Frederick W Potter........................................
Name: POTTER, FREDERICK WALTER
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 9th Bn.
Age: 19 Date of Death: 18/10/1916 Service No: 40023
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Potter, of 53 Chapel Field Rd., Norwich.
Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1548914
(Additional details deleted in error February 2017 - apologies.
See comment below for a revised entry for this man.
Dyker Priestley.................................................
Name: PRIESTLEY, DYKER STANTON
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Unit Text: 108th Coy.
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1549428
No match on Norlink
The 23 year old Dyker S (aged 23, born Halstead, Essex and an assistant teacher), is recorded on the 1901 census as a boarder at 6-7 Godwyne Road, Dover. Looking at the make-up of the rest of the household, this may either have been a small boarding school in its own right, or part of an educational establishment.
Dyker not not appear to be on the 1911 census., or the 1891 and 1881 censuses.
D S Priestley is remembered on the Castlepark School, Dalkey, Ireland War Memorial as well as at Dublin, Trinity College.
www.irishwarmemorials.ie/html/place-details.php?show=78
Dyker’s commissioning as a temporary 2nd Lt into the 11th Battalion (South Antrim), Royal Irish Rifles, was gazetted on the 5th March 1915 but took effect from the 15th January 1915.
www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29091/pages/2246/page.pdf
“Dykes” S Priestley then moved to being a temporary 2nd Lt in the Machine Gun Corps w.e.f 15th January 1915, from the Royal Irish Rifles.
www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29513/supplements/3031
The 108th Machine Gun Company, part of the 108th Brigade, formed part of the 36th (Ulster) Division on the opening day of the Somme. Made up almost entirely of Ulster Loyalists,the Division was relieved on 2 July, having suffered 5104 casualties of who approximately 2069 died.
www.1914-1918.net/36div.htm
The 36th Ulster Division are most famous for their action on the 1st of July 1916, when they were one of the few Divisions to reach their objective. The front lines were at the edge of Thiepval Wood, troops crossed about 400 yards of No Man's Land, entering the Schwaben Redoubt, (close to where the Ulster Tower stands today) then advancing on towards Stuff Redoubt. The men held out for the day but as their stocks of bombs and ammunition dwindled, they were forced to fall back.
www.wartimememories.co.uk/greatwar/allied/108thMachineGun...
For the purposes of attack, the front was divided into four sections. The right and right centre sections were allotted to the 109th and 108th Brigades respectively. The left centre section, bounded by a line drawn from the north corner of Thiepval Wood just north of B 19, C 11, and D 11, and the Ancre, was, owing to the great frontage of the 36th Division, not to be attacked directly. The left section, on the right bank of the Ancre, was allotted to the 108th Brigade. This Brigade had attached to it one battalion of the 107th. It was to employ three battalions in the right centre section, and two in the left section. The 107th Brigade (less one battalion) was in Divisional Reserve.
The task of the 108th Brigade in the right centre section was to clear the "A" and "B" lines within the section, and advance to the "C" line, halting and consolidating on the salient C 9, C 10, C 11, the north-east corner of the Schwaben Redoubt. A special detachment, with one Stokes mortar, one Lewis and one Vickers gun, was to act as left flank guard, to dear the communication trench from B 19 to C 12, holding the latter as a defensive post, and sending a detachment down to C 13, to ensure observation and fire on the Grandcourt - St. Pierre Divion Road. In addition, two officers' patrols, each a platoon in strength, with a Lewis gun, were to reconnoitre and clear the left of the "A" and "B" lines up to St. Pierre Divion. General Griffith was attacking here with the 11th Rifles on the right, the 13th on the left, and the 15th Rifles of the 107th Brigade, attached, in support.
The assaulting battalions were to advance, each in eight successive waves, at fifty yards' interval, but the 107th Brigade, passing through to the attack on the final objective, was to advance in artillery formation till compelled to extend.
