The Flickr 26Thseptember1915 Image Generatr

The reredos in this church is erected
to the Glory of God and is
Sacred to the memory of
Lt. Col. Charles Edward Radclyffe D.S.O.
Rifle Brigade
who was reported wounded & missing on
Sept. 26th. 1915
whilst commanding the 11th. Batt. Essex Regt.
at the Battle of Loos

It was placed here by his widow Theresa Caroline
and his son Charles Edward Mott-Radclyffe
so that the name of a brave solider and great
Gentleman be never forgotten by those who
worship in this church in the years to come

"So he passed over and all the trumpets
sounded for him on the other side"

Born December 24th. A.D. 1864

Charles Edward Radclyffe was born on 24th. December 1864 at Wickham in Hampshire, the son of Charles Edward and Constance Albuera Radclyffe, nee Saunderson and the brother of Constance L and Cecilia Albuera Frances.
On 30th. July 1898 at St. George, Hanover Square, London, Charles, then a Captain, married Theresa Caroline (1869 - 1942), daughter of John Stanley and Cordelia Euphemia Mott, nee Macdonald-Lockhart.
The couple lived at Little Park, Wickham and had one son:

Charles Edward Mott-Radclyffe was born on 25th. December 1911.
He was educated at Eton College, Windsor and Balliol College, Oxford.
He was Honorary Attaché to Athens and Rome between 1936 and 1938.
He was the Conservative MP for Windsor between 1942 and 1970 and the chairman of the Conservative Foreign Affairs Committee between 1951 and 1959.
He was appointed a Knight in 1957 and gained the rank of Major in the Rifle Brigade.
He died on 25th. November 1992 at the age of 80.

Charles Edward Radclyffe had attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel by 1911.
He served in the Rifle Brigade, where he commanded the 4th. Battalion.
During his Army career he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

The Battle of Loos took place from 25th. September to 8th. October 1915. It was the biggest British attack of 1915, the first time that the British used poison gas and the first mass engagement of all volunteer units. The French and British tried to break through the German defences in Artois and Champagne, but despite improved methods, more ammunition and better equipment, the Franco-British attacks were largely contained by the Germans, except for local losses of ground. The British gas attack failed to neutralize the defenders and the artillery bombardment was too short and therefor inefficient. German tactical defensive proficiency was dramatically superior to the British offensive planning, resulting in a British defeat.
On first day of the battle in many places the British artillery had failed to cut the German wire before the attack or destroy their machine nests.. The engineers manning the poison gas cylinders warned against there use because of the weakness and unpredictability of the wind but they were overruled by General Sir Hubert Gough. In some places the gas drifted back into the British lines and caused more British than German casualties. Advancing over open fields, within range of German machine guns and artillery, the British infantry suffered many casualties. The British were able to break through the weaker German defences and capture the village of Loos-en-Gohelle, mainly due to numerical superiority, but supply and communications problems, combined with the late arrival of reserves meant that the breakthrough could not be exploited.
When the battle resumed the following day, the Germans had recovered and improved their defensive positions. Much of the barbed wire, in some places 30 ft. (9.1 m) deep, remained uncut and the British had used their stock of chlorine gas. British attempts to continue the advance with the reserves were repulsed. Twelve attacking battalions suffered 8,000 casualties out of 10,000 men in four hours. The British preparatory bombardment, which amounted to desultory fire for about twenty minutes apparently inflicted no enemy casualties. German machine gunners reported being 'nauseated' from the sight of so many corpses and ceased firing so that the British could retreat with their wounded.
A lull fell on 28th. September, with the British back at their starting positions, having suffered more than 20,000 casualties, including three Major-Generals.
The battle would continue until the 8th. October.

Lt-Col Radclyffe was killed in action at La Brasse Road, Hulluch village during the second day of the battle, 26th. September 1915, while commanding the 11th. Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was 50 years old. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 85 to 87 of the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
As well as this memorial and the reredos in St. Mary's church at Barningham Winter in Norfolk there is also a memorial to the Lieutenant-Colonels memory in St. Nicholas church at Wickham in Winchester, Hampshire.

P .BANHAM, 5TH YORKS REGT.
A. BARTLETT, 3RD NORFOLK REGT.
G.A. BAXTER, 7TH WORC’STR REGT.
F.W. BROWN, 1ST NORFOLK REGT.
W.H. BULLEN, QUEENS ROYAL WEST SURYS.
B. COLEMAN, 1ST NORFOLK REGT.
F. COOPER, R.G.A.
E.G. CRACKNELL, 11TH SUFFOLK REGT.
H.E. CURTIS, 9TH NORFOLK REGT.
W. ELLINGFORD, 12TH LONDON REGT.
J.E. EMMERSON, R.F.A.
T. W GENT. 9TH NORFOLK REGT.

The large village of Feltwell in the aouth west of Norfolk has two medieval churches – St Mary and St Nicholas. This is not uncommon and probably reflects the wealth there was in the county at a time when Norwich was the third city of the kingdom. Both were in regular use until the seventies, although St Nicholas is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

What is unusual – at least in my experience – is that rather than having a parish of their own, both churches serve a single parish. Thus when it came to researching the names on the war memorial it was impossible to tell which of the two churches individual were baptised or married in. Similarly when it came to checking out the census details. If this was a village with two parishes then I would expect villagers to proudly tell the census taker they were born Feltwell St Mary or Feltwell St Nicholas – indeed some of the zealous or more partisan might drop the Feltwell altogether. But here everyone I investigated was born and\or lived Feltwell.

St. Nicholas also has the larger and more contemporary graveyard – you will struggle to find anyone from the 20th Century was the feeling I got when I looked around the churchyard at St Mary. It is the location for a large collection of WW2 graves relating to RAF Feltwell that I will eventually get round to transcribing and researching and posting on Flickr, but for now my focus is on the Great War and the coming centennial celebration of the armistice. If you’re after a picture of one of those then flickrmail me.

The Civil Registration District for registering Births, Deaths and Marriages was the Thetford District, which spanned the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Between the 1901 census and the 1911 census the registration District changed to Swaffham as far at the census enumerators were concerned but births and marriages still seemed to have registered in the Thetford District.

Neighbouring villages include Methwold, (aka Methwold Hythe), Hockwold, (including Hockwold Fen and Hockwold Blackdyke and Hockwold Whitedyke), Wilton, Northwold and Southery. With a change in settlement patterns, Hockwold and Wilton have merged to become Hockwold-cum-Wilton.

