Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for this research.
Douglas Harold Denham was born in the 1st quarter of 1892 in Ramsgate in Kent to clerk, professor of music and organist George and Mary Denham. He was baptised on 27th May 1892 in Ramsgate.
Douglas’ father George was born about 1861 at St Luke’s, Old Street, Islington to jeweller John and Amelia. His mother Mary (nee Torr) was born about 1852 in Islington to master silversmith John and Eliza Torr. George and Mary married on 4th August 1883 at St Mary’s church in Islington. At the time of the wedding George was working as a clerk and was living at 38 Hemingford Road, Islington. Mary was living at 59 Gipson Square, Islington.
Douglas Denham had six siblings: Alice Mary, George Torr, Stanley Thomas, Mary May, Herbert Spencer and Winifred Maud.
During the 1891 Census, the family lived at Downs, St Lawrence, Ramsgate. George was working as a music professor and Mary was looking after their children Alice, George, Stanley and Mary. The family also employed a servant.
By the time of the 1901 Census, the family moved to Dorking. They lived at Cliftonville in Dorking. George was a music professor and organist and Mary was taking care of their children.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family moved to 41 Avondale Road in Croydon. George was still working as a music professor, his wife Mary was at home and of their children Mary was a vocalist; Herbert a student of music; Douglas was an accountant clerk, Alice was at home and Winifred was at school. The family also had a boarder: teacher Florence Palmer. The house had 11 rooms.
Douglas enlisted in London and became Lance Corporal of the 6th (City of London) Battalion (Rifles). His service number was 1847. At the time of enlistment he lived at South Croydon.
Douglas Harold disembarked on 18th March 1915 to France.
He died on 25th September 1915 during the great advance at Loos. His brother Lance Corporal Stanley Thomas Denham wrote to his parents: “Douglas had just reached the first German trenches, when he received his mortal wound. He died an hour later, and happily suffered no pain”
He was buried at the Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay in France. A special memorial No 54 bears the inscription: “With Christ”.
Another who gave up his life for his King and country in the great advance at Loos on Sept. 25th is Lce-Corpl. Douglas Harold Denham, son of Mr. George Denham, of 41 Avondale Road, Croydon and late of Dorking. His brother, Lce-Corpl Stanley T. Denham, 15th London Rifles, writing home to his parents, says Douglas had just reached the first German trenches, when he received his mortal wound. He died an hour later, and happily suffered no pain. Lce-Corpl Douglas Denham had been through many trying experiences, and on one occasion eight shells fell almost at his feet; not one of them exploded. It is a terrible sacrifice for any parent, but Mr. and Mrs. Denham have the consolation of knowing that their son died a noble death at the call of duty. Douglas Denham, who was 23 years of age, spent six years of his life in Dorking, and a part of his time he received his education at the High School.
His father George received £3, 8s and 10d on the 31st of January 1916 and a further £4 on the 16th of August 1919 of Soldier’s Effects.
Douglas Harold was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star. He is also commemorated at the South Street Memorial in Dorking.
| Born | Ramsgate, Kent | |
| Lived | South Croydon | |
| Son of | Mr G. Denham, 41 Avondale Road, Croydon. Late of Dorking | |
| Enlisted | London | |
| Regiment | 6th Battalion. City of London Rifles Regiment | |
| Number | 1847 | |
| Date of Death | 25th September 1915 | |
| Place of Death | Loos, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 23 | |
| Cemetery | Maroc British Cemetery, Pas de Calais |
