The Flickr 16Thmarch1917 Image Generatr

CRAWFORD, WILLIAM CAMERON
Rank:………………….Private
Service No:………..326964
Date of Death:……16/03/1917
Age:…………………….33
Regiment:……………Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
………………………......9th Bn.
Grave Reference:.25. 248.
Cemetery:..............NORWICH CEMETERY, NORFOLK
Additional Information:
Son of James Crawford and Elizabeth Cameron Crawford, of Glasgow.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2803098/CRAWFORD,%20W...

There is no obvious record for this man in the Soldiers Who Died in the Great War database.

There is no obvious Medal Index Card held for him at the National Archive.

Some of Williams’ Army Service Records survived in the Burnt Records collection at the National Archive, (the storage facility was hit by incendiary bombs during a German Air Raid in 1941 – the damage caused by fire and smoke was compounded by the water used by the Fire Brigade to put the fire out.)

He was probably part of the Derby Scheme, in which men voluntarily enlisted to beat conscription. They would then be sent home until needed. William signed up on the 2nd March 1916.

When he formally enlisted on the 6th December 1916 he gave his aged as 39 years and 6 months, (which doesn’t tie in with the age on CWGC) and his occupation as Ships Steward. Unmarried, he lived then at 10, Commerce Street, Glasgow. At his medical he was rated B(1). He was 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 106lbs. He needed glasses to pass the sight test. Next of kin was his brother, James Crawford, of 165 Graeme Street, Glasgow.
William was then posted to the 2nd/9th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

At the start of 1918 it was requested that Williams Personal Effects be sent to No.38917 Private James Crawford, c/o The Officer Commanding, 1st Reserve Garrison Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, Maryhill Barracks, Glasgow. It was noted that William was serving with the 2/9th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

Post War the Government decided to pay out a War Gratuity for those members of the Armed Forces who’d served in the Theatres of War. To kick the process off for those who had died, the Army sent out Form W.5080 to the last known next of kin to establish which relatives were then still alive. The order of precedence on the form reflected the inheritance laws of the time.

In Williams case the form was sent out probably at the end of 1919 or very early 1920, to a Mr Crawford, of 165 Graeme Street, Glasgow, however by the 29th January 1920 the form was back with the Records Office in Perth with the note from the Post Office – Return to sender – addressee had gone away.

The Records Department then set about finding a brother who had been serving in the Labour Corps when discharged \ demobilised on the 30th May 1919.

By June 1920 a Mr James Crawford of 255 Gallowgate, Glasgow was signing for Williams’ Death Scroll and plaque. Eventually James, his brother, was re-issued with a Form W.5080. He confirmed there was no living wife or children, his (and Williams) father and mother were dead and there were no other brothers or sisters – either full blood or half blood. James was then aged 44.

He has also give information about a nephew and aunt. The nephew was a 30 year old Alexander Graham, of 596 Carson Avenue, Flushing, New York, USA. The aunt was Mrs ‘Wm’ Graham, aged 56, of 88 Farrington Street, Orient Heights, East Boston, USA.

His unit

2/9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion
Formed at Dumbarton in September 1914 as a second line battalion.
January 1915 : attached to 2nd A&SH Brigade, 2nd Highland Division. Moved to Falkirk in August 1915 and Angus for the winter.
October 1915 : formation became 193rd Brigade in 64th (2nd Highland) Division.
Was called No 12 Battalion between November 1915 and January 1916.
Moved to Norwich in March 1916, going on to Taverham (April), Norwich (October). Disbanded in October 1917.
www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-brit...

On the day

From his service records.

On the 16th March 1917 a Military Court of Enquiry took place at Norwich into the circumstances under which No.6286 Private William Crawford, “C” Company, 2/9th A&S Highlanders, met with his death.

President of the Court was Captain A.G.Belfrage, and he was assisted by Lieutenant Charles.M.Aitken and Second Lieutenant Hugh Hamilition, all officers of the 2/9th.

