Stapleton Hollett
Served with Essex County Constabulary from Apr 15, 1913 and died on Nov 27, 1917.
Named after his blacksmith father, Stapleton Hollett was born in Ash, Kent, to Alice Hollett. She was widowed in 1919, at which time she was living at Elm Tree Cottage in Melliker Road, Hook Green, Kent.
He served with the Essex Constabulary at Harwich from 15th April 1913 until 5th August 1914 when he was recalled to the Grenadier Guards on the outbreak of war, serving initially with the 2nd Battalion. He wrote to a colleague back in Harwich, in a letter published by the Essex County Chronicle (5 February 1915):
"We are having the weather a bit better out here lately, and all the boys are in the best of spirits. We have four in my Company who have won the DCM. Our Regiment has done some splendid work. If you know one or two who want to get an honourable name tell them to join the Guards, they will never regret it...I've seen some horrible sights and one day I hope to be able to tell you some of my experiences."
Stapleton Hollett, who was unmarried, was killed in action on Tuesday 27 November 1917 at the age of 27 while serving in the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards as Sergeant 14729. He has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 2 of the Cambrai Memorial near Louveral in Nord, France.
Police Constable 177. Serial Number 2784.
September 21, 2004 - Article updated with additional information compiled by Mr. Adrian Jones. Additional information taken mainly from the Essex County Chronicle and Essex Weekly News. 
