the war memorials - Clare, Suffolk · 2017-01-15 · the war memorials of CAVENDISH CLARE...

the war memorials

of

CAVENDISH CLARE

POSLINGFORD STOKE BY CLARE

WIXOE

The STOUR VALLEY Benefice

Researched, Compiled & Written

By

Tony Pringle

A first draft, purely for information purposes and to try and get more information

Villages arranged purely in alphabetical order !

CAVENDISH POSLINGFORD

CLARE

STOKE BY CLARE WIXOE

If I should die, think only this of me;

That there's some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,

A body of England's breathing English air,

Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

"The Soldier" Rupert Brooke 1915

in undying memory

Contents Page

CAVENDISH 1 CLARE 51 POSLINGFORD 110 STOKE BY CLARE 123 WIXOE 161 The Medals 171 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 174

Preface

With the centenary of the Great War upon us, it seemed an appropriate time to try and record as

much of the history of the men on the War Memorials as we can before more of it fades and is un-

recoverable.

Using the internet resources it has been possible to find something about most of the men. One must

be conscious of the fact that census records can only be as accurate as the facts told to the

enumerators. Back then folk were no more worried about absolute accuracy in these things than

today so please be cautious when using dates and ages. Likewise it was quite common to use

different given names to those on official records, the bane of any family researcher. The tendency

of at least one male off spring to be named after his father led to many "juniors" to be addressed by a

middle name which often found its way into official records. However I trust I have found the right

man.

The Luftwaffe managed to destroy nearly 80% of the Other Ranks service records during the Second

World War, but the surviving "burnt documents" have helped with some men, albeit some of these

remnants are singed, water has blurred the ink and the hand writing in many cases was as bad as my

own. Medals for the Great War casualties are in the main substantiated by the Medal Index Cards

which did survive almost intact and are accessible on the internet. Medals and service records for the

2nd

World War and later are however not accessible unless a search fee is paid for each man and

permission has been sought from the next of kin. In these cases I have tried to present what medals

the known service records indicate would have been awarded, but please do not rely entirely on my

assumptions.

These villages, being quite small places in the early 1900's, had fewer families than today and many

of these men can trace their relationship to others on the Memorial. By giving their Mother's maiden

name I then leave it to the reader to carry out further research along these lines. The law does not

allow for census results to be released for 100 years, so it is not possible to get much detail from

public records regarding the casualties of WW2, for that we must hope to find relatives who can

enlighten us. Too late of course for this book, but my web site www.undyingmemory.net can

always be up dated at any time.

It is my sincere hope that this humble effort of mine gives some idea of who all these men were. We

know from the history books what they endured and why. Just remember, for relatives and friends,

remembrance is not just for 2 minutes a year in November. Hopefully we will see an end to our

young people ending up as names carved into slabs of stone, but I fear that is unlikely ever to

happen. We can take small comfort in the fact that the scale of the misery of war has reduced since

the two world wars, but it is small comfort to those whose loved ones are still being maimed or

killed.

In addition to these notes, I also have html files available to form the bais of a website for each

village memorial..these I will make available to the various clerks. It is then up to each village what

they do with the information

Tony Pringle

2016

1

CAVENDISH

The Cavendish war memorial stands on the Green at the junction of Peacock's Road, Poole Street

and High Street. A budded cross on a slender stone hexagonal pillar on an hexagonal plinth bearing

6 bronze plaques, all on a three stepped hexagonal base, all in Portland stone on a paved area

surrounded by concrete posts and chain. It is around 20 feet hight in total. The dedication on the

face plaque reads

IN THANKFUL REMEMBRANCE

OF THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST

AND OF THE MEN OF CAVENDISH

WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

FOR THEIR BRETHREN

IN THE GREAT WAR

1914-1918

2

On the other plaques are the names ( forename-initial-surname) of the fallen of the Great War

The fallen of the 1939-9145 war and of the Cyprus Emergency are inscribed in the stone of the

faces of the middle step but are barely legible and two names are actually obscured by a stone

planter being placed in front of that face. The whole memorial is now surrounded on the middle

step level by various plastic planters, the ensuing vegetation obscuring some names.

The memorial was unveiled by Colonel, Sir Courtenay Warner Bart., and dedicated by Canon

W.T.Farmilae on 19th September October 1921. Renovated and rededicated and unveiled by

General Sir Robert Gordon-Finlayson DSO on 7th November 1948 when the six names from 1939-

145 were added.

The memorial was designed by Leonard Crowfoot MSA of Newmarket and built by F.J.Lindley of

Sudbury. The unveiling ceremony was reported in the Bury Free Press of 25th September 1920

3

St. Mary's Church, Cavendish

4

ADAMS, Otto Aged 34

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Otto Adams is buried in Mindel Trench British Cemetery, St Laurent-Blangy, grave B:45

No.80990, Gunner, Otto ADAMS 56th Siege battery, Royal Garrison Artillery Killed in Action on Monday, 23rd April 1917

Thomas Otho Adams was born in Cavendish(Sudbury Q1-1883 4A:624), son of Walter and Elizabeth

ADAMS(née BROCKWELL)

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his father Walter ADAMS [45] carpenter

born Glemsford; his mother Elizabeth [46]; brother Willie [11]. All except his father were born in

Cavendish. His father died in 1897. His sister Kate [1866] married Thomas William GILDERSLEVE in

Cardiff in 1894

1901 census...So far not identified in this census. His widowed mother was alone at Lower Street,

Cavendish

1911 census...Aged 26, single, a hay trusser, he was in Cavendish with his widowed mother. She had born 8

children but 5 had already died. She died in 1916.

There was apparently at the time an application in hand for deferrment of military service as the Suffolk &

Essex Free Press newspaper archive carries a report on the Melfod Tribunal of March 22nd 1916 :-"Melford

Tribunal. Otto Adams a roadman from Cavendish again came up, works for Melford Rural Council,

widowed mother who depends on him for a home, the only son, adjourned till the next meeting, the applicant

said " cant you settle it one way or another, I have been here twice on the job, I don't care a button for

myself, it's my mother".

He enlisted in Glemsford on 1st February 1916, giving his age as 33 years 347 days, a roadman from Chapel

Street, Cavendish, he was 5 feet 8 inches tall, chest 37.5" to 40.5 inches. Next of kin his sister Kate Hannah

E.E., Gildersleve, of 5 Van Street, Grangetown, Cardiff. Amongst his papers is the address of A Adams, 22

Turin Street, Bethnal Green ( an uncle perhaps).

Placed in the Reserves he was mobilised at Fort

Burgh, Dover on 12th May 1915. He was

posted to the B.E.F. on 26th August 1916, to

the 5th Army pool, then to the 3rd Army pool

on 9th February 1917 before being posted to

56th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on

24th March 1917 and being killed in action 4

weeks later. His personal belongings consisted

of Disc, personal letters, Testament, 8

halfpenny stamps and some picture postcards.

On the "Living Relatives" from his sister

entered herself as the only living full blood

relative.

5

ARGENT, George William Aged 29

George Argent is buried in Cavendish Cemetery, SW grave #607

No.13216, Private, George William ARGENT "D" Coy., 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 9th May 1917

George William Argent was born in Cavendish(Sudbury Q2-1888 4A:694), son of Mary Ann ARGENT

1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Rambley Lane, Cavendish with his grandmother Mary Ann ARGENT [51],

her daughters Pollie [31] and Emma[23] and his sister ? Annie [7]. All were born in Cavendish and all three

adults were recorded as single. It seems likely that Polly is his mother Mary Ann, the family using "Polly" to

distinguish her from her mother.

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Rambly Lane with his grandmother Mary Ann ARGENT [66] and her

daughter Polly [40] both women recorded as single

1911 census...Aged 22, a farm labourer, he was a Rambley Lane with his mother Mary Ann ARGENT [50],

single, born Cavendish. It is uncertain whether it is Rambley Lane or Ramally Lane

From their regimental numbers George Argent-John Ballard-John Brown-Jack Johnson-Charles Slater-

Frank Underwood and Arthur Wells, all from Cavendish, enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment the same day

He enlisted in Sudbury.

He was on the strength of the Depot at the time of his death in the military hospital at Farnham. Without his

Army service record it is impossible to say when or where he was wounded. The 9th Battalion, Suffolk

Regiment served in France

6

ARGENT, Stephen Henry Aged 24

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Stephen Argent is buried in Villers Station Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois, grave 7:D:7

No.805207, Private, Stephen Henry ARGENT

75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry Killed in Action on Thursday, 1st March 1917

Stephen Henry Argent was born in Cavendish on 11th December 1892(Sudbury Q1-1893 4A:755), son of

John and Eliza ARGENT (née SMITH)

1901 census...Aged 8, he was at Poole Street, Cavendish with his father John ARGENT [42] horseman; his

mother Eliza [43]; brothers James [18] labourer in malthouse; Alfred [15] farm yardman and Engelbert

[13];sisters Edith [10], Ellen [4] and Bessie [1]. All were born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 18, unemployed, (lately butcher) he was at Poole Street with his parents (father now

smallholder); brother Engelbert [farm labourer]; sisters Edith and Bessie. His mother had borne 10 children

but 2 had died.

He married Nellie PLUMB on March 16th 1915, later of Rumburgh Lane, Spexhall, Halesworth, Suffolk.

In 1920 she was at Scarborough Avenue, Skegness. His wife's movements are not easily put in

chronological order from his Army documents.

Canadian Archives-RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 216 - 9

He enlisted in Bowmanville, Ontario on 6th January 1916. A labourer (rubber worker), born Cavendish,

England, he was married to Nellie and they lived in Bowmanville, Ontario. He was 5 feet 6.5 inches tall,

weighed 180 lbs, chest 34.25" to 37.5", grey eyes, dark hair, Church of England. His widow returned to

England and moved first to Hunstsman Road,Foxearth, Long Melford (from 9th November 1916)and then to

Rumburgh Lane, Spexhall, Halesworth, Suffolk

To 136th Overseas Battalion initially. He was in hospital at Valcartier from 19th July to 1st August 1916

with German Measles

He left Halifax on SS Corsican on 25th September, arriving Liverpool 6th October and was transferred to

39th Battalion at West Sandling and drafted to France to 75th Battalion on 14th November 1916. One of his

Army forms dated 11th August 1916 his wif'e address was changed to Cavendish, Suffolk. His mother's

address was High Street, Cavendish.

His "circumstances of death" card simply says "killed in action" in Carency sector (which is between

Villers-au-Bopis and Souchez)

7

BALLARD, John Aged 25


John Ballard is buried in Spoilbank Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois, grave 7:D:7

No.13202, Private, John BALLRD 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Thursday, 5th August 1915

John Ballard was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q3-1889 4A:639), son of Charles and Eliza BALLARD (née

BROWN)

CWGC have his mother as Ada, but this appears to be a typo, his Army records show Eliza as do all the

census.

1891 census...Aged 1, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father Charles BALLARD [40] gardener's

labourer; his mother Eliza [38]; sisters Lissie [13], Ada [8] and Kate [4]; brother Harry C[6]. All were born

in Cavendish

1901 census...Aged 11, he was still at High Street, Cavendish with widowed mother Eliza; brothers Harry

(farm labourer) and William [9]; sister Edie [5]. The new siblings born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 21, general labourer,he was "near the Church", Cavendish with his mother; sister Ada,

brother Harry ; niece Olive Tonkin [5] born Erith, Kent (parentage unknown).

His brother William was killed serving in Belgium in the Suffolk Regiment earlier in 1915

George Argent, John Ballard, John Brown, Jack Johnson, Charles Slater, Frank Underwood and Arthur

Wells, from their numbers, seem to have all joined the Suffolks on the same day

The battalion were having a quiet time at Spoilbank, a few kilometres south of Ypres.The war diary simply

says 13202 Pt J Ballard killed, one man wounded.

8

BALLARD, William Aged 23


William Ballard is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, panel 21

No.8191, Lance Corporal, William BALLRD

1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Thursday, 18th February 1915

William Ballard was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1891 4A:709), son of Charles and Eliza BALLARD

(née BROWN)

1901 census...Aged 9, he was at High Street, Cavendish with widowed mother Eliza; brothers Harry (farm

labourer) and John; sister Edie [5] born Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 19, He was at Gibraltar Barracks, Bury St Edmunds a private in the Suffolk Regiment.

"near the church" Cavendish were his mother; sister Ada, brother John (general labourer), brother Harry ;

niece Olive Tonkin [5] born Erith, Kent (parentage unknown).

His brother John was killed serving in Belgium in the Suffolk Regiment later in 1915

He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, (from his number) early in 1911.

The battalion were near Chateau Rosendal (now Bedford House Cemetery, 2.5 km from Ypres on the road

to Armentieres). They had spent the night in shallow temporary trenches, up to their waists in water. The

war diary has:-

"16th Feb - Capt. Yourdain, C Coy sent to relieve "O" trench found two thirds full of Germans, this he

reported verbally and asked for more bombs as his had all been expended (O trench had previously been

captured from the Middlesex Regt by the Germans but on our taking over they reported that it had been re

captured by the Buffs on the night of 15th/16th Feb just before we relieved them) Nothing more was heard

from C Coy. Sgt Allan who was sent out ot get touch and reconnoitre and report was killed. 2 Platoons

under Capt C.s>Wilson in support by wood on canal was ordered up to make an attack on "O" trench but

owing to day having broken it was decided that an attack would be useless owing to machine gun fire. At 11

am Capt Wood-Martin, "N" trench, reported that "O" trench had been captured at dawn by the Germans.

17th Feb- Two Coys Cheshire Regt under orders from Bde HQ endeavoured by a charge to re capture a

trench in frot of that held by D Coy, known as "P" trench but owing to strength of German position and

machine gun fire failed. The 2nd Northmberland

Fusiliers who were waiting for the attack by

Cheshire Regt to take place,to make an attack on

"O" trench to recapture it did not make the attack

18th Feb - Relieved in trenches by 2nd

Northumberland Fusiliers and marched to billets

in Kruistraat. Casualties over the 48 hours were 4

officer and 19 OR killed, 4 officers and 53 other

ranks wounded, 3 officers and 171 OR missing

CWGC records give 36 of the battalion killed in

that period, only 6 having known graves.

9

BROWN, John Felix Aged 22

photo; Pierre Vandervelden www.inmemories.com

John Brown is commemorated on the Special Memorial A:6 in Ribecourt British Cemetery

No.13212, Lance Corporal, John Felix BROWN 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Tuesday, 20th November 1916

John Felix Brown was born Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1894 4A:761), son of William and Elizabeth BROWN

(née NEWMAN)

His father had, in 1887, married Cavendish born Maria THOMPSON, their daughter Letitia born 3rd May,

1889 in Cavendish. Maria died in 1897.

His mother had married Samuel FINCH in 1884, he died in 1890 and she married William BROWN in 1898

1901 census...Aged 7 he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father William BROWN [39] maltster; his

step mother Elizabeth [37] born Foxearth, Essex; half brothers Bertram FINCH [15] blacksmith and Alfred

G FINCH [14] and Arthur W BROWN [1]; sister Letitia O [11]. All except his mother born in Cavendish

1911 census...Aged 17, a gardener's lad, he was at Maltings Yard, Cavendish with his parents; half brothers

Alfred George FINCH(postman), Arthur William and Robert Victor [9]; half sisters Anna Elizabeth [7] and

Edith Emma [5]. The new siblings all born in Cavendish.

George Argent, John Ballard, John Brown, Jack Johnson, Charles Slater, Frank Underwood and Arthur

Wells, from their numbers, seem to have all joined the Suffolks on the same day

He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, (from his number) early in 1911.

The battalion were taking part in an attack on the Hindenburg Line between Villers Plouich and Beacamp.

The war diary covers several pages, but in summary(from Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk

Regiment": -The attack started at 6:20 am on 20th November with 324 tanks and six divisions on a six mile

front. The tanks crashed through all obstacles and drove the enemy to ground. The 9th Suffolks quickly

crossed No Man's Land and reached the German front line. By 9 am they had reached their objective, were

in touch with both flank battalions and had their HQ in the original German front line. The village of

Ribecourt fell easily and "C" Coy pressed forward to Marcoing with orders to seize the cross road sin front

of the village, the bridges over the river and the village itself. When the y began to advance at 11 am they

found 2 platoons had already moved off and 2nd Lt Hopkins and his batman went ahead to try and stop

them. Reaching the cross roads they found 4 Germans who surrendered. Seeing 2nd Lt Taylor and his men

400 yards away he signalled them and they joined up. "C" Coy now advanced and entered Marcoing. A tank

appeared and some 29th Division troops were seen entering the village from the north. Job done they

marched back to Ribecourt, reaching HQ after dark having

captured a village, taking 100 prisoners and a machine gun,

for the loss of 2 casualties. At nightfall the battalion, now

held in reserves occupied the line of trenches captured by

them in the morning. Altogether they had captured 150

Germans and 3 machine guns for the loss of 50 casualties.

CWGC records give 11 killed on the 20th. Six (including

John Brown)had their graves destroyed in later fighting and

so are commemorated on the Special Memorial at Ribecourt

Cemetery.

10

BULLOCK, Victor William Aged 21

photo:Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Victor Bullock is buried in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines grave 1:E:32

No.20653, Private, Victor William BULLOCK

5th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry formerly 25060, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Monday, 9th April 1917

Victor William Bullock was born Cavendish on 7th December 1895 (Sudbury Q1-1896 4A:757), baptised in

Cavendish St Mary's on 5th January 1896, son of Arthur and Lizzie Jane BULLOCK (née WORDLEY)

1901 census...Aged 5, he was in Poole Street, Cavendish with his father Arthur BULLOCK [35] farm

labourer; his mother Lizzie Jane [34]; sisters Elsie [2] and Ruth M [2 months]. All were born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 15, a baker's apprentice, he was at Poole Street, Cavendish with his parents (father now

a maltster's labourer); brother George [under one month]; sisters Elsie, Ruth, Effie [7] and Olive [5]. The

new siblings born in Cavendish

He enlisted in Cavendish.

The battalion war diary is somewhat lengthy for 9th April 1917:-

" H Sector- Ronville- 9/4/1917- I was in command of B Coy 5 RSLI, operating on the right flank of the

battalion and detailed to capture the COJEUL SWITCH from EYE LANE to DOE LANE inclusiveOn

obtaining objective I was to take charge of Battalion front on BLUE LINE. The battalion was formed up in

assembly trenches by 2 am and the men were made to lie down to avoid observation by the enemy. The

assembly trenches were not shelled. At 7:34 am our barrage commenced and the Battn advanced. At the

time there were two tanks just in front of assembly trenches and 2 just behind. The condition of the ground

seemed to make their progress very slow and in my line of advance. I saw nothing more of them, and they

played no part in the operations.The enemy barrage, which appeared to be fairly heavy was drawn across

the crest of TELEGRAPH HILL immediately WEST of TELEGRAPH WORK. At this point the attacking line

also came under heavy machine gun fore from the direction of NEULLY TRENCH and TILLOY. Slight

resistance was encountered in TELEGRAPH HILLTRENCH and HEAD LANE, but this was immediately

overcome and my Company captured between 50 and 75 prisoners here. No resistance was offered in POLE

TRENCH, but enemy fired a MG from NOUVIDON LANE.On a patrol being sent forward the enemy

abandoned NOUVIDON LANE and ran to the rear but were shot down by our Lewis Gun fire. The enemy

MG was captured.The D.L.I. of 43rd Bde had converged slightly into my area but I occupied POLE

TRENCH from N.7.d.85.70 to N.7.b.20.25 and had established communication with the D.L.I.on my right by

8:45 am.Germans in the dugouts were cleared out by 9:10 am and work was forthwith started on

consolidating the line.

I captured and consolidated this line with the remnant of A, B and C Coys. D Coy had meantime obtained

their objective in SILENT WORK and by 10 am communications had been established with the SUFFOLKS

on their left and with the O.B.L.I. in the TRING and NEGRINE TRENCH at 1:15 pm, the RB passed through

my line to establish an outpost line in advance. They appeared to encounter no resistance whatever.

OUR BARRAGE was very effective, but in my opinion the creeping barrage moved much too slowly once

11

units became mixed it became almost impossible to prevent the line advancing right into our own barrage

and I am convinced that a large proportion of our casualties especially in the two leading Battns of the Bde

may be attributed to this.

ENEMY BARRAGE with the exception of that put down on TELGRAPH HILL, enemy artillery fire was

almost negligible.

CASUALTIES. The greater proportion of our casualties resulted from MG fire from the left flank.

TOTAL CASUALTIES in the Battn as far as can be ascertained at present amount to 12 officers and 189

other ranks

TROPHIES. Only one enemy MG was captured, but the trench system is so smashed up by our artillery fire

that it is very possible several others are buried in the debris. Also I needed every man in my final objective

and could not send men back to search TELEGRAPH HILL TRENCH, the enemy front line. We have

secured several hundred rifles and a large quantity of ammunition, bombs and equipment

PRISONERS I would estimate that the prisoners taken by this battalion numbered over 300...signed O.S.

Benbow-Rowe, 5 KSLI

CWGC records 43, all ranks, killed

POLE TRENCH - mentioned above

12

CLARK, Hugh Cuthbert Aged 23

Hugh Clark is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, pier/face 1C/2A

No.24048, Lance Corporal, Hugh Cuthbert CLARK

"B" Coy., 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Wednesday, 9th August 1916

Hugh Cutherbert CLARK was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1893 4A:757), son of Hugh and Ellen

CLARK (née AMBROSE)

1901 census...Aged 8, he was at Grocers Shop, High Street, Cavendish with his father Hugh CLARK [50]

grocer/draper born Wilby, Suffolk; his mother Ellen [46]; sisters Kathleen M [20] and Mary G [10]; brother

Ambrose F [15] (grocer's assistant). All except his father were born in Cavendish

1911 census...Aged 18, grocer's assistant, he was still at the Grocer's Shop, High Street, Cavendish with his

parents and sister Kathleen Mary

His legatees were sisters Kathleen and Mary and brother Ambrose, whose address in 1917 was 025608

Private Ambrose Clark c/o A.O.C, H.M. Gun Wharf, Chatham


from Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment:

The 7th Suffolks took over trenches west of Pozières on 3rd August. On the 8th the Germans captured about

80 yards of Ration Trench but that evening the Battalion retook it and gained an additional 200 yards.

The CWGC records that the battalion lost 50 killed on the 9th August 1916, only 7 having identified graves.

13

CLARRY, Sidney Basil Aged 32


Sidney Clarry is buried in Berlin South Western Cemetery, grave 2:H:3

No.6704, Private, Sidney Basil CLARRY 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died in Captivity on Wednesday, 24th July 1918 An Old Contemptible

Sidney Basil Clarry was born in Cavendish on 9th October 1886 (Sudbury Q4-1886 4A:656), son of Phoebe

CLARRY

1891 census...Aged 4, he was at The Street, Cavendish with his grandfather John CLARRY [61] gardener;

his grandmother Maria [55]; aunt Laura BYFORD [31]; mother Pheobe [29]; James CLARRY [27] butcher

and Horace CLARRY [23] brewer (married or single is not recorded except for Laura); Zilla [21], May [19]

and Bessie CLARRY [16], all three women were silk weavers and marital status not recorded. All were born

in Cavendish

1901 census...Aged 14, factory hand, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his grandparents (grandmother

now recorded as Jessie). The rest of the adults are recorded as single, they were Horace (farm labourer),

Phoebe [39], Zilla [29], May [29], Bessie [25].Recorded as grandchildren but no clue as to parentage; Percy

[9] and Claude [3] born Cavendishand Samuel [5] born Ipswich.

1911 census...Aged 24, mat maker, he was still at High Street, Cavendish with his grandparents

(grandmother now Maria again). Also, all still recorded as single; his mother Pheobe; Horace (farm

labourer), Zilla, Percy (farm labourer) and Claude. Maria had borne 10 children, 4 had died


The 2nd Suffolks were nearly wiped out at the battle of Le Cateau on 26th August 1914, losing 720 of all

ranks in their valiant attempt to stem the advance of the Germans. This stand by the Argyll and Sutherland

Highlanders, Suffolks and Yorkshire Light Infantry enabled many of British Army to continue the retreat

and live to fight on.

http://grandeguerre.icrc.org/en/List/3003715/1

872/34717/

Sidney was captured,unwounded, at Le

Cateau very early in the war, on 26th August

1914. Sadly he nearly reached the end of the

war, but died of illness (unknown as yet) in

hospital at Lauchhammer, 37 miles north of

Dresden.

14

FITCH, Frederick Aged 29

photo: Rodney Gibson

Fred Fitch is buried in Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension , grave 3:A:4

No.14304, Lance Corporal, Fred FITCH "C" Coy., 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Thursday, 20th September 1917

Frederick Fitch was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1889 4A:672), son of Noah and Susan FITCH(née

MAYES).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Houghton Hall, Cavendish with his father Noah FITCH [38] farm labourer

born Hundon; his mother Susan [35] born Hundon; brothers Harry [18] farm labourer born Hundon, Frank

[10], William [7], and Morris [5]; sisters Louisa [12] and Lillie [6 months]. All except his parents and

brother Harry were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 12 he was at Houghton Hall Cottages,Cavendish with his parents (fasther now

horsekeeper); brothers Frank (horsekeeper), Percy (horsekeeper), Maurice (shepherd) and Arthur [6]; sisters

Lillie and Minnie [8]; niece Annie MAYES [2] (parentage unknown).All the new children were born in

Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 22, he was a groom at Houghton Hall, with his brother Arthur (page) working for

Gordon Molyneux MILLAR. His parents were still at Houghton Hall with his brothers Frank, William and

Maurice and sister Florry [8]

He married Beatrice M. UNDERWOOD in 1912. Their daughter Millicent was born on 19th January 1913


The war diary says they were in front line trenches at Mazingarbe. The 2 killed and 7 wounded (2 at duty)

were transport personnel billeted at Les Brebis and were killed by a hostile shell falling on the lines about

12:30 am. The other man killed was Private Herbert Brown from Withersfield.

15

HALE, Osborne Aged 38

Osborne Hales is commemorated on the Arras memorial, Faubourg d'Amiens, bay 3

No.30016, Private, Osborne HALE 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment

Killed in Action assumed on Sunday, 14th October 1917

Osborne Hale was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q3-1879 4A:629), son of Samuel and Sarah HALE (née

CHINERY).

1881 census,,,Aged 1, he was at Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father D+Samuel HALE [36] butcher' his

mother Sarah [37] born Foxearth, Essex; his aunt Sarah HALE [39]; sister Elizabeth [9]; brothers Frank [6]

and Wilfred [5]. All except his mother were born in Cavendish..

1891 census...Aged 11, he was still in Chapel Street with his parents, aunt SaraH; sister Elizabeth; brothers

Frank (butcher's assistant) and Wilfred.

1901 census...Aged 21, a butcher, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his parents, aunt Sarah and

brother Frank (butcher) Q4-1909 he married Ethel May AMBROSE

1911 census...Aged 32, a butcher, he was at Mott's Farm, Cavendish with his wife Ethel May [25] born

Cavendish, with their son Lionel Patrisk [1] born Cavendish. His father had retired and a widower now, was

living with his sister Sarah in Lower Street, Cavendish

He enlisted in Halstead.

The war diary says :-

"PICK CAVE near MONCHY-le PREUX 11pm - This morning was extremely quiet but the enemy exhibited

great activity in the air. At 4:55 pm our barrage opened on the German front line after a bombardment of

the enemy's positions for six hours. The raiders filed out of their dugouts and up to their positions of

assembly at zero minus 1 1/2 hours left our line and formed up under the barrage. At zero plus 4 minutes the

barrage lifted and the raiders entered the enemy trenches. The line was being held very strongly but the

Germans surrendered freely while others attempted to run.Our men could not be prevented from killing

those that surrendered and it is estimated that at least 200 Germans were killed by the raiders while many

dead were found as a result of our bombardment.

The enemy's trenches were demolished and his wire non existent. Two dugouts were destroyed by the R.E.

demolition party attached. The Battalion took 30 prisoners. At zero plus 30 minutes our raiding parties

returned after reaching all their objectives and carrying out the various duties allotted to it. The enemy

barrage was feeble and on the whole the casualties suffered by the Battalion were slight, though the number

of officers hit was out of all proportion to the number of men. In addition to the 30 prisoners our men also

brought back one light German machine gun and a fish tail mortar.

On the return of our raiding parties the Battalion front was held by A and C Coys in front line, B and D in

support in PICK CAVE and FORK TRENCH. There has been a certain amount of hostile shelling since the

raid but it is gradually getting quieter

Our casualties through the raid were as follows:-Officers killed 4 - died of wounds 1 - wounded 1; other

ranks killed 17 - missing 11- died of wounds 1 - wounded 37."

16

HARTLEY, Trafalgar Percy Aged 33


Trafalgar Hartley is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres panels 49 and 51

No.TF/203367, Private, Trafalgar Percy HARTLEY

2nd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) Killed in Action assumed on Wednesday, 1st August 1917

Trafalgar Percy Hartley was born in Cavendish on 2nd January 1884 (Sudbury Q1-1884 4A:628), baptised

in St Mary's, Cavendish on 24th February 1884, son of James Edward and Mary Ann HARTLEY (née

BROWN). His father had first married Eliza CLARK in 1853, their son Henry Perry HARTLEY being born

in 1856. Eliza died in 1875. His mother appears to have had a daughter, Florence, in 1862 and married

James Edward HARTLEY in 1876

1891 census...Percy, aged 7, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father James HARTLEY [58] farm

labourer; his mother Mary A [50] and sister Alice R [11]. All were born in Cavendish

1901 census...Trafalger, aged 17, a brewer's labourer, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his parents

and sister Alice

1911 census...Percy, aged 27, a farm labourer, he was in Cavendish with his parents (father retired) and

sister Alice

He enlisted in Cavendish on 11th December 1915. Giving his age as 31 years 343 days, a farm labourer, he

was 5 feet 7.75 inches tall, chest 36" to 38.5", weighing 144 lbs. next of kin was his mother Mary Ann

HARTLEY of High Street, Cavendish. He was placed on Reserve and not mobilised until 22nd January

1917.

He embarked at Folkestone 12th June 1917 for Boulogne with 8th Battalion and he joined the 2nd Battalion

on 28th June. He was reported first as wounded, then as wounded and missing on 1st August 1917 and was

presumed to have died on that date. On the "living relatives" form on 29th May 1919 his mother declared his

father was dead, she was living at HIgh Street,Cavendish, his half brother Henry Perry HARTLEY [63] was

at 252 Corfield St, Bethnal Green,London

and his sister Alice Rosalind HARTLEY

[39] was at home with his mother.Mrs

A.R.JARMIN signed as receiving his

medals on 19th November 1921,

presumably his sister (now married)

On the 31st July the battalion, with the

2nd Devons and 2nd Scottish Rifles

captured Westhoek Ridge and

consolidated on the eastern slope. On 1st

August they resisted several counter

attacks and were then relieved by the 8th

South Lancs and 11th Cheshires and

marched back to DOMINION CAMP

CWGC records show 39 killed on 1st, only 13 with known graves.

17

HUTCHINSON, Charles Neville Aged 23

Charles Hutchinson is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier/face 9D/16B

No.2296, Private, Charles Neville HUTCHINSON

1st Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) Killed in Action on Saturday, 7th October 1916

Charles Neville Hutchinson was born in Verwood, Dorset (Wimborne Q3-1893 5A:211), baptised at St

Mary's Verwood and West Moors on 25th August 1893, son of John and Rachel HUTCHINSON (née

DUFFIN).

1901 census...Aged 7, he was at the National School House, Cavendish with his father John HUTCHINSON

[35] schoolmaster, born Ravensworth, Yorkshire; his mother Rachel [34] born South Cave, Yorkshire;

sisters Elsie [6] and Millicent A [4] both born Cavendish and brother Donald [1] born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 17, an insurance clerk, he was boarding at 14 Stainforth Road, Walthamstow with

widow Agnes Guggenheim and her children. His parents were still at the School House, Cavendish wioth

his sisters Elsie, Millicent Amy and Dorothy Edith [4] born Cavendish and brother Donald.

He enlisted in Handel Street, whilst resident in Walthamstow.

To have served in 1915 in Egypt he must at that time been in the 2nd Battalion, since the 1st only served in

France/Flanders.

The war diary has:-

" Lesboeufs - 7 - 1:30 pm. Divisional attack. Objective of the 1st wave SPECTRUM trench and of the 2nd,

the crest of the ridge covering TRANSLOY. First line D Coy on left under 2/Lieut Barkas, A Coy on right

under 2/Lieut Farnham.D Coy reached and occupied SPECTRUM trench and kept continuously until

relieved. A Coy met severe machine gun fire from a sap head at south end of SPECTRUM trench and made

little progress, about 80 percent of the Coy being casualties. C Coy following 20 minutes later over same

ground were equally unable to gain ground and suffered similar losses. Soon after 2 pm B Coy in Reserve

were sent forward but suffered so severely that they were stopped at the commencement of their advance,

lost all of their officers and N.C.Os and were

unable to bring any injured back. After dark the

survivors of A and C Coys were collected in the

left assaulting trenches and those of B in the

Reserve trench. The right assaulting trenches were

then taken over by 2 Coys of the 3rd Londons.

CWGC records show 33 killed of which only 4

have known graves.

18

INCE, Claude Edwin S Aged 18

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Claud Ince is now buried in Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, grave 1A:D:7.

No.146535, Private, Claude E S INCE

34th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) formerly 6195, Essex Regiment ("Soldiers Died") formerly 34417, Middlesex Regiment (medal card)

Killed in Action on Thursday, 25th July 1918

Claude Edwin S Ince was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1899 4S:832), son of John and Emma INCE (née

BYFORD).

1901 census...Aged 1, he was at Peacocks Road, Cavendish with his mother Emma INCE [47], born

Foxearth, Essex; brothers Fred [13] labourer in maltings, Arthur [12], Osborne [7] and Hubert [5]; sisters

Eva [10] and Lizzie [9]. All the children were born in Cavendish. His father had died in 1900

1911 census...Aged 11, he was still at Peacocks Road, Cavendish with his widowed mother, sisters Bertha

[27] and Lizzie, brother Hubert; cousin Eric Stanley INCE [2] born Cavendish. There were also 3 children

from Dr Barnado Home, Jeffrey Harold LAZARUS [7], William PICKNELL and Eliza King ATKINSON

[10 months]. Emma had borne 13 children but 4 had died.

