Name
William Hipgrave
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
27/07/1917
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
201248
Bedfordshire Regiment
1st/5th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GAZA WAR CEMETERY
XXX. A. 2.
Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)
Headstone Inscription
None
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, St Luke's Church Memorial, Hatfield, We are not aware of any memorial in Roe Green
Pre War
William was the son of Henry (Harry) and Elizabeth Hipgrave, born in Hatfield (quite likely to be more accurately Roe Green) about 1880.
In the 1881 Census: William was recorded as 4 months old, he is with his parents, Henry and Elizabeth and siblings in Roe Green. His father was working as a general labourer. The family were still living there in 1891, with his father’s employment give as agricultural labourer.
He had enlisted in the Army and served in the Boer War.
Officially recorded living in Hatfield when he enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
When war broke out, John was mobilised in September 1914 as a reservist and served as Private 4/6994 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment and served in France from 11 November 1914. Then, later, as 201248, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of September 1917, recorded: “Hatfield Roll of Honour- William Hipgrave 5th Beds. Very special sympathy is felt for Mrs Hipgrave of Roe Green, this being the third son whom she has lost during the war.”
The Herts Advertiser dated 18th August 1917, reported on about eight members of the Hipgrave family: “Mrs Hipgrave, 1 Green ……? Cottages. Roe Green, Hatfield, contributed five sons and three grandsons to the Great War and furnishes a striking illustration of how international warfare lays its heavy tribute on peaceful village homes. The patriotism of the brave Hatfield sons is succinctly unfolded in the following brief explanation.
1) Private John Hipgrave, single, resided at Hatfield Hyde. Joined August 1914, went to France November 1914, killed December 1914 aged 42. Served through the South African War in Coldstream Guards.
2) Private George Hipgrave married. Joined early 1915, was wounded in France April 1915, now in Egypt aged 40. Lived in Roe Green before enlisting.
3) Private William Hipgrave – Beds Regiment. Single, joined August 1914, went to France April 1915. Twice wounded, went to Egypt January 1916. Killed July 1917, aged 37. Lived Roe Green, served through the South African War.
4) Private Fred Hipgrave – Beds Regiment. Single, joined August 1914. Went to France Dec 1914. Killed April 1915 aged 29. Lived Roe Green.
5) Corporal Frank Hipgrave – 1st Border Regiment. Single. When war broke out he was in India with Regiment Had served for ten years. Came home, went to the Dardanelles, wounded, next went to France and again wounded. Now discharged through wounds aged 29. Lives at Roe Green.
6) G Hipgrave – on a destroyer aged 16.
7) Private Charles Payne – 1st Herts. Regiment. Joined early 1916. Killed in action in France Nov 1916 aged 21. Lived at Wymondley near Stevenage.
8) Private John Wilmot – Herts. Regiment. Served before war broke out. Went to France Nov. 1914.
Has had two leaves from the Front and still out with the Herts. Regiment – aged 21.
Now all that is left to the bereaved parent is the memory of deeds bravely done, lives given to King and Country and a few letters from co-patriots. A Company Sergeant-Major writes of one of the sons hit by a stray bullet behind the lines when returning to bivouac and killed instantly. A company quarter-master sergeant quotes ‘it is with great regret that I write to inform you of your son’s death, Private Hipgrave, on the night of the 27th. He had taken part in a night raid on the enemy trenches and had practically reached our bivouac when he was hit in the head by a stray bullet, his death was instantaneous. I beg to sympathise with you in your loss and the only consolation I can offer you is that he died in the cause of his country. Always willing to help his comrades and cheerful, he performed his duties well, and in the face of great odds he always carried them out to the letter. His death is greatly lamented by all the officers, NCOs and men of the company who realised to the full his great worth. By his example many of the men have improved the ways of work and, writing as NCO, it was always a pleasure to have such a man to work under one, who acted as a stimulus to the remainder by example and precept.’"
Capt H G Armstrong, QC, also wrote August 1st 1917
Dear Mrs Hipgrave,
I am writing to say how much I sympathise with you in the sad loss of your son, Private W Hipgrave. He was killed on the night of July 27th. He was an excellent soldier, a most willing worker, and his loss will be greatly felt by all. Once again let me express my most sincere sympathies.’”
William was awarded the British War Medal & Victory Medal and 1914 Star.
Additional Information
Brother of Frederick & John Hipgrave who served and were killed.
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs Hipgrave (Mother) of Greenfoot Cottages, Roe Green received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild
