A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Frigate Bird, Frederick died on 11th of March 1918 at the age of 43. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 26 February 1875, a son of Richard and Maria Harvey. In 1881 his family lived at 57 Stevens Street. In 1901 worked on the trawler Ethel May at Penzance. In 1907 he married Edith Louisa Dowding. By 1911 they were living at The Bungalow, Beach, Kessingland, and Frederick was a drifter fisherman. Later Edith lived at Belvedere Place, Kessingland.Frederick was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second hand in 1910. Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915. He served on the trawler Meg. On 10 June 1916 he joined the trawler Manzanita. On 6 September 1916 the Manzanita ran aground on the Ugenti rocks outside Bari and was written off. Subsequently Frederick joined the drafter Frigate Bird.   On 11 March 1918 the Frigate Bird was sailing off Marsaxlokk, Malta, and collided with the troop transport Theseus and sank. Seven crew, including Frederick, were killed.   

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea. George died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 47.George was born at Brampton, Suffolk, on 8 May 1869, a son of William and Charlotte Harvey. He was baptised at Brampton on 3 October 1869. In 1871 his family lived at Upper Farm Road, Brampton and in 1881 at The Street, Brampton, and George worked as an agricultural labourer.  On 14 April 1892 George married Evangeline Amelia Grimble at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. George was a fisherman living at Carlton Colville and Evangelina lived at Kirkley. In 1901 they lived at 1 Albany Cottages, Kirkley, and George was a master smacksman, and by 1911 at 3 Birds Lane, Kirkley Run. Evangeline died in 1919 and George and Evangeline's daughter, Mrs. Florence Watson, continued to live at 3 Birds Lane after their deaths. In 1898 George was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and served on the trawler 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.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)

A Sergeant with 420 Battery, 148 (The Bedfordshire Yeo.) Field Regt., George died on 2nd-3rd of March 1942 at the age of 39. George was born at Lowestoft on 24 January 1904, a son of Walter Robert and Hannah Martha Harvey. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 13 May 1904, and his family lived at 16 Sandringham Road. George was working as a carter when he attested for the Royal Artillery, at Bury St. Edmunds, on 17 September 1923. he enlisted to serve six years with the Colours and six with the Reserve. He joined the Army Reserve on 10 March 1930. On 17 September 1930 George married Lily May Redgrave at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. George was a theatre attendant living at 7 Stanford Street, and Lily lived at 12 Stanford Street. Later she lived at Oulton Broad. George served with the Royal Artillery during World War Two. he joined 148 Field Regiment, and served with 420 Battery. At the start of World War Two his Regiment was assigned to the 18th (East Anglian) Division. In June 1941 the Regiment was at Rochdale. In December 1941 they arrived in India and by February 1942 at Singapore. George was reported to be missing at Singapore on 15 February 1942. Royal Artillery casualty cards show that he was 'killed in action at sea 2-3 March 1942'. It is unclear whether he was escaping from Singapore by sea, or whether he had been taken prisoner and was on a Japanese ship that was sunk on that date.   

A Leading Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Ocean Fisher, Henry died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 22. Henry was born at Lowestoft on 27 January 1896, a son of James and Charlotte Harvey. In 1891 his family lived at 52 Haward Street. By 1911 they were living at 12 Avondale Road, and Henry worked as a fisherman.Henry enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 17 November 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 16223, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He was discharged at Shoreham on 5 December 1914 ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier.’ It seems that he had a weak scar from an appendectomy and a hernia. In 1916 Henry married Laura Doddington: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1918 Laura lived at 34 Lovewell Road, and later at 48 Cornwall Road, Kirkley. On 1 February 1916 Henry joined the Royal Naval Reserve and he served on the trawler Ocean Fisher. On 20 March 1918 Henry was awarded a naval prize bounty of £6-10-9 for his part in the salvage of the ketch ‘Alert’ by H.M. Trawler Mackenzie. Presumably Henry had served on the Mackenzie, but that service is not shown on his service record. On 16 June 1918 the Ocean Fisher was on minesweeping operations off the Haddock Bank in the North Sea. The drifter brought up a mine in the trawl. The mine exploded, sinking the vessel, with the loss of all nine crew including Henry. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Natal, Reginald died on 30th of December 1915 at the age of 28. Reginald was born at Horsford, Norfolk, on 15 April 1887, a son of John Cogman and Susannah Harvey. He was baptised at Horsford on 15 May 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 103 Norwich Road, Horsford. Reginald was working as a bricklayer’s labourer when he joined the Royal Navy on 15 November 1905 to serve as a Stoker for five years, with seven years in the Reserve. He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 18 November 1910, number RFR/CH/B/7043.In 1911 Reginald lived at Wades Yard, Horsford, with his sister and widowed mother. Reginald worked as a labourer at a market garden.   On 14 June 1913 Reginald married Mercia Britannia Todd at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Reginald was working as a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. Later Mercia lived at Foresters Cottage, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. In 1918 Mercia married Frederick Bridge.   Reginald was recalled to full-time service on 2 August 1914. Initially he served with H.M.S. Sutlej. In the first sic months of the war the Sutlej was employed in convoy duties off France and Spain. On 2 December 1915 Reginald was drafted to H.M.S. Natal. On 30 December the Natal was moored in the Cromarty Firth. December 30 was a rest day and several civilians, including women and children, were on board, hosted by the ship’s officers. Around 3.35 p.m. the ship exploded. Initially it was assumed that the ship had been torpedoed but a subsequent investigation found that it was a series of internal explosions that sank the ship, possibly caused by cordite. In total 421 people were killed: both navy personnel and civilians.

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Tervani, Richard died on 5th of December 1916 at the age of 30. Richard was born at Lowestoft on 8 July 1885, a son of John and Anna Harvey. In 1891 his family lived at 4 Sayers Cottages, Carlton Road. By 1901 they were living at The Street, Oulton, and Richard was a brickyard labourer. Later his parents lived at Rose Cottage, Oulton. On 2 October 1907 Richard married Gertrude Emma Snowling at Saint Margaret’s Church. Richard was a fisherman living at Oulton, and Gertrude lived at 59 Ediburgh Road. In 1911 they lived at 9 Meadow Cottages, Lowestoft, and by 1914 at Park Hill Cottages, Oulton. Later Gertrude married Joseph Harbord and lived at Workhouse Lane, Oulton.Richard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 29 September 1914 to serve as a Stoker. From 16 September 1915 to 7 November 1915, he served on the Merchant Fleet Auxiliary ship ‘Lyons’. On 15 November 1915 he joined H.M.S. Mona Isle, a Manx paddle-steamer. In April 1916 he was transferred to serve as an Engineman with the Trawler Section and, on 6 May 1916, he joined the trawler Trevani. On 5 December 1916 the Trevani was sailing off Orfordness and struck a mine and sank. Richard was one of fifteen crew who died.   

A Second Lieutenant attached to the 2nd Battalion; Frederick died on 27th of May 1918 aged 26.Frederick was born at Norwich in 1892, a son of Frederick George and Henrietta Havers. In 1901 his family lived at 16 Angle Row Catton, Norwich, and in 1911 at 18 Traverse Street, Norwich, and Frederick was a house painter. By 1918 his parents were living at Shirley, The Avenue, Lowestoft, and later at 2 The Prairie.Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army on 30 September 1914. He joined the Coldstream Guards, service number 13026. He was posted to France on 17 April 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. On 24 April 1916 Frederick was admitted to 4 Stationary Hospital for dental treatment and he joined the Base Depot, Havre, on 5 May 1916. Frederick joined an Officer Cadet unit in 1917 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment on 18 December 1917. He joined the 5th Battalion but was attached to the 2nd Battalion in France. On 27 May 1918 the 2nd Battalion were subjected to a heavy artillery bombardment, including gas shells, which lasted from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. when the enemy attacked. The battalion was practically surrounded and only about 30 men got away. Seventeen officers, including Frederick, were reported missing and it was later concluded that he had been killed on that day. 

A Lieutenant with the 52nd Battalion, Adrian died on 8th of October 1918 aged 26. Adrian was born at Aberdeen in 1893, a son of William Alfred and Jessie Farquharson Hawes. In 1901 his family lived at 397 London Road, Kirkley, and by 1911 they lived at 1 Pier Terrace. The family also had property at 22 Mount Street, Aberdeen. Adrian was at some point a pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School and he, along with his sister and brother, studied at the Saint Aubyn Musical Academy, Carlton Colville. Adrian was known to be an excellent violinist. In 1911 Adrian lodged at 125A Croydon Road, Anerley, Penge, and was a clerk for an export provision merchant (possibly Mortons for whom his father had been a manager).  Adrian volunteered and enlisted in the Army in September 1914. He joined the Royal Fusiliers, service number PS/2828, and served with the 21st Battalion (4th Public Schools), arriving in France with the battalion on 14 November 1915. On 22 March 1916 he returned to England to attend an Officer Cadet unit. Adrian was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) on 7 July 1916. Adrian served with a Training Reserve Battalion. On 7 January 1918 he was promoted to Lieutenant. On 28 May 1918 he was attached to the Machine Gun Corps and by October 1918 he was serving with the 52nd Battalion. On 7 October 1918 the 52nd Battalion moved into positions and prepared to give covering fire to the advance of 57 and 63 Divisions the next day. The attack began on 8 October and 52 Battalion were called on to give covering fire including a response to the call, from the infantry, for a S.O.S. barrage. A note in the Aberdeen Evening Express, 23 October 1918 page 2, states that on that day Adrian was killed by shell fire while ‘fearlessly commanding his guns in the open in the action near Cambrai.’

A Civilian, Walter died on 7th of February 1941 aged 48. Walter was born at Beccles on 27 December 1892, a son of John D. and Elizabeth H. Hawes. In 1901 his family lived at 6 Factory Court, Factory Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 14 Rotterdam Road. Walter became a labourer with the Great Eastern Railway and worked at Lowestoft September 1916. Walter attested for the Army on 9 December 1915 and was called up after September 1916. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 35716, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. Subsequently he was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment, service number 41376, and served with the 8th Battalion in France before being posted to the 3rd Battalion in England. Walter suffered from bronchitis and was discharged on 12 November 1918. He was awarded a pension 5/6 per week from 13 November 1918 and he also received the Silver War Badge. His address, when discharged, was 83 Rotterdam Road. On 1 September 1920 Walter married Hilda Emily Denton at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Walter was a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1926 Walter was a labourer with the London and North Eastern Railway Company at Lowestoft. By 1939 Walter and Hilda were living at 43 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad, and Walter was a L.N.E.R. maintenance and repair labourer. Hilda later remarried.Walter died at the Harbour Yard, Lowestoft, during an air raid. 

A Fourth Hand with Trawler Rupee (Brixham), Ernest died on 3rd of October 1917. Ernest was born at Carlton Colville in 1900, a son of William and Martha Ann Hawkes. He was baptised at Saint Mark's Church, Oulton Broad, on 13 January 1901.His family lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By in 1911 they were still living at Beccles Road and later Ernest's mother lived at Waverley House, The Avenue, South Lowestoft.Ernest's father was a trawler skipper and Ernest became the 4th Hand on his father's trawler the Rupee.On 3 October 1917 the Rupee was 12 miles north of Lundy when captured by a German submarine which proceeded to sink the trawler, by gunfire. Four of the crew, including Ernest, and his father, were killed. Ernest's uncle Robert served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Private with 75th Bn. Henry died on 1st of March 1917 at the age of 32. Henry was born at Carlton Colville on 9 August 1883, a son of George and Martha Maria Hawkes. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, on 16 September 1916 and his family lived at Carlton Colville. In 1891 his family lived at Church Road, Rock Estate. By 1901 they were living at 2 Garfield Cottage, Hall Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. Henry moved to Canada in 1909 and by 1911 was living at Toronto. On 20 January 1916 Henry married Agnes Livingstone Hamilton at Toronto. Henry stated that his profession was machinist and is home was at 266 Queen Street West, Toronto. By April 1916 they were living at 264 Queen Street West.Henry attested for the 170th Battalion Canadian Infantry at Toronto on 29 April 1916. He sailed from Halifax on the S. S. Lapland on 30 October 1916. He landed in France on 6 December 1916 and on 12 December 1916 was transferred to the 75th Battalion, joining then Battalion on 30 December 1916.  Henry was reported missing in action on 1 March 1917. In 1919 his body was found at map reference S.28.b. and identified from his New Testament and his unit badge. He was reburied at La Chaudiere Military Cemetery.

A Private with 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Bn., Robert died on 31st of October 1917 at the age of 35. Robert was born at Carlton Colville in 1884, a son of Henry and Mary Ann Hawkes. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 22 February 1885. A marginal note in the baptism register at Saint Peter's reads: 'Died for England in the Great War.'In 1891 his family lived at Khartoum Cottages, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. In 1901 their address was 5 Khartoum Cottages, and Robert was a general labourer. By 1911 Robert's father had died and his mother lived at 22 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad.Robert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2556. Robert did not serve overseas before January 1916. He was with the 1/1st Suffolk Yeomanry when they became the 15th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. In 1917 his service number was changed to 320502.The history of The Loyal Suffolk Hussars, by Margaret Thomas and Nick Sign (Helion and Company, 2012 pp. 136-7) gives the following account of the events of 31 October 1917:On the 30th the whole 74th Division was concentrated near Wadi Saba, west of Beersheba ready for the attack, as the battle for the town was about to begin. They moved up to the assembly point, and thence into the wadi which they had been allocated. There they bivouacked for the night the 15th Battalion being in Brigade reserve. The next morning the attacking battalions deployed and the Turks started shelling. This included the wadi where the Yeomanry waited in reserve. Because it was so shallow, there was very little cover. The troops had tried to dig in, but found it impossible to find sufficient shelter from the shrapnel. Within ten minutes, three men had been killed and one officer and 44 men injured. There was a deep gutter in the middle of the wadi, and this gave the men just enough shelter from the shells, luckily there were no further casualties.    Robert was one of the three men killed by shell-fire in the wadi. Robert's name appears on the War Memorial at Saint Margaret's Church.Robert's brother William and his nephew Ernest both died in the loss of the trawler Rupee in 1917. 

