The Flickr Jwbrooks Image Generatr

Wilmington NC, taken from across the Cape Fear River at the USS North Carolina Battleship Park.

Historic warehouse on Water Street and the river front in Wilmington, NC. Now has many shops. At one time James Van Der Beek had an apartment inside while filming "Dawsons Creek".

The Memorial service and dedication of the war memorial cross at St Matthew's Church Thorpe Hamlet, took place on the September 25th 1921, including roll of honour. I assume this was at the old St Matthews, down off Riverside Road, and that the Cross has subsequently been re-located.

The new church was built in 1982 to replace the old Victorian church (built 1851 and now converted to offices) on St Matthew's Rd and St Leonards 'Chapel of Ease' on Ketts Hill (built 1907, demolished in 1981)
www.thorpehamlet.free-online.co.uk/page_st_matthews.htm

H Abel

No obvious match on CWGC

No match on Norlink

Military Genealogy nearest match - a Henry James born Great Yarmouth
Probably this soldier
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=481656

James Ernest below has a younger brother Harry who would be a possible match.

J E Abel

Name: ABEL Initials: J E
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Unit Text: 207th Field Coy.
Date of Death: 26/08/1917
Service No: 84539
Additional information: Husband of B. E. Abel, of 60, Vincent Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. B. 3. Cemetery: HARGICOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=335000

No match on Norlink

The Great War Roll of Honour lists this man as James E.

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 13 year James, born Norwich and already working as a Errand Boy. James is recorded at 8 Albert Place, Gas Hill, in the parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his widowed mother, Sarah, aged 32 and a Charwoman from Norwich. Her other children are:-
Albert…………aged 12.…………..born Norwich
Charles………..aged 6.…………….born Norwich
Emaline……….aged 11.…………..born Essex
Harry………….aged 9.……………born Norwich

207th Field Company were assigned to the 34th Division. At this time the Division was in the line at Hargicourt.
www.reubique.com/207fc.htm

G S Aldridge

No obvious match on CWGC or Military Genealogy

No match on Norlink

No match on the 1901 or 1911 census with a link to the Norwich area.

B J Armes

Name: ARMES, BERTRAM JAMES
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: "A" Coy. 8th Bn.
Age: 33
Date of Death: 03/09/1917
Service No: 29878
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Armes, of Ketts Hill, Norwich; husband of Ethel M. Armes, of 4, Roaches Court, Elm Hill, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 4/4. Cemetery: NORWICH (THE ROSARY) CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803369

No match on Norlink

A picture of the headstone and related Census details can be seen here
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/4535489231/

F Barcham

Only match

Name: BARCHAM, FRANK
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text: 22nd Bn.
Date of Death: 26/07/1916
Service No: 397
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=769397

No match on Norlink

Military Genealogy has him born North Walsham, resident Norwich.

The 1901 census has a 16 year old Frank, born Wicklewood, Norfolk which is difficult to tie in with the Military Genealogy birthplace. This Frank was working as a Railway Clerk, and was living as a boarder at 14 Bishop Bridge Road, Norwich, which must have been right on the boundary of the St James/St Matthews parishes.

There is also a 3 year old Frank C. on the 1901 census who was born Sprowston (where there is a North Walsham Road !). However by the time of the 1901 census he was recorded with his family at Dawsons Off. (office?) Farm, Levington, Suffolk.

Checking the Baptismal records, we come across another possibility. At All Saints, Sheringham on the 3rd June 1900 the baptism took place of a Frank Barcham, born 22nd May 1893. His parents are Robert Samuel, a Veterinary Surgeon, and Ellen Jane, (nee Thirtle). The abode of the family is given as North Walsham.
The Barcham’s had three other children baptised the same day - Muriel Ellen, (born 27th March 1891), Bernard Bob, (born 29th March 1892), and Doris Louise, (born 6th December 1894).

