The Flickr Facesofpasschendaele1917 Image Generatr

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 6 1917 included this picture along with the caption Pte J. Wells, Norfolk Regiment, killed in action. He was husband of Mrs. Wells, The Lodge, Santon Downham, near Brandon.

It also appeared in the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 27th with the same caption

Private WELLS, JOHN
Service Number:………… 25674
Died:………………………11/08/1917
Aged:…………………….. 29
Unit:……………………….8th Bn.,Norfolk Regiment
Remembered……………..Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Husband of Lily Emily Wells, of 90, London Rd., Brandon, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/913517/wells,-john/

Soldiers Died in the Great War, an HMSO publications from the 1920’s, records that Private John Wells was Killed in Action on the 11th August 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk and enlisted Brandon. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Private 25674 John Wells, Norfolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/21/79244
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5819816
He qualified for the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. There is no additional information on the card.This combination of Medals would mean he did not serve in a Theatre of War until some point on or after the 1st January 1916.

The associated Medal Roll shows that the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, was the only unit he served with in a Theatre of War.

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the London Warehouse where all the Great War Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored. They are in singed and scorched condition, making it difficult to read some of the details.

John Wells, a married Assistant Gamekeeper, was aged 27 years and 6 months when he attested under the Derby Scheme at Brandon on the 11th December 1915. He was living then at 102 Thetford Road, Santon Downham, near Brandon, Suffolk.He had previously served in the Volunters and in the 4th Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment – a Territorial Force unit. (The file contains a certificate from the Territorial Force dated 28th August 1914 that he was late of the 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, and was a Class 1 National Reservist. His 4th Battalion service number was 2509).

He joined up for a Short Service lasting the Duration of the War. In line for the Derby Scheme he served for a day and was the returned to civvy street to await mobilisation.

He was described as 5 feet 9 and a half inches tall, weighed 10 stone 10lbs, and was of good physical development.

He had married his wife, Lily Emily Dyer, spinster, at the Registry Office at Thetford, on January 7th 1914, She was given as his next-of-kin at the time of his enlistment and was living at the Santon Downham address.
Their son Edward James was born on April 30th 1914 at Thetford.
A daughter Joan Margaret was born “B” on December 16th 1916. Then living at The Laundry, Santon Downham, Lily wrote to the Regimental Records Office in January 1917 to inform them that she had given birth to a daughter.

He was mobilised on the 29th May 1916, reaching the Depot at Norwich on the 30th May 1916 and then or shortly after he would have been issued with his Regimental service number, 25674. On the same day he was posted to the 3rd Battalion for his training. They were then stationed at Felixstowe.

He went out to France on the 1st December 1916, sailing from Folkestone and disembarking at Boulogne the same day. Initially held at 17 Infantry Base Depot, Etaples, he was sent as part of a draft to the 8th Battalion on the 13th December 1916.

The Battalion were rotated out from the line and spent the month of December 1916 in billets, training. There is no mention of the arrival of drafts but it runs to only a few terse lines. There is no appendix included that month showing changes to the strength of the Battalion over the period.

By the end of December 1916 and then again in February 1917 he was being treated in a Field Ambulance for Scabies. On 10th March 1917 he received a Gun Shot Wound to the right hand. By the 14th he was being admitted to 10 General Hospital at Rouen.

The Battalion were involved in an attack on Grevillers Trench and Irles village on this day. Due to mist and the artillery barrage virtually obliterating the trench system, (itself little more than joined up shell holes), the Battalion struggled to find landmarks. Eventually Irles was taken – in part because in losing their way two of the companies managed to actually attack the village from the rear, taking the defenders by surprise. There is a lengthy appendix setting out the actions of each Company – the conditions had left them operating independently and with little contact with Battalion Headquarters.

FindMyPast has the Medical Admission Register for 31 Ambulance Train from this time. It shows 25674 Private J. Wells, C Company, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment and with gun shot wounds to the hands, was put aboard the train at Contay on the 13th March 1917 and unloaded at Rouen on the 14th. Alongside him and from the same Company was 32056 Private H.J. Mitchell, who had suffered bomb wounds to face, top lip and left side.

The 8th Battalion War Diary had a split of casualties, with one breakdown of those from noon 9th to noon 10th, and then noon 10th to noon 11th. C Company only suffered wounded during the earlier period - a total of 5.

John was moved to another medical facilty on the 15th and then the 9th General Hospital on the 22nd March 1917. His wound was now classed as slight. Found fit for service he was discharged and sent to 17 Infantry Base Depot on the 12th April 1917. Following assessments of his fitness for frontline service, he was posted back to the 8th Battalion on the 21st April 1917.

He was Killed in Action on the 11th August 1917, place unknown.

Following on from his death there is a memo dated 19th December 1917 and sent from the War Ofice to the Regimental Records Office at Warley. Any possessions of John that they held were to be sent to his widow, Mrs Lily Emily Wells, of The Laundry, Santon Downham, near Brandon.

By February 1918 the Ministry of Pensions were ready to start paying Lily Emily a pension for herself and her two children – the Army as a matter of routine continued to pay the higher Separation Allowance for the first 28 weeks while any doubts about whether the soldier was dead was resolved.

At the end of 1919 with medals to be sent out and the like, the Army sent form W.5080 to Lily as Johns’ next of kin. This asked for details of surviving family. Paperwork appears not to have been Lily’s strongpoint, and the Justice of the Peace who countersigned doesn’t appear to have done much, if any, checking.
Lily Emily, widow, and the two children, Edward James and Joan Margaret, were all shown living at The Laundry Cottage, Santon Downham.
Johns’ father Edward Wells is shown as deceased.
Johns’ mother Amelia Wells is living at No.3 Church End, Brandon.
Full Blood brothers were :-
Walter Wells, aged 40, address may be P.C. W. Wells ??? Ashley Gardens, SW.
Arthur Wells, aged 44, Little Lodge, Santon Downham.
There were no half blood brothers.
Full Blood sisters is indecipherable – there are five\ possibly six sisters listed under their maiden name, but the associated details as to age and current whereabouts have been shoehorned in as Lily Wells has then tried to use the address space to include a married name – we have a Mrs Young, possibly a Mrs Brooks, possibly a Mrs Brett and others.
There are no half blood sister.
Emily has also started filling in the section of nieces and nephews, which she didn’t have to – that was only required if there were no entries in any of the previous sections.

The Register of Soldiers Effects, a financial ledger rather than a list of belongings, adds that both the balance of his pay, in December 1917, and his War Gratuity, in November 1919, were paid to his wife and sole legatee, Lily Emily.

No match for John on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

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

1888 Birth………………

The birth of a John Wells, mothers’ maiden name Field, was registered with the civil authorities in the Thetford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1888.

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 2 year old John Wells, born Santon Downham, Suffolk, was recording living in a Farm House on Ratters Road, Santon Downham. This was the household of his parents Edward, (aged 51, Game Keeper, born Whepstead, Suffolk), and Amelia, (aged 42, born Brandon, Suffolk). other children in the household were:-
Rose…….aged 19…born Whepstead, Suffolk..Farm Labourer
Arthur…..aged 15…born Santon, Norfolk…..Farm Labourer
Alice……aged 13…born Santon, Norfolk
Walter…..aged 11…born Stamford, Norfolk
Violet…...aged 8…..born Santon Downham, Suffolk
Mary Field….aged 6…born Santon Downham, Suffolk

1901 Census of England and Wales

The family were recorded living at Strand House, Santon Downham, Suffolk. Father Edward, (61), now worked as a General Labourer. Living with him are wife Amelia, (51) and children Rose, (29, no occupation shown), John, (12, attends school), Samuel H., (9, attends school, born Santon Downham) and his 3 year grand-daughter, Irene W. Wells, born Thetford, Norfolk.

The addresses on the 1891 and 1901 Census both fell with the Thetford civil registration district, whish straddled the Norfolk / Suffolk border. So it is likely that the death of the 70 year old Edward Wells which was registered in the Thetford District in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1910, relates to the head of this family.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 22 year old Farm Labourer John Wells, born “Downham, Suffolk”, was recorded living at Manor Farm Cottages, Church End, Brandon, Suffolk. This was the household of his widowed mother, Amelia, (aged 63, Furrying (Rabbit Skins)). Also resident were Amelias’ daughter Rose, (40, single, also employed Furrying), and her grand-daughter Alice, (aged 12, born Thetford).
Amelia stated her marriage to Edward had produced 10 children, of which 9 were then still alive.

1914 Marriage……………..

As we’ve seen from his service record, John married his wife, Lily Emily Dyer, spinster, at the Registry Office at Thetford, on January 7th 1914.

The marriage of a John Wells to a Lily E. Dyer appears in the GRO quarterly register of marriages in England & Wales for the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1914.

Edward James Wells was born on April 30th 1914 at Thetford. (Service Record).

The birth of an Edward James Wells, mothers’ maiden name Dyer, was registered in the Thetford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1914.

As we’ve seen already, father John enlisted under the Derby scheme in December 1915 and was mobilised at the end of May 1916. Wife Lily would have been pregnant at that point. A daughter would be born just a few days after he landed in France one that John may never have seen.

Joan Margaret Wells was born on December 16th 1916. (Service Record)
The birth of a Joan Margaret Wells, mothers’ maiden name Dyer, was registered in the Thetford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1917. Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to register the birth, and the General Registrars Office then reported by quarter registered, which isn’t automatically the same as quarter born. In this case the date shown in the service record and the period of registration are not incompatible.

On the day……………………

The 8th Norfolks were at Canal Reserve Camp for a week, still under heavy enemy shelling and gas attacks. On 10th August with the weather still appalling and the ground a morass, they returned with the rest of the 53rd Brigade to Inverness Copse to relive the 54th Brigade.

"Barely had the 8th Norfolks relieved the Fusiliers and Bedfords at 4.15 a.m. on the 11th, the enemy penetrated our line and carried a strongpoint. The Norfolks had come up from Canal Reserve Camp and had been on their legs for twelve hours. The reverse stung them into fresh feats of endurance. Without a barrage they pressed forward and by 6 o'clock (a.m.), under Captain Morgan's leadership, had retaken the post and released several of their comrades and two of our machine guns." (Regimental History).

One of the appendices to the Battalion War Diary for August is “A Short Narrative describing the part played by the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in the Ypres Operations between the 10th and 17th August 1917.”

At about 7.30 am on the 10th August, a warning message was received from the Brigade to the effect that the Battalion was to be ready to proceed to the CHATEAU SEGARD area and possibly up to the trenches in front of INVERNESS COPSE, to take part in an attack at about 7pm in order to capture the N.W corner of this wood, which objective, the 55th Infantry Brigade had been unable to take in their attack that morning. At about 8.30am orders were received for the Battalion to move at once to the CHATEAU SEGARD area. This move was completed by 11.30am. The Battalion remained in this area until 2pm with the Commanding Officer and Adjutant at Divisional Headquarters. We were then ordered to move to the Ritz Street area, were we would come under the orders of G.O.C 54th Infantry Brigade. This move was completed by 3.30pm, the Commanding Officer and Adjutant joining the Battalion at about 6pm, at 54th Inf. Bde. HQ.

Orders were then received from the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., that the Battalion, together with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, was to take over the front of the 54th Inf.Bde., with as little delay as possible. Company commanders were therefore sent off at once to reconnoitre the line. On their return, the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., owing to a report that the enemy were concentrating for a counter attack, ordered two Companies to move at once to the line. This move was carried out by one Company of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and one Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt. Owing to the difficulty of the 54th Inf. Bde. , in supplying guides, the remainder of the Battalion did not move up until 7.30pm. Orders were then issued to the Commanding Officer to the following effect:-
1) That on arrival at the front line, he was to take command of all units then in the line,
11) In the event of the situation becoming critical and the enemy developing an attack or capturing part of the line then held, he was to counter attack with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, holding the 8th Norfolk Regiment in reserve.
111) That the JARGON TRENCH line as far as J.14.a.5.6 - the strong point J.14.a.3.2 - and thence to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN ROAD exclusive), was to held at all costs.
1V) That he was to remain in Command until the completion of the relief, when he would come under orders of the G.O.C 53rd Infantry Brigade.

On receipt of these orders, the Commanding Officer at once moved up to the forward Battalion Headquarters, situated in the TUNNEL at the bend in the YPRES - MENIN Road. On arrival he found that the O.C of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had been brought up in short time previously by a guide of the 54th Infantry Brigade, had commenced to take over the JARGON TRENCH Line as far South as J.14.a.5.6 and had sent on “A” Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt., to endeavour to take over the strongpoint at J.14.a.3.2 and the switch trench between this strong point and JARGON Trench at J.14.a.5.6. The Commanding Officer had previously decided that the dispositions of the Battalion were to be as follows:-

“A” Company in the front line from J.14.a.5.6 to the strong point (inclusive) J.14.a.3.2.

“D” Company in the front line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN Road exclusive), “B” Company in support and “C” Company in reserve in the trench system around SURBITON VILLAS.

The remaining Companies, therefore, followed after “A” Company, but owing to the darkness, the lack of guides, and the confusion in the trenches held by the 54th Infantry Brigade, due to the heavy fighting which had taken place that day, the relief was carried out under very trying conditions, and although the relief was reported complete at about 3 am, it would appear that elements of the 11th Royal Fusiliers, 7th Bedford Regiment, 5th Northants Regiment and 2 Machine Gun teams were still holding a line approximately from J.14.a.35.20 to J.35.a.35.16, and there were also a few of the 11th Royal Fusiliers between “A” and “D” Companies at approximately J.14.a.30.18.

At about 4.15 am on the 11th August, the enemy commenced a light barrage on the front line. At 4.30 am this barrage became intense, and under cover of this the enemy launched an attack in strength on the strong point and the line held by the Battalion. Within a short time, the officer commanding 11th Royal Fusiliers who had still remained at Battalion Headquarters until all his men were out of the front line, reported that the enemy had penetrated that portion of the strong point held by the men of his Battalion. As soon as the S.O.S Signal, which had been sent up from the front line at 4.35am was reported to the Commanding Officer, orders were issued to “B” Company to hold themselves in readiness to counter-attack immediately. A message then being received from the platoon Sergeant of the right platoon of “A” Company, stating that the right flank of this Company had been driven back, but the left was still holding on, the Commanding Officer ordered “C” Company to counter attack at once and re-capture the strong point and any portion of the switch trench N.E. of the Strong Point that had been occupied by the enemy. On going forward and finding that the enemy who were in occupation of the strong point had brought 4 Machine Guns into action and appeared to be in considerable strength, the Commanding Officer decided to strike with his reserve Company, (“B” Company), simultaneously with “C” Company who were striking from the immediate front. Under covering fire of Lewis guns and snipers, with assistance from one platoon of the 6th Royal Berkshires, this attack was carried out by sectional rushes and the strong point recaptured and consolidated. The counter attack had been launched at 5.25am and the position was again in our hands by 6 am, together with 9 prisoners, our own two machine guns and elements of the garrison which had been captured by the enemy. This attack was carried out over the open over a distance of 600 yards through very difficult country under direct observation from the strong point, and owing to the fact that the enemy was then in possession of the high ground, he was able to sweep the whole line of advance of the attack with machine gun and rifle fire. After our counter attack had been launched, the enemy’s artillery and machine gun fire slackened considerably on the front of the right Company and this Company was able to give excellent covering fire for the troops carrying out the counter attack, thus inflicting by enfilade fire very heavy losses on the enemy who were running about in the open and endeavouring to form up between the Strong Point and INVERNESS COPSE.

At about 8.30 am, on receiving definite information about the situation, the Commanding Officer decided to re-organise the Companies in the line. Accordingly “A” Company took over that portion of the line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.14.a.5.6, “C” Company, (who were considerably weakened by casualties), the strong point, “B” Company from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES-MENIN Road exclusive): “D” Company were withdrawn from the line into reserve in the area around SURBITON VILLAS.

During the evening of the 11th and the night of the 11th/12th, the enemy made several attempts to recapture this strong point but was easily driven off on each occasion, the position having been wired and consolidated in the meantime.

During the morning of the 12th August the situation remained unchanged. In the afternoon, information was received that the 9th London Regiment (Q.V.R.) would relieve the Battalion in the line from J.14.a.5.6 as far South as the Strong Point at J.14.a.3.2 (inclusive), and that the 8th Suffolk Regiment would take over the remainder of the Battalion front. The relief was completed by 10.30 p.m. and the Battalion moved to Railway dug-outs.

Casualties from Noon 10th to Noon 11th
Officers: 1 killed , 7 wounded. Other ranks: 42 killed, 3 died of wounds, 87 wounded
Casualties from Noon 11th to Noon 12th
Other ranks: 2 killed, 12 wounded.

Postscript

John is remembered on the Great War Memorial in St. Mary the Virgin Church, Mark Lane, Santon Downham. www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/194129
undyingmemory.net/SantonDownham/santondownham-memorial.html

John also appears to be remembered on the War Memorial at Brandon.
www.undyingmemory.net/Brandon/brandon-memorial.html

By the time of the 1921 Census of England & Wales, the widowed Lily Wells, (born Suffolk c1891) and children Edward, (born Brandon c1914) and Joan, (born Santon Downham c1917), were to be found living in Brandon. (More details will be available with subscription access)


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday January 4, 1919. It was part of a photo gallery that included his brother Henry ‘Sonny’ Catlin..
The two captions together read:- Pte. ‘Sonny’ Catlin, Northumberland Fusiliers, of Methwold, reported missing. (3) Pte. G.E. Catlin, R.G.A., Methwold, reported missing. Both are sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. Catlin.
Gunner CATLIN, ERNEST GEORGE
Service Number:………….. 125565
Died:………………………. 27/09/1918
Aged:……………………… 20
Unit:……………………….27th Siege Bty.
…………………………….Royal Garrison Artillery
Son of Henry and Louisa Catlin, of Methwold, Brandon, Suffolk.
Buried at QUEANT COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION
Location: Pas de Calais, France
Cemetery/memorial reference: B. 43.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/316035/catlin,-ernest...

SDGW records that Gunner Ernest George Catlin was Killed in Action on the 27th September 1918 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was born Methwold, Norfolk, resident Brandon, Suffolk and enlisted Norwich.

The Medal Index Card for Gunner 125565 Ernest George Catlin, Royal Garrison Artillery is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/4/53625
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D1737431
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. No additional information on the card.

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

Ernest George Catlin, single and a Butcher born Methwold, was called up at Attleborough on November 2nd 1916. He was then aged 18 years and 9 months. His preference was to join the Army Service Corps. However four days later, having been graded in Class A for physical fitness, he was posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery at No.1 Depot at Rugeley, Staffordshire and issued service number 125365.
He was recorded as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 132lbs.

His next of kin was his father, Mr. H. Catlin, of Globe Street, Methwold.

He would serve in the UK until the 23rd July 1917. During this time he was at No.1 Depot, (from 2nd November 1916), 12 Company (from 29th November 1916, at Tynemouth), 372 Siege Battery, (from 5th May 1917, Tynemouth), 377 Siege Battery, (from 14th May 1917, Aldershot), No.1 Reinforcements Depot, (from 1st July 1917, Bexhill) and then to the British Expeditionary Force.

He was in France & Flanders from the 24th July 1917, being posted to 274 Siege Battery on the 29th. On the 28th October he was wounded in action with a G.S.W. He was medically evacuated back down the line, reaching 6 General Hospital. On the 15th November 1917 he was put aboard a Hospital Ship and sent back to the UK. He would then spend time back in the UK – it’s undated but there is a note on his Military History Sheet that he had been listed as Wounded on a War Office Casualty List. It’s difficult to make out from the medical history but possibly he suffered a Shell Wound to his left leg.

He finally returned to France on the 29th March 1918. On the 17th April 1918 he was posted to 27 Siege Battery, the unit he would be serving with at the time of his death. He was Killed in Action on the 27th September 1918.

He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post war with the need to issue Service Medals and pay War Gratuities, the Army sent out Form W.5080 to the notified next of kin. This asked for details of surviving relatives and followed the order of inheritance as it applied at that time.

Widow of the Soldier: None
Children of the Soldier: None

Father of the Soldier: Henry Catlin, Methwold, Brandon.
Mother of the Soldier: Louisa Catlin, same address.

Brothers of the Soldier:
Full Blood: Leonard Catlin, aged 19, same address.
Half Blood: None.

Sisters of the Soldier:
Full Blood: Maude Catlin, aged 24, same address.
……………Annie L. Catlin, aged 17, same address.
Half Blood: None.

Grandparent of the Soldier. Elizabeth Catlin.
Strictly speaking this last name was not required but Henry Catlin, who has completed the form, has added it anyway. He has had it witnessed ny what looks to be a G F W Kempton, a Wesleyan Minister, at Methwold.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1897/98 – Birth……………………………

The birth of a George Ernest Catlin was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Downham District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1898.

Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to register the birth without facing prosecution and a fine. So a child registered at the start of January could have been born as early as the middle of the previous November.

The most likely marriage of his parents, Henry Catlin and Louisa Williamson, was recorded in the Downham District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1895.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 3 year old George Catlin, born Hilgay, Norfolk, was recorded living at 5 Mile House, Methwold. This was the household of his parents Henry, (aged 35, a Farm Bailiff, born Hilgay) and Louisa, (aged 29, born Hilgay). As well as George their other children living with them are:-
Maud……..aged 5…….born Hilgay
Henry……..aged 4…….born Hilgay
Leonard…..aged 1…….born Methwold

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Catlin family were recorded living at Globe Street, Methwold. The head of the household was the 45 year old married man Henry Catlin, a Farm Bailiff, born Hilgay, Norfolk. He has been married 17 years and has 5 living children. His wife Louisa was not home on the night of the census. Children at home were:-
Maudie……aged 15….born Hilgay….Assist Grocer & Draper
Henry……..aged 14….born Hilgay
George……aged 13….born Hilgay
Leonard…..aged 11…..born Methwold
Also living with them is father Henrys’ married 29 year old niece Ellen R. Yaxley, born West Dereham, Norfolk.

The 39 year old married woman Louisa Catlin, (the primary source I use for Census lookups has transcribed the surname as “Cattin), born Hilgay and a General Shopkeeper, was recorded as a visitor on the night of the census. She was staying at 57 Marten Road, Custom House, West Ham, East London. This was the household of a married couple in their fifties, Matthew and Martha Ann Miller, both born Hilgay. Another visitor in the house that night was the 9 year old Anna Louisa Catlin (“Cattin”), born Methwold.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely additional children of parents Henry and Louisa.


On the day………………………

A passing reference to his unit gives some insight.

On 17-12-1917 158th Sge Bty was made upto 6 guns (9.2 Hows) with a section joining from 202 SB, and the same day re-joined 7 Brigade First Army for the duration; a mixed counter battery Brigade containing the following batteries: 158 SB, 27 SB, 28 SB, 193 SB, 115 HB and 125 HB.

By early Sept 1918, the Brigade HQ was positioned at St Nicholas and 158 SB was targeting Vitry and Sailly prior to the Hindenburg line offensive.
Source: www.greatwarforum.org/topic/115021-158th-siege-battery-rga/

As a counter-battery organisation they in turn would have been subject to targeting by the German equivalent – that forum thread references how an initial shelling on 158 SB led to an artillery duel with 4 hostile batteries.

A check of the CWGC database shows 6 men recorded from 27th Siege Battery as having died on this day. All bar one are buried in the same Cemetery, (Second Lieutenant I W A Beynon, Ecoust-St. Mein British Cemetery), and lie in adjacent graves.

QUEANT COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION

Location Information

Queant is a village on the D14 road 25 kilometres south-east of Arras. The Cemetery is on the western outskirts of the village on the D38 road to Riencourt-les-Cagnicourt.

