William Thorpe

A Skipper with H. M. Drifter James and Walter, William died on 7th of March 1919 at the age of 44.

William was born at Hardley, Norfolk, on 10 November 1876, a son Daniel and Mary Ann Thorpe. He was baptised at Hardingham, Norfolk, on 11 February 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Langley, Norfolk. By 1891 they were living at Cassings (sic) Cottage, Carlton Colville. 

On 26 December 1903 William married Maria Rosetta Balls at Aldeby Parish Church, Norfolk. William was a fisherman living at Carlton Colville and Maria lived at Aldeby. By 1905 they were living at Burgh St. Peter, Norfolk, and in 1911 they lived at Aldeby. Subsequently their home was at 9 Dell Road, Oulton Broad.

William was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1911. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a temporary Skipper on 8 May 1916, service number WSA 2086. He served on the Hired Drifter James and Walter that was being used as a minesweeper. 

William contracted pneumonia and he died at his home. He was buried at Saint Peter’s Churchyard, Carlton Colville, on 11 March 1919.