The Flickr 12071917 Image Generatr

The Postcard

A postally unused carte postale that was published by A. Ricard of 84, Faub. du Temple, Paris.

On the back someone has used a purple pencil of the type commonly used by British troops in order to write the following on the divided back of the card:

"W. Stratford Cole,
12/7/17
France."

The Battle of La Bassée

The Battle of La Bassée was fought by German and Franco-British forces on the Western Front in October 1914. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War.

The opposing armies tried to outflank each other in what became known as The Race to the Sea.

The struggle for the trenches at La Bassée was terrible beyond description. The dead lay thick, bodies without heads, without arms or legs, human flesh plastered by the explosion of shells against, and actually into, the trench walls.

The dead lay for days, decomposing under the feet of the living.

Throughout these battles the Germans advanced in solid formation, often six or seven deep, and their losses were almost beyond belief. Their bodies carpeted the ground.

'The Road to La Bassée'

Sixteen years after the Great War, in 1934, two British veterans of the battle wrote a poem about their return to the battlefield. Their names were Bernard Newman and Harold Arpthorp, and the poem is called 'The Road to La Bassée'. Here it is:

'I went across to France again, and walked about the line,
The trenches have all been filled in - the country's looking fine.
The folks gave me a welcome, and lots to eat and drink,
Saying, 'Allo Tommee, back again? 'Ow do you do? In ze pink?'
And then I walked about again, and mooched about the line;
You'd never think there'd been a war, the country's looking fine.
But the one thing that amazed me most shocked me, I should say
- There's buses running now from Béthune to La Bassée!

I sat at Shrapnel Corner and I tried to take it in,
It all seemed much too quiet, I missed the war-time din.
I felt inclined to bob down quick - Jerry sniper in that trench!
A minnie coming over! God, what a hellish stench!
Then I pulled myself together, and walked on to La Folette -
And the cows were calmly grazing on the front line parapet.
And the kids were playing marbles by the old Estaminet -
Fancy kiddies playing marbles on the road to La Bassée!

You'd never think there'd been a war, the country's looking fine -
I had a job in places picking out the old front line.
You'd never think there'd been a war - ah, yet you would, I know,
You can't forget those rows of headstones every mile or so.
But down by Tunnel Trench I saw a sight that made me start,
For there, at Tourbieres crossroads - a gaudy ice-cream cart!
It was hot, and I was dusty, but somehow I couldn't stay -
Ices didn't seem quite decent on the road to La Bassée.

Some of the sights seemed more than strange as I kept marching on.
The Somme's a blooming garden, and there are roses in Péronne.
The sight of Dear Old Arras almost made me give three cheers;
And there's kiddies now in Plugstreet, and mamselles in Armentières.
But nothing that I saw out there so seemed to beat the band
As those buses running smoothly over what was No Man's Land.
You'd just as soon expect them from the Bank to Mandalay
As to see those buses running from Béthune to La Bassée.

Then I got into a bus myself, and rode for all the way,
Yes, I rode inside a bus from Béthune to La Bassée.
Through Beuvry and through Annequin, and then by
Cambrin Tower -
The journey used to take four years, but now it's half an hour.
Four years to half an hour - the best speedup I've met.
Four years? Aye, longer still for some - they haven't got there yet.
Then up came the conductor chap, 'Vos billets s'il vous plait',
Fancy asking for your tickets on the road to La Bassée.

And I wondered what they'd think of it - those mates of mine who died -
They never got to La Bassée, though God knows how they tried.
I thought back to the moments when their number came around,
And now those buses rattling over sacred, holy ground,
Yes, I wondered what they'd think of it, those mates of mine who died.
Of those buses rattling over the old pave close beside.
'Carry on! That's why we died!' I could almost hear them say,
To keep those buses always running from Béthune to La Bassée!'

The First Battle of Ramadi

So what else happened on the day that the card was dated?

Well, on Thursday the 12th. July 1917, British forces were unable to organize an attack on open ground due to the searing heat, and were forced to retreat during the night while hounded by a force of 1,500 pro-Turkish Arabs.

The Bisbee Deportation

Also on that day, a large posse from Cochise County, Arizona rounded up nearly 1,300 striking miners at Copper Queen Mine and forced them on to a train to Columbus, New Mexico.

The Sinking of a U-Boat

Also on the 12th. July 1917, Royal Naval Air Service Flight Lieutenant O. A. Butcher, manning a kite balloon lofted by the destroyer HMS Patriot off Shetland, sighted a German submarine believed to have been SM U-69 at a range of 28 nautical miles (52 km).

His sighting allowed Patriot to intercept U-69 and sink her with depth charges.

Donald Cunnell

Also on that day, the British fighter pilot Donald Cunnell was killed in action.

Donald, who was born in 1893, was one of the few pilots to shoot down and wound the Red Baron.

Andrew John Clarke......................died 22/02/1919........lived 34 Mill Lane, Suffield Park
George Henry Clarke....................died 21/04/1918......lived Algar House, Hans Place
Herbert Richard Clarke.................died 08/06/1915......lived 34 Mill Lane, Suffield Park
Arthur Harry Cook.................,.......died 12/07/1917.......parents lived 51 Station Road
Sydney Isaac Cook......................died 30/07/1917.......lived 51 Station Road
Arthur William Craske..................died 23/10/1917........lived 24 Lowden Lane \ Loudon Lane
George Thomas Craske..............died 28/02/1917........lived 24 Lowden Lane \ Loudon Lane
Lindsay (Oswald) Crawford........died 22/09/1918........lived Balcarres \ 39 Cabbell Road
Thomas Frederick Davies........(possibly) died 12/09/1917...lived 31 Garden Street
Daniel Dempsey..........................died 23/05/1917.....wife lived 33 Cliff Street \
......................................................................................Britannia House, Cliff Square

George Thomas Christmas Stimpson.....died 18/09/1916...lived 6 Chesterfield Cottages
Harold Joseph Tibbalds............died 11/05/1917.......wife lived 4 Bond Street
William James Walker
William Williamson..................died 13/08/1915
Herbert Wilson..........................died 27/11/1915......lived The White Horse Inn, West St
Herbert Ernest Youell..............died 03/04/1918.......Parents lived Station House
Francis Henry Baxter...............died 18/04/1918.......lived 3 Rose Villas, Suffield Park \
............................................................................................and Station Road
Ernest William Baxter..............died 22/08/1918.......lived 3 Rose Villas, Suffield Park \
............................................................................................and Station Road

With grateful acknowledgement to the Roll of Honour site (RoH) which served as my starting point:-
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Cromer.html

For more on each name, see comments.
(SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Norlink - Norfolk County Picture Archive)

For more on each name, see comments.
(SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Norlink - Norfolk County Picture Archive)

H G Bateman

No obvious match on SDGW

There are two H G Bateman’s listed on the CWGC database, a Canadian soldier and an Australian one. Both fell in France and both have no additional information recorded there. Fortunately both Canada and Australia have far more freely available on the Internet than is available to us in the UK. And indeed I needed to search no further than the Canadian National Library Collections for the enlistment papers of a Harry George Bateman, born 15th November 1893, Aswell Thorpe, England.

