The Flickr 10Thbattalionessexregiment Image Generatr

JOHN AUGER
JAMES F. BLOYCE
CHARLES B. BROOKE D.S.O.
WILLIAM S. BULLARD
JOHN S. CHAPPELL
W. ALFRED CULLUM
ARTHUR FIELDGATE
FREDERICK A. FIELDGATE
WALTER W.C. FIELDGATE
ISAAC A.FISK
SIDNEY GRAY
BENJAMIN A. GRIMWADE
WILLIAM C. GRIMWADE
ALBERT W. HEARSUM
FRANK HENDLEY
CHARLES W. HOLLIWELL
ALBERT E. HUTCHINS
CHARLES W. JACKSON
ARCHIBALD T. JARVIS
J. HAROLD KEEBLE
ALFRED C. AMOSS
HENRY G.S. GARNHAM
ALBERT V. KIRK
HAROLD MOSS

The layout of this memorial initially confused me – I thought the break out from alphabetical order of the last few days were as a result of the later identification of Great War casualties associated with Brantham. It was not helped that on the first panel , the first name listed has a better candidate for inclusion from the Great War rather than WW2. However it soon became clear that these later names – starting with Amoss on this panel, were actually men from Brantham who died in WW2.

It also became clear that men from nearby Cattawade were also remembered on this Memorial. This is also probably due to the role the British Xylonite Company played in the local economy - apparently there are memorials elsewhere in Brantham dedicated to both the fallen and those who served. For more on that see the following:-
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/topic/115028-brantham-o...
www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/11463?utm_source=u...
www.highamsparkwarmemorial.co.uk/photos.php

The Civil Registration District for registering Births, Deaths and Marriages was the Samford District up until the local government reorganisation of the 1970’s.

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW – Soldiers Died in the Great War
IRC – International Red Cross
MIC – Medal Index Card


For more on each name see the comments below

I was visiting St Margarets Church in Lowestoft specifically to see the side chapel, dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the town in the Great War. The names of hundreds of them are written on panels down one side. I was here even more specifically to look for five names in particular – spread through-out the alphabet so that meant I needed good shots of at least five of the panels. Well I took pictures of them all, “just in case”. Not all are as sharp or framed as I might have liked and I definitely didn’t have time to thoroughly research all the names, (but who knows, I may come back!). So five panels are done, the rest are pot luck.

The Roll of Honour site has already made a start on trying to identify the names in the chapel.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

For more on each name see comments below.

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

Mutford was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage, (until 1935 - when it became part of the new District of Lothingland).

S.A. BURGOYNE
F.J. BURROUGHS
F.H. BURWOOD
F.V. BURWOOD
S.R. BURWOOD skipper
S.R. BURWOOD sgnlman
J. BUTTON
J.E. CALVER
S.J. CARR
G. CARVER
C.C. CASTLETON (V.C.)
E.S. CASTLETON
R.R.F. CASTLETON
C. CATCHPOLE
C.E. CHALLIS
J.W.D. CHANEY
A.E. CHAPMAN
P. CHAPMAN
W.H. CHAPMAN

I was visiting St Margarets Church in Lowestoft specifically to see the side chapel, dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the town in the Great War. The names of hundreds of them are written on panels down one side. I was here even more specifically to look for five names in particular – spread through-out the alphabet so that meant I needed good shots of at least five of the panels. Well I took pictures of them all, “just in case”. Not all are as sharp or framed as I might have liked and I definitely didn’t have time to thoroughly research all the names, (but who knows, I may come back!). So five panels are done, the rest are pot luck.

The Roll of Honour site has already made a start on trying to identify the names in the chapel.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

For more on each name see comments below.

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

Mutford was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage, (until 1935 - when it became part of the new District of Lothingland).

M.W. COLEMAN
S.F. COLEMAN
T.A. COLEMAN
W.S. COLEMAN
W.V. COLEMAN
A. COLLINS (senr)
A.COLLINS (junr)
J.H. COLLINS
W.M. COLLINS
A.T. COOK
C. COOK
L. COOK
J.W. COOKES
E.E. COOPER
W. COOPER
W.E. COOPER
W.J. COOPER (M.M.)
E. COOTE
H.A. COPPIN

I was visiting St Margarets Church in Lowestoft specifically to see the side chapel, dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the town in the Great War. The names of hundreds of them are written on panels down one side. I was here even more specifically to look for five names in particular – spread through-out the alphabet so that meant I needed good shots of at least five of the panels. Well I took pictures of them all, “just in case”. Not all are as sharp or framed as I might have liked and I definitely didn’t have time to thoroughly research all the names, (but who knows, I may come back!). So five panels are done, the rest are pot luck.

The Roll of Honour site has already made a start on trying to identify the names in the chapel.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

For more on each name see comments below.

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

Mutford was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage, (until 1935 - when it became part of the new District of Lothingland).

J. GROSS
J.R. GURNEY
L.G. HADENHAM
L. HADENHAM
S.F.J. HADINGHAM
A.W. HAGG
G.H. HALL
R. HALL
W.C. HALL
E.I. HANTON
G.H. HARBORD
H. HARDEN
W. HARDINGHAM
A. HARPER
T.N. HARPER
W. HARPER
W.W. HARPER
A. HART
E. HART

I was visiting St Margarets Church in Lowestoft specifically to see the side chapel, dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the town in the Great War. The names of hundreds of them are written on panels down one side. I was here even more specifically to look for five names in particular – spread through-out the alphabet so that meant I needed good shots of at least five of the panels. Well I took pictures of them all, “just in case”. Not all are as sharp or framed as I might have liked and I definitely didn’t have time to thoroughly research all the names, (but who knows, I may come back!). So five panels are done, the rest are pot luck.

The Roll of Honour site has already made a start on trying to identify the names in the chapel.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

For more on each name see comments below.

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

Mutford was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage, (until 1935 - when it became part of the new District of Lothingland).

D McN F Tarratt
H Taylor
G D Thacker
S A Thacker
R S Thaxton
W Thorpe
J C Thurling
M G Thurston
A J Tibbenham
A R Timoney
C H Todd
H E Tripp
W F Turner
C Turrell
C J Turrell
E G Turrell
H Turrell
J R Tuthill
H Tuttle

I was visiting St Margarets Church in Lowestoft specifically to see the side chapel, dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the town in the Great War. The names of hundreds of them are written on panels down one side. I was here even more specifically to look for five names in particular – spread through-out the alphabet so that meant I needed good shots of at least five of the panels. Well I took pictures of them all, “just in case”. Not all are as sharp or framed as I might have liked and I definitely didn’t have time to thoroughly research all the names, (but who knows, I may come back!). So five panels are done, the rest are pot luck.

The Roll of Honour site has already made a start on trying to identify the names in the chapel.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

For more on each name see comments below.

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

Mutford was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage, (until 1935 - when it became part of the new District of Lothingland).

A. Mc.D. WESTGARTH
J.G. WESTGATE
F.R. WHEATLEY
H. WHITE
W.S. WHITING
H.T. WHYARD
W. WIGG
H. WILES
F.J. WILLGOSS
L.H. WILLIAMS
A.J. WILSON
J. WILSON
S.L. WILSON
G.A. WINK
L. WOMACK
S. WOOD
S.A. WOOD
W.J. WOODS
E.E. WOOLGER

In loving memory
…………Of…………
Geoffrey John Thompson M.C.
………Second son of…..
John and Edith Mary Thompson
….Born 8th September 1895…..
Died 21st June 1930

A Captain in the 10th Essex,
During the Great War

Born 8th September 1895

The birth of a Geoffrey John Thompson was recorded in the West Ham District of Essex in the October to December quarter, (Q4), 1895.

I could not find the family on either the 1901 or 1911 Census for England and Wales.

His service records are held at the National Archive under reference WO 339/57762
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1111609

The Medal Index Card for Geoffrey John Thompson is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/19/222587
Initially a Private, 6802518, in the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Essex Regiment, and then Captain.
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5256855

A list of the officers of the Battalion on the opening day of the Somme, 1st July 1916, does not include a Thompson.
www.essexregiment.co.uk/10thessexsomme1916.html

The citation for his Military Cross appears in a Supplement to the London Gazette of the 25th November 1916.

Temporary Lieutenant, (Temporary Captain), Geoffrey John Thompson, Essex Regiment.

For conspicuous gallantry in action. He commanded two companies in the attack with great courage and initiative, gaining and consolidating the position. He set a splendid example to his men.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29837/supplement/11545/...

Assuming he had not been posted to the 10th Battalion until after the 1st July1916, then there are two likely actions where he might have been awarded the Military Cross given the date of the citation in the London Gazette – an attack on the spur at Thiepval on the 26th September and the taking of Regina Trench on the 21st October.

26th September 1916 – Thiepval Ridge

Tuesday 26th September 1916. Day 88

Today marks the start of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge.

18th Div attacked in the Thiepval area with 53 and 54 Bdes.

53 Bde attacked on the right of 54 Bde. Because of the advances made since July to the south of Thiepval, 18th Div actually advanced north rather than east during the assault in this area. In the attack were 8th Bn Suffolk Regt and 10th Bn, Essex Regt. The troops left the forward trenches before Zero to avoid the German counter bombardment. The Suffolks reached Schwaben Trench and the Essex, the road from Pozieres to St. Pierre Divion within twelve minutes. By 1.15pm both battalions had taken Zollern Trench. Further advances broke down however and the troops consolidated in Zollern Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...

On the 26th September 1916 the British II Corps launched an offensive to finally drive the Germans from the Thiepval Ridge, a position that they had tenaciously held from the opening of the battle of the Somme on the 1st July. The direct assault on the Thiepval spur in July had failed and the only solution had been to force a path up the Bapaume Road through Pozières and slowly come round behind Thiepval.

Australians, British and Canadian troops had fought a long hard struggle throughout the summer to achieve that goal but if the British (and Canadians at Courcelette) now succeeded the Germans would finally lose their vantage point overlooking Albert.

A preliminary bombardment was begun on the 23rd September and Zero Hour was set for 1235 hours.

On the right of II Corps the 34th Brigade (11th Division) spent a hard day capturing Mouquet Farm but were not able to progress much beyond it. The 33rd Brigade had better success advancing up Nab Valley (The valley between Mouquet Farm and Thiepval village).

The task of taking Thiepval village was given to the 18th (Eastern) Division whose leading units crept out of their assembly trenches just before the barrage lifted. In an astute piece of planning the reserve units also held back rather than moving up into the vacated trenches. In this way the German defensive bombardment fell mostly on thin air.

On the right the 8th Bn Suffolk Regiment and 10th Bn Essex Regiment (53rd Brigade) swiftly moved up the right hand side of the village easily overcoming the weak resistance they encountered. Having taken their sector of the Schwaben Trench they waited the required ten minutes before following the bombardment on towards the Zollern Trench. Here the defence stiffened and the Brigade was forced to settle for what it had achieved having linked up with the 11th Division on their right.
Source: www.webmatters.net/txtpat/?id=354

The 10th Essex were to attack and take Thiepval. The attack was only partially successful. They were hindered by snipers & heavy machine gun fire. There also seems to have been some confusion about orders to advance after taking 'Schwaben Trench North of Thiepval. They didn't gain all their objectives. Mind, a lot of prisoners were taken and the German soldiers fled owing to tanks being used.

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=308...

A post-war account recalled:
“We started our approach march at 5.15 a.m. A Company (right assaulting company), under Captain L. J. Beirne. leading the way. Next came D Company (left assaulting), under Captain G. J. Thompson; third B Company, with Lieut. F. W. Goddard in temporary command; last, C, under the imperturbable Hunt. Our route was by way of Authuille Wood, Wood Post, and Pip Street - the last named thoroughfare being a main communication trench. The morning was fine and bright, with but little mist for September. I never saw a the battalion more cheerful, more confident, or more intent. Where Pip Street crossed the old German front line (OG1) General Higgison stood to say a cheery word to every man as he passed....

Forming up was completed by about 8.30 a.m. and the battalion spent a fairly quiet morning in its battle positions, prior to having an early dinner. The post-war account continued:
“Our guns, which had pounded Thiepval and Schwaben for days past, kept up a steady fire. The men’s dinners were early, for zero had been fixed for 12.35 p.m. At that time to the second a heavy barrage came down some 60 yards ahead of our front line. This was the signal we were waiting for; the infantry moved forward.”

The attack, assisted by tanks, went well from the start. The first objective, the Schwaben Trench (a line though south side of Thiepval), was captured at 12.48 p.m.. The second objective, the line of the northern edge of the village, was reached at 1.13 p.m. The post-war account continued:
“The latter step meant that our leading troops had passed through the village, and that our Norfolk moppers [8th Norfolk Regiment] were busy at work clearing Huns from the multitude of dug-outs in Thiepval. Our B and C Companies were in the thick of this too, for they both followed close on the assaulting lines. The Suffolks [8th Suffolk Battalion] on our right had done equally well, but on the extreme left of the village the 54th Brigade was finding the Hun strongholds very formidable, and our troops were harassed by machine-gun fore from the extreme N.W. of the village.”

Having achieved the second objective a planned hour’s halt took place. However, by then seven of twelve officers in the battalion were out of action……

Nevertheless an attempt was then made to reach and capture the third objective, Schwaben Redoubt. This ended in failure, brought to a halt by machine-gun fire from the north-west of Thiepval. Arthur’s battalion halted and dug-in some 100 yards in advance of the second objective - it had advanced the British front line by over a thousand yards.
In addition to the officers the battalion suffered a further 170 other ranks casualties. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission shows 37 fatalities for the battalion on 26th September 1916.
www.chelmsfordwarmemorial.co.uk/first-world-war/chelmsfor...

21st October 1916 – Regina Trench

(Page 131). Regina Trench was taken by the 53rd Brigade on 21st October. The assaulting battalions were the 10th Essex and the 8th Norfolks. It was a well-planned and effectively executed piece of work. 250 Germans were killed; 6 Boche officers and 309 men were taken prisoners, and 5 machine-guns fell into our possession. The 53rd Brigade’s total casualties from 21st October to 23rd October inclusive were 48 killed, including one officer, and 8 officers and 189 other ranks wouded. 32 men were reported missing.

General Maxse and General Higginson were particularly pleased with this success, not alone for its strategical value. It proved that the infantry recruits who had replaced the many men lost on 1st July and at Thiepval and in Schwaben, were up to standard. The 10th Essex in particular had become practically a new Battalion…

From “The 18th Division in the Great War” by Captain G.H.F.Nichols

books.google.co.uk/books?id=un--BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA131&amp...


The Yorkshire Post edition of the 24th October 1918 included the announcement of the engagement of Lieut. Geoffrey J Thompson, M.C., Essex Regiment. Unfortunately my subscription only allows me to see the opening two lines, so I don’t know who he was engaged to.

However I’ve checked the subsequent period up to his death in 1930 and could not identify a marriage of a Geoffrey J in England and Wales.

21st June 1930

The death of a Geoffrey J Thompson, aged 35, was recorded in the Lexden District of Essex in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1930.

The 1930 Probate Calendar records that a Geoffrey John Thompson of Kyloe Cottage, Fordham, Colchester, died on the 21st June 1930. Probate was granted at the London court to a John Thompson, esquire. His effects were valued at £4,608 17s 3d.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Thompson&am...

For now the connection to Eye eludes me.

To the Glory of God
And in Memory of

Thomas Charles Bailey
Lancelot Percy Battle M.M.
William James Bird
Frederick William Boughton
Thomas William Bowell M.M.
Walter Henry Canham
Frederick Cason
Edward Chambers
Ernest William Clover
Albert Cutting

Frederick Day
George Edward Day
John Driver
Albert Everson
Leonard Farrow
William Landells Folkard
Walter Arthur Garnham
Frederick Jeffries
Walter Knights M.M.
Charles Lawes

Charles Ephraim Lockwood

Who lost their lives in the Great War
1914 – 1919
And also from
1939 – 1945

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk - The Norfolk County Picture Archive

Hartismere is the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

For more on each name see comments below

Great War
Oscar Mortimer
Wilfred Walter Moss
Robert Major Muton
Charles Frederick Muttock
Alfred Henry Douglas Onyon
Charles Orlando Parker
Frederick Shelton Rising
Walter Edward Root
John Dakin Rushmer
John Henry Scarles
Arthur Stevens
Leonard John Syrett

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk - The Norfolk County Picture Archive

Hartismere is the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Great War
Oscar Mortimer
Wilfred Walter Moss
Robert Major Muton
Charles Frederick Muttock
Alfred Henry Douglas Onyon
Charles Orlando Parker
Frederick Shelton Rising
Walter Edward Root
John Dakin Rushmer
John Henry Scarles
Arthur Stevens
Leonard John Syrett

WW2
Donald Arthur Brundell
Stanley Jack Gooding
Bertie Edgar Haddock
Reginald Stanley Mower
Charles Riches

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk - The Norfolk County Picture Archive

The Civil Registration District for Births, Deaths and Marriages is Hartismere.

Gr Arthur James Fiddy. R.F.A.
Gr Alfred John Howard. R.G.A.
Pte Alfred Wm Burton. 1.N.Staff.Reg.
Pte John Thos Coleman. 36. Austral.I.F.
Pte Stanley Edward Cursons. 4 Norf. Reg.
Pte Edward Geo Daynes. 3 E.York Reg.
Pte Arthur James Earl. 10. Essex Reg.
Pte John Fiddy. 7 Norf. Reg.
Pte Frank Furness. 21 W.York.Reg

For more on each name, see the comments below.

Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk - The Norfolk County Picture Archive

H.Percival Pett, Frederick J Goodwin and Charles W Cheney

The Shotesham Village War Memorial stands just outside the churchyard of Shotesham All Saints and looks out across the River Valley.

For more on each name commemorated here see comments below.

Abbreviations used:-
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War
MIC - Medal Index Card

In remembrance
……of………
The Shotesham Men
Who gave their lives
In the Great War
1914-1919

In the sight of the
Unwise they seemed
To die
But they are in peace

Charles W Cheney
Alfred Clarke
Benjamin Clarke
Harry Codling
Robert Fellowes
George R Flint
Frederick J Goodwin
John Hewgill
William B Lane
Joseph A Larter
Harry G Mayhew
Samuel A Pearce
H.Percival Pett
Cecil J Randell
Cecil Twite
Leonard Wicks
Robert Youngman
William Youngman

Also of
Thomas H Harwood
John B Norton
John Sutton
1939-1945

The Shotesham Village War Memorial stands just outside the churchyard of Shotesham All Saints and looks out across the River Valley.

For more on each name commemorated here see comments below.

Abbreviations used:-
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War
MIC - Medal Index Card

At the foot of Shotesham War Memorial

Frederick J Goodwin……………………………………………………….

Remembrance Cross – James Frederick Goodwin

SDGW has Private 41395 James Frederick Goodwin who Died on the 26th January 1917 whist serving with the 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was born and resident Shotesham, and enlisted in Norwich.

That soldier on CWGC is :-
GOODWIN,J.F.
Rank:………………………………………………..Private
Service No:……………………………………….41395
Date of Death:………………………………….26/01/1917
Regiment:………………………………………..Essex Regiment, 10th Bn.
Grave Reference:
II. A. 20.
Cemetery:
ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/78633/GOODWIN,%20J%20F

Cemetery Historical Information.

For much of the First World War, Abbeville was headquarters of the Commonwealth lines of communication and No.3 BRCS, No.5 and No.2 Stationary Hospitals were stationed there variously from October 1914 to January 1920. The communal cemetery was used for burials from November 1914 to September 1916, the earliest being made among the French military graves. The extension was begun in September 1916.

www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/7700/ABBEVILLE%20CO...

The Medal Index Card for Private 41395 J F Goodwin, Essex Regiment, was held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/8/64992. He had previously been Private 29129 Norfolk Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2373833

No match on Picture Norfolk

Census

The most likely candidate is the 9 year old James, born Shotesham, who was recorded on the 1901 census at a dwelling at The Street, Shotesham All Saints. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 57 and an Agricultural Labourer from Blytheburgh, Suffolk) and Caroline, (aged 55 and from Wangford, Suffolk). As well as James, their other children still at home are:-
Walter……………….aged 14……..born Souhaston, Suffolk……Domestic Groom
Jack………………….aged 11……..born Souhaston, Suffolk

On the 1911 census the same individual is listed as James Fredrick Goodwin. Father James has been widowed in the intervening period – his wife is now the 56 year old Emma Elizabeth from “Cobey”, Norfolk. The couple have been married 1 year and have had no children. The family are living in a dwelling at Shotesham All Saints.James is working as a Labourer, as is his older brother, Walter Sidney. It looks like Walter’s place of bith is now shown as Blytheburgh.

The family get several mentions on this Genealogy web-site.

Father James was born in Blythburg, Suffolk and was an Agricultural worker and Gamekeeper from 1870-1910. He moved from Blythburg to Sotherton, Suffolk during 1883/4 and then Shotesham St Mary, Norfolk during 1890/91
members.shaw.ca/kirk.dawson/webancestors/n_1e.html

The Memorial service and dedication of the war memorial cross at St Matthew's Church Thorpe Hamlet, took place on the September 25th 1921, including roll of honour. I assume this was at the old St Matthews, down off Riverside Road, and that the Cross has subsequently been re-located.

The new church was built in 1982 to replace the old Victorian church (built 1851 and now converted to offices) on St Matthew's Rd and St Leonards 'Chapel of Ease' on Ketts Hill (built 1907, demolished in 1981)
www.thorpehamlet.free-online.co.uk/page_st_matthews.htm

H Abel

No obvious match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

Military Genealogy nearest match - a Henry James born Great Yarmouth
Probably this soldier
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=481656

James Ernest below has a younger brother Harry who would be a possible match.

J E Abel

Name: ABEL Initials: J E
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Unit Text: 207th Field Coy.
Date of Death: 26/08/1917
Service No: 84539
Additional information: Husband of B. E. Abel, of 60, Vincent Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 3. Cemetery: HARGICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=335000

No match on Norlink

The Great War Roll of Honour lists this man as James E.

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 13 year James, born Norwich and already working as a Errand Boy. James is recorded at 8 Albert Place, Gas Hill, in the parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his widowed mother, Sarah, aged 32 and a Charwoman from Norwich. Her other children are:-
Albert…………aged 12.…………..born Norwich
Charles………..aged 6.…………….born Norwich
Emaline……….aged 11.…………..born Essex
Harry………….aged 9.……………born Norwich

207th Field Company were assigned to the 34th Division. At this time the Division was in the line at Hargicourt.
www.reubique.com/207fc.htm

G S Aldridge

No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy

No match on Norlink

No match on the 1901 or 1911 census with a link to the Norwich area.

B J Armes

Name: ARMES, BERTRAM JAMES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: "A" Coy. 8th Bn.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 03/09/1917
Service No: 29878
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Armes, of Ketts Hill, Norwich; husband of Ethel M. Armes, of 4, Roaches Court, Elm Hill, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 4/4. Cemetery: NORWICH (THE ROSARY) CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803369

No match on Norlink

A picture of the headstone and related Census details can be seen here
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/4535489231/

F Barcham

Only match

Name: BARCHAM, FRANK
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text: 22nd Bn.
Date of Death: 26/07/1916
Service No: 397
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=769397

No match on Norlink

Military Genealogy has him born North Walsham, resident Norwich.

The 1901 census has a 16 year old Frank, born Wicklewood, Norfolk which is difficult to tie in with the Military Genealogy birthplace. This Frank was working as a Railway Clerk, and was living as a boarder at 14 Bishop Bridge Road, Norwich, which must have been right on the boundary of the St James/St Matthews parishes.

There is also a 3 year old Frank C. on the 1901 census who was born Sprowston (where there is a North Walsham Road !). However by the time of the 1901 census he was recorded with his family at Dawsons Off. (office?) Farm, Levington, Suffolk.

Checking the Baptismal records, we come across another possibility. At All Saints, Sheringham on the 3rd June 1900 the baptism took place of a Frank Barcham, born 22nd May 1893. His parents are Robert Samuel, a Veterinary Surgeon, and Ellen Jane, (nee Thirtle). The abode of the family is given as North Walsham.
The Barcham’s had three other children baptised the same day - Muriel Ellen, (born 27th March 1891), Bernard Bob, (born 29th March 1892), and Doris Louise, (born 6th December 1894).

Looking at the 1911 census, I can find all three Frank’s, and the one born circa 1893 in North Walsham is now living in Norwich, along with his mother Ellen Jane and sister Doris Louise. The family at first did not appear to be on the 1901 census at all, (or at least the Genes Re-united transcription of it), and father Robert is not with the family in 1911. Given the rarity of the name, (only five instances on the 1901 census, 6 including the “missing” Frank on the 1911 one) , it is a co-incidence that two of them should have moved so close. I wonder if they met J

However I did then try just doing a search for the family on the 1901 census just using “Barcham” and “North Walsham” as the criteria, and the reason for not finding them before becomes apparent - the family are recorded, by initial, at Bacton Road, North Walsham.

R.S Barcham. Head of Household. Aged 41. Veterinary Surgeon. Born Paston.
E J Barcham. Wife. Age 38. Born Worstead.
B B Barcham. Son Age 9. Born North Walsham.
D L Barcham, Daughter. Age 6. Born North Walsham.
F Barcham. Son. Age 7. Born North Walsham.