Looking at the 1911 census, I can find all three Frank’s, and the one born circa 1893 in North Walsham is now living in Norwich, along with his mother Ellen Jane and sister Doris Louise. The family at first did not appear to be on the 1901 census at all, (or at least the Genes Re-united transcription of it), and father Robert is not with the family in 1911. Given the rarity of the name, (only five instances on the 1901 census, 6 including the “missing” Frank on the 1911 one) , it is a co-incidence that two of them should have moved so close. I wonder if they met J

However I did then try just doing a search for the family on the 1901 census just using “Barcham” and “North Walsham” as the criteria, and the reason for not finding them before becomes apparent - the family are recorded, by initial, at Bacton Road, North Walsham.

R.S Barcham. Head of Household. Aged 41. Veterinary Surgeon. Born Paston.
E J Barcham. Wife. Age 38. Born Worstead.
B B Barcham. Son Age 9. Born North Walsham.
D L Barcham, Daughter. Age 6. Born North Walsham.
F Barcham. Son. Age 7. Born North Walsham.

Family web-site here confirm that Frank was the son of Robert and Ellen, and died in the Royal Fusiliers in 1916.. The family tree elsewhere in the site confirms that Robert had died in 1901.
www.barcham.org.uk/page21.html

Frank also appears on the web-site of a Crossley Heath school in Halifax, but I think they’ve possibly made an assumption rather than confirmed it. At the time one of the schools that went on to become part of Crossley Heath was a school and home for Orphans. Between 1901 and the 1911 census however as Frank was an orphan. I suppose its possible he attended the school but its unlikely.. There are certainly no Barcham’s in Halifax or Yorkshire for either the 1901 or 1911 census. so its not a local name.
www.crossleyheath.calderdale.sch.uk

The 99th Brigade, of which 22nd Battalion were part were certainly in the front line on the 26th July and the Brigade would take part in an attempt to clear Delville Wood on 27th, although it was two other units from the brigade, the 23rd Royal Fusiliers and the 1st Battalion KRRC who took the lead.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

H W Barker

Name: BARKER, HERBERT WILLIAM
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Army Service Corps
Unit Text: 708th M.T. Coy.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 24/10/1918
Service No: M2/073338
Additional information: Son of George and Emma Barker, of 42, Ella Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich; husband of Mary Ann Barker, of 41, Vincent Rd., Mousehold, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: J. 8. Cemetery: SKOPJE BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=473580

No match on Norlink

The 12 year old Herbert, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 42 Ella Road, Thorpe Hamlet. This is the household of his parents, george, (aged 34 and a Carpenter from Norwich), and Emma, (aged 35 and from East Tuddenham. Their other children are:-
Alfred….aged 7.…..born Norwich
George….aged 6.….born Norwich
Gertrude…aged 10...born Norwich

The 1911 census adds that William was born Trowse, Norwich.

W Barr

Name: BARR, WILLIAM
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 39
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: 13347
Additional information: Husband of Frances Barr, of 28, Chalk Hill Rd., Norwich. Memorial Reference: Panel 23. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=852590

No match on Norlink

The most likely match on the 1901 census is a 22 year old William, born Hertfordshire, who is now lodging at 16 Malvern Road, Norwich, in the Parish of St Matthews. He is employed as a Railway Porter. He is still in Norwich on the 1911 census.

The 8th Norfolks, along with many other units were disbanded in February 1918 as part of a general Army re-organisation. There is on-line the memoirs of one soldier, who had been an NCO with the battalion but who subsequently had been an instructor at a sniping and scouting school teaching newly arrived American troops, and who had then been posted to the 8th Battalion London Regiment as a Company Sergeant Major as his old unit no longer existed. He fought with them during the March battles of the German Spring Offensive, where their casualties were replaced with two companys of men, apparently all ex-8th Norfolks.
hastang.co.uk/pdf/Scouting on the Somme.pdf

