A Private with 2nd Bn., William died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 19. William was born at Lowestoft in 1897 a son of Arthur Nathaniel and Emma E. Balls. In 1901 his family lived at 29 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they were living at 70 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served in France with the 2nd Battalion.Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Serre on 13 November 1916:At 5 a.m. the first wave floundered forward into No Man’s Land – in reality, a sea of mud in which movement was barely possible. Three quarters of an hour later the attack began. The mist which hung about the low ground thickened as the smoke of the barrage increased, making direction extremely difficult to maintain. Within a very short time all the officers in the leading companies had fallen, and owing to lack of leaders no real progress was made. In spite of the atrocious weather conditions prevailing, portions of the leading Suffolk companies actually reached the German second line. But all was in vain, and the battalion having been reorganised in its original front line, remained there for the rest of the day, marching back to Courcelles the next morning. Their casualties numbered 272, including eleven officers.  William was reported missing on 13 November and it was not until mid-1917 that it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date. William's brother Arthur died in 1917 in the loss of the trawler Willing Boys and his brother-in-law James Howlett was killed in 1916 in the loss of the trawler Datum.

A Lance Corporal with 1/20th Bn., Clement died on 21st of May 1916 at the age of 20. Clement was born at Acton in 1896, a son of George William and Minnie Mary Ann Banham. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Liardett Street, Deptford. By 1911 they were living at 30 Trim Street, New Cross, and Clement was a gas fitter's mate. Later his parents lived at The Baths, Ilderton Road, Bermondsey, before moving to the Lowestoft area and living at 96 Park Road, Lowestoft.Clement was living at New Cross when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Blackheath. He joined the 20th London Regiment and was posted to the 1/20th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 10 March 1915.In May 1916 the Battalion were in trenches near Carency, France. On 21 May the Germans launches an attack which focussed on the Love and Mummery Craters that were being held by the Battalion. George was killed in action during the attack. 

A Private with the Army Service Corps, William died on 27 September 1918, aged 28.William's first names were William Algernon. Some records show his first name, other only his middle name. William was born at Ashill, Norfolk, in 1890, a son of William and Lydia Banks. He was baptised at Ashill on 31 August 1890. In 1891 his family lived at Panworth Hall Farm, Long Drove, Ashill. By 1901 his family were living at Rectory Road, Mellis, Suffolk. William's mother died and his father remarried and in 1911 was living at Rumsby's Cottages, Gisleham Road, Gisleham.William moved to Yorkshire and the 1911 Census shows him working as a 'beastman on farm' at Borrow Farm, Langtoft, Driffield. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Driffield in February 1915. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number R4/068285, and was part of the Remounts Section. He arrived in Salonika around December 1916 and served with the 45th Remounts Section. On 30 August 1918 he was admitted to 80th General Hospital, Hortakoi, Greece, suffering from malaria. Later he was transferred to 60th General Hospital, Hortakoi, where he died. William is commemorated on the war memorial at Gisleham Church which reads: 'Pte. Algernon Banks. Died on Service October 1918'.

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Ceto, Arthur died on 16th of November 1918 aged 25. Arthur was born at Pakefield on 23 April 1893, a son of Arthur and Alice Barber. In 1901 his family lived at Main Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and Arthur was a fisherman. On 28 November 1914 Arthur married Eva Violet Baldry at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Arthur was a fisherman and they both lived at Oulton Broad.  In 1915 they lived at 82 Milton Road, and by 1918 Eva was living at Saint Mark’s Cottages, Oulton Broad. Later she lived at 8 Khartoum Cottages, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and then at Nelson House, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 27 July 1915 and served on the trawler Contrive. In 1917 he was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 20 July 1917, for his conduct when ‘in action with enemy submarines’. On 13 January 1918 he joined the trawler R.R.S., which was assigned to the Auxiliary Patrol Depot ship H.M.S. Ceto at Ramsgate.Arthur died at the Sick Quarters, 1 Royal Crescent, Ramsgate, from pneumonia following influenza and was buried at Carlton Colville on 22 November 1918. He is mentioned on Saint Margaret's War Memorial. 

A Skipper with H.M.L.C.T. 377, Cecil died on 4th of October 1944 at the age of 36. Cecil was born at Carlton Colville on 13 August 1908, a son of Arthur and Anna Barber. In 1911 his family were living at 10 Oulton Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1921.On 8 September 1934 Cecil married Rita Mary Victoria Catchpole at All Saints Church, Pakefield. Cecil was a fisherman living at Wood Farm, Oulton, and Rita lived at 18 Carlton Road, Pakefield. In 1938 Cecil was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1940 Cecil and Rota lived at 9 Brunswick Street, Swansea, but later their home was at 225 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft.  From 29 August 1940 Cecil served as a Seaman, then Second Hand, with the Royal Naval Reserve. On 1 June1942 Cecil was appointed Acting Temporary Skipper. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his work during the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942 (London Gazette 20 October 1942).  In 1944 Cecil served with Landing Craft Tank 377. The L. C. T. was on a voyage from Marseilles to Maddalena, Sardinia, when it was lost along with all twelve of the crew. It is possible that the L. C. T. struck a mine. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Violet May, Charles died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 30. Charles was born at Raveningham, Norfolk, on 29 October 1888, a son of George R. and Mary Ann (Polly) Barber. In 1891 his family lived at Bungay Road, Stockton, near Loddon. By 1901 they were living at 60 Pakefield Street, Kirkley, and this was still their home in 1911. On 26 December 1914 George married Dora May Cable at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a smacksman living at Pakefield Street, and Dorsa lived at 166 High Street. By January 1915 they were living at 59 Stevens Street, and later Dora lived at 47 London Road. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 February 1915. He served on the trawler Seaflower until 31 December 1915 when he joined the trawler Sea Commander. On 21 January 1916 he joined the trawler E.B.C. and on 2 June 1916 he joined the trawler Arndilly Castle. He joined the Violet May on 22 August 1917.  Charles was serving on the Violet May when he was involved in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."In the action the Violet May was badly damaged. Seven members of the crew were killed. Charles was wounded and died of his wounds. Two of the crew survived.Charles was buried, with naval honours, at Lowestoft Cemetery, on 21 February 1918. Two men were awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Navy) for the action in the following circumstances:Engineman John Ewing, R.N.R. (T.). and Engineman Alexander Noble, R.N.R. (T.). received the C.G.M. When their ship had been severely damaged and was on fire and all the men killed, with the exception of Second-hand Charles Barber, who was very severely injured and quite helpless, having since died of wounds, and Deckhand V. Disney, who was wounded in one leg and badly burnt and of little assistance, they cleared the wreckage of the boom from a small boat, got out the boat, into which they put their wounded shipmates and got away. Finding that their ship did not sink, they returned to her, attacked the fire with buckets, and succeeded in putting out the flames, the small-arms ammunition in the wheelhouse exploding as they worked. They then got their injured shipmates on board and made them comfortable, and afterwards burnt flares of old clothes soaked in paraffin until picked and towed in at 7 a.m.See: First World War Bravery Awards - Maritime Archaeology TrustNote: Deck Hand V. Disney was Victor Roland Disney, son of Albert Edward Disney and brother of Stanley Frank Disney - see entries in Our Fallen

A Petty Officer 1st Class with H.M. Trawler Courtier, John died on 6th of January 1916 at the age of 45. John was born at Durham on 19 October 1870, a son of Abel and Ann Barber. In 1871 John, and his mother, were with his maternal grandmother, Harriet Rose, at 9 Rack Terrace, Kidderminster. By 1881 John’s mother had died and his family lived at a Court in Mill Street, Kidderminster. John was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 13 April 1886. On 14 October 1899 he became a Boatman with the Coastguard and, from 25 May 1902, he was based at Kessingland. On 31 October 1914 John became a naval pensioner. On 9 June 1903 John married Catherine Maud Gouldby at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland. John was a coastguard and they both lived at Kessingland. In 1911 they lived at Sea View, Cliff Road, Kessingland, and John was a naval pensioner – net mender working on his own account. Later Catherine lived at 3 The Ridge, Kessingland Beach. John was mobilized on 15 July 1915. On 19 November 1914 he was drafted to the Armed Boarding Steamer H.M.S. Fiona. He was drafted to H.M.S. Pekin, a base for auxiliary patrol trawlers and drifters, and he joined the trawler Courtier.   On 6 January 1916 the Courtier was engaged in operations off Kilnsea, Spurn Head, when the trawler struck a mine. Eleven of the crew were killed, including John, and another man died from his wounds. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Sidney died on 21st of March 1916 at the age of 28. Sidney was born at Broome, Norfolk, on 14 October 1887, a son of Robert and Anna Barber. From 5 May 1890 to 23 October 1899 Sidney was a pupil at Broome School. By 1901 his father had died and his family lived at Yarmouth Road, Broome, and Sidney was a bricklayer’s labourer. Sidney was living at Bungay and working as a blacksmith at W. and S. Green Carriage Works, Bungay, when he attested for the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Starston, Norfolk, on 11 January 1904. He joined the regular battalions of the Norfolk Regiment on 3 March 1904. By 1911 Sidney was an army reserve and his family lived at 10 Oulton Street, Lowestoft, and Sidney was a trawler fisherman.Sidney was mobilized when the First World War began and he arrived in France with the 1st Battalion on 16 August 1914. He served with B Company. In late April 1915 the 1st Battalion were in trenches at Hill 60, Ypres. Sidney received a gunshot wound to his left arm and was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance on 28 April 1915 and was then admitted to No 3 Casualty Clearing Station. Once recovered Sidney was posted to the 7th Battalion. On 19 March 1916 the 7th Battalion moved into positions at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, near Loos. On 21 March the Germans were seen digging a sap toward the British lines. The Norfolks retaliated with bombs (hand grenades) which stopped the work, but during the night both sides continued to throw bombs. Soldiers Died in the Great War shows that Sidney was the only man of the Battalion that was killed on that day. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, William died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 22. William was born at Lowestoft on 24 April 1895, a son of William Charles and Mary Elizabeth Barber. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 26 May 1895. From 5 June 1899 William was a pupil at Kirkley School and his family lived at 84 Saint Leonard’s Road. In 1901 his family lived at 22 Lawson Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Willaim was an apprentice tinsmith. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17589 and was posted to the 9th Battalion, arriving in France with the battalion on 31 August 1915. William was wounded and his name appeared in the War Office Daily List 30 October 1915. Subsequently he was posted to the 7th Battalion and by April 1917 was with IX Platoon C Company.Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 7th Battalion’s part in the attack on the front between the Scarpe and Monchy (near Arras), known as the Battle of Arleux, on 28 April 1917, pages 233-4:The battalion, going over the top at 4.35 a.m. to attack the new Blue Line, passed through the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment, who had captured Bayonet trench and also some 150 yards of Rifle trench. They immediately came under a most devastating machine-gun fire from Rouex, which the troops operating on the north side of the river had not yet taken, and suffered very heavy losses. Portions of the various companies managed to reach the first objective but were unable to gain further ground. All the officers except the colonel and the adjutant have been killed or wounded, these small parties returned to the Black Line as soon as it grew dark and at 1 a.m. the battalion, now reduced to 190 effective men, withdrew to the support line. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers three killed, one died of wounds, four woundedOther ranks: 89 killed and an unknown number wounded or missingWilliam was reported missing on 28 April and later it was presumed that he had been killed in action that day. His body was found at Monchy-le-Preux, map reference I.31.A.1.4 and in 1919 he was reburied at Feuchy Chapel. 

A Gunner with 118 Field Regt., Bertram died on 10th of December 1942 at the age of 21. Bertram was born at Great Yarmouth in 1921, a son of Bertram and Ruth Bardwell. His family lived at 20 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth. In 1939 they lived at 104 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, and later his parents lived at Lowestoft Suffolk.Bertram enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1939. He served with 118th Field Regiment. The Regiment was based at Woolwich until 1941 when it was sent to India as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. In January 1942 the 18th Division was sent to reinforce the garrison at Singapore, arriving there on January 29. With the fall of Singapore, on 15 February 1942, the majority of the Regiment, including Bertram, became prisoners of war. George was one of the prisoners forced to work on the construction of the Burma Railway. He was at Kinsayoke (Kinsaiyok) Camp when he died from colitis catarrh. He was buried at Kinsayoke and, in March 1946, exhumed and then reburied at Kanchanaburi.  ** No_address help please **

A Private with 2nd Divisional Supply Column, Marcus died on 6th of November 1915 at the age of 33. Marcus was born at Camberwell on 28 June 1882, a son of Marcus and Elizabeth Bardwell. He was baptised at Saint John the Divine Church, Kennington, on 13 September 1882, and his family lived at 82 Bishop’s Road, Lambeth. In 1891 his family lived at The School House, 1 Blo Norton Road, South Lopham, Norfolk: Marcus’ father was a schoolmaster. On 23 November 1897 Marcus joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class.  On 1 January 1903 Marcus married Ethel Maud Mary Free at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Marcus was a seaman in the Royal Navy, and both of their addresses are simply given as Carlton Colville.Marcus was serving in the Royal Navy when he was found to have ‘disease of bone’. He was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital Chatham on 8 July 1909 and, on 27 July 1909, discharged with a pension.  In 1910 Marcus and Ethel moved to Chester, Nova Scotia, where Marcus was to work as a motor-man. Marcus was working as a chauffeur when he enlisted in the Canadian Army at Toronto on 1 February 1915. Marcus gave his first name as George, rather than Marcus.Initially Marcus served with the 2nd Divisional Ammunition Park, Canadian Army Service Corps. He embarked for England on 15 May 1915. Marcus was granted leave, in England, from 7 to 13 June 1915. On 1 September 1915, he was posted to the 2nd Divisional Supply Company. He arrived at Rouen, France, on 11 September 1915. On 4 November 1915 Marcus was injured in an accident. He was the driver of a lorry that had to be started with a crank. A convoy of lorries had gone to a rail-head and were loaded. When the convoy was ready to move off the officer in charge blew a whistle. The drivers went to crank their vehicles. As Marcus did this his lorry moved forwards and he was crushed between his lorry and the next one in the convoy. He suffered fractured ribs and a clavicle. The officer immediately had him placed in a Daimler lorry and went with him to No 2 Casualty Clearing Station, where Marcus died from his injuries on 6 November. Two witnesses, the other drivers of Marcus’ lorry, stated that Marcus had driven the lorry and parked in, leaving it in neutral, but when he cranked the lorry it was in a low gear which meant it lurched forward and crushed him causing his injuries. An inquest concluded that Marcus’ accident had been caused ‘by an unfortunate oversight.’  It seems that while Marcus was in France, Ethel returned to England and lived at 106 Queens Road, Lowestoft. Later she lived at 5 Victoria Avenue, Salt, Ontario. In 1921 she married Edward Dunnett and subsequently lived at 22 Hill Road, Lowestoft.

A Private with 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 17. Frederick was born at Ipswich about 1899, a son of Albert William and Emily Barkaway. In 1901 his family lived at Anmess' Yard, Stoke Street, Ipswich. By 1911 they had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 8 Jacob's Street Lowestoft.Frederick volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted at Lowestoft. He served initially with the Suffolk Regiment, number 1515; possibly with the 2/6th Battalion. Later he was transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, number 5366.The 2/1st battalion landed in France on 24 May 1916 as part of the 184th Brigade in the 61st Division. The battalion had their first experience in the trenches at Faquissart on 11 June 1916 and the battalion suffered its first casualties almost immediately. By mid-July 1916 the Germans had withdrawn personnel from the Faquissart sector in order to reinforce their divisions on the Somme and it was decided that this gave a good prospect for a successful attack. The attack had been scheduled for 16 July but had to be pushed back. On 18 July shells from the British bombardment fell short and 78 men of the 2/1st Battalion were gassed. On 19 July 1916 the 2/1st Battalion were tasked with attacking the trenches from the Faquissart-Trivelet Road to Cordonerie Farm. The bombardment was very intense and within the first few minutes the battalion lost 100 men due to shell-fire: thus only 20 officers and 622 men were available for the attack. The attack met with heavy resistance and few men reached the German lines. The battalion suffered 75% casualties amongst the officers and 49% among the men, including 65 men missing.Frederick was among the missing. He was presumed to have been killed in action on 19 July 1916. See http://www.lightbobs.com/1916-21st-bucks-fromelles.html for further information about the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion on 19 July 1916 (link courtesy of Tanya Marshall). Note that Frederick's service number is given as 267121 on official casualty records. He was allocated this number in March 1917 as part of the renumbering of the Territorial Force. The reason he was posthumously given a new number is that, at that time, the Army had not concluded that he had been killed some months before. During the war Frederick's father served as a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve.After the war Frederick's parents lived at Magdalen House, Duke's Head Street; 26 Till Road; and then at 1 White Horse Street, Lowestoft.     

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Kent County., Archibald died on 8th of December 1916 at the age of 24. Archibald was born at Broome, Norfolk, on 28 June 1892, a son of Henry and Henrietta Barker. He was baptised at Broome on 27 August 1892. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Risborough Road, Maidenhead, and by 1905 they were living at 108 Cordwallis Road, Maidenhead. Archibald’s father died in 1905 and the family moved back to Broome and his mother married Robert Hancy in 1907. On 2 August 1915 Archibald married Edith Wisken at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Archibald was in the Naval Reserve and they both gave their address as 19 Sandringham Road. Later Edith married Sidney Bryanton and lived at 3 Oulton Street, Lowestoft.  Archibald joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914. Initially he served with the trawler Boy Roy before joining the drifter Kent County. The Kent County was a Special Service Vessel, also known as Q-Ships. The drifter was sunk by a mine about one mile off Cross Sand, near Lowestoft, with the loss of all ten members of crew. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bernard died on 4th of October 1944 aged 21. Bernard was born on 17 February 1923, a son of Frank Nelson and Lily Beatrice Barker. In 1939 his family lived at The Police Station, Mendham, where his father was a Police Constable. Bernard worked from the London and North Eastern Railway at Harleston Station and was a well known sportsman, playing cricket and football with local clubs. By 1944 Bernard’s parents were living at 10 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 50 Worthing Road.    In May 1944 Bernard went to Canada to train to be a Pilot and received his “wings” shortly before he died. In October 1944 Bernard was serving with 5 Operational Training Unit based at Abbotsford, Canada. On 3/4 October 1944 Bernard was a member of the crew of a Liberator VI aircraft, number EW127 ‘V’, that was taking part in a night navigation exercise. Early in the morning of 4 October the aircraft was found to be missing. The bomber had crashed some 12 miles north-west of Patricia Bay, Vancouver Island, and all of the crew were killed. The aircraft had caught on fire and exploded, possibly due to a leaking fuel tank. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Second Mate with the mooring vessel Recovery of Leith, Jack died on the 1st January 1943 aged 37.Jack was born at Kessingland on 27 December 1905, a son of James and Ellen Barker. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 20 April 1911. In 1921 his family lived at London Road, Kessingland. In 1939 Jack’s widowed mother lived at 2 Collins Cottages, High Street, Kessingland.In 1939 Jack was an Able Seaman with the steam mooring vessel Recovery of Leith at Harwich. From 10 November 1941 Jack served as the Bosun on the Recovery of Leith. Jack fell overboard, from his ship, and drowned in the harbour at Milford Haven. He was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 2 February 1943.

A Private with the 17th Battalion, William died on 20th of October 1918 at the age of 19. William was born at Lowestoft in 1899, a son of William John and Edith Barker. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 July 1901 and his family lived at Police Station Road. In 1911 his family lived at Gayes Cottage, London Road, Pakefield, and later his father lived at 4 Cooks Buildings, East Street, Lowestoft.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 3/19217. He was posted to France to join a battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment (possibly the 7th Battalion). He was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 146502, and served with the 17th Battalion, which was formed in France in February 1918. While it is not possible to state exactly where, and when, William was wounded, on 20 October 1918 the 17th Battalion were supporting a line between Inchy-Beaumont and Le Tronquoy. During that day they supported an attack on Ameral Ridge, east of Neuville (Cambrai). The war diary records that one other ranks, from Headquarters Company, died of wounds, and this may have been William.We do know that William died of wounds at 59 Casualty Clearing Station, based at Awoingt, near Cambrai.   

A Gunner with  352 Battery, 88 Field Regiment, William died on 26th of July 1943 at the age of 35. William was born at Wandsworth, London, on 8 December 1907, a son of George and Gertrude Ellen Barley. In 1911 his family lived at 6 Beach Stone Place, Pakefield. From 6 May 1912 William attended Cunningham Infant School. In the 1920s William served with the Roya West Kent Regiment, service number 6339715. In May 1938 William was appointed postman at Oulton Broad. On 26 December 1938 William married Clara May Stannard at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. William was a postman and they both lived at 19A Surrey Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 they lived at Olive View, Chestnut Avenue, Lowestoft.  William joined the Roya Artillery in 1940. He served with 88 Field Regiment. His Regiment was sent to Malaya in November 1941 and were sent, by train, to Mantin. The Regiment's three batteries were sent to Ipoh, Alor Star and Kuantan. The Regiment was moved over Fraser's Gap to the west coast, north of Kuala Lumpur and were involved in numerous engagements as they fought their wat down the peninsula to Singapore, arriving there on 31 January 1942. As Singapore fell they were given orders to destroy or disable their guns: the Regiment were proud that, up to this point, they had not lost any of their guns. William, with the rest of the Regiment, was taken prisoner at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. The men were, initially sent to Changi and in April 1942 sent back to Singapore in working parties. By the end of 1942 most of the men had been sent to other camps: many, like William, to work on the Burma Railway.   William was being held at Tonchan when he died from beri-beri, and cardiac complications. He was buried at Tonchan South Cemetery and later reburied at Kanchanaburi.  William's name is recorded in the General Post Office Memorial Book. See GPO War Heroes

A Third Hand with Trawler Mistletoe (Lowestoft). William died on 7th of May 1919 at the age of 17. William was born at Lowestoft on 14 March 1902, a son of Herbert William and Martha Ellen Barley. He was baptised t Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 13 January 1903 and his family lived at 26 Raglan Street.William was a pupil at Clapham Road School and from 11 November 1909 he attended Saint Margaret's School, and, at that time, his family lived at Albert Dairy. In 1911 his family lived at 342 Raglan Street, and later at 67 Carlton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.On 7 May 1919 the trawler Misteltoe was fishing about half a mile off Lowestoft when it was blown up by a mine. The Skipper of the smack Colinda saw the wreckage and sailed to the spot. The crew of the Colinda were able to recover the body of Thomas Woolner. All of the Mistletoe's five crew were killed.  

A Private with 717th Mechanical Transport Company. Albert died on 30th of September 1917 at the age of 40. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 19 October 1876, a son of Arthur and Lucy Barnard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 December 1876. In 1881 his family lived at 10 Summer Road and by 1891 they were living at 21 Saint John’s Road and Albert was a refreshment room assistant. In 1901 Albert worked as a groom at The Stables, The Severals, Newmarket. On 17 March 1917 Albert married Florence Agnes Mason, at Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea, London. Albert was a soldier lodging at 1 Hays Mews, and Florence was living at 16 Cadogan Place. By 1921 Florence was living with her parents at 72 Oak Street, Wolverhampton.  Albert enlisted in the Army at London. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number M2/175281, and served in France with the 717th Mechanical Transport Company. In September 1917 717 MT Company were based at Locre and provided support artillery units in the area. On 30 September German aircraft dropped bombs on the lorry park at Locre killing twelve men, including Albert, and wounding 17. Albert’s brother-in-law Frederick died in 1917 while serving with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

A Lance Corporal, Arthur died on 18 November 1916 at the age of 22. Arthur was born at Burgh near Aylsham, a son of George Henry and Ann Mary Barnard. In 1901 his family lived at 20 Cawston Road, Aylsham. In the 1911 Census Arthur is described at George’s step-son and is recorded with the surname Palmer (it is difficult to explain this as Arthur’s mother, who was the widow of John Palmer, married George Henry Barnard in 1893). The 1911 census shows Arthur’s family living at Bowthorpe, Norwich, and Arthur worked as a farm labourer. Later Arthur’s parents lived at the New Pitman Arms, Oulton, near Aylsham. At some point Arthur went to live in Lound.Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. Arthur arrived in France on 28 July 1915 with the 7th Battalion. On 16 November 1916 the 7th Battalion moved from Ovillers Huts to trenches between ‘Sixteen Street’ and ‘Stump Road’. On 17 November they received orders that on the morning of 18 November they were to attack and capture a portion of ‘Desire Trench’. The attack began at 6.10 a.m. The attack was heavily opposed and ultimately unsuccessful. Arthur was killed during this attack.Arthur is named on the war memorial at Lound Church.Arthur’s brother, Albert, also died in the First World War: he served with the 1/4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment and was killed at the Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917. 

A Skipper with the Sailing Trawler Wanderer (Lowestoft), George died on 15th of May 1916 at the age of 44.George was born at Lowestoft in 1872, a son of James and Elizabeth Barnard. In 1881 his family lived at 19 Anguish Street, Lowestoft. Later his father lived at the Fisherman’s Almshouses, Whapload Road, Lowestoft.   On 14 December 1893 George married Kate Louise Crouchen at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston. George was a fisherman living at Lowestoft and Kate lived at Blundeston. In 1901 they lived at 7 Melbourne Road, Lowestoft, and George was a fisherman. By 1911 their home was at 10 Melbourne Road. In 1911 George was the Mate of the trawler Sis at Padstow.George was the Skipper of the sailing trawler Wanderer, LT 611. The Wanderer sailed from Lowestoft on 11 May 1916, heading for fishing grounds near Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 21 May.  On Monday 15 May the Wanderer was seen by the crew of the trawler Research about sixteen miles north-east by north from Smiths Knoll Gas Buoy. Nothing more was seen or heard of the trawler, or any of the crew. Later it was concluded that the Wanderer had been attacked by an enemy submarine.