Family web-site here confirm that Frank was the son of Robert and Ellen, and died in the Royal Fusiliers in 1916.. The family tree elsewhere in the site confirms that Robert had died in 1901.
www.barcham.org.uk/page21.html

Frank also appears on the web-site of a Crossley Heath school in Halifax, but I think they’ve possibly made an assumption rather than confirmed it. At the time one of the schools that went on to become part of Crossley Heath was a school and home for Orphans. Between 1901 and the 1911 census however as Frank was an orphan. I suppose its possible he attended the school but its unlikely.. There are certainly no Barcham’s in Halifax or Yorkshire for either the 1901 or 1911 census. so its not a local name.
www.crossleyheath.calderdale.sch.uk

The 99th Brigade, of which 22nd Battalion were part were certainly in the front line on the 26th July and the Brigade would take part in an attempt to clear Delville Wood on 27th, although it was two other units from the brigade, the 23rd Royal Fusiliers and the 1st Battalion KRRC who took the lead.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

H W Barker

Name: BARKER, HERBERT WILLIAM
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Army Service Corps
Unit Text: 708th M.T. Coy.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 24/10/1918
Service No: M2/073338
Additional information: Son of George and Emma Barker, of 42, Ella Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich; husband of Mary Ann Barker, of 41, Vincent Rd., Mousehold, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: J. 8. Cemetery: SKOPJE BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=473580

No match on Norlink

The 12 year old Herbert, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 42 Ella Road, Thorpe Hamlet. This is the household of his parents, george, (aged 34 and a Carpenter from Norwich), and Emma, (aged 35 and from East Tuddenham. Their other children are:-
Alfred….aged 7.…..born Norwich
George….aged 6.….born Norwich
Gertrude…aged 10...born Norwich

The 1911 census adds that William was born Trowse, Norwich.

W Barr

Name: BARR, WILLIAM
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 39
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: 13347
Additional information: Husband of Frances Barr, of 28, Chalk Hill Rd., Norwich. Memorial Reference: Panel 23. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=852590

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 22 year old William, born Hertfordshire, who is now lodging at 16 Malvern Road, Norwich, in the Parish of St Matthews. He is employed as a Railway Porter. He is still in Norwich on the 1911 census.

The 8th Norfolks, along with many other units were disbanded in February 1918 as part of a general Army re-organisation. There is on-line the memoirs of one soldier, who had been an NCO with the battalion but who subsequently had been an instructor at a sniping and scouting school teaching newly arrived American troops, and who had then been posted to the 8th Battalion London Regiment as a Company Sergeant Major as his old unit no longer existed. He fought with them during the March battles of the German Spring Offensive, where their casualties were replaced with two companys of men, apparently all ex-8th Norfolks.
hastang.co.uk/pdf/Scouting on the Somme.pdf

A D Bebee

Name: BEBEE, ALEXANDER DENMAN
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Berkshire Regiment
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 30/09/1916
Additional information: Son of Lewis Robert and Frances Ann Bebee, of 36, St. Leonard's Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. L. 10. Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, Authuille Wood
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=184924

No match on Norlink

The 5 year old Leonard D. ,born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 36 St Leonards Road, in the parish of St.Matthews. This is the household of his parents, Lewis R. (aged 42 and a Bankers Clerk from Cambridge), and Frances A. (aged 43 and from Hull). Their other children are:-
Dorothy…………..aged 12.…………born Norwich
Edwin.L………….aged 14.………….born Norwich
Kathleen…………aged 10.…………..born Norwich

I can find records of the baptism of Dorothy and Kathleen at St Margarets, Old Catton in the early 1890’s. The family were then living in Catton. Parents are listed as Lewis Robert, a Bankers Clerk, and Frances Ann.

30th September 1916.
Location France, Thiepval.
Bosche counter attacked against pt 27 at dawn, 4.45AM. Strong bombing parties forced pt 27 and reached a pt 180yds S of it. Bn bombers sent up and drove Bosche back with Mills 23s. E Surrey attack in afternoon failed. Heavily shelled all day. A Coy relieved B in front line. Cas. Major CROOKENDEN DSO wounded - 2Lt BEBEE killed - 8 OR killed - 53 wounded - 4 missing.
Battalion War Diary Extract courtesy of The Wardrobe Website.
Saturday 30th September 1916. Day 92

Thiepval

A German attack at dawn drove the East Surreys from the southern face and the West Kents from the western face of Schwaben Redoubt. A hand to hand fight ensued during which the East Surreys re-took the lost ground. The Hun held onto the western face. At 4pm the East Surreys attacked and took the northern face of the redoubt while the West Kents and two platoons of 7th Buffs failed to retake the west face. At 9pm the Germans attacked again and drove the East Surreys back to the entrance to Stuff Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...
(No specific mention of the Berkshires.)

H Bell

Corporal Herbert Bell of the 8th Norfolks can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

Acconpanying notes

Born in Norwich March 7th 1882, Corporal Bell was educated at St. Mark's School, Lakenham. He enlisted on September 8th 1914, and was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme, July 1st 1916

Name: BELL, HERBERT
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 15902
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=767910

The 19 year old Herbert, born Norwich and employed as a Commercial Clerk, is recorded on the 1901 census at 9 St Matthews Road. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 59 and a Railway Servant from Norwich), and Harriet, (aged 54 and from Norwich). The Bell’s have a live-in domestic servant, Alice Cooke, aged 15.

France
The 8th Battalion as part of the 18th (Eastern) Division was present on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. They got beyond their initial target and had by 5.00pm reached the German trenches known as "Montauban Alley". Over one hundred men and three officers had been killed.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Norfolk_Regiment

Battalion War Diary

1st July - Assembly Trenches.

The Battalion took part on an assault of the German trenches north of CARNOY and S.W of MONTAUBAN.
The 7th Battalion of the Quuens Royal West Surrey Regiment of the 55th Brigade was on our Right, and the 6th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, of our own brigade, were on our left.

In the early hours of the morning, the battalion was in position in the four assembly trenches, i.e in their battle position ready for attack.

The early hours of the morning were passed in comparative quietitude.

5.30am. Teas were brought up from CARNOY and served out in the Assembly trenches.

7.20am Our artillery commenced the intense bombardment and the enemys retaliation on our Fourth line assembly trench became more apparent.
7.27am. A mine and two Russian Saps were exploded on our front.
7.27 am. The first wave of our “C” and “ D” Companies deployed from our firing line and laid out in the open about 30 yards in front.This movement was accomplished without loss.
7.30 am. The assault commenced. The remainder of our two assaulting companies left our trenches and moved forward in four successive waves.
MINE TRENCH was reached and crossed by these two Companies with practically no opposition and without loss on our side. All Germans remaining alive in this trench after our artillery barrage had passed were thoroughly cowed and at once surrended. “C” Company on our right took about 30 prisoners from the West Edge of the mine craters.
MINE SUPPORT was taken about 7.40 am. The wire entanglements in front having been completely demolished by our artillery.
Up to the point, the Battalion suffered very few causlaties.
BUND SUPPORT was reached and taken at 8 a.m, where a halt was made.

The two assaulting companies on leaving BUND SUPPORT came under heavy enfilade machine gun fire from the direction of BRESLAU SUPPORT and BACK TRENCH and suffered heavily. Captain B.P Ayre being killed and Captain J H Hall being seriously wounded. By this time the following officers had been wounded. Capt & Adjt H.P Berney-Ficklin, 2nd Lieuts. J G Hampson, C.T Blackborn, L.Padfield, S.A Wharton, G R Ironmonger and E. Maclean, (at duty). There now remained no officer with the left leading company and two subalterns in the right leading company, which were now reduced to 90 and 100 men respectively.

The Left Leading Company under C.S.M A F Raven reached our first objective - POMMIERS TRENCH - and took it at about 10.30 am. A portion of the Right Leading Company also got into POMMIERS TRENCH near the East Side of THE LOOP at the same time, but the remainder of this company was held up by machine gun fire and a strong point at the junction of BOCHE TRENCH and BACK TRENCH with MINE ALLEY.

After this company had been reinforced by a platoon from the support company under 2nd Lieut G E Miall-Smith and the Battalions Bombers under Sergeant H E West had also been sent up to this point, this strongpoint fell and the garrison of about 150 Germans and 2 Officers of a Bavarian Regiment surrendered, and right leading company was then able to push forward into the East portion of POMMIERS TRENCH which up to then had not been taken. At this point in the attack, “A” company which had been in reserve and had advanced from the assembly trenches in artillery formation at 7.45am, and had been consolidating MINE TENCH, now advanced to BUND SUPPORT and commenced the consolidation of this trench. At the same “B”, the support company, advanced with three platoons, (1 already having been sent to reinforce “C”), to POMMIERS TRENCH

3pm. “B“ Company had now taken THE LOOP and both assaulting companies advanced to the MONTAUBAN ALLEY line, - the final objective of the Battalion.
Owing to machine gun firing from the line and from N.W of MONTAUBAN, “D“ company on the left suffered heavy casualties, and “C“ company, led by 2nd Lieut J H Attenborough made repeated attempts to get into MONTAUBAN ALLEY but did not succeed until a bombing party under 2nd Lieut. L.A Gundry-White gained an entrance by way of LOOP TRENCH on the left. Unfortunately, just before this had been affected, 2nd Lieutenant J H Attenborough with CSM J Coe had both been killed in the attempt to get into this trench.

5.45pm. The MONTAUBAN ALLEY line was taken and the battalion was in touch with the 7th Queens on our right and the 6th Royal Berks on our left.

6pm. The whole of “B” Company having been used to support “C” and “D” companies who were now reduced to, respectively, 70 and 80 other ranks and 1 Officer, the work of consolidating MONTAUBAN ALLEY was commenced at once and patrols were sent forward to reconnoitre along CATERPILLAR TRENCH and EAST TRENCH.
The Reserve Company who in the meanwhile had advanced and consolidated POMMIERS TRENCH and THE LOOP, were now brought up and sent forward to take up the advanced post known as the GREEN LINE.

The Green Line was taken up and strong points commenced at about 8pm and patrols were sent forward in the direction of CATERPILLAR WOOD.

8pm. From now onwards the enemy commenced a heavy and continuous bombardment with 5.9 and a few 77mm shells on the west end of MONTAUBAN ALLEY held by the Battalion, generally in the vicinity of the junction of LOOP TRENCH with MONTAUBAN ALLEY, a few shells falling in THE LOOP itself but practically none in the rear.

Our casualties for the days fighting were:-
Officers.Killed……………..2
Died of Wounds….1
Wounded…………8 including 2 at duty. These being 2nd Lieut S N Cozens-Hardy, (who was wounded just outside Battalion Headquarters which were at the S.W. end of THE LOOP where they had moved up to as soon as the MONTAUBAN ALLEY line had been reached) and 2nd Lieut. E. Maclean.
Other Ranks.

Killed………………………….102
Wounded………………………219
Missing………………………..13

Total Casualties. Officers…11 Other Ranks………….334

R D Bindley

There is no R D Bindley in the CWGC database. The only R Bindley is

Name: BINDLEY, RAYMOND HALL
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 03/07/1916
Service No: 17148
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768715

Military Genealogy has Raymond down as born Catton, Norwich.

However it also lists a Horace Bindley, born St John Sepulchre, Norwich.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=170377
Checking the baptismal records, Horace was christened Horace Ernest, so for now I believe the Raymond I’ve listed above is the correct match.

The 7 year old Raymond H. ,born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 217 Heigham Street, which is over the other side of the city. This is the household of Thomas J. (aged 41 and a Gas Fitter\Brass Finisher from Norwich), and Minnie E. (aged 35 and from Norwich).Their other children are:
Leonard T………….aged 12.……….born Norwich
Marjorie M…………aged 3.………..born Norwich

No match on Norlink

Raymond is also remembered on the Wymondham Town War Memorial:-
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2973104132/in/set-7215...
and the St George, Tombland, Norwich Roll of Honour.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/6521818505/


Monday 3rd July 1916.. Day 3

All the effort is now concentrated mostly south of the Albert-Bapaume Road between La Boiselle and Montauban. The only action north of the road is at Ovillers.

Ovillers

Another attack on this village by the 12th Div ended in total failure at a cost of 2,400 casualties.

North of Ovillers, the 32nd Div reinforced by 75 Bde of 25th Div attacked the Leipzig Redoubt near Authuille Wood. There was utter confusion over start times and the 32nd Div attack consisted of only two companies of the Highland Light Infantry. After two attempts no gains were made.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

Battalion War Diary

The Battalion War Diary for July 1916 begins on the 6th with the opening sentence “Today is the first opportunity there has been of writing up the Diary since leaving RAINNEVILLE on June 30th”

The relevant part for the 3rd reads:-
We arrived in the trenches at 2.am on the 3rd July. The attack was to take place at 3.15 am that day, 35th and 37th Bdes on left and right respectively +36th Bde in reserve. The 19th Division were on our right. At 2 am on the 3rd July we reported all ready to the Brigade which was distributed for the attack. Front line Berks right, Suffolks left, Essex support, Norfolks reserve with orders not to go over the parapet without a special order from Brigade H.Q. At 3.15 am the Division attacked + as troops in front went over we mover up until at 4.15 am we were in the O.B.I. We had sustained considerable casualties in our way up the Communications Trench, about 100 men being killed, wounded or missing, only 1 officer being wounded, (Capt. J Tilley). The Battalion was not allowed to go over to the attack which had not succeeded, although several of our troops got into the Hun Trench. At 8 am the Bn. took over the whole of the Brigade front line from the other three regiments who went back into support to re-organise. The Germans shelled our line very heavily about this time with H.E. and shrapnel. The Battalion now holds the line from DORSET ROAD ® to BARROW ROAD (L). “B” Company in front line, D Coy in support, “C” Coy in reserve + “A” Coy doing a carrying party for bombs. About mid-day Lt.Col F G Walter was hit on the back by a piece of shell which broke the skin + bruised his right shoulder. However he did not leave the trenches. The remainder of the day, 3rd July, was comparatively quiet on our front though the 19th Division attacked LA BOISELLE again which they had been driven out of. The night July 3/4 was spent getting in wounded from between the lines + in connection with this work our M.O. Capt.R.B Lucas R.A.M.C was reported missing + it is thought that he walked into the German trenches by mistake - anyway he has not been heard of since.

Captain Lucas is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the Missing.

F Bond

Military Genalogy lists a Frank John Bond, born Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, resident Norwich,

Most likely individual on the CWGC database.

Name: BOND, FRANK JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 13/11/1916
Service No: G/25967
Additional information: Son of William Wade Bond and Ellen Eliza Bond, of Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. A. 13. Cemetery: ANCRE BRITISH CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2853295

No match on Norlink

The 7 year old Frank, (shown as Frank John on the 1911 census), born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 42 Quebec Road, in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, William W. (aged 44 and a Grocer\Draper from Felthorpe), and Helen, (aged 37 and a Draper from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Cecil………….aged 1.………..born Norwich
Herbert……….aged 10.……….born Norwich
Reginald………aged 5.……….born Norwich
Winifred………aged 3.……….born Norwich

13th November 1916

The attacks of the 13th November on the Ancre involved six divisions ; in the south against the north bank of the Ancre the 63rd RND; on their left the 51st Highland Div. To the left of them , between Beaumont Hamel and Serre, the 3rd Division and furthest north was the 31st Division in front of Serre. There was to be an attack south of the Ancre river by the 19th Division to run alongside the attack of the RND.
(7th Fusiliers wee in the 63rd Division).

The two attacking brigades were to be 188th and 189th , the two naval brigades, 188th was to be on the left. The reserve brigade 190th was to be deployed behind and across the whole width of the two naval brigades and was only intended for use if the momentum had dropped out of the attack. The attack was to be made leapfrog style, and each objective was assigned to two groups of attackers. The objective would then be assaulted and captured by the first group of attacking troops, who would once the objective had been taken ,consolidate and re organise. The next objective would be assaulted by the second group of attackers who would pass through the first group. On capturing their objective they too would reorganise and consolidate and allow the first team of attackers to pass through to the next objective and so on. This consolidation and re organisation on the objective was a concept born out of the early failures in the Somme offensive. Previously an objective had been taken and the assaulting troops pressed on , often in a disorganised state , without fully clearing the captured trenches. They would blunder on to the next set of enemy trenches , the Germans would then come out of their dugouts from the uncleared trenches and shoot them in the back. The attacking forces often then found themselves to be the filling in the sandwich. The lesson learnt was to rest on an objective, bomb and clear every dugout ; hence for this attack the leapfrog style was adopted.

Each brigade was split into two halves, one consolidating whilst the other attacked. In 188th Brigade , 1 RM and Howe battalion were to assault the green dotted line and the yellow line, 2RM and Anson battalion were to assault the green line and red line. In 189th Brigade Hood and Hawke were to take the green dotted line and the yellow line, Nelson and Drake were to take the green line and the red line. 188th brigade were to be supported by the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the 4th Bedfords, 189th Brigade by the Honourable Artillery Company and the 7th Royal Fusiliers.

The attack by the rest of the RND, the 189th brigade on the right of the sector, started at the same time as the attack of 188 brigade. The front line was quickly taken by Hood and Drake battalions but the units that were meant to pass through, Hawke and Nelson, got machinegunned and shelled into virtual non existance, mainly at the hands of the strongpoint on Hawkes sector that also created much havoc to 188 brigade. This strongpoint was unmarked on any map therefore avoided the customary treatment from artillery preparation normally given to such structures. Commander Freyberg decided to advance his Hood battalion onto the next objective when the barrage advanced , as the unit that was meant to advance through them had been basically wiped out. On the green line Freyberg collected as many men as possible, despite being wounded several times and ,when the barrage advances again , took the remnants of Hood and others onto the yellow line and upto the village of Beaucourt itself. Beaucourt station had been taken and the edge of Beaucourt itself. For skill and determination , despite being badly wounded, Bernard Freyberg was awarded the Victoria Cross on a day in which much gallantry went unrewarded.
www.royalnavaldivision.co.uk/ancre.htm

H W Bowey

There is no obvious match on the CWGC database amongst the 11 Bowey‘s listed. Military Genealogy
has an Oswald Robert, born Leeds, resident Norwich,

Name: BOWEY, OSWALD ROBERT
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps
Unit Text: 16th Bn.
Date of Death: 12/10/1918
Service No: R/20020
Memorial Reference: Panel 9. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1740343

No match on Norlink

There is no-one with the surname Bowey recorded in Norwich in either the 1901 or 1911 censuses. Oswald Robert does’t appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census for England and Wales. On the 1911 census Oswald, born circa 1900 in Leeds, was still recorded in the same city. On the 1911 census there is no-one with the initials H W recorded.

J W Brooks

Military Genealogy has a James William born Norwich and resident there.
It also has a John, born Thorpe Hamlet Norwich.

There are 8 potential matches for James William without additional information.
There are many John’s in a similar position, although there is one Norfolk Regiment man
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=742319

The 1 year old James W. (James William on the 1911 census), born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 19 Plumstead Road, in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, James W, (aged 39 and a Carter on Farm, from Gt.Ormesby), and Caroline, (aged 37 and from Norwich).

While I’m reasonably sure this is James William, let us not forget the John identified by Military Genealogy. He is recorded on the 1901 census, aged 10, at 15 Egyptian Road, Bishop Bridge Road, which is also in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 40 and a General Labourer on River from Yaxham), and Louisa, (aged 41 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Alice………..aged 6.…….born Norwich
Emma……….aged 7.…….born Norwich
Ethel………..aged 2.…….born Norwich.
Harry……….aged 4.…….born Norwich

Also in the household is his mother’s sister, Ellen Clarke, who is aged 38, single and a Dress Maker from Gt.Yarmouth.

C Brown

Possibly

Name: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 18/05/1915
Service No: 9443
Additional information: Son of Christopher Thomas and Mary Ann Brown, of 29, Albany Rd., Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=696345

No match on Norlink

The 8 year old Christopher, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 65 Waterloo Road. This is the household of his parents, Christopher, (aged 35 and a Shoemaker from Norwich) and Mariean, (aged 32 and a Brush Maker from Norwich). Their other children are:
Florie……….aged 5.……….born Norwich
Lily…………aged 3.……….born Norwich
Mariean…….aged 12.………born Norwich

However as you’d expect, there are a few C Brown’s listed on the 1901 census with a Norwich connection. Amongst the ones I checked I found:-.
Charles, age 5. Recorded at 3, Lollards Pit, Parish of St Matthews. Parents William&Rosina.
.
F Brown

Military Genealogy has a Frederick Henry, born Norwich, resident Gillingham

Possible match
Name: BROWN, FREDRICK HENRY
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Secondary Regiment: London Regiment (Post Office Rifles)
Secondary Unit Text: posted to
Age: 20
Date of Death: 02/10/1918
Service No: S/35161 Additional information: Son of Fredrick and Ellen Brown, of 100, Gardiner St., Gillingham, Kent.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIV. E. 11. Cemetery: ST. MARY'S A.D.S. CEMETERY, HAISNES
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=324919

It also lists a Frederick James, born Norwich, for which there are lots of potential matches on the CWGC database.

No match on Norlink

There is a potential match for Frederick Henry in the baptismal records - age and mothers name matches, but fathers needs to be checked. This is a baptism that took place at St James with Pockthorpe of a Frederick Henry, born 29th December 1898, which took place on the 25th January 1899. Parents are Levi, an Officers servant, and Ellen. The family live at “General Buildings”, which were probably either part of the Cavalry or Infantry Barracks that dominated that area of the city.

H Brown

As well as Frederick Henry above, Military Genealogy also has a Harry Sydney, born Mancroft, Norwich. Unfortunately there are no Harry Sydney’s listed on the CWGC database, leaving only three H S Brown’s as possibilities.

No match on Norlink

The baptism of Harry Sydney, born 26th February 1883, took place at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich on the 20th December 1897. Parent are Frederick John, a Hay & Corn Merchant, and Hester Eliza. The family reside at Castle Meadow.

Revisiting the Great War Roll of Honour I can see that there are two Harry S’s listed as dieing. One is one of the H S’s already marked down as a possible, but one isn’t. He is shown as serving with the 21st Battalion, London Rifle Brigade, (odd in itself as the Roll doesn’t normally list Battalions) and he died in 1918.

Armed with this information we find this individual on the CWGC database, which is my current best guess J
Name: BROWN
Initials: H
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 21st Bn.
Date of Death: 19/11/1918
Service No: 203607
Additional information: Buried in Fyzabad Cantonment Cemetery. Casualty Type: Memorial Reference: Face 25. Memorial: MADRAS 1914-1918 WAR MEMORIAL, CHENNAI
CWGC. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1465416

On the 1901 census, the 18 year old Harry, (born Norwich and employed as a Commercial Clerk), is recorded at The Jolly Farmers Public House, 5 Farmers Avenue, Norwich. This is the household of his parents, Frederick, (aged 60 and a Publican & Corn Merchant from Upton), and Hester, (aged 52 and from Salhouse). Their other children are :-
Hetty……………aged 19.………born Norwich
Maud……………aged 20.………born Norwich

S Brown

There is no obvious S Brown on the CWGC database. Military Genealogy lists a Walter Sidney, born Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.

Name: BROWN, WALTER SIDNEY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: "C" Coy. 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 19/08/1915
Service No: 1830
Additional information: Son of Mrs. M. E. Barrett, of 15, Marion Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=696415

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 census Walter Sidney has become Sidney W., which probably explains how he is listed on the memorial. The 5 year old Sidney, born Norwich, is recorded at 15 Marion Road, in the parish of Thorpe St Matthew. This is the household of his widowed mother, Mary E. (aged 40 and a Dressmaker). Her other children are:-
Edward A……………..aged 10.………born Norwich
Elsie M………………..aged 9.………..born Norwich
William H…………….aged 7.…………born Norwich

Given the use of his middle name by Sydney, if it’s a family tradition then William is potentially a match for the H.Brown that is also listed on the memorial.

From Captain Montgomerie's diary of events in the 1/4th Battalion whilst in the neighbourhood of Jephson's Post

" 18th. - Remained quiet, during the day. Orders were received in evening to relieve the 6th Munsters and Inniskillings in front line facing east. The Essex brigade was to relieve us. This relieving was muddled through all right. We had to do a lot of digging to make things safe.
" 19th. - All. quiet during day. Worked hard all night fetching food, water, etc., and improving the trenches.
" 20th. - Were relieved of Jephson's Redoubt by Essex; so organized the line with two companies in firing line and two in support.

Strangely I’ve come across several instances from the battalion dieing on this day now. I can only assume this was due to attrition through sniping and artillery attacks.,
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm

G Bulldeath

Name: BULLDEATH Initials: G P
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 30
Date of Death: 08/12/1914
Service No: 1609
Additional information: Son of S. and Mary Ann Bulldeath, of 12, Back Rd., Spittlefields, Norwich. Native of Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 7. Cemetery: FAUQUISSART MILITARY CEMETERY, LAVENTIE
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=282078

No match on Norlink

The Great War Roll of Honour lists this soldier as George P.

There is no obvious match for George on the 1901 or 1911 censuses.

*****************Private Bertie Cushion********************************

Possibly
Name: CUSHION, BERTIE CECIL
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Date of Death: 19/08/1915 Service No: 1591
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694843

Great War Roll of Honour has this man down simply as Bertie Cushion.