At the time of his enlistment, (29th July 1915), he was living at Sewell Camp, Manitoba, working as a Stableman. He gives his next of kit as his father George, address Ashwell Thorpe, England. He was a single man.
A the time of his enlistment he was recorded as 5 feet 10 inches, fair complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. He had no distinguishing marks.
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

CWGC details.
BATEMAN, H G
Rank: Private
Service No: 114539
Date of Death: 05/06/1916
Regiment: 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion
Grave Reference
LXVI. B. 1.
Cemetery
TYNE COT CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/461868/BATEMAN,%20H%20G

Cemetery Historical Information
'Tyne Cot' or 'Tyne Cottage' was the name given by the Northumberland Fusiliers to a barn which stood near the level crossing on the Passchendaele-Broodseinde road. The barn, which had become the centre of five or six German blockhouses, or pill-boxes, was captured by the 3rd Australian Division on 4 October 1917, in the advance on Passchendaele.

One of these pill-boxes was unusually large and was used as an advanced dressing station after its capture. From 6 October to the end of March 1918, 343 graves were made, on two sides of it, by the 50th (Northumbrian) and 33rd Divisions, and by two Canadian units. The cemetery was in German hands again from 13 April to 28 September, when it was finally recaptured, with Passchendaele, by the Belgian Army.

TYNE COT CEMETERY was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when remains were brought in from the battlefields of Passchendaele and Langemarck, and from a few small burial grounds,
www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/53300/TYNE%20COT%20...

Reviewing the list of burial places that were consolidated to this location, only one stands out as containing Canadian soldiers who died prior to 1917 - this was:-
STADEN GERMAN CEMETERY, on the South-East side of the road to Stadenberg, containing the graves of 14 soldiers from the United Kingdom and ten from Canada who fell in 1915-1917.

This raises the prospect that Harry died either as a PoW or during an attack\counter-attack where the Germans held onto the ground fought over.

No match on Norlink

Census

On the 1901 census, the 8 year old Harry “Geo” Bateman, born Ashwellthorpe, was recorded at a dwelling in Tibenham, Norfolk. This was the household of his maternal grandparents, Robert Day, (aged 54 and a Harness Maker from Carleton Rode, Norfolk) and Laura Louisa, (aged 52 and from Forncett St Peter, Norfolk).

His Canadian Army papers gives his father as George Bateman. He and his wife, Laura, are living at The Bakers Arm, The Street, Ashwellthorpe.

On the 1911 census, the 19 year old Harry, working as a Postman, was recorded at a Dwelling in Ashwellthorpe. This was the household of his parents, George, (aged 43 and a Grocer & Baker from Winfarthing, Norfolk), and Laura, (aged 43 and from Talcolnestone, Norfolk). The couple have been married for 25 years and have had 10 children, of which 9 were still alive.. Other children living with them are:-
Annie……….aged 25.…….born Ashwellthorpe………Dressmaker
Ethel………..aged 23.…….born Ashwellthorpe
Fred…………aged 16.……born Ashwellthorpe
Percy……….aged 12.…….born Ashwellthorpe
Mabel………aged 7.………born Ashwellthorpe
“Baby”……..aged 1 month….born Ashwellthorpe.

Brother Percy also appears on the War Memorial - see next entry.

Further family details from his Candian Army papers are held on the Canadian Virtual War memorial.
Father; George Bateman, Kingswell (or Kings Head) Hotel, Ashwell Thorpe, Norfolk, England; ALSO, Sister, Mrs H Hines, 91 Riverton Avenue, Elmwood, Manitoba
Brother of Arthur Robert Bateman, r/n 700976
Killed in Action - Mount Sorrel
www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.as...

From a forum post
AR Bateman's brother was Harry George Bateman, r/n 114539. He listed his father, George of the Kingswell or Kings Head Hotel, (different documents list different names). Ashwell Thorpe, Norfolk, England as his next of kin. He named his mother, shown only as "Mrs L" as his beneficiary. Harry also listed his sister, shown as "Mrs H Hines" of 91 Riverton Avenue, Elmwood,(Winnipeg), Manitoba. Incidentally, that is the same address Arthur gave as his residence when he enlisted. George enlisted with the 9th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles on July 29, 1915 at Camp Sewell, Manitoba. As the name implies, the 9th CMR was originally supposed to be a mounted regiment, part of a planned 13 battalion Mounted Rifles division. Camp Sewell was later renamed Camp Hughes. The remains of the training area still exist near Carberry, Manitoba. His attestation gives an enlistment date of July 29, 1915, but this is very likely an error. His pay card gives a date of July 24, and he was hospitalized from July 27 for more than two weeks. Harry sailed with the 9th CMR from St John, New Brunswick to Liverpool aboard the SS California from November 23 to December 03. On arrival, the unit was posted to Bramshott, converted to infantry, and assigned to the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Harry was posted to the 1st CMR in Flanders on January 29, 1916. He reported as part of a draft of 105 Other Ranks on February 08 at Red Farm, near Ypres. On the morning of June 02, 1916, the 8th CIB was in positions around Mount Sorrel, Belgium. The 1st and 4th CMRs manned the front line trenches. At 0830, the enemy unleashed a massive artillery bombardment, followed by an infantry attack. The 1st CMR War Diary noted that only 1 officer and 5 OR's from the front line garrison could be accounted for at the end of the day. The battalion strength, (refered to as "survivors") on June 03 was 1 officer and 135 OR's, from a trench strength three days earlier of 21 officers and 660 OR's. The 4th CMR fared worse. A mine was blown under their trenches, and the battalion all but ceased to exist. Pte Bateman was reported as "Wounded and Missing on or after June 02 to 05" on June 21. On March 26, 1917, he was reported as "Missing, Presumed Killed in Action on or after June 02-05". His remains were located during post war battelfield clearances. A Burial Report dated August 11, 1921 confirmed that he was KIA. Harry is buried at Tyne Cot.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=119869

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.

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. Ref. I. A. 2. Or: Charles James Riseborough. Private22396 "A Coy. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Wednesday 19 July 1916 . Age 25. Born Wickmere. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Herbert and Mary Ann Riseborough, of Wickmere, Norwich. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

On Churchyard War Memorial C Riseborough
On Church Memorial board C Riseborough
CWGC
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=563714
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1551611
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 1901 census has a 17 year old Charles, born Aylsham, employed as a Shepherd, and living at Drabblegate, Aylsham. His parents are James, (aged 40 and a Shepherd from Erpingham), and Fanny, (aged 38 and from Aylsham). Their other children are Albert, (aged 14, born Ingworth, and a Shepherd), Charles, (aged 17, born Aylsham and a Shepherd), Elenor, (aged 5, born Ingworth), James, (aged 11, born Ingworth), and Thirza, (aged 8, born Ingworth).

There is also a 10 year old Charles, born Weybourne, and now also living at Drabblegate, Aylsham. His parents are Robert, (aged 40 and a Blacksmith from Hempstead, Norfolk) and Martha, (aged 36, from Peckham, Norfolk). Their other children are Hilda, (aged 3, born Aylsham), John T, (aged 12, born Weybourne), Mary, (aged 11, born Weybourne), Maud, (aged 9, born Aylsham), and Sidney, (aged 4, born Aylsham).

There are only 2 C Riseborough’s shown on the CWGC database, and neither set of details as shown on the RoH web-site appear to tie in with the C Riseborough’s on the 1901 Census.

I’ve then tried the RoH details on the 1911 high level search engine. The individual born at Wickmere is now recorded as living in the District of Aylsham. I can find no match on the 1901 or 1911 Census for a Charles born in Holt.

