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Wilfrid Potter
Arnold W Rash
Ralph R Rash
Charles W Ray
Ephraim H.Sharman
Martin Sharman
Samuel H Smith
Denis G Wilby
George Wilby
Augustus F Winearls
James R Woods
For more on each name, see the comments below.
Abbreviations used.
CWGC - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
SDGW - Soldiers Died in the Great War
Picture Norfolk - The Norfolk County Picture Archive
There is a stained glass window in the church of St Mary, Wortham dedicated to Arnold and his brother Ralph. I wonder if the faces are those of the young men concerned.
In memory of Arnold William Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt, who fell at the Battle of Passchendaele
July 31st 1917 aged 25, & of Ralph Reginald Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt who fell at the battle of the Somme October 12th 1916 – aged 20, 4th and 6th sons of J J Rash J.P. of Wortham.
Arnold W Rash………………………………………….
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Arnold William………………………4th Suffolk
RASH, ARNOLD WILLIAM
Rank:………………………………….Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:……………………31/07/1917
Age:……………………………………25
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment,5th Bn.
Grave Reference:……………….C. 18.
Cemetery:………………………….BUFFS ROAD CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of John J. and Mary L. Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London. Native of Wortham, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/451689/RASH,%20ARNOLD...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt Arnold William Rash was Killed in Action on the 31st July 1917 whilst serving with the 5th Battalion (Territorial), Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index card for Second Lieutenant Arnold William Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151415. He had originally been Private 2173 in the same Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786580
The Probate Calendar for 1918 records that Arnold William Rash of 44 Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, Middlesex died of wounds on the 31st July 1917 in France. Administration was granted at the London Court on the 8th June 1918 to the widow Mary Lucy Rash. Effects were valued at £964 5s.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Rash&ye...
Arnold William Rash, born 5th May 1892, attended Framlingham College from 1906 – 10. He was one of seven brothers to attend the College. The College Roll of Honour records that he was a Prefect and Queen Victoria Scholar. He won the Goldsmith Prize and Gold Medal for Maths 1908, the Book Keeping Prize 1908-09 and the Maths Prize, 1909. The article includes a picture of his headstone.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He is also remembered on the Leiston cum Sizewell War Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/Leiston.html
April to June 1892
The birth of an Arnold William Rash was registered in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in this quarter of 1892. (Hartismere includes the village of Wortham)
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2FM4-3QW
The baptism of Arnold William Rash, son of John Josiah and Mary Lucy Rash took place at St Mary Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk on the 17th October 1892.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNX7-F26
1901 Census
The 8 year old Arnold William, born Wortham, was recorded as resident at New Waters Farm, Wortham. This was the household of his parents, John Josiah, (aged 49 and a Miller + Farmer from Wortham) and Mary Lucy, (aged 39 and from Norwich, Norfolk). As well as Arnold, the other children still at home are:-
Ethel Maud…………aged 17…………born Wortham
Annie Lucy………….aged 16…………born Wortham
Ella Mary…………….aged 14…………born Wortham…..Deaf + Dumb from Childhood
Rowland Harry……aged 10…………born Wortham
Basil Lionel………….aged 6………….born Wortham
Ralph Reginald…….aged 4………….born Wortham
The family then have one live in servant.
New Waters Farm, Wortham
media1.fineandcountry.com/v3/clients/346/properties/50024...
The legend on the window states that Arnold and Reginald are the 4th and 6th sons,and the details from the Framlingham College Roll of Honour indicates 6 sons attended the College. Its likely therefore that there are two older sons who were not living at home on the 1901 census. Going back to the 1891 census it looks like the family have been recorded with the surname “Pash”. Running through the children recorded, as well as Ethel Maud, (7), Annie Lucy,(6), Ella Mary, (4) and Rowland Harry, (5 months) there are also two additional sons – John Cecil, (3) and Charles Edward, (1) – both born Wortham.
On the 1901 census, John Cecil Rash, (13 – born Wortham) and Charles Edward Rash, (11 – born Wortham), were both recorded as Boarders at Eye Grammar School in the nearby town of Eye.
1911 Census
The 18 year old Arnold William, an Engineering Cost Clerk from Wortham, was recorded living as a Boarder at “Lyndhurst”, Leiston, Suffolk. This was the household of a William and Eliza West. William works as a General Labourer in a Boiler Shop.
I could not find a marriage in England and Wales for an Arnold Rash. So unless he married somewhere else, (or there is a gap\error in the official records), then I suspect the widow Mary Lucy who sorted out his estate was his mother.
Older brother John Cecil, aged 23 and single, was recorded as the Head of the Household at 6, New Bridge Terrace, St Ives, Huntingdon. John was working as a Solicitors Articled Clerk.
John also appears on the Wortham Roll of Honour of those that served – his unit is shown as the 4th Suffolks.
In fact it looks like he actually initially served with the Suffolk (The Duke of York’s Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars) Yeomanry as a Private and was then appointed to be a Second Lieutetant in the Suffolk Regiment, effective 21st September 1915.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29302/supplement/9308/d...
