Thank you to Wendy Shuttleworth for the following research. Thank you to Catherine Marshall-East for the photograph of Stanley.
Stanley Harry Townsend was born in 1899 in Dorking, the son of Sydney and Emma.
In 1901, the family were living at 50a South Street, Sydney was working as a bookseller, and was a member of the Dorking anti-vacination League.
In 1902 Stanley was admitted to the Dorking British School (Ashcombe School)
In 1911, the family were still living at 50a South Street. Sydney was now a furniture dealer.
Stanley enlisted in Guildford into the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, as a private with the regimental number TR/9/44656, later this number changed to 42532.
Stanley was killed in action on 30th August 1918 in France aged 19. He was buried in Ecoust-Saint Mein British Cemetery, A. 6. “Sacrifice the path of duty was the way to Glory Mother” was transcribed onto his grave. His brother Raymond died on 14th February 1919 in Bamshott, Hampshire aged 26.
More information on the Townsend family history
Photograph courtesy of Lois Leyland
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Sydney and Emma Townsend of 50a South Street | |
| Regiment | 2nd Battalion. Suffolk Regiment | |
| Number | 42532 | |
| Date of Death | 30th August 1918 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 19 | |
| Cemetery | Ecoust-Saint Mein British Cemetery, France |
