The Flickr 30071916 Image Generatr

The Postcard

A Charterhouse Series postcard that was printed in England. They state on the back that it is 'Real Handcoloured Bromide'.

The card was posted in Guildford on Sunday the 30th. July 1916 to:

Miss Smallpiece,
Sydney House,
Farnham Road,
Guildford,
Surrey.

The brief message on the back of the card was as follows:

"With all good wishes
from
E. Salmon".

The Black Tom Explosion

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

Well, on the 30th. July 1916, German agents destroyed an ammunition depot, known as the Black Tom Explosion, in Jersey City, New Jersey that killed at least seven people.

The Black Tom Explosion was an act of sabotage by German agents to destroy American-made munitions that were to be supplied to the Allies in the Great War. The incident happened prior to American entry into the war.

Fragments from the explosion traveled long distances, some lodging in the Statue of Liberty, and some in the clock tower of The Jersey Journal building in Journal Square, over a mile away, stopping the clock at 2:12 am.

The explosion was equivalent to an earthquake measuring between 5.0 and 5.5 on the Richter scale, and was felt as far away as Philadelphia.

Windows were broken as far as 25 miles (40 km) away, including thousands in lower Manhattan. Window panes in Times Square were shattered. The stained glass windows in St. Patrick's Church were destroyed. People as far away as Maryland were awakened by what they thought was an earthquake.

Property damage from the attack was estimated at $20 million ($454,000,000 in current value).

The Statue of Liberty

The damage to the Statue of Liberty was estimated to be $100,000 ($2,273,000 in current value) and included damage to the skirt and torch.

The Statue of Liberty's torch was closed to the public following the explosion due to structural damage.

When the National Parks Service renovated to the statue in 1984, they decided to replace the torch, because the arm’s supporting structure had corroded from rain that fell through the torch’s amber-coloured windows. The new torch is made of unbroken copper that is covered in 24-carat gold leaf.

NPS staff still climb a narrow 40-foot ladder to maintain the 16 floodlights that light the torch.

Access to the torch was never reopened, but you can see what it would be like to stand in it by looking at the Statue of Liberty torch live webcam. You also can get a close-up view of the original torch inside the pedestal lobby.

While not as high up and as shiny as the torch, visitors can visit the crown if they make a reservation in advance at statuecruises.com.

There is a large war memorial in the church but there is one name missing from it than is on this hand-written Roll of Honour - Mildred Leeper, the lady whose death had brought me to the church in the first place.

There is a further Roll of Honour listing those from the parish who served and survived.

I'm having to be a bit more disciplined with myself with the names recorded on Memorials outside Norfolk - I've got a significant backlog of pictures taken and not yet researched.

However, I can't post these names without finding out a little more - see the comments below where I've sorted the names into alphabetical order.

St Mary the Virgin
Mellis Parish….Roll of Honour
George Brown……..Pte…….Rifle Brigade
William Mead……..Pte…….5th Suffolks
Mildred Leeper…….Nurse….VAD. Suffolk
Arthur Bennett……..Bombr…Royal Field Artillery
Frederick Porcher…..Corpl….2nd Suffolks
George Gooderham...Pte……Grenadier Guards
Stanley Walton……..Pte…….Pte 1st East Surrey
Jack White………….Pte…….8th Suffolks
William Flatman……Corpl…7th Gloucesters
George Abrey………Corpl….8th Suffolks
Harry Thurlow……..Pte……..5th Suffolks
Horace Frederick Wilby…..L.Corpl,,,???Suffolks?


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

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

Pte. Wells, V.C.

GREEN HOWARDS
Cpl. Ager, A.R. (M.M.)
Cpl. Skinner, F.H.
Pte. Dunnett, F
Pte. Farman, J.G.
Pte. Fuller, G
Pte. Scarlett, F.W.
Pte. Whybrew, W

LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS

Sergt. Austin, A.J.
Pte. Bugg, A.E.
Pte. Hill, A.B.
Pte. Potter, T.J.
Pte. Scoggins, H.W.
Pte. Stannard, W.H.
Pte. Watts, G.F.
Pte. Willoughby, P.H.

The R.SCOTS FUS.

Sergt. Pettitt, A.
Sergt. Taylor, W.S.
Cpl. Barrett, A.E.
Pte. Scarlett, G.B.

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

Ipswich was the Civil District for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

For more on each name see the comments below

22445 Private
R.W.G.Saunders
Norfolk Regiment
26th July 1916

SAUNDERS, R W G
Rank:…………………………..Private
Service No:………………….22445
Date of Death:…………….26/07/1916
Regiment:……………………Norfolk Regiment, 8th Bn.
Grave Reference:…………North of church.
Cemetery:…………………….RANWORTH (ST. HELEN) CHURCHYARD
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2802343/SAUNDERS,%20R...

The Medal Index Card for Private 22445 Robert W G Saunders, Norfolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/17/174303
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5033415

SDGW records that Private 22445 Robert William Godfrey Saunders Died of Wounds on the 30th July 1916, on the Home Front, whilst serving with the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born Ranworth and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

Birth and Baptism

The Birth of a Robert William G Saunders was recorded in the Blofield District of Norfolk in the July to September quarter of 1895. Blofield District included the village of Ranworth.

The Baptism of a Robert William Godfrey Saunders, born 2nd June 1895, took place at All Saints, Panxworth, Norfolk on the 29th September 1895. His parents were Jonathan and Amy Althea. Jonathan was a Labourer and the family lived at Ranworth.

On the same day the couple had a daughter baptised in that church – a Florence Sabrina both 5th February 1893.

Other family baptisms I could find

Ranworth, St Helens.
Norman Frederick………..born 25th September 1897………baptised 31st October 1897
Jonathan Edward Hector…born 24th January 1900………..baptised 15th April 1900

1901 Census

The 5 year old Robert William Godfrey Saunders, born Ranworth, was recorded at one of the Halver Cottage’s at Ranworth. This was the household of his parents, Jonathan, (aged 46 and a Teamster on Farm from Ranworth) and Elathea Amy, (aged 30 and born Salhouse, Norfolk). As well as Robert, their other children are:-
Norman Frederick……….aged 3………….born Ranworth
Jonathan E H……………….aged 1………….born Ranworth
George J………………………aged 17……….born Sprowston, Norfolk…..Farm Labourer
(Presumably a son from a previous marriage).

1911 Census

The family were still at Hulver Cottage, Ranworth. Parents Jonathan, (55) and Elathea Amy, (40) have been married 20 years and have had 7 children, of which 6 were then still alive. As well as the 15 year old Robert William Godfrey, a Bricklayers Labourer, the other children still at home are:-
Norman Fred………………aged 13
Jonathan Hector…………aged 11
Sidney Arthur……………..aged 9
Edward Christmas………aged 7
Sidney & Edward were both born Ranworth

Death

I could not find any record for a death of Robert Saunders in England of the right age in England and Wales. It was most unusual for a body to be repatriated to the UK so likely that he had been medically evacuated from France, where the 8th Battalion had been serving since July 1915. He could well have ended up in hospital in Scotland or Ireland and succumbed there to his wounds or illness.

Without sight of his Army records its going to be difficult to know what had caused him to be brought back to the UK. Given the dates its tempting to assign it to one of the Somme actions the 8th Battalion had been involved in – they “went over the top” on the 1st day of the Somme, and as part of 18th Division were one of the few success stories of that assault. The War Diary for that day gives 219 Other Ranks Wounded.

However, from my experience of researching Australian soldiers, I know from the records for them that battlefield injuries may appear to have been perfectly well treated only for post-operation infection to claim a life weeks if not months later. There was also the possibility of diseases which the individual was too weak to fight off.

E..W. Jarvis
S.R.Savory
T.P.A Ritchie
W.R.England
H.R.Clarke
W.Lake
Hon. G.T.Mills
R.A Ritchie
C.T.Church
A.H.Cook
S.I.Cook
B.W.G.Roberts
W.J.Grace

The church of St Martin, Overstrand is home to three separate forms of memorial to the fallen of WW1 and WW2. Outside in the churchyard is the War Memorial, while inside the names are carved on a wooden panel. Beneath the panel there are two bound books, one for each conflict. Each name remembered receives a small potted biography which I take no shame in reproducing here.

Norlink - Norfolk County Archive Picture Library
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War

Norlink - Norfolk County Archive Picture Library
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War

Arthur H.Cook - Kings Liverpool Rgt
Sidney I.Cook - Grenadier Guards
Wallace J.Grace - Yorkshire Rgt
Harold Bradbrook - Norfolk Rgt
William M.Hardingham - Royal Fusiliers

The church of St Martin, Overstrand is home to three separate forms of memorial to the fallen of WW1 and WW2. Outside in the churchyard is the War Memorial, while inside the names are carved on a wooden panel. Beneath the panel there are two bound books, one for each conflict. Each name remembered receives a small potted biography which I take no shame in reproducing here.

Norlink - Norfolk County Archive Picture Library
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Who Died in the Great War

The church of St Martin, Overstrand is home to three separate forms of memorial to the fallen of WW1 and WW2. Outside in the churchyard is the War Memorial, while inside the names are carved on a wooden panel. Beneath the panel there are two bound books, one for each conflict. Each name remembered receives a small potted biography which I take no shame in reproducing here.

Sidney Isaac Cook

Son of Harry and Annie Cook. Born at Gayton, Norfolk, November 6th 1895. Educated at Cromer School. Joined the 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regt, August 1914. Went to France August 1915. Killed in action on the Somme, July 30th 1916.

Remembered on the War Memorial in the churchyard as:- Sidney I (L?) Cook Grenadier Guards
(Look like the units of Sidney and his brother Arthur, .(see above), have got mixed up on the War Memorial.)

On the memorial board as S I Cook

COOK, SYDNEY ISAAC
Rank:……………………………....Private
Service No:……………………….17289
Date of Death:…………………….30/07/1916
Age:…………………………….....20
Regiment:…………………………The King's (Liverpool Regiment), 19th Bn
Panel Reference……………………Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C.
Memorial
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Harry and Annie Cook, of 51, Station Rd., Cromer, Norfolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/759034/COOK,%20SYDNEY...

No match on Norlink

The Soldiers Who Died in the Great War database records “Sydney” as born Cromer, Norfolk, and resident “Gromer”. He was soldier 17289 King’s (Liverpool Regiment).

There are two Medal index cards for soldier 17289 of the Liverpool Regiment.
One is soldier Sydney J Cook, held under reference WO 372/4/242893
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D1...

The other is Sydney G Cook held under reference : WO 372/4/242869
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D1...

Sidney\Sydney is also remembered on the Cromer War Memorial and was the brother of Arthur Harry.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/8704341887/

Census

There is a 49 year old widow Annie, from Newbold Vernon, Leicestershire, on the 1911 census and who was recorded as the head of the household at Roughton House, Station Road, Cromer.Living with her are her sons Percy E, (aged 16 and born Gayton, Norfolk), Sidney, (aged 15 and born Gayton, Norfolk) and Leslie, (aged 13 and born Gayton).

On the day

The next day saw the start of the battle of Passchedaele - I wonder if the date is incorrect or if Sydney died as his unit moved into the line.

31st July 1917

Sanctuary Wood

89 Bde

89 Bde advanced in support of the other two brigades with 20th Bn King’s Liverpool Regt on the right followed by 19th Bn King’s Liverpool Regt and 17th Bn King’s Liverpool Regt on the left supported by 2nd Bn, Bedfordshire Regt. The 19th was tasked with filling the gap across the Menin Road between 30th and 8th Divisions.

Much to their surprise, 17th, Liverpool Regt reached Stirling Castle at 8.45am to find that they were now lead troops in the division. They dug in south of Clapham Junction facing Dumbarton Wood and linked with 8th Div on their left. 19th Liverpool and 2nd Bedfords remained at Maple Copse until 10pm when they relieved 53 Bde.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?11535-The-Ba...

***************************************************************************************************************************************

Basil William George Roberts

Son of Ernest Albert and Charlotte Roberts. Born Feb. 15th 1895. Educated at Overstrand School. Joined the 1st Bn. Norfolk Regt. September 1st 1914. Admitted to No.8 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, May 7th 1915, suffering from Gas poisoning. Killed in action at Longueval, France, July 31st 1916.

Remembered on the War Memorial in the churchyard as:- Basil W G Roberts Norfolk Rgt
On the memorial board as B W G Roberts

ROBERTS, BASIL WILLIAM GEORGE
Rank:……………………………............Private
Service No:……………………………..14041
Date of Death:…………………………..31/07/1916
Age:……………………………..............21
Regiment:…………………………….....Norfolk Regiment, 1st Bn.
Panel Reference…………………………Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D.
Memorial………………………………..THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Ernest Albert and Charlotte Roberts, of Dundonald House, Cliff Rd., Overstrand, Cromer.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1551729/ROBERTS,%20BA...