The Wickmere individual was aged 9 on the 1901 Census and living at 9 Low Street, Wickmere, (in the District of Aylsham). His parents are Hebert, (aged 36 and a Horseman on Farm from Matlaske), and Mary A, (aged 39 and from Sheringham). Their other children are Fred, (aged 11), and Richard, (aged 6).

Edward Henry RISEBOROUGH……………………………….........(RoH)

Private 16114. 2nd Bn., Coldstream Guards. Killed in action Saturday 16 September 1916 in France & Flanders. Born Ingham. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Hertford. Commemorated: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 7 D and 8 D.

On Churchyard War Memorial E Riseborough
On Church Memorial board E Riseborough
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1551612
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 3 year old Edward H, born Ingham, is now living at Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents are James, (aged 26 and a Yardman on Farm from Hempstead), and Mary E. (aged 27 and from Stalham). Their other child is William J, (aged 1 and born Aylsham).
On the Day15th September 1916

“The Guards Division went into action at Ginchy on the 15th September, supported by tanks, but these broke down or stuck in the mud. None of the enemy strongpoints had been silenced, when, for the first and indeed the only time in the regiments history, three Coldstream Battalions, 1st, 2nd and 3rd, advanced together in line.Very heavy losses were sustained against heavy hand fire and artillery, and the dead and the wounded, as they fell, frequently disappeared into the engulfing mud.
The first objectives were seized, but there was a serious hold up on the right flank, and the advance ground to a halt. The main resistance came from a complicated and extensive trench system called the Quadrilateral, from which a withering fire poured forth at the Coldstreamers. However, later in the day, it was penetrated and neutralised by other Guards units, and the Coldstream battalions were able to resume their forward movement. Within an hour the secondary objectives were taken and held, in spite of the most furious resistance. The three Coldstream battalions suffered crippling losses, no less than 40 officers and 1,326 rank and file killed or wounded. The commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, Lt Col John Campbell, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry, rallying and encouraging his men with blasts from his hunting horn.

Despite their shattered condition, the Coldstreamers were back in the line within a few days, but were relieved on the 27th when the division was withdrawn for a spell in the general reserve.”
books.google.co.uk/books?id=GzRcQah1ULcC&pg=PA28&...

John T RISEBOROUGH………………………………...................(RoH)

Gunner 606180. 293rd Bty. 1st (Glam.) Bde., Royal Horse Artillery. Died in France & Flanders on Monday 26 February 1917. Age 28. Born Weybourne. Enlisted Marsham. Son of Robert and Martha Riseborough, of Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION No.1, Somme, France. Ref. III. G. 17.

On Churchyard War Memorial J T Riseborough
On Church Memorial board J T Riseborough
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=83398
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 12 year old John T, born Weybourne, and now also living at Drabblegate, Aylsham. His parents are Robert, (aged 40 and a Blacksmith from Hempstead, Norfolk) and Martha, (aged 36, from Peckham, Norfolk). Their other children are Hilda, (aged 3, born Aylsham), Charles, (aged 10, born Weybourne), Mary, (aged 11, born Weybourne), Maud, (aged 9, born Aylsham), and Sidney, (aged 4, born Aylsham).

Oswald Herbert ROE………………………………....................(RoH)

Private 22993. 20th Bn., Lancashire Fusiliers. Formerly 128540 R.G.A. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Monday 16 April 1917. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Harrow, Middx. Husband of Mrs. M. Roe, of 20, Cornwall Rd., Harrow, Middx. Buried CHAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY, HOLNON, Aisne, France. Ref. IV. E. 12.

On Churchyard War Memorial O Roe
On Church Memorial board O Roe
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2911925
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 17 year old Oswald is a Drapers Apprentice, living at Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents are Frederic, (aged 50, and a “Relieving Officer”), and Emily, (aged 52, and from Lockerley, Hampshire). Their other children are Beatrice, (aged 18), Frederic, (aged 23 and a Drapers Warehouseman), and Leonard, (aged 22 and a Solicitors Clerk).

There is a bit more family detail here
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=443...

George RUDD………………………………..............................(RoH)

Private 1379. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in Gallipoli on Saturday 21 August 1915. Age 21. Born Hardley. Enlisted Aylsham. Son of Henry and Alice Rudd, of 16, Little Paddock St., Norwich. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

On Churchyard War Memorial G Rudd
On Church Memorial board G Rudd
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=687981
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 7 year old George who had been born at Hardley was living at Yarmouth Road, Hales by the time of the Census. His parents are Henry, a 40 year old Bricklayer from Rockland St.Mary, and Alice, aged 32 and from Langley. Their other children are Arthur, (aged 11, born Hardley), Charlotte, (aged 1, born Loddon), Ethel, (aged 9, born Hardley), Lilian, (aged 12, born Hardley), and Samuel, (aged 5, born Loddon).
On the day21st 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. There was a trench raid by the Turks on the area were the 1/4ths and 1/5ths were stationed, although it is unclear whether these casualties arose from this action.
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm

Charles John RUMP………………………………......................(RoH)

Private 235326. "C Coy 20th Bn., The King's (Liverpool Regiment). Formerly 5283 Yorkshire Regiment. Died Thursday 12 July 1917. Age 37. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Only son of Joseph and Harriet Rump, of Aylsham; husband of Mabel Rump, of Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: RECQUES-SUR-HEM CHURCHYARD, Pas de Calais, France. South of church.

On Churchyard War Memorial C Rump
On Church Memorial board C Rump
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2001311
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 20 year old Charles J was employed as a Carpenter, and living at The Market Place, Aylsham, the town where he had been born. His parents are James, (aged 50 and a Gardener (not Domestic)), and Harriet, (aged 46 and from Bury St Edmunds). Also living with the Rump’s are their married daughter Beatrice M Davison, (aged 25), and her husband , James, (aged 29 and a Tailor from Aylsham), and their child, Geoffrey E, (aged 2).

Philip SHEPHEARD……………………………….....................(RoH)

Captain. Essex Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 13 June 1915. Age 31. Son of Philip C. and Pasqua Maria Shepheard, of Aylsham, Norfolk. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233.

On Churchyard War Memorial P Shepheard
On Church Memorial board P Shepheard
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=685314
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The only Philip Shepheard on the 1901 Census is at a Boarding School at Old Windsor, Berks, aged 17. Philip doesn’t appear to be on the 1891 Census. There is no match for either parent on the 1901 Census.

On the high level search of the 1911 Census, (ie the free one!), a 27 year Philip is recorded as being on Military Service Overseas. A 72 year Philip Candler Shepheard is recorded in the District of Aylsham, as is a 55 year Maria Pergua Shepheard.

Charles Alfred SKOYLES……………………………….........(RoH)

Gunner 37942. "Q Bty. 5th Bde., Royal Horse Artillery. Killed in action Wednesday 19 July 1916. Age 34. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Stratford E. Son of Thomas and Sarah Skoyles, of Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: LAVENTIE MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE, Nord, France. Ref. III. C. 22.

On Churchyard War Memorial C A Skoyles
On Church Memorial board C A Skoyles
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=328163
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 19 year old Charles, born Aylsham, is now residing as a Boarder at New North Road, Attleborough, and employed as a Railway Porter. No obvious match on the 1891 Census.

Stephen William STONE………………………………...................(RoH)

Private 325839. 13th Bn., Royal Scots. Formerly 3530 Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds Tuesday 19 February 1918 in France & Flanders. Age 22. Born Hevingham. Lived Aylsham. Enlisted Normanton, Yorks. Son of Maria Eliza and the late Stephen Stone, of Town Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: TILLOY BRITISH CEMETERY, TILLOY- LES-MOFFLAINES, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. II. A. II.