A Master (Skipper) with Trawler Rupee (Brixham), Ernest died on 3rd of October 1917. William was born at Carlton Colville in 1870, a son of Henry and Mary Ann Hawkes. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 29 January 1871. His family lived 'near The Bell' Carlton Colville and this was still their address in 1881. William married Martha Ann Wilson at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 24 October 1889. William was a fisherman. In 1891 they were living at Bell Corner, Carlton Colville. By 1901 they lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and this was still their address in 1911. Later Martha lived at Waverley House, The Avenue, South Lowestoft.William was the Skipper of the trawler Rupee and among the crew was his son Ernest. On 3 October 1917 the Rupee was 12 miles north of Lundy when captured by a German submarine which proceeded to sink the trawler, by gunfire. Four of the crew, including William, and his son Ernest, were killed. William's brother Robert served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Sydney died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 36. Sydney was born at Ipswich on 8 November 1882, a son of William Gunstone and Ellen Ann Hayes. He was baptised at Saint Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, on 26 December 1882, and his family lived at 163 Norwich Road, Ipswich. Montague attended Miss Powles’ Preparatory School, Ipswich, and in 1893 he was allowed to enter the competition for the Queen’s Scholarship. By 1901 his family were living at 39 Windsor Road, Kirkley, and Sydney was a bookseller’s assistant. Later his parents lived at 49 Florence Road, Pakefield, and then 22 Pakefield Road, Kirkley. In 1906 Sydney married Lea Eugenie Ransome: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1911 they were living at 43 Windsor Road and Sydney ran a stationery shop. Later they lived at 50 Acton Road, and, subsequently, Lea lived at 92 London Road.  Sydney enlisted in the Army at Ipswich in 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 265568, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Sydney was transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 41099, and posted to France to join the 1st Battalion. Sydney was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, 1 December 1917. Subsequently he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and served with VI Platoon in B Company.  On 10 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were at Villers St. Christophe. On 18 March they moved to Savoy Dugouts, to relieve the 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment, and were in support positions. At 4.45 a.m. on 21 March the enemy bombardment began and the battalion ‘stood to’ in the battle zone between Savy and Etreillers, with B Company in ‘counter-attack position’. The enemy broke through, and B Company were sent to reinforce A company, but could nit force the Germans out of their positions either side of Savy Road. At 2 p.m. on 22 March the enemy attacked in large numbers. C Company’s position was taken. The remnants of A and B Company held on until surrounded by large numbers of the enemy. The battalion war diary records: ‘They fought very well and only a few got back.’ Between 21 and 31 March 1918 the battalion’s casualties were 15 officers and 554 men. Sydney was reported missing on 21 March. Enquiries with the Red Cross continued until June 1918, but they had no information about him. Eventually he was presumed to have been killed in action at some point between 21 and 29 March 1918. 

A Rifleman with the 10th Battalion, Frederick died on 20th of September 1917 at the age of 30.Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1887, a son of Frederick and Sarah A. Hayhoe. In 1891 they lived at 81 Cambridge Road. By 1901 they were living at 31 Edinburgh Road, and Frederick was a part-time barber’s assistant. In 1911 his parents lived at 24 Tennyson Road, and later his mother lived at 30 Mariners Street. In 1911 Frederick was a tinsmith, working at Smiths Fish Preserving Factory, and he lodged at 16 Market Place, Great Yarmouth.  Frederick enlisted in the Army at Poplar, London. He joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, service number R/36743. On 13 January 1917 he was at the Rifle Depot and was posted to 8 Company. Subsequently he was posted to the 10th Battalion in France. By September 1917 Frederick was attached to the 59th Trench Mortar Battery. In mid-September 1917 the 59th Trench Mortar Battery were near Langemark, Belgium, and were targeting Eagle Trench, and particularly a concrete dugout in the trench, in preparation for an attack. On 20 September Lieutenant Barrett was killed and 12 men killed and wounded. Frederick was reported missing on 20 September, and later it was presumed that he had died of wounds on that date. 

A Deck Hand, Albert died on 9th February 1916 at the age of 19.Albert was born at Pakefield on 20 January 1897, a son of Harry Green and Emily Haylock. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 April 1898.In 1901 his family lived at 21 Pakefield Street, and, by 1911, they were living at 4 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield.Albert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and joined the crew of the Drifter Persistive. The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and one other severely wounded. Albert's father, Harry, served as a Second Hand in the Royal Naval Reserve from 8 January 1915 and served on the Drifter W.A. Massey but, fortunately, was not on board when the 'W.A. Massey' was sunk in 1918. From 1917 to 1923 Albert's parents had lived at Portland, Dorset, and his name appears on the war memorial at Portland. By mid-1923 his parents were again in the Lowestoft area, living at 5 Elmham Terrace, Oulton Broad.   

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Frank died on 16th of March 1945 aged 21.Frank was born at Lowestoft on 16 September 1924, a son of Edward A. G. and Ethel M. Haylock. In 1939 his family lived at 59 Norwich Road and Frank was a water and gas office boy.Frank enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after May 1943. By March 1945 he was a Flight Engineer serving with 49 Squadron, based at Fulbeck, Lincolnshire. On 16 March he was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ME454 EA-E, that was taking part in a raid on Wurzburg. The aircraft was shot down, over Allied held territory, by a night fighter. Four of the crew survived. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 6th Battalion, George died on 28th of March 1918 at the age of 40. George was born at Elmsted, Kent, on 18 February 1878, a son of Thomas and Frances Camelia Hayward. He was baptised at Elmsted, Kent, on 28 April 1878. In 1881 his family lived at Elmsted. In 1891 they lived at The Street, Hastingleigh Kent, and George was an agricultural labourer. By 1911 they were living at Bishop Cottages, The Street, Hastingleigh, and George was a farm labourer. George married Beliza Maud Tuthill in 1901: this was registered in the East Ashford district. In 1911 they lived at Bishop Cottages, The Street, Hastingleigh, and George was a general labourer. By October 1918 Beliza was living at Gladstone Cottage, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. In 1919 Beliza married Henry Pegg and they lived at Grove Cottages, Grove Road, Carlton Colville.George enlisted in the Army at Canterbury. He joined the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number G/28586. He was posted to France to serve with the 6th Battalion. There is no record of when, where, or how George was wounded, but it is likely that this was in some way connected with the German offensive of 21 March 1918. He was evacuated to Doullens where he died of wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station.

An Assistant Steward with S.S. Orford (Barrow), Thomas died on 1st of June 1940 aged 27.Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 2 June 1912, a son of Thomas and Ellen Maria Head. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 21 June 1912 and his family lived at Pendeen Villa, Winnipeg Road. By 1939 his family were living at the Globe Inn, High Street, where Thomas’ father was the licensee. Later his parents lived at 14 Yeovil Road. Thomas joined the Merchant Navy in 1927, initially serving as a pantry boy. On 4 January 1940 he joined the S.S. Orford as an Assistant Steward.On 1 June the Orford was off Marseilles. The ship was bombed in an air raid and beached. Fourteen of the crew, including Thomas, were killed.    See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Thomas died on 9th of April 1918 at the age of 26. Thomas was born at Hertford, Hertfordshire, on 11 April 1892, a son of Thomas Philip and Louisa Annie Heath. He was baptised at Saint Andrew’s Church, Hertford, on 5 June 1892. By 1901 his family lived at 121 High Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911 when Thomas worked as a wine merchant’s clerk. Later his parents lived at 64 Liverpool Road, Chester, and subsequently at 7 Wortley Terrace, Mundesley, Norfolk.Thomas volunteered, around October 1914, and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 1441. He was posted to France to serve with the 1/4th Battalion and given service number 43023. Subsequently he served with the 7th Battalion and then the 8thBattalion. By December 1917 Thomas was serving with D Company 9th Battalion. On 19 December 1917 he was admitted to 20 Casualty Clearing Station with suffering with trench feet, and on 28 December he was admitted to 18 General Hospital. Once recovered he returned to the 9th Battalion and in February 1918, when that battalion was disbanded in France, he was posted to the 11th Battalion and served with X Platoon in C Company. On 5 April 1918 the 11th Battalion occupied billets at Erquinghem, France. The Germans began bombing Erquignhem on 9 April and the battalion immediately moved into front line trenches in anticipation of an attack which came from the direction of Fleurbaux, but was driven back. A second attack from the Feurbaix area took place on 10 April and later that day the battalion were ordered to withdraw to north of the River Lys. A further withdrawal on the 11th was hampered by sniper and machine-gun fire but the battalion reached the Armentieres-Bailleul railway. On the 12th the battalion moved into attack formation about one mile south-east of Bailleul and late in the morning became involved in the fighting. The next day there was a heavy artillery bombardment and the enemy attacked in force from Outerstern and the battalion had to fall back. During the 14th the battalion took up positions near Bailleul railway station and late in the day they were relieved and marched to Meulehook. On the 15th due to enemy advances they were again in the front line. The next day they were patrolling and digging in. During the 17th there was heavy shelling and attempts by the enemy to advance. The battalion were relieved at 2 a.m. on April 18. What precisely happened to Thomas is not known. He was reported missing at some point between 9 April and 19 April 1918 and was later presumed to have been killed in action between those dates. The battalion’s casualties between 9 and 19 April were:Officers: four killed; four died of wounds; five missing, ten woundedOther ranks: 39 killed; three died of wounds; 272 missing; 157 woundedSee house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Private with the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, John died on 5th of September 1918 aged 20. John was born at Kirkley on 12 March 1898, a son of Edith Hellen. John is not shown in the 1901 but on 18 March 1901 he joined Kirkley School, and his family lived at 90 Carlton Road. By 1906 he was living with his grandparents at Savoy Cottage, Saint John’s Road, and he attended Saint John’s School from 19 March 1906 to 1911. By 1911 John’s mother was living at 1 Market Place, Kessingland, and she sometimes used the surname Bird.   John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2301, and was posted to his regiment in the Middle East. In 1917 the Suffolk Yeomanry became the 15th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and John was renumbered 320307. On 7 May 1918 his battalion arrived in France. He was killed in action in the attack to take Larris Trench and advance toward Templeux-la-Fosse, north-east of Peronne, and he was buried where he fell. John’s grave, at map reference 62c.J.4.c.5.2. was marked with a cross and after the war he was reburied at Peronne. Bernard Mann, also of Lowestoft, was in John’s battalion and died at the same place and on the same day as John and was buried in an adjacent grave. See also Lowestoft St Margarets War Memorial.

A Petty Officer Stoker with H.M.S. Blean, George died on 11th of December 1942 at the age of 30. George was born at Whitehaven on 5 June 1913, a son of Joseph Holmes and Nessie Hellon.George married Gertrude Irene Woolmer at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 27 July 1936. George was a sailor serving on H.M.S. Foyle, and Gertrude lived at 17 Saint Margaret's Plain, Lowestoft. In 1939 Gertrude lived with her family at 47 Newson's Meadow, Lowestoft. On 11 December 1942 H.M.S. Blean, sailing eleven miles north-west of Oran, was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-443. Of the 168 men on board 89, including George, were killed. Gertrude remarried in 1951. 

A Gunner with 277 Battery, 68 (Midlands) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Ernest died on 3rd of January 1943 aged 36. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 24 November 1906, a son of Christopher George and Mary Ann Hembling. In 1911 his family lived at 19 Mariners Street. By 1921 his family were living at 54 Mariners Street. Ernest was a general labourer when he enlisted in the Royal Marines, service number Ch 24774, at London, on 29 September 1925.  On 26 October 1929 Ernest married Muriel Emma Jude at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Ernest was a marine and give his address as 54 Mariners Street, Lowestoft, and Muriel was a waitress living at 6 Harbour Road.Ernest was discharged from the Royal Marines on 11 April 1934 ‘no longer physical fit’ for service. By 1939 Ernest and Muriel were living at 10 Compass Street, and Ernest was a general labourer. Ernest joined the Royal Artillery in 1941. He joined the 68th (Midlands) Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His regiment had arrived at Port Said, Egypt, in April 1941. Many of the regiment were captured at Tobruk on 20 June 1942 and it appears that Ernest was one of them. Official casualty list 922, dated 7 September 1942, states that Ernest was a prisoner of war and states that he was captured in the Middle East. Ernest was taken to Italy and was held at Camp 201, near Milan. Ernest developed severe broncho pulmonnitis (pneumonitis?) and died at Camp 201. He was buried at the British Empire Cemetery, Milan, which was later renamed Milan War Cemetery.  

A Leading Seaman with H.M.S. Pathfinder. Charles died on 5th of September 1914 at the age of 37.Charles was born at North Leith, Edinburgh, on 6 November 1876, a son of Thomas Barclay Henry (R.N.) and Susan Dougall Henry. In 1881 his family lived at 8 Victoria Place, North Leith, and in 1891 at 18 Victoria Place.On 21 February 1911 Charles married Caroline Elizabeth Liffen at Lowestoft. By 1914 they were living at Beaconsfield Road and later Caroline lived at 21 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft. Caroline later remarried. Charles joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 5 April 1893. In 1907 Charles qualified as a navy diver. He served continuously with the Royal Navy until his death. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1909. Charles was drafted to H.M.S. Pathfinder on 22 November 1913. On 5 September 1914 H.M.S. Pathfinder was patrolling the coast near the Firth of Forth. The German submarine U-21 fires a torpedo which sank the Pathfinder. Charles was one of 268 crew who lost their lives in the sinking.

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Cressy. Walter died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 34.Walter was born at Sprowston, Norwich, on 20 August 1882, a son of William Robert and Minnie Henry. In 1891 his family lived at Farm Yard Cottage, Salhouse Road, Rackheath, and later at 48 Lingwood, Norwich.Walter had been working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 14 September 1892. He served until 6 March 1908 and the next day he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve, number RFR/CH/B/4971.Walter married Helen Emily Littlewood in 1911. For a time they lived in Berkshire, but by early 1914 were living at Hope Villa, Oulton Road. Later Helen lived at 9 Park Hill Road, Oulton, Lowestoft.Walter was called out for service at the start of the First World War and on 2 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 Walter, were killed in the loss of the Cressy. 

A Corporal with the 8th Battalion, Frederick died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 23. Frederick was born at Oulton, Lowestoft, on 11 May 1893. A son of John Frederick and Susanna Herbert .He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 16 July 1893 and his family lived at Oulton. In 1901 his family lived at 38 Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. Later his mother lived at 16 Esplanade, and then 7 Ontario Road. Frederick enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 8448. In 1911 he was serving with the 3rd Battalion at Norwich. Frederick arrived in France with the 1st Battalion on 16 August 1914 and served with D Company. On 19 August 1915 he was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance with a fever and went to the Divisional Rest Station the next day. Frederick, and two other men, received accidental wounds from a grenade explosion. Frederick received wounds to his right arm and head. Frederick, and the other men, were admitted to 14 Field Ambulance on 20 October 1915 and then transferred to 5 Casualty Clearing Station. Once recovered Frederick was posted to the 9th battalion and then to the 8th battalion. On 1 July 1916 the 8th Battalion were involved in an assault on the German trenches north of Carnoy, and south-west of Montaubin. At 7.27 a.m. the first waves deployed form the trenches without loss. Mine Trench was reached and crossed almost with little opposition and without loss. C Company took 30 prisoners. Bund Support was reached and taken by 8 a.m. At this point the leading companies came under very heavy enfilade fire and suffered heavily. Men advanced to Pommier Trench but were then held up by machine gun fire and a strong point. By 3 p.m. B Company had taken The Loop and the assault companies advanced to take the Montaubin Alley line, the battalion’s final objective. In doing so C and D Companies took heavy casualties. At 6 p.m. consolidation work was undertaken and, from 8 p.m., there was a continuous bombardment on the battalion’s positions.Casualties during the attack were: Officers: two killed, one died of wounds, eight woundedOther ranks: 102 killed, 219 wounded, 13 missingFrederick was among those killed in action on 1 July.  The Lowestoft Journal, 5 August 1916, page 3, has the following report:We regret to announce the death of Corporal Stanley (sic) Herbert, of the 1st Norfolks, son of Mrs. Herbert, 16, Esplanade, Lowestoft, who was killed in the Battle of the Somme on July 1st. His platoon commander writes: - “It is with much regret I inform you that your son has been killed in gallantly fighting in the cause of his country. You will be proud of the fact that the last I saw of him he was fighting most bravely, and that he died a hero’s death. He will be greatly missed by his platoon and myself, who join with me in extending to you our deepest sympathy.” 

