The Flickr 10071917 Image Generatr

CHARLES EDWARD BACK
WALTER JOHN BLAKE
J. DEREK CORBOULD-WARREN
WALTER ELLIS

For more on each name see comments below.

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW – Soldiers Died in the Great War

Henstead was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Roll of Honour site has also (recently) covered this memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/CaistorStEdmund.html

From the War Memorial Display, “a Village at War” in the lane approaching the church.

J. Derek Corbould Warren
John Derek Corbould-Warren (Derek) was born in 1899. His parents were Rev. John Corbould Warren of Caistor Hall and Agnes Elizabeth Corbould Warren (nee La Fontaine). His father was Rector of Caistor-with Markshall from 1914. He was a cadet at Sandhurst, where he suffered a riding accident in training, following which he died in Surbiton Cottage Hospital on 10 July 1917.

He is buried in the churchyard alongside his parents.

The inscription on his headstone reads:-

“Jesu Mercy

In ever loving memory of
JOHN DEREK
(Derek)
The only and most dearly loved son of
JOHN and AGNES CORBOULD-WARREN.
A cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst
Who passed (suddenly) into the higher life
on July 10th 1917, aged 18 years.

No obvious Civil Probate for this man.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

Family history site
Parents John Warren Corbould-Warren (1870 -) and Agnes Elizabeth LaFontaine.
www.corbould.com/phpftree/index.php?a=person/1/i_I469/joh...

From a piece on the Corbould-Warren family of Tacolneston Old Hall.

John Derek (Derek) Corbould-Warren, b.1899, cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Died in Surbiton Cottage Hospital, 10 July 1917, the result of a riding accident at Sandhurst, near Camberley.

Rev. John Warren Corbould-Warren, M.A., J.P. (Norf.) of Caistor Hall, Norfolk, b. 30 June 1870, educ. At Felsted and at Downing College, Cambridge (matric. 1891, B.A. 1894, M.A. 1899) and at Ely Theological College, 1894. Ordained deacon 1895 and priest 1897 by the Bishop of Salisbury. Appointed curate of Broadwinsor 1895-8, and Blechingley, Surrey, 1898-1901. Vicar of Dersingham 1901-10. Patron of Tacolneston. Rector of Caistor-with-Markshal from 1914. Lord of the Manor, Patron and sole landowner of Caistor St. Edmund.

Married in 1896 AGNES ELIZABETH, dau. of the late James Stephen Edward La Fontaine, Esq., J.P., of Berkhampstead and of Constantinople, by his wife Helen.

(Their other child was Enid Helen, (born 1901))
www.corbould.com/tcgbook/pdf_ocr/TCG-16_Corbould-Warren_o...

A picture of John can be seen here
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/Biographical/library/Me...
also here
www.thegenealogist.co.uk/imagearchive/fullrecord.php?id=1...

From “Memorial of Rugbeians who fell in the Great War Volume V11”

GENTLEMAN CADET J. D. CORBOULD-WARREN
Hawkesworth

ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE, SANDHURST

JOHN DEREK CORBOULD-WARREN was the only son of the Reverend
John Warren Corbould-Warren, Rector of Caistor St. Edmunds, and of
Agnes Elizabeth his wife, of Caistor Hall, Norwich.

He entered the School in 1913, and left in December, 1916, when he went to the R.M.C., Sandhurst, with a view to obtaining a Commission in the 16th Lancers.

On July 7th, 19 17, he met with a fatal accident while riding on Esher Common, when a motor came into collision with his horse, and he died at Surbiton Cottage Hospital on July loth, and was buried at Caistor.

Age 18.

An Under-Officer at Sandhurst wrote :-
" Your son was always a great favourite the Company, always so cheerful, always generous and willing to help a friend. He was tremendously keen on the Army and was longing for the day when he was to join his Regiment, the 16th Lancers. He always worked hard at work
and games alike. I know that no one will be able to fill the gap which he leaves in the Company."

His Housemaster at Rugby wrote :-
"Some of the qualities which make life happiest at home he brought here, his happy temperament, his pleasure in the pleasure of others, his tenderness of heart, and he responded eagerly to all that was bright and sympathetic and interesting, and beneath it all there was an innate sense of honour and a conscience of a very sensitive kind."

A School friend wrote :-
"I learned to know and appreciate the frankness and generosity which showed so dearly and with such ever-increasing clearness as he grew older in all his flow of happy good spirits. He was one of those who have the gift of conveying their own joy in life to less buoyant spirits. All my
memories of him seem to show him smiling. He went through storms and dark places of School life impulsively, perhaps, but always a little triumphantly, I think, always with a splendid, if subdued, hint of confidence in himself which filled one with great hopes of what he might do."
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/Biographical/library/Me...


1899 - Birth

The birth of a John Derek Corbould-Warren was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Godstone in Surrey in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1899.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 1 year old John D Corbould-Warren, born Blechingley, Surrey, was recorded living at Poplar House, Blechingley. This was the household of his parents, John W, (aged 30, a Church of England Clergyman, born Tacolneston, Norfolk) and Agnes E, (aged 31, born Constantinople, British Subject). They had two visitors on the night of the census plus three live in servants.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 11 year old Derek Warren, born Blechingley, Surrey, was recorded as a residential pupil at Eagle House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire.

His parents were recorded living at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmund. Father John Warren Corbould-Warren, (40, a Church of England Clergyman) and mother Agnes Elizabeth, (41), have been married 15 years and have had 2 children, both then still alive. Living with them is a 9 year old daughter, Enid Helen, born Blechingley, and a 22 year old unmarried niece, Sybil Le Fontaine McAnally, (born West Hampstead, London), who is recorded as a Governess. There are also 6 live in servants.

On the day

There is a death notice in the edition of The Times dated July 20, 1917.

CORBOULD-WARREN. – On the 10th July, at the Surbiton Cottage Hospital, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common, JOHN DEREK, beloved and only son of the REVD.J. and MRS. CORBOULD-WARREN of Caistor Hall, Norwich, in his 19th year. A cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

From the local papers.

Eastern Daily Press Friday July 13, 1917

(From the Births, Deaths and Marriages announcements)

DEATHS.

CORBOULD-WARREN – On Tuesday, July 10, at Surbiton Cottage Hospital, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common, John Derek, the beloved and only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren, of Caistor Hall, Norwich, in his 19th year. A cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, R.I.P. (Funeral on Monday, July 16th, 1 p.m., at Caistor Church.)

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A NORFOLK CADET.

Our obituary notices to-day record the death at Surbiton Cottage Hospital last Tuesday of John Derek, the only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren of Caistor Hall, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common. Mr. Corbould-Warren was a cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was in his 19th year. The funeral takes place at Caistor Church on Monday, at 1 p.m.

Eastern Daily Press Monday July 16, 1917

THE DEATH OF MR. J.D. CORBOULD-WARREN.

At Surbiton, on Saturday, an inquest was held on John Derek Corbould Warren, aged 18, who died from injuries received in a riding accident. The Rev. John Warren Corbould Warren, rector of Caistor, and residing at Caistor Hall, near Norwich, father of the deceased, said his son was a cadet in the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. On Saturday last he came to Surbiton, where his mother and sister were staying, and in the evening went out with his sister riding on horseback. On Esher Common his horse became startled by a dog snapping at its heels and broke into a gallop. Deceased appeared to lose control of the animal, which left the Common at some cross roads, and collided with a motor car driven by Mr. Harrison Fidge, of Esher. The horse turned a somersault, the deceased being thrown to the ground and his skull being fractured. He died on the following Tuesday.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” attaching blame to no one.

Eastern Daily Press Thursday July 19, 1917

FUNERAL OF MR. J.D. CORBOULD-WARREN.

The funeral of Mr. John Derek Corbould-Warren, only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs Corbould Warren, of Caistor Hall, Norwich, took place on Monday at Caistor Church, Deceased, who was in his 19th year, was a cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was expecting a commission in the 16th Lancers. He was killed as a result of a riding accident on Esher Common, Surrey, and died on July 10th in Surbiton Cottage Hospital. The body was conveyed from the Hall to the church on a gun carriage, with an escort provided by the R.F.A. The service was conducted by the Bishop of Thetford and the Rev. C.M. McAnally. The chief mourners were the father and Miss Enid Corbould-Warren, the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren, (Talconestone Old Hall), Mr. and Mrs. La Fontaine, Mrs. D. Corbould-Warren (Braconash), and Mr. A.H. Barker. Mrs. Corbould-Warren was too ill to attend. Amongst those who attended were Mr. G.F. Baset, Mr. G. Birkbeck, Mr. J.H. Gurney, Major Gurney, Dr. Riviere, Hon. Ruthven, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Cooke, the churchwardens, and many parishioners and tenants. Beautiful wreaths were sent among them being one from the officers and gentlemen cadets of C Co, Sandhurst Military College. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Hinde & Co. of Kingston-on-Thames, and Messrs. Chamberlin, Norwich.

From the War Memorial Display, “a Village at War” in the lane approaching the church.

J. Derek Corbould Warren
John Derek Corbould-Warren (Derek) was born in 1899. His parents were Rev. John Corbould Warren of Caistor Hall and Agnes Elizabeth Corbould Warren (nee La Fontaine). His father was Rector of Caistor-with Markshall from 1914. He was a cadet at Sandhurst, where he suffered a riding accident in training, following which he died in Surbiton Cottage Hospital on 10 July 1917.

He is buried in the churchyard alongside his parents.

The inscription on his headstone reads:-

“Jesu Mercy

In ever loving memory of
JOHN DEREK
(Derek)
The only and most dearly loved son of
JOHN and AGNES CORBOULD-WARREN.
A cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst
Who passed (suddenly) into the higher life
on July 10th 1917, aged 18 years.

No obvious Civil Probate for this man.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

Family history site
Parents John Warren Corbould-Warren (1870 -) and Agnes Elizabeth LaFontaine.
www.corbould.com/phpftree/index.php?a=person/1/i_I469/joh...

From a piece on the Corbould-Warren family of Tacolneston Old Hall.

John Derek (Derek) Corbould-Warren, b.1899, cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Died in Surbiton Cottage Hospital, 10 July 1917, the result of a riding accident at Sandhurst, near Camberley.