On Churchyard War Memorial S W Stone
On Church Memorial board S W Stone
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=566360
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is no Stephen matching the RoH\CWGC details, but there is a 5 year old William, born Hevingham and now living at Little London, near Corpusty. His parents are Stephen, (aged 38 and a Navvy on the JC(??) Way, from Hevingham), and Maria, (aged 35 and from Thurgarton). Their other children are Edith, (aged 1, born Saxthorpe), Katie, (aged 11, born Hevingham), and Nellie, (aged 7, born Hevingham).

George Utting TINKLER………………………………...................(RoH)

Private S4/039150. "A Coy., Army Service Corps. Died Sunday 27 August 1916. Age 25. Son of John and Mary Frances Tinkler, of 30, Artist Row, Portland, Dorset. Born at Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: HIPSWELL (ST. JOHN) CHURCHYARD, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. (Not on CD)

On Churchyard War Memorial G Tinkler
On Church Memorial board G Tinkler
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=408964
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is no obvious match on the 1901 Census. There is a 9 year old George born Wigan, Lancashire, and now living at Runton near Erpingham, Norfolk. Georges parents are John, (aged 30 and a Baker \ Confectioner from Norwich), and Mary, (aged 29 and from East Runton). Their other children are Winifred, (aged 8 and born Wigan), and Thomas, (aged 5 and born East Runton).

Frederick TORTICE………………………………..........................(RoH)

Private R/367063. Army Service Corps. Died Monday 18 November 1918. Age 32. Son of Mrs. Eliza Tortice, of Town Lane, Aylsham. Buried: AYLSHAM CEMETERY, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Ref. F. 69.

On Churchyard War Memorial F Tortice
On Church Memorial board F Tortice
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802304
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The only Frederick on the 1901 Census was only 5 years old, and therefore too young to match the RoH\CWGC details. However there is a Frederick of the right age on the 1891 Census, living at Drabblegate, Aylsham. His parents were James, (age 36 and an Agricultural Labourer), and Eliza, (age 36 and from Walsingham). Their other children are John H. (aged 18), Robert, (aged 15), Edward, (aged 13), William (aged 10), Thomas, (probably aged 7), and an infant son, aged 1 month.

F TORTICE……………………………….....................................(RoH)

Probably: James Tortice. RiflemanB/200134. 13th Bn., Rifle Brigade. Formerly 5/5372 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on Sunday 25 August 1918. Age 34. Born and lived Blickling. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Henry and Jane Tortice, of 37, Silvergate, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: GOMIECOURT SOUTH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. F. 6.

On Churchyard War Memorial F Tortice
On Church Memorial board F Tortice
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=569529

Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The James referred to on the RoH site was aged 16, employed as a Shoemaker, and living at 37, Silvergate, Blickling. His parents were Henry, (aged 47 and a Shepherd from Aylsham), described as married, although his mother appears to be absent on the night of the Census. Also living with them are James brother, Henry, (aged 21 and a Bricklayer), and sister, May, (aged 24).
NB - there is also a Fred, aged 5, born Aylsham living on Drabblegate. There is a Fred Tortice of unknown age and with no additional information on the CWGC database. He was a Private serving in the Northamptonshire Regiment.

Benjamin Robert TURNER………………………………..............(RoH)

Serjeant 869. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died in Gallipoli on Thursday 12 August 1915. (CD gives date 28 August 1915). Born and lived Aylsham. Commemorated: HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 42 to 44.

On Churchyard War Memorial B Turner
On Church Memorial board B Turner
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683631
1901 Census The 12 year old Benjamin R. is already employed as a House Decorator. Having been born at Aylsham, he currently resided at Hungate Street. His parents are Benjamin H. (aged 36 and a House Decorator), and Mary A. (aged 36 and from Barningham Parva). Their other children are Alice M, (under 1), Charlotte, (aged 4), Herbert J, (aged 2), Maggie, (aged 10), Mary L, (aged 6), Miriam, (aged 11), and Ruth, (aged 7).
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

Ralph John WADE……………………………….........................(RoH)
(There is a picture on the Roll of Honour site which notes that he died of Enteric Fever at the Alexandra Hospital)

Private 2063. 1st/5th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died Wednesday 13 October 1915. Age 21. Born and enlisted Aylsham. Son of Harry R. and Leah Wade, of Penfold St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, Egypt. Ref. D. 52.

On Churchyard War Memorial Ralph Wade
On Church Memorial board Ralph Wade
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=110066
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 6 year old Ralph was born at Aylsham, and at the time of the census was living at Penfold Street. His parents are Harry Wade, (aged 39 and a Whitesmith), and Leah, (aged 41 and from Booton). Their other children are Agenes, (aged 10), Charles (aged 9), Fred, (aged 4), Gertrude, (aged 1), and Harvey, (aged 3). The Wades also have a live-in servant.

Frederick Charles WARNE………………………………...................(RoH)

Gunner 102505. 265th Siege Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in action Saturday 28 July 1917. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: DICKEBUSCH NEW MILITARY CEMETERY EXTENSION, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. I. B. 1.

On Churchyard War Memorial F Warne
On Church Memorial board F Warne
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=442406
Norlink norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
1901 Census The 6 year old Frederick C. was living at The Feathers Inn, Cawston Road, Aylsham. His parents were George, (aged 47 and a Licensed Victualler from Hempnall, Norfolk), and Susanna, (age 43 and from Foulsham). Their other children are Alfred J, (aged 11), Beatrice M A, (aged under 1), Christiana D, (aged 10), George J, (aged 13 and a Carpenters Apprentice), Harriet E. (aged 8), Susanna H (age 4), and William W, (age 15 and an Ironmongers Apprentice). All the children were born at Aylsham.

Abraham WATSON………………………………..............................(RoH)

Private 28203. 11th Bn., Essex Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 14 July 1917. Age 29. Born and lived Aylsham. Enlisted Cromer. Husband of Agnes Mary Jane Watson, of Unicorn Yard, Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, Nord, France. Ref. II. F. 13.

On Churchyard War Memorial A Watson
On Church Memorial board A Watson
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=523687
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census the 14 year old Abraham, working as a Farm Labourer, was born at Antingham, but living at The Rookery, Aylsham by the time of the census. His parents were Edward, (aged 53 and an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer from Sco Ruston), and Mary, (age 50 and from Coltishall). Their other children are Archer, (aged 16, an Ordinary Agricultural Labourer, born Brumstead), Claud, (aged 12, born Aylsham), and Ernest, (aged 8, born Aylsham).