A Lieutenant with A Company, 6th Bn., Denzil died on 17th of February 1917 at the age of 23. Denzil was born at Filey, Yorkshire, on 21 February 1894, a son of Charles Mitford Heriz-Smith and Marion Heriz-Smith. In 1901 his family lived at The Bungalows, Pot Kilns, Great Cornard, Suffolk. In 1911 his family lived at 31 Bushmead Avenue, Bedford. Later they lived at Four Winds, Kessingland Beach, Lowestoft. He was educated at Bedford School, from 1904, where, when Head of the School, in 1914, he received from Lord Roberts a special prize, personally presented to him by the Field-Marshal, "for the best all-round boy in the school." He was also Captain of Gymnasium and a member of the 1st XV and the Shooting VIII. He entered at Queens' College, Cambridge, with the intention of taking Holy Orders.On 16 September 1914 he enlisted in the 19th (2nd Public Schools) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He was granted a commission in the Northamptonshire Regiment on 4 December 1914. He was posted to the 6th Battalion and went to France, to join the Battalion, on 17 December, 1915, arriving with the Battalion, at Buire, on 22 December. He joined A Company and entered the trenches, for the first time, on 24 December. He took part on the attack on the Somme on 1 July 1916 and, on 14 July 1916, fought at Trones Wood, being the only officer of A Company that was not wounded and one of only two officers of the Battalion that came through that day without injury. Denzil was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 February 1917 and was one of the very few remaining original officers of his battalion when he died. In part of the description of the events of 17 February 1917 the Battalion War Diary has:The first two waves of the centre company (A) got over Grandcourt Trench with little opposition, but were them met by heavy machine-gun and trench mortar fire from their left, a large body of Germans holding the (illegible) in the Boom Ravine about R.11.C.5.3. It was necessary to clear this point before advancing: during these operations A/Captain MCWHA (sic) and Lieutenant Heriz-Smith became casualties. During this attack the Battalion lost 5 officers, including Denzil, and 103 other ranks killed.Denzil was severely wounded on February 17th and died before reaching the dressing station.His Commanding Officer, Major Podmore wrote (printed in The Broad Arrow 21 March 1917, page 20):—"I cannot speak too highly of your son's coolness and gallantry in action, and of the affection with which his men regarded him. He had been through two actions in July with distinction and came through unscathed and it is indeed bad luck that his wounds this time should be so severe that he died before reaching the dressing station. He died doing his duty and leading his men to victory, as he would have wished"Another officer wrote: “He was one of the very few remaining original officers of the battalion at the time of his death. He had been through many fights unscathed and I think no other officer in the battalion has a bigger record of battles, but now we have lost him;” and the Chaplain wrote “I cannot say what a loss he is to us.” While another officer, present at the battle, wrote: “He did splendidly in the battle getting right forward with his platoon. He was a great sportsman and a true English gentleman.”His school paper, the Ouzel, published an article in his memory which included these words: “His service in the School will be remembered with gratitude and affection. He had many accomplishments and one single purpose – to do his duty. A love of peace and home, he would have devoted his life to work for his country in the highest service of all."The Northampton Independent of 14 April 1917 has the following letter and comment:From the Front, April 5.Seeing about the late Denzil Heriz-Smith’s death in your last week’s paper, I thought it would interest you to know that of the four that fetched him out of the barrage, two of us, Privates Whyman and Silvester of “D” Company, 6th Northants, are still here. I am sorry to say that the others are killed. We got him to our Regimental Doctor. After that four more took him to the R.A.M.C. station. We had to carry him about 700 yards to safety. We have also written to the late Lieutenant Smith’s family.3/10297 Pte. Whyman, “D” Company. 11608 Pte. Silvester, “D” Company.It will be remembered that the bereaved father of the gallant officer (Mr. C. M. Heriz-Smith of St. George’s Lodge, Bedford) who has thus lost his only son, wrote to me concerning these gallant stretcher bearers in the hope of tracing them and added: “Their names will, I suppose, never be known but they offer farther prove of their gallantry and fearlessness of our Northamptonshire fellows, and my heart goes out to them for their devotion and bravery.Denzil's letters and diaries are recorded in the 2007 book From Bedford to The Somme, The Letters and Diaries by OB Tim Machin. His letters and diaries, as well as his original memorial cross, are on display at Bedford School. Denzil is commemorated on a number of war memorials:Mullion Parish Church, CornwallSaint Edmund's Church War Memorial, KessinglandBedford School War MemorialSaint Andrew's War Memorial, BedfordUntil 2000 Bedford School offered a bursary, in Denzil's memory, to 'aid any boy from the school who is desirous of entering into Holy Orders in the Church of England to enter a university or theological college for that purpose.'    There are numerous references to Denzil on the internet, but see especially: northamptonshire regiment 6th battalion - Soldiers and their units - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum (greatwarforum.org)

A Cook with Sailing Trawler Trevone (Lowestoft). Herbert died on 29th of January 1917 at the age of 38. Herbert was born in 1876. Most sources state that he was born at Lowestoft, however the 1881 Census shows him living with Charlotte Plant, a widow, at 46 Stevens Street, and gives his place of birth as Paddington, London. He has not been traced in the 1891 Census, but in 1901 he was again living with Charlotte, at 46 Stevens Street, and he worked as a quay labourer. In 1911 Herbert married Lily Maud Knight. By 1911 they were living at 19 Alma Road and Herbert worked as a quay labourer. In 1917 Herbert was the Cook on the sailing trawler Trevone. On 29 January the Trevone was captured by the German submarine U-55 around 30 miles north-west of Trevose Head.The Benjidog Historical Resources Website has the following: James Rose, second hand, was on the deck of the British sailing trawler Trevone at half-past three in the afternoon of 30th January 1917 when a German submarine suddenly appeared on the surface and opened fire. Her second shot hit the peak halyards and the master and crew immediately took to their boat. They were ordered alongside the submarine and told to board her. In attempting to obey, the master and cook were both washed overboard. These two men could easily have been rescued but the Germans took not the slightest notice of them. The Master was seen hanging on to the submarine's side aft for over 10 minutes but finally disappeared. See: Merchant Navy Memorials Tower Hill (benjidog.co.uk)

A Seaman with H.M.S. Pembroke, George died on 21st of November 1914 at the age of 20. George was born at Lowestoft on 22 November 1894, a son of William and Agnes Maud Herriven. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 21 December 1894 and his family lived at 7 Ipswich Road. In 1901 his family lived at 215 Clapham Road. By 1911 his father had died and the family had moved to 33 Jacob's Street. Later his mother remarried, Nash, and she lived at 93 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft.George was working in the fishing industry when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 September 1914. George died, from appendicitis, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham. 

A Sergeant with C Battery 156th Brigade, Christopher died on 3rd of May 1917 at the age of 30. Christopher was born at Rotherhithe, London, in 1885, a son of John Jameson and Eliza Jane Heugh. In 1891 his family lived at 37 Abbeyfield Road, Rotherhithe, and this was still their home in 1901 when Christopher worked as a bank page. By 1911 his father had died and the family were living at 202 Rotherhithe New Road and Christopher was a bank messenger. On 24 August 1912 Christopher married Hettie Caroline Young, of Hemsby, Norfolk, at All Saints; Church, Rotherhithe. Christopher was a bank messenger living at 202 Rotherhithe New Road, and Hettie lived at Hemsby. In 1915 their home was at 15 Grove Hill Road, Southwark. In 1920 Hettie married Edgar Bobbins and later lived at 7 Dene Road, Lowestoft.Christopher volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Camberwell. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number L/6271. Christopher was already a sergeant when he arrived in France on 11 December 1915 and he served with C Battery 156 Brigade. On 3 May 1917 156 Brigade were laying down fire in support of the advance on the Arleux-Bullecourt line. As zero hour was before light all communication between the brigade and the advancing troops was lost. Later in the day they fired in order to tave off German counter-attacks on Scabbard Trench and their grouping behind Keeling Copse. No details of exactly what happened to Christopher are known other than that he was killed in action on 3 May.During May 1917 the brigade’s casualties were two officers killed, and 8 men killed and 22 wounded.   

A Sergeant with 24th Bn., Joe died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 22. Joe was born at Banbury in 1894, a son of Harry John and Gertrude Hicks. In 1901 his family lived at 35 West Bar, Neithrop, Banbury. Later his parents lived at Hawthorn Cottage, Quorn, Loughborough. By 1911 Joe was a bank clerk living at 51 Station Road, Sudbury. Joe enlisted in the Army at Huntingdon. He served with the 24th (2nd Sportsman's) Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He had already been promoted to Lance Corporal when he arrived in France on 15 November 1915 and subsequently became a Sergeant.  From July to November 1916 Joe's Battalion was heavily engaged in the Battles of the Somme. In July, alone, the Battalion lost 62 killed, 220 wounded, and 101 men missing. On 12 November 1916 the Battalion moved to the Redan Section in preparation to attack, on the next day, the German line between Serre and Beaumont Hamel. In the attack the Battalion lost 25 officers and men killed, 174 officers and men wounded, and 50 men, including Joe, missing. Probate records show that Joe lived at Carlton Colville.On Saint Margaret's War Memorial.

A Private with the 2/4th Battalion, Charles died on 20th of September 1917 at the age of 32. Charles was born at Corton in 1885, a son of John and Mary A. High. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Corton, and they were still living at High Street 1901, by which time Charles was working as a gardener. In 1911 Charles was living at Crown Point Gardens, Trowse, Norwich, and working as a domestic gardener. Charles was living at Offley, Hertfordshire, and working as a gardener, when he married Elsie Walpole at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 15 February 1914. Elsie's home was at 141 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft.Charles was living at Luton when he joined the Army. Initially he served with the 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment, number 5858 and was in Egypt from 1 February 1916 to 23 March 1916. He was then posted to the 1/4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, number 240160 and served in France from 17 July 1917. On 18 August 1917 he was transferred to the 2/4th Battalion London Regiment, number 295339.On 18 September 1917 the 2/4th Battalion moved to positions north-east of St. Julien, Belgium, in preparation for an attack. The Battalion began their attack on 20 September and all objectives were taken and held. On 21 September the Germans made counter-attacks, but were repulsed. Casualties on 20-21 September were 4 officers killed and seven wounded; 54 other ranks killed, 192 wounded and 21 missing. Charles received a battlefield burial at map reference D.7 A20. 90. In 1920 the graves near this position were excavated and Charles body was identified from his old Bedfordshire Regiment dog-tag. He was then reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetery.  Note: several sources state that he served with the 4th London Regiment. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects and original Commonwealth War Graves documents show that he was with the 2/4th Battalion London Regiment. 

A Lance Corporal with The Hallamshire Bn., John died on 16th of July 1944 at the age of 23. John was born at Kingsbridge, Devon, in 1921, a son of George Henry and Eliza Jane Hill. In 1939 his family lived at Rugwell Cottage, South Huish, Devon.John enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment and was later transferred to serve with the Hallamshire Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. During 1943 the Hallamshires were deployed to Hopton for training and they were based at the 'Golden Sands' holiday camp. John married Nancy Elizabeth Soanes in 1943. Nancy lived at Cliff Holm, The Street, Corton. The Hallamshire Battalion left Hopton on 3 June 1944 and landed at Normandy on 9 June 1944. On 16 July 1944 the Hallamshires were given the task of attacking and capturing Barbee Farm and the village of Vendes. There were many casualties in the attack and they failed to secure their objectives, however, they did force the Germans to retreat and so, overall, the attack was judged to have been a success. The battalion lost ten men killed, including John, and 64 wounded. John was, initially, buried at Vendes, and in July 1945 was reburied at St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux.

Skipper of the Trawler Ivy (Lowestoft), William died on 17th of December 1914 at the age of 63. William was born at Saint Lawrence, Thanet, in 1851, a son of Daniel and Harriet Hills. In 1861 his family lived at 2 Holly Cottages, Deal Kent.  On 24 December 1874 William married Lavinia Foord at Saint Lawrence, Thanet. They were both living at Saint Lawrence and William was a fisherman. By 1881 they were living at 13 Saint James' Street, Ramsgate. In 1881 William was the Master of the trawler Peep of the Day. By 1891 their home was at 4 Shaftesbury Street, Ramsgate. By 1901 they had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 110 Denmark Road, which was still their home in 1911.William was the Skipper of the Ivy. An eye-witness, the Skipper of the trawler Sis, saw the Ivy about 52 miles east by north of Lowestoft when an explosion was heard and the smack was enveloped in smoke. The Sis sailed to the spot, but no wreckage was found, nor any sign of the five crew. It was supposed that the Ivy had struck a mine. Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Third Hand with Fishing Vessel Leach’s Romance (Shoreham), George died on 29th of July 1940 aged 43. George was born at Lowestoft on 24 August 1896, a son of Frederick James and Emma Hindes. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Mummery Buildings ‘rear of Till Road’ and this was still their home in 1911. By 1914 George was living at 19 Cathcart Street. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 December 1914, to serve as a Deck Hand, service number DA 2659. George served with the trawler Manx Hero before, on 22 January 1915, joining the trawler Blenheim and he remained with that trawler until April 1918. He then served with the Hannibal, the Caesar and the Julius. He was demobilized on 12 March 1920.On 24 April 1918 George married Alice Janet Ayres at Saint Margaret’s Church. The marriage register shows George as a fisherman living at 5 Norfolk Street, even though he was in the Royal Naval Reserve, and Alice living at 30 Stevens Street. In 1921 George and Alice both lived at 30 Stevens Street and George was a trawler fisherman.  In July 1940 George was the Third Hand on the fishing trawler Leach’s Romance. On 29 July the trawler was about ten miles south of Brighton and struck a mine. Four crew, including George, were lost, officially being noted as ‘missing presumed drowned.’