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

For more on each name see the comments below

To the Glory of GOD and in grateful memory of those from this Parish who gave their lives
for their Country in the Great War 1914-1918.
William Walter Beck. Arthur Hammond Cole. Charles Edwin Mason. Walter Herbert Geffery Meire

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

Blofield was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriage.

For more on each name see the comments below

………….In loving memory…………….
…………………….of……………………
WALTER HERBERT GEFFERY MEIRE
2nd Lieut. 9th Norfolk Regiment
Formerly in the Ceylon Rifles
Who was killed in action in the Battle of Loos
September 26th 1915. Aged 25 years.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.

MEIRE, WALTER HERBERT GEOFFREY
Rank:……………………..Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:……………26/09/1915
Age:……………………….25
Regiment:………………...Norfolk Regiment, 9th Bn.
Panel Reference:…………Panel 30 and 31.
Memorial:…………………LOOS MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Walter H. and Hanah M. Meire, of Verne House, Brundall, Norfolk. Formerly of the Ceylon Planters Rifles.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/736078/MEIRE,%20WALTE...

SDGW just confirms he was Killed in Action on the 26th September 1915 whilst serving with the 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. As with all officers, no place of birth or residence is given.

There is no obvious Civil Probate for this man.

There is no straight match for a Medal Index Card for this man. One possible transcription error is the card for Walter H Major. He was originally Private 25881 in the Bedfordshire Regiment before becoming a Second Lieutenant in the Norfolk Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D3902426

No obvious International Red Cross records.

No match on Picture Norfolk

The Ceylon Roll of Honour apparently records
Meire, W. H. G.; late of Densworth, Dehiowita; Member of the Milward Contingent; 2nd-Lt. 9th Norfolks. Killed in Action.

Norfolk Chronicle 8th October 1915: A letter has been received by the family from Major Orams (9th Norfolks)-"Geoffrey was killed last Sunday morning. I have ascertained from Lt Spurrell, of the same company, who was close to him that he gallantly led his men out of the trench and was leading them across the open but had only got twenty or thirty yards when he was shot through the head. He died as a British officer should - at the head of his men."
(There is also a picture of Walter)
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/127274...

On the same day his fellow officer and Brother Mason Lieutenant William CADGE of 9/Norfolk Regiment was also killed in the same attack. Both of these men had lived and worked in Ceylon and were members of Ceylon Masonic Lodges. (St John's Lodge of Colombo No. 454 E.C.)
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:S6Msim6eKi8...

He was apparently a former pupil of the Norwich High School as he appears on their Roll of Honour.
www.worldwar1schoolarchives.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/0...

1890 – Birth

The birth of a Walter Herbert G Meire was recorded in the Atcham District of Shropshire in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1890.

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 10 month old Walter H G, born Ford, Shropshire, was recorded living at a dwelling on Shoot Hill, Ford, Shropshire. This was the household of his parents, Walter H, (aged 28 and Living on Own Means, from Cound, Shropshire) and Hannah M, (aged 26 and from Thornage, Norfolk). As well as Walter they have a daughter, Alice Mabel, (aged 3, born Ford). Also in the household is Hannah’s unmarried sister, Edith M.G.Playford, (aged 19, Living on Own Means and originally from Thornage, Norfolk). To keep the household going there are three live in servants.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The family have now moved to 47 Unthank Road, Norwich. As well as parents Walter H, (38) and Hannah M, (37), childrel living with them are Alice M, (13), Walter H G, (10), Catherine, (7) and Florence M, (6) – all born Ford, Shropshire. There are two live in servants.

1911 Census of England and Wales

There is no trace of Walter on this census. His parents were living at “The Bungalow”, Bradeston, Brundall. Father Walter H gives his occupation as Scoutmaster and is living off Private Means. He and his wife Hannah, (46), have been married 25 years and have had 5 children, of which 4 were then still alive. Children still at home are Alice Mabel, (23), C.Dora, (17) and Florence M, (16). There are also two live in servants.

On the day

26th September 1915 – Battalion War Diary

Lonely Tree Hill.

At 3.30am Sunday 26th we got orders to move + assist the 20th Inf.Bde +to assault the Germans at dawn. We drew up in the German front line trenches at 5.30 am. The attack was launched at 6.45 am but owing to the heavy fire + especially to snipers no progress was possible + so cover was taken once more in the trenches, During Sunday 26th we occupied the trench
At 4 P.M. the 2nd Bn Worcesters came through us to attack the quarries. At 7 P.M. the germans opened heavy rifle fire on our trenches + sending up flares, we manned the reverse slope of the trenches in order to await attack of germans, + fire being so hot we retired to trenches behind to get cover for ??? men. The grenadier guards came up + occupied these trenches, so we retired to Lonely Tree, finding the trenches occupied by our troops on the way. At Lonely Tree we were told to concentrate at Vermelles which we reached at 6.35 a.m. Monday ??? 27th. Strength of party 3 Officers and 64 O.R.’s.

1.00am A heavy attack by the German 117th Division was launched against the forward units of 7th and 9th Divisions between the Vermelles-Hulluch road and Fosse 8. It achieved complete surprise, catching wiring parties and isolated sections unawares. On the right, 20th Brigade pulled all advanced units back to the protection of Gun Trench. In the centre, the most forward units were in a shallow trench a hundred yards ahead of the Quarries. Their left had no contact with the 27th Brigade of 9th Division, which was somewhere away on their left. A reorganisation of scattered and mixed-up units was underway - under shellfire that included gas shells - when the German attack hit. The enemy entered the Quarries through the undefended gap to the North, and much confused and hand to hand fighting took place. By 1.30am the British troops had lost the Quarries. Further advance was halted by concentrated fire from the 2/Yorkshire and 1/South Staffordshire. 27th Brigade - who lost their CO, Brig-General Bruce, captured in the Quarries - withdrew from Fosse Alley in good order. A hastily arranged counterattack with the intention of retaking the Quarries was delivered at 6.45am by the dog-tired 9/Norfolks of 24th Division, but it was annihilated by consolidated enemy infantry
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/bat13_loos/bat.htm

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...