There are two Medal Index Cards held at the National Archive for a J C Rash. On the first he is shown as a Second Lieutenant, and its held under reference WO 372/24/80921.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6320446
The second records him as Second Lieutenant\Temporary Captain in the same Regiment, using reference WO 372/24/51747
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6526611
The second oldest son, Charles Edward, (21) has meanwhile moved back home, where he describes himself as a Miller and Merchant, a Working Partner in a business run from home. Head of the household is his widowed mother Mary Lucy, aged 49. Although she does not state how many years she was married to her late husband, she has completed the columns advising on the number of children of the relationship. Mary had 13 children of which 11 are then still alive. As well as Charles Edward, also still at home are:-
Ethel Maud………..aged 27
Annie Lucy………….aged 26
Ella May……………..aged 24…Deaf and Dumb from birth
Eric Douglas……….aged 6..born Wortham
Joyce Eileen……….aged 1..born Wortham
There is also a guest and 2 live in Domestic Servants. Although Ella’s disabilities are documented on all three censuses she appears on after birth, from the signature it looks like she actually completed the return.
Ralph Reginald and Basil Lionel were recorded as Boarders at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
Rowland Harry Rash is not on the 1911 census. However, the death of a Rowland Harry Rash born 10th November 1890 did not occur until the October to December quarter of 1977 in the Hartismere District of Suffolk, so either he was outside England and Wales on the night of the census, was missed or had been mis-transcribed.
In Kelly's of 1937 Rowland Harry Rash is living at Wortham Manor.
He is also noted as being farmer and landowner Wortham Manor, Ling and
Hall > Farms, The Executors of J J Rash - Bailiff Robert Dixon looking after Beech Tree
Farm. There is a note to say that the Manor, occupied by R H Rash is an ancient
manor set in well timbered grounds.
I recall delivering groceries to the Manor in the sixties. The place was at that time owned and inhabited by the widow of Mr R H Rash. She was Doreen Rash, nee Wallace, and was a celebrated authoress in her maiden name.
In the 'thirties, the Rashes led a famous protest against the payment of tithes to the church, a campaign which was featured in the national press, I believe. There is a monument in the village (although not all that near to the Manor House), which commemorates the events, although its inscription
doesn't offer a very informative explanation of its purpose. It is known as the 'Tithe War Stone'.
Source: archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/SUFFOLK/2005-02/11...
On the day
The 5th Territorials were actually serving in Palestine, so I suspect he was more likely on the books of the 2nd/5th, the training unit. From there he would most probably have been attached to one of the active service Battalions serving in France.
Update (and correction) 25/10/2015)
I originally assumed this was probably the 8th Battalion, as that was the only unit I could identify from the Suffolk Regiment who were in the assault on the day of Alan’s death. When I originally posted this image I gave details of that battalions actions and casualties on that day. However, seeking to confirm this one way or the other, I posted a question on the Great War Forum.
Very quickly Forum member IPT identified that he was attached to the 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire – a unit I know has very close connections with the Suffolk Regiment.
31st July 1917: 5.30am 118th Brigade advanced in artillery formation. Cheshires on right, Herts in centre and 4/5th BW on left, with Cambs in reserve moving behind BW. 6.30am the three leading btns in Blue line and 1st Cambs on X line. 7.30am 116th & 117th Brigades took Black line. 118th Brigade advanced. Cambs advanced at 10.30am disposed as follows - two coys on a line east and west of 250yds north of Border House, with two coys in reserve and due west of Border House and one detailed to support 4/5 BW at C1815.5. At 10.10am brigade moved forward to attack the Solid Green line. 10.54am Solid Green line captured by Cheshires. 10.50am counter attack from most eastern part of Langemarke line on Herts who had lost all officers. BW had to fall back to conform. Cambs attacked with two coys and drove Germans back. By 5pm the line was back on Dotted Green Line with exception of 4/5 BW. At this time Cambs attacked at Border House and beat Germans back. Germans were around flank so Cambs ordered to retire south of Hannebeke. At 5.30pm they were at Canvas Tr-Canteen Tr. 10pm ordered to withdraw through 116th and 117th Brigades.
August 1st: 1.30pm Cambs Rgt reassembled in Coney Street and roll called. A, B and HQ in tunnels at Belle Alliance and C & D in Coney Street. Due to casualties, re-organised btn into two coys.
Aug 2nd: About noon orders received that Germans expected to counter-attack. Btn moved into support in Calf Trench (old German front line). 9pm, btn to occupy Blue and Dotted Blue Lines from Mouse Trap Farm to Krupp Farm - whole neighbourhood almost 12 inches deep in mud. No II Coy on right in position aout 2.30am, but No I on left did not get into position until 5am.
3rd: Btn HQ in old dugout in Caliban Trench.
4th: 2pm orders received that btn would relieve 17th Sherwood Foresters in front line - relief completed by midnight. No 1 coy in Dotted Blue line in front of Steenbeck, No 2 at Alberta. Btn HQ in Black Line at Kitchener’s Wood.
5th: 11pm btn relieved by 1/4th Ox & Bucks, moved to camp near Reigensburg Chateau.
Casualties 31/7 to 6/8: Killed - Capt F C Jonas, Capt B M Hunter RAMC, 2nd Lt A H Muirhead, Lt A J Gray, att 118th Brigade; 2nd Lt A W Rash, 4th Suffolks; Capt C L Awberry, 4th Essex. DoW - 2nd Lt W Ritchie; 2nd Lt R Hill. Wounded: Capt A Dunlop, Lt C L Tebbutt, Lt A Fison, 2nd Lts G Smith, G Blackburn, F Spicer, B Silk, E Twelvetrees, H Raven. Other ranks - 30 killed, 26 missing, two wounded and missing, 215 wounded.
