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This page forms part of the HIBBITT Family Tree.
Annie's Pedigree Chart of Direct Ancestors is available here.
HENRY JAMES WEAVER & FLORENCE SMALE
 Henry James Weaver and Florence (nee Smale)
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| Wife: | FLORENCE SMALE 53 54 |
| Great-grandmother |
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| Born: |
in Heathfield, Tavistock, Devon 55 |
| Died: |
in 22 Ford Street, Tavistock, Devon |
| Buried: |
in Tavistock New Cemetery, Plymouth Road, Tavistock, Devon |
| Father: | WILLIAM HENRY SMALE |
| Mother: | GRACE MARTIN |
| Spouses: | |
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Children | |
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+E-SHOP LINKS+
 | In Search of Henry - an article about Henry James Weaver's tragic death during WWI, written by Annie for the Discover Your History magazine, is ready for immediate download in the E-Shop. |
Associated Links
Additional Information
HENRY JAMES WEAVER:
Residence: 1891, Curry Rivel, Somerset 21
Residence: 1901, 27 Melbourne Road, Bristol 22
Residence: 1911, Water Street, Curry Rivel, Somerset 23
Residence: 12 DEC 1915, Curry Rivel, Somerset 24
Residence: AUG 1916, B. Company, 3/1 Bucks, No. 6 Camp Windmill Hill, Ludgershall 25
Residence: 25 AUG 1916, 2/1 Bucks Batt, 55. I.B.D., Rouen, B.E.F., France 26
Residence: 3 SEP 1916, 14. Platoon, D. Company, 2nd Bucks Battalion, B.E.F., France 27
Death caused by: Killed with two others during WWI by a hand grenade accidentally detonating prematurely while resting at the base in France after serving in the trenches. 31 32 33 34 35
Known as: Harry 36
Occupation: 1901, Mason's Labourer 37
Occupation: 1911, Mason's Labourer 38
Occupation: 12 DEC 1915, Labourer 39
Enlistment for WWI: Weymouth, Dorset 40
Theatre of War (WWI): 1916, Western European Theatre 41
Medals: Victory Medal & British War Medal 42 43
Regiment (WWI): 2/1st Bucks Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 44 45
Will: 16 AUG 1916, Probate granted through the War Office on 31st January 1917. 46
Correspondence: 1916, Note written to Henry's wife advising her of her husband's death. 47
Awards: FEB 1914, N. Cadbury Miniature Rifle Club monthly spoon 48
Served in the trenches: BET 25 AUG AND 3 SEP 1916 49
Memorial: Wooden War Memorial inside St Andrew's Church and stone War Memorial in the centre of the village of Curry Rivel, Somerset 50
Memorial: War Memorial in the town centre of Tavistock, Devon 51
Killed in WWI, Henry James WEAVER is buried in Merville Communal Cemetery Extension in France. His name also appears on the War Memorial in his home town of Curry Rivel in Somerset as well as in Tavistock in Devon, the home of his widow, Florence (nee SMALE).
FLORENCE SMALE:
Death caused by: Meningitis of the brain
Florence is buried in Tavistock Cemetery next to her parents. There is no headstone but the location of the grave is recorded in the cemetery records.
Footnotes
- 1901 England Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 2399; Folio: 91; Page: 14.
Name: Henry Weaver.
- England & Wales, Birth Index: 1837-1915.
Name: Henry James Weaver.
- 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 1890; Folio 30; Page 8; GSU roll: 6097000.
Name: Henry J Weaver.
- 1911 England & Wales Census, RG number: RG14, Piece: 14335, Reference: RG14PN14335 RG78PN862 RD307 SD2 ED7 SN94.
WEAVER, Henry Jas.
- Marriage Certificate.
Groom: Henry James Weaver.
- England & Wales, Marriage Index: 1837-1915.
Name: Henry J Weaver.
- GRO War Death Army Other Ranks (1914 to 1921).