A D Bebee

Name: BEBEE, ALEXANDER DENMAN
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Berkshire Regiment
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 30/09/1916
Additional information: Son of Lewis Robert and Frances Ann Bebee, of 36, St. Leonard's Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. L. 10. Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, Authuille Wood
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=184924

No match on Norlink

The 5 year old Leonard D. ,born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 36 St Leonards Road, in the parish of St.Matthews. This is the household of his parents, Lewis R. (aged 42 and a Bankers Clerk from Cambridge), and Frances A. (aged 43 and from Hull). Their other children are:-
Dorothy…………..aged 12.…………born Norwich
Edwin.L………….aged 14.………….born Norwich
Kathleen…………aged 10.…………..born Norwich

I can find records of the baptism of Dorothy and Kathleen at St Margarets, Old Catton in the early 1890’s. The family were then living in Catton. Parents are listed as Lewis Robert, a Bankers Clerk, and Frances Ann.

30th September 1916.
Location France, Thiepval.
Bosche counter attacked against pt 27 at dawn, 4.45AM. Strong bombing parties forced pt 27 and reached a pt 180yds S of it. Bn bombers sent up and drove Bosche back with Mills 23s. E Surrey attack in afternoon failed. Heavily shelled all day. A Coy relieved B in front line. Cas. Major CROOKENDEN DSO wounded - 2Lt BEBEE killed - 8 OR killed - 53 wounded - 4 missing.
Battalion War Diary Extract courtesy of The Wardrobe Website.
Saturday 30th September 1916. Day 92

Thiepval

A German attack at dawn drove the East Surreys from the southern face and the West Kents from the western face of Schwaben Redoubt. A hand to hand fight ensued during which the East Surreys re-took the lost ground. The Hun held onto the western face. At 4pm the East Surreys attacked and took the northern face of the redoubt while the West Kents and two platoons of 7th Buffs failed to retake the west face. At 9pm the Germans attacked again and drove the East Surreys back to the entrance to Stuff Trench.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...
(No specific mention of the Berkshires.)

H Bell

Corporal Herbert Bell of the 8th Norfolks can be seen here
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

Acconpanying notes

Born in Norwich March 7th 1882, Corporal Bell was educated at St. Mark's School, Lakenham. He enlisted on September 8th 1914, and was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme, July 1st 1916

Name: BELL, HERBERT
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 15902
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=767910

The 19 year old Herbert, born Norwich and employed as a Commercial Clerk, is recorded on the 1901 census at 9 St Matthews Road. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 59 and a Railway Servant from Norwich), and Harriet, (aged 54 and from Norwich). The Bell’s have a live-in domestic servant, Alice Cooke, aged 15.

France
The 8th Battalion as part of the 18th (Eastern) Division was present on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. They got beyond their initial target and had by 5.00pm reached the German trenches known as "Montauban Alley". Over one hundred men and three officers had been killed.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Norfolk_Regiment

Battalion War Diary

1st July - Assembly Trenches.

The Battalion took part on an assault of the German trenches north of CARNOY and S.W of MONTAUBAN.
The 7th Battalion of the Quuens Royal West Surrey Regiment of the 55th Brigade was on our Right, and the 6th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, of our own brigade, were on our left.

In the early hours of the morning, the battalion was in position in the four assembly trenches, i.e in their battle position ready for attack.

The early hours of the morning were passed in comparative quietitude.

5.30am. Teas were brought up from CARNOY and served out in the Assembly trenches.

7.20am Our artillery commenced the intense bombardment and the enemys retaliation on our Fourth line assembly trench became more apparent.
7.27am. A mine and two Russian Saps were exploded on our front.
7.27 am. The first wave of our “C” and “ D” Companies deployed from our firing line and laid out in the open about 30 yards in front.This movement was accomplished without loss.
7.30 am. The assault commenced. The remainder of our two assaulting companies left our trenches and moved forward in four successive waves.
MINE TRENCH was reached and crossed by these two Companies with practically no opposition and without loss on our side. All Germans remaining alive in this trench after our artillery barrage had passed were thoroughly cowed and at once surrended. “C” Company on our right took about 30 prisoners from the West Edge of the mine craters.
MINE SUPPORT was taken about 7.40 am. The wire entanglements in front having been completely demolished by our artillery.
Up to the point, the Battalion suffered very few causlaties.
BUND SUPPORT was reached and taken at 8 a.m, where a halt was made.