No match on Norlink

There is no obvious match on the Soldiers Who died in the Great War database.

The Medal Index Card for Private 14041 Basil W G Roberts, Norfolk Regiment is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/17/19537
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D4...

Baptism

The baptism of Basil William George Roberts, born 15th February 1895, took place at St Martin, Overstrand on the 14th April 1895. Parents were Ernest Albert, a Plumber, and Chrlotte. The family residence is given as Gunton Terrace, Overstrand.
Other children of the same parents baptised in St Martin.
Reginald Richard, no date of birth recorded but baptised 19th February 1893. Father’s occupation listed as Glazier. They were residing then at Gunton Terrace.
Leonard Henry Jacob, born 23rd December 1898.…Baptised 26th March 1899.

Census

The 6 year old Basil, born Overstrand, was recorded on the 1901 census at Dundonald House, The Lons, Overstand. This was the household of his parents, Ernest A, (aged 36 and a Painter from Haynford, Norfolk) and Charlotte, (aged 38 and from Cromer, Norfolk). As well as Basil, their other children are:-
Reginald……………aged 8.…….born Overstrand
Leonard…………….aged 3.…….born Overstrand
Alice………………..aged 1.……..born Overstrand.

The family were still at the same address on the 1911 census. Basil, now 16, was working as a Plumber.
His parents, Ernest and Charlotte, have been married 19 years and have had 4 children, of which 3 were then still alive. These were Basil, Reginald, (18 and a Plumber) and Leonard, (13 and at school).

Military career

From History of the 15th Infantry Brigade

In the interval between that early fighting and the final victory, the Brigade distinguished itself in various battles. One of the most notable was the attack on Hill 60 near Ypres in 1915. Hill 60 was the highest point on what was known as the “Caterpillar Ridge” and as such was an excellent post for observation of the ground area around Zillebeke and Ypres.

5th Division, composed of 13th, 14th and 15th Brigades, had the task of securing Hill 60 and the ridge line. The Hill was taken between 17 and 19 April 1915 with heavy losses and the subsequent German counter-attack in early May was particularly ferocious.

The Germans, unable to obtain victory, eventually resorted to the use of Chlorine gas and Brigade casualties during the first week in May 1915 were 33 Officers and 1,553 men. However, the line was held until reliefs were brought forward and the Brigade withdrawn.
Source www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/15Bde_History.pdf

On the day

From the War Diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.

OPERATION ORDERS NO.7 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT. Ref. Sheet LONGUEVAL 31st July 1916
1. The Battn. will be relieved at dark by 1/NORFOLK Rgt.
2. On Relief Battn. will withdraw to area East of Church, where they will get into SLIT Trenches they dug on arrival in LONGUEVAL last night.
3. O.C. Coys. will report their arrival in this area to Battn. H.Q.
4. O.C. Coys. will send one guide each to Bn.H.Q. at once to guide NORFOLK coys up.
5. Later (about 11 p.m.) the 1/CHESHIRE RGT. will arrive in the area.
6. On arrival of 1/CHESHIRE Rgt, coys will withdraw independently to POMMIERS Redoubt, without being relieved.
7. O.C. Coys. will report the final departure of their coys to Bn.H.Q.
Report on Operations 30 July - 1st August 1916. REF. Sheet LONGUEVAL 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT 30.7.'16 6.45 P.M.
Orders received to reinforce in LONGUEVAL 2/K.O.S.B. holding Line. 1/R.W.Kents in support. Leading platoon moved off at 6.53 p.m. and reached LONGUEVAL at 7.45 p.m. relieving 1/R.W.KENTS 10.12 p.m. O.C. 2/K.O.S.B. reported that his men were retiring from Line S.11.d.9/5 to S.11.c.5/8. A & C Coys were directed to proceed with guides of K.O.S.B. to hold & consolidate this line. B & D Coys were directed to hold line S.11.d.9/5 to S.17.b.0/9. It was proposed to withdraw K.O.S.B. into reserve at dawn. 11.45 p.m. Message received by O.C. K.O.S.B. that GORDONS 51st DIVISION were in Sunken Road & that K.O.S.B. were to bomb towards them.

31.7.'16 12.10 A.M. Enemy started intense bombardment
12.45 A.M. Orderly returned from A & C Coys & reported K.O.S.B. Guides could not show them the way up to front line. O.C. A & C Coys were instructed to establish themselves on the Line B.C.D.E. (S.11.d.4/8 to S.11.c.5.5) & to send out patrols to ascertain if any K.O.S.B. were holding forward line.
2.30 A.M. All Coys reported heavy casualties [2 officers Killed & several wounded]. B & D Coys reported themselves to be in position as ordered from S.11.d.5/5 to S.11.b.0/9. Two wounded prisoners were taken by 'A' Coy. Reinforcements had been asked for at 10.54 A.M. O.C. D Coy reported that he had been able to get in touch with Division on right. O.C. C Coy reported that owing to mist darkness & shell fire it was impossible to recognise the line B.C.D.E, that he was in touch with K.O.S.B. & would establish himself in the forward position at dawn.

Telephone communication established between Bn. H.Q. & front line

6.25 A.M. Order received from Bde to relieve K.O.S.B. who were to move into reserve. O.C. C.Coy. reported by Telephone that his patrols were unable to get forward. Two Machine Guns enfilading NORTH STREET & heavy sniping from his front. Companies were now as follows: - D.Coy from PICCADILLY to NORTH ST. on DUKE ST. B.Coy. continuing this line into DELVILLE WOOD. A.Coy. crossroads NORTH ST./FLERS RD. to ORCHARD. C.Coy. in support of A.Coy. with refused flank about S.11.d.8/3 & two platoons North of FLERS Rd. about S.11.d.4/4. C.Coy. were still endeavouring to gain touch with 2nd Divn. The position taken up could be seen from the opposite ridge & any movement attracted heavy shell fire. There was also considerable sniping from the direction of FLERS Rd.
6.0. P.M. 1/NORFOLK RGT. arrived and relieved 2/K.O.S.B. and the forward BEDF. coys, who were moved back to reserve position E. of Church.
10.30 P.M. 1/CHESHIRE RGT. arrived & relief of 1/BEDF. R. was completed by Midnight. 1/BEDF. R. returned to POMMIERS REDOUBT.
11 P.M. A patrol from C.Coy. trying to get into touch with 2nd Division approached the German line in NORTH of DELVILLE WOOD & attracted a big burst of fire.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1916appendices.html

1914 -1918
In Honoured Memory of
The Men of this Parish
Who Gave their lives in the Great War

William Henry Ager
Arthur Ames
Thomas Betts
James Burrell
Walter William Buxton
William Ernest Bygrave
Joseph Campbell
William Campbell
Arthur Frank Caston
George Henry Cocks
Benjamin Copper
Solomon Corder
Joseph Dunham
Edward Florence
Archie George Foster
Charles Foyster
George Gosling
John Hardy Senior
John Hardy Junior
Sydney John Hipperson
Robert Ernest Jarvis
Robert Lemmon
Sydney Walter Lincoln
Dennis Mann
Walter Palmer
Leonard Harry Pert
George Roxby
Horace Saunders
Gordon Snelling
George Leonard Tench
George Harold Thompson
Edward Robert Tooke
Arthur William Townshend
Percy Alfred Trower
George William Turner

May they rest in peace

When it comes to name discrepancies this has probably been the single worst memorial I’ve ever done research on. Hopefully I’ve identified the most likely individuals but as usual, all corrections \ additional information is most welcome.

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)

Herbert Dack……………………………….....................................................

DACK, HERBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: 41319
Date of Death: 03/05/1917
Age: 20
Regiment: Essex Regiment, 13th Bn.
Panel Reference
Bay 7.
Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Husband of Faith Mary Christmas, of 1, Council Houses, Market St., Tunstead, Scottow, Norwich.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/746538/DACK,%20HERBERT

SDGW has Herbert Dack as born and resident Tunstead, 41319 Essex Regiment.

Norlink No match

The baptism of a Herbert Dack, born 10th July 1896, took place at St Mary, Tunstead on the 30th August 1896. Parents were Michael, a Labourer, and Alice. The family lived in Tunstead.

See brother Arthur for details from the 1901 census.

According to his Medal Index Card listing, Herbert has previously been Private 29285, Norfolk Regiment.

A small piece on a group of Norfolk Regiment men who were subsequently drafted into the Essex Regiment that included Herbert.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=127362

While the Division that the 13th Essex were part of were involved in the Battle of Bullecourt which commenced on this day, (part of the bigger Arras campaign), I could not find details of the 13th Essex being specifically involved - indeed as the battalion had been nearly wiped out on the 28th April I would have expected them to be in reserve while being brought up to strength again.

Wallace R Drury………………………………................................................................

There is a headstone in the churchyard.

In loving memory
Of Wallace Robert
The beloved and only son of
Robert (?) and Ellen Drury
Who died from wounds received
In France Nov.6th 1918.

Aged 19 years.
“Safe in his keeping”

DRURY, WALTER ROBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: G/25983
Date of Death: 05/11/1918
Age: 19
Regiment: The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Grave Reference
North of church.
Cemetery: TUNSTEAD (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2803435/DRURY,%20WALT...

SDGW has him down as born Smallbury, Norfolk, (sic - should be Smallburgh) and resident Tunstead.

Norlink No match

The baptism of Wallace Robert, born 13th April 1899, took place at St Mary Tunstead on the 22nd October 1899. Parents are listed as Robert Thomas Preston, a Farmer, and Ellen Lucy Shreeve. The family live at Tunstead.

On the 1901 census Walter was recorded as “Wallace”, aged 1 and born Tunstead, at 2, Upper Street, Tunstead. This was the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 30 and a Teamster on Farm from Hevingham, Norfolk), and Ellen, (aged 28 and from Tunstead). The Drurys also have a daughter, Gladys, (aged 3 and born Tunstead - she was born 27th December 1897 and baptised as Gladys Mary at St Mary, Tunstead on the 28th August 1898).
Also living with them is Robert’s brother-in-law, (and probably Ellen‘s brother), Frederick Mason, aged 26 and an Agricultural labourer from Tunstead.

His Medal Index Card Listing at the National Archive has his serial number recorded as G/25933.


Percival S Gibbs………………………………................................................................

GIBBS, PERCIVAL SEAMAN
Rank: Private
Service No: 29987
Date of Death: 15/03/1917
Age: 26
Regiment: Bedfordshire Regiment, 7th Bn.
Grave Reference
III. J. 16.
Cemetery: ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Additional Information:
Son of the late Alfred George and Ann Mary Gibbs, of Guestwick, Norfolk.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/295106/GIBBS,%20PERCI...

SDGW has him listed as Percy Seaman Gibbs, born Foulsham, Norfolk and resident Tunstead, 29987 Bedfordshire Regiment.

Norlink has a picture of a Private P S Gibbs of the 7th Bedfords, which has to be a strong contender for the man remembered here.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The accompanying notes read “Killed in action in France 16 March 1917 aged 27 years” - a slight variation on the CWGC information.

The baptism of Percival Seaman Gibbs, no date of birth recorded, took place at Holy Innocents, Foulsham on the 6th September 1889. Parents are listed as Alfred George, a Farmer, and Ann Mary.

The 11 year old Percy S, born Foulsham, Norfolk, was recorded on the 1901 census at Abbey Farm, Guestwick. This is the household of his parents, Alfred G, (aged 43 and a Farmer from Mautby) and Ann M, (aged 41 and from Oulton, Norfolk). Their other children are:-
Alfred G…………aged 17.………….born Foulsham……….Farmers Son
Arthur R………….aged 19.…………born Foulsham………..Merchants Apprentice
Ethel Maud………aged 7.…………..born Foulsham
Horace S………….aged 9.………….born Foulsham
Walter E………….aged 2.…………..born Guestwick

The Gibbs also have three domestic servants.

Other Gibbs baptised at Holy Innocents with parents Arthur and Ann
Arthur Robert…….no date of birth recorded…baptised 19th March 1882
Alfred George……no date of birth recorded…baptised 22nd July 1883
Hilda Emma Sarah..no date of birth recorded….baptised 24th May 1885
Roland Anthony…..no date of birth recorded….baptised 8th January 1888
Horace Sidney……no date of birth recorded….baptised 6th December 1891
Ethel Maud………no date of birth recorded….baptised 23rd July 1893
Blanche…………..no date of birth recorded….baptised 21st March 1896.. Address given as The Old Hall.