But could also be this individual

Name: CUSHION Initials: B E
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 25/06/1915 Service No: 7271
Grave/Memorial Reference: F. 29. Cemetery: DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=441427

This individual is recorded as a Bertie E on the Great War Roll of Honour.

There are no other Bertie’s listed on that document.

There is a picture of a Bertie Cecil of the 4th Battalion on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Additional notes read:-
Born at Norwich, 13th July 1894 and educated at Quay Side School, Private Cushion enlisted in July 1911. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles, 19th August 1915

From the diary of Captain Montgomerie, of the 1st/4th Battalion.

" 15th. - lt was decided that our first line should be relieved by the Essex brigade. I, from my ridge, was to give covering fire.
The 1st Battalion Essex advanced well and lost few men. The other battalions, who had delayed, suffered more severely. All we could do was to keep down the fire of the snipers by shooting into the trees. Rumour has it that some of these snipers were tied to trees, with water and food within reach. Women snipers have been caught within our lines with their faces, arms, legs, and rides painted green.
After dark our men began to come in. Some came in well, but there were cases where the confusion was great. The last to come in were a party of 100-150 with Captains Hughes and Fisher. These officers had behaved magnificently throughout this show and they finished by leading the men back in very good order."
On the 16th both the Norfolk battalions were moved to a point near Kiretch Tepe Sirt on the ridge running north-east from SuvIa Point, where the 31st brigade was.
16th - I was relieved on the ridge by the 4th Essex early in the morning. The battalion joined up in trenches some 300 yards in rear of the ridge. We were busy digging trenches all day, and trying to collect the men to their various companies. In the late advance we had been in reserve, and three companies and one platoon had reinforced the first line, so they had become very scattered.
" In the afternoon the 10th division advanced along the ridge and cleared the whole hill of the enemy. Unfortunately we were unable to hold on to the extreme east of it. It was a fine sight to watch from the valley below.
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm


***********Private Thomas S Crosskill*********************************

Name: CROSSKILL Initials: T S
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 20th Bn.
Date of Death: 23/04/1918 Service No: 57162
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 24. Cemetery: WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=35879

No match on Norlink

Wailly is a village in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais about 6 kilometres south-west from Arras. The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery, screened from German observation by a high wall. It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=3700&a...

The Canadian National Archive confirms this is a Thomas Stephen Crosskill, born 23rd June 1890. His attestation papers can be seen here
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...
And
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...
They tell us that he was born London, England, and is a Shoemaker by trade. His next of kin is his mother, Elizabeth, who resides at 8 St Augustines, Norwich.. He had previously done military service with the Royal Field Artillery. He enlisted in Toronto on the 8th January 1915. His medical notes tell us that he was 5 feet 6 ½ inches, with Brown hair, Brown eyes, and a dark complexion. His religious denomination is shown as Baptist.

The 11 year old Thomas “H” is recorded on the 1901 census at 10 Bull Row in the parish of St Pauls, having been born Peckham, London. This the household of his parents, Walter P. (aged 42 and a Tinsmith from Norwich), and Elizabeth, (aged 39 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Charles P…………..aged 9.…………born Camberwell, London
Daniel………………aged 4.…………born Norwich
Susanna……………aged 18.………..born Norwich
William…………….aged 2.…………born Norwich

While there were casualties, (three wounded, 2 Sergeant, one Private) on the 21/4, the war diary of the 20th Battalion gives no indication of any further casualties on either the 22nd or 23rd.

23rd April 1918. Neuville Vitasse
At 1.15 am the O.C “C” Coy on our left reported that he had been relived north of the
BEAURAINS - NEUVILLE VITASSE road by the 18th Cdn Bn. And that he is now all south of the road except for one L.G post north of the north edge. MAP111 shows this alteration in his disposition. The platton relieved was employed during the remainder of the night deepening and fire-stepping the trench in M..24.b During the night, “A” Coy in the right front line set out 200 yds of single apron wire in N.19.e.

Two patrols were out on each company front last, on the right both were battle patrols, on the left the first patrol was a small reconnoitring. This patrol located an enemy …..at M24.b.95.05
During the day the enemy was very quiet, very little hostile shelling. E.A flying low over our area at 2.50 pm was engaged. It is reported to have landed either in “no-mans land” or just in its own lines in front of the Bn on our left.
A work party totalling 1 Officer and 35 O.R.s reported to 2nd Cdn Pioneers at 9.30 pm and worked for three hours in the INTERMEDIATE line in M.23.b, M.24.a, and M.18,c.
At 10.45pm an enemy wiring party was reported at M.19.c.35.70.. This was reported to and engaged by the 4th T.M. Batty. guns at M..24.b.3.3.
At 11.35pm two six or eight inch dud shells from our own batteries fell just in front of our right support coy.trench. Shorts also occurred from the 18 pdrs. about 50 yards behind our front line at N.19.c
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960728.jpg
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960729.jpg

A small picture of the headstone can be seen here
twgpp.org/information.php?id=1280588

*****************Private Bertie C Crosskill******************************

No match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Bertie, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 3 Eagle Opening, Sussex Street, in the Parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his grandmother, the widow Maria Bone. Maria is employed as a “Fitter in Coal Trade”. Living with her is her widowed daughter, (and presumably Bertie’s mother), Maria, (aged 34 and a Machinist from Norwich)

The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Bertie “G” Crosskill, 27049 Wiltshire Regiment, who died 1918.

Due to a typo, the same individual turns up on the GWGC database as
Name: CROSKILL, BERTIE GEORGE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Wiltshire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 08/05/1918 Service No: 27049
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 119 to 120. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=841915

The War diaries of the 2nd Wiltshires are available on line, however that for the 8th May 1918 provides no indication of why Private Crosskill not only died, but died in such a way that his body was never discovered and he had to therefore be commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Additionally, the German spring offensives had petered out by now, so its difficult to see his grave being lost as a result of subsequent fighting, leading to him being commemorated on the Memorial. I can only assume he was on attachment with another unit at the time.

8th May 1918 Le Paradis

Working party under Lieut S COLLIER rejoined from WATOU.
www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php?action=date&regim...
The entry for the previous day reads , “All quiet, nothing to report”

***************Private Edward H Dennis*********************************

Only E H Dennis in the CWGC database
Name: DENNIS, EDWARD HENRY
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 8975
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, of 90, Magpie Rd., Norwich; husband of Maria Sarah Hunt (formerly Dennis), of Railway Cottage, Ledge Fenn, Lakenheath, Suffolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=756620

Norlink has a picture of Sergeant Edward Henry Dennis of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The only additional information is that Sergeant Henry was from Norwich.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The 10 year old Edward, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 67 Barn Road, in the Parish of St Benedicts. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 37 and an Auctioneer’s Porter from Norwich), and Elvina, (aged 35 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Christiana……………….aged 8.………………born Norwich
James……………………aged 14.…………….born Norwich……Shoemaker
Roseanna………………..aged 6.………………born Norwich

(There is a baptism record for James William. This took place on the 30th January 1887 at St James with Pockthorpe. The data of birth is stated to be 15th June 1886. The parents are recorded as James and “Elaina”Adelaide. The family reside “OTP” (Outside the Parish). The father’s occupation is listed as Labourer.)

1st July 1916

The battalion was part of the second wave as far as I can ascertain, however in many places this suffered just as badly - the first wave having been wiped out, holed up or pinched out and surrounded, the German machine gunners could concentrate on the next wave, and the untouched German artillery caused devastation in the units forming up for the next assault - there were several units almost entirely eliminated from the battle before they even crossed the original British front line,

The battalion formed part of 23rd Brigade.

Ovillers

Here the 8th Division …was tasked with a direct assault on the village itself. In this area No Man's Land was 400 yards wide. Right from the start it was known that there would be no chance of success if the flanking Divisions did not make simultaneous progress with the 8th Division attackers.

The village of Ovillers sits on the southern side of a spur of land which points towards Albert. It was thus hoped that the 25th Brigade who would be attacking the village would have some cover up until the last few hundred metres as they came over the ridge.

To their right the 23rd Brigade would be very badly exposed as they made their way up Mash Valley. They would also be required to cross the widest section of no man's land on the Corps Front.

To the north of the ridge 70th Brigade were required to advance across another valley - called Nab Valley at the time but later designated as Blighty Valley. It was their task to push on past the village and up as far as Mouquet Farm.

Just before Zero at 07:30 hours the Division had put down a short barrage of Stokes Mortars onto the German positions giving the first wave of the assault an opportunity to get out into no man's land and closer to the German front line.

Leading the 23rd Brigade out into Mash Valley, the 2nd Bn Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment managed to gain the German front lines and even a distance beyond, but they found themselves being fired at from three sides and their casualties soon grew to a thousand men between them - more than half their number. 70 survivors managed to hang on in the German front line for a while but soon their grenades and ammunition ran out and they were forced out of it by a counter-attack after 2 hours. .

Of about 300 officers and 8000 men, the Division lost 189 officers and 4719 men dead or wounded.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058
www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ovillers.htm

According to the Devon's after action report, Lieutenant Colonel Sunderland could see very little of the action.
'At first and for some little time owing to mist and dust caused by our shell fire, it was difficult to realise what had happened … The lines appeared at first sight to be intact… Colonel Sunderland could make out rows of his men lying down. He demanded 'Why aren't they advancing?' The Adjutant, peering through his binoculars turned to the CO and replied 'They're all hit, sir!'.
The survivors bunched as they advanced through the few gaps in the enemy wire and the original wave formation soon ceased to exist, and the remains of companies became mixed together, making a mass of men, among which German fire played havoc'. The German eye witness wrote:
'All along the line, men could be seen throwing up their arms and collapsing, never to move again. Badly wounded rolled about in their agony, and others, less severely injured, crawled to the nearest shell hole for shelter. The extended lines, though badly shaken and with many gaps, now came on all the faster. Instead of a leisurely walk they covered the ground in short rushes at the double..'
The Devon's report recorded that 'only a very few reached the German lines alive. Some got into the German trenches, where they put up a determined fight against enormous odds and were soon killed'. The toehold that the Devons had gained could not be reinforced, as the curtain of fire that the German artillery put down in the middle of no-man's-land had halted the waves of C and D Companies. They were driven to ground by German machine gun fire. 2nd W Yorks, who moved forward behind the Devons at 0825 hours came under fire . By this time the attacking infantry had lost the barrage, which went on as planned. Consequently, only a few of C and D Companies along with A Company 2nd West Yorks reached the German line.
Despite acts of heroism, determination, by 0900 hours, the attack of the 8th Division had failed along the length of it's front. At 0930 hours, Major General Hudson instructed commanders of 23 and 25 Brigades to gather their men and repeat the attack, until it was pointed out that a repeated bombardment would hit the men thought to be stranded in the enemy position.
As late as 1430 hours, there were observers' reports that 'bomb fighting' was going on in the German lines. However, for those remaining out in no man's land it was fortunate that the shell holes, which had earlier hindered the movement of advancing men, now provided cover from enemy fire.
The Devon's Medical Officer, in his aid post dugout in the reserve line, after the initial rush of walking wounded, had few casualties to deal with, as:
'great difficulty was found evacuating the wounded to the Regimental Aid Post. The trenches were too narrow to allow a stretcher to pass and also the trenches had been so knocked about that in many places one was exposed to hostile machine gun and shell fire'
Wounded men succumbed to their wounds, who if properly treated, would have survived. Many lay in agony until, eventually the British barrage, was brought back to the enemy front line. Under its cover many men
regained their frontline and more returned under the cover of darkness.
www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/somme/reg_2nd_devons_1_jul.php?

Lt Col E T F Sandys, CO of the 2nd Middlesex (also of the 23 Bde 8 Div) had been concerned before the battle began about uncut German wire and the enemy trenches which were still occupied despite the heavy Allied barrage in the area of Mash Valley. His battalion had 750 yards of No Man’s Land to cross and they were cut down as he had predicted. The disaster so preyed on his mind that he shot himself in September and died a few days later.
(Extract from ‘When the Barrage lifts" by Gerald Glidden)
www.pricewebhome.co.uk/Docs/Stone/Death_of_Sergeant_HT_St...

A map of the British front line on the 1st July 1916 in this sector, and the German trenches facing them, can be seen here
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Boisselle_sector_1_July_191...

The position of the lead units of the Brigade, (2nd Middlesex and 2nd Devons,) can also be seen here
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64507

************Private Ernest Denham**************************************

Name: DENHAM, ERNEST
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 39 Date of Death: 28/10/1917
Service No: 17234
Additional information: Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Denham, of 65, Patteson Rd., Norwich; husband of Martha Sarah Ann Denham, of 14, Cross St., Sussex St., Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1629786

No match on Norlink

No baptism record on FreeReg

The 22 year old Ernest, (born Norwich and employed as a Furniture ??? - handwriting is illegible, but the census analyser has added “Carman“ so I‘m assuming the word should be deliverer) is recorded as a boarder at 65 Patteson Road along with his wife Martha, (aged 21 and a Silk Weaver from Norwich). This is down as the household of William J Denham, (aged 45 and a Tobacco Cutter from Norwich) and his wife, Isabella, (aged 44 and from Norwich). Given the information on the CWGC database, it seems odd that Ernest and his wife Martha are described as having no other relationship than being boarders.

On the 1891 Census, the 12 year old Ernest is recorded at 47 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, William J and Isabella. They have other children living with them at this time:-
George A.G……………….aged 17.…………….born Norwich………Clicker
Emmeline S……………….aged 15.…………….born Norwich………Upholsterer
Frederick.W………………..aged 14.…………….born Norwich………Cabinet Maker

Going back to the 1881 census, the family can be found at 2 Britannia Terrace, in the Parish of St Clements, although then the mother’s name looks closer to Sarah then Isabella - the curse of census taker’s handwriting strikes again.

Although I’ve not been able to locate the was diary for the 1st Norfolk, the diaries for the 1st Bedfords are fully on line and can be an indication of what or where the 1st Norfolks were up to, as they were in the same brigade. For the period 25th to 28th October, the 1st Bedfords held a position called “Stirling Castle”, and would support an attack on Polderhoek Chateau on the 26th. They took about working with the 1st Cheshires, another Brigade Unit. Havng suffered 103 casualties during their three days in the front line, the 1st Bedfords were relieved by the 1st Devons - the inference being that the 1st Cheshires were relieved by the 1st Norfolks.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1917diary.html

However, another source has the whole 5th Division being relieved by the 14th Division on this day.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&...

*****************Private Albert Fox**************************************
Probably
Name: FOX, ALBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy., 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 21/04/1917
Service No: 200949
Additional information: Son of Fred and Ellen Fox, of Norwich; husband of Mabel Longbone (formerly Fox), of 93, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 117. Cemetery: DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=645596

Also 112 other possibles in the CWGC database

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Albert, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at 23 Newbegins Yard, St Marys Plain, in the Parish of St Marys Coslany.. This is the household of his parents, Fredk. G, (aged 34 and a Boot Finisher from Norwich) and Ellen J. (aged 32 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Arthur……………..aged 1.………….born Norwich
Ernest……………..aged 5.………….born Norwich
Rosana……………aged 7.……………born Norwich
There are three more children in the household, presumably Ellen’s from a previous marriage.
Ellen I Perriment……..aged 15.…….born Norwich………..Tailoress
Ethel Perriment………aged 11.…….born Norwich
Fredk Perriment………aged 9.……..born Norwich

On 28 February 1917, the cavalry of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force entered Khan Yunus, midway between the Egyptian border and Deir el Belah causing the Turks to withdraw to Gaza and Beersheba. The railway was pushed forward to Deir el Belah, which became the railhead in April 1917, and an aerodrome and camps were established there. The cemetery was begun towards the end of March and remained in use until March 1919. Most of the burials were made either from field ambulances from March to June 1917, or from the 53rd, 54th, 66th and 74th Casualty Clearing Stations, and the 69th General Hospital, from April 1917 until the Armistice with Turkey. A number of graves, the majority of which were originally at Khan Yunus, were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=71200&...

On 19th April the Norfolks took part in a disastrous attempt to take Gaza. In this action casualties for the battalion were 478 (55 killed, 323 wounded and 100 missing). The battalion’s sister unit, 1/5th Norfolks, also took part in the assault and they fared even worse, suffering 643 casualties.
www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage....

While we cannot be sure Arthur died as a result of injuries in the action at Gaza it seems more than probable that this is the case.

****************Private Robert Fuller*************************************

Prime candidate
Name: FULLER Initials: R
Rank: Private
Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 21 Date of Death: 20/04/1917
Service No: 22258
Additional information: Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Fuller, of 112, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 12. Cemetery: SUCRERIE CEMETERY, ABLAIN-ST. NAZAIRE
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=561424

Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Robert
1901 Census likely match.
Robert, aged 4, born Norwich. Recorded at 5 Hindes Yard, St Augustines. Parents are
Samuel, (aged 41, Boot Finisher from Norwich), and Mary Ann, (aged 35 and from Norwich). Siblings are Arthur, (9), Charles, (u/1), Elizabeth, (8), Nellie, (3),

The Gloucester Regiment Museum confirms that Private 22258 Robert Fuller was born and enlisted Norwich. His previous unit was the “Hussars of Line”, where his service number was 19928. He is recorded as Killed in action.
www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/13107

From the Battalion War Dairy.
20th April. In trenches. Bois de Hirondelle

In front line. Heavy Enemy Shelling. 7 O.R Killed. 15 O.R wounded. 5 O.R joined as reinforcements.

**********************Private John J Fuller*****************************

5 possible matches on CWGC

No match on Norlink

1901 Census possibles.
John, aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 35 Magpie Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 34, Carman from Norwich) , and Ann, (aged 33, from Norwich). Siblings, Elizabeth, (13), Ernest, (0), Esther, (6), James, (10), Robert, (aged 3) and William, (8). All born Norwich.

On the 1911 census there is one John James with a Norwich connection, and it seems to be the one from Magpie Road.

By a process of elimination, this individual on the CWGC database is our most likely Match
Name: FULLER Initials: J J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 4th Bn. Date of Death: 31/08/1918 Service No: 72688 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 32. Cemetery: H.A.C. CEMETERY, ECOUST-ST. MEIN
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=303889

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a John J

The 4th Fusiliers were part of the 3rd Division for the the whole. One of the divisional battle honours is
Second Battle of Bapaume. 31 Aug-3 Sep 1918.

On August 31st the 4th Battalion, who had moved up to
positions south-east of Ecoust, attacked eastwards. Ten
minutes before zero the assembly positions were subjected
to a heavy shell and machine-gun fire, and there were
many casualties ; and when our barrage began, five minutes
later, it missed the chief obstacles in the way of the Royal
Fusiliers' advance. As a consequence, while the battalions
on both flanks advanced with little trouble, the 4th Royal
Fusiliers were decisively checked by machine-gun fire from
the sunken road, about 250 yards to the east. Z Company
made several most gallant attempts to reach these guns,
but the men were mown down, and all the officers but one
became casualties. The tank which should have assisted
in coping with this obstacle caught fire a few minutes
before zero. Another tank broke down actually in the
road, and a German officer, climbing on top of it, shot or
took prisoner the whole of the crew. A machine-gun nest
in the south of Ecoust also devoted too much attention to
the battalion, who were completely held up.
About 8 p.m.
the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers cleared the sunken road
under a creeping barrage, and before dawn on September
1st the 4th Royal Fusiliers had advanced 1,500 yards. At
6 p.m. on the same day, with only eight casualties, the
battalion carried the line still further, clearing the sunken
road midway between Longatte and Noreuil. In this
operation 70 prisoners and several machine guns and trench
mortars were captured.
www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/h-c-herbert-charles-oneill...


**************************Private A Fulcher*******************************

Possibly
Name: FULCHER Initials: A
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 02/11/1915
Service No: 7638
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 17. Cemetery: KUT WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=637920

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Archie Fulcher


Less likely
Name: FULCHER Initials: A G H
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 27/09/1918
Service No: 30383
Additional information: Son of Richanda Alice Beaumont Fulcher, of I, School Rd., Runham, Vauxhall, Gt. Yarmouth, and the late Henry Thurtell Fulcher.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. N. 17. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509914

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Alfred G H.

Or
Name: FULCHER, ARTHUR JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 37 Date of Death: 01/09/1915
Service No: 2243
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Fulcher, of Wymondham, Norfolk, husband of Laura Fulcher, of Damgate Bridge, Wymondham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=681137

No match on Norlink

1901 Census matches using search criteria Fulcher and Norwich.
Arthur aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 9 Fishers Buildings, parish of St Phillips. Parents are John, (aged 36, Tailor from Rushmere, Suffolk) and Emily, (aged 36, from Norwich). Siblings are, Bertie, (8), Edith, (3), and Thomas, (4) - all born Norwich.

Arthur G, aged 7, born Wymondham. Recorded at 21 Egyptian Road, Bishops Bridge Road. Parents are George, (aged 35 - Railway Plate Layer, Wymondham) and Elizabeth, (aged 35, Norwich), Siblings are Ernest, (1), Margaret, (5), and Thomas (3) - all born Wymondham.

Albert aged 9, born Norwich. Recorded at 107 Dereham Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 42, Licensed Victualler from Norwich), and Hannah, (aged 41, from Norwich), Siblings are Adlaine, (14), Donald, (3), Leonard, (7), Lucy, (17) - all born Norwich.

The 1911 census has only one match for an Archie Fulcher for the whole of England and Wales. This individual is shown as being born circa 1891 at St Marys, Norwich, Norfolk. His current whereabouts are not however listed. As St Marys is the neighbouring parish to St Augustines, this tends to strengthen the case for this being our man.

Archie does not appear to be on either the 1901 or 1891 Census for England and Wales.

From India to Mesopotamia
To protect the British owned oil fields in Persia and to stop Turkish domination of the Middle East an Indian Expeditionary Force was sent to the Persian Gulf. As part of this Force the Norfolk Regiment left Belgaum for Bombay under the command of Lieu-Colonel E C Peebles and boarded HM Transport Elephanta on 6 November1914. The 2nd Norfolks arrived at Seniyeh in the Persian Gulf on 15 November 1914 and joined the 18th Brigade, which consisted of the 7th Rajput's, 110th Mahratta Light Infantry and 120th Rajputana Infantry.

The 2nd Norfolks took part in several battles during the advance, finally culminating in the Battle of Ctesiphon on the 22/11/1915, when British force of 11000 defeat a Turkish force of over 18000. Battle ends with a bayonet charge across open ground. Norfolks suffer 6 officers killed 27 men killed, 225 wounded and 2 missing.

However, with opposition mounting, on the 24th November 1915,the Brigade under the command of General Townshend suffering losses and sickness has to withdraw to Kut. The Norfolks form the rear guard as the Brigade withdraws. The 44 miles to Kut is covered in 36 hours. The 2nd Norfolks now comprise half their effective fighting

Kut- al-mara, having been taken in July had been the Allies strong-point and medical base, so its likely that Archie died either as a result of wounds sustained in July or as a result of illness.
www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm


****************Private Herbert Gooch*********************************

Probably
Name: GOOCH, HERBERT FRANCIS
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 20/04/1918
Service No: 28285
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Gooch; husband of Mrs. Gooch, of 38, Magpie Rd., Norwich. Native of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIX. K. 4A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=501487

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&...

No match on Norlink

The 12 year old Herbert F, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 60 Beaconsfield Road, in the Parish of St James. This is the household of his parents, Thomas, (aged 44 and a “Restry Cook and Cow Feetner” - Genes Re-united transcriber, or “PastryCook and Confectioner” - Moominpappa, from Great Yarmouth), and Harriet F, (aged 41 and from Ludham). Their other children are:-
Annie M……………….aged 10.………….born Norwich
Arthur S……………….aged 17.…………..born Norwich………Railway Telegraphist
Audrey A………………aged 19.………….born Norwich
Charles Ed……………..aged 14.………….born Norwich………Railway Telegraph Messenger
Edward E………………aged 4.…………born Norwich
Ernest………………….aged u/1.………..born Norwich
Frederick J…………….aged 7.………….born Norwich
George Wm……………aged 5.…………born Norwich

The International Genealogical Index has further details. Herbert Francis was born the 25th July 1888 in the parish of St Peter Parmentergate. He would marry Alice Maud Armes, on the 10th November 1917 in the Parish Church of St Augustines.. His place of death is recorded as the 4th General Hospital, Carniers.
www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...
Alice was born 1897 and would finally die in 1994, having been 75 years a widow.

His parents were Thomas Wade Gooch and Harriet Frances Storey.
www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...

The 4th Division, of which the 1st Kings Own formed part were heavily engaged in March and April 1918 in fighting off the the German Spring offensive including
First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918.
Battle of Hazebrouck. 12-15 Apr, including the defence of the Hinges Ridge and the Nieppe Forest.
Battle of Bethune. 18 Apr 1918, including the second defence of Givenchy.

L\Corporal Gooch could have succumbed to wounds received in any of these actions.