Name: WEAVER, Henry J.
- Somerset Baptism Index.
First name(s): Henry James
Last name: Weaver.
- 1901 England Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 2399; Folio: 91; Page: 14.
Age: 18, Estimated Birth Year: abt 1883
Where born: Curry Rivel, Somerset, England.
- England & Wales, Birth Index: 1837-1915.
Name: Henry James Weaver
Year of Registration: 1882
Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov-Dec
District: Langport
County: Somerset
Volume: 5c
Page: 403.
- 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 1890; Folio 30; Page 8; GSU roll: 6097000.
Age: 8, Estimated Birth Year: abt 1883
Where born: Curry Rivel, Somerset.
- 1911 England & Wales Census, RG number: RG14, Piece: 14335, Reference: RG14PN14335 RG78PN862 RD307 SD2 ED7 SN94.
Age: 29, Est year of birth: 1882
Where born: Curry Rivel.
- Marriage Certificate.
Date: December 12th 1915, Age: 33.
- Word of Mouth, Family Member.
3rd October 1882.
- Somerset Baptism Index.
Baptism date: 24 Dec 1882
Residence: Curry Rivell
Place: Curry Rivel.
- UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919, British and Irish Military Databases. The Naval and Military Press Ltd.
Name: Henry James Weaver
Birth Place: Curry Rivel, Somerset
Residence: Tavistock, Devon
Death Date: 8 Sep 1916
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Rank: Private
Regiment: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Battalion: 2/1st Bucks Battalion
Number: 4732
Type of Casualty: Died
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre.
- Family Correspondence/Document - Private Collection, Original communication from the Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries with attached photograph.
...The inscription on the cross in the photograph reads...
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
4732 PTE. H.J. WEAVER 2/1 BUCKS BATT.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED SEPT. 8 1916.
INTO THY HANDS.
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Date of Death: 08/09/1916.
- Memorial Inscription, Grave in Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave Ref: I.A.10.
Date of Death: 8TH SEPTEMBER 1916.
- GRO War Death Army Other Ranks (1914 to 1921).
Name: WEAVER, Henry J
Unit: O.B.L.I. Bks.Bn.
Rank: Private
Number: 4732
Year: 1916
Volume: I.54
Page: 156.
- 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 1890; Folio 30; Page 8; GSU roll: 6097000.
Name: Henry J Weaver
Age: 8
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1883
Relation: Son
Father's Name: Henry [should be William Henry Weaver]
Mother's Name: Jane
Gender: Male
Where born: Curry Rivel, Somerset, England
Civil parish: Curry Rivel
Ecclesiastical parish: Curry Rivel
Town: Curry Rivel
County/Island: Somerset
Country: England
Occupation: Scholar
Registration district: Langport
Sub-registration district: Curry Rivel
ED, institution, or vessel: 3
Household Members: Name Age
Henry Weaver 42 [should be William Henry Weaver]
Jane Weaver 44
Richard A Weaver 16
Mary A Weaver 12
Henry J Weaver 8
Rita F Weaver 2.
- 1901 England Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 2399; Folio: 91; Page: 14.
Name: Henry Weaver
Age: 18
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1883
Relation: Boarder
Gender: Male
Where born: Curry Rivel, Somerset, England
Civil parish: Bristol
Ecclesiastical parish: Bishopston St Michael and All Angels
Town: Bristol
County/Island: Gloucestershire
Country: England
Street Address: 27 Melbourne Road
Occupation: Mason's Labourer
Registration district: Bristol
Sub-registration district: Ashley
ED, institution, or vessel: 12
Household schedule number: 79
Household Members: Name Age
Charles Durham 29
Louisa Durham 26
Dennis Durham 2
Henry Weaver 18
Mary Holman 66.
- 1911 England & Wales Census, RG number: RG14, Piece: 14335, Reference: RG14PN14335 RG78PN862 RD307 SD2 ED7 SN94.
