CLAYDEN, George Thomas


No.S/27382, Rifleman, George Thomas CLAYDEN
Aged 35


8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade
Killed in Action presumed on Saturday, 23rd March 1918


Believed to be the Thomas George Clayden, born in Steeple Bumpstead (Risbridge Q3-1882 4A:552), son of Charles and Harriet CLAYDEN (née BACON). The family name varies from CLAYDEN to CLAYDON.

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Endway, Steeple Bumpstead with his father Charles CLAYDEN [36] farm labourer; his mother Harriet [30]; sister Annie [6]; brothers Harry [4] and John [1]. All were born in Steeple Bumpstead.

1901 census...Aged 19 he appears to be the George Clayden (born in Averill) a groom/horsekeeper for John HORSMER at 1 St Andrews Mes, Stoke Newington, London. At Churchfield, Steeple Bumpstead were his parents; brothers Harry (farm labourer), John, Sidney [9], Arthur [6] and Stephen [4]; sister Alice [2]. The new siblings born in Steeple Bumpstead.

George married Edith HOGG (Hampstead Q2-1910)

1911 census...Aged 29, he was at 12 London Road Mes, South Hampstead with his wife Edith [30] born Belgravia, London and widowed mother in law Sophia HOGG [70] born Notting Hill, London. At North Street, Steeple Bumpstead were his parents; brothers Harry (farm labourer), Frank Stephen (farm labourer) and Arthur (milkman); sister Alice.

CWGC have the family at The Chase which is just off North Street. His widow was at 51 Princes Street W1 on the pension card.

His brother Arthur Clayden was killed serving in Belgium in the Northumberland Fusiliers in 1915, see here

and brother Frank Stephen Clayden was killed serving in France in the Suffolk Regiment in 1916. see here



George enlisted in Hampstead, Middlesex. "Soldiers Died" also has his death as 9th January 1918, but the battalion were in billets near Sailly le Sec at that time, resting and training.

The battalion war diary for the 23rd details various stages of their retreat before superior German forces. It was the 3rd day of the German Spring Offensive, the Kaiserschlacht when the German made a rapid advance westward.

CWGC record show the 8th Rifle Brigade had 20 killed, 13 of then with no known grave.




photo: Roy Beardsworth



George is commemorated on the Pozières memorial. panels 81 to 84

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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