Two machine-guns were to accompany each battalion in the attack, the remaining eight of each Machine-Gun Company being in Brigade Reserve. Guns were allotted to all the principal strong points that were to be consolidated. Eighteen Stokes mortars were to go forward, the personnel of the remaining eighteen acting as carriers.
Zero! The hurricane Stokes bombardment ceased. The artillery lifted off the first line. The whistles of the officers sounded, and the men sprang up and advanced at steady marching pace on the German trenches. Those who saw those leading battalions move to the assault, above all their commanding officers, forbidden to accompany them, who waved to them from the parapet, received one of the most powerful and enduring impressions of their lives.
Colonel Macrory of the 10th Inniskillings speaks of " lines of men moving forward, with rifles sloped and the sun glistening upon their fixed bayonets, keeping their alignment and distance as well as if on a ceremonial parade, unfaltering, unwavering."
The leading waves, still moving as on parade, reached the German front line trench and moved straight across it. They did not suffer heavily. Hardly were they across, however, when the German barrage fell upon "No Man's Land," upon the rear companies of the first line battalions, and upon those of the second line. And immediately the barrage left it, flanking machine-gun fire burst out from the dominating position of Thiepval cemetery. The 11th Inniskillings and 14th Rifles, as they emerged from the wood were literally mown down, and "No Man's Land" became a ghastly spectacle of dead and wounded.
On the left of the line the 13th Rifles, under long-range fire from the Beaucourt Redoubt across the river, suffered at this stage most heavily of all. They had lost the bulk of their officers ere ever they reached the German trenches. The Division on the right was never able to clear Thiepval village, and it was that fact which was responsible for the gravest losses of the 36th.
General Withycombe was ordered to stop his troops, and employed every means in his power to do so. But all the telephone lines taken forward had been cut by German fire, while for a runner to reach the line now held by the troops was a very long affair. Fortunate was he if he crossed that zone of death without scathe. The message arrived too late; the troops were committed to the attack. With them went forward some men of the other Brigades.
Of that last wild and desperate venture across a thousand yards of open country, few returned to tell the tale. Those that did tell of an entry into that last entrenchment, of desperate hand-to-hand fighting, and then, when the odds were too great, for the trench was full of German reserves, of a stubborn retirement to the next line.
www.freewebs.com/denbob/ulsterdivjuly11916.htm
Arthur Quick..............................................................
Name: QUICK, ARTHUR SAMUEL JAMES
Rank: Private Regiment: Norfolk Regiment, 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 05/10/1916 Service No: 43707
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1549891
His picture is on Norlink with the following information.
Private Quick was born in London on 24th January 1898. He was educated at Thetford Grammar School. In October 1915 he enlisted, and was killed in action in France on 5th October 1916
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
His units are listed as 1/6th and 8th.
The 1911 Census has an Arthur Samuel, born circa 1898, London, Peckham, and now resident in Swaffham. Additional Quicks with a Norwich connection are, J W Quick, (born London c.1867), Irene (born London c.1895), Dorothy, (born London c.1896) and a William , (born Norwich, c.1901),
All is made clearer on the 1901 census. The 3 year old Arthur S J, (born Dulwich, London) is recorded at 13-15 Castle Street, Norwich in the Parish of St Peter Mancroft. This is the household of his parents, James W. Quick, (aged 33 and a Wine Merchants Manager from London, Islington), and Ellen H. (aged 33 and from Enfield, Middlesex.). Their other children are:-
Dorothy C………………………aged 5.………………..born London, Camberwell
Irene A………………………….aged 6.………………..born London, Camberwell
William J……………………….aged u/1.………………born Norwich.
The Quick’s also have a 16 year old live in servant Ellen Shepheard, from Vauxhall, London, who may possibly have therefore moved up from London with them.
Thursday 5th October 1916. Day 97
Thiepval
A bombing attack by 8th Norfolks in Schwaben Redoubt bogged down in the mud.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...
(see also Wilfred Sutherland below, who died in the same attack).
Sydney J Rampley....................................................