The two assaulting companies on leaving BUND SUPPORT came under heavy enfilade machine gun fire from the direction of BRESLAU SUPPORT and BACK TRENCH and suffered heavily. Captain B.P Ayre being killed and Captain J H Hall being seriously wounded. By this time the following officers had been wounded. Capt & Adjt H.P Berney-Ficklin, 2nd Lieuts. J G Hampson, C.T Blackborn, L.Padfield, S.A Wharton, G R Ironmonger and E. Maclean, (at duty). There now remained no officer with the left leading company and two subalterns in the right leading company, which were now reduced to 90 and 100 men respectively.

The Left Leading Company under C.S.M A F Raven reached our first objective - POMMIERS TRENCH - and took it at about 10.30 am. A portion of the Right Leading Company also got into POMMIERS TRENCH near the East Side of THE LOOP at the same time, but the remainder of this company was held up by machine gun fire and a strong point at the junction of BOCHE TRENCH and BACK TRENCH with MINE ALLEY.

After this company had been reinforced by a platoon from the support company under 2nd Lieut G E Miall-Smith and the Battalions Bombers under Sergeant H E West had also been sent up to this point, this strongpoint fell and the garrison of about 150 Germans and 2 Officers of a Bavarian Regiment surrendered, and right leading company was then able to push forward into the East portion of POMMIERS TRENCH which up to then had not been taken. At this point in the attack, “A” company which had been in reserve and had advanced from the assembly trenches in artillery formation at 7.45am, and had been consolidating MINE TENCH, now advanced to BUND SUPPORT and commenced the consolidation of this trench. At the same “B”, the support company, advanced with three platoons, (1 already having been sent to reinforce “C”), to POMMIERS TRENCH

3pm. “B“ Company had now taken THE LOOP and both assaulting companies advanced to the MONTAUBAN ALLEY line, - the final objective of the Battalion.
Owing to machine gun firing from the line and from N.W of MONTAUBAN, “D“ company on the left suffered heavy casualties, and “C“ company, led by 2nd Lieut J H Attenborough made repeated attempts to get into MONTAUBAN ALLEY but did not succeed until a bombing party under 2nd Lieut. L.A Gundry-White gained an entrance by way of LOOP TRENCH on the left. Unfortunately, just before this had been affected, 2nd Lieutenant J H Attenborough with CSM J Coe had both been killed in the attempt to get into this trench.

5.45pm. The MONTAUBAN ALLEY line was taken and the battalion was in touch with the 7th Queens on our right and the 6th Royal Berks on our left.

6pm. The whole of “B” Company having been used to support “C” and “D” companies who were now reduced to, respectively, 70 and 80 other ranks and 1 Officer, the work of consolidating MONTAUBAN ALLEY was commenced at once and patrols were sent forward to reconnoitre along CATERPILLAR TRENCH and EAST TRENCH.
The Reserve Company who in the meanwhile had advanced and consolidated POMMIERS TRENCH and THE LOOP, were now brought up and sent forward to take up the advanced post known as the GREEN LINE.

The Green Line was taken up and strong points commenced at about 8pm and patrols were sent forward in the direction of CATERPILLAR WOOD.

8pm. From now onwards the enemy commenced a heavy and continuous bombardment with 5.9 and a few 77mm shells on the west end of MONTAUBAN ALLEY held by the Battalion, generally in the vicinity of the junction of LOOP TRENCH with MONTAUBAN ALLEY, a few shells falling in THE LOOP itself but practically none in the rear.