History Information

Queant was close behind the Hindenburg Line, at the South end of a minor defence system known as the Drocourt-Queant Line, and it was not captured by British troops until the 2nd September 1918. On the North side of the Communal Cemetery was a German Extension of nearly 600 graves (1916-1918), now removed; and the British Extension was made by fighting units, on the far side of the German Extension, in September and October 1918. There are now nearly 300, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/32801/queant-commun...


Postscript…………………………..

The Army Register of Soldiers Effects records that Gunner 125565 Ernest George Catlin. 27 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was Killed in Action in France or Belgium on the 27th September 1918. The balance of his pay was sent to his father Henry in March 1919. Henry would also receive his sons’ War Gratuity when this was paid out in December 1919.

Mildly photoshopped to reduce impact of damage present on the original image.

This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, November 1st 1917. The associated caption reads, Sergt. C.W. Stofer of the Machine-gun Company, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stofer, 502, London Road, South Lowestoft, killed in France.

C.W. STOFER…………………………………….

STOFER, CECIL WILLIAM
Rank:……………………..Serjeant
Service No:………………5882
Date of Death:……………02/10/1917
Age:………………………25
Regiment/Service:……….Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
………………………......233rd Coy.
Panel Reference:…………Panel 154 to 159 and 163A.
Memorial:………………..TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of John Stofer, of 502, London Rd., South Lowestoft, Suffolk.
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/826454/STOFER,%20CECI...

SDGW records that Sergeant Cecil William Stofer Died of Wounds on the 2nd October 1917 whilst serving with the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He had previously been 20763, Suffolk Regiment. Cecil was born “Wembaston”, Suffolk and enlisted Lowestoft. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Serjeant 5882 Cecil W. Stofer Machine Gun Corps is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/19/67752
He had previously been Serjeant 20763 Suffolk Regiment.
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5405706
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

No obvious Missing Persons enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1892 – Birth………………………

The birth of a Cecil William Stofer was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Blything District of Suffolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1892.

The most likely marriage of his parents was recorded in the Blything District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1887. This was when a John Stofer married a Florence Annie Lay.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 8 year old Cecil William Stofer, born Wenhaston, Suffolk, was recorded living at a dwelling on Brandiston Road, East Soham, Suffolk. This was the household of his parents John, (aged 38, an Insurance Agent, born Chediston, Suffolk) and Florence Annie, (aged 36, born Redisham, Suffolk). As well as Cecil their other children living with them are:-
John Leonard……aged 12….born Thurgarton, Norfolk
Elsie Matilda……aged 10….born Bramfield, Suffolk
Ruby Ellen………aged 7…...born Wenhaston
Mabel Annie……aged 5……born Wenhaston
Hilde Ella……….aged 3……born Framlingham, Suffolk
Marjorie Harriett..aged 1……born Framlingham, Suffolk

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Stofer family were now recorded living at 6 Prospect Place, Pakefield, Suffolk. Parents John, (48, a Jobbing Gardener) and Florence Annie, (46, Dressmaker) have been married 23 years and have had 8 children, of which 7 were then still alive. Their children still single and living with them are John Leonard, (22, Grocers Assistant), Cecil William, (18, Printer), Mabel Ann, (15), Hilda Ellen, (13) and Marjorie ‘Harriet’, (11).

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely additional children of John and Florence.


His unit

The 233rd Machine Gun Company joined 3rd Division on the 18 July 1917 and were in action during The Battle of the Menin Road and Battle of Polygon Wood during the Third Battle of Ypres.
www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion....

The 233rd Company, Machine Gun Corps were Divisional Troops of the 3rd Division and so would be used to supplement any of the Brigades as required.
www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions...

22 to 25 September Battle of the Menin Road Ridge [V. Corps, Fifth Army]
25 to 30 September Battle of Polygon Wood [V. Corps, Fifth Army, until 10 a.m., 28 September, then under II. ANZAZ Corps, Second Army].
www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk/units-mgc-i-coy-233.htm

There is a piece on Cecil on this website.

Cecil William Stofer was born in 1892, at Wenhaston, Suffolk to parents John and Florence Annie (nee Lay); he was the second eldest of eight children. In 1901, Cecil William, aged 8 was living at Brandeston Road, Earl Soham, Plomesgate, Suffolk with John (38) insurance agent, Florence Annie (36), John Leonard (12), Elsie Matilda (10), Ruby Ellen (7), Mabel Annie (5), Hilda Ella (3) and Marjorie Harriett (1). By 1911, the family had moved to 6 Prospect Place, Pakefield, Suffolk, and Cecil William was a printer. His father was a jobbing gardener and his mother a dressmaker, John Leonard, a grocer’s assistant, Mabel, a domestic help and Hilda and Marjorie were at school.

Cecil’s service record has not been traced, but we know from other research that Cecil enlisted at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment. Cecil passed through Peterborough East Station and signed the visitor’s book on 27 March 1917. His entry reveals he was a Lance Corporal serving with the Machine Gun Corps. He served with the infantry of the 233rd Company Machine Gun Corps until 2 October 1917, when he died of wounds.

“Cecil was a Sergeant in 233rd Machine Gun Corps. He had been wounded in August 1916 and after recovering, returned to the Front. He and his men had been under severe shell fire for seven days and the machine-guns had been buried several times.

His commanding officer wrote that he was the bravest man he had even seen, setting a fine example to the others, helping the wounded, steadying everyone and scorning to take cover until others were safe.

He was hit and wounded on September 30th and taken to the dressing station at once, but died two days later.

Cecil’s parents John and Florence lived at 502 London Road South, Lowestoft. Cecil was a member of the Pakefield Church Choir and worked as a Printer prior to enlisting.”
Cecil was awarded the British and Victory Medal and the Military Medal and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium and in
Lowestoft on St. Margaret’s Church War Memorial.
www.peterboroughww1.co.uk/soldiers/cw-stofer/
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStMargaretsChurch...

The 3rd Division were in the line near Zonnebeke on the day Cecil was wounded, having fought off a German attack with some difficulty over the preceding days after their own attack on the 26th had broken in the face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire. They were actually relieved by the 3rd Australian Division on the 30th.

As he died two days later, it’s very likely that he did originally have a known grave. Unfortunately the area was fought over for much of the rest of the Battle of Passchendaele and then at least twice during 1918. Many graves were destroyed – or at least their markers were, and records from either side were lost.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday May 25, 1918 had a photo gallery which included this picture. The associated caption read “Pte. Frederick Gant, son of Mrs. E, Gant, 67, West End Street, Norwich, died of wounds in France”.

Rifleman GANT, F T
Service Number R/15481
Died:………….. 25/09/1917
Aged:…………. 35
Unit…………….11th Bn.
..............………King's Royal Rifle Corps
Son of Emma and the late Benjamin Gant, of 67, West End St., Norwich, Norfolk.
Buried at WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Cemetery/memorial reference: VI. B. 11A
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/508460/gant,-/

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Rifleman R/15481 Frederick Thomas Gant Died of Wounds on the 26th September 1917 while serving in France & Flanders with the 11th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He was born North Heigham, Norfolk and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Private R/15481 Frederick Gant, King’s Royal Rifle Corps is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/7/198741
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2284405
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. There is no additional information on the card. To receive only this combination of service medals would mean he first landed in a Theatre of War after the 31st December 1915.

The associated Service Medal Roll shows that he only served overseas with the 11th Battalion.

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

Frederick Thomas Gant, aged 33 years and 1 month, was living at No.67, West End Street, Norwich when he enlisted in the Army on the 13th September 1915. Still single, he worked as a Painter and Paper Hanger. He was born North Heigham, Norfolk. He had no previous military experience.

(Given the information on the civil records it should be noted here that the questions abou him being married and previous military experience are on a slip of paper that has been struck on the form in the relevant area, covering any original entries.)

He was described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 139lbs. At his enlistment medical he was found fit for the army subject to dental treatment.

His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Emma Gant, of the same address.

Initially sent to the K.R.R.C. Depot at Winchester and given number R/15481, on the 24th September 1915 he was posted to No.1. Company, 15th Battalion. As part of a draft he was sent out to France to join the 11th Battalion on the 10th February 1916. He joined up with the Battalion in the field on the 26th February 1916.

His Casualty Form – Active Service, which is the nearest thing there is for most soldiers of their major organisational moves is blotched and heavily faded, making it very difficult to read. In September 1916 he was admitted to 14 C.R.S. with what was possibly influenza. A note has then been added that on the 4th October 1916 he joined th M.G.C. (usually means Machine Gun Corps) from hospital. There is a subsequent entry that he was admitted “2 ConD” (probably means 2nd Convalesence Depot) in late September 1916.

There are more blotched entries including one that might reference an Infantry Base Depot in January 1917.

The next clear line is that he rejoined his Battalion, (doesn’t say which one), in the Field on the 26th April 1917. He had leave to the UK from the 17th to the 26th August 1917. On the 20th?? September he was noted as wounded – Gun Shot Wound Left Leg and ????. On the 26th September 1917 he died from these wounds at 2 Australian General Hospital.

In January 1919 his mother applied for a dependants pension. The application was witnessed by the then Vicar of St Barnabas. The form she had was actually for a Guardian of a soldiers children which had, according to the subsequent memos, been sent out in March 1918 and had caused her great confusion and had led her to involve the local War Pensions Committee. Eventually it seems she just filled the form in anyway.

Post-war and as part of issuing medals and paying out War Gratuities, the Army sent Form W.5080 to the last known next of kin. The form asked for details of the surviving family members and was laid out in an order that followed the order of precedence for inheritance as it then applied.

This confirms there was no widow or children of the soldier.
The father of the soldier is deceased.
The mother of the soldier was Mrs Emma Gant, of 67 West End Street, Norwich.

Brothers of the soldier.
Full Blood: Benjamin Oscar Gant, aged 30, living at 67 West End Street, Norwich.
Half Blood: None.

Sisters of the soldier.
Full Blood; Mrs Alice Lake, aged 34, Near the Post Office, Lingwood, Norwich.
Mrs Bessie Curtis, aged 32, 87 Devonshire Street, Norwich.
Half Blood: None.

The form was actually completed by the brother, Benjamin Gant at some point in 1919 and witnessed by a Clerk in Holy orders, but many of the key details are obscured by what looks to be soot marks.

He was entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His medals were actually signed for by a Benjamin Gant in 1921. Benjamin also received Fredericks’ personal effects in December 1919.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man. The Army Register of Soldiers Effects records that Private R/15481 Frederick Thomas Gant, 11th (S) Battalion, K.R.R.C., died on the 26th September 1917 at 2 Australian General Hospital, Boulogne. The balance of his pay was sent to his brother and sole legatee Benjamin in March 1918. Fredericks’ War Gratuity was sent to his mother Emma in October 1919.

His death plaque was sold at auction in 2018.
www.the-saleroom.com/zh-cn/auction-catalogues/lockdales/c...

According to a locally published booklet from the early 1920’s documenting the newly unveiled war memorials, the name of a Frederick T. “Grant” appears on the one in St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich. Unfortunately that church was gutted by firebombs in 1942 and all that now remains is the shell of the tower, which has been filled with concrete to keep it stable. It is very likely the memorial went up in flames.


1882 – Birth……………………….

The birth of a Frederick Thomas Gant was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Norwich District of Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1882.

North Heigham and South Heigham were small hamlets to the west of Norwich and within sight of the old medieval city walls. Even in the later Victorian period they could still be seen as independent, but with the rapid expension of the city in the 1870’s both were rapidly subsumed. The good councillors of Norwich, (with many a property developer in their midst) were regular petitoners to Parliament to get the city boundaries extended. Most residents of Norwich now wouldn’t even know of the existence of the Heighams let alone where they were.

1891 Census of England and Wales

At first Frederick and his family were difficult to find on this census, but using the information from the 1901 Census it proved possible to find them recorded with the surname “Gants” and living at 7 Langley Street, Heigham, Norwich. As well as parents Benjamin, (aged 33, a Painter and paper Hanger, born Reedham, Norfolk) and Emma, (aged 34, born Norwich), there were children:-
George K…..aged 12….born Norwich
Ethel E……..aged 10….born Norwich
Frederick T..aged 8…….born Norwich
Alice E……..aged 6……born Norwich
Bessie G…..aged 4……born Norwich
Benjamin C..aged 1……born Norwich
Also in the household was Emmas’ father George Beart, a 74 year old widower, a Retired Drayman, born Hemblington, Norfolk.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 19 year old Frederick Gant, a Carpenter, born Norwich, was recorded living at 30 Old Palace Road, Norwich. This was the household of his parents Benjamin, (aged 42, a House Builder, born Reedham, Norfolk) and Emma, (aged 50, born Norwich). As well as Frederick the couples other children still living with them were:-
Ethel……….aged 20…..born Norwich….Tailoress
Alice………..aged 17….born Norwich…..Dressmaker
Benjamin…..aged 13….born Norwich
Ralph……….aged 7…..born Norwich
There is also a boarder in the household.

The death of a Benjamin Gant, aged 48, was recorded in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1907. There is no obvious civil probate for that man.

On the 1901-02 Norfolk Register of Electors, a Benjamin Gant was recorded as entitled to vote in Parliamentary and City Council elections as he was the (male) head of the household at 30, Old Palace Road, Norwich.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ8B-H3Z1
On the 1905-06 edition he was recorded moving from 30 Old Palace Road to 75 Heigham Road, Norwich.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2C9L-5BD
He appears on the 1906-07 edition at the Heigham Road address but doesn’t show up after that.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The mostly likely match on this census is a 30 year old “married” boarder, Frederick T Gant, a House Painter born Norwich, who was recorded at the Brickmakers Arms, Riverside, Reedham, Norfolk. He is stated to have been married 6 years but in answer to the question about how many children the marriage had produced, the answer is a cross. There are no other boarders in the household. Given that this information came from the householder it should be treated with caution.

(Frederick is not on the War Memorial at Reedham).

Pre August 1911 the quarterly index of marriages in England & Wales did not cross reference who marriage who. While a lot of work has gone on subsequently on genealogy sources to establish this information. However, as each page of each District normaly contained two marriages, the most widely available information consists of two bridegrooms and two brides. In this case a Frederick Thomas Gant married either a Lucy May Fulcher or a Florence Louisa Bracey in the Norwich District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1904. The other bridegroom was a Frederick Thomas Smith.

I could not find a likely match for any of those individuals on the 1911 Census, nor a likely death in England & Wales between 1904 & 1911 of a Lucy Gant or a Florence Gant.

It may be a co-incidence but the birth of a Vera Grace Gant, mothers’ maiden name Fulcher was registered in the Norwich District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1906. Vera however also doesn’t appear to be on the 1911 Census of England & Wales.

If it was Lucy May Fulcher who married Frederick, then the only likely birth record I could find was was of a Lucy May Fulcher, mothers’ maiden name Houghton, whose birth was registered with the Civil Authorities in Norwich in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1884. The 6 year old L.M. Fulcher, (female) born Norwich, was recorded on the 1891 Census living with parents Robert and Hannah at “White Rose”, Lower Westwick Road, Norwich, although father Robert was then a Boot Finisher. The 1901 Census has the family living at 107 Dereham Road, Norwich, with Lucy, aged 17 shown as “Helping at Home” and father Robert as a Licensed Victualler. On the 1911 Census Robert, Hannah and some of their children are shown at the “Beaufort”, No.1 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, where Robert is the Licensed Victualler – but there is no Lucy or grand-daughter Vera.

As I couldn’t find a likely death of a Lucy May Gant, I then looked to see if she might have remarried. There is indeed a marriage of a Lucy M Gant recorded in the Norwich District – it took place in the Norwich District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1917, so in the months after her husbands death. Lucys’ second husband was an Edwin G. Towler.

Now it may be just a co-incidence, but on the 1911 Census of England & Wales there is a 35 year old Edwin Gale Towler, a Machine Compositor in the Printing Industry, born Abbotts Ann, Hampshire, who was recorded as the married head of the household at 21 Ferndale Road, South Tottenham. His wife of 3 years was the 25 year old Lucy May, born Norwich. The couple have had just the one child, Doris May Towler, aged 1 and born South Tottenham.

Had Lucy left her husband to live with another man? I can find no likely marriage for Edwin in England & Wales in the period 1906 – 1911. In the records available to me I couldn’t find a mothers’ maiden name associated with the Birth Registration of Doris May Towler. So for now the jury is out.

The widowed mother of Frederick, Emma, was now shown as aged “51” and born Norwich, was recorded as the head of the household at 67 West End Street, Norwich. She doesn’t say how long she was married, but does say she has had 7 children, of which 6 were then still alive. Those children still single and living with her were:-
Alice………aged 26….born Norwich…Dressmaker
Bessie……aged 24….born Norwich…Restaurant Waitress
Benjamin…aged 21….born Norwich…Surveyors Clerk
Ralph……..aged 17….born Norwich

Also in the household is her 7 year old grand-daughter Gladys Gant, born Norwich.


Family in the Great War………………………….

Another brother, Ralph Victor Gant, would died serving with the 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment on the 21st March 1918.

He is remembered on the War Memorial at St Augustine, Norwich.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/5304079074

Also in the same photo galley in edition of the Norfolk Mercury dated Saturday May 25, 1918 was a picture of Ralph – see photo link in the comments box below


On the day…………………………………

Eagle Trench, 20th September (1917)
The 10th and 11th Battalions took part in an attack north-east of Langemarck. The first objective was taken and held; fighting was severe and somewhat confused. Casualties were heavy, and though further progress was made in places, at dusk most of the small parties left-out withdrew.
Losses: Officers: killed 10, wounded 6; Other Ranks 351
www.krrcassociation.com/history/wf1917.htm

Day 46 (Third Ypres aka Passchendaele).

Rainfall 2 mm

Today marks the beginning of the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, lasting until September 25th.

Zero Hour was 5.40 am.

Langemarck

20th Div

At Zero Hour the division fired oil drums at Eagle Trench. The drums unfortunately fell beyond the target and served to illuminate the attacking troops.

59 Bde

The brigade attacked with 10th and 11th Bns, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. 11th Bn, Rifle Brigade was in support and 10th Bn, Rifle Brigade in reserve. 10th KRRC captured the German First Line and advanced as far as ‘t Goed Ter Vesten Farm under cover of smoke. 11th, Rifle Brigade took over from 11th KRRC and advanced on Eagle Trench. Their smoke screen was ineffective however and they lost 2/3 of the engaged troops, taking only part of the objective. A German counter-attack at 8.30am was driven off.

60 Bde

60 Bde attacked with 12th Bn, Rifle Brigade and 6th Bn, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. In support was 6th Bn, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. The Oxs & Bucks was held up by MG fire from Eagle Farm and consequently only the southern part of Eagle Trench was occupied east of Schreiboom Crossroads. After a hasty re-org and a rescheduling of the barrage, the attack was re-started at 6.30am. This time all of Eagle Trench was occupied.
Source:https://forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?11535-The-Battle-of-Passchendaele/page3


WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Location Information
Wimereux is a small town situated approximately 5 kilometres north of Boulogne.

History Information
Wimereux was the headquarters of the Queen Mary's Army Auxilliary Corps during the First World War and in 1919 it became the General Headquarters of the British Army. From October 1914 onwards, Boulogne and Wimereux formed an important hospital centre and until June 1918, the medical units at Wimereux used the communal cemetery for burials, the south-eastern half having been set aside for Commonwealth graves, although a few burial were also made among the civilian graves.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/8200/wimereux-commu...

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday November 3rd 1917. The accompanying caption read “Pte. R.H. Saunders, Queens Royal West Surrey Regt., Lowestoft, died of wounds.”

R.H. SAUNDERS…………………………………

SAUNDERS, R H
Rank:………………..Private
Service No:…………11903
Date of Death:…….23/09/1917
Regiment:…………The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
……………………11th Bn.
Grave Reference:….I. B. 23.
Cemetery:
OUTTERSTEENE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, BAILLEUL
Additional Information:
Son of Mr. H. H. Saunders, of 77, Cambridge Rd., Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/42573/SAUNDERS,%20R%20H

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private Robert Heslop Saunders Died of Wounds on the 23rd September 1917 whilst serving with the 11th Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He was born, resident and enlisted Lowestoft.

The Medal Index Card for Private G/11903 Robert H Saunders, The Queen’s Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/17/174252
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5033364
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

He is remembered in the War Memorial Chapel at St Margaret, Lowestoft. (See Comment below for an image of the relevant panel).


1896/97 – Birth……………………..

The birth of a Robert Heslop Saunders was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1897. His mothers’ maiden name was Thwaites.

Mutford Civil Registration District included the town of Lowestoft.

Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to register the birth without facing prosecution and a fine. A birth registered at the start of Q1 could therefore have occurred as early as the middle of the previous November.

The most likely marriage of his parents had occurred in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1896 in the Mutford District, when a Robert Heslop Saunders married an Elizabeth Thwaites.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 4 year old R H Saunders, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 77 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents, Richard H, (aged 28, a self-employed Painter, born Lowestoft) and Edith, (aged 24, born Newcastle, Durham). There is just the three of them in the household. This would appear to be the right family although the first names of the mother and father are out of sync with all the other civil records.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Saunders family were still living at 77 Cambridge Road, although the father is now shown as “Robert” Saunders. This was the first census completed by the householder rather than the census taker going door to door, so presumably that was his correct legal name and the entry in 1901 was a mistake made when the census taker was writing up his notes in the official census returns. Robert was then aged 38 and a House + General Painter born Lowestoft. Similarly he was married to an “Elizabeth”, aged 34 and born Newcastle. The couple have been married 14 years and have had 4 children, all then still alive and also all then still living with them. They were:-
Robert…….aged 14……born Lowestoft
Elizabeth….aged 7…….born Lowestoft
Elsie………aged 5…….born Lowestoft
Daisy……..aged 1……..born Lowestoft

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows potentially two more children of Robert and Elizabeth, both registered in the Mutford District with mothers’ maiden name Thwaites.

Edward G……………….Q1 1913
Edith M………………….Q2 1918


On the day

OUTTERSTEENE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, BAILLEUL

Location Information
Outtersteene is a village about 5 kilometres south-west of Bailleul. The Communal Cemetery Extension is north-east of the village on the road to Bailleul.

Historical Information
Outtersteene was captured by the III Corps on 13 October 1914 but no Commonwealth burials took place there for nearly three years. In August 1917, during the Third Battle of Ypres, the 2nd, 53rd and 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Stations came to Outtersteene, and the first and last of these remained until March 1918. The hamlet was captured by the Germans on 12 April 1918, and retaken by the 9th, 29th and 31st Divisions, with the ridge beyond it, on 18 and 19 August, but the cemetery was not used again during hostilities. After the Armistice, over 900 graves of 1914 and 1918 were brought into Plots I, II and IV from the battlefields surrounding Outtersteene and from certain small cemeteries
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/4400/OUTTERSTEENE%2...

Given the presence of the Casualty Clearing Stations in the village at the time, it seems likely that Robert incurred his fatal wounds no more than three days before he died.

20th September 1917 – Battalion War Diary

Dawn Barrage opens attack is started. The Battn. Move to HEDGE ST 10.45 A.M
5 p.m. Companies move to a position in trenches (yesterdays front line)
Battn Hd Qrs CLONMEL COPSE. Enemy counter-attack on two occasions during the day. Casualties 2 O.Ranks killed, 1 Officer 8 O.Ranks Wounded.
Reinforcements arrive at CARNARVON CAMP. 213 O.Ranks. Weather again fine.

21st September 1917 (Evening) – Battalion War Diary

Companies move forward to JAVA TRENCH. Casualties 10. O.Ranks killed 1 Officer 36 O.Ranks Wounded. 50 of the reinforcements under 1 Officer came up to the line as Stretcher Bearers and remain carrying wounded until the morning of the 23rd. The number of German dead is surprising.
22nd September 1917 (Evening) – Battalion War Diary

Batt. less one Company (A) relieved and moved to MICMAC CAMP. Casualties 1 O.Rank Killed 1 O.Rank Wounded.