Ernest Fountain Thomas WILLIAMSON…………………………….(RoH)

Lance Corporal 18900. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Friday 4 May 1917. Age 29. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of James and Sarah Williamson, of Penfold St., Aylsham; husband of Ethel E. E. Scarfe (formerly Williamson), of Matlaske, Aldborough, Norwich. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 3

On Churchyard War Memorial E Williamson
On Church Memorial board E Williamson
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=774465
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 14 year old Ernest was working as an Errand Boy and living at Hungate Street, Aylsham. His parents are James, (aged 39 and an Agricultural Labourer), and Sarah, (aged 37 and from Edgefield). Their other children are Arthur, (aged 5), George, (aged 3), James, (aged 10), Olive, (aged 1), Otto, (aged 12, and an Errand Boy), Phyllis, (aged 16, a Domestic Servant, born Edgefield), and Thomas, (aged 7).
On the DayThe Division of which 7th Norfolks were part were engaged in the Third Battle of the Scarpe (3rd - 4th May 1917).A preliminary attack on the left by 36th Brigade in the early hours of 2 May, including a gas barrage fired by Livens projectors, was not entirely successful but apparently caused considerable casualties to the enemy. The main attack was of mixed fortune, although 7th Royal Sussex reached the objective and then beat off determined counter attacks. Once again, German shellfire was the primary cause of problems and and heavy machine gun fire from Roeux caused many casualties. Shellfire was heavy over the next few days and the uncertain position of the advanced troops in Devil's Trench meant that British artillery was cautious in replying on German trenches.
www.1914-1918.net/12div.htm

Sidney WILSON………………………………...............................(RoH)

Private 18001. 1st Bn., Northamptonshire Regiment. Formerly 16751 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Sunday 9 May 1915. Age 32. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilson, of Millgate St., Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 28 to 30.

On Churchyard War Memorial S Wilson
On Church Memorial board S Wilson
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1564184
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census There is a 17 year old Sidney who was born in Aylsham, and at the time of the Census was working as a Bakers Assistant and living on Town Lane, Aylsham. His parents were John, (aged 40 and a General Porter from Ingworth), and Fanny, (aged 38 and from Brampton). Their children are Bertie, (aged 4), George, (aged 11 and employed as a Bakers Assistant), Herbert, (aged 1), and Sarah, (aged 10).
On the DayThe Battle of Aubers took place on this day. The 1st Northants were one of the two lead assault battalions of the southern pincer intended to surround Neuve Chappelle and assist the French in seizing Vimy Ridge. The German’s were well prepared while the artillery ammunition and gun shortage were taking a toll on how much firepower the British could bring to bear. Even while the final barrage was taking place and British troops tried to advance behind it, the German machine gunners kept on firing, taking a very heavy toll. Even when they were able to find the few gaps in the wire, the bunched up soldiers were a perfect target, and the few that made it through were easily dealt with. The casualties for the 1st Northants by the end of the day is 560, of which 17 are officers.
www.1914-1918.net/bat11.htm

Albert Edward WINTERBORN………………………………............(RoH)

Private G/21220. 7th Bn., The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regt.) Formerly 27597 Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action Monday 1 April 1918. Age 36. Husband of Hannah Winterborn, of Brandon Rd., Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. Commemorated: POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel 14 and 15.

On Churchyard War Memorial A Winterborn
On Church Memorial board A Winterborn
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=851496
Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
(Norlink notes:- Private Winterborn was born in Aylsham on 11th October 1882, and educated in Aylsham. He enlisted on 3rd May 1916, and was killed in action in France on 1st April 1918)
1901 Census The 18 year old Albert is recorded as a Coach Painters Apprentice. He was born at Aylsham and at the time of the Census lives at Mill Road, Aylsham. His Parents are George, (aged 60 and a Mill Wright), and Annie, (aged 52 and from Holme Hale). The 1891 census confirms he is an Albert E.
On the day 7th Queens, as part of the 18th (Eastern) Division had taken part in the fighting retreat in the face of the German Spring Offensive which by the 1st April was starting to run out of steam.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Offensive
(Also recorded on the Rockland St Peter Roll of Honour)

C H WOOD………………………………........................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial C H Wood
On Church Memorial board C H Wood
CWGC
19 Possible matches for C H Wood alone, none with any obvious link even to Norfolk.
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census No obvious links, although there is a Charles H, (aged 16) and a John, (aged 14),
both born Frettenham and both of whom no longer live with their parents - Charles is an Assistant Draper at Harvey&Nicholls Drapery in Chelsea, and lives in the shop, and John is training to be a seaman at Birkenhead. My guess would be that they were brothers and had been orphaned.

J H WOOD………………………………........................................(RoH)

No further information available at present.

On Churchyard War Memorial J H Wood
On Church Memorial board J H Wood
CWGC
38 Possible matches for J H Wood, none with any obvious link even to Norfolk
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census See C H Wood above.

James Emmanuel WYMER………………………………................(RoH)

[WYNLER on the CD.] Private 41492. 19th Bn., Northumberland Fusiliers, Tyneside Pioneers. Formerly 24952 West Yorkshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on Saturday 13 April 1918. Age 25. Born Aylsham. Enlisted Leeds. Son of John and Elizabeth Ann Wymer, of Aylsham, Norfolk. Buried: DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION No.1, Somme, France. Ref. VI. B. 26.

On Churchyard War Memorial J E Wymer
On Church Memorial board J E Wymer
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=83712
Norlink No archive items.
1901 Census The 8 year old James is listed at Drabblegate, Aylsham. His parents are John, (aged 40 and a Traction Engine Driver from Banningham), and Elizabeth, (aged 40 and from Felmingham). Their other children are Ethel, (aged 10), Maggie, (aged 2), Martha, (aged 14) and William, (aged 5).

A Codling………………..Private

Name: CODLING, ALFRED
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "B" Coy. 8th Bn.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 21/10/1916 Service No: 43452
Additional information: Son of Alfred and Emma A. Codling, of 374, Unthank Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 23. Cemetery: REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=234635

Private Codling can be seen on the Norlink Archive here
norfolk.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/OPAC/BIBENQ/...

The accompanying notes read “Private Codling was born at Ashby Street, Norwich, 25th April 1891. He enlisted 6th October 1914 and was killed in action, 21st October 1916 “

The 1901 Census has the 9 year old Alfred living at the Woolpack Public House, 11 Golden Ball Street, Norwich. He lives at this address with his parents, Alfred, (a 36 year old Carpenter from Norwich), and Emma, (a 37 year old proprietor of a Grocer Shop) as well as brother Walter, (aged 8). The Codlings have one servant, however as neither parent are listed as a publican, I’m not sure if the Codlings were actually the licensees at this time or just living in part of the building..

On the day

From the Chronology of the battle of the Somme
October 21st: 45'-28' fine but very cold day. The British advance on a line between the Schwaben Redoubt and le Sars and take many prisoners.
www.ramsdale.org/timeline.htm

Saturday 21st October 1916.
Thiepval

Zero Hour was set for 12.06pm but the Germans set the ball rolling at 5am with an attack on Schwaben Redoubt, still occupied by 39th Div. 17th King’s Royal Rifle Cops and 14th Hampshires drove the Germans back with grenades.

18th Div attacked with two battalions of 53 Bde- 10th Essex and 8th Norfolks advancing in line with the Canadians on their right flank. The Norfolks were caught up in a bombing fight near the Grandcourt-Courcelette road which they won with the aid of the Lancashire Fusiliers of 25th Div.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Appendix 3 to the Battalion War Diary for October 1916 is a Short History of the Regina Trench Operations 21st, 22nd and 23rd October

1. Orders from Brigade.
On the 20th October 1916 the Battalion was ordered to attack REGINA TRENCH on the following day.
The object of the Battalion’s attack, which was in conjunction with the 10th Essex Regiment, 53rd Infantry Brigade on the right, and 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, 74th Infantry Brigade on the left, ws to take and occupy the REGINA TRENCH from a point 150 yards S.W of the WEST MIRAUMONT ROAD to its junction with left trench and to establish strong points at:-
a) Junction of REGINA and COURCELETTE TRENCHES
b) Junction of REGINA TRENCH and TWENTY THREE ROAD
c) Junction of REGINA and LEFT TRENCHES

2. Attached Units
To the battalion were attached:-
a) 2 Guns, 53rd Machine Gun Company.
b) 2 Guns, 53rd Trench Mortar Battery
c) A few Sappers from 79th Field Company, R E, to be used in the construction and improvement of dug-outs in REGINA TRENCH.

