Page 60 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side

Lance/Corporal Arthur CRONK, 18th Battalion, London Irish Regt.
1884 - 7th Apri1 1918

Although he had close connections with Foots Cray and had previously lived in Cray Road,
Arthur Cronk was born in Maidstone the son of George and Emily. Arthur married Ethel
Wise in Maidstone and the couple subsequently had two children. He was an employee at
Erith Gas Works and was already 33-years-of-age when he made the courageous decision
to enlist with the London Rifle Brigade early in 1917. With the dreadful weekly toll,
especially of local lads, he could have had no illusions of grandeur and heroism.

Early in 1918, the London Irish were in the La Vacquerie sector, south west of Cambra. As
soon as dusk fell on 22nd March, the enemy attacked. The London Irish stood firm and
beat off four attacks by rifle and machine gun fire, finally charging the attacking party and
annihilating it, except for seven Germans who were brought in as prisoners. The 5th
Battalion was in action from the 5th/7th April, being relieved the next day as the enemy
advance petered out. Unfortunately, Arthur was killed on 7th April 1918.

In Memoriam: Arthur Cronk is buried in the Ancre British Cemetery.

Bandsman William James DARRINGTON Royal West Kent Regt, 7th Battalion
1884 - 12th April 1918

William was born in Tottenham, London the son of a policeman. He was married to Harriet
(nee Sears) and the couple had lived in Cray Road for six years. William had previously
lived in Bromley where he ran many concerts which he continued to do in Foots
Cray. Before enlisting in May 1916 at Bexleyheath, he worked for the local Gas
Board. William was assigned to the 7th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment.

In 1916, 1917 and 1918 the 7th Battalion took part in many notable battles. Unfortunately,
this experienced young soldier was killed in France on 12th April 1918 during the Battle
known as Operation Michael. William Darrington’s widow received a War gratuity in May
1919 of £14.17s.7d

In Memoriam: Remembered on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France

Sgt. Edwin R. DOWNTON, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Portsmouth Division
1883 - 20th July 1917

Born in the neighbouring village of St. Mary Cray, Edwin Downton enlisted in the Royal
Marines in 1906, at the age of 23 years. His military service included time in China. His
brother, Charles, a skilled joiner and carpenter, moved with his family to Foots Cray and
during the war was an active member of the Foots Cray War Savings Committee.
Unmarried, Edwin would stay with his brother's family when home on leave. He was
promoted to sergeant and stationed at Portsmouth and in May 1915, Edwin took part in the
Battle of Jutland.

The Battle of Jutland, considered by many to be the greatest Naval battle of the First
World War, had all the ingredients of being a great victory, but in the event the result was
much less clear. At the end of May 1915, the British Grand fleet sailed in pursuit of the
German High Seas fleet. Admiral Jellicoe commanded the British Fleet, whose heavy guns
soon inflicted damage on the German Fleet. In the last phase of battle, after a night of
intense fighting, the retreat of the German battleships was covered by their lighter ships,
while Admiral Jellicoe lost time while trying to avoid a torpedo attack.

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