23rd September 1917 – Battalion War Diary

Remaining Company relieved * move to MICMAC CAMP, arriving 7.30 A.M. Stretcher party also arrives. Casualties 1 O.Rank Wounded. 2.30. P.M. Battn entrain at ZEVCOTEN for CAESTRE. Detrained & marched to HAZEBRUCK Area. V.22 c 28.
Source: qrrarchive.websds.net/PDF/QW01119170902.pdf

Micmac camp was next to the railway sidings at Ouderdom, not far from Dickebusch.
Source: www.greatwarforum.org/topic/15347-micmac/


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 27th 1917. The accompanying caption read “Pte. E. A Fennell, husband of Mrs. E. Fennell, Lowestoft, killed in action.”

The In memoriam section of the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Wednesday August 21st 1918 includes the following announcements

FENNELL – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private E. A. Fennell 1/8 Royal Warwickshire Regt. of Lowestoft, who was killed in action, on August 27th, 1917, in France.

“Days of sadness still come o’er me,
Hidden tears ofttimes do flow;
But memory keeps my loved one near me,
Although he died a year ago.”

“Killed was the husband I loved so dear,
Silent the voice I loved to hear,
Too far away for sight or speech,
But not too far away for my thoughts to reach.”

From his loving Wife.

FENNELL – In loving memory of Private E.A. Fennell, 18 Royal Warwicks, who was killed in France, August 27th, 1917.
“We think of him in silence,
No eye may see us weep,
But deep within our hearts,
Thy memory we will keep.”
From Jim and Susie, and Nephews Victor and Harold.

(The first of these from his wife also appeared in the edition dated Saturday 24th August 1918.

That soldier on CWGC is:-
FENNELL, E A
Rank:………………...Private
Service No:…………..325024
Date of Death:……….27/08/1917
Regiment:…………....Royal Warwickshire Regiment
……………………....1st/8th Bn.
Grave Reference:…….X. G. 20.
Cemetery:....................TYNE COT CEMETERY
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/462728/FENNELL,%20E%20A

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private Edward Arthur Fennell was Killed in Action on the 27th August 1917 whilst serving with the 1/8th Territorial Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was formerly 6495 Suffolk Regiment. He was born and enlisted Lowestoft. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Private 325024 Edward A. Fennell, Royal Warwickshire Regiment is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/7/41128
He had previously been Private 6495 Suffolk Regiment.
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2206991
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored. They appear to be on Ancestry, with the search index indicating a wife “Harriott Alice Burden”.They should also therefore be on FindMyPast. The familysearch site records that a 28 year old Edward Arthur Fennell, born Lowestoft, (probably) enlisted 1916 in the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment with service number 6495. They say they have more details held offline at one of their ‘family history centers’.
See: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVBL-FMK3

No obvious Missing Persons enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

Edward is remembered in the War Memorial Chapel at St Margaret, Lowestoft, (see comment below for an image of the relevant panel).

Edward Arthur is also remembered at St John’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html

And he is also recorded on the C&E Morton Ltd Roll of Honour.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftCandEMortonLtd.html

1887/88 – Birth……………………….

The birth of an Edward Arthur Fennell was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1888.

Mutford Civil Registration District included the town of Lowestoft.

Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to register the birth without facing prosecution and a fine. Thus a birth registered at the start of Q1 could actually have taken place as early as the middle of the preceding November without risking prosecution.

The baptism of an Edward Arthur Fennell, no date of birth recorded, took place at Kirkley, Suffolk, on the 1st November 1891.
Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3YT-HFH

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 3 year old Edward A Fennell, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 5 Caroline Terrace, Carlton Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents, George, (aged 36, a Locomtive Engine Fitter, born West Ham, Essex), and Harriet, (aged 30, born Kenninghall, Norfolk). As well as Edward their other children are:-
William C……aged 8…….born Lowestoft
Ernest H……..aged 7……..born Lowestoft
Sidney C……..aged 5…….born Lowestoft
Edward A…….aged 3…….born Lowestoft
In addition the couple also had a niece living with them, the 8 year old Nellie R. Fennell, born West Ham, Essex.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The Fennell family were now living at “Ivy Villa”, Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. As well as parents George, (46, Mechanical Engineers Foreman, now shown as born Stratford, Essex) and Harriet, (40) there are also children William C., (18, Letter of Goat Cart), Ernest H., (17, Mechanical Engineers Apprentice), Sidney C, (15, Mechanical Engineers Apprentice), Edward A, (13), George N, (8), May A.E., (6), Dorothy A G, (2), Arthur R, (8 months). Niece Nellie A, (18), was also still living with them.

The death of a George Fennell, aged 46, was recorded in the Mutford District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1901.The 1901 Probate Calendar records that George Fennell of Lowestoft, a locomotive foreman, died 24 April 1901. Administration was granted at the Ipswich Court to Harriet Fennell, Widow.
See: probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar#calendar

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Fennell family were now living at 45 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft but head of the family was the 50 year old widow ‘Harriett’. Harriett doesn’t say how long she was married but the marriage produced 10 children of which 8 were then still alive. Still single and living at home were:-
William…..aged 28…Greengrocers Hawker
Ernest……..aged 27…Marine Engine Fitter
Edward……aged 23…Tin Case Maker Preserve Factory
George…….aged 18…Motor Fitter
May……….aged 16…Assisting in Printing
Dorothea….aged 12
Arthur…….aged 10
Completing the household is a 29 year old boarder, George Goffin.

1912 – Marriage……………………..

The marriage of an Edward A Fennell to a Harriett A. Burden was recorded in the Mutford District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1912.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely children of Edward and Harriett.


On the day

TYNE COT CEMETERY

Location Information
Tyne Cot Cemetery is located 9 Kms north-east of Ieper town centre

Historical Information
'Tyne Cot' or 'Tyne Cottage' was the name given by the Northumberland Fusiliers to a barn which stood near the level crossing on the Passchendaele-Broodseinde road. The barn, which had become the centre of five or six German blockhouses, or pill-boxes, was captured by the 3rd Australian Division on 4 October 1917, in the advance on Passchendaele.

One of these pill-boxes was unusually large and was used as an advanced dressing station after its capture. From 6 October to the end of March 1918, 343 graves were made, on two sides of it, by the 50th (Northumbrian) and 33rd Divisions, and by two Canadian units. The cemetery was in German hands again from 13 April to 28 September, when it was finally recaptured, with Passchendaele, by the Belgian Army.

TYNE COT CEMETERY was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when remains were brought in from the battlefields of Passchendaele and Langemarck, and from a few small burial grounds,
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/53300/TYNE%20COT%20...

As part of the commemoration of the outbreak of the Great War, the CWGC have added a number of original documents to their website. One of those on their webpage for Edward is a Concentration Report. This records that his body was recovered from the battlefield in September 1919. His I.D. disc was found and this was used to confirm his identity. His body was found at Map Reference Passchendaele Sheet 28.d.13.a.0.5

The 1st/8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment were part of 143rd Brigade of the 48th Division at this point. The 48th Division were involved in an attack on St Julien, but the attacking units came from the other Brigades of the Division. However, although nominally in reserve, men from units of the 143rd Brigade could have provided carrying parties, and would have potentially suffered from any German counter-bombardment, intended to stop any re-inforcements and supplies getting through to bolster any gains by the attackers.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

WHYARD, HAROLD THOMAS
Rank:……………………Lance Corporal
Service No:……………..356331
Date of Death:………….21/09/1917
Age:…………………….22
Regiment:………………The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
…………………………1st/10th Bn.
Panel Reference:
Panel 31 to 34 and 162 and 162A and 163A.
Memorial:………………TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Arthur and Eva Whyard, of 65, Trafalgar St., Lowestoft
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/876995/WHYARD,%20HARO...

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private Harold Thomas Whyard was Killed in Action on the 21st September 1917 whilst serving with the 10th Battalion Lings (Liverpool Regiment). No place of birth is shown for him but he was resident and enlisted Liverpool.

Harold is remembered in the War Memorial Chapel, St Margaret, Lowestoft – see comments box below for a picture of the relevant panel.

Harold is also remembered at St John’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStJohnsChurch.html

William is also remembered at St Andrew’s Church in Lowestoft.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Suffolk/LowestoftStAndrewChurch.html

The Medal Index Card for Private 356331 Harold T Whyard, Liverpool Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/21/146991
Source: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5852897
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

No obvious Missing Persons enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1896 – Birth………………………….

The birth of a Harold Thomas Whyard was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Mutford District of Suffolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1896.

The Mutford Civil Registration District included the town of Lowestoft.

The most likely marriage of his parents occurred in the Mutford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1894 when an Arthur Whyard “probably” married a Nellie Adams.
I have to say probably as prior to September 1911 the quarterly index of marriages in England and Wales published by the General Registrars Office did not actually state who married who. A lot of work has been done over the years to identify from the relevant page and volume number of each Districts’ records who might have married who, but as the standard is two weddings on each page that still gives you two brides and two grooms. Arthur therefore either married Nellie Adams or Elizabeth Plumbly. The other groom was Thomas William Staff. Confirmation of who married who therefore comes by inference from other sources – wifes first names on subsequent civil records, the presence of someone of the right age and place of birth and marital status in the pre-marriage name on records pre-dating the marriage, and the mothers maiden name given on birth records. I struggled with all of those to prove that Nellie married Arthur and that Elizabeth married Thomas, but Ellen is more likely to be variation of Nellie than it is to be on Elizabeth.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 4 year old Harold Whyard, born Lowestoft, was recorded living at 24 Norwich Road, Lowestoft. This was the household of his parents Arthur, (aged 31 and a Fish Merchant, born Norwich), and Ellen, (aged 32 and born Bungay, Norfolk). As well as Arthur they have two other sons, Arthur James, (6) and Victor, (2), both born Lowestoft.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Whyard family were still recorded living at 24 Norwich Road but father Arthur was absent on the night of the census. Ellen, (42) recorded that she had been married 17 years and has had 7 children, of which 5 were then still alive. Still single and living at home were:-
Arthur….aged 16…..Fish Packer
Harold…aged 14…..Assistant Oilskin Dresser, Outfitters Shop.
Victor….aged 12
Reginald.aged 9
Leonard..aged 2
All the children were born Lowestoft.

Arthur Whyard, aged 42 and born Norwich, a self-employed Fish Merchant trading from home, was recorded boarding at “Tolcarne” Newlyn Road, Penzance, Cornwall. Much of the Lowestoft fishing fleet would have been down fishing the south-west waters at this time of year and it was not uncommon for those with an interest, particularly oweners and part-owners, as well as family, to follow them and board in the local fishing ports.


His unit…………………………………….

The Second Boer War catalysed a renewed interest in establishing a unit composed of Scottish Liverpudlians. On 30 April 1900, the 8th (Scottish) Volunteer Battalion was formed within the King's (Liverpool Regiment), with headquarters later being located at 22 Highgate Street, Edge Hill. The Liverpool Scottish became one of four battalions in English infantry regiments to explicitly associate with the Irish and Scottish communities - the other battalions were the London Scottish, Liverpool Irish and London Irish Rifles.

Traditional highland attire adopted for the battalion's dress uniform included the Clan Forbes pattern tartan and the glengarry headdress.

The Liverpool Scottish became the King's 10th Battalion in 1908 when Secretary of State for War Richard Haldane's reforms established the Territorial Force, which grouped the volunteers and yeomanry into 14 county-administered divisions and 14 mounted brigades.[17] By 1914, the 10th (Liverpool Scottish) would be subordinate to the South Lancashire Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Scottish

1/10th (Scottish) Battalion
August 1914 : in Fraser St, Bootle. Part of South Lancashire Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
2 November 1914 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 9th Brigade, 3rd Division.
6 January 1916 : transferred to 166th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
Source: www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-brit...


On the day…………………………………21/09/1917

The routine of alternating between the front line, being in support, and in reserve preoccupied the battalion until the Third Battle of Ypres in July 1917. Casualties were nevertheless sustained by the battalion during this period, invariably as a result of shelling and sniping.
The battalion was subsequently returned to the Ypres salient, positioned at Wieltje. On 31 July 1917, a new offensive around Ypres was launched to try to penetrate the German lines, advance to the Belgian coast and capture German submarine bases. The Liverpool Scottish experienced some of the heaviest resistance in 166th Brigade's area, taking heavy losses around the fortified farms. The battalion remained in some captured German trenches until it was relieved on 3 August. Captain Chavasse died of wounds the next day having again tended to wounded soldiers. His actions earned him a posthumous Bar to his Victoria Cross, one of only three men to be so decorated, and the sole double recipient of the First World War.

In September, the Scottish moved south to Epehy, thirteen miles south of Cambrai, where its division took part in the Battle of Cambrai in November.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Scottish

The 164th & 165th Brigade of the 55th Division had taken part in the opening day of the Battle of Menin Road, (20th -24th September 1917), while the other units of the 55th Division were in reserve. From the official history The History of the King’s Regiment (Liverpool Regiment), 1914-1919: Volume III by Everard Wyrall.

Relevant excerpts Pages 517 - 520

During the night of the 20th/21st two companies of the 1/10th King’s were placed at the disposal of the C.O. 1/9th Battalion; they were detailed to protect the left flank of the 165th Brigade.

……

The brigade narrative states that at 6.20 p.m. the line held ran from “Waterend House (where we joined up with 9th Division) thence to Hill 37 – Gallipoli Copse – Capitol – Keir Farm Dug-outs – Gallipoli, just north of which we joined up with the left brigade.

There seems to have been no change in this line during the night of the 20th – 21st of September.

…….

The 166th Brigade remained in Divisional Reserve. The 1/10th King’s were located in Liverpool and Bilge Trenches and Congreve. At 2 p.m. two companies, on attachment to the 164th Brigade, took up position in the old German front line, the remaining two companies coming under the orders of the G.O.C., 105th Brigade. The latter companies at 9.40 p.m. moved into a line of shell-holes in the neighbourhood of Elms Corner, in rear of Hill 37.

………

So far as the 165th Brigade was concerned the 21st of September was a comparatively quite day with the exception of the enemy’s shell fire which, at times, was heavy. He began at 4.30 a.m. by placing a barrage on the 1/7th King’s until daybreak. Throughout the day hostile aircraft were active over the positions newly captured by the 165th Brigade. At 5 p.m. a very heavy bombardment broke out and the enemy was reported massing for a counter-attack. This attack was completely broken up by our artillery, which caused the Boche further heavy losses.

On the left of the 165th Brigade, the 164th completed the capture of Schuler Farm at 4.30 a.m. on the 21st. A special platoon of the Liverpool Irish, under Second-Lieut. Allerton, preceded by a patrol, advance and took the place with little opposition from the enemy. Dead and wounded Germans lay about in all directions when the King’s men rushed into the Farm buildings and captured them.

The Farm was then immediately organised for defense, and a Lewis-gun and a machine-gun were mounted to form part of its defences. Consolidation proceeded rapidly and soon, with a line of shell-hole defences in front of the Northern Galleries to the Hannebeek, the whole neighbourhood became a very strong position. Hostile shell fire was heavy throughout the day, and particularly so just before the counter-attack (Rferred to above) took place in the evening.

So far as the King’s men of the 55th Division were concerned there is little to record; the 165th Brigade were relieved during the night of the 22nd of September and all units moved back to Vlamertinghe on the 23rd, and later to camp in the Watou area.

The 164th Brigade was relieved on the 23rd, and during the night of the 23rd/24th all battalions moved by train from St. Jean to Vlameringhe, and on the 24th to Watou, where also the 166th Brigade had arrived the previous day.

The successful attack by the 55th Division had, however, not been made without heavy losses: the King’s in particular suffered severely.

………

The 1/10th do not state their casualties during the operation, but their total losses for September were 66 all ranks.
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/infantry-histories/libr...


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Pte. V.C Campkin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Campkin, of Station Road, Thetford, killed in action.

The picture may be of this young man in civilian clothes, but they look more likely to be “hospital blues” – uniforms issued to soldiers in hospital while they were convalescing from wounds or ill-health.

Private CAMPKIN, VICTOR CHRISTMAS
Service Number:…………..13148
Died:………………………. 23/09/1917
Aged:……………………… 25
Unit:………………………...2nd Regt. South African Infantry
Buried:……………………..Dozinghem Military Cemetery
Grave:………………………VIII.D.3
Son of Harry Campkin.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/620130/campkin,-victo...

No match on Soldiers Died in the Great War and no Medal Index Card held by the (UK) National Archive.

The South African Roll of Honour records that Private 13148 V C Campkin died of wounds on the 23rd September 1917 and was buried in Grave III. D.3., Dozinghem Military Cemetery.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

He is remembered on the War Memorial in the church of St Peter, Thetford as V. Campkin.
Sources: www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/ThetfordStPeters.html
And www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/thet_peter.html

He is also remembered on the Civic War Memorial for Thetford.
Source: www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Thetford.html

He is also remembered on a family headstone in Thetford cemetery.
www.gravestonephotos.com/public/gravedetails.php?grave=47...
This also records that his father, Harry, died on the 17th October 1925, aged 78, and his mother, Emma, died on the 2nd February 1927, aged 75. (Note – those relationships are not shown on the headstone, they are my inferences from the census details shown below. Also, while Emma’s age would tie in that the ages shown on the census, Harry was actually older than the census would imply. Thus the information may need to be taken with a bit of caution – calculated from his census age, Harry would have been 73 when he died. Given the ease with which “3’s” and “8’s” can be confused, particularly if the headstone is worn, then it could be a transcription error. Indeed the Civil death records do show that he died, aged 73, in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1925.

His headstone at Dozingham can be seen here:-
www.southafricawargraves.org/search/details.php?id=3338
That site records him as the Son of Harry Campkin, of Station Road, Thetford, Norfolk, England

A distant relative in Australia includes his name on a list of ancestors with a Military connection.
loiswillis.blog/2015/05/25/remembering-those-who-served/


1891/92 – Birth……………………….

The birth of a Victor Christmas Campkin was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1892.

Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to register the birth with the Civil Authorities without facing prosecution. Thus a paper registered at the start of Q1 could potentially have been born as early as the middle of the preceding November.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 9 year old Victor C. Campkin, born Thetford, was recorded living at 4 White Hart Street, Thetford. This was the household of his parents, Harry, (aged 49, a Tailor and Publican, born Thetford), and Emma, (aged 49, born North Lopham, Norfolk). As well as Victor the couples other unmarried children living with them are:-
Maude A……aged 19…born Thetford…Board School Teacher
Josephine…...aged 17…born Thetford…Dressmaker (at home)
Harry………..aged 15…born Thetford…Post Office Learner
Edwin J……..aged 12…born Thetford
There is also a boarder completing the household.

1911 Census of England and Wales

There is no obvious match for Victor on this census. A check of the passenger lists for those leaving the UK shows a Mr V C Campkin, age not recorded, sailing from London in 1911 aboard the Gaika, bound for the Cape, South Africa. (There may be more on the original document, unfortunately my subscription to the relevant site only covers a transcription.)
There are no other Campkin’s travelling on that ship.

His parents were still living at 4 White Hart Street, Thetford. Harry, (59, Tailor and Innkeeper) and Emma, (59), have been married 26 years and state they have had 3 children, all then still alive. Still single and living at home are Harry, (25, Post Office Clerk) and Edwin Josiah, (22, a Railway Clerk).

That length of marriage would imply the older two girls on the 1901 census came from a previous marriage. A check of the 1881 census shows the 29 year old Harry Campkin, already a Tailor and Innkeeper and living on White Hart Street, was then married to a 22 year old Rosetta, born Barnham, Suffolk), The couple then had a 2 year old daughter Alice, born Thetford.

The death of a Rosetta Campkin, aged 25, was recorded in the Thetford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1884.

She is buried in Thetford Cemetery.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK1V-JXMZ


4 White Hart Street, Thetford…………………..

This was the location then of the White Hart pub.(The 1883 Kellys records it as the White Hart Inn). The licensee in 1879 was a Josiah Campkin, but from 1881 to 1912 it was Harry Campkin.

The business was valued at £640 in 1889 – even just allowing for inflation that’s only about £55,000 (2018), so not a big business.

Following the licensing meeting of February 1912 it was announced.......
` the Bench also had the pleasure to state that Messrs. Bidwell & Co. have voluntarily consented to have the White Hart closed, and this was referred to an adjourned meeting to be held on 7th March.'

Closure unopposed at Licensing Authority meeting of Friday 21st June 1912.

Licensee name confirmed as Harry Campkin and Registered Owner as Eustace E. Quilter when licence refusal by reason of closure by Compensation published 23rd August 1912.
Sources: www.norfolkpubs.co.uk/norfolkt/thetford/thetwha.htm
And apling.freeservers.com/Jobs/Publicans.htm

Victor’s unit……………………….

2nd South African Infantry Regiment (2 SAI) was an infantry regiment of the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

The infantry regiments were raised with men from the four provinces of the Union: the 2nd Regiment troops were from Natal and Orange Free State. Many volunteers were from the Kaffrarian Rifles. Most of the recruits already had military training or experience. They were, in general, middle class, well-educated and well-bred men.
The regiment was led by serving officers of the Union Defence Force, while the whole of 1st South African Brigade part of the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force coming under the command of Brigadier-General Henry Lukin DSO, a previous Inspector General of the UDF. The Brigade was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_South_African_Infantry_Regiment


On the day…………………………..

DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

Location Information
The cemetery is located to the north-west of Poperinge near Krombeke.

History Information
Westvleteren was outside the front held by Commonwealth forces in Belgium during the First World War, but in July 1917, in readiness for the forthcoming offensive, groups of casualty clearing stations were placed at three positions called by the troops Mendinghem, Dozinghem and Bandaghem. The 4th, 47th and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations were posted at Dozinghem and the military cemetery was used by them until early in 1918.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/15300/dozinghem-mil...

Without a personal source it is difficult to know when Victor may have incurred his fatal wounds. This close to the front during the Passchendaele campaign it’s possible to speculate that it was no more than 7 to 10 days before he died and probably even sooner. Given the high volumes of casualties the Casualty Clearing Stations were regularly and rapidly pushing men back through the medical evacuation chain.

The 1st South African Brigade and the 9th (Scottish) Division of which they were a part, were engaged in the opening days of the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, which lasted from the 20th September 1917 to the 25th.

20th September 1917.

The South African Brigade attacked with it’s 3rd and 4th Regiments supported by the 1st and 2nd Regiments.

The 3rd assisted the Royal Scots of 27 Bde taking Potsdam strongpoint while the 4th took Borry Farm. 1st and 2nd battalions then took over the advance. 1st Regt met no opposition on it’s advance but 2nd came under fire from positions on it’s flank in 55th Div area- Waterend House, Tulip Cottages and Hill 37. Despite this they took Zevenkote and Bremen Redoubt- not without considerable difficulty- and then formed a defensive flank along the Zonnebeke until 55th Div moved up.

A counterattack was thrown back at 5 pm.

22nd September 1917.

Frezenberg

9th (Scottish) Div

9th Div relieved by 3rd Div.

Source: forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?11535-The-Ba...

From The History of the South African forces in France by John Buchan, (he of ’39 Steps’ fame, published shortly after the war).

Excerpts from Pages 136 – 145

The front allotted to the 9th Division was some 2,000 yards north of the Ypres-Menin road. Through its centre ran the Ypres-Roulers railway. On its right was the 2nd Australian Division, and on its left the 55th Division of West Lancashire Territorials. The 9th Division formed the right of the Fifth Army. Its attack was to be on a two-brigade front, the South Africans on the left and the 27th Brigade on the right, while the 26th Brigade was held in reserve. The South Africans were disposed as follows: the 3rd Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Thackeray, on the right, and the 1st, under Lieutenant- Colonel Heal, in support; on the left the 4th Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel MacLeod, supported by the 2nd, temporarily under Major Cochran. When the first objective had been taken, the two supporting battalions were to pass through, and attack the second and third objectives.