3. Disposition of the Battalion.

a) “C” COMPANY.
The right attacking Company with objective from a point in REGINA TRENCH 150 yards S.W of the WEST MIRAUMONT ROAD to the junction of REGINA and KENORA TRENCHES (exclusive) and to include the strong point to be made there.

b) “B” COMPANY
The left attacking Company with objective from junction of REGINA and KENORA TRENCHES (exclusive), to the junction of REGINA and LEFT TRENCHES (inclusive)

c) “D” COMPANY
The support Company. To proceed to REGINA and help consolidate and to return, immediately REGINA has been deepened, to HESSIAN TRENCH via KENORA TRENCH, leaving one platoon in KENORA to open it up.

d) “A” COMPANY.
To act as Reserve Company.

4.FORMING UP OF THE BATTALION

“C” and “B” - HESSIAN TRENCH - 2 waves each
“C” and “B” - VANCOUVER - 1 wave each
“D” - SUDBURY TRENCH
“A” - ZOLLERN - to move up to VANCOUVER at zero hour.
1 gun 53rd Machine Gun Company, and 1 Stokes Mortar, 53rd Trench Mortar Battery, were allotted to both “B” and “C” Company.
Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company - R.29.c.9.9

5. STRENGTH OF BATTALION
Strength of Battalion on proceeding into action:-
18 Officers…540 Men.

6. FIRST DAY….Zero to 2 p.m.
Punctually at Zero Hour (12.6pm), “C”, “B” and “D” Companies left our trenches and REGINA was entered at 12.121/2pm. Germans holding it adopted different attitudes. So far as can be gathered, those opposite “C” surrendered easily: those opposite “B”, especially in a gap about 100 yards left of “B” Company and the right of 11th Lancashire Fusiliers showed fight and put up a good resistance, but were finally either killed or taken prisoners. We lost four officers in taking the trench:-
2nd Lieut. J W Case……………..Killed
(John Wyatt Case, aged 19 and from Gorleston)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1542617
2nd Lieut H V Marsh…………….Wounded. (Since Died of Wounds)
(Harry Victor Marsh, aged 22 and from Fulham, London)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=81650
Captain C Shelton……………….Wounded.(This Officer has been with the Battn. Since September1914)
(Charles Shelton, MC from Tottenham, is listed as dieing on the 21st October 1916 on CWGC)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1552367
2nd Lieut S Darrington………….Wounded
(Stanley Darrington)
About 90 other ranks were casualties.
One machine gun was knocked out on the way over.
Information was slow in coming back.(Due to the fact that a German Barrage opened on ZOLLERN, delaying the runners). The first intimation of things mentioned above was at 1.53pm, (1 hour.47 minutes after zero), when Captain F J MORGAN D.S.O Commanding “B” Company stated that the objective had been achieved and that he was in touch with 11th Lancashire Fusiliers, 74th Infantry Brigade on his left and the 10th Essex Regiment on his right.

Second Phase - 2pm to 6 pm, 21st October
A considerable amount of consolidation was necessary and “D” company remained in REGINA. Owing to the casualties and the amount of work to be done, I decided that “D” Company should remain in REGINA and not return. At the same time I issued orders to “A” Company to be in readiness to move into REGINA should Captain Morgan require them.(Message sent 2.43pm) At the same time 53rd Infantry Brigade allotted me two more machine guns, 53rd Machine Gun Company, which were situated in ZOLLERN, and informed me that 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had been ordered to place a Company in VANCOUVER and HESSIAN should my “A” Company move up to REGINA. On receipt of my message, “A” Company moved into HESSIAN, and sent out a liaison Officer to get in touch with “B” Company. Capt.MORGAN informed this Officer, however, that he did not require more troops in REGINA, and “A” Company moved back into VANCOUVER.In the meantime, however, the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had commenced to move up a Company. This Company, finding HESSIAN empty - “A” Company having moved back to VANCOUVER - moved into it. (Message received from 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment to this effect 4.7pm.) I immediately got in touch with liaison Officer, 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and arranged that this Company should be withdrawn. Orders to this effect were issued at 5.20 pm to the O C 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and their Company in support to my Battalion moved back to Zollern.
The situation was, therefore, as follows at 6pm.
“B” “D” “C” Companies. REGINA TRENCH from a point 150 yards S W of the WEST MIRAUMONT ROAD to just east of the junction of REGINA and LEFT TRENCHES. “B” Company in contact with the Battalion on the left, “C” Company with the Battalion on the right.
3 machine guns, 53rd Machine Gun Company. (One had been put out of action) and 6 Lewis guns in the front line.
The approximate strength of Companies at this moment was:-
“B” - 50 OR’s………..”D” - 60 OR’s…………….”C” - 50 OR;s
“A” in VANCOUVER with two posts in HESSIAN. Approximate strength - 80OR’s.
Strong points had been established in REGINA at the junction of KENORA and REGINA TRENCHES and TWENTY THREE ROAD and REGINA TRENCH.

Third Phase - 6 pm 21st October to 6 am 22nd October.
The night was comparatively quiet, patrols sent out reported that the Germans did not appear to be closer than GRANDCOURT TRENCH. Two hostile patrols which approached were wiped out, every man being killed.

Fourth Phase. 6 a.m to 6 p.m 22nd October

The enemy shelled REGINA more or less steadily through-out the day, but did not put up a heavy barrage on it. He also shelled VANCOUVER and HESSIAN, generally with 5.9, most of the shells seemed to come from LOUPART WOOD. Consolidation was pushed on with throughout the day.

Fifth Phase 6 p.m 22nd October to 6 a.m 23rd October

At 6 pm I decided to make the following changes in my line:-
……………………………….......................................................................................................................
Company……………………..From………….To…………………………..Relieving
“A”…………………………VANCOUVER….REGINA…………………..”B” and “D”
“B”…………………………REGINA…………HESSIAN…………………Posts of “A”
“D”…………………………REGINA…………VANCOUVER……………”A”
“C”…Remained in Regina
*********************************************************************************
This relief was completed about 8 p.m and “D” Company immediately commenced work on KENORA TRENCH to open up communication between HESSIAN and REGINA. This company worked exceedingly well through-out the night and by 3 a.m KENORA was completely opened up, in spite of the fact that the Company was subjected to a very large amount of whiz bangs.
Between 5 am and 6 am 23rd, our guns opened a very heavy bombardment along the whole Army front. The Boche retaliation was conspicuously feeble.

L Sayer…………………………….Private

Name: SAYER, LEWIS
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 04/09/1916 Service No: 43333
Additional information: Son of Lewis John and Emily Sayer, of 38, Bury St., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=811410

Private Sayer can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read

“Private Sayer was born at 178, Newmarket Street, Norwich, on 25th June 1894. He was educated at Avenue Road School. In September 1914 he enlisted, and was killed in action on the Somme on 4th September 1916”

There is no Lewis Sayer of the right age appearing on the 1901 census, however, there is a 7 year old Louis Sayer from Norwich recorded as resident in the Norwich Isolation Hospital.

Parents “Louis E” and Emily J were living at 38 Bury Street. Louis was a 32 year old Post Office stamper, originally from Bergh Apton. Emily was also 32, and came originally from Costessey.