Rev. John Warren Corbould-Warren, M.A., J.P. (Norf.) of Caistor Hall, Norfolk, b. 30 June 1870, educ. At Felsted and at Downing College, Cambridge (matric. 1891, B.A. 1894, M.A. 1899) and at Ely Theological College, 1894. Ordained deacon 1895 and priest 1897 by the Bishop of Salisbury. Appointed curate of Broadwinsor 1895-8, and Blechingley, Surrey, 1898-1901. Vicar of Dersingham 1901-10. Patron of Tacolneston. Rector of Caistor-with-Markshal from 1914. Lord of the Manor, Patron and sole landowner of Caistor St. Edmund.

Married in 1896 AGNES ELIZABETH, dau. of the late James Stephen Edward La Fontaine, Esq., J.P., of Berkhampstead and of Constantinople, by his wife Helen.

(Their other child was Enid Helen, (born 1901))
www.corbould.com/tcgbook/pdf_ocr/TCG-16_Corbould-Warren_o...

A picture of John can be seen here
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/Biographical/library/Me...
also here
www.thegenealogist.co.uk/imagearchive/fullrecord.php?id=1...

From “Memorial of Rugbeians who fell in the Great War Volume V11”

GENTLEMAN CADET J. D. CORBOULD-WARREN
Hawkesworth

ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE, SANDHURST

JOHN DEREK CORBOULD-WARREN was the only son of the Reverend
John Warren Corbould-Warren, Rector of Caistor St. Edmunds, and of
Agnes Elizabeth his wife, of Caistor Hall, Norwich.

He entered the School in 1913, and left in December, 1916, when he went to the R.M.C., Sandhurst, with a view to obtaining a Commission in the 16th Lancers.

On July 7th, 19 17, he met with a fatal accident while riding on Esher Common, when a motor came into collision with his horse, and he died at Surbiton Cottage Hospital on July loth, and was buried at Caistor.

Age 18.

An Under-Officer at Sandhurst wrote :-
" Your son was always a great favourite the Company, always so cheerful, always generous and willing to help a friend. He was tremendously keen on the Army and was longing for the day when he was to join his Regiment, the 16th Lancers. He always worked hard at work
and games alike. I know that no one will be able to fill the gap which he leaves in the Company."

His Housemaster at Rugby wrote :-
"Some of the qualities which make life happiest at home he brought here, his happy temperament, his pleasure in the pleasure of others, his tenderness of heart, and he responded eagerly to all that was bright and sympathetic and interesting, and beneath it all there was an innate sense of honour and a conscience of a very sensitive kind."

A School friend wrote :-
"I learned to know and appreciate the frankness and generosity which showed so dearly and with such ever-increasing clearness as he grew older in all his flow of happy good spirits. He was one of those who have the gift of conveying their own joy in life to less buoyant spirits. All my
memories of him seem to show him smiling. He went through storms and dark places of School life impulsively, perhaps, but always a little triumphantly, I think, always with a splendid, if subdued, hint of confidence in himself which filled one with great hopes of what he might do."
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/Biographical/library/Me...


1899 - Birth

The birth of a John Derek Corbould-Warren was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Godstone in Surrey in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1899.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 1 year old John D Corbould-Warren, born Blechingley, Surrey, was recorded living at Poplar House, Blechingley. This was the household of his parents, John W, (aged 30, a Church of England Clergyman, born Tacolneston, Norfolk) and Agnes E, (aged 31, born Constantinople, British Subject). They had two visitors on the night of the census plus three live in servants.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 11 year old Derek Warren, born Blechingley, Surrey, was recorded as a residential pupil at Eagle House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire.

His parents were recorded living at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmund. Father John Warren Corbould-Warren, (40, a Church of England Clergyman) and mother Agnes Elizabeth, (41), have been married 15 years and have had 2 children, both then still alive. Living with them is a 9 year old daughter, Enid Helen, born Blechingley, and a 22 year old unmarried niece, Sybil Le Fontaine McAnally, (born West Hampstead, London), who is recorded as a Governess. There are also 6 live in servants.

On the day

There is a death notice in the edition of The Times dated July 20, 1917.

CORBOULD-WARREN. – On the 10th July, at the Surbiton Cottage Hospital, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common, JOHN DEREK, beloved and only son of the REVD.J. and MRS. CORBOULD-WARREN of Caistor Hall, Norwich, in his 19th year. A cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

From the local papers.

Eastern Daily Press Friday July 13, 1917

(From the Births, Deaths and Marriages announcements)

DEATHS.

CORBOULD-WARREN – On Tuesday, July 10, at Surbiton Cottage Hospital, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common, John Derek, the beloved and only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren, of Caistor Hall, Norwich, in his 19th year. A cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, R.I.P. (Funeral on Monday, July 16th, 1 p.m., at Caistor Church.)

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A NORFOLK CADET.

Our obituary notices to-day record the death at Surbiton Cottage Hospital last Tuesday of John Derek, the only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren of Caistor Hall, the result of a riding accident on Esher Common. Mr. Corbould-Warren was a cadet of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was in his 19th year. The funeral takes place at Caistor Church on Monday, at 1 p.m.

Eastern Daily Press Monday July 16, 1917

THE DEATH OF MR. J.D. CORBOULD-WARREN.

At Surbiton, on Saturday, an inquest was held on John Derek Corbould Warren, aged 18, who died from injuries received in a riding accident. The Rev. John Warren Corbould Warren, rector of Caistor, and residing at Caistor Hall, near Norwich, father of the deceased, said his son was a cadet in the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. On Saturday last he came to Surbiton, where his mother and sister were staying, and in the evening went out with his sister riding on horseback. On Esher Common his horse became startled by a dog snapping at its heels and broke into a gallop. Deceased appeared to lose control of the animal, which left the Common at some cross roads, and collided with a motor car driven by Mr. Harrison Fidge, of Esher. The horse turned a somersault, the deceased being thrown to the ground and his skull being fractured. He died on the following Tuesday.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” attaching blame to no one.

Eastern Daily Press Thursday July 19, 1917

FUNERAL OF MR. J.D. CORBOULD-WARREN.

The funeral of Mr. John Derek Corbould-Warren, only son of the Rev. J. and Mrs Corbould Warren, of Caistor Hall, Norwich, took place on Monday at Caistor Church, Deceased, who was in his 19th year, was a cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was expecting a commission in the 16th Lancers. He was killed as a result of a riding accident on Esher Common, Surrey, and died on July 10th in Surbiton Cottage Hospital. The body was conveyed from the Hall to the church on a gun carriage, with an escort provided by the R.F.A. The service was conducted by the Bishop of Thetford and the Rev. C.M. McAnally. The chief mourners were the father and Miss Enid Corbould-Warren, the Rev. J. and Mrs. Corbould-Warren, (Talconestone Old Hall), Mr. and Mrs. La Fontaine, Mrs. D. Corbould-Warren (Braconash), and Mr. A.H. Barker. Mrs. Corbould-Warren was too ill to attend. Amongst those who attended were Mr. G.F. Baset, Mr. G. Birkbeck, Mr. J.H. Gurney, Major Gurney, Dr. Riviere, Hon. Ruthven, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Cooke, the churchwardens, and many parishioners and tenants. Beautiful wreaths were sent among them being one from the officers and gentlemen cadets of C Co, Sandhurst Military College. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Hinde & Co. of Kingston-on-Thames, and Messrs. Chamberlin, Norwich.

Panel 2 - to the right of the entrance doors

Albert Edward Jay******************************************************

Name: JAY, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 27/03/1918
Service No: 15107
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Jay, of 107, Argyle St., Wilderness Terrace, King St., Norwich, and the late Joseph Jay.
Memorial Reference: Panel 23. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1583358

Lance Corporal Albert Edward Jay, 7th Norfolk Regiment, can be seen on Norlink here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read:-
Lance Corporal Jay was born on 24th May 1890 at 107, Wilderness Terrace, King Street, Norwich, the son of Joseph Jay. He enlisted on 1st September 1914, and was killed on 27th March 1918

The 10 year old Albert, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 107 Wilderness, King Street Norwich, in the Parish of St Peter Southgate. This is the household of his parents, Joseph, (aged 43 and a Wherryman on River from Norwich) and Gertrude, (aged 40 and from Ditchingham, Suffolk). Their other children are:-
Elsie…………aged 5.………….born Norwich
Joseph……….aged 17.…………born Norwich….Engineer on Brass Co(?)
Louis………..aged 16.………….born Norwich…same as above

Battalion War Diary 27th March.

NB there is a note at the end of the March entries.
The original diary was destroyed by shell fire while being carried back from Brigade HQ to a place of safety on 27th March. The diary had therefore to be written up from such information and documents as were available.

(The diary was written in thick pencil, rather than typed, so difficult to make out some of the words - apologies if I’ve mis-transcribed).

At 4am Battn. HQ moved back to the bank on the crest behind the Northants. From then onwards, this position was heavily shelled and was also swept by machine gun fire. During the morning the right flank retired, but the enemy did not press his attack, and the machine gun fire slackened somewhat. Lt.Col. Rees took out about 40 men and re-established this line. Much trouble was experienced at this time by M.G fire from hostile aeroplanes. Our right flank was now in the air and no information could be obtained as to the position of the Suffolk Regt. A Lewis Gun was posted on the road about 100x to our right. A party was sent out to hold the road between this section and our line bit could not maintain its position owing to artillery fire. Later, Captain Weaver (?) and RSM Golden (?) went out about 400x to their right flank and established a post there.