The court took evidence as follows:-

1st Witness No. 5019 Private HUGH McCOLL, “C” Coy, 2/9th A.& S. Highlanders, states:-
“I was told yesterday morning at 08.30 o’clock by Sergeant Lang to go on fatigue to the Brigade N.C.O.s School at Coleman Road with other eleven men. When we arrived we were marched to Eaton Park and were issued with four rounds of what we were told was blank ammunition. I was then placed in a certain position and told to fire at every three blasts of the whistle. I don’t know whether I fired all the rounds or not, as I loaded the four rounds at once in the magazine as soon as I was in position. We marched back to the N.C.O.’s School and dismissed without my rifle being inspected. I paraded with the recruits in the afternoon and my rifle was not inspected. I only oiled the outside of my rifle last night and did not open the bolt. The safety catch was applied. I slept in this morning and was consequently absent from parade. I was in my billet and Private Crawford was sitting in a chair at the fireside in the same room about 12.00 o’clock. I lifted my rifle intending to clean it and was laying it on the table when I heard a report and saw Private CRAWFORD jump off his chair and shout. I immediately left the room and ran to “C” Company’s Orderly Room, where I reported to Lieutenant Boyd, that Private CRAWFORD was shot. As far as I know the rifle was not loaded.”

2nd Witness. Lieutenant A.D.Boyd, 2/9th Bn. A.&S. Highlanders states:
“I was sitting in the Orderly Room at 12.00 o’clock today when Private McColl rushed in, in a great state of excitement, and said that he had accidentally shot a man in his billet. I sent for the Medical Officer and I accompanied Private McColl to his billet, where I found Private CRAWFORD dead. I left an N.C.O. in charge and went down to Headquarters to report.”

3rd Witness. Captain W.G.Mitchell, R.A.M.C. (T). attached 2/9th Bn. A.&S. Highlanders states:-
“I was called today at 12.15 o’clock to see No.6286 Private WILLIAM CRAWFORD at No.77 Newmarket Street. I found the man recently died (from) apparently from the the effect of a bullet wound which caused internal hoeammorage (note- spelling in original) and sudden death.”

4th Witness. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Dawson, No.77 Newmarket Street, Norwich states:-
“I was upstairs in my house at 11.55 o’clock today when one of the soldiers billeted on me called me down and said that William was shot. I came downstairs and found Private CRAWFORD lying in the front room on the floor. I spoke to him and he groaned once. He died a few minutes later. The four soldiers billeted on me were apparently the best of friends, and I have never, on any occasion, seen them quarrelling. They were all in the house down-stairs at the time.”

5th Witness. No.4968 Private G.Brownlie, 2/9th Bn. A.&S. Highlanders states:
“About 12.00 o’clock today I was getting ready to go on leave, in the kitchen in my billet at No.77 Newmarket St. I heard a report and went into the front room and saw Private CRAWFORD staggering into a corner and then falling back. Private McColl was standing at the door with a rifle in his hand, screaming. He dropped the rifle and rushed down the street. I saw that I could do nothing for Private CRAWFORD, so I went to “C” Coy’s Orderly Room and reported. To my knowledge there was never any quarrelling between Privates McColl and Crawford.”

6th Witness. No.6291 Private Alexander Bryden, “C” Coy. 2/9th Bn. A.&S. Highlanders states:
“I had been sick in bed this morning and got up about 11.30 o’clock. I was washing myself in the back kitchen when I heard the report of a rifle. The outside door opened and Private McColl rushed out shouting. I could see Private CRAWFORD lying on the floor in the front room, and I shouted upstairs for Mrs. Dawson. Private McColl and Crawford were the best of friends.”

7th Witness. Captain A.M.Stewart, Office Commanding, “C” Coy 2/9th Bn. A.&S. Highlanders states:
“As far as I know this man bears a fairly good character in his Company. It has never been reported that he has had any trouble or quarrels with any men of the Company. His only crimes in his four and a half months service are “twice absent from Parade”. On the 16th instant, about 12.25 p.m. it was reported to me that Private W.CRAWFORD had been shot. I proceeded at once to No.77 Newmarket Street, and found he was dead, and identified the body as being that of Private CRAWFORD.

