With grateful acknowledgement to the Roll of Honour (RoH) web-site that served as the starting point for my research.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Martham.html
Johnson, Leonard………………………………………………………….(RoH)
Private 19725. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds on 13th July 1918. Born Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Niederzwehren Cemetery, Kassel, Hassen, Germany. Ref. IV. N. 16.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=903690 (L.)
NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY
The cemetery was begun by the Germans in 1915 for the burial of prisoners of war who died at the local camp. During the war almost 3,000 Allied soldiers and civilians, including French, Russian and Commonwealth, were buried there In 1922-23 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Niederzwehren was one of those chosen and in the following four years, more than 1,500 graves were brought into the cemetery from 190 burial grounds in Baden, Bavaria, Hanover, Hesse and Saxony. There are now 1,796 First World War servicemen buried or commemorated in the Commonwealth plot at Niederzwehren.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=91502&...
Norlink – no match.
There does not appear to be a match for a Leonard Johnson, born Martham on either the 1901 census or the 1911 one. The most likely match is a Leonard born circa 1896, West Somerton, who in 1901 is recorded at the Lion Inn, West Somerton and in 1911 was recorded in the Flegg District which covers both villages.
On the 1901 census the Lion Inn was the household of his parents, Elijah, (aged 47 and a Publican from Martham) and Emma, (aged 37 and from Martham). Interestingly, they also have a son Ralph, (aged 2 and born West Somerton)
Johnson, Ralph……………………………………………………………..(RoH)
Private 41590. 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 11th February 1918. Born Somerton. Lived Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Noyon New British Cemetery, Oise, France. Ref. IV. E. 7.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=580261
Norlink – no match
Most likely match on the 1901 census is the Ralph shown against Leonard above.
From the Battalion War Diary
SALENCY 11-2-18 Arrival of draft of 7 officers and 174 other ranks from 8th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. which had been disbanded. Hostile Bombing raid. One bomb demolished a billet occupied by "C" Company. casualties: - Killed; 9 other ranks. Died of Wounds; 1 officer & 2 other ranks. Wounded; 6 other ranks
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/7thbn/7thbtn1918diary.html
Knights, Harry……………………………………………………………(RoH)
Son of Charles [General Dealer] and Emmeline Knights, brother of Charles and Matilda; grandson of Henry B Woolston [Horse Dealer]. Born Martham circa 1893 [1901 - census] No further information available at present.
No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy. There is a William Richard Knights who was born Martham and who was resident West Somerton at the time of enlistment. Son of Richard and Frances Knights, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3057318
Norlink – no match
William is on the West Somerton Roll of Honour
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/5714767659/in/set-7215...
The Knights family were living with their paternal grandfather, the widower Henry B, aged 50 and a Horse Dealer from Hemsby, at White Street, Martham.
One Possible match – shown as Harry on the Great War Roll of Honour.
Name:KNIGHTS
Initials:H F
Nationality:United Kingdom
Rank:Private
Regiment/Service:Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text:1st Bn.
Date of Death:20/06/1917
Service No:16959
Grave/Memorial Reference:II. C. 4.
Cemetery:ROCLINCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=526036
Larter, John William………………………………………………………..(RoH)
Private 15540. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 26th September 1915. Aged 21. Born Martham. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of John and Edith Larter, of The Limes, Church St., Martham, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=733848
Norlink – no match
The 6 year old John, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at White House, The Green, Martham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 33 and a Plumber & Decorator from Ludham) and (poss.) “Elulia”, (aged 29 and from Hemsby). They also have a daughter, Ethel, (aged 5 and from Martham)
Family headstone in the Church yard.
In Loving Memory of
Edith Mary Ann
The Beloved wife of John Larter
Who died Dec.20th 1933
Aged 61 years
Also of John Larter
Who died June 12th 1951
Aged 83 years
Also of John William Larter
Son of the above
Killed in Action at Loos
September 26th 1915
Aged 21 years.