A Private with the Army Service Corps, James died on 6th of November 1918 aged 40. James was born at Lowestoft in 1878, a son of Samuel and Charlotte Barnard. In 1881 his family lived at 9 Colville Road, Kirkley. The 1891 Census appears to show James with his aunt and uncle, Jane and William Williams, at 20 Arnold Street. By 1901 he was living with his parents at 8 Beckham Road and working as a carter.  On 30 November 1905 James married Blanche Alice Read Frost at Saint Margaret’s Church. James was a carter living at 8 Beckham Road, and Blanche lived at Laundry Lane. Blanche died in 1908. In 1911 James lived with his parents at 8 Beckham Road and was a general carter. On 15 November 1914 James married Ellen Jane Emily Semmons at Christ Church, Lowestoft. James was a carter and they both gave their address as 43 Whapload Road. By 1915 they were living at 7 Cambridge Road. James was working as a carter when attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915 and joined the Army Reserve. On 21 June 1916 James seems to have offered himself for service with the navy and his name was placed on the Y Section list. It seems that he could have then been called up to service with the Royal Naval Reserve, however on 4 April 1917 he was called up for the Army and joined the Army Service Corps (Horse Transport). On 23 June 1917 he was posted to Mesopotamia to join Indian Expeditionary Force D and he was attached to 372 Battery Royal Field Artillery. James developed colitis and on 1 September 1918 he was invalided to India. On 8 September 1918 he was admitted to Cumballa War Hospital. Cholera supervened and on 29 October James was transferred to 34 Welsh General Hospital, Deolali, where he died. He was buried at Deolali on 7 November. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Datum, James died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 23. James was born at Lowestoft on 23 March 1894, a son of James and Hannah Barnard. In 1901 his family lived at 208 Raglan Street and later they lived at 3 Dove Street, Lowestoft, and then at 8 Dove Street. James attended the British School, Lowestoft, and, from 8 October 1906, was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School.  In 1911 James was the Cook on the trawler Welcome, LT 713, at Neyland, Pembrokeshire. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and he served on the trawler Datum. During the night of 26-27 October 1916 the drifter Datum was sunk by German destroyers. All of the crew were lost. For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Kennymore. James died on 25th of November 1940 at the age of 29. James was born at Lowestoft, a son of Charles Edward Turner Barnard and Lottie Maud Barnard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 16 May 1911, and his family lived at 37 Kent Road. The baptised register gives his date of birth as 27 April, and his middle name as Ernest. However, Royal Navy war graves records give his date of birth as 29 April and his middle name as Edward.By 1921 his family was living at 42 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, and by 1939 his widowed mother lived at 114 Denmark Road. During World War Two James served on the minesweeping trawler Kennymore. On 25 November 1940, in the Thames Estuary, the Kennymore detonated a mine and sank. Four crew, including James, were killed, and four wounded with one of these subsequently dying of wounds. A contemporary newspaper report states that James returned to the stricken vessel twice in order to rescue other men.James received a posthumous Mention in Despatches (London Gazette 4 March 1941, page 1290) 'For good services when H. M. S. Kennymore was sunk.' 

A Civilian, Joan died on 9th of April 1941 aged twenty-three months. Patricia was born at Lowestoft on 2 May 1939, a daughter of John and Kathleen Mary Barnard. In 1939 her family lived at 96 Rotterdam Road. Patricia, her mother, sister, grandmother, and neighbours, died at 100 Rotterdam Road when their air raid shelter was bombed during an air raid. 

A Civilian, Kathleen died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 28. Kathleen was born at Deal, Kent, on 13 July 1912, a daughter of Philip Wellington and Alice Amelia Smith. In 1921 her family lived at 8 Alfred Square, Deal. By 1933 they were living in Lowestoft and in 1939 her parents lived at the Coast Guard House, East Street.  On 9 December 1933 Kathleen married John Barnard at Saint Margaret’s Church. Kathleen lived at 44 Crown Street and John was a net loom worker living at 42 May Road. By 1939 their home was at 96 Rotterdam Road. Kathleen, her daughters, her mother Alice Smith, and neighbours, died at 100 Rotterdam Road when their air raid shelter was bombed during an air raid. 

A Civilian, Lily died on 26th of May 1941 at the age of 38. Lily was born at Lowestoft on 27 February 1903, a daughter of William Edward Charles and Maud Lily Barnard.Her family lived at Potters Cottage, 7 Wood's Loke, Oulton Village. In 1939 Lily was a domestic servant 'unemployed'. Lily was killed, at 7 Wood's Loke, during an air raid. Her father also died in the air raid and her son, Norman, died as a result of the air raid.

A Civilian, Norman died on 27th of May 1941. Aged 7 months; of 7 Woods Loke Oulton Village. Norman was born at Hackney in late 1940, a son of Lily Maud Barnard.He was injured at his family home, 7 Wood's Loke, during the air raid on 26 May 1941, and he died at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.His grandfather William and his mother were both killed in the air raid. 

A Civilian, Patricia died on 9th of April 1941 aged 6. Patricia was born at Lowestoft on 21 September 1934, a daughter of John and Kathleen Mary Barnard. In 1939 her family lived at 96 Rotterdam Road. Patricia, her mother, sister, grandmother, and neighbours, died at 100 Rotterdam Road when their air raid shelter was bombed during an air raid. 

A Civilian, William died on 26th of May 1941 at the age of 63. William was born at Kirkley on 4 October 1879, a son of William and Eliza Barnard. He was baptised at Saint John's Church on 17 September 1880 and his family lived at Richmond Terrace. In 1881 they were living at 14 Haward Street. By 1891 William's father had died and he lived with his mother at 3 Chester Cottages, Lovewell Road. From 12 July 1893 William was a fishing apprentice working for Alfred J. Britteon. In 1902 William married Maud Lily Wright at Lowestoft. By 1911 their home was at Potters Cottage, 7 Wood's Loke, Oulton Village. In 1921 William was employed as a permanent way labourer for the Great Eastern Railway Company. They were still living at 7 Wood's Loke in 1939 and William still worked as a permanent way labourer.William was killed, at 7 Wood's Loke, during an air raid. His daughter Lily was also killed in the air raid and his grandson, Norman, died as a result of the air raid.

A Second Lieutenant with 38th Brigade, William died on 21st of October 1916 at the age of 21. William was born at The Rectory, Thurlton, Norfolk, on 6 August 1895, a son of The Rev. Barnard Gooch Barnard-Smith and Fanny Barnard-Smith. He was baptised at Thurlton on 12 September 1895. His father was the Rector at North Cove, Suffolk, and later Rector of Boxford, Suffolk. In 1901 his family lived at The Uplands, Carlton Colville, and in 1911 William was a pupil at Felsted School. Subsequently he was a farmer at The Uplands Estate, Carlton Colville. William was educated at South Lodge, Lowestoft, and at Felsted School, Essex. William joined the Universities and Public Schools Officer Training Corps on 17 September 1914 and was gazetted a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Field Artillery on 12 February 1915. William arrived in France on 1 July 1915. Duing his military service William was a visitor at Talbot House, Poperinghe, Belgium.  William is commemorated on the war memorial at Felsted School Chapel and on a family memorial at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville.

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of July 1918 at the age of 20. Frederick was born at Norwich in August 1897, a son of Frederick Ferrer and Lucy Barnes. In 1901 his family lived at 219 Raglan Street. Frederick attended Clapham Road School and, on 1 February 1905 when his family’s address was the Telephone Exchange, Bevan Street, Frederick became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1909 his family moved to Norwich, but moved back to Lowestoft, living at Crown Street, and Frederick was re-admitted to Saint Margaret’s School on 10 May 1910. In 1911 his family lived at 37 Mariner’s Street. Later they lived at 6 The Prairie, Lowestoft, before moving to 68 Howard Street Central, Great Yarmouth. After Frederick’s mother’s death his father lived at 52 Ketts Hill, Norwich.  Frederick enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, service number G/21971. He was posted to the 15th Battalion, then the 12th and then the 11th. By March 1918 he was serving with B Company.  On 22 March 1918 the 11th Battalion were at Villers Faucon. About 11 a.m. they were ordered to withdraw to positions 400 yards behind the village and at 2 p.m. they again withdrew to a line in front of Tincourt Wood, before reorganising and taking up a line left of Busy, behind the wood. About 9 a.m. the next day they withdrew to high ground north of St. Denis and at 3 p.m. they were forced to retire to the rear of Mount St. Quentin and they held this position for two hours before withdrawing up the Somme valley and crossing the river at Bliscourt On 23 March 1918 Frederick was wounded by a gunshot to his right thigh and he was taken prisoner. He was taken to prisoner of war hospital at Trier, seriously wounded. An official report in Red Cross records states that everything was done to keep him alive and that he was able to regain some strength. He bore his pain with great patience and that ‘quietly and peacefully he was able to go to a better life’.  There are two pension record cards connecting Frederick with Sarah Millicent Barnes of 20 Saint Thomas’ Road, Finsbury Park. One of the cards states that Sarah was to be awarded a £5 grant, but then notes that the grant was cancelled and adds ‘soldier un-married’. Sarah Barnes was married to George Barnes, who served with the Essex Regiment and survived the war. It is possible that the pension administrators had confused Frederick with George Barnes. 

Formerly a Private with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, George died on 24th of February 1916 at the age of 33. George was born at Lowestoft in 1883. He was a son of George and Harriet Barnes. At various times his family lived at Raglan Street and Chapel Street. George was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the 4th Militia Battalion Norfolk Regiment at Lowestoft on 23 February 1900. George was 'embodied' (served full-time) with the militia from 1st May to 17 July 1900, but he may have had additional service for the 1901 Census shows him as a militia soldier based at the Colchester Garrison. On 13th November 1902 George joined the regular army, attesting for the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at Hull (it seems that his parents had moved to Hull by this time). George was given the service number 7149 and intended to serve three years with the Colours and nine with the Reserve. He served with the 2nd Battalion and then the 1st Battalion and spent two years in South Africa. George joined Section B of the Army Reserve on 23rd May 1905.It seems that George returned to Lowestoft and began work as a fisherman. In 1911 he was living at 2 Dove Street Lowestoft. George was mobilized when the First World War began and rejoined his regiment. He arrived in France on 21st August 1914, and served with D Company of the 1st Battalion. Soon George became unwell and was admitted to the 14th Field Ambulance on 4th September 1914 and also spent some weeks in hospital at Lyon. On 21 December 1914, George was transferred to England and admitted to military hospital.  Eventually it was found that George had tuberculosis and he was found to be permanently unfit for further service. He was discharged from the Army on 14th November 1915 and went back to Lowestoft, again residing at 2 Dove Street.George's condition deteriorated and he died, of pulmonary tuberculosis, at 2 Dove Street, Lowestoft, on 24th February 1916.Although George was not a 'battle casualty' he was one of thousands of British soldiers who died from a disease that would have been made worse because of his military service. At present, because he was discharged after his military service, he does not have any Commonwealth War Graves (CWGC) commemoration, but it is hoped that this will be remedied in the future.On Saint Margaret's War Memorial.(With thanks to Peter on The Great War Forum for the detailed information)     

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Alfred died on 13th of September 1916 at the age of 28.Alfred was born at Garboldisham, Norfolk, in 1888, a son of Alfred and Christina Barrett. He was baptised at Garboldisham on 4 November 1888. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Garboldisham. By 1901 they were living at the Sand Pit, Haddiscoe, and in 1911 they lived at 5 Station Cottages, Herringfleet, and Alfred was a farm labourer. Alfred volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17803. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 31 August 1915. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 9th Battalion’s attack at The Quadrilateral 13 September 1916:The battalion took part in an attack by the 61st Division on the Quadrilateral., the 71st Brigade being on the left and the 16th on the right. The 9th Battalion attacked with three companies in the front line and one in support, zero being 6.20 a.m. The battalion got through the German out post line quite easily, but on gaining the open ground, which stretched for about four hundred yards to the enemy’s wire, came under a terrific machine-gun fire from the formidable strong point known as the Quadrilateral. Across this bare expanse the men struggled bravely forward. Lieutenant Macdonald with others getting close enough to throw a bomb into the German stronghold before being wounded. No further progress could, however, be made. At 7.30 a.m. another attack, in which A Company participated, was launched; and in the evening a third. Still no entrance could be effected. The battalion therefore, in touch with the units on both flanks, dug itself in on a line about half a mile in front of the jumping off trenches of the morning.  The Battalion’s casualties were: officers 2 killed and 10 wounded; other ranks 15 killed and 185 wounded. Alfred was reported missing and later it was concluded that he had died on, or since, 13-16 September. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of September 1917 at the age of 33. Frederick was born at Aldeby, Norfolk, in 1884, a son of (Susannah) Elizabeth Barwood. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 15 December 1889. A marginal note in the baptism register has ‘Died for England 1917.’ In 1885 Frederick’s mother married Robert Manning and in 1891 the family lived ‘near the Railway Station’, Carlton Colville. By 1901 they were living at Khartoum Cottages, Carlton Colville, and Frederick was a general labourer. On 6 October 1909 Frederick married Ethel Beatrice Gayfer at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Frederick was a gardener and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at 10 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad, and Frederick was a domestic gardener. Later Ethel lived at Halida, Oulton Road, Lowestoft. Frederick enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 40627, and served in France with the 7th Battalion. On 17 September 1917 the 7th Battalion took over front line positions in the right sub-sector, near Wancourt. The battalion war diary for 19 September has:Enemy trench mortars were fairly active during the day. At 5.15 p.m. a sudden barrage of ‘fishtails’ (sic) was put down on our saps. After a few minutes heavy and light trench mortars and artillery were added making a heavy bombardment on our front and support lines. Our retaliations proved fairly ineffective. At 8.15 p.m. the enemy put down a heavy barrage on our trench system and their machine-guns were also active. Our machine-guns and artillery fired on S.O.S. lines. There were no signs of an enemy attack except that three men were seen creeping toward our extreme left. These were believed to be hit by our fire. The bombardment ceased at 9.30 p.m. and from then onwards the night was quiet. Some damage was done to our trenches and a number of casualties caused.    Eight men of the battalion, including Frederick, were killed in action on 19 September. 