At about 11am, the enemy were seen advancing in large numbers into AVELUY. It appeared therefore that both our flanks were in the air. Lt.Colonel Rees therefore gave the command for the battalion and the Northants and the Essex Regt companies to withdraw in waves to the crest in rear with our left on the Bourgincourt - Aveluy Road. The withdrawal was carried out with great difficulty through a heavy artillery and machine gun barrage. It was found most difficult to form a new line on the crest but a strong point was established in the forked sunken road just south of the Aveluy - Bourgincourt Road. Here there were Lt.Col.Rees, Captain Lapply(?), Sec.Lieut. Brumbley, two M G officers with their machine guns and about 150 men. Later a few re-enforcements under Captain Weaver(?), Lieut. Hesilton(?), 2nd :Lts Lark and Philips(?) and Capt. Soames RAMC arrived and Captain, The Rev. Richards also kept in touch with the post. The position became precarious during the afternoon as the enemy established machine guns enfilading the road and were also working round our left flank. Captain Lapply(?) therefore went back to Bde HQ for instructions. Brigade said that the post was to be held if possible and sent up three Vickers Guns to assist. These never arrived, however. At dusk, the enemy had almost entirely surrounded the post and eventually rushed it. Lt.Col Rees was by this time wounded and was taken prisoner together with Capt Soames who had remained with him. Most of the garrison were however able to withdraw. Captain Lapply(?) had by this time reached the line held by the Northants in the rear of the post and hearing that it was hard pressed had taken up two platoons to reinforce. He met the garrison and put them in position on the right flank of the Northants which was then in the air.

Geoffrey Gilbert King*************************************************************

Name: KING, GILBERT GEOFFREY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Bn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 31/10/1917
Service No: 320456
Additional information: Son of Robert and Charlotte A. King, of Grove Walk, Norwich. Native of Great Plumstead, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: P. 89. Cemetery: BEERSHEBA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=644804

No match on Norlink

The 8 year old Gilbert G, born Great Plumstead, was recorded on the 1901 census at Abbots Farm, Stoke Holy Cross. This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 53 and a Farmer from Swardeston) and Charlotte A., (aged 50 and quite specifically from King Street, Norwich !), Their other children are:-
Arthur Edward………….aged 22.…………..born Gt Plumstead……….Farmers Son
Daisy Marion……………aged 19.………….born Gt Plumstead
Dorothy E……………….aged 13.…………..born Gt Plumstead

The household also has an Ethel Louisa King, aged 14 and from Stoke Holy Cross, but her relationship to the Head of the Household is shown only as servant, as is that of another 13 year old girl from Stoke Holy Cross, Ellen Taylor.

The attack on Beersheba by Chetwode's XX Corps commenced at 5.55am on 31 October when the artillery, more than 100 field guns and howitzers, commenced bombarding the Ottoman trenches. Twenty of the heavy guns were engaged in counter-battery work against the enemy artillery, which was operated by Austrian gunners.
The first infantry went in at 8.30am to capture some Ottoman outposts. The main attack of four infantry brigades began at 12.15pm. They quickly reached all their initial objectives and so were in position for the main assault on the township to coincide with the light horse and New Zealanders. It was at this point that the infantry commanders saw that the way to Beersheba was clear and asked for permission to carry the attack through to the town. Allenby refused permission and ordered the infantry to remain in their current positions, as the task had been specifically assigned to the Desert Mounted Corps.

The heaviest Allied losses were suffered by the British infantry of XX Corps, which lost 116 killed in action
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Beersheba_(1917)

(12th Norfolks were part of 74th (Yeomanry) Division, which in turn was part of XX Corps.)

Herbert Laight*************************************************************

Possibly Name: LAIGHT Initials: H
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Non Combatant Corps
Unit Text: 1st Eastern Coy.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 27/11/1918
Service No: 151 Additional information: Son of William and Ellen Laight, of Acle, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: LI. C. 22. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=503059

No likely matches on the Military Genealogy site
No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has the 15 year old Herbert living at The Post office, The Street, Acle, the village of his birth. This is the household of his parents, William, (age 55 and a Sub-Postmaster and Shopkeeper from Lincoln), and Ellen, (aged 54, a shopkeeper and from Acle). Also with them are:
Edward……………..age 13.…………..born Acle
Ella…………………age 17.…………..born Acle……….Post Office assistant
Emma………………age 20.………….born Acle……….Post Office assistant
Ethel………………..age 21.………….born Acle……….Post Office clerk
Florence……………age 27.………….born Acle……….Shop assistant
Ralph………………age 9.……………born Acle
Ruth……………….age 24.…………..born Acle……….Post office Clerk

Unwilling soldiers

3,400 Cos (Consciencious Objectors) accepted call-up into the Non-Combatant Corps (NCC) or the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) as non-combatants. The NCC (the 'No-Courage Corps' as the press rudely called it) was set up in March 1916, part of the army and run by its regular officers. The COs assigned to it were army privates, wore army uniforms and were subject to army discipline, but didn't carry weapons or take part in battle. Their duties were mainly to provide physical labour (building, cleaning, loading and unloading anything except munitions) in support of the military.

The NCC may have been a shock to the COs who agreed to join it. But for the absolutists and alternativists who were forcibly enlisted into the NCC it was much worse. They immediately faced the question of whether to agree to wearing uniform. The men who decided to refuse were formally charged and court-martialled. Often they were treated harshly, bullied, deprived of basic needs and rights, and imprisoned in inhumane conditions. So were the men who refused to perform duties like handling munitions or building rifle ranges. Some broke down, physically or mentally, as a result of their ill-ill-treatment.
www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/cos/st_co_wwone1.html

This report in the Hansard shows some of the dilemmas faced by individual conscientious objectors serving in the Corps.
hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1918/mar/06/non-comba...

Herbert is remembered on the Acle War Memorial
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/4009143202/

William Stephen Madgett********************************************************

Name: MADGETT, WILLIAM STEPHEN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text: 26th Bn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 18/04/1918
Service No: 7090
Additional information: Son of Stephen and Susan Elizabeth Gurney Madgett, of 51, Old Palace Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 2. Cemetery: LINDENHOEK CHALET MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=449342

A Lance Corporal William Stephen Madgett, 21st Royal Fusiliers, can be seen on Norlink here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read
Lance Corporal Madgett was born in Norwich on 29th August 1893, and educated at the Presbyterian School. He worked as a clerk for the Norwich Union Fire Office, enlisting in May 1915. He was killed in action south-west of Ypres on 18th April 1918

The Aviva Roll of Honour has the same picture with the notes that he was appointed 1908. Claims clerk. Played tennis and football in society teams.
www.aviva.com/about-us/heritage/world-war-one/roll-of-hon...

The 7 year old William S Madgett, (born Norwich), was recorded on the 1901 census at 11 Helena Road, in the Parish of St Thomas. This was the household of his parents Stephen, (aged 36 and a Timber Merchants Foreman from Norwich), and Susan E F, (aged 35 and from Peasenhall, Suffolk). Their other children are:-
Frederick H…………..aged 4.……….born Norwich
James E J…………….aged 3.……….born Norwich
Making up the household his William widowed paternal grandmother - Julia H, (aged 71 and from Norwich).

The Norlink picture shows him as part of the 21st Battalion Royal Fusiliers, but this was disbanded in 1916. I can’t find any record of either the 26th Battalion or the 41st Division of which it was part being involved in the second phase of the German Spring Offensive that threatened to push the British back to the Channel Ports

Gerald Ernest Morse*********************************************************

No match on Norlink

Military Genealogy has two soldiers called Gerald Ernest, but neither has place of birth or residence shown.

From the CWGC database, there appears to be only one likely individual
Second Lieutenant G E Morse, 2nd Squadron RFC who died 31/10/1917 (no additional details)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=60863
(On the Great War Roll of Honour he is listed as Royal Welsh Fusiliers T F (Territorial Force?) and RFC.

There is not another soldier listed on the CWGC database as a Gerald, and all the individuals shown there as G Morse can be identified from the Great War Roll of Honour as George. As the Miltary Genealogy site only lists Army men who died either in a Theatre of War of directly from injuries related to that service, I’m at a loss to identify who the other Gerald Ernest is.

Of course the Gerald Ernest commemorated here could have been a sailor or served in the Armed Forces of another country.

However there is a 2nd Lieutenant Gerald Ernest Morse commemorated on the Eaton, Norwich War Memorial.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/3445748212/

The only Gerald Morse listed on the 1901 Census was 5 years old, had been born in Middlesex and now resided at 80 Goldington Avenue, Bedford. However, a high-level search of the 1911 Census confirms that while that individual is still residing in Bedford, (and is a Gerald Frank), there is a Gerald Ernest age 13, living in Norwich. However, another look at the 1901 Census doesn’t throw up any likely members of the Morse family with any connection by birth or residence with the West side of Norwich.

There’s a bit more about 2 Squadron at this time on the Squadron’s web-site
www.twosqnassoc.co.uk/pages/bosses/snow.htm
This indicates that 2 Squadron were flying Armstrong Whitworth FK8’s at the time of Gerald’s death.

I can’t find any details of Gerald Morse’s death, but at least one German Pilot claimed an AWFK8 destroyed on this day -

At 11.30 on the 31st, Julius Buckler of Jasta 17 has a claim for an “AWFK8” at La Basee, France. (La Bassee I understand is about 5 miles east of Bethune, where Gerald was buried.
www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/buckler.php

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Whitworth_F.K.8

William Henry Norman*****************************************************

No match on Norlink

No obvious match on CWGC

Military Genealogy does however list a William Henry who was born Norwich.

The Genes Reunited transcription of the 1911 census for England and Wales has a Henry Norman, born Norwich circa 1880, who was recorded in the Norwich District. The same individual was recorded on the 1901 census as William H., aged 21, and living at 2 Green Hills Road, Norwich. He was employed on own account as an Ironmonger. This was the household of his parents, William F, (aged 57 and a Foreman in Silk ??? from Norwich) and Anna A, (aged 53 and from Norwich). Their other children are :-
Ellen M………….aged 26.………born Norwich……..Domestic at Home
Emma A…………aged 27.………born Norwich……..Tailoress
Mary A………….aged 25.……….born Norwich……..School Board Teacher

Going back to the CWGC database, there is a William Henry of the right age, a Sergeant in the RAMC - however in the additional information it states he has an MA from “Cantab“, which is hard to square with a 21 year old Iron Monger - but not impossible.
www.cwgc.org/search/SearchResults.aspx?surname=Norman&amp...

