Tag Archives: air raid

Commonwealth War Graves, Great War, history, illness, injury, Kent, killed in action, Ordinary Seaman, photography, Royal Navy, story, Suffolk, war

Ordinary Seaman John Diaper

Leave a comment
Ordinary Seaman John Diaper

John Dolby Diaper was born in Stowupland, Suffolk, on 1st June 1898. He was the second youngest of ten children to George and Martha, and the older of two sons. George was a cattleman turned gardener, and it seems that John went into farm work when he completed his schooling.

When war broke out, John was called upon to play his part. He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 6th June 1917, joining as an Ordinary Seaman. His service records show that he was 5ft 4.5ins (1.63m) tall, with brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion.

Ordinary Seaman Diaper was sent to HMS Pembroke, the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham, Kent, for his training. The summer of 1917 was a particularly busy for the base, and temporary accommodation was set up in the Drill Hall; this is where John was billeted.

On the night of 3rd September 1917, Chatham suddenly found itself in the firing line as a wave of German aircraft bombed the town. The Drill Hall received a direct hit, and Ordinary Seaman Diaper was badly injured. He was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital in the town, and would remain there for some time.

John’s injuries were severe and, although his treatment was ongoing, the impact on his overall health was detrimental. Ultimately, the air raid weakened his system, and his heart gave out. He died on 18th April 1918, more than seven months after the bombing: he was 19 years of age.

John Dolby Diaper was laid to rest in Woodlands Cemetery, Gillingham, alongside those who had given their lives on 3rd September.

Air Mechanic, Commonwealth War Graves, Great War, history, injury, London, Middlesex, photography, Royal Air Force, story, Sussex, war, wireless operator

Air Mechanic 1st Class Albert Young

Leave a comment
Air Mechanic 1st Class Albert Young

Albert Franklin Young was born on 15th August 1899 in Marylebone, London. He was the older of two children – and the only son – to Kathleen (Kate) Young, and her photographer husband, Albert Antonio Young.

Albert Sr seemed to have made a successful of his photography business: Albert Jr attended St Hugh’s School in Chislehurst, Kent, before moving on to Margate College, also in Kent, and Watford Grammar School.

From leaving school, Albert Jr joined the Royal Flying Corps as a wireless operator on 28th September 1915. He was just sixteen years old, but within eight months he was serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. He was involved in operations at the Somme and continued his flight training.

In November 1915, Albert was promoted to Air Mechanic 1st Class, and remained on the Western Front. On 28th March 1918, a German air raid hit No. 2 Air Depot, where Albert was working: he was badly wounded, and brought back to England for medical treatment.

Admitted to London Hospital in Chelsea, Air Mechanic Young was operated on a number of times, but was to finally succumb to his wounds on 9th June 1918. He was just 18 years of age.

As highlighted in de Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, one colleague noted “I can assure you he was very greatly esteemed for his fine qualities by all with whom he came into contact, and the news of his death was received by all of us with most profound sorrow. He was a splendid boy.” Another said that the “great courage and coolness he always displayed at most critical moments were on many occasions an incentive to me. He was truly a gallant lad.”

Brought to West Sussex, where his parents were now living, Albert Franklin Young was laid to rest in Cuckfield Cemetery: “The scene… was very solemn and pathetic, yes beautiful and effective, and as all moved forward to the grave, and viewed the fair expanse of the Sussex Weald, the sweet melody of the Choir [was] ringing in our ears.” [Mid Sussex Tomes: Tuesday 18th June 1918]