Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Colonel William Thomas Markham, born 13th July 1830 in Becca Hall, Aberford, Yorkshire and baptised on the 22nd July 1830 in the Parish Church, Aberford, Yorkshire and his wife Anne Emily Sophia Markham (nee Grant, married on the 15th April 1857 in the Parish Church, St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex), born 27th September 1835 in Middlesex and baptised on the 28th October 1835 in the Parish Church, St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex. Ronald Anthony was born in on the 15th October 1870 in West Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire and baptised on the 24th November 1870 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire his siblings were, Mabel Wilhelmine Frances, born 5th April 1858 and baptised on the 4th May 1858 in the Parish Church, Aberford, Yorkshire and Cecile Mary Isabella, born 6th February 1861 and baptised on the 19th March 1861 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, the latter two sisters were both born in Yorkshire, Hermione Violet Cyril, born 9th September 1867 in the Isle of Wight and baptised on the 26th October 1867 in the Parish Church, Aberford, Yorkshire and Rupert Evelyn, born 13th December 1868 in London and baptised on the 21st January 1869 in the Parish Church, Aberford, Yorkshire, also residing with the family was his maternal Aunt, Elizabeth C. Grant, born 1848 in London, in April 1871 the family home was at Sir Francis Grants Lodge, Melton Mowbray. In April 1881, Ronald was a school boarder, and was residing at Palmer Flatt Boarding School, Aysgarth, Yorkshire. In April 1911 Ronald was serving as a Major with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards and was stationed at Malplaquet Barracks, Marlborough Lines, Aldershot, Hampshire.
The following is additional family background including the details of Ronald’s other siblings, William Hope, born 13th December 1859 in Aberford, and was baptised on the 31st January 1860 in the Parish Church, Aberford, twins Claron Henry and Cyril Faulke, born 21st July 1866 in the Isle of Wight, Ethel Winifred Victoria, born 21st November 1871 in Melton Mowbray and baptised on the 2nd January 1872 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Nigel Ivan, born 10th November 1872 in Melton Mowbray and baptised on the 26th January 1873 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Averil Constance Antoinette Janetta, born 1873 in Marylebone, Middlesex and baptised on the 8th January 1874 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, Gwendoline Beatrice Sanchia May, born 1876 in Marylebone, Middlesex and baptised on the 7th August 1876 in the Parish Church, Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire and Sibyl Annesley Giana, born 1877 in Marylebone, Middlesex and baptised on the 13th August 1877 in the Parish Church, Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. Claron died aged two on the 18th July 1868, and was interred on the 22nd July 1868 in Cowes cemetery, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Cyril died aged 9 months on the 1st May 1867 and was interred on the 1st May 1867 in Aberford cemetery, Yorkshire, Rupert died aged ten, in March 1871 and was interred on the 26th March 1879 in Melton Mowbray cemetery. Ronald’s mother died aged forty-four, on the 20th July 1880 in Melton Mowbray and was interred on the 23rd July 1880 in Melton Mowbray cemetery, his father died aged fifty-five, on the 10th July 1886 in the Isle of Wight. Born and officially registered at birth with the Christian name of Ronald, at his baptism he was given the second Christian name of Anthony, and latterly he was also referred to as Roderick Anthony Markham.
The War Diary records: 21 Oct-14 – On the 21st the Battalion was ordered to advance at 8.00am and to gain the ZONNEBEKE – LANGEMARCK road, from which point it was to conform with converging attacks by the IRISH GUARDS and the 3rd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, on the right and left flanks respectively. Considerable opposition was met with, but by degrees the whole of the Battalion was absorbed in the firing line, but by 3.00pm the line of the road had been gained, though further advance was checked owing to the co-operating attack being held up. This gave rise to a critical situation on our flanks and the Battalion was therefore ordered to fall back during the night to a line running North and South through Point 37 in order to conform with the general line held by the remainder of the Brigade. The operation was successfully carried out under cover of darkness, and the Battalion entrenched a strong position which they held throughout the 22nd and 23rd, under an exceedingly heavy fire (principally high explosive) from the enemy’s artillery. The casualties of the Battalion were during the operations 21 – 23. Officers. 1 killed Major R. A. MARKHAM. 1 wounded Lieutenant R. L. C. BEWICKE-COPLEY. Other ranks. 15 killed, 34 wounded and 4 missing.