He enlisted in Colchester

The 34th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps at the time was part of the British 34th Division, which in turn was

under command by the French Army. The front they were attacking was a line between Bois de Curjenne

and Hartennes-et-Taux (almost due south of Soissons).

Villemontoire is connected entirely with the victorious advance of the 15th (Scottish) and 34th Divisions,

under French leadership, in the period from the 23rd July to the 2nd August 1918.

Claud was initially buried at Map ref 33 Soissons 178-8-x 282-4 , sorry no further information, so unable

to say which of the smaller cemeteries that was. Several were concentrated to Raperie after the war.

There is confusion as the date of his death, the CWGC records of concentration and grave register report

both give 23rd July, the graves register and headstone schedule both give 25th. The "Soldiers Personal

Effects" entry says "Accepted on 25th July". Most records do show 25th July 1918 however.

19

JOHNSON, Frank Aged 29

Frank Johnson is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial

No.784905, Private, Frank JOHNSON

"C" Coy., Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Killed in Action on Sunday, 26th August 1917

Frank Johnson was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1888 4A:686A), son of Walter and Elizabeth

JOHNSON (née PARMENTER).

1891...Aged 3, he was at Hardy's Yard, Cavendish with his father Walter JOHNSON, [30] farm labourer

born Pentlow, Essex; his mother Elizabeth [35]; half brother Joseph [10] and sister Annie [7]. All except his

father were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 13, farm labourer, he was still at Hardy's Yard with his parents and sisters Edith [8] and

Eliza [2] both born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 23, a labourer, he was at Hardy's Yard with his parents (father now a shepherd) It is

recorded that his mother had born 3 children in her marriage and all 3 survive, which indicates that Joseph at

least was born before this marriage. Joe Parmenter died of disease in 1902 in South Africa serving with the

Suffolk Regiment. The numbers still do not add up though.

Canadian Archives :- RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4864 - 44 Item Number: 334690:-

He enlisted in Stony Creek on 29th January 1916, giving his date of birth as 12th February 1887

(incorrect according to birth registration in Sudbury). He was living in Winona, Ontario, a farm labourer

born Cavendish, England, father Walter Johnson. He was 5 feet 6.5 inches tall, chest 32" to 35", weighing

134 lbs, he had light brown hair, blue eyes, Congregationalist.

He sailed from Halifax on the SS Olympic on 22nd August 1916, arriving at Liverpool on 3oth August.

Posted then to 124th Battalion at Whitley, on 5th December 1916 he was transferred to the Princess

Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and on 6th December was in France.

The war diary :- PETIT SAINS 26.8.17 Fine - heavy rains in the evening. Lieut G.WE. Guiou M.C. and 10

other ranks established a block 80 yds. up Commotion Trench (Map Ref. France 36c.N8 b 9.9) no casualties

during the operation which was a complete success. Scout section wiped out by a single shell - total

casualties for the day:- 6 O.R's killed - 7 O.R's wounded.

CWGC records also show just those 6 killed on 26th

20

from his circumstances of death card. His grave appears to have been destroyed in later fighting.

from map references mention above, below are approximate locations

21

JOHNSON, Jack Aged 20


Jack Johnson is buried in Happy Valley British Cemetery,Fampoux, grave B:10

No.13205, Private, Jack JOHNSON 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 4th May 1917

Jack Johnson was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1895 4A:731), son of Charles and Eliza JOHNSON (née

WORDLEY).

1901 census...Aged 5, he was at Further Street, Cavendish with his father Charles JOHNSON [39] horse

keeper; his mother Eliza [37]; sister Gertrude [14]; brothers Edward [11], Albert [9], Robert [6] and Dick

[2]. All were born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 15, a labourer boy, he was still in Further Street (near Hall Gates) Cavendish with his

parents, sister Rose [5]; brothers Edward and Albert (farm labourers), Robert, labourers boy, Dick and

Charles [3]. The two new siblings born in Cavendish and all ten of Eliza's children survive.

His brother Albert, who had married Florence STEWARD on 4th October 1913,with a daughter Edith

Gertrude born 10th November 1914, enlisted the same day as Jack (# 13206) in Suffolk Regiment but was

discharged after 39 days as being unlikely to become an efficient soldier( K.R. 392-3-c)

His brother Dick was killed serving in France in the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1918.




The battalion had been reduced to under 200 effectives in operations between the Scarpe and Monchy at the

end of April and were withdrawn to Reserve at Railway Triangle and Orange Lane. Three of the five deaths

in the battalion on the 4th May were from wounds and it is difficult to find how Jack and one other came to

die. The war diary for May 1917 appears not to be on line anywhere and Murphy's "History of the Suffolk

Regiment" is no help.

22

JOHNSON, Richard [Dick] Aged 20


Richard Johnson is commemorated on the Vis en Artois memorial, panel 7

No.59484, Private, Richard JOHNSON 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment

Killed in Action presumed on Sunday, 20th September 1918

Dick Johnson was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q2-1898 4A:790), son of Charles and Eliza JOHNSON (née

WORDLEY).

1901 census...Aged 2, Dick was at Further Street, Cavendish with his father Charles JOHNSON [39] horse

keeper; his mother Eliza [37]; sister Gertrude [14]; brothers Edward [11], Albert [9], Robert [6] and Jack

[5]. All were born in Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 12, Dick was still in Further Street (near Hall Gates) Cavendish with his parents, sister

Rose [5]; brothers Edward and Albert (farm labourers), Robert and Jack, labourer's boy, and Charles [3].

The two new siblings born in Cavendish and all ten of Eliza's children survive.

His brother Albert, who had married Florence STEWARD on 4th October 1913,with a daughter Edith

Gertrude born 10th November 1914, enlisted the same day as Jack (# 13206) in Suffolk Regiment but was

discharged after 39 days as being unlikely to become an efficient soldier( K.R. 392-3-c)

His brother Jack was killed serving in France in the Suffolk Regiment in 1917.

He enlisted in Sudbury. The battalion war diary:-

29th-4am- Coys took up positions on forming up line between LEMPIRE POST and TOMBOYS FARM

facing NE

5:30 am - The Bn advanced behind Americans A and D Coys in front line, B Coy in support and C Coy in

Reserve. Owing to dense smoke barrage, our men got mixed up with the Americans.

Objective of the Bn, MACQUINCOURT TRENCH was taken but owing to lack of support on the right A Coy

fell back and formed a defensive flank

10 am- 5 of the 8 officers who were with the Coys

had become casualties including B and D Coy

Commanders therefore 2 Coys only were organised,

A and B together and c and D together. A number of

American stragglers were attached to our own Coys.

Owing to heavy MG fire from both flanks the

forward Coy A Copy were forced to abandon

position and withdraw to TOMBOIS SUPPORT. On

account of the dense smoke and mist the troops had

not mopped up thoroughly and the enemy still held

posts behind our troops on the flanks

30th - Bn in the same position. Situation quiet

CWGC records give 44 killed, 19 of them with no known grave

23

KING, Arthur Aged 28


Arthur King is buried in Cairo War Memorial Cemetery grave Q:149 No.WR/290327, Sapper, Arthur KING

96th Light Railway Operating Coy., Royal Engineers formerly 367764, Royal Engineers formerly 36653 Suffolk Regiment

Died of Illness on Wednesday, 4th December 1918

Arthur King was born in Shudy Camps (Linton Q2-1890 3B:499), son of Luke and Mary KING (née

BACKLER).

1891 census...Aged 1, he was at Nosterfield End, Shudy Camps with his father Luke KING [52] farm

labourer;his mother Mary [50]; brothers Walter [21], Luke [15] and Alfred [13] all farm labourers; sister

Fanny [11]. All except Arthur were born in Haverhill.

1901 census...Aged 11, he was at Mount Road, Haverhill with his widowed mother; sister Fanny; brothers

Walter and Alfred, both now railway porters. Arthur is now recorded as born in Haverhill. His father had

died in 1899 1911 census...Aged 20, general labourer, he was at 1 Mount Road, Haverhill with his mother

and brothers Walter (railway foreman) and Alfred (brewer's labourer). Mother now recorded as born

Thurston and Arthur as born Haverhill.

He married Florence Kate TALBOT in Kedington on 25th December 1912. Their daughter Eva May was

born 20th February 1913 in Haverhill.

He enlisted in Cavendish on 1st December 1915.Placed on Reserves and mobilised into the 3rd Battalion,

Suffolk Regiment on 26th April 1917. He gave his age as 25 years 10 months, living at Lower Street,

Cavendish, a good porter on Great Eastern Railway. In 1917 he was 130 lbs, 5 feet 7.5 inches tall, chest 33"

to 36". He was posted to Egypt on 12th July 1917 to the 15th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and then

transferred to the Royal Engineers on 29th January 1918 He died in No.27 General Hospital, Cairo from

bronchial pneumonia.

His widow completed the "living relatives" form at Lower Street, Cavendish on 30th July 1919 and

recorded their daughter Eva. His parents were

dead. Brothers alive were George [50] in

Birmingham, Walter [46] in Haverhill and

Alfred [43] in Cavendish; sisters Alice PLUMB

[48] in Haverhill and Fannie King [33] in

London. His widow was unsure of exact

addresses and ages. Her pension was to be £1/5

shillings per week (£1.25). Another form

gives his place of birth as Castle Camps.

His personal belongings forwarded

eventually to his widow consisted of :

pouch,tobacco box, 2 wallets,native purse,

coins, religious medallion, disc, 2 note books,

photos, cards, letters, 6 silk handkerchiefs, cloth

souvenir, silk souvenir.

24

MAXIM, Harry Aged 30


Harry Maxim is buried in Albert, Bapaume Post Military Cemetery, grave 1:F:4

No.3163, Private, Harry MAXIM 1st Coy., Australian Machine Gun Corps

Killed in Action on Wednesday 19th July 1916

Harry Maxim was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1887 4A:646), son of Robert and Caroline MAXIM (née

ALEFOUNDER). There are problems here as there appear to be two Harry Maxim born in the district

around the same year and also 2 Caroline Maxim born same year. In addition various illegitimate children

used either MAXIM or ALEFOUNDER indiscriminately. The details here seems certainly to be correct,

however the William MAXIM on the memorial is more problematical.

1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father Robert MAXIM [49] matting

maker born Hundon; his mother Caroline [44]; half-sisters Charlotte ALEFOUNDER [25]; sisters Alice

[11], Annie [7] and Beatrice [6]; brothers John [17] matting maker, William [14] maltster, David [9] and

George [3]; widowed grandmother Eurydice CUTMORE [75]. All except his father were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 15, a butcher's boy, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his father; brothers George

? [32] [labourer] and George [13](mat maker). His mother was visiting Cavendish born Eliza MOON in

Lambeth.

1911 census...Aged 25 he was in Australia. His mother had died in 1910 and his father (builder's labourer)

and brother George [43] (farm labourer) were still in Cavendish.

His brother William died in Cavendish in Q1-1922

He enlisted on 8th August 1915 at Warwick Farms, New South Wale, living at Terminus Hotel, Hay, New

South Wales, giving his age as 29 years 7 months, born Cavendish, Suffolk, next of kin his father Robert of

High Street, Cavendish. He was 5 feet 7.5 inches tall, weighed 146 lbs, chest 34" to 36", blue eyes, light

brown hair, Church of England. He was a butcher and had served a 5 years apprenticeship with Samuel Hall.

As No 3163, he was posted to the 19th Battalion 18th August 1915 to 13th February 1916. It has not been

found when he left Australia, but on 14th February 1916 he was posted to the 4th Battalion From Egypt on

22nd March 19166 he left Alexandria on the HMTS Grampian, arriving in Marseilles on 28th and joining

the 1st Company of the 1st Infantry Brigade Machine Gun Corps.

The notification of his death was sent to his father at High Street Cavendish and then the address is

changed to 30 Pelham Road, Ilford which was also the address of his sister Mrs Emily Whisker.

His father received a pension of 5 shillings (25p) per fortnight and also the personal possessions of Harry

which were 2 discs, photos, letter, discharge certificates, silver brooch, silver medallion, 3 coins, penknife,

watch, 2 metal chains, 2 testaments and a wallet.

He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The absence (I could not find it anyway) of

the war diary means I could not say where he was killed. The 19th July was the Battle of Fromelles, the 1st

action of the Australian Imperial Force in the war, but that is nearer the Belgian border. Nearer to Albert the

1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions were preparing for their attack on Pozieres on 22/23rd July.

25

MAXIM, William NOT AT ALL SURE OF THIS MAN AS YET

..or..


William Maxim is now buried in La Clytte Military Cemetery, grave 5:E:7

No.4312, Private, William MAXIM or 31901 Driver William MAXIM

or

1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regt or 19th Bde Ammunition Col. R.F.A. Died or Killed in Action Q1-1922 or on Tuesday 26th January 1915 Aged 36 or ? Civilian details for the Artillery man have not yet been uncovered

William Maxim was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q), son of Robert and Caroline MAXIM (née

ALEFOUNDER).

1881...Aged 4, he was in Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father Robert MAXIM [39] mat maker; his

mother Caroline [34]; sisters Charlotte [15] and Alice [1]; brothers George [12] and John [7]. All were born

in Cavendish

1891 census...Aged [14] a maltster he was at Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father Robert MAXIM [49]

matting maker (now recorded as born in Hundon); his mother Caroline [44]; sisters Charlotte [25], Alice

[11], Annie [7] and Beatrice [6]; brothers John [17] matting maker, David [9] Harry [5] and George [3];

widowed grandmother Eurydice CUTMORE [75]. All except his father were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...not identified

1911 census...not identified

His brother Harry was killed in France in the Australian Army in 1916

He enlisted in London on 3rd July 1895 in the York and Lancaster Regiment, giving his age as 18 years 8

months, a labourer from Cavendish who was a serving member of the militia. He was 5 feet 4 .75 inches tall,

weighed 116 lbs, chest 33" to 25", fair hair, blue eyes and a Wesleyan. Next of kin, father Robert MAXIM

of High Street, Cavendish.

http://www.undyingmemory.net/CAVENDISH/maxim-harry.html

26

He joined the regiment at Colchester on 3rd July 1895 and was discharged as medically unfit, due to an

infectious disease, on 22nd July 1897. His age had now changed on discharge to 19 years. His medical

condition, it was stressed, was not the result of or aggravated by military service and unlikely to prevent him

earning a living. The rest of his military history is unknown

The details above are assumed for the Yorks and Lancaster man, those below are definites for the

ArtillerymanArtillery man

William found here, grave marked with cross

HELP REQUIRED FROM RELATIVES

This is an example of where it is vital we find a relative who may be able to clear up some

identification problems. Although in the case of the Cavednish memorial regiments are not given,.

even where they are they are not always correct.

The census is no great help in this instance, the destruction of so many Servie records from WW1

means only 20% are on line albeit many in a damaged condition.The mix of civilian details and

military details here means that so far there is insufficient data to work out which soldier we are

looking for.

Whereas the Willioam here certainly had a service record with the York and Lancaster Regiment,

that ended in 1897. There is no conclusion as yet as to which regiment he served in for the Great

War. Given his record with the York and Lancaster is seems more likely that he was in a different

Regiment for the War.

27

PARMENTER, James William Aged 21

William James Parmenter is commemorated on the Arras memorial, Faubourg d'Amiens, bay 4

No.17437, Corporal, William James PARMENTER

7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Saturday, 28th April 1917

James William Parmenter was born in Cavendish on 21st June 1895 (Sudbury Q3-1895 4A:768), son of

George William and Sarah Ann PARMENTER (née PERRY). As ever, he can be James William or William

James. The military tending to use William James.

1901 census...Aged 5, Willie was at The Wash, Cavendish with his father George PARMENTER [43] horse

keeper; his mother Sarah [38]; brother Harry [14] errand boy at flour mill; sisters Jessie [12], Edith [10] and

Mary A [8]. All were born in Cavendish

1911 census...Aged 15, William, a farm labourer, he was still at The Wash, Cavendish with his parents;

brother Harry (horse man), and sister Mary [18]. All five children survive.


The 28th April was a hard day for both the 7th and 11th Suffolks, the 11th at Roeux, the 7th close by.

The 12th Division made a thrust between the Scarpe and Monchy, the 7th Suffolks going over the top at

4.45 a, to attack the Blue Line, passing through the 5th Berkshires who had just captured Bayonet trench and

part of Rifle trench. They came under heavy machine gun fire from Roeux which the troops on the other

side of the river had not yet taken.

They suffered heavy losses, all the officers except the Colonel and Adjutant were killed or wounded. Small

parties returned to Black line when it grew dark and at 1 am the battalion withdrew to the support line, it

was now reduced to 190 effectives.

96 men had been killed of which only 9 have identified graves.

28

PARMENTER, Samuel Alderson Aged 38

Samuel Parmenter is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier/face 1C/2A

No.405654, Private, Samuel Alderson PARMENTER

9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment formerly 4249, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 13th October 1916

Samuel Alderson Parmenter was born on 13th November 1877 in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1877 4A:511),

baptised in Cavendish on 25th December 1877, son of Henry John and Olivia Caroline PARMENTER (née

THOMPSON). His Christian names get reversed at times

1881 census...Aged 3, he was at 12 East Street, Sudbury with his father Henry PARMENTER [25] maltster;

his mother Olivia [23]; sister Ethel M [1]. 2 boarders also, David DEAL [18] and Richard THOMPSON

[17] (his uncle ?), both maltsters. All were born in Cavendish.

1891 census...Aged 13, not yet found in this census. His parents were at 84 East Street, Sudbury with his

sisters Ethel, Alice M [9], Thirza H [7] and Emily H [2], the new sisters all born in Sudbury.

1901 census...Aged 23, Alderson, a miller's car man he was in Peacocks Road, Cavendish with his widowed

grandmother Sarah Hardy THOMPSON [71] and his sister Ethel M. His parents were at Bures Road, Great

Cornard with his sisters Emily, Rhoda [7]and Agnes [3] both born in Sudbury

1911 census...Aged 33, Alderson, a miller's carman was still at Peacocks Road with his grandmother and

sister Ethel Maud. His parents were at Bures Road, Great Cornard with his sisters Rhoda and Agnes. His

mother died in 1912.

He enlisted in Cavendish. The war diary has:-

"Support Trenches - 13/10/16 - Batt in trenches. Draft of 9 OR arrived and taken on strength. Battn was

relieved by 2nd Sherwood Foresters and took over trenches in support as shown in attached map.

Casualties 2 OR killed 8 wounded.

The map mentioned has not been found but they were in the vicinity of Gueudecourt, holding Misty Trench

and Cloudy Trench

29

PARMENTER, William Henry Aged 26

William Henry Parmenter is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery, grave 4:G:2

No.7307, Private, William Henry PARMENTER

2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action Wednesday, 26th August 1914

An Old Contemptible

William Henry Parmenter was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q2-1888 4A:692), son of Henry and Ellen

PARMENTER (née WELLS).

1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Rambley Lane, Cavendish with his father Henry PARMENTER [40] farm

labourer; his mother Ellen [37] born Pentlow, Essex; brother Harry [17] farm labourer; sisters Susan [11],

Beatrice [7] and Florrie [5]. All except his mother were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 13, he was at Workhouse Street, Cavendish with his widower father, brothers Harry and

James [4]; sisters Susan, Mary [9] and Edith E [6]. The new siblings born in Cavendish. His mother had died

early in 1900

1911 census...Aged 22, he was in the 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in Egypt. His father and brother

James were still at Workhouse Street, Cavendish.

He first enlisted in London on 26th February 1904, giving his age as 17 years 11 months (he was not even

16). He was living at 88 Euston Road, St Pancras, London, working as a labourer for Mr Shirley at 308

Euston Road, St. Pancras. He was 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighed 122 lbs, chest 32" to 34", grey eyes, dark

brown hair, Church of England. He was attested to the Militia, No.6814, the 5th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. He

named his next of kin as father-Henry Parmenter, older brother Harry and younger brother James, all at

Stour Street, Cavendish. He was discharged on 8th March having made a mis-statement as to age.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, he then appeared at Bury St Edmunds on 8th May 1905 to sign for 6

years in the Militia in the 3rd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Now he gave his age as 17 years and 1 month, a

labourer for Mr J Ambrose at Walls End, Cavendish, born and living in Cavendish.

He stated he had served in the 3rd Suffolk Regiment but was claimed under age. it looks as if his family

were trying to stop him serving. He was now 5 feet 3.5 inches tall, weighed 116 lbs, chest 32" to 34.5, grey

eyes, brown hair and Church of England.

His father was now at Workhouse Street, Cavendish. He was posted No. 6293 on 8th May 1905 and

joined the Suffolk Regiment on 2th March 1906. That was presumably when he received his number of

7307. "Soldiers Died" has him enlisting in Sudbury.

He may have been with the 1st Battalion in Egypt in 1911,but he must have transferred sometime to the 2nd

Battalion to have been at Le Cateau in August 1914. The 2nd Suffolks were in Ireland when war was

declared and they were very rapidly mobilised,leaving Dublin for Le Havre on 13th/14th August. They then

marched through France to Mons in Belgium. There, on 23rd Major Peebles reassured a farmer he would be

quite safe to turn his cows out into the field, only to be ordered soon after to get his men to the canal and

reinforce the East Surreys.

30

They then came under fire for the first time, "C" Company having 4 men killed. They were forced to fall

back to Hamin. By dawn in the 25th they were still on the retreat and were back to Pont des Quatre Vaux

cross roads, about half a mile west of Le Cateau. On the 26th, someone ( no one appears to admit it was

them) gave an order that on no account were they to retreat. For nine hours they clung on, fighting

desperately until General Smith-Dorien, at 2 pm, ordered a general withdrawal. The Suffolk were in dire

straits and the 2nd Manchesters and the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders tried to reinforce them but

few made it. That left the Suffolks and Yorkshire Light Infantry trying to halt the Germans .

In the event their valiant efforts were responsible for the saving of a large part of the small British Army, the

"Contemptible" little Army as the Kaiser termed them.

Lt Col Murphy in his "History of the Suffolk Regiment has the casualties as about 720 killed, wounded or

missing (bear in mind that the fighting strength of a Battalion numbered around 900 men and officers at best

and early in the war few were at full strength. CWGc put the actual deaths on the 26th at 74 and William is

one of only 7 to have a known grave.

A great number ended up as prisoners of war. Sidney Clarry was one, he sadly spent nearly four years as a

prisoner, only to die 3.5 months before the Armistice.

The clasp to the 1914 Star

The clasp to the 1914 Star "The Mons Star" as some called it, was the entry to the select band of

chums who adopted the nickname of "The Old Contemptibles" . That title should never be applied to

every man who had served in the Great War, nor even every man who was in France/Flanders in

1914. The clasp was issued only to those who had come under fire or been within the range of enemy

guns between 5th August and 22nd November, and only in France or Flanders.

The problem was that the clasp was only instituted after the Armistice, in 1919 AND it had to be

claimed. Having been claimed, the man's service records were then checked to see that he had in fact

been within range of the enemy guns during that period. That meant of course that many relatives

were probably unaware of the fact that is had to be claimed, or indeed some had had quite enough of

the war without getting involved in yet more paperwork.

If a man was killed during that time it would seem he ought to have been automatically been awarded

the clasp, but of course some deaths were not due to enemy action and may have occurred miles from

the front.

There are none left now to tell the tale, but my maternal Grandfather seemed always to treasure his

Old Contemptibles medal more than his M.C. and Bar

31

SAVAGE, Robert Aged 29

Robert Savage is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier/face 1C/2A

No.14415, Lance Corporal, Robert SAVAGE

9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Saturday, 16th September 1916

Robert Savage was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1887 4A:668 ), son of Edward and Jessie SAVAGE

(née ALEFOUNDER).

1891 census...Aged 4, he was in Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father Edward SAVAGE [36] farm

labourer; his mother Jessie [34]; sisters Sarah J [12], Susie [6] and Annie [4 months]; brothers George [10],

Harry [8] and Victor [2]. All were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 14, yard boy on farm, he was at Wales End, Cavendish with his parents; brothers Harry

(horse man) and Victor; sisters Annie and Rose [7] born Cavendish.

1911 census...Aged 24, a labourer, he was in High Street, Cavendish with his parents, brother Victor and

niece Jessie SAVAGE [11]. Jessie junior's parentage is not known born London. His brother George, now

married to Elizabeth, their son George [4] and brother Harry were at 39 Patriot Square, Bethnal Green. Both

men were brewery draymen.


The battalion war diary for the 16th simply says - 16/9/16 - Batt in trenches.

The 13th to 16th had seen unsuccessful attempts to take the ridge between Morval and Les Boeufs but the

Quadrilateral, bristling with machine guns stood in the way and it was impossible to make headway. "The

History of the Suffolk Regiment" by Lt Col Murphy has the total as 6 officers killed, 50 O.R; wounded 19

officers, 284 OR; missing 93 OR

CWGC records show a total of 6 officers killed and 151 O.R., of these 101 O.R. were killed on 16th, only

22 with a identified grave. The discrepancy on figures is usually due to many of the missing being

eventually presumed dead.

32

SKEEMER, Walter Arthur Aged 36

Walter Skeemer is buried in Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery, 213-7-8. (Screen Wall.)

The screen wall records the names of those whose graves could not be individually marked.

No.34708, Corporal, Walter Arthur SKEEMER no medal card found

"D" Battery, 182nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery formerly 4608 Suffolk Regiment

Died on Tuesday, 14th December 1915

Walter Arthur Skeemer was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1880 4A:573), son of Thomas and Jane

SKEEMER (née DEEKS). He is Arthur Walter SKEMER on CWGC, and Walter Arthur SKEMER when he

married.

1881 census...Aged 1, he was at Chapel Street, Cavendish with his father Thomas SKEEMER [33] farm

labourer born Pentlow, Essex; his mother Jane [29]; brother Charles [9]; sisters Maud [8], Jane [6] and

Priscilla [4]. All except his father were born in Cavendish.

1891 census...Aged 11, he was at Church Corner, Peacocks Road, Cavendish with his parents; brothers

Charles (farm labourer), Albert [9] and Bertie [6]; sisters Sarah J.S. (Jane) and Rose [2]. The two new

siblings were born in Cavendish

1901 census...He had not been found in this census, but 4608 Pte A Skemer, enlisted late May/early June

1897 in 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment in the May 1900. The 2nd Battalion were in India

from 1899 to 1901. His parents were at High Street, Cavendish with his brother Bertie (errand boy) and

sister Rose.

He married Kate Christiana TAYLOR in 1906 (Paddington Q3-1906) and lived at 183, Cornwall Road,

Notting Hill, London. Kate already had a son, Dennis Berthold TAYLOR born 17th November 1905

(Paddington Q4-1905 1A:49)

1911 census...Aged 30, a contractor's carman, he was at 9 Stanley Street, Paddington with his wife Kate

[32] born Glemsford. Walter is also recorded now as born in Glemsford. With them were their son Dennis

Berthold SKEEMER [5](Dennis Berthold TAYLOR) and daughter Mabel SKEEMER [3]. Both children

born in Paddington. His parents (now both recorded as born in Pentlow) were at "near the church"

Cavendish with his brother Bertie (mat maker) and sister Rose and a niece (un-named) 12 days old,

Parentage no recorded, born Cavendish.

Dennis was Dennis Berthold TAYLOR when at Newport Market Army Training School in Westminster,but

when at he age of 14 he joined the Army as a musician, he served as Dennis Berthold SKEEMER. He

enlisted on 24th November 1919 in the Yorkshire Regiment but his discharge was purchased on 12th August

1920 for £35 and he left to join the Post OPffice at Notting HIll. At that time his mother was at 183

Cornwall Road, Notting Hill.

33

Although recognised on CWGC records and "Soldiers Personal Effects, no entry has been found on

"Soldiers Died" nor is there any medal index card. The "Personal Effects" entry disallowed any war gratuity

as he had not served 6 months which may account for no medal award. it does beg the question how he

became a Corporal though that must have been due to his previous Army career.

The Haverhill Echo of 19th May 1900 also has on a list of those serving the Queen and Country, from

Cavendish, one Walter Skeemer..Suffolks.

With no medals (The Great War you had to have served in a war zone for any medal) it suggests he was

taken ill and died before he could be drafted overseas. Being in the Army in 1897, he would not have been a

reservist after 1909 and therefore not liable for immediate call up in August 1914

His death was registered in Kensington (Kensington Q2-1915 1A:216)

FLANDERS MUD

Just trying to survive was enough, imagine advancing in full kit over this lot, and under fire.

Yes, their holes were probably just as full of water...which shell hole would you dive into for shelter?

34

SLATER, Charles W. Aged 23

Charles Slater is buried in La Brique Military Cemetery No.2,Ypres grave 1:O:26

No.13209, Private, Charles W. SLATER

9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Sunday, 24th October 1915

Charles Slater was born in Glemsford (Sudbury Q2-1890 4A:676), son of Elizabeth SLATER. His mother

married Charles WELLS in 1891

1891 census...Aged 11 months, he was at Hants Hill, Glemsford with his grandfather George SLATER [63]

mat weaver; his grandmother Sarah [61], uncles David SLATER[22] mat trimmer and George SLATER

[16] warper; mother Elizabeth SLATER [20]. All were born in Glemsford.

1901 census...As Charles WELLS, aged 10, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his stepfather Charles

WELLS [34] farm labourer; his mother Elizabeth; half brothers Arthur [9], Richard [6] and George [1]; half

sisters Florecne [7] and Edith [3]. All except himself and his mother were born in Cavendish

1911 census...As Charles WELLS, aged 20, a farm labourer, he was "near the Church", Cavendish with his

stepfather; his mother; half brothers Arthur ( farm labourer); Richard (butcher's boy), George, John [9],

Frederick [4] and Edward [1]; half sisters Florence and Sarah [7]. The new siblings were all born in

Cavendish




The battalion were in the St Jean area at Canal Bank. On 24th they were back at Camp A (not located yet)

except for "C" Company. They had 3 killed this day

35

STEFF, Albert Aged 30


Albert Stiff is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, France, grave H:25

No.10653, Private, Albert STIFF or STEFF 1st Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

Killed in Action on Saturday, 25th September 1915

Albert Stiff was born in Foxearth on 15th September 1884 (Sudbury Q4-1884 4A:618), baptised in

Cavendish on 4th January 1885, son of Edward and Laura STEFF (née IVES).

He can be STEFF as per some census and STIFF on his medal index card, by CWGC and his headstone. He

is STEFF on the war memorial. The family are STAFF on some records

1891 census...Aged 6, he was at Church Corner, Peacocks Road, Cavendish with his father Edward STEFF

[47] thatcher born Cavendish; his mother Laura [40] born Foxearth; brothers Harry E [15] thatcher born

Cavendish, Arthur [12] born Foxearth; sisters Blanche [10], Ada [8] both born Foxearth, Violet [3] and

Beatrice 8 months] both born Cavendish.

His father died in 1899.

1901 census...The family are now STIFF. Aged 16, a maltster, Albert was in Poole Street, Cavendish with

his widowed mother and sister Beatrice.

1911 census... Not found in this census but he would still have been in the Army. His mother was alone at

22 Langthorn Street, Stratford.

He enlisted in Stratford, London on 25th August 1905 as STIFF. He gave his age as 20 years 9 months, born

Foxearth, Suffolk, and living at 2 Vicarage Road, Stratford, working for Young and Martin as a labourer in

an iron foundry. He enlisted for 6 years on the colours in the Middlesex Regiment, No.3800. He was 5 feet 4

inches tall, weighed 117 lbs, chest 31" to 33.5" with hazel eyes, brown hair, Church of England.

His next of kin were - mother Laura at 2 Vicarage Road, Stratford, elder brothers Harry at 3 Major Road and

Arthur (address unknown)

His Great War records have not survived but his "Personal Effects" entry gives as legatees Mother-Laura,

brother Arthur, sisters Blanche, Elizabeth, Violet, Beatrice and a half sister Rosalind.

The battalion war diary is quite extensive for this day but to try an summarise the salient points:-

They were in trenches near Cambrin. The ground between the trenches was flat, except where the Germans

had exploded mines. These craters had sides up to 9 feet high, screening the German lines except for a gap

of about 60 yards, One crater "ETNA" touched our lines and this side was held by us, the other side by the

Germans for some months. The wire in the gap had been cut by artillery and the on the left, "B" on the right,

"A" Coy in support and "C" Coy in Reserve.

At 5:45 am the artillery opened fire and at 5:50 the gas was turned on for 40 minutes, the last 5 minutes

combined with smoke. At 6:30 am the assault started, the morning being very still, the gas hung about and

was inclined to come back which hampered the leading platoons. 16 platoon "D" Coy and 5 platoon, "B"

Coy advanced and succeeded in reaching the German front trench. On the appearance of the assaulting

36

parties the Germans opened heavy machine gun and shrapnel fire. One more platoon of "B" Coy succeeded

in crossing the fir trench but were unable to reach the German trenches and support the leading platoons.

The remaining platoons owing tothe heaviness of the fire were unable to cross the fire trench. "A" Coy

endeavoured to cross but were also unable to make any headway.

Our machine guns came into action to support the advance but could make no impression on the enemy fire.

The supporting batteries fired rapid shrapnel but were hampered by the closeness of the 2 lines. As no

advance was possible the platoon in front returned to our line and further attempt was abandoned. Of the

two platoons that reached the German trench, 11 returned in the evening.

Lt Bullough was seen to fall on the German wire and Lt. Gillespie on the German parapet. Sgt McClure and

about ten men of 5 platoon were seen to jump into the German trenches, the remainder of these two platoons

were wiped out.

Casualties recorded were officers, 8 killed, 2 missing believed dead and 5 wounded, other ranks 315.

CWGC records show 161 died, 115 buried in Cambrin. 42 have no known grave and are named on the Loos

Memorial.

LENGTH OF SERVICE

Military service in the regular Forces was usually for a minimum total of 12 years. That could be made up of

a minimum of three years "in the colours" plus 9 years in the Reserves thereafter and subject to immediate

mobilisation if needed, or any combination of this. After 12 years there is no Reserve commitment. That in

itself did not mean the man/woman could not be called upon again.

In war time when conscription is called for the term is usually "Hostilities only" or "Durataion of War" for

the conscript. Even then a man/woman could be retained for longer, depending on trade and circumstances.

Often clerks were kept back to deal with the mass of paperwork involved in demobilising all the others.

