Leatherhead War Memorials: Frederick Hatchwell

1940 Postman’s uniform badge.
Imagery reproduced by kind permission of Royal Mail Group plc.

Frederick Hatchwell, a postman, was one of the first civilian casualties of enemy action in Leatherhead. On 30th August 1940, during the Battle of Britain, it is understood that an enemy aircraft for some reason - possibly it had been hit and wanted to lighten the aircraft - let go some of its bombs. Unfortunately one of these landed in Reigate Road, Leatherhead. Frederick Hatchwell (57), and John Simms (14) who may have been a butcher's delivery boy, were killed.¹

Frederick Hatchwell was an Old Contemptible - those who served in France 5 Aug 1914 to Nov 22 1914 with the BEF - serving with the 1st Royal Dragoons.

He is among the men serving in HM Forces listed by the Vicar in the May 1915 issue ³ of the Leatherehad Parish Magazine - Hatchwell, F., A[rmy].V[eterinary].C[orps]., lst Dragoons

He was a member of the Dorking Branch of the Old Contemptibles' Association.

Frederick's widow, Gladys, was for many years the Electoral Roll officer for Leatherhead Parish Church.

As a civilian casualty, Frederick Hatchwell is not listed on the Town War Memorial.

Name: HATCHWELL, FREDERICK
Rank: Civilian
Age: 57
Date of Death: 30/08/1940
Husband of Gladys Olive Hatchwell, of Corner Cot, St. John's Avenue. Died at Reigate Road.
Civilian Roll of Honour Section URBAN DISTRICT OF LEATHERHEAD

Frederick Hatchwell is buried in LEATHERHEAD (SS. MARY AND NICHOLAS) CHURCHYARD [local grave no. 382] ²

Sources
1. A resident of Reigate Road, who was there at the time (VG).
2. St Mary & St Nicholas Leatherhead Graves database, Leatherhead & District Local History Society
3. Parish Magazine of St Mary & St Nicholas, Leatherhead, May 1915, via Liam Sumption who acknowledged the late Mr Lionel Anstee as the source.

Links
Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry
The Old Contemptibles

the website editor would like to add further information on this casualty
e.g. a photo of him and of any recollections within his family.

last updated 18 Aug 2004