*******************Private Ralph V Gant********************************

Only R V Gant on the CWGC database
Name: GANT, RALPH VICTOR
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: 34675
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 51 and 52. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1581248

No match on Norlink

A family web-site adds that he was the husband of a Glady Gant
www.gant-name.org.uk/lestweforget.html

The 7 year old Ralph, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 30 Old Palace Road, Norwich, in the parish of St Bartholomew. This is the household of his parents, Benjamin, (aged 42 and a house builder from Reedham), and Emma, (aged 50 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Alice………………aged 17.……………born Norwich…….Dressmaker
Benjamin………….aged 13.……………born Norwich
Ethel………………aged 20.……………born Norwich…….Tailoress
Frederick………….aged 19.……………born Norwich…….Carpenter

The Gants also have a boarder living with them, Caroline Thompson, aged 20 and from Strumpshaw who works as a dressmaker.

Given that information and checking the family web-site we can also identify that brother Frederick fell in the Great War.

Name: GANT Initials: F T
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps Unit Text: 11th Bn.
Age: 35 Date of Death: 25/09/1917
Service No: R/15481
Additional information: Son of Emma and the late Benjamin Gant, of 67, West End St., Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 11A. Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=508460

21st March 1918
From the diary of the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same division.

21st March 1918. St Quentin, Soissons, Amiens.
The enemy artillery had been gradually increasing in intensity all night, and at 4.30 am reached a maximum, and the battalion was ordered to stand to. The shelling was all east of the CROZAT CANAL and no shells fell near the camp.
At 12.30 pm the commanding officer received a verbal order from the Divisional Headquarters to take the Battalion at once to a position of assembly on the Western outskirts of REMIGY and to proceed himself to the H.qtrs of the 10th ESSEX REGT at LY FONTAINE, where he would received further orders from the G.O.C 53rd Inf. Bde. This order was carried out at once, Companies being in the assembly area by 1.30pm.

The C.O reported to the Hqts 10th Essex Regt but found no orders for him there until about 2pm when Col.Minette DSO MC DGMO turned up with orders from the Division to hold LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH LINE, on the west of LY FONTAINE.

As parties of the enemy could now be seen close to the switch line on the east of LY FONTAINE, the Commanding Officer decided to send “D” Company to make good that section of the line, and for “A” and “C” companies to hold the LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH with “B” Co in Battalion reserve, ½ mile North of REMIGY. These dispositions were taken up and about 3.30 pm a message was received from Brig.Gen Higginson, DSO commanding 53rd Bde that enemy cavalry were working round our left rear from the direction of MONTESCOURT.

Two platoons of “B” Co were therefore ordered to take up a line facing N.W to guard against surprise from that quarter. Battalion H.qrs were established in the North end of REMIGY.

At 9.30pm an order was received from the 53rd Bde to the effect that the battalion would take up a line N and E of REMIGY to cover the retirement of units of the 53rd Bde at 10.30 pm, and that when this operation had been completed, the battalion would withdraw in rearguard formation to the West of CROZAT CANAL and rendezvous at FRIERES - FAILLOUEL, this withdrawal to commence at midnight.
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00819180304.pdf

Update 08/01/2020 see the comments box below for more on Ralph

*******************Private Arthur Grady*********************************

Possibly
Name: GRADY Initials: A
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 27/11/1914 Service No: 6248
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 10. Cemetery: BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY (NORD)
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=197599

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is an Arthur Grady, and in fact he would appear to be the only one. The same source has an Arthur B, a Corporal in the East Surrey Regiment who died in 1916, but underneath is added ALIAS Cumbers. However, on the CWGC database, there is no match under Grady, but there is an Arthur Bertie Cumbers listed.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=757942

No match on Norlink

The 17 year old Arthur, (born Norwich), is recorded at Vine Cottage, Yarmouth Road, Thorpe - next - Norwich. He is employed as a Labourer. He is shown as the son of the householder Henry Murrell, (aged 60 and a Coach-builder from Caston, Norfolk), and Susanna, (aged 62 and from East Dereham), however, presumably Henry is his step-father. By the time of the 1911 census, Arthur is recorded at Bakewell,

Bailleul was occupied on 14 October 1914 by the 19th Brigade and the 4th Division. It became an important railhead, air depot and hospital centre, with the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 53rd, 1st Canadian and 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Stations quartered in it for considerable periods.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=200004...

18/11/14 Took over trenches at KEMMEL from the French.
27/11/14 Relieved by ROYAL FUSILIERS and moved to billets at DRANOUTRE.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

********************Private Fred H Hall*********************************

5 potential matches on the CWGC, none with an obvious link.

No match on Norlink

No obvious Fred H, Frederick H or Fredrick H Hall with a Norwich connection on the 1911 census.

Possibles from the 1901census
Fredrick aged 9, born Norwich, recorded at Hammonds Yards in the Parish of St Augustine. Father Arthur, (aged 41, Stone Marble Mason born Norwich) and Harriet, (aged 43, born Norwich). Also Edgar, (12), Frank (3), Gertrude (5), Jessie (7).

Frederick aged 3, born Norwich, recorded at 16 Waterloo Road in the parish of Christ Church. Father George, (aged 38, Boot Riveter, born Norwich) and Rosa (aged 36, born Norwich). Also Arthur, (u/1), Ernest, (9), Ethel, (6), George, (12).

Frederick aged 8, born Norwich, recorded at 63 Albany Road in the parish of Christ Church. Father Robert, (aged 42, Boot Finisher born Norwich) and Mary (aged 39 born Norwich). Also Arthur (12), Charles (1), Elizabeth (21), Flora (17), Hannah (14), Herbert (4), Robert (16), Walter (10).

Great War Roll of Honour
Fred H. Private11589N&D R1914
Looks like that this is a Frederick Henry who came from Chesterfield
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=878878

Frederick H Private 475135 RAMC1918
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=288602

Still no obvious match for this man.

**************Private Sidney Howard*********************************

Number of potentials but no obvious match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

Possibles on the 1901 census

Sidney, aged 5, born Norwich, recorded at 76 Calvert Street in the parish of St George of Colegate. Father John (aged 41 Brushmaker from Norwich) and Eliza (aged 40 and from Norwich). Also Alice (18) and Eliza (13).

Sidney, aged 10, born Norwich, recorded at 2,Popes Building, Calvert Street on the parish of St George Colegate. Father is David, (aged 48, Coach Makers Packer from Norwich) , there is no mother shown although there is a 43 year old unmarried female visitor staying with the family on the night of the census, Christiana Lowe, a dressmaker from Norwich. Making up the rest of the family is Ernest (13) and a boarder George Lowe, (18 an a Boot maker).

Possibly
Name: HOWARD Initials: S
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 05/12/1917 Service No: 27344
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. C. 56. Cemetery: HONNECHY BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=572295
The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Sidney

Honnechy was part of the battlefield of Le Cateau in August 1914, and from that time it remained in German hands until the 9th October 1918, when the 25th Division and the 6th Cavalry Brigade captured it. It had been a German Hospital centre, and from its capture until the end of October it was a British Field Ambulance centre. The village was inhabited by civilians during the whole of the War. The cemetery stands on the site of a German Cemetery begun in the Battle of Cambrai 1917 and used by German troops and then by British until the 24th October 1918. The 300 German graves were removed to another burial ground, leaving 44 British graves; and the cemetery was re-made in 1922 and 1923 by the concentration of British graves almost entirely from German Cemeteries,
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=63203&...

Giving the date and the way in which the cemetery was used, Private Howard was a prisoner, possibly captured and wounded in an action that had taken place a few days earlier.

Battalion War Diary
Trenches 30th About 7 am a very heavy Hun barrage commenced, and at 7.40 am he attacked in Mass, in enormous numbers from GONNELIEU, which he had just previously taken about 7.35am and also from BANTEAUX. The Bosche attacked the Battalion from the right flank and the front. Our Lewis gunds did splendid work, mowing down the enemy in large numbers, but by weight of numbers he forced the Battalion to fall back on to Battalion Headquarters in BLEAK TRENCH and a strong point on our left front. The Hun succeeded in surrounding many of our men, who were thereby forced to surrender. We made a splendid fight and accounted for enormous numbers of the enemy. About 10.00am Sec.Lieut G Maddison was the only officer left, and he, along with the remaining men of the Battalion, attached himself to the 9th Fusiliers Regt.

Our casualties were as follow
Killed
Captain + acting (M) A M Charlton M C
Sec.Lieut. H E A Payne
Wounded
Capt F R G Haward
Lieut M L Chaland M C
Sec Lieut A M Brown
H Kontili
E C Page
J I Stubbs
C E Pratley
A Anable
Wounded and missing
Lt Col H L F A Gielgud MC
Capt K R Potter M C
Lieut W G Collins
Sec Lieut W H Parish
G D Summers
Missing
Sec Lieut A S Goddard

Sec Lieut W J Kemp was admitted to hospital suffering from shell shock.Our casualties among the rank and file were:-

Killed 27
Wounded89
Missing204
Wounded and Missing 13

There is a note at the end of the page
During the Hun Counter-attack, the War Diary for November was unfortunately lost* and the months diary has had to be compiled from the only information available, which was very little indeed.

* for “lost” read “destroyed when the enemy attacked on Nov.30th”

***************Private Edward Halfacre*********************************

There is also a full panel dedication.

“Sacred to the memory of
Rfm Edward C Halfacre
8th London P.O. Rifles
One of our Sunday School Teachers
Who passed away
21st May 1919”

Edward does not appear to be commemorated on the CWGC database and I can only assume he had already been discharged from the Army when he succumbed to his wounds.

But note there is
Name: HALFACRE, JAMES
Rank: Private
Service: Army Service Corps Unit Text: Labour Coy.
Age: 51 Date of Death: 03/02/1916
Service No: SS/18150
Additional information: Husband of Emily Halfacre, of 20, Bull Close Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: C. VII. 5. Cemetery: PIETA MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=115295

No match on Norlink.

The 5 year Edward C, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at Kerrisons Yard, Tombland, in the Parish of St Georges Tombland. This is the household of his parents, Edward,(aged 44 and a Coachman from Wokingham, Berkshire) and Elizabeth M A, (aged 42 and a Brushmaker from Norwich),

The baptism of Edward Charly took place at St George’s Tombland on the 5th May 1895, with Theodore Parks officiating. His date of birth is listed as the 2nd April 1896, (but must surely be 1895). His parents Edward and Elizabeth May Alice were in attendance, with his fathers occupation listed as coachman. The family reside at Kerrisons Yard.

Looks like James and Edward are probably cousins, as James father was also from Wokingham in Berkshire,

**************Private William A Hudson********************************

Name: HUDSON, WILLIAM ALFRED
Rank: Private
Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderers Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 13/09/1914
Service No: 11521
Additional information: Son of William John and Maria Hudson, of 2, Anchor Yard, St. George's, Norwich.
Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=879162

No match on Norlink

The 6 year old William A, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 5 Reads Court, in the Parish of St Marks, Lakenham. This is the household of his parents, William I. (aged 32 and a Bricklayers Labourer from Norwich), and Maria (aged 27 and from Norwich). Making up the household is a daughter, Ivy A. aged 2 and born Norwich.

The War diaries of the 1st Battn East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same Division although different brigade, are available on line.

They talk of how they and a battalion of Manchesters, (presumably the 2nd Battalion from the 14th Brigade), with the assistance of Royal Engineers, constructed rafts to cross the Aisne on the 13th, and there met up with units from the 4th Division and together advanced up the spurs towards the heights. In the entry for the 14th there is a mention of forming up with two (unnamed) battalions of the 13th Brigade who had crossed the Aisne further up by bridge.
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00119140907.pdf

**************Private George W Howell********************************
Name: HOWELL, GEORGE WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 23/04/1915
Service No: 11244
Additional information: Son of Arthur and Charlotte Howell, of 52, Esdelle St., Norwich, England.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 18 - 24 - 26 - 30. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1593158

No match on Norlink

George Williams enlistment papers can be seen here
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

He was born 22/03/1893 and gives his birthplace as Norwich, England. It looks like his occupation is plowman, although given the handwriting it could equally be plummer. He was 5 feet 4 inches with blue eyes and brown hair.
His next of kin was his mother , Charlotte Howell, then of 63 Esdelle Street. He had previously served in the 36th Regiment of Militia. He enlisted on the 22nd September 1914.

George W is on the 1901 census for England and Wales. Aged 8 and born Norwich, he is recorded at 63 Esdelle Street, in the parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his parents, Arthur, (aged 31, and a Stone Mason from Norwich), and Charlotte, (aged 36 and from Wellingham (?), Norfolk). Their other children are:-
Arthur……………………..aged 9.……………..born Norwich
Lottie M…………………..aged 6.……………..born Norwich
Mabel K…………………..aged 1.……………..born Norwich
Reginald J…………………aged 3.…………….born Norwich

Extract from the War Diary.
23rd April VLAMERTINGHE
12.30 am the Battalion moved off, crossed No.4 Pontoon bridge of the YSER canal at 4.10 a.m.

4.30 am Battalion halted at a farmhouse 1200 yards west of PICKLEN were the enemy were entrenched. We commenced to advance towards ridge at 5.25 am, B COY leading and occupying a portion of 150 yards frontage. The other Coys followed. Artillery and Machine Gun fire of the enemy very heavy. Entrenched at 400 yards from enemy. Lieut-Col Birchall took command of C Coy when Coy Commander was wounded.

7 pm Lieut-Col Birchall killed.
9pm Battalion came out of action relieved by East Yorks. Adjutant killed, 2nd in command wounded, 16 other casualties amongst Officers, other ranks 487. The Battalion congregated at Transport Lines B.29.B and remained there during the night. Major Ballantine in Command.
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001077583.jpg
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001077584.jpg

*******************Private John Hardy**********************************

Possibly
Name: HARDY, JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd/4th Bn.
Age: 45 Date of Death: 21/02/1916
Service No: 2166
Additional information: Husband of Mary Helen Hardy, of 39, St. George's St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: DD. 95. Cemetery: AYLESBURY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=343756

No match on Norlink
The 29 year old John, (born Norwich and employed as a Shoe Maker), is recorded on the 1901 census as the Head of household at 6 Angel Yard in the Parish of St Martin at Oak. His wife, Mary, is aged 24 and from Norwich. Their children then are:-
Alice………………aged 1.…………..born Norwich
John……………….aged 5.…………..born Norwich
Rosa……………….aged 2.…………..born Norwich

On the 1891 census the 19 year old John is recorded in Colchester Barracks, as a private soldier in the 2nd Norfolk Regiment. On the 1881 census the 9 year old John is recorded at 7 Reeves Yard in the Parish of St Marys Coslany. This is the household of his parents Robert and Maria and is one of seven children.

2/4th Battalion
Formed in Norwich in September 1914 as a Second Line Battalion. Disbanded in UK in June 1918.
www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm

**************Private Ernest C Jolly*************************************

4 potential matches on CWGC, no obvious candidates

No match on Norlink

There is a baptism record for an Ernest Jolly which took place on the 22nd March 1899 at St Peter Parmentergate. Ernest was born 30th December 1881. His father is listed as William, a Brush Maker. The family reside at Kings Street. No mothers name is recorded.

There are no obvious Ernest C’s on the 1911 Census for England and Wales and there are no Ernest C’s on the Great War Roll of Honour, which leads me to wonder if this is actually Ernest G.

Name: JOLLY, ERNEST GEORGE
Rank: Private
Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderers Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 19/04/1917 Service No: 201807
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 23 and 24. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645813

However, while there are two potential matches for an Ernest Jolly on the 1901 census with a Norwich connection, one is ruled out by a different initial, while the other is recorded at 5 Globe Place in the Parish of St Bartholomew. He is aged 5, born Norwich, and is the step-son of the head of the household, Charles, (aged 45 and a House Painter, shown as a British Subject born India). His wife, Ernest’s mother is Rosetta, (aged 35 and born Norwich). As well as Ernest, she has brought another son Percy, (aged 9), with her. .Meanwhile the Harper’s have a daughter of their own, Alice L. aged 1.

The individual baptised at St Peter Parmentergate in 1899 does not appear on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 censuses.

*******************Private Arthur Lane***********************************

Too many possible, no obvious candidates
No match on Norlink

No obvious match on the 1901 or 1911 census for England and Wales.

************Private Edward H Loombe**********************************

No matches at all for the surname Loombe on the CWGC database

No match on Norlink

The 1911 census has an Albert Edward, born Norwich\Kent(?) circa 1893 and still recorded in Norwich,

The 7 year Albert, (born Norwich) is recorded on the 1901 census at 24 Silver Street in the Parish of St James, Pockthorpe. This is the household of his parents, Robert W (aged 46, and a Labourer in an Electrical Works from Norwich) and Caroline, (aged 45 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Alice N……………aged 17.………..born Norwich……………Woollen Jacket Member
Bessie L……………aged 15.……….born Norwich…………….Yarn Packer
Ethel M……………aged 10.……….born Norwich
Leah M…………….aged 19.……….born Norwch…………….Crepe Worker
Robert M…………..aged 12.………born Norwich

However, there is an Albert Edward Loombe recorded as the Landlord of the Magpie Public House, Magpie Road, from 1934 to 1940.
www.norfolkpubs.co.uk/norwich/mnorwich/nchmagp.htm

I then started looking at other sources for similar sounding surnames.

The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Edward Loome, 43262 Norfolk Regiment who died in 1916.

This leads us to this gentleman
Name: LOOME, EDWARD HENRY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 35 Date of Death: 04/09/1916
Service No: 43262
Additional information: Son of Edward Mark and Harriett Loome; husband of Susanah Ruth Loome, of 10, Esdelle St., St. Augustines, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=801343

The battalion attack was on Falfemont Farm. The attack was held up and casualties were being caused by bombing and small arms fire before they eventually took the objective only to come under friendly artillery fire that caused serious casualties. According to the Regimental casualty book 56 all ranks were killed, 219 wounded and 94 missing, believed killed, a total of 369. The battalion was relieved the next day.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...
(Private Cannell who is also commemorated on this Roll of Honour died in the same action)

The 1901 census has the 19 year old Edward H, born Norwich, single and employed as a journeyman baker, recorded at 12 Esdelle Street in the parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his parents, Edward M, (aged 46 and a Brewery Cooper from London), and Harriet, (aged 46 and from Barton Mills, Suffolk). Their other children are:
Ethel M……………aged 14.………………born Norwich……………..Tailoress
Frederick G………..aged 7.………………..born Norwich
Maud L……………aged 12.……………….born Norwich
Sydney F…………..aged 16.………………bprn Norwich……………Journeyman Baker

Although I do not have detailed access to the 1911 census, there is a Ruth Susannah, born Circa 1882, Ryland South (?) Great Yarmouth.who lives in the same Norwich household as an Edward Henry who is aged 29 and was born Norwich..

By a process of trial and error !, we can also establish that living in the same household is Lily Ethel Maud Loome, (born circa 1906, St Augustines, Norwich), May Ruth Loome, (born circa 1908 St Augustines, Norwich), and Rosa Harriett Loome, (born circa 1910, St Augustines, Norwich).

The balance of evidence so far is that the name carved on the St Augustines Roll of Honour was incorrect, and one wonders if it caused concern and distress at the time.

**************Private Albert J Lundy*************************************

Only one A J Lundy on the CWGC database

Name: LUNDY, ALBERT JAMES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 19/09/1914
Service No: 1263
Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL
CWGC <a href="http://www.cwgc

********************************Private Bertie Cushion********************************

Possibly
Name: CUSHION, BERTIE CECIL
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Date of Death: 19/08/1915 Service No: 1591
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694843

Great War Roll of Honour has this man down simply as Bertie Cushion.

But could also be this individual

Name: CUSHION Initials: B E
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 25/06/1915 Service No: 7271
Grave/Memorial Reference: F. 29. Cemetery: DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=441427

This individual is recorded as a Bertie E on the Great War Roll of Honour.

There are no other Bertie’s listed on that document.

There is a picture of a Bertie Cecil of the 4th Battalion on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Additional notes read:-
Born at Norwich, 13th July 1894 and educated at Quay Side School, Private Cushion enlisted in July 1911. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles, 19th August 1915

From the diary of Captain Montgomerie, of the 1st/4th Battalion.

" 15th. - lt was decided that our first line should be relieved by the Essex brigade. I, from my ridge, was to give covering fire.
The 1st Battalion Essex advanced well and lost few men. The other battalions, who had delayed, suffered more severely. All we could do was to keep down the fire of the snipers by shooting into the trees. Rumour has it that some of these snipers were tied to trees, with water and food within reach. Women snipers have been caught within our lines with their faces, arms, legs, and rides painted green.
After dark our men began to come in. Some came in well, but there were cases where the confusion was great. The last to come in were a party of 100-150 with Captains Hughes and Fisher. These officers had behaved magnificently throughout this show and they finished by leading the men back in very good order."
On the 16th both the Norfolk battalions were moved to a point near Kiretch Tepe Sirt on the ridge running north-east from SuvIa Point, where the 31st brigade was.
16th - I was relieved on the ridge by the 4th Essex early in the morning. The battalion joined up in trenches some 300 yards in rear of the ridge. We were busy digging trenches all day, and trying to collect the men to their various companies. In the late advance we had been in reserve, and three companies and one platoon had reinforced the first line, so they had become very scattered.
" In the afternoon the 10th division advanced along the ridge and cleared the whole hill of the enemy. Unfortunately we were unable to hold on to the extreme east of it. It was a fine sight to watch from the valley below.
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm


****************************Private Thomas S Crosskill*********************************

Name: CROSSKILL Initials: T S
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 20th Bn.
Date of Death: 23/04/1918 Service No: 57162
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 24. Cemetery: WAILLY ORCHARD CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=35879

No match on Norlink

Wailly is a village in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais about 6 kilometres south-west from Arras. The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery, screened from German observation by a high wall. It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=3700&a...

The Canadian National Archive confirms this is a Thomas Stephen Crosskill, born 23rd June 1890. His attestation papers can be seen here
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...
And
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...
They tell us that he was born London, England, and is a Shoemaker by trade. His next of kin is his mother, Elizabeth, who resides at 8 St Augustines, Norwich.. He had previously done military service with the Royal Field Artillery. He enlisted in Toronto on the 8th January 1915. His medical notes tell us that he was 5 feet 6 ½ inches, with Brown hair, Brown eyes, and a dark complexion. His religious denomination is shown as Baptist.

The 11 year old Thomas “H” is recorded on the 1901 census at 10 Bull Row in the parish of St Pauls, having been born Peckham, London. This the household of his parents, Walter P. (aged 42 and a Tinsmith from Norwich), and Elizabeth, (aged 39 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Charles P…………..aged 9.…………born Camberwell, London
Daniel………………aged 4.…………born Norwich
Susanna……………aged 18.………..born Norwich
William…………….aged 2.…………born Norwich

While there were casualties, (three wounded, 2 Sergeant, one Private) on the 21/4, the war diary of the 20th Battalion gives no indication of any further casualties on either the 22nd or 23rd.

23rd April 1918. Neuville Vitasse
At 1.15 am the O.C “C” Coy on our left reported that he had been relived north of the
BEAURAINS - NEUVILLE VITASSE road by the 18th Cdn Bn. And that he is now all south of the road except for one L.G post north of the north edge. MAP111 shows this alteration in his disposition. The platton relieved was employed during the remainder of the night deepening and fire-stepping the trench in M..24.b During the night, “A” Coy in the right front line set out 200 yds of single apron wire in N.19.e.

Two patrols were out on each company front last, on the right both were battle patrols, on the left the first patrol was a small reconnoitring. This patrol located an enemy …..at M24.b.95.05
During the day the enemy was very quiet, very little hostile shelling. E.A flying low over our area at 2.50 pm was engaged. It is reported to have landed either in “no-mans land” or just in its own lines in front of the Bn on our left.
A work party totalling 1 Officer and 35 O.R.s reported to 2nd Cdn Pioneers at 9.30 pm and worked for three hours in the INTERMEDIATE line in M.23.b, M.24.a, and M.18,c.
At 10.45pm an enemy wiring party was reported at M.19.c.35.70.. This was reported to and engaged by the 4th T.M. Batty. guns at M..24.b.3.3.
At 11.35pm two six or eight inch dud shells from our own batteries fell just in front of our right support coy.trench. Shorts also occurred from the 18 pdrs. about 50 yards behind our front line at N.19.c
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960728.jpg
data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e039/e000960729.jpg

A small picture of the headstone can be seen here
twgpp.org/information.php?id=1280588

*********************************Private Bertie C Crosskill******************************

No match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Bertie, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 3 Eagle Opening, Sussex Street, in the Parish of St Augustines. This is the household of his grandmother, the widow Maria Bone. Maria is employed as a “Fitter in Coal Trade”. Living with her is her widowed daughter, (and presumably Bertie’s mother), Maria, (aged 34 and a Machinist from Norwich)

The Great War Roll of Honour lists a Private Bertie “G” Crosskill, 27049 Wiltshire Regiment, who died 1918.

Due to a typo, the same individual turns up on the GWGC database as
Name: CROSKILL, BERTIE GEORGE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Wiltshire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 08/05/1918 Service No: 27049
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 119 to 120. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=841915

The War diaries of the 2nd Wiltshires are available on line, however that for the 8th May 1918 provides no indication of why Private Crosskill not only died, but died in such a way that his body was never discovered and he had to therefore be commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Additionally, the German spring offensives had petered out by now, so its difficult to see his grave being lost as a result of subsequent fighting, leading to him being commemorated on the Memorial. I can only assume he was on attachment with another unit at the time.