Name, Relation, Condition/ Yrs married, Sex, Age, Birth Year, Occupation, Where Born
WEAVER, Henry, Head, Married, M, 62, 1849, Master Bootmaker, Curry Rivel
WEAVER, Jane, Wife, Married 39 years, F, 65, 1846, At Home, Nuneaton
WEAVER, Henry Jas, Son, Single, M, 29, 1882, Mason's Labourer, Curry Rivel
Registration District: Langport
Sub District: Langport
Enumeration District: 7
Parish: Curry Rivel
Address: Water Street, Curry Rivel,
County: Somersetshire
Number of Rooms: 3
Kind of Building: Cottage.
- Marriage Certificate.
Residence: Curry Rivel.
- Family Correspondence/Document - Private Collection, Letter written by Henry to his wife, Florence nee Smale, during World War I.
(See Henry James Weaver's biography page for a complete transcript of the letter).
B. Company, 3/1 Bucks,
No. 6 Camp Windmill Hill,
Ludgershall.
- Ibid., Letter written by Henry to his wife, Florence nee Smale, during World War I.
(See Henry James Weaver's biography page for a complete transcript of the letter).
2/1 Bucks Batt,
55. I.B.D.,
Rouen,
B.E.F.,
France.
- Ibid., Letter written by Henry to his wife, Florence nee Smale, during World War I.
(See Henry James Weaver's biography page for a complete transcript of the letter).
14. Platoon,
D. Company,
2nd Bucks Battalion,
B.E.F.,
France.
- Ibid., Original communication from the Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries with attached photograph.
Director of Graves Registration & Enquiries
Begs to forward as requested a Photograph of the Grave of:-
Name: Weaver
Rank and Initials: Pte H.J.
Regiment: 2/1 Bucks Battn. (Oxf. + Bucks L.I.)
Position of Grave: Merville Communal Cemetery
Nearest Railway Station: Merville
All communications respecting this Photograph should quote the number (8/9321) and be addressed to:-
Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries,
War Office,
Winchester House,
London, S.W
Owing to the circumstances in which the photographic work is carried on, the Director regrets that in some cases only rough Photographs can be obtained.
"COPYRIGHT FULLY RESERVED"
The inscription on the cross in the photograph reads...
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
4732 PTE. H.J. WEAVER 2/1 BUCKS BATT.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED SEPT. 8 1916.
INTO THY HANDS.
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Name: WEAVER
Initials: H J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Unit Text: 2nd/1st Bucks Bn.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 08/09/1916
Service No: 4732
Additional information: Son of William Henry and Jane Weaver, of Curry Rivel, Taunton; husband of Florence Weaver, of 22, Ford St., Tavistock.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 10.
Cemetery: MERVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION.
- Memorial Inscription, Grave in Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave Ref: I.A.10.
4732 PRIVATE
H.J. WEAVER
OXFORD & BUCKS. LIGHT INF.
8TH SEPTEMBER 1916
+
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MY DEAR HUSBAND
FROM HIS SORROWING
WIFE AND CHILD.
- Newspaper/Magazine cutting - unknown source, August 1921. Death notice for Henry's wife, Florence, nee Smale.
...Pathos is added to this very sad case bv the fact that Mrs. Weaver's husband, who was a private in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry during the war, was killed by a bomb at the base in France just after leaving the trenches for a brief respite...
- Word of Mouth, Family Member.
The story handed down through the family is that, during a rest period back at the base, a bomb or hand grenade was accidentally detonated prematurely in a soldier's hand, killing himself and two others, including Henry.
- The Times (Newspaper), Wednesday, Oct 04 1916 - pg. 3; Issue 41289; col A.
Roll of Honour...
Losses in the Ranks...
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED
OXFORD AND BUCKS L.I. - Litchfield, 2631 J.S.: Mead, 2697 L.-Sgt. W.A.: Weaver, 4732 H.J.