Another forum member has more details on brother John Cecil who served with the 1/4th Suffolks.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=232...
Ralph R Rash……………………………………………..
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Ralph Reginald………………………10th Suffolk
RASH, RALPH REGINALD
Rank:…………………………………Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:…………………..12/10/1916
Age:…………………………………..19
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment, 7th Bn.
Panel Reference:……………….Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A.
Memorial:…………………………THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Mary Lucy Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London, and the late John Josiah Rash, J.P.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1550248/RASH,%20RALPH...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt (TP) Ralph Reginald Rash was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index Card for Second Lieutenant Ralph Reginald Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151428
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786593
Ralph Reginald Rash, born 7th November 1896, attended Framlingham College from 1910-13. One of 6 brothers to attend the College, he was a Sub-Prefect. A 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, he was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916. There is a picture of the relevant panel on the Thiepval Memorial.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He was appointed Temporary Second Lieutenant on the 20th July 1915 being either a Cadet oe Ex-Cadet of the Officer Training Corps.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29236/page/7081/data.pdf
Birth
The birth of a Ralph Reginald Rash was recorded in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter of 1896.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2F7M-2MF
1901 census
See Brother Arnold William above for details of the family on this census.
1911 Census
The 14 year old Ralph Reginald was recorded as a Boarder at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
On the day
12th - Attack on Guedecourt with 7th Suffolks on right, 7th Norfolks on left. Wire uncut and remnants of battalions back to start.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=487...
Nearer to Gueudecourt, 12th Div attacked Hilt Trench with the Newfoundland Regt. The Newfies were attached from 29th Div. They continued the advance to Grease Trench but were forced to withdraw at 5.30pm. They held onto the captured section of Hilt Trench and bombed some way along it before erecting a barricade. Meanwhile 7th Suffolks and 7th Norfolks (35 Bde, 12th Div) were halted by uncut wire in front of Bayonet Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...
Battalion War Diary for the 7th Norfolks.
12th October 1916. Flers Trench near Flers.
Today at 2.5pm we attacked BAYONET TRENCH. Last night the assembly trenches were completed + all the battalion lay out in them from 5 a.m. this morning until the attack. The attack was carried out with all four companies in the line, disposed in depth, one platoon behind the other, D on the right C,B,A. On our right, 7th Suffolk Regt and on our left 2nd Royal Scots, 30 Divison. Battn HQ remained in BULLS ROAD. The object was to attack was first of all to capture BAYONET+SCABBARD TRENCH and then to sweep up + take LUISENHOF FARM and establish a line beyond it.
At 2.5 pm our artillery barrage commenced + our men advanced to the assault. After advancing about 50 yards, the Hun opened fire with M.G.s from both flanks + from in front. Our troops continued to advance but before reaching the enemys trench ran into barbed wire which had not been cut. The wire coupled with the M.G fire prevented any further advance, and our men lay down in shell holes from where they brought rifle fire to bear on the Germans who were standing up in their trenches shooting at them. We caused considerable casualties in this way to the enemy. After dark we made a further attempt to cut a way through to the enemy’s trench but the line proved too strong. The survivors then crawled back to our own line and then reformed. The 9th Essex Regt.then relieved us +the Suffolk Regt. In the front line + we came back to FLERS TRENCH, the Reserve lines near FLERS which we are sharing with the Suffolk Regt.
There is a stained glass window in the church of St Mary, Wortham dedicated to Arnold and his brother Ralph. I wonder if the faces are those of the young men concerned.
In memory of Arnold William Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt, who fell at the Battle of Passchendaele
July 31st 1917 aged 25, & of Ralph Reginald Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt who fell at the battle of the Somme October 12th 1916 – aged 20, 4th and 6th sons of J J Rash J.P. of Wortham.
Arnold W Rash………………………………………….
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Arnold William………………………4th Suffolk
RASH, ARNOLD WILLIAM
Rank:………………………………….Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:……………………31/07/1917
Age:……………………………………25
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment,5th Bn.
Grave Reference:……………….C. 18.
Cemetery:………………………….BUFFS ROAD CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of John J. and Mary L. Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London. Native of Wortham, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/451689/RASH,%20ARNOLD...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt Arnold William Rash was Killed in Action on the 31st July 1917 whilst serving with the 5th Battalion (Territorial), Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index card for Second Lieutenant Arnold William Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151415. He had originally been Private 2173 in the same Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786580
The Probate Calendar for 1918 records that Arnold William Rash of 44 Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, Middlesex died of wounds on the 31st July 1917 in France. Administration was granted at the London Court on the 8th June 1918 to the widow Mary Lucy Rash. Effects were valued at £964 5s.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Rash&ye...