37

UNDERWOOD, Frank William Aged 32

Frank Underwood is buried in Cavendish Cemetery SW 433 ( to left of main path)

No.13213, Private, Frank William UNDERWOOD

15th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 25th September 1918

Frank William Underwood was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1886 4A:682), son of Frank Henry and

Emma UNDERWOOD (née COOPER).

1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Poole Street, Cavendish with his father Frank UNDERWOOD [30] farm

labourer; his mother Emma [27]; brother Bertie [6]; sisters Beatrice [3], Ann [2] and Susanna [5 months].

All were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 15, a coca mat maker, he was still in Poole Street, Cavendish with his parents; brothers

Bertie (baker's assistant}, Percy [8] and Victor [3]; sisters Beatrice,Ann and Winifred [7]. The new siblings

also born in Cavendish.

1911 census... Aged 25, farm labourer, he was in Poole Street still with his parents, brothers Bertie (painter),

Percy (out of work baker), Charles Victor [13] and James Edward [8] born Cavendish. Of nine siblings, two

had died (one being Susannah 1890-1899)




As he died of his wounds in Halifax War Hospital and his Service records were not found it is impossible to

say exactly when or where he was wounded.

38

WELLS, Arthur Aged 24


Arthur Wells is now buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery grave 8:C:3 No.13215, Private, Arthur WELLS 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 13th September 1916

Arthur Wells was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1892 4A:738), son of Charles and Elizabeth WELLS (née

SLATER).

1901 census...Aged 9, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father Charles WELLS [34] farm labourer;

his mother Lizzie [30] born Glemsford; brothers Charles [10] born Glemsford, Richard [6] and George [1];

sisters Florence [7] and Edith [3]. All except his mother and brother George were born in Cavendish.

1911 census... Aged 19, farm labourer, he was "near the Church", Cavendish with his parents; brothers

Charles (farm labourer), Richard (butcher's boy), George, John [9], Frederick [4] and Edward [1]; sisters

Florecne and Sarah [7]. Thenew siblings born in Cavendish, all nine children survive.



He enlisted in Sudbury. Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment tells us :-

On the 13th September 1916 the 9th Suffolks attacked the Quadrilateral, near Ginchy. Attacking with three

companies in the front line and one in support, zero hour was 6.20 am. They got through the German outpost

line quite easily but in the open ground beyond, for 400 yards from the German wire, they came under very

heavy machine gun fire from the Quarilateral strong point. No further progress could be made, although Lt

Macdonald got close enough to throw a bomb into the stronghold, being injured as a result. Another attempt

was made at 7:30 am, with "A" Coy included, but to no avail. A third attempt was made in the evening

which also failed, so they dug in on a line about half a mile from the morning's jumping off point. 47 men

were killed, 28 have no known grave.

Arthur is recorded as dying on or since 13th September and "Soldiers Died" say he died of wounds, so

that date was the last time he was identified but must have been seen to have been wounded. He was initially

found and buried (identified by a cross) as below, but was removed to Guillemont Road after the war.

39

WELLS, Edward Thomas Aged 25

Edward Wells is buried in Ration Farm Military Cemetery, La Chapelle-d'Armentieres grave 2:B:6

No.20374, Private,Edward Thomas WELLS 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Wednesday, 11th October 1916

Edward Thomas Wells was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1891 4A:727), son of Thomas and Cepha

WELLS (née PAWSEY).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Kineson Farm, Water Lane, Cavendish with his father Thomas WELLS,

[30] farm labourer; his mother Cepha [30]; sisters Lill [9], Hannah [7] and Lena [3 months]. His brother

George was with his grandmother, widow Hannah WELLS [68] born Clare at Workhouse Street, Cavendish

with her son Henry[40]. All were born in Cavendish, except his grandmother.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was at Workhouse Street, Cavendish with his widowed aunt, Hannah WELLS

[73] born Clare and her son Henry [40] farm labourer born Cavendish. His parents (father now horse keeper)

were at Lower Street, Cavendish with his brothers George (ploughman) and Ernest [1]; sisters Lena [14],

Hannah [12], Edith [7] and Edith [4]. The ages recorded now of Edward, Hannah and Lena appear strange,

also his uncle Henry.

1911 census... Aged 20, Edward, a butcher's assistant, was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his parents;

sisters Hannah [22], Ethel [18], Edith [14] and Ella [5]; brother Charlie [7]. Cepha had borne 11 children but

1 had died (born and died between census).

He enlisted in Colchester. He enlisted with Frederick WELLS (not a brother) with sequential numbers

War Diary:-

"11/10/16 - Bois Grenier - Silent Raid intruded - the night was very light, and although the party remained

in NO MAN's LAND until 4:30 a.m. (12th) it was not dark enough for them to attempt to cut wire that had

been missed by the 60lb trench mortars. 1 OR killed, 1 wounded. (this was not raiding party)".

40

WELLS, Frederick Aged 24

Frederick Wells is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial pier/face 1C/2A

No.20373, Private, Frederick WELLS

2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action presumed on Thursday, 20th July 1916

Frederick Wells was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1892 4A:673), son of George Cornelius Batterham

and Patty WELLS (née BULLOCK).

1901 census...Aged 8, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father George C Wells [40] agricultural

engine driver; brother George W. [11] and sister Ethel A [13]. All were born in Cavendish. His mother has

not been found in this census, but she died in Woodbridge in 1903, suggesting she may have been in

hospital there at Melton.

1911 census... Aged 18, a jobbing gardener, he was at Houghton Hall, Cavendish with his widower father

(now a farm labourer); brother George William (stockman) and sister Ethel Annie [23].

He enlisted in Colchester. He enlisted with Edward WELLS (not a brother) with sequential numbers.

The war diary has them attacking LONGUEVAL, deployed ready to go at 3 am, the bombardment lifted at

3:35. Heavy mist on the left caused 2nd line of left company to lose direction. M Gun fire heard and reports

from wounded and arrival of 5 prisoners created impression that all was going well- no further news

arriving. About 4 am 2nd Lt RA Johnson went out and retuned to report that M Guns were in position on our

left and about junction of DUKE STREET and PICCADILLY and movement across open was impossible.

Lt Platts and 2/Lt Johnson killed in attempt to take M Gun at junction of the above mentioned streets.

Continuous shelling all day mostly "whizzbangs". Snipers and MG from NE of DUKE STREET. Major

Congreve DSO Bgde Major killed by a sniper while reconnoitring to find out situation. Continuous shelling

all day mostly "whizzbangs". Snipers and MG from NE of DUKE STREET. Major Congreve DSO Bgde

Major killed by a sniper while reconnoitring to find out situation.

7 pm Lt Kemble, cmdg "Z" Coy killed by a

sniper, 2/Lt Wright took command of Coy. 5

prisoners taken by "W" Company, 3 officers

killed, 2 wounded and 6 missing.

CWGC have the killed as 114 all ranks, of which

88 have no known grave and are named on the

Thiepval memorial.

41

WORDLEY, Charles Albert Aged 29

Charles Wordley is buried in Equigny--Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt grave 6:B:13

No.59064, Private, Charles Albert WORDLEY 18th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)

formerly 26366, Norfolk Regiment Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 4th December 1917

Charles Albert Wordley was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q3-1888 4A:648), son of William and Maria

WORDLEY (née GOLDING).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Purdy Lane, Cavendish with his father William Wordley [46] farm

labourer; his mother Maria [36] born Glemsford ; sisters Kate [13]; Rose [7], Susanna [5] and Lily [3

months]; brother William. All except his mother were born in Cavendish.

1901 census...Aged 12, boy on farm, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his parents (father now a

labourer in brickyard); brother William (milkman on farm); sisters Susie, Lily and Ethel [7]; cousin Harry

[3](parentage not known). All newcomers born in Cavendish

1911 census... Aged 22, an under gardener, he was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his widowed mother,

sister Lily; cousin Harry (baker's assistant) and cousin Ethel [2]. The parentage of his cousins is not known.

His father had died in 1910.

In 1914 he married Ada E FARRANCE. Their son Albert C was born later that year.


Dying of his wounds and no service record surviving it is impossible to say where or when he was wounded.

In fact being in the Machine Gun Corps that would have been very difficult in any case. Given where he is

buried he probably died at No 21 or 48 C.S.S at Ytres.

42

WORDLEY, William John Aged 27


William Wordley is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial panels 54 to 56 and 163A No.282543, Private, William John WORDLEY

2nd/7th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers formerly 4664, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Wednesday, 10th October 1917 William John Wordley was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1890 4A:615), son of Harry and Margaret

WORDLEY (née BULLOCK).

1891 census...Aged 7 months, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father Harry WORDLEY [28]

maltster; his mother Margaret [30]; sister 'Anne' [2]; uncles Arthur BULLOCK [25] and Willie BULLOCK

[20], both farm labourers. All were born in Cavendish

1901 census...Aged 10, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his widowed mother; sister Thirza (Annie)

and Blanche [8] born in Cavendish His father had died in 1896.

1911 census... Aged 20, a miller's assistant, he was at Cavendish with his mother and aunt Eliza BULLOCK

[42] born Cavendish

He enlisted in Cavendish. The war diary has:-

"9-10-17 .......consolidated in line near first objective from HILLSIDE FARM to RAILWAY CROSSNG.

Connected with Australian Corps on right but still out of touch on left.

09:40 Counter attack driven off 17:30 Counter attack driven off

10-10-17 Line re-organised and defensive flank formed on left as 198 Bgde had not got forward. Positions

shelled very heavily all afternoon and part of evening.

19:30 Bde relief by 44th Australian commenced. Lt.Col HIBBINS and 600 men of Brigade moved into

reserve behind SUNKEN ROAD (DARING Crossing) until 8 am."

CWGC records give 30 killed, only three of them have a known grave

Passchendaele 1917..men were expected to advance across this in full kit and under fire

43

The area of action above and below-today

44

1939-1945 war It is much harder to find the details for this war due to the 100 year rule, lack of census, no medla index cards etc. All the medal ribbons depicted can only be inspired guesswork unless relatives actually have the medals and come forward.

ANDREWS, Peter Frederick Aged 22

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Peter Andrews is now buried in El Alamein War Cemetery, grave 22:B:22

No.2092046, Sapper, Peter Frederick ANDREWS

209 Field Company, Royal Engineers Killed in Action on Thurs/Friday, 3rd/4th September 1942

Peter Frederick Andrews was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1920 4A:2196), son of John Charles and

Alice Marie ANDREWS (née SMITH).

He was the nephew of Ethel Andrews of Cavendish. In 1939 Ethel and her husband Harry were in Peacocks

Road, Cavendish with Peter's widower father

This was about the time that the Allies halted the advance of Rommel along a line due south from the coast

west of El Elamein, when Montgomery was able to start stockpiling supplies and men ready for the 2nd

battle of El Alamein which eventually started the rout of the Afrika Korps

Originally buried in a scattered cemetery in a depression near El Mreir, (due south of El Alamein), he was

moved to El Alamein on 30th July 1943

45

BROWN, Victor George Aged 21


Victor Brown is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial 61:3

No.C/KX 112512, Stoker 1st, Victor George BROWN HMS Niger, Royal Navy

Killed in Action on Monday, 6th July 1942

Very likely to be Victor George Brown was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q2-1921 4A:1718), son of Robert

Victor and Gertrude L BROWN (née THEOBALD).

In 1939 his parents were at High Street, Cavendish father [9-4-1901] a bricklayer, mother [10-9-1901] and

his brother Felix J [27-11-1923] a cinema attendant.

HMS Niger was a Halcyon-class minesweeper of the Royal Navy. She was launched in 1936.

In fog on 5 July 1942 HMS Niger mistook an iceberg for Iceland's North Western Cape and led six

merchant ships of Murmansk to Reykjavik convoy QP 13 into Northern Barrage minefield at the entrance to

the Denmark Strait. Every ship detonated British mines. There were only eight survivors of the 127 men

aboard Niger.

She took with her the commanding officer, Commander Cubison, 80 officers and crew, and 39 passengers,

survivors from HMS Edinburgh being ferried home from Russia.

46

FRENCH, Reginald Charles Aged 28


Reginald French is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial 54:1

No.C/JX 151660, Able Seaman, Reginald Charles FRENCH HMS Veteran, Royal Navy


Very likely to be

Reginald Charles French was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q3-1920 4A:1861), son of Charles William and

Ethel Annie FRENCH (née WELLS). Confusion here as that marriage cannot be found, only Charles W

FRENCH to Ethel A PLUMB in 1919 (Sudbury 4a:2397)

With the capband for |Ganges, it appear he was a boy entrant, training at HMS Ganges, Shotley at some time

HMS Veteran was an Admiralty modified W-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy.Commissioned 13th

November 1919.Pennant No was D-72 until 1920 and then I-72

She was stationed off the east coast of USA on convoy defence between US and Canada to Newfoundland.

Nominated for a special convoy RB1, she sailed with HMS Vanoc on the 16th September 1942.

On 23 September 1942, Convoy RB1 was sighted by U-380 and U-boat Group Blitz was ordered to attack.

Groups Vorwarts and Pfiel were also directed against RB1. On the 25th the SS Boston and SS New York

were sunk and the convoy scattered. On 26 September the convoy was ordered to reform and HMS Veteran

came across the survivors of the SS New York. While she was picking up some of the survivors HMS

Veteran was hit by two torpedoes from U-404. HMS Veteran sank quickly in position 54.51N 23.04W south

of Iceland after an explosion. All hands, as well as a number of survivors from the SS New York were lost.

Other survivors from SS New York were later rescued.

U-404 was sunk in the Atlantic in July 1943 by two USAF Liberator aircraft and an RAF Liberator from

224 Squadron. None of the submarine crew survived.

photo © I.W.M. http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205141622

47

JOHNSON, Eleanor Aged 22

Eleanor Johnson is buried in Cavendish Cemetery, grave 750

No.891600, Sergeant, Eleanor JOHNSON

940 Balloon Squadron, Women's Auxiliary Air Force Killed on Active Service on Wednesday, 18th March 1942

Eleanor Johnson was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q2-1919 4A:1173), daughter of Arthur and Millicent

Eleanor JOHNSON (née SMITH).

In 1939 her father [23-9-1884] a railway labourer; mother Millicent E [17-7-1890] railway gate keeper and

her brother Hugh [29-12-1922] a grocer's assistant, were at Offord Railway Crossing, Cavendish.

940 (West Riding) Balloon Squadron was based at RAF Norton at the start of the war. Each squadron

consisted of three flights of eight balloons each.

A barrage balloon, sometimes called a "blimp" is a large balloon tethered with metal cables, used to defend

against aircraft attack by damaging the aircraft on collision with the cables, or at least making the attacker's

approach more difficult. Some examples carried small explosive charges that would be pulled up against the

aircraft to ensure its destruction. The idea was to keep attacking aircraft at a height where radar and anti-

aircraft guns could be effective.

Eleanor's death was registered Sheffield Q1-1942 9C:846. the exact circumstances are as yet unknown.

Actually at RAF Cardington, Bedford.

48

TAYLOR, Cyril Arthur Aged 20

Cyril Taylor is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial 56:2

No.C/JX 301391, Able Seaman, Cyril Arthur TAYLOR

H.M.S. Curacoa, Royal Navy Killed on Active Service on Friday, 2nd October 1942

Cyril Arthur Taylor was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1922 4A:1641), son of Harry and Muriel G R

TAYLOR (née PRENTICE).

In 1939, his father Harry [21-12-1896] a builder's labourer, and mother Muriel [7-3-1899] were at The

Limes, Cavendish (3 closed records)

The Royal Navy Anti Aircraft Cruiser HMS Curacoa was escorting the RMS Queen Mary, which was

carrying 15,000 United States troops on board, and sailing ahead of her. They were close to the Irish coast,

and the Queen Mary was zigzagging to avoid German U-boats. The Queen Mary collided with HMS

Curacoa at a speed of about 28 knots and cut her in half. The Curacoa sank with 338 casualties. (28

survivors) 50.50N 8.38W. 16 casualties were taken to the Isle of Skye and buried in Ashaig Cemetery

The enquiry which would normally follow such an incident was delayed as not being likely to be in the

public interest. However, the Cunard Shipping Company made an interim payment to the dependants of all

those lost through this collision of £40, and after the war, an official enquiry held that the liner's Captain was

entirely to blame for this great loss of life, and a further payment of £300 was made to each dependant.

49

THARBY, William Aged 35

William Tharby is buried in Overloon War Cemetery, Netherlands grave 4:A:9

No.14370835, Gunner, William THARBY 75 Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery

Died of Illness on Tuesday, 24th July 1945

William Tharby was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1910 4A:879), son of William and Mary Elizabeth

THARBY (née PURDY).

1911 census...Aged 1, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father William THARBY [27] signalman

GE Railway born Little Downham, Cambs; his mother Mary Elizabeth [25] and sister Hilda Mary [3] both

born in Cavendish. CWGC have him three years older

He married Daisy Ellen PLAYLE in 1936. She has not been found in the 1936 register (possibly a closed

record). They may have moved as two of three children of a Tharby/Playle marriage had births registered in

Newmarket and these are more than likely closed records.

In 1939 his parents, father an LNER signalman [1883] and mother a railway gate woman [1885] were at

Gate House, Park View, Cavendish with his sister Ethel, a cook [1912] (later to marry PARKER) and

brother Leslie F [1926] scholar. There is one closed record

He died of diptheria. He was initially buried in Margraten American Cemetery in Netherlands, but moved to

Overloon on 1st May 1947

COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION

One thing that sometimes puzzles people is why they cannot find someone on the CWGC website,

as for example, the following man. This is due to the fact that the CWGC Royal Charter is only concerned

with the two World Wars. Conflicts such as the Korean War, the Cyprus Emergency etc are not covered.

Added to which quite number of personnel were not included after the wars but all is not lost. An

organisation "In from the Cold" will assist in approaching the CWGC for recognition for someone believed

to be qualified for entry. It is essential that documentary evidence is presented with details of the death

(within the prescribed qualifying dates) AND evidence that the death was caused by or aggravated by

military service during that period.

The dates applicable are

4th August 1914 to 31st August 1921 for the First World War

3rd Septembers 1939 to 31st December 1947 for the Second World war

50

DOE, William Robert Aged 19

William Doe is buried at Wayne's Keep, the British Military Cemetery in Cyprus, 23:C:4

No.23159758, Gunner, William Robert DOE

50 Medium Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery Killed on Active Service on Sunday, 28th October 1956

William Robert Doe was born on 17th January 1937 (Chelmsford Q1-1937 4A:950), son of Thomas Walton

and Marie Victoria DOE (née RICHES), later of Robb's Farm, Cavendish

It appears that in 1939 his father [1901] farm manager and his mother [1902] were at Bridges Farm,

Gipping. There are four closed records (apparently at least in William's case, no one has recorded his death)

He was one of the 371 British Servicemen who died on active service during the four-year Cyprus

Emergency April 1 1955 to April 18 1959, and whose name is among those remembered with honour on the

British Cyprus Memorial. Serving with 50 Medium Regiment. Royal Artillery, he was one of two Gunners

killed on October 28 1956 when their vehicle struck an electronically-operated landmine on the road from

Polis to Ktima.

from the British Cyprus Memorial Trust website:-

Tony Baines writes [8th April 2012]:

I remember Bill well when we were at Dundonald Camp, Troon, Scotland. He was a happy go lucky mate, I

remember walking into town with him on a Sunday morning so he could go to church, then we would have a

coffee and make our way back to camp. I lost touch with him as I was sent on to dog handling where I

learned of Bills tragic death.

Frank Busby writes [11th October 2011]:

We served in the same battery - 167 - and I can remember his smiling face when I was handing out the mail.

Gunner Doe used to receive a letter every day from his girl friend and as the Battery Clerk is was my

wretched duty to send his personal effects to his home.

We were the same age and next year I shall be celebrating my 75th. birthday. What a waste of such a young

life over such a stupid conflict.

51

CLARE WAR MEMORIAL

To the eternal memory of the men of CLARE who died in the service of their country

Thirty Two in the Great War of 1914-1919 and Five in 1939-1945

Undated postcards

52

The Clare war memorial, standing in the Market Square, Clare, is around 20 feet hight in total. It is

a Clipsham stone Celtic cross on a tall tapering pillar, on an square plinth atop a four stepped

octagonal base. On the four faces of the plinth are inscribed four shields, featuring the Arms of

Clare, The Suffolk Regiment, St.Edmund and of St.George. On the faces of the top three steps are

inscribed ( and black painted) the names of the fallen and dedications. On the bottom step the faces

are decorated with flints.

The memorial was unveiled by Colonel, Sir Courtenay Warner Bart., and dedicated by Canon

W.T.Farmilae on 23rd October 1921. Rededicated in 1948, in 2010 a grant was given by the War

Memorial Trust of £2,945 towards the total cost of £5,897 for repairs and renovation of the

memorial.

The memorial was built by F.J.Lindley of Sudbury. The unveiling ceremony was reported in

the Suffolk Free Press of 26th October 1921

The square now being used as a car park makes it almost impossible to get a good clear photo

of the monument,and also the stone is very dark, which does not help read the names.The

monument was extensively renovated around 2013, much stone work being restored and the names

re-painted in black.

53

There is also a framed Roll of Honour covering both World Wars on the North wall of the nave the

parish church of St Peter and St Paul

The stained glass window to the right of this roll of honour is also a memorial to the war dead. In a

glass case under the roll of honour is a book listing all those from Clare who served.

54

also in the church the 5 from 1939-45 have their names on the base of pillars at the altar screen,

unfortunately the screen makes it impossible to get a photograph for James Dunn and Leslie Dyson

photo courtesy of Simon Knott www.suffolkchurches.co.uk

The research on Clare memorial was initiated by Rodney Gibson of Kedington and expanded by

the late Alison Krohn up to 1909, then expanded with the release of the 1911 census in 2010 and

additional on line material that has since beocme available

55

BAREHAM, Fred Aged 27


Fred Bareham is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial,panels 98/99

No.43063, Private, Fred BAREHAM 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Killed in Action on Tuesday, 16th October 1917

Fred Bareham was born in Clare (Risbridge Q1-1890 4A:692), son of John and Emma BAREHAM (née

PARKER).

1891 census...Aged 1, he was in Bridewell Street, Clare with his father John BAREHAM [30] farm

labourer; his mother Emma [28]; sisters Rose [8] and Ada [5]; brother Charles [3]. All were born in Clare.

1901 census...Aged 11, he was still in Bridewell Street, Clare with his parents (father now a stock man);

sisters Ada and Jane [8]; brothers Charles (yardboy on farm) and Bertie [3]. The new siblings also born in

Clare.

1911 census...Aged 21, he appears to be at 31 Bentinck Street, Mansfield with his aunt Julia DEEKS (née

BAREHAM) assisting his cousin William DEEKS as a

baker. His parents, sister Jane and brothers Charles

(bricklayer's labourer) and Bertie (farm labourer) were

still in Clare at Bridewell Street.

He enlisted in Colchester. The war diary places them at

28.U.30.d:-

16-10-17 Bn holding line. Bn relieved on night 16/17th

Oct by 11th Bn R Fusiliers, afterwards proceeding to

CANE POST area (C.9.a)

Just two men killed that day.

56

BAREHAM, Fred Aged 23

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commissionn

Herbert Bareham is buried in Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel grave 7:E:23

No.Z/5144, Able Seaman, Herbert Alfred BAREHAM

Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division Killed in Action on Tuesday, 13th February 1917

Herbert Alfred Bareham was born in Hundon on 7th June 1893 (Risbridge Q3-1893 4A:707), son of Walter

and Ellen BAREHAM (née TURTCHELL). The Navy has 7th May, the school register 5th May.

He was admitted to Clare National Voluntary School on 11th October 1897, transferred to Mixed School

26th February 1902.

1901 census...Aged 7, he was at Snow Hill, Clare with his father Walter BAREHAM [47] horse man born

Clare; his mother Ellen [44] born Stoke by Clare; brother Ernest [9] born Hundon and sister Daisy [5] born

Shudy Camps.

1911 census...Aged 17, a farm labourer, he was still at Snow Hill with his parents, sister Rosie [9] born

Clare and cousin Ernest THOMPSON [3] born Ilford. His mother had borne 13 children but sadly 5 had

already died.

When he enlisted he was a baker's vanman, living at 32 Ridley Road, Forest Gate,London. He was 5 feet 3

inches tall, chest 31" to 33" Grey eyed, brown hair, Church of England.Mother -Nellie Bareham, Snow Hill,

Clare.

He enlisted on 10th December 1915. Mobilised 15th June 1916, he was drafted to the BEF on 21st

November and posted to Hood Battalion on 9th December 1916.

Apart from the fact that the Battalion were involved in operations at the Ancre, little else has been found.

Herbert was their only death that day.

57

BAREHAM, Percy Archibald Aged 33

No.515714, Private, Percy Archibald BAREHAM 14th Battalion, London Regiment (London Scottish)

Died of his Wounds on Thursday, 20th December 1917

Percy Archibald Bareham was born in Burton on Trent (Burton on Trent Q1-1884 6B:420), son of Harry

Henry and Ellen BAREHAM (née RIVETT ?)

1891 census...Aged 7 Archibald was at 71 Blackpool Street,Burton on Trent with his father Harry

BAREHAM [33], bricklayer born Clare; his mother Ellen [38] born Clare; brothers Sidney[10] born Clare

and Ernest [6 months] born Burton on Trent; sisters Ethel [8] and Eveline [3] both born in Burton on Trent.

His brother Ernest died in 1891 and also his mother died in 1891 and father married Jane GOSLING in 1893

(Risbridge Q3 4A:1033)

1901 census...Aged 17, bricklayer's apprentice,he was at Royal Oak Inn, Clare with his father Harry H,

stepmother Jane [49] born Turnstead, Essex; brother Sidney (bricklayer); sister Eveline and aunt Emma

BARTON [34] born Poslingford.

1911 census...He has not been found in this census. His parents and sister Eveline were at Snow Hill, Clare.

So far unable to trace when he moved to Paris.

He enlisted in Paris on 31st January 1916, a compositor, living at 90 Rue Ordener, Paris. He was 5 feet 9.5

inches tall, weighed 140 lbs, chest 32" to 35", Congregationalist. Father Harry Bareham of Chilton

Road,Clare.

He was placed in the Reserves and mobilised on 30th April 1917 as 515714 Private in 14th Battalion,

London Regiment. Joined BEF in France on 14th August 1917.

He was wounded in the neck, left arm and right foot on 30th November 1917, and admitted that day to 3

Casualty Clearing Station, and thence to 11 General Hospital, Camiers. Evacuated per MHHS Carisbrooke

Castle he arrived back in UK on 9th December.On 11th his mother was sent a telegram from County of

Middlesex War Hospital, Napsbury, St Albans telling her he was seriously ill. he died there at 3.45 am on

20th December.

Completing the "living relatives" form on 14th June 1919 his father entered parents at Chilton Road, Clare,

brother Sidney in the Army in the MEF; sister Ethel WRIGHT in Castle Camps, and sister Eveline SMITH

at Hill Cottage, Chilton Road, Clare.

The battalion had been under constant shellfire and mortar fire that day, several German attacks on the

trench shown below were repulsed. They had 16 men killed that day.

59

Percy's grave, with his stepmother

Percy Bareham is buried in Clare Cemetery, grave 586

60

BAREHAM, Victor Aged 21


Victor Bareham is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial

No.J/20193, Able Seaman, Victor BAREHAM

HM Submarine G9, Royal Navy Killed by Friendly fire on Sunday, 16th September 1917

Victor (Vic)Bareham was born in Clare in 1st January 1896 (Risbridge Q1-1896 4A:736), baptised in Clare

on 25th April 1897, son of George William and Ann BAREHAM (née PARKER).

1901 census...Aged 5, he was at Clare Leys Farm with his father George BAREHAM [42] farm labourer;

his mother Ann [41]; brothers William [20], Robert [18], Samuel [16] (all farm labourers), Sidney [11] and

Jack [7]; sisters Sarah A [14] and Doris M [2]. All were born in Clare.

Admitted to Clare School in March 1901,transferred to Mixed School 4th December 1903. His father died in

Q1 of 1911

1911 census...Aged 15, a farm labourer,he was at Bridewell Street, Clare with his widowed mother, brothers

William (horse man), Robert (carter), Samuel (horse man), Sidney Charles (farm labourer) and Jack (cow

man); sister Doris May.

His mother was later at Common House, Common Street, Clare.

He joined the Royal Navy as a boy on 15th September 1912 at HMS Ganges and commenced training, until

on January 1st 1914 he was old enough to sign as an Ordinary Seaman for 12 years service. His training

continued at many various training establishments and he joined the monitor HMS Earl of Peterborough on

21st September 1915.

He the joined the submarine service on 17th May 1917 on the depot ship ship HMS Dolphin and then HMS

Lucia on 31st July 1917. HMS Lucia was a captured German liner "Spreewald", converted to a submarine

depot ship and based on the Tees. He was still on her strength when sent for training to G9.

He was aboard HM Submarine G9 for training when the G9 sailed from Scapa Flow to patrol between

Shetland and Norway In bad weather she spotted HMS Paisley (destroyer) but mistook her for a German U

boat and fired two torpedoes. One hit and failed to detonate, the other missed. Seeing the wake of the

submarine the Paisley's officer of the watch ordered hard to starboard and rammed the G9, nearly cutting her

in two. She sank in less than a minute, with the loss of all the crew except one man. The court of enquiry

exonerated the Captain and Watch Officer of the Paisley and concluded that the reason for G9 mistaking

HMS Paisley for a U-boat remained unexplained.

62

BAREHAM, William Aged 38


William Bareham is buried in Dainville British Cemetery, grave 1:C:1

No 245473, Private, William BAREHAM

1st/2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers formerly 355122, 7th Battalion, London Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 10th May 1918

William Bareham was born in Clare (Risbridge Q4-1880 4A:522), son of Thomas and Ann BAREHAM

(née HICKFORD).

The William Bareham, son of George William and Anne Bareham was born 1879, had a sister Doris May

Bareham [1898] who married William Simpson, and Mrs D M Simpson was sister and informant when

William died in Clare in 1955, thus hopefully identifying the William here as son of Thomas and Ann

Bareham

1881 census... Aged 1 he was at 48 Bridewell Street, Clare with his father Thomas BAREHAM [32] farm

labourer; his mother Ann [32]; brothers James [12], George [10] and Harry [6]. All were born in Clare.

1891 census...Aged 11, he was at Common Street, Clare with his parents, brothers James (blacksmith),

George (farm labourer), Harry (farm labourer), Richard [8] and Thomas [3]; sister Julia [6]. The new

siblings also born in Clare.

1901 census...Aged 21, a farm labourer, he was at Cavendish Lane, Clare with his parents (father now horse

keeper); brothers James (blacksmith), Richard (apprentice harness maker)and Thomas (flour miller); sister

Julia.

In Q2-1905 he married Portsmouth born Ellen Maud PAGE.

1911 census...Aged 31, a farm labourer, he was at Station Road, Clare with his wife Maud [32] born

Portsmouth and niece Julia [4] born Ovington, Essex

He enlisted in West London when resident in Paddington. At one time the CWGC had him as dying in 1919,

but this has been proven to be a typo. Unfortunately his "Soldiers Personal Effects" entry has not been

found, which could have more positively identified him.

After the bitter fighting of the Battle of the Lys had ended with the failure of the German Army to break

through to Hazebrouck, the front lines in the Vieux Berquin sector were re-established in front of Aval

Wood, on the eastern fringe of the Nieppe Forest. The 2nd Royal Fusiliers war diary has :-

"Bois d'Aval" 10/5/18 - Quiet day. Very little shelling. A few 8 inch shells fell close to Battalion HQ. Patrols

were sent out during night and found that shell holes at 36a.E.29.a.3.6. were unoccupied."

William's is the only CWGC recorded death. He is buried quite some way from Aval Wood, Dainville being

a western suburb of Arras.

63

Identification and brick walls

Thanks to the habit in those years of repeating Christian names throughout the generations of the same

family, sorting out which "George" you need is bad enough, but when other families with the same surname

in the area have joined in the act, life can get stressful. In this case above, not only two Willaim Barehams,

both had their birth registered in the same year, 1880, same district and they both a mother with the same

Christian name.

Luckily one was quarter one 1880 and the other, quarter four. and a bonus, only one appeared to have been

killed in the war. It came down to a process of elimination, find the identity of the man who was not killed

in the war, the one buried in Clare and thus the other must be the soldier.

OK, it cost £9.25 for a copy of a death certificate and luck came on side again, the informant was Mrs D.M.

Simpson. Not enough, BUT in brackets "sister". Then look up any Bareham/Simpson marriage in the right

era and there was Doris May Bareham marrying William Simpson. Quite simple to find the William

Bareham with a sister Doris May, which in turn leads to the father's Christian name and so we now know

that we do not want the elder William, he is buried in Clare. We need the one whose father is Thomas, the

elder William. The next check was unfortunately not possible in this case. The Army "Soldiers Personal

Effects" entry, had it been available, should have told us his legatee was his widow Ellen Maud. In many

cases the legatee is the mother, which would not have been much use in this case, but this detail should

always be looked for as an extra source of identification.

64

BUCK, Donald William Aged 19

Donald Buck is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, panel 152

and in Kelvedon United Reform Church.

No 653674, Rifleman, Donald William BUCK

21st Battalion, London Regiment (1st Surrey Rifles) attached to the 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment


Donald William BUCK was born on 23rd November 1897 in Kirby Cross, Essex (Tendring Q4-1897

4A:636) , son of Herbert and Ellen Mary BUCK (née WEBB).

1901 census...Aged 3,he was at Station Road, Kirby le Soken, Essex with his father Herbert BUCK, [36]

railway station master born White Cole, Essex; his mother Ellen Mary [34] born Walpole; brother Alan

Herbert [9] born Diss.

He was admitted to Cookley and Walpole C of E Voluntary School on 1st October 1901, his guardian being

recorded as William WEBB of Walpole. Admitted to Cookley and Walpole School on 24th May 1909,

(from Wrabness) guardian William WEBB of Walpole. This seems to imply he was as much looked after by

his Grandfather as his parents and sometime between 1901 and 1909 had been living in Wrabness.

1911 census...Aged 13, he was at Beccles College, Ballygate Street, Beccles. His parents were at the

Railway Station, Clare with his brother Alan Herbert (booking clerk) and his sister Margaret Dorothea [4]

born Wrabness.