A Private with the 1/8th Battalion, John died on 15th of June 1918 at the age of 39. John was born at Oulton Broad in 1878, a son of John and Eliza Hines. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 2 March 1879. The 1881 Census shows John at Beccles Road with relatives Adam and Kezia Aggas. In 1891 John’s family lived at Church Road, Rock Estate, Oulton, and John was an agricultural labourer.  On 22 December 1898 John married Agnes Larke at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. John was a maltster, and Agnes ‘serving at home, and they both gave their address as 56 Tonning Street. In 1901 they lived at 4 Emily Terrace, Bridge Road, Oulton, and John was a maltster. By 1911 they were living at Amber Villa, Oulton Broad, and John worked as a maltster’s labourer. Later Agnes lived at 108 Saint Peters Street, Lowestoft.John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 2 December 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 36503and was posted to the 7th Battalion in France. Subsequently he was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 29350, and was posted to the 1/8th Battalion. On 15 June 1918, during the Second Battle of the Piave River, the Austrians opened a heavy bombardment at three o'clock in the morning. At seven o'clock the infantry attack developed in strength and broke through part of the line. The 1/8th Battalion, in support, moved up to a position in front of Cesuna Church, on the Asiago Plain, which they held throughout the day against repeated attacks. Eight men of the battalion, including John, were killed in action. John’s cousin, Robert James Hines, served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and died in 1917. 

A Private with the 2/8th Battalion, Robert died on 19th of August 1917 at the age of 34.Robert was born at Oulton Broad on 30 September 1883, a son of James and Mary Ann Hines. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 24 February 1884. In 1891 his family lived at Clyde Cottage, Beccles Road, Oulton, and this was still their home in 1901 when Robert worked as a grocer’s assistant. Later his parents lived at Victoria Road, Oulton. On 19 October 1910 Robert married Eleanor Maria Andrews Sadler, at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Robert was a fish merchant, and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at 2 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and Robert was a fishmonger. In 1918 Eleanor married John Gooch and, later, lived at 1 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. Robert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 290429, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France. Subsequently he was transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment, service number 260205, and was posted to the 2/8th Battalion. On 17 August 1917 the 2/8th Battalion moved into front line trenches at Ypres North, with their headquarters at Uhlan Farm. The battalion war diary records that one man was missing, believed killed, and three men wounded. It is presumed that the missing man was Robert, but the war diary gives no indication of what may have happened to him.Robert’s cousin, John William Hines, served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and died in 1918. Robert’s aunt, Emily Pinkney, nee Sadler, died in the Waller Raid in 1942. Robert's name appears on Saint Margaret's War Memorial. Note, some sources give his first name as James. 

A Private with the 2/2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 13th of October 1918, at the age of 28.Arthur was born at Kessingland in 1890, a son of George and Anna Hitcham. In 1891 his family lived at Elm Cottages, London Road, Kessingland, and by 1901 at 9 Carlton Road, Pakefield, and this was still their home in 1911 and, at that time, Arthur worked as a bootmaker. Later his parents lived at 23 Carlton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft.Arthur enlisted at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 16021. He arrived in France, with the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, on 25 July 1915. By mid-1918 he had been transferred to the London Regiment and he served with B Company of the 2/2nd (City of London) Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). On 12 October 1918 the 2/2nd Battalion were ordered to occupy the Montigny-Harnes-Annay Switch from the Canal to Carvin Road (near Lens). The enemy held the distillery and chemical works on the canal bank, with machine-gun posts, and they also held the southern bank as far as the Carvin Road. During the night of 13-14 October the Battalion were ordered to send out fighting patrols and to attempt to reach the canal. B Company met with considerable opposition from the distillery, chemical works, and houses at Vert Gazon. IIt was during this action that Arthur was found to be missing and later concluded that he was killed in action. Note: Arthur's battalion was affiliated to the Royal Fusiliers (most London Regiment battalions had an affiliation of some sort) but he served with the London Regiment, not the Royal Fusiliers as shown in some sources. This fact is verified by wound records, Red Cross records and his medal roll and medal index card entries. Arthur was wounded in 1918, possibly in July/August and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 17 September 1918. 

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Reginald died on 13th of February 1942 aged 28. Reginald was born at Kirkley on 27 July 1913, a son of Henry and Louisa Hitcham. In 1921 his family lived at 42 Morton Road. This was still their home in 1939 when Reginald was a butcher’s shop assistant. In 1940 Reginald married Mina Edith McCann, this was registered in the Lothingland district.Reginald served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed from Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity. Reginald was official reported as missing on 15 February 1942. Official Casualty List 1910, of 14 November 1945, shows that John was officially recorded as having been killed in action on 13 February 1942. Reginald was killed in action at Bukit Timah. His body was found at the Racecourse, plan 19/1, map reference 787156.

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, George died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 39. George was born at Lowestoft on 13 November 1877, a son of John Thomas and Sarah Hitter. In 1881 his family lived at 5 West Raglan Street. George was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 13 June 1886. By 1891 they were living at 79 Bevan Street and George was the cook on a fishing smack. On 29 January 1898 George married Martha Jane Williams. George was a trawlerman living at 79 Bevan Street and Martha lived at 203 Raglan Street. In 1901 they lived at 272 Raglan Street, and, by 1911, at 268 Raglan Street. In 1915 their home was at 294 Raglan Street. In 1918 Martha married William Harvey and lived at 75 Park Road. George was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1899. In 1911 he was the Mate on the trawler Nellie, LT 356, at Padstow.George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 October 1915. He served with the trawler Evening Primrose until 10 October 1915 when he joined the trawler Pelagia.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.

A Captain with the 1/7th Battalion, Robert died on 9th of October 1917 at the age of 31. Robert was born at Nassington, Northamptonshire, in 1886, a son of Joseph Alfred and Annie Katherine Hoare. In 1891 his family lived at Nassington. Robert’s parents continued to live at Nassington until 1920 when they moved to Lowestoft, living at 294 London Road, and then 50 Acton Road.  Robert was awarded a County Scholarship to attend Laxton Grammar, Oundle, in 1901. Robert became a teacher and in 1911 he lodged at 9 Laurel Lane, Halesowen, and was an assistant schoolmaster at Halesowen Grammar School. Robert served with the Territorial Force from 1909, initially as a Private in the 5th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. On 4 January 1913 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with the 1/7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.  The 1/7th Battalion were mobilized on 5 August 1914 and all men were ordered to report to the battalion headquarters at Kidderminster. The battalion embarked at Folkestone on 31 March 1915 and disembarked at Boulogne the next day. On proceeding overseas Robert was appointed Temporary Lieutenant and, on 19 August 1915, he was promoted to Lieutenant (Acting Captain). He was promoted to Captain on 17 September 1915. Robert was the officer in command of C Company. On 7 October 1917 the 1/7th Battalion moved to Canal Bank, near Poelcapelle, in preparation for the attack due to begin at dawn on 9 October. C Company were to lead the attack on the right. The attack began with a barrage and once the barrage opened up the battalion was subjected to heavy rifle and machine-gun fire: much of this came from the direction of Vacher Farm, south-east of Poelcappelle. The advance continued for about 300 yards, when, about 5.45 a.m., it was held up. By this time eight of the 12 officers involved in the attack had become casualties. Around 7.30 a.m. under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, the German’s broke on the left and many prisoners were taken. By 11.16 a.m. Adler Farm had been captured. The battalion held their positions during the night of 9-10 October. The battalion’s casualties for 9 – 10 October were:Officers: five killed, five woundedOther ranks: 54 killed, 136 wounded, 22 missing Robert was killed in action on 9 October. He was buried near Vacher Farm at map reference to the  V.26.d.5.0. By 1921 he had been reburied at Poelcappele British Cemetery.Robert is commemorated on the war memorial at Halesowen Grammar School and on the Nassington War Memorial. 

A Skipper with H. M. Trawler Lord Ridley, William died on 10th of May 1917 at the age of 39. William was born at Lowestoft on 15 July 1877, a son of Joseph Thomas and Eliza Hodgman. In 1881 his family lived at 2 North Raglan Street and, by 1891, they were living at 21 Tonning Street. On 10 May 1897 William married Priscilla Ethell at Saint John’s Church, New Clee, Grimsby. William was a fisherman and they both lived at 164 Stanley Street, New Clee. By 1901 they were living at 3 Collins Court, Whitehaven, and William was a fisherman. Priscilla died in 1903.On 26 February 1906 William married Emily Johnson at Clee, Lincolnshire. By 1911 they were living at 30 Humberstone Road, Grimsby, and William was a fisherman.In 1904 William was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper. From August 1911 to December 1912 William was the skipper of the trawler King George; from February 1913 to February 1914, he was the skipper of the trawler Ameer; and from February 1914 the skipper of the trawler Ariadne. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 July 1911. From 4 August 1914 William was the Skipper in charge of the requisitioned trawler Boreas. From 28 December 1916 he was the Skipper of the Lord Ridley.On 10 May 1917 the Lord Ridley struck a mine, off Whitby, and sank with the loss of ten crew, including William. 

A Private with the 20th Hussars, Maurice died on 31st May 1917. Maurice was born at Lowestoft on 31 January 1896, a son of Frederick Arthur and Bessie Nicholson Holbrook. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 20 March 1896, and his family lived at 33 Cambridge Road. In 1901 his family lived at Victoria Cottages, 2 Avondale Road. From 16 February 1904 Maurice attended Saint Margaret’s School and in 1904 his family lived at 4 Saint Margaret’s Plain. In 1911 they lived at 11 Saint Margaret’s Plain and Maurice was a doctor’s errand boy. Later his parents lived at 80 Sussex Road.Maurice enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth in late 1913 or early 1914. He joined the 20th Hussars, service number 10835. Maurice arrived in France, with his regiment, on 7 August 1914. Maurice was a machine gunner and served with the machine-gun squadron.In late May 1917 the 20th Hussars were in a dismounted role and manned trenches near Lempire. The regiment war diary records no fatal casualties for 30 May, which is when some sources state that Maurice was killed, but shows that on 31 May six men were killed and four wounded by shell-fire. Original Commonwealth War Graves papers confirm that Maurice died on 31 May.    Maurice was initially buried at map reference F.15.A.6.4. In 1919 Maurice, and the other men killed on 31 May, were reburied at Unicorn Cemetery.  

A Private with 1st Bn. Alfred died on 5th of September 1916 at the age of 16. Alfred was born at Saint Leonard's, Sussex, in 1899, a son of Frank Augustus and Maud Holl. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Silverhill Villas, Hastings Saint Matthew's, Sussex. By 1911 his family were living at The Bungalow, Chestnut Avenue, Oulton Broad.Alfred enlisted at Norwich and joined the 2/6th (Cyclist) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, number 2318. Later he was posted to the 1st Battalion, in France, and renumbered 43137. On 3 September 1916 the 1st Battalion moved into positions at Casement Trench, Maricourt. On 4 September they took up positions opposite Falfemont Farm in readiness for an attack that was to commence at 3.00 pm that day. By 3.00 am on 5 September the Battalion had captured Falfemont Farm. In the attack the Battalion lost 50 men killed, 212 wounded, and 94 missing. It is highly likely that Alfred was wounded at some point between the Battalion entering Casement Trench and the completion of the operations. He died of wounds and was buried at Casement Trench Cemetery, Maricourt. In 1921, under reorganisation of battlefield cemeteries, he was reburied at Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Francis died on 3rd of November 1917 at the age of 25.Francis was born at Beccles in 1892, a son of George and Mary Holland. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Melbourne Terrace, Denmark Road, Beccles. Later his parents lived at 4 Rosemary Lane, Beccles. By 1911 Franceis was living with, and working as a market garden labourer for, Margaret Carey of Uralla House, Beccles. Later records show Margaret Carey as Francis’ foster-mother. By 1918 Margaret was living at Flowerlands, Lound Road, Blundeston.Francis enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 45976. He was posted to Egypt to join the 1/4th Battalion. By 1 November 1917 the 1/4th Battalion were in readiness for their part of the Third Battle of Gaza. During the night of 1-2 November 1917 C Company was attached to the 1/5th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, and, at 2.05 a.m., the rest of the battalion left their bivouac area and moved a long the beach. Units of the battalion were to take positions known as Lion, Tiger and Dog and prepare a route for a cavalry advance. A Company began their attack at 6.30 a.m., but the promised tank support did not materialise and there was no artillery support and so they were halted about 400 yards from their objective until artillery support was put in place. At 7.32 a.m. Lion was taken but soon afterwards there was a string enemy counter-attack. Because of the attacks being held up, units of the battalion withdrew along the beach to Sheikh Hasan. At 11.30 a.m. the battalion were to attack Lion, Tiger and Dog once more, but this order was cancelled and instead they were ordered to take Tortoise Hill and Belah Trench. At 14.30 C and D Companies began the attack, with A Company in reserve. They were heavily counter-attacked and withdrew to Sheikh Hassan once again. The battalion suffered heavy casualties. During the attack one officer and 60 men were killed and numerous others, including Francis, wounded. He died of his wounds the next day.    

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Waltham, Michael died on 10th of October 1917 at the age of 24. Michael was born at Lowestoft on 25 July 1893, a son of Michael and Caroline Holland. In 1901 his family lived at 35 Lorne Park Road, Kirkley. In 1911 Michael was the fifth hand on the trawler Boy Willie at Penzance. In spring 1914 Michael married Winifred Ellen Catchpole and by 1915 they were living at 20 Saint John’s Street, Lowestoft. By 1917 Winifred was living at 23 Windsor Terrace, Bay Road, Larne, Ireland. Later she lived at 38 Church Road, Pakefield, and then at 28 Church Road. Michael joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 January 1915. He served on the trawler Star of the Isles until 22 June 1915 when he joined the trawler Bombardier. On 8 May 1916 Michael joined the trawler Waltham. On 24 May 1917 Michael was injured, breaking a rib, due to falling on deck and striking his side on a fish box. In 1916 Michael was awarded the Imperial Russian Silver Medal for Zeal. Although this award was noted in Naval Paper 2015/9, dated 17 July 1916, it was not announced in the London Gazette. On 10 October 1917 the Waltham was patrolling off the Isle of Man. The vessel was reported missing, with all thirteen hands, and was presumed to have struck a mine. Michael’s brother-in-law, George Catchpole served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918, and his brother-in-law, Frederick Catchpole, died in 1940 in the loss of the trawler Aberdeen. 

