Lives of the First World War

Source information

ID: 1218982

Reference: WO372/7

Title: Medal Index Card

Description: Medal index cards were created by the Army Medal Office towards the end of the First World War. They record the medals that men and women who served in the First World War were entitled to claim.

URL: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D2206807
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UPP: GBM/MCI/1220334

Credit: © The National Archives

Source information

ID: 9055197

Name: Corporal Fenn, Hamor William, #3531 1st Bn. Hertfordshire Regiment

Title: CWGC Casualty Record Image

Description: Records the death 22nd March 1916 of Corporal Hamor William Fenn, aged 35. #3531 1st Bn. Hertfordshire Regiment. Son of George William and Harriett Fenn, of 18, Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted, Herts. Buried at Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. Ref II. B. 47. His headstone was inscribed "BELOVED AND MISSED BY ALL".

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/20099/fenn,-hamor-william/
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Additional: The information matches his regiment and regimental number. His parents' names and address fit with Census returns for the family. He is named - as William Fenn - on the Little Gaddesden War Memorials and Roll of Honour.

Source information

ID: 9055202

Reference: 1911gbc

Title: 1911 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription

Connected by: Jane31029

UPP: GBC/1911/RG14/07767/0039/2

Additional: This shows William at 18 Little Gaddesden with his mother Harriett and brother Herbert. The address and his mother's name match information on his CWGC Casualty Record

Credit: © The National Archives

Source information

ID: 9055206

Reference: 1901gbc

Title: 1901 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription

Connected by: Jane31029

UPP: GBC/1901/0009387309

Additional: This shows William with his parents, brother and two sisters at 18 Little Gaddesden. The address and his parents' names match information on his CWGC Casualty Record.

Credit: © General Register Office

Source information

ID: 9055214

Reference: 1891gbc

Title: 1891 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription

Connected by: Jane31029

UPP: GBC/1891/0008509206

Additional: This shows William (as Hamor W) with his parents, brother Herbert and Sister Rose at 18 Little Gaddesden. The address and his parents' names fit with information on his CWGC Casualty Record

Credit: © General Register Office

Source information

ID: 9055219

Reference: 1881gbc

Title: 1881 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription

Connected by: Jane31029

UPP: GBC/1881/0007671794

Additional: This shows Hamor William, aged 6 months, at Commonside Studham with his parents George and Harriett, whose names match his CWGC Casualty Record.

Credit: © General Register Office

Source information

ID: 9055228

Name: p. 65, No. 514, 31st October 1880 Hamor William Fenn

Title: Great Gaddesden Baptism Register entry

Description: Records the Baptism of Hamor William Fenn, son of George William and Harriet, at St John the Baptist, Great Gaddesden, 31st October 1880. The family's address was Ballingdon Bottom, Whipsnade Park.

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbprs%2fhert%2f004948038%2f00253&parentid=gbprs%2fb%2f71751875%2f1&highlights=%22%22
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Additional: This matches William's and his parents' names on his CWGC record. The address explains why his place of birth is recorded as Whipsnade on 3 Census returns and 'Bullingdon' on one.

Source information

ID: 9055234

Reference: gbm_wo363-4

Title: British Army Service Records 1914-1920 Transcription

Connected by: Jane31029

UPP: GBM/WO363-4/7273956/88/1235

Additional: This is William's pre-War Herts Territorials Record. His age, trade (Plumber) and the names of his parents and brother Herbert fit with Census returns for the family. In the Parish Diary, mention is made of William and his brother Herbert joining the Territorials.

Credit: © The National Archives

Source information

ID: 9055240

Name: Fenn, Hamor William of 18 Little Gaddesden

Title: National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)

Description: Hamor William Fenn, of 18 Little Gaddesden, Great Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire corporal 1st Hertfordshire Regiment died 22 March 1916 in France. Administration in London 12 May to Harriett Fenn widow. Effects £197 8s. 3d. This shows that William's widowed mother Harriett was the beneficiary of his will.

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/1904/31874_222803-00218?pid=322189&backurl=https://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3Dnjl343%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue,true%26rank%3D1%26gss%3Dangs-c%26new%3D1%26mst%3D1%26gsfn%3DHamor%2520William%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3DFenn%26gsln_x%3D0%26msypn__ftp%3DLittle%2520Gaddesden,%2520Hertfordshire,%2520England%26msypn%3D1666984%26msypn_pinfo%3D8-%257C0%257C0%257C3257%257C3251%257C0%257C0%257C0%257C5268%257C1666984%257C0%257C0%257C%26msbdy%3D1880%26msfng%3DGeorge%2520William%26msfns%3DFenn%26msmng%3DHarriett%26msmns%3DFenn%26_83004003-n_xcl%3Df%26cpxt%3D1%26cp%3D11%26catbucket%3Drstp%26msav%3D1%26uidh%3Disj%26dbid%3D1904%26pcat%3D36%26h%3D322189%26indiv%3D1%26ml_rpos%3D9&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=njl343&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true
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Additional: Details of William's rank and regiment, his date of death and his mother's name match his military records. We know from the 1911 Census return that his mother was widowed.

