Thursday 6 November 2014

St Michael's: Valentine Sandford Longman

Valentine Sandford LONGMAN
Died 1st September 1918

Date of Birth: March quarter 1886
Place of Birth: Highgate, Middlesex

Valentine Sandford was the son of Valentine Ignatius Roderique and Kate Parsons Longman (nee Beard). He had two sisters: Violet I and Enid M. By 1891, the census shows 5 year old Valentine with his family at 35 Carleton Road. In 1901, the census shows 15 year old Valentine boarding at Highgate School while his family was living at 35 Carleton Road, Islington. Valentine senior worked as a British and international wholesale newsagent. 

Service Details: In 1908 Valentine attested in the Honourable Artillery Company. He resigned 26 September 1910. In the Great War, Valentine served as a Major with the 19th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery
Place of Death: France
Place of Burial: HAC Cemetery, Ecoust-St Mien, plot VI. G. 17
Commemorated: Highgate 

St Michael's: Christopher Frank Challen

Christopher Frank CHALLEN
Died 13th November 1918

Date of Birth: March quarter 1895
Place of Birth: St Pancras, London

Christopher Frank was the son of Frank and Blanche Frances Challen (nee Harte). He had four living siblings: Philip, Katherine Mary, Gentian Patrica and Frances Elizabeth as well as a sibling who died before 1911. By 1901, the census shows the family living at 20 West Hill, St Pancras.
In 1911, the family were living at 62 Southwood Lane, Highgate.  Christopher was a scholar and his father worked as a managing director of a pianoforte manufacturing company.

Service Details: Lieutenant, Middlesex Regiment; Captain 1/7th Middlesex Regiment; Mentioned in Despatches
Place of Death: London
Place of Burial: Highgate Cemetery
Commemorated: Highgate Cemetery

St Michael's: Noel Coghlan Barrs

Noel Coghlan BARRS
Died 15th September 1916

Date of Birth: September quarter 1893
Place of Birth: Highgate, Middlesex

Noel Coghlan was the son of William and Harriette Barrs (nee Bayley). He had three brothers: Harwood, Edward and William. By 1901, the census shows that William had died and the family were living at 1, Holly Terrace, Highgate. Noel is shown as a 7 year old scholar.
In 1911, Noel is recorded on the census as a boarder at St Bees School in Cumberland.

Service Details: Second Lieutenant, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), 11th Battalion
Place of Death: France
Place of Burial: No Known Grave
Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 11 C)