Our casualties for the days fighting were:-
Officers.Killed……………..2
Died of Wounds….1
Wounded…………8 including 2 at duty. These being 2nd Lieut S N Cozens-Hardy, (who was wounded just outside Battalion Headquarters which were at the S.W. end of THE LOOP where they had moved up to as soon as the MONTAUBAN ALLEY line had been reached) and 2nd Lieut. E. Maclean.
Other Ranks.

Killed………………………….102
Wounded………………………219
Missing………………………..13

Total Casualties. Officers…11 Other Ranks………….334

R D Bindley

There is no R D Bindley in the CWGC database. The only R Bindley is

Name: BINDLEY, RAYMOND HALL
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 03/07/1916
Service No: 17148
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768715

Military Genealogy has Raymond down as born Catton, Norwich.

However it also lists a Horace Bindley, born St John Sepulchre, Norwich.
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=170377
Checking the baptismal records, Horace was christened Horace Ernest, so for now I believe the Raymond I’ve listed above is the correct match.

The 7 year old Raymond H. ,born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 217 Heigham Street, which is over the other side of the city. This is the household of Thomas J. (aged 41 and a Gas Fitter\Brass Finisher from Norwich), and Minnie E. (aged 35 and from Norwich).Their other children are:
Leonard T………….aged 12.……….born Norwich
Marjorie M…………aged 3.………..born Norwich

No match on Norlink

Raymond is also remembered on the Wymondham Town War Memorial:-
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2973104132/in/set-7215...
and the St George, Tombland, Norwich Roll of Honour.
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/6521818505/


Monday 3rd July 1916.. Day 3

All the effort is now concentrated mostly south of the Albert-Bapaume Road between La Boiselle and Montauban. The only action north of the road is at Ovillers.

Ovillers

Another attack on this village by the 12th Div ended in total failure at a cost of 2,400 casualties.

North of Ovillers, the 32nd Div reinforced by 75 Bde of 25th Div attacked the Leipzig Redoubt near Authuille Wood. There was utter confusion over start times and the 32nd Div attack consisted of only two companies of the Highland Light Infantry. After two attempts no gains were made.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

Battalion War Diary

The Battalion War Diary for July 1916 begins on the 6th with the opening sentence “Today is the first opportunity there has been of writing up the Diary since leaving RAINNEVILLE on June 30th”

The relevant part for the 3rd reads:-
We arrived in the trenches at 2.am on the 3rd July. The attack was to take place at 3.15 am that day, 35th and 37th Bdes on left and right respectively +36th Bde in reserve. The 19th Division were on our right. At 2 am on the 3rd July we reported all ready to the Brigade which was distributed for the attack. Front line Berks right, Suffolks left, Essex support, Norfolks reserve with orders not to go over the parapet without a special order from Brigade H.Q. At 3.15 am the Division attacked + as troops in front went over we mover up until at 4.15 am we were in the O.B.I. We had sustained considerable casualties in our way up the Communications Trench, about 100 men being killed, wounded or missing, only 1 officer being wounded, (Capt. J Tilley). The Battalion was not allowed to go over to the attack which had not succeeded, although several of our troops got into the Hun Trench. At 8 am the Bn. took over the whole of the Brigade front line from the other three regiments who went back into support to re-organise. The Germans shelled our line very heavily about this time with H.E. and shrapnel. The Battalion now holds the line from DORSET ROAD ® to BARROW ROAD (L). “B” Company in front line, D Coy in support, “C” Coy in reserve + “A” Coy doing a carrying party for bombs. About mid-day Lt.Col F G Walter was hit on the back by a piece of shell which broke the skin + bruised his right shoulder. However he did not leave the trenches. The remainder of the day, 3rd July, was comparatively quiet on our front though the 19th Division attacked LA BOISELLE again which they had been driven out of. The night July 3/4 was spent getting in wounded from between the lines + in connection with this work our M.O. Capt.R.B Lucas R.A.M.C was reported missing + it is thought that he walked into the German trenches by mistake - anyway he has not been heard of since.