Arnold William Rash, born 5th May 1892, attended Framlingham College from 1906 – 10. He was one of seven brothers to attend the College. The College Roll of Honour records that he was a Prefect and Queen Victoria Scholar. He won the Goldsmith Prize and Gold Medal for Maths 1908, the Book Keeping Prize 1908-09 and the Maths Prize, 1909. The article includes a picture of his headstone.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He is also remembered on the Leiston cum Sizewell War Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/Leiston.html
April to June 1892
The birth of an Arnold William Rash was registered in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in this quarter of 1892. (Hartismere includes the village of Wortham)
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2FM4-3QW
The baptism of Arnold William Rash, son of John Josiah and Mary Lucy Rash took place at St Mary Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk on the 17th October 1892.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNX7-F26
1901 Census
The 8 year old Arnold William, born Wortham, was recorded as resident at New Waters Farm, Wortham. This was the household of his parents, John Josiah, (aged 49 and a Miller + Farmer from Wortham) and Mary Lucy, (aged 39 and from Norwich, Norfolk). As well as Arnold, the other children still at home are:-
Ethel Maud…………aged 17…………born Wortham
Annie Lucy………….aged 16…………born Wortham
Ella Mary…………….aged 14…………born Wortham…..Deaf + Dumb from Childhood
Rowland Harry……aged 10…………born Wortham
Basil Lionel………….aged 6………….born Wortham
Ralph Reginald…….aged 4………….born Wortham
The family then have one live in servant.
New Waters Farm, Wortham
media1.fineandcountry.com/v3/clients/346/properties/50024...
The legend on the window states that Arnold and Reginald are the 4th and 6th sons,and the details from the Framlingham College Roll of Honour indicates 6 sons attended the College. Its likely therefore that there are two older sons who were not living at home on the 1901 census. Going back to the 1891 census it looks like the family have been recorded with the surname “Pash”. Running through the children recorded, as well as Ethel Maud, (7), Annie Lucy,(6), Ella Mary, (4) and Rowland Harry, (5 months) there are also two additional sons – John Cecil, (3) and Charles Edward, (1) – both born Wortham.
On the 1901 census, John Cecil Rash, (13 – born Wortham) and Charles Edward Rash, (11 – born Wortham), were both recorded as Boarders at Eye Grammar School in the nearby town of Eye.
1911 Census
The 18 year old Arnold William, an Engineering Cost Clerk from Wortham, was recorded living as a Boarder at “Lyndhurst”, Leiston, Suffolk. This was the household of a William and Eliza West. William works as a General Labourer in a Boiler Shop.
I could not find a marriage in England and Wales for an Arnold Rash. So unless he married somewhere else, (or there is a gap\error in the official records), then I suspect the widow Mary Lucy who sorted out his estate was his mother.
Older brother John Cecil, aged 23 and single, was recorded as the Head of the Household at 6, New Bridge Terrace, St Ives, Huntingdon. John was working as a Solicitors Articled Clerk.
John also appears on the Wortham Roll of Honour of those that served – his unit is shown as the 4th Suffolks.
In fact it looks like he actually initially served with the Suffolk (The Duke of York’s Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars) Yeomanry as a Private and was then appointed to be a Second Lieutetant in the Suffolk Regiment, effective 21st September 1915.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29302/supplement/9308/d...
There are two Medal Index Cards held at the National Archive for a J C Rash. On the first he is shown as a Second Lieutenant, and its held under reference WO 372/24/80921.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6320446
The second records him as Second Lieutenant\Temporary Captain in the same Regiment, using reference WO 372/24/51747
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6526611
The second oldest son, Charles Edward, (21) has meanwhile moved back home, where he describes himself as a Miller and Merchant, a Working Partner in a business run from home. Head of the household is his widowed mother Mary Lucy, aged 49. Although she does not state how many years she was married to her late husband, she has completed the columns advising on the number of children of the relationship. Mary had 13 children of which 11 are then still alive. As well as Charles Edward, also still at home are:-
Ethel Maud………..aged 27
Annie Lucy………….aged 26
Ella May……………..aged 24…Deaf and Dumb from birth
Eric Douglas……….aged 6..born Wortham
Joyce Eileen……….aged 1..born Wortham
There is also a guest and 2 live in Domestic Servants. Although Ella’s disabilities are documented on all three censuses she appears on after birth, from the signature it looks like she actually completed the return.
Ralph Reginald and Basil Lionel were recorded as Boarders at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
Rowland Harry Rash is not on the 1911 census. However, the death of a Rowland Harry Rash born 10th November 1890 did not occur until the October to December quarter of 1977 in the Hartismere District of Suffolk, so either he was outside England and Wales on the night of the census, was missed or had been mis-transcribed.
In Kelly's of 1937 Rowland Harry Rash is living at Wortham Manor.
He is also noted as being farmer and landowner Wortham Manor, Ling and
Hall > Farms, The Executors of J J Rash - Bailiff Robert Dixon looking after Beech Tree
Farm. There is a note to say that the Manor, occupied by R H Rash is an ancient
manor set in well timbered grounds.
I recall delivering groceries to the Manor in the sixties. The place was at that time owned and inhabited by the widow of Mr R H Rash. She was Doreen Rash, nee Wallace, and was a celebrated authoress in her maiden name.
In the 'thirties, the Rashes led a famous protest against the payment of tithes to the church, a campaign which was featured in the national press, I believe. There is a monument in the village (although not all that near to the Manor House), which commemorates the events, although its inscription
doesn't offer a very informative explanation of its purpose. It is known as the 'Tithe War Stone'.