Name: RAMPLEY, SYDNEY JAMES
Rank: Able Seaman
Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: Hawke Bn. R.N. Div.
Age: 28 Date of Death: 03/09/1918 Service No: R/5706
Additional information: Son of James and Annie Rampley, of 1, Wellington Rd., Norwich; husband of Hilda Gertrude Rampley, of 42, Avenue Rd., Park Lane, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 1 and 2. Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1747957
No match on Norlink
The 10 year old Sidney J. , born Hingham, is recorded on the 1901 census at 41 Onley Street, Norwich. This is the household of his parents, James, (aged 43 and a Carpenter & Joiner from Rickinghall, Suffolk), and Annie, (aged 40 and from Hingham). Their other children are:-
Cyril F………………..aged 12.……………born Hingham
Donald A……………..aged 5.……………..born Norwich
Muriel M……………..aged u/1.……………born Norwich
Rita M………………..aged 8.……………born Hingham
Sybil A……………….aged 2.……………born Norwich
The baptism of Sidney James took place at St Andrews Church, Hingham on the 1st November 1890. His birth date is given as the 11th September 1890. His Parents are listed as James and Annie Eliza. James is employed as a Carpenter, and the family reside in Hingham.
26 August-September Second Battles of Arras 1918, including
2nd-3rd September Battle of Drocourt-Queant (Second and final phase of Second Arras)
RND, Hawke Battalion, France
ATKIN, Charles T, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 5785
BIGGS, Herbert B, Act/Lieutenant, RNVR
BLYTHE, Thomas, Able Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 8288
BROADBENT, Abel, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 3684
BURGESS, Charles, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 3039
BUSWELL, Walter, Able Seaman, RNVR, Bristol Z 4660
CRISP, William M, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 3080
DIVINE, William E, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 3482
DIXEY, Charles W, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 6578
DOCHERTY, George G, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 4503
DOUGALL, John, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 4442
EMBY, Charles H, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 1935
HAUXWELL, Bruce, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 1115
HENDRIE, Thomas, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 4306
HIBBS, Alfred J, Able Seaman, RNVR, Bristol Z 1431
HICKS, Ivor, Able Seaman, RNVR, Bristol Z9012, DOW
KIMBLIN, Ernest, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 3891
KIRKPATRICK, Alexander, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 6550
LEIGHTON, Archibald A, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, prisoner of war, DOW
LINE, Ernest R, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 5968
LLEWELLYN, John, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 3347
MARSHMAN, William G, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 1561
MARTIN, Raymond F, Able Seaman, RNVR, London Z 1977
MOSLEY, Bertie, Able Seaman, RNVR, Bristol Z 4726, DOW
NEWTON, Matthew, Able Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 4956
PEET, Wilfred H, Able Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 5349
PROCTOR, Sidney J, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 5864, DOW
RAMPLEY, Sydney J, Able Seaman, RNVR, R 5706
RANSON, Thomas, Able Seaman, RNVR, KX 437
ROGERSON, Arthur, Able Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 1650
SNEDDON, Richard, Able Seaman, RNVR, Clyde Z 5175
STRICKLAND, Herbert S, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR
TILLMAN, Charles H, Able Seaman, RNVR, London Z 1733
TURNBULL, Norman E, Leading Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 4370
WICKS, Ernest E, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR
www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-09Sep.htm
The 63rd Division, of which the Hawke Battalion was part, played a much-over-looked part in this battle, which history,(at least as portrayed on the web) sees an overwhelmingly a Canadian success.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drocourt-Qu%C3%A9ant_Line
pages.interlog.com/~fatjack/last100days.htm
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/firstworldwar/025005-1500-e.html
www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_amiens.html
Charles Ranson.........................................
