Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Herbert Capon was born in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in Wotton to Joseph “Benjamin” and Mary (nee Greenfield).
At the time of the 1901 Census, Joseph was working as an agricultural labourer, the couple lived with Mary’s father William Greenfield at Sheep Green Cottage, Wotton. The household further comprised of the couple’s children: Ruth and Herbert.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the Capons were still living with William, but had moved to Rowe Mount Cottage in Coldharbour, Surrey. Joseph was working as a farm labourer. The household further comprised of their children: farm labourer Harry, Ruth and gardener Herbert. The accommodation had seven rooms. Mary stated that she had given birth to eight children of whom five were still alive.
Herbert Capon enlisted on 7th September 1914 in Cranleigh, Surrey into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was a Private with regimental number: 40014. At the time of his enlistment he was working as a gardener. He was 5ft 10inches tall and weighted 154lbs. He had a fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.
Herbert served from 7th September 1914 to 5th July 1915 on the home front.
On 5th July 1915 Herbert Capon was discharged from the Army as he was no longer physically fit for war service. He suffered Tympanic Membrane Perforation in both of his ears. (ruptured eardrums)
The 1915 Medical Board Report reads that on 19th February 1915 Herbert Capon contracted measles at Aldershot and was treated at the Isolation Hospital. On sick furlough he had a second attack of measles with bronchitis and earache, followed by discharge from both ears. He also suffered pains in his head and attacks of vertigo.
In June 1916 Herbert’s medical report reads that he had both eardrums perforated but the discharge lessened and his hearing improved slightly. Nevertheless, he was giddy when he stood and was getting severe pains in his head. He was also not being able to work at all since his discharge from the Army.
In May 1917 it was reported that Herbert was working as a gardener for Mr Highford at The Lodge, Hartsfield, Betchworth, Surrey. He worked for Mr Highford from June 1916. Herbert was now able to hear raised voices on his right ear but heard little or nothing with left ear. There was no discharge from either ear for the last 3 months. Herbert was still giddy upon standing, but had no pain in the head.
Herbert Capon died on 5th February 1918 in Dorking.
Herbert’s father Joseph Benjamin Capon died in the 1st quarter of 1917 in Dorking.
Herbert’s brother Harry was killed on 15th July 1916 on the Somme aged 35.
Capon Family History
Hebert’s father Joseph Benjamin Capon was born in the 3rd quarter of 1850 in Ockley, Surrey to farm labourer Benjamin, born about 1806 in Ockley and Harriet, born about 1825 in Leigh, Surrey. Joseph was baptised on 1st September 1850 at St Margaret’s church in Ockley. At the time of the 1871 Census, Joseph was a farm servant of farmer John Worsfold at Isemonger’s Farm, Ewhurst, Surrey. Hebert’s mother Mary Greenfield was born in the 3rd quarter of 1852 in Ockley, to agricultural labourer and gamekeeper William, born about 1822 in Billingshurst, Sussex and Sarah, born about 1832 in Dorking. Mary was baptised on 26th September 1852 in Wotton. At the time of the baptism the family lived in Ockley and William was working as a labourer.
Joseph and Mary married on 22nd of April 1876 at St John the Evangelist’s church in Wotton. The couple lived in Wotton and Joseph was working as a farm labourer.
Herbert had five known siblings: Ann born about 1877; George born about 1879; Harry born about 1881; William born about 1883 and Ruth born about 1885, all in Wotton.
At the time of the 1881 Census, agricultural labourer Joseph and Mary were living with Mary’s father, gamekeeper, William at Sheep Green Cottage, Wotton. The household also comprised of Mary’s brothers: game keeper George Greenfield and agricultural labourer Mark Greenfield and Mary’s children: Ann, George and Harry.
At the time of the 1891 Census, Joseph was still working as an agricultural labourer. The family including Mary’s brother Mark, were still living with Mary’s father at Sheep Green Cottage. Mary and Joseph had also added Ruth and William to their family.
| Born | Wotton | |
| Son of | Joseph “Benjamin” and Mary Capon | |
| Brother of | Harry Capon | |
| Regiment | Royal Medical Army Corps | |
| Number | 40014 | |
| Date of Death | 5th February 1918 | |
| Place of Death | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Cause of Death | Died of natural causes | |
| Age | 23 | |
| Cemetery | Christ Church Coldhabour Churchyard |
