Name
Reginald Charles Elliott
20 July 1895
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/10/1916
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Leading Seaman
7206/A
Royal Naval Reserve
H.M.S. Royal Scot
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Searched but not found
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GREAT BERKHAMSTED (ST. PETER) CHURCH CEMETERY
Row 5.
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Family grave inscription - see Biography
UK & Other Memorials
Berkhamsted Town Memorial, St Peter's Church Memorial, Berkhamsted, Family grave, St Peter's Churchyard, Berkhamsted, Not on the Braughing memorial
Pre War
Reginald Charles Elliot was born on 20 July 1895 in Braughing, nr Bishops Stortford, Herts the son of William and Harriett Elliott and one of three children, although an elder brother died in infancy. He was baptised on 25 August 1895 at Braughing.
On the 1901 Census the family were living at 19 Eleanor Road, Hertford, Herts where his father was a sewing machine agent. They also had four boarders living with them.
He enlisted with the Royal Navy aged 16 as a 'Boy 2nd ' from 1 March 1911. He was promoted to Boy 1st Class in December and transferred to HMS Suspect from 16 December to 2 May 1912. He served with HMS Venerable, a London class battleship until 8 January 1913 and his record showed that he had 'Run' (i.e. deserted). He joined the army at the outbreak of war (serving as Newell) and made an application, stating that he was now serving in the army, and wanted to purchase his discharge from the RN. He was informed that if he applied through his Commanding Officer, his case will be favourably considered.
Wartime Service
On 9 June 1915, Reginald joined the Royal Naval Reserves, giving his name as Reginald Newell but using his correct date of birth, parents' names and place of birth. Although his parents were still alive, he gave his next of kin as Mrs Hills who he claimed was his sister. (Mrs Hills' maiden name was Georgina May Newell and she had lived as a boarder with Reginald and his family in 1901).
Reginald served on a number of ships, the last being the HMS Royal Scot. The ship landed at Lerwick, Scotland and he was working on a steel hawser when it snapped, severely injuring his leg. He died in hospital on 20 October 1916, aged 21, suffering from shock following the amputation of his leg.
He was buried on 26 October 1916 at Great Berkhamsted (St Peter) Church Cemetery, Herts.
Additional Information
N.B. There are two entries on CWGC records for Reginald's two identities: R C Elliott and R C Newell.
Although the CWGC has the Cemetery listed as Great Berkhamsted (St Peter) Church Cemetery, it is more commonly known as Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted. His headstone is not a CWGC but a family headstone on a private grave. His inscription reads:
"In Loving Memory of Reginald Charles Elliott, Leading Seaman on HMS Royal Scot, killed at Lerwick, Oct 20th 1916. aged 21 years.
'When his Master called him for promotion he found him at his post.'
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
Jonty Wild, www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk
