Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Biography -
- Groves brothers -

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS

Saturday, March 25, 1916 Page 1

Killed in Action &c.
GROVES. - Mar. 19, killed in France by the bursting of a shell, Corpl. Ernest A. Groves, 1st Dorset Regiment, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Groves, of Ivy Cottage, Chillerton, aged 29.

Page 5

THE ISLAND AND THE WAR.

ISLAND CASUALTY LIST
KILLED
Corpl. Ernest A. Groves, 1st Dorset Regiment (Chillerton)

CHILLERTON
Mr. and Mrs. G. Groves, of Ivy Cottage, Chillerton, have received the sad news that their youngest son, Corpl. Ernest A. Groves, 1st Dorset Regiment, was killed instantaneously on Sunday last at the Western front by the bursting of a shell. The deceased, who was 29 years of age, had been at the front since the beginning of the war, and was a keen, smart, and reliable soldier, who performed his duties with cheerful readiness. He was an old boy of the Chillerton Council-school, and was held in warm regard by many friends. An officer of the regiment has written to Mrs. Groves expressing regret at his death and sympathy with her, stating that a great number of his officers and comrades paid their last tribute to deceased, who was popular in the regiment, at the funeral at Albert, France. Several of deceased's brothers are serving, one in the Navy.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS

Saturday, December 23, 1916 Page 1

DEATH
GROVES. - Dec. 19, at Ivy Cottage, Chillerton, George Burnett Groves, aged 84.

Page 7

CHILLERTON DEATH OF MR. GEORGE GROVES. - The death occurred on Tuesday at Ivy Cottage, of Mr. George Burnett Groves, aged 84. He was a rather remarkable character, well known in the Island as a house thatcher, &c., and of somewhat eccentric manners and dress. He was a good workman, of an inventive turn of mind. He was formerly associated with the Salvation Army, and his melodeon accompaniment of Salvation song singing will be remembered by inhabitants of the district. He lost one son in the war, and others have been serving. Years ago he was a familiar figure at revival services in the village chapels of the district.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS

Saturday, December 30, 1916 Page 4

CHILLERTON.
THE LATE MR. GEORGE GROVES. - By the death of Mr. George Burnett Groves, which was announced last week, an old and familiar figure has been lost to the neighbourhood. He came of a family of thatchers, his father and grandfather having followed that occupation. Joining the Salvation Army when they first came to Newport, he accompanied the singing on a melodeon, and afterwards held open-air meetings on the village green, styling himself Capt. Groves. In the small hours of the morning he was to be heard at his devotions on Chillerton Down, and of recent years used to perform them every Sunday morning in his garden. Through accidentally falling from a trap he was for a number of years subject to fits, the last one of which resulted in his death. The deceased, who expressed his willingness to work instead of accepting the Old-Age Pension, used to cycle when over 80. He leaves a widow and eight children. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at Carisbrooke Cemetery, the Rev. T. Letcher officiating. The family mourners were Corpl. Frank Groves, Hants Regiment, and Mr. Alfred Groves (sons), the Misses Groves (daughters), Mrs. W. Groves (daughter-in-law), and Messrs. Isaac and George Groves (brothers-in-law). Sergt.-Major George Groves, R.G.A., who is in hospital suffering from a nervous breakdown, and Bomdr. W. Groves, R.M.A. (H.M.S. Dreadnought), were prevented from attending. Among those also present were Messrs. Alfred Westmore, H. Hawkins, and Arthur Westmore. There were beautiful floral mementoes. Mr. L. Niblett had charge of the arrangements. - Mrs. G.B. Groves wishes to take this opportunity of returning her heartfelt thanks to the many kind friends, both far and near, for their expressions of sympathy in her bereavement shown by letters and other ways.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PRESS

Saturday, February 10, 1917 Page 5

CHILLERTON
THE LATE SERGT.-MAJOR G.W. GROVES - served 21 years in the R.G.A. and gained the medals for long service and good conduct. When he left the Army he was attached to the staff at Orkney, and there was presented by the head-quarter companies and permanent staff with a gold watch, and Mrs. Groves with a silver spirit kettle and stand. In 1911 he joined the Corps of Commissionaires and took up a position in the offices of Messrs. Aveling and Porter, Rochester. On the outbreak of war he rejoined the services, but the strain affected his nerves, and after a serious illness he died in Gravesend Military Hospital. The funeral took place with military honour at Rochester. The chief mourners were the widow, Arthur Groves (son), Ethel (daughter), Nellie and Lizzie (sisters), Bomdr. W. Groves (brother), Mrs. Moyce and Mrs. Fry. There were many beautiful floral tributes, including those from the staff of Aveling and Porter, Ltd, Rochester and the officers, warrant officers, and N.C.O.s of the R.G.A., Coalhouse, Fort Tilbury.