A Private with 9th Bn., Samuel died on 8th of August 1918 at the age of 39. Samuel was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a son of George Herbert and Emily Elizabeth Lambert. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 28 September 1879 and his family lived at Raglan Street. Note on some records his names are given as William Samuel. In 1881 his family lived at 3 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. By 1891 Samuel's mother had died and his family lived at 13 Union Place, Lowestoft. On 24 January 1900 Samuel married Eleanor Isabella Gertrude Ellis at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Samuel was a milkman living at 20 Stanford Street and Eleanor lived at 2 Nelson Road. Initially they lived at 20 Stanford Street, with Samuel's father. By 1911 they were living at 55 Lawson Road, South Lowestoft, and Samuel worked as a wooden case maker for a general preserved provision manufacturer. Samuel enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Fusiliers, was posted to the 9th Battalion, and arrived in France on 6 December 1917 to join the Battalion. On 8 August 1918 the 9th Battalion were part of a general attack south of the Bray-Corbie Road. The attack involved tanks. The Battalion War Diary has:A dense mist prevailed at Lens and it was impossible to see 10 yards as a result platoons, companies and tanks became somewhat mixed up. By 8 a.m. the mist had lifted and it was reported that the first objective had been gained by B Company on the right and D Company on the left. A Company on the right and C Company on the left passed through and gained the second objective. The 53rd Brigade of the 18th Division passed through us to the third objective which they gained. They were driven out by a German counter-attack and by the afternoon the Battalion found that it was holding the front line. All troops in front of the Battalion had been driven back. The Battalion held on to the objective and the Battalion consolidated the lines it had gained. On that day the Battalion sustained over 350 casualties including Samuel.  

A Private with the 4th Battalion, William died on 16th of November 1943 at the age of 23. William was born at Kirkley on 2 August 1920, a son of John William and Lilian Irene Lambert. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 5 September 1920. In 1921 he, and his parents, lived with his maternal grandparents Walter and Rachel Bunn, at 18 Lovewell Road, Kirkley. His parents still lived at 18 Lovewell Road in 1939. Later they lived at 3 Seaman's Cottages, Gorleston Road, Oulton Broad.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.      William 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 cholera (some sources state indigestion) at Tasao No 3 Camp. In September 1946 his body was exhumed and was reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. William's cousin Reginald Howlett also served with the 4th Battalion, service number 5827161, was captured at Singapore and died on the Burma Railway. 

A Seaman, Thornton died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 37.Thornton was born at Fersfield, Norfolk, in 1877, a son of Fergus and Lavinia Lanchester.In his teens Thornton worked as an agricultural labourer at Kenninghall but by 1901 he was a fisherman. He married Gertrude Elizabeth Fairhead at Saint Margarets Church, Lowestoft, on 5 July 1903 and they lived at 15 Grove Road, Lowestoft.Thornton's Royal Naval Reserve service sheet shows that he initially joined the R.N.R. in 1898, but his service was not continuous and he enrolled again in 1900 and, for the third time, on 21 April 1914. Thornton was called out for service at the start of the First World War and on 2 August 1914 joined H.M.S. Hogue. On 28 August 1914 H.M.S. Hogue 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. Hogue, sailing with sister ships Aboukir and Cressy, 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 377 men, including Thornton, were killed in the loss of the Hogue. 

A Private with 1st Regiment, Charles died on 8th of April 1917 at the age of 30. Charles was born at Great Yarmouth on 8 July 1886, a son of Henry James and Isabel Elizabeth Lane. He was baptised at Gorleston, on 6 August 1886. In 1891 his family lived at The Star Hotel, Great Yarmouth, where is father was the proprietor. By 1901 his family were living at 66 Southtown Road, Gorleston, and Charles was a pupil at Beccles College. By 1911 Charles' father had died and his mother lived at The Hollies, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. Charles was awarded his certificate as a Second Mate for Foreign-going Vessels on 30 March 1907; his certificate as a First Mate for Foreign-going Vessels on 7 August 1909; and his certificate as Master for a Foreign-going Ship on 7 April 1911. In 1911 he was a boarder at 43 Pigott Street, Limehouse, London. Charles and his brother Shales moved to South Africa. His brother Shales also died.Note: Commonwealth War Graves records give his age as 29. 

A Captain attached to the 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment, Shales died on 18th of September 1918. Shales was born at Great Yarmouth in 1888, a son of Henry James and Isabel Elizabeth Lane. He was baptised at Saint Nicholas' Church, Bradwell, on 7 May 1888. In 1891 his family lived at The Star Hotel, Great Yarmouth, where is father was the proprietor. By 1901 his family were living at 66 Southtown Road, Gorleston. Shales was a pupil at Yarmouth College. By 1911 Shales' father had died and his mother lived at The Hollies, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft: at this time Shales was an articled clerk working for a chartered accountant.Shales worked for Lovewell, Blake & Co., of Great Yarmouth and he passed his final exam to become a Chartered Accountant in the summer of 1911. When he took the intermediate examination, in 1908, he was place eighth in the whole of the country. Shales, and his brother Charles, went to live in South Africa. Shales joined the South African Army and was a commissioned officer. On 13 September 1917 he was transferred to the British Army and joined the Norfolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 1 June 1918 and was attached to the 9th Battalion. He joined the Battalion on 20 June 1918 and served as the Battalion Intelligence Officer. Shales was killed in action on 18 September 1918. The attack of the 9th Battalion on that day is described in the History of the Norfolk Regiment 1685-1918: Volume II by F. Lorraine Petre - Page 292 - 293 September 1918:At 9 am the six platoons of the Norfolk battalion advanced, but under the heavy barrage and machine gun fire of the Quadrilateral were compelled to edge off to the right where they remained in action. The remaining companies and battalion headquarters were assembled in a sunken road at 3 pm and presently the battalion was re-organised in three companies of which one was engaged at the Quadrilateral and two were held in reserve at the sunken road. The difficulties of attack were enhanced by the failure of the French to take Round and Manchester Hills on the right.On 18 September 1918 the 9th Battalion lost 18 men killed, 172 wounded, and five missing. Initially Shales was buried at map reference 62B M32 d.2.4, nearby where buried Lieutenant Walsh and Lance Corporal Cator, also of the 9th Battalion. Shales, and the other two men, where reburied at Chapelle British Cemetery in November 1919. Probate records show that Shales' addresses were The Hollies, Oulton Broad, and Box 1820 Johannesburg. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Loyal. Donald died on 17th of October 1914 at the age of 19. Donald was born at Norwich on 21 January 1895, a son of John and Alexandra Langlands. In 1901 his family were living at Layham, Suffolk. By 1911 his father had died and his mother lived at Cliftonville House, Alexandra Road, Pakefield, and later she lived at 500 London Road, Lowestoft.Donald was working as a gardener's assistant when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 7 March 1911. Donald was drafter to H.M.S. Loyal on 22 May 1914. A note on his service register entry reads:Died on 18 October 1914 from wounds sustained in action off the British Coast on 17 October 1914 when four German torpedo boats were sunk.   Donald was wounded in the Battle off Texel. On 17 October 1914 a British naval squadron encountered a half-squadron of German torpedo boats off the Dutch island of Texel. The German boats were en route to lay mines in shipping lanes. All four German vessels were sunk. During the battle H.M.S. Loyal was hit twice and four men wounded, including Donald. British casualties totalled only five men wounded: German casualties were 218 men killed and 31 taken prisoner.H.M.S. Loyal, along with H.M.S. Lance sank the German torpedo boat S119. Later the sea-chest, containing codebooks, that had been thrown overboard by the Captain of the S119 was recovered and this enabled the British to read German wireless signals for many months afterwards. The engagement also led to the Germans changing the way that torpedo boats were used and this meant that they made fewer sorties into the Channel.  