An Ordinary Seaman with S. S. Oriole (London). Thomas died on 30th of January 1915 at the age of 23. Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 3 May 1891, a son of Robert and Ann Elizabeth Holland. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 29 May 1891 and his family lived at Maltsters Score. In 1901 their address was 9 Maltsters Score and by 1911 they were living at 15 Dove Street, and Thomas was a herring fisherman. On 29 January 1915 the S.S. Oriole set sail from London to take its cargo to Le Havre. The ship was last seen, off Dungeness, on 30th January 1915. The ship had been torpedoed by a German submarine. In February 1915 two life buoys from the ship washed up in Sussex. In March 1915 a bottle was found by a Guernsey fisherman containing a note written by the ship's carpenter saying 'Oriole torpedoed - sinking'. All 21 crew were lost.See: SS Oriole and the blockade of the UK | Great War London (wordpress.com)

A Private with the 7th Battalion, James died on 30th of November 1917 at the age of 23. James was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Samuel and Emma Holliday. In 1901 his family lived at 102 Denmark Road. By 1911 they were living at 53 Beccles Road, and James was a draper’s apprentice. James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 2460. Later he was renumbered 40982 and posted to the 7th Battalion in France.  On 20 November 1917 the 7th Battalion were involved in an attack on the Hindenburg Line, part of the Battle of Cambrai. On 30 November the battalion were in the reserve at Quarry. A German counter-attack broke through the divisional right and meant they would attack the rear. On that day the battalion’s headquarters and A Company were surrounded and captured with 13 officers and 219 men reported missing.  James was reported missing on 30 November. By July 1918 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on or since 30 November 1917.  

A Second Lieutenant attached to the 16th Battalion, Arthur died on 24th of March 1918 at the age of 21. Arthur was born at Scarborough, Yorkshire, a son of Arthur and Maggie Holloway. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 1 November 1896 and his family lived at Cullen House, Beach Road. In 1901 his family were living at High Street, Anstruther Wester, Fife, and by 1911 at 35 Queen’s Road, Lowestoft. Arthur passed Cambridge Senior examinations in December 1912 and December 1913. He began working for T. W. Targett, dentist, at Lowestoft on 20 January 1913 and attained registration in dentistry on 2 February 1914. Arthur’s probate record shows that he lived at 11 Royal Avenue. Arthur enlisted in the Army and joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, service number 5356. He arrived in France on 25 May 1916, and by that time he was a Sergeant. Arthur attended and Officer Cadet Battalion and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) on 26 September 1917. Officially he was commissioned into the 6th Battalion (Territorial Force) but was posted to France on attachment to the 16th Battalion.  Arthur joined the 16th Battalion, at billets north of Abeele, on 25 November 1917 and he became a member of D Company. On 27 December 1917 at Quesques and Verval a divisional inter-company cross-country competition was held. Arthur was part of the winning team. On 21 March 1918 the 16th Battalion were at Sorrel le Grand, With the onset of the German bombardment they marched to Sorrel Wood, in dense fog and under a gas barrage. Late in the day they were ordered to Longueval. During 22 March front line troops fell back and by 2.30 the battalion were in touch with the enemy. At 6.30 p.m., the flanks having given way, the battalion were ordered to withdraw to Bois de Buerre. Late in the day they moved to Tincourt Wood to support the 17th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps and the 16th Battalion Rifle Brigade. On 23 March they withdrew to a line from Beune to Nurlu-Peronne and then to Mont St. Quentin. The battalion was nearly surrounded, and withdrew to Clery, where they formed a defensive flank and repelled and enemy attack. During 24 March they withdrew from the line across the river and at 8 p.m. the bridge was blown. A report in the East Suffolk Gazette, 9 April 1918, page 8, stated that Arthur was shot through the heart while leading his men in action on 24 March. The battalions’ casualties from 21 to 31 March 1918 were:Officers: two killed; one died of wounds; two wounded and missing; two missing; 14 woundedOther ranks: 14 killed; 104 missing; 179 wounded   

A Rifleman with 2nd Bn., Joseph died on 17th of March 1915 at the age of 21. Joseph was born at Hammersmith, London, in 1892, a son of Ernest William and Alice Mary Holmes. In 1891 his family lived at 40 Monument Street, Peterborough. Later his mother lived at Pipe Lane, Peterborough and, subsequently, at Rose Villa, Camps Heath, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. Joseph was living at Kilburn when he enlisted in the Army, at Willesden, in late 1908. He joined the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). In 1911 he was serving with the 2nd Battalion at Colchester. Joseph arrived in France with the 2nd Battalion on 7 November 1914. Whilst we do not know precisely when, or how, Joseph was wounded, it is probable that he was wounded at Nueve Chapelle between 10 and 14 March, during which time the Battalion lost 125 killed, 323 wounded, and 21 missing.Joseph died of wounds at Boulogne. 

A Third Hand with the Sailing Trawler Wanderer (Lowestoft), Arthur died on 15th of May 1916 at the age of 26.Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 27 August 1889, a son of William George and Eliza Holt. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 16 March 1890, and his family lived at 311 North Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Arthur attended Clapham Road School and, on 10 February 1896, became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. Neither Arthur, nor his parents, have been traced in the 1901 or 1911 Census records. In early 1915 Arthur married Ada James and they lived at 56 Saint George’s Road, Pakefield. Arthur was the Third Hand with 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 Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Almond. William died on 2nd of February 1941 at the age of 29.William was born at Carlton Colville on 15 February 1911, a son of George William and Jane Holt. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 12 March 1911, and his family lived at 7 Dell Road. On 21 May 1932 William married Ivy Elsie Barnard at Saint Margaret's Church. William and Ivy were both living at 28 Essex Road. William worked as a fisherman and Ivy as a domestic. William was awarded his certificate of competency in 1935.William enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 May 1938. At that time he was living at 94 Stanford Street. In 1939 he worked on the trawler Ipswich and then the trawler Sir E. P. Wills. He was mobilized on 28 September 1939 and joined the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He served on the requisitioned trawler Northern Gem from 21 September 1939 to 15 July 1940. On 23 July 1940 he joined the Almond. William was killed when the minesweeping trawler Almond was sunk by a mine off Falmouth.   

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Edwardian, Sefton died on 11 August 1940, aged 38. Sefton was born at Bungay on 7 June 1902, a son of Edward and Louisa Honeywood. In 1911 Sefton lived with his uncle and aunt, Samuel and Alice Honeywood, at Mile End, Bungay.   On 15 June 1924 Sefton married Blanche Elizabeth Jane Thacker at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. Sefton was a fisherman living at 58 Saint George’s Road and Blanche lived at 4 Flora Terrace, Pakefield. By 1928 they were living at 28 Lindsey Road, Grimsby, and later they lived at 391A, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, and then 52A High Street, Cleethorpes. By 1939 their home was a 4 Flora Terrace, Flora Road, Pakefield. In 1921 Sefton was the Stoker on the steam drifter Devon County, LT 526, at North Shields. In 1925 Sefton was the Second Engineman with the trawler Cassaway and, in 1926, joined the Heron. In 1927 he worked on the Abelia and, in 1926, joined the Runnel. From 1929 to 1939 he was an Engineman with the trawler Croxton and in 1939 he joined the Cedric. Sefton enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 February 1926, service number E.S. X.5655. He re-engaged in the later 1930s, number X 202, and again before the outbreak of World War Two. Sefton was called out for service on 25 August 1939 and drafted to H.M.S. Pembroke X, alter called Europa, at Lowestoft. He joined a trawler, F.R. Fevens (Sic), based at Larne on 21 September 1939 and subsequently was drafted to the minesweeping trawler Edwardian. On 11 August 1940 German aircraft attacked shipping in the Thames Estuary. The Edwardian, and another minesweeper the Peter Carey, fought the aircraft and together were credited with shooting down four aircraft. A bomb ruptured the Edwardian’s hull, and the trawler began taking on water but courageous work to fill the holes, by Engineman William Gray, meant that the Edwardian could reach shore and beach itself. During the attack Sefton and two other men were killed and three others wounded. Sefton’s body was landed at Ramsgate, and he is buried at Lowestoft.  Sefton’s brother-in-law, William Thacker, died in 1939 in the loss of the trawler William Humphries. Another brother-in-law, Victor Thacker, had served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and died in 1922. 

A Private with the 15th (Hampshire Yeomanry) Battalion, George died on 4th of September 1918 aged 21. George was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of George and Matilda Hood. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 21 July 1897 and his family lived at 167 Saint Margaret’s Road. By 1911 they lived at 3 Payne Street. George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, service number 65151, and arrived in France on 7 September 1915. By September 1916 he was serving with 68 Field Ambulance in Salonika. George contracted malaria and was admitted to 28 General Hospital on 27 September 1916. On 5 October 1916 he was transferred to 2 Convalescence Depot.  Subsequently he was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment, service number 43758, and posted to the 15th Battalion in France.  On 4 September 1918 the 15th Battalion made at attack near Vierstraat. There was little artillery support and the battalion suffered heavy casualties. George was killed during the attack. The battalion’s casualties on that day were 16 officers and 307 men.

A Civilian, Iris died on 13th of January 1942 aged 16. Iris was born at Lowestoft on 15 May 1925, a daughter of Victor John and Winifred May Hood. In 1939 her family lived at 27 Saint Margarets Plain. Iris died at London Road North during the Waller Raid.

A Second Engineer with Steam Trawler Newhaven (Lowestoft), Samuel died on 15th of January 1940 aged 44. Samuel was born at Oulton Broad in 1895, a son of Samuel James and Mary Anne Hood. In 1901 his family lived at Waveney Cottages, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad. By 1911 their home was at 12 Blackheath Road.    On 15 May 1919 Samuel married Jenny Florence Barnaby at Saint Margaret’s Church. Samuel was a fisherman living at 226 Denmark Road, and Jenny lived at 21 Chapel Street. In 1920 they lived at 44A Anguish Street and in 1921 Samuel was working as a fisherman for Mr. S. Ling. By 1939 their home was at 38 Poplar Road, Carlton Colville.In 1940 Samuel was the Second Engineer on the Newhaven. The Newhaven was presumed to have been lost, around 18 miles south south-east of Lowestoft, due to a mine explosion.  

A Petty Officer Stoker with H.M.S. Gossamer, Harry died on 29th of May 1940 aged 33.Harry was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1907, a son of William Robert and Florence Mary Hook. In 1911 his family lived at 32 Laundry Lane, and by 1921 their home was at 177 Rotterdam Road, and later they lived at 117 Rotterdam Road.Harry was working as a wood sawyer when he joined the Royal Navy on 2 February 1926. On 24 October 1931 Harry married Alice Ellen Mary Ann Brown at Sint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. At the time Harry was a Leading Stoker, based at Chatham, and Alice lived at Kirkley. In 1939 Alice lived with her parents at 98 Beaconsfield Road. Alice remarried in 1955. By April 1938 Harry was serving on the minesweeper H.M.S. Gossamer. From 28 May 1940 the Gossamer was involved with the Dunkirk evacuation. What precisely happened to Harry is not known, but he is presumed to have drowned on 29 May 1940. During the night of 28/29 May the Gossamer had lowered three whalers and a skiff to pick up survivors from the destroyer Wakeful that had been torpedoed: it is possible that Harry was lost during this rescue attempt. In total the Gossamer's crew rescued 3214 men during the Dunkirk evacuation. 

A Private with 9th Battalion, John died on 8th of August 1916 at the age of 32. John was born at Lowestoft on 7 September 1884, a son of George William and Emily Martha Hook. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 5 October 1884. In 1891 his family lived at 39 Albert Street. John attended Cunningham School and, from 23 March 1891, was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. John’s mother died in 1896. In 1901 his family still lived at 39 Albert Street and John was a general labourer. Later his father lived at 89 Rotterdam Road.John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17728. He arrived in France, with the 9th Battalion, on 30 August 1915. On 4 August 1916 the 9th Battalion entered trenches near Mailly-Maillet. The battalion war diary for 8 August 1916 records that the battalion were in trenches and that two men were killed and nine wounded. John was killed in action on 9 August. 

A Gunner with 57 Field Regiment, Victor died on 19th of July 1944 aged 23. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 4 December 1920, a son of Robert William John and Janet Hook. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 15 May 1921 and his family lived at 4 Nelson Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 Victor and his family were living at 14 Fairfield Road, Clacton, Essex, and Victor was a general labourer. Victor married Eileen Maud Robinson in 1940, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Their home was at 59 Oxford Road, Lowestoft. Victor joined the Royal Artillery in 1940. By July 1944 he was serving with 57 Field Regiment in Italy. In April 1944 his regiment were at Cassino and on 30 May at Aquino. Precise details of what happened to Victor are not known. He was wounded and died of his wounds on 19 July 1944. He was buried at map grid reference 227/SHC/2191 and later reburied at Assisi War Cemetery.  

A Private with 6th Bn., Amos died on 28th of October 1916 at the age of 23. Amos was born at Kirkley Run in 1893, a son of Ada Alice Horn(e). In 1901 he lived with his grandparents Charles and Jane Ames, at Severn Terrace, Carlton Colville. In 1898 his mother married Thomas Soanes and in 1911 Amos lived with his mother and step-father at 4 Worcester Terrace, Carlton Colville, and Amos worked as a sawyer. Later his mother lived at Kirkley Run, Lowestoft.In early 1916 Amos married Hilda Ethel Baldry. After Amos' death Hilda married Frederick Rose and lived at 14 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.Amos enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, number 26346, and served with the 7th Battalion in France. He was then transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment, number 43115, and posted to the 6th Battalion.  On 25 October 1916 the 6th Battalion moved into trenches north-east of Courcelette, near Albert. They occupied Regina, Vancouver, Hessian, and Zollern trenches. These trenches were subject to enfilade shelling from howitzers in the direction of Loupart Wood. On 28 October the Battalion were still in these positions and the Battalion War Diary has:Continued shelling of our front and support lines by enfilade fire from the direction of Loupart Wood, Casualties: 9.   Amos was one of the casualties and is noted as being killed in action that day. Amos' uncle, Alfred Ames, died in the loss of then trawler S.D.J. in 1947.

A Private with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Frederick died on 20th of June 1942 aged 23.Frederick was born at 6 Payne Street, South Lowestoft, on 29 March 1919, a son of Frederick James and Ethel Maud Horne. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Rant Score. Before the Second World War Frederick worked for the Co-operative Wholesale Society and the 1939 Register shows him as an analytical chemist as a food factory. In 1939 he lived with his widowed mother at 20 Lorne Park Road and later his mother lived at 61 Durban Road.There are no specific details of which unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps Frederick served with, but by June 1942 he was at Tobruk and was killed in action. Frederick was buried at Tobruk Civil Cemetery and, in 1944,he was re-buried at Acroma Military Cemetery, later renamed Knightsbridge Military Cemetery.  