Wilfrid Potter
Arnold W Rash
Ralph R Rash
Charles W Ray
Ephraim H.Sharman
Martin Sharman
Samuel H Smith
Denis G Wilby
George Wilby
Augustus F Winearls
James R Woods
For more on each name, see the comments below.

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

In Memory of
The Men of Tasburgh
Who gave their lives
in the Great War
1914 – 1919

James Barsham Burgess
Geoffrey Cushion
Herbert Ernest Cushion
Arthur Henry Everett
Arthur Field
Bernard Leonard Goose
Herbert Harbour
William Harbour
Sydney Mathews
Percival Nobbs
Frank Rix
John Brown Rix

1939-1945
Michael John Carnac Fisher

Their Name Liveth for Evermore

CWGC – Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW – Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk – The Norfolk County Archive Picture Library.

For more on each name see comments below

The Great Witchingham War Memorial is currently, (June 1914), in pieces in the parish church of St Mary awaiting completion of work on the new Village Hall.

H.Massingham
C Moy
F Nelson
L Nelson
J H Starling
J Starling
F Smith

For more on each name see comments below

Erected by the Parishioners
In Grateful Remembrance of the Men of this Parish
Who gave their lives for King and Country
During the Great War 1914 - 1919

John B Attoe
Isaac N Bailey
Thomas Browne
William Browne
Antony B Enright
Preston A A Enright
Frederick Feek
Frederick B Hill
Donald H Mayes
Ronald W J Mayes
Frederick Roberts
Joseph A L Smith
Alfred Banham

Geater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friends. John.XV.13

1939 -1945
Robert P Battleday.

Nearby there is also a framed Roll of Honour listing all those who served from the village.

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

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...

With grateful acknowledgement to the Roll of Honour (RoH) web-site that served as the starting point for my research.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Martham.html
Johnson, Leonard………………………………………………………….(RoH)

Private 19725. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds on 13th July 1918. Born Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Niederzwehren Cemetery, Kassel, Hassen, Germany. Ref. IV. N. 16.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=903690 (L.)
NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY

The cemetery was begun by the Germans in 1915 for the burial of prisoners of war who died at the local camp. During the war almost 3,000 Allied soldiers and civilians, including French, Russian and Commonwealth, were buried there In 1922-23 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Niederzwehren was one of those chosen and in the following four years, more than 1,500 graves were brought into the cemetery from 190 burial grounds in Baden, Bavaria, Hanover, Hesse and Saxony. There are now 1,796 First World War servicemen buried or commemorated in the Commonwealth plot at Niederzwehren.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=91502&...

Norlink – no match.

There does not appear to be a match for a Leonard Johnson, born Martham on either the 1901 census or the 1911 one. The most likely match is a Leonard born circa 1896, West Somerton, who in 1901 is recorded at the Lion Inn, West Somerton and in 1911 was recorded in the Flegg District which covers both villages.
On the 1901 census the Lion Inn was the household of his parents, Elijah, (aged 47 and a Publican from Martham) and Emma, (aged 37 and from Martham). Interestingly, they also have a son Ralph, (aged 2 and born West Somerton)

Johnson, Ralph……………………………………………………………..(RoH)

Private 41590. 7th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 11th February 1918. Born Somerton. Lived Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Noyon New British Cemetery, Oise, France. Ref. IV. E. 7.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=580261

Norlink – no match

Most likely match on the 1901 census is the Ralph shown against Leonard above.

From the Battalion War Diary

SALENCY 11-2-18 Arrival of draft of 7 officers and 174 other ranks from 8th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. which had been disbanded. Hostile Bombing raid. One bomb demolished a billet occupied by "C" Company. casualties: - Killed; 9 other ranks. Died of Wounds; 1 officer & 2 other ranks. Wounded; 6 other ranks
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/7thbn/7thbtn1918diary.html

Knights, Harry……………………………………………………………(RoH)

Son of Charles [General Dealer] and Emmeline Knights, brother of Charles and Matilda; grandson of Henry B Woolston [Horse Dealer]. Born Martham circa 1893 [1901 - census] No further information available at present.

No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy. There is a William Richard Knights who was born Martham and who was resident West Somerton at the time of enlistment. Son of Richard and Frances Knights, of West Somerton, Great Yarmouth.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3057318

Norlink – no match

William is on the West Somerton Roll of Honour
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/5714767659/in/set-7215...

The Knights family were living with their paternal grandfather, the widower Henry B, aged 50 and a Horse Dealer from Hemsby, at White Street, Martham.

One Possible match – shown as Harry on the Great War Roll of Honour.
Name:KNIGHTS
Initials:H F
Nationality:United Kingdom
Rank:Private
Regiment/Service:Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text:1st Bn.
Date of Death:20/06/1917
Service No:16959
Grave/Memorial Reference:II. C. 4.
Cemetery:ROCLINCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=526036

Larter, John William………………………………………………………..(RoH)

Private 15540. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 26th September 1915. Aged 21. Born Martham. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of John and Edith Larter, of The Limes, Church St., Martham, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=733848

Norlink – no match

The 6 year old John, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at White House, The Green, Martham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 33 and a Plumber & Decorator from Ludham) and (poss.) “Elulia”, (aged 29 and from Hemsby). They also have a daughter, Ethel, (aged 5 and from Martham)

Family headstone in the Church yard.
In Loving Memory of
Edith Mary Ann
The Beloved wife of John Larter
Who died Dec.20th 1933
Aged 61 years
Also of John Larter
Who died June 12th 1951
Aged 83 years
Also of John William Larter
Son of the above
Killed in Action at Loos
September 26th 1915
Aged 21 years.

26th September 1915

1.00am A heavy attack by the German 117th Division was launched against the forward units of 7th and 9th Divisions between the Vermelles-Hulluch road and Fosse 8. It achieved complete surprise, catching wiring parties and isolated sections unawares. On the right, 20th Brigade pulled all advanced units back to the protection of Gun Trench. In the centre, the most forward units were in a shallow trench a hundred yards ahead of the Quarries. Their left had no contact with the 27th Brigade of 9th Division, which was somewhere away on their left. A reorganisation of scattered and mixed-up units was underway - under shellfire that included gas shells - when the German attack hit. The enemy entered the Quarries through the undefended gap to the North, and much confused and hand to hand fighting took place. By 1.30am the British troops had lost the Quarries. Further advance was halted by concentrated fire from the 2/Yorkshire and 1/South Staffordshire. 27th Brigade - who lost their CO, Brig-General Bruce, captured in the Quarries - withdrew from Fosse Alley in good order. A hastily arranged counterattack with the intention of retaking the Quarries was delivered at 6.45am by the dog-tired 9/Norfolks of 24th Division, but it was annihilated by consolidated enemy infantry
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/bat13_loos/bat.htm

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...