A Gunner with 239 Battery, 77 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, James died on 26th of July 1943 aged 22. James was born at Lowestoft on 15 February 1921, a son of Albert Henry and Lucy Emma Langley. In 1921 his family lived at 10 Fir Lane.In 1941 James married Audrey Elsie Irene Soanes, this was registered in Lothingland district. Their home was at 97 Seago Street. James enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1941. He served with 115 Battery 89 Regiment before being posted to 239 Battery 77 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. On 6 December 1942 his regiment sailed from the U.K. destined for the Middle East, but with the Japanese entry into the war they were diverted to the Far East, arriving at Singapore on 13 January 1942. They were then sent to Java, arriving on 3-4 February and 238 Battery were given the task of providing air defence for Batavia. James was taken prisoner at Java on 8 March 1942. He was among a group of men taken overland, on 5 May 1943, to work on the Burma Railway. In July 1943 he was at the Hintock River Camp where he died, from cholera, on 26 July. He was buried at Hintok River Camp Cemetery and in 1946 he was reburied at Chungkai War Cemetery.  

A Steward with H.M. Trawler Tervani. Ronald died on 7th of February 1943 at the age of 31. Ronald was born at Lowestoft on 19 October 1911, a son of William Alfred and Rose Elizabeth Lark. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 10 November 1911. His family lived at 31 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 his family lived at 60 Queens Road and Ronald worked as a wharf labourer.  Ronald married Edith Kathleen Buck at Norwich in 1940. Ronald was serving on the minesweeping trawler Tervani, off Cape Bougaroni, Algeria, when the trawler was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Platino. Twenty crew, including Ronald, were killed. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Ernest died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 36. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1880, a son of Frederick William and Charlotte Elizabeth Larke. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 7 March 1880. In 1881 his family lived at the Mariners Inn, 54 Mariners Street, where his father was the innkeeper. By 1891 they were living at 26 Bevan Street. In early 1901 Ernest lodged at 7 Surrey Street, Lowestoft, with Alfred Hales, Maud’s brother, and Ernest worked as a coachman. On 10 November 1901 Ernest married Maud Radley Hales at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Ernest was a coachman living at Belvedere Road, and Maud lived at 80 Clapham Road. In 1911 they lived at 4 Old Market Street, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a cab driver. Later Maud lived at 11 Chapel Street, before moving to Anerly, London. Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 9344, and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915.The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:10 October 1916Relieved 11th Middlesex in Bulls Runs, near Flers, four companies in front line.12 October 1916Attack to be made on Bayonet Trench and Luisenhoff Farm. Morning very quiet.5 a.m. Battalion lying in shell holes in front ready.10 a.m. Major Henty went forward to advance Battalion Headquarters in Grass Street to receive reports.2 p.m. Zero. Attack started. German barrage very intense. Battalion proceeded in four waves, each company with a platoon front.No definite report until 6 p.m. when Battalion was back in front line having failed to attain objective.B and D Companies gained objective, but were driven out by superior numbers.1st Essex on right gained objective but were unable to hold it, finally and they managed to keep part of it.Battalion withdrew to reserve in Flers Trench. Colonel Murphy, in history of the Suffolk Regiment, felt that the attack failed because the enemy wire had only partially been destroyed and that the British barrage was ineffective.All fifteen officers that went over the top became casualties: eleven killed and four wounded. Ninety two other ranks were killed and, in total, the Battalion had over 500 casualties.  Ernest was reported missing and later presumed to have died on or since 12 October.  Ernest’s brother in law, Ernest Hales, served with the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916.  

Formerly a Private with the Suffolk Regiment, Arthur died on 5th November 1918 aged 25.Arthur was born at Beccles on 1 April 1893, a son of Harry and Jane Mary Larter. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Beccles, on 31 July 1893. In 1901 his family lived at 12 Carlton Road, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 11 Beach Road and Arthur was a shipbuilder's labourer. In 1916 they lived at 87 Tonning Street and later Arthur’s mother lived at 6 Claremont Road. Arthur was working as a grinder when he volunteered and attested for the Army at The Drill Hall, Lowestoft, on 31 August 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 3rd Battalion on 3 September 1914, and the 10th Battalion on 19 October. He was posted to the 9th Battalion, and arrived in France on 23 September 1915, and seems to have joined the battalion in the field on 19 October. Arthur was gassed on 19 December 1915, at St. Jean, and badly affected by this. He was invalided to England on 1 January 1916 and posted to the strength of the Depot. On 25 January 1916 he was posted to the 10th Battalion.On 9 April 1916 Arthur married Rose Low at Mutford Register Office. They lived with Arthur’s family at 87 Tonning Street before moving to 39 Trafalgar Street. Arthur was discharged from the Army on 7 August 1916, no longer physically fit for war service, due to chronic bronchitis. He was judged to have a 25% permanent disability and was granted a pension of 6/3 per week from 8 August 1916 to 7 February 1917. Arthur’s condition worsened. A medical board in February 1917 found that Arthur was able to do some work, but not often, and that he now had a 3/4 disability. In September 1917, and again in October 1918, he was judged to have a 70% disability.     Although it is not stated on his service papers, it appears that Arthur died of his bronchial condition. He died at Lowestoft on 5th of November 1918.He is commemorated on the war memorials at Saint Margaret’s and Saint John’s churches. Arthur’s brother Frederick served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1918. 

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion. Frederick died on 1st of November 1918, at the age of 41. Frederick was born at Halesworth in 1877, a son Harry and Jane Mary Larter. In 1881 his family lived at Smallgate Street, Beccles. In 1891 they lived at the Spread Eagle, Northgate Street, Beccles, where Frederick’s father was the licensee. In 1901 his family lived at 12 Carlton Road, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 11 Beach Road. In 1916 they lived at 87 Tonning Street and later Frederick’s mother lived at 6 Claremont Road. Frederick served in the Suffolk Artillery Militia. He was working as a blacksmith when, on 21 March 1895, he attested for the regular army at Beccles. He joined the Coldstream Guards, service number 50. He joined the Army Reserve on 21 March 1898. On 9 October 1899 he was recalled to Army service and joined the 2nd Battalion. He served in South Africa, during the Boer War, from 21 October 1899 to 5 June 1900, when he returned to England and joined the 3rd Battalion. He returned to South Africa on 15 April 1902 to serve with the 1st Battalion. He arrived back in England on 21 July 1902 and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He was discharged to the Army Reserve on 2 September 1902 and discharged, on termination of his engagement, on 20 March 1907. Frederick was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal.  On 2 August 1900 Frederick married Sarah Ann Smith. In 1901 they lived at Saint Peter’s Road, Kirkley, and Frederick was a bricklayer’s labourer. In 1911 they were living at 58 Kings Road, Leiston, and Frederick was a drilling machine hand at an engineering works. Subsequently they moved back to Lowestoft. Later Sarah lived at 28 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft.Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/9681, and was posted to the 8th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915. At some point he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion.It is not possible to say precisely when, or how, Frederick was wounded. He is buried at Don Communal Cemetery which suggests that he died of his wounds at 15 Casualty Clearing Station which was based at Don in November 1918. Frederick's brother Arthur served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1918.  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, William died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 20. William was born at Blundeston on 2 July 1897, a son of Walter and Mary Larter. In 1901 his family lived at 93 Seago Street, and in 1911 at 6 Oulton Street, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at 62 Stanford Street. William attended Roman Hill School and, from 6 March 1905, was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School. William enlisted in the Army at Ipswich. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2454, and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion. Although William volunteered and enlisted in late 1914, he did not serve overseas before 1916. At some point he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion on France and in early 1917 he was renumbered 200626.On 23 April 1917 the 1/4th Battalion took part in the assault on the German front and support trenches of the Hindenburg Line near the River Sensee. After an artillery barrage the battalion’s advance began at 4.45 a.m. They faced considerable opposition. By 6.30 a.m. B Company were within 200 yards of their objective, but were held up by granatenwerfer (grenade launcher), rifle and machine-gun fire. They held on until 9.30 a.m. when a German counter-attack forced them to withdraw. C and D Companies, with the support of one tank, were able to reach a sunken road by about 9.30 a.m. They also faced considerable opposition and, from 2 p.m. they were forced back by counter-attacks. The battalion was relived during the night. In the assault they had captured about 650 unwounded prisoners, five machine guns and a trench mortar. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one killed, eight woundedOther ranks: 41 killed, 160 wounded, 104 missing   William was killed in action on 23 April. 