The British line at the moment lay on the east side of the Frezenberg Ridge. The first objective for the South Africans was roughly the line of the Steenbeek stream. The second was a line running north and south a little west of the junction of the Ypres-Zonnebeke road and the Ypres-Roulers railway. This was now the main German position, part of the great Langemarck-Gheluvelt line. The final objective, known as the Green Line, was very slightly east of the second, and involved an advance mainly on the left wing of the attack. The
purpose was to win the ridge which gave observation of Zonnebeke, and which, until it was captured, hindered all advance further north. The countryside was to the last degree blind and desperate. Not only was there a stream to cross, and many yards of swamp to struggle through, but the area included some of the most formidable " pill-boxes " on the German front, while in the main enemy line stood the Bremen Redoubt, and the stronghold made out of Zevenkote village.

The starting-point being what it was, a night assembly in such an area was the most intricate of problems. On 17th September the South Africans moved into the front line, relieving the 125th Brigade. Wednesday, the 19th, was a clear, blowing day; but about ten o'clock in the evening the rain began, and fell heavily all that night. During the darkness the Brigade was getting into position for attack. The black night and the slippery ground made the whole operation extraordinarily difficult in a place devoid of communication trenches and honeycombed with shell-holes. The ground was so cut up that it was possible to move only by duck-board tracks, and it was hard to get reports back from the different units. Nevertheless, long before zero hour, the attacking battalions were in their place.

At dawn the drizzle stopped, but a wet mist remained, which blinded our air reconnaissance. At twenty minutes to six, preceded by a barrage of high explosive and smoke shells, the attacking troops moved into the desert of mud. In the dim light, obscured by smoke, it was impossible to see their objective. The advance had scarcely begun when the German barrage came down on our old front line, so that the supporting battalions had to close up as near as possible to the leading troops.

………………..

Now was seen the value of their careful training. The 4th Regiment took the strong-points known as Beck House and Borry Farm in their stride, and by half-past six had reached their first objective. Seeing the place called Mitchell’s Farm in front of them, a party went through our own barrage and captured it, killing most of its garrison. A machine gun across the brook on their left flank gave trouble, so a platoon, under Second-Lieutenant Saphir, crossed the stream and took the German post there, bringing back the gun and twenty prisoners.

………………………..

The 3rd and 4th Regiments now remained at the first objective and consolidated the ground, and the two supporting battalions at 7 a.m. moved against the second objective, the main Langemarck-Gheluvelt line. The 1st Regiment was on the right with a strength of 20 officers and 546 other ranks, and the 2nd on the left with a strength of 20 officers and 566 other ranks. The task of the 1st Regiment was easy, and it advanced smoothly towards its second objective. At 7.50 Colonel Heal was able to report that his section of the main German line had been taken. The 2nd Regiment, however, on his left, had a heavier duty. Mitchell's Farm
had been previously taken by the 4th, but the enemy was still holding Waterend Farm, and from beyond the stream was galling their flanks with machine-gun and rifle fire from the high ground at the place called Tulip Cottages and Hill 37 — all in the area of the 55th Division. Before them, too, lay the strong Bremen Redoubt and the fortified village of Zevenkote. Nevertheless, the Bremen Redoubt and Zevenkote were carried, and with them the second German position. But the situation on his left made Major Cochran uneasy. The men of West Lancashire were held up by the enemy at Hill 37, and the South Africans had therefore an exposed flank. He extended his left, and captured Waterend Farm, together with three machine guns and seventy prisoners, and thereby found touch with the 55th Division, and formed a defensive flank. It was not till the afternoon that the Lancashire troops gallantly stormed Hill 37, which enabled the South African left to advance to the Green Line, the final objective, where they held a position consisting mainly of a string of shell-holes.

Meantime there was no word of von Armin's usual counterstroke. The troops against us were some of the best in the German Army, part of the 2nd Guard Reserve. But the speed and fury of the advance of the 9th, the accuracy of their artillery barrage, and the skill with which they accounted for "pill-box" after “pill-box” had paralyzed the enemy. During the morning there seemed to be a concentration for a counter-attack near Bostin Farm, but this was dispersed
by our guns. Only small parties moving from shell hole to shell-hole advanced, and these never came nearer than 800 yards. By the evening of that day on nearly all the British front of attack the final objectives had been reached. The 9th Division had carried theirs in the record time of three hours.

That day's battle cracked the kernel of the German defence in the Salient. It showed only a limited advance, and the total of 3,000 prisoners had been often exceeded in a day's fighting; but every inch of the ground won was vital. Few struggles in the campaign were more desperate or carried out in a more gruesome battlefield. The mass of quagmires, splintered woods, ruined husks of “pill-boxes”, water-filled shell-holes, and foul creeks which made up the land on both sides of the Menin road was a sight which, to the recollection of most men, must seem like a fevered nightmare. It was the classic soil on which, during the First Battle of Ypres, the 1st and 2nd Divisions had stayed the German rush for the Channel. Then it had been a battered but still recognizable and featured country-side ; now the elements seemed to have blended with each other to make of it a limbo outside mortal experience and almost beyond human imagining. Only on some of the tortured hills of Verdun could a parallel be found. The battle of 20th September showed to what heights of endurance the British soldier can attain. It was an example, too, of how thought and patience may achieve success in spite of every disadvantage of weather, terrain, and enemy strength.

Delville Wood was still for the Brigade the most heroic episode in the War. But its advance on 20th September must without doubt be reckoned its most successful achievement up to that date in the campaign. It carried one of the strongest parts of the enemy's position, and assisted the brigades both on its right and left to take two forts which blocked their way. The day was full of gallant individual exploits. The regimental commanders led their men not only with skill, but with the utmost dash and fearlessness. Heal was struck by shrapnel, and once buried by a shell ; Thackeray was twice buried ; Cochran was knocked down, but rose unhurt, though all thought him killed. “The regimental officers," wrote Dawson on the 22nd, “were an awful sight this morning, haggard and drawn, unwashed and unshaven for four days, covered with mud and utterly tired, but very happy, and exceedingly proud of their men." One N.C.O. and two men of the 2nd Regiment took seventy prisoners . Another man of the 2nd Regiment engaged a German in a bayonet duel and killed him ; then a second, whom he also killed ; then a third, when each killed the other. In dealing with the "pill-boxes," individual courage and initiative were put to the highest test. It was for such an episode that Lance- Corporal W. H. Hewitt of the 2nd Regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross. He attacked a "pill-box " in his section, and tried to rush the doorway, but found a stubborn garrison within, and received a severe wound. Nevertheless he managed to reach the loop- hole, where, in his attempts to insert a bomb, he was again wounded. Ultimately he got a bomb inside, dis-lodged the occupants, and took the place.

On the 21st there was heavy shelling, but no serious counter-attack on the 9th Division, though the 55th, on their left, faced and defeated a strong enemy attempt. Early on the morning of the 22nd the Brigade was relieved from the front line. Its casualties were not light. The 1st Regiment had 58 killed (including Captain J. T. Bain and Second- Lieutenant E. Spyker) and 291 wounded and missing ; the 2nd Regiment had 61 killed (including Captain F. M. Davis, Lieutenant E. D. Lucas, and Second-Lieutenant A. B. Cooper) and 224 wounded and missing ; the 3rd Regiment had 88 killed (including Captain E. V. Vivian, Captain and Adjutant A. W. H. McDonald, and Second-Lieutenants W. J. Blanchard, C. F. Coxen, N. Cruddas, N. T. Hendry, J. Newbery, W. P. Sweeney, and D. A. Williams) and 283 wounded and missing ; the 4th Regiment had 56 killed (including Captain D. Gemmell and Second- Lieutenants B. D. Trethewy, A. Aitken, and W. G. S. Forder) and 197 wounded and missing.

…………….

In recounting the doings of the Brigade in this battle the subsidiary services must not be forgotten.

The Field Ambulance had the hardest task which they had yet faced, for their posts were under constant shell- fire. In getting back the walking wounded they were much helped by the Decauville trains, which were run by a section of the South African railwaymen. Owing to the impossibility of making dug-outs the wounded, as they became numerous, had to be dressed in the open, and it was no light task to attend fifty wounded men on stretchers with shells dropping around.
Source: www.archive.org/stream/historyofsouthaf00buchrich/history...
(Note – transcription at this web address looks to have been done automatically with optical character reader software. I have tried to correct this were the mistakes are obvious but it would be as well to check the original book).


Postscript………………………
Probate for a Victor Christmas Campkin, aged 25 and 6 months, who died in France on the 23rd September 1917 was granted at Pretoria, South Africa on the 12th November 1917.

His parents were Harry and Emma Campkin, both of 16 Station Road, Thetford, Norfolk, England. His occupation at time of death was Soldier, but he was a Clerk in Civil Life. An unmarried man, he lived at Cape Town prior to proceeding overseas on active service.

He died at the 61st Casualty Clearing Station in “France”. He left personal effects valued at under £300 and their disposal was covered by a Will. His executor was a ‘Wm’ Walker.
Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLKL-CCQP


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Pte. W. J. Ottaway, Norfolks, son of Mrs A. Ottaway, Attleborough, killed in action.

Soldiers Died in the Great War records a Private Walter James Ottaway who was killed in action on the 11th August whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born Cossey, Norfolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

That individual on CWGC appears however to be:-

Private OTTOWAY, W J
Service Number:……… 24153
Died:…………………… 11/08/1917
Unit:………………………8th Bn.,Norfolk Regiment
Buried……………………Hooge Crater Cemetery, Grave V.K.6.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead/casualty/458980/

The Medal Index Card for Private 24153 Walter J. Ottaway, Norfolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/15/71153
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4470278
He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, which mean he entered his first Theatre of War after the 31st December 1915. There is no additional information on the card.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

No obvious missing persons query received by the International Red Cross.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate under either spelling.

His headstone and the relevant panel of the Attleborough War Memorial can be seen here:-
www.findagrave.com/memorial/12534628/walter-james-ottaway


1897 – Birth…………………

The birth of a Walter James Ottaway was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Forehoe District of Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1897. His mothers’ maiden name was Dack. Forehoe Civil Registration District included the Civil Parish of Costessey.

The most likely marriage of his parents was recorded in the Forehoe District in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1894. This was when a Walter James Ottaway married an Annie Elizabeth Dack.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 3 year old Walter Ottaway, born Costessey, Norfolk, was recorded living at one of the dwellings at Lodge Farm, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norfolk. This was the household of his parents Walter, (aged 30, a Teaman on Farm, born Bawburgh, Norfolk) and Ann, (aged 30, born Felthorpe, Norfolk). As well as Walter the couple also have a daughter, Annie, (aged 5, born Costessey).

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Ottaway family were still living at Lodge Farm, Costessey. Parents Walter. (40, Horseman on Farm) and Ann, (40), have been married 16 years and have had 2 children, although Walter, (13), was the only one then still alive.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows only one possible match for a child registered with the surname Ottaway, mothers’ maiden name Dack. This was a “female” child, so either the couple couldn’t agree a name within the 42 days available after the birth to register the child, or the child died shortly after birth.

The 1915 Norfolk Register of Electors records that a Walter James Ottaway was entitled to vote in Parliamentary, County Council and Civil Parish elections because he was the (male) householder at Ley’s Cottages, Attleborough. This was the first edition when he appeared at that address and normally there would be a waiting period before there was an entitlement to the Parliamentary. This waiting period would be waived if the householder had been entitled to vote at their old address. Walter James has told the Registration Officer that he was entitled to vote at Costessey, and so his new address is shown as “successive” to the old one.
Source: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HTN-7P2
(This would most likely have been the father)


On the day……………………

The 8th Norfolks were at Canal Reserve Camp for a week, still under heavy enemy shelling and gas attacks. On 10th August with the weather still appalling and the ground a morass, they returned with the rest of the 53rd Brigade to Inverness Copse to relive the 54th Brigade.

"Barely had the 8th Norfolks relieved the Fusiliers and Bedfords at 4.15 a.m. on the 11th, the enemy penetrated our line and carried a strongpoint. The Norfolks had come up from Canal Reserve Camp and had been on their legs for twelve hours. The reverse stung them into fresh feats of endurance. Without a barrage they pressed forward and by 6 o'clock (a.m.), under Captain Morgan's leadership, had retaken the post and released several of their comrades and two of our machine guns."
richarddace.website/pdf/SADs%20War.pdf

Saturday 11th August 1917 - Day 12 Third Ypres

Westhoek

18th Div

During the relief of 7th Bedfords by 8th Norfolks at 4.30am the Germans attacked and captured a pillbox. The Norfolks recaptured it at 6am.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

One of the appendices to the Battalion War Diary for August is “A Short Narrative describing the part played by the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in the Ypres Operations between the 10th and 17th August 1917.”

At about 7.30 am on the 10th August, a warning message was received from the Brigade to the effect that the Battalion was to be ready to proceed to the CHATEAU SEGARD area and possibly up to the trenches in front of INVERNESS COPSE, to take part in an attack at about 7pm in order to capture the N.W corner of this wood, which objective, the 55th Infantry Brigade had been unable to take in their attack that morning. At about 8.30am orders were received for the Battalion to move at once to the CHATEAU SEGARD area. This move was completed by 11.30am. The Battalion remained in this area until 2pm with the Commanding Officer and Adjutant at Divisional Headquarters. We were then ordered to move to the Ritz Street area, were we would come under the orders of G.O.C 54th Infantry Brigade. This move was completed by 3.30pm, the Commanding Officer and Adjutant joining the Battalion at about 6pm, at 54th Inf. Bde. HQ.

Orders were then received from the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., that the Battalion, together with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, was to take over the front of the 54th Inf.Bde., with as little delay as possible. Company commanders were therefore sent off at once to reconnoitre the line. On their return, the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., owing to a report that the enemy were concentrating for a counter attack, ordered two Companies to move at once to the line. This move was carried out by one Company of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and one Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt. Owing to the difficulty of the 54th Inf. Bde. , in supplying guides, the remainder of the Battalion did not move up until 7.30pm. Orders were then issued to the Commanding Officer to the following effect:-
1) That on arrival at the front line, he was to take command of all units then in the line,
11) In the event of the situation becoming critical and the enemy developing an attack or capturing part of the line then held, he was to counter attack with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, holding the 8th Norfolk Regiment in reserve.
111) That the JARGON TRENCH line as far as J.14.a.5.6 - the strong point J.14.a.3.2 - and thence to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN ROAD exclusive), was to held at all costs.
1V) That he was to remain in Command until the completion of the relief, when he would come under orders of the G.O.C 53rd Infantry Brigade.

On receipt of these orders, the Commanding Officer at once moved up to the forward Battalion Headquarters, situated in the TUNNEL at the bend in the YPRES - MENIN Road. On arrival he found that the O.C of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had been brought up in short time previously by a guide of the 54th Infantry Brigade, had commenced to take over the JARGON TRENCH Line as far South as J.14.a.5.6 and had sent on “A” Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt., to endeavour to take over the strongpoint at J.14.a.3.2 and the switch trench between this strong point and JARGON Trench at J.14.a.5.6. The Commanding Officer had previously decided that the dispositions of the Battalion were to be as follows:-

“A” Company in the front line from J.14.a.5.6 to the strong point (inclusive) J.14.a.3.2.

“D” Company in the front line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN Road exclusive), “B” Company in support and “C” Company in reserve in the trench system around SURBITON VILLAS.

The remaining Companies, therefore, followed after “A” Company, but owing to the darkness, the lack of guides, and the confusion in the trenches held by the 54th Infantry Brigade, due to the heavy fighting which had taken place that day, the relief was carried out under very trying conditions, and although the relief was reported complete at about 3 am, it would appear that elements of the 11th Royal Fusiliers, 7th Bedford Regiment, 5th Northants Regiment and 2 Machine Gun teams were still holding a line approximately from J.14.a.35.20 to J.35.a.35.16, and there were also a few of the 11th Royal Fusiliers between “A” and “D” Companies at approximately J.14.a.30.18.

At about 4.15 am on the 11th August, the enemy commenced a light barrage on the front line. At 4.30 am this barrage became intense, and under cover of this the enemy launched an attack in strength on the strong point and the line held by the Battalion. Within a short time, the officer commanding 11th Royal Fusiliers who had still remained at Battalion Headquarters until all his men were out of the front line, reported that the enemy had penetrated that portion of the strong point held by the men of his Battalion. As soon as the S.O.S Signal, which had been sent up from the front line at 4.35am was reported to the Commanding Officer, orders were issued to “B” Company to hold themselves in readiness to counter-attack immediately. A message then being received from the platoon Sergeant of the right platoon of “A” Company, stating that the right flank of this Company had been driven back, but the left was still holding on, the Commanding Officer ordered “C” Company to counter attack at once and re-capture the strong point and any portion of the switch trench N.E. of the Strong Point that had been occupied by the enemy. On going forward and finding that the enemy who were in occupation of the strong point had brought 4 Machine Guns into action and appeared to be in considerable strength, the Commanding Officer decided to strike with his reserve Company, (“B” Company), simultaneously with “C” Company who were striking from the immediate front. Under covering fire of Lewis guns and snipers, with assistance from one platoon of the 6th Royal Berkshires, this attack was carried out by sectional rushes and the strong point recaptured and consolidated. The counter attack had been launched at 5.25am and the position was again in our hands by 6 am, together with 9 prisoners, our own two machine guns and elements of the garrison which had been captured by the enemy. This attack was carried out over the open over a distance of 600 yards through very difficult country under direct observation from the strong point, and owing to the fact that the enemy was then in possession of the high ground, he was able to sweep the whole line of advance of the attack with machine gun and rifle fire. After our counter attack had been launched, the enemy’s artillery and machine gun fire slackened considerably on the front of the right Company and this Company was able to give excellent covering fire for the troops carrying out the counter attack, thus inflicting by enfilade fire very heavy losses on the enemy who were running about in the open and endeavouring to form up between the Strong Point and INVERNESS COPSE.

At about 8.30 am, on receiving definite information about the situation, the Commanding Officer decided to re-organise the Companies in the line. Accordingly “A” Company took over that portion of the line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.14.a.5.6, “C” Company, (who were considerably weakened by casualties), the strong point, “B” Company from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES-MENIN Road exclusive): “D” Company were withdrawn from the line into reserve in the area around SURBITON VILLAS.

During the evening of the 11th and the night of the 11th/12th, the enemy made several attempts to recapture this strong point but was easily driven off on each occasion, the position having been wired and consolidated in the meantime.

Casualties from Noon 10th to Noon 11th
Officers: 1 killed , 7 wounded. Other ranks: 42 killed, 3 died of wounds, 87 wounded
Casualties from Noon 11th to Noon 12th
Other ranks: 2 killed, 12 wounded.

As part of the commemoration of the outbreak of the Great War, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has added a number of original documents to their website. One of these on their web-page for Walter is a Concentration Report. These reports detail exhumations and relocation to the current resting place. His body was recovered either from the battlefield or a smaller cemetery, (Map Reference Sheet 28 J.14.c.1.9) in the spring of 1919 and reburied on the 4th April. It was identified as Private “Ottoway” from effects found with the body.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Gunner Charles Tyrrell, third son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Tyrrell, Brewers House, Diss, killed in action.

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Gunner Arnold Charles Tyrrell was Killed in Action on the 19th September 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was born Diss, Norfolk, resident Streatham, Surrey and enlisted Woolwich.

That soldier on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database is:-
Gunner TYRRELL, ARNOLD CHARLES
Service Number:…………….. 100901
Died:………………………….. 19/09/1917
Aged:…………………………. 27
Unit:……………………………19th Heavy Bty.
………………………………….Royal Garrison Artillery
Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Tyrrell, of Diss, Norfolk; husband of Rose Tyrrell, of 9, Linton Crescent, Hastings, Sussex.
Buried………………………..Canda Farm Cemetery
Location:…………………… West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Grave………………………..III.C.11
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/436219/tyrrell,-arnol...

The Medal Index Card for Gunner 100901 Arnold C. Tyrrell, Royal Garrison Artillery, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/20/121520
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6485365
He qualified for the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army Service Records were stored.

Arnold Charles Tyrrell, aged 27 years and 3 months and married, was working as a Bank Manager when he attested for service in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the 10th December 1915 at Woolwich. His address then was 120a Sternhold Avenue, Streatham Hill, S.W.
His next of kin was his wife Rose of the same address.

This was probably under the Derby Scheme as he was then sent home and only formally called up on the 9th June 1916. (The Derby Scheme pre-empted conscription by allowing men to volunteer for specific units in the knowledge that when conscription came in in 1916 they would have no choice).

He was recorded as 5 feet 7 and a quarter inches tall.

Arnold served at home until the 7th January 1917 at the R.G.A. Depot, landing in France on the 8th January 1917. H was admitted to Hospital on the 23rd March 1917, being discharged to a Base Depot on the 5th April. On the 17th April 1917 he was posted to the Fifth Army Pool, which two days later assigned him to the 19th Heavy Battery. He was killed in action on the 19th September 1917.

He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

A memo 13th May 1918 advised that any personal effects for Arnold should be sent to Mrs Rose Tyrrell at 75 Surrey Street, Norwich.

Post war with the need to sort out payment of the War Gratuity and the issue of Medals, the Army sent for W.5080 to Rose asking for details of all surviving relatives. This was a standard form and followed the order of precedence at it then applied in British Inheritance Law.

His widow Rose still gives her address as 120a Sternhold Avenue, Streatham. There are no living children shown.

Father of the Soldier: Arthur Tyrrell, Brewery House, Diss, Norfolk
Mother of the Soldier: Elizabeth Mitchley(?) Tyrrell, same address.

Full Blood Brothers of the Soldier:
..Ernest George Tyrrell, aged 34, 20 King Edwards Mansion, Fulham
..William Arthur Tyrrell, aged 32, 24 Cedar Road, Norwich
..Herbert Edward Tyrrell, aged 28, 48 Whitehall Road, Norwich
..Sidney Percy Tyrrell, aged 26, Creek Crossing Farm, Shellake, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Half Blood Brothers of the Soldier: (None shown)

Full Blood Sisters of the Soldier:
..Blanche Ethel Pearce, aged 38, Kings Head Hotel, Diss, Norfolk
..Florence Edith Balls, aged 35, “Woodleigh”, Bramhall Lane, Bramhall, Cheshire
..Amy Augusta Aldis, aged 33, 20 Oakfield Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle on Tyne
..(????) Elizabeth Tyrrell, aged 25, Brewery House, Diss
..Gracie Mabel Tyrrell, aged 23, Brewery House Diss.

Half Blood Sisters of the Soldier: (None shown)

Rose completed the form and had it witnessed by a Justice of the Peace at Diss on the 11th May 1919.

She would sign for his medals in September 1921 when she was then living at 9, Linton Crescent, Hastings, Sussex.

No match for Arnold on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

Arnold is recorded on the War Memorial at Diss.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Diss.html


1889 – Birth & baptism………………..

The birth of an Arnold Charles Tyrrell was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Depwade District of Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1889.

The baptism of an Arnold Charles Tyrrell, born 19th March 1889, took place at St Mary, Diss on the 21st May 1889. His parents were Arthur, a Brewer’s Agent, and Elizabeth. The family lived in the parish.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818ff96e93790eca33a718...


1891 Census of England and Wales

The 2 year old Arnold C. Tyrrell, born Diss, Norfolk, was recorded living in a dwelling on Back Lane, Diss. This was the household of his parents Arthur, (aged 36, a Brewers Agent, born Norwich) and Elizabeth M., (aged 34, born Norwich). As well as Arnold their other children living with them are:-

Blanche E……aged 10…..born Diss
Florence E…….aged 8……born Diss
Ernest G………aged 6…….born Diss
Amy A……….. aged 5…….born Diss
William A……. aged 3…….born Diss
Herbert E…aged 1 month….born Diss
The family also have two live in servants.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The family were recorded by the census taker this time with the surname spelt “Tyrell” and were living at the Brewery House, Denmark Green, Diss. Father Arthur, (46), is now recorded as a Brewers Agent & Manager. He lives there with wife Elizabeth M., (44) and their unmarried children, Blanche E, (20, Drapers Assistant), Florence E., (18, Pupil Teacher), Ernest G., (16, Carpenter), Amy A., (15), William A, (14), Arnold C, (12), Herbert E, (10), Percy S, (8), Francis E, (7) and Grace M, (5). All the children were born Diss.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 22 year old Arnold Charles Tyrrell, an unmarried Bank Cashier from Diss, Norfolk, was recorded as a boarder at 30 St Albans Road, Leicester.

