The Flickr 15021918 Image Generatr

ERNEST JAMES HALL R.N.
JAMES DAVID HEWITT R.N.R.
EDWARD WILLIAM WOOLNER R.N.R.
GEORGE HENRY COX LIEUT.
BERTIE CLAUDE CROUCHEN GUNNER
SYDNEY LEWIS R. EDWARDS LCPL
JAMES FREDERICK HALL CPL
JOHN HERBERT HALL PTE
ARTHUR W MOUGHTON R.N.R. D.S.M.

I’ve added more information for each name in the comments boxes below.

General notes when reading the comments.

The Civil Registration District for registering Births, Deaths and Marriages until 1938 was the Blofield District. From the 1st January 1939 when the Blofield District was abolished, it moved into the Acle Civil Registration District.

Neighbouring villages include Freethorpe, Wickhampton and Cantley north of the river, Thurlton south of the river.

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

Also remembered on the Roll of Honour site
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Reedham.html

The Fort de la Pompelle and the Ferme d'Alger on a German aerial photo dated 15/02/1918

The Ferme d’Alger was a farm about 2 km south-east of Reims situated along the N44 and just to the east of the Fort de la Pompelle. The farm was in the French frontline positions. Despite constant German efforts to gain ground here the sector remained in French hands until the Allied Hundred Days Offensive in 1918.
Already on 30/12/1914 the Germans blew a large mine which destroyed the Ferme d’Alger and made a crater 40 meters across and 12 meters deep [ 17 meters in German sources ].
The French losses were 15 killed, 40 wounded and 25 missing. Although the fighting was intense the French line was not breached.
This German aerial photo, dated 15/02/1918 shows the Fort de la Pompelle [ apparently the Germans called Fort de la Pompelle ‘Pumpenburg’ ], the site where the Ferme d’Alger was situated and the French lines. Reims is to the north-west.

info/pics in French:
souterrains.vestiges.free.fr/IMG/article_PDF/article_67.pdf

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 all 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).

This chapel is
Restored & dedi-
cated to the mem-
ory of the men
Of Lowestoft
Who gave their
Lives in the Great
War 1914-1918

M. S. ABLETT
R. ADCOCK
J. H. ADDISON
J. W. ALCOCK
H. ALDRED
E. ANDREWS
J. ANNIS (Seaman)

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 all 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. BALDWIN
A.P. BALLS
F.J. BALLS
H.G. BALLS
O.H. BALLS
W.A. BALLS
A. BARBER
C. BARBER
S. BARBER
W.J. BARBER
M.G. BARDWELL
F. BARKAWAY
A.H. BARKER
J.T. BARNARD
J.W. BARNARD
F. BARNES
G. BARNES
F.C. BARWOOD
W.H. BASTER

(This panel is an anomaly. If it’s for later additions then you’d expect it to be at the end – yet this is a panel in amongst the others and quite close to the start of the alphabet. It doesn’t even appear to be service specific or reflect the civilians who lost their lives in Lowestoft during the Great War.)

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 all 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).

B.S. BREWSTER
G.W. ARMES
E.A. COOK
W.J. GORROD
F.W. HARVEY
G.E. HITTER
J.A. HOLLIDAY
R.G. HURREN
C. INNES
B.H.B. JENKINS
F.J. PINKNEY
H.N. PRYKE
J. SHEPHERD
W. SHEPHERD
A. SHORTEN
P.H.B. SMITH
F.S. WATSON
S.J. MUSK

St Margaret Lowestoft War Memorial Chapel - Starling to Tarbox

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.

(Apologies – this is probably the blurriest of the lot, (and even then it’s the best of the three shots I took!). However I want to try and cover all the names and I don’t know when I’ll next gain access).

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. STARLING
F.W. STEBBINGS
G.T. STEBBINGS
G.S.S. STEEL
A.D. STERRY
E.J. STERRY
G.T. STERRY
V.A.STERRY
W.J. STERRY
W.S. STEWART
C.W. STOFER
T.B. STOLLERY
H.STONE
J.J. STRONG
F. SUSTINS
J.V. SWAN
S.T. SWAN
H.SYMONDS (R.N.R.T.)
B.H. TARBOX

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

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated 23rd March 1918 has this picture of Montague.

The accompanying caption reads “Montague Stanley Ablett, R.N.R., husband of Mrs Florence A. Ablett, Cookley Grange, Halesworth, late of Oulton Broad, killed in action at sea.”

ABLETT, MONTAGUE STANLEY
Rank:……………………......Engineman
Service No:………………1822ES
Date of Death:…………15/02/1918
Age:………………………....33
Service:…………………....Royal Naval Reserve
………………………….........H.M. Drifter "Silver Queen."
Panel Reference:……..31.
Memorial:......................CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Husband of Florence Miriam Ablett, of Walnut Tree Farm, Walpole, Halesworth, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3047001/ABLETT,%20MON...

The WW1 Naval Casualties database records that Engineman 1822.E.S. (Ch) Montague Stanley Ablett was “Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action” on the 15th February 1918 whilst serving aboard HM Drifter Silver Queen. The next of kin informed of his death was his wife, Florence, of Cookley Grange, Near Halesworth, Suffolk. Montague was born 9th April 1884 at “Winchaston”, Suffolk.

The Naval Reservist Service Records for ES 1822 Montague Stanley Ablett, born “Wincharton”, Suffolk 9th April 1884, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/131230
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8665429

No obvious Civil Probate for this man.

9th April 1884 – Birth

(Source WW1 Naval Casualties and the Catalogue entry for his Service Records at the National Archive).

The birth of a Montague Stanley Ablett was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Blything, Suffolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1884.

Blything District included the village of Wenhaston.
www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/blything.html

1891 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

The 6 year old Montague J Ablett, born Wenhaston, Suffolk, was recorded living at a dwelling on Hollow Lane, Yoxford, Suffolk. He is recorded as being the son of the household, however that individual is named as Jacob Wallace, (aged 32, Agricultural Labourer, born Wortwell, Suffolk). Jacobs’ wife is Louisa A, (aged 36, born Yoxford, Suffolk).

(On the 1881 census there is a 27 year old Louisa Ablett, a Charwoman, born Yoxford. However while the marital status of everyone else in the house, including her parents William and Harriet Lewes, there is some uncertainty about the status of Louisa. Its most likely that its meant to be Widow. In the household is also a 7 year James Ablett, born Thorington, Suffolk, grandson of William and Harriet.)

1901 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

There is no obvious record for Montague or his parents on this census. However, he would have been old enough to have gone to sea, most likely as a Fisherman, and so could have avoided the census taker.

1909 – Marriage

The marriage of a Montague Stanley Ablett to a Florence Miriam Hurren took place at St Marys, Chediston, Suffolk.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJ2M-MYX

It was recorded with the Civil Authorities in the Blything District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1909.

1911 Census of England and Wales

There is no obvious record for Montague on this census, but once again he could have been at sea.