Percy was serving in C Company at the time of his death
www.achiet-le-grand.org/Bedfords casualties.pdf

From the Battalion War Diary

15-3-17 8 AM - 12 Noon C Company ordered to attack the Bihucourt line. A Company to act as immediate support. C Company attacked the Bihucourt line, on opening of the attack a very heavy machine gun fire developed from ACHIET le PETIT and the BIHUCOURT trench heavy shelling also took place. The advance under such conditions became impossible and C company dug in about 200 yards down the hill. A company did not advance. 1 PM - 5 PM The position was held without change. 6 PM Under cover of darkness C Company was withdrawn. A Company held the original line on the sunken road. B Company were in support. D & C companies in reserve 12 mid night This order was maintained throughout the day.
16-3-17 6 PM - 12 MIDNIGHT B Company took over the front line from A Company.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/7thbn/7thbtn1917diary.html


John Goodson………………………………...............................................................

Probably
GOODSON, JOHN
Rank: Private
Service No: 7368
Date of Death: 17/11/1914
Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Panel Reference
Panel 10.
Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/865425/GOODSON,%20JOHN

SDGW has John listed as born Stoley, Norfolk, (sic, could possibly be Sloley or Stody).
He was 7368 Norfolk Regiment.

Norlink No match

There is no obvious match in the baptismal records that have been transcribed so far, but interestingly in the parish records for Sloley there is a Henry John, born 23rd July 1883 and who was baptised in St Bartholomew, Sloley on the 14th September 1884. Parents are Charles, a Labourer, and Sarah, with the family living in Sloley.

There is no obvious match for a Henry or John, born Sloley, on the 1901 census. There is however an 18 year old “Jack”, born Sloley and working as a Farm Servant, who was recorded at Upper Street, Tunstead. This is the household of his parents, Charles, (aged 51 and a Farm Labourer from Sloley) and Sarah, (aged 48 and from Westwick, Norfolk). Their other children living with them are:-
Alice………….aged 20.……….born Sloley
Aurthur……….aged 17.……….born Sloley……….Farm Servant
Bessie…………aged 13.……….born Sloley
James………….aged 10.……….born Tunstead

Also in the household are father Charles’s brother, Henry, aged 39, single and a Farm Servant from Westwick, and grand-daughter, Kate, aged 2 and from Tunstead.

Other baptisms at St Bartholomew, Sloley.
Katharine Harriet…….born 7th July 1876.………baptised 11th February 1883
Alice Mary……………born 6th August 1882.…..baptised 11th February 1883
Arthur George………..born 10th November 1885...baptised 3rd February 1886
Rose Elizabeth………no date of birth recorded….baptised 27th May 1888

The 2nd Norfolks arrived at Seniyeh in the Persian Gulf on 15 November 1914 and joined the 18th Brigade, which consisted of the 7th Rajput's, 110th Mahratta Light Infantry and 120th Rajputana Infantry.

They then took part in the advance on Basra which would fall to an attack by other elements of the force on the 20th November.

Ronald Lubbock……………………………….................................................

LUBBOCK, RONALD
Rank: Private
Service No: 14087
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Age: 26
Regiment: York and Lancaster Regiment, 8th Bn.
Grave Reference
V. C. 26.
Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE WOOD
Additional Information:
Son of Robert Lubbock, of Anchor St., Scotton, Norwich; husband of Ann Lubbock, of 51, Tudor Rd., Canterbury.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/185167/LUBBOCK,%20RONALD

SDGW has Ronald Lubbock recorded as born “Tunstad” Norfolk but with no place of residence recorded, 14087 York and Lancaster Regiment.

Norlink No match

The baptism of a Ronald Lubbock, born 8th May 1891, took place at St Mary, Tunstead on the 6th December 1893. Parents were Robert, a Labourer, and Laura. The family reside in Tunstead.

The 9 year old Ronald, born Tunstead, was recorded on the 1901 census at Meeting House Lane, Tunstead. This was the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 48 and an Agricultural Labourer from Tunstead), and Laura, (aged 39 and from Smallburgh). Their other children living with them are:-
Agnes………aged 20.………….born Tunstead
Robert………aged 14.………….born Tunstead………..Agricultural Labourer

Other baptisms at St Mary, Tunstead to the same parents.:-
Cecil…………born 9th April 1893.……..baptised 6th December 1893
Stella…………born 2nd April 1895.…….baptised 30th August 1896.

The marriage of a Ronald Lubbock to an Ann Randall was recorded in the April to June quarter of 1916 in the Bromley, Kent District.

It may be a co-incidence, but the birth of a Ronald J Lubbock was recorded in the July to September quarter of 1916 in the District of Blean in Kent. The mothers maiden name was Randall.

1st July 1916

The 8th Division
The 8th Division was in theory a Regular Army Division having been in France with the BEF since the outbreak of the war in 1914. They had suffered very heavy losses though and as part of the bolstering of the new Kitchener Divisions had swapped one of its Regular Brigades for the 70th. Thus for many of the men, like the 34th Division, this would be their first taste of a major battle.

The village of Ovillers sits on the southern side of a spur of land which points towards Albert. It was thus hoped that the 25th Brigade who would be attacking the village would have some cover up until the last few hundred metres as they came over the ridge.
To their right the 23rd Brigade would be very badly exposed as they made their way up Mash Valley. They would also be required to cross the widest section of no man's land on the Corps Front.
To the north of the ridge 70th Brigade were required to advance across another valley - called Nab Valley at the time but later designated as Blighty Valley. It was their task to push on past the village and up as far as Mouquet Farm.
Just before Zero at 07:30 hours the Division had put down a short barrage of Stokes Mortars onto the German positions giving the first wave of the assault an opportunity to get out into no man's land and closer to the German front line.

The Attack
Leading the 23rd Brigade out into Mash Valley, the 2nd Bn Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment managed to gain the German front lines and even a distance beyond, but they found themselves being fired at from three sides and their casualties soon grew to a thousand men between them - more than half their number. 70 survivors managed to hang on in the German front line for a while but soon their grenades and ammunition ran out and they too were forced to retire.
In the centre of the Division the attack against Ovillers was carried out by the 2nd Bn Royal Berkshire and 2nd Bn Lincolnshire. Whilst in theory they were going to be afforded some shelter from fire, they felt the full weight of a German counter barrage and half their number fell before seeing the enemy's front line.
The 70th Brigade's leading battalions: the 8th Bn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) and the 8th Bn York and Lancaster, succeeded in crossing no-man's land and got into the German front line but their supporting waves of infantry came under increasing fire from the German barrage.
On the Brigade's left the defenders on the Thiepval Ridge were starting to beat off the assault by 32nd Division and now found themselves able to turn their attentions elsewhere - including the exposed flank of 70th Brigade.
Reinforcements
Thinking that the 32nd Division were in fact making headway on his left and that the 25th Brigade were getting into Ovillers, Brigadier General Gordon of the 70th Brigade ordered his support battalion the 11th Sherwood Foresters into the attack. They struggled across no man's land in the face of a storm of bullets only to be brought to a halt by machine gun fire a few metres from the German front line.
www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ovillers.htm

Ovillers

Here the 8th Division, including the 1st Bn, Royal Irish Rifles was tasked with a direct assault on the village itself. In this area No Man's Land was 400 yards wide. South of the village the attack was conducted by 23 Brigade, 70 of whom reached the German front line, but they were forced out of it by a counter-attack after 2 hours. The 70th Brigade north of the village, attacking up a sunken road called 'The Nab' managed to reach the German Front line, but were stopped 80 yards short of the German second line by a machine gun at the top of the valley. In the centre, 25 Brigade were slaughtered as they tried to cross No Man's Land; very few of the reached the German line, and they failed to hold onto it.
Of about 300 officers and 8000 men, the Division lost 189 officers and 4719 men dead or wounded.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...

Marshall A Moore………………………………..................................................

MOORE, MARSHALL AMBROSE
Rank: Private
Service No: 22896
Date of Death: 19/09/1917
Age: 21
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 7th Bn.
Grave Reference
I. J. 20.
Cemetery: TILLOY BRITISH CEMETERY, TILLOY-LES-MOFFLAINES
Additional Information:
Son of Walter and Ellen Moore, of Old Farm Lane, Tunstead, Scottow, Norfolk.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/566137/MOORE,%20MARSH...

SDGW has Marshall Moore recorded as born Dilham, Norfolk but with no place of residence recorded, 22896 Norfolk Regiment.

Norlink No match

There is no obvious match for Marshall or his parents on the 1901 census.

On the 1911 census there is a Marshall “Ambross”, born Coltishall, circa 1897 who was recorded in the Smallburgh District on the night of the census. The village of Tunstead fell within the Smallburgh district..

In the same household was a Walter Moore, aged 43, and a Walter James, aged 24, as well as an Ellen aged 52 - there may well be more but I only have a limited subscription L

19th September 1917 - Battalion War Diary

Enemy trench mortars were fairly active during the day. At 5.15pm a sudden barrage of fishtails was put down on our saps. After a few minutes heavy and light trench mortars and artillery were added making a heavy bombardment on our front and support lines. Our retaliation proved fairly effective.
At 8.15 pm the enemy put down a heavy barrage on our trench system and their M.G’s were also active. Our MGs and artillery fired on SOS lines. There was no sign of an enemy attack except three men were seen creeping towards our extreme left. These were believed to be hit by our fire. The bombardment ceased at 9.30pm and from then onwards the night was quiet. Some damage was done to our trenches and a number of casualties caused.

There is a further note when the Battalion was relieved on the 23rd, following a successful raid by a neighbouring Essex Regiment Battalion on the 22nd.

Our casualties during the tour were 2/Lt ROBARTES wounded, 15 ORs killed or died of wounds and 49 OR wounded. From information obtained from prisoners captured by the Essex Rgt, it appears that the bombardment of the 19th was to cover a raid upon the Essex front. They stated that our artillery + rifle + mg fire broke up the raiding party. One man was killed and two wounded. It is probable that these were the three men seen and fired upon by our left company.

Walter R Pestell………………………………......................................................

PESTELL, W R
Rank: Private
Service No: 78025
Date of Death: 23/12/1918
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers, 10th Bn.
Grave Reference
VII. G. 10.
Cemetery: NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/904096/PESTELL,%20W%20R

SDGW has Walter Richard Pestell recorded as born and resident Tunstead, 78025 Royal Fusiliers.

NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY

Historical Information
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. This total includes special memorials to 13 casualties buried in other cemeteries in Germany whose graves could not be found.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/91502/NIEDERZWEHREN...

Norlink No match

The baptism of a Walter Richard, born 20th June 1899, took place at St Mary, Tunstead on the 22nd October 1899. Parents are Samuel William, a Labourer, and Maria Jane. The family live in Tunstead.

The 1 year old Walter R. , born Tunstead, was recorded on the 1901 census at Meeting House Lane, Tunstead. This was the household of his parents, Samuel, (aged 38 and an Agricultural Labourer from Neatishead, Norfolk) and Maria J, (aged 38 and from Stalham). Their other children living with them are:-
Charles D……………aged 5.…………..born Tunstead
Ethel V………………aged 10.…………born Tunstead
Voilet………………..aged 8.…………..born Tunstead
William R……………aged 12.…………born Tunstead.

Other baptisms at St Mary, Tunstead.
Edith Anna…………….born 19th January 1887.…….baptised 18th July 1897
William Robert………..born 4th December 1888.……baptised 18th July 1897
Ethel Violet……………born 1st February 1891.…….baptised 18th July 1897
Charles Samuel…………born 29th August 1895.…….baptised 18th July 1897
Maud Maria…………….born 12th August 1901.…….baptised 20th October 1901

According to his Medal Index Card listing at the National Archive, he had previously been Private 38404 of the East Surrey Regiment.

Herbert C Westgate……………………………….....................................................

WESTGATE, H C
Rank: Private
Service No: 7369
Date of Death: 30/07/1916
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Grave Reference
IX. C. 15.
Cemetery: AMARA WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/630704/WESTGATE,%20H%20C

SDGW has Herbert Charles Westgate recorded with Tunstead as his place of birth but no place of residence listed. He was 7369 Norfolk Regiment.

Norlink No match

The baptism of Herbert Charles, born 19th March 1890, took place at St Mary, Tunstead on the 28th May 1893. Parents are James, a Carpenter, and Emma. The family live in Tunstead.

