The church is maintained by the Melton Old Church Society, Open days during the year usually on a Sunday afternoon between 14:00 and 17:00. https://www.facebook.com/meltonoldchurch/ – details of open days and events. History of the church here on Simon Knott’s website : Suffolk Churches. and here: St Andrews Old Church Melton.
There are 10 Battlefield crosses at Melton Old Church to nine men – one man, Basil Rahere Garrod, has two memorials one of which is a propeller from a WW1 aircraft. The men whose crosses are at the Old Church are: Percy Chandler, Charles Lloyd, A Noel Garrod, Basil Rahere Garrod, Thomas Martin Garrod, A Cecil Skoulding, Peter Ungerer, Thomas William Wooley DCM, William Thomas Woolnough. The Garrods were all brothers.
Photographs are courtesy of Andrew and Marcus Pritchatt released under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Andy Pritchatt is currently working as part of a team on a book on the history of Melton to be published in 2018. With special thanks to both for putting in so much work on one of the largest collections in the area. Church photo courtesy Simon Knott at Suffolk churches.
Alfred Noel Garrod
Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps Killed in Action 25th January 1916. Born 1888 in London – Son of Sir Archibald Garrod and Laura Elisabeth Garrod, of 133, Banbury Rd., Oxford. His father was Regius Professor of Medicine.
25th January 1916 he was in command of an Advanced Dressing Station – War Diary Entry: “25th January 1916 at 1:30pm: Received an urgent message from Lieut P J LANE RAMC (TC) from “LONE FARM” saying that Lieut A N GARROD, R.A.M.C. (TC) had been killed. I proceeded immediately to the Advanced Dressing Station & found that he had been hit by a shell in the right chest, probably causing instantaneous death. His body was found about 400 yards from “LONE FARM” near ‘WINDY CORNER” apparently there was no cause for Lieut GARROD to be at this spot for at the time he was killed -12.30 p.m. prox-“WINDY CORNER” was being rather heavily shelled.” He is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
GRU
LIEUT A NOEL GARROD
R.A.M.C 100TH FIELD AMBULANCE
KILLED IN ACTION
25TH JANUARY 1916
100TH FLD AM
Text type Metal tags
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1280mm
Beam width 395mm
Width of wood Shaft tapered 60mm to 40mm
Bar 60mm
Thickness 25mm
Surface insertion depth 510mm
Mounting to wall Brass Bracket
Detailing None
Evidence of use in field Damage to bottom of shaft where put into the ground evidence of rotting and woodworm
Finish Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition Generally good
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Thomas Martin Garrod
Lieutenant, 3rd Loyal North Lancs. Died of Wounds 10th May 1915. Born 1894 in London – Son of Sir Archibald Garrod and Laura Elisabeth Garrod, of 133, Banbury Rd., Oxford. His father was Regius Professor of Medicine.
Commissioned into the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 14th August 1914. Appointed the Scout and Sniping Officer in February 1915. 9thMay 1915: Battalion made an unsuccessful assault on the Rue de Bois at Richebourg St Vaastduring the Battle of Festubert. Thomas was wounded during the assault and taken to Bethune where he died. Buried in Bethune Town Cemetery.
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
GRO (GRU?)
LIEUT GARROD
1st L N LANCS
10TH MAY 1916
Text type Metal tags
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1300mm
Beam width 450mm
Width of wood 75mm
Thickness 25mm
Surface insertion depth 480mm
Mounting to wall Brass Bracket
Detailing Painted lettering under the metal tags and on shaft. Above the bar is RIP surrounded by two olive branches. The bar has the same information as the metal tags. Under the bar the words No 4 Fld Amb top of shaft and the bar are cut to a point.
Evidence of use in field Damage to bottom of shaft where put into the ground evidence of rotting and woodworm
Finish Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition Generally good
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Basil Rahere Garrod
Lieutenant, 149 Squadron RAF Died 4th February 1919. Born 1898 in London – Son of Sir Archibald Garrod and Laura Elisabeth Garrod, of 133, Banbury Rd., Oxford. His father was Regius Professor of Medicine. Commissioned into the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Attached as an observer to the Royal Flying Corps and then 149 Squadron RAF. Posted to Cologne, Germany as part of the Army Of Occupation. Died of Pneumonia 4th February 1919. Buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany.