Otherwise, if we discount the possibility of individuals lying about their age, that reduces us to four possible for whom there is no additional information and no age recorded.
RMLI man, confirmed as a William H
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=313838
Lance Corporal in the South Wales Borderers with wife in Southend on Sea
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=332686
Royal Navy Stoker
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=473208
Private in the Royal West Kents, (confirmed from the Great Roll of Honour as a William H G)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=629680

Sydney Durrant Page********************************************************

Name: PAGE, SYDNEY DURRANT
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 44
Date of Death: 19/04/1917
Additional information: Son of John J. G. Page, of "The Elms," Heigham Grove, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIII. C. 6. Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=651000

Captain Page can be seen on Norlink here in a picture taken in 1915
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes read The son of Mr. & Mrs. J.J.G. Page of Norwich, Captain Page was killed in action in 1917
Sydney, born 17th February 1873, had apparently played Cricket for Norfolk, between 1895 and 1909 as a middle order batsman.

cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/127/127176/127176.html

The 28 year old, Sydney D., born Norwich and employed as an Accountant, is recorded on the 1901 census as single and living at Heigham Grove, Norwich. This is the household of his patents, John J G, (aged 64 and a ???(poss.Furniture) Manufacturer from Norwich) and Emily E, (aged 56 and from Norwich). Their other children living with them are:-
Edith E………………….aged 35.…………born Norwich
Louis G…………………aged 21.…………born Norwich……..Accountant
Minnie J…………………aged 32.…………born Norwich
Reginald J……………….aged 30.…………born Norwich……Furniture Manufacturer
They also have two live in servants.

19th April 1917 During the 2nd Battle of Gaza,

Facing the Tank Redoubt was the 161st Brigade of the 54th Division. To their right were the two Australian battalions (1st and 3rd) of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade who had dismounted about 4,000 yards from their objective. As the infantry went in to attack at 7.30am they were joined by a single tank called "The Nutty" which attracted a lot of shell fire. The tank followed a wayward path towards the redoubt on the summit of a knoll where it was fired on point blank by four field guns until it was stopped and set alight in the middle of the position.
The infantry and the 1st Camel Battalion, having suffered heavy casualties on their approach, now made a bayonet charge against the trenches. About 30 "Camels" and 20 of the British infantry (soldiers of the 5th (territorial Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment) reached the redoubt, then occupied by around 600 Turks who immediately broke and fled towards their second line of defences to the rear.
The British and Australians held on unsupported for about two hours by which time most had been wounded. With no reinforcements at hand and a Turkish counter-attack imminent, the survivors endeavoured to escape back to their own lines.
To the right (west) of Tank Redoubt, the 3rd Camel Battalion, advancing in the gap between two redoubts, actually made the furthest advance of the battle, crossing the Gaza-Beersheba Road and occupying a pair of low hills (dubbed "Jack" and "Jill"). As the advances on their flanks faltered, the "Camels" were forced to retreat to avoid being isolated.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

More than a thousand one hundred of the men of the 54th posted killed wounded or missing were from the two Norfolk regiment battalions, equating to 75% of their strength. Eastern Daily Press "Sunday" section May 5, 2007
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

(Page 45)The second stage of the attack, after a days work on trenches and dug-outs, went as might be expected, considering it was made by soldiers walking over open ground towards well entrenched and protected men armed with rifles and machine guns. An artillery bombardment of an hour or so, including the gas shells, and including fire from the ships at sea off Gaza, seems to have woken up the Turks rather than intimidated them - there was still insufficient British artillery to provide a really serious bombardment. The Turks did not actually notice the gas shells: higher air temperature seems to have encouraged rapid evaporation.

The 54th Division set-off behind this bombardment to attack the entrenchments of the Turkish 53rd Division along the Beersheba Road.
(Page 49) From Brigade HQ, Lieutenant Buxton was sent forward to find out what was happening.

(Page 50) (He subsequently reported on the attack on the redoubt) “held it for some time until the ammunition was spent. No support came and so those that did not get away, sixty in all, were captured in the Turkish counter-attack. My second tank, under Captain Carr, had done well in getting into the redoubt. The first tank had had a direct hit and was burning. It was obvious that our attack here had failed and most of our men had been killed. So I waited a bit longer, and when things were a shade quieter, I got out of my shell hole and ran back over the rise. There I came upon about 40 men of our brigade of all regiments, Major Marsh who was O C 8th Hants was there and Lieutenant Wharton of the 4th Norfolks. These men where just stragglers and all collected there. We decided it was no good going on then, so we started to dig ourselves in. This was all quite early in the morning - about 9. Marsh had a telephone line so I phoned back to Brigade HQ and gave them all the news.
(Page 51). There were a lot of dead men and wounded all round us. Some of the latter we got behind our lines, in case the Turks tried a counter -attack, We were about forty men and one Lewis Gun, and no-one on our left or right for several hundred yards. The place we were holding was the top of a rounded hillock. The Turks kept us under pretty good machine gun fire all day. Marsh and I lay in a rifle pit and ate dates and biscuits for a bit. We allowed no firing, as we wished to keep our ammunition in case of a counter attack.

About 4 in the afternoon the 5th Suffolks were sent up to support us and consolidate the position we held. This was really a great relief. About seven the Brigadier came out after dusk and saw the place. He ordered us to retire during the night right back to our starting point, for it would not have been possible to hold this advanced position as long as there was no-one on our flanks at all”

The strongpoint from now on was called Tank Redoubt.

This was an attack on a single strongpoint and a strectch of trenches little over a mile long, by four battalions. It had made no progress after being expelled from the strongpoint, and had only reached so far because of the bravery of the tank crew, (three men). The last reserve of the 163rd Brigade, the 5th Suffolks, which was at last sent forward, as Buxton noted with relief, late in the afternoon. With no more troops available, the brigadier had no option but to pull all the survivors back.
Extracts from “The Battle for Palestine 1917” by John D. Grainger
books.google.co.uk/books?id=3SVvryoR2A0C&pg=PA50&...

Herbert Horace Pond*******************************************************

Probably - (only HH Pond on the CWGC database)
Name: POND, HERBERT HORACE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Date of Death: 19/04/1917
Service No: 200585
Memorial Reference: Panels 12 to 15. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1646700

No match on Norlink
The Great War Roll of Honour lists Private 200585 of the Norfolk Regiment as a Herbert H Pond.

The 5 year old Herbert H., born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 24 Bishop Bridge Road. This is the household of his parents, Herbert J. (aged 29 and a Boot Maker from Norwich) and Edith H, (aged 29 and from Norwich). Herbert’s paternal grandfather, the 70 year widower James Pond, (aged 70 and a Boot Maker from Swanton Morley) also lives with them and they have a live-in servant.

See Sydney Page for details of the Battalions actions on this day.

Alec James Porter*************************************************************

Name: PORTER, ALEC JAMES
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 19/04/1917
Additional information: Son of Thomas and Agnes Porter, of 211, Unthank Rd., Norwich, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: Panels 12 to 15. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1646708

No match on Norlink

No obvious match for a Alec, James, Thomas or Agnes on the 1901 Census.

Although 2nd Lt Porter is shown as the 1st Battalion, the fact that he is remembered on the Jerusalem memorial would indicate he was either a member of, or on detachment to, either the 1st/4th or 1st/5th Battalions who were serving in Palestine.

See Sydney Page for details of the actions of the 1/4th Battalion on this day, which was nearly identical as the 1/5th .

Oliver Ventrice Porter************************************************************

Name: PORTER Initials: O V
Rank: Private
Regiment: Northamptonshire Regiment
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 18/10/1918
Service No: 201828
Grave/Memorial Reference: Fesmy Mil. Cem. Mem. 2. Cemetery: ST. SOUPLET BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=320927

A picture of Oliver Ventris Porter, 1st Northamptonshire Regiment, taken in 1917, can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read
Private Porter was born in Norwich on 18th March 1890, the son of George Thompson Porter. He enlisted in May 1916, and died of wounds on 17th October 1918 at Fesney, France

The 11 year old Oliver V., born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 6 Old Palace Road. This is the household of his parents, George T, (aged 54 and a Super Life Fire & Accident Insurance Company Agent from Great Bardfield, Essex) and Mary E. (aged 32 and from Norwich). Given the age of one of the children, I’m assuming Mary is a second wife.

Making up the household are:-
Albert C…………..aged 25,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,born Reading, Berks…….Commercial Clerk
Ernest E…………..aged 8.…………born Norwich
Percy O…………….aged 7.…………born Norwich

La Vallee-Mulatre is a village about 11 kilometres south of Le Cateau, the Cemetery is on the south-western side of the village.
La Vallee-Mulatre was captured by the 1st Northants on the 17th October, 1918.
www.ww1cemeteries.com/ww1frenchcemeteries/lavalleemulatre...

Alfred James Sampson**********************************************************

Name: SAMPSON, ALFRED JAMES
Kingdom Rank: Serjeant
Service: Royal Flying Corps
Unit Text: 14th Sqdn.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 01/12/1917
Service No: 8303
Additional information: Son of James Monk Sampson and Alice Ann Sampson; husband of Evelyn Selina Sampson, of 39, College Rd., Norwich. Born at Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXXII. A. 7. Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=651241

Alfred can be seen on Norlink here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes read
Sergeant Sampson was born on 20th December 1883 in Norwich, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Sampson of 7, Waverley Road, Norwich. He enlisted on 6th September 1915, and he went to Egypt in November 1915. He was involved in the Palestine advance. On 29th November 1917 he was severely wounded by a bomb during an enemy air raid, and died from his wounds in Alexandria on 1st December 1917

The 17 year old Alfred J, born Norwich is recorded on the 1901 census as the Head of the Household at a Dwelling on Bull Street, Holt. He is a single man, working as a Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist for the Post Office. There is no obvious match for Alfred on the Genes Reunited transcription of the 1891 census for England and Wales..

William Henry Sargent************************************************************

Possibly
Name: SARGENT, WILLIAM HENRY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Unit Text: "B" Coy. 1st Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 9568
Additional information: Son of the late George Edwin Thomas Sargent and Millicent Sargent.
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 4 D and 5 B. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=811228

No match on Norlink

There is no obvious match for a William Sargent on either the 1901 or 1911 census transcriptions - none of the right age with a Norfolk connection, none on the 1901 census anywhere with a mother called Millicent,
No Millicents at all on the 1901 census, and only one old enough to have been his mother on the 1911 census.

The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers fared scarcely better than the South Wales Borderers and in terms of casualties, worse. Their War Diary (the entry for 1 July is very brief and tersely written and does not contain timings of events) indicates that 'Immediately our lines appeared on the parapets the enemy brought heavy machine gun cross fire to bear.' None of the Inniskilling Fusiliers were 'able to gain further ground than the enemy's wires.' They suffered 568 casualties.
www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-on-land/61-batt...