There is a 26 year old married woman, Florence Ablett, born Chediston, Suffolk, who was recorded living with her parents at a dwelling at Chediston, Near Halesworth, Suffolk. Florence has been married 1 year and has had one child so far, the 5 month old Florence Ablett born Oulton Broad, Suffolk. Her parents were Edward Hurren, (aged 52, a Horseman on Farm born Chediston) and Elizabeth Hurren, (aged 54, born Mutford, Suffolk), who have been married 31 years and have had 6 children, all then still alive.

Post August 1911 it had become compulsory when registering the birth of a child with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales produces no likely additional children for Montague and Florence.

On the day

night of 14/15 February

LAST GERMAN DESTROYER RAID ON THE DOVER STRAITS
Silver Queen, hired net drifter, sunk
ABLETT, Montague S, Engineman, RNR, ES 1822
BARRETT, George, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 4411
BLACK, Joseph, Ordinary Seaman, J 79789 (Dev)
BLOWER, William, 2nd Hand, RNR, DA 8477
BROWN, Leonard, Ty/Skipper, RNR
GALLOWAY, Thomas, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 2376
ROURKE, Michael, Engineman, RNR, ES 1336
WATCHAM, James C, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 16505
WOOLNER, Edward W, Trimmer, RNR, DA 3341
www.worldwar1atsea.net/xDKCas1918-02Feb.htm

Cosmos was one eight vessels lost in a surprise attack on shipping in the Straits of Dover during the night of 14/15 February 1918 by a force of seven German destroyers.
from British Warship Losses David Hepper
“Stationed near No.15 buoy, the first shell struck the wheelhouse killing Lt. Livingstone and one of the crew and severely wounding two more. She caught fire and sunk with only three survivors and eleven dead”

"After shelling the James Pond, the enemy had continued north-west along the line shelling the drifter Clover Bank, so that she got on fire and then sank, with only one survivor. Near No. 15 buoy they sank the drifter Cosmos, with only three survivors, and then near No. 14 the drifter Jeannie Murray, with the loss of all hands. It should be noted that these three were all senior ships of their respective divisions, and no officer was saved".

"It may be added here that when the enemy put his searchlight on to Cosmos, the first shell killed Lieutenant D. Livingstone, R.N.R., took off the head of one of the crew, broke the skipper's arm and the gunner's leg. The gun's crew were unable to get to their gun as the ship was quickly one mass of flames from foremast to wheelhouse, so they got in their boat and were picked up by Silver Queen, who also became a mass of flames and steam in her turn".

"All the attacking destroyers escaped without being engaged. The destroyer Amazon did see one group but failed to engage, believing them to be friendly. Her commanding officer was later court-martialled, dismissed his ship and severely reprimanded for his inaction."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/122970...

Lowestoft drifter, SILVER QUEEN was taken up by the Admiralty (Admiralty No.764) for the Auxiliary Patrol on 11 Jan 1915. After five days fitting-out she was transferred to Dover (HMS ATTENTIVE II/III) and had served there for more than three years when sunk.

From “Swept Channels” by Taffrail, - (Captain Taprell Dorling).
" On the night of February 14-15 1918 , an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.

The trawler James Pond , commanded by Chief Skipper A.E.berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.

The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3- and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/219699...

From the Death Notices – Killed in Action section of the Personal ads in the Norwich Mercury dated 9th March 1918.

“ABLETT – On February 15th, killed in the Channel Raid, Montague Stanley Ablett, R.N.R, the dearly loved husband of Florence Miriam Ablett, Cookley Grange, Halesworth, late of Oulton Broad, age 33.”

(Mildy photoshopped to cover damage to the original source image).

In loving memory of
CHARLES BARBER
Killed in Action 1918
Aged 30 years

Also
DORA MAY
His beloved wife
Who died 8th June 1982
Aged 92 years

Re-united

BARBER, CHARLES
Rank:………………………Second Hand
Service No:…………….1084/SA
Date of Death:………..15/02/1918
Age:…………………………30
Regiment:………………..Royal Naval Reserve
………………………………..H.M. Drifter "Violet May."
Grave Reference:……14. 39.
Cemetery:
LOWESTOFT (BECCLES ROAD) CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Barber; husband of Dora May Barber, of 47, London Rd., Lowestoft. Born at Lowestoft.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/397546/BARBER,%20CHARLES

The WW1 Naval Casualties database records that 2nd Hand 1084.S.A. (Ch) Charles Barber was “Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action” on the 15th February 1918 whilst serving aboard HM Drifter “Violet May”. He was buried in North Lowestoft Cemetery, Beccles Road, Lowestoft. The next of kin informed of his death was his wife Dora M, of 59 Steven Street, Lowestoft. He was born Stockton, Suffolk on the 25th October 1888.

The Service Records of SA1084 Charles Barber, born 25th October 1888 at Stockton, Suffolk, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/87389
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8547887

Charles is remembered in the Memorial Chapel in St Margarets, Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

There is no obvious Civil Probate for this man.

25th October 1888 – Birth

(Source WW1 Naval Casualties and the Catalogue entry for his Service Records at the National Archive).

The village of Stockton actually fell within Norfolk and was covered by the Civil Registration District of Loddon.
www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/loddon.html

There were actually two Charles Barbers registered in the Loddon District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1888.

1891 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

The 2 year old Charles Barber, born Raveningham, Norfolk, was recorded living in a dwelling on the Bungay Road, Stockton, Norfolk. This was the household of his parents, George, (aged 33, an Agricultural Labourer, born Norton Subcourse, Norfolk) and Mary Ann, (aged 30, born Toft Monks, Norfolk). As well as Charles their other children living with them are:-
Anna Maria…..aged 3….born Raveningham
Herbert……….aged 11 months…born Stockton

(Raveningham is also in the Loddon Registration District).

The most likely match for his future wife is the 1 year old Dora M. Cable, born Lowestoft, who was recorded living at 172 London Road, Lowestoft. This was the household of her parents James G, (31, Hairdresser, born Southwold, Suffolk) and Lois M, (aged 28, born Carlton Colville, Suffolk). Dora has three siblings.

1901 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

The Barber family were now recorded living at 50 Pakefield Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft. This was the household of George R, (aged 43, a General Labourer, born Norton Subcourse, Norfolk) and Mary A, (aged 40 and born Toft Monks, Norfolk). Living with them are their children Annie M, (13), Charles, (aged 12, born Raveningham), Richard, (11, born Stockton), Lily M, (4) and John L, (2) – the last two both born Kirkley.

Dora Cable, (11), along with three siblings was living in the household of their widowed mother at 14 St Peters Street, Lowestoft. Lois Cable, (38), now works as a Laundress.

1911 Census of England and Wales

There is no obvious match for Charles on this census, but if he was already working as a Fisherman then he could well have been at sea at the time of the census.

His widowed mother, the 60 year old Mary Ann Barber, was now recorded as the head of the household at 60 Pakefield Street, Kirkley, Lowestoft. She works as a Washing Woman (Domestic) and gives her place of birth as Toft Monks near Beccles, Suffolk. She doesn’t state how long she was married but does give the information that she has had 7 children of which only 4 were still alive. One of these is her 12 year old son John, (born Pakefield Street, Kirkley), who was living with her.