8th Witness. No.5081 Coy.Sergeant Major Richard Kelly, 2/6th A.& S. Highlanders, Sergeant Major, N.C.Os. School, states:-
“On the 15th instant I was superintending a Musketry demonstration with the N.C.Os at Eaton Park. A fatigue party of 8 men from 2/9th A.&S.Highlanders were issued with blank ammunition, six rounds each to four men, and four rounds each to four men. After the demonstration my two Sergeant Instructors reported that rifles and pouches had been examined and all were correct. The fatigue party was then dismissed. I am quite certain there were no live rounds issued by me to Sergeant Cowan, who was to distribute them to the fatigue party. The ammunition was in a bandolier and (ammunition) and I examined both bandolier and ammunition before handing them over to Sergeant Cowan.”

9th Witness. No.4022 Sergeant Alexander Cowan, 2/6th A.& S. Highrs. attached to N.C.O.s School, states:-
“On the 15th instant I received 40rounds blank ammunition from S.M.Kelly for use in a Musketry Demonstration. I counted and examined them and they were all blank. I handed them to Sergeant McEwan for issue to the fatigue party before the demonstration, I personally examined all rifles and pouches.”

10th Witness. No.2278 Sergeant Alexander McEwan, 2/8th A.& S. Highdrs. attached to N.C.Os. School states:-
“On the 15th instant I received 40 rounds of blank ammunition from Sergeant Cowan and issued them to the fatigue party. They were all blank rounds. When firing was finished I examined several of the rifles of the fatigue party, but it was quite possible that one man’s rifle was overlooked.”

11th Witness.No.2949 Sergeant Alexander McLaren, 2/7th A.& S.Highdrs. attached to N.C.Os. School states:-
“I was present at the Musketry Demonstration in Eaton Park on the 15th instant, and examined several of the rifles of the fatigue party. When the firing was finished. It was quite possible that one man’s rifle was overlooked.”

12th Witness.No.2433 Sergeant W. Findlay (?, F is over-typed so could be Bindlay, etc), 2/9th A.& S. Highdrs. attached to N.C.Os. School states:-
“I was present at the Musketry Demonstration in Eaton Park on the 15th instant, and examined several of the rifles of the fatigue party when the firing was finished. It was quite possible that one man’s rifle was overlooked.”

13th Witness.No.4193 Corporal Robert Waller Robson, 2/9th A.& S. Hdrs. states:-
“I was in charge of a fatigue party detailed to Coleman Road School on the15th instant. When I arrived I handed them over to the Sergeant Major of the School. I waited until the Demonstration was finished when I marched the party back and dismissed them. I did not see the rifles being examined before firing, and I only saw several being examined after firing.”

The COURT having heard and considered the evidence are of opinion that the cause of the death of No.6286 Private WILLIAM CRAWFORD was the result of an accident due to the discharge by No.5019 Private Hugh McColl of a live round from his rifle and that the presence of a live round in his rifle remains unexplained.

At the end it is noted that Major A.C.Denny, Commanding Officer 2/9th concurs with the opinion of the enquiry.

A civil coroners inquest was held on the 17th March and the verdict given was that “death was caused by injuries received from a bullet accidentally discharged from a rifle.”

The death of a William Crawford, aged 39, was recorded in the Norwich District in the January to March quarter, (Q1) of 1917. That ties in with his age on the enlistment form, but strangely does not included a middle name.

Right Hand Panel

Henry Grimble***************************************************

Name: GRIMBLE, HENRY
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 28/09/1916
Additional information: Son of Henry and Frances Sarah Grimble, of 21, Northcote Rd., Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787793

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

The accompanying notes are:
Second Lieutenant Grimble was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Grimble, of 21 Northcote Road, Norwich. He was killed in action at Schwaben Redoubt, 28th September 1916
The picture was taken in 1916.