Frederic Noel Scarles**********************************************************

Name: SCARLES, FREDERICK NOEL
Rank: Air Mechanic 2nd Class
Service: Royal Naval Air Service
Unit Text: H.M.S. "Daedolus."
Age: 19
Date of Death: 10/12/1917
Service No: F/13151
Additional information: Son of W. T. and Mary Scarles, of 157, Queen's Rd., Norwich. Memorial Reference: 25. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3053564

Frederick can be seen on Norlink here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read
Scarles was born on 26th December 1899. He enlisted in April 1916 and died at sea 10th December 1917

Lost of Seaplane N1636 (1917) & Court of Enquiry
Crashed into US ship landing Whitsand Bay, damaged 30.10.17...Sank while being salved by drifter ST IVES BAY 10.12.17 (FSL SG Smith picked up & AM2 FN Scarles missing
- in view of the circumstances it is submitted that no further action be taken in connection with the censure on Flight Commander JS Mills DSC
7258th letter of the Naval Law division for 1917
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=84722

His service record can be seen there, although you would need to be a forum member to see it.
Summary of the details.
He was born 26th December 1898, Norwich. His occupation was Chemists Apprentice.
He was engaged from the 26th December 1916, his 18th birthday. He was 5 feet 8 inches, with dark brown hair, grey eyes and a “fresh” complexion.
His character was shown as Very Good, and his ability Satisfactory. After initial training he was posted to Cranwell in April 1917, presumably for Flying Training, moving on in May to HMS Riviera.

(HMS Riviera was a cross-channel steamer that was taken over by the Royal Navy on 11 August 1914, and in two days converted into a seaplane carrier. This was a fairly simple conversion, involving fitting cranes to the ship and equipping it with a canvas hanger to protect the seaplanes. The Riviera was part of the Dover Patrol from 1915 until the end of the war. This was an active posting, close to German bases in Belgium.)
www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Riviera.html

On the 2nd December 1917, he was posted, the RNAS air station at Lee on Solent, HMS Daedalus. 8 days later he would be dead.

The craft he was in was a Short Seaplane.
www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/hst/shortsea-eng.asp
A picture of the plane is available from a commercial web-site where the plane is described as a Short 184
www.ajjcollection.co.uk/RAF3.HTM

There was some question over whether the Flight Leader was cupable for sending out an inexperienced Pilot in bad weather and heavy seas which led to the death of the airmen.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38874

The 2 year old Fred N., born Norwich, was recorded on the 1901 census at 157 Queens Road. This was the household of his parents, William T. (aged 42 and a Builder from Norwich), and Mary, (aged 44 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Constance A………….aged 16.………….born Norwich…..Typist
Edith M……………….aged 18.…………born Norwich…..Typist
Edward F……………..aged 5.………….born Norwich
Wilfred L………………aged 13.………..born Norwich…(see below for details)

Wilfred Langley Scarles***********************************************************

Name: SCARLES Initials: W L
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: Hawke Bn. R.N. Div.
Age: 31
Date of Death: 22/01/1918
Service No: R/1496
Additional information: Son of William and Mary Scarles, of Norwich; husband of Gertrude S. Scarles, of 25, Mile End Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. B. 15. Cemetery: FIFTEEN RAVINE BRITISH CEMETERY, VILLERS-PLOUICH
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=239824

A picture of Signaller Scarles of Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, can be seen on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read
Signaller Scarles was born 22nd October 1887. He enlisted on 30 May 1917 and died in France on 22nd January 1918

Apparently he is also commemorated on a headstone at St Lawrences Church at Brundall
twgpp.org/information.php?id=665975

RND, Hawke Battalion, France
SCARLES, Wilfred L, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 1496, killed
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-01Jan.htm

See brother Frederic above for family details.

The Village memorial is in the Churchyard of Holy Trinity, Ingham.

(ROH) = Roll of Honour. I am considerably indebted to this website for the initial information on each of the individuals below.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Ingham.html


1914 – 1918

CLAXTON John Robert
Corporal 41074. 2nd Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 25502 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 3 May 1917. Born Brisley. Lived Ingham. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7 (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=744732

No match on Norlink

The 2nd Essex were in the 4th Division, which was involved in the 3rd Battle of the Scarpe which commenced on this day.
Third Battle of the Scarpe
3 - 4 May 1917
After securing the area around Arleux at the end of April, the British determined to launch another attack east from Monchy to try and breakthrough the Boiry Riegel and reach the Wotanstellung, a major German defensive fortification.[30] This was scheduled to coincide with the Australian attack at Bullecourt in order to present the Germans with a two–pronged assault. British commanders hoped that success in this venture would force the Germans to retreat further to the east. With this objective in mind, the British launched another attack near the Scarpe on 3 May. However, neither prong was able to make any significant advances and the attack was called off the following day after incurring heavy casualties
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)

The only John Claxton on the 1901 Census who was born Brisley was already aged 36, making him 52 by the time of this soldiers death - unlikely but not impossible. I can’t find any Claxton connection with Ingham at the time of the 1901 Census.



HUNT Alfred William
Private 19045. 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23 April 1917. Born Swanton Abbott. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France Bay 3. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=784689

No match on Norlink

Attack on La Coulotte

23rd April 1917 - from the War diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment
Appendix XII. OPERATION ORDER No.73. Map Reference VIMY Scale 1/10,000. 22nd April 1917.
1. ATTACK. The 5th Division will attack and capture S Trenches from VIMY-AVIONS Railway to the SOUCHEZ Railway.
2. POSITION. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack on the right. 95th Infantry Brigade will attack on the left. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack with first Battalion Norfolk Regiment and 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment on the left. (95th Infantry Brigade on the left of 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.)
3. BOUNDARIES. 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment – Right T.1.c.80/60 – T.1.d.10/90. Left S.6.central to junction of railway and road at N.31.c.95/90 exclusive.
4. OBJECTIVES. 1st Objective T.1.b.10/10 to T.1.b.0/6 thence to N.31.c.3/1. 2nd Objective T.1.b.60/85 to N.31.d.20/50 thence to 31.c.95/90.
5. BARRAGE. On German front line from Zero to Zero plus ten. German second line (1st objective) from Zero plus 10 to Zero plus 14. About 100 yards (1st objective) a pause of 24 minutes will be observed. It then creeps forward at a rate of 100 yards in 4 minutes until it reaches the outskirts of AVION.
6. GENERAL METHOD. A & B Companies will take the first objective with two platoons each in first wave and two platoons in second wave. A Coy. on the right, B Coy. on the left.
C & D Companies will take second objective, “C” on the right, “D” on the left.
Dividing line between Companies – T.1.a.7/7 (where LENS – ARRAS road crosses German second line) to N.31.d.3/3.
7. DETAILED METHOD. From 30 yards our side of Outpost Line.
A Company. 1st platoon of this company that moves will avoid CYRIL TRENCH on East side of the road and close to it will deploy 150 yards from the road. 2nd platoon will follow this one keeping along the road and from 200 yards to 400 yards will change direction man by man and lay in the ditch in the road. The advance will be made from the left about half hour after deployment. 3rd platoon will attack the triangle at T.1 central and enfiladed with -- (1) Bombs below ground (2) Lewis Guns on top – the WATER TOWER TRENCH and FOSSE No.7 TRENCH. 4th platoon will support the 3rd and act as Moppers Up for the whole company. Touch must be kept with the 1st Norfolk Regiment on the right and the whole triangle including junction of CYRIL TRENCH taken.
B Company. Right on LENS – ARRAS road and left on left boundary keeping touch with 95th Infantry Brigade. The first two platoons will go straight to their objectives and the second two platoons will get into the German front line and mop up.
C & D Companies will advance at 100 yards distance from assaulting companies and will get into A & B Companies objective as soon as it is taken. They will wait in this trench until barrage moves forward from stationary line Zero plus 38 when they will move forward to final objective behind the barrage.
8. Watches to be syncronised at Commanding Officers conference.
9. FIRING. There will be no firing or bombing until after barrage had opened. If parties are met they will be bayoneted.
10. COMMUNICATION. I Power Busser junction of A & B Companies in first objective. Visual should be possible at south end of same wall to a point to be notified.
11. CONTACT AEROPLANE. Will fly at Zero plus 1 hour and Zero plus 2 hours. Flares will be lit if called for by KLAXON HORN and in places as invisible as possible from the enemy. Only front line troops will light them.
12. S.O.S. See V.P.A.
13. TIME TABLE. Time table and detail for relief of 15th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment as attached. Previous time tale to be cancelled.
14. ROYAL ENGINEERS. R.E. i/c section will report to Battalion headquarters at 2am.
15. PRISONERS. To be collected in CYRIL TRENCH. 16th Royal Warwickshire Regt. to arrange escorts.
16. ZERO HOUR. 4.45am
17. FLAGS. Flags will be carried and not stuck in the ground.
18. BATTALION H.Q. Battalion Headquarters at S.12.b.8/1
Please acknowledge.
(Signed) Beale Lt. & Adjt., 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
Report on action at La Coulotte.. Lt. Colonel P.B. Worrall M.C. Commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
Sir, I have the honour to report that I received orders to attack LA COULOTTE from T.1.d.1/9 to T.1.a.3/9. and attach a copy of my Operation Orders which I personally explained in detail to all Officers and NCO’s. Briefly, I had to make:
(a) a frontal attack to the N.
(b) a flank attack East on WATER TOWER TRENCH.
AND (c) attack on triangle south of WATER TRENCH from the south, including a large part of CYRIL TRENCH held by the Germans.
The whole undertaking seemed to be most hazardous.
I considered the WATER TOWER TRENCH to be key to the situation and so attacked it frontally and in enfilade. Had I not got this footing, my Battalion must haave been wiped out by WATER TOWER TRENCH if we were held up by wire.
NARRATIVE.
4.40am. For half an hour previous to this I heard no M.G. fire and this proved a successful deployment.
5.15am. Two wounded reported that left company had reached 1st line German trench. It proved afterwards to be correct but with regard to extreme left only.
6.15am. 24 prisoners marched in from DEVONS and BEDFORDS captured at the junction of these two Battalions. 6.5am O.C. right assault company reported wounded but right company going through gaps. This Officer in charge and many others afterwards reported that it took at least five minutes to get through the wire, that there were few gaps, and a double belt (the first one 15 yards thick) in front of the first line.
7.05am. Touch with NORFOLKS reported.
7.55amj. Right 2nd wave (“C” Coy.) report they had passed through first objective (second German line) met with strong resistance, machine gun fire from houses and minerwerfer, but captured 9 prisoners (sent back), and 2 machine guns which they later smashed, and parties actually reached buildings T.1.b.5/9 and made a great attempt to rush LA COULOTTE from there, patrols were also sent out from there to try and get touch with the NORFOLKS , and companies on the left.
9.50am. NCO’s from “B” and “D” (left companies) reported that their right was held up, they had been surrounded and several prisoners had been taken. I have satisfied myself that these men were between two belts of wire with wire and a communication trench on the right from which they were enfiladed, and the gaps through which they had advanced were covered, and that they were bombed from the front and like rats in a trap.
Lt. Hunter from the right and who was on the other side of the road witnessed it and stated they were absolutely powerless.
10.00am. I sent orders to “A” and “C” to hang on and throw a defensive flank from junction of LENS-ARRAS ROAD and 1st German line and make strenuous efforts to get in touch with “B” and “D” .
11.05am. Lt. Woodford wounded, reported that “B” and “D” took the German 2nd line and were at once driven out of it with the exception of extreme left (communication trench T.1.a.30/95). Capt. C.A.S. Morris O.C. B Company was killed in rallying his men to make a gallant attack on machine guns, holding up their advance from 2nd line. At the same time I received a message that the remnants of A and C Companies were under 100 in WATER TOWER TRENCH and TRIANGLE, and that there were some NORFOLKS fighting with them and that they could not hold out much longer. They asked for reinforcements and bombs.
1.30pm. I applied at once for permission to conduct retirement in person but on this being refused I despatched Lt.H.J.EVERERTT MC with all available men from headquarters with 700 bombs and detailed orders for retirement if forced back, and I considered it imperative:
1. To hold the strong point in CYRIL TRENCH and not save the OUTPOST LINE
2. To evacuate my wounded (some 30) in the TUNNEL before evacuation.
My orders were more than carried out, the bombs were taken up under heavy fire, though some sent up by another Regiment failed to arrive, a splendid attack was led by a Sergeant of the NORFOLKS before the withdrawal, all the wounded were got away, and barricade strengthened before withdrawal.
[Cannot read time]. Verbal message received that A and C Companies had withdrawn to our original OUTPOST LINE and that Lt. H.J.EVERETT MC again sent up with a further supply of ammunition and bombs for strong point in CYRIL TRENCH.
[Cannot read time]. My position at the time of this withdrawal was:
1. About 60 men of “A” and “C”, all me effective rifles and some NORFOLKS from about T.1.a.6/7 to T.1.a.9/0 (German Front Line).
2. On my left from T.1.a.5/6 to T.1.a.1/8 the remnants of “B” and “D” lying out in front of German Wire till dusk, being continually bombed, grenaded and minenwerfened.
[Cannot read time]. A proportion of “B” and “D” Companies withdrew under the smoke of a protective barrage on German 2nd Line trench, to left of OLD OUTPOST LINE.
Copy of orders of my forced retirement attached.
I consider that my Officers, NCO’s and men showed great devotion to duty against untold odds, particularly wire and machine guns and I am forwarding under separate cover a list of recommendations.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant
P.R.WORRALL, Lt.Colonel commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1917appendices.html