There is a Dora May Cable, aged 21 and a Domestic Servant, recorded living in the household of her employers at 166 High Street, Lowestoft. However her place of birth was given as Norfolk, Yarmouth. There is no match for a Dora from Great Yarmouth on earlier censuses.

1914 – likely marriage

The marriage of a Charles Barber to a Dora M Cable was recorded in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1914. (Mutford District included Lowestoft and the nearby villages).

Post August 1911 it had become compulsory when registering the birth of a child with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales produces one possible child for Charles and Dora.

The birth of a George C Barber, mothers maiden name Cable, was registered in the Mutford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1916.

On the day

The death of a Charles Barber, aged 30 was registered in the Dover District of Kent in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1918.

night of 14/15 February

LAST GERMAN DESTROYER RAID ON THE DOVER STRAITS

Violet May, hired net drifter, damaged
ALLEN, Albert, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 8506
BARBER, Charles, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 1084
BUCHAN, Alexander, Ty/Skipper, RNR
DYKER, James, Boy Cook, RNR, SBC 1169
ERSKINE, John, Trimmer, RNR, ST 2611
GERRIE, Paul, Trimmer Cook, RNR, TC 413
GILLIES, Donald, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 1529
HARRIS, William J, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 15070
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-02Feb.htm

Violet May, steel drifter of 79 tons launched 1905, net minesweeper, Port No FR476, Admiralty No 1391, requisitioned 1915 returned 1919.
She was a Fraserburgh drifter.

Sir Archibald Hurd in the official history THE MERCHANT NAVY gave a fair account of the action. He states that VIOLET MAY was brought into port the next day by two engine room ratings, who were the only unwounded men left in her. So certainly, not all men were lost. CHRISTINA CRAIG, a similar drifter, lost all hands of one officer and 9 ratings. FYI, in this action 22 men were killed, 54 drowned, and 13 wounded.

The German destroyers involved were B97, V100, B109 and B 110 of the II.TF (TF = torpedo boat flotilla) of the High Seas Fleet. The II.TF was equipped at the time with Germany's most powerful destroyers and often used for raiding in late 1917 and early 1918. It's the same unit that attacked a convoy off the Norwegian coast on December 12, 1917, sinking a destroyer, four RN trawlers, and merchant ships. Its commander was KK Oskar Heinecke, the only destroyer officer to be awarded the Pour Le Mérite during the war.

The two British destroyer captains in charge of guarding the trawlers were court martialled as, on the Germans passing astern they challenged them, on receiving no response assumed they were friendly. From The Dover Patrol 1914 - 1918 by Roy Humphries: "The convened Court of Inquiry could not fail to lay blame squarely on the shoulders of those who had commanded AMAZON and TERMAGANT and the M 26 monitor..........Vice Admiral Keyes could not find any excuse for the delay in engaging the enemy vessels who had not replied to a challenge signal. There was, he concluded sufficient evidence to frame a charge for a trial by courts martial upon the commanders. All three were relieved of their respective commands immediately."

The two enginemen who survived with the Violet May. They were named James Ewing and Alexander Noble, and were the only unwounded survivors of the crew. The caption says, "They launched their boat, lowered into it the mate mortally wounded and a wounded deck hand, and got clear. After the enemy had gone, finding their vessel afloat, they returned, put out the fire, plugged the shot holes, rendered first-aid to the wounded and succeeded in getting their vessel back into port."

More of the report suggests that the Violet May may have caught fire from its flares being ignited by a shell that killed the skipper and other members of the crew. The two who survived did so because they were below, with their engines. The report goes on to day that the remainder of the crew lay inextricably entangled in the blazing wreckage, dead. Some of the conversation is reported, written like this: " "It's nae guid," said the mate at last, "dinna fash aboot me, lads. A'll gan nae mair on patrol" and so he died."

A further account tells of some three score men dying; however thirty nine bodies were brought back to the Market Hall at Dover, and subsequently many were sent back for burial in their home towns.
sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=5204.5;wap2

Cosmos was one eight vessels lost in a surprise attack on shipping in the Straits of Dover during the night of 14/15 February 1918 by a force of seven German destroyers.
from British Warship Losses David Hepper
“Stationed near No.15 buoy, the first shell struck the wheelhouse killing Lt. Livingstone and one of the crew and severely wounding two more. She caught fire and sunk with only three survivors and eleven dead”

"After shelling the James Pond, the enemy had continued north-west along the line shelling the drifter Clover Bank, so that she got on fire and then sank, with only one survivor. Near No. 15 buoy they sank the drifter Cosmos, with only three survivors, and then near No. 14 the drifter Jeannie Murray, with the loss of all hands. It should be noted that these three were all senior ships of their respective divisions, and no officer was saved".

"It may be added here that when the enemy put his searchlight on to Cosmos, the first shell killed Lieutenant D. Livingstone, R.N.R., took off the head of one of the crew, broke the skipper's arm and the gunner's leg. The gun's crew were unable to get to their gun as the ship was quickly one mass of flames from foremast to wheelhouse, so they got in their boat and were picked up by Silver Queen, who also became a mass of flames and steam in her turn".

"All the attacking destroyers escaped without being engaged. The destroyer Amazon did see one group but failed to engage, believing them to be friendly. Her commanding officer was later court-martialled, dismissed his ship and severely reprimanded for his inaction."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/122970...

Lowestoft drifter, SILVER QUEEN was taken up by the Admiralty (Admiralty No.764) for the Auxiliary Patrol on 11 Jan 1915. After five days fitting-out she was transferred to Dover (HMS ATTENTIVE II/III) and had served there for more than three years when sunk.

From “Swept Channels” by Taffrail, - (Captain Taprell Dorling).

" On the night of February 14-15 1918 , an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.

The trawler James Pond , commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.

The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3- and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/219699...

The online records for the Cemetery record that Charles Barber, age 30, a Royal Naval Reserve Second Hand on HMS “Violet May”, was buried in plot L/14/390 on the 21st February 1918.
apps.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/pages/cemeteries/Lowestoft/abbott...

8th June 1982 – death of Dora

The death of a Dora May Barber was recorded in the Waveney District of Suffolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1982. Following several Local Government reorganisations, Waveney District was the latest incarnation of the Civil District that covered Lowestoft and the surrounding Districts.

A ALLEN
Deck Hand RNR. 8506/DA
H.M.Drifter “Violet May”
15th February 1918 Age 28

In the midst of life
We are in Death
From his loving wife
And three sons

ALLEN, ALBERT
Rank:…………………......Deck Hand
Service No:…………….8506/DA
Date of Death:………..15/02/1918
Age:……………………......28
Service:…………………...Royal Naval Reserve
…………………………........H.M. Drifter "Violet May."
Grave Reference:……14. 389.
Cemetery:
LOWESTOFT (BECCLES ROAD) CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Husband of L. Nathan (formerly Allen), of 71, Beresford Rd., Lowestoft.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/397544/ALLEN,%20ALBERT

The WW1 Naval Casualties database records that Deck Hand 8506.D.A. (Ch) Albert Allen was ‘ Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action’ on the 15th February 1918 whilst serving aboard H M Drifter ‘Violet May’. He was buried North Lowestoft Cemetery. Albert was born 6th October 1886 at Lowestoft. The next of kin informed of his death was his wife Lilian May Nathan, 71 Beresford Road, Lowestoft.