He enlisted in Camberwell. His entry in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour reads :-

BUCK, DONALD WILLIAM, Rifleman. No.653674, 1/21st Btann.(!st Surrey Rifles) The London

Regt.(T.F.), attd.8th (Serive)Battn.The East Surrey Regt.. s.of Herbert Buck, stationmaster on the G.E.R.

Railway at Clare, co.SSuffolk, by his wife, Ellem Mary, eldest dau. of William (and Mary) Webb,of The

Elms, Walpole: b.Kirby Cross, co.Essex, 23 Nov.1897' educ.Village School, Wrabness, co.Essex and Beccles

College, co.Suffolk, where he took several distinctions; was subsequently employed in the Bank with Messrs

Cook and Sons, Ludgate Circus, London E.C.; enlisted 9 Sept. 1914; served with the Expeditionary Force in

France and Flanders from 25May 1917, being attached to the 8th Battn.East Surrey Regt, as First Class

Signaller, and was killed in action near Passchendaele 12 Oct. following, while laying a wire under heavy

fire. Buried near Gloucester Farm, between Passchendaele Ridge and the Poelcappelle Road. His

Commanding Officer wrote: "He was a fine lad, and had he lived, would have been recommended for a

decoration for bravery". umm.

The 8th battalion of the East Surreys was in action just SE of Poelcappelle. They lost 89 killed that day.

Their guides got them lost at the start, no time was available for company commanders to consult after last

minute alterations to plans, NCO never even got to see a map, the weather was very wet and our barrage

was too light, hardly affecting the enemy machine gunners.

66

BYFORD, Walter Aged 33

Walter Byford is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier/face 9A/9B/10B

No 27223, Private, Walter BYFORD

2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment formerly 1328, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Sunday, 14th January 1917

Believed to be the civilian below, but another Walter Byford was born in Clare 5 years later.

Walter Byford was born in Clare (Risbridge Q3-1883 4A:548), baptised in Clare on 16th March 1884, son

of Charles and Hannah BYFORD(née IVES).

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Common Street, Clare with his father Charles BYFORD [40] labourer born

Ovington; his mother Hannah [43]; brother Albert [16] labourer; sister Dolly [14]. All except his father were

born in Clare.

1901 census...Aged 17, bricklayer's labourer, he was still at Common Street, Clare, with his parents.

He married Emily ALLEN in 1905.

1911 census...Aged 27, a road man, he was at Chilton Street, Clare with his wife Emily [26] born Hundon

and their son Charles William [5] born Clare.(Risbridge Q4-1905 4A:875). One other child had died.

He enlisted in Clare.

According to the war diary the battalion was holding MUNICH TRENCH (near Beaumont-Hamel),which

had been captured by 7th Division on the 11th January, and had 1 OR killed and 1 wounded.

67

CAMPBELL, Colin Archibald Heron [MiD] Aged 37

photo: Roy Beardsworth

Colin Campbell is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, grave 1:F:15

Major, Colin Archibald Heron CAMPBELL [MiD]

296th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery formerly Royal Garrison Artillery


Queen's South Africa medal- clasps for Cape Colony-Transvaal-Laings Nek King's South Africa medal - clasps for South Africa 1901-South Africa 1902

Colin Archibald Heron Campbell was born in Portsmouth (Portsea Island Q2-1880 2B:505) on 27th March

1880, son of Lt.Col. Donald Archibald and Charlotte CAMPBELL(née ROBERTS).

1881 census...Aged 1, he was at Holme Slack House, Fishwick, Preston with his father Donald A

CAMPBELL [30] Captain 108th Foot, born East Indies and his mother Charlotte [27] born Norwich.

1891 census...Aged 11, he was at The Village, Stonham Aspal with his father Donald A CAMPBELL [40]

(Lt Colonel, Infantry, born East Indies; his mother Charlotte [35]born Norwich; sisters Augusta C.L. [9]

born Ireland and Victoria D.C. [4] born Padiham, Lancashire; brother Duncan D H [7] born Camberley,

Surrey

1901 census...Aged 21, he was in South Africa in the Royal Garrison Artillery. As 2nd Lieutenant, he left

Tilbury on 28 Apr 1900 on the Orotavia, and returned from Durban on the Nubia on August 5th 1902.

1911 census...Aged 31, single a Captain, Royal Artillery, he was boarding at 8 Nightingale Place, Woolwich

with John and Martha PECK (invalid Army pensioner and his boarding house wife)

At probate his will has his address as Gothic House, Clare,Suffolk. From the medal index card is appears his

father, by 1923, had moved to Wickham Hall, Eye.

His brother Duncan was killed serving in France with the Royal Field Artillery in 1917.

68

On the family memorial plaque above (Ipswich, Holy Trinity) is inscribed, on the left hand panel:-

COLIN ARCHIBALD HERON CAMPBELL

BORN 27-3-80,"KILLED IN ACTION" AT YPRES 29 SEPT.1917 (ST.MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS)

LIES IN YPRES RESERVOIR NORTH CEMETERY

PASSED FROM WOOLWICH TO ROYAL ARTILLERY, DEC.1899

SERVED

BOER WAR 1900-1902. 2 MEDALS AND 5 CLASPS

1908, FOUR YEARS ADJUTANT, ORDNANCE COLLEGE, WOOLWICH

1912-1914, ASST DISTRICT COMMISSIONER UGANDA, RECALLED OCT.1914 FOR

WORLD WAR

COMMANDED AS CAPTAIN AND MAJOR, BATTERIES B 50 AND C 296 R.F.A.

ALSO, FOR 6 MONTHS AS TEMPORARY LT.COLONEL, 45 BRIGADE R.F.A.

"DEEPEST SYMPATHY WITH YOU IN LOSS OF YOUR GALLANT SON"

RT.HON. E.G.GVTHE EARL OF DERBY, KG GCVO CH SEC OF STATE FOR WAR

"HE PARTICULARLY DISTINGUISHED HIMESLF BY HIS UNTIRING DEVOTION TO DUTY AND

HIS ABSOLUTE FEARLESSNESS"

B.H.SHAW-STEWART LT.COL 296 BRIG. R.F.A.

"HAS ENDEARED HIMSELF TO ALL BY HIS KINDNESS AND CONSIDERATION FOR THOS

EUNDER HIS COMMAND. HAS SHOWN

THE GREATEST GALLANTRY IN CONTROLLING HIS BATTERY UNDER HEAVY SHELL FIRE"

J.W.STIRLING BRIG-GENERAL C.R.A. LIV DIV

"HAS BEEN REOMMENDED FOR D.S.O.....HIS MEN WORSHIPPED HIM"

J.P.WILLIAMS LT.COL. 296 R.F.A.

"I ABSOLUTELY NEVER KNEW A FINER MAN AND BETTER COMRADE. WORKED ON SOMME

DAY AND NIGHT UNDER MOST DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

AND DANGERS" A.R.KENWORTHY, CAPTAIN B 50 R.F.A.

"AT LOOS BY NIGHT UNDER FIRE, BROUGHT IN GERMAN HEAVY CANNON FROM FOSSE 8"

"WHEN WOUNDED 22 JULY HE REMAINED IN CONTROL OF HIS BATTERY UNDER HEAVY

ACCURATE H.E.SHELL FIRE AND

HELPED TO DIG OUT A MAN BURIED IN A DEEP TRENCH"

THE FIRST MAN OF LIXTH DIVISION TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR A DECORATION

The centre panel details his father and family ancestry, the right hand panel is for his brother Duncan

(detailed on his own page on this site).

69

His Boer War medal records

The emblem mentioned on the card is the emblem for his Mentioned in Despatches in 1915

70

CAMPBELL, Duncan Donald Heron M.C. MiD Aged 33

Duncan Campbell is buried in St. Quentin Cabaret Military Cemetery, grave 2:J:15

Major, Duncan Donald Heron CAMPBELL M.C.[MiD]

112th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery Killed in Action on Thursday, 7th June 1917

Military Cross and India General Service medal 1908

Duncan Donald Heron Campbell was born in Camberley in 4th January 1884 (Farnham Q1-1884 2A:98),

baptised St Michael's Camberley on 7th March 1884, son of Lt.Col. Donald Archibald and Charlotte

CAMPBELL(née ROBERTS).

1891 census...Aged 7, he was at The Village, Stonham Aspal with his father Donald A CAMPBELL [40]

(Lt Colonel, Infantry, born East Indies; his mother Charlotte [35]born Norwich; sisters Augusta C.L. [9]

born Ireland and Victoria D.C. [4] born Padiham, Lancashire; brother Colin A H [11] born Portsmouth .

Educated Cheltenham College and commemorated there.

1901 census...Aged 17, he was at Woolwich, a gentleman cadet in the Royal Artillery.

1911 census...Aged 27, single a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, he was stationed in India but was absent

from there for the census, being in England at Gothic House, Clare with his parents

At probate his will has his address as Gothic House, Clare,Suffolk. From the medal index card is appears his

father, by 1923, had moved to Wickham Hall, Eye.

His brother Colin was killed serving in Belgium with the Royal Field Artillery in 1917.

71

On the family memorial plaque above (Ipswich, Holy Trinity) is inscribed, on the right hand panel:-

DUNCAN DONALD HERON CAMPBELL

BORN 4.1.'84."KILLED IN ACTION" AT MESSINES 7 JUNE 1917.(CORPUS CHRISTI.)

LIES IN ST QUENTIN CABARET MILITARY CEMETERY, WULVERGHAM.

PASSED FROM WOOLWICH TO ROYAL ARTILLERY DEC.1900

SERVED

MOHMAND CAMPAIGN 1908, N.W.FRONTIER INDIA, MOUNTAIN ARTILLERY MEDAL

1914 BURMA MILITARY POLICE; INSPECTOR B.M.P. ARTILLERY.(RECEIVED THANKS

OF BURMA GOVT FOR A FORCED MARCH WITH 40 SOWARS.)

WORLD WAR

COMMANDED AS CAPTAIN AND MAJOR FOR 2 1/2 YEARS, BATTERY a.112 R.F.A.

(MILITARY CROSS FROM KING 7 JUNE 1916 "MENTION IN DESPATCHES FOR THE SOMME

2.1.1917

THE FIRST MAN OF THE XXVTH DIVISION TO BE GIVEN A DECORATION

"HE WENT FORWARD WITH THE INFANTRY ATTACK AT MESSINES...HAD HE SURVIVED HE

WOULD HAVE BEEN

AWARDED D.S.O. FOR WORK OF PREPARATION FOR THE ADVANCE"

"HE HAD MORE INFLUENCE IN OUR BRIGADE THAN ANY OFFICER EVER HAD, OR WILL

HAVE. HIS NOBILITY OF

CHARACTER AND STERLING SENSE OF DUTY APPEALED TO OFFICERS AND MEN. HOW

THEY MISS HIM: YET

CAMPBELL'S SPIRIT WILL ALWAYS REMAIN WITH US"

W.I.MACKAY, MAJOR B 112 R.F.A.

"WE LOVED HIM, WE ADMIRED HIM. HE WAS REALLY SPLENDID"

H.WILLIS, CAPT R.A.M.C.

"HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT HIS BATTERY HAD BEEN THE ONE SELECTED TO ADVANCE

FIRST OUT OF ALL THE CONCENTRATED

DIVISION ARTILLERIES ON OUR DIVISION FRONT, AND WENT OFF AS HAPPY AS A KING TO

RECONNOITRE MESSINES RIDGE"

A.B.FOREMAN, LT.COL. 112th BRIGADE R.F.C.

"HE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST AND BRAVEST SOLDIERS...I THOUGHT SO MUCH OF HIM I

WOULD GLADLY HAVE

FOLLOWED HIM TO HIS DEATH" E.HOWES D.C.M. BATTY SERGT MAJOR 112th BDE R.F.A.

ON 7 JUNE THIS SERGT MAJOR WATCHED HIM CARRY HIS WOUNDED ORDERLY TO SAFETY

THROGH AN

8TH GERMAN BARRAGE, IN RETURNING THROUGH IT TO THE RIDGE HE WAS KILLED.

The centre panel details his father and family ancestry, the LEFT hand panel is for his brother Colin

(detailed on his own page on this site).

72

His Military Cross was gazetted 15th March 1916. The citation reads:

Captain Duncan Donald Heron Campbell, Royal Garrison Artillery (attached 112th Brigade, Royal Field

Artillery).

"For conspicuous gallantry when directing the fire of his battery. After hos observation post had been

destroyed and the infantry near him had withdrawn, he remained for four hours exposed to heavy fire, and

successfully cut a wide lane in the enemy's wire."

The emblem mentioned on the card is the emblem for his Mentioned in Despatches in 1915

The note about the M.M.is an error, as he won the Military Cross

73

DARE, Joseph John Aged 28


Joseph Dare is buried in Villers Station Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois grave 4:A:2

No 21277, Private, Joseph John DARE

13th Battalion, Duke of Cambridgeshire's Own (Middlesex Regiment) Killed in Action on Saturday, 30th September 1916

Joseph John Dare was born in Clare (Risbridge Q3-1888 4A:623), baptised in Clare on 16th September

1888, son of Joseph and Tamar DARE (née LEWIS). His father died in 1890 aged 53.

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Common Street, Clare with his widowed mother Tamar DARE [39]; sisters

Emma LEWIS [14], Hannah [12], Ellen [10], Sarah [7] and Kate [4]. All were born in Clare

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Bridewell Street, Clare with his mother and sister Sarah.

1911 census...Aged 22, an Ostler, he was still in Bridewell Street, Clare with his mother.

In 1913 he was a piano factory porter and married Willesden born Dorothy Mary Ann HICKEY [1892]

(Edmonton Q4-1913 3A:1210), later of 34 Hiley Road, Kensal Rise, London. They had two sons, Albert J

[1914-1982] and William Bruce [1915-2008]

He enlisted in Tottenham.

The battalion war diary has them in the trenches just on the east side of Souchez, with billets in Bruay. They

had a peaceful time since there were just 3 other ranks killed and 15 wounded in the whole month. Much of

the time it seems spent in training and the soldier's "favourite", inspections.

74

DEARSLEY, James Aged ?

James Dearsley is commemorated on the Helles memorial, Turkey panels 46/47

No 1343, Lance Corporal, James DEARSLEY

5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Died on Saturday, 21st August 1915

James Dearsley was born in Northfleet, Kent according to "Soldiers Died". A mystery man since his birth

registration has not been found, nor any trace in any census. Ages in these records are notoriously inaccurate

and illegitimate children could be entered under a variety of surnames. However until a relative comes up

with more information, this is another brick wall. His "Soldier's Personal Effects entry gives his father as

George.

1901 census...Possibly his brother Thomas DEARSLEY [3] was at Common Street, Clare. Recorded as

born Northfleet and grandmother widow Elizabeth HICKFORD (née MARTIN)

1911 census...Possibly his brother Thomas DEARSLEY [13] was at Common Street, Clare. Recorded as

born Northfleet and grandmother widow Elizabeth HICKFORD (née MARTIN)

He enlisted in Clare. His number suggests enlistment in around 1911/1912. He also must have enlisted the

same time and died on the same day as Harry Martin

The History of the Suffolk Regiment by Lt Col Murphy gives the impression that it was a quiet spell in

Reserve with some sniping and shell fire, but the CWGC records have 53 men dying that day, only one has a

known grave. In that theatre of war, disease was as likely to kill as enemy action and James' record shows

'died' rather than 'killed in action'

His medal index card has not been found, but he obviously qualified for "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred".

There can be some confusion here as Thomas Riding of the Suffolk Regiment is also recorded with

No.1343. Apparently the 4th, 5th and 6th battalions each had their own numbering system, starting at 1 in

1908 until 1917 when they all went on to the 6 digit numbers.

75

DYSON, Frederick Aged 33

photo:Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Frederick Dyson is buried in Bancourt British Cemetery, grave 9:L:10

No 19337, Private, Frederick DYSON

1st Battalion, Essex Regiment Killed in Action on Thursday, 12th October 1916

Frederick Dyson was born in Clare (Risbridge Q4-1882 4A:660), son of George and Caroline DYSON (née

BRUTY).

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Nethergate Street,Clare with his father George DYSON [53] hay cutter; his

mother Caroline [51] born Bocking; brothers Edmund [21] (hay cutter), Charles [19] (Post Office letter

carrier), John [17] (butcher's labourer)and George [10]; sister Kate [14]. All except his mother were born in

Clare.

1901 census...Aged 19, a chemist's porter, he was at Nethergate Street, Clare with his parents (mother now

recorded as born Cavendish); brothers Goerge (haycutter) and sister Kate (laundress).

He married Fanny Elizabeth CLARKE in 1909 in Clare.

1911 census...Aged 28, a groom.gardener, he was at Nethergate Street Clare with his wife Fanny Elizabeth

[28] born Stoke by Clare and their daughter Ella Elizabeth [1] born Clare. His parents and sister Kate were

still in Nethergate Street. His mother had lost 2 of her 11 children and she died in 1915

He enlisted in Southend-on-Sea when resident in Leigh-on-Sea. So far it is not known when he moved to

Leigh-on-Sea.He had fought in the Gallipoli campaign.

The battalion war diary 12th Oct 1916:-

" 2 am on 12th inst W and X Coys in firing line in front of Gueudecourt, Y and Z Coys in support in

SUNKEN ROAD. Two front line companies fighting.1 company was in light order? Two support companies

consolidating x-x? Zero was at 2:05 pm. W and X companies at zero advanced behind our barrage and took

1st objective followed by Y and Z Coys. On gaining 1st objective, half Z Coy under Lt Eastwood reinforced

X Coy. Remainder of Y and Z Coys swung left handed as first objective there had not been gained by 7th

Suffolk Regiment. They came under heavy shell fire and machine gun fire and endeavoured to dig in shell

holes. The attack here was held up and these Coys x--x? until 5:30 pm when they retired and reorganised in

our original front line. Meanwhile W and X companies dealt with the Germans in dugouts and first

objective, killing about 300 and capturing 60 Germans. They then advanced from 1st to 2nd objective and at

about half way came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from front and flanks. At about that point 15

Germans appeared from a dug out and showed signs of surrendering. One German however jumped on Lt

Eastwood who shot him with his revolver.Lt Carolin then came up and shot him also, the remainder of the

Germans were then killed. Both Company commanders Capt Foster and Lt Carolin then found they had no

troops on either flank and so were unable to advance. These two companies then gradually retired in waves

to 1st objective and then back to original front line where they reorganised"

CWGC Records show 87 were killed, of which 65 have no known grave and are named on the Thiepval

Memorial.

76

Frederick was found at 57c.N.21.a.21(? no 6th digit), north of Gueudecourt, identified by a cross on his

grave but wrongly attributed to 3rd Battalion, Essex. He was transferred to Bancourt in 1919

He was initially buried in this area

77

DYSON, William Charles Aged 19

photo:Rodney Gibson

William Dyson is buried in Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun grave 2:P:20

No 153633, Gunner, William Charles DYSON

"F" Battery, 14th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery Died of his Wounds on Thursday, 22nd April 1917

William Charles Dyson was born in Clare on 23rd July 1897 (Risbridge Q3-1897 4A:775), baptised in Clare

St Peter and St Paul on 3rd October 1897, son of Harry and Elizabeth DYSON (née RICHARDSON ?).

He was admitted to Clare Council School on 19th September 1900, transferred to the Mixed school on

29/2/1904

1901 census...Aged 3, he was at The Lion Inn, Bridewell Street, Clare with his father Harry DYSON [31]

innkeeper;his mother Elizabeth [30] and sister Ada [1]. All were born in Clare.

1911 census...Aged 13, he was still at The Lion, with his parents and sister Ada.


He died at No.8 Casualty Clearing Station at Duisans. Dying of his wounds and also in the Artillery, without

his service records it is impossible to say where and when exactly he was wounded.

78

FRENCH, Herbert Aged 33


Herbert French is buried in Duhallows Advanced Dressing Station Cemetery, Ypres grave 1:D:34

No 202895,Private, Herbert FRENCH

1st/4th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales' (Royal Berkshire Regiment) Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 9th October 1917

Herbert French was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q3-1884 4A:604) son of George and Ellen FRENCH

(née BRETT).

1891 census...Aged 6, he was at Gosling Green, Poslingford with his father George FRENCH [29] farm

labourer; his mother Ellen [28]; sister Edith [5] and brother Arthur [2]. All were born in Poslingford

1901 census...Aged 16, (recorded now as born in Stansfield) farm labourer, he was at The Hall, Boxted with

his parents (father now recorded as born Denston, mother at Stansfield); sister Edith and brother Arthur now

recorded as born in Stanfield; borthers Charles W [7] and Alfred [4] both born Foxearth, Essex; sister Ada

[18 months] born Boxted.

He married Bessie JEFFERIES (née BRUTY) in 1909, (she had married Willie JEFFERIES in 1906, who

died in 1907 aged 22), later to marry Frederick LEVITT in 1919 and live at Oak Cottage, Snow Hill, Clare

1911 census...Aged 26 a farm labourer, he was in Poslingford with his wife Bessie [27] born Clare; their son

Ernest George [1] born Poslingford; stepson Walter Charles BRUTY [6] born Clare and stepson Joseph

William Jefferies [3] born Clare.

He enlisted in Bury St Edmunds.

He died of his wounds in an aid station so it is not possible to say where or when he was wounded. His

battalion had been in trenches in the area between Ypres and Langemarck in the early days of October 1917

79

GHYN, William Charles Aged 32


William Ghyn is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, panel 88/89/90 and 162

No 26628, Private, William Charles GHYN 14th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment formerly No.26443, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Wednesday, 26th September 1917

Charles William Ginn was born in Clare (Risbridge Q4-1884 4A:6i2) son of Richard Charles and Sarah

GHYN (née ). His surname varies from Ginn, Ghyn, Ghynn and his Christian names are sometime reversed.

Sarah HAMMOND married Alfred GINN in 1880 (Risbridge Q4) The Richard Charles GHYN recorded by

CWGC was due to the fact that his father was variously recorded as Alfred, Richard, Charles or Dick. The

confusion can get worse as Bertie's birth certificate gives father as Alfred Ghyn and mother as Sarah

Hammond

1891 census...Aged 6, Charles W was at Cavendish Road Clare with his father Alfred GHYNN [34] groom

born Belchamp St Paul; his mother Sarah [38] born Belchamp St Paul; half-sisters Annie HAMMOND [14]

born Belchamp St Paul, and Maud HAMMOND [4] born Clare; sisters Rose GYNN [4] and Alice GYNN

[1] both born in Clare. A brother, Bertie, was born in 1892.

His mother died in 1898, his father died in 1902

1901 census...Aged 16 , he was a stockman on farm, boarding with the ELMER family at Colts Hall,

Cavendish.

1911 census...Not found in this census.His legatees were his aunt Miss Phoebe HAMMOND, sisters Mrs

Alice PEARCE and Mrs Rose CHIPPINGTON

He enlisted in Bury St Edmunds. The battalion were at Shrewsbury Forest in the area between Zillebeke

and Geluhvelt, in front of the 11th R Sussex. The war diary has :-

"26th - Battn attacked at 5:50 am. 1st objective

being TOWER HAMLETS and 2nd objective being

TOWER TRENCH. Heavy casualties through M.G.

fire Objectives were reached and held and

consolidation carried out on our side TOWER

TRENCH.

Casualties Major Goldsmith died of wounds, killed

Capt TR Nicholls, Lieut Bainbridge, 2nd Lt BA

Wilson, wounded 2 Lieut H Sangster, 2/Lt RN Butt,

2nd/Lt Burras, 2nd/Lt Thomas. Other ranks 41

killed, 113 wounded 30 missing. Heavy shelling

and sniping by enemy all day".

CWGC records show 56 killed, only three of them with a known grave.

80

INCE, Freddy Aged 30


Fred Ince is commemorated on the special memorial in Neuville St Vaast Canadian No 2 Cemetery

No 252675, Private, Fred INCE

102nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry Killed in Action on Monday, 9th April 1917

Freddy Ince was born on 3rd January 1887 in Clare (Risbridge Q1-1887 4A:642) baptised in Clare, St Peter

and St Paul on 3rd April 1887, son of Alfred and Emma INCE. Their marriage registration and thus her

maiden name have not been found. The only Alfred Ince marriage possibly is June 1884 Halstead to Emily

ELLIS.

1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Cavendish Lane, Clare with his father Alfred INCE [41] groom/gardener;

his mother Emma [40] born Belchamp; brothers Herbert [10], William [8] and Bertie [6]; sister Florence [2].

All except his mother were born in Clare. There were two other siblings, Harry [1879] and Fanny [1875] ( it

seems his father was probably also born in Belchamp)

1901 census...Aged 14, errand boy at mill, he was in Station Road with his parents (mother now recorded as

born in Clare); brothers Herbert (carpenter), Bertie (coach painter) and Ernest [8] born Clare; sister

Florence.

1911 census...Not found in this census, possibly left for Canada. Alison Krohn has written that he worked as

a carpenter on the railway at Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. His parents, sister Florence and brother Ernest

(apprentice printer) were still at Station Road, Clare. One of the 9 children had died.

He lived in and enlisted in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada on 1st April 1916. He gave his date of birth

as 3/1/1887, a farmer, son of Alfred INCE of Clare, England. He was 5 feet 8.5 inches tall, weighed 155 lbs,

chest 34" to 37", blue eyes, light brown hair,Church of England.

As No 252675 he was placed in the 209th Battalion. Embarked on 1st November 1916, arriving in

England on 11th November. From Shornecliffe he was posted to the 102nd Battalion and sent to France on

6th December 1916. He was killed in

action at Vimy Ridge, buried at

44a.S.22.a.8.3., 0.75 miles south of

Givenchy en Gohelle. This grave was

lost, hence the special memorial at

Neuville St Vaast, Canadian Cemetery

No.2

CWGC records show the battalion had

119 killed that day.

Fred buried about here

81

INCE, John Colin Aged 25

John Ince is commemorated on the Arras memorial, Faubourg d'Amiens, bay 8

No 245413, Sergeant, John Colin INCE 20th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry formerly No.240109, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Saturday, 23rd March 1918

John Colin Ince was born on 14th September 1892 in Clare (Risbridge Q4-1882 4A:647) son of Alfred

George and Elizabeth INCE (née HOUSDEN?).

Admitted to Clare Council School (living at Cavendish Lane) on 1st March 1899 and left to go to work on

16th June 1905.

1901 census...Aged 8, he was at Maltings Lane,Clare with his father Alfred INCE [30] journeyman

bricklayer born Battersea; his mother Elizabeth [32] born Horseheath; sisters Alice [5] and Agnes [7

months]; brother William [3]. All the children were born in Clare.

1911 census...Aged 18, a bricklayer, he was at High Street, Clare with his parents; brothers Willie Charles

(errand boy) and Alfred [5]; sisters Agnes, Lily []8] and Emma Matilda [2]. The new siblings all born in

Clare, all 7 siblings survive.

He married Priscilla TWITCHETT in 1913. Their daughter Valerie D INCE was born on 15th September

1913

He enlisted in Clare. The battalion were to the rear of Vaulx-Vraucourt. The war diary has:-

" 23rd- About 8 am the enemy launched an attack against the right companies of the battalion which was

successfully resisted by rifle and machine gun fire. The attack was made by ? waves and was well carried

on, but it did not penetrate our wire. The attack was repeated at intervals during the day, but each attack

was withheld. Casualties: Officers

killed Capt Iveson, 2/Lt Kay, wounded

2/Lt Turnbull. Other ranks, killed 18,

wounded 60, missing 5

CWGC records show the battalion had

22 killed that day.

82

INCE, William Aged 37

No Z/9588, Ordinary Seaman, William INCE

R.N. Depot(Crystal Palace), R.N.V.R. Died of Illness on Friday, 11th October 1918

William Ince was born in Clare (Risbridge Q1-1881 4A:542) son of Harry George and Emma INCE (née

BRAYBROOK). Naval records give his date of birth as 9th January 1883 (the year certainly does not match

all other records).

1881 census...Aged 3 months, he was at High Street, Clare with his father Harry G [25] clothier born Clare;

his mother Emma [27] born Cavendish; widowed grandmother Mary A Ince [52]; aunts Katie INCE [15]

and Jannie INCE [10] both born in Clare; cousin Alphaeus ALLEN [15] gardener's apprentice born

Glemsford.

1891 census...Aged 10, he was at High Street, Clare with his parents; brothers John [7]and Harold [3];

sisters Annie[8], Ethel [6], Ella [4] and Katie [1]. The new siblings all born in Clare.

1901 census...Aged 20 a tailor's cutter, he was at High Street, Clare with his parents; brother Harold; sisters

Ella and Katie. He married Mabel Nettie PASK in 1904. Around the time of his death they were at Govan

House, Manning Road, Felixstowe.

1911 census...Aged 30, a tailor's cutter, he was at High Street, Clare with his wife Mabel Nettie [37] born

Bury St Edmunds and his 3rd cousin Arthur Charles Smith [6]. He inherited his father's share of the family

tailoring business on the death of his father in 1912.

The fact that he only has the War Medal indicates that he never entered a theatre of war. Apart from the

medal sheet and graves roll, no other RN records have yet been found.

William Ince is buried in Clare cemetery, grave 877

83

JARVIS, Bertie Aged 22


Bertie Jarvis is buried in Pont-D'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, grave 1:D:5

No 85965, Gunner, Bertie JARVIS 6th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Killed in Action on Saturday, 23rd June 1917

Bertie Jarvis was born in Clare on 21st January 1895 (Risbridge Q1-1895 4A:542) son of Walter and Mary

Ann JARVIS (née TAYLOR).

Admitted to Clare Council School (Infants) on 22nd March 1898, transferred to main school 1st March

1902, leaving to work on 24th January 1908

1901 census...Aged 6, he was at Snow Hill, Clare with his father Walter JARVIS [40] farm labourer; his

mother Mary Ann [39]; brothers William [8] and Sidney [3 months]. All were born in Clare.

1911 census...Aged 16, farm labourer, he was at Snow Hill, Clare with his parents and brother William

(farm labourer). Bertie and William were the only survivors of Mary's 6 children.

He enlisted in Clare on 11th December 1915. He was placed on Reserves and mobilised at Dover on 25th

May 1916. He was a horse keeper, from Snow Hill, Clare, father Walter JARVIS. He gave his age as 20

years 11 months, was 5 feet 9.75 inches tall, chest 34.5" to 36"

Posted to 6th Siege battery in France on 8th July 1916, he was killed in action on 23rd June 1917 and

buried at Pont D'Achelles, 2 miles SE of Steenwerke. His parents received his personal belongings of letters,

photos, disc, note book and religious book. Completing the "Living Relatives" form on 24th April 1919, is

father noted parents and brother William at Snow Hill, Clare

Finding the whereabouts of any artillery unit is difficult and so far the location of 6th Siege battery at the

time has not been found but presumably not far from Pont D'Achelles

84

LEVELL, Alfred Aged 32


Alfred Levell is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, grave 3:E:5

No C/3835, Rifleman, Alfred LEVELL 4th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps


Alfred Levell was born in Clare in March 1886 (Risbridge Q1-1886 4A:658), baptised in Clare, St Peter and

St Paul on 20th July 1887, son of George and LEVELL (née WARD). Whether they are typos or not, the

baptism record gives year of birth as 1887 and "Soldiers Died" has him born in East Dulwich.

1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Chapel Street, Clare with his father George LEVELL [45] carpenter born

Poslingford; his mother Julia [36] born Poslingford; brothers Willie [16] and John [14] (both farm

labourers), and George [9]; sisters Rose [12], Mary Ann [7], Annie M [2] and Flory A [5 months]. All the

children were born in Clare. His sister Louisa was born in 1872 and May in 1893. His mother died in 1894

1901 census...Aged 15, he was at Chapel Street, Clare with his widower father, sisters Rose, Mary, Annie,

Florrie and May, and brother George

1911 census...Aged 25, he was a grocer's assistant,. boarding with Richard and Ellen NEWMAN at 57

Romany Road, West Norwood.

In 1915 he married Lucy Ann JARVIS in Trinity Baptist Church, Balham on 5th June 1915, later of Church

Terrace, St Michael's, Tenterden, Kent. Their son Alfred John was born in Camberwell on 6th June 1916.

He was the brother in law of John MEEKINGS

He enlisted in Camberwell, Surrey on 11th June 1915 just 6 days after his wedding. From 128 Barry Road,

East Dulwich, he gave his age as 29 years 90 days. He was 5 feet 2.25 inches tall, chest 32!" to 35",

weighing 116 lbs. A grocer's assistant, he had a wife Lucy Ann. He reported to Wilson's Grammar School at

9.30 am on 14th, before joining the 17th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps.

Posted to the B.E.F. on 7th March 1916 he received wounds to his right shoulder and his face on 14th

October and was admitted to 132 Field Ambulance then sent on 15th to 49 Casualty Clearing Station and the

next day to 4 General Hospital, Camiers. From there, on 19th October, via Hospital Ship "Asturias" he was

evacuated to England and admitted to Nottingham General Hospital on 21st October before going on to

Epsom Hospital on 3rd November. He left there to return to duty on 28th November.

On 4th February 1917 he embarked at Marseilles and arrived in Salonica on the 11th. On 25th August he

was admitted to 81 Field Ambulance with NYDP (Not Yet Diagnosed Pyrexia = Army talk for "Don't

know". What ever the fever was, he was sent to the convalescent camp at Stavros on 2nd September and

returned to his unit on 5th September. Transferred to 4th Battalion on 17th October 1917, he spent much of

early 1918 in and out of hospital (some comments illegible) before embarking at Itea on 27th June 1918,

reaching Taranto, Italy on 27th and joining his unit on 28th. He then was given leave to UK from 30th

August to 16th September before returning to France and his unit on 17th and was then killed in action on

18th October 1918

85

His widow received his personal; belonging, consisting only of a safety razor and a wrist watch. She was

awarded a pension £1/5/0 weekly for herself and one child

When his widow completed the "Living Relatives" form on25th July 1919 she added beside herself and their

child, his father George living as Chapel House, Chilton Street, Suffolk, his brothers John (at 128 Barry

Road, East Dulwich) and William and George of unknown address, also three sisters, Louisa Rose, Mary

Ann and Florence May,no addresses given.