8th May 1918 Le Paradis

Working party under Lieut S COLLIER rejoined from WATOU.
www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php?action=date&regim...
The entry for the previous day reads , “All quiet, nothing to report”

***************************Private Edward H Dennis*********************************

Only E H Dennis in the CWGC database
Name: DENNIS, EDWARD HENRY
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 8975
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, of 90, Magpie Rd., Norwich; husband of Maria Sarah Hunt (formerly Dennis), of Railway Cottage, Ledge Fenn, Lakenheath, Suffolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=756620

Norlink has a picture of Sergeant Edward Henry Dennis of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The only additional information is that Sergeant Henry was from Norwich.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The 10 year old Edward, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 67 Barn Road, in the Parish of St Benedicts. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 37 and an Auctioneer’s Porter from Norwich), and Elvina, (aged 35 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Christiana……………….aged 8.………………born Norwich
James……………………aged 14.…………….born Norwich……Shoemaker
Roseanna………………..aged 6.………………born Norwich

(There is a baptism record for James William. This took place on the 30th January 1887 at St James with Pockthorpe. The data of birth is stated to be 15th June 1886. The parents are recorded as James and “Elaina”Adelaide. The family reside “OTP” (Outside the Parish). The father’s occupation is listed as Labourer.)

1st July 1916

The battalion was part of the second wave as far as I can ascertain, however in many places this suffered just as badly - the first wave having been wiped out, holed up or pinched out and surrounded, the German machine gunners could concentrate on the next wave, and the untouched German artillery caused devastation in the units forming up for the next assault - there were several units almost entirely eliminated from the battle before they even crossed the original British front line,

The battalion formed part of 23rd Brigade.

Ovillers

Here the 8th Division …was tasked with a direct assault on the village itself. In this area No Man's Land was 400 yards wide. Right from the start it was known that there would be no chance of success if the flanking Divisions did not make simultaneous progress with the 8th Division attackers.

The village of Ovillers sits on the southern side of a spur of land which points towards Albert. It was thus hoped that the 25th Brigade who would be attacking the village would have some cover up until the last few hundred metres as they came over the ridge.

To their right the 23rd Brigade would be very badly exposed as they made their way up Mash Valley. They would also be required to cross the widest section of no man's land on the Corps Front.

To the north of the ridge 70th Brigade were required to advance across another valley - called Nab Valley at the time but later designated as Blighty Valley. It was their task to push on past the village and up as far as Mouquet Farm.

Just before Zero at 07:30 hours the Division had put down a short barrage of Stokes Mortars onto the German positions giving the first wave of the assault an opportunity to get out into no man's land and closer to the German front line.

Leading the 23rd Brigade out into Mash Valley, the 2nd Bn Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment managed to gain the German front lines and even a distance beyond, but they found themselves being fired at from three sides and their casualties soon grew to a thousand men between them - more than half their number. 70 survivors managed to hang on in the German front line for a while but soon their grenades and ammunition ran out and they were forced out of it by a counter-attack after 2 hours. .

Of about 300 officers and 8000 men, the Division lost 189 officers and 4719 men dead or wounded.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058
www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ovillers.htm

According to the Devon's after action report, Lieutenant Colonel Sunderland could see very little of the action.
'At first and for some little time owing to mist and dust caused by our shell fire, it was difficult to realise what had happened … The lines appeared at first sight to be intact… Colonel Sunderland could make out rows of his men lying down. He demanded 'Why aren't they advancing?' The Adjutant, peering through his binoculars turned to the CO and replied 'They're all hit, sir!'.
The survivors bunched as they advanced through the few gaps in the enemy wire and the original wave formation soon ceased to exist, and the remains of companies became mixed together, making a mass of men, among which German fire played havoc'. The German eye witness wrote:
'All along the line, men could be seen throwing up their arms and collapsing, never to move again. Badly wounded rolled about in their agony, and others, less severely injured, crawled to the nearest shell hole for shelter. The extended lines, though badly shaken and with many gaps, now came on all the faster. Instead of a leisurely walk they covered the ground in short rushes at the double..'
The Devon's report recorded that 'only a very few reached the German lines alive. Some got into the German trenches, where they put up a determined fight against enormous odds and were soon killed'. The toehold that the Devons had gained could not be reinforced, as the curtain of fire that the German artillery put down in the middle of no-man's-land had halted the waves of C and D Companies. They were driven to ground by German machine gun fire. 2nd W Yorks, who moved forward behind the Devons at 0825 hours came under fire . By this time the attacking infantry had lost the barrage, which went on as planned. Consequently, only a few of C and D Companies along with A Company 2nd West Yorks reached the German line.
Despite acts of heroism, determination, by 0900 hours, the attack of the 8th Division had failed along the length of it's front. At 0930 hours, Major General Hudson instructed commanders of 23 and 25 Brigades to gather their men and repeat the attack, until it was pointed out that a repeated bombardment would hit the men thought to be stranded in the enemy position.
As late as 1430 hours, there were observers' reports that 'bomb fighting' was going on in the German lines. However, for those remaining out in no man's land it was fortunate that the shell holes, which had earlier hindered the movement of advancing men, now provided cover from enemy fire.
The Devon's Medical Officer, in his aid post dugout in the reserve line, after the initial rush of walking wounded, had few casualties to deal with, as:
'great difficulty was found evacuating the wounded to the Regimental Aid Post. The trenches were too narrow to allow a stretcher to pass and also the trenches had been so knocked about that in many places one was exposed to hostile machine gun and shell fire'
Wounded men succumbed to their wounds, who if properly treated, would have survived. Many lay in agony until, eventually the British barrage, was brought back to the enemy front line. Under its cover many men
regained their frontline and more returned under the cover of darkness.
www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/somme/reg_2nd_devons_1_jul.php?

Lt Col E T F Sandys, CO of the 2nd Middlesex (also of the 23 Bde 8 Div) had been concerned before the battle began about uncut German wire and the enemy trenches which were still occupied despite the heavy Allied barrage in the area of Mash Valley. His battalion had 750 yards of No Man’s Land to cross and they were cut down as he had predicted. The disaster so preyed on his mind that he shot himself in September and died a few days later.
(Extract from ‘When the Barrage lifts" by Gerald Glidden)
www.pricewebhome.co.uk/Docs/Stone/Death_of_Sergeant_HT_St...

A map of the British front line on the 1st July 1916 in this sector, and the German trenches facing them, can be seen here
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Boisselle_sector_1_July_191...

The position of the lead units of the Brigade, (2nd Middlesex and 2nd Devons,) can also be seen here
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64507

************************Private Ernest Denham**************************************

Name: DENHAM, ERNEST
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 39 Date of Death: 28/10/1917
Service No: 17234
Additional information: Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Denham, of 65, Patteson Rd., Norwich; husband of Martha Sarah Ann Denham, of 14, Cross St., Sussex St., Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 34 to 35 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1629786

No match on Norlink

No baptism record on FreeReg

The 22 year old Ernest, (born Norwich and employed as a Furniture ??? - handwriting is illegible, but the census analyser has added “Carman“ so I‘m assuming the word should be deliverer) is recorded as a boarder at 65 Patteson Road along with his wife Martha, (aged 21 and a Silk Weaver from Norwich). This is down as the household of William J Denham, (aged 45 and a Tobacco Cutter from Norwich) and his wife, Isabella, (aged 44 and from Norwich). Given the information on the CWGC database, it seems odd that Ernest and his wife Martha are described as having no other relationship than being boarders.

On the 1891 Census, the 12 year old Ernest is recorded at 47 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, William J and Isabella. They have other children living with them at this time:-
George A.G……………….aged 17.…………….born Norwich………Clicker
Emmeline S……………….aged 15.…………….born Norwich………Upholsterer
Frederick.W………………..aged 14.…………….born Norwich………Cabinet Maker

Going back to the 1881 census, the family can be found at 2 Britannia Terrace, in the Parish of St Clements, although then the mother’s name looks closer to Sarah then Isabella - the curse of census taker’s handwriting strikes again.

Although I’ve not been able to locate the was diary for the 1st Norfolk, the diaries for the 1st Bedfords are fully on line and can be an indication of what or where the 1st Norfolks were up to, as they were in the same brigade. For the period 25th to 28th October, the 1st Bedfords held a position called “Stirling Castle”, and would support an attack on Polderhoek Chateau on the 26th. They took about working with the 1st Cheshires, another Brigade Unit. Havng suffered 103 casualties during their three days in the front line, the 1st Bedfords were relieved by the 1st Devons - the inference being that the 1st Cheshires were relieved by the 1st Norfolks.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1917diary.html

However, another source has the whole 5th Division being relieved by the 14th Division on this day.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&...

**************************Private Albert Fox**************************************
Probably
Name: FOX, ALBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy., 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 21/04/1917
Service No: 200949
Additional information: Son of Fred and Ellen Fox, of Norwich; husband of Mabel Longbone (formerly Fox), of 93, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 117. Cemetery: DEIR EL BELAH WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=645596

Also 112 other possibles in the CWGC database

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Albert, born Norwich, can be found on the 1901 census at 23 Newbegins Yard, St Marys Plain, in the Parish of St Marys Coslany.. This is the household of his parents, Fredk. G, (aged 34 and a Boot Finisher from Norwich) and Ellen J. (aged 32 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Arthur……………..aged 1.………….born Norwich
Ernest……………..aged 5.………….born Norwich
Rosana……………aged 7.……………born Norwich
There are three more children in the household, presumably Ellen’s from a previous marriage.
Ellen I Perriment……..aged 15.…….born Norwich………..Tailoress
Ethel Perriment………aged 11.…….born Norwich
Fredk Perriment………aged 9.……..born Norwich

On 28 February 1917, the cavalry of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force entered Khan Yunus, midway between the Egyptian border and Deir el Belah causing the Turks to withdraw to Gaza and Beersheba. The railway was pushed forward to Deir el Belah, which became the railhead in April 1917, and an aerodrome and camps were established there. The cemetery was begun towards the end of March and remained in use until March 1919. Most of the burials were made either from field ambulances from March to June 1917, or from the 53rd, 54th, 66th and 74th Casualty Clearing Stations, and the 69th General Hospital, from April 1917 until the Armistice with Turkey. A number of graves, the majority of which were originally at Khan Yunus, were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=71200&...

On 19th April the Norfolks took part in a disastrous attempt to take Gaza. In this action casualties for the battalion were 478 (55 killed, 323 wounded and 100 missing). The battalion’s sister unit, 1/5th Norfolks, also took part in the assault and they fared even worse, suffering 643 casualties.
www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage....

While we cannot be sure Arthur died as a result of injuries in the action at Gaza it seems more than probable that this is the case.

***************************Private Robert Fuller*************************************

Prime candidate
Name: FULLER Initials: R
Rank: Private
Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 21 Date of Death: 20/04/1917
Service No: 22258
Additional information: Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Fuller, of 112, Aylsham Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 12. Cemetery: SUCRERIE CEMETERY, ABLAIN-ST. NAZAIRE
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=561424

Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a Robert
1901 Census likely match.
Robert, aged 4, born Norwich. Recorded at 5 Hindes Yard, St Augustines. Parents are
Samuel, (aged 41, Boot Finisher from Norwich), and Mary Ann, (aged 35 and from Norwich). Siblings are Arthur, (9), Charles, (u/1), Elizabeth, (8), Nellie, (3),

The Gloucester Regiment Museum confirms that Private 22258 Robert Fuller was born and enlisted Norwich. His previous unit was the “Hussars of Line”, where his service number was 19928. He is recorded as Killed in action.
www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/13107

From the Battalion War Dairy.
20th April. In trenches. Bois de Hirondelle

In front line. Heavy Enemy Shelling. 7 O.R Killed. 15 O.R wounded. 5 O.R joined as reinforcements.

*********************************Private John J Fuller*****************************

5 possible matches on CWGC

No match on Norlink

1901 Census possibles.
John, aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 35 Magpie Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 34, Carman from Norwich) , and Ann, (aged 33, from Norwich). Siblings, Elizabeth, (13), Ernest, (0), Esther, (6), James, (10), Robert, (aged 3) and William, (8). All born Norwich.

On the 1911 census there is one John James with a Norwich connection, and it seems to be the one from Magpie Road.

By a process of elimination, this individual on the CWGC database is our most likely Match
Name: FULLER Initials: J J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Fusiliers Unit Text: 4th Bn. Date of Death: 31/08/1918 Service No: 72688 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 32. Cemetery: H.A.C. CEMETERY, ECOUST-ST. MEIN
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=303889

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms this is a John J

The 4th Fusiliers were part of the 3rd Division for the the whole. One of the divisional battle honours is
Second Battle of Bapaume. 31 Aug-3 Sep 1918.

On August 31st the 4th Battalion, who had moved up to positions south-east of Ecoust, attacked eastwards. Ten minutes before zero the assembly positions were subjected to a heavy shell and machine-gun fire, and there were many casualties ; and when our barrage began, five minutes
later, it missed the chief obstacles in the way of the Royal Fusiliers' advance. As a consequence, while the battalions on both flanks advanced with little trouble, the 4th Royal Fusiliers were decisively checked by machine-gun fire from the sunken road, about 250 yards to the east. Z Company
made several most gallant attempts to reach these guns, but the men were mown down, and all the officers but one became casualties. The tank which should have assisted in coping with this obstacle caught fire a few minutes before zero. Another tank broke down actually in the road, and a German officer, climbing on top of it, shot or took prisoner the whole of the crew. A machine-gun nest
in the south of Ecoust also devoted too much attention to the battalion, who were completely held up.
About 8 p.m. the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers cleared the sunken road under a creeping barrage, and before dawn on September 1st the 4th Royal Fusiliers had advanced 1,500 yards. At
6 p.m. on the same day, with only eight casualties, the battalion carried the line still further, clearing the sunken road midway between Longatte and Noreuil. In this operation 70 prisoners and several machine guns and trench mortars were captured.
www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/h-c-herbert-charles-oneill...


*********************************Private A Fulcher*******************************

Possibly
Name: FULCHER Initials: A
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 02/11/1915
Service No: 7638
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 17. Cemetery: KUT WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=637920

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Archie Fulcher


Less likely
Name: FULCHER Initials: A G H
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 27/09/1918
Service No: 30383
Additional information: Son of Richanda Alice Beaumont Fulcher, of I, School Rd., Runham, Vauxhall, Gt. Yarmouth, and the late Henry Thurtell Fulcher.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. N. 17. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509914

Great War Roll of Honour has this soldier listed as an Alfred G H.

Or
Name: FULCHER, ARTHUR JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 37 Date of Death: 01/09/1915
Service No: 2243
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Fulcher, of Wymondham, Norfolk, husband of Laura Fulcher, of Damgate Bridge, Wymondham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=681137

No match on Norlink

1901 Census matches using search criteria Fulcher and Norwich.
Arthur aged 2, born Norwich. Recorded at 9 Fishers Buildings, parish of St Phillips. Parents are John, (aged 36, Tailor from Rushmere, Suffolk) and Emily, (aged 36, from Norwich). Siblings are, Bertie, (8), Edith, (3), and Thomas, (4) - all born Norwich.

Arthur G, aged 7, born Wymondham. Recorded at 21 Egyptian Road, Bishops Bridge Road. Parents are George, (aged 35 - Railway Plate Layer, Wymondham) and Elizabeth, (aged 35, Norwich), Siblings are Ernest, (1), Margaret, (5), and Thomas (3) - all born Wymondham.

Albert aged 9, born Norwich. Recorded at 107 Dereham Road. Parents are Robert, (aged 42, Licensed Victualler from Norwich), and Hannah, (aged 41, from Norwich), Siblings are Adlaine, (14), Donald, (3), Leonard, (7), Lucy, (17) - all born Norwich.

The 1911 census has only one match for an Archie Fulcher for the whole of England and Wales. This individual is shown as being born circa 1891 at St Marys, Norwich, Norfolk. His current whereabouts are not however listed. As St Marys is the neighbouring parish to St Augustines, this tends to strengthen the case for this being our man.

Archie does not appear to be on either the 1901 or 1891 Census for England and Wales.

From India to Mesopotamia
To protect the British owned oil fields in Persia and to stop Turkish domination of the Middle East an Indian Expeditionary Force was sent to the Persian Gulf. As part of this Force the Norfolk Regiment left Belgaum for Bombay under the command of Lieu-Colonel E C Peebles and boarded HM Transport Elephanta on 6 November1914. The 2nd Norfolks arrived at Seniyeh in the Persian Gulf on 15 November 1914 and joined the 18th Brigade, which consisted of the 7th Rajput's, 110th Mahratta Light Infantry and 120th Rajputana Infantry.

The 2nd Norfolks took part in several battles during the advance, finally culminating in the Battle of Ctesiphon on the 22/11/1915, when British force of 11000 defeat a Turkish force of over 18000. Battle ends with a bayonet charge across open ground. Norfolks suffer 6 officers killed 27 men killed, 225 wounded and 2 missing.

However, with opposition mounting, on the 24th November 1915,the Brigade under the command of General Townshend suffering losses and sickness has to withdraw to Kut. The Norfolks form the rear guard as the Brigade withdraws. The 44 miles to Kut is covered in 36 hours. The 2nd Norfolks now comprise half their effective fighting

Kut- al-mara, having been taken in July had been the Allies strong-point and medical base, so its likely that Archie died either as a result of wounds sustained in July or as a result of illness.
www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm

*******************************Private Herbert Gooch*********************************

Probably
Name: GOOCH, HERBERT FRANCIS
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 20/04/1918
Service No: 28285
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Gooch; husband of Mrs. Gooch, of 38, Magpie Rd., Norwich. Native of Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIX. K. 4A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=501487

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&...

No match on Norlink

The 12 year old Herbert F, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 60 Beaconsfield Road, in the Parish of St James. This is the household of his parents, Thomas, (aged 44 and a “Restry Cook and Cow Feetner” - Genes Re-united transcriber, or “PastryCook and Confectioner” - Moominpappa, from Great Yarmouth), and Harriet F, (aged 41 and from Ludham). Their other children are:-
Annie M……………….aged 10.………….born Norwich
Arthur S……………….aged 17.…………..born Norwich………Railway Telegraphist
Audrey A………………aged 19.………….born Norwich
Charles Ed……………..aged 14.………….born Norwich………Railway Telegraph Messenger
Edward E………………aged 4.…………born Norwich
Ernest………………….aged u/1.………..born Norwich
Frederick J…………….aged 7.………….born Norwich
George Wm……………aged 5.…………born Norwich

The International Genealogical Index has further details. Herbert Francis was born the 25th July 1888 in the parish of St Peter Parmentergate. He would marry Alice Maud Armes, on the 10th November 1917 in the Parish Church of St Augustines.. His place of death is recorded as the 4th General Hospital, Carniers.
www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...
Alice was born 1897 and would finally die in 1994, having been 75 years a widow.

His parents were Thomas Wade Gooch and Harriet Frances Storey.
www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/IGI/individual_record.asp...

The 4th Division, of which the 1st Kings Own formed part were heavily engaged in March and April 1918 in fighting off the the German Spring offensive including
First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918.
Battle of Hazebrouck. 12-15 Apr, including the defence of the Hinges Ridge and the Nieppe Forest.
Battle of Bethune. 18 Apr 1918, including the second defence of Givenchy.

L\Corporal Gooch could have succumbed to wounds received in any of these actions.
****************************Private Ralph V Gant********************************

Only R V Gant on the CWGC database
Name: GANT, RALPH VICTOR
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: 34675
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 51 and 52. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1581248

No match on Norlink

A family web-site adds that he was the husband of a Glady Gant
www.gant-name.org.uk/lestweforget.html

The 7 year old Ralph, (born Norwich), is recorded on the 1901 census at 30 Old Palace Road, Norwich, in the parish of St Bartholomew. This is the household of his parents, Benjamin, (aged 42 and a house builder from Reedham), and Emma, (aged 50 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Alice………………aged 17.……………born Norwich…….Dressmaker
Benjamin………….aged 13.……………born Norwich
Ethel………………aged 20.……………born Norwich…….Tailoress
Frederick………….aged 19.……………born Norwich…….Carpenter

The Gants also have a boarder living with them, Caroline Thompson, aged 20 and from Strumpshaw who works as a dressmaker.

Given that information and checking the family web-site we can also identify that brother Frederick fell in the Great War.

Name: GANT Initials: F T
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps Unit Text: 11th Bn.
Age: 35 Date of Death: 25/09/1917
Service No: R/15481
Additional information: Son of Emma and the late Benjamin Gant, of 67, West End St., Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 11A. Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=508460

21st March 1918
From the diary of the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, who were in the same division.
21st March 1918. St Quentin, Soissons, Amiens.
The enemy artillery had been gradually increasing in intensity all night, and at 4.30 am reached a maximum, and the battalion was ordered to stand to. The shelling was all east of the CROZAT CANAL and no shells fell near the camp.
At 12.30 pm the commanding officer received a verbal order from the Divisional Headquarters to take the Battalion at once to a position of assembly on the Western outskirts of REMIGY and to proceed himself to the H.qtrs of the 10th ESSEX REGT at LY FONTAINE, where he would received further orders from the G.O.C 53rd Inf. Bde. This order was carried out at once, Companies being in the assembly area by 1.30pm.

The C.O reported to the Hqts 10th Essex Regt but found no orders for him there until about 2pm when Col.Minette DSO MC DGMO turned up with orders from the Division to hold LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH LINE, on the west of LY FONTAINE.

As parties of the enemy could now be seen close to the switch line on the east of LY FONTAINE, the Commanding Officer decided to send “D” Company to make good that section of the line, and for “A” and “C” companies to hold the LY FONTAINE - GIBECOURT SWITCH with “B” Co in Battalion reserve, ½ mile North of REMIGY. These dispositions were taken up and about 3.30 pm a message was received from Brig.Gen Higginson, DSO commanding 53rd Bde that enemy cavalry were working round our left rear from the direction of MONTESCOURT.

Two platoons of “B” Co were therefore ordered to take up a line facing N.W to guard against surprise from that quarter. Battalion H.qrs were established in the North end of REMIGY.

At 9.30pm an order was received from the 53rd Bde to the effect that the battalion would take up a line N and E of REMIGY to cover the retirement of units of the 53rd Bde at 10.30 pm, and that when this operation had been completed, the battalion would withdraw in rearguard formation to the West of CROZAT CANAL and rendezvous at FRIERES - FAILLOUEL, this withdrawal to commence at midnight.
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/ES00819180304.pdf

Note these names also appear on a memorial plaque in the church.

Leslie T Bond

Name: BOND, LESLIE THOMAS
Rank: Stoker 2nd Class Regiment/Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. "Pembroke" Age: 21 Date of Death: 26/05/1916 Service No: K/32727
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Harriet Mary Ann Nobbs, of High St., Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Near North wall of church. Cemetery: LUDHAM (ST. CATHERINE) CHURCHYARD
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803426

See shot of headstone from the churchyard. Next to it is a headstone for Harriet Mary Ann Bond, died September 17th 1931.
Described as widow of Thomas and mother of Sidney, Leslie and Thirza.

Pembroke, RN Barracks/Base, Chatham
BOND, Leslie T, Stoker 2c, K 32727, illness
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1916-05May.htm

No match on Norlink

The 6 year old Leslie is recorded on the 1901 census at the Cottage, Yarmouth Road, Ludham.This is the household of his widowed mother Harriett, aged 43 and a Shopkeeper from Ludham. Her other children are Sidney, (aged 12, born Ludham), and Thirza, (a daughter aged 9 from Ludham). On the 1911 census Leslie is recorded in the District of Smallburgh, which covers the village of Ludham.

Neither Harriet or Samuel appear to be on the 1891 census for England and Wales.

Victor A Brooks

Name: BROOKS, VICTOR ALEXANDER
Rank: Private Regiment: Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 04/05/1917 Service No: 35806
Additional information: Son of Harold Dennis and Sarah Elizabeth Brooks, of The Shrublands, Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Memorial: SAVONA MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=641350

From the Summer of 1917 until late 1918, the Mediterranean lines of communication for the British Salonika Force ran the length of Italy from Taranto in the south-east, to Turin in the north-west. On 4 May 1917, the Hired Transport "Transylvania", proceeding to Salonika with reinforcements, was sunk by torpedo off Cape Vado, a few kilometres south of Savona, with the loss of more than 400 lives. The bodies recovered at Savona were buried two days later, from the Hospital of San Paulo, in a special plot in the town cemetery. Others are buried elsewhere in Italy, France, Monaco and Spain. SAVONA TOWN CEMETERY contains 85 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, all but two of them casualties of the "Transylvania". Within the cemetery is the SAVONA MEMORIAL, which commemorates a further 275 casualties who died when the "Transylvania" went down, but whose graves are not known.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=70402&...

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Victor is recorded on the 1901 census at a “Cottage”, High Street, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Harold, (aged 29 and a Shoemaker from Catfield), and Sarah, (aged 26 and from Ludham). Their other children are Evelyn, (aged 2, born Ludham), and Elsie, (aged 11 months and from Ludham), Victor is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh on the 1911 Census.