The Royal Naval Reservist service records for DA 8506 Albert Allen, born Lowestoft on the 6th October 1886, are held at the National Archive under reference BT 377/7/54960
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8516009

There is no obvious Civil Probate for this man.

Albert is not obviously remembered on any of the main War Memorials at Lowestoft.

The local council have put the cemetery records online. Albert Allen, aged 31, was buried in the Cemetery on the 22nd February 1918. He was a R.N.R. Gunner aboard H.M.S. “Violet May” and he died at Sea off Dover.
apps.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/pages/cemeteries/Lowestoft/abbott...

6th October 1886 – Birth

(Source – WW1 Naval Casualties database and the National Archive Catalogue entry for his Service Records).

However, there is no likely match for the birth of an Albert Allen in Suffolk at this time. There are births registered in the Mutford District in Q4 of 1886 for a Herbert William Allen and a William John Allen. There are no Allen births recorded in Q1 of 1887.
(Mutford District covered Lowestoft and the nearby villages.)

1891 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

The 5 year old Albert Allen, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 23 Reeve Street, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents William, (aged 47 and a Bricklayer, born Alborough, Norfolk) and Eleanor, (aged 45, born Northrepps, Norfolk). As well as Albert their other children living with them are:-
Eleanor….aged 11…..born Lowestoft
Ernest……aged 9……born Lowestoft

1901 Censuses of England & Wales and Scotland

The Allen family were now recorded living at 7 Waveney Terrace, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. As well as parents William, (aged 57, now stated to have been born Thurgarton, Norfolk) and Ellen, they also have their son Albert, (15, no employment listed) and a boarder living with them.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 25 year old Albert, a Trawlerman born Lowestoft, was recorded along with his wife Lilian, (24, born Hopton, Suffolk) and son Thomas, (8(?) months, born Lowestoft), boarding at 15 Union Road, Lowestoft. The couple have been married under a year. Thomas is their only child so far.

Prior to the end of 1911, marriages were not cross-referenced in the quarterly indexes published by the General Registrars Office. A great deal of work has been done on many genealogy sites to cross-reference the local register references to create a better idea of who married who. Unfortunately in most Registers there are at least two weddings recorded on each page and so for each spouse you will get two, (or more bridegrooms) and vice versa. Which is the right combination usually required further verification from other sources.

For Albert Allen we have the opposite. There is no obvious candidate for the marriage of an Albert to a Lilian in England and Wales. However there is a marriage recorded for an Albert Allen in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1910. A check of three genealogy sources show them all reporting that Albert married either Ernest Frederick James or Ethel Syris Peek. So it would appear that there are the usual two weddings on a page, with two grooms, but only one bride. The relevant page is 1821 of Volume 4a of the Mutford Register. A search using those details reveals what is probably Alberts missing bride – a Lilian May Carsey.

Going back to the 1911 Census, the head of the household where the Allens are boarding, is a married woman, Martha Carsey, (aged 61, born Beeston, Norfolk). Martha has been married 41 years and has had 11 children, of which 9 were then still alive. Living with her is her Fisherman son, Harry Carsey, (aged 21, a Fisherman born Corton, Suffolk).

Post August 1911 it had become compulsory when registering the birth of a child with the Civil Authorities in England and Wales to also record the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Births for England and Wales produces two possible children of Albert and Lilian.

A Phillip H. Allen, mothers maiden name Carsey, was registered in the Mutford District in Q1 of 1912.

An Ernest J. Allen, mothers maiden name Carsey, was registered in the Mutford District in Q4 of 1915.

On the day

night of 14/15 February

LAST GERMAN DESTROYER RAID ON THE DOVER STRAITS

Violet May, hired net drifter, damaged
ALLEN, Albert, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 8506
BARBER, Charles, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 1084
BUCHAN, Alexander, Ty/Skipper, RNR
DYKER, James, Boy Cook, RNR, SBC 1169
ERSKINE, John, Trimmer, RNR, ST 2611
GERRIE, Paul, Trimmer Cook, RNR, TC 413
GILLIES, Donald, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 1529
HARRIS, William J, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 15070
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-02Feb.htm

German destroyers conducted a raid in the Dover area. Hired trawlers and drifters were badly battered by the German attack: CHRISTINA CRAIG, CLOVER BANK, COSMOS, JAMES POND, JEANNIE MURRAY, SILVER QUEEN, VERACITY, and W. ELLIOT sunk and GOLDEN RULE and VIOLET MAY damaged.

From The Dover Patrol 1914 - 1918 by Roy Humphries
"The convened Court of Inquiry could not fail to lay blame squarely on the shoulders of those who had commanded AMAZON and TERMAGANT and the M 26 monitor..........Vice Admiral Keyes could not find any excuse for the delay in engaging the enemy vessels who had not replied to a challenge signal. There was, he concluded sufficient evident to frame a charge for a trial by courts martial upon the commanders. All three were relieved of their respective commands immediately."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27865-...

On the night of 14th/15th February 1918, a dramatic raid took place by German destroyers against vessels of the Dover Patrol, causing serious losses which included the sinking of one armed trawler and seven drifters. The enemy’s object was to destroy the ‘light barrier’ as they called the British flare ships, whose effect was to make the Straits of Dover almost impassable. Two half flotillas of destroyers were employed on the raid. Between Folkestone and Griz Nez there existed a series of buoys which were used to assist the patrols to maintain their positions. About two and a half miles on either side of this line were stationed trawlers, paddlers and other small craft, to either burn flares or to use searchlights. There was also fifty-eight drifters patrolling this line.

At 12.40 a.m. one half flotilla of four destroyers started the attack from the NW by shelling the paddler Newbury, whose revolving searchlight made her an easy target. The destroyers then proceeded slowly down the drifter line and sank the drifters W. Elliot and Veracity. The paddler Lingfield and a motor launch also came under fire, but some drifters managed to make their escape. The enemy then disappeared.

Three destroyers made an attack from the SE at about 12.45 a.m. near the Griz Nez end of the line. The trawler James Pond was soon on fire. The crew endeavoured to extinguish the flames and beach her, but the vessel finally had to be abandoned. Proceeding along the line, the enemy shelled the drifter Clover Bank, which took fire, and afterwards sank. The destroyers then sank the drifters Cosmos and Jeannie Murray. Only four survivors escaped from these three craft. The next to be shelled were the drifters Golden Grain, Golden Rule, Violet May and Treasure, which were all damaged. At about 1.30 a.m. the Germans turned back when about halfway across the Channel and on the return journey met and sank the drifter Silver Queen, which had taken off the survivors of the Cosmos. Finally, after firing on two more drifters, these destroyers made off. This raid cost the Patrol heavy losses of men and ships. There were sunk one armed trawler, seven drifters, and one paddler and six drifters damaged.
www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/lot-archive/lot.php?auction...
www.naval-history.net/WW1Book-MN3b-Merchant_Navy_in_WW1_H...