Source: archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/SUFFOLK/2005-02/11...
On the day
The 5th Territorials were actually serving in Palestine, so I suspect he was more likely on the books of the 2nd/5th, the training unit. From there he would most probably have been attached to one of the active service Battalions serving in France.
Update (and correction) 25/10/2015)
I originally assumed this was probably the 8th Battalion, as that was the only unit I could identify from the Suffolk Regiment who were in the assault on the day of Alan’s death. When I originally posted this image I gave details of that battalions actions and casualties on that day. However, seeking to confirm this one way or the other, I posted a question on the Great War Forum.
Very quickly Forum member IPT identified that he was attached to the 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire – a unit I know has very close connections with the Suffolk Regiment.
31st July 1917: 5.30am 118th Brigade advanced in artillery formation. Cheshires on right, Herts in centre and 4/5th BW on left, with Cambs in reserve moving behind BW. 6.30am the three leading btns in Blue line and 1st Cambs on X line. 7.30am 116th & 117th Brigades took Black line. 118th Brigade advanced. Cambs advanced at 10.30am disposed as follows - two coys on a line east and west of 250yds north of Border House, with two coys in reserve and due west of Border House and one detailed to support 4/5 BW at C1815.5. At 10.10am brigade moved forward to attack the Solid Green line. 10.54am Solid Green line captured by Cheshires. 10.50am counter attack from most eastern part of Langemarke line on Herts who had lost all officers. BW had to fall back to conform. Cambs attacked with two coys and drove Germans back. By 5pm the line was back on Dotted Green Line with exception of 4/5 BW. At this time Cambs attacked at Border House and beat Germans back. Germans were around flank so Cambs ordered to retire south of Hannebeke. At 5.30pm they were at Canvas Tr-Canteen Tr. 10pm ordered to withdraw through 116th and 117th Brigades.
August 1st: 1.30pm Cambs Rgt reassembled in Coney Street and roll called. A, B and HQ in tunnels at Belle Alliance and C & D in Coney Street. Due to casualties, re-organised btn into two coys.
Aug 2nd: About noon orders received that Germans expected to counter-attack. Btn moved into support in Calf Trench (old German front line). 9pm, btn to occupy Blue and Dotted Blue Lines from Mouse Trap Farm to Krupp Farm - whole neighbourhood almost 12 inches deep in mud. No II Coy on right in position aout 2.30am, but No I on left did not get into position until 5am.
3rd: Btn HQ in old dugout in Caliban Trench.
4th: 2pm orders received that btn would relieve 17th Sherwood Foresters in front line - relief completed by midnight. No 1 coy in Dotted Blue line in front of Steenbeck, No 2 at Alberta. Btn HQ in Black Line at Kitchener’s Wood.
5th: 11pm btn relieved by 1/4th Ox & Bucks, moved to camp near Reigensburg Chateau.
Casualties 31/7 to 6/8: Killed - Capt F C Jonas, Capt B M Hunter RAMC, 2nd Lt A H Muirhead, Lt A J Gray, att 118th Brigade; 2nd Lt A W Rash, 4th Suffolks; Capt C L Awberry, 4th Essex. DoW - 2nd Lt W Ritchie; 2nd Lt R Hill. Wounded: Capt A Dunlop, Lt C L Tebbutt, Lt A Fison, 2nd Lts G Smith, G Blackburn, F Spicer, B Silk, E Twelvetrees, H Raven. Other ranks - 30 killed, 26 missing, two wounded and missing, 215 wounded.
Another forum member has more details on brother John Cecil who served with the 1/4th Suffolks.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=232...
Ralph R Rash……………………………………………..
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Ralph Reginald………………………10th Suffolk
RASH, RALPH REGINALD
Rank:…………………………………Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:…………………..12/10/1916
Age:…………………………………..19
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment, 7th Bn.
Panel Reference:……………….Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A.
Memorial:…………………………THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Mary Lucy Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London, and the late John Josiah Rash, J.P.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1550248/RASH,%20RALPH...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt (TP) Ralph Reginald Rash was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index Card for Second Lieutenant Ralph Reginald Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151428
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786593
Ralph Reginald Rash, born 7th November 1896, attended Framlingham College from 1910-13. One of 6 brothers to attend the College, he was a Sub-Prefect. A 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, he was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916. There is a picture of the relevant panel on the Thiepval Memorial.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He was appointed Temporary Second Lieutenant on the 20th July 1915 being either a Cadet oe Ex-Cadet of the Officer Training Corps.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29236/page/7081/data.pdf
Birth
The birth of a Ralph Reginald Rash was recorded in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter of 1896.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2F7M-2MF
1901 census
See Brother Arnold William above for details of the family on this census.
1911 Census
The 14 year old Ralph Reginald was recorded as a Boarder at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
On the day
12th - Attack on Guedecourt with 7th Suffolks on right, 7th Norfolks on left. Wire uncut and remnants of battalions back to start.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=487...
Nearer to Gueudecourt, 12th Div attacked Hilt Trench with the Newfoundland Regt. The Newfies were attached from 29th Div. They continued the advance to Grease Trench but were forced to withdraw at 5.30pm. They held onto the captured section of Hilt Trench and bombed some way along it before erecting a barricade. Meanwhile 7th Suffolks and 7th Norfolks (35 Bde, 12th Div) were halted by uncut wire in front of Bayonet Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...