A Civilian, Beatrice died on 3rd of July 1940 at the age of 45. Beatrice was born at Kirkley on 11 April 1895, a daughter of Frederick George and Elizabeth Baster. She was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 12 May 1895. In 1901 her family lived at 12 Lorne Park Road. From 15 May 1901 Beatrice was a pupil at Kirkley School. In 1911 Beatrice's family lived at 4 Morton Road and Beatrice worked as a beatster. By 1921 her family were living at 60 Pakefield Road. In 1939 Beatrice lived at 14 Rant Score East and She worked as a tin cutter machinist.Beatrice, her daughter Evelyn, and grandson George Youngman, all died, at 14 Rant Score East, during an air raid. 

A Leading Seaman, with H.M.S. Quail, George died on 15th of November 1943 at the age of 36.Brian was born at Lowestoft on 14 September 1907, a son of William Henry and Eva Susannah Baster. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 11 October 1907, and his family lived at Arnold House, Arnold Street. In 1911 his family lived at 9 Burton Street, Lowestoft. Brian's father served in the Royal Navy and died during the First World War.In 1921 Brian's family were living at 10 Burton Street, Lowestoft. Brain joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 24 July 1923. He served continually until 13 September 1937 and he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 14 September 1939. On 26 November 1932 Brian married Maud Wright at Saint Alban's Church, Beacontree, Essex. They lived at 30 Estreham Road, Streatham, London. Brian was recalled for service and from 15 June 1939, until at least April 1941, he served on H.M.S. Watchman. In 1941 he was awarded the Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service Medal. In 1943 Brian served on H.M.S. Quail when, on 15 November, the ship struck a mine that had been laid by submarine U-453. Brian, and eighteen other crew, died during the incident.

A Civilian, Evelyn died on 3rd of July 1940 at the age of 7. Evelyn was born at Lowestoft in 1932, a daughter of Beatrice Elizabeth Baster. In 1939 they lived at 14 Rant Score East. Evelyn, her mother Beatrice, and her nephew George Youngman, died at 14 Rant Score East, during an air raid.

A Chief Petty Officer with H.M.S. Ark Royal, William died on 4th of September 1918 aged 49. William was born at Gravesend, Kent, on 25 November 1868, a son of George Frederick and Mary Anne Baster. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Milton-next-Gravesend, on 6 January 1869. In 1871 his family lived at Clarence Street, Milton. By 1881 they had moved to Mundesley, Norfolk, where his father was a Coast Guard. William joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 29 May 1884. In 1902 he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged to a pension on 3 December 1906 and on 3 August 1907 William joined the Royal Fleet Reserve (number RFR/CHA/1105).By 1906 William's home was at Lowestoft. He married Eva Susannah Booker, of Oxted, Surrey, at Saint Mary's Church, Oxted, on 19 January 1906. They lived at 10 Burton Street, Lowestoft.On 2 August 1914 he was mobilized and served with H.M.S. Columbine before joining the minesweeper Plethos on 1 April 1916. He was with H.M.S. Pembroke I from 31 May 1917, Ganges from 23 June 1917, Pembroke I from 15 September 1917 and H.M.S. Ark Royal from 12 October 1917. William died from malignant endocarditis. William's son Brian served in the Royal Navy and died in 1943. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Frederick died on 26th of April 1917 at the age of 23. Frederick was born at Pakefield in 1894, a son of George and Eliza Batchelor. In 1901 his family lived at 17 Prospect Place, Pakefield, and this was still their home in 1911 and Frederick worked as a plumber, and later as a painter.  In 1916 Frederick married Kathleen Susanna Holmes, of Great Hautbois, Norfolk. By November 1916 their home was at 8 Prospect Place, Pakefield. Subsequently Kathleen married Ernest Keech and lived at Norwich. Frederick enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3851. Frederick did not serve overseas before 1916. He was posted to the 9th Battalion in France and renumbered 43856. On 24 April 1917 the 9th Battalion took over the Sunken Road, Novel, Cameron Alley, and Blackwatch Alley, and Natal Trenches, near Loos. The battalion war diary records that on 26 April three men were killed and three wounded.Frederick was one of the men killed in 26 April. It seems that he had a battlefield buried and by 1921 he had been reburied at Dud Corner Cemetery. 

A Trimmer with Steam Trawler Newhaven (Lowestoft), Christopher died on 15th of January 1940 at the age of 27.Christopher was born at Barnby on 12 May 1912, a son of Evelyn Rendlesham Hunt (nee Baxter) and step-son of Walter Hunt. In 1921 he lived with his grandparents, Walter and Martha Baxter, at Barnby.In 1939 his family lived at Waveney Cottages, Barnby, and Christopher was a deep sea fisherman.Christopher served as a Trimmer on the trawler Newhaven. The Newhaven was supposed to have been lost, around 18 miles south south-east of Lowestoft, due to a mine explosion, and Christopher was presumed to have been killed in the loss of the vessel. Christopher's uncle Gordon served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died of pneumonia in 1919. 

A Private  with 1st Bn., Frank died on 4th of September 1916 at the age of 21. Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Frederick and Harriet Sarah Baxter. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 January 1895 and his family lived at 41 Lawson Road. By 1901 they were living at 19 Cleveland Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Frank worked as a stonemason's apprentice. Later his parents lived at Burleigh, Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft. Frank enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France.  On 4 September 1916 the 1st Battalion made an attack on Falfemont Farm, near Ginchy, Somme, France. Their attack was handicapped because the French troops, on their right, were unable to leave their trenches. The Battalion was subject to withering machine-gun fire and their attacks failed but, through combined efforts with other British infantry units, the farm was taken on 5 September. The Battalion had the following casualties on 4 September:Officers: seven killed and seven woundedOther ranks: 50 killed, 212 wounded and 94 missing.Frank was reported missing on 4 September and by April 1917 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that day. 

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Halcyon, George died on 18th of November 1918 at the age of 26. George was born at Barnby on 11 September 1892, a son of George and Mary Baxter. In 1901 George lived with his grandparents, Richard and Ann Chilvers, at Brick Kiln Cottages, Aldeburgh. In 1911 his family lived at Back Lane, Barnby, and George worked as a fisherman. By 1917 their home was at 11 Mill Road, Barnby.George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 May 1917. His service record shows that he served with H.M.S. Vivid, to 16 August 1917, and then H.M.S. Halcyon. George died, from pneumonia, at The Cottage Hospital, Gunton. 

A Engineman with H.M.S. Halcyon II, Gordon died on 18th of February 1919 at the age of 25. Gordon was born at Barnby on 9 April 1893, a son of Walter and Martha Baxter. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 18 August 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Railway Road, Barnby Green, and this was still their address in 1911 when Gordon 'worked at home' (possibly with his father who was a market gardener?). By 1915 they lived at Nunns Nest, Barnby. Gordon joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 November 1915. From 11 March 1916 he served on the trawler John Lewis. Gordon died, from pneumonia, at Gunton Cottage Hospital. Gordon's nephew Christopher died in 1940 in the loss of the trawler Newhaven. 

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Carry On (Lowestoft), Gordon died on 17th of December 1940 aged 25. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 17 October 1915, a son of William and Belinda Baxter. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Kirkley Run and by 1939 they were living at 63 Long Road and Gordon was a drift net fisherman. In 1940 Gordon was a Deck Hand with the trawler Carry On. The Carry On was used as a barrage balloon drifter in the Thames Estuary. During the night of 12 December 1940 many mines were dropped into the Thames Estuary and the Carry On was immobilised. A few days later the Carry On was given permission to sail to Sheerness, deliberately sailing at low speed to avoid detonating acoustic mines. On 17 December the trawler was blown up by a mine. All seven of the crew were killed.   

A Civilian, Isaac died on 29th of September 1940 at the age of 62.Isaac was born at Barnby on 6 March 1878 a son of Peter and Sarah Ann Baxter. In 1881 his family lived at Barnby and in 1891 they lived at The Crown, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, where his father was the publican. In 1901 Isaac was the mate on the trawler Speedwell at Newlyn Harbour. On 31 May 1902 Isaac married Harriet Eliza Blazas at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Issac was a Master Carter and they both lived at Carlton Colville. Also, in 1902, Isaac took over the business of G. Fox, General Carter. The lived at Maple Cottage, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. In 1911 Isaac was a carting contractor. Isaac was working as a carter when he attested for the Army on 15 December 1915. He was called up on 10 July 1918, and joined the Army Service Corps, service number T/425650. He was a Driver with 142 Company. Isaac served in France from 6 November 1918 to 29 March 1919. He was demobilized on 28 April 1919.In 1921 Isaac and Harriet lived at 5 Victoria Villas, Bridge Road, Lowestoft, and Isaac was a carting contractor. By 1939 they were living at 12 Worthing Road and Isaac was a barman.On 29 September 1940 Isaac was working at the Herring Market when a German Dornier Do. 17 bomber dropped six bombs on the Harbour and Dock area. The office at the Herring Market took a direct hit killing four sailors and four civilian naval employees (It is assumed that Isaac was among the latter). See Anniversary of bombing raid marked by town commemoration | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk)

A Private with 1st Bn., Stanley died on 11th of October 1918 at the age of 19. Stanley was born at Barnby on 30 May 1899, a son of Walter James and Amelia Marcella Baxter. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 25 June 1899. In 1901 his family lived at Barnby Green. In 1911 their address was 'near the Post Office, Barnby Green.'In 1915 Stanley began work as a porter with the Great Eastern Railway at the Barnby Siding, Carlton Colville.In June 1917 he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the 107th Battalion Training Reserve, number TR/Lon/75176. He was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and arrived in France on 5 April 1918 to join the 1st Battalion. The Battalion War Diary for 11 October 1918 reads:Battalion went through a heavy barrage at Rieux when assembling for attack at 4 a.m. The intention was to pass through the 73rd Brigade. The Battalion was held up by enemy machine-guns before reaching the first objective. Casualties were very heavy. It was impossible to advance against such fire owing to the nature of the country. Had there been artillery co-operation or a single tank the 3rd objective could easily have been gained. During the morning and whilst the 73rd Brigade were actually being relieved, the enemy sent one tank forward which fired a burst of machine-gun fire and a few shrapnel and immediately returned. During the night patrols were pushed out and the enemy having retired, posts were established on high ground west of Villers en Cauchies and St. Aubert.Casualties: Three officers killed and four wounded. Other ranks 40 killed, 181 wounded, 4 missing.   Stanley was killed in action on 11 October 1918. 

A Lance Corporal with the 8th Battalion, Vincent died on 17th of September 1916 at the age of 19. Vincent was born at Oulton in 1896, a son of William and Mary Ann Baxter. In 1901 his family lived at Park Road, Rock Estate, Oulton. This was still their address in 1911 when Vincent worked as a messenger boy for a boat builder. Later his parent's address was Verna Cottage, Park Road, Rock Estate. Vincent was working as a labourer when he volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft on 2 September 1914. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14746. He was posted to the 8th Battalion on 4 September 1914 and arrived in France with the Battalion on 25 July 1915.Vincent was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on 16 November 1914 and paid Lance Corporal on 5 June 1915. On 14 August 1915 Vincent was at Rouen and had an attack of haemopstysis. On 28 February 1916 he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Vincent returned to England on 2 March 1916 and was posted to the strength of the Depot. He was discharged, medically unfit, on 28 April 1916. A Medical Board held on 1 September 1916 found that he was totally incapacitated. He died, on 17 September 1916, from tuberculosis. 

A Third Hand with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), Thomas died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 23. Thomas was born at Scarborough on 30 August 1896, a son of James and Ellen Bayes. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Gashouse Yard, Scarborough, and by 1911 they were living at 2 Black Horse Yard, Scarborough and this was still the family home in 1915. On 17 March 1917 Thomas married Rose Louisa Francis at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Thomas was a Decker with H.M.S. Vitality, and Rose lived at her family home, 29 Jacob's Street.Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 April 1915 and served as a Deck Hand, service number 5518/DA. He served on the trawler Vitality until 30 October 1917 when he joined the trawler Raven II. He was demobilized and discharged on 6 June 1919.  In 1920 Thomas worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew. Thomas’ brother-in-law, Daniel Francis, was also lost with the Derwent. 

A Second Lieutenant, Alan died on the 15th of February 1942 aged 27. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 27 March 1914, a son of Alfred and Ada Bayfield. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 14 May 1914 and his family lived at the Anchor Hotel, High Street, where is father was the publican. In 1921 their home was at 159 High Street. By 1939 Alan’s parents were living at 5 The Esplanade.Alan is listed twice in the 1939 Register. He is shown living with his brother John and family, 263 Selly Oak Road, Birmingham, and working as a confectioner at the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, Bournville. This entry is crossed out and a second entry shows him residing at 21 Clarence Place, Leeds, and working as a relief representative. On 6 November 1939 Alan enlisted in the Royal Engineers, service number 1887379. On 14 March 1941 he joined 166 Officer Cadet Training Unit, at the Isle of Man, and, on 20 June 1941 he was discharged from the Royal Engineers to take up a commission with the Suffolk Regiment.   In 1940 Alan married Iris Kate Hull, this was registered in the Midhurst district. By 1946 Iris was living at Wood Home, Wakes Colne, Essex, and later she lived at Tadley Green Hampshire.  In early 1940 the 5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was based in the North Walsham, the Battalion then moved to Fulborn, Cambridgeshire; Hawick, Scotland; Liverpool; Anglesey; and then Leominster. On 27 October 1941 the Battalion embarked on the S.S. Reina del Pacifico at Liverpool and sailing for Halifax, Nov Scotia. The Battalion changed ship, to the American liner Wakefield, and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941. The Battalion was given three days shore leave.The Battalion was part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division. With the Japanese entry into the war the Battalion was now allocated to the Far East and sailed for India, arriving on 27 December 1941. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. On arrival at Singapore the Battalion deployed to the rubber plantation and then moved to Ponggol Point at the north-east of the island. On 15 February 1942 they were holding positions at Bukit Timah Road near to Raffles College. Alan was killed in action at Bukit Timah on 15 February and, the next day, he was buried behind Raffles College, at map reference 812125. In 1946 he was re-buried at Kranji Military Cemetery. 