Source information

ID: 9055256

Name: Fenn, William, 1st Herts R, Corporal #3531

Title: Medal Roll Index Card

Description: Medal Roll Index Card which shows that Corporal William Fenn, #3531 1st Hertfordshire Regiment was entitled to the 1914 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He first served overseas 6/11/1914 and his death 22.3.16 is noted.

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/1262/30850_A000530-00804?pid=5287665&backurl=https://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3Dnjl359%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue%26gss%3Dangs-c%26new%3D1%26rank%3D1%26gsfn%3DHamor%2520William%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3DFenn%26gsln_x%3D0%26msypn__ftp%3DLittle%2520Gaddesden,%2520Hertfordshire,%2520England%26msypn%3D1666984%26msypn_PInfo%3D8-%257C0%257C0%257C3257%257C3251%257C0%257C0%257C0%257C5268%257C1666984%257C0%257C0%257C%26msbdy%3D1880%26msfng%3DGeorge%2520William%26msfns%3DFenn%26msmng%3DHarriett%26msmns%3DFenn%26gskw%3D3531%2520Hertfordshire%2520regiment%26_83004003-n_xcl%3Df%26cpxt%3D1%26cp%3D11%26catbucket%3Drstp%26MSAV%3D1%26uidh%3Disj%26pcat%3D39%26h%3D5287665%26recoff%3D9%252010%26dbid%3D1262%26indiv%3D1%26ml_rpos%3D41&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=njl359&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true
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Additional: This information - regiment, rank, regimental number and date of death - matches that in William's other military records.

Source information

ID: 9055266

Name: Record No. 274002, Registry No. E 203681/1 William Fenn

Title: UK Army Register of Soldiers' Effects

Description: Place of death very hard to read - 'Eraomia' or 'Graomia'. Gratuities to his mother Harriett

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/60506/42511_6117462_0052-00007?pid=512454&backurl=https://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3Dnjl359%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue%26gss%3Dangs-c%26new%3D1%26rank%3D1%26gsfn%3DHamor%2520William%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3DFenn%26gsln_x%3D0%26msypn__ftp%3DLittle%2520Gaddesden,%2520Hertfordshire,%2520England%26msypn%3D1666984%26msypn_PInfo%3D8-%257C0%257C0%257C3257%257C3251%257C0%257C0%257C0%257C5268%257C1666984%257C0%257C0%257C%26msbdy%3D1880%26msfng%3DGeorge%2520William%26msfns%3DFenn%26msmng%3DHarriett%26msmns%3DFenn%26gskw%3D3531%2520Hertfordshire%2520regiment%26_83004003-n_xcl%3Df%26cpxt%3D1%26cp%3D11%26catbucket%3Drstp%26MSAV%3D1%26uidh%3Disj%26pcat%3D39%26h%3D512454%26recoff%3D3%25204%26dbid%3D60506%26indiv%3D1%26ml_rpos%3D42&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=njl359&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true
IWM is not responsible for the content of external websites. Please note that some sources will require payment to view.

Additional: Details of his regiment, rank and regimental number and his date of death match other military records. His mother and brother's names match Census returns for the family.

Source information

ID: 9055284

Name: Entries 1908 - 1918

Reference: St Peter and St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden

Title: The Little Gaddesden Parish Diary

Description: A hand-written diary, started by the Revd. Charlton George Lane, March 5th 1877, in a “beautiful book given by the Lady M Alford to be used as a record of events which may happen in or concern in any way the Parish of Little Gaddesden”. He copied into it from a private diary “various parochial occurrences, such incidents as are likely to be interesting to those that come after me.” Entries during the 1904 – 1919 period were made by the Revd. Edward Clark; the diary then lapsed until 1935, when Vicars Bell the Schoolmaster made further entries.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: William Fenn is mentioned several times. Joining the Territorials in 1908 and his death in 1916 are supported by his military records, which also link him to Little Gaddesden. Census returns and his name on the War Memorials and Roll of Honour confirm the link.