On the night of 14th/15th February 1918, a dramatic raid took place by German destroyers against vessels of the Dover Patrol, causing serious losses which included the sinking of one armed trawler and seven drifters. The enemy’s object was to destroy the ‘light barrier’ as they called the British flare ships, whose effect was to make the Straits of Dover almost impassable. Two half flotillas of destroyers were employed on the raid. Between Folkestone and Griz Nez there existed a series of buoys which were used to assist the patrols to maintain their positions. About two and a half miles on either side of this line were stationed trawlers, paddlers and other small craft, to either burn flares or to use searchlights. There was also fifty-eight drifters patrolling this line.

At 12.40 a.m. one half flotilla of four destroyers started the attack from the NW by shelling the paddler Newbury, whose revolving searchlight made her an easy target. The destroyers then proceeded slowly down the drifter line and sank the drifters W. Elliot and Veracity. The paddler Lingfield and a motor launch also came under fire, but some drifters managed to make their escape. The enemy then disappeared.

Three destroyers made an attack from the SE at about 12.45 a.m. near the Griz Nez end of the line. The trawler James Pond was soon on fire. The crew endeavoured to extinguish the flames and beach her, but the vessel finally had to be abandoned. Proceeding along the line, the enemy shelled the drifter Clover Bank, which took fire, and afterwards sank. The destroyers then sank the drifters Cosmos and Jeannie Murray. Only four survivors escaped from these three craft. The next to be shelled were the drifters Golden Grain, Golden Rule, Violet May and Treasure, which were all damaged. At about 1.30 a.m. the Germans turned back when about halfway across the Channel and on the return journey met and sank the drifter Silver Queen, which had taken off the survivors of the Cosmos. Finally, after firing on two more drifters, these destroyers made off. This raid cost the Patrol heavy losses of men and ships. There were sunk one armed trawler, seven drifters, and one paddler and six drifters damaged.
www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/lot-archive/lot.php?auction...
www.naval-history.net/WW1Book-MN3b-Merchant_Navy_in_WW1_H...


From “Swept Channels” by Taffrail, - (Captain Taprell Dorling).
" On the night of February 14-15 1918 , an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.
The trawler James Pond , commanded by Chief Skipper A.E.berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.
The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3- and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/219699...

The German destroyers involved were B97, V100, B109 and B 110 of the II.TF (TF = torpedo boat flotilla) of the High Seas Fleet. The II.TF was equipped at the time with Germany's most powerful destroyers and often used for raiding in late 1917 and early 1918. It's the same unit that attacked a convoy off the Norwegian coast on December 12, 1917, sinking a destroyer, four RN trawlers, and merchant ships. Its commander was KK Oskar Heinecke, the only destroyer officer to be awarded the Pour Le Mérite during the war.

The two British destroyer captains in charge of guarding the trawlers were court martialled as, on the Germans passing astern they challenged them, on receiving no response assumed they were friendly. From The Dover Patrol 1914 - 1918 by Roy Humphries: "The convened Court of Inquiry could not fail to lay blame squarely on the shoulders of those who had commanded AMAZON and TERMAGANT and the M 26 monitor..........Vice Admiral Keyes could not find any excuse for the delay in engaging the enemy vessels who had not replied to a challenge signal. There was, he concluded sufficient evidence to frame a charge for a trial by courts martial upon the commanders. All three were relieved of their respective commands immediately."
sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=5204.5;wap2

The village of West Somerton has two memorials - one on the Coast Road at the junction of the lane leading to the church covering both conflicts, and one for the Great War only in the Church itself.

The Church War Memorial has been researched at the Roll of Honour site, to which I am indebted for some of the information shown below, referenced as (ROH)
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/WestSomerton.html

In honoured and grateful memory of those,
Whose names are inscribed below, and who
Gave their lives in the Great War, 1914 - 1918.

Herbert Hudson

(RoH) Henry Herbert Hudson. Private M2/136944. 33rd Aux. M.T. Coy., Army Service Corps. Died Friday 15 February 1918. Born and lived West Somerton. Enlisted Acton. Buried: CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France. Ref. II. A. 16.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=260567

No match on Norlink

There is a Herbert Henry, born circa 1877 West Somerton recorded on the 1911 census in the Brentford District of London. He doesn’t appear to be on the 1901 census. Although there is a Herbert of the right age, but he gives his birthplace as Burgh, Norfolk and going back to the 1891, there is a Henry born West Somerton, and a Herbert born Burgh recorded.

On the 1891 census, the 14 year old Henry H., already a Farm Labourer, is recorded at Free Staithe, Horsey Road, West Somerton. This is the household of his widowed mother, Elizabeth A, (aged heavily scored, originally from Martham and working as a Charwoman. Her other children are:-
Harold……….aged 16.…………born West Somerton……………Farm Labourer
???……………aged 15.………..born West Somerton…………….Farm Labourer
John H……….aged 12.…………born West Somerton
Norris A………aged 11.……….born West Somerton
Gertrude………aged 6.………….born West Somerton

Frederick C.Jetten

Family headstone in the churchyard.

In loving memory of
Frank Jetten
Died May 10th 1925, aged 72
Charlotte Elizabeth (His wife)
Died Oct.1st 1933(?), aged 84 (?)
And Edith Mary, their daughter
Died Oct 20th 1880, aged 4(?)
And Frederick Charles their son
Died of Wounds at Rouen
July 8th 1916, aged 22

Grant to them eternal rest, O Lord.

(RoH) Frederick Charles Jetten. Lance Corporal 13511. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Saturday 8 July 1916. Age 22. Born West Somerton. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of Frank and Charlotte Elizabeth Jetten, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth. Buried: ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Ref. A. 24. 20.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=515196

No match on Norlink

The baptism of Frederick Charles took place at St Mary, Somerton on the 22nd October 1893. His parents are listed as Frank, a shopkeeper and engineer, and Charlotte Elizabeth. The family were resident at West Somerton.

The Jetten’s don’t appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census. Looking at the Parish register, the Jetten’s appear to have had a number of children during the 1880’s, so although Frederick would not have been born then, I looked his parents up on the 1891 census, when they were living at Free Staithe, Horsey Road, West Somerton - just a house away from the Hudson family listed above.