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Resono, Ernest died on 26th of December 1915 at the age of 33. Ernest was born at Kessingland on 9 July 1882, a son of Alfred and Mary Ann Beamish. In 1891 his family lived at Elms Cottages, London Road, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1901. By 1896 Ernest was working as a ‘fisher lad’.   On 3 January 1905 Ernest married Lily Jane Norris. In 1911 they lived at 7 Witley Road, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and Ernest working as a herring fisherman. Note the 1911 Census clearly shows that address at Witley Road. Later Lily lived at 13 South Elmham Terrace, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, Suffolk.Ernest was lodging at 18 Duke Street, Grimsby, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 August 1914. Ernest served on the trawler Leonora. On 1 April 1915 he joined the trawler Ameer and subsequently joined the Resono.  On 26 December 1915 the Resono was patrolling off Harwich, near the Sunk Light Vessel. The trawler struck a mine and exploded. Eleven crew, including Ernest, were killed and three saved. Ernest is commemorated on the war memorial at Saint Margaret’s Church. Ernest's brother-in-law, Thomas Read, served in the Royal Naval Reserve, and died in 1917. His brother-in-law, Alfred Brown, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, Francis died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 22. Francis was born at Carlton Colville on 9th November 1893, a son of William and Jessie Beamish of 186 The Avenue Lowestoft Suffolk.Francis, like his father, was a fisherman. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11th January 1915 and served on board the drifter 'Gleaner of the Sea'.In 1915 the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was part of the Dover Patrol and had the task of tending the nets that made up the anti-submarine defences. On 24th April 1915 they discovered that submarine U-13 was tangled in the drifter's anchor cable. The Skipper, Robert Hurren, took a 'lance-bomb' and struck the submarine on the fore-deck. The submarine was damaged and was also attacked by British destroyers before sinking. (See OVERLORD'S BLOG: Gleaming Sea (overlord-wot.blogspot.com). Robert Hurren was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions and Francis, for his part in sinking the U-13, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (London Gazette 25 July 1916). According to Francis' Royal Naval Reserve service sheet he was also Mentioned in Despatches (the certificate was sent to his father after the war). The Gleaner of the Sea was one of a number of Lowestoft trawlers, in the Dover Patrol, that were attacked by German destroyers during the night of 26-27 October 1916. The Gleaner of the Sea was lost with all hands. For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

An Engineer with Steam Drifter W. A. Massey (Lowestoft), Frank died on 11th of March 1918 at the age of 29. Frank was born at Oulton in 1889, a son Edith Beamish. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 18 August 1889. In 1891 he lived with his mother and grandparents, John and Louisa Beamish, at Swan Lane, Barnby. By 1901 his family were living at Barnby Green. Early in 1911 Frank married Esther Gouldby, and they lived at The Green, Barnby. In 1911 Frank was a stoker with the trawler Willing Boys at Newlyn.On 11 March 1918 the trawler W.A. Massey, LT 1090, was sunk by a mine when fishing about five miles west of Craeg a Mhail, Handa Island, Scotland. The trawler Rose was fishing nearby and reported the loss. 

A Civilian, Emma died on 13th of January 1942 aged 51. Emma was born at Ellingham, Norfolk, on 27 May 1890, a daughter of James and Rahcel Spall Whaley. She was baptised at Ellingham on 9 September 1890. In 1891 her family lived at Geldeston Road, Ellingham and this was still their address in 1901.In 1901 Emma married Ernest Harry Beard, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1911 they lived at 11 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1921 they were living at the rear of 74 High Street. In 1939 their home was at 8 Queens Road. Ernest died on 10 January 1942.On 13 January 1942 Emma, her daughter Edith Paul, and her grandson David Paul, were all killed at London Road North during the Waller Raid. 

A Private with the Pioneer Corps, Frederick died on 4th of August 1943 at the age of 35. Frederick was born at Beccles on 9 June 1908, a son of Louis and Edith Mary Beard. In 1911 his family lived at The Suffolk Inn, Station Road, Beccles, where is father was the publican. Frederick was living at 42 Denmark Road, and working as a shop assistant, when he married Ena Mary Artis, at Saint John's Church, on 23 July 1931. Ena lived at 'Trvone', Colville Road, Oulton Broad. In 1939 they had a home at 54 Beresford Road, Lowestoft. Ena worked as a nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Frederick was one of six men of the Pioneer Corps who were reported 'missing believed killed' on 4 August 1943. Later it was determined that Frederick and Private A.G. Auger had been accidentally killed in that date.

A Hospital Sister, Alice died on 4 May 1941, aged 37.Alice was born at Oulton Broad on 20 March 1904, a daughter of Chrles Frederick and Alice Beare. She was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church on 8 May 1904 and her family lived at Victoria Road. By 1921 Alice’s father had died and her family still lived at Victoria Road, but Alice lived at Binstead Farm, Low Road, Mettingham, with her aunt Emma Blundell, and Alice worked as a clerk for J. and J. Edwards at Lowestoft. Later her mother lived at 8 Victoria Road. Between 1924 and 1928 Alice trained as a nurse at the East Suffolk And Ipswich Hospital. She passed her examination and joined the nursing register on 22 March 1929.  In 1939 Alice, a member of the Civilian Nursing Reserve, was a hospital sister at East Suffolk Hospital, Ipswich, and she lived at a nurses home at 19 Broughton Road, Ipswich.Alice died at Westerfield Road, Ipswich, during an air raid. 

A Private with 7th Bn. William died on 12th of September 1916 at the age of 38. William was born at Orford, Suffolk, in 1877, a son of David John and Harriet Beatton. In 1881 his family lived at The King's Head Inn, Orford, where his father was the licensee. By 1891 William was a boarding pupil at The College, Beccles. On 14 June 1900 William married Margaret Jane Barber at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. William was a fish merchant living at Aldeburgh and Margaret lived at 24 Clapham Road. In 1901 they lived at Aldeburgh and had a house and shop at High Street Central, Aldeburgh, where William had a fish monger's business. By 1911 they were living at 172 Raglan Street and William was the manager at a fish shop. Later Harriet lived at 8 Stanley Street, Lowestoft. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in February 1915 and joined the Suffolk Regiment. Initially he served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, service number 2414. In 1916 he was posted to the 7th Battalion in France. In September 1916 the 7th Battalion were in positions to the south-west of Arras. The Battalion war diary gives very little detail and entries for 12 and 13 September 1916 read:12th All quiet13th Enemy shelled Hope StreetNo casualty details are recorded, thus it is not possible to know exactly what happened to William. LOWESTOFT AND KIRKLEY [football] PROGRAMME After winning the Football League Championship and the FA Cup in 1897, Aston Villa were officially the best team in England when they travelled to Crown Meadow to take on a combined Lowestoft and Kirkley side for a friendly on February 28, 1898. Villa won the match 6-0, but they were so impressed with the performance of Lowestoft captain, William Buckingham Beatton, that they asked him to join them. Beatton politely turned down the best professional side in the country, preferring instead to remain at Lowestoft where, a few weeks later in 1898, he inspired them to win the very first Norfolk and Suffolk League championshipBeatton did join Aston Villa the following November, becoming the first Lowestoft player to be transferred to a professional club. He later returned to his beloved East Anglia and became a fishmonger at Aldeburgh, Suffolk. He and his Lowestoft-born wife, Maggie, had a daughter, also named Maggie, who was born in 1901. When the First World War started in 1914, Beatton joined the seventh battalion of the Suffolk Regiment and was killed at the age of 38 at the Battle of the Somme on September 12, 1916. He is buried at Agny Military Cemetery in France. CREDIT: Eastern Daily Press (thanks Catherine Green)

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Frederick died on 17 February 1915, at the age of 36. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 17 July 1879, a son of James William and Jane Hannah Beavers (note his mother’s name is also given as Jane Eliza on some records). In 1881 his family lived at 31 East Street, Lowestoft.He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 29 August 1882. By late 1901 Frederick was living at 37 Baldwin Street, Radford, Nottinghamshire, and working as a shop assistant. On 25 December 1901 he married Florence Annie Bednall at Christchurch, Radford. In 1911 Frederick was working at a foundry and boarding at 25 Brown Street, Burnley, with Isabella Ackroyd and her children. Frederick volunteered and joined the Army at Burnley. He served with the East Lancashire Regiment and had service number 12503. On 28 January 1915 Frederick was posted to the 1st Battalion in France. From 1 February 1915 the 1st Battalion were holding entrenched positions at Le Gheer, near Ploegsteert, Belgium. These positions were frequently subject to enemy sniping an occasional shelling. The battalion’s war diary records very little activity for the month of February 1915 and the entry for 17 February, the day on which Frederick died, simply says ‘all quiet.’Frederick’s ‘sole legatee’ was Isabella Ackroyd.    Frederick’s father died in 1917 and by March 1919 Frederick’s mother was living at 1 Strand Terrace, Whapload Road, Lowestoft.  Frederick’s brother James William served with the South Lancashire Regiment and was killed in action on 14 February 1917.Frederick's name appears on the war memorial at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft.

A Private with the 6th Battalion, James died on 14 February 1917 at the age of 40.James was born at Lowestoft on 10 October 1877, a son of James William and Jane Hannah Beavers (note his mother’s name is also given as Jane Eliza on some records). In 1881 his family lived at 31 East Street, Lowestoft.  He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 4 November 1877.James married Margaret Jane Johnson at Saint Mary’s Church, Edge Hill, Liverpool, on 10 April 1898. At that time he was a labourer living at Wrayburn Street.  In 1901 James and Margaret were living with James’ parents at 38 Wrayburn Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool, and James worked as a dock labourer. In 1911 James was living at 47 Wilfer Street, Edge Hill, and working as a capstan driver. The 1911 Census shows that he was living with Fanny ‘Beavers’ and his two children. In fact this was Fanny Williams, James’ ‘unmarried wife’.James volunteered and joined the Army at Liverpool on 29 August 1914. He stated that he was 30 years old. James joined the South Lancashire Regiment, with service number 11787. On 22 September 1915 he was posted to the 6th Battalion in Gallipoli. One of the officers of the battalion was Captain Clement Attlee who later became Prime-Minister. On 16 February 1916 the 6th Battalion went to Egypt and later served in Mesopotamia. On 5 April 1916 James received a gun-shot wound to his right leg and was admitted to the 23rd Stationary Hospital. He rejoined the 6th Battalion on 27 September 1916. James was killed in action on 14 February 1917. His personal possessions, three photos and two letters, were sent to his mother. James’ father died in 1917 and by March 1919 James’ mother was living at 1 Strand Terrace, Whapload Road, Lowestoft.  Fanny lived at 6 Ash Street, Wavertree, Liverpool.James’ brother Frederick Herbert served with the East Lancashire Regiment and was killed in action on 17 February 1915.James' name appears on the war memorial at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft.

A Leading Deck Hand with H.M.S. Pekin, Albert died on 10th of December 1918 at the age of 28. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 6 April 1890, a son of William and Mary Ann Beckett. He attended Saint John's School, Lowestoft, from 7 February 1898 to 20 March 1904. His family lived at 23 Clemence Street and, later, at 51 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. Albert's mother died in 1901. Albert was in Grimsby when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 May 1915. He served on a number of converted trawlers during the war including the 'John Mitchell' and the 'Lucy Mackay'. He became a Leading Deck Hand on 2 June 1917. Albert contracted influenza which developed into double broncho-pneumonia and died at the Naval Sick Quarters H.M.S. Pekin at Grimsby.His brother John also served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in World War One. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Harry died on 10th of October 1916 at the age of 32.Harry was born at Earsham, Suffolk, in 1885, a son of Robert and Alice Beckett. He was baptised at Earsham on 16 February 1885 and his family lived at the Duke’s Head where his father was the publican. In 1891 they lived at Bungay Road, Ditchingham. By 1901 the family were living at 62 Edinburgh Road and Harry was a rope twine spinner. In 1911 they were still living at 62 Edinburgh Road and Harry was a general labourer.  Harry enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. In 1916 Harry was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France and had service number 4103. He was then posted to the 9th Battalion, with service number 40505. On 10 October 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Bernafay Wood. The battalion war diary records that on that day there was seven men killed and 16 wounded, but gives no further information. Harry was reported missing on 10 October. His family made enquiries with the Red Cross and in May 1917 Private R. A. Smith, a British prisoner of war being held at Dulmen camp, confirmed that Harry had been killed. 