Source information

ID: 9055292

Title: Little Gaddesden War Memorial

Description: The large right hand panel bears the names of the 23 men of Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who gave their lives for their country during the First World War. William’s entry reads: "William Fenn. Hertfordshire". The memorial was dedicated in 1921 and is located close to the northern end of the village green.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: He is called William, not Hamor, in parish and some military records but his regiment and regimental number are found on records for both names.

Source information

ID: 9055293

Title: Little Gaddesden War Memorial – right hand panel

Description: This panel lists the men of Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who died during the First World War.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: He is called William, not Hamor, in parish and some military records but his regiment and regimental number are found on records using both names.

Source information

ID: 9055295

Title: Little Gaddesden Church War Memorial

Description: The wooden memorial in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden lists the men who died during the First World War on the larger, upper panel.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: He is called William, not Hamor, in parish and some military records but his regiment and regimental number are found on records using both names.

Source information

ID: 9055296

Title: Little Gaddesden Church War Memorial - detail

Description: Detail of the upper panel of the war memorial in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden, on which those who died in the First World War are listed.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: He is called William, not Hamor, in parish and some military records but his regiment and regimental number are found on records using both names.

Source information

ID: 9055297

Title: The Little Gaddesden Roll of Honour

Description: The Roll of Honour, which hangs in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden and lists 119 names of those from Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who served in the 1914 – 1918 War. Men who have answered their country’s call in defence of a “Scrap of Paper”.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: He is called William, not Hamor, in parish and some military records but his regiment and regimental number are found on records using both names.

Source information

ID: 9055325

Name: William Fenn of Little Gaddesden 22 Mar 1916

Title: UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War

Description: Corporal #3531 William Fenn, Hertfordshire Regiment, of Little Gaddesden Herts, enlisted at Hertford. Died 22nd March 1916 in France & Flanders.

Connected by: Jane31029

URL: https://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc=njl343&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true,true&rank=1&gss=angs-c&new=1&mst=1&gsfn=Hamor%20William&gsfn_x=0&gsln=Fenn&gsln_x=0&msypn__ftp=Little%20Gaddesden,%20Hertfordshire,%20England&msypn=1666984&msypn_pinfo=8-%7C0%7C0%7C3257%7C3251%7C0%7C0%7C0%7C5268%7C1666984%7C0%7C0%7C&msbdy=1880&msfng=George%20William&msfns=Fenn&msmng=Harriett&msmns=Fenn&_83004003-n_xcl=f&cpxt=1&cp=11&catbucket=rstp&msav=1&uidh=isj&dbid=1543&pcat=39&h=55933&recoff=7%208&indiv=1&ml_rpos=7
IWM is not responsible for the content of external websites. Please note that some sources will require payment to view.

Additional: His regiment, rank, regimental number and place of residence match his CWGC Casualty Record and other military records.

Source information

ID: 9167132

Name: No 1, December 1903

Reference: The personal copy of a descendant of SJ and SG Oakins

Title: Report and Statement of Accounts of the Little Gaddesden Brass Band 1902 – 1903

Description: A small booklet which contains a report of the band’s activities, especially fundraising, and a statement of their accounts. It includes a list of members, stating the area of the village from which they came and a selection of photographs, including of the band and the committee. There are also many advertisements for local shops and businesses.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: W Fenn of Little Gaddesden is listed as a member of the band. Hamor William was known as William e.g. he is recorded as William in the Parish Diary and on the War Memorial.

Source information

ID: 9167141

Title: Little Gaddesden Brass Band 1903

Description: A 1903 photo of the Little Gaddesden Brass Band, taken outside the School. The band members are: Back Row L to R: Stanley Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Frederick Cutler, F Pocock, John Wibden, Edward Hing, Edward Pinnock. Middle Row L to R: George Jay, W Warner, Arthur Johnson, Samuel G Oakins, Bertram Horn, Harry Wells, Walter Holland, Herbert Fenn, T Scott. Front Row L to R: Stephen J Oakins, James Windmill, CH Ward (Bandmaster), William Johnson, Sidney Rogers, Edward Whitman. Underneath big drum: Hubert Halsey. Absent: H Davies, J Waller, H Griffin, William Fenn, William Boarder, Matthew Munden, George Rogers, J Wrangles

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: Hamor William was known as William. He is not on the photo but is named among the absentees. His younger brother Herbert is shown 2nd from right in the middle row.