London, Henry Richard……………………………………………………(RoH)

Engineman 489ES. H.M. Drifter Kent County Royal Naval Reserve. Died on 8th December 1916. Aged 32. Son of John London; husband of M. A. Symonds (formerly London), of 8, Nursery Terrace, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Column 19.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3051272

Norlink – no match

There is no obvious match on the Genes Re-united transcription of either the 1901 or the 1911 census for England and Wales.

Kent County, hired drifter, patrol boat, mined and sunk in North Sea
ALLEN, Bertie E, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 895
BARKER, Archibald, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 821
BURWOOD, Samuel R, Ty/Skipper, RNR
FLETCHER, John H, 2nd Hand, RNR, SA 252
GALLANT, William, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 900
GATES, George, Engineman, RNR, ES 459
LONDON, Henry R, Engineman, RNR, ES 489
REMBLANCE, William, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 854
WARD, James R, Deck Hand, RNR, DA 1626
WELLS, William N, Petty Officer 1c (RFR B 969), 163809 (Ch)
YOUNG, Percival P, Trimmer, RNR, TS 5604
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1916-12Dec.htm

London, Leslie Victor……………………………………………………(RoH)

Private 328175. 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Died on 5th July 1918. Born between April and June 1895 in Martham [GRO Birth Reference: Flegg 4b 48]. Buried in Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. D. 17. Not recorded on CD.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802654
(shown as L V)

Norlink – no match

The 5 year old Leslie, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Hemsby Road, Martham. This is the household of his paternal grand-parents, John, (aged 51 and an Agricultural Labourer from Runham, Norfolk) and Sarah, (aged 53 and from Rollesby). They have several of their own children living with them, including a married daughter and her husband and children.

Leslie had originally been serial number 6866 before being re-numbered to 328175, ( source Medal Index Card desription on the National Archive web-site).

The death of Leslie V London, aged 23, was recorded in the Flegg District of Norfolk in the July to September 1918 quarter.

Long, Elijah……………………………………………………………….(RoH)

Son of George and Ruth Long, born 1890 at Attleborough [1901 census]. No further information available at present.

No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy.

However, this individual from the RoH details could possibly tie in with this soldier on the CWGC database.
Name:LONG, ELIJAH
Rank:Private
Regiment/Service:Hampshire Regiment
Unit Text:14th Bn.
Age:28
Date of Death:16/03/1918
Service No:26532
Additional information:Son of George and Ruth Long, of Grove Cottage, Sculthorpe.
Grave/Memorial Reference:South-West part.
Cemetery:SCULTHORPE (ST. MARY AND ALL SAINTS) CHURCHYARD

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803554
Norlink – no match

The Genes Re-united transcription of the 1911 census has an “Elizah”, born circa 1890 and from Attleborough, Norfolk, who was recorded in the Flegg District that covers Martham.

A similar mis-transcription has occurred on the 1901 census, “Elizh” when you look at the scan of the original page could just as easily be Elijah. This 11 year old individual, born Attleborough, was recorded at Somerton Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 47 and a Labourer on Farm and Garden from Feltham, Suffolk) and Ruth, (aged 43 and from Attleborough). Their other children are:-
Alberta………………..aged 4…………………….born Runham
Mabel N……………….aged 1……………………born Great Yarmouth
Oscar …………………aged 8……………………born Attleborough

The death of Elijah Long, aged 28, was recorded in the District of Norwich in the January to March 1918 quarter.

The Medal Index Card for Elijah shows he initially served with the Essex Regiment, serial number 28095.

The 14th Hampshires served through-out the war in France and Flanders, as part of 39th Division. As part of the Army re-organisation that took place in February - March 1918 the battalion was disbanded.

Mays, James Herbert……………………………………………………….(RoH)

Private 267230. 2nd/6th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. Formerly 1746 6th Norfolk Regiment Cyclists Battalion. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 2nd December 1917. Aged 28. Enlisted North Walsham. Son of Walter F. and Laura Mays, of Oak Villa, Marnham (sic. Should this be Martham?), Norfolk. Commemorated: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. Panel 6.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1755156

Norlink – no match

The 11 year old James, born Briston, Norfolk, is recorded on the 1901 census at Repps Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 43 and a Builder from Kings Lynn) and Laura, (aged 38 and from Briston). Their other children are:-
Dorothy……………..aged 10………………born Briston
Elsie…………………aged 7……………….born Briston
Marrilla………………aged 15……………..born Norwich
Nora…………………aged 14………………born Briston
Walter……………….aged 17……………..born Briston…..Carpenters Apprentice

The Glosters Regimental Museum has him associated with Marham.
www.glosters.org.uk/soldier/24048

Moore, Ernest…………………………………………………………….(RoH)

No further information available at present.
Possibles from Military Genealogy
Ernest David, born Horstead.
There is only one E D on CWGC
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=239027
Ernest Robert, born Great Yarmouth
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1646408

No match on Norlink

Nichols, Edmund…………………………………………………………(RoH)

Private 15663. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 12th August 1916. Aged 18. Born Martham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edmund and Julia Anne Nichols, of Brickfields Farm, Martham, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1547619

Norlink – no match

The 3 year old Edmund, (born Martham) was recorded on the 1901 census at Clark Farm House, Martham. This was the household of his parents, Edmund, (aged 33 and a Farmer from Caister, Norfolk) and Julia, (aged 31 and from Martham). Their other children are:-
Benjamin………………….aged 1………………..born Martham
Charles…………………….aged 5………………..born Martham
Emma M…………………..aged 11……………..born Martham
George Edmund……….aged 6……………….born Martham
James Ed………………….aged 10……………..born Martham
Rose A G…………………..aged u/1……………born Martham
William S…………………..aged 9………………born Martham

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.

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.

Rivett, Robert Alfred……………………………………………………..(RoH)

Lance Corporal 3/7837. 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds at home on 4th January 1916. Born Coltishall. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of David Moore, of Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. D. 19.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802655

Norlink – no match

There is no obvious match on the Genes Re-united transcription of either the 1901 or the 1911 census for England and Wales, nor is there an obvious match for David Moore on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 transcriptions.