A Private with the 52nd Battalion, Herbert died on 24th of March 1918, and the age of 21.Herbert was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Richard and Edith Beckett. Herbert's first names were Herbert Stanley but he served in the Australian Army as Stanley Beckett and this is how he is commemorated. Herbert was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 14 July 1897 and his family lived at 10 Fir Lane , Lowestoft. Although Herbert's parents moved to Chelmsford, living at Parkhill, Highwood, Herbert had many aunts and uncles who remained in the Lowestoft area, hence is in named on Saint Margaret's, Oulton Broad, and Carlton Colville War Memorials. We do not know precisely when Herbert went to live in Australia, but by August 1916 he was living in Brisbane and working as a barman.Herbert enlisted in the Australian Army at Brisbane on 18 August 1916 and joined the 6th Reinforcements of the 52nd Infantry Battalion. He left Australia on 7 October 1916 and arrived at Plymouth on 21 November 1916 before proceeding to France on 28 December 1916. He joined his battalion on 2 January 1917. He was invalided to England, sick, on 19 April 1917 and returned to France on 4 March 1918, joining his battalion on 9 March 1918. He was killed in action.Herbert's service papers indicate that a memorial cross was erected at Cachy, south-east of Amiens, and infers that he may have been reburied at Adelaide Military Cemetery (62.D.o28.C.9.5) west of Villers-Bretonneux. However, it seems that his grave was lost and he is now commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.    

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Soar, John died on 7th of February 1919 at the age of 36. John was born at Lowestoft on 2 June 1882, a son of William and Mary Ann Beckett. His family lived at 23 Clemence Street and his mother died in 1901. Later his father lived at 51 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft.John was at Cardiff when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 November 1916. During the war he served with the 'Longset' and 'Shikari II'.John was on demobilization leave when he was accidentally struck by a wire rope that injured his right leg and thigh. He died at Swansea Hospital from shock.John's brother Albert also served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918.  

A Deck Hand with HMS Halcyon II, Sidney on 6th of December 1918 aged 22.Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 7 June 1896, a son of Joshua and Alice Beckham. By 1901 Sidney’s father had died and his family lived at The Mariner’s Inn, Mariner’s Street, where his mother was the innkeeper. By 1911 they were living at 5 Nelson Terrace, Pakefield, and Sidney was a caddie at the golf course. They were still living at 5 Nelson Terrace in 1915 and later his mother lived at 2 Tram Terminus, Pakefield.On 26 November 1918 Sidney married Mary Ann Rutter at Saint Margaret’s Church. They both gave their address as 41 Melbourne Road. Later Mary lived at 31 Melbourne Road, then 6 Park Road. She married Charles Oldman and lived at 37 Melbourne Road. Sidney joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 February 1915. In March 1915 he joined the trawler Ex Fortis and on 4 June 1915 he joined the trawler Good Design II. His service record suggests that he served on another trawler until 4 July 1917, but the name is illegible and so the vessel cannot be identified, however another note on his record suggests that he was with the Good Design II until that date. It appears that he then joined the Carmania at Malta and, on 25 August 1917 was drafted to H.M.S. Halcyon to serve on another vessel. Again, details on his service record are unclear but this may have been a P-Class patrol boat.  Sidney died from pneumonia at Gunton Hospital, Lowestoft. He was on marriage leave at the time of his death. Sidney’s name appears on the war memorial at Saint Margaret’s Church. 

A Driver with 12th Battery, died on 23rd of October 1914 at the age of 29. William was born at Lowestoft on 29 August 1875, a son of William henry and Sarah Ann Beecroft. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 November 1875. In 1881 William's family lived at Prospect Place, 6 Saint Peter's Street, and by 1886 at Reeve Street. From 6 September 1886 William attended Saint Margaret's Boys' School. In 1891 William's family lived at The Black Swan Inn, Old Market Place, Lowestoft, where his father was the publican.William was working as a painter when he joined the Army, at Lowestoft, on 7 August 1900. He saw active service in the Boer War with O2 Pom-Pom Section of the 19th Battery Royal Field Artillery and also served with the Royal Field Artillery Mounted Rifles. He was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with three clasps.By 1911 William had joined the Army Reserve and resumed his work as a painter. At this time he lived with his family at 19 The Hemplands Lowestoft.William would have been mobilized when the war began and he arrived in France with 35th Brigade Royal Field Artillery on 6 October 1914. William's nephew, William Boardley, died in 1918. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Percy died on 14th of July 1916 at the age of 26. Percy was born at Romford, Essex, on 20 December 1889, a son of Albert and Emily Beevis. In 1891 his family lived at 87 East Street, Sudbury. Percy was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Sudbury, on 30 November 1892. In 1901 his family were living at 17 Upper East Street, Sudbury. This was still the family’s address in 1911 when Percy worked with his father’s business as a tailor’s maker. In 1915 Percy married Beatrice Mead, this was registered in the Watford district. In 1919 Beatrice married Lionel Clowe, at Lowestoft, and lived at 426 London Road. Later they lived at 16 Cross Oak Road, Berkhamsted. Percy enlisted in the Army at Watford. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 26184, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. In 1916 he was transferred to serve with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, service number 26065, and was posted to the 9th Battalion in France.  On 7 July 1916 the 9th Battalion began an attack at La Boiselle. The battalion’s casualties during the next three days were 16 officers and 339 other ranks. On 12 July 1916 the battalion formed, with the 13th Cheshire Regiment, a composite battalion and they bivouacked east of Albert. While Soldiers Died in the Great War and the Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects record that Percy was killed in action on 14 July 1916 the battalion was diary records no casualties for that date. However, Percy was officially reported as missing in action and has no recorded grave, thus it may be assumed that he was actually killed in action between 7 and 10 July 1916.

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, John died on 8th of November 1941 aged 21. John was born at Kessingland on 24 July 1920, a son of Reginald and Winifred May Bell. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 19 September 1920, and his family lived at Saint Elmo, Carlton Colville (it is unclear whether Carlton Colville is an error in the baptism register).  The 1921 Census shows John with his mother, and grandparents William and Maria Tripp, at Dambrook House, Church Road, Kessingland. By 1939 the family home was at Saint Elmo, Church Road, Kessingland.In 1941 John married Christine Betty Dowsing, this was registered in the Wainford district. Later Christine lived at Carshalton and remarried. John enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937 to train as a pilot. By November 1941 John was a Pilot with 78 Squadron. He was flying a Whitley V bomber, number Z29648 EY-F, from Croft, Yorkshire, on a night raid to Berlin when the aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter near Oudenmirdum, Holland.All of the other crew of the aircraft were also killed but they are buried at Gaasterland, rather than at the same cemetery as John. The reason for this is unclear.  WITH THANKS TO :Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Doreen died on 13th of May 1943 aged 14. Doreen was born at Lowestoft on 31 August 1928, a daughter of Albert and Dora Belton. In 1939 they lived at 337 Raglan Street and by May 1943 at 48 Ipswich Road.Doreen was injured at her home during the Focke-Wulf Raid on 12 May and died of her injuries, the next day, at the Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.

Formerly a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve, William John died on 23rd of November 1919 at the age of 25.William was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1894, a son of Joseph and Alice Belton. In 1901 his family lived at 58 Reeve Street and by 1911 they were living at 34 Worthing Road and William was working as a fisherman. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914. He stated that he was living at High House, Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. From 10 August 1914 William served with the trawler Retriever; he joined the Anchor Star on 17 January 1917. He joined the Caledonia on 8 May 1917, and the George Hodges (sic) on 1 September 1917. William then joined the Gunner on 2 June 1918 and, from 1 July 1918 served with the Egmont. William was demobilized on 16 May 1919. It was apparent that he was unwell and, in fact, had contracted tuberculosis. This was attributable to his was service and he was granted a disablement pension. He died at a hospital in the Ipswich area. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Ernest died on 24th of January 1916 at the age of 29.Ernest was born at Worlingham in 1886, a son of Alfred and Mary Ann Bennett. He was baptised at Worlingham on 25 April 1886. In 1891 his family lived at Haithe Road (sic), Worlingham, and by 1901 were living at Wingfield Road, Bungay, and Ernest worked as an apprentice harness maker. Later Ernest's father became a publican.On 24 December 1910 Ernest married Sarah Wade at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Ernest was living at Christchurch Cottages, and working as a fisherman, and Sarah lived at 50 Whapload Road. Ernest has not been found in the 1911 Census, presumably he was at sea, but Sarah is found lodging at 87 Seago Street. By 1916 they had a home at 27 Wilde Street, Lowestoft.Ernest volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and, on 27 July 1915, arrived in France to serve with the 2nd Battalion. In late January 1916 the Battalion were holding positions, including The Bluff, near Ypres, Belgium. The Battalion War Diary records that Ernest was killed on 24 January, but gives no additional details.  NOTE: All civil records show Ernest's name as Ernest Alfred, including the text accompanying his photograph in the Downham Market Gazette, however, for reasons unknown, all of his military service records give his names as Alfred Ernest. Subsequently Sarah remarried at lived at 26 West Bar Street, Portland.  

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Wallasea. George died on 6th of January 1944 at the age of 30. George was born at Lowestoft on 25 July 1913, a son of George and Lottie Bennett. In 1921 his family lived at 20 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. George's father died in 1921. Later his mother lived at Rear 69 Crown Street, Lowestoft. George served on H.M. Trawler Wallasea. On 6 January 1944 the Wallasea was escorting convoy WP 457. Off Mounts Bay, Cornwall, the Wallasea was attacked and sunk by a flotilla of German motor torpedo boats. Seventeen of the crew, including George, were killed. See: HMS Wallasea | John Knifton   

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Arethusa, Ivan died on 18th of November 1942 aged 21. Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 16 June 1921, a son of Frederick James and Esther Maria Bennett. In 1939 Ivan’s family lived at 9 Marlborough Road.Ivan was engaged to be married to Miss Hilda Andrews of 41 Penlee Street, Penzanze.On 18 November 1942 Ivan’s ship, the light cruiser H.M.S. Arethusa, was an escort to the ‘Stoneage’ convoy to Malta. At 18.05 the ship was attacked by three torpedo bombers and a torpedo hit the ship causing catastrophic damage and killing 156 crew, including Ivan, and injuring 43 others. Remarkably the ship was taken in tow and towed to Alexandria.Ivan’s brother, Roy, served with H.M.S. Hermes, and died in 1942.

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 9th of May 1941 aged 20. Robert was born at Deddington, Oxfordshire, on 19 July 1920, a son of John Gardner Bennett and Fanny Bennett. In 1921 his family lived at Adderbury West, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. In 1939 his family lived at White House Farm, West End, Wrentham, and Robert was an assistant buyer at a grocery. Later his parents lived at Kessingland Beach.Robert enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 908791, between September 1939 and June 1940. He was a Wireless operator / Air gunner.Robert was a member of the crew of a Wellington bomber IC, number R3208, part of 214 Squadron, based at Stradishall, Suffolk. His aircraft was on a bombing raid to Hamburg when it was lost, presumed to have crashed into the sea. WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Third Hand with Sailing Trawler Young Bert (Lowestoft), Robert died on 30th of July 1917 aged 63. Robert was born at Lowestoft in 1854, a son of William and Elizabeth Bennett. In 1861 his family lived at 39 Clemence Street. In 1871 was working on the trawler Phoebe at Ramsgate, Kent.  On 11 July 1872 Robert married Ann Elizabeth Smith at Saint Margaret’s Church. Robert was a seaman and they both lived at Lowestoft. By 1891 their home was at 15 Prospect Place, Pakefield. In 1901 they lived at 60 Lorne Park Road and by 1911 at 6 Kendal Road.In 1881 Robert was the Mate on the trawler Jessie and in 1911 he worked on the trawler Olive at Ramsgate.  On 30 July 1917 the sailing trawler Young Bert, LT 454, was sunk by submarine UC-63 somewhere in the North Sea. All five crew were killed. 

A Boy 1st Class with H.M.S. Hermes, Roy died on 9th of April 1942 aged 17. Roy was born at Lowestoft on 14 August 1924, a son of Frederick James and Esther Maria Bennett. In 1939 Roy’s family lived at 9 Marlborough Road and Roy was an errand boy at a grocery. On 9 April 1942 Roy’s ship, the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Hermes, left Trincomalee and sailed down the coast of Ceylon in anticipation of a Japanese air raid. The ship was spotted and ordered to return to Trincomalee and was attacked by dozens of Japanese aircraft which dropped at least forty 250 lb bombs which sank the ship with the loss of 307 men, including Roy. Roy’s brother, Ivan, served with H.M.S. Arethusa, and died in 1942.