Captain Lucas is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the Missing.

F Bond

Military Genalogy lists a Frank John Bond, born Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, resident Norwich,

Most likely individual on the CWGC database.

Name: BOND, FRANK JOHN
Rank: Private
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 13/11/1916
Service No: G/25967
Additional information: Son of William Wade Bond and Ellen Eliza Bond, of Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. A. 13. Cemetery: ANCRE BRITISH CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2853295

No match on Norlink

The 7 year old Frank, (shown as Frank John on the 1911 census), born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 42 Quebec Road, in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, William W. (aged 44 and a Grocer\Draper from Felthorpe), and Helen, (aged 37 and a Draper from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Cecil………….aged 1.………..born Norwich
Herbert……….aged 10.……….born Norwich
Reginald………aged 5.……….born Norwich
Winifred………aged 3.……….born Norwich

13th November 1916

The attacks of the 13th November on the Ancre involved six divisions ; in the south against the north bank of the Ancre the 63rd RND; on their left the 51st Highland Div. To the left of them , between Beaumont Hamel and Serre, the 3rd Division and furthest north was the 31st Division in front of Serre. There was to be an attack south of the Ancre river by the 19th Division to run alongside the attack of the RND.
(7th Fusiliers wee in the 63rd Division).

The two attacking brigades were to be 188th and 189th , the two naval brigades, 188th was to be on the left. The reserve brigade 190th was to be deployed behind and across the whole width of the two naval brigades and was only intended for use if the momentum had dropped out of the attack. The attack was to be made leapfrog style, and each objective was assigned to two groups of attackers. The objective would then be assaulted and captured by the first group of attacking troops, who would once the objective had been taken ,consolidate and re organise. The next objective would be assaulted by the second group of attackers who would pass through the first group. On capturing their objective they too would reorganise and consolidate and allow the first team of attackers to pass through to the next objective and so on. This consolidation and re organisation on the objective was a concept born out of the early failures in the Somme offensive. Previously an objective had been taken and the assaulting troops pressed on , often in a disorganised state , without fully clearing the captured trenches. They would blunder on to the next set of enemy trenches , the Germans would then come out of their dugouts from the uncleared trenches and shoot them in the back. The attacking forces often then found themselves to be the filling in the sandwich. The lesson learnt was to rest on an objective, bomb and clear every dugout ; hence for this attack the leapfrog style was adopted.

Each brigade was split into two halves, one consolidating whilst the other attacked. In 188th Brigade , 1 RM and Howe battalion were to assault the green dotted line and the yellow line, 2RM and Anson battalion were to assault the green line and red line. In 189th Brigade Hood and Hawke were to take the green dotted line and the yellow line, Nelson and Drake were to take the green line and the red line. 188th brigade were to be supported by the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the 4th Bedfords, 189th Brigade by the Honourable Artillery Company and the 7th Royal Fusiliers.

The attack by the rest of the RND, the 189th brigade on the right of the sector, started at the same time as the attack of 188 brigade. The front line was quickly taken by Hood and Drake battalions but the units that were meant to pass through, Hawke and Nelson, got machinegunned and shelled into virtual non existance, mainly at the hands of the strongpoint on Hawkes sector that also created much havoc to 188 brigade. This strongpoint was unmarked on any map therefore avoided the customary treatment from artillery preparation normally given to such structures. Commander Freyberg decided to advance his Hood battalion onto the next objective when the barrage advanced , as the unit that was meant to advance through them had been basically wiped out. On the green line Freyberg collected as many men as possible, despite being wounded several times and ,when the barrage advances again , took the remnants of Hood and others onto the yellow line and upto the village of Beaucourt itself. Beaucourt station had been taken and the edge of Beaucourt itself. For skill and determination , despite being badly wounded, Bernard Freyberg was awarded the Victoria Cross on a day in which much gallantry went unrewarded.
www.royalnavaldivision.co.uk/ancre.htm