A Leading Seaman with H.M. Submarine Odin, Walter died on 27th of June 1940 at the age of 29. Walter was born at Carlton Colville on 29 September 1910, a son of Walter George and Bertha Carrie Laws. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 30 October 1910 and his family lived at The Grove Cottage, Grove Farm, Carlton Colville. By 1921 his family were living at Camp Common, Hopton.Walter was working as a farm labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 26 March 1927. Walter was advanced to Able Seaman on 29 March 1930. He volunteered for the submarine service on 19 June 1936 and joined H.M.S. Dolphin before being drafted, on 21 October 1936, to H.M. Submarine Oberon. On 3 March 1937 he joined H.M. Submarine Pandora and on 11 August 1939 he joined H.M. Submarine Odin. Walter was advanced to Leading Seaman on 13 December 1939 and he was a Seaman Torpedo but had been recommended for service as a Leading Torpedo Operator. In 1932 Walter married Dorothy May Howes at Lowestoft. In 1939 Dorothy lived, with her father, at The Street, Lound.Walter was serving on the submarine H.M.S. Odin when the submarine was sunk by depth charges in the Gulf of Taranto.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 38. George was born at Lowestoft in 1882, a son of Chester and Emily Lay. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 24 June 1883, and his family lived at Carlton Colville. In 1891 his family lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and in 1901 they lived at 2 Water Lane, and George was a house painter. Later his parents lived at 29 Harwarden Terrace, Oulton Broad.  On 14 July 1906 George married Ethel Ann May Boyles at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton. George was a painter and they both lived at Oulton. In 1911 they lived at Marsh Road, Oulton Broad, and George was a house painter. Later Ethel lived at Stanley Cottages, 32 Kirkley Run.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3072. He was posted to France to join the 1/4th Battalion in 1917 he was renumbered 290159. Subsequently he was posted to the 2nd Battalion. On 16 June 1918 the 2nd Battalion were in the Hinges Sector. The battalion war dairy states that X Company withdrew the two platoons that had been supporting the front line companies. Intermittent shelling went on throughout the day, principally on the canal bank. Greenwood Lane, and to the right of the lane and the area north of the canal was shelled between q and 2 p.m. Between 6 and 8 p.m. gas shelling took place in the vicinity of Gordon Line, but because this fell at a slow rate it had little effect. At 9.30 p.m. heavy shelling commenced and continued periodically throughout the night. The war diary records that one man was killed: this was George. Six other men were wounded.  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 21. Cecil was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Charles and Lucy Layton. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 19 July 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 23 Jacob’s Street, and this was the family home for the rest of Cecil’s life. In 1911 Cecil worked as a boot repairer’s assistant. Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2062, and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Cecil was posted to France, to join the 2nd Battalion, and was given service number 43760. He served with Y Company. In early 1917 Cecil became unwell and was evacuated to England and admitted to the Military Hospital, Chatham, on 16 February 1917. Once recovered he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion. On 24 September 1917 the 1/4th Battalion moved to the eastern edge of Sanctuary Wood. On 26 September the Battalion moved forward to a line from Fitzclarence Farm to Glencorse Wood in readiness for an advance. This was held up and whilst waiting the Battalion suffered heavy casualties through enemy shelling. Heavy shelling, thick mist, and darkness, caused confusion and an organised attack was impossible. The men advances in small groups and by forward rushes. A small group managed to get to the enemy front line and were able to capture two machine-guns and 13 men, who gave valuable information.The Battalion’s casualties were: two officers killed and seven wounded; 43 men killed, 150 wounded, and 63 missing.Cecil was reported wounded, then missing, on 24 September. Later it was presumed that he had been killed in action on that date. Cecil's body was found at map reference J.14.c.85.95 and identified by two identity discs. In 1921 he was reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetery.

A Second Hand with H.M.P.M.S. Ascot. Archie died on 10th of November 1918 at the age of 28.Archie was born at Oulton Broad on 9 April 1890, a son of George and Kezia Leabon. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 18 May 1890. In 1891 his family lived at Whites Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and by 1911 they had moved to Laurel Villa, Victoria Road, and Archie worked as an engineer.In 1906 Archie saved a man from drowning at Newlyn Harbour. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal (Successful Case Number 34556):“On the 24th April 1906 George Warren fell into the harbour at Newlyn, there being as strong ebb tide at the time. At great risk, Leabon, fully clothed, and wearing heavy sea boots, jumped in from his boat and succeeded in saving him”.From: The Evening Star and Herald, Ipswich, 23rd June 1906 page 1“Through Mr T E Thirtle the honorary Agent at Lowestoft, the Royal Humane Society has forwarded the following awards – to Archie Leabon of Oulton Broad a Bronze Medal and Testimonial on Velum for pluckily jumping into Newlyn Harbour on 24th April and saving a man from drowning”Archie married Nellie Hickleton in late 1914. They had a home at Langton House, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and later Nellie lived at 27 Hawarden Terrace, Oulton Road, Lowestoft. On 24 April 1914 Archie was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. Archie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 28 September 1917. On 24 January 1918 he joined H.M. trawler Mitres; he joined the Ocean Gain on 27 February 1918, and the Research on 1 July 1918. Archie was drafted to H.M. Paddle Mine Sweeper Ascot on 15 October 1918. The Ascot was the last ship to be sunk before the Armistice. The ship was torpedoed by U-67 off the Farne Isles. Thirty men died in the loss of the ship.A marginal note in the baptised register of Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, reads: 'Died for England in the Great War.' 