The death of Robert Rivett, aged 39 was recorded in the South Stoneham, Hampshire District in the January to March 1916 quarter.

There is a medal index card for Lance Corporal Rivett so his wounds are likely to have been received whilst serving with his unit in France.

Sales, George……………………………………………………………(RoH)

Private 14857. 10th (R. East Kent and West Kent Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died on 8th April 1919. Aged 18. Son of Henry Sales, of Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. E.12.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802656

Norlink – no match

The 1 year old George, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at Somerton Road, Martham. This is the household of parents, Henry, (aged 45 and a Farm Labourer from Brundall) and Ann E. (aged 46 and from Martham). Their other children are:-
Edith………………………….aged 5…………………..born Martham
Ethel E………………………aged 13………………….born Martham
Herbert……………………..aged 7…………………..born Martham
Maud…………………………aged 11………………….born Martham
Sydney………………………aged 9…………………..born Martham
Thomas F…………………..aged 17………………..born Martham…….Farm Labourer
William……………………….aged 20……………..born Martham…….Farm Labourer
The death of George Sales, aged 19, was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June 1919 quarter.

There is a medal index card for George, although his serial number is recorded as G/14857 so he had served in a Theatre of War.

Sims, Herbert Ernest………………………………………………………(RoH)

Corporal 6th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Formerly 17032 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in The Balkans on 17th November 1916. Aged 29. Born Ormsby. Lived Great Yarmouth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. A. Sims, of Gibbet Vale, Martham, Great Yarmouth. Buried: Struma Military Cemetery, Greece. Ref. III. B. 6.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=333639

Norlink – no match

The 12 year old Herbert, born Ormesby, was recorded on the 1901 census at Hemsby Road, Martham. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 50 and Market Gardener from Filby) and Alice, (aged 49 and from Runham). Their other children are:-
Edgar…………………………..aged 10…………………born Ormesby
James…………………………..aged 19……………….born Thrigby….Farm Labourer
Julia……………………………..aged 16……………….born Ormesby

The 6th Battalion suffered two fatalities on this day. Along with Herbert they also lost Private Charles Beane, from Waxham, Norfolk.
www.dublin-fusiliers.com/salonika/1916-birdcage.html

Smith, Harry Edgar…………………………………………………………(RoH)

Private 5296. 16th (The Queen's) Lancers. Died at home on 1st August 1915. Aged 28. Born Rollesby. Lived and enlisted Great Yarmouth. Buried: Martham (St. Mary) Churchyard Extension. Ref. C. 19.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802657

Norlink – no match

There is no Harry or Harry Edgar of the right age on the 1901 or 1911 census with a birth place of Rollesby or a connection with Martham. There are two showing as born Great Yarmouth, but one had moved to Norwich and remained there for the 1911 census, while the other was recorded in Yarmouth on both censuses.

The death of a Harry E, aged 28, was recorded in the Nottingham District in the July to September 1915 quarter.

There is a Medal Index card for Harry, so he certainly entered a Theatre of War.

The headstone reads:-
In Loving Memory of
HARRY EDGAR SMITH
(16th Queen’s Lancers)
The beloved husband of
EMMA MAY SMITH
Who died at Bagthorpe Military Hospital
August 1st 1916
Aged 28 years

Larter, John William………………………………………………………..(RoH)

Roll of Honour Web-site Private 15540. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 26th September 1915. Aged 21. Born Martham. Enlisted Great Yarmouth. Son of John and Edith Larter, of The Limes, Church St., Martham, Great Yarmouth. Commemorated: Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=733848

Norlink – no match

Census The 6 year old John, born Martham, is recorded on the 1901 census at White House, The Green, Martham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 33 and a Plumber & Decorator from Ludham) and (poss.) “Elulia”, (aged 29 and from Hemsby). They also have a daughter, Ethel, (aged 5 and from Martham)

Family headstone in the Church yard.
In Loving Memory of
Edith Mary Ann
The Beloved wife of John Larter
Who died Dec.20th 1933
Aged 61 years
Also of John Larter
Who died June 12th 1951
Aged 83 years
Also of John William Larter
Son of the above
Killed in Action at Loos
September 26th 1915
Aged 21 years.

On the day
26th September 1915

1.00am A heavy attack by the German 117th Division was launched against the forward units of 7th and 9th Divisions between the Vermelles-Hulluch road and Fosse 8. It achieved complete surprise, catching wiring parties and isolated sections unawares. On the right, 20th Brigade pulled all advanced units back to the protection of Gun Trench. In the centre, the most forward units were in a shallow trench a hundred yards ahead of the Quarries. Their left had no contact with the 27th Brigade of 9th Division, which was somewhere away on their left. A reorganisation of scattered and mixed-up units was underway - under shellfire that included gas shells - when the German attack hit. The enemy entered the Quarries through the undefended gap to the North, and much confused and hand to hand fighting took place. By 1.30am the British troops had lost the Quarries. Further advance was halted by concentrated fire from the 2/Yorkshire and 1/South Staffordshire. 27th Brigade - who lost their CO, Brig-General Bruce, captured in the Quarries - withdrew from Fosse Alley in good order. A hastily arranged counterattack with the intention of retaking the Quarries was delivered at 6.45am by the dog-tired 9/Norfolks of 24th Division, but it was annihilated by consolidated enemy infantry
www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/bat13_loos/bat.htm

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...

Sidney Livick………………26th Sep 1915

Name: LIVICK, GEORGE SIDNEY
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 26/09/1915
Service No: 14914
Additional information: Son of John and Amy Livick, of New Cottages, Hethersett, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30 and 31. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=734263

No match on Norlink

There is a Sidney Lick, born circa 1887 Hethersett on the 1911 Census, who is still recorded in the Henstead District which covers. The same individual does not appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census. His mother is listed as “Anny” on both the Genes Reunited and 1911 Census web-sites. With the help of the latter we can see that she is living in the same household as Sidney and is aged 59,Her birthplace was Newton Flotman.

Looking at baptism records for St Remigius on FreeReg doesn’t produce a match for Sidney George, but it does appear to have a brother. Walter Donovan Livick, born 1st May 1895 was baptised in the church on the 7th July 1895. His parents are recorded as John and Amy. Amy’s maiden name is listed as Oldman. His fathers occupation is shown as Platelayer. The family reside in Hethersett.