During correspondence with the Army, his widow's address changed from 192 Trinity Road, Wandsworth

Common to 58 Harold Road, Upper Norwood, London SE19

MARTIN, Frederick Aged 18 There is some confusion here between the Martins in Clare and in Poslingford It does beg the question as to why two brothers would be on the Poslingford memorial and only one at Clare? Further research (or a relative's help) is required

Frederick Martin is buried in Long Melford (Holy Trinity) Churchyard

No.229485, Private, Frederick MARTIN

1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers formerly 290195, Cambridgeshire Regiment

formerly 3091, Suffolk Regiment Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 16th July 1918

Frederick Martin was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q4-1898 4A:779), son of George and Julia MARTIN

(née HONEYBALL).

He may well be the brother of Harry Martin, son of Harry and Jane, but that military death connection has

not been established

1901 census...Aged 2, he was at The Street, Poslingford with his father George MARTIN [25] shepherd; his

86

mother Julia [26] born Wickhambrook and his brother Arthur [6]. All except his mother born in Poslingford.

His mother died in 1902 and his father married Hannah SALTER in 1903

1911 census...Aged 12, he was in Poslingford with his father, step mother Hannah [37] born Long Melford

and brother Arthur (farm labourer).

They appear to have moved to Clare after 1914, before moving on to Long Melford

His brother Arthur was killed in action serving in France in the Gordon Highlanders in August 1918

He enlisted in Sudbury. He had clearly added to his age as the CWGC have him as aged 21.

With no Army service record available, it is impossible to say here where or when exactly he was wounded.

87

MARTIN, Harry Aged 22

Harry Martin is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey


5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Saturday, 21st August 1915

Harry Martin was born in Clare on 12th September 1892 (Risbridge Q4-1892 4A:647), baptised in Clare St

Peter and St Paul on 4th June 1893, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jeanette MARTIN (née PARKER ).

Admitted to Clare Council Mixed School 1st March 1900 when living at Nethergate Street, Clare and left

for work on 3rd August 1908

1901 census...Aged 8, he was at Nethergate Street, Clare with his father Thomas MARTIN [40] beerhouse

keeper/plumber/glazier; his mother Janette [40]; brothers William [18] (plumber), Alfred [13] (plumber and

glazier apprentice), Fred [5] and Sidney [2];sisters Nellie [16] and Sally [12]. All were born in Clare.

1911 census...Aged 18, a labourer,he was at Nethergate Street,Clare with his parents; brothers Fred

(apprentice upholsterer) and Sidney; sister Trissie [7] born Clare

He married Rosa SUTTLE (Risbridge Q2-1915 4A:2288)

It may well be that it is his brother Fred named on the memorial, but that military connection/death has not

been established

He enlisted in Clare. His number suggests enlistment in around 1911/1912. He also must have enlisted the

same time and died on the same day as James Dearsley

The History of the Suffolk Regiment by Lt Col Murphy gives the impression that it was a quiet spell in

Reserve with some sniping and shell fire, but the CWGC records have 53 men dying that day, only one has a

known grave. In that theatre of war, disease was as likely to kill as enemy action.

88

MARTIN, William Aged 31

William Martin is commemorated on the Doiran Memorial, Greece

No.S/766, Sergeant, William MARTIN

4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade ( The Prince Consort's Own) Killed in Action on Monday, 15th April 1918

William Martin was born in Clare ( belived to be Risbridge Q3-1886 4A:627) son of William and Alice

MARTIN (née PARKER ).

1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Malting Lane, Clare with his father William MARTIN [29] farm labourer;

his mother Alice [28]; brothers George [9] and Fred [1]; sister Sarah [7]. All were born in Clare.

1901 census...Aged 14, assistant stockman, he was Bridewell Street, Clare with his grandfather William

PARKER [82] on parish relief. At Bridewell Street, Clare were his parents, brothers Fred, Bertie [5] and

English Robert [1]; sister Annie [3]. The new siblings all born in Clare.

1911 census...Not yet found in this census but his Army number suggests he enlisted in 1905. At Bridewell

Street, Clare were his parents (father now stockman); brothers Bertie (farm labourer), English Robert and

Walter [6] born Clare; niece Marie Florence MARTIN [1] born Battersea.

His Army "personal Effects entry gives his sole legatee as Mother-Alice, implying that he was still single.

He enlisted in Battersea, when resident in Clare.

Thanks to 1914-198.invisionzone.com forum and Andy the following has been found from the regimental

accounts:-

By 4.0a.m., April 15th, signal communication was established between Battalion H.Q. and all companies

and at 5.0a.m. all was reported quiet . At 6.15a.m. "B" Company reported verbally that enemy movement

could be heard in Prosenik and then that desultory rifle fire had been opened from the village, as no enemy

could be seen, no reply was being made; some enemy bombs also had been thrown but had fallen short,

whilst No. 5 Platoon Lewis gun opened fire with effect on a party of the enemy trying to cross the railway

sixty or seventy yards to the right, and "C" Company engaged others in the centre of the village with rifle

grenades.

At 7.0a.m. the enemy began shelling Top Crossing, fire gradually moving down towards "B" Company; at

the same time an observation post of this company near the church was cut off; one wounded survivor

rejoining his company three hours later. At this time hostile artillery fire opened on "C" Company's position

and a line of Bulgars in extended order was seen advancing on that company from the north. Soon after

7.0a.m. telephone communication with "B" and "C" was broken and was never re-established, the lines

being repaired repeatedly and, as frequently, cut once more.

At 10.0 a.m. Colonel Gathorne-Hardy sent a message by runner to O.C. "D" Company ordering him to

inform "C" Company that, if heavily attacked, it should fall back on "D" Company.

89

At 11.0 a.m. a runner from "C" Company arrived at Battalion H.Q. to say that shelling was heavy but that,

so far, there were no casualties; this was confirmed by another runner at 12.25 p.m., who brought a nil

casualty report from "C" Company, signed by Captain Millar.

At 2.30 p.m. the enemy opened heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire on "C" Company's trenches from the

railway station, north of the village, 2nd Lieutenant G. Hannam being wounded - the first casualty to be

reported; the fire pinned "C" Company to its trenches and prevented the men putting their heads over the

parapet, such was the fire.

Shortly before 3.0. p.m. the C.O. sent another message to "C" Company repeating the sense of his message

of 10.0 a.m.

At 3.30 p.m. the enemy bombed and rushed "C" Company's left trench, and the garrison, No.12 Platoon, in

attempting to fall back on No. 11 were caught in the open by machine gun fire from the railway station and

suffered heavily. About 4 p.m. No. 11 Platoon drove off a small party of Bulgars which attempted to rush it,

at about the same time, wounded men arriving at Battalion H.Q. reported "C" Company was in a tight

corner. Two Platoons of "D" Company were ordered to be ready to counter-attack, but this never took place

as more wounded men reported that "C" Company had been rushed and was completely out of action; this

happened at 4.30 p.m.

Lieutenant R. Palk, tha acting Adjutant, was later sent up to find out the situation and order "B" Company

to fall back; he found "C" Company's position in the hands of the enemy, estimated at three hundred men,

and ordered the withdrawal of "B". This was carried out, supported by two platoons of "A", on whose

position "B" Company withdrew. At 7.30 p.m. dispositions were made for the all round defence of Topalova.

Casualties in "C" Company had been Captain A.L. Millar, and W.O. and fifteen other ranks killed;

Lieutenant J.A. Read and 2nd Lieutenant G. Hannam wounded and missing with ninety six other ranks

missing.

CWGC records have 21 killed in the battalion that day

90

MAXIM, Bennett George Aged 30

No 24450, Private, Bennett George MAXIM

Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) Died on Sunday, 31st July 1921

Bennett George Maxim was born in Clare on 28th February 1891(Risbridge Q2-1891 4A:731), son of

Walter and Arethusa MAXIM (née GAZIN).

1891 census...Aged 1 month he was at Callis Street, Clare with his father Walter MAXIM [29] carpenter

born Hartest; his mother Arethusa [32]; brother Walter Bennett [3]. All except his father were born in Clare.

He was admitted to Clare Council School on 1st March 1899,leaving top go to work on 16th June 1904. The

school record has his father as Fred MAXIM.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was at Callis

Street, Clare with his parents, brother

Walter and a new brother, Willoughby

[[7] born Clare.

1911 census...Aged 20, a butcher, he was

at Callis Street, Clare with his parents

(father now recorded as Fred) and brother

Willie a cycle repairer. Of the five

children his mother had borne, 2 had died.

His brother enlisted in the Essex regiment

in November 1915, mobilised in February

1916 and survived the war.

Bennett attested in Clare on 7th February 1916 giving his age as 24 years, 11 months, a carter on farm from

Callis Street, Clare. He was 5 feet 9.5 inches tall, chest 33.5" to 35". His next of kin was father Fred Maxim

of Callis Street, Clare. He was placed on General Service Reserves and then mobilised in Bury St Edmunds

on 6th April 1916 in the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment.Posted to the 9th Battalion, he was sent to join

On 16th September 1916 he was transferred to the 1st battalion, The Queen's Royal; West Surrey

Regiment but posted to Depot on 3rd March 1917. He was discharged on 1st December 1917 as

permanently unfit (due to military service) for war service and awarded Silver War Badge ~ 280156 Q

The reason for his discharge has not been found with his Army records and he is not listed on CWGC

records. If his death certificate refers to any military cause of death then he may still be able to be

recognised. It must be documented that his death was caused by or aggravated by military service

Bennett Maxim is buried in Clare Cemetery

91

MEEKINGS, John Aged 40

John Meekings is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, grave LXXII:A:12

No.41627, Private, John MEEKINGS

2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment formerly No.50444, Suffolk Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Friday, 3rd January 1919

John Meekings was born in Poslingford ( Risbridge Q1-1881 4A:542) son of Charles and Ursula

MEEKINGS (née PASKE). His mother recorded variously as Husley or Harley. His father was first married

to Hannah AGER in 1845 and they had 3 children, Caroline 1851-1870, James [1856-1936] and Charlotte

[1859-1864]. Hannah died early in 1868 and Charles married Ursula Paske on 8th December 1868. The

family names is recorded in many way, Meakings, Meekings, Meaking or Meekin amongst them.

1881 census...Aged 3 months, he was at Wentford, Poslingford with his father Charles MEEKINGS [51]

labourer; his mother (Husley) [35]; brothers Eli [10], William [9], George [8] and Samuel [7] all born in

Stoke by Clare; sister Mary Ann [4] and brother Ernest [2] born in Poslingford

1891 census...Aged 10, he was at Wentford, Poslingford with his parents (mother now Harley); brothers Eli,

William [18], George [17], Samuel [16] and Ernest, all farm labourers and Arthur [5] born Poslingford;

sisters Mary Ann and Caroline [7] born in Poslingford;

1901 census...Aged 20, a farm labourer, he was at Snow Hill, Clare with is parents (motherr now Husley);

brothers Eli, George and Arthur;sister Carrie.

In Q4-1905 he married Rose LEVELL. His father died in 1904 and his mother died in 1907

1911 census...Aged 30, farm labourer, he was at Chapel House, Clare with his wife Rose [32] born Clare;

son Charles [4]; daughters Lily [3] and Mary [1]. The children all born in Clare. Also there were his brothers

Eli and George.

He was the brother in law of Alfred LEVELL

Dying after the war he is not in "Soldiers

Died" and his service record has not

been found, so we do not know where he

enlisted or where and when he was

wounded. It does seem strange that he is

recorded on his medal card as dying of

wounds that long after the end of the

war. It was usual to evacuate most

wounded men back to UK as soon as it

was safe for them to travel.

92

MIZEN, William George Aged 25

No.33350, Private, William George MIZEN

6th Battalion, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 10th May 1921

William George Mizen was born in Helions Bumpstead ( Risbridge Q3-1895 4A:741) son of William and

Sarah Lily MIZEN (née WOODLEY).

1901 census...Aged 5, he was at Boblow Farm, Helions Bumpstead with his father William MIZON [32]

farmer; his mother Sarah Lily [31] born Steeple Bumpstead; sisters Kate S [10] and Beatrice O [1]; brothers

Herbert J W[8] and Ernest [2]. All except his mother were born in Helions Bumpstead.

1911 census...Aged 16, son on farm, he was at Bench Barn Farm, Clare with his parents; sister Beatrice;

brothers Herbert (working on farm), Ernest and Oliver [8] born Clare. All 6 siblings survive.

He married Jessie BRUTY in Sudbury on 13th August 1916. They lived at Burnt House, Stoke by Clare and

their son Edward William was born on 25th August 1918. His headstone however says he died at Bench

Farm. In 1925 she married Ernest JAY of Farmers Farm, Stoke by Clare.

93

Dying after the war he is not in "Soldiers Died" but some of his service record has been found.

He enlisted in Bury St Edmunds on 10th February 1916 and was place on Reserves. Mobilised into the 3/4th

DSuffolkon 27th March 1916 he was posted to the 1st/4th Suffolks on 3rd October and joined the BEF in

France. Posted to 6th Bn Yorkshire regiment on 14th October 1916, he was moved to the 2nd Battalion,

Yorkshire Regt on 16th May when he was evacuated sick to UK Clare.

He was demobbed 16th March 1919, but there is no medical record shown. So far no evidence has been

found as to the cause of death,but it must have been attributable to military service for his name to be on the

CWGC records

His widow was awarded a weekly pension of 28 shillings 6 pence [£1:43] for herself and ten shillings [50p]

for her son and when he was wounded.

William Mizen is buried in Clare Cemetery, grave 614

94

PARKER, Henry Thomas Aged 33

Thomas Parker is commemorated on the Arras memorial, Faubourg d'Amiens bay 8

No.41417, Private, Thomas Henry PARKER

13th Battalion, Essex Regiment formerly No.6660, Cambridgeshire Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Saturday, 28th April 1917

Thomas Henry Parker was born in Clare ( Risbridge Q4-1883 4A:690), baptised in Clare St Peter and St

Paul on 12th December 1883, son of Francis and Frances PARKER (née TWIN). Most civilian records have

him as Henry Thomas, military records show Thomas Henry.

1891 census...Aged 7, he was at Cavendish Lane, Clare with his father Francis PARKER [42] labourer; his

mother Frances [38]; twin sisters Mary A and Louisa [5] and Rosa [1]. All were born in Clare.

1901 census...He has not been found in this census. It is quite possible he was in the Army in South Africe.

At Snow Hill, Clare were his parents; sister Rose and brother Freddy [8] born Clare.

He married Elizabeth HICKFORD of Ashen in 1905. His father died in 1910

1911 census...Aged 27, a farm labourer, he was at Snow Hill, Clare with his wife Elizabeth [23] born Ashen

and their sons, Thomas Henry [1] and James F [8 months], both born in Clare. A daughter, Rosie F. was

born in 1915.


The battalion war diary for the 28th is very long and detailed. In summary however:-

They formed up at 0200, our artillery barrage commenced at 0425 and by 0438 they had crossed

the enemy front line trench except for the extreme right, help up by uncut wire and machine gun

fire. Contact was lost with the Marine light Infantry on the right,maintained with the 17th

Middlesex, but lost with the Highland Light Infantry on the left. The advance continued to the

eastern end of OPPY WOOD. They were then attacked by bombing parties of Germans and

machine gun fire from OPPY VILLAGE. The enemy were seen advancing down SUNKEN ROAD

and at the CRUCIFIX.

At 0550 a company of Kings Royal Rifles attempted to form a defensive flank at B.18.d.3.5. but

were unable to get further than the British front line owing to heavy enemy fire. The 17th

Middlesex on the left then came under heavy attack and a large number of Germans got through

OPPY WOOD and to the rear of the line, re-occupying part of their own front line. A senior officer

was sent to try and clear up the situation but was not seen again.

At 0900 troops were ordered to pull back and hold and consolidate the German front line. Only a

few parties managed this but were unable to cope with the enemy fire. All of the officers had

become casualties, and most of the NCOs and what was left of the battalion was disorganised and

exhausted. Small parties held out but eventually retired to the old British line, running from shell

hole to shell hole.

95

Casualties were officers killed 2 - O Ranks 3; wounded Officers 4 - O Ranks 79; missing Officer 8

- O Ranks 240

CWGC records put a different light on it, with a total of 126 killed and only 4 having identified

graves. It seems that many seen to be wounded were never seen again and therefore death was

assumed on the day.

The site of the KRR objective mentioned above. The dark green of Oppy Wood seen just behind

the marker

96

PARSONSON, George Aged 35

photo: peterswar.net

George Parsonson is buried in Pont-Remy British Cemetery, grave 1:B:13

No.49160, Private, George PARSONSON 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

formerly 37706, Prince of Wales' Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment) formerly No.13389, Royal Fusiliers

Died of Illness on Monday, 24th February 1919

George Parsonson was born in Clare ( Risbridge Q4-1883 4A:596), son of James H and Ellen

PARSONSON (née WALFORD).

1891 census...Aged 7 he was at Station Road, Clare with his father James H PARSONSON [39] basket

maker born Sudbury; his mother Ellen [44] born Twinstead, Essex; sisters Caroline [18] born Long Melford

and Ada [9] born Clare.

1901 census...Aged 17 a boot maker, he was at Malting Lane, Clare with his parents.

In 1908 he married Lizzie CATLING from Kedington.

1911 census...Aged 27, boot maker, he was at Nethergate Street, Clare with his wife Lizzie [26] born

Kedington; son Alec John [2] and daughter Marjorie Evelyn [10 months], both born in Clare.


He died in 46 Casualty Clearing Station, 7 miles from Abbeville. This was in all likelihood the result of the

Spanish flu pandemic.

97

PASK, Herbert Aged 33


Herbert Pask is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, panel 21

No.5965, Private, Herbert PASK 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Saturday, 19th June 1915

An Old Contemptible

Herbert Pask was born in Stoke by Clare ( Risbridge Q2-1882 4A:576), son of Walter and Hanna PASK

(née PEACOCK). His father married Hannah in 1869, she already had a daughter Martha PASK, born 1864.

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Lodge Farm, Chilton Street, Clare with his father Walter PASK [42] farm

labourer; his mother Hannah [48] born Ashen; sisters Elizabeth [21] and Kate [13]; brother Willie [11]. All

except his mother were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 18, a hay binder, he was boarding at Pear Tree Cottage, Black Notley, Essex with

Alfred and Sarah GALLEY. His parents and brother Willie were still at Lodge Farm, Chilton Street, Clare.

1911 census...Aged 28, a horse man, he was back in Chilton Lodge Farm, Chilton Street, Clare with his

parents.

He enlisted in Saffron Walden. His number suggests that he had originally enlisted in the second half of

1901. If so his time with the colours must have been completed before 1911 and his complete 12 years by

1913 excusing him from mobilisation in 1914, in which case he must have volunteered again to have been in

France/Flanders so early.

He died in Belgium at Hooge. The war diary just says 2 men wounded that day, but CWGC has Herbert and

1 chum killed. Few who fell at that time have known graves. .

98

SMITH, George William Aged 28


George Smith is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, grave 8:G:2

No.240596, Lance Corporal, George William SMITH 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment formerly 2454, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 2nd November 1917

Presumed to be George William Smith was born in Clare ( Risbridge Q2-1889 4A:665), son of John and

Mary Ann SMITH (née JAY).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was in Cavendish Lane, Clare with his father John SMITH [27] labourer born

Chilton Street; his mother Mary Ann [27] born Belchamp; sisters Ada [4] and Florence [7 months], both

born in Clare

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Common Street, Clare with his widowed mother Mary Ann Smith [37]

now recorded as born Ovington, sisters Ada [14], Florrie [10], Rose [7] and Elizabeth [1];brother William

[4]. All, except his mother, were born in Clare. His father had died in 1899.

1911 census...Aged 22, a farm labourer, he was at Common Street with his mother (now recorded as born

Clare); brother William (wheelwright's errand boy) and sister Elizabeth.

He enlisted in Colchester. Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment", for the 3rd battle of Gaza,

gives :-"The attack on Gaza was fixed to take place at 3 o'clock on the morning of 2nd November.The

objectives of this attack were the enemy works from Umbrella Hill to Sheikh Hassan by the sea, the extent of

the front being about six thousand yards and the furthest objective (Sheikh Hassan) three thousand yards

from the British front line. A 1 o'clock the battalion advanced to a position- previously marked out- in No

Man's Land, and two hours later began moving forward under cover of a perfect artillery barrage.

As soon as this barrage lifted, the 5th Battalion waves dashed into the front line trenches of El Arish

redoubt, "B" and "D" companies leading with "A and "C" in support. Captain J.R.Rowley, a most popular

officer and the first to enter the trench, was here mortally wounded and died the same evening. Only

small;parties of the enemy held out and

the first line was soon cleared. The

second line was captured in the same

way; like wise the third; but with their

flanks exposed, the troops were

withdrawn to the second line.which

they consolidated."

CWGC records give 34 of the battalion

killed that day.

99

WILLIS, Robert Henry Aged 28


Robert Willis is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial,

No.SS/2307, Able Seaman, Robert Henry WILLIS HMS "Queen Mary", Royal Navy

Killed in Action on Tuesday, 31st May 1916

Robert Henry Willis was born in Hempstead on 11th April 1888 ( Saffron Walden Q2-1888 4A:536), son of

Robert Henry and Mary Ann WILLIS (née PURKISS).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Blagdons Farm, Hempstead with his father Robert Henry WILLIS [30]

shepherd born Helions Bumpstead; his mother Mary Ann [29]; sisters Annie E [8], Emma E [5] and Mary G

[1 month]. All, except his father, were born in Hempstead.

Living in Hundon Road,Clare, admitted to Clare Council School in October 1899 from Hemptead

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Chilton Maple Road, Clare with his parents, sisters Mary [9] born

Hempstead, and Nellie [2] born Birdbrook; brothers James [5] born Birdbrook and George [1] born Stoke by

Clare.

1911 census...Aged 22, he was in the Royal Navy, on HMS Magnificent, a turret drill ship and stokers'

training ship at Devonport.

He enlisted in 2nd March 1908 for 5 years plus 7 on Reserve. A farm labourer, born Saffron Walden on 11th

April 1889 ? he was 5 feet 4 inches tall, chest 34", sandy hair, blue eyes.Starting his training at HMS

Pembroke, he passed though Warrior, Pembroke I and Brilliant before becoming Able Seaman on 16th

August 1908. From there he went via Pembroke I, to Magnificent and Agamemnon to Pembroke I where, on

19th February 193 he completed his 5 years service and joined the Reserves.

Mobilised on 2nd August 1914 at Pembroke he was posted to HMS Queen Mary on 25th August 1914. At

the time of his death his mother's address was Hundon Road, Stoke by Clare.

HMS "Queen Mary" was the last battlecruiser built for the Royal Navy before the start of the war, the only

one of her class. She displaced 26,770 tons, was 214 metres long with a main armament on 4 x 2 - 13 inch

guns ("A", "B", "Q" and "X" turrets (from bow to stern) and 16 x 1 -4 inch guns. She took part in the

Heligoland Bight action on August 28th, 1914 and also the German raid on Scarborough in December 1914

when the German High Seas fleet managed to escape back to Germany.

On 31st May 1916 the German High Seas Fleet was intercepted by the Royal Navy Grand Fleet at Jutland.

The accurate German gunfire was soon effective and hits on guns turrets of "Queen Mary" apparently

caused a flash back to her magazine and the following explosion split the ship in half and she sank, taking

all but 20 of her 1,275 crew with her.

Investigations later put it down to the fact that the ship was carrying more than the usual amount of

explosives and to assist in increasing the rate of fire, safety procedures had been ignored, some scuttle of the

lifts from the magazines seemingly jammed open and cordite stored in a haphazard manner in the corridors

and turrets. This was also assumed to be the cause of the loss of Indefatigable and Invincible. Ships that had

maintained safety regulations were seen to have absorbed more hits without sinking.

100

Despite greater British losses in ship and men the battle was considered a British victory since the action

was intended to blocked the North Sea, and after this action the German High Seas Fleet never ventured out

to fight again and the blockade on shipping to Germany was maintained throughout the Great War.

An official crest for HMS "Queen Mary" has not been found

101

WRIGHT, Edwin Stanley Aged 30

photo: "euro-t-guide.com"

Edwin Wright is commemorated on the Special Memorial 28 in Ovillers Military Cemetery

which names the 35 men buried in Mash Valley Cemetery whose grave were destroyed in later fighting.

2nd Lieutenant, Edwin Stanley WRIGHT

7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment formerly 3314, Private, 28th Battalion London Regiment (Artists Rifles)

Killed in Action on Monday 3rd July 1916

Edwin Stanley Wright was born in Hadleigh (Cosford Q2-1886 4A:688), son of Edwin and Annie

WRIGHT (née HART).

1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Church Street, Hadleigh with his father Edwin WRIGHT [39]

chemist born Marylebone;his mother Annie [39]; brothers Charles E [3] and Thornton H [2]; aunt

Elizabeth HART [45]. All except his father were born in Hadleigh.

1901 census...Aged 15, he was at Well Lane, Clare with his parents (father chemist/wine

merchant), and aunt Elizabeth HART. His brother, Thornton Hugh, had died in Hadleigh in 1893

aged 4.

1911 census...Aged 25, a clerk, he was at 30 Rosemont Road, Acton, Middlesex with his aunt

Catherine BACON (Hadleigh born). His parent were still at Well Lane, Clare. They later moved to

Chilton Cottage, Clare and then to 18 Messaline Avenue, Acton.

He enlisted in the 24th Battalion, London Regiment (Artists Rifles) and was posted to France/Flanders on

9th May 1915, then commissioned on 23rd October 1915 in Suffolk Regiment.

Battalion war diary :-

At 3.15 am the battalion made a frontal attack on OVILLERS on a frontage of 200 yards. The disposition of

the battalion was as follows:-"D" Coy on the right, "C" Coy on the left, supported by "B" Coy on the right

and "A" Coy on the left. On the right of the battalion was the 5th Royal Berks and on the left the 37th

Brigade, the 36th Brigade being in reserve. Two companies of the Essex Regt were in support to each

battalion, the Norfolks being in reserve.

Zero was at 3:15, ten minutes before zero the leading waves advanced under cover of the bombardment and

at the hour of zero the battalion assaulted in eight successive waves. The first 4 waves ("D" and "C" Coys)

penetrated to the enemy's third line and portions of them into the village itself, but owing to the darkness

touch was lost with succeeding waves and with the 5th Royal Berks on the right, so that the leading waves

were not supported closely enough, thus allowing the Germans to get in between the waves and cut off the

leading ones at the 3rd line of resistance, it was at this 3rd German line that the chief casualties occurred

and the assault was brought to a standstill.The two companies of the Essex Regt moving up in support were

too far behind and were practically annihilated by machine gun fire during their advance across the open.

The casualties in the battalion were 21 Officers and 458 OR killed, wounded and missing, though some of

these missing eventually rejoined the battalion during the following night.

102

CWGC records give 158 of the battalion killed that day 4 are on the Mash Valley memorial and 112 are

named on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing of the Somme

Mash Valley runs parallel to and north of the Albert-Bapaume road between La Boiselle and Ovillers

That concludes the Gereat War casualties of Clare.

Now come the men who died in 1939-1945. In these cases the medals are only a best guess, since

there are no medal index cards available. Since they werer mostly born after 1911, their history is

much more difficult, no census records avaliable, only the 1939 register in which few are

mentioned since they were more than likley already in the Armed Forces and so not recorded on

the Register. The 100 year rule prevents many personal details being discovered unless relatives

come forward to share their knowledge with us.

Thnakfully their numbers are very much lower than those killed in the GreatWar, hopefully more

of their relatives are still with us and have not lost their photographs

103

BAREHAM, Maurice Archibald Victor Aged 19

No.3000688, Sergeant (Flt Engineer) Maurice Archibald Victor BAREHAM 429 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 1st November 1944

Maurice Archibald Victor Bareham was born in Clare (Risbridge Q3-1925 4A:1495), son of Ebenezer

Stephen Victor and Edith BAREHAM (née CHAPMAN).

His parents were at 8 Common Street, Clare with his brother Russell BAREHAM [10] in 1939.

1 November 1944. Oberhausen: 288 aircraft - 202 Halifaxes, 74 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitos - of 6 and 8

Groups. 3 Halifaxes and 1 Lancaster lost.

The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 1,979,000 lbs of high

explosives and 379,000 lbs of incendiaries. The target was cloud covered and the attack was scattered.

F/O D. Magee was hit by flak. There was severe damage to the starboard outer engine, wings, fins, rudders

and fuselage. The Flt/Engineer, Sgt. M. Bareham, was fatally wounded despite the crews efforts to care for

him. On landing at Woodbridge, the Halifax swung and the under carriage collapsed damaging it further.

The crew escaped further injuries.

Woodbridge was an emergency landing ground with an extra long and wide runway, close to the coast, so

ideal for returning damaged aircraft. Still to find the actual aircraft details, but as it apparently was not

written off, this may prove difficult.

The Suffolk Free Press of 16th November 1944 had:-

Clare residents turned out in large numbers on Tuesday to pay their last respects to a Clare lad of 19 years,

he is the first of local members of the A.T.C. to give his life in service of his country, he was Sgt Maurice

Bareham, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Victor Bareham of 4 Common Street, Clare, he lost his life in air

operations while serving his country with the Royal Canadian Air Force as Flight Engineer, he joined the

R.A.F. as a aircrew candidate in December 1943, prior to joining up he was employed at Thompson's

garage and later on at an air station.

He had only been posted to the squadron 6 days earlier, so it may well have been his first operational flight.

104

Maurice Bareham is buried in Clare Cemetery, grave 557

105

DUNN, James Henderson Whitfield Aged 21

No.39970, Flt/Lieut (Pilot) James Henderson Whitfield DUNN 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Killed in Accident on Thursday, 9th January 1941

James Henderson Whitfield Dunn was born in South Shields (South Shields Q1-1919 10A:1177), son of

Alexander [1892] and Ann Johnston [1893] DUNN (née WHITFIELD).

In the 1939 register, his parents and brother Alexander W C W DUNN [1916] were at 10 Hill Terrace,

Clare. His father was a corn and coal merchant, and his brother a theological student.

He was commissioned Acting Pilot Officer on 9th August 1937, and promoted to Pilot Officer 31st May

1938

100 Squadron went to Singapore in 1934 and were based at Seletar to defend Singapore. The Vickers

Vildebeest was a single-engine biplane designed to meet an Air Ministry Specification for a torpedo bomber

to replace the Hawker Horsley. It was eventually replaced by the Beaufort.

The details of the accident have not yet be found, the fact of an accident was reported in the Straits Times.

It is not even known if it was a flying accident.

James was initially buried in grave 6569, Bidadari Christian Cemetery and removed to Kranji on 22nd

May 1957. Now all the graves in that cemetery have been exhumed and moved and the area is re developed

photo: IWM / HU59786

photo: Commonwealth War Graves

Commission

James Dunn is now buried in Kranji

War Cemetery, grave 37:A:10

106

DYSON, Leslie Aged 29


Leslie Dyson is now buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar grave 14:D:18

No.5831761, Corporal, Leslie James DYSON 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 2nd June 1944

Leslie James Dyson was born in Clare on 29th September 1914 (Risbridge Q4-1914 4A:1660), son of

George and Esther DYSON (née CLARKE).

He married Ella WEBB (26 Jan 1912) in Clare in Q4-1937 and in the 1939 register the were living at 16

Mill Road Clare and Leslie was a grocery and provisions assistant.

Operation "Thursday" was the second Chindit operation, under General Orde Wingate, columns of men on

foot behind enemy lines in Burma (now Myanmar)

77th (Indian) Infantry Brigade nicknamed EMPHASIS was under the command of Brigadier J Michael

('Mad' Mike) Calvert DSO.. EMPHASIS comprised : - 3rd Bn 6th Gurkha Rifles: 36 and 63 columns - 1st

Bn The King's Regiment: 81 and 82 columns - 1st Bn The Lancashire Fusiliers: 20 and 50 columns - 1st Bn

The South Staffordshire Regiment: 38 and 80 columns - 3rd Bn 9th Gurkha Rifles: 57 and 93 columns.

The Battalion CO was Lt-Col. G. P. Richards MC. The Battalion formed two columns; 38 under Lt-Col

Richards, and after his death, Major W A Cole MC, and 80 column under Major, later Col. R Degg. The

battalion was flown into the Broadway landing ground at the beginning of March, 1944 and moved to White

City mid March, marching out on 30 March. The columns were combined in mid May. The Brigade was in

the vicinity of Mogaung by 1st June

Leslie was initially buried in grave 8:D:1 in Sahmaw War Cemetery (Christian) and reburied in Taukkyan

on 30th July 1954

107

HULYER, Ernest George Aged 24

Ernest Hulyer is commemorated on the Singapore memorial, column 59

No.5836258, Private, Ernest George HULYER

2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment Died of Illness in Captivity on Thursday, 21st September 1944

Ernest George Hulyer was born in Clare on 26th September 1920 (Risbridge Q4-1920 4A:1634), son of

Charles and Emma HULYER (née BARSHAM).

The 1939 register has his parents and 2 brothers at Motts House, Chilton Street, Clare RD. His father

Charles [3/12/1878] was a labourer; mother [16/12/1881]; brothers Willie A [5/5/1909] a ploughman,and

Arthur [25/6/1915] also a ploughman.

His Japanese prisoner of war card actually gives a date of birth as 1926 (typo). It gives his parents address as

Chilton Street, Clare and his occupation as labourer.

He was captured in Singapore on the day of the surrender to the Japanese, 15th February 1942.

108

MINGAY, Dennis Aged 20

Dennis Mingay is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial 75:3

No.C/JX 355338, Able Seaman, Dennis MINGAY H.M.S. "Penelope", R.N.V.R.

Killed in Action on Friday, 18th February 1944

Dennis Mingay was born on 13th September 1923 (Bury St Edmunds Q4-1923 4A:1521), son of William J

and Annie MINGAY (née RANSON).