26th September 1915
1.00am A heavy attack by the German 117th Division was launched against the forward units of 7th and 9th Divisions between the Vermelles-Hulluch road and Fosse 8. It achieved complete surprise, catching wiring parties and isolated sections unawares. On the right, 20th Brigade pulled all advanced units back to the protection of Gun Trench. In the centre, the most forward units were in a shallow trench a hundred yards ahead of the Quarries. Their left had no contact with the 27th Brigade of 9th Division, which was somewhere away on their left. A reorganisation of scattered and mixed-up units was underway - under shellfire that included gas shells - when the German attack hit. The enemy entered the Quarries through the undefended gap to the North, and much confused and hand to hand fighting took place. By 1.30am the British troops had lost the Quarries. Further advance was halted by concentrated fire from the 2/Yorkshire and 1/South Staffordshire. 27th Brigade - who lost their CO, Brig-General Bruce, captured in the Quarries - withdrew from Fosse Alley in good order. A hastily arranged counterattack with the intention of retaking the Quarries was delivered at 6.45am by the dog-tired 9/Norfolks of 24th Division, but it was annihilated by consolidated enemy infantry
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/bat13_loos/bat.htm
The 9th (Service) Battalion was formed at Norwich in September 1914 as part of K3, Kitcheners Third Army. In September 1914 it was attached to the 71st Brigade, 24th Division. The Battalion was assembled around Shoreham during September 1914 and it then spent 11 months in training after formation. Uniforms, equipment and blankets were slow in arriving and they initially wore emergency blue uniforms and carried dummy weapons. The battalion crossed to France between 28th August and 4th September 1915 where they joined X1 Corps and were sent up the line for the developing Battle of Loos. They disembarked at Boulogne almost 1000 strong, but 8 days later were reduced to 16 officers and 555 other ranks. The battalion lost a total of 1,019 men killed during the First World War. It marched from Montcarrel on the 21st September reaching Bethune on the 25th, before moving up to Lonely Tree Hill south of the La Basée Canal. They formed up for an attack in support of 11th Essex but were not engaged. At 03:30 on 26th September orders were received to assist 2nd Brigade on an attack on quarries west of Hulluch. At 05:30 the Battalion were in what had, the day before, been the German front trenches. The attack was launched at 06:45 under heavy fire, especially from snipers, after a full night of marching on empty stomachs and little or no progress was made before the Norfolks sought cover in the trenches. At 16:00 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment passed through to attack. At 19:00 the Germans opened fire and the Norfolks were forced to fall back to trenches in the rear to take cover before being relieved by the Grenadier Guards whereupon they returned to Lonely Tree Hill. They had lost 5 officers killed and 9 wounded, with 39 other ranks killed, 122 wounded and 34 missing, a total of 209 casualties sustained in their first action
forum.planetalk.net/viewtopic.php?t=4844&sid=b3e7614b...
London, Henry Richard……………………………………………………(RoH)
Engineman 489ES. H.M. Drifter Kent County Royal Naval Reserve. Died on 8th December 1916. Aged 32. Son of John London; husband of M. A. Symonds (formerly London), of 8, Nursery Terrace, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Column 19.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3051272
Norlink – no match
There is no obvious match on the Genes Re-united transcription of either the 1901 or the 1911 census for England and Wales.
Kent County, hired drifter, patrol boat, mined and sunk in North Sea
ALLEN, Bertie E, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 895
BARKER, Archibald, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 821
BURWOOD, Samuel R, Ty/Skipper, RNR
FLETCHER, John H, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 252
GALLANT, William, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 900
GATES, George, Engineman, RNR, ES 459
LONDON, Henry R, Engineman, RNR, ES 489
REMBLANCE, William, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 854
WARD, James R, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 1626
WELLS, William N, Petty Officer 1c (RFR B 969), 163809 (Ch)
YOUNG, Percival P, Trimmer, RNR, TS 5604
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1916-12Dec.htm
London, Leslie Victor……………………………………………………(RoH)
Private 328175. 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died on 5th July 1918. Born between April and June 1895 in Martham [GRO Birth Reference: Flegg 4b 48]. Buried in Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. D. 17. Not recorded on CD.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802654
(shown as L V)
Norlink – no match
The 5 year old Leslie, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Hemsby Road, Martham. This is the household of his paternal grand-parents, John, (aged 51 and an Agricultural Labourer from Runham, Norfolk) and Sarah, (aged 53 and from Rollesby). They have several of their own children living with them, including a married daughter and her husband and children.
Leslie had originally been serial number 6866 before being re-numbered to 328175, ( source Medal Index Card desription on the National Archive web-site).
The death of Leslie V London, aged 23, was recorded in the Flegg District of Norfolk in the July to September 1918 quarter.
Long, Elijah……………………………………………………………….(RoH)
Son of George and Ruth Long, born 1890 at Attleborough [1901 census]. No further information available at present.
No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy.
However, this individual from the RoH details could possibly tie in with this soldier on the CWGC database.
Name:LONG, ELIJAH
Rank:Private
Regiment/Service:Hampshire Regiment
Unit Text:14th Bn.
Age:28
Date of Death:16/03/1918
Service No:26532
Additional information:Son of George and Ruth Long, of Grove Cottage, Sculthorpe.