The 7 year old Henry, born North Creake, Norfolk, was recorded on the 1901 census at 58 St Phillips Road. This was the household of his parents, Henry, (aged 46 an a Commercial Traveller from Long Stratton, Norfolk) and Frances S, (aged 41 and from East Dereham). Their other children are:-
Anne………………..aged 4.………..born Fressingfield, Suffolk
Barnard…………….aged 14.………born Norwich
Dora………………..aged 15.………born Norwich
Edwin……………….aged 5.…………born Fressingfield, Suffolk
Francis……………….aged 2.…………born Norwich
Margaret……………..aged 8.…………born North Creake
Mary…………………aged 12.……….born Norwich
Olive…………………aged u/1.………born Norwich
Sydney………………aged 10.………..born Norwich

Also living with them is a 74 year old spinster, Frances Hupton, who is described as living on own means. Her relationship to the head of household, Henry senior, is given as “Aunt by marriage”

I could not find a baptism for Henry, but I could find one for Margaret at the Virgin Mary church, North Creake, where her fathers occupation is recorded at Grocer. Going back I could find one for Barnard at St Benedicts, Norwich. Father Henry is then described as a Clerk and the family were residing at William Street.

Thursday 28th September 1916. Day 90

Thiepval

At 1pm 18th Div began an assault on Schwaben Redoubt and surrounding defences. 7th Bn Queen’s Regt was tasked with taking the redoubt itself while 8th Suffolks on the right was to take the Midway Line and 8th Norfolks were the moppers up.

The Suffolks moved quickly through Bulgar Trench but were held up in the assault on Midway Line. Nevertheless at 2.30pm they were almost in the eastern end of the Redoubt. The Queen’s meanwhile had lost their bearings but eventually reached the Redoubt where they occupied the south edge and linked with the Suffolks in Midway Line.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...


William Brasier Hall************************************************

Name: HALL, WILLIAM BRASIER
Rank: Engineer Commander
Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M.S. "Venerable."
Age: 42
Date of Death: 23/09/1917
Additional information: Son of Joseph and Annie Hall (nee Robinson). Born at Leeds. Served on the Belgian Coast and in Persian Gulf.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. 3. Cemetery: STONEHOUSE (ST. CYR) CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=358921

The 26 year old William, a Royal Navy Man born Leeds, was recorded on the 1901 census as a Boarder at 38 Circus Road, Marylebone, London. He doesn’t appear to be on the 1911 census.

By a strange co-incide the Ship’s Chaplain was also a Reverend William Hall, and for some reason, neither man appears in any of my usual Navy sources. However, his year of death is shown as 1916. Only the Chaplain is recorded in the GRO Roll of Honour.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2851919

HMS Venerable did not return to UK waters until December 1916.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Venerable_(1899)

The death of a William B Hall, aged 41, was recorded in the Stroud District of Gloucestershire in the July to September 1917 quarter.

James A(?) C(?) Inglis**********************************************

Possibly
Name: INGLIS, JAMES ARTHUR CHETWYND
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Highland Light Infantry
Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Secondary Regiment: Seaforth Highlanders Secondary Unit Text: attd.
Date of Death: 09/05/1915
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 37 and 38. Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=855231

James has a small entry in The Peerage.Com, but nothing to link him, his parents, his wife or their child with Norwich.

James Arthur Chetwynd, born Calton, Edinburgh circa 1884, was recorded on the 1911 census in the Redruth District.. There is a James of the right age on the 1901 census, although his birthplace is only listed as Scotland, serving as a Boy Sailor in the Naval Training School at Portland.

There is a chargeable copy of a newspaper photo available from this site.
www.ww1photos.com/HLI.html

The 4th battalion HLI did not server overseas. The most likely action in which Battalions of the Seaforths s were in action on this day and which would have qualified for inclusion on the Le Touret Memorial was the Battle of Aubers.