Possibly
Charles William Ranson
Lance Corporal 2044. 1st Bn., Welsh Guards. Formerly 3918 Life Guards. Died of wounds Saturday 28 September 1918. Age 25. Born Downham. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ranson, of Brancaster, King's Lynn. Buried: GREVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais, France. Ref. XIV. C. 18. (Information from the Roll of Honour Website page for Brancaster - see link below)
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=290915
No match on Norlink
The 7 year old Charles W, (born Downham), is recorded on the 1901 Census at 3 Victoria Street, Great Yarmouth. This was the household of his parents, Henry, (aged 40, an Insurance Agent from London), and Maryann A. (aged 34 and a Dressmaker from Holme, Norfolk). Their other children are:-
John H……………..aged 9.………….born Northampton…..(see entry below)
William R…………aged 1.…………..born Great Yarmouth
The 1st Battalion had been heavilly engaged in an attack towards CambraI on the 27th, along with the rest of the 3rd Guards Brigade. Having initially started as follow up troops in the Divisional attack which stormed the St.Quentin Canal and carried the attack towards, the Battalion then leap-frogged these to form up for the assault on Flesquieres. At this point they started to take heavy casualties from the German Artillery, although they tool shelter in a sunken road and trenches occupied by the 2nd Grenadiers, where the two units became mixed up.
“Fortunately”, the appearance of three tanks caused the German artillery to concentrate their fire elsewhere, knocking out two, and forcing the third to retreat along the line of the trench - much to the consternation of the Guardsmen sheltering there.
The rest of the Guardsmen used the relief to push on through Flesquieres, halting to the east of the village. This left the units of the brigade strung out, with exposed flanks as the supporting units on either side had failed to advance to the same extent.
The valley to the east of Graincourt, (another first day objective in the wider battle), was held by a number of field guns and field batteries, firing at the advancing Welsh Guards over open sights and in any further advance beyond Flesquieres trrops meeting resistance would be in the uncomfortable position of being shot at from in front and behind.
Therefore part of the unit, No.4 Company, advanced to the North-East along the spur of the ridge leading to Premy Chapel. This was halted on reaching the first line of German defences., where they met such a withering fire that they were forced to retreat to Beet Trench. The survivors were relieved by the 2/20th Battalion, London Regiment and withdrew into reserve.
Other platoon actions took place, but the German’s, desperate to keep the line of retreat open to the German units engaged at Graincourt, were quick to counter-attack. Late in the day, the 62nd Division finally took Graincourt, and while large numbers of German’s where seen fleeing, the remnants of the West Guards Battalion were simply told to hold the line rather than intervene.
The next day they were relieved and moved to the rear.
Source: Pages 246 - 254 History of the Welsh Guards, (1920) by C H Dudley-Ward
www.archive.org/stream/historyofwelshgu00dudl#page/246/mo...
Charles is also listed on the Brancaster War Memorial (includes follow on link to the Roll of Honour page)
www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/4508162343/
However, Norlink also has a 2nd Lt Charles S Ranson of the London Regiment
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
But the accompanying notes read “Second Lieutenant Ranson was the son of Mr. & Mrs. A. Ranson, of Gorleston. He was born in May 1896. He was killed in action, 16th August 1917^” he is therefore no more likely a candidate.
Name: RANSON, CHARLES SHERIFF
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: London Regiment Unit Text: 13th Kensington Bn.
Age: 21 Date of Death: 16/08/1917
Additional information: Son of the late Albert and Charlotte Mary Ranson.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 52 to 54. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1625443
The 1901 census has only one Charles Ranson, associated with Norwich. This is the 23 year old Charles, born Stowmarket and employed as a machine fitter. He is recorded as a boarder at 14 Muspole Street, Norwich,. By 1911 our Stowmarket born man is recorded in Portsmouth, although he is now listed as born circa 1876.
By going back to the 1891, we find the birth circa 1876 seems more likely, as Charles is recorded as aged 15 and living at Lime Tree Place, Stowmarket an employed as an errand boy. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 51 and a Labourer from Stratford St Mary, Suffolk), and Emma, (aged 14 and from Warmingford, Essex). Their other children are:-
George……………aged 23.…….born Ipswich….Assistant in Leather???
