Category: Military
Regiment or Ship: Army Reserve
Occupation: Railway Clerk
Date of Birth: 01.02.1885
Place of Birth: Ockley, Surrey
Date of Death: 22.01.1961
Place of Death: Bexhill Hospital
Address: Olive Cottage, 61 Windsor Road, Bexhill
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: Thomas King Benford, (1859-1940) and Emma Benford – nee Styles – (1858-1953.
Siblings:
Gilbert T. Benford, b. 1886 in Ockley.
Florence G. Benford, b. 1889 in Ockley.
Winifred M. Benford, b. 1890 in Horley.
In 1901 Thomas King Benford was working as a farrier and the family were living at 4 White Horse Cottages, Dorking.
Spouse: On 9th April 1910 Thomas married Caroline Sandell (1887-1966) at St. James’ Church, Rowledge. They had two children: George Sandell Benford (1912-1988) and Gertrude Ann Benford (1912-2007).
In the 1911 census Thomas George and Caroline were living at 28 Reginald Road but had moved to Olive Cottage, 16 Windsor Road in 1915 – living there until after 1920.
Thomas George died on 22.1.1961 and his probate details stated:
“BENFORD Thomas George of 27 Plemont Gardens Bexhill on Sea Sussex died 22.1.1961 at Bexhill Hospital Sussex. Probate LEWES 28.2 to Caroline Benford widow. Effects £3024.2.4.”
First World War Experience
Apart from the fact that Thomas had joined the Army Reserve by 27th November 1915 we have no further details of any war service. Whether this was due to protected work position or ill health is not known. We do know that he was a Railway Clerk – which he entered on 12th October 1901 as a Booking Clerk (goods) at a starting wage of 14/- a week. He served at Wallington, Dorking and Bexhill stations.