First World War Medal Group - Private Frederick Cornelius Charles Furze M.M., 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment (‘B’ Company)
Military Medal – 972 PTE F. C. C. FURZE. 8/E.SURR:R.
1914-15 Star – 972 PTE. F. C. C. FURSE. E.SURR:R.
British War Medal – 972 PTE. F. C. C. FURSE. E.SURR. R.
Victory Medal – 972 PTE. F. C. C. FURSE. E.SURR. R.
Frederick Cornelius Charles Furze was born on 26 November 1897 at Leytonstone, Essex, the son of William Furze and Emma Sophia (née Moore). He was educated locally and was an “old boy” of Alma Road School, later also associated with Southbury Road School, Ponders End. Prior to military service he lived in the Leyton and Walthamstow area of London.
He enlisted into the East Surrey Regiment and served with ‘B’ Company, 8th Battalion. He entered the theatre of war in France on 17 September 1915, joining the battalion on the Western Front during the height of trench warfare.
On 12 October 1917, Private Furze distinguished himself during the fighting at Poelcapelle, part of the wider Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). This phase of the battle was characterised by appalling weather, deep mud, devastated ground, and intense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. British units advancing around Poelcapelle faced extreme difficulty moving men, ammunition, and wounded across the churned battlefield.
During these operations, Private Furze’s gallant conduct and devotion to duty under fire were formally reported by both his Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander. His actions were significant enough to merit divisional-level recognition, and he was subsequently awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Battalion War Diary entries for early November 1917 record the publication of honours and awards, confirming his inclusion among those recognised for gallantry in action.
In addition to the Military Medal, he received a parchment certificate signed by the General Officer Commanding 18th Division, an honour often reserved for men whose conduct stood out during particularly severe fighting.
During the German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael), which began on 21 March 1918, the 8th East Surrey Regiment was heavily engaged as German forces broke through British lines along the Somme and Oise fronts.
On 23 March 1918, amid widespread fighting and withdrawals, Private Furze was taken prisoner of war at La Fère. Red Cross and International Committee records confirm his capture and subsequent internment. He was later held at Danzig, with his next of kin recorded as living in Walworth, London. His captivity lasted until the end of the war.
Post-War Life
Following repatriation, Frederick Furze returned to civilian life. He married Eva Frances Emily Abbott in July 1920, and the couple had children. After her death in 1938, he later remarried Lucy Matilda Trowse in October 1939. In later years he lived in Middlesex and West London and worked as a warehouseman.
Frederick Cornelius Charles Furze died in April 1976 at Thanet, Kent, aged 78.
Newspaper Cutting – Enfield Gazette – Friday, 7 December 1917
“I am pleased to say that Cornelius Furze, an old boy of Alma-road School, has been complimented for gallant conduct in the field. He has received a parchment certificate as follows:—
Pte. C. Furze, East Surrey Regt.— I have read with great pleasure the report of your regimental commander and brigade commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on 12th October, 1917, at Poelcappelle.—(Signed) R. G. Lee, Major-General, Commander 18th Division.
Yours faithfully,
HENRY W. DONALD,
Hon. Sec. E.C.C.R.F.
Southbury-road School, Ponders End.”
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