John………………aged 16.…….born Stowmarket…Errand Boy
Herbert……………aged 14.…….born Stowmarket…Erand Boy
However, all the possibles on the CWGC database would therefore be ruled out on grounds of either age or additional family details.. There is a C G who served in the Australian Forces and recorded on CWGC as age unknown and with no additional family details, but a check of the Australian archives reveals that he was a Clarence Gordon, and a native born Australian.
Ernest Rix.................................................
The identity of this individual is in some doubt as initially there are six possible matches on CWGC
Norlink then also has a Walter Ernest Rix who lived at 21 Portersfield Road, Norwich
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Name: RIX, WALTER ERNEST
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Royal Warwickshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st/8th Bn.
Secondary Regiment: Huntingdon Cyclist Battalion formerly (1725)
Age: 20 Date of Death: 27/08/1916 Service No: 307728
Additional information: Son of Walter and May Rix, of 99, Unthank Rd., Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. E. 38. Cemetery: POZIERES BRITISH CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=589469
There is no obvious match for Ernest on the 1911 census, only the Walter Ernest referred to in the above Norlink page
In addition the 1901 census has two possibles, neither of which really tie up with any of the individuals listed on the CWGC database.
Ernest, aged 2, born Norwich, recorded at Bakers Yard, Norwich, son of Frederick (33) and Ellen (32), 4 siblings
Ernest.R, aged 9, born Norwich, recorded at 158 St Georges Street, Norwich son of Robert (36) and Katie E, (30), 2 siblings (Baptism record - Ernest Robert born 31/01/1892, baptised 29/08/1896 St Clement with Edmund, resident Fleece Yard, mother Katie Georgianna)
The strongest remaining possible from the CWGC database is therefore:-
Name: RIX, ERNEST
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Bedfordshire Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 08/05/1918 Service No: 28974
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 48 to 50 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=830853
(Two other possibles are listed as E Rix, but on investigation it was confirmed that they are both Edwards)
According to the Roll of Honour page for the Flitcham, Norfolk War memorial, this man was born and raised Flitcham, but enlisted Norwich. While he may have travelled to Norwich to enlist, it does raise the prospect that he had moved to the city.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Flitcham.html
The 18 year old Ernest, (born Flitcham and working as an Agricultural Labourer), is recorded on the 1901 census at Flitcham cum Appleton. This is the household of his parent, Thomas Rix, (aged 46 and a Teamster on Farm from Flitcham) and Mary, (aged 44 and from Flitcham). They also have a daughter, Helen, (aged 12 and from Flitcham). On the 1911 census, Ernest is recorded in the Freebridge district of Norfolk.
From the Battalions War Diary
8 May 1918 At 3.0 a.m. enemy put down a barrage with gas shells on Reserve position which drifted back on Front Line. At 4.10 a.m. he put down very heavy barrage on Front Line with Trench Mortars, 5.9's which lasted 4 hours. About 7.30 a.m. enemy Infantry attacked using Flammenwerfer forcing the French to retire which left our Right flank exposed, our two Front Companies had to fall back to our Support Line which eventually became the Front Line. No.1 Coy. had to form a defensive flank to stop the enemy from penetrating our Support Line. At 7.0 p.m. a Counter-attack was launched by the French and ourselves to try and re-establish our original Front Line, which failed. The enemy's artillery kept up an intense bombardment right through the day causing very heavy casualties to the Battalion Total Casualties 7 Officers 170 Other Ranks At night the enemy quietened down the Battalion still holding the Support Line.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbn/2ndbtn1918diary.html
Eric Robinson
Didn’t even initially start on the CWGC database because there are so many E Robinson’s !
No match on Norlink
On the 1901 and 1911 censuses there is no obvious match..
1901 has as a possible
Eric H. Born 1901 Caister on Sea, still resident Beach Road, Caister on Sea. Parents Herbert F, (hairdresser, born Yarmouth, aged 27) and Florence E, (born Battersea, London, aged 30). Living with them is Florence’s mother Mary Gardener, (aged 70, from Brixton, London).