Loss of the Transylvania
www.freewebs.com/eltoro1960/hmttransylvania.htm
s888.photobucket.com/albums/ac88/tomburnell/?action=view&...
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=151367
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51175

Herbert W Clarke

Updated to reflect information received, (with thanks to fulvue)

Name: CLARKE Initials: H W
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 02/12/1917 Service No: 15288
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. D. 14. Cemetery: JEANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC : www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=236575

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms that the CWGC man is a Herbert W.

Battalion War diary for the 2nd.

Location: LEMPIRE.
Enemy activity continued but no further attacks followed. Many gas shells were again fired at intervals into RO??SOY and LEMPIRE. The Battn was relieved by 1/8th Bn Irish, (Kings Liverpool Rifles), relief being completed by 11.45 pm.. On relief the Battn moved back to (“Divisional Reserve”) in VENDELLES. Casualties during tour :-
4 O.R’s killed, 1 O.R’s wounded.
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/QW00819171201.pdf

No match on Norlink

The 5 year old Herbert is recorded on the 1901 census at Norwich Road, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Winter, (aged 54 and an ordinary Farm Labourer from Hevingham), and Elizabeth, (aged 49 and from Somerton). Their other children are:-
Charles………………..aged 18.…….Born Horning……………House Painter
They also have a boarder, Mary A Dover, a 69 year old widow living on her own means.
Herbert is still recorded in the Smallburgh district on the 1911 census.

Albert L England

Name: ENGLAND, ALBERT LESLIE
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 04/11/1917 Service No: 33128
Additional information: Husband of Fanny M. L. England, of Ludham, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXX. J. 17A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=500919

There is a picture of “Signaller “ England of the 10th Essex on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read,
Signaller England was born at Ludham, 4 June 1892, the son of Kirby and Emma England. He enlisted 8 April 1916 and killed 4 November 1917

The 8 year old Albert is recorded at a Dwelling House on the High Street, which on the census sheet is shown as next door to The Stables on Butchers Street. This is the household of his parents, Kirby E. (aged 47, a butcher and farmer from Ludham), and Emma, (aged 48 and from Horning. Their other children are:-
Alethea………………..aged 26.……..born Ludham
Alice…………………..aged 21.……..born Ludham
Kirby………………….aged 19.……..born Ludham…….Carpenter

They also have a visitor staying with them, a John Lynes, a 23 year old boat builder from Norwich., By the time of the 1911 census Albert is recorded in the Norwich District, although Kirby and Emma still are in the Smallburgh District.

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&...

Ernest Gedge

Genes Reunited Roll of Honour has only one Ernest Gedge, a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery who died in 1917

Name: GEDGE Initials: E
Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Garrison Artillery Unit Text: 11th Siege Bty. Date of Death: 30/10/1917 Service No: 154061
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 10. Cemetery: MINTY FARM CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=447319

No match on Norlink

The 3 yeat Ernest is recorded on the 1901 census at Manship Farm, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 49 and a Horseman on Farm, from Ludham), and Ann, aged 37 and from Potter Heigham. Their other children are:-
Alfred G……………..aged 1.…………….born Ludham
Arthur………………..aged 24.……………born Ludham…………Yardman on Farm
Blanche………………aged 4.……………born Ludham
On the 1901 census, Ernest is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh.

Minty Farm (the name was probably adopted during its occupation by a Wiltshire unit) was at one time used as a German blockhouse and in 1917, as a company headquarters for Commonwealth forces. The cemetery was begun in October 1917 and used until April 1918 by units fighting on that front. More than a third of the graves are of officers and men of the Royal Artillery.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=51502&...

William T Grapes

Name: GRAPES, WILLIAM THOMAS
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 36 Date of Death: 26/09/1915 Service No: 15384
Additional information: Son of William and Lucretia Grapes, of Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30 and 31. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1764085

No match on Norlink

The 23 year William, (born Potter Heigham and a Farm Labourer), is recorded on the 1901 census at a Cottage on Yarmouth Road, Ludha,. This is the household of William Grapes, (aged 56 and a Thatcher from Ludham), and Lucretia , (aged 53 and from Potter Heigham). Their other children are:-
Ada…………………aged 17.……………born Ludham
Bessie………………aged 21.……………born Catfield
Edith………………..aged 13.…………….born Ludham
Isabella……………..aged 19.…………….born Ludham
Laura……………….aged 15.…………….born Ludham
On the 1911 census, William is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh.

The 9th (Service) Battalion was formed at Norwich in September 1914 as part of K3, Kitcheners Third Army. In September 1914 it was attached to the 71st Brigade, 24th Division. The Battalion was assembled around Shoreham during September 1914 and it then spent 11 months in training after formation. Uniforms, equipment and blankets were slow in arriving and they initially wore emergency blue uniforms and carried dummy weapons. The battalion crossed to France between 28th August and 4th September 1915 where they joined X1 Corps and were sent up the line for the developing Battle of Loos. They disembarked at Boulogne almost 1000 strong, but 8 days later were reduced to 16 officers and 555 other ranks. The battalion lost a total of 1,019 men killed during the First World War. It marched from Montcarrel on the 21st September reaching Bethune on the 25th, before moving up to Lonely Tree Hill south of the La Basée Canal. They formed up for an attack in support of 11th Essex but were not engaged. At 03:30 on 26th September orders were received to assist 2nd Brigade on an attack on quarries west of Hulluch. At 05:30 the Battalion were in what had, the day before, been the German front trenches. The attack was launched at 06:45 under heavy fire, especially from snipers, after a full night of marching on empty stomachs and little or no progress was made before the Norfolks sought cover in the trenches. At 16:00 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment passed through to attack. At 19:00 the Germans opened fire and the Norfolks were forced to fall back to trenches in the rear to take cover before being relieved by the Grenadier Guards whereupon they returned to Lonely Tree Hill. They had lost 5 officers killed and 9 wounded, with 39 other ranks killed, 122 wounded and 34 missing, a total of 209 casualties sustained in their first action
forum.planetalk.net/viewtopic.php?t=4844&sid=b3e7614b...

William H Lemon

Name: LEMON, WILLIAM HERBERT
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Border Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 23 Date of Death: 03/07/1916 Service No: 23141
Additional information: Son of Ellen Lemon, of Ludham, Norfolk, and the late Herbert D. Lemon; husband of Kathleen R. Wright (formerly Lemon), of 19, Second Avenue, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=800224

There is a picture of William on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The picture title tells us he transferred from the 7th Norfolks,(in fact the cap badge in the picture looks like Britannia, so predates his transfer.) The accompanying notes read

Corporal Lemon was born at Ludham on 17th September 1892, and educated at Ludham School. He enlisted on 29th March 1915, and was killed in action in France on 3rd July 1916

The 8 year old William, (born Ludham), is recorded on the 1901 census at a Cottage, Fritton South, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Herbert, (aged 30 and a Cattleman on Farm from Horning), and Ellen M., (aged 28 and from Waxham). They also have daughters, Gertrude, aged 7, and Gladys, aged 2, both from Horning.

They had taken part in the first phase of the Battle of the Somme as part of the 51st Brigade, 17th(Northern) Division,in XV Corps under General Horne, in the Fricourt- Becourt sector. On July 1st, they were in support, but on July 3rd they attacked and took Bottom Wood opposite Fricourt and were relieved overnight to Fricourt Wood.

Fricourt

North East of Fricourt, attacks were made on Bottom Wood and Shelter Wood, the 17th Div capturing the former and 21st Div the latter. Counterattacks from Contalmaison were repulsed at 2pm.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

John Mattocks

The only John Mattocks listed on the Genes Re-united Roll of Honour was a Lance Corporal in the Norfolk Regiment who died in 1917

Name: MATTOCKS Initials: J
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Bn.
Date of Death: 08/12/1917 Service No: 320237
Grave/Memorial Reference: Y. 27. Cemetery: JERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY, Israel
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=647599

No match on Norlink
There are no Mattocks at all associated with Ludham on the 1901 Census, but on the 1911 census there are 10. While I don’t have access to the details I suspect that they are a married couple William and Sarah, both originally from Cumberland. There are two Mattocks, Elizabeth (circa 1896) and George (circa 1898), whose place of birth is given as Bolton. Then there are two Mattocks, William, (circa 1900) and Robert Mordaunt, (circa 1902) whose place of birth is given as Burlingham, Norfolk., Finally, starting with an Edward Gilbert, (circa 1904), there are four children whose place of birth is shown as Ludham.

Some of this is confirmed by the 1901 Census, where William and Sarah Jane are shown as a married couple , living on the Green at Burlingham St.Andrew, Norfolk, with their children Elizabeth, George and William. William seniors occupation is given as Farmer‘s son. A further search shows William‘s father, Robert Mattocks, aged 60 and a Widower, (originally from Aspatria, Cumberland), as the farmer at Green Farm, Burlingham, St.Andrew.

And this finally leads us to John. The 12 year old John, born Anhurst, Cumberland, is recorded at The Dairy, on the Green, Burlingham St.Andrew. This is the household of his father, John, presumably another one of Robert Mattocks sons,as his occupation like William is shown as Farmer’s son., John senior is aged 33, and originally from Bridekirk, Cumberland. He is married to Maggie, aged 33 and from Rockcliffe, Cumberland. Their other children are:-
Alic………………aged 10.…………..born Anhurst, Cumberland
Edith……………..aged 14.…………..born Anhurst, Cumberland
Lily………………aged 8.……………born Anhurst, Cumberland
Madge……………aged 8.……………born Anhurst, Cumberland
Maggie…………..aged 7.…………….born Anhurst, Cumberland
Robert……………aged 4.……………born Bolton, Cumberland
Thomas………….aged 1.…………….born Burlingham St Peter, Norfolk.

Given those places of birth, I’m intrigued. Cumberland hill farming for much of this century has tended to be seen as the poorer relation to the rich farmland of East Anglia, so how were the Mattocks in a position to sell up and be in a position to farm in Norfolk, and presumably a farm big enough to support so many mouths - there are 19 Mattocks associated with Burlingham on the 1901 census.

On the 1911 census, John junior is still recorded in the district of Blofield, which covers Burlingham St.Andrew.

A number of the Mattocks listed above are buried in the Ludham graveyard.
www.ludhamarchive.org.uk/graves.htm

Even more intrigue - on a geneology web-site
I have been researching the Mattocks family for my neighbour whose Grandfather was the John Mattocks who married Margaret Tweddle. He tells me that the family hired a train when they moved to Norfolk and brought everything down with them including their animals! It must have been quite a journey.

The same source also believes that Robert Mattocks moved from being the farmer at Green Farm, Burlingham to The Laurels, Ludham, circa 1904.
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=e4f975mhqo6st...

The 12th Norfolks were involved in the Battle that would see the Capture of Jerusalem on the 8th/9th December 1917
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jerusalem_(1917)
www.firstworldwar.com/battles/jerusalem.htm

General Allenbys dispatch, describing the action on that day
The troops moved into positions of assembly by night, and, assaulting at dawn on the 8th, soon carried their first objectives. They then pressed steadily forward. T he mere physical difficulty of climbing the steep and rocky hillsides and crossing the deep valleys would have sufficed to render progress slow, and the opposition encountered was considerable.
Artillery support was soon difficult, owing to the length of the advance and the difficulty of moving guns forward. But by about noon London troops had already advanced over two miles, and were swinging northeast to gain the Nablus-Jerusalem road, while the yeomanry had captured the Beit Iksa spur, and were preparing for a further advance.
As the right column had been delayed and was still some distance south of Jerusalem, it was necessary for the London troops to throw back their right and form a defensive flank facing east toward Jerusalem, from the western outskirts of which considerable rifle and artillery fire was being experienced.
This delayed the advance, and early in the afternoon it was decided to consolidate the line gained and resume the advance next day, when the right column would be in a position to exert its pressure.
By nightfall our line ran from Neby Samwil to the east of Beit Iksa, through Lifta to point about one and a half miles west of Jerusalem, whence it was thrown back facing east. All the enemy's prepared defences west and northwest of Jerusalem had been captured, and our troops were within a short distance of the Nablus-Jerusalem road.
The London troops and yeomanry had displayed great endurance in difficult conditions. The London troops especially, after a night march in heavy rain to reach their positions of deployment, had made an advance of three to four miles in difficult hills in the face of stubborn opposition.
During the day about 300 prisoners were taken and many Turks killed. Our own casualties were light.
(The Yeomanry troops he referred to was the 74th (Yeomanry Division, which included 12th Norfolks)
www.firstworldwar.com/source/jerusalem_allenby1.htm

Alfred C Moy

Probably
Name: MOY, ALFRED CHARLES
Rank: Stoker 1st Class Regiment/Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. "Adamant." Age: 22 Date of Death: 05/06/1918 Service No: SS/117522
Grave/Memorial Reference: In front of central Chapel. Cemetery: FIORENZUOLA D'ARDA COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=642119

Adamant, submarine depot ship
MOY, Alfred C, Stoker 1c, SS 117522, drowned
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-06Jun.htm

No match on Norlink

The 4 year old Alfred, Born Ludham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Johnson Street, Ludham. This is the household of his grand-parents, Henry, (aged 49 and a Marshman from Ludham), and Eliza, (aged 49 and from Ludham). The rest of the household is made up by their children:-
Blanche…..aged 16.….Single…born Ludham….Domestic Servant
Cubitt…….aged 18.….Single…born Ludham….Ordinary Agricultural Labourer
William…..aged 20.….Single…born Ludham….Agricultural Labourer Teamster

So no clue as to Alfred’s parents there.

A picture of the Adamant can be seen here
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/depot_ships.htm
As a side note it looks like the ship saw service through-out WW1 in the Mediterranean theatre. This note from 1918 from a submariner captured by the Turks in the Dardenelles in early 1918 indicates the Adamant was his depot ship.

www.submariners.co.uk/Dits/Articles/E14_report.php

Percy J Phillippo

Name: PHILLIPPO, PERCY JAMES
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy. 10th Bn.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 12/08/1917 Service No: 33129
Additional information: Son of James and Emma Phillippo, of High St., Ludham; husband of Annie E. Phillippo, of School Rd., Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 39. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1624097

There is a picture of Percy on Norlink,
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes
Signaller Phillippo was born at Stoke Holy Cross on 27th October 1891, the son of James and Emma Phillippo of Ludham. He enlisted on 8th April 1916 in the 10th Bedford Regiment, but later transferred to the 10th Essex Regiment. He was killed on 12th August 1917

The Genes Re-united transcription of the 1911 Census for England & Wales has a Percy James “Phillipps”, born Stoke Holy Cross circa 1892 and resident in the Smallburgh District. There is no “Phillippo”, “Philippo”, “Phillipo” or “Phillip” that matches for either the 1901 or 1911 census that matches any of the details known for “Percy”, “James” or his parents.

The 12th was a quite day in the Battle of Passchendaele, after the initial flurry during the first week after the initial attack by the Allies on the 31st July. On the previous day the 18th Division, of which 10th Essex were part, had seen action in a small scale operation when the Germans attacked whilst the 8th Norfolks were relieving the 7th Bedfords in the front line. The Norfolks counter-attacked and regained the ground lost, (which in turn had only been taken by the 7th Bedfords in their action on the 10th .
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

Arthur Webster

No obvious match on the CWGC database.

No match on Norlink
There is no obvious match for Arthur Webster on the 1901 census with any connection to the Ludham part of Norfolk, and no Websters recorded living in Ludham. However, the 1911 census does have a Mary Ann Webster, born circa 1881 Ludham , and still resident in the Smallburgh. I can only assume this is her married name, as she doesn’t appear on the 1901 census

Leslie T Bond

Name: BOND, LESLIE THOMAS
Rank: Stoker 2nd Class Regiment/Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. "Pembroke" Age: 21 Date of Death: 26/05/1916 Service No: K/32727
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Harriet Mary Ann Nobbs, of High St., Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Near North wall of church. Cemetery: LUDHAM (ST. CATHERINE) CHURCHYARD
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803426

See shot of headstone from the churchyard. Next to it is a headstone for Harriet Mary Ann Bond, died September 17th 1931. Described as widow of Thomas and mother of Sidney, Leslie and Thirza.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/4958030369/sizes/s/in/...

Pembroke, RN Barracks/Base, Chatham
BOND, Leslie T, Stoker 2c, K 32727, illness
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1916-05May.htm

No match on Norlink

The 6 year old Leslie is recorded on the 1901 census at the Cottage, Yarmouth Road, Ludham.This is the household of his widowed mother Harriett, aged 43 and a Shopkeeper from Ludham. Her other children are Sidney, (aged 12, born Ludham), and Thirza, (a daughter aged 9 from Ludham). On the 1911 census Leslie is recorded in the District of Smallburgh, which covers the village of Ludham.

Neither Harriet or Samuel appear to be on the 1891 census for England and Wales.

Victor A Brooks

Name: BROOKS, VICTOR ALEXANDER
Rank: Private Regiment: Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 04/05/1917 Service No: 35806
Additional information: Son of Harold Dennis and Sarah Elizabeth Brooks, of The Shrublands, Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Memorial: SAVONA MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=641350

From the Summer of 1917 until late 1918, the Mediterranean lines of communication for the British Salonika Force ran the length of Italy from Taranto in the south-east, to Turin in the north-west. On 4 May 1917, the Hired Transport "Transylvania", proceeding to Salonika with reinforcements, was sunk by torpedo off Cape Vado, a few kilometres south of Savona, with the loss of more than 400 lives. The bodies recovered at Savona were buried two days later, from the Hospital of San Paulo, in a special plot in the town cemetery. Others are buried elsewhere in Italy, France, Monaco and Spain. SAVONA TOWN CEMETERY contains 85 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, all but two of them casualties of the "Transylvania". Within the cemetery is the SAVONA MEMORIAL, which commemorates a further 275 casualties who died when the "Transylvania" went down, but whose graves are not known.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=70402&...

No match on Norlink

The 3 year old Victor is recorded on the 1901 census at a “Cottage”, High Street, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Harold, (aged 29 and a Shoemaker from Catfield), and Sarah, (aged 26 and from Ludham). Their other children are Evelyn, (aged 2, born Ludham), and Elsie, (aged 11 months and from Ludham), Victor is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh on the 1911 Census.

Loss of the Transylvania
www.freewebs.com/eltoro1960/hmttransylvania.htm
s888.photobucket.com/albums/ac88/tomburnell/?action=view&...
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=151367
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51175


Herbert W Clarke

Thanks to the information provide by fulvue below, this entry has now been amended,

Name: CLARKE Initials: H W
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 02/12/1917 Service No: 15288
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. D. 14. Cemetery: JEANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC : www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=236575

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms that the CWGC man is a Herbert W.

Battalion War diary for the 2nd.

Location: LEMPIRE.
Enemy activity continued but no further attacks followed. Many gas shells were again fired at intervals into RO??SOY and LEMPIRE. The Battn was relieved by 1/8th Bn Irish, (Kings Liverpool Rifles), relief being completed by 11.45 pm.. On relief the Battn moved back to (“Divisional Reserve”) in VENDELLES. Casualties during tour :-
4 O.R’s killed, 1 O.R’s wounded.
qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/QW00819171201.pdf

No match on Norlink

The 5 year old Herbert is recorded on the 1901 census at Norwich Road, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Winter, (aged 54 and an ordinary Farm Labourer from Hevingham), and Elizabeth, (aged 49 and from Somerton). Their other children are:-
Charles………………..aged 18.…….Born Horning……………House Painter
They also have a boarder, Mary A Dover, a 69 year old widow living on her own means.
Herbert is still recorded in the Smallburgh district on the 1911 census.

Albert L England

Name: ENGLAND, ALBERT LESLIE
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 10th Bn.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 04/11/1917 Service No: 33128
Additional information: Husband of Fanny M. L. England, of Ludham, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXX. J. 17A. Cemetery: ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=500919

There is a picture of “Signaller “ England of the 10th Essex on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Accompanying notes read,
Signaller England was born at Ludham, 4 June 1892, the son of Kirby and Emma England. He enlisted 8 April 1916 and was killed 4 November 1917

The 8 year old Albert is recorded at a Dwelling House on the High Street, which on the census sheet is shown as next door to The Stables on Butchers Street. This is the household of his parents, Kirby E. (aged 47, a butcher and farmer from Ludham), and Emma, (aged 48 and from Horning. Their other children are:-
Alethea………………..aged 26.……..born Ludham
Alice…………………..aged 21.……..born Ludham
Kirby………………….aged 19.……..born Ludham…….Carpenter

They also have a visitor staying with them, a John Lynes, a 23 year old boat builder from Norwich., By the time of the 1911 census Albert is recorded in the Norwich District, although Kirby and Emma still are in the Smallburgh District.

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=56500&...

Ernest Gedge

Genes Reunited Roll of Honour has only one Ernest Gedge, a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery who died in 1917

Name: GEDGE Initials: E
Rank: Gunner Regiment/Service: Royal Garrison Artillery Unit Text: 11th Siege Bty. Date of Death: 30/10/1917 Service No: 154061
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. B. 10. Cemetery: MINTY FARM CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=447319

No match on Norlink

The 3 year Ernest is recorded on the 1901 census at Manship Farm, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 49 and a Horseman on Farm, from Ludham), and Ann, aged 37 and from Potter Heigham. Their other children are:-
Alfred G……………..aged 1.…………….born Ludham
Arthur………………..aged 24.……………born Ludham…………Yardman on Farm
Blanche………………aged 4.……………born Ludham
On the 1911 census, Ernest is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh.

Minty Farm (the name was probably adopted during its occupation by a Wiltshire unit) was at one time used as a German blockhouse and in 1917, as a company headquarters for Commonwealth forces. The cemetery was begun in October 1917 and used until April 1918 by units fighting on that front. More than a third of the graves are of officers and men of the Royal Artillery.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=51502&...

William T Grapes

Name: GRAPES, WILLIAM THOMAS
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 36 Date of Death: 26/09/1915 Service No: 15384
Additional information: Son of William and Lucretia Grapes, of Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30 and 31. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1764085

No match on Norlink

The 23 year William, (born Potter Heigham and a Farm Labourer), is recorded on the 1901 census at a Cottage on Yarmouth Road, Ludha,. This is the household of William Grapes, (aged 56 and a Thatcher from Ludham), and Lucretia , (aged 53 and from Potter Heigham). Their other children are:-
Ada…………………aged 17.……………born Ludham
Bessie………………aged 21.……………born Catfield
Edith………………..aged 13.…………….born Ludham
Isabella……………..aged 19.…………….born Ludham
Laura……………….aged 15.…………….born Ludham
On the 1911 census, William is still recorded in the District of Smallburgh.

The 9th (Service) Battalion was formed at Norwich in September 1914 as part of K3, Kitcheners Third Army. In September 1914 it was attached to the 71st Brigade, 24th Division. The Battalion was assembled around Shoreham during September 1914 and it then spent 11 months in training after formation. Uniforms, equipment and blankets were slow in arriving and they initially wore emergency blue uniforms and carried dummy weapons. The battalion crossed to France between 28th August and 4th September 1915 where they joined X1 Corps and were sent up the line for the developing Battle of Loos. They disembarked at Boulogne almost 1000 strong, but 8 days later were reduced to 16 officers and 555 other ranks. The battalion lost a total of 1,019 men killed during the First World War. It marched from Montcarrel on the 21st September reaching Bethune on the 25th, before moving up to Lonely Tree Hill south of the La Basée Canal. They formed up for an attack in support of 11th Essex but were not engaged. At 03:30 on 26th September orders were received to assist 2nd Brigade on an attack on quarries west of Hulluch. At 05:30 the Battalion were in what had, the day before, been the German front trenches. The attack was launched at 06:45 under heavy fire, especially from snipers, after a full night of marching on empty stomachs and little or no progress was made before the Norfolks sought cover in the trenches. At 16:00 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment passed through to attack. At 19:00 the Germans opened fire and the Norfolks were forced to fall back to trenches in the rear to take cover before being relieved by the Grenadier Guards whereupon they returned to Lonely Tree Hill. They had lost 5 officers killed and 9 wounded, with 39 other ranks killed, 122 wounded and 34 missing, a total of 209 casualties sustained in their first action
forum.planetalk.net/viewtopic.php?t=4844&sid=b3e7614b...

William H Lemon

Name: LEMON, WILLIAM HERBERT
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Border Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 23 Date of Death: 03/07/1916 Service No: 23141
Additional information: Son of Ellen Lemon, of Ludham, Norfolk, and the late Herbert D. Lemon; husband of Kathleen R. Wright (formerly Lemon), of 19, Second Avenue, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=800224

There is a picture of William on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The picture title tells us he transferred from the 7th Norfolks,(in fact the cap badge in the picture looks like Britannia, so predates his transfer.) The accompanying notes read

Corporal Lemon was born at Ludham on 17th September 1892, and educated at Ludham School. He enlisted on 29th March 1915, and was killed in action in France on 3rd July 1916

The 8 year old William, (born Ludham), is recorded on the 1901 census at a Cottage, Fritton South, Ludham. This is the household of his parents, Herbert, (aged 30 and a Cattleman on Farm from Horning), and Ellen M., (aged 28 and from Waxham). They also have daughters, Gertrude, aged 7, and Gladys, aged 2, both from Horning.

They had taken part in the first phase of the Battle of the Somme as part of the 51st Brigade, 17th(Northern) Division,in XV Corps under General Horne, in the Fricourt- Becourt sector. On July 1st, they were in support, but on July 3rd they attacked and took Bottom Wood opposite Fricourt and were relieved overnight to Fricourt Wood.