The 1901 Census has the 17 year old Alfred, born Swanton Abbott and a Brickmaker by trade, living at The Hill, Swanton Abbott. This is the household of his parents, John B, (aged 54, a Corn Miller and Farmer, born Swanton Abbott) and Mary E, (aged 50 and born Scottow). Also resident are Alfred’s 6 year old brother Benjamin, 8 year old sister Florrie R, 30 year old brother Herbert G, (still single and giving his profession as Miller & Labourer), and sister Rachel E, aged 12.

LITTLEWOOD, MC Charles William Stephen
Second Lieutenant 7th Field Coy., Royal Engineers. Killed in action Tuesday 10 July 1917. Age 19. Son of William and Kathleen Mary Littlewood (nee Sinnott). Commemorated: LONDON CEMETERY, NEUVILLE-VITASSE, Pas de Calais, France. Wancourt Road Cem. No. 2 Mem., Panel I. (The entry on CWGC is somewhat confusing here) (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=285446

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old Charles W living at Brightside in Sheffield, although the family have no obvious links with Norfolk. There is a 1 year Charles E living at The Hill, Skeyton.

The 7th Field Company were the Divisional Engineers for the 50th (Northumbrian) Division.
www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part14.htm#wes...
www.fairmile.fsbusiness.co.uk/50th.htm

Unfortunately, as usual I couldn’t find a report of the award of the Military Cross to 2nd Lt Charles Littlewood in the London Gazette online archive.


PESTELL Bertie James
Private 15028. Norfolk Regiment. Died on Saturday 11 November 1916. Age 25. Son of the late Charles and Susan Pestall, of Ingham. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (Not on the CD) (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4028473

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 9 year old Bertie Pestell living at Common Road, Hempstead. This is the household of his parents Charles, (aged 45, a Teamster on Farm born Hempstead) and Susan, (aged 37, born Palling). The rest of the family are Alice, (aged 6, born Lessingham), Ethel, (under 1, born Hempstead), Florence, (aged 14 and Yard “Boy” on Farm, born Hempstead), George, (aged 8, born Hempstead) and Percy, (aged 12, born Lessingham).

RUDRAM Samuel Henry

Deck Hand 6035DA. H.M. Trawler "Thomas Cornwall., Royal Naval Reserve. Died Tuesday 29 October 1918 when his ship was involved in a collision. Son of Clement Rudram and Harriet Lucy Elizaveth Goose (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham, Norwich. He was born on 26 April 1896 in Ingham and baptised there on 13 Sep 1896. He joined the RNR on 29 March 1915. He gave his address as Gurney's Cottage, Ingham and his next of kin as his mother Lucy. He was 5ft 6in tall, 36 in chest with a fresh complexion and grey eyes. He mobilised before receiving any training and was a deck hand (service no - DA6035) on HM Trawler "Thomas Cornwall". However since he was mobilised into the RNR he must have been a sailor by trade and as he went to trawler rated as deck-hand he was probably a fisherman. Unfortunately as he had no peacetime service there is no indication of what boats he worked in on his RNR record card. (RN and RNR records are much easier to read than the army ones and 80% weren't destroyed in WWII). His mother was now given as Sydney Rd, Ingham. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 31. (RoH)

The CWGC site only lists him as Samuel Rudram, the son of Lucy Moson, (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3047959

No match on Norlink

The Thomas Cornwall was actually a “Q” ship. This probably explains some of the confusion for the researcher on the Roll of Honour site. Officially she was Admiralty No 3702, launched 10th June 1918, 1 x 12 pounder gun, 1 x 3.5 " gun
Sunk 29th October 1918 in collision off Flamborough Head.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Ships/QShips.html
www.naval-history.net/WW1NavyBritishQships.htm
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-10Oct.htm

Rudram family website. Samuel was born 6th April 1896 and enrolled 29th March 1915, and his parents were Clement & Lucy.
www.rudram.org/sailor13.html

The 1901 Census has a 3 year old Samuel living at Calthorpe Street, Ingham, (I would expect him to 5 if the family website is correct, although of course the Census is only as accurate as the information given by the householder). This was the household of his parents, Clement, (aged 38, born Palling, and an Agricultural Labourer), and Lucy, (aged 37, born Horsey). The family consisted of Ernest, (aged under 1 and born Ingham), Ida, (aged 16 and born Stalham), Mary, (aged 11 and born Ingham), and Olive, (aged 7 and born Ingham).


WOOLSTON Robert William
Private 15214. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment attd. , London Regt (Post Office Rifles). Died of wounds Friday 26 April 1918. Born Palling. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: CROUY BRITISH CEMETERY, CROUY-SUR-SOMME, Somme, France. Ref. I. C. 15. (RoH)
On the CWGC site his unit is given as the 8th Battalion, London regiment (Post Office Rifles).
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=71630

No match on Norlink

On 13th April they were moved to front line positions, where coincidentally two companies of the disbanded 8th Norfolks, that had been on attachment to the 7th Norfolks, joined the battalion to partially replace their losses.
The defence of Amiens at Villers Bretonneux cannot be more vividly described than by the following extract from the battalion history:
"Villers Bretonneux will long live in the memory of those who had the misfortune to be there as one of the most unpleasant and hotly contested positions in the defence of Amiens. Under continual bombardment by night and day by shells of all calibres - mostly gas, no place not even its deepest cellar, afforded security. One gas shell knocked out ninety men of Headquarters details of whom fifty died from gas poisoning. From 17th to 19th April there were more than 150 gas casualties, including six Officers, while Captain Massey-Miles, MC, one of the whitest and most gallant Battalion Medical Officers in France died of gas poisoning, after a heroic attempt to succour others similarly poisoned, removing his gas mask in order to do so, thus courting an inevitable and agonising death. Three Medical Officers were sent in quick succession in one day, two of whom became casualties, one killed, one wounded. The last to arrive, Lieutenant MacBean of the American Army, survived the ordeal and remained with the Battalion for the rest of the War."
Alas, time had also run out for S.A.D., on 18th April he was evacuated suffering from gas poisoning, one of the twenty five percent of the battalion affected. He had ingested mustard gas, possibly as a consequence of eating tainted rations
www.hastang.co.uk/SAD/end.htm

On the 1901 Census, the 4 year old Robert was living at Bridge House, Ingham, having been born at Palling. This was the household of his parents, Jeremiah, (aged 48, born Ingham and a Farmer), and Sarah, (aged 43, born Sloley). The rest of the family was Kate, (aged 12, born Palling), May, (aged 1, born Ingham) and Rachel, (aged 15, born Palling).