Grave/Memorial Reference:South-West part.
Cemetery:SCULTHORPE (ST. MARY AND ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803554
Norlink – no match
The Genes Re-united transcription of the 1911 census has an “Elizah”, born circa 1890 and from Attleborough, Norfolk, who was recorded in the Flegg District that covers Martham.
A similar mis-transcription has occurred on the 1901 census, “Elizh” when you look at the scan of the original page could just as easily be Elijah. This 11 year old individual, born Attleborough, was recorded at Somerton Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 47 and a Labourer on Farm and Garden from Feltham, Suffolk) and Ruth, (aged 43 and from Attleborough). Their other children are:-
Alberta………………..aged 4…………………….born Runham
Mabel N……………….aged 1……………………born Great Yarmouth
Oscar …………………aged 8……………………born Attleborough
The death of Elijah Long, aged 28, was recorded in the District of Norwich in the January to March 1918 quarter.
The Medal Index Card for Elijah shows he initially served with the Essex Regiment, serial number 28095.
The 14th Hampshires served through-out the war in France and Flanders, as part of 39th Division. As part of the Army re-organisation that took place in February - March 1918 the battalion was disbanded.
Mays, James Herbert……………………………………………………….(RoH)
Private 267230. 2nd/6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. Formerly 1746 6th Norfolk Regiment Cyclists Battalion. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 2nd December 1917. Aged 28. Enlisted North Walsham. Son of Walter F. and Laura Mays, of Oak Villa, Marnham (sic. Should this be Martham?), Norfolk. Commemorated: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 6.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1755156
Norlink – no match
The 11 year old James, born Briston, Norfolk, is recorded on the 1901 census at Repps Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 43 and a Builder from Kings Lynn) and Laura, (aged 38 and from Briston). Their other children are:-
Dorothy……………..aged 10………………born Briston
Elsie…………………aged 7……………….born Briston
Marrilla………………aged 15……………..born Norwich
Nora…………………aged 14………………born Briston
Walter……………….aged 17……………..born Briston…..Carpenters Apprentice
The Glosters Regimental Museum has him associated with Marham.
www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/24048
Moore, Ernest…………………………………………………………….(RoH)
No further information available at present.
Possibles from Military Genealogy
Ernest David, born Horstead.
There is only one E D on CWGC
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=239027
Ernest Robert, born Great Yarmouth
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1646408
No match on Norlink
Nichols, Edmund…………………………………………………………(RoH)
Private 15663. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 12th August 1916. Aged 18. Born Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edmund and Julia Anne Nichols, of Brickfields Farm, Martham, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1547619
Norlink – no match
The 3 year old Edmund, (born Martham) was recorded on the 1901 census at Clark Farm House, Martham. This was the household of his parents, Edmund, (aged 33 and a Farmer from Caister, Norfolk) and Julia, (aged 31 and from Martham). Their other children are:-
Benjamin………………….aged 1………………..born Martham
Charles…………………….aged 5………………..born Martham
Emma M…………………..aged 11……………..born Martham
George Edmund……….aged 6……………….born Martham
James Ed………………….aged 10……………..born Martham
Rose A G…………………..aged u/1……………born Martham
William S…………………..aged 9………………born Martham
Saturday 12th August 1916. Day 43
Mouquet Farm
During the day the Australian 50th Bn moved up to the Quarry area and relieved 16th Bn. At 10.30 pm the 50th moved forward from Park Lane and Ration Trench.They reached the Thiepval Road and linked up with 12th Div but stopped 100 yards short of the objective.
7th Norfolk Regt and 9th Essex Regt captured Skyline Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...
Battalion War Diary
12th . 8th Street,
Today the shelling has been less severe + more preparations have been made for the attack which is to take place at 10.30 pm today. 2/Lieut H F Manners was slightly wounded in the hand by shrapnel this evening.
13th. Bouzincourt.
At 10.30 pm yesterday the 12th Division + 4th Australian Division attacked on a front of almost a mile. The Norfolk Regiment had as its objective 6th Avenue, 4th Australian Division on our right, 9th Essex on our left.
“A” + “D” were in front, “B”+”C” behind, each company forming two waves. By 10.30 pm, zero, the battalion was ready in position in front of 5th Avenue on a tape which had previously been placed to form on.
At zero the line slowly advanced + when the artillery lifted, got into the German trench. Very little resistance was met with, the Huns being taken completely by surprise. Work was at once commenced, clearing and bombing dug-outs, sending forward patrols to the next German line + consolidating. At 11.00 pm a message was received at Battn HQ which had remained in 8th Street that the German trench had been captured.
