MARSH, Clifford Gordon


No.2811, Private, Clifford Gordon MARSH
Aged 18


13th (County of London)Battalion (Kensington), London Regiment
Died of his Wounds on Saturday, 15th May 1915


Clifford Gordon Marsh was born Weston Colville (Linton Q3-1896 3B:512), son of Thomas and Lilian MARSH (née BACKLER). His mother was the step-daughter of Charles SPICER a tailor's cutter of Haverhill.

1901 census...Aged 4, he was at Green Farm, Weston Colville with his father Thomas MARSH [36] farmer; his mother Lily [28] born Haverhill; brother Kenneth [3]. All except his mother were born in Weston Colville.

1911 census...Aged 14, a draper's clerk, he was boarding at 334/348 Oxford Street, London. His parents were still at Green Farm with his brother Kenneth.

His connection with Helions Bumpstead has not been found, but the newspaper cutting (part copied below) explains his burial in Haverhill and commemoration in Coggeshall.


He enlisted in Kensington, when resident at Cavendish Square, about October 1914. He died in No 1, London General Hospital, Camberwell from wounds received in action. As his Service records were not found, it was impossible to say where or when he was wounded, until the newspaper cutting below was found. This though still does not reveal the day and place where he was wounded.
Hill 60 was a severe battle in the Ypres salent. The Kensington Battalion were attached to the 25th Brigade, 8th Division. Hill 60 was captured after a mine explosion on 17th April, many casualtes were suffered holding it, until the German counter attack dislodged the Brits on 5th May
From the newspaper cutting it is apparent that Clifford was shot in the thigh and repatriated to UK and Camberwell Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was returned to Haverhill, where he was buried on 21st May.



thanks to Ian Westrope for the above images





Clifford Marsh is buried in Haverhill Cemetery, grave S:13
also commemorated on the war memorial in Weston Colville and in Coggeshall

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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