The Death of Lieutenant Downes

Aspley House

Tuesday 20th October 1914: It was just a month ago that we received a letter from Lieutenant Villiers Chernocke Downes of the 1st Bedfords. Today we have the sad task of reporting that he has died. A telegram arrived at Aspley House yesterday evening containing the tragic news that he had died of wounds on the battlefield on Sunday. An earlier wire on Saturday gave the gallant young officer as wounded. The worst news came as a profound shock to the village and district. Lieutenant Downes was the eldest surviving son of the late Colonel C. Villiers Downes and was heir to the Aspley House Estate. The coming of age celebration was observed with a gathering of the tenantry and a presentation about two years ago in the Parish Hall. Although most of his life has been spent away from home at school and college, Mr. Downes has taken a great interest in village life. He was largely responsible for the formation of the Church Lads Brigade in the village and from its inception was Lieutenant of the Brigade. The lads were greatly attached to him and considered it was mainly due to his fine work on their behalf that they won the cup during one of their summer camps. He was also connected with the Rifle Club. The death of this fine young officer is deeply deplored and the greatest sympathy is felt for Mrs. Downes and her family in their grief. The only surviving son, Mr. Archer Chernocke Downes, Lieutenant in the Cheshires, has just left the country, also for the front, with his regiment.[1]

Source: Bedfordshire Times 16th October 1914

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[1] Lieutenant Chernocke Villiers Downes is buried at Longuenesse (Saint-Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. Thirty three days later, on 20th November, his brother Second Lieutenant Archer Chernocke Downes was killed with the 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regiment and is buried at Poperinge Communal Cemetery.

Lieutenant Downes’ Experiences at the Front

Aspley House in 1961 [Z53/3a/1]

Thursday 17th September 1914: We have had the following letter from Lieutenant Villiers Chernocke Downes of Aspley House, serving with the 1st Bedfords. He writes as follows: “We arrived in North East France, where we remained from 19th to 23rd August and took part in the Battle of Mons. We had to retire, but held the enemy in check for the whole day at le Cateau. We were in the firing line on each occasion and had thrilling experiences. I found it far less nerve trying than I expected. At Mons I was in a very hot corner for a few minutes, being shelled by shrapnel at close range, about 400 yards, with the German Infantry. Four men were killed around me and I got a bullet through my hat. That will make a fine trophy. Our Division[1] has since had no fighting, but have marched 20 miles per day. We are very fit in consequence. We are generously treated by the inhabitants who give to us freely of their best”.

Our other source with the battalion writes that the miller at Montgard is no better company than yesterday: “The old miller is still very disagreeable although we tried to help him with his milling which he had been ordered by the Requisitioning people to get a move on with as fast as possible”.

“While we were digging latrines in the farmyard, we dug up near the manure heap a jar containing all sorts of valuables which we presented to him. He, however, seemed more bored than pleased to get them back as he had, of course, buried them for safety”.

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[1] 5th Division.