Royal Navy records have his date of birth as 13th September 1923, in Bury St Edmunds, CWGC have his

age as 19. The only place his surname is MINGEY is on the memorial

In the 1939 register none of the family have been identified

HMS Penelope was an Arethusa class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, launched on 15 October 1935, and

commissioned 13 November 1936. She was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat near Naples on 18

February 1944. On wartime service with Force "K", she was holed so many times by bomb fragments that

she acquired the nickname "HMS Pepperpot". In fact she was damaged by enemy action on very many

occasions and once even spent time in the USA for repairs

On 18 February 1944, HMS "Penelope", under the command of Captain G D Belben, was leaving Naples to

return to the Anzio area when she was torpedoed at 40.55 N 13.25 E by the German submarine U-410 under

the command of Horst-Arno Fenski. A torpedo struck her in the aft engine room and was followed sixteen

minutes later by another torpedo that hit in the aft boiler room, immediately sinking her. 417 of the crew,

including the captain, went down with the ship; 206 survived.

109

HIATT, Thomas Aged 56

No.D/34463, Private, Thomas HIATT medal entitlement unknown but at least Defence Medal

6th (Home Depot) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Died on Monday, 2nd June 1941

His headstone gives his birth in 1885 and his wife as Florence born 1885. That makes it likely that she is the

Flora Ann HIATT at Dash End Clare in 1939 with Walter COOPER [66] an incapacitated retired farm

bailiff (possible she was his housekeeper). The only Thomas HIATT of the correct age was an unemployed

groom Thomas HIATT born 1885 at 14 Spencer Road, Battersea.

The only death registration seemingly applicable was in Bath (Q3-1941 5C:1128) No marriage of these

names has been found but transcription errors can make this surname change in many ways

Thomas, being in CGWC records as 6th Battalion Suffolk Regiment is somewhat surprising given his age.

The grave is maintained by CWGC.

So far that is all that has been found, no positive identification of birth registration, nor marriage.

110

POSLINGFORD WAR MEMORIAL

At the entrance to the churchyard of St Mary's, Poslingord is a stone Celtic cross, unvoided, above a tapered

plinth, standing on one step and a concrete base. The names of the fallen and the dedication are incised on

three faces of the tapered plinth.

The memorial was unveiled by Lt.Gen. Sir Charles Briggs K.C.B.,K.C.M.G. on the 3rd of April 1921, and

dedicated by local clergy( more details in the Suffolk Free Press of 13th April 1921. The order of service

and photograph is held at the Records Office, Bury St.Edmunds ref: FL615/5/10. It was re-dedicated on 5th

November 1950 by the Arch-Deacon of Sudbury.

111

The dedication, on the East face, reads:-

TO

THE GLORY OF GOD

AND IN HONOURED MEMORY

OF THE MEN OF POSLINGFORD

WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

IN THE GREAT WAR

1914-1918

and on the step below

south face north face

The Church of St.Mary's, Poslingford

112

CARDY, Fred Aged 30


Fred Cardy is buried in Pozières British Cemetery, grave 2:J:17

No.74434, Gunner, Fred CARDY 140th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 10th April 1917

Fred Cardy was born in West Bergholt, Essex (Lexden Q3-1886 4A:541), son of Robert and Priscilla

CARDY (née ALLINGTON).

1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Kings Farm, West Bergholt with his father Robert CARDY [36] farm

labourer born Wormingford, Essex; his mother Priscilla [29] born Wormingford; brothers Albert [8] born

Wormingford, Bertie [6] born West Bergholt; sister Edith M [4 months] born West Bergholt; widowed

grandmother Mary A.Allington [72] born Wiston, Suffolk

1901 census...Aged 14, farm worker, he was at Kings Farm Cottages with his parents (father, horseman);

brothers Albert W (domestic gardener), Bertie (farm worker) and frank Samuel [1] born West Bergholt;

sisters Edith M.A. and Alice May [5] born West Bergholt.

1911 census...Aged 24, single, an insurance agent, he was boarding with Walter and Laura PALMER in

Flempton, nr. Bury St.Edmunds. His parents were at Chipley Abbey Farm, Poslingford (father the farm

bailiff) with brothers Albert William (farm worker), Frank Samuel and Edward Joseph Robert [6] born

Poslingford; sisters Edith Mary Ann and Alice May.

He married Daisy BOWLES in Bothal, Northumberland on 15th April 1914. They had two daughters, Linda

Rosemary [3rd March 1915] and Cynthia Daisy [2nd July 1916], both born in Peterborough.

After his death, 23rd April 1919, his widow completed the "Living Relatives" form for the Army, entering

herself and the two daughters as living at 71 Huntley Grove, Peterborough, Fred's parents, brothers Fred and

Edward, sister Edith and Alice all living at Chipley Abbey Farm, Poslingford; brother Albert in Australia

and brother Bert in Haringey.

He attested in Peterborough for the Royal Artillery on 9th November 1915, giving his age as 29 years 3

months, a married insurance superintendent for Prudential.He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, chest 34" to 37". he

was living at 71 Huntley Grove, Peterborough. Placed on Reserves, he was mobilised at Great Yarmouth

on 10th April 1916.; Posted to 140 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on 30th May 1916, on 1st August

1916 he went from Southampton to le Havre to

join the BEF.. He was in hospital from 4th to 8th

July 1917 as servant to 2nd Lt Scobie. He died of

his wounds, received in action, on 10th April

1917, at No 3 Casualty Clearing Station and was

buried in Pozières. Exactly where he was

wounded in not known. No 3 CCS was at Aveluy,

just north of Albert in April 1917. Fred's personal

belongings sent to his widow consisted of :-

mirror in case, cigarette case, tobacco pouch, 2

pipes, gold ring, disc, letters, photos, and a franc

note. Daisy was awarded a weekly pension of 22

shilling 11 pence (£1.15.

113

DAINES, Alfred Aged 29

photo: Roy Beardsworth Alfred Daines is commemorated on the Pozières memorial, panels 40 and 41

No.242084, Private, Alfred DAINES 2nd/5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment formerly No. 5871, Gloucestershire Regiment formerly No.2373, 5th Bn., Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Thursday, 21st March 1918

Alfred Daines was born in Ovington, Essex (Risbridge Q3-1888 4A:621), son of Charles and [Sarah] Ann

DAINES (née SMEE ?).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was in Poslingford with his father Charles DAINES [48] farm labourer; his mother

Ann [44]; brothers Thomas [21] (farm labourer) and Charles [12] (all born in Toppesfield, Essex); sisters

Susannah [7], Elizabeth [5] and Beatrice [4]; brother William [10] (all born in Ovington, Esseex).

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at The Street, Poslingford with his parents (fathernow stockman); brothers

Lewis (Thomas?)[32] unemployed and William (farm labourer); sisters Grace (Elizabeth ?) and Beatrice.

1911 census...Aged 22, farm labourer, he was at Poslingford with his parents (father a milkman on farm);

niece Olive DAINES [3] born Clacton (parentage not identified).His mother had borne 12 children but three

had died.

He enlisted in Clare. The Gloucestershire Regiment, uniquely in the British Army, wear two badge on the

hats, one at the front and a slightly smaller one at the back. This honour was bestowed upon them in

recognition of their efforts when surrounded by the enemy in the Battle of Alexandria in 1801.

The battalion, part of 184th Brigade were in Holnon Wood, with the 2nd/4th Ox and Bucks in front line,

2nd/4th Berkshire at Ugny. The war diary:- 21/3/18 - 4:30 am - Enemy bombardment opens and continuous

until 11:30 am with E and gas. Weather misty until mid day. Battn ordered to battle stations at 5 am. At 1

pm enemy break through forward zone form line 500 yards front of battle zone. No attack on battle zone.

Dispositions B Coy R front, A Coy L front, C Coy counter-attack, D Coy passive defence. Three officers

wounded" CWGC records show 35 of the battalion killed this day, 19 with no known grave

the position on 21st March 1918

114

HICKS, Charles Aged 41


Charles Hicks is buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, grave 1:G:28

No.20272, Private, Charles HICKS 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Thursday, 2nd March 1916

Charles Hicks was born in Clare (Risbridge Q1-1873 4A:483), son of Frederick and Sarah HICKS (née BAREHAM).

1881 census...Aged 8, he was at The Cottages in The Street,Poslingford with his father Frederick HICKS [42] labourer, born Poslingford; his mother Sarah [44] born Hundon; brothers Harry John [17] labourer born Poslingford, Arthur [12] labourer born Clare and Albert [3] born Poslingford; sisters Mary Ann [11] and Alice [5] both born in Clare.

1891 census...Aged 18, farm labourer, he was in Poslingford with his parents (father now a tailor); brothers George [19] farm labourer born Clare and Albert (gardener's assistant); niece Florence HICKS [2] born Poslingford (parentage unknown)

1901 census...Aged 28, farm labourer, he was at The Street, Poslingford with his parents; brother Albert (farm labourer) and niece Florence.

1911 census...Aged 38, single,farm labourer, he was still in Poslingford with his parents (father now recorded as retired farm labourer). His mother had borne 8 children but one had died. He enlisted in Clare. The 2nd Battalion, Suffolks was in it's assembly area on the night of 1st March near Bedford House on the St.Eloi-Ypres road. They were to try and retake our trenches recently lost to the Germans The attack started at 0445 'B', 'C' and 'D' companies on the south side of the Bluff. Immediately star shells were sent up by the Germans turning night into day. Our artillery then opened up on their 2nd line, our troops already being through the first line, having taken the enemy by surprise. 'A' company on the left was not so lucky, being caught by a counter barrage before they could leave King Street. By 0700 the lost trenches had been re captured. The ground was in a terrible state, churned up by the barrages and the battalion left the line sparsely occupied while they returned to the assembly trenches. An enemy barrage continued all day, but our artillery countered effectively. A successful operation result in the recapture of all the ground previously lost, but at the cost of 250 casualties out of the 500 employed. It was, incidentally, the first operation when they wore the newly issued steel helmets (the tin hats). CWGC records 53 killed, and only 6 having an identified grave.

115

HICKFORD, Herbert James Aged 24


Herbert Hickford is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, grave 8:G:14

No.240550, Private, Herbert James HICKFORD 1st/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment formerly No 2369, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Friday, 2nd November 1917

Herbert James Hickford was born in Posligford (Risbridge Q3-1893 4A:708), baptised in St Mary's,

Poslingford on 8th August 1894, son of George and Susannah HICKFORD (née ATKINSON).

1901 census...Aged 7, he was at Church Street, Poslingford with his widowed grandmother Maria

ATKINSON [61]; uncle Willie ATKINSON [31] horseman. All born in Poslingford. His parent were next

door. His father George HICKFORD [36] stockman born Clare; his mother Susannah [35]; brothers

Walter[6] and Ernest [1]; sister Florence [3]. All except his father born in Poslingford.

1911 census...Aged 17, farm labourer, he was at Poslingford with his uncle Willie ATKINSON,

grandmother Maria ATKINSON and his sister Florence [13] born Poslingford. His parents were in

Poslingford with his brothers Walter (farm labourer), Ernest and Albert [8] and sister Elsie [7] both born in

Poslingford.


The 1st/5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment were involved in the 3rd battle for Gaza. Zero for the attack was 3

am on 2nd November 1917. The objective for the Suffolks was a 6,000 yards front from Umbrella Hill to

the sea at Sheikh Hassan, Sheikh Hassan being 3,000 yards from their start point. The first line trenches at

El Arish Redoubt were soon cleared, then the second and third lines. As their flank was then exposed they

withdrew to the second line. By the morning of the 7th the Turks had all gone but at the cost to the Suffolks

of 150 casualties.

CWGC have 34 killed on the 2nd, all bar 5 buried in Gaza War Cemetery.

116

MARTIN, Arthur Aged 23


Arthur Martin is buried in Warry Copse Cemetery, Courcells-le-Comte, grave A:36

No.S/42253, Private, Arthur MARTIN 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders

Killed in Action on Friday, 23rd August 1918

Arthur Martin was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q3-1894 4A:663), son of George and Julia MARTIN (née

HONEYBALL).


mother Julia [26] born Wickhambrook and his brother Frederick [2]. All except his mother born in

Poslingford.


1911 census...Aged 16, a farm labourer, he was in Poslingford with his father, step mother Hannah [37]

born Long Melford and brother Frederick.

His brother Frederick died of his wounds at home July 1918

He enlisted in Clare on 8th September 1914 in 2nd/5th Suffolk Regiment No 2368, giving his age as 20 He

was 5 feet 5.5 inches tall, chest 36"to 37". Next of kin was father George Martin.

It is hard to explain without more documentation why he then spent so long in UK, but on 9th February

1918 he was transferred to the 3rd Reserve Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and on to 52nd Training Reserve

Battalion, before being sent to France to join the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders on 25th May 1918. He

was admitted to hospital on 15th July with P.U.O (Pyrexia unknown origin- Army speak for don't know

what is wrong with him). Returning to his unit on 15th July he was killed in action on 23rd August. On the

living relatives form his father is at Cranfield Cottages,Long Melford, his brother Fred having been killed.

The war diary has:-

23/8/18 - When the attack started the two right flank Coys met some opposition on the RAILWAY

EMBANKMENT half way to their objective and were exposed to considerable MG fire from their right and

right rear - They dug in however well on the flank and undoubtedly saved a large number of casualties in

the assaulting battalion.. The 2nd

Division went through at 11 am and this

relieved the pressure - about 4 pm the

Battn moved forwards to a position just

SE of GOMIECOURT and dug

themselves in. The night passed quietly

on the front except for some gas shelling

between the VILLAGE and the RAILWAY

EMBANKMENT

CWGC have 36 killed, 10 of them with

no known grave.

117

MARTIN, Frederick Aged 18 There is some confusion here between the Martins in Clare and in Poslingford It does beg the question as to why two brothers would be on the Poslingford memorial and only one at Clare? Further research (or a relative's help) is required

Frederick Martin is buried in Long Melford (Holy Trinity) Churchyard


1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers formerly 290195, Cambridgeshire Regiment

formerly 3091, Suffolk Regiment Died of his Wounds on Tuesday, 16th July 1918

Frederick Martin was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q4-1898 4A:779), son of George and Julia MARTIN

(née HONEYBALL).

He may well be the brother of Harry Martin, son of Harry and Jane, but that military death connection has

not been established


mother Julia [26] born Wickhambrook and his brother Arthur [6]. All except his mother born in Poslingford.


1911 census...Aged 12, he was in Poslingford with his father, step mother Hannah [37] born Long Melford

and brother Arthur (farm labourer).

They appear to have moved to Clare after 1914, before moving on to Long Melford

His brother Arthur was killed in action serving in France in the Gordon Highlanders in August 1918

He enlisted in Sudbury. He had clearly added to his age as the CWGC have him as aged 21.

With no Army service record available, it is impossible to say here where or when exactly he was wounded.

118

PARNELL, Frederick William Aged 20

photo: Rodney Gibson Frederick Parnell is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, 14:B:7

No.R/624, Able Seaman, Frederick William PARNELL

Anson Battalion, R.N.Div., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 7th November 1917

Frederick William Parnell was born in Poslingford on 12th September 1897 (Risbridge Q4-1897 4A:769),

baptised in Poslingford St Mary's on 1st January 1898, son of Walter Warren and Eliza PARNELL (née

RIVETT).

1901 census...Aged 3, he was at Shepherd and Dog, Poslingford with his father Walter W [45] innkeeper

born in Mayland, Essex, his mother Eliza [43] born Clare; brothers Harry [14] farm labourer and his twin

brother Walter W; sister Catherine P [17] and Ethel E [12]. All the children were born in Poslingford.

1911 census...Aged 13, he was at The Shepherd and Dog, Poslingford with his parents; sister Catherine and

brother Harry and Walter. His mother had borne 12 children but 3 had since died.

An elder brother Edward had served from June 1902 in the 4th ad the 5th Dragoon Guards, with 6 years in

South Africa (1902 to 1908) before discharge through ill health on 11th May 1917,

He enlisted initially on 5th June 1916 and placed on Army Reserve until 17th January 1917 when he was

discharged and enrolled in the Royal Navy Division. He gave his date of birth as 12th September 1897, a

farm labourer, address Shepherd and Dog Inn, Poslingford, where father Walter W Parnell was innkeeper.

He was 5 feet 5.25 inches tall, weighed 114 lbs, chest 34.5"m brown hair, blue eyes and Church of England.

In August 1914 there were 20,000 to 30,000 Naval Reservists more than

was needed to man the ships, so 2 Naval Brigades and one Marine

brigade were formed to fight on land. It was No 2 Naval Brigade, which

became the 189th Brigade, to which the Anson battalion was attached and

to which Frederick was posted.

Since he died of his wounds there is no way of telling exactly when or

where he was wounded but the brigade was fighting the the 3rd battle of

Ypres at the end of October/beginning of November 1917. They had just

taken Varlet Farm, south east of Poelcappelle.

119

RAWLINSON, Joseph Aged 37

Joseph Rawlinson is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval grave 2:K:7

No.18335, Private, Joseph RAWLINSON

2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Thursday, 20th July 1917

Joseph Rawlinson was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q3-1879 4A:503), son of William and Elizabeth

RAWLINSON (née BORLEY) The surname on official documents is continually changing, Rawlinson,

Rawlingson, Rollinson, but the family in all cases comprises the same group. The only item that jars is the

only birth registration found is late 1879 and that does not tie in with the census age, but it seems the

baptismal date was been used for some reason. The baptism record clearly shows birth on 18th July 1879

and baptism on 2nd May 1880 in St Mary's Poslingford

1881 census...Aged 11 months, he was at New England, Poslingford with his father William ROLLINSON

[43] labourer; his mother Elizabeth [44]; brothers Charlie [18], John [16] both labourers and Alfred [11];

sisters Emma [6], Elizabeth [4] and Kate [2].All were born in Poslingford, all Rollinson..

1891 census...Aged 11,he was at New England, Poslingford with his parents (mother recorded as born in

Hawkedon) and sister Elizabeth. All Rawlinson.

1901 census...Aged 21, a coal carman, he was lodging with the Blackman family at 95 Bovill Road,

Lewisham. His parents and sister Elizabeth were in New England, Poslingford, all RAWLINSON, and

mother recorded as Hawkedon born . In Q4-1902 in Lewisham, Joseph Rowlinson married Rose Ellen

GARWOOD. His father died in 1904. Sister Elizabeth then married Frederick BIGG and in 1911, Joseph's

mother was living with the BIGG family in Knettishall near Thetford.

1911 census...Aged 31, a farm labourer, he was at The Street, Poslingford with his wife Ellen Rose [31]

born Cavenham, Suffolk and their daughters Doris Rose [6], Lottie Nellie Ethel [4] and Kathleen Annie [2]

and son Joseph William [3 months]

Rose Ellen married John F. BARTON in Q3-1918 and lived at Blacksmiths Hill, Poslingford.

He enlisted in Clare. On the 20th July, during the Battle of the Somme, the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment were assembled and deployed in Pont Street, taking part in the renewed attacks on Longueval and Delville Wood. The artillery barrage lifted while it was still dark and the advance began. Again, from Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment" :- The two Suffolk companies in the forward line moved in double lines of platoons with a front of 140 yards each. Much bitter fighting followed, which, though indecisive locally, enabled a footing to be gained in High Wood by a division containing another Suffolk battalion - the 4th, and the British line to be linked up thence with Longueval. The casualties in the 2nd battalion were heavy.... In fact 113 were killed.

120

ADDISON, Frederick George Aged 28

Photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Frederick Addison is buried in Kanchanburi War Cemetery grave 8:H:43

No.5828683, Corporal, Frederick George ADDISON 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died in Captivity on Thursday, 3rd June 1943

Frederick George Addison was born in Poslingford on 25th October 1913 (Risbridge Q4-1913 4A:1720) son

of Sidney George [1884] and Ada [1888] ADDISON (née HURST).

In 1939 his parents, brother Leslie John [1916] and sister Mary Elizabeth [1922] (later GREEN) were at 1

Clapton Hall Cottages, Poslingford (1 closed record).

A farm labourer, he married Dorothy Beatrice WORDLEY ( Q1-1940 Newmarket) who was working at

Poslingford Hall in 1939. They lived at Stour Street, Cavendish and Dorothy married Leslie E. MOTT in

1946.

He was captured on 15th February 1942 on the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese.

Frederick was initially buried at Bantona B, kilometre 173.7 and re-interred in Kanchanburi in March 1946.

121

MANSFIELD, Robert Clifford Aged 30


Robert Mansfield is buried in Florence War Cemetery grave 1:F:

No.1676452, Gunner, Robert Clifford MANSFIELD 51st Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery

Died on Monday, 12th February 1945

Robert Clifford Mansfield was born in Poslingford (Risbridge Q2-1914 4A:1725) son of Samuel William

[1875] and Caroline [1879] MANSFIELD (née BOWERS).

In 1939 his parents have not been identified.

A poultry plucker, he married Elsie RAWLINSON ( Q4-1937 Risbridge). They lived in 1939 at The Street,

Poslingford (2 closed records)

He was the only one of his unit to die that day. The Battle for Monte Castello was in full swing, and a little

known fact, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force with the Americans eventually took that objective.

The involvement of 51 LAA in Italy at the time is so far undiscovered.

122

SCOTT, David Somerville Aged 22


David Scott is buried in Ranville War Cemetery grave 5:D:10

No.214847, Lieutenant, David Somerville SCOTT 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars

Killed in Action on Friday, 21st July 1944

David Somerville Scott was born in 1922 (Farnham Q1-1922 2A:287), son of Col. Arthur Elliott Somerville

[1879] and Helen Phyllis SCOTT (née ATKINSON) of Ifield Sussex, late of Poslingford.

In 1939 his father was an Honorary Flt/Lt in the RAFVR and was living at the Red Lion Hotel, Butchergate,

Carlisle. David and his mother have not been identified in 1939 but his mother is believed to have been in

the Bury St Edmunds area.

The 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars became the Armoured Reconnaissance regiment of the 7th Armoured

Division in 1943. They landed in Normandy on 9th June 1944.

The unique "tent hat" of the officers of the regiment..still continued in the Queen's Royal Hussars

123

STOKE BY CLARE WAR MEMORIAL

Undated postcard..around early 1920's

124

The Stoke by Clare war memorial is a Portland stone obelisk on a square plinth stood on two steps

and a base. Sited beside the old school in the south east corner of the village green, almost hidden

at times when the hedge has not been clipped, it was unveiled on 23rd January 1921 by Field

Marshall Sir William R. Robertson Bart G.C.B, G.C.M.B., K.C.V.O., D.S.O. and dedicated by The

Rt Rev Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Sudbury. Reported in the East Anglian Daily Times of 25th

January 1921. The dedication on the face of the obelisk reads:-

TO THE

MEMORY

OF THE MEN

OF STOKE

WHO FELL IN

THE GREAT WAR

1914-1919

and below on the face of the plinth the name (christian name, surname) in two columns, in

alphabetical surname order, except for Alfred Jay who appears to have been added later to the left

hand column

125

Then on the faces on the plinth on either side are the names and initials of those who served, with

the rank of all those above the rank of Private, 39 on the left side, and 40 on the right side, all in

three columns, Army first, then Navy, all in alphabetical order of surname within each service.

On the step below the face has been added:-

1939 - 1945

C. COURT R. MAY H. WARDEN

A glazed 1914-1918 Roll of Honour inside the church

1939-1945 Roll of Honour

126

St John the Baptist's Stoke by Clare

127

BAREHAM, Walter Aged 35


Walter Bareham is buried in Bleuet Farm Cemetery, grave 1:E:22 No.223190, Private, Walter BAREHAM

226th Div. Employment Coy, Labour Corps formerly 51576, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

formerly 6892 Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) Killed in Action on Tuesday, 7th August 1917

Walter Bareham was born in Stoke by Clare on 26th July 1882 (Risbridge Q3-1882 4A:562), son of Daniel

and Eliza BAREHAM (née PLEDGER). Admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in March

1985, when living at The Green.

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Cottage, Mill Lane, Stoke by Clare with his father Daniel BAREHAM [46]

farm labourer born Toppesfield; his mother Eliza [44] born Stoke; brothers Arthur [18], Alfred [13], Herbert

[1] and widowed grandmother Susannah [83]. All except his father were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 18, a brickfield labourer, he was boarding at 119 Shortlands Road, Sittingbourne, Kent

with the PRICE family. His parents were still in Stoke with his brother Herbert [11] and sister Miriam [9].

He married Alice Bobby on 24 April 1909, who later re-married, in 1921, to Charles BEST of The Rising

Sun, Swanscombe, Kent

1911 census...Aged 28, a cement labourer, he was at 75 High Street, Galley Hill, Swanscombe with his wife

Alice [24] born Swanscombe and their son Walter John [23rd April 1910]. His parents and brother Herbert

(domestic gardener) were at The Green, Stoke by Clare.

Further children were Constance Alice [26 July 1911], Leslie George [8th March 1913] and Frederick

Alfred [20th Nov 1915], all born in Swanscombe. Living Relatives form completed by his widow in 1919 ,

she and the four children were in Swanscombe, his parents were both still in Stoke by Clare.

He enlisted in Gravesend, when resident in

Swanscombe, Kent

Enlisting in Gravesend on 11th 1915, he gave

his occupation as Publican, aged 33, born Stoke

by Clare, he was 5 feet 8.5 inches, weighed 182

lbs, chest 39" to 42". Embarked at Southampton

for Le Havre on 22nd November 1916 and

joined 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers in the field

on 10th December. Transferred to Brigade

Tunnelling Coy on 22st January 19167 and then

transferred to 226 Divisional Employment

Company, Labour Corps on 20th June 1917. His

service record does not say where he was when

killed and since he was in the Labour Corps by

then there is little chance of finding the location.

128

BEAVIS, Bertie Aged 21

photo; Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Bertie Beavis is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, grave 2:D:10 No.15862, Private, Bertie BEAVIS 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Friday, 29th September 1915

Bertie Beavis was born in Stoke by Clare on 18th September 1894 (Risbridge Q4-1894 4A:723), baptised in

St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 18th November 1894, son of Walter and Jane BEAVIS (née PERRY).

Admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in 1897. The transcription gives his date of birth as

18th October, but the original has half the entry missing. The September date is from the baptismal records.

1901 census...Aged 6, he was at Upper Green, Stoke by Clare with his father Walter BEAVIS [32] farm

labourer; his mother Jane [31]; brother William [11]; sisters Daisy [4], Edith [3] and Beatrice [1]. All were

born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 16, a farm labourer, he was in Stoke by Clare with his parents; sisters Daisy, Beatrice

and Ellen [9] and brother Ernest [5]. The new siblings were born in Stoke by Clare. His mother had lost 2 of

her seven children, which must have been brother William and sister Edith but those death registrations have

not been found.

He enlisted in Haverhill.

The 9th Suffolks arrived in France on August 30th 1915 and were billeted near the coast for three weeks

until on 21st September they started what was to be a 4 night march in pouring rain to Bethune arriving at 1

am on 25th. There they expected a 48 hours rest in billets, instead of which they were ordered into the battle

line near Vermelles at 11:30 am.

Since Bertie died of wounds in a base hospital and his service record is not available, it is impossible to say

exactly where or when he was wounded, but it would have been around the Hulluch area. His "Soldier's

Effects" entry has him killed in action which obviously is incorrect.

129

BOWERS, Charles Aged 37 most likely to be

Charles Bowers is buried in Stoke by Clare cemetery.

No.98482, Private Charles BOWERS

16th Company, Labour Corps formerly 31294, Labour Bn, Royal Berkshire Regiment

formerly 35956 Royal Fusiliers Died in 1919

Charles Bowers was born in Stoke by Clare on 30th April 1882 (Risbridge Q2-1882 4A:575) Baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 27th July 1890, son of Henry and Hannah BOWERS (née BAREHAM

). His father was the son of Caroline BRUTY, who later married Charles BOWERS so it is possible he

might be found using the BRUTY surname, his father appears to have married as Charles Henry BRUTY.

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in April 1887 when living at Mill Green

1891 census...Aged 9, he was at Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare with his father Henry BOWERS [42] farm

servant born Ashen, Essex; his mother Hannah [40]; brothers George [15] and James [13] both farm hands,

brother Frederick [10 months]. All except his father were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 19, a builder's carter, he was at Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare with his parents and

brothers James (farm labourer) and Frederick.

1911 census...Aged 29, he was still in Chapel Street with his parents and brother James. There is no record

of children surviving but his Army "Soldier's Effects" entry in 1922 give his father as deceased ( apparently

in 1918) and only two brothers alive, James in Stoke by Clare and Frederick in the Royal Marines at

Chatham. The fate of brother George is unknown.

A Charles Bowers died aged 37 at 54 Chapel Street, Stoke by Care on 19th September 1919 from Phthisis

(tuberculosis) (Risbridge Q3-1919 4A:962), (brother Frederick the informant and present at death) who may

well be the man

He enlisted in Bury St Edmund on 17th January 1916 and was placed on Reserve. The medical form is

missing, but he stated he was 34 years 9 months old, a builder's carter fromMobilised Stoke by Clare, father

Henry Bowers. Mobilised in Bury St Edmunds on 5th 1916, initially 35956, 7th Bn., Royal Fusiliers, he was

transferred to the 13th Labour Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment in 19th August 1916. His fitness

classification of B1 probably being the reason for transfer to the Labour Battalion, Then on 19th September

1916 he was posted to the BEF in France/Flanders. He managed to get a months leave at home in February

1917. Transferred to to the Labour Corps, 165 Company, on 9th May 1917. Later that year he seems to have

suffered illness or wounds as he was admitted to Bury St Edmunds Military Hospital . The date of admission

is not known but it is recorded that he was released to return to France on 29th December 1917.

He remained in the BEF until 12th February 1919 and returned to UK for demobilisation on 13th March

1919. His records have an entry "Died after demob".His mother completed the Army "Living Relatives"

130

form in 1922, stating that his father was dead, brother James was living with her at Chapel Street, Stoke by

Clare and his brother Frederick was in the Royal Marines at Chatham.

The cause of death on his death certificate does not indicate any Army service connection, and his Army

documentation mentions no illnesses at the time of his demob, therefore he is not on the National Book of

Remembrance by CWGC.

Exactly where he now rests is currently unknown but is is assumed to be the Cemetery in Stoke by Clare.

This another example of the difficulty of establishing the facts when a man survived the war, only

to die before 31st August 1921. At least Charles Bower's Army service record, in part, still

survives. Possibly the local Records Office will have his burial details, since death certificates do

not give this fact.

It is in cases such as this where relatives can be of the greatest help.

Charles is not on the CWGC records, and his death certificate does not link his death with his

military service. That is almost certain to preclude him being recognised for the National Book of

Remembrance, despite the fact that is seems more than likely that some form of TB had been

contracted during his Army service. No where has any documentation been found to help.

BROWN, George

Currently no idea at all as to civilian or military identity

131

BRUTY, Arthur Aged 20


Arthur Bruty is buried in Favreuil British Cemetery, grave 2:B:25

No.G/47618, Private, Arthur BRUTY

4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers(City of London Regiment) Killed in Action on Tuesday, 20th November 1917

Arthur Bruty was born 30th January 1897 (Risbridge Q1-1897 4A:779), son of George and Emma BRUTY

(née MEARS). He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in April 1901 when living at

Stoke Road.

1901 census...Aged 4, he was at Stoke Road, Clare with his father George BRUTY [34] horsekeeper; his

mother Emma [33]; brother George [13] (cattle man on farm); sisters Agnes [11], Edith [9] and Jessie [6].

All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 14, farm labourer, he was at Half Way House. Stoke Road, Clare with his parents;

brother George (farm labourer); sisters Jessie and Evelyn [5]. All the children are now recorded as born in

Clare.

They were later at Burnt House, Stoke by Clare.


Three Royal Fusilier Battalions (2nd, 8th and 9th) took part in the attack on the opening day of the Battle of

Cambrai which commenced at 6:20 on 20th November 1917, but the 4th had been in Fremicourt, training

and supplying working parties until told to hold themselves ready to move at a moments notice. That meant

they were busy dumping surplus baggage and kit. Somehow that day, being in support, they managed to

have 5 killed according to CWGC. All this around Noyelles and Equancourt.

132

DRANE, Percy Aged 19

Percy Drane is buried in Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery, grave 2:D:10

No.13233, Private, Percy DRANE 10th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Killed in Action on Sunday, 9th April 1916 Percy Drane was born in Stoke by Clare on 30th March 1897 (Risbridge Q2-1897), baptised in St John the

Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 27th May 1897, son of Jesse and Charlotte DRANE (née WARREN).

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in March 1900 and left on March 29th 1911

on reaching the age of 14.

1901 census...Aged 4, he was at Upper Green, Stoke by Clare with his father Albert Jesse DRANE [35]

railway platelayer; his mother Charlotte [33] born Birdbrook; sister Agatha E [13] born Birdbrook; brothers

Alfred J [9] and Harry A [6]. All except his other and sister were born in Stoke by Clare. Also there was his

cousin Percy O.H.DRANE [7 months] born Wixoe.

1911 census...Aged 14, he was at Station Row, Stoke by Clare with his parents (both now recorded as born

at Baythorne End); brothers Alfred Jess (farm labourer) and Harry Abraham (apprentice harness maker) and

sister Dorothy Ivy [9] born Stoke by Clare.

He enlisted in Haverhill. The most Easterly part of the line in that

area, before the battle of the Somme. Battalion war diary for 9th

April:

Z2 sub sector. All quiet during day, 2 officers and 4 NCO returned

form Grenade School. Work in Trenches, great deal to be done in

improvements. "Arrow Heads" in Main Avenue and Mersea Street

started

7:40 pm Enemy's heavy transport heard between Montauban and

Briquetterie.

9.45 pm enemy train heard at Montauban.

2/lt Wearne and two men went out on patrol to inspect enemy's wire.Nothing unusual to be seen.

Three wiring parties 1..in front of A16/1 and in front of SQUARE, 50 yards done, 2..in front of A16/2, A16/3

and A16/4 110 yards done, 3..in front of Mersea St 85 yards done. Pte DRANE killed while wiring in front

of SQUARE". Percy's was their only death that day.

Originally he was buried in 1:B:4 in Maricourt Military cemetery but in 1915 the 260 British there were

moved to Cerisy-Gailly. There were three cemeteries at one time in Maricourt but only the Peronne Road

Cemetery was retained.The site of Percy's original cemetery can clearly be seen from the air at certain times

of the year, as below

133

FARRANT, Frank Aged 41

Frank Farrant is buried in St Nicholas British Cemetery, grave 1:G:4

No.68366, Corporal, Frank FARRANT 121st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery Killed in Action on Sunday, 22nd April 1917

Frank Farrant was born at The Street, Stoke by Clare on 18th April 1876 (Risbridge Q2-1876 4A:500),

baptised in St John The Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 25th June 1876, son of Robert and Eliza FARRANT (née

BAREHAM ). He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in April 1879.

