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Corporal Arthur CRONK, 18 Battalion, London Irish Regt.
1884- 7th Apri1 918

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, as many did in 1914, but possibly the call to arms to defend the Empire was still
a strong magnet.

Early in 1918, the London Irish were in the La Vacquerie sector, south west of Cambra. As soon as
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dusk fell on 22 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
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Germans who were brought in as prisoners. The 5 Battalion was in action from the 5 /7 April,
being relieved the next day as the enemy advance petered out. Unfortunately, Arthur Cronk was
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killed on 7 April 1918.

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

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.

Although he was not outwardly physically injured, Edwin unfortunately suffered brain damage and
concussion caused by the terrible noise and vibrations from the many large guns which boomed out
during the long and dramatic encounter. In July 1917, in an effort to try to relieve some of his
debilitating symptoms, he was admitted to Portsmouth Military Hospital for an operation, but
unfortunately died shortly afterwards. Sgt. Edwin Downton was duly awarded the Long Service and
Good Conduct Medals.

In Memoriam: Edwin Downton had asked to be buried in All Saints Churchyard and many
mourners, both family and military colleagues as well as villagers, attended the funeral. A lone
trumpeter played the last post as the coffin was slowly lowered into its resting place.