A Seaman with H.M.S. Cressy. Charles died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 19. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 1 October 1895, a son of James Henry and Sarah Benstead. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 27 October 1895 and his family lived at 34 Bevan Street, Lowestoft.In 1912 Charles worked on the trawler Nimrod, LT 598, and in 1913 on the Children's Friend LT 174; Councillor, LT 267, and LT 1104. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 March 1912.  On 12 December 1913 Charles married Gertrude Mary Womack at Saint Margaret's Church. Charles was working as a fisherman and they both lived at 6 Kent Road. Later Gertrude lived at 102 Love Road. After Charles' death Gertrude remarrried, O'Neill, and lived at 1 Gillybrand Walks, Chorley, Lancashire.Charles was called out for service at the start of the First World War and in early August 1914 joined H.M.S. Cressy. On 28 August 1914 H.M.S. Cressy was part of the British naval force at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, but took no active part in the battle. On 22 September H.M.S. Cressy, sailing with sister ships Aboukir and Hogue, were in the Broad Fourteens area of the North Sea when each ship was sunk by torpedoes from German submarine U-9. A total of 560 men, including Charles, were killed in the loss of the Cressy. Note Charles' Royal Naval Service record gives his date of birth as 1 October 1893. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Eric died on 23rd of January 1943 aged 20. Eric was born at Chorley, Lancashire, on 17 November 1922, a son of William and Evelyn Berry. In 1939 his family lived at Loomdi, Normanston Drive, and Eric was an electrician and engineer.Eric enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after August 1940. On 19 December 1942 Eric joined 75 Squadron, at R.A.F. Newmarket. He was a Wireless Operator. On 23 January 1943 Eric was part of Sergeant Kidd's crew flying a Stirling 1bomber, number R9248 AA-H, to attack targets at Lorient. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The pilot tried to land the plane, but it crashed at St. Thegonnec. All of the crew, save one, were killed. This was Eric's first operational sortie with 75 Squadron.For more details see 75(NZ) Squadron RAF Nominal Roll | 75(nz)squadron (wordpress.com) WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Skipper, William died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 58.William was born at Scratby on 10th March 1889, a son of James and Jane Besford. He was baptised at Ormesby Saint Margaret Church on 28th April 1889. In 1901 his family lived at Newport Road, Hemsby.In June 1912 William married Gertrude Grace Marion Turner.  William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15th February 1915, service number 1186 S.A., and became a Skipper. He served on the requisitioned trawlers Young Archie, Unity, and Sheet Lightning, and was specially noted for his good services rendered in connection with mine clearance on the Belgian Coast. He was discharged on 9th November 1919. By 1939 William and Gertrude had settled at Lowestoft and were living at 68 Southwell Road. During the Second World War William served with the Royal Naval Reserve. He was appointed Temporary Boom Skipper on 15th July 1940 and Temporary Chief Boom Skipper on 30th June 1942.In 1947 William was the Skipper on the Trawler Bucentaur. On 21st May 1947 the Bucentaur was involved with a collision with the American merchant/troopship Wilson Victory, sailing from Bremerhaven (for details see Wood v. United States, 125 F. Supp. 42 (S.D.N.Y. 1954) :: Justia ).The Bucentaur was lost with all hands.   

A Leading Wren with H.M.S. Minos, Laura died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 36. Laura was born at Lowestoft on 29 December 1905, a daughter of Robert Frank Bessant and Florence Caroline Bessant. Both the 1911 Census and the 1939 Register show Laura's family living at 263 Raglan Street. Before joining the Women's Royal Naval Service Laura has worked as a shop assistant - ladies dresses.  Laura and two other WRENS, Ivy Creighton, from Kent, and Margaret Thompson, from Holt, were killed when the cafe they were visiting was bombed.Laura and Ivy are buried at Lowestoft Cemetery (Normanston Drive).See also: 'Our Sisters also Served' at the Women Engineer's History website

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Albert died on 21st of April 1917 at the age of 31. Albert was born at Oulton in 1885, a son of Charles and Amelia Bessey. In 1891 his family lived next to the Devonshire Arms, at Oulton Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 Albert’s father had died and they had moved to 41 Princes Road, Lowestoft, and Albert was a market gardener.Albert was working as a foreman gardener when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 10 December 1915. He was called up on 6 March 1916 and joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number 40191. He was posted to the 4/7th Battalion. Albert arrived in France on 13 August 1916. On 11 September he was posted to the 1/7th Battalion and, on 13 September, to the 4th Battalion.On 9 April 1917 the 4th Battalion were in positions near Arras and were to support 111th Brigade in their attack. Early on 10 April they sent out patrols along the Scarpe Valley and at 2 a.m. moved off toward a sunken road. At 11 a.m. they advanced to Lone Copse Valley and faced a heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage as they crossed Orange Hill. The fire was so intense that by 3.30 p.m. only half a company had reached Lone Copse Valley. In the evening the Middlesex men had to hold and consolidate the left flank of Lone Copse Valley, but it was not until 8.30 p.m. that the remainder of the battalion was able to reinforce them.  During 10 April Albert received shrapnel wounds to his head and left arm and he was admitted to 49 Field Ambulance. Later he was transferred to 22 General Hospital where he died of wounds on 21 April.His personal effects, an identity disc, photos, pipe, a pocket book, badge, scissors, gold ring, two letter cases, and a cloth badge, were sent to his mother. 

A Civilian, Edward died on 12th of May 1943 at the age of 54. Edward was born at Kirkley in 1889, a son of John and Phoebe Ann Bessey. In 1891 his family lived at 94 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft and by 1901 at 143 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 Edward was working as a jobbing gardener. On 25 May 1913 Edward married Maud Elizabeth Langley at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. Edward was working as a window cleaner at the time. By 1921 they were living at 5 Saint Margaret's Plain, Lowestoft, and, at that time, Edward worked as a general labourer. Edward is believed to have served in the Army during the First World War, initially with the Bedfordshire Regiment and later with the Suffolk Regiment.Edward died at the High Street during a the Focke-Wulf Raid.Edward's brother John was killed in 1916. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Tilbury Ness. Edward died on 1st of November 1940 at the age of 35.Edward was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1906 a son of Robert George and Florence Esther Bessey of Lowestoft Suffolk. In 1911 his family lived at Bishop's Buildings, Mariner's Street, Lowestoft, and by 1921 his family lived at rear of number 7 Park Road, Lowestoft. At that time Edward worked as a drift-net fisherman for A. J. Turner of Lowestoft.  Edward's home was at Gooderhams Cottages, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. During World War Two Edward serving on the mine-sweeping trawler Tilburyness (given as Tilbury Ness in Commonwealth War Graves). On 1 November 1940 the Tilburyness was in the Thames Estuary when a large force of German bombers attacked the British shipping in the area. The enemy aircraft sank the Tilburyness with the loss of ten crew, including Edward. 

A Private with 1st Bn., George died on 27th of May 1915 at the age of 30. William was born at Oulton on 14 February 1885, a son of William and Sarah Bessey. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 15 March 1885. In 1891 his family lived at Yarmouth Road, Oulton. By 1901 George's mother had died and his family lived next to Rose Cottage, The Street, Oulton, and in by 1911 they were living at 4 The Street, Oulton.   George was working as a labourer, for Mr. Kemp at Lowestoft, when he attested for the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 5 November 1903. He then joined the regular battalions of the Regiment, at Norwich, on 19 December 1903. By 1911 George had joined the Army Reserve, lived with his family at Oulton, and worked as a general labourer. George was mobilized when the war began. He arrived in France, with the 1st Battalion, on 16 August 1914. George was wounded during the Battle of Mons and he was evacuated to England and admitted to the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, on 29 August 1914. Once recovered he returned to serve with the 1st Battalion. During May 1915 the 1st Battalion were, at various times, in trenches in the W Sector, near Ypres, opposite Hill 60. On 23 May they took over 34 trench from the East Surreys. The 1st Battalion War Diary for 25 to 28 May has no information at all, but we know that five men of the Battalion, including George, were killed in action that day.  George's brother William served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1915.

A Civilian, Hilda died on 1st of February 1942 aged 35. Hilda was born at Lowestoft on 30 June 1906, a daughter of William Ernest James and Harriet Jane Steele Rose. She was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 27 July 1906 and her family lived at 180 Raglan Street. In 1911 her family lived at 61 May Road, and this was still her mother’s address in 1939.  On 9 October 1926 Hilda married Stanley William Bessey at Saint Margaret's Church. Stanley was a plater living at Oulton Broad, and Hilda lived at 61 May Road. By 1939 they were living at 5 Hill Top, Kirkley Run. On 1 February 1942 German aircraft dropped three high explosive bombs. One exploded in the Hill Top area killing Hilda and her children Peter and Pamela who all died at their home, 5 Hill Top.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, John died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 37. John was born at Oulton on 21 February 1879, a son of John and Phoebe Bessey. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton on 30 March 1879. In 1881 his family lived at 16 South Elmham Terrace, Oulton Broad, and by 1901 at 94 Cambridge Road. In 1911 the family lived at 143 Saint Margaret's Road, and John was a drift net fisherman.In 1912 John married Sarah Ellen Pye: this was registered in the Loddon district. By 1915 they lived at 19 Church Road, Lowestoft. In 1918 Sarah married Benajamin Savage and lived at Hull. John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 October 1915 and served with the trawler Evening Primrose before joining the Pelagia on 14 October 1915.  On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.John's brother Edward died during a Lowestoft air raid in World War Two. 

A Civilian, Pamela died on 1st of February 1942 aged 4. Pamela was born at Lowestoft on 23 October 1937, a daughter of Stanley William Bessey and of Hilda Emma Mary Bessey. In 1939 her family lived at 5 Hill Top, Kirkley Run. On 1 February 1942 German aircraft dropped three high explosive bombs. One exploded in the Hill Top area killing Pamela, her mother Hilda, and her brother Peter, who were all at their home, 5 Hill Top.   

A Civilian, Peter died on 1st of February 1942 aged 10. Peter was born at Lowestoft on 17 April 1931, a son of Stanley William Bessey and of Hilda Emma Mary Bessey. In 1939 her family lived at 5 Hill Top, Kirkley Run. On 1 February 1942 German aircraft dropped three high explosive bombs. One exploded in the Hill Top area killing Peter, his mother Hilda, and his sister Pamela, who were all at their home, 5 Hill Top.   

A Private with 10th Bn., William died on 29th of June 1915 at the age of 34. William was born at Oulton in 1880, a son of William and Sarah Bessey. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 31 October 1880. In 1881 his family lived at The Street, Oulton, and in 1891 they were living at Yarmouth Road, Oulton. By 1901 William’s mother had died and his family lived next to Rose Cottage, The Street, Oulton, and in by 1911 they were living at 4 The Street, Oulton, and William worked as a plumber’s mate with the water and gas company.  John volunteered and enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, in January 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 18116. John was posted to the 10th Battalion at Bury St. Edmunds and, from April 1915, at Colchester. A full account of what happened to John was printed in the East Anglian Daily Times, 2 July 1915, page 3.SUFFOLK SOLDIER’S SUICIDE NEAR LOWESTOFTABSENT WITHOUT LEAVEOn Thursday afternoon, at the Mission Room, Oulton, the Suffolk Coroner (Mr. L H. Vulliamy) held an inquest concerning the death of William John Bessey, aged 34, of No. 4, The Street, Oulton, who was found hanging in his father’s workshop on Tuesday morning. – Inspector Moss (Oulton Broad) was present on behalf of the police.William Bessey, jobbing gardener, deceased’s father, said his son was a private in a Suffolk Regiment. Witness last saw him alive at 6.40 on Tuesday morning, when deceased was in bed. His son joined the Army in January. When he came home on leave one day between Easter and Whitsuntide he told witness that he did not like the Army, as he could not stand noise. After returning to his battalion the deceased wrote to him stating that he was in the hospital, as he was a bit run down. Later on the deceased wrote stating that he had been medically certified for the service, and asked for his private clothes to be sent, as he expected to get a discharge. The clothes were sent on as requested, but the deceased arrived home about 8 p.m. on Monday in his uniform. He told witness that his civilian clothes were being sent on.The witness said he noticed that his son was very low-spirited: he went to bed about 9 p.m. Witness followed shortly after, and slept with the deceased. Both he and his son lay awake part of the night; deceased could not sleep, and said his head was bad. The deceased told him he had left his regiment without leave.Witness got up about 5 a.m. to go to his allotment, and the deceased remarked “I feel as if I could go to sleep now.” Witness returned home about 6.40. The deceased was still in bed, and witness gave him a cup of tea. Witness returned to his allotment, coming home again about 9 a.m. Deceased had then gone out, and as he did not return to breakfast witness looked for him and found him hanging in the workshop, the door of which was locked. There were no signs of life. P.c. Ling had been sent for an he broke the door open and cut the deceased down. Ten or twelve years ago deceased was in Melton Asylum for several months, but he had never heard him threaten to take hi own life. The Coroner: How long ago was it that the deceased wrote to you saying he was medically unfit?Witness: About a month or three weeks.During the last ten years had you seen much of the deceased? – Oh yes, he was always at home.In reply to further questions the witness said the deceased was always of a quiet disposition. He told witness he was worried because he thought they would be after him, as he came home without leave. Deceased had complained of pain in his shoulder and of lumbago. His son hated the Army.When he was taken to the Asylum what was his delusion? – I don’t know. He went there after he had influenza.     The Foreman: Did you notice anything strange about your son? – No; only that he was a bit “downy”. I wouldn’t have left the house if I had thought hat his manner was strange.Mary Ann Bessey, sister of the deceased, said she last saw her brother alive on Tuesday, about 7.20 a.m. Witness got up at 7 a.m., and deceased followed shortly after, saying that his head was bad. She gave him a cup of tea and went on with some work, when she missed her brother. She did not see him go out. The Coroner: Did you have any conversation with him? – Yes; he said his head was bad, that his shoulders ached, and had done so for some time. Her brother had never suggested to her that he would commit suicide. She did not know that he had any worry. P.c. E. Ling deposed that he found the deceased suspended from the roof of the workshop. He cut the cord, but found life extinct, the body being nearly cold. The cord, witness stated, was attached to a rafter about nine feet from the ground, and witness noticed some fresh dirt on the anvil near where the deceased was hanging, which was probably caused by his having stood upon it. Deceased was fully dressed, with the exception of his tunic; his boots were unlaced.The Coroner, in summing up, said it was quite clear that the deceased took his own life by hanging; but the Jury had to consider the state of the man’s mind when he did so; whether he was of sound or of unsound mind. In recent times it appeared the deceased had suffered considerably from his head. During the night before he committed the act it seemed as if he did not sleep, and again complained of great pain in his head. This, coupled with the fact he had not been well of late, was sufficient to warrant the Jury in returning a verdict of “Suicide while of unsound mind.” On the other hand, it was a serious offence for a man to leave the Army without first obtaining leave and there was a possibility that the deceased realised it, and that perhaps drove him to take his life. Then it would be an act committed whilst in sound mind, and they could return a verdict of felo-de-se.The Jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst of unsound mind,” and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. Note William's service number and date of death, as given here, are taken from Commonwealth War Grave records and the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects.William's brother George was killed in action in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Cecil died on 5th of October 1915 at the age of 28. Cecil was born at Somerleyton in1887, a son of Charles and Maria Betts. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Somerleyton, near the Post Office. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Somerleyton, on 14 May 1893, and his family lived at Somerleyton. In 1911 his family lived at The Green, Somerleyton, and Cecil was a house carpenter.  Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion. Cecil arrived at Boulogne, with the battalion, on 31 August 1915. He served with C Company.In early October 1915 the 7th Battalion were at Loos. At 7 p.m. on 3 October they took over the support, trench, which was the old German communication trench; North Loos Avenue, and the trench just to the east. On 4 October they worked to convert the communications trench into a fire trench and during the day they were subject to bombardment.  Cecil was one of five men from C Company who were wounded on 4 October 1915. He was evacuated to 37 Field Ambulance where he died of wounds on 5 October. Cecil's brother-in-law, Frederick Darkins, served with Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1918. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Ferguson died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 31. Ferguson was born at Norwich on 26 April 1887, a son of William Mitchell and Emma Betts. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Cardiff Road, Norwich. He was baptised at Saint Thomas, Heigham, Norwich, on 28 November 1894, and his family lived at 26 Denbigh Road. In 1901 his family lived at 22 Wellington Road, Norwich, and Ferguson was a butcher’s assistant. On 29 May 1911 Ferguson married Lily Florence Huggins at Great Yarmouth Parish Church. Ferguson was a butcher, living at Lowestoft, and Lily lived at Great Yarmouth. In 1911 they lived at 23 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft, and later at 110 Carlton Road.Ferguson enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 34363, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. Ferguson was transferred to the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 40410, and was posted to 1st Battalion. By March 1918 he had been posted to the 2nd Battalion. On 19 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were at Heudicourt. On 21 March the battalion received orders to man battle positions. C Company was attached to the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, and A, B, and D Companies moved to the ‘Yellow Line’, but the move was hampered by heavy enemy gas shelling and a thick fog. They held their positions throughout the day and repelled repeated enemy attacks. Around 12 noon a party of Germans managed to get around the battalion’s left flank and were engaged by the men of battalion headquarters and men of the Brigade Machine Gun Battalion. About 50 Germans were taken prisoner.   Ferguson killed in action on 21 March 1918. The battalion’s casualties from 21 March to 2 April 1918 were:Officers: one died of wounds; three missing; one wounded and missing; eleven woundedOther ranks: 31 killed; 238 missing; 9 wounded and missing; 95 wounded