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...

Ralph Buckingham…………5th June 1916
Updated - see comments box below.

Name: BUCKINGHAM, RALPH ANGUS
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M.S. "Hampshire."
Age: 21
Date of Death: 05/06/1916
Service No: J/12609
Additional information: Son of Frederick Thomas and Agnes Mary Buckingham (nee Shrimplin), of Hethersett, Norfolk.
Memorial Reference: 12. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2875963

No match on Norlink

There is no obvious match at first on the 1901 census for Ralph. There is a Ralph A, born circa 1895 at Hethersett on the 1911 census, however at the time of that census he is recorded in the Blofield District.

Ralph Angus Buckingham, born 12th February 1895, was christened in St Remigius on the 14th April 1895. His father is listed as Frederick, and his mother as Agnes Maria. His fathers occupation is listed as Plumber. The family live in Hethersett.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5b332a30f493fd117647fb1...
Other family members christened in the church include:-
Bertie Edward……….Born 29/05/1888.……..Baptised 02/09/1888
Louis Archibald……..Born 02/09/1890.……..Baptised 02/11/1890
Marion Agnes………Born 05/01/1893.………Baptised 05/03/1893
Clement Forrester…..Born 20/11/1897.………Baptised 06/02/1898

Armed with this information we can now track the family down on the 1901 census of England & Wales, when they were living at Lynch Green Road, Hethersett. The 6 year Ralph A., born Hethersett, has been transcribed as “Nelp F” by Genes Re-united, and having seen a scan of the original sheet, I can understand why. This is the household of his parents, Frederick F, (aged 41 and a Plumber and House Painter from Hethersett), and Annie M, (aged 40 and from Great Ormesby). Their other children are:-
Bertie E……………..aged 12.……………..born Hethersett
Clement F…………..aged 3.………………born Hethersett
Frederick H…………aged 11.…………….born Hethersett
Louis A……………..aged 10.…………….born Hethersett
Walter N……………aged 17 …………….born Hethersett
The family also have a live in servant,

The HMS Hampshire, with the Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener on board, hit a mine in a force nine gale less than a mile and a half from shore. There are many conspiracy theories, based around Kitchener having become an embarrassment to the government, his mission to the Russians was not sanctioned, he was going to personally uncover a German spy ring and so had to be stopped by German intelligence who worked with Sinn Fein agents to place a time bomb in the ship, (Sinn Fein saw Kitchener as their greatest enemy in Government, and that if Britain was successful in the war he would turn the full weight of the British Army on crushing them), there was a large quantity of gold on-board, (or was there), and that civilians who wanted to go to the rescue were threatened with being shot by the military, and that sailors who made it ashore were shot. However, as a major subscriber to the cock-up school of history, I’ll leave you to make your own judgements. There are a number of pictures of the ship and crew, (and a summary of the theories) here:-
www.hmshampshire.co.uk/

William Bringloe…………..7th Oct 1916

Name: BRINGLOE, WILLIAM EDWARD
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: London Regiment (The Rangers)
Unit Text: 1st/12 Bn.
Age: 28
Date of Death: 07/10/1916
Service No: 7809
Additional information: Son of Edward and Sarah Bringloe, of Vine House, Hethersett, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 9 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=764948

No match on Norlink

The 12 year old William, born Hethersett, is recorded on the 1901 census at Lynch Green Road, Hethersett. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 49 and an Agricultural Labourer from Tasburgh), and Sarah, (aged 48 and a Laundress from Tasburgh). They also have a son Bertie, aged 6, born Hethersett.

Parents William and Sarah had several children baptised at St Remigius.
Lucy Victora…………..born Jan 1887.…………….baptised 03/03/1887
Alice Adelaide………..born 24/02/1881.…………..baptised 07/08/1881
George Henry…………born 1883.………………..baptised 01/04/1883
(Mother’s maiden name recorded as Rushbrook)
Rosa Jane……………..born 22/01/1885.………….baptised 03/05/1885

Saturday 7th October 1916.

Lesboeufs

56th Div attacked at 1.45pm in conjunction with the French on their right. 168 Bde found it difficult to maintain contactwith the French who were attacking east while the British were advancing north. The London Scottish took some gun pits and the southern end of Hazy Trench. 1/4th and 1/12th Bns, the London Regt were stopped by MG fire. At nightfall London Scottish withdrew after fighting off a counter attack.

In 167 Bde, 1/1st London Regt mostly failed in an assault on Spectrum Trench although their bombers entered the trench and linked with 1/7th Middlesex. They then took the southern section of Rainbow Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

Arthur Ninham…………….8th Nov 1916

Name: NINHAM, ARTHUR CHARLES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
Unit Text: 1st/9th Bn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 08/11/1916
Service No: G/7062
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ninham, of Newfound Lane, Cringleford, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. B. 6. Cemetery: DERNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=427104

No match on Norlink

The 5 year old Arthur, born Blofield, is recorded on the 1901 census at High Street, Kettingham, This is the household of his uncle, Frederick J Grimson (aged 35 and a horseman on farm), and aunt, Emily, (aged 31 and from Norwich). They also have Arthurs brother, Frederick Ninham, aged 6, staying with them.

The XV Corps Main Dressing Station was formed at Dernancourt in August 1916, when the adjoining EXTENSION was opened. The 45th and 56th (1st/1st South Midland) Casualty Clearing Stations came in September 1916 and remained until March 1917. The 3rd Australian was here in March and April 1917, and the 56th from April 1917 to February 1918.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=3800&a...

Most likely action in which Private Ninham received his fatal wounds:-

Sunday 5th November 1916. Day 128

Today marks the commencement of the Battle of the AncreHeights.