H W Bowey

There is no obvious match on the CWGC database amongst the 11 Bowey‘s listed. Military Genealogy
has an Oswald Robert, born Leeds, resident Norwich,

Name: BOWEY, OSWALD ROBERT
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps
Unit Text: 16th Bn.
Date of Death: 12/10/1918
Service No: R/20020
Memorial Reference: Panel 9. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1740343

No match on Norlink

There is no-one with the surname Bowey recorded in Norwich in either the 1901 or 1911 censuses. Oswald Robert does’t appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census for England and Wales. On the 1911 census Oswald, born circa 1900 in Leeds, was still recorded in the same city. On the 1911 census there is no-one with the initials H W recorded.

J W Brooks

Military Genealogy has a James William born Norwich and resident there.
It also has a John, born Thorpe Hamlet Norwich.

There are 8 potential matches for James William without additional information.
There are many John’s in a similar position, although there is one Norfolk Regiment man
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=742319

The 1 year old James W. (James William on the 1911 census), born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 19 Plumstead Road, in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, James W, (aged 39 and a Carter on Farm, from Gt.Ormesby), and Caroline, (aged 37 and from Norwich).

While I’m reasonably sure this is James William, let us not forget the John identified by Military Genealogy. He is recorded on the 1901 census, aged 10, at 15 Egyptian Road, Bishop Bridge Road, which is also in the Parish of St Matthews. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 40 and a General Labourer on River from Yaxham), and Louisa, (aged 41 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Alice………..aged 6.…….born Norwich
Emma……….aged 7.…….born Norwich
Ethel………..aged 2.…….born Norwich.
Harry……….aged 4.…….born Norwich

Also in the household is his mother’s sister, Ellen Clarke, who is aged 38, single and a Dress Maker from Gt.Yarmouth.

C Brown

Possibly

Name: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
Rank: Private
Regiment: Essex Regiment
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 18/05/1915
Service No: 9443
Additional information: Son of Christopher Thomas and Mary Ann Brown, of 29, Albany Rd., Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=696345

No match on Norlink

The 8 year old Christopher, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 65 Waterloo Road. This is the household of his parents, Christopher, (aged 35 and a Shoemaker from Norwich) and Mariean, (aged 32 and a Brush Maker from Norwich). Their other children are:
Florie……….aged 5.……….born Norwich
Lily…………aged 3.……….born Norwich
Mariean…….aged 12.………born Norwich

However as you’d expect, there are a few C Brown’s listed on the 1901 census with a Norwich connection. Amongst the ones I checked I found:-.
Charles, age 5. Recorded at 3, Lollards Pit, Parish of St Matthews. Parents William&Rosina.
.
F Brown

Military Genealogy has a Frederick Henry, born Norwich, resident Gillingham

Possible match
Name: BROWN, FREDRICK HENRY
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Secondary Regiment: London Regiment (Post Office Rifles)
Secondary Unit Text: posted to
Age: 20
Date of Death: 02/10/1918
Service No: S/35161 Additional information: Son of Fredrick and Ellen Brown, of 100, Gardiner St., Gillingham, Kent.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIV. E. 11. Cemetery: ST. MARY'S A.D.S. CEMETERY, HAISNES
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=324919

It also lists a Frederick James, born Norwich, for which there are lots of potential matches on the CWGC database.

No match on Norlink

There is a potential match for Frederick Henry in the baptismal records - age and mothers name matches, but fathers needs to be checked. This is a baptism that took place at St James with Pockthorpe of a Frederick Henry, born 29th December 1898, which took place on the 25th January 1899. Parents are Levi, an Officers servant, and Ellen. The family live at “General Buildings”, which were probably either part of the Cavalry or Infantry Barracks that dominated that area of the city.