His parents were still living at the Brewery House, Diss. Arthur, (56, Brewers Manager) and Elizabeth Mitchley Tyrrell, (54), have been married 32 years and have had 12 children, of which 10 were then still alive. Still single and living at home were their daughters Frances Elizabeth, (17) and Grace Mabel, (15).

1915 – Marriage…………………………

The marriage of an Arnold C Tyrrell to a Rose Jewson was recorded in the Wandsworth District of London in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1915.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely children of Arnold and Rose.


His unit……………………………

19th Heavy Battery was raised as divisional artillery for 19th (Western) Division in September 1914, as part of Kitchener’s Second New Army. They left the Division in July 1915 and proceeded to France on the 15th to join XXI Brigade RGA.
Source: wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/rgartillery.ph...

Joined 21st Heavy Artillery Brigade, (HAG) on the 20th July 1915, transferred to 17th HAG 4th March 1916 and then a series of HAG moves. By the time Arnold joined them they had been back with the 4th HAG since the 29th July 1916, noving to the 29th HAG on the 3rd September 1917 and the 14th HAG on the 1st October 1917.
Source: www.greatwarforum.org/topic/60885-19th-heavy-battery-rga/

Heavy Batteries RGA were equipped with heavy guns, sending large calibre high explosive shells in fairly flat trajectory fire. The usual armaments were 60 pounder (5 ich) guns, although some had obsolescent 5 inch howitzers. As British artillery tactics developed, the Heavy Batteries were most often employed in destroying or neutralising the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, store, roads and railways behind enemy lines.
Source: www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-roya...


On the day……………………….

CANADA FARM CEMETERY

Location Information
Canada Farm Cemetery is located 8.5 kilometres north-west of Ieper town centre

History Information
Canada Farm Cemetery took its name from a farmhouse used as a dressing station during the 1917 Allied offensive on this front. Most of the burials are of men who died at the dressing station between June and October 1917. There are now 907 First World War burials in the cemetery.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/50400/canada-farm-c...

Other casualties from the same unit on the same day buried at Canada Farm Cemetery.

Corporal 52764 R. Southwood
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/436148/southwood,-/

Gunner 109406 R B Dives
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/435610/dives,-/

Gunner 103637 E Doherty
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/435614/doherty,-/

Gunner 109153 Francis Victor Sage
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/436091/sage,-francis-...

Without tracking down the Unit War Diary or the relevant HAG War Diary for the period it will be impossible to know the cause of death unless there is some personal source for Arnold or the other men who died on this day.

However just as they sought out their opposite numbers on the German, they too were the subject of counter battery fire. Air raids would also take their toll, as would the ever present possibility of a premature shell explosion.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 6 1917 included this picture along with the caption Gnr. F. A Peacock, 5, Portland Street, Norwich, Royal Garrison Artillery Siege Battery, killed in action three weeks after going to the front.

Gunner PEACOCK, F A
Service Number:…………. 93741
Died:………………………. 07/08/1917
Aged:……………………… 34
Unit:…………………………223rd Siege Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery
Buried…………………….. Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Grave V.D.19
Son of Daniel and Ellen Peacock; husband of Alice M. Peacock, of 5, Portland St., Unthank Rd., Norwich. Native of Norfolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/142992/peacock,-/

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Gunner Frederick Arthur Peacock was Killed in Action on the 7th August 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was born Hingham, Norfolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Gunner 93741 Frederick A. Peacock, Royal Garrison Artillery, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/15/165742
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4564867
He qualified for the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. There is no additional information on the card.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army Service Records were stored.

The Government Probate Service holds a Soldiers Will for 93741 Frederick Arthur Peacock who died on the 7th August 1917.
Source: probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Wills?Surname=Peacock&Su...

Another picture of Frederick can also be seen here:
norfolk.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/PICNOR/BIBEN...
The accompanying notes read Gunner Peacock served 15 months in the Norfolk Volunteers. He was killed in action at Ypres on 7th August 1917, aged 34 years. He was from Norwich.

1882 – Birth?..................................

There is no obvious birth for Frederick recorded in the quarterly indexes of births for England and Wales that were published by the General Registrars Office. These were summaries of the information returns sent by each Registrar of the births they had registered.

The most likely marriage of his parents was registered in the Forehoe District of Norfolk in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1881. This was when a Daniel Peacock married an Ellen Elizabeth Nurse.

It actually took place at St Andrew, Hingham, on the 20th October 1881, when a Daniel Peacock, a 22 year old bachelor Carpenter living in the parish of Hingham, married the 21 year old spinster, Ellen Elizabeth Nurse.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/581834c1e93790eb7f5d62a...

Checking the GRO quarterly birth indexes for children registered with the surname Peacock in the Norfolk area between1881-83 did bring up one query that could be a potential match – the birth of a “Peacock Peacock” was registered apparently in the Forehoe District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1882. There is no match for such a child on the subsequent census or death records for England and Wales. While that doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility that they existed it would seem more likely to have been a transcription error somewhere in the process which went unquerried.

However it wasn’t to prove that simple!

Elsewhere, the baptism of a Frederick Arthur Peacock, born 13th October 1882, was recorded as taking place at St. Andrew, Hingham, on the 3rd December 1882. His parents were Daniel, a Wheel Wright, and Ellen Elizabeth, The family lived in the parish of Hingham.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818ffc6e93790ec8b923de...

While checking the baptismal rolls I noticed that Daniel, a Carpenter and Ellen Elizabeth Peacock had four children baptised at St Margaret, Catton, on the 7th October 1898.

These were:-
Wilfred John – no date of birth recorded.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818e05ee93790ec8b56e8c...
Arthur James – no date of birth recorded.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818e05ee93790ec8b56e8d...
Ada May – no date of birth but recorded as 2 months old.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818e05ee93790ec8b56e8e...
Dora Caroline – no date of birth recorded.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818e05ee93790ec8b56e8d...

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 9 year old “Fredk” Arthur Peacock, born Hingham, Norfolk, was recorded living in a dwelling on Sluts Hole Lane, Morley St Peter, near Wymondham, Norfolk. This was the household of his parents Daniel, (aged 33, a Wheelwright and Carpenter, born Morley, Norfolk) and Ellen E., (aged 33, born Sea Palling, Norfolk). As well as Frederick, the couples’ other children living with them are:-
William James……aged 5……born Acle, Norfolk
Fanny Ellen……….aged 3……born Great Ellingham, Norfolk
Wilfred John…aged 11 months.born Wymondham

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 1901 Census has a 19 year old Frederick A Peacock, born Hingham, Norfolk and employed as a Tram Conductor, living at Rackham Fields, Catton, Norwich. This was the household of his parents, Daniel, (aged 40 and a Carpenter, born Morley, Norfolk) and Ellen, (aged 41 and born Sea Palling). Frederick’s siblings are
Arthur H……….aged 6.……..Born:Spooner Row
Dora C…………aged 8.……..Born:Spooner Row
Fanny………….aged 14.…….Born:Great Ellingham..Domestic Servant
Wilfred………..aged 12.…….Born:Spooner Row
William………..aged 16.…….Born:Acle….Farm Labourer

1909 – Marriage………………………

The marriage of a Frederick Arthur Peacock to an Alice Margaret Witard was recorded in the Norwich District in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1909.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 30 year old Frederick Arthur, a Jobbing ‘Gardiner’, born Hingham*, Norfolk, was recorded as the married head of the household at 5 Portland Street, Unthank Road, Norwich. He lives there with his wife of 1 year, the 30 year old Alice Margaret Peacock, born Buxton Lammas, Norfolk. So far the couple have had no children. Also in the household is Fredericks’ 17 year old brother-in-law, Percy George Witard, a Chemists Porter, born Upper Hellesdon, Norwich.
(*The Genealogy site I use for basic census look-ups has transcribed his place of birth as “Kingham”. This is likely to be the same on all the subscription sources as they all seem to have used the same original transcription).

His parents, Daniel, (52, Wheelwright, born Norwich) and ‘Elen’, (49, born Norwich), were recorded living at 72 Bowthorpe Road, Norwich. The couple have been married 30 years and have had 8 children, of which 6 were then still alive. Still single and living with them are William, (25, Market Gardener, born Norwich), Fanny, (24, Domestic Servant, born Norwich), Wilfred, (21, Market Gardener, born Norwich), Dora, (17, helping at home, born Norwich) and Arthur, (15, a cycle ‘machanic’, born Norwich).

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely children of Frederick and Alice.

His unit…………………………

The raising of 21 new Siege Batteries of the Royal Garrison Artillery was authorised by Army Council Instruction 1639/1916, with effect from 12 August 1916.

223 Siege Battery was raised at Tynemouth.
Source: www.longlongtrail.co.uk/the-raising-of-222-to-242-siege-b...

As British artillery tactics developed, the Siege Batteries were most often employed in destroying or neutralising the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, store, roads and railways behind enemy lines.

The 223rd Siege Battery arrived in France on the 2nd December 1916.
Source: www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-roya...

223rd Siege Battery, RGA went to France on the 2nd December 1916 and joined 19th Heavy Artillery Group (HAG) on the 7th December 1916. At the time it was armed with four 6-inch howitzer (26 cwt). On the 25th March 1917, it transferred to 58th HAG; to 46th HAG on the 13th April 1917; to 51st HAG on the 25th May 1917 and to 70th HAG on the 20th June 1917. In July 1917, it was made up to six guns by the addition of one section from 360th Siege Battery and it joined 4th Brigade, RGA on the 24th October 1917 and remained with it until the end of the war.

The Siege Batteries fired the heaviest weapons in the British arsenal and were used to batter enemy strongpoints. The size and weight of the guns meant that they were not very mobile and, in fixed positions, it would not take the Germans too long to identify their location.
Source: ossett.net/WW1/Lionel_H_Rooke.html


On the day……………………..

VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

Location Information
Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery is located 5 Kms west of Ieper town centre and to the south of the village of Vlamertinge (Vlamertinge is the modern spelling of Vlamertinghe).

History Information
For much of the First World War, Vlamertinghe (now Vlamertinge) was just outside the normal range of German shell fire and the village was used both by artillery units and field ambulances. Burials were made in the original Military Cemetery until June 1917, when the New Military Cemetery was begun in anticipation of the Allied offensive launched on this part of the front in July. Although the cemetery continued in use until October 1918, most of the burials are from July to December 1917.
Source: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/14800/vlamertinghe-...

The guns of the Royal Garrison Battery may have been behind the front lines but they were still subject to counter-battery work by their equivalent on the German side, and air attack, as well as the ever present risk of a premature explosion amongst the shells they were handling.


Postscript…………………….

The following brief news item appeared in the “Home News” column in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday, September 8, 1917

Mrs. F. A. Peacock, 5, Portland Street, Norwich, has received official information that her husband, Gunner F.A. Peacock, R.G.A., was killed in action on August 17th.

The same wording appeared in the edition of the Eastern Daily Press dated Thursday, September 6, 1917, and the Norfolk Chronicle dated Friday September 7, 1917.

The following Saturday, (15th), this item appeared in the Norwich Mercury:-

ONLY THREE WEEKS IN FRANCE.

Mrs. F.A. Peacock, 5, Portland Street, Unthank Road, Norwich, has received official information that her husband, Gnr. F.A. Peacock, R.G.A. was killed in action on August 7th. He had only been in France three weeks. The chaplain of his battery writes: “He was a loyal worker, and so popular.” Before joining the Army he served 13 months with that 1st Batt. Norfolk Volunteers.

In the personal Birth, Marriage and Death notices in the same edition appeared this:-

PEACOCK – Gnr. F.A. Peacock, R.G.A., the beloved husband of Alice M. Peacock, of 5, Portland Street, Unthank Road, Norwich, killed in action August 7th, aged 34 years. “At rest”.

This also appeared in the edition of the Eastern Daily Press dated Thursday September 6, 1917, Friday, September 7, 1917 and Saturday September 8, 1917.

Elsewhere, in the edition of the Eastern Daily Press dated Tuesday, 4th September 1917, there was this notice:-

PEACOCK – Killed in action August 7, Gunner Frederick Arthur Peacock, R.G.A. Siege Battery. Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peacock, 72, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, aged 34 years.
He sleeps beside his comrades,
In hallowed graves unknown;
But his name is written in letters of love
In the hearts he left at home.
From his sorrowing Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters at home and abroad.

On the 12th September 1917 edition of the Eastern Daily Press in the personal notices column there was this - Mrs. F.A. Peacock, 5, Portland Street, Unthank Road, Norwich, wishes to thank all friends for their kind letters of sympathy in the loss of her husband.

His widows pension award sheet has survived. This confirms they were married on the 29th August 1909, (marriage certificate seen) and certainly at the time of the pension award there were no children. She still lived at 5 Portland Street and was born on the 8th June 1880. She would receive a standard pension of 13s and 9d per week. The paperwork was done in November 1917. She would receive the separation allowance until the 24th February 1918 and then the pension from the 25th.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

This picture appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday November 10 1917. The caption reads Pte James Whistler, Feltwell, killed in action.

On Feltwell War Memorial he is recorded as J W Whistler 13th Royal Fusiliers.On the Church Roll of Honour in St Marys Feltwell he is also recorded as J.W. Whistler.

Private WHISTLER, JAMES WILLIAM
Service Number:……………. 51457
Died:………………………… 01/10/1917
Aged:……………………….. 38
Unit:…………………………13th Bn. Royal Fusiliers
Husband of Martha Ellen Whistler, of Bell St., Feltwell, Norfolk.
Commemorated at TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/876722/whistler,-jame...

SDGW records that Private 51457 James William Whistler was Killed in Action on the 1st October 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). He was formerly 32764 Middlesex Regiment. His place of birth was “Harkworld”, Norfolk, he was resident Highgate and enlisted Wood Green. (That place of birth should probably read Hockwold).

The Medal Index Card for Private GS/5145 James W. Whistler, Royal Fusiliers, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/21/110192
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6498285
He qualified for the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His Card notes that he was “K. / A. 1.10.17”. The associated medal roll shows that he only served with the 13th Battalion. He landed in France on the 18th November 1916 and was Killed in Action on the 1st October 1917.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored. There is however a single page cover sheet that survives for his wifes’ pension record. This was in the name of Martha Ellen Whistler, whose date of birth was the 20th October 1881. A marriage certificate had been seen which confirmed the couple married on the 8th October 1903. Originally living at Denewood, Broadlands Road, Highgate, North London, his widow notified a temporary change of address at the end of March 1918. She had moved to 33 York Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. There are no children. Her separation allowance ended on the 21st April 1918, with the pension starting from the next day.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the county image archive.

No obvious Missing Person enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

The Army Register of Soldiers Effects shows that the balance of his pay was sent to his widow, Martha E, in February 1918. Martha would also receive his War Gratuity when that was paid out in November 1919.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1879 – Birth and baptism…………….

The birth of a James William Whistler was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Thetford in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1879.

The baptism of a James William Whistler, born 25th June 1879, took place at St Peter, Hockwold, Norfolk, on the 27th July 1879. His parents were Robert, a Husbandman, and Mary Ann.
Source: www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5b0c56a7f493fd1fdef301f...

1881 Census of England and Wales

The 1 year old James William Whistler, born Hockwold, Norfolk, was recorded still living at a dwelling in that village. This was the household of his parents, Robert, (aged 32, an Agricultural Labourer, born Hockwold) and Mary Ann, (aged 32, born Methwold, Norfolk). As well as James their other children living with them are:-
George Rumbel(?)…..aged 12…born Hockwold
Charles Richard……..aged 8…..born Hockwold
Mary Ann……………aged 4…..born Hockwold

1891 Census of England and Wales

The Whistler family were now recorded living in a dwelling at Black Dyke Hockwold, although the parents ages have increased considerably. Robert is now shown as aged 52 and born Hockwold Blackdyke. Mary A is shown as 53 and born Stoke Ferry, Norfolk. They have two unmarried sons living with them – Charles, (17, born Hockwold Blackdyke) and James, (11, originally shown as born Feltwell but this has been struck through and replaced with Hockwold.

The most likely match for his future wife is the 9 year old Martha Ellen Laws, born Feltwell, who was recorded living in a dwelling on Cock Street, Feltwell. This was the household of her parents, Arthur, (aged 35, a General Labourer, born Fincham, Norfolk) and Ann Eliza, (aged 35 and born Feltwell). As well as Martha the couple have 8 other children living with them.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The Whistler family were now recorded at No.2 Blackdyke Cottages, Hockwold, but the head of the household is the 62 year old widow. Mary Ann Whistler, a Charwoman, born Stoke Ferry.
Living with her are her son, James W., (aged 21, a Horsekeeper on Farm) and two of her grandchildren – John ‘Wm’ “Nicholls”, (aged 22, a Horsekeeper on Farm) and Lily May “Nichols” aged 10 – all born Hockwold.. (I suspect the variation in spelling of Nicholls \ Nichols is just a mistake by the census taker).

The 20 year old Martha E. Laws, born Feltwell, Norfolk, was recorded as a live in Domestic Servant at a dwelling on the High Street, Brandon, Suffolk. This is the household of a widower, Walter Chapman, who runs a Grocery business.

8th October 1903 – marriage………….

Source – his wifes’ Army Pension record.

The marriage of a James William Whistler to a Martha Ellen Laws was recorded in the Thetford District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1903.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 32 year old James Whistler, married and a General Domestic Servant from Hockwold-cum-Wilton, Norfolk, was recorded living in the household of his employer at 4 Crescent Road, Ramsgate, Kent. The other servant recorded in the household is his wife of 7 years, Ellen, (aged 30 and born Feltwell, Norfolk). Their employers were the ‘Marrable’ (?) family with the head of the household, William, being a Retired Church of England Clergyman.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely children of James and Martha Ellen.


On the day……………………………………

From Royal Fusiliers in the Great War by H.C. O’Neill

Page 194 & 195. It was on September 30th that the 13th Battalion were called upon to deal with a local counter-attack. They were lying at the time astride the Menin road, with an advanced blockhouse near the western edge of Gheluvet Wood. At 5.30 a.m. a heavy bombardment by trench mortars was opened by the Germans on the whole position, and the support lines as far back as Basseville came under a heavy barrage. Ten minutes later the advanced post, which was held at the time by Second Lieutenant Shorman and 10 other ranks of No.2 Company, was attacked by about 300 Germans, armed with flammenwerfer. After a short and fierce struggle the post was captured, all the garrison being killed or wounded. An immediate counter-attack was organised by Captain T. Whitehead, commanding No.2 Company, and very swiftly the blockhouse was cleared of all the enemy. Second Lieutenant Shorman, who was badly burned and was last seen fighting, was missing. Second Lieutenant H.C. Bevan, who had been on patrol at the moment of the attack, was found beside the post badly wounded; and the total casualties were 26 in an operation which occupied a very short space of time, but was carried out with bitter hand-to-hand fighting. The morning mists had prevented the rifle grenade rocket from being seen, and there was consequently no artillery support, though the whole battalion on the right had a barrage put down on their front. Captain Whitehead was awarded the M.C. for his skilful and energetic leadership, and C.S.M. J. Edwards and Private W. Digby, both of No.2 Company, received the D.C.M. The battalion also received the congratulations of the Brigadier, the Divisional and Corps commanders.

Battle of Broonseinde. – Five similar attacks were delivered by the Germans on October 1st. Yet another was launched on the morning of the 3rd, and that night there was a very heavy gale with much rain. But the advance was resumed once more. The 13th Battalion took part in the attack with the 10th supporting. Since repelling the German attack on September 30th, they had lost heavily from the enemy bombardment. No. 2 Company in Bodmin Copse suffered very seriously on October 2nd, when No.1 Company was practically wiped out, and No.3 Company’s carrying parties lost heavily. The remainder of No.2 Company was divided between Nos. 1 and 3; and when the battalion attacked its total strength was 13 officers and 233 other ranks.


Mildy photoshopped to lessen the damage present on the original image source.

This photograph appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday May 4 1918 along with the caption: Private Ernest I. Laws, of Feltwell, reported missing 2nd December.

Private LAWS, ERNEST EDWARD
Service Number:………. 33424
Died:…………………… 02/12/1917
Aged:…………………... 32
Unit:…………………….11th Bn.Border Regiment
Commemorated at TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Husband of Martha Ann Laws, of Long Lane, Feltwell, Brandon, Suffolk.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/835474/laws,-ernest-e...

Soldiers died in the Great War records that Private 33424 Ernest Edward Laws was Killed in Action on the 2nd December 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 11th Battalion, Border Regiment. He was formerly 6226 Middlesex Regiment. No place of birth was shown for him but he was resident Feltwell and enlisted Norwich.

The Medal Index Card for Private 33424 Ernest E. Laws, Border Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/12/23170
He had previously been 6227 in the Middlesex Regiment and 37280 in the South Staffordshire Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D3314158
The card shows he was entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Some of his Service Records survived the bombing during the Blitz of the Warehouse were the Other Ranks Army files were kept.

Ernest Edward Laws of Checquer’s Hill, Feltwell, near Brandon, enlisted at Norwich on the 5th July 1916. He was a married man, aged 31 years and 3 months, who worked as a Labourer. He was born Feltwell. At his medical he was described as 5 feet 3 and a half inches tall, weighed 115lbs, had good physical development and no distinguishing marks or defects.

His next of kin was his wife, Martha Ann Laws, nee Ketteringham, of the same address. The couple were married in the Parish Church, Feltwell, on the 16th October 1909. Martha was a spinster prior to the marriage. The couple have had one child, Beatrice Ann, born 30th September 1911. There is a note against both wedding and birth details that these were verified from certificates.

He was posted to the 25th Battalion Middlesex Regiment on the 6th July 1916, (PW 6227). He was then posted on to the 98th Training Battalion on the 1st September 1916, (TR/10/37280). On the 5th January 1917 he was posted to the 11th Battalion Border Regiment, (33424). Ernest landed in France on the same day, so he was probably posted straight from the Depot on arriving in France. He joined up with his Battalion on the 22nd of January. Between the end of March and the middle of July he was treated at various locations for Pleurisy \ N.Y.D, the last part being in a Convalescence Camp, before returning to an Infantry Base Depot at Etaples. He was posted back to the 11th Battalion and rejoined them on the 10th August 1917.

He was initially posted as missing and wounded on the 2nd December 1917 and subsequently assumed to have died on or after that date.

Intriguingly in a note to stores advising the death and giving the address for his effects to be sent to he is referred to as No 34424 Private Ernest Edward Laws MM 11th Bn Border Regiment. There is no other reference to him receiving the Military Medal. As far as I’m aware these medals were not awarded posthumously.

Following his death a pension was awarded for his wife and child.

After the end of the war it was decided to pay a War Gratuity as well as send out Medals. To start the process off for those soldiers who had died, Army Form W.5080 was sent out to the last notified next of kin. The form asked for details of family members who were still alive and the lay-out followed the order of precedence of English Inheritance Law.

Martha signed the form and had it witnessed on either the 27th November or December, 1919 by the Rector of Feltwell, who has the worst handwriting of the two of them! The family were listed as:-
1: Wife of the soldier: Martha Ann Lawes
2: Children of the soldier: Beatrice Annie Laws, born September 30th 1911.
Both were living at Chequers Hill, Feltwell.

