SIEGFRIED SASSOON’S GRAVE IN MELLS CHURCHYARD
Herbert Asquith’s son Raymond was killed in action with the Grenadier Guards at Ginchy on 15th September 1916. Raymond’s widow Katherine, is buried in this churchyard as are his sister, Monsignor Ronald Knox-the eminent churchman, and Sir Reginald McKenna and family. McKenna was the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Asquith’s Government. Raymond’s grave is in the CWGC cemetery at Guillemont Road, Guillemont (not far from Delville Wood). The original wooden cross which was placed upon Raymond’s grave in 1916, is now kept in the Church. In a plot just a few yards away from that of Raymond Asquith is the grave of Edward Wyndham Tennant who was also killed in action at Ginchy with the Grenadier Guards.
Edward Wyndham Tennant was the brother of Stephen Napier Tennant who was, of course, a very close friend of Siegfried Sassoon.
Both Raymond Asquith and Edward Wyndham Tennant and his brother were related to the Prime Minister’s wife Margot Asquith.
Katherine Asquith’s brother Edward, who died of wounds during the Battle of Cambrai on 21st November 1917 whilst serving with the 18th Hussars, lies in the CWGC cemetery at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road, Manancourt in Plot 1, Row E, Grave 23. In his memory, an equestrian statue by Munnings on a plinth by Lutyens was erected in the church. As was the case with his brother in law, the wooden cross originally erected over Edward’s grave was brought home and now stands besides the statue.
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