Battalion War Diary for the 7th Norfolks.
12th October 1916. Flers Trench near Flers.
Today at 2.5pm we attacked BAYONET TRENCH. Last night the assembly trenches were completed + all the battalion lay out in them from 5 a.m. this morning until the attack. The attack was carried out with all four companies in the line, disposed in depth, one platoon behind the other, D on the right C,B,A. On our right, 7th Suffolk Regt and on our left 2nd Royal Scots, 30 Divison. Battn HQ remained in BULLS ROAD. The object was to attack was first of all to capture BAYONET+SCABBARD TRENCH and then to sweep up + take LUISENHOF FARM and establish a line beyond it.
At 2.5 pm our artillery barrage commenced + our men advanced to the assault. After advancing about 50 yards, the Hun opened fire with M.G.s from both flanks + from in front. Our troops continued to advance but before reaching the enemys trench ran into barbed wire which had not been cut. The wire coupled with the M.G fire prevented any further advance, and our men lay down in shell holes from where they brought rifle fire to bear on the Germans who were standing up in their trenches shooting at them. We caused considerable casualties in this way to the enemy. After dark we made a further attempt to cut a way through to the enemy’s trench but the line proved too strong. The survivors then crawled back to our own line and then reformed. The 9th Essex Regt.then relieved us +the Suffolk Regt. In the front line + we came back to FLERS TRENCH, the Reserve lines near FLERS which we are sharing with the Suffolk Regt.
There is a stained glass window in the church of St Mary, Wortham dedicated to Arnold and his brother Ralph. I wonder if the faces are those of the young men concerned.
In memory of Arnold William Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt, who fell at the Battle of Passchendaele
July 31st 1917 aged 25, & of Ralph Reginald Rash 2nd Lieut Suffolk Regt who fell at the battle of the Somme October 12th 1916 – aged 20, 4th and 6th sons of J J Rash J.P. of Wortham.
Arnold W Rash………………………………………….
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Arnold William………………………4th Suffolk
RASH, ARNOLD WILLIAM
Rank:………………………………….Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:……………………31/07/1917
Age:……………………………………25
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment,5th Bn.
Grave Reference:……………….C. 18.
Cemetery:………………………….BUFFS ROAD CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of John J. and Mary L. Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London. Native of Wortham, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/451689/RASH,%20ARNOLD...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt Arnold William Rash was Killed in Action on the 31st July 1917 whilst serving with the 5th Battalion (Territorial), Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index card for Second Lieutenant Arnold William Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151415. He had originally been Private 2173 in the same Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786580
The Probate Calendar for 1918 records that Arnold William Rash of 44 Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, Middlesex died of wounds on the 31st July 1917 in France. Administration was granted at the London Court on the 8th June 1918 to the widow Mary Lucy Rash. Effects were valued at £964 5s.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Rash&ye...
Arnold William Rash, born 5th May 1892, attended Framlingham College from 1906 – 10. He was one of seven brothers to attend the College. The College Roll of Honour records that he was a Prefect and Queen Victoria Scholar. He won the Goldsmith Prize and Gold Medal for Maths 1908, the Book Keeping Prize 1908-09 and the Maths Prize, 1909. The article includes a picture of his headstone.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He is also remembered on the Leiston cum Sizewell War Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/Leiston.html
April to June 1892
The birth of an Arnold William Rash was registered in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in this quarter of 1892. (Hartismere includes the village of Wortham)
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2FM4-3QW
The baptism of Arnold William Rash, son of John Josiah and Mary Lucy Rash took place at St Mary Redgrave with Botesdale, Suffolk on the 17th October 1892.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNX7-F26
1901 Census
The 8 year old Arnold William, born Wortham, was recorded as resident at New Waters Farm, Wortham. This was the household of his parents, John Josiah, (aged 49 and a Miller + Farmer from Wortham) and Mary Lucy, (aged 39 and from Norwich, Norfolk). As well as Arnold, the other children still at home are:-
Ethel Maud…………aged 17…………born Wortham
Annie Lucy………….aged 16…………born Wortham
Ella Mary…………….aged 14…………born Wortham…..Deaf + Dumb from Childhood
Rowland Harry……aged 10…………born Wortham
Basil Lionel………….aged 6………….born Wortham
Ralph Reginald…….aged 4………….born Wortham
The family then have one live in servant.
New Waters Farm, Wortham
media1.fineandcountry.com/v3/clients/346/properties/50024...
The legend on the window states that Arnold and Reginald are the 4th and 6th sons,and the details from the Framlingham College Roll of Honour indicates 6 sons attended the College. Its likely therefore that there are two older sons who were not living at home on the 1901 census. Going back to the 1891 census it looks like the family have been recorded with the surname “Pash”. Running through the children recorded, as well as Ethel Maud, (7), Annie Lucy,(6), Ella Mary, (4) and Rowland Harry, (5 months) there are also two additional sons – John Cecil, (3) and Charles Edward, (1) – both born Wortham.
On the 1901 census, John Cecil Rash, (13 – born Wortham) and Charles Edward Rash, (11 – born Wortham), were both recorded as Boarders at Eye Grammar School in the nearby town of Eye.