1911 doesn’t list this individual, and Herbert and Florence are still recorded in the District of Flegg, which covers Caister on Sea. The only other potential individual seems to have been born circa 1903, so unlikely to have been old enough to have fought in the Great War.
Great War Roll of Honour Possibles. (including relevant CWGC details)
Sgt Eric L 45404 RFA 1917
Name: ROBINSON, ERIC LESLIE
Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery
Unit Text: "B" Bty. 102nd Bde.
Age: 23 Date of Death: 23/05/1917 Service No: 45404
Additional information: Son of Edward and Emily Robinson, of 20, Market St., Halifax. Born at Southowram, Halifax.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. A. 6. Cemetery: RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=490558
Temp Captain Eric A Gloucester Regt…..1916
Name: ROBINSON, ERIC
Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Gloucestershire Regiment Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 32 Date of Death: 10/09/1916
Additional information: Son of Arthur Robinson, of Lawrence Weston, Gloucester; husband of Ruth D. Robinson, of Helenslee, Dumbarton.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 2. Row D. Grave 3. Cemetery: CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=21855
Boy 1st Class Eric F H HMS Hampshire…………..1916
Name: ROBINSON, ERIC FRANCIS HENRY
Rank: Boy 1st Class Service: Royal Navy Unit Text: H.M.S. "Hampshire."
Age: 17 Date of Death: 05/06/1916 Service No: J/34709
Additional information: Son of Kate Harris (formerly Robinson), of 5, Spains Croft, Widford, Chelmsford, and the late William Hansell Robinson. Native of Romford. Grave/Memorial Reference: 14. Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3038254
Albert E Smith.........................................
Most likely from CWGC.
Name: SMITH, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Second Lieutenant Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Unit Text: 218th Sqdn. Age: 18 Date of Death: 29/09/1918
Additional information: Son of George and Emily Smith, of 18, Florence Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Memorial: ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1653389
There is an Albert Edward, born Norwich circa 1900 and in the same Norwich household as a George and Emily Smith on the 1911 census. However, the same individuals don’t appear to be on the 1901 census.
218 Squadron
While operational from Frethun the squadron participated in the Belgium Coast offensive which commenced on September 28th . Operating in the support of the French and Belgium armies the squadron attacked various strategic targets in the face of intense anti aircraft and enemy fighter opposition. A brief departure from the bombing role found the squadron carrying food and supplies. A portion of the French army was cut off by flooding and required supplying from the air. The squadron crews acquitted themselves well, much needed essential supplies were successfully dropped to the beleaguered French. “Manna 1918 style”.
host.raf38group.org/218squadron/formation
2/Lt. J.C. Pritchard (P) and 2/Lt. A.E. Smith (O), of 218 Sqn, RAF were KIA in DH 9 D3272 on 29Sep18 over Lichtervelde
www.theaerodrome.com/forum/people/396-2nd-lt-joshua-leona...
Raid on Bruges, attacked by Fokker DVIII and 2-str. Last seen in steep dive with 5 e/a on tail, over Lichtervelde 09.45hrs, 29.09.1918.
host.raf38group.org/218squadron/DH9.htm
Norlink adds these possibles
Corporal Albert Smith, Royal Field Artillery
Corporal Smith was born in Norwich on 20th November 1887, and educated at Bull Close School, Norwich. He enlisted in August 1914, and was killed in France on 14th August 1917
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
Relevant CWGC details
Name: SMITH, ALBERT
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery Unit Text: 504th Howitzer Bty. Date of Death: 14/08/1917 Service No: 44269
Grave/Memorial Reference: Valley Cottages Cem. Mem. G. 5. Cemetery: RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=490670
Census details. Most likely match is a 12 year old Albert, born Norwich, who is recorded at 11 Chapel Street, Norwich, in the Parish of Holy Trinity, Heigham. This is the household of his parents, Albert Mark, (aged 35 and a Bricklayers Labourer from Norwich), and Martha Elizabeth, (aged 26 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-
Ethel…………………aged 1.…………..born Norwich
Mandy……………….aged 6.………….born Norwich
Teddy………………..aged 4.…………..born Norwich.