The battalion's attack on Falfemont Farm on this day turned into one of the mini-tragedies of the Great War. 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...

****************************************************************
C C Sennitt………………………………2nd Lieutenant

Name: SENNITT, CLAUDE CUSHING
Rank: Sub-Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: Hood Bn. R.N. Div.
Age: 25 Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Additional information: Son of Ebenezer Charles and Sarah Ann Sennitt, of 422, Unthank Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. C. 9. Cemetery: AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=996418

Sub.Lt Sennitt can be seen here

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read

“Sub-Lieutenant Sennitt was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Sennitt of Brundall. He left for the front at the beginning of April 1917 and died on the front on 23rd April 1917.”

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.

The fighting at Gavrelle had claimed 3,000 casualties from the Royal Naval Division. 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

****************************************************************
W H Shearing…………………………..Private

Most likely,
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1466122
Name: SHEARING, WILLIAM
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 04/10/1918 Service No: 15527
Additional information: Buried in Bangalore (Hosur Road) Cemetery.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Face 9. Memorial: MADRAS 1914-1918 WAR MEMORIAL, CHENNAI

But could be
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=143185
No match on Norlink.

The 2nd Battalion served in Mesopotamia so I can only assume had been evacuated for medical treatment.

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is an 11 year old who was born in Norwich and who at the time of the census was living at 2 Rupert Street, Norwich, with his parents, William, (aged 44 and a fishmonger from Gt Yarmouth) and Maria, (aged 42 and a shop-keeper from Norwich). Also resident were siblings, Albert, (aged 6), Ernest, (aged 4), Florence, (aged 13), and Maria, (aged 9).
*******************************************************************
S W Sheen………………………………..Private

Name: SHEEN, SYDNEY
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps Unit Text: 88th Field Amb Age: 21 Date of Death: 12/07/1917 Service No: 475077
Additional information: Son of William Sheen, of 20, Dover St., Unthank Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: I. C. 8. Cemetery: CANADA FARM CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=436116

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has only one Sydney Sheen, who was born and was still resident in Glamorganshire. However, there is a Sidney W. Sheen, born Norwich and resident at 85 Gloucester Street, Norwich, with his parents, William (age 30, from Norwich and described as what looks like Yard Foreman \ Packer on the scan of the original document, or “Florence Packer” according to Genes Re-united !) and Alice, (age 29 and from Norwich). Sidney’s sisters Kathleen D. (age 6) and Ethel M, (age 2) completed the household.
*******************************************************************
W C Skoulding………………………….Corporal..MM

Name: SKOULDING, WILLIAM CHARLES
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Unit Text: "D" Coy. 10th Bn.
Age: 23 Date of Death: 26/04/1917 Service No: 19593 Awards: M M
Additional information: Son of Harry 0. Skoulding and Emily E. Skoulding, of 8, Leopold Rd., Unthank Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 6. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1653225

Private Skoulding can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read

“Private Skoulding was born at Bluebell Road, Eaton, Norwich, on 18th January 1895. He was educated at the Eaton and the Model schools in Norwich. On 2nd May 1915 he enlisted, and killed in action near Arras on 23rd April 1917”

William gets a mention on the Roll Of Honour for the Norwich Boys Model School
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/NorwichBoysModelSchool.html

The 10th Cameronians had been engaged a few days earlier in the second Battle of the Scarpe, (part of the bigger Battle of Arras) but this had been called of in the face of heavy casualties and fierce resistance.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)

There is no obvious match for William or his parents on the 1901 Census.

*******************************************************************
D C Smith……………………………….....2nd Lieutenant

Name: SMITH, DONALD CLAUDE
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Suffolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 30 Date of Death: 13/10/1915
Additional information: Son of the late Edwin and Mary Smith. Prior to taking a commission was despatch rider with Indian Cavalry Corps.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 37 and 38. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1769178

2nd Lt Smith can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read

“Second-Lieutenant Smith was the seventh son of Edwin and Mary Smith. He was born 29th July 1885. He joined the 6th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment on the outbreak of war and went to France in October 1914. He was given a commission in September 1915 and attached to the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He died of wounds in France, 1915.”

This was obviously not a good day to be a junior officer in this Battalion - for on the same day Captain Charles Sorley was killed by a sniper during the Battle of Loos. Charles has been acclaimed as one of the great war poets on the basis of his work, which was published posthumously.
www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8752194
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Sorley

During the Battle of Loos in an attempt to strike before the winter rains set in, the British attempted a final offensive on October 13, which failed due to a lack of hand grenades.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Loos

The 12th Division (of which 7th Suffolks were part) were involved in attacks on the Hohenzollern Redoubt in early October and are usually described as being involved in the attack on the 13th. However it was the 46th Midlands Division that was virtually wiped out in the attack on the Redoubt on this day - 7th Suffolks according to at least one account were in an attack on the nearby Quarries in support of the attack on the Redoubt.
battlefields1418.50megs.com/loos_tour.htm
yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=46th...

There are two main candidates on the 1901 Census - a 15 year old born in Norwich and a 17 year old born in Wymondham. However the 15 year old is in an orphanage \ boys home and the 17 year old is a “boy” soldier, currently garrisoned in Colchester. Therefore it is possible Donald is either one of the others of the right age, of which at least four are boarders or possibly not on the Census for England and Wales at all.

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R Spicer…………………………2nd Lieutenant
Name: SPICER, RONALD MURRAY
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: East Riding Yeomanry
Age: 19 Date of Death: 31/05/1916
Additional information: Son of Robert Charles and Lizzie Hannah Spicer, of Eaton Hill, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: H. 1/1377. Cemetery: NORWICH (THE ROSARY) CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803383

No match on Norlink

There is a small picture of Lt Spicer and a note that he was killed accidentally, here
www.aviva.com/index.asp?pageid=1435&letter=s

On the 1901 Census, the 4 year old Ronald Murray Spicer was living at 115 Magdalen Road, Norwich. This was the household of his parents Robert Charles Spicer, a 28 year old Chartered Accountants Clerk from Norwich, and Lizzie Hannah Spicer, 29 and from Scotland. The Spicer’s have one live in servant.
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P J Stone………………………..Lance Corporal

Name: STONE, PERCIVAL JAMES
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 21 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 15686
Additional information: Son of Mrs. E. E. Stone, of 28, Eaton St., Eaton, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1554836

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 6 year old Percival Stone who was born at Intwood, and who was now living at The Common, Swardeston. This was the household of his parents, James, a 33 year old Bricklayer from London, and Edith, 26 and from East Dereham. Also resident is Percivals sister Daisy, (aged 4) and Gladys, (aged 2)

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

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

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W Stone………………………..2nd Lieutenant… MM

Name: STONE, WILLIAM
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 33 Date of Death: 18/08/1918 Awards: M M
Additional information: Son of Mr. F. A. and Deborah Stone, of Norwich. Husband of Mrs. M. Stone, of 1, Bury Street, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 1. Row F. Grave 1. Cemetery: LE GRAND HASARD MILITARY CEMETERY, MORBECQUE
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=68748

No match on Norlink

There are 104 potential William Stones on the Census for England & Wales born between 1884 and 1886. Only one is from Norwich, but other family names don’t match. No other obvious Norfolk connections.