The 12 year old Herbert, born Tunstead, was recorded on the 1901 census at Meeting House Lane. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 40 and a Carpenter from Tunstead) and Emma, (aged 37 and from Scottow, Norfolk). Their other children living with them are:-
Frank……………aged 2.………born Tunstead
Kate……………..aged 7.………born Tunstead
Robert……………aged 3.……..born Tunstead
Voilet……………aged 4.……..born Tunstead
William………….aged 10.…….born Tunstead

Other family baptisms at St Mary:-
William Sydney………………no date of birth recorded……..baptised 28th May 1893
Catharine Mary………………born 8th August 1893.…………baptised 10th December 1893
Laetitia Violet………………..born 20th July 1896.…………..baptised 25th October 1896.

AMARA WAR CEMETERY (Iraq)

Location Information
Amara is a town on the left bank of the Tigris some 520 kilometres from the sea. The War Cemetery is a little east of the town between the left bank of the river and the Chahaila Canal.

Historical Information
Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there.

Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified.
www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/69100/AMARA%20WAR%2...

This memorial is in the church of St Fabian and St Sebastian, Woodbastwick.

RoH = www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Woodbastwick.html
And is a web-site I am deeply indebted too for providing a starting point.

Woodbastwick fell within the Rural District of Blofield for both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses.

John Abel Scots Guards

ABEL John Thomas
Lance Corporal 748. 4th Battalion Guards Machine Gun Regiment. Formerly 13611 Scots Guards. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 27th March 1918. Aged 22. Born Runhall, Norfolk. Lived Attleborough. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Henry and Annie Elizabeth Abel, of "Old Bird in Hand," Hardingham, Norfolk. Buried: Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. VIII. R. 51. (RoH)

Its difficult to see the link with Woodbastwick for this John Abel. The list of people served in the Woodbastwick Church describes him as a Sergeant in the Scots Guards, and presumably there is some link through the Cators.

Possibly therefore, (the only John Abel listed as serving with the Scots Guards)
Name: ABEL, JOHN
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Scots Guards Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 26 Date of Death: 27/09/1918 Service No: 16647
Additional information: Son of Mrs. J. Abel, of North Kirkhill, Dyce, Aberdeenshire. Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 3. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1739408

No obvious match on the 1901 Genes Reunited Census search, nor a trace of Henry & Annie Elizabeth. Unfortunately I don’t have access to Scottish Census Records.

Norlink has a Lance Corporal John Thomas Thomas Abel of the Scots Guard, but links him to Hardingham without any further information as to which village he came from, or indeed if he even died during WW1. The Cator’s who owned the village, have historic associations with the Scots Guards. The shoulder tabs in the picture definitely look like they begin “Machine”
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

The John Abel from Hardingham is also commemorated in the church of St George in the village
flickr.com/photos/norfolkodyssey/868771765/

******************************************************************
Arthur Alden - North Staffs Regt

ALDEN Arthur John
Lance Corporal 7743. 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 9th April 1915. Born Saxlingham, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Panel 8. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=873769

No match on Norlink

There is an Arthur J Alden, aged 13 and born Saxlingham on the 1901 Census. Looking through the rest of the family there is nothing to immediately connect them with Woodbastwick, a village some twenty miles away on the other side of Norwich.

Arthur’s family were living at The Gravel Pitts, Stoke Holy Cross, and consisted of father John, (aged 40, a Yardman on Farm and born Rockland St Peter), mother Harriet, (aged 39 and from Saxlingham Thorpe) and siblings
Alice M aged 8 Born Barford
James H aged 5 Born Barford
Mabel P aged 3 Born Stoke Holy Cross
Rose E aged 11 Born Saxlingham
Walter aged 1 Born Norwich

******************************************************************
Alfred Bailey - Royal Fusiliers

BAILEY Alfred George
Private 11120. 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 15th November 1916. Born Keswich, Norfolk. Lived and enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=771756

No match on Norlink

There is an Alfred G Bailey, aged 17, born Keswick, Norfolk on the 1901 Census. Alfred was working as a Domestic Groom and was living at The Street, Keswick, the household of his parents, Edward J, (aged 53 and a Domestic Gardener), and Ann, (aged 57), along with brother Herbert S, (aged 15 and also working as a Domestic Gardener)

There is a Corporal Alfred Bailey of the Royal Garrison Artillery listed on the People who served memorial in the Swardeston village church, but he appears to have survived. Swardeston is next door to Keswick, and I know when I looked at Swardeston and Mulbarton, there was a smattering of Keswick names on both villages memorials, presumably as a result of individuals choosing to go to church, (these are frequently Parish rather than Village memorials), or moving in the intervening years between 1901 and the outbreak of the war.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Swardeston.html

The 1911 Census is now starting to come on line. From a high-level search, it would appear that there were two Alfred Bailey’s living in Norfolk of the right age, (26/27) to tie in with the Groom who was living at Keswick. One was at Blofield, and one was at Henstead.

The fall of Beaucourt: 14th November 1916

On Freyberg's right II Corps had taken St Pierre Divion on the afternoon of the 13th and men from the 1st Cambridgeshire Regiment had been ferrying ammunition and grenades across the Ancre to replenish spent supplies.
During the night 111th Brigade from 37th Division had been brought up to assist the 63rd in their assault on the untaken section of the Beaucourt Trench to the left of Freyberg's group. The 13th Royal Fusiliers and 13th Rifle Brigade started their advance at 06:20 hours but despite some gains it soon became apparent that nothing further was going to be achieved until Beaucourt had been taken.
For the push to take the village 190th Brigade had assembled as many men as it could in the vicinity of Beaucourt Station, including 400 men from 1st HAC and about 80 of the 7th Royal Fusiliers. These advanced at 07:45 hours as far as Freyberg, who then led the men immediately into the attack on the village.
Despite the strong resistance in the trenches to the west of the village, Beaucourt fell remarkably easily with the gain of 500 prisoners. By 10:30 hours Freyberg could report that he was in control of Beaucourt.

Tanks
The original planning for the attack had utilised a number of tanks, but it had quickly been realised that with the ground so well churned by the bombardment that they would be more of a hindrance and had been sent back to the rear.
Now, on the second day, two were again brought forward in an attempt to deal with the stronghold machine gun nest which continued to hold up the Division's advance to the west of Beaucourt.
Both tanks soon became bogged down in mud but not before one of them had advanced far enough to be able to use its 6 pounder guns to good effect, and causing the German garrison of over 400 to surrender.
That evening the line of advance was pushed further forward around Beaucourt and the left was brought up to the Beaucourt Trench. It would take another few days of fighting to finally secure all that had been envisaged on the 12th
www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_ancre_4.htm

*******************************************************************
John Burrows - Royal Engineers

The RoH has BURROWS John Mandell
Private 34693. 9th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Formerly 164369 Royal Engineers. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 7th June 1917. Aged 38. Born and enlisted Norwich. Husband of Susanna Burrows, of Spixworth Rd., Old Catton, Norwich. Buried: Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. V. F. 17 (RoH)
CWGC reference is:-
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=450189

This would appear to be an unrelated individual, if the unit shown in the church is correct. However the rank shown is Sapper.

The basic search of the 1911 Census that’s available reveals that a John Burrows of the right age was recorded in the District of Blofield.

The only J Burrows listed on CWGC as serving with the Royal Engineers
Name: BURROWS Initials: J
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 38th Div. Signal Coy.
Date of Death: 10/05/1918 Service No: 42569
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. K. 7. Cemetery: VARENNES MILITARY CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=72755

This John Burrows has a different service number.

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a number of potential John Burrows born in Norwich and the suburb of Sprowston, which is off the roads that lead to Woodbastwick. However there is not one of the right age to tie in with John Mandell Burrows, on the Genes Re-united search engine.


The 7th June 1917 was the opening day of the Battle of Messines, a considerable success for the British. Significant mining of the German front line had been achieved. When the British artillery bombardment ceased, the German troops emerged to man their weapons in anticipation of the coming attack. At this point the simultaneous detonation of 19 mines (600 tons of explosives) is claimed to have cost over 10,000 German lives. The 74th Brigade, of which the 9th Loyal North Lancs formed a part, were part of the force that then moved forward to hold the ground. The explosion is claimed to have been the loudest man-made noise up to that time. Or to quote the General in charge - "Gentlemen, we may not make history tomorrow, but we shall certainly change the geography."
74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:cNQFB2habycJ:www.firstworldw...

The most serious fighting of the day was in the northern sector of the battle, where the 9th
was.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Messines
www.chavasse.u-net.com/messines.html
www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-CowMaor-t1-body-d12.html
www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/flanders/messines.html
www.1914-1918.net/25div.htm
******************************************************************
George Ellis - Norfolk Regiment

ELLIS George Ernest
Private G/67713. 6th Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly 3540 Yeomanry Cyclists. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th June 1918. Aged 19. Born and lived Woodbastwick. Enlisted Wroxham. Son of Edward and Sarah Ellis, of Church Cottages, Sprowston, Norfolk. Buried: Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery, Albert, Somme, France. Ref. I. B. 18. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=294324

No match on Norlink

The 2 year old George Ellis was living in a “Cottage on Slad Lane” in the 1901 Census. This was the household of his parents, Edward, (aged 39, a Teamman on Farm, born Woodbastwick), and Sarah, (aged 39 and born Horning) as well as brothers Edward, (aged 11), Reginald, (aged 4), William, (aged 7) and sisters Annie, (aged 6), and Lily, (aged 9).
******************************************************************
George King - Norfolk Yeomanry

KING George Edward
Private 320404. 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Battalion. Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 12th September 1918. Aged 21. Born Sprowston. Enlisted Norwich. Son of James and Hannah King, of Woodbastwick, Norwich. Buried: Strand Military Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. Ref. VIII. M. 10. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=165293

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 5 year old George King who was born at Sprowston but is now resident at a “Cottage near the Church”, Woodbastwick. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 38, a Gardener Domestic from Shotesham, Norfolk), and Hannah, (aged 36 and from Shotesham), along with brothers Bertie, (aged 15, and a Domestic Groom, born Shotesham), Sidney, (aged 6, born Stanhoe), and sisters Ethel, (aged 2, born Sprowston), Hannah, (aged 12, born Shotesham), May (aged 8, born Dunston), Rosa, (aged 14, born Shotesham) and Violet, (aged 11, born Shotesham)
******************************************************************
George Lambert - Norfolk Regiment

LAMBERT George
Private 1837. 6th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Transferred to (239024) 428th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps. Died on 28th February 1919. Aged 24. Son of Alfred and Harriet Lambert, of Woodbastwick; husband of Carrie Lambert, of Mill Cottages, Sledmere, Malton, Yorks. Buried: Woodbastwick (SS. Fabian And Sebastian) Churchyard. North-East of Church. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2802351

No match on Norlink

In 1901 the 6 year old George Herbert Lambert was living at Hidness Farm, Ranworth (with Panxworth). George had been born at Brandiston. He lived at this address with his parents, father Alfred, (aged 42 and a Hoop Hurdle maker from Beccles), and mother Harriet, (aged 31 and born Norwich). Also resident were siblings,
Alfred aged 8 born Bawdeswell
Alice aged 13 born Norwich
Ernest aged 10 born New Catton, Norwich
Florence Louise aged 12 born Hainford
Frank Sidney aged 20 born Upper Hellesdon, Norwich
(also a Hoop Hurdle maker)
Mabel Maud aged 3 born Cawston
Voilet Ethel (as shown on the original !) aged 1born Panxworth
*******************************************************************
Albert White - Rifle Brigade

WHITE Albert
Rifle Brigade. No further information available at present. (RoH)

Choices are
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4040352
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=913795
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1750167
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=154457

No match on Norlink

No obvious match on the 1901 Census

The high-level search on the 1911 Census reveals a 21 year old Herbert Albert White registered in the District of Blofield. Going back and checking, this would tie in with an 11 year old Herbert on the 1901 Census who was living at Railway Bridge Road, Lingwood.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Woodbastwick.html

Woodbastwick fell within the Rural District of Blofield for both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses.
*******************************************************************
Also from the “Those who served list”
Private Charles Fox R.A.M.C

No obvious match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

There are many Charles Fox of the most likely ages, but none with an obvious Woodbastwick connection. The most likely based on nearby Villages is a Charles Fox who was aged 28 at the time of the 1901 Census, a single bricklayer living with his parents at Tower Street, Horning, having been born at Hoveton St John.

The high-level search available for the 1911 Census has a 15 year old Charles recorded in the District of Blofield and a 23 year old Robert Charles.

