Horndean War Memorial

A Memory of Horndean.

I am seeking help in identifying two soldiers recorded on the Horndean War Memorial. I have found the details of all of the others. I intend to publish the results of my research.

The two men are recorded as follows

Turner C G
Larcombe F G (possible a Corporal)

I believe that Mr Turner is Charles George 315153 Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery. He left the Army on 21st April 1919 and lived Lovedean Horndean His wife was Bertha nee Pocock. Charles was born in 1889 @ West Meon.

If I am correct, Charles died during the period Apr 1919 and mid 1920, when the War Memorial was dedicated. I have been unable to find details of any Charles George Turner who died in this period.

Mr Larcombe is a complete mystery. Three Larcombes with these initials are recorded by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission, (CWGC). One came from Berkshire the other two from Somerset/Devon. They are Frederick George Pte 8217 R Berkshire R, Francis George A/Cpl 26094 Devonshire Regiment and Frank George Pte 7413 Machine Gun Corps formerly Somerset L Inf.

None would seem to have any relationship with Horndean. It is likely that a Mr Larcombe married a local girl, subsequently died and his wife ensured that his name was recorded on the War Memorial. If she was married to any of the three mentioned above her details are not recorded by the CWGC. In all three cases only the parental details are noted. This can only mean that our missing Mr Larcombe died after leaving the service. Again no record of such a death has been forthcoming in England and Wales.

---

---