A Seaman with H.M.S. Mastiff, George died on 20th of November 1939 aged 27. George was born at Kessingland on 4 October 1912, a son of Harry and May Rebecca Horne. George was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 6 April 1913, and his family lived at lived at 1 Poplar Terrace, Kessingland. By 1939 George's family lived at Britannia Cottages, Field Lane, Kessingland. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 September 1939, number A X 21728. He was at H.M.S. Drake, for training, from 20 September 1939 to 17 October 1939 when he joined the Royal Naval Patrol Service at Lowestoft. George was serving on the anti-submarine trawler Mastiff when, on 20 November 1939, the crew attempted to recover a mine that had broken loose. While hauling it aboard the mine exploded. Five crew, including George, were killed, one died of wounds, and another nine were wounded. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Horace died on 29th of June 1917 at the age of 20. Horace was born at Wandsworth, London, on 8 October 1896, a son of Charles John and Louisa Sarah Horne. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Vauxhall, London, on 22 November 1898, and his family lived at 5 South Lambeth Road. In 1901 they lived at 208 Earlsfield Road, Wandsworth. Horace was a pupil at Stradbroke Road School, Great Yarmouth, before, on 28 February 1910, becoming a pupil at Northgate Boys School, Great Yarmouth, and his family lived at 10 Harley Road. This was still the family home in 1911 when Horace worked as an apprentice French polisher. Later his father lived at Grove Cottage, Oulton, Lowestoft.Horace enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, in early 1914, service number 9023. On 23 November 1914 he arrived in France to join the 1st Battalion. Horace received a gunshot wound to his left arm and was admitted to No 3 Casualty Clearing Station on 15 March 1915. He was transferred to No 1 ambulance Train the same day. Horace was wounded again in 1915, with his name appearing in the War Office Daily List 19 September 1915. He was also wounded in 1916 with his name appearing in the War Office Daily List 8 September 1916. At 7.10 a.m. on 28 June 1917 the 1st Battalion began at attack at Oppy Wood. The battalion’s war diary records that the attack was a complete success and that within 30 minutes all objectives had been taken, 71 prisoners captured, two Lewis guns recaptured, with two German machine-guns and two German trench mortars captured as well. The casualties were ‘light.’ It seems that Horace was wounded during the attack at Oppy and that he died of his wounds then next day. Horace’s name appears on the war memorial at Saint Margaret's Church.

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Yucca, George died on 24th of May 1918 aged 42. George was born at Woolwich on 22 November 1875, a son of Thomas Bryant and Jane Horton. He was baptised at Saint Mary Magdalene Church, Woolwich, on 7 May 1876 and his family lived at 11 Acorn Street, Woolwich. In 1881his family lived at 9 Dundas Terrace, Woolwich. By 1891 they were living at 106 Cage Road (later known as Lakedale Road), Plumstead, and George was a labourer. George served with the 3rd Kent Volunteer Artillery before joining the regular army, at London, on 13 November 1893. He joined the Yorkshire Regiment, service number 4317, to serve five years with the Colours and seven with the Reserve. On 15 December 1893 he transferred to the Royal Artillery, service number 1168. On 8 October 1898 George married Florence Job at Milford Haven. In 1901 their address was 42 Saint Anne’s Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He joined Section B of the Army Reserve on 5 May 1902 and was discharged on 12 November 1905.  In 1911 George and Florence lived at 34 Point Street, Hakin, and George was a Second Engineer. This was still their home on 8 August 1914 when George joined the Royal Naval Reserve. George served with the trawler Yucca. By 1918 Florence had moved to 4 Avondale Road, Lowestoft, and later that year she was living at 70 Norwich Road. On 24 May 1918 the Yucca struck a mine, off Lowestoft, and sank with the loss of seven members of crew, including George. 

A Guardsman with the 2nd Battalion, Charles died on 9th of December 1944 aged 20. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 30 October 1924, a son of Harry and Ethel May Houghton. In 1939 his family lived at 5 Turner Cottages, Saint John's Road.Charles was a labourer when he attested for the Army at Norwich on 23 February 1943. He joined the Coldstream Guards to serve four years with the Colours and eight with the Reserve. He served in Italy with the 2nd Battalion. By 5 December 1944 the 2nd Battalion were holding positions in the vicinity of Casa Uccellaia with elements at Budriola and Point 411.The battalion war diary for 9 December records that ‘an unlucky mortar bomb’ killed Guardsman Houghton on the reverse slope of Point 411 and Guardsman Swales was wounded by the same bomb.    

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Fred died on 22nd of October 1917 at the age of 22. Fred was born at Norwich in 1895, a son of Frederick William and Alice Phoebe Howard. In 1901 his family lived at 33 Norfolk Street, Heigham, Norwich, and by 1911 at 259 Heigham Street, Norwich. Later they moved to Lowestoft and lived at 7 Selby Street (this was still their home in 1939). In 1911 Fred worked as a machine hand at a boot manufacturers.  Fred married Bessie Cobb at Lowestoft in 1914. Their son Fred William Arthur Howard was born on 25 January 1915. The family lived at 7 Bruce Street, Lowestoft. Fred enlisted in the Army at Norwich and joined the Norfolk Regiment. Fred was already a Corporal when he arrived in France on 12 May 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. By March 1916 Fred had been promoted to Sergeant and was serving with D Company.  In March 1916 the 1st Battalion were in trenches north-east of Arras. On 11 March 1916 Fred was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance with bomb (hand-grenade) wounds to his buttocks and leg. Private Jarvis of D Company was also admitted to 14 Field Ambulance at the same time to be treated for bomb wounds to his hands. A note in the medical admissions register shows that both Fred and Private Jarvis had sustained accidental wounds and it seems, from the Battalion War Diary, that two other men may have been wounded as well. Fred was transferred to 19th Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment. Once recovered Fred was posted to the 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. On 22 October 1917 the 8th Battalion carried out an attack in the vicinity of Poelcappelle. In the attack the Battalion lost two officers killed, and four wounded, and 32 men killed, 155 wounded, and 39 missing. After the war Bessie married Henry Mitchell and continued to live at 7 Bruce Street. Fred's son Fred served in the Royal Army Service Corps and died in 1940.

A Private, Fred died on 12th of November 1940, at the age of 25. Fred was born at Lowestoft on 25 January 1915, a son of Fred William and Bessie Howard of 7 Bruce Street, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 12 March 1915. Fred's father was serving with the Norfolk Regiment when he was born and his father was killed in action in 1917. Fred's mother remarried and she lived at 85 Blackheath Road in 1939 (this was Fred's address according to burial records). Fred enlisted in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army ) in 1930. He was discharged, having completed his engagement, on 1 March 1936.Fred married Mary A. Jackson at Lowestoft in 1935. In 1939 Fred and Mary were living at 67 Spinney Road, Thorpe, Norwich, and Fred worked as the Second Hand at a bakery (night work).  Fred enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps on 4 January 1940. Note: As Fred had former military service, post 1920, he kept his original service number, 810503, but as he joined the R.A.S.C. a 'S' prefix was added. Mary remarried in 1947. Note: Fred's first name, like his father's was Fred and not Frederick as shown in some sources. This fact is confirmed by many records including his birth, baptism and marriage records, and the 1939 Census. Fred's brother in law, George Jackson, served with the Trinity House Lighthouse Service and died in 1940. 

A Private with 2nd Bn., died on 2nd of March 1916. James, who was often known as Benjamin, or Ben, was born at Lowestoft on 1 March 1882, a son of Benjamin and Mary Emily Howard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 2 April 1882. The 1891 Census shows James and his father with James' grandmother, Mary Howard, at 1 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. James was working as a fisherman, with Mr. E. Utting, of Lowestoft, when he joined the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 29 January 1900. He completed his 49 days training but no other details of his service are known. James married Annie Florence Daines at Lowstoft in 1903. In 1911 James, Annie, and children, lived at 8 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, and James worked as a fisherman. James volunteered to join the Army and he is named in a list of men who had joined 'Lord Kitchener's Army' and who had enlisted at the Arcade Offices, Lowestoft, under Colonel Cubitt (Lowestoft Journal 16 January 1915). James enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. On 9 August 1915 he arrived in France to serve with the 2nd Battalion. It is not possible to say exactly when James was wounded, but is is likely that he was wounded while the 2nd Battalion were serving at The Bluff, near St. Eloi, south-east of Ypres. James was evacuated to 10 Casualty Clearing Station at Abeele (Remy Siding) near Lijssenthoek, Belgium, where, on 2 March 1916, he died from his wounds. Note that on Commonwealth War Graves records James is incorrectly listed as 'B S Howard'. On Saint Margaret's War Memorial (Roll of Honour gives his first name as Ben)

A Civilian, Doris Howe died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 17. Doris was born at Lowestoft on 25 May 1924, a daughter of Percy George Dordy and Edith Mabel Howe. Her family lived at 6 Fir Lane. Doris died at London Road North.

A Private with the 8th Battalion, William died on 18th of April 1917 at the age of 30. William was born at Lowestoft on 22 February 1887, a son of William and Louisa Etherly Howe. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 16 March 1887 and his family lived at Stanford Street. In 1893 his family lived at Burcham Square. By 1897 William’s parents had separated and his father lived at 13 Crown Street. It seems that in 1901 William was a twine spinner lodging with Robert and Charlotte Harness at Goodrum’s Buildings. William’s mother died in 1902.   In 1911 William was a lodger, with George and Edith Brown, living at 63 Norwich Road, and he worked as a fish packer. Interestingly one of the one people living there was Gertrude Womack, the sister of Alice Susan Womack. On 7 July 1912 William married Alice Susan Womack at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. William was a fish packer living at 63 Norwich Road and Alice lived at 22 Commercial Road. Later they lived at 82 Bevan Street.William enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 28272 and went to France (we do not know his battalion). William was then transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 40156, and posted to the 8th Battalion. On 15 April 1917 the 8th Battalion were in reserve trenches between Vermelles and Grenay. They were ordered to make an attack, with the 1/7th Buffs, and, under a heavy barrage, moved to a position south of Loos. The next day, following an artillery barrage, the battalion advanced towards Hill 70. This attack had mixed results, but the battalion held all ground gained. On the 17th the battalion again moved forward: a strong point held up the battalion, but a machine-gun and 27 prisoners captured. For the rest of the day the battalion faced a heavy bombardment but held their positions. At 5 a.m. on 18 April a further attack was made on the strong point but this failed because of the devastating fire coming from hostile machine-guns and throughout the day the men were subject to artillery bombardment. The battalion lost one officer wounded, seven men killed, and 33 wounded on 18 April. William was killed in action on 18 April. 

A Corporal with 1/5th Bn., Henry died on 12th of August 1915 at the age of 32. Henry was born at Pulham Market, Norfolk, in 1883, a son of Henry Edwin and Emma Howell. In 1891 his family lived at 41 Theatre Street, East Dereham. In 1901 his family lived at 39 A Thistle Terrace, Theatre Street, East Dereham, and Henry worked as a railway porter. This was still their address in 1911 and Henry worked as a general labourer. Later his family lived at 7 Beresford Road, Lowestoft.Henry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at East Dereham. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and served with the 1/5th Battalion. This was the notorious 'Vanished Battalion'. The Battalion arrived at Gallipoli on 6 August 1915 and on 12 August they were committed to an attack at Anafarta, near Suvla Bay. This was Brigade attack and the evidence of the other battalions in the attack is that some of the Norfolk men advanced further ahead than the rest of the line. Subsequent accounts, and the discovery of a mass grave of 180 men, of which 122 were the 'lost' Norfolks, indicated that the missing men had been surrounded and killed by Turkish soldiers. Henry was among those missing on 12 August. Many of the records for these men are inaccurate: some date died rather than killed in action; others give various dates of death up to, and including, 28 August. 

A Warrant Officer Class II with 991 Docks Operating Company, Sidney died on 17th of June 1943 at the age of 38. Sidney was born at Sheerness on 30 September 1904, a son of Charles James and Harriet Elizabeth Howell. He was baptised at Saint Paul's Church, Sheerness, on 10 November 1904, and his family lived at 65 High Street, Sheerness. By 1911 his family were living at 22 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. In 1921 his family lived at 5 Albany Terrace, Albany Road, Lowestoft, and Sidney was a barman at Stebbings Wine Merchants, High Street, Lowestoft. In 1924 Sidney married Lily May Fountain at Lowestoft. They lived at 54 Minden Road, Lowestoft. In 1926 Sidney worked as a labourer for the London and North Eastern Railway Company at Lowestoft. Sidney enlisted in the Royal Engineers, at Ipswich, on 15 September 1937. His trade was a pioneer/carpenter's mate. He was promoted to Corporal on 1 March 1939 and during the war promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd Class.Sidney embarked for North Africa on 15 October 1942. He died, at sea, on 17 June 1943 as a result of enemy action. On 16 June 1943 Sidney's unit embarked the S.S. Yoma at Tripoli. Over 1750 men embarked that day. Sidney and his colleagues were to go to Alexandria to get ready for the invasion of Sicily. About 7.33 a.m. the next day German submarine U-81 fires two torpedoes and sank the Yoma, northwest of Derna, Libya. 484 men, including Sidney, died in the sinking.     

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Ebor Wyke, Arthur died on 2nd of May 1945 at the age of 36. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 7 February 1909, a son of Ernest George and Clara Miranda Howes. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 March 1909, and his family lived at 4 Anguish Street. In 1911 his family lived at 3 Saint Margaret's Plain, and by 1939 were living at 67 Arnold Street. By 1926 Arthur was working in the merchant navy and was, at one time, a Wireless Watcher. In 1938 Arthur married Doris Mary Stannard at Lowestoft. Arthur served as a Seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve from 17 October 1940 and he was advanced to Second Hand (Chief Petty Officer) before being promoted to Acting Temporary Skipper on 1 May 1944. He was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1944. Arthur served with the Ebor Wyke from 24 June 1944. Arthur was an additional Skipper on the minesweeping trawler Ebor Wyke when it was sunk by a torpedo from German submarine U-979 off Hrafneyri Light, seven miles north of Skagi, Iceland. Twenty-three crew, including Arthur, were killed and one man survived. 