Fricourt

North East of Fricourt, attacks were made on Bottom Wood and Shelter Wood, the 17th Div capturing the former and 21st Div the latter. Counterattacks from Contalmaison were repulsed at 2pm.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

John Mattocks

The only John Mattocks listed on the Genes Re-united Roll of Honour was a Lance Corporal in the Norfolk Regiment who died in 1917

Name: MATTOCKS Initials: J
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Bn.
Date of Death: 08/12/1917 Service No: 320237
Grave/Memorial Reference: Y. 27. Cemetery: JERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY, Israel
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=647599

No match on Norlink
There are no Mattocks at all associated with Ludham on the 1901 Census, but on the 1911 census there are 10. While I don’t have access to the details I suspect that they are a married couple William and Sarah, both originally from Cumberland. There are two Mattocks, Elizabeth (circa 1896) and George (circa 1898), whose place of birth is given as Bolton. Then there are two Mattocks, William, (circa 1900) and Robert Mordaunt, (circa 1902) whose place of birth is given as Burlingham, Norfolk., Finally, starting with an Edward Gilbert, (circa 1904), there are four children whose place of birth is shown as Ludham.

Some of this is confirmed by the 1901 Census, where William and Sarah Jane are shown as a married couple , living on the Green at Burlingham St.Andrew, Norfolk, with their children Elizabeth, George and William. William seniors occupation is given as Farmer‘s son. A further search shows William‘s father, Robert Mattocks, aged 60 and a Widower, (originally from Aspatria, Cumberland), as the farmer at Green Farm, Burlingham, St.Andrew.

And this finally leads us to John. The 12 year old John, born Anhurst, Cumberland, is recorded at The Dairy, on the Green, Burlingham St.Andrew. This is the household of his father, John, presumably another one of Robert Mattocks sons,as his occupation like William is shown as Farmer’s son., John senior is aged 33, and originally from Bridekirk, Cumberland. He is married to Maggie, aged 33 and from Rockcliffe, Cumberland. Their other children are:-
Alic………………aged 10.…………..born Anhurst, Cumberland
Edith……………..aged 14.…………..born Anhurst, Cumberland
Lily………………aged 8.……………born Anhurst, Cumberland
Madge……………aged 8.……………born Anhurst, Cumberland
Maggie…………..aged 7.…………….born Anhurst, Cumberland
Robert……………aged 4.……………born Bolton, Cumberland
Thomas………….aged 1.…………….born Burlingham St Peter, Norfolk.

Given those places of birth, I’m intrigued. Cumberland hill farming for much of this century has tended to be seen as the poorer relation to the rich farmland of East Anglia, so how were the Mattocks in a position to sell up and be in a position to farm in Norfolk, and presumably a farm big enough to support so many mouths - there are 19 Mattocks associated with Burlingham on the 1901 census.

On the 1911 census, John junior is still recorded in the district of Blofield, which covers Burlingham St.Andrew.

A number of the Mattocks listed above are buried in the Ludham graveyard.
www.ludhamarchive.org.uk/graves.htm

Even more intrigue - on a geneology web-site
I have been researching the Mattocks family for my neighbour whose Grandfather was the John Mattocks who married Margaret Tweddle. He tells me that the family hired a train when they moved to Norfolk and brought everything down with them including their animals! It must have been quite a journey.

The same source also believes that Robert Mattocks moved from being the farmer at Green Farm, Burlingham to The Laurels, Ludham, circa 1904.
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=e4f975mhqo6st...

The 12th Norfolks were involved in the Battle that would see the Capture of Jerusalem on the 8th/9th December 1917
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jerusalem_(1917)
www.firstworldwar.com/battles/jerusalem.htm

General Allenbys dispatch, describing the action on that day
The troops moved into positions of assembly by night, and, assaulting at dawn on the 8th, soon carried their first objectives. They then pressed steadily forward. T he mere physical difficulty of climbing the steep and rocky hillsides and crossing the deep valleys would have sufficed to render progress slow, and the opposition encountered was considerable.
Artillery support was soon difficult, owing to the length of the advance and the difficulty of moving guns forward. But by about noon London troops had already advanced over two miles, and were swinging northeast to gain the Nablus-Jerusalem road, while the yeomanry had captured the Beit Iksa spur, and were preparing for a further advance.
As the right column had been delayed and was still some distance south of Jerusalem, it was necessary for the London troops to throw back their right and form a defensive flank facing east toward Jerusalem, from the western outskirts of which considerable rifle and artillery fire was being experienced.
This delayed the advance, and early in the afternoon it was decided to consolidate the line gained and resume the advance next day, when the right column would be in a position to exert its pressure.
By nightfall our line ran from Neby Samwil to the east of Beit Iksa, through Lifta to point about one and a half miles west of Jerusalem, whence it was thrown back facing east. All the enemy's prepared defences west and northwest of Jerusalem had been captured, and our troops were within a short distance of the Nablus-Jerusalem road.
The London troops and yeomanry had displayed great endurance in difficult conditions. The London troops especially, after a night march in heavy rain to reach their positions of deployment, had made an advance of three to four miles in difficult hills in the face of stubborn opposition.
During the day about 300 prisoners were taken and many Turks killed. Our own casualties were light.
(The Yeomanry troops he referred to was the 74th (Yeomanry Division, which included 12th Norfolks)
www.firstworldwar.com/source/jerusalem_allenby1.htm

Alfred C Moy

Probably
Name: MOY, ALFRED CHARLES
Rank: Stoker 1st Class Regiment/Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. "Adamant." Age: 22 Date of Death: 05/06/1918 Service No: SS/117522
Grave/Memorial Reference: In front of central Chapel. Cemetery: FIORENZUOLA D'ARDA COMMUNAL CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=642119

Adamant, submarine depot ship
MOY, Alfred C, Stoker 1c, SS 117522, drowned
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-06Jun.htm

No match on Norlink

The 4 year old Alfred, Born Ludham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Johnson Street, Ludham. This is the household of his grand-parents, Henry, (aged 49 and a Marshman from Ludham), and Eliza, (aged 49 and from Ludham). The rest of the household is made up by their children:-
Blanche…..aged 16.….Single…born Ludham….Domestic Servant
Cubitt…….aged 18.….Single…born Ludham….Ordinary Agricultural Labourer
William…..aged 20.….Single…born Ludham….Agricultural Labourer Teamster

So no clue as to Alfred’s parents there.

A picture of the Adamant can be seen here
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/depot_ships.htm
As a side note it looks like the ship saw service through-out WW1 in the Mediterranean theatre. This note from 1918 from a submariner captured by the Turks in the Dardenelles in early 1918 indicates the Adamant was his depot ship.

www.submariners.co.uk/Dits/Articles/E14_report.php

Percy J Phillippo

Name: PHILLIPPO, PERCY JAMES
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: "A" Coy. 10th Bn.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 12/08/1917 Service No: 33129
Additional information: Son of James and Emma Phillippo, of High St., Ludham; husband of Annie E. Phillippo, of School Rd., Ludham, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 39. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1624097

There is a picture of Percy on Norlink,
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes
Signaller Phillippo was born at Stoke Holy Cross on 27th October 1891, the son of James and Emma Phillippo of Ludham. He enlisted on 8th April 1916 in the 10th Bedford Regiment, but later transferred to the 10th Essex Regiment. He was killed on 12th August 1917

The Genes Re-united transcription of the 1911 Census for England & Wales has a Percy James “Phillipps”, born Stoke Holy Cross circa 1892 and resident in the Smallburgh District. There is no “Phillippo”, “Philippo”, “Phillipo” or “Phillip” that matches for either the 1901 or 1911 census that matches any of the details known for “Percy”, “James” or his parents.

The 12th was a quiet day in the Battle of Passchendaele, after the initial flurry during the first week after the initial attack by the Allies on the 31st July. On the previous day the 18th Division, of which 10th Essex were part, had seen action in a small scale operation when the Germans attacked whilst the 8th Norfolks were relieving the 7th Bedfords in the front line. The Norfolks counter-attacked and regained the ground lost, (which in turn had only been taken by the 7th Bedfords in their action on the 10th .
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

Arthur Webster

No obvious match on the CWGC database.

No match on Norlink
There is no obvious match for Arthur Webster on the 1901 census with any connection to the Ludham part of Norfolk, and no Websters recorded living in Ludham. However, the 1911 census does have a Mary Ann Webster, born circa 1881 Ludham , and still resident in the Smallburgh. I can only assume this is her married name, as she doesn’t appear on the 1901 census.

For more on St Catherine, see Simon Knott’s web-site
www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/ludham/ludham.htm

Any reference to (RoH) means the Roll of Honour Website, to which I am deeply indebted.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Aylsham.html
The Roll of Honour site refers to the War memorial in the churchyard. Although there is also a wooden memorial plaque in the church, this appears to be identical in practically every detail, other than adding that the Korean War individual died in 1952.

1914 - 1918

Percy Willie Baker, MM………………………(RoH)
Private 41356. 10th Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 5995 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Tuesday 31 July 1917. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Awarded the Military medal (MM). Buried: LA BRIQUE MILITARY CEMETERY No.2, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. A. 2.

On Churchyard War Memorial P.Baker
On Church Memorial board P Baker
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=451001
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census 6 year Percy W is recorded at “The Rookery”, Aylsham, the town of his birth. His parents are John, (aged 42, an ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Erpingham) and Matilda, (aged 39 and from Wood Dalling). John and Matilda have another son, James R, (aged 6), as well as a Matilda’s son from an earlier relationship, John H Frostick, (aged 18).
On the Day This was the first day of Third Ypres, more commonly known as Passchendaele. The 10th Essex were in the 53rd Brigade, whose role was to build on the success of the initial attack. 53 Bde’s task was to leapfrog 30th Div once Glencorse Wood had been taken. Although the lead elements, (8th Suffolks and 6th Berkshires, were orderd in, they found the woods still in enemy hands and were very soon forced to dig in.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535


Horace BALLS…………..…………………………….....(RoH)

Private 2245. "D Coy. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Thursday 12 August 1915 (CD gives 28 August 1915) in Gallipoli. Age 20. Born and enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward C. Balls, of Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

On Churchyard War Memorial H Balls
On Church Memorial board H Balls
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=698446
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The most likely match is a 5 year old, born Norwich, living at 74 Angel Road, Angel Gardens, Norwich. His parents are Edward, (age 28, born Norwich and an Innkeeper), and Laura, (aged 27). Horace has a brother, John, (aged 3) and a sister, Violet, (aged 0)
On the day This is the date associated with the “disappearance” of the 1st/5ths - at least in popular mythology.
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm
www.drdavidclarke.co.uk/vanbat.htm

Leonard Henry Barber……………………...........(RoH)

Private 241848. 12th Bn., Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Thursday 11 April 1918. Born Reepham. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Buried: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 4.

On Churchyard War Memorial L Barber
On Church Memorial board L Barber
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=874198
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 8 year old Leonard H, born Hackford, is listed at The Ollands, Gromes Cottage, Hackford. His parents are Frederick J, (a 37 year old Domestic Coachman from Thurston, Suffolk), and Eliza, (aged 33 and from Hingham). Frederick and Eliza’s other children are Earnest J, (aged under 1), Frederick C, (aged 5), Hilda F, (aged 6), Mary P, (aged 2), and Sidney R, (aged 3) - all born Hackford.
On the Day Divisional Battle Honours include:-
Battle of Estaires. 9-11 Apr 1918, including the first defence of Givenchy
orbat.com/site/warpath/divs/40_div.htm
Leonard is also commemorated in the Parish of Reepham - although this has him down as dying on the 8th, and not in a major battle. There are also a number of pictures of Leonard, of family, medals and paperwork.
www.reephambenefice.org.uk/lhbarber.html

Frederick James Barrett……………………….(RoH)
(There is a picture of Frederick on the RoH site)

Private 8118.1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 5 May 1915. Age 25. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Mrs. L. Barrett, of Unicorn Yard, Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 4.

On Churchyard War Memorial F Barrett
On Church Memorial board F Barrett
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=926788
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 10 year old Frederick is listed in an “Institution” as a Pauper - possibly the Union Work House Aylsham. His status is son of a Domestic Servant. His 28 year old mother, Sophia, (marital status listed as Single), is also resident, along with possibly a sister of Sophia, Sarah, aged 22 who is described as “feeble-minded”. All were born in Cawston.
On the Day the 1st Norfolks were engaged in the battle of St Julian, (part of 2nd Ypres), which had seen the first use of poison gas on the Western Front. This part of 2nd Ypres was coming to an end, with troops being pulled back to more defensible lines after several holes had been punched in the Allied front. I can find no reference specifically to the 1st Norfolks on this date, but the 1st Bedfords, in the same Brigade were definitely in the front line and being subject to gas attack.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1915diary.html

Robert BODDY……………………………….....(RoH)

[BODY on CD & CWGC.] Private 196858th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 11 August 1917. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 4.

On Churchyard War Memorial R Boddy
On Church Memorial board R Boddy
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=928306
(Robert Body is listed as being part of 8th Battalion)
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 8 year old Robert Body, (no Robert Boddy’s listed with a Norfolk connection), is listed at Commercial Road, Aylsham., His parents are Richard Body, ( a 39 year old House Painter from Aylsham) and Eliza, (aged 40 and from Oulton). Their other children are Annie, (aged 11), Blanch, (aged 8)and Florence, (aged 9). Eliza’s mother, Rachel Riseborough, a 79 year old Widow is also living with them.
On the DaySaturday 11th August 1917 - Day 12 Third Ypres
Westhoek

During the relief of 7th Bedfords by 8th Norfolks at 4.30am the Germans attacked and captured a pillbox. The Norfolks recaptured it at 6am.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535


Frank Thomas BOND…………………………..(RoH)
There is a picture of Frank on the RoH web-site

[F.E. Bond on Memorial] Private 3/8122. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Tuesday 9 November 1915. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: BETHUNE TOWN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. IV. F. 87.

On Churchyard War Memorial F E Bond
On Church Memorial board F E Bond
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=62223
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 13 year old Frank T. born Aylsham, is now living at 4 Rose Villas, Suffield Park, Cromer. His parents are Dennis J, ( a 46 year old Carpenter from Oxnead), and Sarah, (aged 44 and from Sheringham). Their other children are George E, (aged 22 and a Plasterers Labourer), Granville C, (aged 9), Mabel B. (aged 6), Robert D, (aged 24 and a Carpenter), Rose E, ( a 16 year old Kitchen Servant), and William J, (aged 20 and a Bricklayer). All the children were born Aylsham.
On the Day The 7th Norfolks had suffered considerable losses during their first action the previous month, on the 13th, which included over 190 Other Ranks wounded. It is a possibility that Private Bond was one of these who subsequently succumbed.
www.freewebs.com/lou90/flaxmannames.htm
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42270
For much of the First World War, Bethune was comparatively free from bombardment and remained an important railway and hospital centre, as well as a corps and divisional headquarters. The 33rd Casualty Clearing Station was in the town until December 1917.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=6000&a...

Henry Harold Brawn……………………………..(RoH)

[Harry Harold Brawn on CD.] Serjeant 7570 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 14 September 1914. Age 23. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Rebecca Brawn, of Oakfield Rd., Aylsham, Norfolk, and the late Serjt. Maj. Henry Brawn (1st Bn. Norfolk Regt.). Commemorated: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL, Seine-et- Marne, France.

On Churchyard War Memorial H Brawn
On Church Memorial board H Brawn
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=877844
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is no Henry, Harry or Harold recorded - but the 1st Battalion were overseas
In 1901, and as a Senior NCO, Serjeant Major Brawn may well have taken his wife with him.
On the dayThe division of which the Norfolks were part were involved in Battle of the Aisne. 12-15 Sep 1914, including the capture of the Aisne Heights including the Chemin des Dames.
warpath.orbat.com/divs/5_div.htm
www.firstworldwar.com/battles/aisne1.htm

Walter Cecil CHAMBERLAIN……………………………….........(RoH)

Private 2520. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Gallipoli on Thursday 12 August 1915 (CD gives 28 August 1915) Age 18. Enlisted Aylsham. Son of Walter Chamberlain, of Fox Lake, Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Chamberlain
On Church Memorial board W Chamberlain
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=697021
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 3 year old Walter is listed at Union yard, Aylsham. His parents are Walter, (aged 36 and Ordinary Agricultural Labourer), and Martha, (aged 39 and from Holt). Their other children are Ethel, (aged 6), Hannah, (aged 1), Margaret, (under 1), Thomas, (aged 7), as well as four children from Martha’s previous marriage, Ernest Pike, (aged 9), Frederick Pike, (aged 13), George Pike, (aged 12) and James, (aged 14) - the last three all born at Shouldham, Norfolk. On the night of the Census they also have a visitor staying - the 72 year widow Hannah Doughty, originally from Edgefield and therefore possibly a relative of the George William listed further down.
On the dayThis is the date associated with the “disappearance” of the 1st/5ths - at least in popular mythology.
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm
www.drdavidclarke.co.uk/vanbat.htm

Noel Hannant COOKE………………………………..................(RoH)
(There is a picture of Noel on the RoH site)

Private 46643. 36th Field Amb, Royal Army Medical Corps. Formerly 13912 Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Friday 1 October 1915. Age 22. Born Marsham. Enlisted Lowestoft. Son of Ward Hannant Cooke and Lucy Maria Cooke, of Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. H. 34.

On Churchyard War Memorial N H Cooke
On Church Memorial board N H Cook
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=251304
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 8 year old Noel, born Marsham, is listed at Fengate, Marsham. His parents are Ward, ( a 35 year old Bricklayer from Hainford), and Lucy, (37 and from Blickling). Their other children are Dora, (aged 6, Aylsham), Francis, (under 1,Marsham), Harold, (aged 5, Aylsham), Hugh, (aged 3, Erpingham), Kenneth, (age 1, Erpingham)and Lucy, (aged 9, Marsham).
On the day 5th Field Ambulance was attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. I’ve had a quick check but I can’t see that the Division was in action, (other than the daily routine of manning trenches and coping with bombardment and sniping for some of them!)


Ernest Hugh COPEMAN……………………………….................(RoH)
(There is also a separate memorial plaque in the church)

Second Lieutenant. 6th Bn., Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) attd. 37th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Killed in action near Loos in France on Saturday 18 March 1916. (Church memorial gives 19 March 1916). Born 18 August 1888. Son of Thomas & Mariana Copeman. B.A. Cantab. Commemorated: LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 95 to 97.

On Churchyard War Memorial E H Copeman
On Church Memorial board E H Copeman
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=730348
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 12 year old Ernest is now resident as a pupil at a school near Hurstpierrepoint, West Sussex. On the 1891 Census, the 2 year old Ernest was resident at Blickling Road, Buxton. His parents are Thomas, (aged 65, born Aylsham and Living on Own Means, described as being “Short-sighted from birth) and Marian A, (aged 42 and from Aldborough). Their other children appear to be Robert A, (aged 7), “Martial”(?), (aged 6) and John G, (aged 4). The Copeman’s have a live on Governess and two live in servants.

The church memorial reads:

“In memory of Ernest Hugh Copeman, BA Cantab
2nd Lt R W Kent Regt & Machine Gun Corps
Born 18th August 1888
Killed in action near Loos in France
19th March 1916

Also of

Herbert Guy Hele Copeman BA (Oxon)
2nd Lt Oxford and Bucks L.I.
Born 21st May 1891
Killed in action at Guillemont
3rd Sept.1916

The fourth and youngest sons of Thomas and Marianna Copeman
Late of Aylsham

Haec manus ob patriam”

Herbert Guy Hele COPEMAN………………………………...........(RoH)
(There is also a separate memorial plaque in the church - see above)

Second Lieutenant 6th Bn., Oxford. and Bucks Light Infantry. Killed in action at Guillemont on Sunday 3 September 1916. Age 25. Son of Thomas and Mariana A. Copeman. Born at Aylsham 21 May 1891. B.A. Oxon. Buried: GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme, France. Ref. Sp. Mem. 7.

On Churchyard War Memorial H G H Copeman
On Church Memorial board H G H Copeman
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=534245
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census Herbert G H Copeman, aged 9, is living at Blickling Road, Buxton. His widowed mother Mariana is given as the head of household. Robert S is now aged 17 and employed as a Bank Clerk - see Ernest above for details of the household make-up at the time of the 1891 census, when Robert was listed with the middle initial A. Mariana still retains two household servants.
On the day20th Div was tasked with taking Guillemont. Zero Hour was noon. 59 Bde reinforced by 6th Bn, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (60 Bde) and 7th Bn, Somerset Light Infantry (61 Bde) attacked the southern endof Guillemont while 47 Bde of the 16th (Irish) Div was attached to the 20th Div from Corps Reserve. 10th Bn, King’s Royal Rifle Corps and 6th Bn, Connaught Rangers advanced before the bombardment lifted thus surprising the Germans at Zero Hour. The KRRC with 10th and 11th Bns, the Rifle Brigade reached their objective, the Hardecourt Road in 20 minutes. The KRRC mopped up here while the two Rifle battalions wheeled north to Mount Street.
North of Mount Street 6th Connaughts and 7th Leinsters advanced rapidly into Guillemont bypassing the quarry.In the face of heavy artillery and MG fire, the troops consolidated near North St and South St by 1.15pm.

The advance resumed at 2.50pm on the Ginchy –Wedge Wood Road, which was reached at 3.30pm. 7th Bn, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry moved into the village to assist in consolidation.

Counter attacks at 5.30 and 6.30 pm were repelled.

W CORKE……………………………….......................................(RoH)

Possibly: William Corke. Private 18394. 2nd Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Mesopotamia on Monday 4 September 1916. Age 36. Born Instead, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Mrs. Matthewman (formerly Corke), of True's Cottages, High St., Wickford, Essex. Buried: AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Ref. IX. H. 32.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Corke
On Church Memorial board W Corke
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=627932
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No obvious match for either William or any other W born circa 1879/81
On the dayMany of the 2nd battalion had become prisoners of the Turks following the fall of the besieged city of Kut . It has been estimated that over 70% of the Norfolks who surrendered at Kut died either on the subsequent march to prison camps, or in captivity.
www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm
www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage....



George William DOUGHTY………………………………............(RoH)

Private 40186. 4th Bn., Bedfordshire Regiment. Formerly 28205 Essex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Tuesday 30 October 1917. Born Suffield. Lived Oulton. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.

On Churchyard War Memorial G W Doughty
On Church Memorial board G W Doughty
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1630276
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 14 year-old George Wm. is recorded at Hungate Street, Aylsham, having been born at Suffield. George is employed as a Bricklayers Apprentice. His parents are Walter, (aged 41 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Foulsham) and Sarah Ann, (aged 42 and from Suffield). Their other children are Ethel M, (aged 9, born Banningham), and Rose Louisa, (aged 16 and born Suffield).
On the day Battalion War Diary
30 Oct. Battn. attacked at 5.50am 7RF on left, Artists Rifles on right, Canadian Corps on right of Artists. Canadians reached [unreadable] objectives but our attack was held up by very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the PADDEBEEK and a total advance of about 150-200 yards only was made.
CASUALTIES -
Officers Killed; Capt. L.C.T. [Leslie Charles Thomas] GATE, 2Lt A.E. TEE.
Wounded; Capt. J. SCOTT, Lt C.H. WAREING, Lt K.V.R. GOLD, 2Lt E.A. GLOSSOP, 2Lt ? BORNETT, 2Lt NEW, 2Lt RADWELL.
OR Killed 52, wounded 180, missing 23.
Battn relieved by NELSON Battn. at 7pm and marched out to IRISH FARM.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/4thbtn/4thbtn1917diary.html

C C DUCKER……………………………….....................................(RoH)

Possibly: Cecil Civel Ducker. Private16949. "A Coy. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Wednesday 13 October 1915. Age 24. Born Hempnall, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Emily Ducker, of 34, Marlowe Rd., Newnham Croft, Cambridge, and the late William Ducker. Commemorated: LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31.

On Churchyard War Memorial C C Ducker
On Church Memorial board C C Ducker
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2941542
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 10 year old Cecil Civel is living at The Street, Ingworth and is recorded as being at School. There is no place of birth shown for him, but it is likely that it is Martham, the same as his sister
Dora Daymer, (aged 24 and a Draper). Their parents are William, (aged 49 and a Police Pensioner from Cawston), and Emily, (aged 47 and a Grocer from Ingworth).
<On the DayOn 12th October 1915 the Battalion moved from billets to a line in front of the St Elie Quarries, taking over from the Coldstream Guards. The attack was planned to go ahead the following day under a smoke cloud with the Norfolks closing on the German trenches from both ends of their position thus straightening their line, their own trenches being in a semi-circle. The left side of the Battalion was also tasked with bombing a German communications trench. A bright sunny day with an ideal wind for moving the smoke towards the enemy positions, the artillery bombardment began at 12:00 and was intensive by 13:45. 54 heavy and 86 field howitzers and 286 field guns fired on enemy trenches in the area of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, Fosse 8, the Quarries, Gun Trench and the positions south to Chalk Pit Wood. It failed to cause sufficient damage to the enemy positions. The smoke barrage went wrong and ceased by 13:40, twenty minutes before the attack was launched at 14:00 and was thus very thin. German machine gun fire from in front and from the direction of Slag Alley, opposite the Norfolks right flank, enfiladed their attack. Whilst they gained a foothold in the Quarries and consolidated the position they were unable to advance further. In the battalions first serious engagement they lost 5 Officers killed or died of wounds and 6 wounded, and 66 other ranks killed, 196 wounded and 160 missing.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42270

Jack DUCKER………………………………................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial Jack Ducker
On Church Memorial board Jack Ducker
CWGC No obvious match
Norlink No archive items.