1881 census...Aged 3, he was at The Green, Stoke by Clare with his father Robert FARRANT [45]

carpenter; his mother Eliza [43] born Clare; sisters Elizabeth [19] born Clare, Gerty [9] and Tryphena [2];

brothers William [18] (no occupation given), Robert [14] G.E.R.Clerk, Thomas [7] and Gerald [7 months].

All except his mother and sister Elizabeth were born in Stoke by Clare.

1891 census...Aged 14, he was at The Cottage, Stoke Green, Stoke by Clare with his parents (mother now

recorded as born Chilton); sister Tryphena and brother Gerald. His father died in 1892.

1901 census...Aged 24 he has not been found in this census but his enlistment forms in 1915 stated he has

been in the 2nd Bn, Rifle Brigade previously, so maybe this is the explanation. His widowed mother was at

School Green, Stoke by Clare with his brother Gerald C (printer/compositor). Brother Thomas Richard was

at the Salvation Army hostel in Whitechapel.

On 3rd August 1904 he married Elizabeth DENTON in Bayswater, London. Their son Geoffrey John was

born 13th May 1905. Elzabeth died on 1906.

1911 census...Aged 34, widower, a printer's warehouseman, he was boarding with the WORLEY family at

54 Raymond Road, Upton Park East, West Ham. His mother was alone "near the Vicarage", Stoke by Clare.

His son Geoffrey was living with his aunt, Frank's sister Mrs Gertrude LING and her family in Stoke by

Clare.

He married Annie Henrietta Blanche MEAD in 1911 (Romford Q4-1911). Their son Frank William was

born 24th December 1912 and daughter Hazel Annie was born 198th December 1914. They lived at 96

Ripple Road, Barking. In 1922 the "Living Relatives" has his widow and all three children living at 96

Ripple Road and his mother still in Stoke by Clare

He enlisted in Barking on 10th December 1915 and was placed on the Reserves. He gave his age as 39 years

8 months, was 5 feet 7 inches tall, chest 33.5" to 38", Church of England, a printer's warehouseman from 96

Ripple Road, Barking. He had previously served in the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Mobilised in Dover on

29th February 1916 into the Royal Garrison Artillery. Posted to 121st Siege Battery on 26th April 1916, he

was promoted to Corporal on 1st June 1916 and on 10th July 1917, via Folkestone-Boulogne, he joined the

BEF in France where he was killed in action on 22nd April 1917.

The action then was around Arras and although Siege Batteries were back from the front line, they were of

course usually within range of the enemy guns. The Battery consisted of six 60 pounder guns. That day

Gunner Hewes from the Isle of Wight was killed alongside Frank and is buried beside him in Arras.

134

R.G.A. 60 pounder

FRANK, William Stanley Aged 38


William Frank is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli panel 72

No.12/107, Private, William Stanley FRANK

3rd Coy, Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F. formerly South African Light Horse

Died of his Wounds on Sunday, 25th April 1915

135

Queen's South Africa Medal

William Stanley Frank was born on 26th November 1876 in Finchley (Barnet Q1-1877 3A:179), son of

William and Laura Emily FRANK (née GOOCH).

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in April 1879.

1881 census...Aged 4 he was at Uplands, Winchmore Hill. Edmonton with his father William FRANK [26]

African merchant and commission agent born Brixton, Surrey; his mother Laura E [24] born Bow,

Middlesex; sister Ethel E.M. [2] born Finchley; brother Leslie E [1] born Southgate; uncle Harry [17]

commercial oil broker's clerk born Brixton

1891 census...Aged 14, he was at 21 Holmsdale Gardens, Holy Trinity, Hastings at school (John

STEWARD -Head).

1901 census...Aged 24 he was in South Africa with the South African Light Horse. His parents were in

Flitwick, Bedfordshire, father an export commission agent.

He emigrated to New Zealand in 1908.

1911 census...Aged 34, he was in New Zealand His parents ( father now retired) were at "Laddenvean", nr

Station, Stoke by Clare.

He enlisted in Auckland on 12th August 1914, giving his age as 34 years 9 months, a storeman with

Dalegetty Co, Auckland, living at 26 Upper Vincent Street, Auckland. He was 6 feet tall, weighed 167 lbs,

chest 34" to 38", grey eyes, dark hair, Church of England. His next of kin was his father William of Stoke

by Clare, but later changed to 9 Alexander Road, Sible Hedingham. That was also later changed to his uncle

Harold at Standard Bank of South Africa, New York, USA.

He also stated that he had served 12 months with the South African Light Horse.

He sailed from New Zealand on 12th October 1914 on No.12 Transport, reaching Egypt 4th December. He

then went to the Dardanelles on 12th April 1915. Reported as wounded (shot in stomach) and then missing,

he was officially presumed to have died on 25tjh April 1915.

His entry in Du Ruvigny's Roll of Honour reads :-

FRANK, WILLIAM STANLEY, Private, No 12/107, Auckland Infantry Battn.New Zealand Expeditionary

Force, eldest s.of William Frank of Stoke-by-Clare, co.Suffolk, by his wife, Laura Emily, dau of Capt.Edwin

Gooch, R.N.R.; b North Finchley, London, N., 26 Nov.1876; educ University School, Hastings; served in the

South African War 1899-1902, attached to the South African Light Horse;went to New Zealand in 1908 and

whilst there he was engaged at a store; volunteered for Imperial Service on the outbreak of war in Aug.1914

and joined the Auckland Infantry Battn; left for Egypt, and from there went to the Dardanelles in 1915, and

was killed in action there 25 April following; unm.

136

INCE, Harry Aged 30


Harry Ince is commemorated on the Loss Memorial, Dud Corner, panels 85 - 87

No.28239, Private, Harry INCE

11th Battalion, Essex Regiment Killed in Action presumed on Sunday, 22nd April 1917

Harry Ince was born in Stoke by Clare on 29th November 1886 (Risbridge Q4:1886 4A:632), baptised in St

John the Baptist in Stoke by Clare on 16th January 1887, son of George and Frances INCE (née SMITH).


1891 census...Aged 4, he was at The Cottages, The Street, Stoke by Clare with his father George INCE [41]

farm labourer; his mother Frances [36]; brother [James] William [12]; sisters Kate [6] and Ada [1]. All were

born in Stoke by Clare.

His mother died in 1893 and his father in 1896

1901 census...Aged 14, farm labourer, he was at Mill Green, Stoke by Clare with his uncle James CLARKE

[67] farm labourer; aunt Hannah CLARKE [43]; brother William (farm labourer) and sister Ada

He married Rose Elizabeth SMITH in 1907.

1911 census...Aged 24, farm labourer, he was at the Green, Stoke by Clare with his wife Rose Elizabeth

[27] born Clare, and their son Reginald Harry [1] born Stoke by Clare.


The battalion were in action just north of Lens, around Hill 70 and the Double Crassier Railway. On the

22nd April the 14th D.L.I. and the 11th Essex Regiment delivered a combined attack. The 14th D.L.I.

secured the whole of their objective, with forty-six prisoners and three machine-guns, but the 11th Essex

Regiment was unable to gain any ground. The 46th Division had been prevented by uncut wire from co-

operating in the attack. They lost 64 men

137

JAY, Alfred Aged 41

Alfred Jay is buried in Abeele Aerodrome Military Cemetery, Belgium, grave 2:C:9

He is remembered on the memorials at the church of St James, Hatcham

and the Mazawattee Tea Company in Deptford.

No.L/6706, Private, Alfred JAY 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

Killed in Action on Monday, 29th July 1918 An Old Contemptible

Alfred Jay was born in Boyton End, Stoke by Clare on 17th June 1877 (Risbridge Q3-1877 4A:466),

baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 2nd September 1877, son of George and Emily JAY (née

COOTE).

1881 census...Aged 3, he was at Boyton End Hamlet, nr Stoke by Clare with his father George JAY [47]

farm labourer; his mother Emily [44] born Hempstead; brothers Joseph [19], Harry [17] and William [14],

all farm labourers and Charles [6]; sisters Jane [12] and Elizabeth [9]. All except his mother were born in

Stoke by Clare.

1891 census...Aged 13, a farm servant, he was still in Boyton End with his widowed mother. His father had

died in 1889.

1901 census...Aged 23, he was a plate layer on the railway, boarding with the SMITH family at 2 Elswick

Road, Lewisham.. His mother died in 1902.

1911 census...Aged 34, a carman, he was at 69 Floyd Road, Charlton with his sister Elizabeth and her

husband Joseph BUXTON [[38] crane driver born Sleaford, Lincs., and their son Sidney Joseph BUXTON

[6] born Walthamstow.

He married Ada Marie BEVEN (Woolwich Q4-1912). On the "Living Relatives" Army form his widow

completed in 1919 she gave the family as her son John BEVEN, their daughter Ruby J.L.JAY, living at 110

Folkestone Gardens, Deptford, his brothers James [60] and William [53] at 142 Maryland Road, Stratford,

Joseph [58] at 14 Alma Road, Stratford and Harry [56] at 15 The Street, Stoke by Clare, and his sisters Jane

BULL and Elizabeth BUXTON.

He enlisted in New Cross on 7th October 1901 in The Buffs, the East Kent Regiment. He gave his age as 24

years 3 months, a platelayer on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway. Born Stoke, Suffolk. He was 5 feet

4 inches tall, weighed 135 lbs, chest 35" to 36.5", blue eyes, brown hair, Church of England. He signed to 7

years in the colours, 5 on Reserve..

Completing his basic training he was posted to India with the 1st Battalion, The Buffs until 13th Oct 1903

when he was posted to Aden, where he remained until 8th December 1904. He had extended his service to 8

years plus 4 on Reserve on 24th May 1904. Ending his 8 years in the colours on 22nd April 1904 he finished

his 12 years total service on 7th October 1913.

On the outbreak of war he was quickly back in the Army in Canterbury and in France/Flanders with the BEF

on 7th September 1914, which service saw him awarded the 1914 Star with clasp for coming under fire

before 23rd November.

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Killed in action in Belgium on 29th July 1918, his personal belongings sent to his widow consisted of a

metal disc, tobacco pouch, 2 pipes, matchbox holder, dairy in a case, some cards, a wallet and photos.

The 1st Battalion, The Buffs had just received an attachment of Americans and had relieved the King's

Shropshire Light Infantry in the trenches around Nepal, Opium, Melon and Indus farms in the area of the

Vivehoek Switch near Dikkebusch. On the 29th they had 3 killed and 4 wounded according to the war diary

They lost 64 men

JAY, Frederick Aged 28

Frederick Jay is buried in Cojeul British Cemetery, St.Martin Cojeul, grave B:62

No.202196, Private, Frederick JAY 1st/4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

formerly No.2519, Suffolk Yeomanry Killed in Action on Monday, 23rd April 1917

Frederick Jay was born in Boyton End, Stoke by Clare on 16th April 1889 (Risbridge Q2-1889 4A:668),

baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 19th May 1889, son of James and Fanny JAY (née

SPARKS).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father James JAY [40] farm servant;

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his mother Fanny [32] born Wixoe; brothers Harry [17] born Wixoe, Albert [14], Ernest [14] and George

[12](farm servants), Frank [8], Thomas [4] and Charles {5 months]; sisters Bessie [11], Eliza [9] and Emily

[6]. All, except his mother and brother Harry, were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 12, he was at Hill Farm, Boyon End with his parents (father now horsekeeper); brothers

George, Frank and Thomas (all farm labourers), Charles and John [9]; sisters Emily and Rose [7]. The new

siblings born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 22, grocer's assistant, he was at Hill Farm, Boyton End, with his parents, brothers Harry

(horsekeeper), Frank (ploughman), Thomas (stockman), Charles (milkman) and John (stockman); sister

Roseanna. All 13 siblings survived.


Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment" tells us the 1st/4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment were in

the Neuville Vitasse area at Guemappe, and the 2nd battle of the Scarpe started at 4:45 am on the 23rd, on a

nine mile front. The Suffolks with 2 companies in the front line and 2 in support were to drive southwards

down its trenches as far as the edge of the Sensee valley and there link up with a brigade to make a full

frontal attack on the Hindenburg Line.

All went well at first, reaching the edge of the Sensee valley and taking 650 prisoners. Seventy had been

rounded up at one tunnel entrance their escort, a Bantam, when asked how he managed it, replied "I

surrounded them". Just as success seemed certain the Germans launched a vigorous counter attack and" A"

and "C" companies were forced back. Sheltering in a tunnel was a large force of Germans who came up in

the rear. "D" Company being cut off had to cross open country to withdraw. Despite reinforcements from

the 5th Scottish Rifles, by 3 pm the enemy had them back to their original barricades. A fresh attack was

about to be launched at 6 pm but his was cancelled and the firing stopped by 10 pm.

When dawn broke on the 24th they were amazed to see British troops walking around on the very ground

they had fought so hard over the previous day. The Germans had withdrawn during the night!

Casualties were 315, of which 72 were killed, 8 buried in Cojeul, 5 in Wancourt, the rest have no known

grave and are named on the Arras memorial.

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KIMMENS, Edward Aged 25

Edward Kimmens is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, pier and face 5D/6D

No.G/24449, Private, Edward KIMMENS

1st Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) formerly No.2013, East Surrey Regiment

Killed in Action on Saturday, 4th November 1916

Edward Kimmens was born on 8th February 1891 in Stoke by Clare (Risbridge Q1-1891 4A:706), baptised

in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 26th April 1891, son of Walter and Sarah KIMMENS (née

FRENCH).

1891 census...Aged 2 months, he was at The Green Cottages, Mill Lane, Stoke by Clare with his father

Walter KIMMENS [35] labourer; his mother Sarah [36]; brothers Alfred [5] and Harry [3]. All were born in

Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was at Lower Green, Stoke by Clare with his parents; brothers Alfred and Harry

(both farm labourers) and sister Clara [5] born Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 20, a farm labourer, he was at The Green, Stoke by Clare with his parents; brother

Alfred and sister Clara. All 4 siblings survived.

His Army "Soldier's Effects" form gives his legatees as his 2 brothers and sister Clara CUTMORE.

He enlisted in Clare, when resident in Clare. The war diary has them at Lesboeufs, and recorded as

exhausted by the weather and the ground. Hostile fire was heavy during the day and our own artillery

bombarded BARITSKA TRENCH and orders were to attack that trench on the 5th, this time with the entire

brigade,not just 1 battalion as on the 3rd. "C" Coy was to occupy the front line trench known as NEW

TRENCH. Their CO had the scheme explained to him at Batn HQ but unfortunately conditional verbal

instructions were given to him not to advance until and unless he saw the attack of the WORCESTERS on

his right developing and unless he had sufficient men to attack with. It was considered the main attack

would be made by the WORCESTERS. "C" Coy arrived in position in ANTELOPE TRENCH about 5am

but only 70 strong,the remainder having lost the way in the darkness and bad state of ground and failed to

find NEW TRENCH before daylight on 5th.

CWGC records show 9 men killed in that muddle, only two having a known grave.

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Below, the trench lines can still be seen in the fields.

MEEKINS, Frank Aged 27

. Frank Meekins is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, panels 40,41, 162,162A

No.202026, Private, Frank MEEKINS

4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment formerly No.5216, Suffolk Regiment formerly No.2785, Suffolk Regiment

Killed in Action on Wednesday, 26th September 1917

Frank Meekins was born on 7th February 1890 in Boyton End (Risbridge Q1-1890 4A:692), baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 20th June 1892, son of William and Rosanna MEEKINS(née BEVIS).

1891 census...Aged 1, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father William MEEKINS [32] farm

servant; his mother Rosanna [31]; brothers William [13] farm servant, Harry [9]and Ernest [6]; sisters

Caroline [11] and Mary Ann [4]; grandmother Matilda MEEKINS [60]. All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 11 (now recorded as MEEKINGS) he was at Frost's Farm, Boyton End with his parents

(father a ploughman); brothers William, Harry and Ernest (farm labourers) and Stanley [1]; sister Margaret

[9]. New siblings also born in Stoke by Clare

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1911 census...Aged 20,(recorded as MEEKINGS) a farm labourer, he was still at Boyton End with his

parents (father now horsekeeper); sister Margaret; brothers Stanley and Herbert [6]. One of the 10 siblings

had died


From his medal index card we know he served first abroad in Balkans/Gallipoli so his service in the 4th

battalion must have been later as only the 1st, 5th and 15th battalions served in that theatre. Lt Col Murphy's

"History of the Suffolk Regiment" tells us that after sustaining many casualties from a heavy bombardment

on the 25th September, shortly after mid-night they took up a line from Glencorse Wood to Fitzclarence

Farm. No advance could be made as some of the troops on their left were not ready. The situation became

worse, the moon had gone, shelling increased and a thick mist rose. Brigade was asked to permit the 4th

advance alone, but this was refused. However at 5.45 am the battalion and one other did advance, the men

linked hand in hand so as not to lose touch in the darkness. Clearing the shell holes and ditches they had

been holding they then came under an intense barrage which prevented further advance.

Despite this one party did succeed in reaching the Blue Line and capturing 2 machine guns and fifteen

prisoners. Another battalion then passed through around mid day, and by the evening of the 27th all

objectives had been taken.

CWGC records show 57 killed on 26th, only 9 with known graves.

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NEWMAN, Maurice George Aged 32


Maurice Newman is buried in Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery,

commemorated on the screen wall inside the main entrance gate 89/32546.

No.18619, Lance Corporal, Maurice George NEWMAN Depot Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Saturday, 26th November 1916

Maurice George Newman was born in Edwardstone, Suffolk (Cosford Q2-1884 4A:641), son of John and

Margaret Jane NEWMAN (née PEARN).

1891 census...Aged 6, he was at Priory Green, Edwardstone with his widowed mother Margaret [43] born

Bristol; brother Charles S; sisters Clara E [13] and Agnes C [3]. All the children were born in Edwardstone.

His father had died in 1888.

1901 census...Aged 16, he was at Onslow Gardens, Kensington as a page in the household of Douglas

ARDEN

He married Elizabeth in 1907. She later married HUNNEBELL and moved to Pretoria House, Jackson

Road, Clacton on Sea.

1911 census...Aged 26, a gamekeeper's assistant, he was at Ashen Lane, Stoke by Clare with his wife

Elizabeth [28] born Gosfield, Essex


He died in King George Hospital, Stamford Street, London, at the time on the strength of Suffolk Regiment

Depot. It is likely that he was wounded and evacuated to UK and placed on depot strength at Bury St

Edmunds and admitted to King George Hospital, London. His records have not survived so it is impossible

to say where or when he was wounded. He had served in the 1st Battalion, who were serving in Macedonia

from October 1915 to December 1916.

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ORBELL, Albert Edward Aged 19


Albert Orbell is buried in Hooge Crate Cemetery, grave 17:F:3

His original grave, marked by a cross, was just north of Wervik, he was moved to Hooge Crater in July 1919

No.56671, Private, Albert Edward ORBELL "C" Coy.,18th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

Killed in Action on Monday, 30th September 1918

Albert Edward Orbell was born in Stoke by Clare on 7th May 1899 (Risbridge Q2:1899 4A:823), baptised

in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 22nd October 1899, son of Charles and Amelia ORBELL (née

CLARKE).

1901 census...Aged 1, he was at Lower Green, Stoke by Clare with his father Charles ORBELL [31] horse

man; his mother Amelia [28]; brothers Joseph [7] and Charles W [2 months]; sister Bessie A [5] and Mary

[4]. All were born in Stoke by Clare. Admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in May 1902

and left school 10th May 1912.

1911 census...Aged 11, he was at Clare Road, Stoke by Clare with his parents; brothers Joseph (farm

labourer), Arthur [8], Gerald [6] and Alfred [4];sisters Bessie, Mary and Ethel [2 months]. The new siblings

born in Stoke by Clare. One of the nine children had died . That was possibly the child registered at birth

Charles William, but death registered in 1908 as George William and as William is noted on the school

register as deceased.

He enlisted in Sudbury. He died during the action at Ten-Brielen, just north of Wervik, west of Menin. The

war diary has:- The battalion moved in the early hours of the morning to positions in JEHOVA and KEIL

ZILLEBEKE TRENCHES where it remained till about 1 pm when an advance forward was made, the

Battalion acting as Brigade advance guard on an advance on WERVICQ which at first was supposed to be

in British hands. Proceeding via ZANVOORDE and TENBRIELEN towards AMERICA CABARET

opposition was met with which necessitated the Battalion to deploy and engage the enemy on the right flank.

Casualties were 6 officers wounded, 13 OR killed, 63 wounded and 16 missing.

Albert found here 28.Q.7.a.5.2.

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ORBELL, Frederick Aged 25

Frederick Orbell is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier/face 1C/2A

No.18034, Private, Frederick ORBELL

7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Monday, 3rd July 1916

Frederick Orbell was born in Stoke by Clare on 8th September 1891 (Risbridge Q4:1891 4A:685), baptised

in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 1st November 1891, son of Thomas and Emma ORBELL (née

TURNER).

Admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in November 1894.

1901 census...Aged 9, he was at Lower Green, Stoke by Clare with his father Thomas ORBELL [34] farm

labourer; his mother Emma [36]; brothers Herbert [15] (under stockman) and Ernest [6 months]; sister

Beatrice [4]. All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 19, a farm labourer, he was at The Green, Stoke by Clare with his parents, sister

Beatrice and brother Ernest. His brother Herbert appears to have married Ada INCE and was living at Mill

Green. The census return does however record that Emma had born 4 children and one had died, but that

death is not Herbert as no credible death is registered in that period.

Brother Ernest was conscripted in October 1918, into the London Regiment and served 120 days in the

Army.


The 1st Battle of the Somme started in 1st July 1916, the worst day in British military history, 60,000

casualties of which around 20,000 were killed.

The 7th Suffolks were not involved that day, their horror came on the 3rd.They moved into support trenches

from Henencourt Wood early in the

morning and then, together with the

5th R. Berkshires attacked Ovillers.

Under heavy fire they reached the

enemy's third line, some of them

actually entering the village. Then,

with all company commanders

killed, they were brought to a

standstill and forced to retire, with

over 450 casualties.

CWGC puts the deaths at 155, of

which 111 have no known grave.

146

PANNELL, Valentine Arthur Aged 23

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Valentine Pannell is buried in Duhallows A.D.S. Cemetery, Ypres, grave 1:A:45

and commemorated on the war memorial at St. Andrew's Church, Halstead

No.G/15774, Lance Corporal, Valentine Arthur PANNELL

11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment formerly 688, Army Cyclists Corps

Killed in Action Tuesday, 31st July 1917

Valentine Arthur Pannell was born in Stoke by Clare on 14th February 1895 (Risbridge Q2-1895 4A:739),

baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 23rd May 1895, son of Walter and Susanna PANNELL

(née PLAIL). that could be Playle.. Admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in March 1898.

1901 census...Aged 6, he was at "The Five Bells", Stoke by Clare with his father Walter PANNELL [53]

publican born Toppesfield, Essex; his mother Susannah [48] born Ridgewell; brother Randall [13] born

Stoke by Clare, sister Elsie [9] born Stoke by Clare

1911 census...Aged 16, an apprentice ironmonger, he boarding at 27 High Street, Halstead with

ironmonger's manager George Morgan CHAPPELL. His parents and sister Elsie were at The Green, Stoke

by Clare. His mother had borne 13 children, but 5 had died.

He enlisted in Brentwood. The war diary has:-

Hilltop - 31st -Fairly quiet night. Bombardment continued till 1 hr before zero. All received hot meals and

ready for attack by 2 am. Barrage and attacks commenced at 3:50 am. Hostile barrage opened on front line

and ? Trench 1 hour before. Attack progressed well - yellow, red and blue lines being taken with few

casualties. Bgde HQ moved in German second line in dugouts. During afternoon 2 Companies moved up

into close support of 14th Hants, Black line in anticipation of counter-attacks - nothing happened. Enemy

shelling persisted all night. 2 Lt Collyer killed, 2 Lt Tice A.Capt Allen wounded and about 150 casualties

amongst O.R.. Battle still continuing.

CWGC puts the deaths at 28.

147

PLEDGER, James Aged 38


James Pledger is buried in Rosskeen Parish Churchyard Extension, grave C:363

No.279184, Chief Stoker, James PLEDGER

HMS Natal, Royal Navy Died in sinking of HMS Natal on Thursday, 30th December 1915

James Pledger was born in Stoke by Clare on 30th January 1877 (Risbridge Q1-1877 4A:523), baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 15th July 1877, son of Samuel and Fanny PLEDGER (née CUDBY).

His service record gives his date of birth ( one year added). CWGC records appear incorrect, he was 38 at

death, not 50

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in March 1890.

1881 census...Aged 4, he was at The Green, toke by Clare with his father Samuel PLEDGER [42] farm

labourer; his mother Fanny [41]; brothers Samuel [14] farm labourer, William [8] and Thomas [1]; sister

Esther [11]. All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1891 census...Aged 14, a farm labourer, he was at Green Cottages, Stoke by Clare with his parents and

brother Thomas.

1901 census...Aged 25, he was a stoker in the Royal Navy in Malta on the HMS Renown. His parents were

at Upper Green, Stoke by Clare.

He married Melina SMITH in 1904 (later of Mill Green, Stoke by Clare and then 14 Millais Road,

Leytonstone, London)

1911 census...He is not found in this census, he is still in the Navy. His wife Melina [39], born Stoke by

Clare, was at 121 Chobham Road, Stratford, London. His parents and sister Esther were at The Green, Stoke

by Clare. His mother had borne 5 children but one had died.

He enlisted in the Royal Navy on 19th February 1895, adding one year to his age. He was a labourer from

Stoke by Clare, 5 feet 7.5 inches tall, brown eyes, brown hair. He signed on for 12 years. His service record

is online and consists of a great number of vessels and training establishments. Confirming his presence in

Malta for the 1901 census, aboard HMS Renown.

At the time of the 1911 census he was Stoker PO aboard HMS Natal. Promoted to Chief Stoker 20th

October 1912, he died when HMS Natal sunk on 30th December 1915. Initially posted missing, his body

was later washed ashore and is buried in Scotland.

During the afternoon of the 30th December 1915, HMS Natal, under the command of Captain Eric Back,

blew up at anchor with a great loss of life. 421 crew and civilian visitors died in the explosion, including

women and children. 400 of the crew survived.

HMS Natal was a Warrior Class cruiser of 13550 tons. She was launched in 1905 and had an interesting

history before the First World War, including escorting the King and Queen on their Durbar visit to India in

1911-1912.

In 1914 she joined the Second Cruiser Squadron, which by 1915 was based in the Cromarty Firth, in the

north of Scotland.The Admiralty courts- martial-martial into the causes of her loss concluded that it was

148

caused by an internal ammunition explosion, possibly due to faulty cordite. Her hull was still visible at low

water, and it was Royal Navy practice on entering and leaving Cromarty right up to World War II for every

warship to sound "Still", and for officers and men to come to attention as they passed the wreck. After

numerous attempts, much of the ship was salvaged. The remainder was blown up in the 1970's to level the

wreck so that it would not be a hazard to navigation.

149

PLEDGER, Jesse Aged 25


Jesse Pledger is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial panel 17

No.K/22095, Leading Stoker, Jesse PLEDGER

HMS Invincible, Royal Navy formerly No SS108363, Royal Navy

Killed in Action Wednesday, 31st May 1916

Jesse Pledger was born in Stoke by Clare on 10th January 1891 (Risbridge Q1-1891 4A:704), baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 1st March 1891, son of George and Martha PLEDGER (née CLARKE)


1891 census...Aged 2 months, he was at Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare with his father George PLEDGER

[39] farm labourer; his mother Martha [36]; brothers George [12] farm labourer and Herbert [5]; sisters

Matilda [9] and Grace [1]. All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was in Chapel Street still with his parents, brothers Herbert (farm labourer) and

Sydney [9] born Stoke; sisters Grace [11] and Ethel [3] born Stoke.

1911 census...Aged 20 he was in the Royal Navy with HMS Hindustan. His widower father, brothers Joseph

George (farm labourer) and Sydney (domestic gardener) and sister Grace were still in Chapel Street, Stoke

by Clare. His mother had died in 1908.

He enlisted in the Royal Navy as No SS108363 on 5th April 1909 for 5 years plus 7 on Reserves, when 5

feet 10 inches tall, chest 39", brown hair and eyes. On all the Royal Navy records his birth date is given as

5th July 1891.

5/5/1909 to 4/9/09 he was at HMS Essex, then 5/9/09 to 4/10/09 at HMS Victory II

5/10/09 to 1/4/12 with HMS Hindustan and promoted Stoker 1, 2/4/12 to 21/5/12 at HMS Victory II

22/5/1912 to 30/8/1912 at HMS Pembroke II and 31/8/1912 to 26/9/1912 back to HMS Victory II

On 27th September 1912 he went to HMS Vernon.

Finishing his 5 years in the colours, he then volunteered on 4th February 1914 and became No K/22095

He served at HMS Vernon as Stoker from 4th February 1914 until 24th June, then with HMS Victory until

posted to HMS Invincible on 3rd August 1914.Promoted to Leading Stoker on 19th August 1915 he was

killed in the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916.

HMS Invincible was the lead ship of three battle cruisers, the first such ships in the world. Designed as

much for speed as strength, she carried a main armament of 4 x 12 inch guns at a top speed of 25.5 knots.

During the Battle of the Falkland Islands, Invincible and her sister Inflexible sank the armoured cruisers

Scharnhorst and Gneisenau almost without loss to themselves, despite numerous hits by the German ships.

She was part of the scouting force for Beatty's battlecruiser fleet at Jutland and blew up when hit in "Q"

turret. Apparently several British ships, in order to speed up their rate of fire, had neglected to carry out all

the safety precautions laid down. Flash fire from hits on turrets caused the magazines to explode.In the case

150

of the Invincible this resulted in cutting the ship in half. Of the crew of 1026, just 6 survivors were picked

up, one, Gunner Gasson was actually in "Q" turret but was miraculously blown clear of the ship.

BATTLE OF JUTLAND Expert opinion in 2016, the centenary, has come round to the belief that the loss of HMS Invincible, HMS

Queen Mary and HMS Indefatigable could have been avoided had safety precautions not been ignored.Other

ships suffered many hits without such catestrophic results. The storage of cordite in inappropriate areas, the

jamming open of safety scuttles between the turrets and the magazine, all contributed to the flash back that

blew these shipts apart.

Two Pledgers were lost on Invincible, Jesse, here and Thomas from Hundon

151

PLEDGER, Sydney

No record in Commonwealth War Graves Commission of the death of a Sidney Pledger

However the younger brother of Jesse Pledger emigrated to New Zealand under what was an early assisted

passage scheme.

He was in the second batch of some 50 young men selected in the United Kingdom to go to New Zealand

for farm work. They were to be given board, lodging and clothing by the farmer and for the 1st year paid a

minimum of 7 shillings and 6 pence per week ( 38p), 12 shillings and 6 pence (63p) the second year and 17

shillings and 6 pence (88p) per week the third year. Initially the farmer was to give them 1 shilling per week

pocket money and bank the rest of the wage in the Post Office until ten pounds was saved. Then that sum

was to be paid to the farmer who had paid that much for the boy's fare out to New Zealand. The boys left

UK on 22nd November 1913 aboard the SS Ayrshire and arrived in New Zealand on 17th January 1914.

Due to the name of the ship, they became known as the "Ayrshire Boys". Sydney PLEDGER was 6 feet tall

and weight 12 stone 12 pounds, so hardly a boy!

Unfortunately the photograph does not have their names.

It is just possible that this is the Sydney named on the memorial but efforts to find his death through UK or

New Zealand military records have so far failed. Hopefully a relative will come forward with some more

clues

Sydney Pledger was born in Stoke by Clare on 25th March 1892 (Risbridge Q2-1892 4A:716), baptised in

St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 11th May 1892, son of George and Martha PLEDGER (née

CLARKE).

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in June 1895.

1901 census...Aged 9, he was in Chapel Street with his parents George and Martha PLEDGER (née

CLARKE), brothers Herbert (farm labourer) and brother Jesse [10] sisters Grace [11] and Ethel [3] born

Stoke.

1911 census...Aged 19, a domestic gardener, he was with his father, brother Joseph George (farm labourer)

and sister Grace, still in Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare. His mother had died in 1908.

He remains a mystery

152

PLEDGER, William Aged 30


William Pledger is buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt; grave D:214

No.592841, Rifleman, William PLEDGER

2nd/18th Battalion, London Regiment (London Irish Rifles) formerly No.G/21921, Middlesex Regiment

Died of his Wounds Thursday, 15th November 1917

William Pledger was born in Stoke by Clare on 2nd April 1888 (Risbridge Q2-1888 4A:665), baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 17th June 1888, son of Jane PLEDGER of Wixoe Road, Stoke by Clare.

His mother married Harry RAWLINSON in 1890


1891 census...Aged 3, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his stepfather Harry RAWLINSON [20]

farm servant born Poslingford; his mother Jane [22] and half brother Walter E. RAWLINSON [10 months].

All except his stepfather were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 12, he was "near Yew Tree Farm", Steeple Bumpstead, with his stepfather; mother; half

brother Walter E; half sisters Elizabeth [9] and Rose F [3] both sister born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 23, a labourer, he was "near the Post Office", Stoke by Clare with his stepfather,

mother, half brother Walter Ernest [20] a labourer; half sisters Rose Florence [13] born Stoke by Clare and

Annie [7] born Steeple Bumpstead.Also there were his uncle Thomas PLEDGER [45] and a cousin, Ernest

BRUTY [25], both farm labourers born Stoke by Clare.

He enlisted in Mill Hill when resident in Enfield.

He died in No 19 General Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Without his Army records, there is no way of

knowing exactly when or where he was wounded. His battalion arrived in Egypt on 5th July 1917.

153

READ (E), Charles Aged 19


Charles Reade is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France, grave 19:N:9A

No.G/61220, Private, Charles READE

24th Battalion, (2nd Sportsman's Battalion), Royal Fusiliers formerly N0.32240, Middlesex Regiment

Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 2nd May 1917

Charles Reade was born in Stoke by Clare on 12th September 1888,(Risbridge Q4-1888 4A:630), son of

George and Susannah READE (née INCE).