Soon afterwards, R E consolidating parties were sent to the captured trench to assist our men in the construction of strong points, whither also Vickers and a Stokes gun were sent. Very few casualties had been incurred going over but in the German trench there were several from shell fire. The Germans during the night put a heavy barrage on all C.T.’s.
By 12 midnight it was clear that the line attacked by 4th Australian Division + 35th Inf.Bde had been taken + communication to the flank ensued. 37th Bde on the left of 12th Division was held up by M G fire + made little progress. Before dawn all the men except the garrisons of the strongpoints, (40 men at each), were withdrawn.
At 5 am this morning the relief of 12th Division by 40th Division commenced + by 12 noon the battalion had been relieved by¼ Oxford + Bucks L I and marched back to bivouacs outside Bouzincourt. 18 huns, all 29 Regt, were taken prisoner by us last night. Our casualties for the attack were
Missing…2/Lieut A A Goosens (?) and 5 other officers wounded.
OR’s - 18 missing, 8 killed, 102 wounded.
Rivett, Robert Alfred……………………………………………………..(RoH)
Lance Corporal 3/7837. 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds at home on 4th January 1916. Born Coltishall. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of David Moore, of Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. D. 19.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802655
Norlink – no match
There is no obvious match on the Genes Re-united transcription of either the 1901 or the 1911 census for England and Wales, nor is there an obvious match for David Moore on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 transcriptions.
The death of Robert Rivett, aged 39 was recorded in the South Stoneham, Hampshire District in the January to March 1916 quarter.
There is a medal index card for Lance Corporal Rivett so his wounds are likely to have been received whilst serving with his unit in France.
Sales, George……………………………………………………………(RoH)
Private 14857. 10th (R. East Kent and West Kent Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died on 8th April 1919. Aged 18. Son of Henry Sales, of Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. E.12.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802656
Norlink – no match
The 1 year old George, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Somerton Road, Martham. This is the household of parents, Henry, (aged 45 and a Farm Labourer from Brundall) and Ann E. (aged 46 and from Martham). Their other children are:-
Edith………………………….aged 5…………………..born Martham
Ethel E………………………aged 13………………….born Martham
Herbert……………………..aged 7…………………..born Martham
Maud…………………………aged 11………………….born Martham
Sydney………………………aged 9…………………..born Martham
Thomas F…………………..aged 17………………..born Martham…….Farm Labourer
William……………………….aged 20……………..born Martham…….Farm Labourer
The death of George Sales, aged 19, was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June 1919 quarter.
There is a medal index card for George, although his serial number is recorded as G/14857 so he had served in a Theatre of War.
Sims, Herbert Ernest………………………………………………………(RoH)
Corporal 6th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Formerly 17032 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in The Balkans on 17th November 1916. Aged 29. Born Ormsby. Lived Great Yarmouth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. A. Sims, of Gibbet Vale, Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Struma Military Cemetery, Greece. Ref. III. B. 6.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=333639
Norlink – no match
The 12 year old Herbert, born Ormesby, was recorded on the 1901 census at Hemsby Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 50 and Market Gardener from Filby) and Alice, (aged 49 and from Runham). Their other children are:-
Edgar…………………………..aged 10…………………born Ormesby
James…………………………..aged 19……………….born Thrigby….Farm Labourer
Julia……………………………..aged 16……………….born Ormesby
The 6th Battalion suffered two fatalities on this day. Along with Herbert they also lost Private Charles Beane, from Waxham, Norfolk.
www.dublin-fusiliers.com/salonika/1916-birdcage.html
Smith, Harry Edgar…………………………………………………………(RoH)
Private 5296. 16th (The Queen's) Lancers. Died at home on 1st August 1915. Aged 28. Born Rollesby. Lived and enlisted Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. C. 19.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802657
Norlink – no match
There is no Harry or Harry Edgar of the right age on the 1901 or 1911 census with a birth place of Rollesby or a connection with Martham. There are two showing as born Great Yarmouth, but one had moved to Norwich and remained there for the 1911 census, while the other was recorded in Yarmouth on both censuses.
The death of a Harry E, aged 28, was recorded in the Nottingham District in the July to September 1915 quarter.
There is a Medal Index card for Harry, so he certainly entered a Theatre of War.
The headstone reads:-
In Loving Memory of
HARRY EDGAR SMITH
(16th Queen’s Lancers)
The beloved husband of
EMMA MAY SMITH
Who died at Bagthorpe Military Hospital
August 1st 1916
Aged 28 years