- War Diary, The War Diary for 2/1 Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckingham Light Infantry, covering dates: 1915 Sept. - 1918 Feb. (Information supplied by a member of the Great War Forum).
LE GRAND PACAUT
3-7
09/16
Nil.
8/09/16
At noon a Bombing accident occurred, owing to the premature explosion of a Bomb. The Battn. Q.M. – LIEUT. D WALLER and the Bombing Officer 2/Lieut. A.J. SMEE 3rd WILTS, attached 2/1 BUCKS Bn. were both wounded. Three other Ranks were killed and 4 other Ranks were wounded.
9. – 10.
/09/16
Nil.
- The Western Times, Thursday 5 October 1916.
ROLL OF HONOUR
West-Country Casualties in the Latest Lists...
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.
Oxford and Bucks L.I. - Weaver. H. J. (Tavistock)...
- Family Correspondence/Document - Private Collection, 2 of 3 letters written by Henry to his wife, Florence nee Smale, during World War I in August & September 1916.
(See Henry James Weaver's biography page for complete transcripts of the letters).
Henry signed himself as 'Your Ever Loving & Devoted Husband Harry.'
- 1901 England Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 2399; Folio: 91; Page: 14.
Occupation: Mason's Labourer.
- 1911 England & Wales Census, RG number: RG14, Piece: 14335, Reference: RG14PN14335 RG78PN862 RD307 SD2 ED7 SN94.
Occupation: Mason's Labourer.
- Marriage Certificate.
Groom: Labourer.
- UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919, British and Irish Military Databases. The Naval and Military Press Ltd.
Enlistment Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Rank: Private
Regiment: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Battalion: 2/1st Bucks Battalion
Number: 4732.
- Ibid., British and Irish Military Databases. The Naval and Military Press Ltd.
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre.
- British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920, Army Medal Office. WWI Medal Index Cards. In the care of The Western Front Association website.
Name: Henry J Weaver
Regiment or Corps: Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Regimental Number: 4732
Medals: Victory, British
Roll: 4106B20
Page: 4010.
- Medals, In the possession of a family member.
The Victory Medal & British War Medal.
- UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919, British and Irish Military Databases. The Naval and Military Press Ltd.
Regiment: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Battalion: 2/1st Bucks Battalion
Number: 4732.
- Family Correspondence/Document - Private Collection, Original communication from the Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries with attached photograph.
...The inscription on the cross in the photograph reads...
IN LOVING MEMORYOF
4732 PTE. H.J. WEAVER 2/1 BUCKS BATT.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED SEPT. 8 1916.
INTO THY HANDS.
- Ibid., Copy of Will issued by the War Office.
E/ 247739 / 1. (Accounts 4.)
The following is a true copy of a Will which was executed by the late No. 4732, Private Henry James Weaver, 2nd/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, while in actual Military Service within the meaning of the Wills Act, 1837, and is therefore recognized as valid by the War Department:-
13
WILL
In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my Wife, Mrs Florence Weaver, 22, Ford St, Tavistock, Devon.
(Signature) Henry James Weaver
Private, No. 4732.
Res Battn 1st Bucks O & B.L.I.
Date, 16th August 1916
Certified
E Williams [signed]
for the Assistant Financial Secretary.
War Office, S.W.,
31st January 1917.
- Ibid., Note written by J M Foster to Florence Weaver, nee Smale, advising her of her husband's death. The note is written in pencil in a hurried fashion and was possibly sent from France.
Dear Mrs Weaver
I regret to inform you that your Husband was killed last week
Burried in a peacefull spot were the other comerads lie and a cross will be vouched to his memory and his grave will be well cared for and may God bless and comfort you
Yours truly J M Foster.
- Family Memorabilia, Miniature Rifle Club HPS monthly silver spoon.
Inscription on spoon...
N. Cadbury.
Miniature Rifle Club.
-1914-
February - H. Weaver.
Monthly Spoon.
