Lance Corporal G/19125, 8th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died of wounds 31 August 1917. Born Leytonstone, Essex, enlisted London E.C., resident South Woodford, Essex. Formerly 2588, West Kent Yeomanry. Buried in RENINGHELST NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. plot IV. Row G. Grave 1. Extract from War Service of the Staff of Coutts & Co. 1914-1918: JOHN MADDOCKS CROASDELL JOHN MADDOCKS CROASDELL entered the service of Messrs. Robarts, Lubbock & Co. as a clerk on 1st December 1904. Previous to the war he had had no military training, and when he enlisted as a Trooper in the 3/1 West Kent Yeomanry he had reached the age of 29 years and 3 months, was married but with no children. This Regiment was eventually converted into the 8th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, and he served with them in France from 19th December 1916 to 31st August 1917. He fought both in the Ypres and Arras sectors, passed the examination for Gas Instructor, and was acting as Lance-Corporal when on 29th August 1917, as he was returning to his post after rescuing a wounded " chum " and putting him in a place of safety, he was wounded in the abdomen. Two days later he died and was buried in Reninghelst New Military Cemetery near Poperinghe.

jane elder