An extract taken from Volume One of The Coldstream Guards 1914 – 1918 written by Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Ross-of-Bladensburg, K.C.B., K.C.VO. Published by the Oxford University Press, London: Humphrey Milford 1928.
Pages 201-201: “The First Battle of Ypres.” To the east of the 1st Division there was no change in the position on the fronts of the 7th and of the 2nd Divisions on the 23rd October. Assisted by an intense artillery fire the enemy continued his attacks with great vigour, principally against the 21st Brigade; but the latter, holding their ground with stubborn tenacity, refused to give way and yielded no ground. The main onslaught made on the 2nd Division did not develop till the afternoon and then it fell more especially upon the 5th Brigade; the Germans advanced in dense masses and were successfully resisted in an engagement which cost them heavily. Nearly seven hundred and fifty dead bodies were counted in front of the 2nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry. The 3rd Battalion Coldstream lost fourteen wounded, including Captain H. A. Chandos – Pole - Gell. The casualties of the 2nd Battalion were six killed, ten wounded, and two missing, including 2nd Lieutenant R. L. C. Bewicke - Copley wounded, and Major R. A. Markham (Second in Command) who fell mortally wounded and whose loss was much regretted; he was struck by a spent bullet and died without recovering consciousness two days later in hospital at Boulogne.
On Wednesday, October 28th, 1914, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 7, under the heading. – MELTON OFFICERS KILLED. – In the casualty list issued on Monday night it is reported that Captain H. C. S. Ashton, 2nd Life Guards is missing, and believed to have been killed. He was 35 years of age and joined the 2nd Life Guards from the Militia in 1900. He was the only son of the late Colonel Samuel Tudor Ashton, of Burton Hall, by his second marriage with the only daughter of Lord Francis George Godolphin-Osborne (granddaughter of the eighth Duke of Leeds). News was received at Melton Mowbray on Monday night that Major R. A. Markham, 2nd Coldstream Guards, had been killed in action. He was the only surviving son of the late Colonel Markham, of The Elms, Melton. Last week he was mentioned in the Field Marshal’s despatches. Both officers were followers of the Leicestershire packs.
On Friday October 30th 1914, The Leicester Journal published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR.” – In the casualty lists issued on Monday night it was reported that Captain H. C. S. Ashton, 2nd Life Guards, was missing and believed to have been killed. He was 35 years of age, and joined the 2nd Life Guards from the Militia in 1900. He was the only son of the late Colonel Samuel Tudor Ashton, of Burton Hall. News was received at Melton Mowbray on Monday night that Major R. A. Markham, 2nd Coldstream Guards, had been killed in action. He was the only surviving son of the late Colonel Markham, of The Elms, Melton. Both officers were regular followers of hunting in Leicestershire.