1939 – 1945

HALES Walter John
Leading Aircraftman 927117. 228 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Tuesday 25 August 1942. Age 25. Husband of Vera Joan Hales, of Littlethorpe, Yorkshire. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (RoH)

On the CWGC site he is listed as John Walter
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932

Leading Aircraftman Hales may have been part of the crew of Sunderland W4026 which crashed into the side of a Scottish Mountain on this day, while ferrying H.R.H The Duke of Kent, brother of the King, to Reyjavik. Only one person survived the crash.
www.ww2inthehighlands.co.uk/folders/crashes/thecrashofsun...

On these sites there is reference to a leading Aircraftman John Walter “Holes” being on board.
freespace.virgin.net/paul.sclyde/page9.htm
www.rafoban.co.uk/page10.htm

Contemporary flight magazine article covering the crash.
www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1942/1942 - 1862.html

A family history site has details of John’s family. Vera’s name before marriage was Trulling.
bbhales.com/genealogy/hales/pafg04.htm#604

While I don’t agree with the views expressed on this site, it does give an interesting insight into the make up of the party travelling that day.

Officially the Duke of Kent was one of fifteen people on board the aircraft. Also on board were Prince George’s private secretary (John Lowther), his equerry (Michael Strutt) and his valet (John Hales).
educationforum.ipbhost.com/index.php?s=749397ff6981677c89...

I don’t think this is quite correct - on CWGC John is shown on the strength of 228 Squadron. On the site with references to John “Holes” he is described as a Batman. As the Squadron Commander of 228, Wing Commander Thomas Moseley was also on board, I suspect John was probably his batman, at best temporarily loaned to the Duke.

1.Air Commodore George Edward Alexander Edmund Windsor
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2436351
2.Lieutenant John Lowther RNVR
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2720375
3.Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) The Hon C.V.Michael Strutt 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2703017
4.Flight Lieutenant Frank McKenzie Goyen 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457509
5.Wing Commander Thomas Lawton Moseley 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457529
6.Flying Officer Sydney Wood Smith RAAF 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457538
7.Pilot Officer (Navigator) George Richard Saunders 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2413709
8.Flight Sergeant William Royston Jones (Flight Mechanic and Air Gunner) 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2716602
9.Flight Sergeant Charles Norman Lewis 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2965572
10.Flight Sergeant Ernest Hewerdine 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2417352
11.Sergeant Edward Francis Blacklock RNZAF (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457501
12:Sergeant Arthur Rowland Catt (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2430570
13. Sergeant Leonard Edward Sweett, (Flight Engineer) 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2948512
14. Leading Aircraftman John Walter Hales 228 Squadron
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932
15.Sergeant Andrew S W Jacks - survived

A mini-biography of George Windsor, Duke of Kent, (Both to be taken with a slight pinch of salt !)
everything2.com/e2node/George Edward Windsor, 1st Duke of Kent
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_George,_Duke_of_Kent

St Faiths Memorial
In the grounds of the Church of St Mary and St Andrew, St Faiths
1914 - 1918

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Robert Willimott

Name: WILLIMOTT, ROBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Northamptonshire Regiment Unit Text: "D" Coy. 1st Bn.
Age: 18
Date of Death: 10/07/1917
Service No: 43379
Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Wllimott, of 1, Wood Farm Cottages, St. Faiths. Norfolk.
Memorial: NIEUPORT MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1641030

The Nieuport memorial bears the names of 547 officers and men of United Kingdom forces who died during the First World War in operations on the Belgian coast, and whose graves are not known. A small number of those commemorated were casualties of 1914, mainly of the Royal Naval Division, who died in the attempt to hold Antwerp in October. Commonwealth forces did not return to this part of the line until June 1917, when XV corps relieved French troops in the sector from St Georges (now Sint Joris) to the sea. They saw particularly fierce fighting at Nieuport (now Nieuwpoort) in July, before handing the sector back to the French in November 1917. The remainder of those commemorated at Nieuport died during these months. The memorial was designed by W B Binnie with sculpture by C S Jagger
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=142014...

No match on Norlink

No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census - the only Robert of anywhere near the right age was living in Birkenhead, parents John and Ann, and no George, Elizabeth or brother William, (see below) living at one address,

However, the 1891 Census has a George Willimott, age 23, at 2, Wood Farm Cottage, St Faiths, George was head of the household and working as an agricultural labourer, and a George Willimott, aged 33 at 1 Wood Farm Cottage, also head of household and also working as an agricultural labourer. Elizabeth Willimott was the wife of the George living at 2, Wood Farm Cottage. Could their children have been orphaned between Robert being born, circa 1899 and the census in 1899, or did they somehow miss the 1901 Census.(Emigrated?)

The 1st Battalion was part of 1st Division, which had been training since late spring for a planned amphibious landing behind the German lines in Belgium, (Operation Hush) designed to tie in with the Allied summer offensive. First a pre-emptive strike by the Germans, (Operation Strandfest) against the allies build up area set preparation back and then the offensive, to be later known as Passchendaele, stalled, and so the landing was cancelled late July 1917.
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/hush/hush.htm

On the 6 July 1917, the MarinesKorps Flandern began a desultory artillery bombardment, which continued for the next three days. Fog and low cloud prevented detection of the German build-up. Then, at 5.30am on the the 10 July, the massed German artillery, including three 24cm naval guns in shore batteries, and 58 artillery batteries (planned naval gunfire support from destroyers and torpedo-boats was cancelled), opened up on the British positions. Mustard gas (Yellow Cross) was used for the first time in the barrage. All but one of the bridges over the Yser River were demolished, isolating the 1/Northamptonshire and 2/KRRC of 2nd Brigade, 1st Division on the extreme left flank. Telephone communication was also cut. The German bombardment continued throughout the day. The British artillery attempted a counter-barrage but several guns were knocked out and the German infantry were well protected. At 8pm, the MarinesKorps launched the infantry assault, by which time the two British battalions had suffered 70-80% casualties. The German stormtroopers attacked down the coast, outflanking the British. Their attack was then followed by waves of German Marines, supported by flamethrower teams to mop up dugouts. After a gallant defence, the British battalions were overwhelmed. Only 4 officers and 64 other ranks managed to reach the west bank of the Yser.
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/hush/strandfest.htm

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William Willimott

Name: WILLIMOTT, WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Border Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Service No: 21127
Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Willimott, of I, Wood Farm, St. Faith's, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 6. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=774504

No match on Norlink

No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census, and no George, Elizabeth or brother William, (see below) living at one address,

However, the 1891 Census has a George Willimott, age 23, at 2, Wood Farm Cottage, St Faiths, George was head of the household and working as an agricultural labourer, and a George Willimott, aged 33 at 1 Wood Farm Cottage, also head of household and also working as an agricultural labourer. Elizabeth Willimott was the wife of the George living at 2, Wood Farm Cottage. Could their children have been orphaned between Robert being born, circa 1899 and the census in 1899, or did they somehow miss the 1901 Census.(Emigrated?)

The 7th Battalion were involved in the Second Battle of the Scarpe, 23rd - 24th April 1917, part of the bigger battle of Arras during spring and early summer 1917.
Using www.hut-six.co.uk/cgi-bin/search14-21.php to interpret the CWGC database reveals that 173 deaths are recorded for the 7th Battalion on this day.

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Sidney Woodcock

Three S Woodcocks to choose from, no obvious matches, all age unknown

No match on Norlink

Genes Reunited search of the 1901 census has a Sidney Woodcock born 1896 St Faiths Norfolk, resident Horsham St Faiths \ Newton St Faiths
Sidney lived with his father, William aged 52, a farmer, and mother, Annie Woodcock, aged 32 and brothers Ashley, (aged 3) and Bertie, (aged 1).

Updated November 2012 The Soldiers who died in the Great War database throws up another possibility, soldier 22857 of the Norfolk Regiment, Ivan Sidney Woodcock, who was born Hainford, Norfolk and with no place of residence recorded. On the CWGC database the same individual is:-
WOODCOCK, IVAN SIDNEY
Rank:Private
Service No:22857
Date of Death:03/06/1916
Age:22
Regiment:Norfolk Regiment, 10th Bn.
Grave Reference II. D. 33.
Cemetery DOVERCOURT (ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD
Additional Information:
Son of Zaph and Rosa Woodcock, of Waterson, Hainford, Norfolk.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2757604/WOODCOCK,%20I...

The baptism of an Ivan Sidney Woodcock, born 20th October 1893, took place at All Saints, Hainford, on the 28th January 1894. Parents were Zaph, a Dealer, and Rosa. The family lived OTP ("Outside the Parish").
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William Woodcock

Name: WOODCOCK, WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 40
Date of Death: 22/10/1917
Service No: 18191
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Harriet Woodcock; husband of Mary Ann Woodcock, of Back St., St. Faiths, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=875697

No match on Norlink

Genes Reunited search of the 1901 census has a William Woodcock born 1878 St Faiths, resident Horsham St Faiths \ Newton St Faiths, occupation Bricklayers Labourer. William lived in the household of his father, John, aged 50 (Agricultural Labourer), his mother Harriet, aged 57 (Horsehair Weaver) and brothers Arthur, (aged 19 - wheelwright) and George, (aged 14 - agricultural labourer).

8th Battalion
October 1917
The first three weeks of October were spent on the west bank of the Yser canal, and partly in training for the attack of October 22nd in the Poelcappelle neighbourhood. On the 8th Leiutenant -Colonel Ferguson and commanding the battalion almost contiously for three years proceeded on six months special leave to England and was suceeded by Mjor E. N.Snepp. The only other notable event was on the 15th when the German bombardment was specially severe causing several causualties. One shell made a direct hit on a 'pill-box' in which was the regimental aid post. The medical officer was wounded two men were killed and one wounded. On the 20th the battalion was inCane trench ready for the forthcoming attack "

It then goes on to decribe the attack which went in on around 5.50am of the 22nd. The Norfolks went first, leapt frogged by the 10th Essex. Despite the mud all the objectives were achieved.

"The triumphant Essex and Norfolks...........tramped back to hear the whole division ...and General Maxse.... singing their praise. "

Losses were heavy and this was destined to be the Battalions last great action before it's dissolution. Being split up in the new year to go to the 7th and 9th Norfolks
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

A search engine on the CWGC database reveals 68 men known to have been fatalities from the 8th Battalion on the 22/10/1917. Most are commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial.
*******************************************************************
William Foreman
Too many to choose from and no obvious matches

No match on Norlink

No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census

Possibly
Name: FOREMAN, WILLIAM GEORGE
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 07/11/1916
Service No: 8013
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10. Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=865123

Most of the remaining members of the 2nd Battalion were captured at the fall of Kut on the 29th April 1916.