1911 Census
The 18 year old Arnold William, an Engineering Cost Clerk from Wortham, was recorded living as a Boarder at “Lyndhurst”, Leiston, Suffolk. This was the household of a William and Eliza West. William works as a General Labourer in a Boiler Shop.
I could not find a marriage in England and Wales for an Arnold Rash. So unless he married somewhere else, (or there is a gap\error in the official records), then I suspect the widow Mary Lucy who sorted out his estate was his mother.
Older brother John Cecil, aged 23 and single, was recorded as the Head of the Household at 6, New Bridge Terrace, St Ives, Huntingdon. John was working as a Solicitors Articled Clerk.
John also appears on the Wortham Roll of Honour of those that served – his unit is shown as the 4th Suffolks.
In fact it looks like he actually initially served with the Suffolk (The Duke of York’s Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars) Yeomanry as a Private and was then appointed to be a Second Lieutetant in the Suffolk Regiment, effective 21st September 1915.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29302/supplement/9308/d...
There are two Medal Index Cards held at the National Archive for a J C Rash. On the first he is shown as a Second Lieutenant, and its held under reference WO 372/24/80921.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6320446
The second records him as Second Lieutenant\Temporary Captain in the same Regiment, using reference WO 372/24/51747
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6526611
The second oldest son, Charles Edward, (21) has meanwhile moved back home, where he describes himself as a Miller and Merchant, a Working Partner in a business run from home. Head of the household is his widowed mother Mary Lucy, aged 49. Although she does not state how many years she was married to her late husband, she has completed the columns advising on the number of children of the relationship. Mary had 13 children of which 11 are then still alive. As well as Charles Edward, also still at home are:-
Ethel Maud………..aged 27
Annie Lucy………….aged 26
Ella May……………..aged 24…Deaf and Dumb from birth
Eric Douglas……….aged 6..born Wortham
Joyce Eileen……….aged 1..born Wortham
There is also a guest and 2 live in Domestic Servants. Although Ella’s disabilities are documented on all three censuses she appears on after birth, from the signature it looks like she actually completed the return.
Ralph Reginald and Basil Lionel were recorded as Boarders at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
Rowland Harry Rash is not on the 1911 census. However, the death of a Rowland Harry Rash born 10th November 1890 did not occur until the October to December quarter of 1977 in the Hartismere District of Suffolk, so either he was outside England and Wales on the night of the census, was missed or had been mis-transcribed.
In Kelly's of 1937 Rowland Harry Rash is living at Wortham Manor.
He is also noted as being farmer and landowner Wortham Manor, Ling and
Hall > Farms, The Executors of J J Rash - Bailiff Robert Dixon looking after Beech Tree
Farm. There is a note to say that the Manor, occupied by R H Rash is an ancient
manor set in well timbered grounds.
I recall delivering groceries to the Manor in the sixties. The place was at that time owned and inhabited by the widow of Mr R H Rash. She was Doreen Rash, nee Wallace, and was a celebrated authoress in her maiden name.
In the 'thirties, the Rashes led a famous protest against the payment of tithes to the church, a campaign which was featured in the national press, I believe. There is a monument in the village (although not all that near to the Manor House), which commemorates the events, although its inscription
doesn't offer a very informative explanation of its purpose. It is known as the 'Tithe War Stone'.
Source: archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/SUFFOLK/2005-02/11...
On the day
The 5th Territorials were actually serving in Palestine, so I suspect he was more likely on the books of the 2nd/5th, the training unit. From there he would most probably have been attached to one of the active service Battalions serving in France.
Update (and correction) 25/10/2015)
I originally assumed this was probably the 8th Battalion, as that was the only unit I could identify from the Suffolk Regiment who were in the assault on the day of Alan’s death. When I originally posted this image I gave details of that battalions actions and casualties on that day. However, seeking to confirm this one way or the other, I posted a question on the Great War Forum.
Very quickly Forum member IPT identified that he was attached to the 1st/1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire – a unit I know has very close connections with the Suffolk Regiment.
31st July 1917: 5.30am 118th Brigade advanced in artillery formation. Cheshires on right, Herts in centre and 4/5th BW on left, with Cambs in reserve moving behind BW. 6.30am the three leading btns in Blue line and 1st Cambs on X line. 7.30am 116th & 117th Brigades took Black line. 118th Brigade advanced. Cambs advanced at 10.30am disposed as follows - two coys on a line east and west of 250yds north of Border House, with two coys in reserve and due west of Border House and one detailed to support 4/5 BW at C1815.5. At 10.10am brigade moved forward to attack the Solid Green line. 10.54am Solid Green line captured by Cheshires. 10.50am counter attack from most eastern part of Langemarke line on Herts who had lost all officers. BW had to fall back to conform. Cambs attacked with two coys and drove Germans back. By 5pm the line was back on Dotted Green Line with exception of 4/5 BW. At this time Cambs attacked at Border House and beat Germans back. Germans were around flank so Cambs ordered to retire south of Hannebeke. At 5.30pm they were at Canvas Tr-Canteen Tr. 10pm ordered to withdraw through 116th and 117th Brigades.
August 1st: 1.30pm Cambs Rgt reassembled in Coney Street and roll called. A, B and HQ in tunnels at Belle Alliance and C & D in Coney Street. Due to casualties, re-organised btn into two coys.