Battle of Aubers - 9th May 1915

9 May: the Southern pincer
4.06am: sunrise and all very quiet on this front.
5.00am: British bombardment opens with field guns firing shrapnel at the German wire and howitzers firing High Explosive shells onto front line. German troops are seen peering above their parapet even while this shelling was going on.
5.30am: British bombardment intensifies, field guns switch to HE and also fire at breastworks.
The lead battalions of the two assaulting Brigades of 1st Division go over the top to take up a position only 80 yards from German front. (2nd Brigade has 1/Northants and 2/Royal Sussex in front and 2/KRRC and 1/5th Royal Sussex in immediate support; 3rd Brigade has 2/Royal Munster Fusiliers and 2/Welsh in front, with 1/4th Royal Welsh Fusiliers in support). Heavy machine-gun fire cuts the attackers down even on their own ladders and parapet steps, but men continue to press forward as ordered.
In the area of the Indian Corps, the lead battalions of the Dehra Dun Brigade of the Meerut Division (2/2nd Ghurkas, 1/4th and 1st Seaforth Highlanders) were so badly hit by enemy fire that no men got beyond their own parapet and the front-line and communications trenches were soon filled with dead and wounded men.
www.1914-1918.net/bat11.htm

William Metcalf***************************************************

Military genealogy has two William Metcalf’s who were born Norwich - both in the St James District.

However, there is no obvious candidates in the CWGC database.

There is a photograph of a William Metcalfe of the 3rd Dragoons Guards who came from Norwich listed on Norlink
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
The accompanying notes read
Private Metcalfe was from Norwich. He was killed in action 26th September 1915

However, the same individual on the CWGC database appears to be:-

Name: METCALF, WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales' Own)
Date of Death: 26/09/1915
Service No: 7470
Memorial Reference: Panel 1. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=736145

There are at least 4 William Metcalf’s of a likely age and with a Norwich connection on the 1901 and 1911 censuses.

The Battle of Loos
25 September - 18 October 1915
26 September 1915
First Army had issued orders at 11.30pm for a general renewal of the attack at 11.00am on 26th September. Sir John French commented to Sir Douglas Haig about the futility of pushing reserves through a narrow gap in the enemy's defences, but he allowed his Army commander to continue to plan his own tactics. There was mist, low cloud and rain in the air.
11.00am: A heavy German bombardment fell on the forward positions. Without leaders, without food and exhausted, many men fell back into Loos village.
12.00 noon: First Army orders 6th Cavalry Brigade to reinforce Loos area. They send 3rd Dragoon Guards and 1st Royal Dragoons forward, dismounted.
3.30pm: A general retirement from the Hill 70 position took place. This unnecessary act was the result of some confused orders, the origins of which remain uncertain to this day. At the same time, various small units were moving into the Hill 70 positions to reinforce units there! The enemy counterattacked against the Loos Crassier, which was by now consolidated and strongly held by 1/20th Londons.
8.00pm: The two cavalry regiments, having rallied men of 45th and 46th Brigades who were found retiring from Loos, enter and clear the village and re-establish the position on the lower slopes of Hill 70.
www.1914-1918.net/bat13.htm

James Mills*******************************************************

Military Genealogy has a James Mills, born St Martins, Norwich.

Possibly
Name: MILLS Initials: J
Rank: Private
Regiment: Border Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 38
Date of Death: 05/07/1916
Service No: 21396
Additional information: Son of James and Emily Mills, of go, Patteson Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. L. 15. Cemetery: HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=559891
(The Great War GRO confirms this is a James Mills).

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 24 year old James, born Norwich and working as a Boot Laster. He was recorded at 74 Colegate Street, the household of his widowed mother Emily, (aged 50 and from Norwich). Her other children are:-
Agnes…………..aged 13.…………born Norwich
Albert………….aged 26.………….born Norwich……..Soldier on Furlough
Emily…………..aged 15.………….born Norwich……..Boot Finisher
George………….aged 20.…………born Norwich……..Boot Laster
Hannah…………aged 22.…………born Norwich
Harriet…………aged 17.………….born Norwich……..Tailorest Machinest
Harry…………..aged 11.………….born Norwich

Heath Cemetery, so called from the wide expanse of open country on which it stands, was made after the Armistice, next to a French Military Cemetery, now removed. Graves were brought into it from the battlefields between Bray and Harbonnieres and from other burial grounds in the area
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=62000&...

