220018 CSM. Edward Joseph Patten Dainty DCM.British Army 2nd Btn. London Regiment from:Brentwood Essax (d.8th Nov 1917) My Great Uncle Company Sergeant Major Edward (Ted) Joseph Patten Dainty 230936 served with the 2nd Btn, London Regiment.
He was originally a resident of Brentwood Essex, son of Edward Joseph And Emily Dainty.
Before war broke out he had trained to be a teacher at St Peter's Training College (Peterborough 1911-12), and is commemorated on the Roll of Honour stone tablet War Memorial for their students, in St Sprite's Chapel Peterborough Cathedral.
On 3rd of May 1917, presumably at Fresnoy France, it is recorded that, near the river Cojeul, Company Sgt-Major E. J. P. Dainty (2nd Lond., Educ.) was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal: " for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in consolidating and defending a position which had become almost untenable through flanking and frontal fire. His total indifference to danger restored the situation at a very critical moment when no officers were on the spot." He has a citation to this effect in the Supplement to the London Gazette 18th July 1917.
In October or early November 1917 he married my Great Aunt Eleanor at Weymouth.She was a teacher too. I was always told that he returned immediately to France directly after their wedding. I have her brown velvet wedding dress and photos of them both.
On 8th November 1917, aged 27, he was killed in an accident near Lebucquiere to the east of Bapaume. I was always told this was a rail accident but I can find no record of this. He is buried in Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension.
Eleanor never remarried. She became an invalid thoughout her life, and was looked after by her unmarried sister until her death in the early 1950s. I possess a tiny leather diary of Ted's - unfortunately with few entries.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. Additional Information: | I have just read the discription of his funeral in the war diaries. He was very popular according to the report. A very brave man.
my grandfather was a young soldier of 20 in the London regiment .we never discussed anything when he was alive although he had three dreadful bullet holes. I wish I had but he died in 1969.his son my father is 94 .
A lot of records were lost in the Second World War. Wars are so dreadful but they are still going on. Social media makes us aware of everything.
How wonderful to still have the wedding dress and the diary of Ted.
Janine murphy
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