Aug 2nd: About noon orders received that Germans expected to counter-attack. Btn moved into support in Calf Trench (old German front line). 9pm, btn to occupy Blue and Dotted Blue Lines from Mouse Trap Farm to Krupp Farm - whole neighbourhood almost 12 inches deep in mud. No II Coy on right in position aout 2.30am, but No I on left did not get into position until 5am.
3rd: Btn HQ in old dugout in Caliban Trench.
4th: 2pm orders received that btn would relieve 17th Sherwood Foresters in front line - relief completed by midnight. No 1 coy in Dotted Blue line in front of Steenbeck, No 2 at Alberta. Btn HQ in Black Line at Kitchener’s Wood.
5th: 11pm btn relieved by 1/4th Ox & Bucks, moved to camp near Reigensburg Chateau.
Casualties 31/7 to 6/8: Killed - Capt F C Jonas, Capt B M Hunter RAMC, 2nd Lt A H Muirhead, Lt A J Gray, att 118th Brigade; 2nd Lt A W Rash, 4th Suffolks; Capt C L Awberry, 4th Essex. DoW - 2nd Lt W Ritchie; 2nd Lt R Hill. Wounded: Capt A Dunlop, Lt C L Tebbutt, Lt A Fison, 2nd Lts G Smith, G Blackburn, F Spicer, B Silk, E Twelvetrees, H Raven. Other ranks - 30 killed, 26 missing, two wounded and missing, 215 wounded.
Another forum member has more details on brother John Cecil who served with the 1/4th Suffolks.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=232...
Ralph R Rash……………………………………………..
The Roll of Honour for those who served from the Parish has
+Rash, Ralph Reginald………………………10th Suffolk
RASH, RALPH REGINALD
Rank:…………………………………Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:…………………..12/10/1916
Age:…………………………………..19
Regiment:………………………….Suffolk Regiment, 7th Bn.
Panel Reference:……………….Pier and Face 1 C and 2 A.
Memorial:…………………………THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Mary Lucy Rash, of 44, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London, and the late John Josiah Rash, J.P.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1550248/RASH,%20RALPH...
Soldiers who Died in the Great War records that 2/Lt (TP) Ralph Reginald Rash was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
The Medal Index Card for Second Lieutenant Ralph Reginald Rash, Suffolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/16/151428
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4786593
Ralph Reginald Rash, born 7th November 1896, attended Framlingham College from 1910-13. One of 6 brothers to attend the College, he was a Sub-Prefect. A 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, he was Killed in Action on the 12th October 1916. There is a picture of the relevant panel on the Thiepval Memorial.
www.oldframlinghamian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core....
He was appointed Temporary Second Lieutenant on the 20th July 1915 being either a Cadet oe Ex-Cadet of the Officer Training Corps.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29236/page/7081/data.pdf
Birth
The birth of a Ralph Reginald Rash was recorded in the Hartismere District of Suffolk in the October to December quarter of 1896.
familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2F7M-2MF
1901 census
See Brother Arnold William above for details of the family on this census.
1911 Census
The 14 year old Ralph Reginald was recorded as a Boarder at Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk.
On the day
12th - Attack on Guedecourt with 7th Suffolks on right, 7th Norfolks on left. Wire uncut and remnants of battalions back to start.
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=487...
Nearer to Gueudecourt, 12th Div attacked Hilt Trench with the Newfoundland Regt. The Newfies were attached from 29th Div. They continued the advance to Grease Trench but were forced to withdraw at 5.30pm. They held onto the captured section of Hilt Trench and bombed some way along it before erecting a barricade. Meanwhile 7th Suffolks and 7th Norfolks (35 Bde, 12th Div) were halted by uncut wire in front of Bayonet Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?9058-The-Som...
Battalion War Diary for the 7th Norfolks.
12th October 1916. Flers Trench near Flers.
Today at 2.5pm we attacked BAYONET TRENCH. Last night the assembly trenches were completed + all the battalion lay out in them from 5 a.m. this morning until the attack. The attack was carried out with all four companies in the line, disposed in depth, one platoon behind the other, D on the right C,B,A. On our right, 7th Suffolk Regt and on our left 2nd Royal Scots, 30 Divison. Battn HQ remained in BULLS ROAD. The object was to attack was first of all to capture BAYONET+SCABBARD TRENCH and then to sweep up + take LUISENHOF FARM and establish a line beyond it.
At 2.5 pm our artillery barrage commenced + our men advanced to the assault. After advancing about 50 yards, the Hun opened fire with M.G.s from both flanks + from in front. Our troops continued to advance but before reaching the enemys trench ran into barbed wire which had not been cut. The wire coupled with the M.G fire prevented any further advance, and our men lay down in shell holes from where they brought rifle fire to bear on the Germans who were standing up in their trenches shooting at them. We caused considerable casualties in this way to the enemy. After dark we made a further attempt to cut a way through to the enemy’s trench but the line proved too strong. The survivors then crawled back to our own line and then reformed. The 9th Essex Regt.then relieved us +the Suffolk Regt. In the front line + we came back to FLERS TRENCH, the Reserve lines near FLERS which we are sharing with the Suffolk Regt.