The 8th Borders had taken part in an unsuccessful attack on the 3rd, but I would suspect they were out of the line on the 5th, as re-inforced they would again be attacking on the 9th as part of the 25th Division.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...

Jack Newstead*****************************************************

There is not a Jack Newstead listed either on the CWGC database or in the Great War Roll of Honour.

Norlink has a James Robert and (possibly) his brother Albert. Both are described as from Thorpe St Andrew.

James Robert was a Norfolk Regiment man who died 13th December 1915.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=918819

Albert was with the Royal Sussex Regiment and died 27th September 1916
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=43973

The Newsteads are on the Thorpe Green War Memorial
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2214802197/

There is a Jack Newstead, born Blofield circa 1899, who was recorded on the 1911 census in the Blofield District, (which at that time included a part of Thorpe St Andrews).
There is no Jack on the 1901 census with an obvious Norfolk connection on the 1901, but there are several James, including 3 of a likely age to have served and with a Norwich connection.

The baptism of James Robert, born 19th November 1888, took place at St Andrews Church, Thorpe St Andrews on the 16th December 1888. His parents were listed as Robert Tubby, a Groom and Gardener, and Louisa. The family lived in Thorpe.

Arthur Rump******************************************************

Military Genealogy has an Arthur Herbert, born Catton resident Norwich. There are two other A Rumps on the CWGC database, both with Norfolk connections, but neither on investigation was an Arthur.

Name: RUMP, ARTHUR HERBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Coldstream Guards
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 22/12/1914
Service No: 10764
Memorial Reference: Panels 2 and 3. Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1561499

No match on Norlink

There is no obvious match for Arthur on the Genes Re-united Transcription of the 1901 and 1911 censuses for England and Wales. This is a common name in Norfolk, so potentially nearly 20 matches of a likely age to have served.

20th - 21st December 1914
On the 20th December, the Germans attacked the Indian troops occupying Givenchy and the Indians were forced to retire. The 1st Battalion, part of 1st Guards Brigade, was amongst the troops rushed in to help them. After marching 20 miles they launched their attack at noon on the 21st and after two days heavy fighting, Givenchy was secured. The Battalion lost a further 200 men on top of their devastating losses at Gheluvelt at the end of October.
www.shinycapstar.com/battlehonours.htm

Harold Runham************************************************

The only potential match on CWGC and the Military Genealogy site is a Henry Runham, a 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment man who died 21/08/1918, age 19. Additional information on CWGC is Son of Walter and Jemima Runham, of West End, Whittlesford, Cambs.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=590333

No match on Norlink

The GRO Roll of Honour has a Ernest H. a Bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery. CWGC has him down as E H, with no additional information. There is an Ernest H on the 1911 census, but he was born Beckenham, Kent, circa 1896 and was recorded in the district of Sheppey.

Runham just doesn’t appear to be a Norfolk surname - only one instance in 1911 and one (different one) in 1901.

Bertie Smithdale***************************************************

Name: SMITHDALE, BERTIE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Army Service Corps
Unit Text: 886th Mechanical Transport Coy.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 22/07/1917
Service No: M/26949
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. F. 18. Cemetery: MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=87374

Military Genealogy has Bertie as born and resident Norwich.

The 11 year old Bertie, born Norwich is recorded on the 1901 census at 21 Crown Court, Norwich, in the Parish of St Peter Hungate. This is the household of his widower Grandfather, Francis Smithdale, aged 66 and an Iron Moulder from Norwich. Going back to the 1891 census, the 10 month old Bertie was still living with his grandfather at Wagon and Horses Lane, Tombland. Francis was even then a Widower. He has another grand-daughter living with him, the 17 year old Agnes, who is single and from Bolton, Lancashire. She is house-keeping for her grand-father.

