Hugh Crawford Cavendish
Location: Holy Trinity Church
Town/village: Fleet
County: Dorset
Postcode: DT3 4EB
Details on cross:
GRU tag at the very point, damaged can only make out GR
RIP
On cross beam:
MAJOR H.C CAVENDISH R.F.A
Below:
KILLED
IN
ACTION
1st Aug 16
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): Cross appears to have been painted white with black painted lettering.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1230mm shaped to a point at top
Cross beam width: 750mm point at either end
Width of wood: 100mm
Thickness or depth: 45mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Attached to the wall with a hook.
Detailing: Points sawn onto cross
Evidence of use in field: No evidence of evidence in field, bottom appears to have been sawn off.
Surface insertion depth: None
Finish: Painted
Condition: Good
Other information, notes and observations:
The cross is in the porch and a brass plaque with the following inscription is in the main body of the church:
In thankfulness to God for the most
Dear memory of
A very true and gallant soldier
Hugh Crawford Cavendish
who fell in France at the Battle of the Somme
On August 1st 1916 aged 35
The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God
and there shall no torment touch them.
Also in loving memory of his infant son
Hugh Edward Cavendish
April 28th 1912
Biographical information:
Major Cavendish B Bty 87th Bde. RFA is buried in Flat Iron Copse Cemetery, Mametz. Son of Alexander C and Joanna Cavendish , husband of Majory. Born in Cochin India in 1881, in 1911 he was serving in India as a Captain. He married Majory Philippa in Fleet Church on 08/09/1908 whilst living at Fleet House near Weymouth. Probate records show he left £458 11s 7d to his widow Marjory.
Survey and photographs by Amanda Bristow
Date: 5/8/16
This cross is visited from time to time by the grandchildren of Hugh Cavendish of which there are three (children of his only daughter Barbara), and four great grandchildren and now seven great great grandchildren. His first name, Hugh, was given to my husband who is the eldest grandchild of Hugh Cavendish and his surname to her second son. The widow of Hugh Cavendish remarried in the 1920s but her mother, Anne George, continued to live at Fleet House until her death in 1929. Anne George was buried in Fleet Churchyard in the grave of her husband, Edward George.
Hi Linda, Thanks for this it’s good to know that the markers still serve their original purpose.
Recently visited the church and saw the cross and the memorial plaque. It’s so nice to read some information here about Hugh Cavendish. He, as all those who served should never be forgotten.