A Lieutenant with Motor Gun Boat 444, Edward died on 15th of February 1944 aged 25. Edward was born on 29 June 1918 at Heatherside House, Camberley, Surrey, a son of Lieutenant Charles Symonds Leaf, Royal Marines, and the Hon. Mrs. Catherine Blanche Leaf. By 1943 Edward’s parents lived at The Manor House, Freckenham, Bury St. Edmunds. Edward was a pupil at Marlborough and Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1937 he took part in an expedition to Ellesmere Land and Baffin Island, and in 1939. Edward was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.  In June 1941 Edward married Doreen Laurie Orr, of Herringfleet, Suffolk, at Fylde, Lancashire. Doreen remarried in 1946.Edward was commissioned in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 23 February 1937 and was mobilised when the war began. In April 1941 he joined Motor Gun Boat 61 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, London Gazette 19 August 1941, for actions with E-Boats in April and June 1941. In September 1941 Edward joined the 7th Motor Gun Boat Flotilla at H.M.S. Minos II and was later based at H.M.S. Mantis in Lowestoft. In June 1942 Edward took command of Motor Gun Boat 91. He was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 15 September 1942, for engaging an enemy convoy and escort on 30 June 1942. In July 1943 he took command of Motor Gun Boat 126 and then Motor Gun Boat 444. He was awarded a bar to the Distinguished Service Cross, London Gazette 2 May 1944, for damaging E-Boats at The Nore on 4 February 1944. During the night of 14-15 February 1944 Edward’s flotilla engaged German E-Boats that had been laying mines south of Great Yarmouth. Edward’s flotilla were engaged by additional German E-Boats and Motor Gun Boat 444 was hit and Edward killed.  See: undyingmemory.net/Freckenham/leaf derek.html

A Second Lieutenant with B Battery, 62 Brigade, Robert died on 19th of April 1917 at the age of 18. Robert was born at Battle, Sussex, on 27 July 1898, a son of Herbet de Mussenden and Agnes Isabel Leathes. In 1901 his family lived at Tiddington Street, Tiddington, Albury, Oxfordshire. Later his family lived at Herringfleet Hall. By 1911 Robert was a pupil at St. Ronan’s School, Worthing,  Sussex, where he was noted for his sporting abilities and where he won a mathematics prize. On leaving school he travelled, intending to perfect his foreign language skills and he planned to enter Sandhurst.On 29 September 1915 Robert was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery. Robert served in France with ‘B’ Battery, 62 Brigade  In February 1917 62 Brigade moved into positions near Arras. From 4 April they were involved in the preliminary bombardment that preceded the general attack at Arras on 9 April. On 11 April the Brigade was able to move forward to positions at Monchy. From 14 April the German counter-attacks came close to Monchy an the Brigade’s units were particularly targeted by German artillery. Robert, one other officer, and seven men, were all killed in action on 19 April. Based on the account in the Brigade war diary it is likely that their deaths were caused by ‘counter-battery’ artillery fire.  There is a brass memorial in Herringfleet Church in memory of Robert and his sister Dulcibel. See: Saint Ronan's Robert Herbert De Mussenden Leathes (saintronans.co.uk)

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Albert died on 2nd of April 1919 at the age of 21.Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Albert and Sarah Elizabeth Lee. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 13 July 1898. By 1901 his father had died and Albert and his mother lived at Loes (sic) Cottage, next to Number 3 Engine Shed, Denmark Road. By 1911 Albert’s mother had married Albert Weavers and the family lived at 44 Kent Road. Subsequently Albert’s family lived at 28 Rotterdam Road.Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3557, and was posted to France to join the 1/4th Battalion. In 1917 he was renumbered 201061. In 1919 Albert was attached to the Army Service Corps. Albert contracted influenza and he died at 51 Casualty Clearing Station.

A Stoker with H.M.S. Wildfire, Godfrey died on 17th of November 1918 at the age of 27. Godfrey was born at North Cove on 26 August 1891, a son of Godfrey Gurney and Selina Lee. In 1901 his family lived at Back Lane, Barnby. By 1911 they were living at 6 The Green, Barnby, and Godfrey was a fisherman. Godfrey joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 February 1912.On 26 October 1912 Godfrey worked on the trawler Pewsey, LT 786; on 5 April 1913 he was working on the Reward, LT 463; and on 1 April 1914 trawler YH 681. On 2 August 1914 Godfrey was called out for service with the Navy. On 4 September 1914 he joined H.M.S. Vengeance; on 31 October 1915 he joined H.M.S. Gibraltar; from 17 March 1916 he served on H.M.S. Topaze and from 27 December 1916 he served with H.M.S. Venerable. Godfrey died at the Royal Navy Hospital, Chatham, from influenza and toxaemia.

An Acting Skipper Lieutenant with H.M. Motor Mine Sweeper 1012, Harry died on 30th of December 1945 aged 39. Harry was born at Barnby on 12 June 1906, a son of Dick Alfred and Louisa Jane Lee. In 1911 they lived at Back Lane, Barnby, and this was still their address in 1921 when Harry was a dairy man for A. Barwood at Mutford. In 1939 Harry’s parents lived at Ebenezer Cottage, Mill Lane, Barnby.On 23 December 1934 Harry married Lily Hocking at Saint Peter’s Church, Newlyn, Cornwall. In 1939 their home was at Cairnlea, Walmer Road, and Harry was a skipper. In December 1945 Lily lived at 14 Essex Road, Lowestoft. Harry was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1937.On 6 September 1939 he became a Temporary Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, service number W.S. 2988 and later 107 T.S. In November 1939 he served with the requisitioned trawler Remola and in December joined the Badger for training and, after minesweeper training, joined the Go Ahead to take command of that vessel. In June 1940 he was given command of the Sanson and, in December 1940, joined the Milford Princess. On 26 January 1941 he joined the Ben Brachie. In November 1941 Harry took command of the Gaston Riviere.In January 1944 Harry attended a minesweeping unit operations course and on 6 January he was promoted to Temporary Chief Skipper. In April 1944 he joined the Lephreto and was also a Group Officer. He took command of Motor Mine Sweeper 102 on 4 February 1945.       Harry was Mentioned in Despatches on 1 January 1941. On 23 October 1945 Harry was admitted to the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital Sherborne. He was found to have a malignant growth on his liver and placed on the dangerously ill list. He died from carcinoma of the liver which was considered to be attributable to his naval service.  

A Private with 1/10th Bn., Alfred died on 2nd of November 1917 at the age of 24. Alfred was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Lily) Leech. In 1901 his family lived at 30 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft, and by 1911 at 10 Osborne Street, Lowestoft, and Alfred worked as a clothier. Alfred was living at Stoke Newington when he enlisted in the Army at Hackney. He joined the 10th London Regiment, service number 4055. He was posted to the 1/10th Battalion and arrived in Egypt on 13 July 1916 to join the Battalion. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects states that Alfred was killed in action at 'Syria'. Checking details of other men who was, supposedly, killed at Syria, we find that Syria was mis-taken for Sheria. Also the 1/10th Battalion were involved in the Battle of Beersheba, which began on 31 October 1917, which included the capture of Sheria in early November 1917. Alfred was initially reported to be wounded, then wounded and missing, and finally, in January 1918, reported to have been killed in action.His sole legatee was his fiancee Miss Gladys M. Sawyer. 

A Lance Corporal with 18 Line of Communications Signals, Harold died on 2nd of May 1945 aged 31. Harold was born at Oulton Broad in 1913, a son of Frederick and Lucy Mary Leech. In 1921 his family lived at 43 Southwell Road.  On 10 October 1936 Harold married Irene Rhoda Wright at Saint Margaret’s Church. Harold was a carter living at 49 Cambridge Road and Irene was a beatster living at 51 Edinburgh Road. By 1939 their home was at 39 Edinburgh Road. Harold enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and was subsequently transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals and he served with the 18th Line of Communications Signals unit. Harold served in North Africa and Italy before serving in Greece. Harold was on board the Greek minesweeper Spercheios which was being used as a ferry. The Sperchios sailed from Piraeus at 5 p.m. on 2 May, bound for Aegean islands. The ship was overloaded with military and civilians and carried twice as many passengers as recommended. Apparently heading toward a minefield, the ship steered sharply to starboard, banked to the left, and capsized very quickly with no time to send a distress signal. There were no ships nearby and rescue efforts came too late for many. Of the 136 people on board 98 lost their lives. 

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Claude died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 18. Claude was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of John and Ada Leeds. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Sandringham Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they had moved to 3 Sandringham Road, and Claude worked as a butcher.  Claude was living at 3 Sandringham Road when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 9 February 1915. He served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. Claude embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Claude was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.' 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Russell died on 12th of May 1944 aged 20. Russell was born at Lowestoft on 18 May 1923, a son of Russell and Violet Rosanna Leggitt. By 1939 Russell’s father had died and he lived with his mother at 12 Trafalgar Street and Russell worked as a newsboy for W.H. Smith. Russell joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after June 1941. In 1944 he was a Flight Engineer serving with 9 Squadron based at Bardney, Lincolnshire. On 12 May Russell was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ND951 WS-Z, that took part in a raid on Leopoldsburg army camp. The aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter at Wilsele, Belgium, just north of Leuven. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Lieutenant with the 7th Battalion, Roland died on 23 December 1915 at the age of 20. Roland was born at Saint John’s Wood, London, on 27 March 1895, a son of Robert and Marie Leighton. He was baptised at All saints’ Church, Saint John’s Wood, on 4 May 1895 and his family lived at 40 Abbey Road and this was still their home in 1911. By 1913 his parents were living at Heather Cliff, Lowestoft, and later lived at Chickeny Cottage, Warwick Road, Bishop’s Stortford. Roland was educated to London House Preparatory School, Saint John’s Wood, and he was awarded a scholarship to attend Uppingham School in 1909. At Uppingham Roland was a house captain, won many prizes, excelling in Classics, and was a junior officer in the school’s Officer Training Corps. It is said that he had ambitions to become the editor of a nation newspaper. On leaving Uppingham he had the opportunity to attend Oxford University, but, with the outbreak of the First World War, decided, instead, to apply for a commission in the armed forces. He is reputed to have been turned down by the Royal Navy and some branches of the Army, because of his eyesight, before getting a local G.P. to provide him with a certificate of general fitness. Roland was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Norfolk Regiment on 21 October 1914, to serve with the 4th Battalion.An article in the Lowestoft Journal 24 October 1914, page 3, has:MILITARY APPOINTMENTSThe list of military appointments published in the “London Gazette” on Wednesday last included the name of Mr. Roland A. Leighton, of Heather Cliff, Lowestoft, who is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. By answering his country’s call in this present crisis, Mr. Leighton offers an example of the willing self-sacrifice which so many of our young men are exercising in relinquishing their academic ambitions for military duty. He has just completed a brilliant public school career at Uppingham, where he was captain of classics, and was on the point of entering to residence as a scholar at Merton College, Oxford, when war broke out. During the past few weeks Mr. Leighton has been active as recruiting sergeant in the Lowestoft district, under Colonel Cubitt.   Roland was promoted to Lieutenant on 26 March 1915 and, during that month transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment and was posted to the 1/7th Battalion then preparing for posting to France, and landed with them at Boulogne on 31 March 1915.        On 21 October 1915 Roland became acting Adjutant to the battalion while the battalion’s usual Adjutant was on leave. Roland was acting Adjutant with the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, but returned to the 1/7th around two weeks before his death. During the night of 22-23 December, at Hebuterne, Roland’s platoon was to go out to repair wire. Before sending his men out to carry out the work Roland went out to inspect the wire. As he reached the wire he was shot in the stomach by a sniper, the bullet coming out of his back. The battalion war diary records that Sergeant Day, the battalion Medical Officer, and Captain Adam did excellent work bringing him in during heavy sniping. Sergeant M. Day, service number 543, was the Sergeant who brought in Roland. Sergeant Day was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette 21 June 1916) with the following citation:For conspicuous gallantry. When his officer was severely wounded while examining wire he at once jumped over the parapet, ran to him and carried him in under fire.  Roland died at a Casualty Clearing Station, at Louvencourt, on 23 December. His commanding officer, Colonel Harman, wrote:He had a wonderful brain, very quick to grasp anything , and it was this that first appealed to me in him. He was a splendid soldier and very popular with all. I liked him so well that I made him my Acting Adjutant. A former Colonel wrote:He was a splendid officer unsurpassed in his sense of duty and his capacity to command, particularly in one so young. The country and the army are poorer for the loss of a typical English gentleman and a very gallant soldier.His company officer, Captain Adam, wrote:His work was admired by us all. What confidence we all had in him: Nothing seemed too difficult for him to overcome, and he was always ready and anxious to do anything or go anywhere. The example he set his fellow officers will never be forgotten. Roland was the fiancé of Vera Brittain. He had been at school with Vera’s brother Edward. Vera’s books ‘Letters From a Lost Generation’ includes many letters written between Roland, Vera, her brother Edward, and two other friends, Geoffrey Thurlow and Victor Richardson. The film ‘Testament of Youth’ is based on Vera’s memoirs and features Roland.  In 1916 a memoir of Roland, called the ‘Boy of my Heart’, was published anonymously in 1916. The book was actually written by Roland’s mother. There are numerous internet pages that make reference to Roland, his poetry, and his relationship with Vera Brittain.  

A Fourth Hand with Sailing Trawler True Vine (Lowestoft), Harry died on 30th of November 1915 at the age of 26.Harry was born at Broome, Norfolk, on 1 April 1898, a son of Arthur and Harriet Lewell. In 1901 his family lived at Lugg Lane, Broome. From 20 November 1902 Harry attended Broome School. Before 1909 his family lived at Corton. From 16 April 1909 Harry was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at 10 Oulton Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. In 1915 Harry was the Fourth Hand of the sailing trawler True Vine, LT 52. On 30 November 1915 the True Vine was seen, by the Skipper of the trawler Comrade, fishing about 27 miles north by east from Lowestoft. This was the last sighting of the trawler and it was presumed that the True Vine struck a mine and was lost with all hands on that day, or soon afterwards. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry The Crew of the True Vine lost 30 November 1915:REEVE, Samuel, Skipper, age 37, lived LowestoftCARSEY, Harry, Mate, age 26, lived LowestoftTHOMSON, Thomas Hoy, Third Hand, age 55, lived Great YarmouthLEWELL, Harry, Fourth Hand, age 17, lived LowestoftCHASTON, Edward William, Cook, age 16, lived North Cove 

A Mate with Steam Trawler Carry On (Lowestoft), Robert died on 17th of December 1940 aged 57. Robert was born at Pakefield on 17 March 1883, a son of Robert and Harriet Lewis. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 13 May 1883. On 30 August 1887 Robert became a pupil at Cunningham’s School. In 1891 his family lived at 13 Beach Street, Pakefield. In 1910 Robert was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1911 he was a crewman with the trawler Confier LT 658. On 23 December 1912 Robert married Ethel Mary Cropley at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. Robert was a fisherman and they both lived at Pakefield. By 1915 they were living at 34 Wellington Road, Pakefield. Robert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 January 1915 as a Temporary Skipper, number WSA 812. He served with the trawler Lord Milner until 14 October 1915 when he joined the trawler Primrose. In July 1918 Robert was hospitalised at Portland, but the reason is not known. Robert was demobilised on 15 May 1919.   Ethel died in 1928 and in 1938 Robert married Beatrice Violet Lewis and this was registered in the Lambeth district. Beatrice was the widow of Robert’s brother Joseph. In 1939 they lived at 34 Wellington Road and Robert was a drift net fisherman (Skipper or Second Hand).In 1940 Robert was the Mate with the trawler Carry On. The Carry On was used as a barrage balloon drifter in the Thames Estuary. During the night of 12 December 1940 many mines were dropped into the Thames Estuary and the Carry On was immobilised. A few days later the Carry On was given permission to sail to Sheerness, deliberately sailing at low speed to avoid detonating acoustic mines. On 17 December the trawler was blown up by a mine. All seven of the crew were killed.   Robert’s brother-in-law, Thomas Cropley, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Michaelmas Daisy, George died on 26th of November 1916 at the age of 40. George was born at Pakefield on 30 July 1876, a son of Charles and Emmeline Lincoln. By 1891 his family was living at 13 Prospect Place, and this was still their home in 1911.  In 1891 George was the cook on the trawler Paragon. He was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper on 23 April 1901.In 1897 George married Sarah Louisa Fuller. In 1901 their home was at 2 Church Road, Pakefield. By 1911 they were living at 54 Church Road, Kirkley. George became a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve on 30 September 1915 and he served with the drifter Michaelmas Daisy, LT 136. George was killed when the drifter was sunk by a mine, in the Adriatic, off Santa Maria di Leuca. All hands were lost. George was awarded the Serbian Gold Medal for Good Services (London Gazette 27 February 1917). 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Joseph died on 26/27th of March 1918 at the age of 25. Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 6 May 1895, a son of Samuel Joseph and Minnie Linder. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 14 July 1895. In 1901 his family were living at 71 Lawson Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 Joseph's father had died and Joseph worked as an Assistant Inspector of Weights and Measures for Suffolk County Council.  Joseph joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, serving, initially with the 6th Cyclist Battalion, number 1267, before being posted to the 7th Battalion in France and served with A Company. On 26 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were given the task of protecting the approaches to the town of Albert against the German advance. A Company were to defend the railway cutting area with positions covering the Albert-Millencourt Road and the Albert-Amiens Road. In the next two days the Battalion held the defences but suffered 244 casualties. Joseph was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on 26 to 27 March 1918.Joseph's brother William was killed at Ypres in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment.

A Private with 1st Bn., William died on 24th of April 1915 at the age of 23. William was born at Lowestoft on 29 November 1891, a son of Samuel Joseph and Minnie Linder. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 3 January 1892. In 1901 his family were living at 71 Lawson Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 William's father had died and William worked as a clothier's shop assistant. In September 1914 he worked for Mr. Thomas Foort, clothier, High Street, Lowestoft.  William volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 1 April 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. On 22 April 1915, at the northern end of the Ypres Salient near St Julien, the French and Canadian troops were subjected to a gas attack. This attack caused the troops to retreat and caused up to 5,000 deaths and 15,000 casualties. The Germans  advanced 3-4 km, broke the Allied lines and threatened Ypres. The 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment moved forward and fought alongside the 1st Canadian Division to counter the German attack. The 1st Battalion was taken out of the line on 24 April and went into reserve near Frezenberg. However, they were immediately ordered to take up a position on the Frezenberg Ridge near the village of Fortuin. They took a position of the left flank of the Canadians. The Battalion was also exposed to a gas attack, suffering a large number of casualties.The Battalion was taken out of the line on 28 April. They had suffered 400 casualties in the previous 10 days. The Battalion was heavily shelled and suffered repeated mortar attacks. The ranks had been severely depleted.William was missing and in October 1916 is was presumed that he had been killed in action on 24 April 1915. William's brother Joseph died in 1918 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.

A Civilian, Alfred died on 12th of May 1943 aged 54. Alfred was born at Lowestoft on 10 October 1888, a son of Samuel and Georgiana Ling. In 1891 his family lived at 233 Clapham Road. Alfred attended the British School, and, on 17 May 1897, he became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1901 Alfred’s family lived at 31 Beresford Road.By 1911 Alfred was working as an electrical engineer and he lived at 6 Saint Matthew’s Road, Norwich. Subsequently Alfred moved to London and lived at 16 Blair Street, Poplar. On 14 September 1919 Alfred married Florence Emma Gwyther at All Saints’ Church, Poplar. Alfred was an engineer and gave his address as 85 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft, and Florence lived at 210 High Street, Poplar. By 1921 they were living at 45 Royal Avenue. Alfred was a marine and general engineer and director of the L.B.S. Company, Hamilton Road. The company was dissolved in 1921. In 1939 Alfred was an engineer and manager.Alfred and Florence were at their home, 45 Royal Avenue, on the morning of 12 May when an air raid took place, this was a preliminary to the main Focke-Wulf Raid later that day. A bomb was dropped on Belle Vue Park but bounced into Royal Avenue and the explosion destroyed their home and killed them both.   

A Civilian, Florence died on 12th of May 1943 aged 47. Florence was born at Poplar, London, on 27 September 1895, a daughter of Frederick and Margaret Gwyther. In 1901 her family lived at 77 Blair Street, Poplar. In 1911 Florence was a kitchen maid living and working at 4 New Burlington Street, Westminster.On 14 September 1919 Florence married Alfred Ling at All Saints’ Church, Poplar. Florence was living at 210 High Street, Poplar, and Alfred was an engineer and gave his address as 85 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. By 1921 they were living at 45 Royal Avenue. Florence and Alfred were at their home, 45 Royal Avenue, on the morning of 12 May when an air raid took place, this was a preliminary to the main Focke-Wulf Raid later that day. A bomb was dropped on Belle Vue Park but bounced into Royal Avenue and the explosion destroyed their home and killed them both.  

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Cap d'Antifer. Richard died on 13th of February 1944 at the age of 30. Richard was born at Beccles on 14 May 1913, a son of Samuel and Jessie May Ling. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Wells Cottages, Raglan Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 Richard was living at 237 Raglan Street and he worked as a drift-net fisherman. Richard married Dorothy Irene Soanes at Lowestoft in 1940. Their home was at 17 Union Road, Lowestoft.Richard was serving with the mine-sweeping trawler Cap d'Antifer when it was attacked and sunk by German S-boats south-east of the Humber. All twenty-four of the trawler's crew, including Richard, were killed.See: His Majesty's Trawler (HMT) Cap d'Antifer (capdantifer.org.uk) 

A Corporal with 2nd Bn., William died on 14th of March 1915 at the age of 26. William was born at Lowestoft on 20 April 1888, a son of Samuel and Maria Ling. In 1891 his family lived at 35 Oxford Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1901. On 8 December 1910 William married Barbara Ellen Cannell at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. By 1911 their home was at 257 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 6 June 1906. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion at Malta and Egypt from 18 January 1911 to October 1914. On 5 November 1914 he arrived in France with the 2nd Battalion. William was killed in action at Nueve Chapelle on 14 March 1915. During the battle his battalion lost 112 killed, 210 wounded, and 110 missing.  

A Gunner with the Royal Horse Artillery, Charles died on 23rd of September 1918 aged 28. Charles was born at Kirkley on 8 February 1890, a son of Charles and Anna Maria Lingwood. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 6 April 1890. In 1891 his family lived at 15 Lorne Road. Between 1901 and 1911 they lived at 67 Lorne Park Road and in 1911 Charles was a general carter.  On 2 May 1915 Charles married Alice Amelia Rand at Saint Margaret’s Church. Charles was a carman and they both gave their address as 45 Seago Street. For a time during the war Alice lived at 28 Mount Pleasant, Leeds, before returning to 45 Seago Street and in 1921 she married Thomas Capps. Charles enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and joined the Royal Horse Artillery. Charles served overseas but returned to England and was admitted to 2nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds, where he died from influenza, pleurisy, and pneumonia, contracted while on active service. 

A Private with the 2/7th Battalion, Hedley died on 31st of March 1918 at the age of 25. Hedley was born at Dereham in 1893, a son of Alfred and Harriet Littleproud. In 1901 his family lived at Lynn Road, Gayton, Kings Lynn. This was still their address in 1911 when Hedley worked as a baker. On 25 October 1915 Hedley married Charlotte Emily Cadamy at Saint Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn. Hedley was a baker and they both gave their address as 9 Mill Fleet. Subsequently Charlotte lived at 6 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft.Hedley enlisted in the Army at King’s Lynn. He joined Norfolk Yeomanry before being transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers, service number 52601, and was posted to the 2/7th Battalion in France. The war diary for the 2/7th Battalion in March 1918 is missing, however, the following notice, which appeared in the Lynn News, 18 May 1918, page 5, explain what happened to Hedley:A GAYTON LOSSThe death from wounds is reported of Lance Corporal 52601 Hedley George Littleproud, Lancashire Fusiliers, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Littleproud, of Gayton. He was badly wounded in France on March 31, and died an hour after reaching hospital without recovering consciousness. He was 25 and formerly was in the Norfolk Yeomanry. Before the war he worked for the Gayton Mills Company and also had been employed by Mr. W. Ely of Lynn. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and also for the parents, for this is a second loss, a brother of the deceased having died from fever in Mesopotamia about nine months ago. Two other brothers are with the forces. 

A Private with 10th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, Alexander died on 1st of January 1918 at the age of 37. Alexander was born at Lingwood in 1880, a son of Mary Ann (Marion) Littlewood. The 1881 Census records Alexander, and his mother, being inmates at Lingwood Workhouse. By 1891 Alexander was living at 6 Hervey Street, Lowestoft, with his grandmother, Ann Littlewood, and Alexander worked as a hawker- news (boy). In 1901 Alexander worked as a labourer, in London, and lodged at 24 Longfellows Road, Mile End. Alexander married Eva Clara Holland, at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 9 November 1902. At that time Alexander was living at 29 Tonning Street and working as a labourer (Note Alexander's aunt Annie Dunnett lived at 29 Tonning Street and in 1911 his mother also lived there). By 1911 Alexander, Eva, and family, were living at 43 Old Nelson Street, and Alexander was a general labourer working for Lowestoft Corporation. Alexander was working as a labourer, and living at 213 Raglan Street, when he enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, on 8 September 1914. On 12 September 1914 he was posted to the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Alexander arrived in France on 31 August 1915. On 27 September 1915, during a bombardment, Alexander began to show signs of neurasthenia and shell-shock. It seems that his condition worsened and Alexander returned to England on 5 November 1915. He was posted to the strength of the Depot, but he was actually admitted to Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital Extension when he underwent treatment for neurasthenia until 2 December 1915, when he was admitted to Southwark Military Hospital. On 13 January 1916 Alexander was discharged from hospital, but on 25 January 1916 he was admitted to Colchester Military Hospital, where he was treated for nervous debility. He was transferred to No 4 General Hospital, London, on 4 March 1916, still suffering from shell-shock. Technically Alexander had been on the strength on the 10th Battalion, from 23 January 1916, but does not appear to have actually served with the Battalion. He was discharged, medically unfit, on 26 July 1916. A medical board, in April 1916, had determined that Alexander's condition was attributable to his war service and that he would probably not be fit to work for 12 months, with the expectation of total incapacity for six months and limited capacity for the following six months. He was granted a pension based on this assessment. Further assessments, in 1917, found that Alexander still had only 50 capacity to work and his pension was extended to cover the period to May 1918. By 20 June 1917 Alexander, Eva, and family, were living at 48 Southwell Road, Lowestoft, and Alexander wrote to the Army to request the Silver War Badge that he was entitled to because he was discharged on medical grounds. Alexander died on 1 January 1918. Army pension records show that his cause of death was neuresthania and shell-shock caused by his war service.  

A Lance Corporal with 2/1st Bucks Bn. Walter died on 22nd of August 1917 at the age of 18. Walter was born at Keswick, Norwich on 31 July 1898, a son of Robert Herbert and Catherine Ann Littlewood. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Eaton, Norwich, on 31 August 1898 and his family lived at Keswick. In 1901 his family were living at Bell Road, Carlton Colville, and by 1911 they were living at Ingate Lodge Cottage, Cotmer Road, Oulton Broad.Walter volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted at Lowestoft. He served initially with the Suffolk Regiment, number 1504; possibly with the 2/6th Battalion. Later he was transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, number 5365 and later 267120.The 2/1st battalion landed in France on 24 May 1916 as part of the 184th Brigade in the 61st Division. The battalion had their first experience in the trenches at Faquissart on 11 June 1916 and the battalion suffered its first casualties almost immediately. On 22 August 1917 the 2/1st Bucks Battalion attacked positions in the vicinity of Wieltje during the battle for Langemarck. The objective was the Kansas Cross - Winnipeg Road, which included seven German strongpoints, notably Aisne Farm and Somme Farm. The bombardment commenced at 4.45 am, the infantry advancing closely behind the barrage. After heavy fighting Somme Farm and Aisne Farm were captured but the Aisne Farm was recaptured by the Germans. Some of the Battalion reached their objectives but were cut off and had to take shelter in shell holes. Artillery fire was used deal with the German counter-attacks and the Battalion was relieved on the night of the 23/24 August.The Battalion went into the attack with 13 officers and 637 men. During the attack 11 officers and 338 men became casualties. Walter was killed during this attack. 