3: Father of the Soldier: None
4: Mother of the Soldier: None
5: Brothers of the soldier – full blood.
Robert Laws, aged 45, of No.5 William Street, West Kensington, London.
John Laws, aged 43, of Morley St Peters, Wymondham, Norfolk.
6: Brothers of the soldier: - half blood.
George Henery Walker, aged 23, of High Street, Feltwell
7 & 8: Sisters of the soldier – full blood and half blood.
None.

When his medals were subsequently issued in 1922 they were signed for by a “M.A. Walker” – I suspect that is either wife Martha and she had re-married or his mother Mary who had remarried and taken that surname.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the county image archive.

There is no obvious Missing Persons enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

Ernest is remembered on the Feltwell War Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Feltwell.html

Another source believes he has a brother, William Walker Laws, born 17 September 1880 at Feltwell. He was a Driver in the Army Service Corps attached to the Royal Horse Artillery – information given when he signed a guest book on the 5th November 1916 for passing soldiers who transited through Peterborough East Station. However the same source has him dying in 1969 in the Norwich area – which doesn’t tie up with the information given by Martha about her late husbands’ next of kin who were alive at the end of 1919.
See www.peterboroughww1.co.uk/soldiers/ww-laws/


1885 – Birth………………………..

The birth of an Ernest Edward Laws was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1885. Thetford Civil Registration included the Civil Parish of Feltwell.

The baptism of an Ernest Edward Lawes took place at Feltwell on the 10th May 1885.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJP2-LPR
His parents were listed as John, a Labourer, and Mary. The family resided at Feltwell.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818f8fbe93790eca32d1f8...

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 6 year old Ernest Laws, born Feltwell, was recorded living at a dwelling on Cock Street, Feltwell. This was the household of his widowed mother, Mary Laws, (aged 37 and born Feltwell). As well as Ernest her other children still single and living with her are:-
Robert……aged 16.....born Feltwell…Agricultural Labourer
John………aged 14....born Feltwell….Agricultural Labourer
Arthur…….aged 11.....born Feltwell
George……aged 4......born Feltwell
There is also a lodger in the household, the ?? year old Agricultural Labourer Walter Richardson, born Feltwell.

Going back to the 1881 census the 27 year old Mary Laws, born Feltwell, was recorded living with her husband, the 27 year old Farm Labourer, John Laws, born Feltwell at a dwelling on Drivers Square, Feltwell. Children living with them were Robert, (6), John, (4) and Arthur, (1).

Tracing father John back to the 1861 census the 7 year old John, born Pickenham, Norfolk, was recorded living in Feltwell with his parents John and Susan, and 4 sibling – one of which was the 1 year old Arthur Laws, born Feltwell. However following that man through he was still unmarried on the 1881 census and so could not have legally been the father of the William Walker Laws born 1880 according to the Peterborough WW1 site.

A further check shows that on the 1881 census the 6 month old William W. Laws, born Feltwell, was recorded living at a dwelling on Cock Street, Feltwell, His parents were Arthur Laws, aged 25 and a Millers Labourer, born Fincham, Norfolk, and Ann E, aged 25 and born Feltwell. Their other children are a 4 year old John and a 2 year old Fredk W - both born Feltwell. Still living on Cock Street on the 1891 census, the couple by then had 9 children, but none was an Ernest or an Edward.

Certainly as far as the Ernest who died and the William who served with the ASC, they were not brothers, and at least through their fathers sides weren’t even cousins. There may be a more distant familial relationship but sadly that would take more time to unravel than I could afford to spend.

Returning to the father of the Ernest whose picture appeared in the Norwich Mercury, the burial of a John Laws, aged 34, took place at St Mary and St Nicholas, Feltwell on the 10th March 1888.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818837be93790ec7543ae3...

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 16 year old Ernest Laws, a General Labourer on Farm was recorded living at one of the Cottages on The Square, Feltwell. This was the household of his step-father and (birth) mother, Henry Walker, (aged 32, a Shepherd, born Feltwell) and Mary Walker, (aged 45, born Feltwell). The couple have a 4 year old son of their own, George H., born Feltwell.

The civil records have the marriage of an Ernest Edward Lawes to a Martha Ann Ketteringham recorded in the Thetford District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1909. (His Army Service Records has them married at Feltwell Parish Church on the 16th October 1909).

It may be a co-incidence but the birth and death of an Ernest John Laws was registered in the Thetford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1910. The Ernest who died was aged under 1.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 27 year old Ernest Edward Laws, a Labourer on Farm, was recorded as the married head of the household of a dwelling on Oak Street, Feltwell. He lives there with his wife of 1 year, Martha Ann, aged 27, born Feltwell. The couple have had one child so far but sadly that child has died.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows only one likely child of Ernest and Martha, and that’s the birth recorded with the Civil Authorities in the Thetford District of a Beatrice A Laws, mothers’ maiden name Ketteringham, which happened in the October to December quarter of 1911. Her fathers’ service records show that Beatrice Annie was born 30th September 1911.

1915 Norfolk Register of Electors………

An Ernest Laws is shown as entitled to vote in Parliamentary, County Council and Parish elections as he was the (male) householder of a Dwelling House on Oak Street, Feltwell.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HTF-5PJ


On the day………………………

1.12.17 – Battalion War Diary

Wurst Farm: - After resting all day the Batt. moved from WURST FARM at 8.55 and took up forming up positions on The [?] prior to the attack.

2.12.17 – Battalion War Diary

Westroosebeek area: - The Battalion made a night attack on the German positions South of WESTROOSEBEEK in conjunction with remaining units of 97th Infantry Bde and 2 units of the 96th Infantry Bde. Zero hour 1.55am. The battalion took its objectives but the two leapfrogging Coys fell back before dawn onto subsidiary objectives which were held all day until the enemy launched a counter attack at 4.30pm and the battalion fell back onto the old line.

3.12.17 – Battalion War Diary

Westroosebeek area: - Activity normal throughout the day on both sides. The battalion was relieved at midnight by the 5/6 Royal Scots, 14th Infantry Brigade. Casualties for the whole action were Capt. J. Benson killed, Capt. A. Sandeman killed, Capt. P.M. Martin killed, 2/Lt Richardson killed, 2/Lt J.M. Jamie wounded.
2/Lt Fell, Hotchkiss, Capt. McConnan, 2/Lt Maltby, 2/Lt Ridgeway missing. 2/Lt McDuff killed, 2/Lt Duff.
thelonsdalebattalion.co.uk/wiki/11th_Battalion_War_Diary,...

Night action of 1/2 December 1917

The Night action of 1/2 December 1917 during the First World War, was a local operation on the Western Front, in Belgium at the Ypres Salient. The British Fourth Army (re-named from the Second Army on 8 November) attacked the German 4th Army. The Third Battle of Ypres (31 July – 10 November) proper had ended officially on 20 November but the attack was intended to capture the heads of valleys leading eastwards from the ridge, to gain observation over German positions.

On 18 November the VIII Corps on the right and II Corps on the left (northern) side of the Passchendaele Salient took over from the Canadian Corps. The area was subjected to constant German artillery bombardments and its vulnerability to attack led to a suggestion by Brigadier C. F. Aspinall that, either the British should retire to the west side of the Gheluvelt Plateau or advance to broaden the salient towards Westroosebeke. Expanding the salient would make the troops in it less vulnerable to German artillery-fire and provide a better jumping off line for a resumption of the offensive in the spring of 1918.

The British attacked towards Westroozebeke on the night of 1/2 December but the plan to mislead the Germans by not bombarding the German defences until eight minutes after the infantry began their advance came undone. The noise of the British assembly and the difficulty of moving across muddy and waterlogged ground had also alerted the Germans. In the moonlight, the Germans had seen the British troops when they were still 200 yd (180 m) away. Some ground was captured and about 150 prisoners were taken but the attack on the redoubts failed and observation over the heads of the valleys on the east and north sides of the ridge had not been gained.

Strategic developments

With the failure to capture Passchendaele and the ridge on 12 October, the grand strategic objectives of the Third Battle of Ypres were abandoned; attacks continued to secure a winter line from Passchendaele to Westroosebeke (now Westrozebeke), to hold German troops in Flanders before a British offensive at Cambrai due on 20 November and to provide jumping-off points for a resumption of the offensive in 1918. On 20 November 1917, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) officially ended the battle. Haig took the decision because of an acute shortage of infantry, orders to send five divisions to Italy in the British Expeditionary Force (Italy) and the need to take over more of the Western Front from the French. Command of the former Second Army sector in Flanders was transferred to General Henry Rawlinson and the Fourth Army HQ, which also took over command of II Corps (Lieutenant-General Claud Jacob). General Hubert Gough and the Fifth Army headquarters were transferred to Artois in command of the divisions relieving French divisions south of the Somme. It was desirable for the Fourth Army to mount minor operations to improve its positions and to continue to keep German troops away from Cambrai, once the Battle of Cambrai (20 November – 7 December 1917) had begun

Second Battle of Passchendaele

After the Canadian Corps attacks of 26 and 30 October and the capture of Passchendaele village on 6 November, the crossroads and remaining high ground near Hill 52 to the north were attacked on 10 November. The junction was 1,000 yd (910 m) north on the Passchendaele–Westroosebeke road and Hill 52 was 500 yd (460 m) beyond. Capture of the features would give the Second Army observation over German positions to the north-east. The Germans had used the lull after 6 November relieve the 11th Division with the 4th Division and the 44th Reserve Division. The Canadian attack jumped-off from Mosselmarkt, the crossroads was captured and Venture Farm was overrun. In the II Corps area to the north, the advance by the 1st Division was foiled, when one of its two attacking battalions lost direction; a German counter-attack got between them and forced the survivors back to their start lines. Canadian troops filled the gap and threw back a defensive flank along the corps boundary but this ended the Canadian advance. The Second Army was still short of Westrosebeek, from which the Germans had observation over the Passchendaele Salient. In the Fifth Army area, the XIV Corps had been relieved by XIX Corps on 29 October, II Corps took over from XVIII Corps on 2 November and on 14 November, VIII Corps in the Second Army area began the relief of the Canadian Corps.

Passchendaele salient

The British salient was about 3,000 yd (2,700 m) deep, 1,000 yd (910 m) wide and was overlooked from German positions at Westroosebeke to the north, the highest point on Passchendaele Ridge.

In early November there was one duckboard track into the area, easily visible to German observers and under frequent bombardment. Roads from Broodseinde and Zonnebeke were also shelled, a soldier who tried to detour over open ground, could disappear in the mud or blunder into German positions. German artillery observers directed constant shell and gas bombardments and when the 33rd Division took over from the 3rd Canadian Division on 6 November, the only places proof against German shells were captured pillboxes and blockhouses. The locations of these structures were obvious to the Germans, who continuously bombarded them with gas shell, making them near uninhabitable.

The original British plan was to continue the offensive to capture Westroosebeke; to defeat a German counter-attack the ridge was strongly garrisoned.

British preparations

By 18 November, the II Corps held the northern part and the VIII Corps held the south side of the salient. Brigadier-General C. F. Aspinall, the Brigadier-General General Staff (BGGS) of VIII Corps, wrote a report describing the vulnerability of the position and its approaches to German artillery. Aspinall estimated that repairing the transport routes and keeping them open despite German bombardments, would take eight labour battalions when VIII Corps had only three. Aspinall considered that the morale effect of holding the village after such an effort by both sides was considerable, that parts of the rear area were shielded from German observers and it would be a good jumping-off position for an offensive towards Westroosebeke or the Lys valley but that its positions lacked observation to the north and north-east. Remaining in the salient would mean that the Germans could continue bombard the defenders from an arc of 240°, reinforcements had no cover and supplies had to be carried forward a great distance. It would be easy for the Germans to prevent troops moving into the salient and they could smother the area with artillery-fire, guaranteeing a constant drain of casualties. Because the salient needed an excessive amount of artillery, the crews would have little rest, being so vulnerable to flanking-fire and the infantry holding the area would be too worn out to fight in a spring offensive. Aspinall recommended that unless there was another offensive in early 1918, the British should withdraw about 8,000 yd (7,300 m), to a line from Westhoek along Pilckem Ridge to the north. A retirement should not be delayed until a German attack, because much of the artillery would be lost but rather be a surprise as soon as the new front line was ready. Despite the gloomy prognosis, Rawlinson decided that the army should remain on the ridge. Teall Cottage was captured on the night of 21/22 November and on the night of 24/25 November two battalions of the 8th Division attacked without artillery support and advanced the line to the ridge crest, which increased the depth of observation into the German lines by 400 yd (370 m). A German counter-attack on the 8th Division front at 6:00 a.m. on 30 November was anticipated and was repulsed, with many German casualties inflicted by British small-arms fire and a prompt artillery barrage. Teall Cottage, having been transferred from the 8th Division to the 32nd Division area on 24/25 November, was recaptured and a British counter-attack on the cottage before dawn on 1 December failed, with 102 casualties.

British plan

VIII Corps held the right flank of the salient with the 33rd Division on the right and the 8th Division the centre; II Corps held the left flank with the 32nd Division. At a conference on 18 November, Rawlinson told Jacob, Hunter-Weston and Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie (Canadian Corps), that an operation to take the ground along the ridge as far as Westroosebeke was to be undertaken, to broaden the salient. Success would give the British observation over valleys on the north and east sides of the ridge and deprive the Germans of assembly areas on the reverse slope. Planning began for a methodical advance to broaden the salient from Passchendaele to Westroosebeke and Spriet. The 8th Division was to conduct an attack on 26 November to advance 100–300 yd (91–274 m) eastwards on a 1,020 yd (930 m) front and the 32nd Division was to act as a flank guard by advancing for 400 yd (370 m) on the flanks and 700 yd (640 m) in the centre, on a 1,850 yd (1,690 m) front from the north edge of the salient. The 35th Division to the north was to support the 32nd Division with machine-gun fire.

32nd Division

The 97th Brigade and the 15th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers (15th LF) of the 96th Brigade formed up below the faint outline of Hill 52 and the low southern slope of Vat Cottage Ridge. The 2nd Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (2nd KOYLI) was on the right flank with three companies for the attack and one in support, 16th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry to its left, then the 11th Battalion, Border Regiment (11th Border) and 17th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (17th HLI), each with two companies leading and two in support and 15th LF on the left flank (which had been holding the line with 16th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (16th NF) since the night of 30 November/1 December) with three assault companies and one in support, on a 1,850 yd (1,690 m) front from Teall Cottage to the north-east of Tournant Farm. The 16th NF retired to the right of Virile Farm in reserve after being relieved; patrols and Lewis gun crews entered no man's land after dark to cover the assembly. The battalions formed four waves, the first two in skirmish lines forming an advanced guard and the other two in section columns (snake formation), to advance through the crater field and be ready to outflank the objectives.

Advancing at 1:55 a.m., the 97th Brigade suffered many casualties amongst junior officers and NCOs; after seizing Hill 52 and Mallet Copse the advance was stopped by german resistance. German counter-attacks during the morning and late afternoon drove back the tired survivors to positions just short of or on the jumping-off line. Shute requested permission to attack again with the 14th Brigade (Brigadier-General Frederick William Lumsden) was refused by British GHQ on the morning of 3 December.

Analysis

In his 1979 memoir The Anger of the Guns, John Nettleton, the former Intelligence Officer for the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), wrote that in conditions where the moon was near full, there was no cover and the troops would stumble forward, rather than overrun the German defences. Objections to the plan were passed on by the 8th Division battalion, brigade and division commanders
...hostile machine-gun fire from prepared positions on a bright moonlight night was more to be feared than any barrage.
— Major-General W. C. G. Heneker, GOC 8th Division
but Heneker was over-ruled. Everything went wrong from the start; no-one thought that the attack could succeed and morale was depressed. It appeared that the Germans realised that an attack was imminent the night before, when the Royal Engineers went forward to mark the jumping-off lines for the attack. There was only one decent road for the 32nd Division and a duckboard track for the 25th Brigade, 8th Division, to reach their assembly positions. German artillery was registered on these approach routes and inflicted many casualties as the troops moved up. The track was on the right side of the 8th Division and the troops using it had to move from right to left to assemble along the tapes. The moon was bright and the Germans could not but notice three battalions lining up behind the British outpost line.

As liaison officer to the 32nd Division, Nettleton moved up along the road and wrote that if the Germans were still ignorant of British intentions, a soldier carrying a sack of very lights was hit by a bullet which set them off. The troops nearby rolled him in the mud but could not extinguish the flares. The 32nd Division was supposed to have captured the Teall Cottage pillbox two days previous but the troops found that it was still occupied by Germans. The cottage was at a right angle in the front line and the attacking lines of both divisions could be enfiladed by machine-gun fires from the pillbox. The 32nd Division companies assembled in echelon to the left of Teall Cottage; runners from the Royal Irish Rifles drank the run ration and the battalion commander had to cadge replacements from the 25th Brigade. From the battalion HQ, Nettleton heard the German machine-guns begin to fire at 1:55 a.m. as soon the advance began. The artillery barrage that began eight minutes later was "magnificent" but the attack had already been defeated, the German machine-gunners having "wiped out" the British infantry in the moonlight. The 2nd KOYLI managed to advance only 100 yd (91 m) and when it was relieved on the night of 2/3 December, it had the appearance of an understrength company

Casualties
The Eighth Division historians, Boraston and Bax, recorded 624 casualties; Moore wrote that the 8th Division lost 2,630 men, the 32nd Division losses were about the same and that the casualty statistics in Military Operations, France and Belgium 1917, part II omitted those of 1/2 December. In 2011, LoCicero calculated that the 8th Division losses from 2 to 3 December were about 552 men; the 32nd Division had 1,137 casualties and infantry regiments 117, 94, 116 and 95 had about 800 losses. In The Passchendaele Campaign 1917 (2017) Andrew Rawson wrote that the attack had cost the British over 1,600 casualties.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_action_of_1/2_December_1917

Postscript……………………..

It may be a co-incidence but the marriage of a Martha Ann Laws to a Harry Walker was recorded in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1921.

(Mildly photoshopped to minimise the visual impact of damage that was present on the original image.)

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 6 1917 included this picture along with the caption Pte. Shearing, Shipdham, killed in action.

Private SHEARING, W J
Service Number:…49844
Died:………………..... 29/07/1917
Aged:……………....... 33
Unit:……………………..1st/7th Bn., The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
Buried………………..…Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Grave........................ V.A.38
Son of William and Rosanna Shearing; husband of Helen Shearing, of Shipdham, Thetford, Norfolk. Native of Garboldisham, Norfolk.
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/143185/shearing,-/

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Private William John Shearing was Killed in Action on the 29th July 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 7th Battalion, King’s (Liverpool Regiment). He was formerly 230177, Royal Army Service Corps (M.T.)
William was born Garboldisham, Norfolk, resident Thetford, and enlisted Norwich.

The Medal Index Card for Private 49844 William J Shearing, Liverpool Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/18/25476
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5116958

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army Service Records were stored.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

The Government Probate Service holds a Soldiers Will for 49844 William John Shearing who died on the 29th July 1917.
probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Wills?Surname=Shearing&S...

William is remembered on the War Memorial at Shipdham.
www.breckland-rollofhonour.org.uk/shipdham.html


1884 – Birth & Baptism....……….

The birth of a William John Shearing was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Guiltcross, Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1884.

The baptism of a William john Shearing, no date of birth recorded, took place at Shipdham, Norfolk on the 14th May 1884. His parents were a William and Anna Shearing.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7RN-F8R

The baptism actually took place at one of the Chapels on the Thetford Primitive Methodist Circuit, so it may not actually have taken place in Thetford. The baptism was a William John Shearing, born 7th April 1883, which took place on the 14th May 1884. His parents were William, a Labourer, and Anna. The family live at Garboldisham.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818acdbe93790eca39c511...

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 6 year old William John Shearing, born Gardboldisham, Norfolk, was recorded living at a dwelling on the Street, Garboldisham. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 37, a Garden Labourer born in the same village) and Anna, (aged 35, born Hopton, Suffolk). As well as William their other children living with them are:-
Alice…….aged 14….born Garboldisham
Agnes…..aged 12…..born Garboldisham
Gertrude..aged 4…….born Garboldisham.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The parents of William were recorded living at 20 Church Road, Garboldisham but he was not with them on the night of the census. His father, William, now aged 47, works as a Gardeners Labourer while also in the household is his mother “RoseAnna”, (45) and sister Gertrude, (14).

William actually turns up elsewhere with his name transcribed as “Sherring” – and looking at the census takers handwriting I can quite understand why. Aged 16, single and born Garboldisham, Norfolk, he was working as a Post Office Telegraph Messenger and living in the household of his brother-in-law at 32 Cunliffe Street, Streatham, London. The brother-in-law was Alfred Warner, aged 29 and a married Bookbinder from Walworth, London. Living with him is his wife, Agnes Louisa, (23, born Garboldisham, Norfolk). Also living with them are their two children, Gertrude Alice Rose(?), aged 2 years 11 months, and Cyril(?) Alfred, aged 2 years 1 month, both born Kennington(?), London.

1908 – Marriage…………………….

The marriage of a William John Shearing to a Helen Harris was recorded in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1908.

The most likely death of his mother was that of a 54 year old Rose Anne Shearing which was recorded in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1909.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 26 year old William John Shearing, born Garboldisham and working as a Post Office Postman, was recorded as the married head of the household of a dwelling on Chapel Street, Shipdham, Thetford. He lives there with his wife of two years, Helen, (born Yatton, Somerset).
So far the couple have had two children, both still alive and living with them.
Rosanna Mary, aged 1 and a half, born Shipdham.
Muriel Alice, aged 6 months, born Shipdham.

His widowed father, William Shearing, a 57 year old out of work Gardener, was now living with another of his daughters at 50 Inverine Road, Charlton, South East London, Kent. They were Charles and Alice Anna Hook. The couple also have three children.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows just two children registered with this combination of surname and mothers maiden name, and as they are both registered in the Mitford District of Norfolk they are probably children of William and Helen.
Helen C N Shearing…………Q1 1912
Margaret L K M Shearing…..Q4 1913

1911 – 1915 Norfolk Registers of Electors.

A William John Shearing is recorded as entitled to vote in Parliamentary, County Council and Parish elections because he is a (male) householder of a dwelling house on Chapel Street, Shipdham. The 1915 edition records that he had moved from Chapel Street to Market Street, Shipdham. As this was continuous, (or successive in terms of the electoral law), he did not need to go through another residency qualifying period.
1911 Register: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HBW-8P3
1912 Register: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2CM6-2ND
1913 Register: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2H1R-LHY
1914 Register: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2CM5-92T
1915 Register: www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HTN-J8C


On the day……………………………..

VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

Location Information
Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery is located 5 Kms west of Ieper town centre and to the south of the village of Vlamertinge (Vlamertinge is the modern spelling of Vlamertinghe).

History Information
For much of the First World War, Vlamertinghe (now Vlamertinge) was just outside the normal range of German shell fire and the village was used both by artillery units and field ambulances. Burials were made in the original Military Cemetery until June 1917, when the New Military Cemetery was begun in anticipation of the Allied offensive launched on this part of the front in July. Although the cemetery continued in use until October 1918, most of the burials are from July to December 1917. The cemetery now contains 1,812 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/14800/vlamertinghe-...

The 1/7th Battalion as part of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division would take part in the opening battles of Third Ypres, (aka Passchendale) which would be launched on the 31st July. Prior to this the units of the Division were rotated into the front line throughout July to familiarise themselves with the area. As an attempt to punch out of the Ypres salient, the allied build up would struggle to achieve surprise, being overlooked by heights to the north and south. According to the Regimental History, History of the King's Regiment (Liverpool) 1914-1919: Volume 3 by Everard Wyrall, Some idea of the costly nature of tours in the line, when no attacks were mad on or by the enemy, may be gathered from the fact that the 1/10th King’s give their casualties for July, (not counting their losses during operations which took place on the 31st) as 12 other ranks killed, 4 officers and 129 other ranks wounded.