Father Frank was then aged 38 and a Shop Keeper \ Threshing Engineer \ Driver from Binstead, Hampshire. Wife Charlotte E, (aged 41 - tbc, scored through heavily) was from East Somerton. Their children then were
Richard F…………..aged 10.………..born West Somerton (Richard Frank, baptised 17th April 1881)
Charlotte E…………aged 8.…………born West Somerton (Charlotte Elizabeth, baptised 13th May 1883)
Albert E……………aged 5.………….born West Somerton (Albert Edwin, baptised 27th September 1885)
Agnes K……………aged 3.…………born West Somerton (Agnes Kate, baptised 10th November 1889)
Lucy V…………….aged 1.………….born West Somerton (Lucy Varley, baptised 25th May 1890)

While looking at the scan of the original page for Eric Simmons on the 1901 census, (see below), I can see that the preceding entry is for the “Jotton” family, living at Free Staithe, Horsey Road, West Somerton.
Frank is recorded as a Gardener and Engine Driver.
Charlotte is 51, (so 41 on the previous census was correct).
Richard is working as a General Labourer
Albert is working as an Agricultural Labourer.
The daughter Charlotte E is no longer in the household, but there is a grand-daughter, Doris May Jetton, aged 1, born West Somerton.

The 8th Battalion suffered significant casualties, including 219 OR’s wounded on the opening day of the Somme, 1st July 1916. The trenches they held by the end of the day were subject to considerable bombardment, with further wounded recorded on the 2nd and 3rd. After that they were withdrawn back into reserve fror the 4th to the 6th, and although they provided work parties for the front line, no casualties were reported. After that they were pulled further back to a training camp to prepare for the next assault.

Edward G.Knights

(RoH) Edward George Knights. Private 10784. 8th Bn., East Surrey Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 9 August 1917. (CD has 9 July 1918). Born Rollesby. Lived West Somerton. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 34.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1617939

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 census, the 6 year old Edward, born Rollesby, is recorded at Horsey Road, West Somerton. This is the household of his parents, Edward, (aged 41 and a Farmer from Runham, Norfolk), and Elizabeth, (aged 39 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Albert E…………..aged 16.……….born Runham….Labourer on Farm
Edith……………aged 15.…………born Runham….Domestic Servant
Ernest…………..aged u/1.…………born West Somerton
Ethel……………aged 12.…………born Rollesby
Mary……………aged 10.…………born Rollesby
Wilfred E………aged 3.…………born West Somerton
William ………..aged 8.……….born Rollesby

A child George, born 22nd February 1887, was baptised at St George, Rollesby on the 11th December 1887. Parents were Edward and Elizabeth Ann. Father’s occupation is listed as Farmer.

Ethel, born 23rd September 1888 was baptised St George, Rollesby on the 2nd December 1888
May, (not Mary), born 19th March 1891 was baptised St George Rollesby on the 5th May 1891.

On 1st August the 8th Battalion East Surreys assembled in the New Dickbusch area. The afternoon of the previous day had seen the start of four days incessant rain which rendereed impossible any further offensive until a period of fine weather might allow the waterlooged soil to recover. Under these conditions the men were crowded into a few tents and shelters at New Dickbusch and had a very uncomfortable time. At midnight on the 3rd August their relief by the 7th Battalion was started but, because of the flooding, this entailed a long and tiring march by road and it was 10am before it was completed. Two companies were placed in Jam Trench, the old German front line and the remaining two companies in Crab Crawl Tunnel which was in a very bad state with six inches of water in it. The Germans maintained a very heavy barrage over the next few days. The 7th Bn Queens launched an attack on Inverness Copse, which had been postponed owing to heavy rain, at 4.35am on 10th August supported by 8th East Surreys. Casualties were heavy from very heavy shell fire.

Casualties for the 4th to the 10th of August were 2nd Lt C.B. Dix killed, having been with the battalion for a month and 38 other ranks killed.

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?s=95fc527f42d...

William R Knights

(RoH) William Richard Knights. Private 28835. 9th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Died Monday 15 May 1916. Age 26. Born Martham. Lived West Somerton. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Richard and Frances Knights, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth. Buried: FORT PITT MILITARY CEMETERY, Kent, United Kingdom. Ref. 1396.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3057318

No match on Norlink

The 9 year old William R, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Clark Farm Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, Richard, (aged 49 and a Stockman on Farm from Martham), and Frances, (aged 42 and from West Somerton). Living with them is Richard’s widowed mother, Charlotte, aged 70 and a Charwoman from Martham.

9th Battalion - A 'Service' Battalion raised in October 1914 as a part of K4, specifically for the duration of the war. It remained in England as a "Reserve" Battalion, providing drafts for the front line units until transferred into the 28th Battalion Training Reserve in August 1916.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/

Charles Mitchell

(RoH) No further information

The Military Genealogy site has a Charles John Mitchell, born Repps.

Name: MITCHELL, CHARLES JOHN
Rank: .........................Private
Regiment: ................Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: .................7th Bn.
Age: ...........................34
Date of Death: .........14/10/1916
Service No: ...............17944
Additional information: Son of James and Caroline Mitchell; husband of Virtue Whittaker (formerly Mitchell), of 26, Arundel Rd., New Town, Great Yarmouth.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. C. 34. Cemetery: HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=271920

(This man is also recorded on the Repps with Bastwick War Memorial

Brother of Edgar who also fell, (see Repps with Bastwick War Memorial). Brother James served with the Royal Garrison Artillery, and Leonard with the Machine Gun Corps.

The 18 year old Charkes J, (born Repps and employed as an Agricultural Labourer) is recorded on the 1901 census at Repps Hall, Repps. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 39 and a Farm Bailiff from Ashby, Norfolk) and Caroline, (aged 40 and from Sea Palling). Their other children are:-
Ada E…………….aged 9.………….born Repps
Bertie W……….aged u/1.……………born Repps
Caroline………..aged 3.………………born Repps
Edgar J…………aged 14.…………….born Repps………Agricultural Labourer
James H………..aged 1.……………….born Repps
Leonard………..aged 7.……………….born Repps
Mabel L………..aged 16.……………..born Repps………Assistant School Teacher
Maud M………..aged 1.………………born Repps
Sidney G……….aged 5.……………….born Repps

The 7th Norfolks had returned to the Somme at the start of the October, having been brought back up to strength, in order to take part in a new assault on the 7th October. The Division was given the task of taking Bayonet Trench, NE of Guedecourt.

Gueudecourt

12th Div attacked Bayonet Trench and Rainbow Trench in this area. Despite a German MG barrage on the front line at Zero Hour, 8th and 9th Bns, Royal Fusiliers and 6th Buffs made it to their objectives. Later they were forced back.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Battalion War Diary

12th October 1916. Flers Trench near Flers.

Today at 2.5pm we attacked BAYONET TRENCH. Last night the assembly trenches were completed + all the battalion lay out in them from 5 a.m. this morning until the attack. The attack was carried out with all four companies in the line, disposed in depth, one platoon behind the other, D on the right C,B,A. On our right, 7th Suffolk Regt and on our left 2nd Royal Scots, 30 Divison. Battn HQ remained in BULLS ROAD. The object was to attack was first of all to capture BAYONET+SCABBARD TRENCH and then to sweep up + take LUISENHOF FARM and establish a line beyond it.