- Family Correspondence/Document - Private Collection, Letters written by Henry to his wife, Florence nee Smale, during World War I.
(See Henry James Weaver's biography page for complete transcripts of the letters).
Letter dated 25th August [1916]...
"...A lot of my Chums have gone up in the firing line, & I dare say by the time you get this letter I shall be up there too..."
Letter dated 3rd September 1916...
"...I must tell you I have been in the Trenches, but of course I must not tell you where I am..."
- Somerset Memorial Inscriptions, Wooden War Memorial inside St Andrew's Church and stone War Memorial in the centre of the village of Curry Rivel.
Year:
Forenames: Henry
Surname: WEAVER
Place: Curry Rivel
Description: St Andrew
Denomination: Church of England
County: Somerset
Country: England
Reference: 112-48
Inscription:
WAR MEMORIAL in the form of a wooden board on north wall. To the glory of God/ and in honoured memory of the men of Curry Rivel / who gave their lives for freedom, King and country/ in the Great War 1914-1918:/.....Pte: Henry
WEAVER, O & B.L.I./.....There is another War Memorial in the centre
of the village, on the main road, about 250 metres south-east of the parish church, in the form of a tall cross with four-stepped base in hamstone, with inset bronze panels. However this gives less information than here, just confined to initials and surnames, omitting forenames, ranks and units. It gives the same people as here...
Record source: Somerset Memorial Inscriptions (Full)
Data provider: Somerset & Dorset Family History Society.
- Memorial Inscription, War Memorial in the town centre of Tavistock, Devon.
Weaver H.J.
- Somerset Baptism Index.
First name(s): Henry James
Last name: Weaver
Baptism date: 24 Dec 1882
Residence: Curry Rivell
Denomination: Anglican
Place: Curry Rivel
County: Somerset
Country: England
Father's first name(s): William Henry
Father's last name: Weaver
Mother's first name(s): Jane
Father's occupation: Boot & Shoe Maker
Event type: Baptisms
Archive: Somerset Archives
Document type: Parish records
Page: 45
Archive reference: D/P/CUR R 2/1/11
Year range: 1871-1904
Record set: Somerset Baptism Index
Category: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory: Parish Baptisms
Collections from: England, Great Britain.
- Marriage Certificate.
Bride: Florence Smale.
- England & Wales, Marriage Index: 1837-1915.
Name: Florence Smale.
- Marriage Certificate.
Date: December 12th 1915, Age: 27.
- Ibid.
Date: Aug 14th 1938
Bride: Phyllis Grace Weaver, Age: 21.
- Ibid.
1915 Marriage solemnized at St Andrew's Church in the Parish of Curry Rivel in the County of Somerset
Date: December 12th 1915
Groom: Henry James Weaver, Age: 33, Bachelor, Labourer
Bride: Florence Smale, Age: 27, Spinster,
Residence: Curry Rivel (both)
Groom's Father: Harry Weaver [should be William Henry Weaver], Shoemaker
Bride's Father: William Henry Smale, Groom
Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England after banns by me, George W Saunders
This Marriage was solemnized between us, Henry James Weaver, Florence Smale
in the Presence of us, Frank Payne, Richard A Weaver
I, George William Saunders, Vicar of Curry Rivel in the County of Somerset do hereby Certify that this is a true Copy of the Entry No. 43 in the Marriage Register Books of the said Parish Church and that such Register Books are legally in my custody
Witness my hand, this Twelth day of December 1915
George W Saunders.
- England & Wales, Marriage Index: 1837-1915.
Name: Henry J Weaver
Year of Registration: 1915
Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov-Dec
Spouse's Surname: Smale
District: Langport
County: Somerset
Volume: 5c
Page: 829.
- Ibid.
Name: Florence Smale
Year of Registration: 1915
Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov-Dec
Spouse's Surname: Weaver
District: Langport
County: Somerset
Volume: 5c
Page: 829.
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