H Brown

As well as Frederick Henry above, Military Genealogy also has a Harry Sydney, born Mancroft, Norwich. Unfortunately there are no Harry Sydney’s listed on the CWGC database, leaving only three H S Brown’s as possibilities.

No match on Norlink

The baptism of Harry Sydney, born 26th February 1883, took place at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich on the 20th December 1897. Parent are Frederick John, a Hay & Corn Merchant, and Hester Eliza. The family reside at Castle Meadow.

Revisiting the Great War Roll of Honour I can see that there are two Harry S’s listed as dieing. One is one of the H S’s already marked down as a possible, but one isn’t. He is shown as serving with the 21st Battalion, London Rifle Brigade, (odd in itself as the Roll doesn’t normally list Battalions) and he died in 1918.

Armed with this information we find this individual on the CWGC database, which is my current best guess J
Name: BROWN
Initials: H
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 21st Bn.
Date of Death: 19/11/1918
Service No: 203607
Additional information: Buried in Fyzabad Cantonment Cemetery. Casualty Type: Memorial Reference: Face 25. Memorial: MADRAS 1914-1918 WAR MEMORIAL, CHENNAI
CWGC. www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1465416

On the 1901 census, the 18 year old Harry, (born Norwich and employed as a Commercial Clerk), is recorded at The Jolly Farmers Public House, 5 Farmers Avenue, Norwich. This is the household of his parents, Frederick, (aged 60 and a Publican & Corn Merchant from Upton), and Hester, (aged 52 and from Salhouse). Their other children are :-
Hetty……………aged 19.………born Norwich
Maud……………aged 20.………born Norwich

S Brown

There is no obvious S Brown on the CWGC database. Military Genealogy lists a Walter Sidney, born Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.

Name: BROWN, WALTER SIDNEY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment
Unit Text: "C" Coy. 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 19/08/1915
Service No: 1830
Additional information: Son of Mrs. M. E. Barrett, of 15, Marion Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=696415

No match on Norlink

On the 1901 census Walter Sidney has become Sidney W., which probably explains how he is listed on the memorial. The 5 year old Sidney, born Norwich, is recorded at 15 Marion Road, in the parish of Thorpe St Matthew. This is the household of his widowed mother, Mary E. (aged 40 and a Dressmaker). Her other children are:-
Edward A……………..aged 10.………born Norwich
Elsie M………………..aged 9.………..born Norwich
William H…………….aged 7.…………born Norwich

Given the use of his middle name by Sydney, if it’s a family tradition then William is potentially a match for the H.Brown that is also listed on the memorial.

From Captain Montgomerie's diary of events in the 1/4th Battalion whilst in the neighbourhood of Jephson's Post

" 18th. - Remained quiet, during the day. Orders were received in evening to relieve the 6th Munsters and Inniskillings in front line facing east. The Essex brigade was to relieve us. This relieving was muddled through all right. We had to do a lot of digging to make things safe.
" 19th. - All. quiet during day. Worked hard all night fetching food, water, etc., and improving the trenches.
" 20th. - Were relieved of Jephson's Redoubt by Essex; so organized the line with two companies in firing line and two in support.

Strangely I’ve come across several instances from the battalion dieing on this day now. I can only assume this was due to attrition through sniping and artillery attacks.,
user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm

G Bulldeath

Name: BULLDEATH Initials: G P
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 30
Date of Death: 08/12/1914
Service No: 1609
Additional information: Son of S. and Mary Ann Bulldeath, of 12, Back Rd., Spittlefields, Norwich. Native of Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 7. Cemetery: FAUQUISSART MILITARY CEMETERY, LAVENTIE
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=282078

No match on Norlink

The Great War Roll of Honour lists this soldier as George P.

There is no obvious match for George on the 1901 or 1911 censuses.

Lofts of the J. W. Brooks Building in downtown Wilmington.

Located in historic downtown Wilmington