A Private with 9th Bn., Charles died on 26th of September 1915 at the age of 33. Charles was born at Blundeston in 1882, a son of Frederick Robert and Hannah Ada Eliza Howes. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 4 February 1883. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Blundeston. In 1901 Charles, lived, and worked, at the Plough Inn, Blundeston, and was an ostler. Later his family lived at Normans Cottage, The Street, Blundeston.  Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. Charles arrived in France with the 9th Battalion on 30 August 1915. A note in the East Anglian Daily Times, of 4 September 1915, stated:Four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Howes, of Blundeston, are also serving in the Army:-Charles Frederick Howes, 9th Norfolks.Ernest William Howes, Royal Army Medical CorpsRobert George Howes, Royal Engineers (in France)William Stanley Howes, 6th Suffolks (Cyclists)The 9th Battalion War Diary has:25 September. Left Bethune and marched for Lonely Tree Hill as rear battalion when we formed up for attack in support of 11th Essex. At 3.30 a.m. on Sunday 26th we got orders to move and assist the 20th Infantry Brigade and to assault The Quarries at dawn. We drew up in the German front line trenches at 5.30 a.m. The attack was launched at 6.45 a.m. but owing to the heavy fire and especially to snipers no progress was possible and so cover was taken once more in the trenches. During Sunday 26th we occupied the trenches. At 4 p.m. the 2nd Battalion Worcesters came through us to attack The Quarries. At 7 p.m. the Germans opened heavy rifle fire on our trenches sending up flares, we manned the reverse slope of the trenches in order to await the attack of Germans. (The) fire being so hot we retired to trenches behind to get cover for the men. The Grenadier Guards came up and occupied these trenches, so we retired to Lonely Tree, finding the trenches occupied by our troops on the way.At Lonely Tree we were told to concentrate at Vermelles which we reached at 6.35 a.m. Monday the 27th. Strength of the party: 3 officers 64 menCasualties for 26th SeptemberOfficers: one killed, seven wounded, six missingOther Ranks: 18 killed, 62 wounded, 329 missing    Charles was killed in action on 26 September. 

A Chief Petty Officer (Pilot) with 741 Squadron H.M.S. Condor, Donald died on 8th of November 1944 at the age of 22. Donald was born at Corton on 22 April 1922, a son of Harry Edward and Jane Howes. His family lived at 1 Crossways Cottages, Corton. Donald was a Pilot serving with 741 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, based at Arbroath. He was flying a Swordfish II aircraft on a navigation exercise over the sea when the aircraft was lost.  

A Corporal with the 7th Battalion, John died on 19th of September 1917 at the age of 21.John was born at Wymondham in 1896, a son of Eliza Howes. His mother married John Elvin in late 1896. In 1901 his family lived at The Lizard, Wymondham, and this was still their address in 1911.   On 31 May 1915 John married Amelia Rudd at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, John was ‘a soldier billeted at Lowestoft’ and Amelia lived at 6 Love Road. Later Amelia lived at 4 Epsom Terrace, Kirkley Run. In 1919 she married Frederick Moxey.John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 29769, and was posted to the 7th Battalion in France.On 10 July 1917 he was serving with A Company. He developed a fever and was admitted to 31st Ambulance Train, at Agnez Duisans, with ‘pyrexia of unknown origin’. The next day, 11 July 1917, he was transferred to Rouen for treatment. Later he rejoined the 7th Battalion.On 19 September 1917 the 7th Battalion were in front line positions at Monchy-le-Preux. The enemy bombarded their positions during the evening, and there was significant machine-gun fire as well. There was some damage to the Battalion's trenches and eight men, including John, were killed. John’s father-in-law, Olley Rudd, was the Mate with the trawler Chrysolite and died in July 1917. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Curacoa. Edward died on 2nd of October 1942 at the age of 27. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 30 July 1915, a son of Arthur Henry John and Rose Howlett. He was baptised at Saint on 15 August 1915 and his family lived at 30 Ontario Road, and this was still the family home in 1939.In 1935 Edward married Mabel Florence Crawford. In 1939 they lived at North Villa, Birds Lane, Lowestoft, and Edward was a trawl fish packer. Later Mabel lived at 6 Meadow Cottages, Oulton Broad. Edward was serving on board H.M.S. Curacao on 2 October 1942 when the ship was given the task of escorting the liner Queen Mary bringing around 10,000 American soldiers to Britain. Confusion regarding the correct anti-submarine zig-zag manoeuvres led to the Queen Mary colliding with the Curacao and tearing the Curacao in half. Part of the Curacao sank straight away, but the other part remained afloat which meant that some men were able to to survive. Edward was one of 337 men who lost their lives in the sinking. Details of the loss of the Curacao were embargoed until after the war due to national security concerns. 

A Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Queen Mary. Ivan died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 26. Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 6 October 1888, a son of Benjamin James and Hannah Howlett. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 16 October 1888. In 1891 his family lived at 20 Ontario Road and by 1901 at 35 East Street. By 1911 they were living at the Rear of Rant Score. He was a brother of Harold Robert Howlett of 22 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. Ivan attended Clapham Road School and, from 25 February 1895, was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School.Ivan was working as a baker when he joined the Royal Navy on 18 January 1909 (Note his navy service sheet gives his date of birth as 6 October 1890). He served continuously with the navy until his death in 1916. Before the First World War Ivan saw active service off Somaliland and later in the Persian Gulf and was awarded the Awarded Africa General Service Medal (Somaliland Clasp) and Naval General Service Medal (Persian Gulf). On 4 September 1913 he joined H.M.S. Queen Mary. He was advanced to Acting Lead Stoker on 23 December 1915. Ivan was serving on H.M.S. Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland. Early in the battle the Queen Mary was hit twice by shells from the German battlecruiser Derfflinger and the Queen Mary's magazines exploded sinking the ship. Ivan was one of 1,266 crew who were killed.  

A Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, James died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 25. James was born at Bungay on 9 December 1891 and was a son of James Frederick and Elizabeth Howlett.James married Annie Elizabeth Balls at Saint Margarets Church, Lowestoft, on 27 December 1913. They lived at 66 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft.James was appointed Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 April 1915 and from 16 April was given command of the drifter Datum.James was killed when the Datum was sunk by a German destroyer during the night of 26-27 October 1916. 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 Private with 4th Bn. Reginald died on 10th of November 1943 at the age of 24. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 3 November 1920: the son of Louise Harriet Bunn, nee Howlett. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 2 September 1921, and his mother lived at 34 Lorne Road. Later his family lived at 88 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was on guard duty in the Lowestoft area and from July to September 1940 had various local deployments, including guarding Great Yarmouth. The Battalion then moved to Bedfordshire and then Scotland until April 1941. Next the Battalion moved to Bury, Lancashire, and Hereford, before embarking on the S.S. Andes 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 5 January 1942. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. The Battalion had orders to defend the Golf Course and then fell back to defend the perimeter before the Singapore garrison was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. Ninety men of the Battalion were killed, or died of wounds, in the defence of Singapore and 865 were taken prisoner.      Reginald was initially reported missing at Singapore, 15 February 1942, and was later confirmed to be a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. He worked on the Thai-Burma Railway and died from indigestion at Chungkai. Reginald's cousin William Lambert also served with the 4th Battalion, service number 5827165, was captured at Singapore and died on the Burma Railway. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, William died on 24th of June 1917 at the age of 28. William was born at Lowestoft in 1889, a son of Robert and Mary Ann Howlett. In 1891 his family lived at Laundry Road. William's mother died in 1895 and in 1901 William and his father lodged with Maria Baldry at 92 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. William's father died around 1908. In 1911 William was till lodging with Maria Baldry at 92 Cambridge Road and he worked as a grocer's assistant.William had, at least, four half-siblings from his father's first marriage: Mary Swan, Sarah Moore, Robert Howlett, and James Howlett. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France.On 22 June 1917 C and D Companies of the 1st Battalion moved to Mazingarbe. On the night of 24/25 June C and D Companies took part in a trench raid in the Hulluch Sector. The 1st Battalion War Diary has:This party remained in the enemy trenches for three and a half hours, doing damage to a great extent. 15 prisoners were taken, and two trench mortars. Some trouble was experienced in getting the enemy out of his dug-outs, but this was overcome by gentle persuasion with tear bombs and mobile charges.The Battalion's casualties were: one officer and three other ranks killed; four officers and 46 other ranks wounded; one officer and 18 other ranks missing.William was among those who were unaccounted for after the raid and he was later presumed to have been killed in action. 

A Civilian, Harry died on 18th of November 1940 aged 10. Harry was born at Great Yarmouth on 23 July 1930, a son of Percy Oliver and Lily May Hoyle. In 1939 his family lived at 3 Davy Cottages, High Street, Gorleston. Harry’s maternal grandmother, Althea Sarbutt, nee James, lived at 63 Raglan Street.It appears that Harry was visiting Lowestoft and was outside the naval base, on Battery Green Road, when he was injured in an air raid and he died the same day at the Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Bertie died on 15th of April 1918 at the age of 24. Bertie was born at Lowestoft on 25 October 1894, a son of Frederick William and Eliza (Edith) Hubbard. On 31 May 1899 he became a pupil at Kirkley School, and his family lived at Clement Square. In 1901 his family lived at 3 Ontario Road and in 1911 they lived at 7 Church Street, Pakefield, and Bertie worked as an errand boy for a beer retailer. Later his parents lived at 21 Southwell Road. Bertie volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 9248, and was posted to the 7th Battalion, arriving in France with the battalion on 30 May 1915. Bertie was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 1 November 1915. He was wounded for a second time and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of 8 August 1916. It appears that subsequently he was posted to the 9th Battalion and when this battalion was disbanded in France in 1918, he was posted to the 11th Battalion. On 5 April 1918 the 11th Battalion occupied billets at Erquinghem, France. The Germans began bombing Erquignhem on 9 April and the battalion immediately moved into front line trenches in anticipation of an attack which came from the direction of Fleurbaux, but was driven back. A second attack from the Feurbaix area took place on 10 April and later that day the battalion were ordered to withdraw to north of the River Lys. A further withdrawal on the 11th was hampered by sniper and machine-gun fire but the battalion reached the Armentieres-Bailleul railway. On the 12th the battalion moved into attack formation about one mile south-east of Bailleul and late in the morning became involved in the fighting. The next day there was a heavy artillery bombardment and the enemy attacked in force from Outerstern and the battalion had to fall back. During the 14th the battalion took up positions near Bailleul railway station and late in the day they were relieved and marched to Meulehook. On the 15th due to enemy advances they were again in the front line. The next day they were patrolling and digging in. During the 17th there was heavy shelling and attempts by the enemy to advance. The battalion were relieved at 2 a.m. on April 18. The battalion’s casualties between 9 and 19 April were:Officers: four killed; four died of wounds; five missing, ten woundedOther ranks: 39 killed; three died of wounds; 272 missing; 157 woundedBertie died of wounds on 15 April 1918. 

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Charles died on 2nd of July 1946 aged 44. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 10 February 1902, a son of William John and Florence Mary Hubbard. Charles often used his middle name, Hastings, as his first name. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Maidstone Road. Charles attended London Road School and, on 16 September 1914, because a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science. In 1939 his family lived at 40 Duke’s Head Street, and Charles was a tobacconist’s assistant. In 1946 Charles’ address was 1 Holders Hill Gardens, Hendon, London.  Charles joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after October 1941. IN July 1946 he was on the strength of 104 Personnel Dispersal Centre, based at Hednesford, Staffordshire. Charles died in Redhill Hospital, Edgware from a paralytic ileus and toxaemia. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 4th Bn., George died on 12th of February 1942 at the age of 23. George was born at Lowestoft in 1920, a son of Ernest John and Ellen Maud (Nellie) Hugman. By 1939 his mother had died and George's father lived at 6 Broad View Villa, Hall Road, Oulton. George married Winifred Iris Weaving, of 66 Victoria Road, at Lowestoft in autumn 1939.In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was on guard duty in the Lowestoft area and from July to September 1940 had various local deployments, including guarding Great Yarmouth. The Battalion then moved to Bedfordshire and then Scotland until April 1941. Next the Battalion moved to Bury, Lancashire, and Hereford, before embarking on the S.S. Andes 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 5 January 1942. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. The Battalion had orders to defend the Golf Course and then fell back to defend the perimeter before the Singapore garrison was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. Ninety men of the Battalion were killed, or died of wounds, in the defence of Singapore and 865 were taken prisoner.      George was reported as missing on 15 February 1942. In fact he had been killed in action on 12 February 1942. The official casualty list number 1988, dated 16 February 1946, reported that it had been concluded that George was presumed to have been killed in action.   George's brother Robert also served with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 5828080, and was taken prisoner at Singapore. 

A Private with Middlesex Regiment posted to the 1/19th Battalion London Regiment, Alfred died on 1st of September 1918 at the age of 39.Alfred was born at Lambeth in 1879, a son of Thomas and Eliza Huke. In 1881 his family lived at 13 Carlin Street, Bermondsey. By 1891 Alfred was living with his aunt, Jane Cook, at 12 Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 Alfred was still living with his aunt Jane, and now they lived at Fir Lane, Oulton, and Alfred worked as a printer compositor. By 1911 Alfred's parents were living at 13 Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft. Alfred's father was a letterpress printer. On 16 May 1907 Alfred married Lilian Anna Walpole at Mutford. By 1911 they were living at Cooks Cottages, fir Lane, and later they lived at 3 Russell Terrace, Fir Lane, Oulton Lowestoft.Alfred was working as a printer when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915. He was found to be fit for overseas service subject to dental work. He was called up on 26 October 1916 and joined the Essex Regiment, number 400438, being posted to the 17th Battalion. Alfred embarked at Folkestone on 19 September 1917 and arrived in France on 20 September 1917 and joined the 51st Infantry Base Depot. He was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and posted to the 12th Battalion, number 41626, joining them in the field on 25 September 1917. Alfred became unwell and was admitted to 136 Field Ambulance on 20 December 1917. He was discharged to duty on 10 January 1918 but found to be unfit and kept at an Infantry Base Depot. He was admitted to 35 General Hospital, Calais, on 2 April 1918, to be treated for otitis media. Alfred recovered and, on 25 August 1918, he was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment, number G/63278. On 28 August 1918 he was posted to serve with the 1/19th Battalion London Regiment and was one of a draft of 120 men sent to reinforce the 1/19th Battalion that day. On 1 September 1918 the 1/19th Battalion were in positions east of Hill 150. At 5.30 a.m. they attacked under the cover of an artillery barrage and their objective was the edge of Pierre St. Vaast Wood. Many prisoners were taken and the attack was judged to be a success.Alfred was reported missing in action on 1 September 1918 and later it was concluded that he had either died of wounds or been killed in action on that date.  

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Leslie died on 30th of November 1917 at the age of 23. Leslie was born at Kirkley in 1894, a son of Harry and Richanda Hulme. In 1901 his family lived at Victoria House, Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Leslie’s father had died and his family lived at Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later his mother’s address was 1 Sunnyside Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Leslie has not been traced in the 1911 Census. Leslie volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 2055. Later he was renumbered 43068 and posted to the 7th Battalion in France.  On 20 November 1917 the 7th Battalion were involved in an attack on the Hindenburg Line, part of the Battle of Cambrai. On 30 November the battalion were in the reserve at Quarry. A German counter-attack broke through the divisional right and meant they would attack the rear. On that day the battalion’s headquarters and A Company were surrounded and captured with 13 officers and 219 men reported missing.  Leslie was reported missing on 30 November. By October 1918 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on or since 30 November 1917.  

