203268, Private, 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Missing in Action on the 18th September 1918 aged 24

Private Arthur William Bryant

Arthur lived in Nottingham road, Stevenage. He was his parent’s eldest son and was married. His wife, at the time of his death, was living in Breach Road, Maulden near Ampthill.

He worked at ESA and had joined the Territorial’s before the war as Private 2213, being mobilised with them when hostilities broke out. His Regimental number later changed to 265338, Hertfordshire Regiment and he then transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment and then to the Essex Regiment. He was a Lewis gunner with his battalion and was killed in action at St.Quentin.

Although contemporary reports state that he was buried at the time of his death, Arthur has no known grave. As such his name is recorded on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. (Panel.7)

Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal

41297, Private, 8th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment

Missing in Action on the 12^th April 1918 aged 19

Private William Bryant

William lived in Hellards Road, Stevenage and was one of two brothers serving in the forces. He initially joined the Bedfordshire Regiment but later was transferred to the North Staffordshire’s.

On the 12^th April 1918 the Battalion had moved into positions on the Lindenhoek – Wytschaete Road, near Wulverghen, Belgium. It is believed that he was shot by a sniper.

William has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. (Panel 124/125.)

Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal

9374, Corporal, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment

Missing in Action on the 30th October 1914 aged 25

Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium

Arthur was a professional soldier who was drafted to the BEF from South Africa at the outbreak of the war. The battalion arrived at Zeebrugge on the 7th October 1914. He is believed to have been killed at the First Battle of Ypres during the battalion withdrawal from Zandevoorde.

On the 30th October 1914, the battalion came under shell fire in the early morning and , as trenches had not been dug during the night, the men took shelter in ditches and became a little dispersed. At 7.30am the 7th Cavalry Brigade was driven from Zandevoorde, which left the battalion's right flank exposed. The Germans occupied Zandevoorde at 10am and an enemy artillery battery came out into the open about 900 yards away and opened fire, but was soon overcome. The battalion, along with the Royal Scots Fusiliers were ordered to retire and by dusk were located behind the Gheluveldt -Zandevoorde Road, where the Companies had become somewhat intermingled. Arthur Bryant was reported amongst the missing men that day but was not confirmed as killed until August 1915.

His body was never found and he has no known grave. Arthur's name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal

109991, Gunner, 22nd Reserve Battery, Royal Field Artillery

Died on the 6^th August 1916 aged 30

The grave of Gunner Reuben Bygrave in St.Johns Churchyard, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire.

Reuben was the son of Reuben & Eliza Bygrave of Symonds Green, Stevenage. He later married Rosina Sarah Rockall in the Summer of 1912 and the couple lived at 12 Alleynes Road. Their Daughter, Violet, was born on the 7th September 1915.

The 22^nd Reserve Battery was part of 4B Reserve Brigade which was stationed at Boyton, Wiltshire. He was admitted to the Military Hospital at Suttom Veny and his death certificate states that he died from Larcoma of the Testicle and Exhaustion. As Reuben had not served overseas he was not entitled to any of the Great War campaign medals.

He is buried in St.Johns Churchyard, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire. (Grave Reference: 237.B.2.)

Headstone Inscription: "Gone From Us But Not Forgotten"