Lieutenant-Colonel Royston-Pigott D.S.O.

This report in the Eastbourne Gazette is on the death of Lieutentant Colonel G.A. Royston-Pigott.


"Lieutenant-Colonel Royston-Pigott D.S.O.

Lieutenant-Colonel George Arthur Royston-Pigott, D.S.O. Worcestershire Regiment who was killed on July 3, was the eldest son of the late Dr. G.W. Royston-Piggott, F.R.S. and of Mrs. Royston-Piggott of Annandale, Eastbourne and was 41 years of age.

Appointed to the 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment in 1895, he served with it through the South African War being awarded both medals and five clasps. He was in command of his battalion at the battle of Loos, when he was mentioned in dispatches and obtained the D.S.O. Subsequently he was appointed to the command of a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.

In 1915 he married Hilda, daughter of the late J.W. Parriss of Ardaga, Willesden Lane."

Lieutentant Colonel G.A. Royston-Pigott, D.S.O. is buried in Ovillers Military Cemetry, France.

Corporal E.A. Dewey, 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment.

This article in the Eastbourne Gazette dated 9th August 1916 is about Corporal E.A. Dewey, 12th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment.

In a previous article, “How the Southdown’s Fought” Corporal Dewey is mentioned:

“Another Eastbourne man notable for his pluck is Corporal E.A. Dewey (formerly doorkeeper at the Hippodrome theatre). Although he was suffering from a painful malady, he rose from his bed of sickness and insisted upon accompanying his comrades to the enemy’s trenches. ‘I’ve been with the boys all along’ he said ‘and I intend to go over the parapet with them.’ He was allowed to go, and did his duty well but he was badly wounded in several places and lost his right eye.’
"Corporal Dewey, who is 45 years of age and has a son at the front, had never seen service prior to the war, but joined up shortly after the outbreak in order to ‘do his bit.’

In an update Corporal Dewey writes from hospital to Mr. Gardner the leader of the Eastbourne Glee Club. He informs him of his intention to carry on in the army and become a drill instructor. He also thanks Mr. Gardner’s work in sending cigarettes etc to the troops.


“Corporal Dewey in Hospital

Letter to “The Soldiers Friend.”

Corporal E.A. Dewey (who is A4 Ward, Third London General Hospital, Wandsworth) wrote on July 31 to Mr. J.F. Gardner:-

“You will no doubt be surprised to hear from me in London, but now I have recovered somewhat from my recent repairs. I have come across the two badges I collected for you and have sent them on. I read a little while ago that you were still carrying on the good work of sending the boys something to smoke , which I am sure is heartily appreciated. I am only waiting in hospital to be fitted with a new ‘monocle’.

Then I hope to go to a convalescent home for a week or two, previous to taking up my duties. I have been accepted for further service as instructor in drill and musketry and feel glad that my offer has been received so favourably. Civilian life whilst the war is on has no appeals for me. When visiting Eastbourne on furlough- unless I am fortunate enough to be sent to Summerdown to recuperate earlier- I will call and see you.”

Corporal Dewey, who is well known in Eastbourne, has been serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment. His letter was addressed to “Mr. Gardener, the Soldiers Friend, 72, Tideswell Road.””

“Lowthers Lambs” and the Rats

The 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment crossed to France via Southampton on 5th/6th March 1916, landing at Havre.

This letter from Private Wenham of the 11th appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 14th June 1916 and gave the people back in Eastbourne a taste of what was happening.

“Lowthers Lambs” and the Rats

'Mr and Mrs H. Wenham, of Meads Street Eastbourne, have received a letter from their son (Private F.P. Wenham) in which he says,

“We are doing another four days in the trenches, but as we have already done two we shall soon be out again. Then we shall go back a little way for eight days rest.

We are like the rats which infest this place – we only get active at night! When in the front line we have a fine game with the rats. When the rifles are placed on the parapet we stick a piece of toasted cheese on the bayonet, then when ‘Nibs’ comes along, pull trigger, and exit rat! The advantage of this means of execution is that there is always a chance of the bullet finding its way into the German trench and making Fritz nervous. You can take it from me, there is no need to worry on my behalf. The grub is pretty good, I am absolutely fit, and Fritz is far too busy to make a bullet with my number on it.”'


Private Frederick Peter Wenham served in the 11th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment (1st Southdowns). Service number SD/261.

He was subsequently transferred to the 9th Battalion. He died on 30th July 1917, aged 21 and is buried in LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, Belgium.