On Friday October 30th 1914, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON’S ROLL OF HONOUR” – SIX LOCAL OFFICERS KILLED – MAJOR MARKHAM TO BE BURIED IN SYSONBY. A deep gloom has been cast over Melton Mowbray by the fact that four of its prominent foxhunting citizens, and other officers from Eaton and Kirby Bellars, have lost their lives whilst serving their country. A week ago, we recorded with great pleasure and pride that Major R. A. Markham, of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, had been mentioned in Field Marshall Sir John French’s latest despatches for special gallantry in the field. It is now our painful duty to announce that he was fatally wounded at the beginning of the week. On Monday evening a cable was received from Lady Sarah Wilson stating that he had died in her hospital at Boulogne without regaining consciousness, having been shot in the head. The deceased gentleman, who was 44 years of age, was a son of the late Colonel Markham, and a grandson on the renowned animal painter, Sir Francis Grant. He was born at Becca Hall, Yorkshire, but as a little child was brought to Melton when his father purchased The House, Sherrard Street, now known as The Elms. From his boyhood days he endeared himself to all who knew him, by his kindly and genial disposition, and on growing up he became exceedingly popular with all classes, a remark which also equally applies to all the members of his family. He joined the Coldstream Guards, and rapidly rose in his profession, being promoted to the rank of Major at a comparatively young age. Major Markham was greatly beloved by his men in barracks, and on the battle field he led them with the utmost bravery. As already stated, he was a very keen sportsman, and for a number of seasons has regularly hunted with the Quorn, Cottesmore, and Belvoir Hounds when he could get away from his duties. His body is being removed to Melton, and the funeral will take place at Sysonby on Saturday. Corporal Handley, who served in Major Markham’s Battalion of the Coldstream Guards up to the time he was wounded on the 15th September, speaks in the most glowing terms of many excellent qualities which the deceased possessed both as a soldier and a gentleman. To quote his words, “He was a gentleman to the officers and the rank and file. He was a soldier who was wonderfully liked by every man in the battalion, and the 2nd Coldstream Guards will mourn his loss for many years to come. Several times when we were without food, he ran down the lines giving us a cheery word, and said he had tried his best to get some for us, but was sorry he had failed. He always did the best he possibly could for us, and never omitted to look after our comforts. In my opinion there was no better officer in the British Army, both for the way he looked after his men, and as a soldier. Major Markham was our senior Major, and would have been Colonel after the war had he lived through it. He never knew what it was to be afraid, and whenever the Coldstream’s were called upon to do any desperate fighting, he was always in the thick of it. When he got into the firing line he would take his place in the trench, borrow the rifle from the man who happened to be next to him, and do his share just the same as an ordinary Private. He has performed numerous personal acts of gallantry. On one occasion he was instrumental in saving the No.2 Company from total destruction. We were posted on the summit of a hill, with instructions to hold the position at all costs. Soon we came under an exceptionally heavy artillery fire which in a very short time would have wiped us all out. Major Markham suddenly dashed up to us in the face of the fiercest fighting, and led us back to a place of safety. We all retired in good order, and have only Major Markham to thank that any of us escaped alive. It was Major Markham who brought to the notice of the General a gallant deed performed by Corpl. Brown and Pte. Dobson who have been recommended for the V.C. He asked for volunteers to fetch in a wounded soldier, and these two went out in the face of a heavy fire. On the occasion of the South African War Major Markham was left at home in charge of the reserve battalion. He was asked to again perform a similar duty in connection with this war, and his answer was ‘If I cannot go and fight for my country I will resign!”
On Saturday October 31st 1914, The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “MELTON OFFICER’S KILLED.” – In the casualty list issued on Monday night it is reported that Captain H. C. S. Ashton, 2nd Life Guards, is missing, and believed to have been killed. He was 35 years of age, and joined the 2nd Life Guards from the Militia in 1900. He was the only son of the late Colonel Samuel Tudor Ashton, of Burton Hall, by his second marriage with the only daughter of Lord Francis George Godolphin-Osborne (granddaughter of the eigth Duke of Leeds). News was received at Melton Mowbray, on Monday night, that Major R. A. Markham, 2nd Coldstream Guards, had been killed in action. He was the only surviving son of the late Colonel Markham, of The Elms, Melton. Last week he was mentioned in the Field Marshal’s despatches. Both officers were regular followers of the Leicestershire packs.