Warlencourt

50th Div attacked with the 1/6th, 1/8th and 1/9th Bns of the Durham Light Infantry of 151 Bde. 1/8th Bn was hampered by mud, some men had to be pulled free before they could advance, and stopped by MG fire short of the German line. 1/6th Bn had the same experience except for some of their right flank who managed to keep up with 1/9th Bn. These broke through the German First and Second lines, reached the Bapaume Road and entered the Warlencourt Line. These men were forced back and by midnight were back at the start line.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

George Moore…………….19th Apr 1917

Name: MOORE, GEORGE WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 34
Date of Death: 19/04/1917
Service No: 202876
Additional information: Son of George and Maria Moore, of Hethersett; husband of Emma Maud Moore, of Rose Cottage, Hethersett, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 12 to 15. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1646409

No match on Norlink

The 17 year old George W, (born Hethersett and employed as a Grocers Assistant), is recorded on the 1901 census at Gardiners Cottage, Turnpike Road, Hethersett. This is the household of his parents, George M, (aged 44 and a Domestic Gardener from Hethersett), and Anna M, (aged 44 and from Brancaster Staithe). Their other children are:-
Herbert…………..aged 13.…………….born Hethersett………..Domestic Servant
Kate E……………aged 15.…………….born Hethersett
Lily M……………aged 6.……………..born Hethersett

George William, born 19th July 1883, was baptised in St Remigius on the 2nd September 1883. His parents are listed as George, a gardener by occupation), and Anna, (nee Hooks).
The family live in Hethersett. All of his brothers and sisters were also baptised in the church.

On 19th April the Norfolks took part in a disastrous attempt to take Gaza. In this action casualties for the battalion were 478 (55 killed, 323 wounded and 100 missing).

The first stage of the attack came on the 17th April. The three infantry divisions moved forward at dawn, and by 7.30 am were at their chosen positions, where they entrenched. The Turks did little to interfere, though one of the British tanks exposed itself unnecessarily and was put out of action by accurate Turkish artillery fire. Clearly one of the tasks which had been successfully accomplished by the Turkish side in the three weeks since the first battle had been accurate artillery registry of all the visible places in the area where necessarily an attack would come.

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

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

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

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

The strongpoint from now on was called Tank Redoubt.

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

Harry Sargeant……………19th Apr 1917

There is no Harry Sargeant or even anyone at all with the surname Sargeant who is recorded on the CWGC database as dying on this day..

There is however a
Name: SARGENT Initials: H Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/4th. Bn. Date of Death: 19/04/1917 Service No: 200504 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: XXIII. F. 14. Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=651248

However on the Great War Roll of Honour published by HMSO in 1921, Private 200504 of the Norfolk Regiment who died in 1917 is listed as Harry Sargeant.

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 census there is no Harry Sargent with a Norfolk connection. There is a Harry Sargeant, aged 10 and born Chedgrave, who is recorded on that census at The Pits, Chedgrave. This is the household of his parents, Daniel, (aged 47 and an Agricultural Labourer from Hardley), and Mary A, (aged 43 and from Kirstead). there are 9 other children .

However, while this individual is still in the Chedgrave District in 1911, there is now a Harry Sargeant recorded who was born Hethersett circa 1883 and still recorded in the Henstead District. That Harry appears to be living in the household of a Sarah Sergeant, born circa 1861 in Hethersett. Sarah is also not on the 1901 census

Neither Harry or Sarah appear to be on the 1891 census.

See George Moore above for details of what the 1st/4ths were up to on this day, and the terrible butchers bill they paid.

Robert Bartram…………..26th Apr 1917

Name: BARTRAM, ROBERT JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment
Unit Text: 11th Bn.
Age: 35
Date of Death: 21/04/1917
Service No: 41349
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Bartram, of Hethersett, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: II. I. 5. Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY
(Note different date of death)
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=507637

No match on Norlink

There is no obvious candidate for a Robert, John or James, (the father) on the 1891, 1901 or 1911 censuses.

The personal diary of Captain A K Fison from the Battalion for the period is reported on page 324 onwards of Burrows History of the Essex Regiment, (relevant pages can be viewed at the link below)

April 21st - We were pretty heavily shelled all day, and there being no cover, a good many casualties were the result. Knight was rather badly wounded and Joad went down with shellshock. One Lewis gun was smashed and another was sent up from “C” Company to replace it. Another officer, Hearst, was also sent up from “A” Company to help me. At five in the afternoon, 14th D.L.I had a show to our right. They managed to get a piece of trench by means of a converging bomb attack and were quite successful in their objective. Altogether I spent a most uncomfortable day, finding the simple life under these circumstances not much to my taste. In the evening the Colonel came round and warned me to make arrangements for a possible attack by us to-morrow morning: he had no official information of this, but considered it likely. As events turned out he was right. A minor inconvenience at this time was the loss of my trench kit. All the kits were hastily dumped off the limber as a result of shellfire and mine was never seen again.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=978...

Miltary Geneology has a Robert John who was born Ketteringham, and who was residing at Hethersett at the time of his enlistment.

Frederick Bennett…………1st May 1917

Name: BENNETT, FREDERICK
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Unit Text: 71st Coy.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 01/05/1917
Service No: 26618
Additional information: Son of Eliza Denmark (formerly Bennett), of Braymeadow, Little Melton, Norwich, and the late Frederick Bennett.
Memorial Reference: Panel 136. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=727538

The 5 year old Fredrick, (note spelling), born Hethersett, is recorded on the 1901 census at Bray Meadow, Hethersett. This is the widowed mother, Eliza, (aged 30 and a Laundress from Ashmanhaugh). Eliza also has a daughter, Ida R, (aged 8 and born South Mimms, Hertfordshire). To make ends meet she also has two boarders.

Frederick, (alternate spelling!) was baptised in St Remigius on the 5th April 1896. His date of birth is given as the 19th February 1896. The occupation of father Frederick is given as Servant. His mothers maiden name is listed as Nobbs. The family reside in Hethersett.

71st MGC fought as part of 6th Division, which included units like the 11th Essex, (see Robert Bartram above), and the 9th Norfolks.

Leslie T Bond

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

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

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

No match on Norlink

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

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

Victor A Brooks

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

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

No match on Norlink

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

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


Herbert W Clarke

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

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

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

Battalion War diary for the 2nd.

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

No match on Norlink

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

Albert L England

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

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

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

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

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

Ernest Gedge

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

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

No match on Norlink

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

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

William T Grapes

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

No match on Norlink

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

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

William H Lemon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fricourt

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

John Mattocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alfred C Moy

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

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

No match on Norlink

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

So no clue as to Alfred’s parents there.

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

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

Percy J Phillippo

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur Webster

No obvious match on the CWGC database.

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

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

Percy Beman - Norfolk Regiment

Name: BEMAN, PERCIVAL
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 14794
Additional information: Son of Mrs. E. R. Hirst (formerly Beman), of 3, Ashville Terrace, Cardigan Rd., Leeds.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768049

No match on Norlink.