The 1/10th Kings were in the same Division and I suspect their casualty rate may not have been untypical.

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 6 1917 included this picture along with the caption Lance-Corpl H. Snelling, of Tivetshall, killed in action.

Lance Corporal SNELLING, HENRY
Service Number:……….16160
Died:…………………………. 11/08/1917
Unit:……………………………8th Bn.,Norfolk Regiment
Remembered……………Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/914254/snelling,-henry/

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Lance Corporal Henry Snelling was Killed in Action on the 11th August 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born Tivetshall, Norfolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Private 16160 Henry Snelling, Norfolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/18/191857
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D5310491

Some of his Service Records appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army Service Records were stored.

Henry Snelling, single, and a labourer was born on the 8th August 1891 at Tivetshall Norwich. He was 23 years and four months old when he attested at Norwich on the 4th November 1914 for three years with the colours. Henry was 5 feet 4 and a quarter inches tall and weighed 130lbs. He had a fresh complexion, with blue eyes and brown hair. His religion is given as Wesleyan. His next of kin was:-
Father…Colin Snelling….Tivetshall, Norfolk
Mother…Mary Snelling….Tivetshall, Norfolk
Sister….Florence(?) Snelling..Waybourne(? – poss Weybourne, Norfolk)
Brothers..Herbert Snelling
………….Colin Snelling
………….Joe Snelling

He was posted on the 7th November to the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment at Colchester and given service number 16160.In April 1915 the unit moved to Codford. From the 1st July 1915 to the 7th July 1915 he was in the military hospital at Codford with rheumatism.

He landed in France on the 25th July 1915. There is a note that reads something like G H Cl 11 Prof. Pay @ 3d per diem which was awarded from the 4th November 1916, so looks like he had some kind of skill or proficiency – I’m just not sure what it was.

On the 24th July 1917 he was appointed unpaid Lance Corporal with the 8th. On the 11th August 1917 he would be killed in action – place unknown. The next of kin notified on the 24th August 1917 was his father. At the time of his death there were no allocations being made from his pay, so most likely he never married.

He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His Medals and effects were to be sent to Mr. Colin Snelling of Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk.

Post-war, when the government was looking to issue medals and pay war gratuities for those men who had died, the Army issued form W.5080 to the last notified next of kin. These forms asks for the details of the relatives who were still alive and follow the hierarchy for dealing with estates as the law then stood.

Widow of the Soldier: None
Children of the Soldier: None

Father of the Soldier: Colin Snelling. Tivetshall St Mary, Norwich.
Mother of the Soldier: Mary Snelling. Tivetshall St Mary, Norwich.

Brothers of the Soldier – Full Blood:
Colin Snelling. South Repps.
Elijah Snelling. In the army.
Joseph Snelling. In the army.
Hebert E Snelling. Tivetshall St Mary, Norwich.

Brothers of the Soldier – Half Blood: None.

Sisters of the Soldier – Full Blood:
Annie Maria Beales, aged 26, Weybourne, Holt.

Sisters of the Soldier – Half Blood: None.

Mary Snelling completed the form on the 3rd June 1919, and had it witnessed by the Rector of Tivetshall.

No missing person enquiry appears to have been received by the International Red Cross.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

Henry is remembered on the War Memorials at both Tivetshall St Mary and Tivetshall St Margaret.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/TivetshallStMary.html
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/TivetshallStMargaret.html

The same memorials also list a Reginald Guy Snelling who died serving with the Royal Sussex Regiment in France in 1916.


8th August 1891 – birth?……………

Date from his Army service record. The birth of a Henry Snelling was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Depwade in Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1891. Depwade Registration District included the civil parishes of Tivetshall St Mary and Tivetshall St. Margaret.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 9 year old Henry Snelling, born Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk, was recorded living at a dwelling on Rectory Road, Tivetshall, St Mary. This was the household of his parents, Colin, (aged 55, a Thatcher, born Tivetshall St. Margaret), and Mary, (aged 48, born Shelfanger, Norfolk). As well as Henry their other children still single and living at home were:-
Herbert “Edwd”…aged 17…born Tiveteshall St.Mary…Thatcher
Joseph Ernest……aged 14…born Tivetshall St Mary….Shop Boy
Maria…………….aged 13…born Tivetshall St Mary
Reginald…………aged 11…born Tivetshall St Mary
Elijah Harvey……aged 7. …born Tivetshall St Mary

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Snelling family were still living in Tivetshall St Mary, although the exact address is not recorded. Parents Colin, (65, Thatcher) and Mary, (57), have been married 29 years and have had 7 children, all then still alive. Still single and living at home were Herbert, (28, Thatcher), Annie M., (23, Post Office Assistant), Reginald G., (21, Boot Maker), Henry, (19, Farm Labourer), and Elijah H.

On the 1912 Norfolk Register of Electors, a Colin Snelling is recorded as entitled to vote in Parliamentary, County Council and Parish Council elections as he is a (male) householder of a dwelling house “Near Rectory”, Tivetshall St Mary.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HB4-6HH


On the day……………………..

Saturday 11th August 1917 - Day 12 Third Ypres

Westhoek

18th Div

During the relief of 7th Bedfords by 8th Norfolks at 4.30am the Germans attacked and captured a pillbox. The Norfolks recaptured it at 6am.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

The 8th Norfolks were at Canal Reserve Camp for a week, still under heavy enemy shelling and gas attacks. On 10th August with the weather still appalling and the ground a morass, they returned with the rest of the 53rd Brigade to Inverness Copse to relive the 54th Brigade.

"Barely had the 8th Norfolks relieved the Fusiliers and Bedfords at 4.15 a.m. on the 11th, the enemy penetrated our line and carried a strongpoint. The Norfolks had come up from Canal Reserve Camp and had been on their legs for twelve hours. The reverse stung them into fresh feats of endurance. Without a barrage they pressed forward and by 6 o'clock (a.m.), under Captain Morgan's leadership, had retaken the post and released several of their comrades and two of our machine guns."
richarddace.website/pdf/SADs War.pdf

One of the appendices to the Battalion War Diary for August is “A Short Narrative describing the part played by the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in the Ypres Operations between the 10th and 17th August 1917.”

At about 7.30 am on the 10th August, a warning message was received from the Brigade to the effect that the Battalion was to be ready to proceed to the CHATEAU SEGARD area and possibly up to the trenches in front of INVERNESS COPSE, to take part in an attack at about 7pm in order to capture the N.W corner of this wood, which objective, the 55th Infantry Brigade had been unable to take in their attack that morning. At about 8.30am orders were received for the Battalion to move at once to the CHATEAU SEGARD area. This move was completed by 11.30am. The Battalion remained in this area until 2pm with the Commanding Officer and Adjutant at Divisional Headquarters. We were then ordered to move to the Ritz Street area, were we would come under the orders of G.O.C 54th Infantry Brigade. This move was completed by 3.30pm, the Commanding Officer and Adjutant joining the Battalion at about 6pm, at 54th Inf. Bde. HQ.

Orders were then received from the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., that the Battalion, together with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, was to take over the front of the 54th Inf.Bde., with as little delay as possible. Company commanders were therefore sent off at once to reconnoitre the line. On their return, the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., owing to a report that the enemy were concentrating for a counter attack, ordered two Companies to move at once to the line. This move was carried out by one Company of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and one Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt. Owing to the difficulty of the 54th Inf. Bde. , in supplying guides, the remainder of the Battalion did not move up until 7.30pm. Orders were then issued to the Commanding Officer to the following effect:-
1) That on arrival at the front line, he was to take command of all units then in the line,
11) In the event of the situation becoming critical and the enemy developing an attack or capturing part of the line then held, he was to counter attack with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, holding the 8th Norfolk Regiment in reserve.
111) That the JARGON TRENCH line as far as J.14.a.5.6 - the strong point J.14.a.3.2 - and thence to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN ROAD exclusive), was to held at all costs.
1V) That he was to remain in Command until the completion of the relief, when he would come under orders of the G.O.C 53rd Infantry Brigade.

On receipt of these orders, the Commanding Officer at once moved up to the forward Battalion Headquarters, situated in the TUNNEL at the bend in the YPRES - MENIN Road. On arrival he found that the O.C of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had been brought up in short time previously by a guide of the 54th Infantry Brigade, had commenced to take over the JARGON TRENCH Line as far South as J.14.a.5.6 and had sent on “A” Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt., to endeavour to take over the strongpoint at J.14.a.3.2 and the switch trench between this strong point and JARGON Trench at J.14.a.5.6. The Commanding Officer had previously decided that the dispositions of the Battalion were to be as follows:-

“A” Company in the front line from J.14.a.5.6 to the strong point (inclusive) J.14.a.3.2.

“D” Company in the front line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN Road exclusive), “B” Company in support and “C” Company in reserve in the trench system around SURBITON VILLAS.

The remaining Companies, therefore, followed after “A” Company, but owing to the darkness, the lack of guides, and the confusion in the trenches held by the 54th Infantry Brigade, due to the heavy fighting which had taken place that day, the relief was carried out under very trying conditions, and although the relief was reported complete at about 3 am, it would appear that elements of the 11th Royal Fusiliers, 7th Bedford Regiment, 5th Northants Regiment and 2 Machine Gun teams were still holding a line approximately from J.14.a.35.20 to J.35.a.35.16, and there were also a few of the 11th Royal Fusiliers between “A” and “D” Companies at approximately J.14.a.30.18.

At about 4.15 am on the 11th August, the enemy commenced a light barrage on the front line. At 4.30 am this barrage became intense, and under cover of this the enemy launched an attack in strength on the strong point and the line held by the Battalion. Within a short time, the officer commanding 11th Royal Fusiliers who had still remained at Battalion Headquarters until all his men were out of the front line, reported that the enemy had penetrated that portion of the strong point held by the men of his Battalion. As soon as the S.O.S Signal, which had been sent up from the front line at 4.35am was reported to the Commanding Officer, orders were issued to “B” Company to hold themselves in readiness to counter-attack immediately. A message then being received from the platoon Sergeant of the right platoon of “A” Company, stating that the right flank of this Company had been driven back, but the left was still holding on, the Commanding Officer ordered “C” Company to counter attack at once and re-capture the strong point and any portion of the switch trench N.E. of the Strong Point that had been occupied by the enemy. On going forward and finding that the enemy who were in occupation of the strong point had brought 4 Machine Guns into action and appeared to be in considerable strength, the Commanding Officer decided to strike with his reserve Company, (“B” Company), simultaneously with “C” Company who were striking from the immediate front. Under covering fire of Lewis guns and snipers, with assistance from one platoon of the 6th Royal Berkshires, this attack was carried out by sectional rushes and the strong point recaptured and consolidated. The counter attack had been launched at 5.25am and the position was again in our hands by 6 am, together with 9 prisoners, our own two machine guns and elements of the garrison which had been captured by the enemy. This attack was carried out over the open over a distance of 600 yards through very difficult country under direct observation from the strong point, and owing to the fact that the enemy was then in possession of the high ground, he was able to sweep the whole line of advance of the attack with machine gun and rifle fire. After our counter attack had been launched, the enemy’s artillery and machine gun fire slackened considerably on the front of the right Company and this Company was able to give excellent covering fire for the troops carrying out the counter attack, thus inflicting by enfilade fire very heavy losses on the enemy who were running about in the open and endeavouring to form up between the Strong Point and INVERNESS COPSE.

At about 8.30 am, on receiving definite information about the situation, the Commanding Officer decided to re-organise the Companies in the line. Accordingly “A” Company took over that portion of the line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.14.a.5.6, “C” Company, (who were considerably weakened by casualties), the strong point, “B” Company from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES-MENIN Road exclusive): “D” Company were withdrawn from the line into reserve in the area around SURBITON VILLAS.

During the evening of the 11th and the night of the 11th/12th, the enemy made several attempts to recapture this strong point but was easily driven off on each occasion, the position having been wired and consolidated in the meantime.

During the morning of the 12th August the situation remained unchanged. In the afternoon, information was received that the 9th London Regiment (Q.V.R.) would relieve the Battalion in the line from J.14.a.5.6 as far South as the Strong Point at J.14.a.3.2 (inclusive), and that the 8th Suffolk Regiment would take over the remainder of the Battalion front. The relief was completed by 10.30 p.m. and the Battalion moved to Railway dug-outs.

The night of the 12/13th August and the day of the 13th August were spent in resting at Railway Dug-outs.
(There are more pages to be transcribed, time permitting).

Casualties from Noon 10th to Noon 11th
Officers: 1 killed , 7 wounded. Other ranks: 42 killed, 3 died of wounds, 87 wounded
Casualties from Noon 11th to Noon 12th
Other ranks: 2 killed, 12 wounded.


Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday September 29 1917 included this picture along with the caption Lance-Sergt. G. Carr, 8th Norfolk Regiment, brother of Mrs C. Neale(?) (24), West Raynham, Fakenham, killed while rescuing a wounded comrade, August 11th, last.

Lance Serjeant CARR, GEORGE WILLIAM
Service Number:……………. 13380
Died:…………………………........ 11/08/1917
Unit:…………………………….......8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment
Remembered…………………..Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1605930/carr,-george-...

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Lance Sergeant George William Carr was Killed in Action on the 11th August 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born Weasenham, Norfolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index Card for Lance Corporal 13380 George W. Carr, 8th Norfolk Regiment, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/4/23776
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D1707588

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army Service Records were stored. (Correction - see comment below as I have now found them.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County Image Archive.

No obvious missing person query received by the International Red Cross.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1890 – Birth……………………….

The birth of a George William Carr was registered in the Mitford District of Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1890.

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 1 year old George W. Carr, born Weasenham, Norfolk, was recorded living at one of the dwellings at Rougham End, Weasenham. This was the household of his parents, William, (aged 41, an Agricultural Labourer, born Weasenham), and Harriet, (aged 37, born Rougham, Norfolk). As well as George their other children living with them are:-
Riley (?) H……aged 10….born Rougham, Norfolk
Louisa………..aged 5……born Gressenhall, Norfolk
James………...aged 3……born Weasenham

Going back to the 1881 census his parents were recorded living at Castleacre Road, Great Massingham, Norfolk. Father William M, an Agricultural Labourer, was then aged 31, while wife Harriet was 29. Children living with them are the 2 month old Riley, born Rougham, and a 5 year old Henry Carr, also born Rougham. Note – that is the order in which the children are stated.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The Carr family were now recorded living in a dwelling in the village of Helhoughton, Norfolk. As well as parents William, (51, Cattleman on Farm) and Harriett, (49), children still single and living at home were Louisa, (16), James, A, (13) and George W., (11).

The marriage of a Louisa Carr to a John Wesley Neave was recorded in the Walsingham District of Norfolk in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1906.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The 21 year old George William Carr, single and a Coal Miner Hewer from Weasenham, Norfolk, was recorded living at Dorothy Villas, Station Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. His relationship to the head of the household is given as brother. Also in the household is a James Abel Carr, aged 23, single and a Coal Miner Hewer from Weasenham, Norfolk. His relationship to the head of the household is also given as brother.

The head of the household was a 38 year old Charles Hilton, a married Coal Miner Hewer born Rougham, Norfolk. He lives there with his wife of 18 years, the 38 year old Rachel Hilton, born Nottingham. The couple have had 6 children of which 5 were then still alive – all then still alive and living with their parents.

Trying to get to the bottom of the relationship between George and James Carr and their “brother” Charles Hilton, I went back looking at his appearances on the earlier censuses. In 1881, aged 8, he was living with his grand-parents Riley, (60) and Harriet, (64) Hilton, at Rougham. In 1891 he was living with his widowed “mother”, Harriett, (76) at Street, Rougham. By 1901 he was married and living in Nottinghamshire. I could not find an obvious baptism record for him online. Giving the marriage information above for the mother of George and James, I suspect they all share a common mother.

The parents of George and James were recorded living at West Raynham, Fakenham, Norfolk. William, (60, a Farm Labourer) and Harriet, (59), have been married 31 years and have had 8 children, of which 5 were then still alive. Living with them is their son Riley Hilton Carr, aged 30, single and a Military Policeman – I suspect he was probably home on leave.

Their daughter Louisa Neave, (25, born Weasenham) and her husband Conway Neave, (32, Cowman on Farm), were recorded living at West Raynham, Norfolk. This would seem to tie up with the caption to the photograph.


On the day………………………..

August 1917

The 8th Norfolks were at Canal Reserve Camp for a week, still under heavy enemy shelling and gas attacks. On 10th August with the weather still appalling and the ground a morass, they returned with the rest of the 53rd Brigade to Inverness Copse to relive the 54th Brigade.

"Barely had the 8th Norfolks relieved the Fusiliers and Bedfords at 4.15 a.m. on the 11th, the enemy penetrated our line and carried a strongpoint. The Norfolks had come up from Canal Reserve Camp and had been on their legs for twelve hours. The reverse stung them into fresh feats of endurance. Without a barrage they pressed forward and by 6 o'clock (a.m.), under Captain Morgan's leadership, had retaken the post and released several of their comrades and two of our machine guns."
richarddace.website/pdf/SADs War.pdf

Saturday 11th August 1917 - Day 12 Third Ypres

Westhoek

18th Div

During the relief of 7th Bedfords by 8th Norfolks at 4.30am the Germans attacked and captured a pillbox. The Norfolks recaptured it at 6am.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535

One of the appendices to the Battalion War Diary for August is “A Short Narrative describing the part played by the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in the Ypres Operations between the 10th and 17th August 1917.” Here is an extract covering the days in question.

At about 7.30 am on the 10th August, a warning message was received from the Brigade to the effect that the Battalion was to be ready to proceed to the CHATEAU SEGARD area and possibly up to the trenches in front of INVERNESS COPSE, to take part in an attack at about 7pm in order to capture the N.W corner of this wood, which objective, the 55th Infantry Brigade had been unable to take in their attack that morning. At about 8.30am orders were received for the Battalion to move at once to the CHATEAU SEGARD area. This move was completed by 11.30am. The Battalion remained in this area until 2pm with the Commanding Officer and Adjutant at Divisional Headquarters. We were then ordered to move to the Ritz Street area, were we would come under the orders of G.O.C 54th Infantry Brigade. This move was completed by 3.30pm, the Commanding Officer and Adjutant joining the Battalion at about 6pm, at 54th Inf. Bde. HQ.

Orders were then received from the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., that the Battalion, together with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, was to take over the front of the 54th Inf.Bde., with as little delay as possible. Company commanders were therefore sent off at once to reconnoitre the line. On their return, the G.O.C 54th Inf. Bde., owing to a report that the enemy were concentrating for a counter attack, ordered two Companies to move at once to the line. This move was carried out by one Company of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and one Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt. Owing to the difficulty of the 54th Inf. Bde. , in supplying guides, the remainder of the Battalion did not move up until 7.30pm. Orders were then issued to the Commanding Officer to the following effect:-
1) That on arrival at the front line, he was to take command of all units then in the line,
11) In the event of the situation becoming critical and the enemy developing an attack or capturing part of the line then held, he was to counter attack with the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment, holding the 8th Norfolk Regiment in reserve.
111) That the JARGON TRENCH line as far as J.14.a.5.6 - the strong point J.14.a.3.2 - and thence to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN ROAD exclusive), was to held at all costs.
1V) That he was to remain in Command until the completion of the relief, when he would come under orders of the G.O.C 53rd Infantry Brigade.

On receipt of these orders, the Commanding Officer at once moved up to the forward Battalion Headquarters, situated in the TUNNEL at the bend in the YPRES - MENIN Road. On arrival he found that the O.C of the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment had been brought up in short time previously by a guide of the 54th Infantry Brigade, had commenced to take over the JARGON TRENCH Line as far South as J.14.a.5.6 and had sent on “A” Company of the 8th Norfolk Regt., to endeavour to take over the strongpoint at J.14.a.3.2 and the switch trench between this strong point and JARGON Trench at J.14.a.5.6. The Commanding Officer had previously decided that the dispositions of the Battalion were to be as follows:-

“A” Company in the front line from J.14.a.5.6 to the strong point (inclusive) J.14.a.3.2.

“D” Company in the front line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES - MENIN Road exclusive), “B” Company in support and “C” Company in reserve in the trench system around SURBITON VILLAS.

The remaining Companies, therefore, followed after “A” Company, but owing to the darkness, the lack of guides, and the confusion in the trenches held by the 54th Infantry Brigade, due to the heavy fighting which had taken place that day, the relief was carried out under very trying conditions, and although the relief was reported complete at about 3 am, it would appear that elements of the 11th Royal Fusiliers, 7th Bedford Regiment, 5th Northants Regiment and 2 Machine Gun teams were still holding a line approximately from J.14.a.35.20 to J.35.a.35.16, and there were also a few of the 11th Royal Fusiliers between “A” and “D” Companies at approximately J.14.a.30.18.

At about 4.15 am on the 11th August, the enemy commenced a light barrage on the front line. At 4.30 am this barrage became intense, and under cover of this the enemy launched an attack in strength on the strong point and the line held by the Battalion. Within a short time, the officer commanding 11th Royal Fusiliers who had still remained at Battalion Headquarters until all his men were out of the front line, reported that the enemy had penetrated that portion of the strong point held by the men of his Battalion. As soon as the S.O.S Signal, which had been sent up from the front line at 4.35am was reported to the Commanding Officer, orders were issued to “B” Company to hold themselves in readiness to counter-attack immediately. A message then being received from the platoon Sergeant of the right platoon of “A” Company, stating that the right flank of this Company had been driven back, but the left was still holding on, the Commanding Officer ordered “C” Company to counter attack at once and re-capture the strong point and any portion of the switch trench N.E. of the Strong Point that had been occupied by the enemy. On going forward and finding that the enemy who were in occupation of the strong point had brought 4 Machine Guns into action and appeared to be in considerable strength, the Commanding Officer decided to strike with his reserve Company, (“B” Company), simultaneously with “C” Company who were striking from the immediate front. Under covering fire of Lewis guns and snipers, with assistance from one platoon of the 6th Royal Berkshires, this attack was carried out by sectional rushes and the strong point recaptured and consolidated. The counter attack had been launched at 5.25am and the position was again in our hands by 6 am, together with 9 prisoners, our own two machine guns and elements of the garrison which had been captured by the enemy. This attack was carried out over the open over a distance of 600 yards through very difficult country under direct observation from the strong point, and owing to the fact that the enemy was then in possession of the high ground, he was able to sweep the whole line of advance of the attack with machine gun and rifle fire. After our counter attack had been launched, the enemy’s artillery and machine gun fire slackened considerably on the front of the right Company and this Company was able to give excellent covering fire for the troops carrying out the counter attack, thus inflicting by enfilade fire very heavy losses on the enemy who were running about in the open and endeavouring to form up between the Strong Point and INVERNESS COPSE.

At about 8.30 am, on receiving definite information about the situation, the Commanding Officer decided to re-organise the Companies in the line. Accordingly “A” Company took over that portion of the line from the strong point (exclusive) to J.14.a.5.6, “C” Company, (who were considerably weakened by casualties), the strong point, “B” Company from the strong point (exclusive) to J.13.d.9.9 (The YPRES-MENIN Road exclusive): “D” Company were withdrawn from the line into reserve in the area around SURBITON VILLAS.

During the evening of the 11th and the night of the 11th/12th, the enemy made several attempts to recapture this strong point but was easily driven off on each occasion, the position having been wired and consolidated in the meantime.

During the morning of the 12th August the situation remained unchanged. In the afternoon, information was received that the 9th London Regiment (Q.V.R.) would relieve the Battalion in the line from J.14.a.5.6 as far South as the Strong Point at J.14.a.3.2 (inclusive), and that the 8th Suffolk Regiment would take over the remainder of the Battalion front. The relief was completed by 10.30 p.m. and the Battalion moved to Railway dug-outs.