(I assume Martha is Albert’s step-mother, given her age).
He was baptised Albert Mark, at St Peter Mancroft, the son of Albert Mark and Eliza. This event took place on the 10th June 1888, but his date of birth is given as the 21st April 1888, so it is not the Norlink man. Albert Mark was then working as a fur cutter.
There is another baptism record for an Albert George at St Peter Mancroft, which gives a date of birth of the 20th December 1897. (Again, discrepancy from the Norlink date). The baptism itself took place on the 13th February 1898, and Albert’s parents are listed as John William, (occupation - Gardener) and Leah. The family lived at Starling Place.
This Albert, aged 4, is recorded on the 1901 census at 65 Suffolk Street, in the parish of Holy Trinity Heigham. This is the household of his parents, John, (aged 43 and a Gardener from Norwich), and Leah, (aged 36 and from Norwich).Their other children are:-
Alice…………….aged u/1.………………born Norwich
Arthur……………aged 14.………………born Norwich
Ethel……………..aged 18.………………born Norwich……..Worker in a Mineral Water factory
Frederick………..aged 6.…………………born Norwich
Sidney…………..aged 16.………………..born Norwich………….Tinker
However, according to Norlink he is actually an Albert William, who served with the 9th Battalion , Norfolk Regiment.
Private Smith was born at 17, Norfolk Street, Norwich, on 23rd April 1898. He was educated at Crooks Place School, Norwich. In September 1914 he enlisted, and was killed in action at the Battle of Loos on 26th September 1915
norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...
So for now the RAF man remains the most likely candidate.
Wilfred Sutherland
The only Wilfred on the CWGC, (although lots of W Sutherland’s)
Name: SUTHERLAND, WILFRED HARVEY
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Date of Death: 05/10/1916 Service No: 13082
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=814271
No match on Norlink
The Great War Roll of Honour has only one Wilfred, a “Lance Corporal” Wilfred H, service number 13082, Norfolk Regiment who died in 1916.
There is no obvious match on either the 1901 or 1911 censuses.
Thursday 5th October 1916. Day 97
Thiepval
A bombing attack by 8th Norfolks in Schwaben Redoubt bogged down in the mud.
forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...
See also Arthur Quick on this panel, who died in the same action.
Robert S Thaxton
Only RS Thaxton, (or R Thaxton)
Name: THAXTON, ROBERT STANLEY
Rank: Corporal Regiment/Service: South Wales Borderers Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Age: 38 Date of Death: 18/07/1918 Service No: 45556
Additional information: Husband of Edith Clara Eliza Thaxton, of 1, Volta Terrace, Norwich Rd., Lowestoft.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. D. 5. Cemetery: BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY
CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=635472
No match on Norlink
Update February 2017
I had previously identified the wrong individual from the census details, although commented there was a Robert Thaxton, born Bridgewater, Somerset who was recorded in the Mutford District of Suffolk on the 1911 census and wondered if he moved to Norwich. I've recently had cause to research the Lowestoft War Memorial Chapel at St Margaret, Lowestoft, where Robert is also listed. The two are indeed one and the same. See comment below for updated census details.
The campaign in Mesopotamia appears to have died down after May 1918, as the Allied forces took a break from campaigning in the heat of summer, before resuming in October with a successful drive to seize the oilfields around Mosul, in which the 4th South Wales Borderers took part. As always through-out the campaign, significant losses were experienced as much from disease as battle. Given that Corporal Thaxton has a known grave, and Bagdhad was the main hospital base, there is a reasonable possibility that he died as a result of illness
books.google.co.uk/books?id=Xw6vBq5mUUoC&pg=PA492&...
Heritage Open Days 2010
For more on the architecture and history of the church, see Simon Knott's web-site
www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/norwichstpetermancroft/norwichs...