Outtersteene was captured by the III Corps on the 13th October, 1914.The hamlet was captured by the Germans on the 12th April, 1918, and retaken by the 9th, 29th and 31st Divisions, with the ridge beyond it, on the 18th and 19th August;
(12th Norfolks were part of the 31st Division)
www.webmatters.net/cwgc/outtersteene_com.htm


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C A Thompson…………………Lieutenant

Possibly
Name: THOMPSON, CYPRIAN ALFRED
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Royal Canadian Regiment Unit Text: "D" Coy.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 08/04/1917
Additional information: Son of Alice G. C. and the late Herbert H. Thompson, of England.
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. E. 9. Cemetery: ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=66234

No match on Norlink

No obvious match on the 1901 Census for either Cyprian or Alice Thompson.

The Canadian Archives have him down as born on the 18/04/1893 and his regimental number is 23071

On his attestation papers he gives his occupation as Bank Clerk and place of birth as Halifax, Nova Scotia. The scanned version is poor, but Lt Thompson is definitely not married and his next of kin looks like a Mrs A Thompson at an indecipherable address in Canada. However, I later found he was commemorated on the war memorial at Frederiction in Canada, and that could definitely be part of the address.

He had already served 2+ years in the Territorials and enlisted on the 27th September 1914. On the medical part of the form he is described as 5ft 10 ins tall, with fair hair and fair complexion and light blue eyes.

collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

From a handwritten note on the attestation papers it looks like he was initially assigned to the Machine Gun detachment of the 12th Battalion.

A small picture of Lt Thompson can be seen here.
www.kingandempire.com/v_time4.html
The accompanying notes read :”On April 8, 1917, he was killed in the Vimy sector during an operation carried out preparatory to the main attack on Vimy Ridge. “

Extract from the unit war diary
9.4.17. - QUARRIES LINE.
See appendix No. 3. Lieuts. THOMPSON, BLOTT, CHURCHILL, BOLE, BECK, and ROOKS were Killed in Action. Lieuts. BARKER, DAVIES, Captain MUNN, Lieuts. GRAY, ROBINSON and LEWIS were Wounded in Action. The following numbers of Other Ranks were casualties. Killed in Action 50, Wounded in Action 159, Missing 65. It is presumed that the majority of missing will be found in Field Ambulance or will return from Other Units.
Lieut. FOSTER wounded, at duty.
regimentalrogue.com/rcr_great_war/1917_04_apr.html

Service:
Prior service; 2 years 6 months, 38th Dufferin Rifles, Brantford, Ontario
Attested for overseas service in the ranks 27 Sep 1914, regimental number 23071
Private., Aug 1914 to 21 Aug 1916
Machine Gunner, 12th Canadian Infantry Battalion
Appointed Lieut., 22 Aug 1916
Posted to The R.C.R., 27 Nov 1916

Killed in action, 8 Apr 1917

The same source notes he was wounded with shell-shock, 19-1-15 whilst serving with the 4th Battalion.
regimentalrogue.com/rcr_great_war_officers/rcr_offr_thomp...

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S J Tillyard…………………………….2nd Lieutenant

Name: TILLYARD, SYDNEY JOSEPH
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 35th Coy. Age: 34 Date of Death: 02/03/1916
Additional information: Son of John Joseph and Mary Ann Frances Tillyard, of Thorpe, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. F. 9. Cemetery: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=252636

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has the 19 year old Sydney J. living at 43 Thorpe Road, Norwich. This was the household of Jno(?).J.Tillyard, aged 59 and from Norwich, living on own means, and Mary A Falso from Norwich and aged 49. In the household are Sydney’s brothers Frederick E, (aged 16), Godfrey C, (aged 18) and Robert J, (aged 20). The Tillyards had one live in domestic servant.

The 35th had only formed on the 1st February 1916 and had been attached to the 12th (E.astern) Division.

A plan was evolved that required 4 mines to be blown under the enemy positions, which would be followed by an infantry assault aimed at capturing the enemy front trench called "The Chord". 36th Brigade made the attack after 170 Tunnelling Company RE detonated the mines at 5.45pm on 2 March 1916, successfully capturing the craters and gaining important observation over enemy lines as far as Fosse 8. Severe fighting in the crater area continued for some weeks, with the Division suffering more than 4000 casualties until being finally relieved on 26 April.
www.1914-1918.net/12div.htm

Sydney also gets a mention on the Hornsby New South Wales Australia War Memorial. The connection is his brother, Robert J, who is now Doctor Robert John Tillyard, resident in Hornsby and founding member of the War Memorial Committee.
www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/library/index.cfm?NavigationID=2231

(Brother Robert can be seen here)
www.scienceimage.csiro.au/index.cfm?event=site.image.deta...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_John_Tillyard
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W E Upton………………………….Lieutenant

Possibly
Name: UPTON, WILLIAM EDWIN
Rank: Lieutenant (Quartermaster) Regiment/Service: Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) Unit Text: 19th Bn.
Age: 51 Date of Death: 05/03/1916
Additional information: Son of the late Edwin and Emma Upton, of Halesworth, Suffolk; husband of Jane Ann Upton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 46. 981. Cemetery: NORWICH CEMETERY, Norfolk
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803344

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has Permanent Staff Sergeant William Upton, aged 36 and from Halesworth in Suffolk, living with his wife Jane A, (age 33 and from Eppleworth in Yorkshire) at 118 Welbeck Street, Kingston upon Hull. The Upton’s had a 5 year old daughter, Elsie, whose place of birth is given as Pembroke Docks, Pembrokeshire. The high-level search on the 1911 Census site indicates that this individual was still living in the same area of Hull. Therefore, no obvious link with Norwich other than his final resting place.

Update 9th July 2020

See comment below.
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S S Wainwright……………..Lieutenant

Name: WAINWRIGHT, SAMUEL STEWART
Rank: Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 27 Date of Death: 12/03/1917
Additional information: Son of Samuel and Jessie Wainwright, of 97, Newmarket Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. C. I. Cemetery: REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=235511

No match on Norlink although there is a picture of a Samuel Wainwright, born 1857 died 1927 who could possibly be Lt Wainwrights father.

The 1901 Census doesn’t obviously have a Samuel S Wainwright of the right age. His parents were by then living at 97 Newmarket Road, Norwich. His father Samuel was aged 44 and from Ipswich, described as a “Colonial Merchant”, and his mother Jessie was aged 33 and from Camberwell in London. The Wainwrights had three live in servants.

The 1/6th, 2/6th and 3/6th all remained in the UK for the duration, so I can only assume that Lt Wainwright was serving with another unit on secondment.
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S R Walker……………………………Private

Name: WALKER, SAMUEL REID
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Scots Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 27/04/1915 Service No: 1876
Additional information: Son of John and Jane Walker, of 15, Camberley Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 27. Cemetery: BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=202035

Private Walker can be seen here.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes

“Born at St. Martin-at-Oak, Norwich in 1983, enlisted 6th August 1914. He died 27th April 1915 from wounds received four days previously during the Second Battle of Ypres. Buried in Bailleul Cemetery, France. “

The 1901 Census has the 8 year old Samuel R. living at 99 Newmarket Road, Norwich. This was the household of his parents John Walker, aged 56 and a retired Draper from Scotland and Jane Walker, aged 50 and from Norwich. Also resident were Samuel’s sisters, Ellen M, (aged 20 and from East Dereham), Florence, (aged 21 and also from East Dereham), Jean (aged 22, ditto), Margaret J, (aged 11 and from Norwich), and brothers Murray Mac Walker, (aged 17, an Insurance Clerk, born East Dereham),and Ronald J, (aged 14 and from Norwich).