Casualties from Noon 10th to Noon 11th
Officers: 1 killed , 7 wounded. Other ranks: 42 killed, 3 died of wounds, 87 wounded
Casualties from Noon 11th to Noon 12th
Other ranks: 2 killed, 12 wounded

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday September 22 1917 included this picture along with the caption Corpl. T.A. Parker, son of Mr. J.E. Parker, East Dereham, awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal

The National Archive holds a Distinguished Conduct Medal award card for Lance Corporal 43301 T.A. Parker, Norfolk Regiment, under reference WO 372/23/63882
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6117183
It state the Notification of his D.C.M award appeared in the London Gazette dated 25th August 1917.

The Medal Index card for his Service Medals shows him as Corporal 43301 Thomas A Parker, Norfolk Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4517080

Sadly, Thomas would not survive the war.

Corporal PARKER, THOMAS ALEXANDER
Service Number:………………….. 43301
Died:………………………………......... 09/10/1917
Aged:……………………………........... 21
Unit:………………………………...........1st Bn.,Norfolk Regiment
Awards:……………………………........D C M
Commemorated…………………….Tyne Cot Memorial.
Son of John E. and Maria Parker, of 9, Norwich St, East Dereham, Norfolk.
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1636083/parker,-thoma...

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Corporal Thomas Alexander Parker was Killed in Action on the 9th October 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. He was born East Dereham, Norfolk, and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army service records were stored.

No obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.

There is no obvious missing person enquiry made with the International Red Cross.

Apparently there are a pair of candlesticks dedicated to him in the Parish church at Hoe, Norfolk, where he was a Server (at the Altar).
www.dissmercury.co.uk/news/plea-to-find-relatives-of-fall...


1896 – Birth…………………………

The birth of a Thomas Alexander Parker was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Mitford in Norfolk in the April to June quarter, (Q2), of 1896. (Mitford District included East Dereham)

The baptism of a Thomas Alexander Parker, born 12th May 1896, took place at St Nicholas, East Dereham on the 7th June 1896.. The parents were John Edward, a Watch Maker, and Maria. The family live in Dereham.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818fc40e93790eca333853...

Other family baptisms at St Nicholas……………

Robert Nicholas Parker, born 16th November 1900 was baptised in January 1901. Parents were John Edward and Maria. The family live in Dereham.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818fc45e93790eca33391f...

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 4 year old Thomas A Parker, born East Dereham, was recorded living at 9 Norwich Street, East Dereham. This was the household of his parents John E, (aged 30, a Watch Shopkeeper and Dealer, born Fakenham, Norfolk) and Maria, (aged 30, born East Dereham). The couple have a second child, a son Robert N, (aged 4 months, born East Dereham).

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Parker family were still living at 9 Norwich Street. Parents John Edward, (40, Watch and Clock repairer) and Maria, (40), have been married 17 years and have had 5 children, of which 3 were then still alive. Those three were still single and living at home:-
Thomas Alexander….aged 14….born Dereham…Watch and clock repairer
Robert Nicholas…….aged 10….born Dereham
John Victor…………aged 3……born Dereham

D.C.M award………………………….

From Page 8838 of the Third Supplement to the London Gazette of the 24th August 1917, dated 25 August 1917.

43301 L./Cpl T.A. Parker, Norf. R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Firing his Lewis gun from the hip he advanced with the leading wave of our attack upon a strongly held enemy position and drove the enemy into an emplacement where they were all either killed or captured. But for his prompt gallantry our advance would have been held up and we should have suffered heavy casualties.
www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30251/supplement/1

Without mentioning Thomas by name, a report written by the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion on the attack on the 28th June 1917 on Oppy Wood would seem to bear some similarities to the events described in the citation for Thomas’s D.C.M.

Handwritten Appendix to the Battalion War Diary – “Attack on OPPY WOOD, timed for 7.10 pm (ZERO HOUR) 28-6-17

The barrage started at 7.9 Pm and the Battn left MERQUIS TRENCH in two waves at that hour and the leading was kept within 25 to 30 yards of our barrage. A few casualties was suffered from “shorts”.

The German front line was taken with a certain amount of opposition, particularly about the concreted machine gun emplacement which was held by about 30 Germans.

Lewis Guns fired from the hip, while advancing, accounted for a number of the enemy + the remainder took cover in the emplacement, from which they were expelled by P. Bombs + Mills Grenades. One German Officer + 25 O.R. were captured alive here.

OPPY Wood was entered, without much opposition, a front line was established about 80 yards inside the wood, with posts about 50 to 75 yards in front + consolidation at once commenced.

The German front line was also just(?) in a state of ??? (Unfina?)

The enemy barrage was mostly on DUKE Street and KENT ROAD, well to the rear of our new line.

Prisoners captured, 1 Officer, 70 O.R., one light M.G. + two light T.Ms.
About 80 to 100 Killed.
Our casualties Lieut. CHAPMAN, seriously wounded, Lieut. SCOTT slightly wounded.
O.R. about 15 killed, 46 wounded, many only slightly.

Dated 3-7.17.

28th June 1917 – Battalion War Diary

Attacked OPPY Wood at 7.10 pm. 1st Bedford Regt on left, 1st Cheshire Regt on our right. Everywhere the battle was a complete success, and all objectives were captured in less than half an hour. We took 71 prisoners and recaptured two Lewis guns and took one light German machine gun, 2 light trench mortars. Our casualties were slight. Enemys barrage was slow in coming down, but was fairly severe on our old front and support lines. Batt. HQrs came in for a lot of shelling but luckily was not actually hit, as it would not have kept out “Whizz-bang”.

Operation orders and a report on the battle by the commanding officer attached.

Casualties for the month lists includes:-

2nd Lt. J.H. Chapman Wounded in Action 28.6.17
Other Ranks 28.6.17. 15 Killed in Action, 58 wounded, 3 Missing.


On the day…………………………….

From the History of the Norfolk Regiment 1685-1918: Vol.2 by F L Petre.

"1917...............and on October 1st moved up, partly by bus, to the front line, where it relieved the 23rd division that night. It was now part of the 10th corp. The 1st Norfolk remained with the 15th brigade in divisional reserve just east of Dickebusch Lake. The weather was again wet, which rendered this low country most obnoxious. Movements had to be made largely by "duck boards" and shell holes and craters were often the watery graves of men who fell into their depths.

The front of the 5th Division has its right about 1,000 years short of Gheluvelt on the Menin road, its left at Polygon Wood. On October 5th, when the 15th brigade moved into front line, the Norfolk battalion found themselves facing the Polderhoek Chateau, with the 1st Cheshire on their left and the 16th Warwickshire on their right.

During the next two days they had several casualties from shell fire, and on the night of the 7th moved into support trenches in front of Inverness Copse. The German position at Polderhoek Chateau has been made into one of great strength, with numerous machine guns, and "pill boxes". It had been attacked on October 4th by the other 2 brigades of the 5th Division with partial success, but the final objective had not been reached, and some of the ground gained had subsequently been lost in the great counter-attacks launched by the enemy. The 13th brigade, which the 15th now relieved, had suffered heavily in the fighting, and both sides were recovering their breath after the struggle. The Diary of the 1st Norfolk about this time contains a good many complaints of the miserable weather, and the hard labour imposed on the men by constant fatigues for improving defences, making huts in the back areas, and bringing up supplies of all sorts. On the evening of the 8th orders were received for a renewal of the attack on the Polderhoek position in the morning of the 9th.

By 4 am the battalion had moved from the support trenches to the point of assembly, under the command of Major Lambton, who reports on the action. "C" company on the right and "A" on the left were to lead the advance, with "B" in close support, and "D" in reserve ready to make counter-attacks. The early morning was very dark, with heavy rain, and there had been great difficulty in finding the way the assembly point.

As the barrage lifted at 5.20 am, the 1st Norfolk and the 16th Warwickshire, leading the advance of the 15th brigade, went forward, the latter on the right. In the darkness and rain "A" and "C" companies of the Norfolk battalion inclined too much to the right and found themselves right in front of the Chateau, instead of to the left of it. They were falling back when the officer commanding threw in "B" to reinforce them. By this time the enemy had opened a terrific cross fire of machine guns on them and the British barrage had passed forwards, leaving them unprotected. The losses under these circumstances were very heavy, and no farther progress could be made all day. Farther to the left, two platoons had also lost direction and gone leftwards, which brought one of them, after an advance of about 400 yards, in front of the 1st Cheshire on their left, where they held on all day, isolated and out of touch with the rest on their right. To add to their difficulties the men had no hot food after they started for the assembly point in the very early morning.

At 9 pm the battalion was back reorganising in its original firing line, where they were relieved between 10 and 11 pm. The casualties during this unfortunate day were:

Officers killed:
Captain L W Clements, 2nd Lieutenants W D C Sharp, F Entwhistle and Coxens

Officers wounded:
Captain Dickinson, 2nd Lieutenants C B Smith, R P Scott and Livingston

Other ranks:
killed 38, wounded 144, missing 112

The failure of the attack is attributed, in Major Lambton's report, to the exhausted condition of the men and the terrible weather. Next day, when they were back in their old position, only one officer was left to reorganize the remains of the three leading companies. Many wounded had been lying out for a long time, and stragglers continued to come in in a ghastly condition during the 10th and 11th, on which latter date the battalion was back in Berthen reorganising and training in very bad billets. "
brandonatwar.co.uk/guest/index.php?topic=6.0

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday September 22 1917 included this picture along with the caption Pte Arthur Diver, son of Mrs. Matthew Diver, Thetford, severely wounded.

From the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday September 15 1917

SEVERELY WOUNDED.

Mrs. Matthew Diver, of Castle Row, Thetford, has been officially informed that her son, Private Arthur Diver, has been severely wounded in both legs and head. Private Diver, who is now in a Military Hospital in Lancashire, had been in France about three months.

See also the EDP Thursday September 13th.

LOCAL MEN IN CASUALTY LISTS.

On Saturday Mrs. Matthew Diver, of Castle Row. Thetford, received official notice that her son, Private Arthur Diver, had been wounded.

No obvious Medal Index Card at the National Archive, or entry on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

No Service Records for an Arthur Diver with a Thetford connection appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army service records were stored.

At this point I have not been able to track Arthur down in the official casualty list, so have struggled to identify which unit he was serving with at the time of his wounding.

Looking at the Medal Index Cards there is an Arthur Diver, who is recorded as
Private 1924 Norfolk Regiment
Private 300086 Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Private 15/52399 Royal Irish Rifles
Private 15/52399 Army Corps of Signals
Signalman 2314499 Royal Corps of Signals.
(I assume that’s the chronological order of the units he served with, but its never easy to tell from the Medal Index Cards).
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2632192

There is also a Private A. Diver 42860 Essex Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2632187

Checking through the service numbers similar to Arthur Driver with the Royal Irish Rifles.

15/52395 & 15/52396 – No match.

15/52397 was a Joseph Jones, who had previously been 268466 Royal Warwicks and 1972 Liverpool Regiment. (No match on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website).
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D3151135

15/52398 was a Henry Grimble, who had also been 262615 Norfolk Regiment, 300028 Royal Warwickshire, and 17/1447 17th City of London Regiment County Battalion. (No match on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website).
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D2469733

15/52400 was a Benjamin J Riseborough who had previously been 300092 Royal Warwickshire and 3609 Norfolk Regiment. (No match on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website).
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4874599

15/52401 was a Nelson A Murgatroyd, who had previously been 300792 Royal Warwickshire and 1924 King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. (No match on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website).
www.cwgc.org/find/find-war-dead/results?initial=N&las...

15/52402 was a William V Moss, who had previously been 300246 Royal Warwickshire. (No match on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website).
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4167794

Given the common element of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, I would suspect that they were a draft posted from that Regiment to the Royal Irish Rifles, rather than a collection of recovered wounded men who just happened to be all Royal Warwicks. In the case of Arthur there could also be a scenario in which he recovered from his wounds was medically rated too low for front line service but had Signals experience.

Those Service numbers were almost certainly of men who served with the 15th Battalion, a unit of the 36th Ulster Division. The Division had been brought into the line on the 2nd August for an attack planned for the 16th, and so through shelling and gassing had already suffered considerable casualties. But with the opening of the The Battle of Langemarck, the second battle of the campaign that we now refer to as Passchendaele, they still went over the top and suffered horrendously.

Sir Philip Gibbs - an Establishment figure - was a reporter for the Daily Telegraph during the War and, because of strict army censorship, his newspaper reports printed then are often bland, dull, and follow the official line. However, in 1920, he published a book entitled, Realities of War, in which he writes openly about his feelings during his time on the Western Front. Many of his comments are very astringent, especially when analysing its conduct by British Generalship.

On page 388 of his book he records these observations on the Battle of Langemarck:

The Irish at Ypres 1917
The story of the two Irish Divisions, the 36th Ulster and 16th Irish in their fighting on August 16th, is black in tragedy. They were left in the line for sixteen days before the battle, and were shelled and gassed incessantly as they crouched in wet ditches. Every day groups of men were blown to bits, until the ditches were bloody and the living lay by the corpses of their comrades. Every day scores of wounded crawled back through the bogs, if they had the strength to crawl. Before the attack on August 16th the Ulster Division had lost nearly 2,000 men. Then they attacked and lost 2,000 more and over 100 officers.
www.36thulster.com/36th-ulster-division.html

Details of a casualty suffered in the middle of August may well have only filtered through officially to the family in the opening weeks of September. For now that’s speculation – more research is needed.


1897 – Birth…………………………

The birth of an Arthur Joseph Diver was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Thetford in Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1897.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The Genealogy site I use for basic Census lookups has transcribed the family surname as “Dives”, but looking at a scan of the original census return that reading is perfectly understandable. The family were recorded at No.17 Old Market Street, Thetford. As well as parents “Matthew”, (61, Tinsmith, born Thetford) and Louisa, (41, born Brettenham, Norfolk), their children still single and living with them are George, (14, General Labourer, born Hopton, Suffolk), Frederick, (12, born Hopton, Suffolk) and Matthew, (8), “Floria”, (5), Arthur, (3) and Eva, (1) – all born Thetford.

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Diver family were still living at 17 Oldmarket Street, but head of the household is now the 50 year old widow Louisa Jane Diver, born “Bretham”, Norfolk. Louisa states she has had 9 children, of which 8 were then still alive. Still single and living at home were his children Frederick Isaac, (22, General Labourer, born Hopton, Suffolk), Florence Edith, (15), Arthur Joseph, (13) and Eva Louisa, (11) – all born Thetford.

There is a possible marriage of an Arthur J Diver to a Violet M Jacobs in the Thetford District of Norfolk in the October to December, (Q4), of 1935. However, given the age gap that could have been a child of another member of the Diver family. There is no obvious death in England and Wales up to 2006, when the record set I have access to ends.

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original image.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday September 15 1917 included this picture along with the caption Gunner H R Flint, R.G.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Flint, 14, Pike Lane, Thetford, killed in action on July 26th.

Gunner, FLINT, H
Service Number ………..174374
Died …………………………...26/07/1917
Unit………………………………12th Heavy Bty.,Royal Garrison Artillery
Buried………………………….Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, Grave................................I.F.5
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/92777/flint,-/

Soldiers Died in the Great War records that Gunner Harry Flint was Killed in Action on the 26th July 1917 whilst serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery in France & Flanders. No place of birth or residence is shown. He enlisted at Thetford.

The Medal Index Card for Gunner 174374 Harry Flint, Royal Garrison Artillery, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/7/94650
He had previously been Gunner 170548 Royal Field Artillery.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D3504325

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Army service records were stored.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

As Harry Lewis Flint he is remembered on the Thetford War Memorial.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Thetford.html

There is no obvious Soldiers Will or Civil Probate for this man.


1898 – Birth & Baptism…………..

The birth of a Harry Lewis Flint was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Hackney in London in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1898.

The baptism of a Henry Lewis Flint and a William Edward Flint, no date of birth recorded, took place in St Mary, Thetford at some point in 1900 – I suspect the original ledgers were probably either damaged or in some other way difficult to transcribe. Parents were George and Martha.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818ae89e93790eca39ff98...
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818ae89e93790eca39ff98...

The most likely marriage of his parents was that of a George Bradley Flint to a Martha Dunmore which was recorded in the Holbeach District of Lincolnshire in the July to September quarter, (Q3) of 1897.

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 2 year old Harry L Fint, born Homerton, London, was recorded living at 14, Pike Lane Thetford. This was the household of his parents, George B, (aged 41, a Builders Labourer from Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire) and Martha, (aged 35, born Tottenhill, Norfolk). As well as Harry the couples other children living with them are:-
Arthur G………aged 4…..born Long Sutton, Lincolnshire
William E……..aged 1…..born Thetford

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Flint family were still living at 14 Pike Lane. Parents George Bradley, (51, General Labourer) and Martha, (43), have been married 14 years and have had 7 children, of which 6 were then still alive. Still single and living at home are:-
“Auther” George Dunmore…aged 14….born Long Sutton, Lincolnshire
Harry Lewis Flint…………..aged 12….born Homerton, London
William Edward Flint………aged 11….born Croxton, Thetford, Norfolk
Dorothy Flint……………….aged 8……born Thetford
Daisy Florence Flint………..aged 5……born Thetford
Hilda Frances Flint…………aged 3……born Thetford

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely additional children of George and Martha.


His unit………………………..

By this stage of the war the Heavy Batterys of the Royal Garrison Artillery were normally controlled at the Corps or Army level, rather than individual Divisions. Groups would be formed to take on specific tasks.

Heavy Batteries were generally armed with the 60-pounder gun, and were originally meant to be included in infantry divisions, from which they were withdrawn in February 1915. They were normally horse-drawn.

The postings of 12th Heavy Battery from 1st March 1917 to mid-July 1917 according to one forum post was:-
Date …….Heavy Artillery Group…..Relevant War Diary
13.02.17 29 HAG ……………………….WO95/219
18.03.17 28 HAG ……………………….WO95/541
30.06.17 27 HAG ……………………….WO95/471
01.07.17 70 HAG ……………………….WO95/323
05.07.17 13 HAG ……………………….WO95/387
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/topic/234493-12th-heavy...


On the day…………………..

Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery

Location Information
Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery is located 2 Km south west of Ieper town centre, on a road called Omloopstraat, a road leading from the Dikkebusseweg.

History Information
This cemetery occupies a site at a road junction where three batteries of Belgian artillery were positioned in 1915. The cemetery was begun by the 8th Division in June 1917 after the Battle of Messines (although one grave in Plot III, Row A, predates this) and it was used until October 1918, largely for burials from a dressing station in a cottage near by. Almost half of the graves are of casualties who belonged, or were attached, to artillery units. There are now 573 First World War casualties buried or commemorated in this cemetery.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/8900/belgian-batter...

This was the run up to the start of the Battle of 3rd Ypres, commonly known as Passchendaele, which would officially start on the 31st July. The opening barrage was well under way, with counter battery fire from the Germans being patchy. Although the Allies were winning back mastery of the air, at least in this sector, not all the German aircraft could be stopped and air raids were not infrequent. There was also the ever present danger of a mis-firing shell leading to a premature explosion.

Checking the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database, Harry appears to be the only man from the unit that died on this day.

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original source.

The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated Saturday October 20 1917 included this picture along with the caption Sec-Lieut. Rushmore, Lancs Fusiliers, only son of Mr and Mrs F Rushmore, and pupil at Lowestoft College, killed in action.

RUSHMORE, ERNEST REGINALD
Rank:………………......Second Lieutenant
Date of Death:…….06/09/1917
Age:……………….......20
Regiment:…………...Lancashire Fusiliers
…………………….........4th Bn. attd. 11th Bn.
Panel Reference:..Panel 54 to 60 and 163A.
Memorial:…………....TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Additional Information:
Son of Ernest and Caroline Rushmore, of Victoria House, Esplanade, Lowestoft.
CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/828420/RUSHMORE,%20ER...

SDGW records that 2/Lt Edward Reginald Rushmore was Killed in Action on the 6th September 1917 whilst attached to the 11th Battalion from the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. As with all officers, no place of birth or residence is shown.

The Medal Index card for Second Lieutenant Ernest Reginald Rushmore, Lancashire Fusiliers, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/17/121807
He had previously been Private 6236 London Regiment.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4980919

There do not appear to be any surviving service records for him, at least as far as the National Archive Catalogue is concerned.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the County image Archive.

No obvious Civil Probate for this man.


1897 – Birth & Baptism……………………………………..

The birth of an Ernest Reginald Rushmore was registered with the Civil Authorities in the District of Yarmouth, Norfolk in the July to September quarter, (Q3), of 1897.

The baptism of an Ernest Reginald Rushmore, born 22nd June 1897, took place at St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, on the 29th August 1897. His parents were John Ernest, an Engineer, and Caroline Sarah. The family lived in Southtown.
www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818f8fce93790ec8b8508a...


1901 Census of England and Wales…………………………….

The 3 year old Ernest R, Rushmore, born Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was recorded living at 1 Richmond Place, Kirkley, Suffolk. The set-up of the household is not standard, but fortunately the census taker has not followed the instructions in completing the form, so its relatively easy to unpick what's going on. Four individuals have been shoe-horned into the last two lines of the page, all with the surname Rushmore.
These are John E., (aged 31, a Steam Engine Fitter, born Ashby, Norfolk), Carole S., (aged 31, born Watton or Witton, Norfolk), Ernest and Doris C, (aged 7 months, born Great Yarmouth, Norfolk).
The issue comes in the column relationship to the head of the household. John E is shown as Son-in-Law. Carole was initially show as Wife, but this has been crossed through and shown as Daughter-in-Law. Ernest is shown as a “G.Son” (Grandson) and Doris as a “G.Dau” (Grand-daughter).

The head of the household is the 57 year old John Parker, a Railway Checker, born Redenhall, Norfolk, and his wife Hannah, aged 66 and born Blofield, Norfolk. Four of their adult unmarried children are also in the household.

1911 Census of England and Wales…………..

The Rushmore family were now recorded living at 12 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft. Father Ernest, (41, Engineer Fitter, born Ashby, Norfolk) and mother Caroline, (41, born Witton, Norfolk), have been married 15 years and have had 4 children, of which two were then still alive. The two children were still living at home – Reginald, (13, born Yarmouth, Norfolk) and Doris, (11, born Yarmouth, Norfolk).


On the day……………………………………..

The book “Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial: In Memory and in Mourning” by Paul Chapman, gives the following information.

“Killed in action in the vicinity of Railway Dump, 6 September 1917; buried the following day (ref. ‘Zillebeke Sheet: 28 N.E.5., J.7.d.9.9.’) with Pte. 34098, H. Nugent of the same battn. The burial of both men was performed and recorded by Padre Canon M.S. Evers attd. 74th Bde., 25th Divn.”
books.google.co.uk/books?id=jTu4DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA53-IA3&...
(Their graves must have subsequently been lost in the fighting).


From The Lancashire Fusiliers Annual 1919-1920

Page 550 - 551

2ND LIEUT. ERNEST REGINALD RUSHMORE.

2nd Lieut. E. R. Rushmore, killed in action on September 6th, 1917, "was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Rushmore, of Lowestoft. He went to France in June, 1917, and served with the 11th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.

His Commanding Officer describes the way in which he met his death :-

" He was with his platoon which was being heavily shelled. …….He got some of his men into a dug-out but gallantly stayed with the remainder, refusing to go into a dug-out as the men were not all in side. He was a fine young officer, and set a high example to his men."

He was twenty years of age at the time of his death.
At Barrow-in-Furness and at Barry he was Battalion Physical and Bayonet Training Officer and was very popular will all ranks in the 4th Battalion.
lib.militaryarchive.co.uk/library/Infantry-Histories/libr...

Artists Rifles. The Regimental Roll of Honour and War Record 1914-1919 by S., Stegoff Higham, has him recorded as one of the many men of that unit who were commissioned from the ranks and records that he died serving with the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers on the 6th September 1917 near Westhoek.
books.google.co.uk/books?id=CWm-BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA20&...

Mildly photoshopped to minimise impact of damage present on the original source.