

519/8

Letters, photos, photo case, Match box case, cig holder, watch & strap. Ribbon. Lighter Certificate

26 Jul 1918

Inside Sheet

No: 284777

Name: William Thomas Cumberpatch

From: Proelisas 62 Cas[ualty] P112908 O[fficer] C[ommanding] 3 Can[adian] S[tationary] Hosp[ital.] reports 13th April died 13th April 1918 “Shell Wounds” AFW 3037 WRP Dover

Next of Kin informed by 104-82 16th April 1918

From Office: Mrs Esther Cumberpatch 11 Radcliffe Row, Platt Street, Nottingham

From DGRE: Place of grave AFW 5080 to Next of Kin

DCCE/17 IWGC Forms sent to Next of Kin 28 Aug 1919

DCCE/17 IWGC Second forms & leaflet sent to Next of Kin 13 Nov 1919

FV/5107/17 IWGC Asking to verify Regiment particulars date of death and supply particulars of position

Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number: 9777

Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Acting Paid Lance Bombardier Gunner

Enlisted: 1 Sep 1916

Term of Service: Duration of War

Qualification: Driver

20 Feb 1917 from 1st Res Bt K.A. Depot Posted Gunner Driver 2 Depot RGA 21 Feb 1917

OC No. 2 Depot RGA Posted to BEF France 2 Mar 1917 Nominal Roll

9 Mar 1917 OC 156 Hvy Bty Joined from Base Depot In the Field 8 Mar 1917

25 Jun 1917 From Records allotted new RFA No. 284777

8 Jul 1917 OC 156 H[eavy] Bty awarded 7 days IP No.2 by CO for: “When on Active Service hesitating to obey an order” (Date of offence 3 Jul 1917) In the Field 7 Jul 1917

24 Aug 1917 OC 156 H Bty Granted Class II 19 Feb 1917

21 Oct 1917 To Hospital (Sick) 20 Oct 1917

20 Oct 1917 WO List Discharged to Base Harflear Class A ex 2 Con Dep 4 Nov 1917

17 Nov 1917 OC 156 H Bty Rejoined from Base in the Field 14 Nov 1917

Oct? 1917 OC 156 H Bty To Hospital (Sick) 28 Nov 1917

[Document faded and difficult to read]

Appointed Acting Paid Lance Bombardier No. 297104

Medal Roll

ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY REGIMENT

13908

ROLL of INDIVIDUALS entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal under Army Orders 301 and 266 of 1919.

Regimental No.	Rank	Name	Unit (in order)	Theatres of war in which served
284777	Gunner	Cumberpatch, William Thomas	156 Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery S.R. 9777 Gunner

Dover, 12 Feb 1920

Medal Card 

Name.		Corps.		Rank.	Regtl No.
CUMBERPATCH		Royal Garrison Artillery		Gunner	SR/9777
		Ditto			284777
William Thomas
Medal.	Roll.		Page.	Remarks.
VICTORY	RGA/238B		13908
BRITISH	Ditto		Ditto
Theatre of War first served in
Date of entry therein
				K1380
Correspondence
Address

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT HEADSTONE PERSONAL INSCRIPTIONS 

Badge Design No and Layout	Headstone No.	Line 1	Line 2	Line 3	Line 4	No of Letters in text
1186/2B	944	GOD’S WILL BE DONE	(Mrs. E. Cumberpatch, 11, Ratcliffe Row, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham)

GRAVES REGISTRATION REPORT FORM

Commune: Doullens

Place of Burial: Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 1

Regiment	No.	Name	Rnk and Initials	Date of Death	Cross Erected or despatched	Plot Row & Grave
156 H[eavy] Bty RGA	284777	CUMBERPATON [sic]	Bdr. W.	13 Apr 1918		30

Soldier's Effects of William Thomas Cumberpatch 

Record No.: 670870

Registry No.: E/603744/1

Soldier’s Name: Cumberpatch William Thomas

Regiment, Rank, No.: 156 H[eavy] Bty RGA A/Pd/L/Bdr 284777

Date and place of Death: 13 Apr 1918, 3 Can Sty Hos: Doullens

Credits Account and Date: Charges Account and Date: Dover Jun 1918 £9 12s 11d

Credits Account and Date: Charges Account and Date: War Gratuity £7 13 Sep 1919

Charges Account and Date: Month Jul 1918

Date of Authority: 23 Jul 1918

To whom Authorised: Mo[ther] sole legatee Esther

Amount Authorised: £9 12s 11d

Date of Authority: 1 Dec 1919

To whom Authorised: Mo[ther] Esther

Amount Authorised: £7