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Wyoming. Bernard died on 20th of May 1944 at the age of 28.Bernard was born at Sunderland on 9 March 1916, a son of Harold Humble and of Elizabeth Humble (nee McQue). In 1921 his family lived at 2 Long Bank, Sunderland. From the mid-1930s Bernard was a seaman in the merchant navy.Bernard married Marjorie Elsie Kathleen Ellis at Lowestoft in late 1939. Her address was 6 Margaret Cottages, Moyes Road, Oulton Broad, and Marjorie worked as a sausage maker. Bernard was serving on the Wyoming when the vessel struck a mine and sank twenty miles east-north-east of Harwich. Five members of crew, including Bernard, were killed. 

A Private with 6th Bn. Harold died on 1st of August 1943 at the age of 27.Harold was born at Lowestoft on 16 August 1914, a son of William Charles and Harriet Hume. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 3 September 1914 and his family lived at 81 May Road. In 1941 Harold married Norah May Catchpole. Their marriage was registered in the Stafford district. In the mid-1940s Norah lived at Walton, Stone, Staffordshire.  Harold was working as a cocktail barman when he joined the Army. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Harold was reported missing at Singapore on 15 February 1942 but the official casualty list number 1881, of 11 October 1945, gave acknowledgement that he had died on 1 August 1943 while a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. Harold died at Tamakan, or Tha Makhan. In October 1942 the prisoners at Tamakan were given the task of building bridges over the River Kwai. This activity was made famous in the book, and film, The Bridge Over the River Kwai. See: Tamakan (britain-at-war.org.uk)Harold was buried at Tamakan Main Cemetery and in January 1946 reburied at Kanchanaburi.

A Mate with Fishing Vessel Westfield (Milford Haven), Bertie died on 6th of July 1941 at the age of 46.Bertie was born at Lowestoft on 8 June 1895, a son of Ephraim and Elizabeth Frances Hunt. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 3 July 1895, and his family lived at 5 Rant Score East, Lowestoft, which was still their home in 1901. By 1911 the family were living at 1 Salter Street, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. Bertie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 December 1914. He was found to be medically unfit to serve as a seaman, but was allowed to re-enrol as a stoker on 18 January 1915, service number S 5985. From 20 January 1915 he served with H.M.S. Admiral Farragut, which was later renamed H.M.S. Abercrombie. Bertie saw served in the Dardanelles, Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. From 4 October 1918 he served with H.M.S. Tyne and served as a member of a coaling party. He was demobilized on 17 March 1919. On 19 June 1919 Bertie married Violet Kathleen Woodcock at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Bertie was a mariner living at 41 Ipswich Road, and Violet lived at 62 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft. Later they lived at 58 Ipswich Road and, in 1939, at 62 Ipswich Road, when Bertie was a deep sea fisherman. On 6 January 1940 Bertie applied to re-enter the Royal Naval Reserve as a Skipper, but he was found to be ineligible. He could, however, apply to join the Royal Naval Patrol Service as a Second Hand.  In July 1941 Bertie worked as the Mate on the fishing vessel Westfield. Several of the Westfield’s crew were from the Lowestoft area. The Westfield was reported to be missing, of St. Govan’s Head, on, or after, 6 July 1941. The vessel was supposed to have been sunk by German aircraft. It was assumed that Bertie was drowned. All ten of the Westfield’s crew were lost. Bertie’s father, Ephraim Hunt, died in 1916 in the loss of the trawler Datum. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Datum, Ephraim died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 32. According to his Royal Naval Reserve service record Ephraim was born at Hopton, Suffolk, on 18 December 1868, a son of Edward and Anne Hunt. However, when he married he gave his father’s first name as Henry. It is possible that he was actually born at Hapton, Norfolk, a son of Henry and Mary Ann Hunt, and that he was baptised at Forncett St. Peter, Norfolk, on 31 January 1869, and his family lived at Hapton. By 1881 they were living near the church at Toft Monks, Norfolk, and Ephraim was an agricultural labourer. He must have gone to sea soon afterwards. Ephraim married Elizabeth Frances Saunders at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 15 December 1890. Ephraim was a fisherman living at Raglan Street, and Elizabeth lived at Anguish Street. By 1895 they were living at 5 Rant Score East, Lowestoft, which was still their home in 1901. By 1911 the family were living at 1 Salter Street, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. Later Elizabeth lived at 41 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft. On 16 October 1891 Ephraim received his certificate of competency as a skipper.In 1898 Ephraim was the skipper of the trawler Boy Ernest. Ephraim joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915, and joined the drifter Datum on 16 January 1915. Ephraim died when the drifter Datum was sunk by German destroyers during the night of 26-27 October 1916. 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)Ephraim's son Bertie died in 1941 in the loss of the fishing vessel Westfield.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Tuberose, Francis died on 31st of August 1916 at the age of 18. Francis, also known as Frank, was born at Lowestoft on 19 June 1897, a son of Arthur Albert and Clara Hunt. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 18 August 1897, and his family lived at 34 Haward Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Florence Place, Saint John’s Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at Oulton Road, and by 1915 at 3 Oulton Street, Lowestoft. Francis joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 July 1915. He served on the trawler Friends for a few days before joining the drifter Tuberose on 16 July 1915. Francis was reported missing when the Tuberose was sunk by a mine, off Lowestoft, on 31 August 1916. All eight crew were lost. Francis is commemorated on Saint Margaret’s War Memorial. 

A Private with 12th Bn., Frederick died on 31st of July 1917 at the age of 19. Frederick was born at Worcester in 1898, a son of Charles Arthur and Clara Hunt. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, The Tything, Worcester, on 13 July 1898, and his family lived at Cheshunt Walk, Worcester. In 1901 his family lived at 46 Ickleford Road, Hitchin, and by 1911 they were living at 150 Lincoln Road, Peterborough. Later his parents lived at 46 Denmark Road, Lowestoft.On 3 September 1914 Frederick enlisted in the Army. He was working as a fitter, living at 37 Granville Street, Peterborough, and claimed to be 19 years old. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 13185. Frederick was posted to the 6th Battalion on 4 September 1914 and he was discharged, medically unfit, on 29 September 1914. Frederick enlisted in the Army for a second time. He enlisted at Northampton and joined the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 23955. He served in France from 20 June 1917. On 8 July 1917 he was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, service number G/66386, and posted to the 12th Battalion and was one of a draft of 76 men who joined the Battalion at Henneveux on 10 July.On 30 July the Battalion moved into assembly trenches in readiness for an attack the next day. They moved into trenches known as 'Rum Trench', Halifax Street', and 'The Belt'. The attack began at 3.50 a.m. on the 31st and the Battalion moved off at 3.55 a.m. They advanced 200 yards, following the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers, but were held up by two strong points. These were cleared by the 1st Royal Fusiliers and the Battalion then passed through the 1st Battalion to Jeffrey Avenue. By this time the Battalion had lost seven officers. The Battalion pushed on to Bodmin Copse but as the day wore on they became held up. By 5.30 p.m. two others officers, including the Colonel, had been lost, and Captain Simpkins assumed command. The Battalion was now in a very dangerous position and subjected to heavy artillery fire. At 10.15 p.m. it began to rain heavily. The Battalion, now entirely stationary, was subjected to heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. At 11 p.m. the Battalion was relived and moved back to reserve lines in the Canada Tunnels where they remained until 3 August. Casualties for the day were nine officer killed or died of wounds; three officers wounded; 43 men killed; 169 wounded; and 60 missing.The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects states that Frederick was killed in action at some point between 31 July and 3 August 1917. 

A Third Hand with the trawler Speculator. Henry died on 9 November 1914 at the age of 28.Henry was born at Lowestoft on 27 May 1886, a son of Peter Forest Hunter and Harriett Elizabeth Hunter. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 3 October 1886.  In 1891 his family lived at 34 Cambridge Road. On 12 January 1912 Henry married Elizabeth Mary Knights at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Henry was a fisherman living at 138 Clapham Road and Elizabeth lived at 229 Clapham Road.  After Henry's death Elizabeth married George Whiting and lived at 136 The Avenue, Lowestoft. The trawler Speculator, LT 1050, was last seen between 4 and 5 p.m. on 9 November 1914 fishing in the Yarmouth field near Smith's Knoll. The Skipper of the trawler Achieve reported that he heard an explosion around 8 p.m. that evening and it was presumed that this was the sound of the Speculator being blown up by a mine. The next day wreckage from the Speculator was found. See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Private with the 7th Battalion, William died on 28th of May 1918 aged 31.William was born at Carlton Colville in 1887, a son of Henry John and Elizabeth Hunter. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 24 April 1887. In 1891 his family lived at Ship Corner, Carlton Colville, and by 1901 at South Elmham Terrace, Carlton Colville. In 1911 their home was at 18 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad, and William was a boot repairer.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Leicestershire Regiment, service number 40036, and was posted to France to join the 7th Battalion. William was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 8 November 1916. By May 1918 he was serving with IV Platoon in A Company.On 28 May 1918 the 7th Battalion withdrew from Luthernay Farm to Pevy, but found the village full of Germans, so they formed a line on high ground above Prouilly but were forced back to the south bank of the Vesle, west of Muizon. William was reported missing on that day and later presumed to have been killed. William had been buried near Berry-au-Bac and his grave marked with a cross. His body was exhumed and identified from his identity disc, before he was reburied at Hermonville. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, William died on 1st of July 1944 aged 24. William was born at Lowestoft on 20 May 1920, a son of William James and Margaret (May) Hunter. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 18 June 1920. His family lived at 61 Lawson Road, Lowestoft. William's parents died in the 1920s and it seems that William, and his siblings, were then cared for by their grandparents William Thomas and Laura L. Hunter. In 1939 the family home was at 40 Lawson Road, Lowestoft. William enlisted in the Royal Air Force after March 1938, initially to serve as an aircraft-hand. By July 1944 William was an Air Gunner serving with 101 Squadron based at Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. On 1 July William was a member of the crew of a Lancaster I bomber, number ME616 SR-B, that took part in an ABC, or Airborne Cigar, raid on the railway yards at Vierzon. ABC sorties used electronic counter-measures to jam German VHF radio signals. William’s aircraft crashed near Chateaudun, twenty-five miles north-west of Orleans.WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm BarrassNote that Commonwealth War Graves and other sources give William's age as 25, but evidence from birth indexes and Saint John's Church records confirm his date of birth being in 1920. 

A Private with 75th Bn., Charles died on 1st of March 1917 at the age of 36. Charles was born at Somerleyton on 10 December 1880, a son of John and Catherine Hurley. In 1881 his family lived at 16 Village Street, Somerleyton, next to the Herringfleet Footpath. In 1891 they lived at the Cottage, next to Mill Farm, Somerleyton.By 1901 Charles had moved to Ilford and was a private attendant at the London County Lunatic Asylum. In 1910 he married Elizabeth Alice Horwood, this was registered in the Bromley District, and subsequently they emigrated to Canada. Charles and Elizabeth were living at 362 Jones Avenue, Toronto, when Charles enlisted in the 170th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry, at Toronto, on 28 April 1916. he was working as a labourer and stated that he had served for two years with the 9th Mississauga Horse.On 20 October 1916 Charles sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, on S.S. Lapland, and arrived at Liverpool on 31 October 1916. Charles was transferred to the 75th Battalion and arrived in France on 6 December 1916, joining the 75th Battalion 'in the field' on 30 December 1916. Subsequently Elizabeth lived at 269 Woodfield Road, Toronto.  

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Ernest died on 28th of April 1944 aged 21. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1923, a son of Charles Ernest and Eva May Hurr. In 1939 his family lived at 8 Pier Terrace, Lowestoft, Suffolk.Ernest enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. In April 1944 Ernest was serving with 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit based at Riccall, Yorkshire. On 28 April Ernest was a member of the crew of a Halifax II bomber, number BB374, which was taking part in a Bullseye exercise over the Irish Sea. A Bullseye exercise tested navigation skills and mock raids. Ernest’s aircraft collided with another Halifax, number DG297, of 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit, and crashed into the sea. The other aircraft crash landed safely. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Seaman with H.M. trawler Myrtle, Roy died on 14 June 1940, aged 26.Roy was born at Streatham, London, on 28 or 29 September 1913, a son of William Hodge and Mabel Hurrell. What happened to Roy’s parents is not known, but in 1921 Roy was living at the London County Council Boys’ Home, Kings Avenue, Wandsworth. At some point, possibly in the 1920s, Roy was given into the guardianship of Benjamin Thomas and Ethel Shorten who lived at 72 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. In 1932-33 Roy worked as a Cook on the trawler Mirador, R 368. He then joined the trawler Young Sid, LT 1175, as a Deck Hand. In 1934 he was a Cook/Deck Hand with the smack Pathway of Lowestoft, LT397, before joining the trawler Peace Wave, LT 47. Next, he served with the Gloria Sutton, HL 88, and in 1935 joined the Festier King, LT 1122. In 1936 he joined the Ocean Sunbeam, LT 568, before joining trawler YH 263. In 1937 Roy worked as a Deck Hand on the trawler Abiding Friend, and the following year he worked on trawler LT 740 before joining the trawler Peace Wave, LT 47. On 3 September 1935 Roy married Violet Audrey Lawn at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Roy was a fisherman living at 56 Tennyson Road, and Violet lived at 17 Dove Street. In 1939 they lived at 2 Beech Road, Carlton Colville, and for a time during the war Violet lived at 214 Lord Street, Fleetwood, and later returned to Lowestoft. Roy joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 February 1932 and re-engaged for service in March 1937. Roy’s service record shows that in late 1932 he had applied to join the Royal Navy but did not pass the medical. In 1938 he was mobilised for thirty days as part of the Royal Navy’s preparations for a future war. In June 1939 he was allocated to the trawler Myrtle and, when called out for service at the start of World War Two, Roy continued to serve with the Myrtle which was being used as a minesweeper. On 22 November 1939 the Myrtle rescued survivors from S.S. Lowland which had been mined off Clacton on Sea. On 14 June 1940 the Myrtle was in the Thames Estuary and the crew attempted to take a magnetic mine on board when the mine exploded killing all of the crew. With thanks to Andy Pearce

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, Bertie died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 25. Bertie was born at Chediston, Suffolk, on 14 August 1891, a son of James and Anna Maria Hurren. In 1901 his family lived at Blackheath Cottages, Wenhaston. By 1911 his mother had died and his family lived near the Fox Inn, Willingham Saint Mary’s, Suffolk, and Bertie was a farm labourer. By 1915 they were living at Cliff Cottage, High Road, Kessingland.Bertie was enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11th January 1915 and he served on board the Drifter 'Gleaner of the Sea'. In 1915 the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was part of the Dover Patrol and the crew had the task of tending the anti-submarine nets. On 24th April 1916 a German submarine, the U-13, became tangled in the drifter's anchor chain. The Skipper, Robert Hurren, attacked the submarine with a 'lance bomb' which exploded and damaged the submarine which was subsequently sunk. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Gleaner of the Sea, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of 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)