Sons of 3 well-known Isle of Wight families – Pittis, Ratsey and Seely – fell in battle during World War I at Palestine some 106 years ago.
All served with the Isle of Wight battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. They lost their lives on 19th April 1917 in the 2nd Battle of Gaza, which was fought between Turkey and the British Empire for control of the Mediterranean.
21-year-old Charles Seymour Pittis MC was the eldest son of Seymour and Kate Pittis, who lived at Hale Manor. He was already a partner in the family firm of Roach Pittis. Before his death in Gaza, he had been awarded the Military Cross for his service in the Battle of Gallipoli.
A memorial plaque to Charles Pittis can be found in St George’s Church Arreton.
More tragic was the fate of Captain Stephen Gilbert Ratsey – son of the sail-making family from Cowes – who was lost in battle together with his brothers Donald and Thomas.
A memorial plaque to the 3 brothers may be found at St Mary’s Church, Cowes.
The most notable of the tragic deaths was that of Charles Grant Seely, who bravely carried on fighting despite being thrice wounded in battle.
The Seely family originally became rich through coal mining. They then acquired property on the Isle of Wight at Brook, Mottistone, Brighstone and Gatcombe.
The Isle of Wight’s current MP, Bob Seely, is descended from this family.
The memorial tomb Of Charles Grant Seely may be found in St Olave’s Church in Gatcombe.
I love these island historical stories.
We should know more about the island’s characters and people.
Just one thing Island Echo – when taking a photo – always worth looking to see if the person taking the photo is reflected in the subject matter. Easy done!
Is the seely related to our Bob seely or is that coincidental?
Would have been a cousin of Charles Grant Seely