During May 1916, 2000 British Troops, including the Norfolks, started the march some were still in Khaki some were almost naked. The first day they walked 15 miles without food or water. Behind the column were many dead or dying, those who dropped out were killed by the Arab guards. They were first taken to a temporary camp at Shumran about 80 miles from Kut.
The Kurdish guards had stolen the troops food rations and even their water bottles and boots. The British officers were separated at Shumran and were taken up river by steamer leaving their men to walk and die. Wounded officers were then repatriated to India. From Kut to Baghdad is 100 miles, marching 12-15 miles a day lying at night on the open ground. They were herded like sheep by mounted guards with sticks and whips.
The route of the death march was through what is now Iraq into Turkey, a distance of over 400 miles: Aziziya, Baghdad, Tikrit, Mosul, Nisibin, Ras alAin, Mamourra and Aran

261 Norfolks were captured at Kut of whom only 78 ever returned to Norfolk, a rate of loss of 70%.; 7 out of every 10 Norfolks died during their captivity of maltreatment and disease.

www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm

******************************************************************
1939 - 45
******************************************************************
Horace J W Chapman

Most likely
Name: CHAPMAN, HORACE JOHN WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 15/04/1945
Service No: 14250093
Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. A. 14. Cemetery: BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2107314

There is a small note of an action that the first battalion was involved in on this day here,
www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/68/a2517068.shtml

******************************************************************
Alan T Dewing

Most likely
Name: DEWING, ALAN THOMAS
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 131 Forestry Coy.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 06/06/1945
Service No: 5780457
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. D. 10. Cemetery: MUNSTER HEATH WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1475479

*****************************************************************
Ernest A Fulcher

Name: FULCHER, ERNEST ARTHUR
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Army Service Corps
Age: 22
Date of Death: 22/11/1942
Service No: T/10685008
Additional information: Son of Arthur Edward and Alice Julia Fulcher, of Waterloo, St. Faith's, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 12. C. 19. Cemetery: KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2096727

Many of those buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery at this time were casualties from Operation Crusader, the ultimately successful attempt to relieve the siege of Tobruk,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crusader

St Faiths Memorial
In the grounds of the Church of St Mary and St Andrew, St Faiths
1914 - 1918

***********************************************************
Arthur Mayes

Most Likely
Name: MAYES, ARTHUR JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 12/07/1916
Service No: 8306
Memorial Reference: Panel 10. Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1657838

No match on Norlink

Genes Reunited search of the 1901 census has an Arthur Mayes born 1883 St Faiths Norfolk, and resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths - no profession is shown. This is the most likely match, though there is an Arthur born 1897 Horsford and still resident there.

Most of the remaining members of the 2nd Battalion were captured at the fall of Kut on the 29th April 1916.

During May 1916, 2000 British Troops, including the Norfolks, started the march some were still in Khaki some were almost naked. The first day they walked 15 miles without food or water. Behind the column were many dead or dying, those who dropped out were killed by the Arab guards. They were first taken to a temporary camp at Shumran about 80 miles from Kut.
The Kurdish guards had stolen the troops food rations and even their water bottles and boots. The British officers were separated at Shumran and were taken up river by steamer leaving their men to walk and die. Wounded officers were then repatriated to India. From Kut to Baghdad is 100 miles, marching 12-15 miles a day lying at night on the open ground. They were herded like sheep by mounted guards with sticks and whips.
The route of the death march was through what is now Iraq into Turkey, a distance of over 400 miles: Aziziya, Baghdad, Tikrit, Mosul, Nisibin, Ras alAin, Mamourra and Aran

261 Norfolks were captured at Kut of whom only 78 ever returned to Norfolk, a rate of loss of 70%.; 7 out of every 10 Norfolks died during their captivity of maltreatment and disease.

www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm

Updated November 2012 The Soldiers who died in the Great War Database records that soldier 8306 of the Norfolk Regiment is an Arthur John Mayes who was born St Faiths, Norfolk
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Arthur Newton

Too many to choose from and no obvious matches

Genes Reunited search of the 1901 census has a Arthur Newton, born 1885, St Faiths Norfolk, and resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths, profession Cattleman on Farm.

Arthur lived in the household of his father, Thomas Newton, age 54, born St Faiths and working as a Teamster on a Farm, his mother Sophia aged 50, born St Faiths, and his brother Sidney, aged 11.

Even with a year of birth, there are no more likely matches and still a significant number on the CWGC database whose age is not known

Updated November 2012 The Soldiers who died in the Great War database records soldier 29026 of the Bedfordshire Regiment was an Arthur Newton who was born Horsham St Faiths Norfolk and resident St Faiths. The same soldier on the CWGC database is:-
NEWTON, A
Rank:Private
Service No:29026
Date of Death:09/11/1918
Regiment:Bedfordshire Regiment, 1st Bn.
Grave Reference IV. H. 45.
Cemetery CAUDRY BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/571910/NEWTON,%20A

The battalion were in billets on this day but had suffered casualties a few days earlier according to their war diary - possibly Arthur dies from his wounds.

5 Nov 1918 - in action near Jolimetz Battalion moved from LOUVIGNES at 02.00 hours & marched to JOLIMETZ Passed through 1/Battalion Norfolk Regt at 06.00 hours & captured Black Line without opposition. Advanced towards Yellow Line, considerable Machine Gun Fire Casualties 7 O.R.s Battalion attacked at 15.15 hours & gained objectives. Headquarters at LA CABINE

6 Nov 1918 - la Poyquerie Battalion advanced to LA POYQUERIE, shelled out of the village in the morning & again at dusk. Casualties 13 O.R.s. During above operations Battalion captured 6" naval gun.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1918diary.html

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George W Platten

Possibly
Name: PLATTEN, GEORGE DANIEL
Rank: Private
Regiment: East Yorkshire Regiment
Unit Text: "G" Coy. 1st Bn.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 20/10/1914
Service No: 7998
Additional information: Son of Benjamin and Susannah Platten, of Norwich; husband of the late Rose Platten.
Memorial Reference: Panel 4. Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1643619

Or

Name: PLATTEN Initials: G B
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 28/04/1915
Service No: 6047
Grave/Memorial Reference: Transport Farm Annexe Mem. 19. Cemetery: PERTH CEMETERY (CHINA WALL)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=103914

No match on Norlink

No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census search. Nearest is a George, aged 16, born Norwich and resident 8 Chequers Yard, Norwich at the time of the census. His mother Susanna was born at St Faiths, and his father is Benjamin, which ties up with the East Yorkshire Regiment Soldier.

Updated November 2012 On the Soldiers who died in the Great War database, George Daniel was born Norwich, and George Benjamin, (the Norfolk Regiment soldier) was born St James, Norwich. Neither has a place of residence recorded.
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John W Rogers

Too many to choose from and no obvious matches

No match on Norlink

Genes Reunited search of the 1901 Census has a John Rogers born 1887 Norfolk St Faiths and resident Horsham St Faiths\Newton St Faiths, profession Ordinary Agricultural Labourer.

John lived in the household of his father, James Rogers, aged 49, an ordinary Agricultural Labourer born St Faiths, his mother Mary A Rogers, aged 47, a horse hair weaver, born St Faiths, his sister Edith Rogers aged 19, (horse hair weaver) and Lily Rogers aged 5, brothers Freddy Rogers aged 8, Henry Rogers aged 12, Herbert Rogers aged 8, James Rogers aged 21, (agricultural labourer) and John Rogers aged 14, (agricultural labourer)

Even with a year of birth, there are no more likely matches and still a significant number on the CWGC database whose age is not known

Updated November 2012 The Soldiers who died in the Great War database has a John William Rogers who was born and resident Norwich. He was 29048 Bedfordshire Regiment. The same soldier on CWGC is:-
ROGERS, JOHN W.
Rank:Private
Service No:29048
Date of Death:23/04/1917
Regiment:Bedfordshire Regiment, 4th Bn.
Panel Reference Bay 5.
Memorial ARRAS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1637592/ROGERS,%20JOH...

Battalion War diary

22 Apr 1917 - front line facing Gavrelle Battalion moved to front line and occupied assembly trenches in front of GAVRELLE 189th Brigade on our right 7/R.F. on our left. Objective of Battalion - right boundary main road through GAVRELLE to the far side of the village. Left boundary GAVRELLE-OPPY system of trenches 200 yards North of GAVRELLE.

23 Apr 1917 Attacked at 4.45 A.M. captured village & reached objective. Shelled very heavily during the day and counter-attacked in the afternoon. Casualties - Killed 2/Lt Mulligan [Sidney Gerald MULLIGAN], 2/Lt Muir [Horace Wellesly MUIR] Wounded Capt Berry [Douglas H. BERRY], 2/Lts Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS], Bridges [William Robert BRIDGES], LEWIS, THOMAS, Hunt [Frank HUNT], Knapp [Erling KNAPP, DSO]. O.Rs. 260. Capt. Mills [Stephen Douglas MILLS, MC], 2/Lt North [Henry James NORTH], Brodie [Henry Ross BRODIE], Fishwick [Henry Charles FISHWICK], Morrish [Cyril George MORRISH].

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/4thbn/4thbtn1917diary.html

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Frederick Willimott

Either
Name: WILLIMOTT Initials: F G
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery Unit Text: 25th Div. Ammunition Col. Secondary Unit Text: attd. 25th Trench Mortar Bty.
Date of Death: 20/11/1917
Service No: 66912
Grave/Memorial Reference: M. 3. Cemetery: CAMBRIN MILITARY CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=34091

Or

Name: WILLIMOTT Initials: F
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 06/08/1915
Service No: 20457
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. C. 459. Cemetery: TWELVE TREE COPSE CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=603708

No match on Norlink

No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census for Frederick, (spelling from the memorial), but there is a Fredrick S., born Newton St Faiths, aged 10 who lives at St Faiths in the household of his widowed mother, Elizabeth, aged 45 who works as a Horse Hair Weaver, and his sister Elsie E. aged 12.