Ernest Elsdon Ernest was Doug's 2nd great uncle - the son of George William Elsdon and Eliza Marsh. He was born in 1865 in Wickford, Essex. Ernest married Elizabeth Clayton in 1888 and they had 4 children. He died on 24th October 1915 at his home in Acton. He was 49 years old. After his death his wife paid for his gravestone to read 'A place is vacant in our home which never can be filled'
Stephen James Hardy Stephen was Doug's great uncle - the son of the son of Robert Henry Hardy and Alice Luce. Stephen never married and was killed on 20th November 1917 in France. He was 23 years old.
George William Elsdon George was Doug's 1st cousin 2x removed - the grandson of George William Elsdon and Eliza Marsh. He was the 2nd member of their immediate family who they had sacrificed for their country. He was born in 1897 in Acton. George married Dora Vida Brant in 1916. George was killed in action on 17th July 1918 in France. He was 22 years old.
World War Two
Arthur Clarence Kessell Arthur was married to Doug's 1st cousin 1x removed, Doris, who was the daughter of his great uncle Alfred Julian Hardy. Arthur and Doris had a daughter, Hazel A Kessell. was born in 1897 in Acton. Arthur died 15th April 1942 and is buried in Edmonton. He was 32 years old.
Charles George Tone Mann Charles was married to Doug's 1st cousin 1x removed, Alice, who was the daughter of his great aunt Alice Mildred Hardy. This was the 2nd WW2 death to hit the family as Alice's brother Ivor was killed 8 days later in Singapore. Charles was a policeman before joining the RAF and in 1941 he received an award for rescuing a man trapped in the first floor of a damaged house. He was awarded a George Medal for Bravery. Charles died on 3rd August 1945 in Alberta, Canada. He was 25 years old.
Ivor Keith Aldridge Ivor was Doug's 1st cousin 1x removed, the son of Alice Mildred Hardy. Ivor died on 11th Aug 1945, just 8 days after his brother in law Charles Mann. He was 21 years old.