On Friday November 6th 1914, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “THE LATE MAJOR MARKHAM.” – IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SERVICE AT MELTON. – INTERMENT AT SYSONBY. – Many visible tokens of the very large measure on esteem and respect entertained for the late Major Roderick Anthony Markham, who lost his life a few days previously whilst serving his country in the north of France, were manifest on the occasion of his funeral which took place last Saturday. Business was practically suspended for the time, most of the principal establishments being closed, and the blinds of all the private residences along the route closely drawn. The body had been conveyed the previous day from the military hospital in Boulogne and arrived at the Midland station, Melton Mowbray, by the 1.22 train on Saturday afternoon, being at once removed on a hearse to the Parish Church, where the funeral service commenced at 1.45. It was in a shell, this in turn being enclosed in a polished oak coffin, with brass fittings, the breastplate simply bearing the inscription; “Major Markham, 2nd Coldstream Guards.” The coffin was covered with a pall composed of the Union Jack, and on the lid reposed two lovely wreaths and a cross. One was inscribed “Goodbye darling, Puff,” another “Ethel and Archie,” and the third bore no card. These were subsequently buried with the coffin. The bearers were Messrs. G. Andrews, T. Eales, J. P. Watson, J. Sutherland, W. Hill, J. A. Wilson, T. Wright, F. Parson, Judd, Toby and Miller. A large number of people witnessed the passage of the cortege from the station to the church, where it was met at the west entrance by the choir and the officiating clergy – the Rev. Canon Blakeney, M.A., R.D., vicar of Melton Mowbray, and the Rev. Canon A. A. Markham, M.A., vicar of Grimsby, and cousin of the deceased. As the procession proceeded down the centre aisle Mr. Malcolm Sargent, Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., played a suitable voluntary. The family mourners were Mr. Archibald Smith, Mr. Richard Pearson, Mr. Guy Markham, Mr. Frederick Markham, and Mr Davidson. Included among the followers and large congregation were many of the deceased officer’s personal friends and hunting field comrades, besides many of the leading inhabitants and tradesmen. Among those noticed were the Countess of March, Lady Kesteven, Sir Gerald Hanson, Bart. (Eye Kettleby Hall), the Hon. Gerald Walsh, Col. C. E. Yate, M.P., Mr. A. V. Pryor, Col. Bouverie, Mr. James Montagu (Cold Overton Hall), Mr. C. J. Phillips (Old Dalby Hall), Major T. Bradford Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Hay (Somerby), Mrs. Cecil Chaplin. Miss Chaplin (Whissendine), Mr. F. B. Mildmay, M.P., Miss C. T. Muir, Capt. Burns-Hartopp, Mrs. Brocklehurst, Mr. Archie Brocklehurst, the Misses Brocklehurst, Capt. F. Forester, M.F.H., and Mrs. Forester (Saxelbye Park), Mr. R. E. Strawbridge, M.F.H. and Mrs Strawbridge (Knossington Grange), Mr. Evan Hanbury (Braunston), Capt. R. B. Sheriffe (Goadby Hall), Mrs. R. Blakeney, the Rev. P. F. Gorst, R.D. (Saxby), the Rev. F. W. Knox (Knipton, representing the Duke of Rutland), the Rev. R. C. Dashwood (Little Dalby), Mr. Bernard Wilson (Braunston), Mr. Parker (London), Mrs. Wodehouse, Mr. Hare (Hough), Mr. James Pacey, J.P., Mr. E. W. I. Oakley, J.P. (Eye Kettleby), Capt. Robinson, Mr. W. F. Hill, C.C., Mr. G. W. Brewitt, and Mr. A. E. Mackley (representing the Melton Urban District Council), Mr. John Fletcher and Mr. Josiah Gill, J.P. (Townwardens), Mr. F. Wright and Mr. Edmund Jeeves (Churchwardens), Capt. J. C. Perkins, Mr. G. R. Casterton, Mr. G. Robinson, Mr. C. G. Holloway, Mr. A. W. Marriott, and Mr. S. H. North (representing the committee of the Melton Mowbray Constitutional Club), Dr. G. T. Willan, Dr. Hugh C. Roberts, Dr. Montagu Dixon, Dr. J. A. Smyth, Dr. Furness, Mrs. Furness, Senr. Mr. A. H. Marsh, Mr. W. W. Pacey, Mr. Henry Wood, Mrs. R. H. Fagge, Mr. J. W. Warner, Mr. J. N. Glass, Mr. Guydo Dickinson, Mr. M. Jackson, Mr. W. Pearce, Mr. S. H. Garner, Mr. James Attenburrow, Mr. G. Morris, Mr. A. E. Pywell, Mr. W. Warner, Mr. B. A. Woods, Mrs. Harris, Miss Tunley, Mr. W. Rowell, Mr. W. C. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. H. Whait, Mr. and Mrs. T. Dent, Mr. G. W. Goodacre, Mr. G. Rose, Mr. J. H. Payne, Mrs. J. Bilson, Mr. H. B. Goddard, Miss Reynolds, Miss H. Sampey, Mr. E. B. Bailey (Hoby), Mr. and Mrs J. Sarson, Mr. and Mrs W. A. Webber, Mr. and Mrs F. G. Smith (Asfordby), Mr. W. Gale (Waltham), Mr. W. Coleman (Long Clawson), Mr. R. Branston, Mr. Branston, Jnr., Mr. and Mrs. R. Hutton, Mr. H. C. Holmes, Mr. E. H. Hinman, Miss Bedington, Mr. T. C. Alcock, Mrs. Whalley, Mr. W. Payne, Mr. H. J. Hardy, Mr. W. Manchester, Mr. J. H. Brown, Mrs. Ordish, Mr. and Mrs J. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Sleath, Mr. R. Halligan, Mr. E. J. Steele, Mr. J. T. Steele, Mr. M. Newham, Mr. Harding, Mr. F. Bowes, Mrs. J. Mann, Mr. Pollicut, Mr. S. Newham, Mr. E. Cox, Mr. H. Smith, Mr. G. Press, Mrs. R. Barker, Corpl. Handley (2nd Coldstream Guards), Col. Sergt. Whitehead (East Yorkshire Regiment), representing Lord Kitchener’s Army, and many others. The Leicestershire Yeomanry Reserve Regiment were represented by Col. R. B. Muir, Major J. Wadsworth Ritchie (in command of the A Squadron), Capt. Hedworth T. Barclay, Capt. Sir Frederick Fowke, Lieut. Muir Stewart, Lieut. Reynolds, Lieut. H. C. Allfrey, Sergt. Major Dickins, Sergts. Longson and Black, Corpls. Dunn and Greaves, Troopers West, Williamson, Robinson, Rhodes, Brice, Ward, J. Crawford, W. A. Crawford, Rouse, Elton, Whittaker, Thornton, Hill, Barnard, Downes, Felstead, Ockenden, Randall, Underwood, Morrison, Foyster, Coy, Pollard, Matkin, H. Bloodworth, B. Bloodworth, G. A. Woodfield, J. Woodfield, Cooper, Herrick, C. Cross, G. Cross, Morgan, Smith, Deeks, Arnold, Ratt, Watchorn, R. A. Crawford, Hitching, Parlby, Golling, Hubbard, Hardy, Morley, Wackett, Neale, Cobb, Bell and Wilson. The Reserve C Company 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment were represented by Corpl. Harker (in command), Privates C. Coy, C. R. A. Ball, H. L. Smedley, H. Flare, A. H. D. Weston, J. Lamb, C. Kemp, A. Knowles, J. T. A. Sutton, H. Bowes, T. F. Stacey, J. H. Martin, E. W. Waite, H. Walpole, W. Pick, W. H. Chettle, S. Fisher, A. Giles, A. W. Thornton, P. L. Turner, A. E. Handley, W. Rippin, B. J. Woodford, J. W. Benton, A. E. C. Hyde, J. M. Chadwick, E. Taylor, F. G. Waite, G. Bursnell, F. Richmond, A. Exton, C. Trown, A. Hubbard, W. H. Fairbrother, E. Carter, A. Jallands, W. Exton, F. Weldon, C. Durrance, H. W. Digby, G. E. Challands, H. B. Dawson, A. E. Turner, W. Betts, T. B. Davies, H. Handley, F. Leach, A. Scoffins, G. F. Plowman, T. F. Johnson, R. C. Wormall, E. Dowson, E. H. Warner, W. McConnell, F. Marston, F. Widdowson, W. Pritchett and F. Reek. The following non-commissioned officers and men from the Melton Army Remount Depot under Capt. Saunders formed a guard of honour in the churchyard: Sergt. Major Potter, Quartermaster Sergt. Webber, Staff Sergt. Chiletto, Sergts. Croyden, Davis, Pettitt and Lanchbury, Corpls. Catling and Grant and Pte. Rowe. The service was read by Canon Blakeney, and the lesson by Canon Markham. The hymns “My God my Father, while I stray,” and “Peace perfect peace,” were feelingly sung and the service throughout was a very solemn and impressive one, many members of the congregation being visibly affected. As an introductory “O rest in the Lord” (Mendelsohn) was played, and a as a finale Chopins Funeral March. At the close the mournful procession wended its way to Sysonby churchyard, where the interment took place. Here, also a very large number of persons had assembled. The grave was lined with white chrysanthemums. Canon Blakeney read the committal service. In the evening a semi