Source information

ID: 9176919

Name: 13th April 1885

Reference: Little Gaddesden School Archive

Title: Little Gaddesden School Logbook 1872 - 1886

Description: The log book kept by the Headmasters of Little Gaddesden School which records points of note in the daily running of the school and information about the pupils. Hamor William Fenn is mentioned in 1885.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: His name fits. He was born in Whipsnade and resident in Studham in the 1881 Census return, but his family moved to 18 Little Gaddesden, so this was his local school. His residence in Little Gaddesden fits with his inclusion in the Little Gaddesden Roll of Honour.

Source information

ID: 9226358

Title: William Fenn CWGC Headstone

Description: 1990 photo of the CWGC Headstone of 3531 Corporal/ H W Fenn/ Hertfordshire Regiment/ 22nd March 1916 age 35, buried at Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France, Plot 2, Row B, Grave 47. Below the cross on the headstone are the words: "BELOVED AND MISSED BY ALL."

Connected by: Jane31029

Source information

ID: 9226367

Title: William Fenn Obituary

Description: Obituary of William Fenn published in the Hemel Hempstead Gazette & West Herts Advertiser, April 1916 quoting an article in the Berkhamsted Deanery Magazine which expressed the sorrow felt in Little Gaddesden at his death on 22nd March 1916, at hospital in St Omer after a short illness.

Connected by: Jane31029

Source information

ID: 9349386

Name: ISBN 0-9542174-0-3

Reference: Personal copy

Title: A Century Remembered

Description: Leonhardt, John (ed), 2002, A Century Remembered - a celebration of the Millenium in Little Gaddesden, Rural Heritage Society of Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Ashridge.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: Includes information on and photographs of village families and houses.

Source information

ID: 9349394

Title: 18 Little Gaddesden

Description: A mid-Twentieth Century photo of 18 Little Gaddesden. The photo was included in 'A Century Remembered' and is included here with permission of the editor.

Connected by: Jane31029

Source information

ID: 9358395

Name: William Fenn Certificate of Proficiency 25th April 1892

Reference: Little Gaddesden School Archive

Title: Little Gaddesden School Log Books 1887 – 1906

Description: The log book kept by the Headmasters of Little Gaddesden School which records points of note in the daily running of the school and information about the pupils. William is mentioned 25th April 1892

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: His name fits. This fits with Census returns. His family lived in Little Gaddesden so this was his local school.

Source information

ID: 9365258

Title: Hertfordshire Regiment WW1 Cap Badge

Description: Hertfordshire Regiment First World War Cap Badge, included here as this was the regiment in which William Fenn served.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: This was the regiment in which William Fenn served, as shown on his Medal Roll Index Card.

Source information

ID: 9369744

Title: 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Description: The 1914 Star (left) awarded to those who served with the B.E.F. in France or Belgium between the outbreak of war and midnight 22nd/23rd November 1914, but not necessarily under fire or within range of enemy mobile artillery. Those who were entitled to this medal were also entitled to the British War Medal (centre) and Allied Victory Medal (right).

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: William's Medal Roll Index Card shows that he served in France with the 1st Bn. Hertfordshire Regiment from 6th November 1914 and was entitled to the 1914 Star.

Source information

ID: 9640274

Title: Little Gaddesden War Memorial

Description: Photo showing the Little Gaddesden War Memorial shortly after its dedication, which took place in 1921. “William Fenn Hertfordshire” is named on the right hand panel. The two boy scouts are, on the right, Pelham Oakins, son of Samuel Oakins who is named among the fallen and, on the left, Pelham's cousin John Oakins, son of Samuel's brother Stephen.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: This photograph is taken from "A Century Remembered" and is included with permission of the Editor. The Boy Scouts have been identified by Scout John Oakins' daughter.

Source information

ID: 9641372

Title: Training at Bury St Edmunds

Description: Copy of a postcard showing men from F Company, 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment during training at Bury St Edmunds in August 1914. As Horace Ruffett, who sent the postcard to his brother Ernest on 30th August, said that Ernest would know nearly all the men shown, at least some must be from Little Gaddesden. Horace is the Lance Corporal on the right hand end. We do not know who the others are, but likely candidates are: Vernon Batchelor, Harry Cutler, William Fenn, Joe Hing, Richard Hoar, Bert Impey and Arthur Whitman.

Connected by: Jane31029

Additional: From the Little Gaddesden archive. Horace was identified by a family member. The information supplied includes: "Copy of a postcard from Horace Ruffett to his brother Ernest, dated 30th August 1914 and postmarked Bury St Edmunds. F Com. 1st Herts Bury-St-Edmunds Dear E I thought you would like one of these. It is a good one. You will know them nearly all (underlined). It is very hot here today. Yours H"