Location: Melton Old Church
Town/village: Melton
County: Suffolk
Details on Cross:
39 / A / 71
LIEUT.B.R.GARROD
1/N.L.R.ATT. 140/SQN.R.A.F
4.2.19
Text type: GRU metal tag
Cross dimensions:
Shaft Height: 1095mm
Beam width: 425mm
Width of wood: 85mm
Thickness: 20mm
Surface insertion depth: 300mm
Mounting to wall: Brass Bracket
Detailing: Chamfers along front edges of shaft and bar
Evidence of use in field: Tapered end and some discolouration
Finish: Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition: Generally good, some woodworm damage.
Other information: Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Percy William Chandler
Private, 25th Welsh Fusiliers Killed in Action 31st October 1917. Born 1890 in Wilby Suffolk. Lived at Pine View, Melton Road. Occupation: Carpenter. Enlisted on 22nd July 1915 with the Welsh Horse Yeomanry whose camp was on the Melton Recreation Ground. Posted to Galipolli in October 1915. Regiment transferred to Egypt in April 1916 and then on to Palestine. 17th April 1917: Second Battle of Gaza. 27th October 1917: Third Battle of Gaza begins. 31st October 1917: Capture of Bersheeba. Percy Chandler is Killed In Action.
Buried at Ramleh Military Cemetery on 2nd November 1917 the Reverend J A Somerville presiding. Received the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.
Date of survey: 22/07/16
Location: Melton Old Church
Town/village: Melton
County: Suffolk
Details on Cross:
355944. Pte.P.CHANDLER.
25th. Bn. Royal.Welsh.Fus.
31-10-17.
DIED OF WOUNDS
Text type: Painted – Black paint and metal GRU tag
Cross dimensions:
Shaft Height: 1360mm
Beam width: 510mm
Width of wood:
Shaft: 75mm Bar: 95mm
Thickness: 30mm
Surface insertion depth: 350mm
Mounting to wall: Brass Bracket
Detailing: None
Evidence of use in field: Tapered end and some discolouration
Finish: Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition: “Generally good,”
Other information: Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Charles Lloyd
Private, 8th East Surrey Regiment. Born: 14th September 1892 in Melton, occupation: General Labourer. Enlisted August 1914 with the East Surrey Regiment, Posted to France on 23rd March 1915. Joins the 2nd East Surrey Regiment at St Eloi near Ypres. Zonnerbeke, Belgium: 26th April 1915, Charles is wounded and is returned to the UK for treatment.
Died of Wounds 27th July 1916. Posted back to France with the 2nd Battalion, 8th East Surrey Regiment. Somme: 11th July 1916, Charles is attached to the 9th Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Somme: 13th July 1916, attack made on the German lines at Bazentin Wood. Charles was seriously wounded. Taken to Hospital in Rouen for treatment where he dies of his wounds on 27th July 1916. Buried at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Received the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. His brothers Henry and Frank of Melton also died in the First World War.
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
1020 L-CPL C LLOYD
8TH EAST SURREY REGT
27TH JULY 1916
Text type Metal Tags
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 940mm
Beam width 400mm
Width of wood 70mm
Thickness 20mm
Surface insertion depth 340mm
Mounting to wall Brass bracket
Detailing
Evidence of use in field Some rot at base – point possibly broken off
Finish Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition Generally good, evidence of rot where placed in the ground
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Alfred Cecil Skoulding
2nd Lieutenant, 6th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Born 1884 in Melton, Family owned the grocer’s shop which is now Melton Fish and Chip shop. 4th November 1915: Enlisted as a Private in the Honourable Artillery Corps. 18th December 1916 Commissioned into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. 4th February 1917: Posted to France. 13thFebruary 1917: Joins the 6thOx & Bucks Light Infantry at Guillemont Camp.
19th February 1917 – sent to Front line for the first time: War Diary Entry: “4:00pm. While going into line the enemy opened a sharp bombardment and 2ndLieutenants A C Skouldingand J C O Wright were wounded and 3 other ranks killed and 10 wounded.” Taken to the 34th Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his wounds. Killed in Action 31st October 1917. Buried in Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte. Received the British War and Victory Medals for his war service.
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
G.R.U. 3 (on metal tag)
top of shaft IN LOVING MEMORY OF
on bar 2ND LT. A.C.SKOULDING. 6TH. O.B.L.I.