muffled peal was rung on the church bells. The floral tributes, which were very numerous and beautiful, were inscribed as follows:- In affectionate remembrance, and sympathy with his sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Brassey; with deepest sympathy from John and Maud Gretton; from Albert and Bee Mildmay; from Mr. and Mrs A. E. Burnaby; a token of sincere regret and esteem, Mrs. J. M. Benthall; with love from Charlie and Bill; with sympathy and deep regret, H. and Mrs. Wood; from a sorrowing friend Col. G. Pleydell Bouverie; with deepest sympathy and kind memory from Canon and Mrs. Blakeney; with deepest sympathy, Earl of Winterton; with love from Leonard and Violet; with deepest sympathy, from the officers and men of the Remount Depot, Melton Mowbray; with deepest sympathy and affectionate memory, Mr. and Mrs A. Fitzgerald; with deepest sympathy from the servants at The Lodge; from us both, Mr. and Mrs. James Montagu; dear Tony with love from sorrowing friends, Gilbert and Nora Stirling; with deepest sympathy from Captain Chandos-Pole-Gell, Coldstream Guards; with deepest sympathy from Tom and Mrs. Wright; to the memory of a good friend, with sincere sorrow, Captain Spender Clay; with deepest sympathy, Duchess of Newcastle; with sympathy from the Churchwardens and Sidesmen of Melton Parish Church; with deepest sympathy from the committee and members of the Constitutional Club, Melton; with deepest regret and very affectionate remembrance, Mrs Francis Sloane Stanley; with deepest sympathy and remembrance and love of a very dear friend, from Peggy, Nancie and Archie; in loving token from Mr. and Mrs Lockwood and family. Mr. Arthur Coventry, with regret; with love from Sandy and Dolly; with deepest sympathy from Colonel and Mrs. R. B. Muir; in deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Mildmay; with deepest regret and sorrow, M. Andrews; with deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Strawbridge; in affectionate memory, Aline and Frank Forester; from Mr. Gerald Walsh, with deepest sympathy; with deepest sympathy from Dr. and Mrs Montagu Dixon; to the memory of a dear friend, gallant soldier, and true sportsman, Florence Brocklehurst; with deepest sympathy Capt. and Mrs. J. F. Laycock; with deepest sympathy, Major Bradford Atkinson; in affectionate remembrance and true friendship, Sammy and Sophie Scott; in affectionate remembrance of a brave soldier from Guydo Dickinson; Sir Wm. Garstin, with deep sorrow and very affectionate remembrance; in loving remembrance from Clara Muir; with deepest sympathy, Mr. and Mrs Chandos de Paravicini; from Betty and Tim; from Uncle Edwin and Aunt Evelyn and Betty, in affectionate remembrance; Tony, with deepest sympathy, Dick and Phyl; from one of a great many that will miss him, he has finished his hunt, no more vicarage days, Mr. Judd; in memory of a most gallant soldier, Mrs. Lionel Powell; with sincere sympathy and deepest regret for a gallant officer, from Melton Mowbray Townwardens; with truest sympathy, from Mrs. Pennington; with deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs Wilfred Markham; with much sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Hay; Nulli Secondus, Officers of his Regiment; in affectionate remembrance from Francis and Hilda Egerton and Phyllis; with deepest sympathy, from Lady Kesteven; in sympathy, Nancy L. Wilton; you have won these from old Mione, Mrs. Malcolm Patton; in loving memory of Uncle Tony, from Billy with Mol and Donie’s loving sympathy, Mrs Malcolm Little; the victor’s palm, for Tony, the dearest and best of brothers, May and Brian; with deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs Guy Markham; in affectionate remembrance, from Sylvia and Philip Hemloke; in loving remembrance, from Elizabeth, Countess of Wilton and Mr. Andrew V. Pryor; with love from Guy and Elsie Fenwick; with all Eve’s love; in respectful remembrance with deepest regret, Herbert Lampitt; in ever loving memory of our beloved brother, from Cecil and Cecile Samuda; from Billy and June; with sincere sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wilson; from Reggie; Tony, from Grantie; in loving memory of dear Uncle Tony, from Averlie; with deepest regret from an ex-private of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, “Lead us immortal soul from paradise against the spiritual foe as thou hast led our men to meet this earthly foe,” Mr. Toby; a last tribute of friendship and regard, from Edward Whitehead and Allen Davidson. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Willcox and Son. The article continued under the heading: - MEMORIAL SERVICE. - A memorial service was held at the Parish Church on Sunday morning, the officiating clergy being the Rev. Canon Blakeney, M.A., R.D., and the Rev. T. B. Cooney. The Vicar preached from Hebrews xii. 1, “A cloud of witnesses.” In the course of his remarks the preacher said: “Yesterday afternoon there was a very solemn service in this church, and the service was held in order that we might lay to rest the remains of one who was well known and much loved in this place. In that roll of honour which shall be inscribed not merely on earthly records, but also upon that book which exists in the light of God, there will be the name of Roderick Anthony Markham. He lived in this place for many years. He worshipped regularly in this church. He was known to everyone. He took an interest in all our local concerns. He was our ideal of a Christian soldier and a Christian gentleman. He was keen in his profession, and when the call of duty came to go and risk his life he did so bravely, freely, and courageously. He did not avoid the posts of danger, but did his duty and fought the good fight, and now he has won a crown. We feel certain that he and those who are falling, we may say, at every moment like him, and who are exhibiting the same bravery and courage, are even now included in the great multitude standing for evermore in the light of God. Suitable hymns were sung, and at the conclusion of the service Mr. Sargent impressively played the Dead March in “Saul,” the congregation remaining standing. Roderick died of wounds he received at St. Julien on the 23rd October 1914. He was twice mentioned in despatches.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Major Ronal Anthony Markham , 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards was the only surviving son of the late Colonel W. T. Markham of Becca Hall, Yorkshire, who served in the Crimean War in the Rifle Brigade and Coldstream Guards and grandson of Sir Francis Grant, P. R. A.
He was born on the 15th October 1870, educated at Charterhouse, and joined the Coldstream Guards from the Militia in December 1890, becoming Lieutentant in August 1896 and Captain in December 1899.
He served with the first advance against the Khalifa in the Nile Expedition of 1899, for which he received the Egyptian medal and clasp. From August 1899 to August 1903 he was employed with the Egyptian Army, acting as ADC to the Sirdar from April 1900, to December 1902, for which he received the Insignia of the 4th Class of the Imperial Order of the Medjidieb. he was promoted to Major in 1907.
he was shot through the head at St. julien, France on the 25th October 1914 and, at the time of his death, was Second in Command of his battalion. He was mentioned in Sir John French's Despatches of the 8th October 1914 and the 14th January 1915.
He was a member of the Guards' Nulli Secundus and the Turf Clubs; also of the MCC and I Zingari. He was fond of cricket and shooting and was a very keen and hard rider to hounds. He was born at Melton Mowbray, from which place he had hunted all his life and where his internment took place.

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taken from IWM website :
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205385212