Christopher Mantel Wren

A Private with 7th Bn. Christopher died on 2nd of August 1915 at the age of 17. 

Christopher was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Walter and Maude Mary Wren. In 1901 his family lived at 139 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and this was Christopher's home throughout his life.

Ernest volunteered soon after the outbreak of war and enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment at Lowestoft. He served with the 7th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915. 

The War Diary of the 7th Battalion has the following entry for 1 August 1915:

9.30 pm A bombing party under Lieutenant Sorley went out to bomb enemy's new work in front of T.M. (Trench Mortar). An accident occurred to one of them whose bomb exploded, killing one and wounding two. Lieutenant Sorley having a narrow escape. The covering party did good work and dispersed the enemy with rifle fire. Two bombs also thrown. The killed and wounded were recovered. 

The War Diary records no casualties for 2 August 1915 and so it is assumed that Christopher's death was in some way connected with the bombing party. Two other soldiers, Private Bell and Lance Corporal Pugh, are recorded as dying on 1-2 August and are also buried at Gunners' Farm.