Our 28 year old bricklayer now appears to be registered in the District of St Faiths.
*******************************************************************

+George G G Chapman
Royal Canadian Engineers

CHAPMAN George Granville Garfield
Sapper 500375. 2nd Army Troops company, Canadian Engineers. Died on 31st May 1917. Aged 32. Sapper Chapman was born on 19th June 1884, the son of Jane Ellen Chapman, of The Lodge, South Walsham, Norfolk, England, and the late James Chapman. In Canada he worked as a Lineman. Buried: Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=181307
No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a George G G Chapman, aged 16 and a single Millers Son \Journeyman, living near The Lion, Panxworth, with his parents, James, (aged 47 and a Miller from Claxton) and Jane Ellen, (aged 48 and from Salhouse). Also resident were sister Evelyn L. (aged 19, born Panxworth), and brother James E, (aged 7 and born Panxworth), as well as an elderly couple, the Mayletts who boarded with them.

Using the high level search of the 1911 Census, there appears to be no trace of George still in England & Wales.

George’s Canadian attestation (enlistment) papers can be seen here
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

The extension to Hersin Communal Cemetery was begun by French troops, who made over 100 burials, and was taken over by Commonwealth troops and field ambulances in March 1916. It was used until October 1918. The extension contains 224 Commonwealth burials of the First World War; many of the graves are of engineers, mostly from tunneling companies.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=18002&...

Canadian Tunnellers played a big role in the success of the attack at Vimy Ridge on the 9th April 1917, where a number of simultaneous explosion tore the german front line apart. Sapper Chapman may well have been involved in those and the subsequent actions that petered out in the costly Battle of Arras.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vimy_Ridge
*****************************************************************
+James Cutler
Lincolnshire Regiment

CUTLER James
Probably: Corporal 9886. 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action at Gallipoli on 7th August 1915. Born Trunch, Norfolk. Lived Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Grantham, Lincolnshire. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Greece. Panel 44 to 46. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694854

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 7 year old James living “near the Broad” Ranworth, having been born at Trunch. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 35, a Gamekeeper from East Runton), and Lillian, (aged 30 from Northrepps). Also there were brother Jack, (aged 2, born Ranworth), and sisters Charlotte, (aged 6, born Trunch), Gladys, (age 9, born Southrepps), Jessie, (aged 11, born Southrepps), and Maud, (aged 4, born Ranworth).

By 1911 our 17 year old James is registered in the district of Bourne, Lincolnshire.

The 6th Battalion was one of the New Army units that had its first real taste of war when it landed at Suvla Bay on the 6th August 1915. It was intended to unlock the stalemate of the campaign by taking the enemy from behind. Instead, due to ineffectual leadership and poor planning, the troops stayed on the beach, suffered casualties at the hands of a few armed Turkish policeman, (very ably led) and would remain pinned down for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile at Helles, a number of diversionary attacks intended to draw reserves away from the Suvla area led to a very high death toll. The phrase “Lions led by Donkeys” springs to mind.

****************************************************************
+Bertie S Daynes
East Kent Regiment

DAYNES Bertie S
Possibly: Able Seaman R/747. Hood Battalion, Royal Navy Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died on 26th October 1917. Aged 25. Son of W. and Emily Daynes of Mill Rd. Corner, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk; husband of Alice Daynes. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 2 to 3 and 162 to 162A. (RoH)

Note - the Roll of Honour details do not tie up with the details on the “Those who served “ memorial, nor do the family details tie with the most likely Census match.

Those who served shows Private in the East Kents, but nothing matches on CWGC - not even a surname search for Daynes, Daines and Danes.

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a Bertie, (aged 10 and born Ranworth), living at Dove Cottage, Ranworth, with his parents, Isaac, (aged 57 and a Market Gardener and Farmer. Born Ranworth), and Ruth, (aged 49 and born Ranworth). Also there are brothers Cecil (aged 12), William, (aged 13), Isaac, (aged 37, single and a “Farmers son”), and sisters, Lillian, (aged 16), Ada, (aged 15), Dora, (aged 7), as well as his step-aunt, Anna Browne, (aged 25, single, born Ranworth and a Ladys Domestic Servant), and her father William, (aged 88, now blind, and a retired Maltsters Cooper).

On the 1911 Census the 20 year old Bertie is still resident in the District of Blofield.
****************************************************************
+Cecil Daynes
Middlesex Regiment

DAYNES Cecil
Private TF/204049. 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 3rd May 1917. Born Ranworth, Norfolk. Lived Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=747040

No match on Norlink

See brother Bertie for the family details.

On the 1911 Census the 22 year old Cecil is still resident in the District of Blofield.

*******************************************************************
+Charles B Fowler
Royal Navy

FOWLER Charles B
No further information available at present (RoH)

No obvious match under C Fowler - possibly Boy Sailor Bertrand Charles lost in 1914 with HMS Indefatigable
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2876826

However, there is a picture of Bertrand on Norlink and the accompanying notes place him firmly in the Hingham \ Wymondham part of the county - indeed I believe he is commemorated on the Hingham War memorial.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.

No obvious match on the main source site for Royal Navy Casualties
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1003-Intro.htm

*******************************************************************
+Harry Neve
Devonshire Regiment

NEVE Harry
Probably: Private 45536. 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Aged 41. Born Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Alton Hampshire. Son of George Neve and Mary Ann, his wife, of Norfolk; husband of Emily E. Neve, of Burkham Lodge, Alton, Hants. Buried: Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. III. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=86923

No match on Norlink

By the time of the 1901 Census, the 24 year old Harry, (born Hemblington), was now resident as a boarder at “Newfoundout” Horsham Sussex. His profession is given as Gamekeeper. There is no obvious match for Harry on the 1911 Census.
Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
8th Division of which 2nd Devons were part were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Neve died of wounds received on the 31st July


******************************************************************
+Sidney A F Reed
Essex Regiment

REED Sidney Alfred Frank
Private 20626. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 17501 Norfolk Regiment. Died at sea on 13th August 1915. Aged 21. Born Thorpe St Andrews, Norwich. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William Read, of Ranworth, Norwich; husband of Dorothy Kathleen Sturman (formerly Read), of New Cottage, Salhouse, Norwich. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. (Surname is spelt Reed on Memorial, Read on CD and Reid on CWGC. (RoH)

“Those who served list” has Sidney in the Essex Regiment - no obvious match on CWGC
Looking again in the light of the information from the Roll of Honour, there isn’t any entry on the CWGC database for an S Reid. Sidney, (spelt Sydney), turns up as a Read.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683185

No match on Norlink

A scan of a press cutting regarding the sinking of the transport ship Royal Edward, with a loss of over 1,000 troops and crew. The thread that follows contains a couple of links relating to the sinking.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

A passage from the History of Norfolk Regiment tells the rest of the story. Colonel Tonge refers to the loss of 300 men, the best draft that ever left Felixstowe. These men volunteered to join the Essex Regiment and appear to have constituted the drafts of June 23 and July 24 1915. They were part of the reinforcements carried by the transport "Royal Edward" which was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14th 1915. She sank two and a half minutes after the torpedo struck her.Of the 1,400 men she carried only 600 were saved, and the drowned included all but 18 of the 300 Norfolk men. The men who had had a route march just before leaving Alexandria, were waiting on deck for foot inspection at about 9.20 am. Their lifebelts were down below, and when the ship was unexpectedly struck most of them ran below to fetch the belts. Owing to the ship's sudden heeling over and sinking, these never got up again. Those who escaped were picked up by a hospital ship which responded to the s.o.s. signal.
www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/5564/royaledward.html

The 1901 Census information that relates to the individual identified on the roll of honour site is a 7 year “Sidney Read” living at 11 Brooklyn Terrace, Thorpe St Andrew. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 43 and born Upton, employed as an asylum night attendant) and Alice, (aged 27 and from Walpole), as well as brother Walter, (aged 1) and sisters, Flora H, (aged 2)and Julia, (aged 9).

The most likely match on the 1911 Census is recorded in the Loddon District, (ie further south from Norwich).

******************************************************************
+Dennis Rice
Royal Warwickshire Regiment

RICE Denis
Private 29370. 1st/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Formerly 4575 Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 27th August 1917. Aged 19. Born Rackheath, Norfolk. Lived Panxworth, Nr. Norwich. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Rice, of Little Plumstead, Norwich, Norfolk. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=830590

No match on Norlink

Note both the memorial and the List of those who served spell Dennis with two “N”’s, and the Roll of Honour and CWGC have one.

The most likely match for brother Cecil on the 1901 Census is a 4 year old who was born at Rackheath but who is now living at “Honey Comb” Salhouse. This is the household of his parents, Samuel, (aged 33, born Salhouse and a Carpenter Journeyman) and Elizabeth, (age 32 and from Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich) as well as brothers Denis, (aged 2, born Rackheath), John, (aged 8, born Salhouse), Louis, (under 1, born Salhouse), and sisters Eva (aged 6, born Rackheath),


A history of the 48th Division notes it was involved in local operations near St Julian on August 27th 1917.
warpath.orbat.com/divs/48_div.htm
******************************************************************************************************************
+William R Southgate
Cambridgeshire Regiment

SOUTHGATE William Robert
Private 328204. 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment. Formerly 21982 Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Born Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. J. 10. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=154096

No match on Norlink

Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
39th Division of which 1st Cambs were part of, were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Southgate, like Private Neve above died of wounds received on the 31st July

The 1901 Census has a 4 year old William Robert Southgate,(born Panxworth) living near “Lion”, Ranworth. This was the household of his parents, Robert Albert, (aged 35, born Panxworth and a Horse Trainer) and Eliza Ann, (aged 39 and from Martham) as well as sister Althea Maud (aged 9, born Panxworth).

On the 1911 Census there is a 14 year old William Robert registered in the Blofield District.

******************************************************************
+Charles Z.Tidman
Bedfordshire Regiment

TIDMAN Charles Zachariah
Private 28850. 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th July 1916. Aged 32. Born Ranworth. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward Tidman, of 2, Scott's Corner, Panxworth, Norfolk, and the late Emily Tidman. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=816328

No match on Norlink

From the Bedfords War Diary.

30 Jul 1916 At 3.30 a.m. "A" Company moved up into its forming up position along the SUNKEN Road just East of the British Front Line Trench, ready for the attack at ZERO HOUR. At ZERO HOUR the Company attacked the MALTZ HORN FARM and Trench and captured it. They attacked in two lined, 1/2 Company extended in each Line. The attack was a Brilliant success, from 70 to 80 Germans being killed in the Trench, and one Prisoner taken. The Farm itself was found not to be held. As soon as "A" Company had cleared the MALTZ HORN GERMAN Trench, they were ordered to rejoin the Battalion in our original front line. This they did and suffered about 30 Casualties in the whole operation. 2nd Lieutenant H.C.LOVELY was wounded in this Operation at 4.55 a.m.

Orders had been previously given to the Battalion that as soon as the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment had moved up to support the attacking Battalions, the Battalion were to move up into their positions in the Trenches just South of TRONES WOOD. This was done at about 5.45 a.m. The attack was severely hampered by a dense fog causing the attacking Battalions to lose touch. At about 6.30 a.m., Officers Commanding 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool called for reinforcements. Orders were given for "B" and "C" Companies to move up in support, but these Companies were stopped by the O.C. 17th Bn.Lings Liverpool Regiment on reaching him, as he could get no information from Officer Commanding 19th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment as to here support was required. These two Companies therefore remained with Officer Commanding 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

At about 6.45 a.m. Headquarters moved up to the HAIRPIN BEND and joined the Officer Commanding 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. As no information could be given by him as to what was happening in front, "B" & "C" Companies were ordered to stay where they were with O.C. 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At 6.45 a.m. Lieutenant H.A.CHAMEN was seriously wounded. At 9 a.m. Lieutenant J.T.COE and 2nd Lieut.A.L.GORDON were wounded. At 10 a.m. Lieutenant W.WHITE with "A" Company were sent off to get touch with the French. They got touch with them and found that they had also been held up and were digging in. "A" Company therefore dug in on their left just SOUTH of MALTZ HORN FARM.

At about 1.30 p.m. orders were received to consolidate the MALTZ HORN RIDGE from ARROW HEAD COPSE to the French Left. At 11.30 a.m. 2nd Lieutenant F.A.SLOAN was wounded. "D" Company under Captain L.F.BEAL were sent to connect up from MALTZ HORN FARM to the left of "A" Company, this they did and dug in. "B" and "C" Companies under Captain R.O.WYNNE moved off at 3 p.m. and dug a NEW TRENCH 300 yards long connecting up ARROW HEAD COPSE to the North end of the GERMAN MALTZ HORN Trench. The Companies were well dug in by 7 p.m. All Units that could be collected at HAIRPIN BEND were sent off at 1 p.m. to hold the old German Front Line. Trench running from MALTZ HORN FARM Northwards towards ARROW HEAD COPSE. By 7 p.m. the MALTZ HORN RIDGE was well consolidated, the whole position being heavily shelled throughout the day. At about 8 p.m. Orders were received that the Brigade were to be relieved. the Battalion was relieved by the 4th Bn.Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Commanded by Lt.Colonel SWAINSON. The relief commenced at about 2 a.m. and completed by 6 a.m. The Battalion then withdrew to our old Bivouac at 10 a.m. on the 31st July, 1916.
The Casualties during these operations were: -
OFFICERS 6. OTHER RANKS 186x x includes 9 Wounded at Duty.