A Captain with the 9th Bhopal Infantry, Alan died on 30th of December 1920 at the age of 27. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 25 June 1893, a son of Henry William and Clarissa Elizabeth Bevan. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 23 July 1893 and his family lived at 1 Pier Terrace, Lowestoft. By 1901 his family were living at 9 High Street, Lowestoft. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Alan trained to be a dentist and began studying with R. V. Britton, at Lowestoft, from 9 January 1911, and at Guy's Hospital, London, on 1 October 1913. Alan volunteered and joined the Army, serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps, number 9694. He arrived in France on 7 October 1914 and served with the 23rd Field Ambulance. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the East Kent Regiment on 12 February 1915. At some point he transferred to the Indian Army, technically in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 October 1918, with seniority from 10 November 1916. Alan was attached to the 120 Rajputana Infantry and served in the Mesopotamia campaign. Subsequently he joined the 9th Bhopal Infantry, with the rank of Captain, and served in the Iraq campaign, being awarded the General Service Medal with clasp Iraq. By late 1920 Alan was attached to the Political Department in Egypt. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Wishful, Walter died on 22nd of July 1916 at the age of 50. Walter was born at Aldringham, near Leiston on 16 October 1865. A son of James and Harriett Bicker. In 1871 his family lived at Paradise Place, Leiston, and in 1881 at Aldringham.   On 23 October 1902 Walter married Laura Amelia Willimott at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston. By 1906 they were living at Bicker of 4 Princes Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 Walter was the engineer on a steam drifter and he was being treated at the West Cornwall Infirmary, Penzance.  Walter joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and served with the drifter Wishful. He was discharged medically unfit, due to phthisis, on 2 November 1915. In March 1916 he was awarded a disability gratuity. It seems that Walter died from phthisis. 

A Younker, with the Steam Drifter Liliy, John died on 7th of October 1914 at the age of 39. John was born at Frostenden in 1875, a son of John and Harriet Bickers. In 1881 his family lived at Frostenden. By 1891 they had moved to 49 Lorne Road, Kirkley, and this would be John's home for the rest of his life. In 1891 he worked as a grocer's errand boy. By 1901 John was working as a fish packer. John was on of the seven man crew of the steam drifter Lily. The Lily was lost on 7 October 1914 with all hands. Official reports concluded that is was supposed that the Lily had struck a mine. 

A Seaman Steward with H.M. Trawler St. Achilleus. John died on 1st of June 1940 at the age of 37.John was born at Lowestoft on 18 October 1903, a son of John (Jack) William and Hannah Tyrrell Bidle. In 1911 his family lived at 14 Seago Street, Lowestoft. John attended Saint Andrew's School before, from 14 January 1913, becoming a pupil at Saint John's School until leaving school on 18 December 1914 'to go to work.'On 6 April 1931 John married Martha Jane Able at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. John was living at 46 May Road, and working as a fisherman, and Martha lived at 34 Edinburgh Road and was a factory hand. In 1939 Martha lived at 34 Edinburgh Road with her family. During World War Two John served on H. M. Trawler St. Achilleus. Early in 1940 war the St. Achilleus had gone to Norway to bring refugees to England. In May 1940 the trawler was working to evacuate troops from Dunkirk and during its third crossing, on 31 May, struck a mine in the Dunkirk area. Note: Although it is recorded that the St. Achilleus struck a mine on 31 May 1940, the date of death of the crew that died is given as 1 June 1940.  

A Private with the 12th Battalion Clifford died on 12th of April 1918 at the age of 25. Clifford was born at South Walsham, Norfolk, in 1892, a son of Benjamin and Annie Bird. By 1901 his father had died and his mother remarried and his family lived at City, Barsham, Suffolk. In 1911 they were living at 2 Albert Cottages, Holly Road, Oulton Broad, and Clifford worked as a shipping clerk for a fish exporter. Clifford enlisted in the Army at Louth, Lincolnshire. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 2228. It seems that he was working for C. & E. Morton when he enlisted. Clifford was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion. In 1917 he was renumbered 265345.   On 24 December 1917 Clifford married Clara Jane Dyer at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. He was 'on active service' and she gave her address as 5 Spurgeon's Score, Lowestoft. Subsequently Clifford returned to France and served with B Company of the 12th Battalion.By 9 April 1918 the 12th Battalion were in reserve billets at Fleurbaix. That morning a heavy enemy bombardment began, and the battalion stood to at 7 a.m. to man defences including Durham Post, Abel Post to Limit Post (B Company), Moulin Farm and Canteen Farm. At 11 a.m. the whole line came under heavy machine-gun fire and several of the battalion’s Lewis Guns were put out of action: the fighting was severe and continuous. By 4.30 p.m., with both flanks in the air, the battalion withdrew to the vicinity of Fort Rompu. They then fell back toward the River Lys. At 10 a.m. on the 10th the battalion were subject to heavy enemy shelling and machine-gun fire and were driven back towards Erquinghem and fighting continued throughout the day. At 4 p.m. they were ordered to cross the River Lys and hold Erquinghem Switch to Lancashire Post and Wigan Post, but the enemy had also managed to cross the river. Early on the 11th they were ordered to Nieppe and, by this time, had formed a mixed unit with men of the 13th Yorkshire Regiment and details of the 20th Middlesex Regiment. At 8 a.m. they were dug in near the mill. At 2 p.m. they launched an attack towards Papot and La Rue Du Sac. This attack was successful, but 70 men were lost, and the battalion were ordered to hold their new positions until 8.30 p.m. when they withdrew. That night they marched to La Creche and then Strazeele, where they dug in and were again in reserve. The night of the 12th was quiet, but they were shelled, and their forward Lewis Gun post knocked out. The battalion’s casualties for April 1918 were five officers and 417 men.Clifford was reported missing between 8 and 12 April 1918 and later presumed to have died on by 12 April.See also Lowestoft St Margaret's War Memorial and C & E Morton Ltd War Memorial. 

A Skipper with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), Clifford died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 35. Clifford was born at Mettingham, Bungay, Suffolk, in 1878, a son of Charles and Alice Bird. He was baptised at Mettingham on 3 November 1878. In 1881 his family lived at Low Road, Mettingham, and in 1891 they were still living at Low road and Clifford worked as an agricultural labourer. In 1902 Clifford married Gertrude Bedingfield, this was registered in the Wangford district. In 1911 they lived at Low Road, Mettingham, and Clifford was a fisherman. By 1914 they were living at Carlton Road, Pakefield, and later Gertrude lived at 5 Kent Road, Lowestoft. Gertrude remarried in 1919.  William worked as a fisherman on the steam drifter Lord Carnarvon, LT 1197. The drifter sailed from Lowestoft on 18 November 1914. An explosion was heard during the evening, but next morning there was no sigh of the drifter. Wreckage was later washed ashore at Gorleston and Southwold. It seems that the Lord Carnarvon was sunk by a mine, most probably when sailing off Gorleston. All ten of the crew were killed. See: Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

An Able Seaman with Hawke Battalion, Harold died on 9 October 1917, at the age of 27.Harold was born at Clapham on 29 June 1889, a son of Edwin Charles and Emily Bird. In 1901 his family lived at 32 Crater (sic) Road, Brixton, London, and by 1911 they were living at 40 Montrose Avenue, West Kilburn. Before moving to Lowestoft Harold has resided at 11 Piccadilly, Manchester. Harold married Dorothy Annie Gooch at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 31 August 1915. Harold was living at 111 London Road and stated that his occupation was jeweller. Dorothy was living at 38 Seago Street. Harold joined the Army and enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 20 March 1916. He served with the 1/6th (Cyclist) Battalion and had service number 2619 (later numbered 265529).On 14 June 1917 Harold was allowed to leave the Army in order to re-enlist in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve to serve with the Royal Naval Division (see note on Harold's Army papers). Harold arrived in France on 4 July 1917 and joined the Hawke Battalion. On 9 October 1917 men from Hawke Battalion were assigned to Zoauve Dump to carry out work on roads in advanced areas. One man, Harold, was killed, and two other wounded.  After Harold's death Dorothy moved to Norwich. 

A Private with 1/8th Bn., Henry died on 5th of May 1915 at the age of 24. Henry was born at Kirkley on 24 October 1890, a son of Edward William and Anna Elizabeth Bird. He was baptised at All Saints and Saint Margaret's Church, Pakefield, on 11 January 1891. In 1891 his family lived at 18 Wilson Road, Kirkley, and by 1901 they were living at 2 Wilson Road East, Kirkley. Henry attended Kirkley School from 1 September 1895. In 1911 Henry's family were living at Glenmore, 22 The Avenue, South Lowestoft, and Henry was an Assistant Teacher. Henry worked at Roman Hill School. When the First World War began Henry was studying at Saint Peter's College, Saltley, Birmingham, a teacher-training college. He immediately volunteered to serve as stretcher-bearer and he joined the Saltley College Company of the 1/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.  Henry's battalion landed at Le Havre on 23 March 1915. In late April 1915 the Battalion was in trenches at Steenbeck, Belgium.Henry developed pneumonia and was taken to the 'sick-station' at 3 Field Ambulance, Romarin. His pneumonia became acute and he died from heart-failure brought on by the illness. 

A Civilian, Margaret died on 19th of October 1942 at the age of 13. Margaret was born at Kessingland on 13 January 1929, the daughter of George Thomas and Stella Mabel Bird. In 1939 her family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, but the 1939 Register shows Margaret with her grandparents, George and Margaret Bird, at the Baker's Shop, London Road, Kessingland. Margaret, and her mother Stella, died at their home, Acouver, Church Road, Kessingland, during an air raid.Margaret was buried at Saint Edmund's Churchyard, Kessingland, on 22 October 1942, the same day as her mother Stella. 

A Civilian, Stella died on 19th of October 1942 at the age of 39. Stella was born at Kessingland on 5 September 1903, a daughter of Thomas Edward and Mabel Ethel Blowers. She was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 18 October 1903. In 1911 her family lived at The Beach, Kessingland. In 1921 they lived at 4 Geneva Cottages, Kessingland. In 1928 Stella married George Thomas Bird. In 1939 they lived at Church Road, Kessingland. Stella, and her daughter Margaret, died at their home, Acouver, Church Road, Kessingland, during an air raid.Stella was buried at Saint Edmund's Churchyard, Kessingland, on 22 October 1942, the same day as her daughter Margaret.