At 2.5 pm our artillery barrage commenced + our men advanced to the assault. After advancing about 50 yards, the Hun opened fire with M.G.s from both flanks + from in front. Our troops continued to advance but before reaching the enemys trench ran into barbed wire which had not been cut. The wire coupled with the M.G fire prevented any further advance, and our men lay down in shell holes from where they brought rifle fire to bear on the Germans who were standing up in their trenches shooting at them. We caused considerable casualties in this way to the enemy. After dark we made a further attempt to cut a way through to the enemy’ s trench but the line proved too strong. The survivors then crawled back to our own line and then reformed. The 9th Essex Regt.then relieved us +the Suffolk Regt. In the front line + we came back to FLERS TRENCH, the Reserve lines near FLERS which we are sharing with the Suffolk Regt.

Our casualties during the attack today were

……………………………..Officers…………………………..
Killed……………………….Wounded……………………Missing
2/Lieut C G Shepherd.........Capt. J M Howlett.................2/Lieut. H Smith
“ “ S R Mitchley...............Lieut H R G Montgomery.....“ “ A Shaw
“ “ C Sizeland..................2/Lieut H Thone
“ “ F Hogben.....................“ “ W J Jones

………………………….Other Ranks…………………………….
Killed: 36.…………………..Wounded:125.……………….Missing:51
13th October. FLER TRENCH, Today has been devoted to re-organising the Battalion. We have in the trenches now 8 Officers and 350 men in all.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/5406209226/in/set-7215...

However, checking the non-Army deaths threw up this possibility.

Name: MITCHELL C E
Rank: .................Able Seaman
Service: .............Royal Navy
Unit Text: ..........H.M.S. Victory.
Age: ...................40
Date of Death: .13/07/1919
Service No: .......181742
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 131. Cemetery: GREAT YARMOUTH (CAISTER) CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802596

This death is not recorded on the normally reliable Naval Net site.
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1919b.htm

The death of a Charles Mitchell, aged 40 was however recorded in the Yarmouth District in the July to September 1919 quarter.

No match on Norlink

George Norfor

(RoH) George Alfred Norfor. Deck Hand 3155DA. H.M. Drifter "Clover Bank, Royal Naval Reserve. Died Monday 24 April 1916. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom Ref. Panel 19.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3051431

No match on Norlink

See William Thain blow for details of the loss of the “Clover Bank”

There is no obvious match for the Norfor family on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census for England and Wales. Looking at the high-level free search available for the 1911 census, there appears to be a small group in the Flegg District which covers West Somerton, and these probably consitute a family.
Emily…………..born circa 1857, Caistor on Sea
Ethel……………born circa 1889, Great Ormesby
Bertie Henry……born circa 1893, Caistor on Sea
George Alfred….born circa 1896, Caistor on Sea
William James…born circa 1907, West Somerton
Doris Elsie……born circa 1910, West Somerton

Sydney W O Page

(RoH) Sydney Walter Oliver Page. Private 41850. 2nd Bn., South Staffordshire Regiment. Formerly T4/092541 R.A.S.C. Killed in action Friday 30 November 1917. Born and lived Ormesby. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL, Nord, France. Panel 7

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1755755

No match on Norlink

The 7 year old “Sidney”, born Ormesby, was recorded on the 1901 census at Yarmouth Road, Scratby. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 32 and a Butler from Ormesby), and Emma, (aged 29 and from Wells). Their other children are:-
Madeline…………..aged 3.…………born Scratby
William……………aged 5.…………born Scratby
Also living with them is Emma’s widowed mother, Mary Branes, aged 73 and from Wells.

At this time the 2nd Division (of which 2nd South Staffs were part) were engaged in
Capture of Bourlon Wood. 23-28 Nov 1917.
German counter attacks. 30 Nov-3 Dec 1917.
www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/2_div.htm
Although written about another battalalion of the South Staffs engaged in the same action, this gives a feel of what led to Private Page’s death.

Shelling continued and casualties, now begun, did not cease. The air became heavy with gas, and there was no wind to scatter it. It was a crowded area, extremely inconvenient and poisonous. If the shelling diminished with the dawn, the obsession of enemy ‘planes took its place, the ‘planes flying low and reconnoitring for a purpose it was not possible to doubt. And with the dusk the intensity of the shelling was renewed and increased, the range being even more accurate than before on account of the reconnaissance. An endless stream of casualties poured from the wood, looming a dark and formidable mass in the night. Incessant gas-shells made the ubiquitous poison deadly, The defenders of the place were blind and vomiting long before the attack ahead developed. The serious and critical nature of the attack was evident from the appalling noise and energy of our own bombardment. It was on the morning of November 30th that the impact came. If it had reached our men in the wood, the mustard gas would have destroyed all power of resistance. As it was, the front line held and there were still some remnants of our unit for the 2/4th Lincolns to relieve on Saturday,
blackcountry-territorials.org/articles/bourlon-wood

Three German divisions attacked to the north, supported by an intense Phosgene barrage, intending to cut the Bapaume-Cambrai road near Anneux Chapel. They were repulsed by the machine gun barrage of the 47th (London), 2nd and 56th (London) Divisions, who had relieved the 36th and 40th. No Germans reached the road. Fierce fighting continued in the southern area for Gonnelieu, Les Rues Vertes and Masnieres.
www.1914-1918.net/bat21.htm

Frederick Sadler

(RoH) Private 14412. 9th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Wednesday 18 October 1916. Age 29. Born Horsey. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William Sadler, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth. Buried: BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France Ref. VI. L. 7.

There is a headstone in the churchyard which reads

In ever loving Memory of
Rebecca Elizabeth
The beloved wife of
William Sadler
Who passed away Sept. 14th 1918
Aged 60 years.
Also two of their sons
Private Thomas Sadler
Died of wounds in France Oct. 11th 1915
Aged 20 years
Private Frederick Sadler
Killed in action in France Oct 18th 1916
Aged 29 years

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=206295

The 14 year old “Fredrick”, born Horsey and already working as an Agricultural Labourer, is recorded on the 1901 census at Fords Farm, Horsey-next-the-Sea. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 44 amd a Horseman on Farm from Brumstead, Norfolk), and “Rebeca”, (aged 43 and from Somerton). Their other children are:-
Dorothy, aged 3,born Horsey (Dorothy Elizabeth, born 25/08/1897, baptised Horsey All Saints 20/02/1898)
Elsie,aged 17,born Horsey (Baptised Horsey All Saints 04/08/1889)
Florence…………aged 9.………..born Horsey
Frank…………….aged 11.………born Horsey
Jacob….aged 7..born Horsey (Jacob Henry, born 28/05/1895, baptised Horsey All Saints 05/07/1896)
(see Thomas below - this looks like a transcription error)
James,...aged 18,born Somerton...Agricultural Labourer (Baptised Horsey All Saints 04/08/1889)
John, aged 15,born Horsey….Ordinary Agricultural Labourer (Baptised Horsey A.Saints 04/08/1889)
Robert E…aged u/1..born Horsey (Robert Edward, born 23/08/1900, baptised Horsey A.Saints 26/05/1901)
Thomas …aged 5...born Horsey (Thomas Henry, born 25/08/1895, baptised Horsey All Saints 05/07/1896)
William………….aged 21.………born Somerton….Ordinary Agricultural Labourer

From the Horsey, All Saints, baptismal record
Robert Francis, baptised 4th August 1889.(Possibly Frank?)
Maude Gertrude, baptised26th April 1891

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 H Sadler

(RoH) Thomas Henry Sadler. Private 14361. 9th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds Monday 11 October 1915. Age 19. Born Horsey. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of William and Rebecca Sadler, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Buried: LE TREPORT MILITARY CEMETERY, Seine-Maritime, France. Ref. Plot 1. Row L. Grave 3A.

