Herbert Henry Lambert

A Rifleman with 9th Bn., Herbert died on 25th of September 1915 at the age of 24. 

Herbert was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of Herbert John Arthur and Fanny Lucy Lambert. In 1901 his family lived at 49 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 1 Compass Street, Lowestoft, and Herbert assisted in his father's carting business. 

Herbert served with D Squadron of the Suffolk Yeomanry for five years.

Herbert was a master carter when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 3 September 1914. Initially he served with a Reserve Regiment of Cavalry (9th Lancers, service number 7842) and, on 3 June 1915, he was transferred to the Rifle Brigade, service number S/11926. On 29 June 1915 he was posted to the 9th Battalion in France. 

On 24 September 1915 the 9th Battalion moved into positions at Railway Wood, in preparation for an attack to be made the next day. The advance began just after 4 a.m. on the 25th. The Battalion advanced and was initially successful but repeated German counter attacks led to the Battalion suffering many casualties. Further advances were made impossible by the enemy machine-gun fire and the men had to withstand bombardment from high explosive shells and trench mortars. Although the Battalion succeeded in its objective, to take the German trenches, they were unable to hold them. When they were withdrawn, late on the 25th, the Battalion was only four officers and 140 men strong. 

Although Herbert has 'no known grave', Red Cross records show that he, along with eight other soldiers, was killed on 25 September and buried by the Germans at Bellewarde Farm, Hooge. 

Herbert's niece Edith was killed in the 'Waller Raid' in 1942.