One of the 20,000 lost on the first day of the Somme.
******************************************************************************************
George Burton - Norfolk Regiment

Name: BURTON, GEORGE BENJAMIN
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 35 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 13607
Additional information: Son of John Burton, of White Lion Cottages, Coltishall, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=762197
No match on Norlink.

One of the 20,000 lost on the first day of the Somme.
******************************************************************************************
Arthur W Chamberlin - Royal Engineers

Name: CHAMBERLIN, ARTHUR WILLIAM
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 17th Divisional Signal Coy.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 08/06/1918 Service No: 56624
Additional information: Son of John and Alice Chamberlin, of Lower Wroxham, Norwich. His brother, Herbert, also gave his life in the Great Cause.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 1. Row D. Grave 30. Cemetery: ACHEUX BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=117877

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Herbert V Chamberlin - RAMC

Name: CHAMBERLIN, HERBERT VICTOR
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps Unit Text: 3rd/1st East Anglian Field Amb
Date of Death: 13/08/1915 Service No: 2158
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 199 and 200 or 236 to 239 and 328. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=682563

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Stanley G Davies - Lancashire Fusiliers

Name: DAVIES, STANLEY GEORGE WILLIAM
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers Unit Text: 2nd/6th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 30/08/1917 Service No: 275050
Additional information: Son of George Mole Davies and Sarah Ann Davies, of "Shrublands," Wroxham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. C. 24. Cemetery: RAMSCAPPELLE ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=164268

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Francis J Fox - Norfolk Regiment

Name: FOX, FRANCIS JOHN
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 12/10/1916 Service No: 15687
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=749848

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
George J Gunton - Norfolk Regiment

Name: GUNTON, GEORGE JAMES
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 6th T. C.
Age: 20 Date of Death: 21/12/1918 Service No: 126741
Additional information: Son of Mrs. M. A. Runton, of Church Lane, Wroxham.
Grave/Memorial Reference: South of church. Cemetery: WROXHAM (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803406

No match on Norlink
.
******************************************************************************************
Ernest Horsley - Norfolk Regiment

Name: HORSLEY Initials: E
Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 04/09/1915
Service No: 3/7922
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. J. 10. Cemetery: CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=260560

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Philip R Hewetson - Loyal North Lancs Regiment

This name also crops up on the Salhouse War memorial and is a bit of a head scratcher. There is no Philip Hewetson listed as casualty on the CWGC web-site.

Possibly Richard John Phillip Hewetson
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=323071

Name: HEWETSON, RICHARD JOHN PHILIP
Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Unit Text: 3rd Bn. attd. 9th Bn.
Age: 24 Date of Death: 03/07/1918
Additional information: Only son of the Rev. W. Hewetson, M.A., and Mrs. Hewetson, of St. Cuthbert's Rectory, Bedford. Educated at Repton School and Oriel College (Oxford). Served from Aug., 1914, previously wounded at Loos, 1915. Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. F. 3. Cemetery: VENDRESSE BRITISH CEMETERY

Norfolk Record Office has a collection of first world war and other correspondence for the Hewetson family of Salhouse covering the period 1888 to 1984.

However, there is no Richard, John or Philip Hewetson of the right age on the 1901 census, and the only Hewetson living in Norfolk is an elderly CoE clergyman at Bintree.
No match on Norlink

Salhouse war memorial


***************************************************************************************
Clement P Kerry - Queens Westminster Rifles

Name: KERRY, CLEMENT PALMER
Rank: Lance Serjeant Regiment/Service: London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles) Unit Text: 2nd/16th Bn.
Age: 33 Date of Death: 03/12/1917 Service No: 550522
Additional information: Son of William Palmer Kerry, of Stanhoe Villa, Wroxham, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: F. 269. Cemetery: KANTARA WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=474915

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Edward F Loynes - Queens Westminster Rifles

Name: LOYNES, EDWARD F.
Rank: Rifleman Regiment: London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles) Unit Text: "D" Coy. 1st/16th Bn. Age: 26 Date of Death: 01/07/1916 Service No: 4201
Additional information: Son of Edward Arthur and Florence Jane Loynes, of Church Lane, Wroxham, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 13 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=801625

Details of the diversionary attack of which the Queens Westminster Rifles were part of on the first day of the Somme can be read here.
www.ringmer.info/rhsg/warmem/reginalddivall.htm
The Queen's Westminster Rifles casualties (killed and wounded) that day were 28 out of 28 officers taking part and 475 out of a total of 661 men. This evidently does not take into account the missing.

No match on Norlink
********************************************************
John Lamb - Royal Engineers

(Possibly) www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=621320
Name: LAMB, JOHN
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 179th Coy.
Age: 37 Date of Death: 17/10/1917
Additional information: Son of Florence Muriel Wrey (formerly Lamb), of Bulawayo, S. Rhodesia, South Africa, and the late Rev. John Lamb (Bursar of Caius College, Cambridge); husband of Muriel Lamb, of Tawsden, Brenchley, Paddock Wood, Kent.
Grave/Memorial Reference: X. G. 7. Cemetery: DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY
No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Arthur Passmore - Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment

Name: PASSMORE, ARTHUR WILLIAM
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Date of Death: 04/04/1916
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 13 to 15. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1766372

No match on Norlink


****************************************************************************************
Edward T Pitcher - Norfolk Regiment

(Possibly) www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1766832
Name: PITCHER, EDWARD
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Date of Death: 26/09/1915 Service No: 14970
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30 and 31. Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Arthur W Spurgeon - Yorkshire Regiment

Name: SPURGEON Initials: A W
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Date of Death: 09/11/1918 Service No: 34203
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. D. 14. Cemetery: BLARGIES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=269041

No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Edward A Tooley - Suffolk Yeomanry

No Tooley\Toolley\Tooly’s listed on the CWGC website as deceased and serving with the Suffolk Yeomanry.
No Edward Tooley listed on the 1901 Census of the right age with an obvious connection to Wroxham.
No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************
Dennis Wright - Norfolk Regiment

Name: WRIGHT, DENNIS
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 33 Date of Death: 11/08/1917 Service No: 14793
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Charlotte Wright, of New Rd., Wroxham, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 4. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=912114
No match on Norlink
***************************************************************************************