See brother Frederick above for the headstone inscription in the churchyard, and family details from the census.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=117166

During the First World War, Le Treport was an important hospital centre. No.3 General Hospital was established there in November 1914, No.16 General Hospital in February 1915, No.2 Canadian General Hospital in March 1915, No.3 Convalescent Depot in June 1915 and Lady Murray's B.R.C.S. Hospital in July 1916. These hospitals contained nearly 10,000 beds.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=11300&...

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...

Thomas may have died as a result of the Battalion’s actions on this day.

Eric E L Simmons

(RoH) Eric Edward L Simmons. Private 22920. 7th Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Saturday 12 August 1916. Age 21. Born Potter Heigham. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of Mrs. E. H. Simmons, of The Post Office, West Somerton, Great Yarmouth. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1552889

The 1901 census records an Eric E L “Simmonds”, aged 5 and born Potter Heigham, at Staithe Road, West Somerton. This is the household of his parents, Elijah, (aged 44 and a Sub-Postmaster and Rural Postman from Blofield), and Elizabeth H, (aged 39 and from Catfield). Their other children are:-
Edith H………..aged 1.……….born West Somerton
Eliza A…………aged 7.………born Potter Heigham
George A C……aged 8.……….born Potter Heigham
Violet M………aged 10.………born Potter Heigham

The baptismal records for St Nicholas, Potter Heigham has four potential matches, but parents are recorded as Elyah/Elijah and Edith. The fathers occupation is given as Station master.

An Eric Edward Leonard Simmons, born Potter Heigham circa 1896 is recorded on the 1911 census in the Flegg District.

Saturday 12th August 1916. Day 43

Mouquet Farm

During the day the Australian 50th Bn moved up to the Quarry area and relieved 16th Bn. At 10.30 pm the 50th moved forward from Park Lane and Ration Trench.They reached the Thiepval Road and linked up with 12th Div but stopped 100 yards short of the objective.

7th Norfolk Regt and 9th Essex Regt captured Skyline Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Battalion War Diary

12th . 8th Street,

Today the shelling has been less severe + more preparations have been made for the attack which is to take place at 10.30 pm today. 2/Lieut H F Manners was slightly wounded in the hand by shrapnel this evening.

13th. Bouzincourt.

At 10.30 pm yesterday the 12th Division + 4th Australian Division attacked on a front of almost a mile. The Norfolk Regiment had as its objective 6th Avenue, 4th Australian Division on our right, 9th Essex on our left.
“A” + “D” were in front, “B”+”C” behind, each company forming two waves. By 10.30 pm, zero, the battalion was ready in position in front of 5th Avenue on a tape which had previously been placed to form on.

At zero the line slowly advanced + when the artillery lifted, got into the German trench. Very little resistance was met with, the Huns being taken completely by surprise. Work was at once commenced, clearing and bombing dug-outs, sending forward patrols to the next German line + consolidating. At 11.00 pm a message was received at Battn HQ which had remained in 8th Street that the German trench had been captured.

Soon afterwards, R E consolidating parties were sent to the captured trench to assist our men in the construction of strong points, whither also Vickers and a Stokes gun were sent. Very few casualties had been incurred going over but in the German trench there were several from shell fire. The Germans during the night put a heavy barrage on all C.T.’s. (I assume this means Communications Trenches)

By 12 midnight it was clear that the line attacked by 4th Australian Division + 35th Inf.Bde had been taken + communication to the flank ensued. 37th Bde on the left of 12th Division was held up by M G fire + made little progress. Before dawn all the men except the garrisons of the strongpoints, (40 men at each), were withdrawn.

At 5 am this morning the relief of 12th Division by 40th Division commenced + by 12 noon the battalion had been relieved by¼ Oxford + Bucks L I and marched back to bivouacs outside Bouzincourt. 18 huns, all 29 Regt, were taken prisoner by us last night. Our casualties for the attack were

Missing…2/Lieut A A Goosens (?) and 5 other officers wounded.
OR’s - 18 missing, 8 killed, 102 wounded.

William S Thain

(RoH) William Stuart Thain. Second Hand 937SA. H.M. Drifter "Clover Bank., Royal Naval Reserve. Died Monday 24 April 1916. Age 36. Son of William Thain and Eliza Kerrison Thain, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 18.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3051729

The 20 year William, born Great Yarmouth and working as a Wherryman, is recorded on the 1901 Census at Varleys Road, West Somerton, (just down from the Lion Inn). This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 43 and a Wherryman from Tunstall, Norfolk.), and Eliza, (aged 45 and from West Somerton). Their other children are:-
Eliza………..aged 10.………….born West Somerton
Nora………..aged 8.……………born West Somerton
Violet………aged 12.…………..born West Somerton

The Baptism of William Stuart Thain, born 18th November 1880, took place at St Nicholas Church, Great Yarmouth, on the 19th December 1880. Williams parents are William, a boatman, and Eliza. The family reside at West Somerton.

Monday, 24 April 1916

MINE AND NET BARRAGE OPERATION OFF BELGIAN COAST
Clover Bank, hired net drifter, mined and sunk
CAMPBELL, Hugh, Trimmer, RNR, TS 4588
CHAPMAN, Philip J, Engineman, RNR, ES 1759
ELLIOTT, Edward J M (real name, but served as Edward Mersey), Deck Hand, RNR, DA 3153
ELLIOTT, Thomas L, Engineman, RNR, DA 3158
HARLOW, Thomas W, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 3067
HARRIS, Henry, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 3156
LARKE, James H, Trimmer, RNR, TS 2688
LOADES, Frank, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 5724
MANSHIP, John W, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 927
MCRURY, John, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 2564
NORFOR, George A, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 3155
PRIN, William, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 585
RIVETT, Albert J, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 3066
STROWGER, Alonzo, Ty/Skipper, RNR
THAIN, William S, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 937
TOOLEY, Alfred J, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 6189
URQUHART, Colin, Deck Hand, RNR, SD 2402
WAUGH, Robert W G, Leading Seaman (RFR B 3590), 197535 (Ch)
Source: www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1916-04Apr.htm

There were two ships called Clover Bank that were lost during the First World War.

They were a wall unto us both by day and by night - 1.Sam.XXV.16