Possibles
E J Ducker www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=205757
1901 Census The 1901 Census has a year old William J, living at Pound Road, Aylsham, the town of his birth. William father is James is 39, and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham. His mother is Letitia, (aged 38 and from Aylsham). Their other children are Ann G S, (aged 9), Marriott W G, (aged 1), Mildred, (aged 17), Rena Des (aged 12), Thomas E, (aged 14 and Cowboy on Farm), and Edward J (aged 4)

(E) James DUCKER………………………………......................(RoH)

Private 40204. 9th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 18 October 1916. Born Aylsham. Enlisted East Dereham. Buried: BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. VII. B. 9.

On Churchyard War Memorial James Ducker
On Church Memorial board James Ducker
CWGC No obvious match
Norlink No archive items.

Possibles
E J Ducker www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=205757
1901 Census The 1901 Census has a 4 year old Edward J, living at Pound Road, Aylsham, the town of his birth. It is mere speculation that the middle initial stands for James, however that is Edward’s fathers name. James is 39, and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham. His mother is Letitia, (aged 38 and from Aylsham). Their other children are Ann G S, (aged 9), Marriott W G, (aged 1), Mildred, (aged 17), Rena Des (aged 12), Thomas E, (aged 14 and Cowboy on Farm), and William J (aged 7)
On the Day Wednesday 18th October 1916.
Gueudecourt

9th Bn, Norfolk Regt (6th Div) captured the north western part of Mild Trench and held it against a German attack at nightfall.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Thomas Edmund DUCKER……………………………….............(RoH)

Private 40205. 9th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Wednesday 18 October 1916. Age 29. Enlisted East Dereham. Husband of Ellen Ducker, of Fox Loke, Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. VII. B. 10.

On Churchyard War Memorial T E Ducker
On Church Memorial board T E Ducker
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=205758
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 1901 Census has a 14 year old Thomas E, living at Pound Road, Aylsham, the town of his birth and employed as a Cow Boy on Farm. Thomas’s father, James is 39, and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Aylsham. His mother is Letitia, (aged 38 and from Aylsham). Their other children are Ann G S, (aged 9), Marriott W G, (aged 1), Mildred, (aged 17), Rena Des (aged 12), Edward J, (aged 4), and William J (aged 7)
On the Day Wednesday 18th October 1916.
Gueudecourt

9th Bn, Norfolk Regt (6th Div) captured the north western part of Mild Trench and held it against a German attack at nightfall.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Henry C DYBALL………………………………..........................(RoH)
(There is a picture of Henry on the RoH site)

Private 3/10016. 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Friday 18 June 1915. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Fulham, Surrey. Commemorated: PERTH CEMETERY (CHINA WALL), Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Sp. Mem. A. 4.

On Churchyard War Memorial H C Dyball
On Church Memorial board H C Dyball
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=103282
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 19 year old Henry, born Aylsham, appears to be a Private in an Infantry Regiment, stationed at Britannia Barracks, Norwich. This would probably be the Norfolk Regiment.
On the 1891 Census , Henry was living at Cromer Road, Aylsham with his parents John, (age 52 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer) and Harriet (tbc - poor quality reproduction),
On the Day No details known.

Edward DYBALL………………………………..........................(RoH)

Gunner RMA/12824. Royal Marine Artillery. Died Thursday 7 November 1918. Age 24. Son of Charles and Evelyn Dyball, of Cawston Rd., Aylsham. Buried: AYLSHAM CEMETERY, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Ref. H. 72.

On Churchyard War Memorial E Dyball
On Church Memorial board E Dyball
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802301
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 6 year old Edward is living at Gas House Hill, Aylsham, having been born at Burgh. His parents are Charles, (age 41 and a Groom\Gardener from Burgh), Eveline, (aged 40 and from Brampton). Their other children are Eveline A, (aged 21, born Brampton), Frederick, (aged 15 and a Grocers Porter, born Burgh), and Sidney, (aged 1, born Aylsham). Living with them is also a Grand-daughter, Gladys, (aged u/1 and born North Walsham)
On the Day No details known.

William DYBALL………………………………...........................(RoH)
(There is a picture of William on the RoH site)

Leading Seaman 208734. (RFR/CH/B/10521). H.M.S. "Hawke., Royal Navy. Died Thursday 15 October 1914. Age 30. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dyball, of Cawston Rd., Aylsham; husband of Annie Rosetta Dyball, of Millgate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 1.
Special note: HMS Hawke was a cruiser launched in 1891. she was one of the oldest ships in the Royal Navy at the outbreak of World War 1. On the 15th October 1914 while sailing in the North Sea some 60 miles off the coast of Scotland, she was struck by a torpedo fired from German submarine U.9. and sunk almost immediately. 52 men managed to get into the lifeboat, but the remaining 544 of the crew perished. U.9 under the command of Otto Weddingen was responsible for sinking Royal Navy ships Cressey, Hogue and Aboukir about a month earlier.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Dyball
On Church Memorial board W Dyball
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3048892
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No obvious match - but on the 1891 Census, the 6 year old William can be found at Aylsham Road, Burgh. His parents are Charles, (aged 31 and an Agricultural Labourer) and Eveline, (Aged 30) - see Edward above for more details from the 1901 Census.
On the Day
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/hms_hawke.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Hawke_(1891)
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...
century.guardian.co.uk/1910-1919/Story/0,,126442,00.html

William George FIELD………………………………...........................(RoH)

Private 240213. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Friday 2 November 1917. Born and enlisted Aylsham. Commemorated: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, Israel. Panels 12 to 15.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Field
On Church Memorial board W Field
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645154
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 5 year old William Field living at Burgh Road, Aylsham. His parents are Uriah, (a 46 year old Monumental Mason from Kennington, London), and Mary A, (43 and from Erpingham). Their other children are Bessie, (aged 13), John, (aged 23 and a Boot Maker), and Lucie, (aged 9). All the children were born at Aylsham.
On the DayThird Battle of Gaza

The first action at Gaza took place before dawn on 2 November when the 161st and 162nd Brigades of the 54th Division attacked the Turkish trench system in the sand dunes between Gaza and the sea. On this occasion it was a night attack by well prepared troops with overwhelming artillery support and armoured (six tanks). The British infantry advanced about 2 miles on a 5,000 yard front and held their gains against repeated Turkish counter-attacks. Casualty figures were heavy for both sides but this time favoured the British.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Battle_of_Gaza

Sydney FISHER………………………………................................(RoH)

Serjeant 26131. 39th Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Formerly 18982 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 25 March 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Buxton. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 90 to 93.

On Churchyard War Memorial S Fisher
On Church Memorial board S Fisher
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1580862
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 14 year old Sydney, born Buxton, is now living at Cawston Road, Aylsham and employed as an errand boy. He is living with his Uncle, William Randell, and his wife Lydia and the rest of their family. On the 1891 Census he is living at Lodge Farm, Mill Street, Buxton. His father Thomas, aged 50, appears to be some kind of Bailiff, and was originally from Scottow. His mother Matilda, is 42 and from Cawston. Their other children are William, (aged 14 and an Agricultural Labourer) and Mabel, (aged 5).
On the Day The 39th Battalion, like many other units, would have been heavily engaged resisting the German Spring Offensive.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Offensive

Francis Henry FROSTICK………………………………...............(RoH)

Able Seaman R/543. Hawke Bn. R.N. Div., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died Tuesday 24 April 1917. Age 26. Son of James and Emily Frostick, of Hungate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 1

On Churchyard War Memorial F H Frostick
On Church Memorial board F H Frostick
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1557805
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a Frank Frostick,on the census, aged 11 and living at the Cottages by the Mill, Oxnead. Frank was born at Aylsham. His parents are James, (aged 46 and a Cattleman on Farm from Banningham), and Emily, (aged 45 and from Skeyton). Their other children are Elsie, (aged 3, born Oxnead), Frederick, (aged 7, born Aylsham), and William, (aged 15 and a Bricklayers Labourer, born Heigham).
On the DayWESTERN FRONT
9 April-15 May Battle of Arras, including
23-24 April Second Battle of the Scarpe (Second phase of Arras Offensive), 63rd (RN) Division captured Gavrelle
The attack on Gavrelle was commenced on 23 April and was carried out by the 189th and 190th Brigades. At 4.45 a.m. Nelson and Drake battalions went over the top under cover of an artillery barrage. The first line of German trenches was quickly taken, and an hour later the attack was ceased at the edge of the village.

The artillery barrage was relocated across the village, which was reduced to rubble. Other battalions from the brigade were moved forward. House to house fighting led to the taking of Gavrelle, at the cost of 1,500 casualties.
Virtually all the remaining reservists of the original Royal Naval Division lost their lives at Gavrelle. They were the veterans who had survived the fighting at Gallipoli and at the Ancre.
www.wereldoorlog1418.nl/RND-Royal-Naval-Division/index.html
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1917-04Apr.htm

H J GIBBONS……………………………….............................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial H J Gibbons
On Church Memorial board H J Gibbons
CWGC
Possibly H J East Surrey Regiment died 1916
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=576007
Or Henry John, Royal Lancaster Regiment, died 1918
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=301567
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 14 year old Henry G, born Aylsham, and now employed as an Errand Boy at Chemist, living at 9 West Street, Cromer. His mother Alice M M, (age 36 and from Colby) has re-married, and so Henry is living with his step-father, James Norgate, a 32 year old Corn Porter from North Walsham).

William GILES………………………………............................(RoH)

Private 51361. 2nd Bn., Manchester Regiment. Killed in action Friday 19 April 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 27. Born Skeyton. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William and Annie Giles, of Woodgate Cottages, Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: QUESNOY FARM MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. C. 7.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Giles
On Church Memorial board W Giles
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=590871
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is an 8 year old “Willie” Giles, living at North Walsham Road, Skeyton, the village of his birth. Willie’s parents are William, (aged 35 and a Cattle Feeder on Farm from Scottow), and Annie, (aged 38 and from Scottow). Their other children are Alice, (aged 5, born Sketon), George, (aged 12, born Oxnead), John, (aged 9, born Swanton Abbott), Martha, (aged 13, born Swanton Abbott), and Sidney, (aged 2, born Skeyton).
On the day April 1918
Ayette attacked and carried. Batt was in the front line until the 25th 14 KIA, 87 wounded, 16 gassed, 1 missing.25th withdrawn to Barly
www.themanchesters.org/2nd batt.htm

Clare Horsley GOULDER……………………………….............(RoH)

Corporal 13146. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Tuesday 31 October 1916. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: AYLSHAM CEMETERY, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Ref. B. 77.

On Churchyard War Memorial C H Goulder
On Church Memorial board C H Goulder
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802302
Norlink No archive items.

There is a memorial to all the Goulder boys who died in the Great War in Aylsham Cemetery. Clare is listed as having been wounded on the Somme on the 1st July 1916, and subsequently dying in Hospital on the 31st October 1916. He was born on the 14th January 1892.
1901 Census The 9 year old Clare H is recorded at Pound Lane, Aylsham. His parents are John, (aged 56 and a Farmer and Manure Agent from Wramplingham), and Mary, (aged 52 and from Stretford, Lancashire). Their other children are Colin Chas, (aged 11), Frances M, (aged 12), John Lee, (aged 17), and Sybil M, (aged 19). The Goulders have two live in servants.

John Lee GOULDER………………………………................(RoH)
(There is a picture of John on the RoH website)

Serjeant 2179. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 21 August 1915. Born and enlisted Aylsham. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

On Churchyard War Memorial J L Goulder
On Church Memorial board J L Goulder
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=693690
Norlink No archive items.

There is a memorial to all the Goulder boys who died in the Great War in Aylsham Cemetery. John Lee is listed as having died in action at Suvla. He was born the 16th April 1883.
1901 Census The 17 year old John Lee is recorded at Pound Lane, Aylsham. His parents are John, (aged 56 and a Farmer and Manure Agent from Wramplingham), and Mary, (aged 52 and from Stretford, Lancashire). Their other children are Colin Chas, (aged 11), Frances M, (aged 12), Clare H, (aged 9), and Sybil M, (aged 19). The Goulders have two live in servants.
On the Day 21st August 1915

Having lost over 200 men from the battalion shortly before this on the 12th, the battalion was to lose at least another 36 on this day.

Robert Christopher GOULDER………………………………..(RoH)

Lance Corporal 13188. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 1 July 1916. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board R C Goulder
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=786636
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census A 14 year old Robert Goulder, born Aylsham, is recorded as a Boarder at a Private Grammer School in Banham, Norfolk. Ten years earlier, the same individual is now listed as Robert C. and is living at Cromer Road, Aylsham with his parents John and Mary - see family details recorded for Clare and John Lee. The only additional child listed appears to be a Humphrey W, (aged 6 in 1891, born Aylsham)
On the Day The 6th Battalion, Royal Berks went over the top alongside the 8th Norfolks on the first day of the Somme. The story of what happened to the two units can be read here,
www.6throyalberks.co.uk/1stJuly/default.html

The 8th Battalion as part of the 18th (Eastern) Division was present on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. They got beyond their initial target and had by 5.00pm reached the German trenches known as "Montauban Alley". Over one hundred men and three officers had been killed.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Norfolk_Regiment

Arthur Robert HALL………………………………..........................(RoH)

Sapper 230925. 130th Field Coy., Royal Engineers. Died Friday 18 October 1918. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Buried: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Ref. S. II. J 9.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board A Hall
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=518028
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 14 year old Arthur, born Aylsham, employed as a Stonemason, and currently residing at Millgate, Aylsham. His parents are Charles, (aged 48 and a Stone Mason from Cossey, Norfolk), and Susanna, (aged 47 and from Burgh). Their other children are Ada, (aged 25 and a Drapers Assistant), Alfred, (aged 17 and a Grocers Assistant), Bessie, (aged 18 and a Drapers Assistant), Frank, (aged 7), and Harry, (aged 11).

Arthur James HORNE………………………………......................(RoH)

[C.D. Gives surname as HOME.] Private 27389. 6th Bn., Somerset Light Infantry. Formerly G/37364 Royal Fusiliers. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Saturday 3 November 1917. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Husband of Mrs. L. Farrow (formerly Horne), of Footpath House, Swanton Abbott, Norwich, Norfolk. Commemorated: TYNE COT MEMORIAL , Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 41 to 42 and 163A.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board A J Horne
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=837244
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 12 year old Arthur J, employed as an Errand Boy\Porter, is recorded at Woodgate Cottage, Aylsham. His parents are Johnathan, (aged 39 and a Team Man on farm from Foulsham), and Mary Ann, (age 40 and from Norwich). Their other children are Bertie S, (aged 1), Gladys F, (aged 3), and Walter S, (aged 7). Also living with them are Johnathan’s father, James, (aged 82 and from Saxthorpe, on Parish Poor Relief).

Eric HORNER………………………………..................................(RoH)
(There is a picture of Eric on the RoH website)

Lance Corporal 11376. 6th Bn., Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 21 August 1915. Born Aylsham. Enlisted South Shields. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 55 to 58.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board E Horner
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=691984
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 9 year old Eric is resident at Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents are Frederick J, (aged 37 and a Blacksmith from Calthorpe), and Eliza, (aged 37 and from Aylsham). Their other children are Cora, (aged 12), Ella, (aged 12), Hilda, (aged 4), Leonard, (aged 11), and Raymond, (aged 7).
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=124...
On the Day The Yorkshires were involved in the costly Battle of Scimitar Hill and the attack on “W” Hills on this day.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Scimitar_Hill
www.firstworldwar.com/battles/scimitarhill.htm

G HUNT……………………………….........................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board G Hunt
CWGC

Possibly George Lewis aged 18 of the 1st/5th Duke of Wellingtons (West Riding) Regiment. His parents are shown as residing at Neatishead.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=794393

Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census Possibilities are:-
George, (aged 2), living at Hungate Street, Aylsham. Parents Arthur, (32, Agricultural Labourer), Alice (33, born Fritton) - other children Arthur W. (6), and Florence C (4).
George, (aged 16 - Cattle Man on Farm), living at Mucklands, Aylsham..Mother Elizabeth, (aged 39 and a Widow from Barningham Parva) - other children Bertie, (aged 12), Daisy, (aged 10), Lily, (aged 8), and Sidney, (aged 14 and a Baker).

(Charles) Frederick KNIGHTS……………………………….........(RoH)

Private 127984. 34th Coy., Machine Gun Corps (Inf). Formerly 35348 East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 11 April 1918 in France & Flanders. Born Northrepps. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Son of Fredrick Charles Knights. Commemorated: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 11.

On Churchyard War Memorial Not noted by me
On Church Memorial board F Knights
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=869316
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 2 year old Frederick Knights living at Norwich Road, Aylsham who was born at Southrepps. He is living with his Grand-Parents Frederick, (aged 50 and a Railway Porter from Diss), and Alice, (aged 40 and from Wells, Norfolk). The children of Frederick and Alice are Adeline, (aged 14), Anne, (aged 19), Bertie G, (aged 5), Edith, (aged 11), and Sidney, (aged 9).


C LEE………………………………............................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial Looks more like G Lee but carving not in common with other C’s or G’s
On Church Memorial board C Lee
CWGC
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 9 year old Charles H Lee, born Cawston and now living at Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents are Herbert Wm, (aged 31 and a Farm Bailiff from Cawston), and Elizabeth, (aged 31 and also from Cawston). Their other children are Sidney S., (aged 4, born Cawston), Valentine E. (aged 2, born Aylsham) and Walter W. (aged 7, born Cawston).

This points us to a possible match on the CWGC database - Charles Herbert Lee who was 26 when he died on the 14/11/1918. His wife had re-married, and was now living at Aldborough, but Charles is buried in the Churchyard of St Giles, Colby, Norfolk. Charles is on the Colby War Memorial. He had served as a Pioneer in the Royal Engineers.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802318
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Colby.html

If they are all the same individual, then Charles is probably the brother of the Sydney listed below.

Sydney Samuel LEE………………………………......................(RoH)

Private 22202. 2nd Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Sunday 7 January 1917. Age 20. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Hubert William and Elizabeth Lee, of Beer House Farm, Cawston, Norfolk. Commemorated: KIRKEE 1914-1918 MEMORIAL, India. Face C.

On Churchyard War Memorial S Lee
On Church Memorial board S Lee
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1481525
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 4 year old Sidney S Lee, born Cawston and now living at Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents are Herbert Wm, (aged 31 and a Farm Bailiff from Cawston), and Elizabeth, (aged 31 and also from Cawston). Their other children are Charles H., (aged 9, born Cawston), Valentine E. (aged 2, born Aylsham) and Walter W. (aged 7, born Cawston).

(Frank) Sydney LEMAN………………………………................(RoH)
Private 40900. 11th Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 32927 Suffolk Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 23 March 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 35. Born Kelling. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Buried: DERNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme, France. Ref. III. J. 46.

On Churchyard War Memorial S Leman
On Church Memorial board S Leman
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=37479
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No apparent match. On the 1891 Census, the 9 year old Frank, having been born at Kelling was by now living at The Street, (Possibly Kelling or Erpingham - original is a poor quality scan). His parents are John Leman, (aged 31 and an Agricultural Labourer, place of birth illegible on the Genes Re-united site - possibly Erpingham) and Jane, (aged 30 and probably from Kelling). I believe the other children are Jane, Agnes, Stuart and Arthur, but I shall roll my eyes next time I hear someone waffle on about how standards of hand-writing used to be so much better in Victorian times J
On the DayThe 11th Essex had been heavily engaged in holding back the German onslaught of their 1918 Spring Offensive which had commenced on the 21st.
www.gutenberg.org/files/20115/20115-h/20115-h.htm#page044
Private Leman may well have picked up his fatal wounds during this time.

B MARSHALL……………………………….....................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial B Marshall
On Church Memorial board B Marshall
CWGC

Possibly Bertie Walter, aged 22, of the 35th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, who died 30/11/1917. Bertie’s parents (James & Laura) are recorded as living at Stafford Street, Norwich.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=554906
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No obvious match for any B Marshall and no obvious Marshall connection with Aylsham.

Frederick MOY………………………………..................................(RoH)

Private 240040. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 19 April 1917. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Millgate, Higham, Norfolk. Buried: GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Ref. XXII. G. 5.

On Churchyard War Memorial F Moy
On Church Memorial board F Moy
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=650910
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No obvious match on the 1901 or 1891 Censuses. There are two Moy familys, both with numerous sons, and Aylsham connections - one having subsequently moved to Old Buckenham, but there is not even a middle initial F. on any of them.
On the Day 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.
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

William NORTON………………………………...............................(RoH)

Private 41117. 7th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regt.) attd. 288th Coy., Royal Engineers. Died Saturday 17 March 1917. Age 41. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Norton, of Aylsham; husband of S. E. Norton, of Pound Rd., Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. V. E. 4.

On Churchyard War Memorial W Norton
On Church Memorial board W Norton
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=91524
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 25 year old William, born Aylsham, is employed as a Domestic Gardener and is living on Hungate Street, Aylsham with his widowed mother Esther, (aged 48 and born Edgefield). Also living with them are William’s brothers Albert, (aged 15 and a Cattle Feeder on Farm), Augustus, (aged 12) and Frederick, (aged 9).

J C PAYNE……………………………….........................................(RoH)

[No record on CD.] Private T/254791. Army Service Corps. Died Thursday 20 December 1917. Age 35. Buried: AYLSHAM CEMETERY, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Ref. G. 70.

On Churchyard War Memorial J C Payne
On Church Memorial board J C Payne
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802303
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 1901 Census has a 17 year old James C, born Aylsham and employed as a Bricklayers Labourer. He is living at Drabblegate, Aylsham with his parents William, (aged 44 and a Bricklayer), and Sophia, (aged 40). Their other children are Blanch, (aged 10), Eliza, (aged 13), Ethel S, (aged 8), Frederick H, (aged 19 and a Gardener, (not Domestic)), Harry E. (aged 7), Katie (aged 6), and William, (aged 4).

Frederick PEGG……………………………….............................(RoH)

Corporal 12967. 7th Bn., Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 27 March 1918. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Lowestoft. Commemorated: POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 25

On Churchyard War Memorial F Pegg
On Church Memorial board F Pegg
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1586611
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 14 year old Frederick, born Aylsham, is living on Hungate Street and employed as an Errand Boy. His parents are Alfred Charles, (a 47 year old Carpenter from Heydon), and Clara, (47 and from Wood Dalling). Their other children are Benjamin A, (aged 15 and a Newspaper Boy), Caroline E, (aged 22), Francis H, (aged 13), Marshall A, (aged 20 and a Bricklayers Labourer), and Stephen S.A. (aged 11).
On the dayThe 7th Suffolks were involved in the fighting retreat that was gradually bringing the German Spring Offensive to a halt before Albert.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=111...

W J PITCHER………………………………...............................(RoH)

Possibly: Wilfred Pitcher. Private 240948. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Palestine on Thursday 19 April 1917. Enlisted East Dereham. Buried: GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Israel. Ref. XXIII. D. 10.

On Churchyard War Memorial W J Pitcher
On Church Memorial board W J Pitcher
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=651074
Norlink No archive items.

There is a memorial to Wilfred’s father Elliot who died in 1934 in Aylsham cemetery. This also lists a son Wilfred John who fell in action in Egypt, 19th April 1917.Elliot’s wife, (and presumably Wilfred’s mother) is listed as Alice Mary.
1901 Census The 1 year old Wilfred, born Aldborough, is living Near the Green, Aldborough. His parents are Elliott, (aged 25 and a Domestic Gardener) and Alice, (aged 22 and from Saxthorpe). Wilfred has a brother George, (aged under 1).
On the dayMore 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
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

E J PRESTON………………………………................................(RoH)

Possibly: Ernest James Preston. Gunner 906467. 337th Bde., Royal Field Artillery. Died in Mesopotamia on Monday 28 October 1918. (CD gives date as 25 October 1918). Lived and enlisted Norwich. Buried: BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq. Ref. I. S. 3.

On Churchyard War Memorial E J Preston
On Church Memorial board E J Preston
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=631320
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 4 year old Ernest J is living at Buxton Road, Aylsham, the town of his birth. His parents are Leonard J, (34 and a Road Surveyor from Hevingham), and Louisa E, (aged 30 and from Highfield, Sussex). The Prestons also have a daughter, Florence M, aged 1. Although I only have access to the high-level search on the 1911 census, Ernest is still recorded in the District of Aylsham. I can only assume he either moved to Norwich to seek work or that the Ernest James on the RoH site is a different individual.

C RISEBOROUGH……………………………….........................(RoH)

Possibly either: Charles Riseborough. Gunner 98474. Guards Div. H.Q., Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Sunday 3 October 1915. Born Holt. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: FOSSE 7 MILITARY CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE, Pas de Calais, France.