31 Jul 1916 - The Citadel Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Reference Map 62.d. N.E. Speech made to the Battalion by Major General J.S.M.SHEA, C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 30th Division, on 31st July, 1916. "I have come here this morning to thank you all for the way that you fought yesterday. It may seem to most of you that after doing all you could, you were only successful in capturing a small amount of ground. This however does not in any way represent the results of your hard fighting. It came to my knowledge only this morning, that eleven of the freshest German Battalions (The 12th Bavarian reserve) had just been brought up on the front which you attacked. There were only 8 Battalions actually fighting for the Division, and judging from the number of prisoners taken, and the number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy, it is clear that you were instrumental in completely preventing what would have been a very strong counter attack on the Bantams in TRONES WOOD. The Army Commander has told me to thank you for him, and to his thanks I add mine and my hearty congratulations. Colonel Poyntz I congratulate you on your Battalion and on your men."
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbtn/2ndbtn1916diary.html

The 1901 Census has 16 year old Charles, (born Panxworth and employed as an ordinary agricultural labourer), living at Scots Corner Panxworth. This was the household of his parents, Edward, (aged 46, born Ranworth and also an agricultural labourer) and Emily, (aged 52, from Hopton), as well as sisters Edith C, (age 14, born Ranworth) and Ethel May, (age 12, born Ranworth).

The 1911 Census has a “28” year old Charles L. registered in the Blofield District, which doesn’t quiet tie in with either the age on the 1901 census, or the name recorded elsewhere.

Comments shown as (RoH) are sourced from here
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Woodbastwick.html

Panxworth fell within the Rural District of Blofield for both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses.


From the Parish of Panxworth

Men who died in the Great War

The name spelling and unit shown first for each is taken from the "Those who served" scroll in the same church.

+George G G Chapman
Royal Canadian Engineers

CHAPMAN George Granville Garfield
Sapper 500375. 2nd Army Troops company, Canadian Engineers. Died on 31st May 1917. Aged 32. Sapper Chapman was born on 19th June 1884, the son of Jane Ellen Chapman, of The Lodge, South Walsham, Norfolk, England, and the late James Chapman. In Canada he worked as a Lineman. Buried: Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=181307
No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a George G G Chapman, aged 16 and a single Millers Son \Journeyman, living near The Lion, Panxworth, with his parents, James, (aged 47 and a Miller from Claxton) and Jane Ellen, (aged 48 and from Salhouse). Also resident were sister Evelyn L. (aged 19, born Panxworth), and brother James E, (aged 7 and born Panxworth), as well as an elderly couple, the Mayletts who boarded with them.

Using the high level search of the 1911 Census, there appears to be no trace of George still in England & Wales.

George’s Canadian attestation (enlistment) papers can be seen here
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

The extension to Hersin Communal Cemetery was begun by French troops, who made over 100 burials, and was taken over by Commonwealth troops and field ambulances in March 1916. It was used until October 1918. The extension contains 224 Commonwealth burials of the First World War; many of the graves are of engineers, mostly from tunneling companies.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=18002&...

Canadian Tunnellers played a big role in the success of the attack at Vimy Ridge on the 9th April 1917, where a number of simultaneous explosion tore the german front line apart. Sapper Chapman may well have been involved in those and the subsequent actions that petered out in the costly Battle of Arras.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vimy_Ridge
*****************************************************************
+James Cutler
Lincolnshire Regiment

CUTLER James
Probably: Corporal 9886. 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action at Gallipoli on 7th August 1915. Born Trunch, Norfolk. Lived Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Grantham, Lincolnshire. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Greece. Panel 44 to 46. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694854

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 7 year old James living “near the Broad” Ranworth, having been born at Trunch. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 35, a Gamekeeper from East Runton), and Lillian, (aged 30 from Northrepps). Also there were brother Jack, (aged 2, born Ranworth), and sisters Charlotte, (aged 6, born Trunch), Gladys, (age 9, born Southrepps), Jessie, (aged 11, born Southrepps), and Maud, (aged 4, born Ranworth).

By 1911 our 17 year old James is registered in the district of Bourne, Lincolnshire.

The 6th Battalion was one of the New Army units that had its first real taste of war when it landed at Suvla Bay on the 6th August 1915. It was intended to unlock the stalemate of the campaign by taking the enemy from behind. Instead, due to ineffectual leadership and poor planning, the troops stayed on the beach, suffered casualties at the hands of a few armed Turkish policeman, (very ably led) and would remain pinned down for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile at Helles, a number of diversionary attacks intended to draw reserves away from the Suvla area led to a very high death toll. The phrase “Lions led by Donkeys” springs to mind.

****************************************************************
+Bertie S Daynes
East Kent Regiment

DAYNES Bertie S
Possibly: Able Seaman R/747. Hood Battalion, Royal Navy Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died on 26th October 1917. Aged 25. Son of W. and Emily Daynes of Mill Rd. Corner, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk; husband of Alice Daynes. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 2 to 3 and 162 to 162A. (RoH)

Note - the Roll of Honour details do not tie up with the details on the “Those who served “ memorial, nor do the family details tie with the most likely Census match.

Those who served shows Private in the East Kents, but nothing matches on CWGC - not even a surname search for Daynes, Daines and Danes.

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a Bertie, (aged 10 and born Ranworth), living at Dove Cottage, Ranworth, with his parents, Isaac, (aged 57 and a Market Gardener and Farmer. Born Ranworth), and Ruth, (aged 49 and born Ranworth). Also there are brothers Cecil (aged 12), William, (aged 13), Isaac, (aged 37, single and a “Farmers son”), and sisters, Lillian, (aged 16), Ada, (aged 15), Dora, (aged 7), as well as his step-aunt, Anna Browne, (aged 25, single, born Ranworth and a Ladys Domestic Servant), and her father William, (aged 88, now blind, and a retired Maltsters Cooper).

On the 1911 Census the 20 year old Bertie is still resident in the District of Blofield.
****************************************************************
+Cecil Daynes
Middlesex Regiment

DAYNES Cecil
Private TF/204049. 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 3rd May 1917. Born Ranworth, Norfolk. Lived Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=747040

No match on Norlink

See brother Bertie for the family details.

On the 1911 Census the 22 year old Cecil is still resident in the District of Blofield.

*******************************************************************
+Charles B Fowler
Royal Navy

FOWLER Charles B
No further information available at present (RoH)

No obvious match under C Fowler - possibly Boy Sailor Bertrand Charles lost in 1914 with HMS Indefatigable
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2876826

However, there is a picture of Bertrand on Norlink and the accompanying notes place him firmly in the Hingham \ Wymondham part of the county - indeed I believe he is commemorated on the Hingham War memorial.
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.

No obvious match on the main source site for Royal Navy Casualties
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1003-Intro.htm

*******************************************************************
+Harry Neve
Devonshire Regiment

NEVE Harry
Probably: Private 45536. 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Aged 41. Born Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Alton Hampshire. Son of George Neve and Mary Ann, his wife, of Norfolk; husband of Emily E. Neve, of Burkham Lodge, Alton, Hants. Buried: Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. III. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=86923

No match on Norlink

By the time of the 1901 Census, the 24 year old Harry, (born Hemblington), was now resident as a boarder at “Newfoundout” Horsham Sussex. His profession is given as Gamekeeper. There is no obvious match for Harry on the 1911 Census.
Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
8th Division of which 2nd Devons were part were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Neve died of wounds received on the 31st July


******************************************************************
+Sidney A F Reed
Essex Regiment

REED Sidney Alfred Frank
Private 20626. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 17501 Norfolk Regiment. Died at sea on 13th August 1915. Aged 21. Born Thorpe St Andrews, Norwich. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William Read, of Ranworth, Norwich; husband of Dorothy Kathleen Sturman (formerly Read), of New Cottage, Salhouse, Norwich. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. (Surname is spelt Reed on Memorial, Read on CD and Reid on CWGC. (RoH)

“Those who served list” has Sidney in the Essex Regiment - no obvious match on CWGC
Looking again in the light of the information from the Roll of Honour, there isn’t any entry on the CWGC database for an S Reid. Sidney, (spelt Sydney), turns up as a Read.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683185

No match on Norlink

A scan of a press cutting regarding the sinking of the transport ship Royal Edward, with a loss of over 1,000 troops and crew. The thread that follows contains a couple of links relating to the sinking.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

A passage from the History of Norfolk Regiment tells the rest of the story. Colonel Tonge refers to the loss of 300 men, the best draft that ever left Felixstowe. These men volunteered to join the Essex Regiment and appear to have constituted the drafts of June 23 and July 24 1915. They were part of the reinforcements carried by the transport "Royal Edward" which was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14th 1915. She sank two and a half minutes after the torpedo struck her.Of the 1,400 men she carried only 600 were saved, and the drowned included all but 18 of the 300 Norfolk men. The men who had had a route march just before leaving Alexandria, were waiting on deck for foot inspection at about 9.20 am. Their lifebelts were down below, and when the ship was unexpectedly struck most of them ran below to fetch the belts. Owing to the ship's sudden heeling over and sinking, these never got up again. Those who escaped were picked up by a hospital ship which responded to the s.o.s. signal.
www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/5564/royaledward.html

The 1901 Census information that relates to the individual identified on the roll of honour site is a 7 year “Sidney Read” living at 11 Brooklyn Terrace, Thorpe St Andrew. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 43 and born Upton, employed as an asylum night attendant) and Alice, (aged 27 and from Walpole), as well as brother Walter, (aged 1) and sisters, Flora H, (aged 2)and Julia, (aged 9).

The most likely match on the 1911 Census is recorded in the Loddon District, (ie further south from Norwich).

******************************************************************
+Dennis Rice
Royal Warwickshire Regiment

RICE Denis
Private 29370. 1st/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Formerly 4575 Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 27th August 1917. Aged 19. Born Rackheath, Norfolk. Lived Panxworth, Nr. Norwich. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Rice, of Little Plumstead, Norwich, Norfolk. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=830590

No match on Norlink

Note both the memorial and the List of those who served spell Dennis with two “N”’s, and the Roll of Honour and CWGC have one.

The most likely match for brother Cecil on the 1901 Census is a 4 year old who was born at Rackheath but who is now living at “Honey Comb” Salhouse. This is the household of his parents, Samuel, (aged 33, born Salhouse and a Carpenter Journeyman) and Elizabeth, (age 32 and from Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich) as well as brothers Denis, (aged 2, born Rackheath), John, (aged 8, born Salhouse), Louis, (under 1, born Salhouse), and sisters Eva (aged 6, born Rackheath),


A history of the 48th Division notes it was involved in local operations near St Julian on August 27th 1917.
warpath.orbat.com/divs/48_div.htm
******************************************************************************************************************
+William R Southgate
Cambridgeshire Regiment

SOUTHGATE William Robert
Private 328204. 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment. Formerly 21982 Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Born Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. J. 10. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=154096

No match on Norlink

Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
39th Division of which 1st Cambs were part of, were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Southgate, like Private Neve above died of wounds received on the 31st July

The 1901 Census has a 4 year old William Robert Southgate,(born Panxworth) living near “Lion”, Ranworth. This was the household of his parents, Robert Albert, (aged 35, born Panxworth and a Horse Trainer) and Eliza Ann, (aged 39 and from Martham) as well as sister Althea Maud (aged 9, born Panxworth).

On the 1911 Census there is a 14 year old William Robert registered in the Blofield District.

******************************************************************
+Charles Z.Tidman
Bedfordshire Regiment

TIDMAN Charles Zachariah
Private 28850. 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th July 1916. Aged 32. Born Ranworth. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward Tidman, of 2, Scott's Corner, Panxworth, Norfolk, and the late Emily Tidman. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=816328

No match on Norlink

From the Bedfords War Diary.