My initial thoughts were I was reading too much into it by presuming Agnes might actually be the mother. But then I found a baptism record for Bertie. Bertie, born 7th December 1889, was baptised at St Georges Tombland on the 6th October 1891. The mother is Mary Agnes Smithdale. No father is listed. Mother and son live Outside the Parish - bit disingenuous as Waggon and Horses Lane is within sight of St Georges.
Even then there was the possibility that Mary Agnes was another family member, However, the only Mary listed on the 1891 census was aged 7, and from Northampton. Following that line of enquiry, there is only 1 on each of the subsequent censuses. In 1901, the now 17 year Mary, is listed as Mary E. By 1911, another woman has become Mary Smithdale, presumably on marriage, while the original one is no longer present - presumably again on marriage, but she may have died, been outside England and Wales, was missed or the name was incorrectly transcribed.

Sidney Tate*******************************************************

Probably
Name: TATE, SIDNEY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 22/05/1917
Service No: 29986
Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1671914

Military Genealogy has one other Sidney Tate, born West Bromwich.
Probably This Welsh Regiment man
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=44046

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 3 year old “Sydney”, born Norwich, who was recorded at 130 Pottergate. This is the household of his parents, William G, (aged 29 and a Sugar Boiler and Shop Keeper from Norwich), and Palama, (aged 29 and from Norwich). They also have another son, William,G, aged 5 and from Norwich. Making up the household is a Hannah Ireland, aged 21, single and a Cardboard Box Maker from Norwich. Her relationship to William G senior is shown as sister, but suspect its more likely to be sister-in-law.

On the 1911 census, our Roll of Honour candidate is listed as “Sidney”

Battalion War Diary
21st May 1917 N.30.d.0.2
Battalion carried out a raid on enemy trench. Zero hour 2.am - the raiding party succeeded in reaching its objective but the trench was found to be empty, it was therefore impossible to secure identification which had been hoped for. Raiding party sustained no casualties and only one man wounded by hostile artillery retaliation.

Night 21st/22nd Battalion proceeded to 18th Division Reserve Camp in s.17.b, during night of 21st/22nd on being relieved by the 7th Queens.

22nd to 31st. Battalion remained in this camp and carried out training, etc.

(Was Sidney perhaps the “wounded” man, who succumbed to his wounds the following day.)

Cyprian Thompson******************************************************

Name: THOMPSON, CYPRIAN ALFRED
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 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
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=66234

There is also a Lieutenant C A Thompson commemorated on the Eaton, Norwich Great War Memorial. I speculated then whether that individual was Cyprian, although there is nothing obvious to link him with Norwich
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/3411009589/

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 Fredericton 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?

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...

Percy Henry Wright*****************************************************

Probably
Name: WRIGHT, PERCY HENRY WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers
Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 04/10/1917
Service No: 241847
Additional information: Son of Alfred William and Kate Emily Wright, of 24, Florence Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 19 to 23 and 162. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=875984

The 5 year old Percy H Wm Wright, born Norwich, was recorded on the 1901 census at 56 Patteson Road, Norwich. This was the household of his parents, Alfred Wm. (aged 32 and a Carpenter&Joiner from Gt.Yarmouth) and Kate E. (aged 31 and from Norwich). They have another son, Harold B. aged 2 and from Norwich - see below.

The 21st Div was to occupy the high ground above the Reutelbeek valley (Beek - Stream), across which was the spur on the Polderhoek Chateau stood.
Four tanks were tasked to assist. In this battle the first VC for the new Tank Corps was awarded- Act Capt C ROBERTSON VC (he died winning it). Not all objectives were taken on 4th October and it dragged on for several days.

The German official history described it as 'the black day of October 4th'. The German's had planned their own attack on 4th October. The British attack began 10 minutes before theirs. Many German troops were at their jump off points when the British Artillery opened up. The British and ANZAC troops captured over 4,000 prisoners on the Second Army front. The German 45th Reserve Division lost 83 officers and 2,800 other ranks. Ludendorff said in his memoirs - ' The battle on the 4th October was extraordinarily severe, and we only came through it with enormous losses. It was evident that the idea of holding the front line more densely, adopted at my last visit to the front in September, was not the remedy'

The 3/4th Queen's took over from the 8/Leicester's on the night of 2/3rd October. The rest of the Brigade came up on 3rd Oct, taking up positions on the eastern side of Polygon Wood. These positions were in full view of the enemy in daylight.