Died Of Wounds
31’2’1917
Text type Painted
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1970mm
Beam width 535mm
Width of wood 75mm
Thickness 45mm
Surface insertion depth 310mm
Mounting to wall Brass bracket
Detailing Chamfers along front edges of shaft and bar infilled with balck paint. Top of shaft and ends of bar are rounded
Evidence of use in field Tapered end and some discolouration
Finish Possibly whitewashed and painted
Condition Generally good
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Thomas William Woolley
Thomas William Woolley, DCM: CSM 3rd Battalion Canadian Engineers. Born 6th March 1888 in Lewisham, London. Parents living at The Cottage, Lodge Gate, Melton. Emigrated to Canada in 1910. Enlisted into Canadian Army on 24th September 1914. Died of Wounds at the No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station on 8th August 1918. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War and Victory Medals. Buried at Crouy British Cemetery, Somme, France
28th March 1918 –DCM Citation London Gazette:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while working on a plank road. His section officer was wounded, and the working party dispersed after suffering severe casualties. With great coolness and courage he remained at work, collected the wounded, and reorganised the working party. He gave a splendid example to all with him.”
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
G.R.U. (on metal tag)
top of shaft IN MEMORY OF
on bar 45226 C.S.M.WOOLLEY. T.W. D.C.M.
3RD BATT’N CANADIAN ENGINEERS
DIED OF WOUNDS
9.8.18
Text type Painted
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1270mm
Beam width 750mm
Width of wood Varies
Thickness 50mm
Surface insertion depth 140mm
Mounting to wall Brass bracket
Detailing Painted red with cap badge of the Canadian Engineers painted at the top. The piece at the bottom suggests this was part of a grave surround as no indication of dirt and too short
Evidence of use in field Tapered end and some discolouration
Finish Painted
Condition Generally good
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Thomas William Woolley, DCM: CSM 3rd Battalion Canadian Engineers
Born 6th March 1888 in Lewisham, London. Parents living at The Cottage, Lodge Gate, Melton. Emigrated to Canada in 1910. Enlisted into Canadian Army on 24th September 1914. Died of Wounds at the No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station on 8th August 1918. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War and Victory Medals. Buried at Crouy British Cemetery, Somme, France
28th March 1918 –DCM Citation London Gazette:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while working on a plank road. His section officer was wounded, and the working party dispersed after suffering severe casualties. With great coolness and courage he remained at work, collected the wounded, and reorganised the working party. He gave a splendid example to all with him.”
William Thomas Woolnough
Corporal, 38th Btn Canadian Infantry Killed in Action 21st July 1918. Born in 1887 in Woodbridge, living in Tollgate Cottages until 1912. Emigrated to Canada in May 1912, Enlisted in Canadian Army on 1stJune 1916 joining the 38th Battalion Canadian Infantry (East Ontario Regiment). Killed in Action on 21st July 1918. Buried at Ecoiveres Military Cemetery, Mont-St-Eloi, Pas de Calais. Received British War and Victory Medals
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
top of shaft
6
GRU
G 6
on bar
246461 PTE W F WOOLNOUGHT
38th CANADIAN BATT
KIA 21-7-18
Text type GRU Metal Tag
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1210mm
Beam width 390mm
Width of wood shaft tapered 60mm to 40mm
bar 55mm
Thickness 20mm
Surface insertion depth 300mm
Mounting to wall Brass bracket
Detailing Shaft is tapered an the top has 45degree chamfers of 10mm at the top. The bar has 10mm chamfers each end
Evidence of use in field Tapered end and some discolouration
Finish Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition Generally good
Other information Actual name is William Thomas Woolnough so middle initial is wrong as is spelling of his surname – no ‘t’ at the end. Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
Peter Ungerer
Private, 152nd Coy Machine Gun Corps. Born London in 1882 – the son of a German immigrant. Occupation: Baker. Married Elizabeth Riches who was born in Melton. She returned to live with her mother in Toll Gate Cottages, Melton. Enlisted in June 1916 Joined Machine Gun Corps. Posted to France to serve with 152nd Company Machine Gun Corps. 5th July 1917: in front line at St Julien in the Ypres Salient. 9th July 1917: Peter is Killed In Action. Buried in Gwalia Military Cemetery, Belgium. Received the British War and Victory Medals.
Location Melton Old Church
Town/village Melton
County Suffolk
Details on Cross
G R U
88612 PTE P UNGERER
152 / M G COY
9-7-17
Text type Metal Tags
Cross dimensions
Shaft Height 1150mm
Beam width 40cm
Width of wood 70mm
Thickness 20mm
Surface insertion depth 350mm
Mounting to wall Brass bracket
Detailing None
Evidence of use in field Discolouration and rot to the bottom
Finish Unpainted and unvarnished
Condition Generally good, evidence of rot where placed in the ground
Other information Church maintained by the Melton Old Church Society. Open days during the year.