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in February 1892.

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare with his father George READ [39] farm

servant; his mother Susannah [40]; brothers Arthur [17], Harry [15] and Eli [13] farm servants; sisters Ada

[9], Eliza [7] and Frances [5]. All were born in Stoke by Clare.

1901 census...Aged 12,working on farm, he was at Chapel Street still with his parents (father now recorded

as born in Toppesfield); sisters Beatrice [9] and Elsie [7] both born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 22, farm labourer, he was still at Chapel Street with his parents, father now recorded as

born at Yeldham. His mother had borne 10 children but two had died.

He enlisted in Waltham Abbey when resident in Enfield.

Without his Army records, there is no way of knowing exactly when or where he was wounded. The

battalion were in the trenches near Oppy and Arleux at the end of April 1917

154

SMITH, Joseph Aged 19


Joseph Smith is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, panels 54 to 56

No.47783, Private, Joseph SMITH

6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment Killed in Action Friday, 22nd March 1918

Joseph Smith was born in Stoke by Clare on 23rd July 1898,(Risbridge Q3-1898 4A:785), baptised in St

John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 26th November 1899, son of William and Eliza SMITH (née JAY) of

the Maltings.

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School in June 1903.

1901 census...Aged 2, he was at The Maltings, Stoke by Clare with his father William SMITH [37] horse

keeper born Wixoe; his mother Eliza [36]; brother Frank [13] farm labourer; sisters Emily [10] and Florie

[8]. All except his father were born in Stoke by Clare.

1911 census...Aged 12, he was at the Maltings still, with his parents; brothers Frank (stockman) and Edward

[8]; sisters Emily and Daisy [2]. The new siblings also born in Stoke by Clare.

CWGC records have his mother at Stonard's Farm, Stoke by Clare.

He enlisted in Sudbury. War Diary:-5:30 am 22nd March 1918, in the line SE of JUSSY - A

position on railway embankment about 66c.M.22.d. in Bde Reserve. The 7th Bedford were on right

and the R Fusiliers on the left. Bridge at La MONTAGNE was to be blown up but this was only

partially successful. The Bn was to hold itself in readiness to counter attack in case the enemy

crossed the canal. Enemy aircraft were very active during the afternoon and a heavy bombardment

was made against our position and the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt to cross the canal but

was repulsed. The line was consolidated our sector extending from the bridge over the canal at

66c.M.23.a.8.9. to 200 yds SE of MONTAGNE BRIDGE

Casualties not recorded but CWGC records give 26 killed only 2 having known graves. It was the

2nd day of the German Spring Offensive (The Kaiserschlacht) when the Germans made

considerable advances to the west.

155

SUTTON, Thomas Stanley Aged 18


Thomas Sutton is buried in Varennes Military Cemetery, grave 2:K:3

No.103379, Private, Thomas Stanley SUTTON 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)

Killed in Action on Monday, 6th May 1918

Thomas Stanley Sutton was born in Boyton End, Stoke by Clare on 14th August 1899,(Risbridge Q3-1899

4A:805), baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 22nd October 1899, son of Samuel Charles and

Kate SUTTON (née LILLY).

He was admitted to Stoke by Clare National/Voluntary School on 28th Sept.1909, coming from Wixoe

School. He left school on March 20th 1913.

1901 census...Aged 1, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father Samuel C SUTTON [34]

journeyman bricklayer born Alpheton; his mother Kate [33] born Alpheton; brothers Sydney C [11] born

Alpheton, and George W [4] (born Boyton End) and sister Gertrude L [[9] born Alpheton.

1911 census...Aged 11, he was at Stoke by Clare with his parents; brothers Sydney Charles (journeyman

bricklayer) and George (farm labourer); sister Alice Annie [5] born Stoke by Clare; grandmother, widow

Constance LILLY [73] born Long Melford. All 5 siblings survive.

He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds on 14th September 1917, giving his age as 18 years 1 month (date of birth

14th August 1899). He was 5 feet 1.5 inches tall, chest 35.5" to 37.5", weighing 124 lbs. Church of England.

Much of his service record is very faint but he appears to have been mobilised into the 27th Training

Reserve Bgde # TR/9/44613 and posted to the 52nd Graduated Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment on

2nd DFebruary 1918. Sent to France on 4th April 1918 he was posted to the 10th Battalion, Sherwood

Foresters, receiving a new number of 103379. His next of kin he gave as father, Charles SUTTON of Chapel

Street, Stoke by Clare, to whom his personal belongings were returned, consisting of letters, photos and pen

case and two discs.

War Diary:-

Englebelmer 4th May map 57D (SE) LENS - Battn relieved the 10

Bn LANC Fusiliers in the Mesnil Sector. Relief complete 3 am on

5th. A and D Coys held the outpost line with B and C Coys in

Support.

Casualties according to CWGC were 5 men.


156

TURNER, Frank

Currently no idea at all as to civilian or military identity. Not a single clue

TURNER, Oliver Thomas Aged 35


Oliver Turner is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, grave 16A:A;14

and also commemorated on the war memorial in Wixoe

No.163944, Gunner, Oliver Thomas TURNER

1st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 28th August 1918

Oliver Thomas Turner was born on 7th June 1883 in Boyton End, Stoke by Clare [Risbridge Q3-1883

4A:548), baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 20th July 1884, son of Oliver Thomas and

Amelia TURNER (née HUGHES).

1891 census...Aged 7, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father Oliver Thomas TURNER [47]

publican, born Withersfield; his mother Amelia [39] born Stoke; sisters Annie A [9] and Beatrice [1] both

born in Stoke.

1901 census...Aged 17, a fruiterer, he was at the Travellers Rest, Boyton End with his parents (father

publican/grocer); sisters Annie and Beatrice.

1911 census...Aged 27, single, a general dealer, he was still at the Travellers Rest, Boyton End with his

parents and sisters Annie Amelia and Beatrice Mary

CWGC have the family address as Baythorne End

He married Annie Martha BARBER in Q3-1911 and seems to have had two daughters, Annette E and

Phyllis E. Her address later was Stour House, Wixoe

Unusually, "Soldiers Died" does not give where he enlisted. He died at No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station and

was buried in grave 2:A:45

157

As Oliver was in a siege battery he would have been some distance from the front line, and so it would be

most likely that he was wounded in a counter barrage. It is not known exactly where or when this

happended. He was taken to No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station where he died. He was buried in grave 2:A:45

at Dury Hospital Cemetery which is now part of the grounds of Centre Hospitalier Philippe Pinel in Amiens.

This cemetery was closed in 1927 when the casualties were exhumed and removed to Villers-Bretonneux.

Below is one type of gun they used, the 9.2 inch howitzer. with a range to 12,800 meters. The gun's shorter

barrel length, adopted to make the weapon more mobile, meant that it rose into the air when fired. To

compensate for this , an 'earth box' was attached to its front and filled with 9 tons of soil.. The gun was not

fired from it's carriage and took some time to assemble in it's firing position.

158

UNDERWOOD, Ernest Aged 27

Ernest Underwood is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval, panel 13

No.97349, Private, Ernest UNDERWOOD

"E" Battalion, Tank Corps formerly 303340, Army Service Corps

Killed in Action on Tuesday, 20th November 1917

Ernest Underwood was born in Stoke by Clare [Risbridge Q4-1890 4A:600), son of George and Susanna

UNDERWOOD (née BOWERS).

1891 census...Aged 6 months, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father George

UNDERWOOD [37] farm servant born Birdbrook; his mother Susanna [31] born Ashen; brothers Arthur

[10] born Stoke by Clare, William [8] and Bertie [2] both born Birdbrook; sisters Florence BOWERS [11]

born Ashen, Annie [6] and Alice [4] both born in Birdbrook.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was still at Boyton End with his parents; sisters Florence and Ada [8] born Stoke

by Clare; brothers Arthur and William, both farm labourers, and Bertie.

1911 census...Aged 20, labourer for builder, he was at Preston's Farm, Boyton End with his parents and

brothers Arthur (farm worker) and Bertie (labourer). All 8 siblings survive.

CWGC have the family address as Wixoe

He married May WARREN in Q3-1916. She married Alfred J.DRANE in 1920 and lived at 2 Station

Terrace, Stoke by Clare.


The Tank Corps lost 91 men that day, 21 of them from "E" Battalion. It was the first day of the battle of

Cambria and the Tank Corps started with 437 tanks (nine battalions). At the end of that first day they had

lost 180, of which 65 were destroyed, 71 suffered mechanical failure and 43 ditched.

British Mark IV tank

159

from 1939-1945 COURT, C.

Currently no idea at all as to civilian or military identity. Not a single clue

MOY, Robert James Aged 31

Robert Moy is buried in Broadwell (St Paul) Churchyard, Gloucestershire, east of church

No.5828669, Sergeant, Robert James MOY 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Died on Sunday, 16th November 1947

Robert James Moy was born in Stoke by Clare on 25th January 1916 [Bury St Edmunds Q1-1916 4A:2673),

son of Robert and Hilda Florence MOY (née CRISP).

His parents were at 17 The Street, Stoke by Clare in September 1939, father a cow man.

He married Irene Joyce BENSLEY in Bridge, Kent in 1941. This may well have been just prior to his

sailing to Singapore. They were living in Court Lodge Farm, Petham, Canterbury where he was a herdsman.

In 1947 they were at New Cottages, Little Barrow, Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire.

The 5th Suffolks were fighting in the area of Singapore when Singapore was surrendered to the Japanese on

15th February 1942. He was captured on the 17th February 1942 and liberated on 2nd September 1945. As

Robert is recognised by CWGC it is more than likely that he succumbed after demob to illness occasioned

by his captivity. The cut-off date was 31st December 1947.

160

WARDEN, Harry Aged 27

Harry Warden is buried in Sfax War Cemetery, grave 2:AA:5

Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C. Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C.No.2613830, Sergeant, Harry WARDEN

6th Battalion, Grenadier Guards Killed in Action on Wednesday, 17th March 1943

Harry Warden was born in 1915 [Sudbury Q3-1915 4A:1566), son of

Charles and Kate Ellen WARDEN (née CLEMENTS).

His parents were at 39 Cuckoo Hill, Bures in September 1939, father

a farmer, with brother Edgar (1926).

He married Evelyn F TUFFIN in December 1939

Harry Warden, first joined the army in 1933, serving in England and

Egypt. He then joined Essex police, working at Brentwood CID,

presumably being post to Stoke by Clare sometime before he was

recalled to the army in December 1939. He was posted abroad in June

1942, but was killed nine months later, aged 27, when the lorry he

was travelling hit a mine.

He left his 24 year-old wife Evelyn, daughter Greta and son Terry.

Hopefully relativesof the unknown's here can be found who may be able to give us the vital clues to fnd out more about them. At present absolutely nothing has been found that can identify them

161

WIXOE WAR MEMORIAL

To the eternal memory of the men of WIXOE who died in the service of their country, four in the Great War of 1914-1919 and one in 1939-1945

Two alabaster wall mounted tablets in the church

St Leonard's, Wixoe

162

CLARK[E], William Harry Aged 19

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission William Clarke is commemorated on the Vis-en Artois memorial, panel 10

No.279164, Private, William Harry CLARK

3rd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) attached to the 2nd/2nd Battalion

formerly 626217, 20th Bn., London Regiment Killed in Action on Thursday, 8th August 1918

William Harry Clarke was born in Wixoe [Risbridge Q3-1899 4a:805], son of Harry and Angelina

CLARKE (née MASON). As ever, Clark or Clarke are completely interchangeable

1901 census...Aged 1, he was at Chapel Street, Stoke by Clare with his father Harry CLARKE [27] a

thatcher, and his mother Angelina [22], both born in Birdbrook. Many of the male members of the family

were thatchers in the Birdbrook area.

1911 census...Aged 11, he was in Wixoe with his parents and sister Lilly May [8] and brother Percy Stanley

[4] both born in Stoke by Clare.

William enlisted in Ipswich when resident in Halstead.

The 2nd/2nd Londons were in the fighting at the River Somme. On the 8th August 1918 the fog near the

river caused them to lose direction and they became involved in the fighting before the 174th Brigade had

taken their objective Pushing forward they too the quarry beyond Malard Wood and captured 4 machine

guns and over 70 prisoners. The 3rd however were now too weakened to go on, the 2/4th on their left were

no better.In a final attack the 3rd, 2/4th and 2/2nd Londons attacked again in the evening and reached the

Chipilly Spur but could go no further

and they took up an outpost line for the

night. The following days at 5:40 they

attacked again and took Celestine Wood

just north of Chipilly. By the time they

were relieved on the 10th they had lost

680 officers and men between them.

CWGC figures show the 2nd/2nd had 22

killed on the 8th August, only 3 with

known graves.

163

CLAYDON, James Aged 33

James Claydon is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, pier and face 1C/2A

No.15548, Private, James CLAYDON

8th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment Killed in Action on Friday, 14th July 1916

James Claydon was born in Hempstead [Saffron Walden Q3-1883 4A:534], son of Alfred and Eliza Ann

CLAYDON (née WILLIS).

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Tittle Hall, Boxted with his father Alfred CLAYDON [35] a gamekeeper,

born Hempstead; his mother Eliza [36] born Steeple Bumpstead; brothers Harry [12], Joseph [10] both born

Steeple Bumpstead and George William [3] born Boxted; sisters Amelia [5] and Aley May [1], both born

Boxted.

1901 census...Aged 18, farm labourer, he was at Tittle Hall, Boxted with his parents; sisters Kate [23] born

Bumpstead, Minnie (Amelia), May and Grace [9] born Boxted; brothers Harry (farm labourer), Joseph

(domestic gardener), William and Thomas [6] born Boxted.

1911 census...Aged 27, a farm labourer/rat catcher, single, he was still at Tittle Hall, Boxted with his

mother, brother in law George PEARSON [34], farm labourer with his son Alfred [6] and daughter Annie

[3] both born in Boxted (their mother is not identified). Eliza had born 11 children and all still survived. His

father was away, at 37 Cambridge Road, Walthamstow, visiting his son Harry and his family (wife Emma

[30] born Boxted and their son Alfred [3] born Plumstead, Kent. Also there were Doris PEARSON (Harry's

niece) [4] born Boxted and a boarder, Christopher FREE [30] born Castle Camps

The connection with Wixoe has not been found

164

James enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds.

The 8th Suffolks were on the eastern edge of Bernafay Wood on 14th July 1916. War diary says:-

Order received the 53rd Bde attack TRONES WOOD had not been successful and that 54th Brigade were

being put in - Battalion marched to BILLON WOOD, arriving at 7 am. CO had conference with Brigadier -

Battalion ordered to march via TALUS BOISE -BRIQUETERIEand to take over defence of Chimpanzee

Trench (A.5.d.) to SE corner of BERNAFAY WOOD and then along eastern edges of wood as far as

Railway:- The Battalion was in position by 11:30 am, the right of the battalion joining up with the FRENCH

Battalion HQ at BRIQUETERIE.

CWGC figures show 4 of the 8th Suffolks killed this day

A letter, sent to his Mother by his Platoon commander, was printed in the South West Suffolk Echo on 5th

August 1916. The letter was sent to Mrs Claydon at St Leonards Lodge, Wixoe, and reads as follows:-

"Dear Madam, It is with great regret that I am compelled to write to you to inform you of your son's death.

Pte. J. Claydon was in my platoon and was one of the most popular of my men. He was an excellent soldier

and always performed his duties cheerfully and thoroughly. He was killed on the 14th July, 1916, at about 4

o'clock in the afternoon. He was buried the next day and a service read over the grave by our Chaplain, the

Reverend Frazer. His grave is situated in the Bricquetine, about a quarter of a mile from the village of

Montaubaro [Montauban]. It will, I am sure, be a great comfort to you to know that he died an instant death

and could not possibly have felt any pain. I must apologize for not having written sooner, but we have been

in the firing line ever since and writing has been impossible. Please accept sincerest sympathies of the men

of the platoon and that of the Company Officers. Yours, J. Hannaford, Second-Lieut".

165

PELL, Bennett Aged 36


Bennett Pell is buried in Dury Crucifix Cemetery, 1:A:44

No.888119, Private, Bennett PELL 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry

Died of his Wounds on Monday, 2nd September 1918

Aged 36

Queens South Africa Medal

Bennett Pell was born on 3rd January 1882 (Hoxne Q1-1882 4A:705), baptised in St Mary's Dennington on

24th February 1882, son of John Andrew and Rebecca Sarah PELL (née WILLIS).

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Hooton Hall Farm, Hooton Green, Wirral with his father John A PELL [34]

farmer born Newcastle on Tyne; his mother Rebekah S [39] born Ashdon, Essex; sisters Fanny M [10] and

Mary A [8] both born Dennington and Helen [7] born Brundish, Suffolk; brother Paul B [4] born Brundish.

1901 census...He was in the Army in South Africa. His parents were at Court Lodge, Hooton Kirby, Wirral

with his sister Mary A.

His mother died in 1908 (Risbridge Q3-1908 4a:406)

Aged 21, he sailed for Canada from Liverpool on 16th May 1903 aboard the SS "Pomeranian", arrivign

Montreal on 27th May with Winnipeg as his ultimate destination.

1911 census...His widower father was at Water Hall, Wixoe with brother Paul Brackenbury PELL working

for his father on the farm

At probate, his address was given as The Green Farm, Stambourne, Essex, to his brother Paul. His father

had died in 1916.

Bennett enlisted in Maidstone on 24th January 1901, in the Imperial Yeomanry No.22135. He gave his age

as 20, a farmer born in Dennington, Suffolk. he was 5 feet 8.5 inches tall,wieghed 114 lbs, chest 33" to 34",

hazel eyes, brown hair and Church of England. At this time his next of kin, his father, was at Court Lodge,

Hooton Kirby, Dartford, Kent

166

He served at home from 24th January 1901 until 21st February when he went to South Africa. He was on

South Africa service until 111th August 1902 when he retuned to UK and was discharged on 18th August

1902. He was awarded the Queen's South Africa medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State and

Transvaal and 1901 and 1902. His intended place of residence was given as Bendyshe Hall, Radwinter,

Essex.

Canadian Archives:- RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7703-60-item 563079

He enlisted in Canada at Kelliher, Saskatchewan on 1st December 1915, giving his date of birth as 3rd

January 1882 at Derrington (sic) England, next of kin, his brother Paul at Water hall, Essex. He was single, a

farmer and had served in the 4th Regiment, Imperial Yeomanry. he was 5 feet 8.5 inches tall, weighed 152

lbs, chest 33.5" to 38". Unfortunately his service records have not yet been transcribed and put on line.

The battalion embarked for France on 10th August 1916 and became an integral part of the 10th Infantry

Brigade, 4th Canadian Division, from 11th August 1916 until the Armistice. During its active service the

battalion fought in every major victory attributed to the Canadian Corp, suffering 1,433 killed and 3,484

wounded (a 91.5 % casualty rate) and earning the title of "Suicide Battalion".

The war diary is far too long to include here, but his Circumstances of Death card (below) states:-He took

part with his Company in an advance on enemy positions at Dury on the morning of September 2nd, 1918

but became separated from the Company before reaching the objective. His body was found the following

morning with a machine gun bullet wound in the chest. He had received First Aid but had died before he

could be carried out.

167

TURNER, Oliver Thomas Aged 35

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Oliver Turner is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, grave 16A:A;14

and also commemorated on the war memorial in Stoke by Clare

No.163944, Gunner, Oliver Thomas TURNER

1st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery Died of his Wounds on Wednesday, 28th August 1918

Oliver Thomas Turner was born on 7th June 1883 in Boyton End, Stoke by Clare [Risbridge Q3-1883

4A:548), baptised in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare on 20th July 1884, son of Oliver Thomas and

Amelia TURNER (née HUGHES).

1891 census...Aged 7, he was at Boyton End, Stoke by Clare with his father Oliver Thomas TURNER [47]

publican, born Withersfield; his mother Amelia [39] born Stoke; sisters Annie A [9] and Beatrice [1] both

born in Stoke.

1901 census...Aged 17, a fruiterer, he was at the Travellers Rest, Boyton End with his parents (father

publican/grocer); sisters Annie and Beatrice.

1911 census...Aged 27, single, a general dealer, he was still at the Travellers Rest, Boyton End with his

parents and sisters Annie Amelia and Beatrice Mary

CWGC have the family address as Baythorne End

He married Annie Martha BARBER in Q3-1911 and seems to have had two daughters, Annette E and

Phyllis E. Her address later was Stour House, Wixoe

Unusually, "Soldiers Died" does not give where he enlisted. He died at No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station and

was buried in grave 2:A:45

As Oliver was in a siege battery he would have been some distance from the front line, and so it would be

most likely that he was wounded in a counter barrage. It is not known exactly where or when this

happended. He was taken to No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station where he died. He was buried in grave 2:A:45

at Dury Hospital Cemetery which is now part of the grounds of Centre Hospitalier Philippe Pinel in Amiens.

This cemetery was closed in 1927 when the casualties were exhumed and removed to Villers-Bretonneux.

Below is one type of gun they used, the 9.2 inch howitzer. with a range to 12,800 meters. The gun's shorter

barrel length, adopted to make the weapon more mobile, meant that it rose into the air when fired. To

compensate for this , an 'earth box' was attached to its front and filled with 9 tons of soil.. The gun was not

fired from it's carriage and took some time to assemble in it's firing position.

169

LE ROY, Dennis Aged 21

photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Dennis Le Roy is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, grave 46:J:12

No.14272316, Trooper, Dennis LE ROY

3rd Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps Killed in Action on Sunday, 1st April 1945

Dennis was born on 10th December 1924 (Risbridge Q1-1924 4A:1497) son of Hubert E and Annie Sophia

LE ROY(née MASON) at 3 Church Terrace Wixoe. One of nine children, he attended Wixoe School and

left at the age of 14. The family were still at 3 Church Terrace in 1939, his parents and his siblngs. He is

thought to have worked at Rippers in Sible Hedingham and also on the staff of one of the large houses in the

area, which is reinforced by his last letter home.

After conscription he did his training at Catterick Camp in Yorkshire. Dennis was a radio operator, there

were 3 of his regiment killed that day, suggesting his tank was hit. Part of 11th Armoured Division, it seems

3 RTR had just crossed the Dortmund-Ems Canal via the hastily built Bailey bridge at Birgte . The bridges

were attacked by the usual Me109 aircraft and to their great surprise the jet Me262.. It is not known

however exactly what caused the death of the three tank men.

Initially buried near Ibbenburen, 16 miles west of Osnabruck he was re-interred in Reichswald Forest War

Cemetery in 1947.

Thanks to his sister we have his last letter home (transcribed here)

14/2/1945...Dear Diana and Ted,

How can I thank you enough for the smashing parcel I received yesterday. It made me sweat to bring it here

to the billet from the office.It was a good job I had nothing

to do at the time, that allowed me a few rests on the way.

Give my love to Aunt Sophia and thank her very much for

me for what I received from her

It's the worst of having such a big staff at home. The cook

sent me some chocolate but I received nothing from the

maid yet. Has she left or got the sack.

The parcel arrived in very good order with nothing

smashed or crushed.

I'm glad you both are keeping well and I see you have not

yet moved to Waterhall yet. I suppose the repairs are still

going on. I'm keeping very well and should do if this

weather leasts any length of time. The suns shining

brightly and I see but one wispy cloud in the sky. It's the

best I've enjoyed for a long time.

Well that's about all for now. You'll have to excuse the

mistakes. Cheerio and God bless you, With lots of love,

from your brother, Dennis.

170

the bridges at Riesenbeck and Birgte where they crossed the canal

That concludes the Stour Valley Benefice

Always remembering Not just for 2 minutes each November

171

THE OLD CONTEMPTIBLES

A subject dear to my heart, as my maternal Grandfather enlisted in 1909 and served until 1921. He was one

of the very lucky survivors of this small band of men who, being regular soldiers or

Territorials, were very quickly on the scene in Belgium and France in 1914. Mostly wiped out

during the early stages of the war, they were the backbone of the Army, training and leading

the millions who joined later, either voluntarily or by conscription. When the British Army

was irritating Kaiser Wilhelm by refusing to cave in, indeed pushing his much larger army

back, Kaiser "Bill" is alleged to have issued the following command:

"It is my Royal. and Imperial command that you concentrate your energies for the immediate

present upon one single purpose, and that is that you address all your skill and all the valour

of my soldiers to exterminate first, the treacherous English, walk over General French's

contemptible little army. . . .

Now we all know the British love of belittling themselves, and here the enemy had given a wonderful

chance to indulge in another spot of name calling. Consequently this little band of warriors took upon

themselves the title of The Old Contemptibles. This was recognised by institution in 1917 of the 1914 Star,

sometimes known as the "Mons Star" The medal actually hung from the same ribbon as the 1914-15 Star but

was inscribed with Aug-Nov 1914 and 378,000 were issued to those who were in France or Belgium

between the opening day of the war, August 5th, and midnight on 22

nd November 1914. It is those men who

were the Old Contemptibles, not as is fondly imagined by so many, the other veterans who served in the

Great War. The Kaiser's command was actually issued on 19th November, the 22

nd was deemed to be the last

day of the 1st battle for Ypres.

Later still, in fact after hostilities had ceased, in 1919 a clasp was instituted which had to be claimed and had

to be checked against the records, for all who had been within range of the enemy guns between these dates.

This still further reduced the list of those who were eligible as for every front line soldier there is usually at

least one other labouring away on the supply lines etc. On the medal ribbon bar the award of this clasp is

denoted by a silver rosette on the ribbon

When the British Legion were honoured with the Royal title, at a parade at the July Racecourse in

Newmarket in 1973, I managed to speak to several Old Contemptibles and to a man they confirmed what

my Grandfather had always told me, that the Old Contemptibles medal was their most treasured award. This

despite several DSO, DCM, MC, and MM being on display on their proud chests.

The last survivor, Alfred Anderson (5th Battalion, The Black Watch), died aged 109 in 2005.

Pip, Squeak and Wilfred:

As such were the trio of medals most commonly known, the medals most frequently awarded. The name is

believed to have originated from some cartoon characters at the time

From the left, in order of precedence they are

The 1914 Star

Authorised in April 1917, sometimes referred to as the "Mons Star" was a bronze star,

with a plain reverse on which the Number, Rank, Name and Unit of the recipient was

recorded. At the centre is the inscription "Aug-Nov 1914". Awarded only to those who

served in France or Belgium, between the 1st day of the war, August 5th 1914, and 22

nd

November 1914. The award was open to officers and men of the British and Indian

Expeditionary Forces, doctors and nurses as well as Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal

Navy Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who served ashore with the Royal

172

Naval Division in France or Belgium. About 1,000 Royal Flying Corps and about 100 Australians from their

Volunteer Hospital Unit received it. In all 365,622 were issued. (IWM figure.)

In 1919 King George V instituted a clasp for this medal which had to be claimed and the claimant's service

checked to ensure that he had served under fire in that period. A great many were not claimed, but obviously

if a man was killed in that period he would have been eligible, but again, only in France or Germany.

145,000 clasps were actually awarded.

The clasp was worn stitched to the ribbon, with the medal, and the silver rose emblem was worn on the

medal ribbon bar, early issues with a fastener, and later two holes for sewing on. This Star and the 14-15

Star were worn with the red stripe on the left as seen from the front.

The 1914-1915 Star

Authorised in December 1918, it was awarded to those who served overseas in an operational

area against the Central Powers during these two years, except those who had already been

awarded the 1914 Star. 2,078,183 were issued. The design was the same as the 1914 Star but

with 1914-15 on the central scroll, and the same ribbon. The plain reverse records the

Number, Rank and Name of the recipient.

The award of either of these Stars entitled the recipient to the British War Medal and the

Victory Medal.

The British War Medal, 1914-1920 Authorised in 1919, it was awarded to eligible service personnel and civilians.

Qualifications for the award varied slightly according to service. The basic

requirement for army personnel and civilians was that they either entered a theatre of

war, or rendered approved service overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November

1918. Service in Russia in 1919 and 1920 also qualified for the award. The recipient's

number, rank, name and unit were impressed around the rim.

The medal could be issued on its own. Due to the value of the sterling silver, it was

frequently sold and then melted down. "Native" non combatants, e.g. Chinese

labourers, received a bronze version. About 6.5 million were issued.

The Victory Medal

Each of the allies each issued their own bronze victory medal with a similar design,

similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by

W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory.

Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for

this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal

('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all

recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of 'Pip' also received

both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'.

The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit were impressed on the rim. Made of bronze with a gilt

finish (which did not survive much polishing!). It is on this ribbon that the oak leaf emblem denoting a

Mention in Despatches is worn, but only one emblem regardless of how many 'Mentions'.

In general, where the recipient or his next of kin could be traced, the medals were automatically issued,

except in the case of commissioned officers who had to claim their awards. A great number of medals were

not claimed. In some case the families just did not want them for a variety of reason, in some cases they had

moved and their whereabouts not discovered.

World War One medals can no longer be claimed, but next of kin from WW2 may still be able to receive

their relatives medals, but seldom as replacements. Once a medal has been issued it is incumbent on the

recipient to look after it. Loss through theft or fire, with the relevant proof, is needed for replacement

medals, but there is a charge for this.

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Those mentioned in dispatches also wore a bronze oak leaf on this ribbon. Those eligible were service

personnel including Commonwealth and Imperial forces and included various civilians working in

recognised voluntary organisations. Around 5,750,000 were issued.

The Mention in Dispatches emblem, always worn on the Victory Medal ribbon. If no

medals were awarded, i.e. civilians , the emblem is worn on the lapel (WW1). or the War Medal (WW2).

If there is no War Medal, the emblem is worn on the coat immediately to the right of the

last ribbon.

Without the 1914 Star or the 1914-1915 Star, the two remaining medals of the trio were sometimes referred

to as "Mutt and Jeff"

Such is the Data Protection protocol, the awards of medals for those engaged in WW2 are not available on

line, indeed the only way to access this data is to pay £30 for each enquiry and even then the next of kin

have to be involved. Even next of kin cannot freely access service records although they do have more

access than others outside the immediate family.

There were many differing regulations as to entitlement to the various campaign medals, time in the theatre

of war, the extent of the theatre etc. That being the case the depiction of medal bars on these pages can at

best be treated as honest surmise. The Defence Medal in particular is a grey area. Most medals are awarded

regardless of the time constraints, where the serviceman was killed or taken prisoner before the time limit

was reached. This does not always seem to apply to the Defence Medal and attempts to clarify the situation

have so far failed. Replicas and forgeries seem to be a growth industry these days, so even possession of

medals does not always give a 100% true answer.

Even that clasp for the 1914 Star, the Old Contemptibles clasp, came in 4 different genuine guises, as of

course more than one manufacturer was used.

An example of the WW2 medals.

From the left

1939-45 Star, Africa Star with clasp for 1st Army, Defence Medal and the War Medal, with a Mention in

Dispatches emblem. Service in just about any area of the world outside of the United Kingdom would have

resulted in some campaign star such as the Africa Star above.

The 1939-1945 ribbon is always dark blue to the left, signifying the Navy, then red for Army and light Blue

for RAF.

In addition to the officially awarded medals there are a host of commemoratives. One such is the Dunkirk

veterans medal. This was instigated by the French and only as late as 1970 were British servicemen allow to

wear it. Being a commemorative it is however not worn together with the other medals, but just below them,

usually in the left breast pocket. Protocol has been relaxed of later years and whereas a person should only

ever wear his/her own medals on the left breast, widows and children etc can now be seen wearing their

relatives medals on the right breast.

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The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom to service personnel who had been honourably

discharged due to wounds or sickness during World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the Discharge

Badge, Wound Badge or Services Rendered Badge, was first issued in September 1916, along with an

official certificate of entitlement. The sterling silver lapel badge was intended to be worn in civilian clothes.

It had been the practice of some women to present white feathers to apparently able-bodied young men who

were not wearing the King's uniform. The badge was to be worn on the right breast while in civilian dress, it

was forbidden to wear it on a military uniform.

The badge bears the royal cipher of GRI (for Georgius Rex Imperator; George, King and Emperor) and

around the rim "For King and Empire; Services Rendered". Each badge was uniquely numbered on the

reverse. The War Office made it known that they would not replace Silver War Badges if they went missing,

however if one was handed into a police station then it would be returned to the War Office. If the original

recipient could be traced at his or her discharge address then the badge would be returned.

Acknowledgements and Sources

The records here are purely my own interpretation of the records available, hopefully accurate but not

guaranteed to be so in all cases. One reason for this booklet is to try an obtain confirmation of details where possible from relatives, which, after all these years, is unlikely to be comprehensive.

My thanks naturally to all the relatives who have given me information and photographs

and my personal helpers, daughter Lene, friends Rodney Gibson, Roy Beardsworth, Tony Dunn and

Michela Pettitt who have pushed my wheelchiar across many cemeteries and taken photogrpahs where I could not reach.And the many helpers in the parishes who have come to my rescue at times

Apart from the census returns, and Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, the www.1914-

1818.invision.com members answered many queries.

It has proved essential to have a subscription to both "Ancestry" and to "Find my Past"

Moore, Michael "Battalion at War - Singapore 1942" Gliddon Books 1988

Murphy , Lt Col C C R "History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927" Hutchinson & Co. Ltd

Petrie, F.Loraine OBE

"The History of the Norfolk Regiment 4th

Aug 1914 to 31st Dec 1918. Jarrold & Sons ltd.

Westlake, Ray "Tracing British Battalions on the Somme" Pen & Sword 2004.

I must add my personal thanks to those relatives who have added to the knowledge and perhaps

even provided some photographs.

.Hopefully all other sources requiring acknowledgement have been credited on the actual page. Should any

person feel a copyright has been infringed, be assured it was not by design, and certainly not for gain.

The sole intention of this book is to try to place information about the men on the memorials of the Stour

Valley Benefice somewhere for the villagers to access.

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Is it perhaps too much to hope that no more have their names inscribed on such stone memorials or brass plaques. At least we can do our best to remember those who are so recorded.

If you consider 11 a.m. on 11th November an inconvenient time to remember, it was not convenient for

these men when and how they died.

Too little is known about too many of the men in this book

who did not survive the Wars. YOU can help if your family lost a member in either World War. Maybe you have his medals, perhaps you have a photograph. You may even be able to confirm the identify one of the men that I have failed to identify. Contact: Tony Pringle on 01638-663343 or email [email protected]

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