30 Jul 1916 At 3.30 a.m. "A" Company moved up into its forming up position along the SUNKEN Road just East of the British Front Line Trench, ready for the attack at ZERO HOUR. At ZERO HOUR the Company attacked the MALTZ HORN FARM and Trench and captured it. They attacked in two lined, 1/2 Company extended in each Line. The attack was a Brilliant success, from 70 to 80 Germans being killed in the Trench, and one Prisoner taken. The Farm itself was found not to be held. As soon as "A" Company had cleared the MALTZ HORN GERMAN Trench, they were ordered to rejoin the Battalion in our original front line. This they did and suffered about 30 Casualties in the whole operation. 2nd Lieutenant H.C.LOVELY was wounded in this Operation at 4.55 a.m.

Orders had been previously given to the Battalion that as soon as the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment had moved up to support the attacking Battalions, the Battalion were to move up into their positions in the Trenches just South of TRONES WOOD. This was done at about 5.45 a.m. The attack was severely hampered by a dense fog causing the attacking Battalions to lose touch. At about 6.30 a.m., Officers Commanding 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool called for reinforcements. Orders were given for "B" and "C" Companies to move up in support, but these Companies were stopped by the O.C. 17th Bn.Lings Liverpool Regiment on reaching him, as he could get no information from Officer Commanding 19th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment as to here support was required. These two Companies therefore remained with Officer Commanding 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

At about 6.45 a.m. Headquarters moved up to the HAIRPIN BEND and joined the Officer Commanding 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. As no information could be given by him as to what was happening in front, "B" & "C" Companies were ordered to stay where they were with O.C. 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At 6.45 a.m. Lieutenant H.A.CHAMEN was seriously wounded. At 9 a.m. Lieutenant J.T.COE and 2nd Lieut.A.L.GORDON were wounded. At 10 a.m. Lieutenant W.WHITE with "A" Company were sent off to get touch with the French. They got touch with them and found that they had also been held up and were digging in. "A" Company therefore dug in on their left just SOUTH of MALTZ HORN FARM.

At about 1.30 p.m. orders were received to consolidate the MALTZ HORN RIDGE from ARROW HEAD COPSE to the French Left. At 11.30 a.m. 2nd Lieutenant F.A.SLOAN was wounded. "D" Company under Captain L.F.BEAL were sent to connect up from MALTZ HORN FARM to the left of "A" Company, this they did and dug in. "B" and "C" Companies under Captain R.O.WYNNE moved off at 3 p.m. and dug a NEW TRENCH 300 yards long connecting up ARROW HEAD COPSE to the North end of the GERMAN MALTZ HORN Trench. The Companies were well dug in by 7 p.m. All Units that could be collected at HAIRPIN BEND were sent off at 1 p.m. to hold the old German Front Line. Trench running from MALTZ HORN FARM Northwards towards ARROW HEAD COPSE. By 7 p.m. the MALTZ HORN RIDGE was well consolidated, the whole position being heavily shelled throughout the day. At about 8 p.m. Orders were received that the Brigade were to be relieved. the Battalion was relieved by the 4th Bn.Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Commanded by Lt.Colonel SWAINSON. The relief commenced at about 2 a.m. and completed by 6 a.m. The Battalion then withdrew to our old Bivouac at 10 a.m. on the 31st July, 1916.
The Casualties during these operations were: -
OFFICERS 6. OTHER RANKS 186x x includes 9 Wounded at Duty.

31 Jul 1916 - The Citadel Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Reference Map 62.d. N.E. Speech made to the Battalion by Major General J.S.M.SHEA, C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 30th Division, on 31st July, 1916. "I have come here this morning to thank you all for the way that you fought yesterday. It may seem to most of you that after doing all you could, you were only successful in capturing a small amount of ground. This however does not in any way represent the results of your hard fighting. It came to my knowledge only this morning, that eleven of the freshest German Battalions (The 12th Bavarian reserve) had just been brought up on the front which you attacked. There were only 8 Battalions actually fighting for the Division, and judging from the number of prisoners taken, and the number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy, it is clear that you were instrumental in completely preventing what would have been a very strong counter attack on the Bantams in TRONES WOOD. The Army Commander has told me to thank you for him, and to his thanks I add mine and my hearty congratulations. Colonel Poyntz I congratulate you on your Battalion and on your men."
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbtn/2ndbtn1916diary.html

The 1901 Census has 16 year old Charles, (born Panxworth and employed as an ordinary agricultural labourer), living at Scots Corner Panxworth. This was the household of his parents, Edward, (aged 46, born Ranworth and also an agricultural labourer) and Emily, (aged 52, from Hopton), as well as sisters Edith C, (age 14, born Ranworth) and Ethel May, (age 12, born Ranworth).

The 1911 Census has a “28” year old Charles L. registered in the Blofield District, which doesn’t quiet tie in with either the age on the 1901 census, or the name recorded elsewhere.

Comments shown as (RoH) are sourced from here
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Woodbastwick.html

Panxworth fell within the Rural District of Blofield for both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses.


From the Parish of Panxworth

Men who died in the Great War

Those who served

+George G G Chapman
Royal Canadian Engineers

CHAPMAN George Granville Garfield
Sapper 500375. 2nd Army Troops company, Canadian Engineers. Died on 31st May 1917. Aged 32. Sapper Chapman was born on 19th June 1884, the son of Jane Ellen Chapman, of The Lodge, South Walsham, Norfolk, England, and the late James Chapman. In Canada he worked as a Lineman. Buried: Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. I. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=181307
No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a George G G Chapman, aged 16 and a single Millers Son \Journeyman, living near The Lion, Panxworth, with his parents, James, (aged 47 and a Miller from Claxton) and Jane Ellen, (aged 48 and from Salhouse). Also resident were sister Evelyn L. (aged 19, born Panxworth), and brother James E, (aged 7 and born Panxworth), as well as an elderly couple, the Mayletts who boarded with them.

Using the high level search of the 1911 Census, there appears to be no trace of George still in England & Wales.

George’s Canadian attestation (enlistment) papers can be seen here
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

The extension to Hersin Communal Cemetery was begun by French troops, who made over 100 burials, and was taken over by Commonwealth troops and field ambulances in March 1916. It was used until October 1918. The extension contains 224 Commonwealth burials of the First World War; many of the graves are of engineers, mostly from tunneling companies.
www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=18002&...

Canadian Tunnellers played a big role in the success of the attack at Vimy Ridge on the 9th April 1917, where a number of simultaneous explosion tore the german front line apart. Sapper Chapman may well have been involved in those and the subsequent actions that petered out in the costly Battle of Arras.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vimy_Ridge
*****************************************************************

Charles Clare MM
Norfolk Regiment

The 1901 Census has a 12 year old Charles, living at The Old Hall, Ranworth with Panxworth. He was born at Ranworth, and lived at this address with his parents, Frederick, (aged 33, a teamster on farm and born Ranworth), and Elizabeth, (aged 32 and born Wenhaston, Suffolk). Also resident were his sisters Gertrude, (aged 7) and Mabel, (aged 5), brother William, (aged 10), his mothers mother Maria Friend, (a paupered widow aged 69, also from Wenhaston) and cousin Alice Friend, (aged 9), as well as a boarder Richard Foster.

On the 1911 Census a 22 year old Charles in registered in the Blofield District.

I could find no trace of Charles Military Medal being gazetted, but then I frequently don’t :-)

******************************************************************
+James Cutler
Lincolnshire Regiment

CUTLER James
Probably: Corporal 9886. 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action at Gallipoli on 7th August 1915. Born Trunch, Norfolk. Lived Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Grantham, Lincolnshire. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Greece. Panel 44 to 46. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=694854

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a 7 year old James living “near the Broad” Ranworth, having been born at Trunch. This was the household of his parents, James, (aged 35, a Gamekeeper from East Runton), and Lillian, (aged 30 from Northrepps). Also there were brother Jack, (aged 2, born Ranworth), and sisters Charlotte, (aged 6, born Trunch), Gladys, (age 9, born Southrepps), Jessie, (aged 11, born Southrepps), and Maud, (aged 4, born Ranworth).

By 1911 our 17 year old James is registered in the district of Bourne, Lincolnshire.

The 6th Battalion was one of the New Army units that had its first real taste of war when it landed at Suvla Bay on the 6th August 1915. It was intended to unlock the stalemate of the campaign by taking the enemy from behind. Instead, due to ineffectual leadership and poor planning, the troops stayed on the beach, suffered casualties at the hands of a few armed Turkish policeman, (very ably led) and would remain pinned down for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile at Helles, a number of diversionary attacks intended to draw reserves away from the Suvla area led to a very high death toll. The phrase “Lions led by Donkeys” springs to mind.

****************************************************************

Jack Cutler
Royal Horse Artillery

See brother James above for family.

On the 1911 Census, the 12 year old Jack is still registered in the District of Blofield.
****************************************************************
+Bertie S Daynes
East Kent Regiment

DAYNES Bertie S
Possibly: Able Seaman R/747. Hood Battalion, Royal Navy Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died on 26th October 1917. Aged 25. Son of W. and Emily Daynes of Mill Rd. Corner, Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk; husband of Alice Daynes. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 2 to 3 and 162 to 162A. (RoH)

Note - the Roll of Honour details do not tie up with the details on the “Those who served “ memorial, nor do the family details tie with the most likely Census match.

Those who served shows Private in the East Kents, but nothing matches on CWGC - not even a surname search

No match on Norlink

The 1901 Census has a Bertie, (aged 10 and born Ranworth), living at Dove Cottage, Ranworth, with his parents, Isaac, (aged 57 and a Market Gardener and Farmer. Born Ranworth), and Ruth, (aged 49 and born Ranworth). Also there are brothers Cecil (aged 12), William, (aged 13), Isaac, (aged 37, single and a “Farmers son”), and sisters, Lillian, (aged 16), Ada, (aged 15), Dora, (aged 7), as well as his step-aunt, Anna Browne, (aged 25, single, born Ranworth and a Ladys Domestic Servant), and her father William, (aged 88, now blind, and a retired Maltsters Cooper).

On the 1911 Census the 20 year old Bertie is still resident in the District of Blofield.
****************************************************************
+Cecil Daynes
Middlesex Regiment

DAYNES Cecil
Private TF/204049. 1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 3rd May 1917. Born Ranworth, Norfolk. Lived Woodbastwick, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=747040

No match on Norlink

See brother Bertie for the family details.

On the 1911 Census the 22 year old Cecil is still resident in the District of Blofield.
*******************************************************************
Frederick Fowler
Norfolk Regiment

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.
*******************************************************************
+Charles B Fowler
Royal Navy

FOWLER Charles B
No further information available at present (RoH)

No obvious match under C Fowler - possibly Boy Sailor Bertrand Charles lost in 1914 with HMS Indefatigable
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2876826

However, there is a picture of Bertrand on Norlink and the accompanying notes place him firmly in the Hingham \ Wymondham part of the county - indeed I believe he is commemorated on the Hingham War memorial.

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.

No obvious match on the main source site for Royal Navy Casualties
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1003-Intro.htm

*******************************************************************
John Alfred Harvey
Royal Army Service Corps

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.
*******************************************************************
Cecil George Harvey
Surrey Yeomanry

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.
******************************************************************
Arthur James Howard
Royal Air Force

No obvious match on the 1901 Census or the high level 1911 Census search.
*****************************************************************
William Charles London
Royal Army Service Corps

The 1901 Census has a 11 year old William, born Panxworth now living in his grandfathers house at The Green, Little Plumstead. Grandfather was Isaac Weavers, a 61 year old widower listed as a Domestic Coachman. Also in the household are his widowed mother, Ethel, (aged 31, born Toft Monks, and shown as her fathers Housekeeper), as well as his brothers Arthur, (aged 7, born Horning), George, (aged 9 and born Panxworth), Thomas, (aged 14 and a stable boy, born Panxworth) and sister Emily, (aged 6 and born Horning).

On the 1911 Census high level search, the 21 year old William is resident in the Blofied rural district.

