Thank you to Margaret Dennis for the following research.
Stephen was born 1871 in South Holmwood, Surrey, one of 10 children of William (brick labourer) and Betsey Worsfold. On Stephen’s marriage in October 1901, he moved to Dorking, continuing work as a jobbing gardener. He enlisted in October 1914.
JANUARY
Worsfold, Stephen, National Reservist, died suddenly when on duty as member of the Chilworth Guard; lived at 5, Cotmandene Square.
Stephen Worsfold Death Notice 30th December 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Died suddenly aged 44 yrs on duty with the Chilworth Guard on 1st January 1916. Buried in Dorking Cemetery plot 2-8527.
ON GUARD
DEATH AT HIS POST OF DUTY
How a Dorking National Reservist met his death while acting as a member of the Chilworth Guard was told at an inquest held by Mr. Gilbert White on Monday morning. The deceased was Stephen Worsfold, age 44, a married man living at 5, Cotmandene Square.
From the evidence of Corpl. Chambers, it appeared that on Saturday morning he was in charge of the Guard. Deceased fell in about six o’clock, and they marched along. When near the schools deceased fell on his face. Witness unloosened his clothes, but he died almost immediately. As far as he knew, deceased had enjoyed good health, and he had never complained to witness that he could not stand the strain of the work.
Dr. Graham, who had made a post mortem examination, said the cause of death was sycope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart.
Stephen Worsfold Inquest Report 8th January 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
PTE S. WORSFOLD
Alfred, a motor driver of Dorking said his brother had had good health with the exception of a cold.
A verdict was returned was returned in accordance with the medical evidence, and the jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and handed their fees over to her.
The Deceased was an old Dorking Volunteer, and as a National Reservist he was called up to join the 5th Queen’s at Guildford in October 1914. He was afterwards sent to Windsor, and in March last joined the Chilworth Guard. He was home on leave on Monday, December 27th, and kept up that day as Christmas Day with his wife and family, to whom he was much devoted. He was then apparently in good health and returned to duty next morning. In civil life he was a gardener in the employ of Mr. Chalcraft and previous to that was employed for eleven years by the late Mr. Crabbe, at Bentsbrook. He was born at South Holmwood. The widow is left entirely unprovided for with a family of five to maintain, the youngest being only eight months old. Her case is a very sad one, and if something can be done to relieve her immediate and future anxiety it would be a fitting acknowledgement of one who literally died at his post of duty. It is a singular coincidence that one of the deceased’s best chums was Lce-Corpl. A. Ireland, whose sudden death we recorded last week.
The funeral took place in Dorking Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon when military honours were accorded. The body was brought from Chilworth by the train arriving at 1.26; it was transferred to an open hearse, and on the lid of the coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, were placed deceased’s cap and side arms. The cortege was preceded by a firing party of the 3rd Supernumerary Guard Company of the 5th Queen’s to which the deceased was attached, and a number of other comrades from the same company marched behind under the command of Capt. Ness. Members of the guard also acted as bearers. The Rev. T. R. Grantham officiated, the deceased having been a member of the Men’s Own in connection with the Congregational Church. The mourners included the widow and the elder children, deceased’s brother, and other relatives, and at the close of the service the “Last Post” was sounded by two buglers of the 5th Queen’s and the usual three volleys were fired over the grave. Beautiful floral tributes were sent, with deep sympathy, by the officers of the Chilworth Guard and by the Chilworth Works.
Stephen Worsfold Death Notice 8th January 1916 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
His widow Lilian Caroline was left with five children, at 5 Cotmandene Square, Dorking.
MORE MILITARY BUNGLING
A few days ago a call up notice was received by the widow of the late Mr. Stephen Worsfold, in respect to her husband, who, it will be remembered, died while on duty as a National Reservist, at Chilworth, some eighteen months ago. It is a pity that the widow’s sorrow should be revived by such a cruel blunder as this.
Stephen Worsfold Military Error 6th January 1917 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
| Husband of | Lillian Caroline Worsfold of 5 Cotmandene Square, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 2nd/5th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) | |
| Number | 20175 | |
| Date of Death | 1st January 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Dorking | |
| Age | 44 | |
| Cemetery | Dorking Cemetery |
