Lives of the First World War

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. Alfred’s entry reads: "Alfred Mead. Bedfordshire". The memorial was dedicated in 1921 and is located close to the northern end of the village green.

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

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.

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.

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”.

The Arras Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France on which Alfred Mead is named on Bay 5. He was Private #3/7947 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, killed in action 3rd May 1917 aged 32.

The grave of Alfred's daughter Doris Hetty and her husband Arthur Sydney Halsey in SS Peter and Paul Old Churchyard, Little Gaddesden. The date given below is that of Arthur's burial. Doris was buried 17th February 1977.

Early Twentieth Century photo of the cottages numbered 5 to 13 Little Gaddesden. No 5, end on to the road, is shown middle left of the photo furthest from the camera; 6&7 are centre of the photo. The 3 pairs of semi-detached cottages are 8&9, nearest centre of photo, 10&11, with tree growing to roof height and 12&13, right of photo and nearest the camera. These cottages are still clearly recognisable today. The photo was included in 'A Century Remembered' and is included here with permission of the editor.

The 1914 15 Star (left) awarded to those who served in any theatre of war against Germany between 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915, except those eligible for the 1914 Star. Those who were entitled to this medal were also entitled to the British War Medal (centre) and Allied Victory Medal (right).

Cap Badge of the Bedfordshire Regiment in which Alfred Mead served.

Photo showing the Little Gaddesden War Memorial shortly after its dedication, which took place in 1921. “Alfred Mead Bedfordshire” 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.