*******************************************************************
+Harry Neve
Devonshire Regiment

NEVE Harry
Probably: Private 45536. 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Aged 41. Born Hemblington, Norfolk. Enlisted Alton Hampshire. Son of George Neve and Mary Ann, his wife, of Norfolk; husband of Emily E. Neve, of Burkham Lodge, Alton, Hants. Buried: Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. III. E. 22. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=86923

No match on Norlink

By the time of the 1901 Census, the 24 year old Harry, (born Hemblington), was now resident as a boarder at “Newfoundout” Horsham Sussex. His profession is given as Gamekeeper. There is no obvious match for Harry on the 1911 Census.
Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
8th Division of which 2nd Devons were part were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Neve died of wounds received on the 31st July


******************************************************************
+Sidney A F Reed
Essex Regiment

REED Sidney Alfred Frank
Private 20626. 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Formerly 17501 Norfolk Regiment. Died at sea on 13th August 1915. Aged 21. Born Thorpe St Andrews, Norwich. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of William Read, of Ranworth, Norwich; husband of Dorothy Kathleen Sturman (formerly Read), of New Cottage, Salhouse, Norwich. Commemorated: Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. (Surname is spelt Reed on Memorial, Read on CD and Reid on CWGC. (RoH)

“Those who served list” has Sidney in the Essex Regiment - no obvious match on CWGC
Looking again in the light of the information from the Roll of Honour, there isn’t any entry on the CWGC database for an S Reid. Sidney, (spelt Sydney), turns up as a Read.
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=683185

No match on Norlink

A scan of a press cutting regarding the sinking of the transport ship Royal Edward, with a loss of over 1,000 troops and crew. The thread that follows contains a couple of links relating to the sinking.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

A passage from the History of Norfolk Regiment tells the rest of the story. Colonel Tonge refers to the loss of 300 men, the best draft that ever left Felixstowe. These men volunteered to join the Essex Regiment and appear to have constituted the drafts of June 23 and July 24 1915. They were part of the reinforcements carried by the transport "Royal Edward" which was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14th 1915. She sank two and a half minutes after the torpedo struck her.Of the 1,400 men she carried only 600 were saved, and the drowned included all but 18 of the 300 Norfolk men. The men who had had a route march just before leaving Alexandria, were waiting on deck for foot inspection at about 9.20 am. Their lifebelts were down below, and when the ship was unexpectedly struck most of them ran below to fetch the belts. Owing to the ship's sudden heeling over and sinking, these never got up again. Those who escaped were picked up by a hospital ship which responded to the s.o.s. signal.
www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/5564/royaledward.html

The 1901 Census information that relates to the individual identified on the roll of honour site is a 7 year “Sidney Read” living at 11 Brooklyn Terrace, Thorpe St Andrew. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 43 and born Upton, employed as an asylum night attendant) and Alice, (aged 27 and from Walpole), as well as brother Walter, (aged 1) and sisters, Flora H, (aged 2)and Julia, (aged 9).

The most likely match on the 1911 Census is recorded in the Loddon District, (ie further south from Norwich).
******************************************************************
Cecil T Rice MM
Royal Canadian Horse(Artillery)

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 4 year old who was born at Rackheath but who is now living at “Honey Comb” Salhouse. This is the household of his parents, Samuel, (aged 33, born Salhouse and a Carpenter Journeyman) and Elizabeth, (age 32 and from Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich) as well as brothers Denis, (aged 2, born Rackheath), John, (aged 8, born Salhouse), Louis, (under 1, born Salhouse), and sisters Eva (aged 6, born Rackheath),

The enlistment papers for Cecil Thurling Rice born 18/11/1896 can be seen here,
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

Cecil gives his profession as farming, and at the time of enlistment, (November 1915) was living in Manitoba. His regimental number was 152640.

******************************************************************
John T Rice
Royal Canadian Horse (Artillery)

See Cecil above for family

The enlistment papers for John Thurling Rice , born 14/01/1892, can be seen here,
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...
collectionscanada.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?im...

John also lists his profession as farming, and like brother Cecil has enlisted, (November 1915) in Manitoba. His regimental number is 152639. John was obviously the older and so was first in line !
******************************************************************
+Dennis Rice
Royal Warwickshire Regiment

RICE Denis
Private 29370. 1st/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Formerly 4575 Suffolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 27th August 1917. Aged 19. Born Rackheath, Norfolk. Lived Panxworth, Nr. Norwich. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Rice, of Little Plumstead, Norwich, Norfolk. Commemorated: Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 23 to 28 and 163A. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=830590

No match on Norlink

Note both the memorial and the List of those who served spell Dennis with two “N”’s, and the Roll of Honour and CWGC have one.

The 1901 Cenus also appears to have Denis - see family details for brothers John and Cecil above.

A history of the 48th Division notes it was involved in local operations near St Julian on August 27th 1917.
warpath.orbat.com/divs/48_div.htm

******************************************************************
Horace Sexton
Royal Garrison Artillery

There are at least three Horace Sexton’s in both the 1901 and 1911 Census’s who have links with Norwich, but none with links to Panxworth.
******************************************************************
Claud G Spanton
R.A.S.C (M.T)

There are no obvious matches on the 1901 Census. The 1911 Census web-site free search has a Claude Goldsmith Spanton, born 1893 and resident in the district of Blofield.
******************************************************************
Robert F Spanton
R.A.S.C (M.T)

There are no obvious matches on the 1901 Census. The 1911 Census web-site free search has a Robert Frederick Spanton, born 1897 and resident in the district of Blofield.

*****************************************************************
+William R Southgate
Cambridgeshire Regiment

SOUTHGATE William Robert
Private 328204. 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment. Formerly 21982 Norfolk Regiment. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 1st August 1917. Born Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Ref. II. J. 10. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=154096

No match on Norlink

Battle of Pilkem, 31 July - 2 August 1917 (Part of Third Ypres or Passchendaele.
39th Division of which 1st Cambs were part of, were part of the 5th Army Force engaged.
www.1914-1918.net/bat20.htm
About 12,000 men died on the 31st July alone in the opening attack.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/discovered-in-the...
Heavy rains over the next few days limited the allies opportunity for further combat so it may be that Private Southgate, like Private Neve above died of wounds received on the 31st July

The 1901 Census has a 4 year old William Robert Southgate,(born Panxworth) living near “Lion”, Ranworth. This was the household of his parents, Robert Albert, (aged 35, born Panxworth and a Horse Trainer) and Eliza Ann, (aged 39 and from Martham) as well as sister Althea Maud (aged 9, born Panxworth).

On the 1911 Census there is a 14 year old William Robert registered in the Blofield District.

******************************************************************
Archibald Sutton
Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment

There are no obvious matches on either the 1901 or 1911 Censuses with links to Norfolk
******************************************************************
+Charles Z.Tidman
Bedfordshire Regiment

TIDMAN Charles Zachariah
Private 28850. 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 30th July 1916. Aged 32. Born Ranworth. Lived Panxworth. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward Tidman, of 2, Scott's Corner, Panxworth, Norfolk, and the late Emily Tidman. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 2 C. (RoH)
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=816328

No match on Norlink

From the Bedfords War Diary.

30 Jul 1916 At 3.30 a.m. "A" Company moved up into its forming up position along the SUNKEN Road just East of the British Front Line Trench, ready for the attack at ZERO HOUR. At ZERO HOUR the Company attacked the MALTZ HORN FARM and Trench and captured it. They attacked in two lined, 1/2 Company extended in each Line. The attack was a Brilliant success, from 70 to 80 Germans being killed in the Trench, and one Prisoner taken. The Farm itself was found not to be held. As soon as "A" Company had cleared the MALTZ HORN GERMAN Trench, they were ordered to rejoin the Battalion in our original front line. This they did and suffered about 30 Casualties in the whole operation. 2nd Lieutenant H.C.LOVELY was wounded in this Operation at 4.55 a.m. Orders had been previously given to the Battalion that as soon as the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment had moved up to support the attacking Battalions, the Battalion were to move up into their positions in the Trenches just South of TRONES WOOD. This was done at about 5.45 a.m. The attack was severely hampered by a dense fog causing the attacking Battalions to lose touch. At about 6.30 a.m., Officers Commanding 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool called for reinforcements. Orders were given for "B" and "C" Companies to move up in support, but these Companies were stopped by the O.C. 17th Bn.Lings Liverpool Regiment on reaching him, as he could get no information from Officer Commanding 19th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment as to here support was required. These two Companies therefore remained with Officer Commanding 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At about 6.45 a.m. Headquarters moved up to the HAIRPIN BEND and joined the Officer Commanding 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. As no information could be given by him as to what was happening in front, "B" & "C" Companies were ordered to stay where they were with O.C. 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At 6.45 a.m. Lieutenant H.A.CHAMEN was seriously wounded. At 9 a.m. Lieutenant J.T.COE and 2nd Lieut.A.L.GORDON were wounded. At 10 a.m. Lieutenant W.WHITE with "A" Company were sent off to get touch with the French. They got touch with them and found that they had also been held up and were digging in. "A" Company therefore dug in on their left just SOUTH of MALTZ HORN FARM. At about 1.30 p.m. orders were received to consolidate the MALTZ HORN RIDGE from ARROW HEAD COPSE to the French Left. At 11.30 a.m. 2nd Lieutenant F.A.SLOAN was wounded. "D" Company under Captain L.F.BEAL were sent to connect up from MALTZ HORN FARM to the left of "A" Company, this they did and dug in. "B" and "C" Companies under Captain R.O.WYNNE moved off at 3 p.m. and dug a NEW TRENCH 300 yards long connecting up ARROW HEAD COPSE to the North end of the GERMAN MALTZ HORN Trench. The Companies were well dug in by 7 p.m. All Units that could be collected at HAIRPIN BEND were sent off at 1 p.m. to hold the old German Front Line. Trench running from MALTZ HORN FARM Northwards towards ARROW HEAD COPSE. By 7 p.m. the MALTZ HORN RIDGE was well consolidated, the whole position being heavily shelled throughout the day. At about 8 p.m. Orders were received that the Brigade were to be relieved. the Battalion was relieved by the 4th Bn.Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Commanded by Lt.Colonel SWAINSON. The relief commenced at about 2 a.m. and completed by 6 a.m. The Battalion then withdrew to our old Bivouac at 10 a.m. on the 31st July, 1916.
The Casualties during these operations were: -
OFFICERS 6. OTHER RANKS 186x x includes 9 Wounded at Duty.
31 Jul 1916 - The Citadel Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Reference Map 62.d. N.E. Speech made to the Battalion by Major General J.S.M.SHEA, C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 30th Division, on 31st July, 1916. "I have come here this morning to thank you all for the way that you fought yesterday. It may seem to most of you that after doing all you could, you were only successful in capturing a small amount of ground. This however does not in any way represent the results of your hard fighting. It came to my knowledge only this morning, that eleven of the freshest German Battalions (The 12th Bavarian reserve) had just been brought up on the front which you attacked. There were only 8 Battalions actually fighting for the Division, and judging from the number of prisoners taken, and the number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy, it is clear that you were instrumental in completely preventing what would have been a very strong counter attack on the Bantams in TRONES WOOD. The Army Commander has told me to thank you for him, and to his thanks I add mine and my hearty congratulations. Colonel Poyntz I congratulate you on your Battalion and on your men."
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbtn/2ndbtn1916diary.html

The 1901 Census has 16 year old Charles, (born Panxworth and employed as an ordinary agricultural labourer), living at Scots Corner Panxworth. This was the household of his parents, Edward, (aged 46, born Ranworth and also an agricultural labourer) and Emily, (aged 52, from Hopton), as well as sisters Edith C, (age 14, born Ranworth) and Ethel May, (age 12, born Ranworth).

The 1911 Census has a “28” year old Charles L. registered in the Blofield District, which doesn’t quiet tie in with either the age on the 1901 census, or the name recorded elsewhere.
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Edward H Ward
Australian Imperial Force

The 1901 Census has a 12 year old Edward H A Ward, born Panxworth, living near the Lion Inn, Ranworth with Panxworth. This was the household of his parents, Aaron Edward, (aged 44 and from Lingwood, employed as an Assistant Carrier) and Eliza M, (aged 42 and from Strumpshaw), as well as sisters Constance C, (aged 10, born Panxworth), Florence F.F, (aged 16, born Upton and employed as a School Teacher), Maude S, (aged 15, born Upton), Pleasance H, (aged 5, born Panxworth) and brother Walter. T (aged 8, born Panxworth).

Edward does not appear on the 1911 Census, (as far as I can tell !)

Edward’s Australian Army record can be viewed here:-
naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ItemDetail.asp?M=0&B=8361301...

Edward Henry Ward signed his enlistment papers on the 29th December 1914, giving his trade as Farm hand. He stated he had served previously but had been discharged on ground of “interic” (Enteric) fever. His mother, Eliza was given as his next of kin.

After basic training he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion and went to Gallipoli with them. In mid July he was evacuated, with what looks like “Scabies” although other reports describe a condition that might best be called “Genital Warts“, re-joining his unit on the 5th August 1915. On the 14th February 1916 he was transferred to the 54th Battalion, then stationed at Tel-El_Kebir, where he was promoted to Driver. The unit moved to France, with Edward arriving at Marseilles on the 27.6.16.

Post war end he seems to have a few discipline problems, being found drunk on duty, and overstaying leave. He was eventually discharged in October 1919.

54th Battalion formed part of the 5th Division AIF.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_5th_Division_(World_War_I)