The attack was led by 3/4th Queen's, with the second objective taken by 12/13 Northumberland Fusiliers on the right and 10/Yorkshire on the left; 1/Lincoln was to be in reserve. However, on the approach to the front line, the 10/ Yorkshire were badly mauled by German shelling in Glencourse Wood and Black Watch Corner.

1/ Lincoln took two and a half hours to cover four miles from Zillebeke Lake to their position, They arrived at about midnight. Heavy shelling continued over the whole area during the night. The moving troops were silhouetted against the light of the burning ammo dumps. Under cover of darkness (!) guiding tapes were
put out by the three leading battalions and posts (lookouts not wooden!) were pushed forward to Polygonbeek so that the enemy would remain unaware of what was taking place.

At 5 am the CO of 1/Lincoln , Lt-Col LP EVANS, returned from looking at the assembly positions and , acting on alternative Brigade orders, switched his battalion with 10/Yorkshire, as the latter had suffered such heavy casualties.

At 6am the attack began. The first obstacle was the Polygonbeek which was muddy and covered with entangled wire. The creeping barrage moved on before the men had all cleared the area. 10/Yorkshire moved into the front line as soon as the Brigade had moved forward.

There were several unexpected and well hidden concrete emplacements on the eastern bank of the Polygonbeek. Each had a garrison of 20-30 men and 3 machine guns. As soon as the creeping barrage had passed, they opened fire on the advancing troops and caused many casualties. It was also near here
that a German officer offered his surrender but when a Lt moved up to him, he took his revolver out and shot the Lt, killing him. The German was riddled with bullets by the men who had witnessed it.

The OC 1st Lincoln Regiment passed his two leading companies through the northern companies of the Queen's, scrambled across the bog of Jetty Warren and rushed the first objective, killing large numbers of Germans.

The Northumberland Fus backed up the Queen's and reached Judge Trench. The trench was full of 19th Reserve Div troops recently brought from Riga on the Russian front.

'The bayonet was freely used and a large number of fleeing Germans were shot. Hand grenades and Phosphorous bombs cleared the mebus and rifle grenades the more distant shell holes. One mebus was set on fire and the garrison either burnt to death or were shot. Few prisoners were taken.

The general sit rep (situation report) at 6-30am -
3/4th Queen's consolidating along the whole of the first objective, less one company digging in its immediate support.
On left, in continuation of Judge trench, elements of 1/S Staffs, on the right the KOYLI of 64th brigade.
In advance on the left 1/Lincoln forming for the attack on the second objective- C and D companies were in front; A and B reorganised in Judge trench. A was moved up shortly before the advance to the second line.

In the trenches on the right the 12/13 Northumberland Fus were forming up for the same purpose. 5th Div though were held up at Polderhoek Chateau and this had a knock on effect - 64th Brigade were suffering enfilade fire by machine gun - 12/13th found their flank in the air when at 08-10 the advance to objective two began. They also had machine gun fire from the Chateau to contend with. They advanced 150 yards and had to dig in.

The 1/Lincoln on the left were slightly protected by the curve of the spur, and only subjected to indirect fire from the Chateau, some machine guns from Judge Copse and the two isolated mebus and numerous snipers in shell holes. They obtained their final objective though and consolidated. The line whilst not continuous was tenable.
archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/ENG-LINCSGEN/2004-...

Harold B.Wright.******************************************************

Probably
Name: WRIGHT, HAROLD BOSWELL
Rank: Private
Regiment: Training Reserve
Unit Text: 29th Bn.
Age: 18
Date of Death: 16/03/1917
Service No: TR/10/18180 Additional information: Son of Alfred William and Kate Emily Wright, of 24, Florence Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: E. 3493. Cemetery: SOUTHEND-ON-SEA (SUTTON ROAD) CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=357461

See brother Percy above for family census details.

The baptism of a Harold Boswell Wright, born 1st May 1898, took place at St Peters, Neatishead on the 26th August 1898. His parents are listed as Alfred William, a carpenter, and Kate Emily.

More on the church here

www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/norwichgeorgetombland/norwichge...