A Warrant Officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, John died on 8th of June 1944 aged 22.John was born at Wellington, New Zealand, on 8 October 1921, a son of Richard John and Minnie Lloyd. In 1939 his family lived at 36 Argentine Avenue, Wellington. As a young man John enjoyed football and cricket. He worked for Johnson and Company Limited, Wellington, as a warehouseman. Before joining the air force, he served in the Territorial Army for eighteen months.John enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force on 10 February 1941 as an aircraft-hand. In July 1941he was posted to the Initial training Wing, at Levin, as an Air Gunner under training and he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. On 20 October 1941, under the Empire Air Training Scheme, he went to Canada, arriving at 2 Wireless School, Calgary, on 8 November 1941. He then served at 7 Bombing and Gunnery School, Paulson, Manitoba, and in June 1942 was awarded his Air Gunner brevet and the next month he was promoted to Sergeant. In August 1942 he was posted to 34 Operational Training Unit, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and he left for England in December, arriving at Bournemouth on 18 December. In January 1943 he was posted to R.A.F. Feltwell, near Thetford, Norfolk. On 16 March 1943 he joined 487 (Bomber) Squadron at Feltwell. John was promoted to Flight Sergeant on 15 May 1943. In late 1943 John attended radio training at Hooton Park and Carew Cheriton. On 22 February 1944 he was posted to 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit. He was promoted Warrant Officer on 15 May 1944, and, on 24 May, he joined 302 Ferry Training Unit, Royal Air Force, based at Oban, Scotland.In 1943 John married Muriel Elizabeth Freeman at Lowestoft. Muriel had lived at 56 The Hemplands, in 1939, and in 1944 she lived at 39 Edinburgh Road. Later Muriel remarried and subsequently lived at 54 Sussex Road, Lowestoft. On 8 June John was a member of the crew of a Sunderland III, number ML858 ‘P’, taking part in an Air-Sea Rescue exercise. The aircraft flew into a hill at Glenn Mhor on Hirta island, near Saint Kilda, and all of the crew were killed.WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 14th Veterinary Hospital, Samuel died on 2nd of April 1917 at the age of 43.Samuel was born at Badingham, Suffolk, in 1874, a son of William and Eliza London. In 1881 his family lived at Badingham. In 1891 they lived at Locks farm, Hoxne, and Samuel was an agricultural labourer. In 1898 Samuel married Mary Ann Whilding: this was registered in the Hoxne district. In 1901 they lived at Watering Road, Hoxne, and Samuel was a yardman on a farm. In 1911 they lived at Ilketshall Saint Lawrence, near Bungay, and Samuel was a yardman on a farm. Later Mary lived at 9 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland, Lowestoft.Samuel volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Ipswich. He joined the Army veterinary Corps, service number SE/9872. He was posted to the 14th Veterinary Hospital and arrived at Le Havre, France, with his unit on 29 September 1915.Samuel developed syncope, due to active service, and died at Abbeville on 2 April 1917. 

A Third Hand with Fishing Vessel S.D.J. (Lowestoft), Albert died on 11th of May 1947 aged 44.Albert was born at Lowestoft on 14 August 1902, a son of Frederick and Mildred Long. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 5 September 1902 and his family lived at 15 Saint John’s Road. Albert attended Hervey Street School until 19 January 1910 when he became a pupil at Saint John’s School, which he left, on 15 December 1911, to attend the British School. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Sandringham Road. By 1921 Albert’s family were living at 103 Stanley Street and Albert was a fisherman working for Mr. H. Painter, smack owner. In 1927 Albert married Ella Kathleen Utting Blowers, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1939 they lived at 5 Oakland Terrace, Kessingland, and Albert was a ‘heavy worker’.  In 1947 Albert was working on the Lowestoft trawler S.D.J., LT 1187. This was reported missing on 11/12 May and it was presumed to have been sunk by a mine in the North Sea with the loss of all nine crew. 

A Trimmer with H.M. Drifter Launch Out, Frederick died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 17. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 30 January 1899, a son of George and Jemima Long. In 1901 his family lived at Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. Frederick’s mother died in 1902. Frederick’s father married Emma page in 1904. In 1911 his family lived at 10 St Aubyns Road, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at 31 Saint Peter’s Road, Lowestoft. Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 September 1915, claiming to be two years older than he really was. From 1 September 1915 he served with the trawler Launch Out.  In 1916 the Launch Out was part of a fleet of trawlers that maintained the anti-submarine barrage across the Dover Strait. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 German destroyers attacked the barrage with the intent of causing maximum damage to the trawlers. The Launch Out was in the vicinity of the 9 A Buoy, at the southern end of the Sandettie Bank, when attacked. The trawler was sunk. Eight of the nine crew, including Frederick, were killed and the other man, Skipper Horace Kemp, later died of his wounds.   For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)Frederick is commemorated on Saint Margaret's and Saint John's War Memorials.

A Quartermaster with H.M.H.S. Glenart Castle (Southampton), James died on 26th of February 1918 at the age of 43. James was born at Lowestoft in 1874, a son of George and Emma Long. In 1881 his family lived at 42 Tonning Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 3 Flensburgh Street, and this was still their home in 1901. James became a merchant seaman, possible as early as 1888. In 1895-1899 he was an Able Seaman on the yacht Myrtle, based at Cowes, Isle of Wight. In 1899 he worked as an Able Seaman on the White Lady, also at Cowes, before returning to the Myrtle. James married Florence Grace Ayliffe in 1908: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1911 their home was at 224 Denmark Road. Later Florence  lived at Saint Michaels Infant School House, Saint Albans.In 1918 James was a quartermaster serving on the Hospital Ship Glenart Castle. On 25 February 1918 the ship left Newport, South Wales, and sailed for Brest, France, to collect patients. Eye-witnesses stated that the ship was fully lit and marked as a hospital ship, nonetheless the ship was sunk by a torpedo fired by German submarine U-56. The blast destroyed many of the lifeboats. There were around 180 people on board the ship, both ship's crew, including James, and medical personnel. Only 29 survived. After the war the British detained the U Boat's captain and wanted him to be tried for war crimes, but according to convention they were not allowed to hold a detainee during the Armistice, hence he was released without trial. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Victor died on 15th of October 1944 aged 22. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 26 July 1922, a son of Charles Stewart and Annie Dora Elisabeth Longthorne. In 1939 his family lived at 12 Fir Lane and Victor was a painter.The 7th Battalion landed at Normandy on 29 June 1944. From late September to mid-October the Allies were engaged in attacking and capturing Overloon and in the latter stages of the battle the 7th Battalion were in the vicinity of the Loobeek near Overloon. At some point Victor was wounded and it seems that he was taken to Gelrdrop for treatment at the Field Hospital, and he died of his wounds and was buried there. In 1945 he was reburied at Mierlo War Cemetery. 

A Private with 4th Bn., Reginald died on 15th of February 1942 at the age of 24. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 20 November 1917 a son of Reginald and Ella May Lord. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 19 February 1918. At that time his father was in the Army and the family home was at 24 May Road. In 1934 Reginald became a postman-messenger for the Post Office at Lowestoft. In 1939 Reginald married Kathleen Gertrude Pennell at Lowestoft. Their home was at 33 Cleveland 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 reported as missing on 15 February 1942 and later was presumed to have been killed in action on 15 February 1942 (date from British Army Casualty List 1913 dated 17 November 1945). Records show that Reginald was buried, by Reverend Cordingley, in the 'garden of a burnt out house - Mount Pleasant Road - map reference 830142 (as was Leonard Smith, also from Lowestoft). In June 1948 his body was exhumed and reburied at Kranji War Cemetery.Reginald's name is recorded in the General Post Office Memorial Book. See GPO War Heroes

A Private with 2nd Bn., Victor died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 23. Victor was born at Walpole, Suffolk, in 1895, a son of Alfred and Ellen Lougo. In 1901 his family lived at Walpole Road, Bramfield, and this was still their address in 1911 when Victor worked as a farm labourer. Subsequently his parents lived at Laurel Farm Cottage, London Road, Kessingland. Victor was living at Blyford when he enlisted in the Army at Bury Saint Edmunds. Victor served with A Company 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. On 22 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were at Verlaines. They came under attack from early in the morning when German soldiers infiltrated C Company’s position. Both A and C Company were heavily shelled all day, and at about 2 p.m. the enemy attacked in large numbers. C Company’s position was overrun and some men taken prisoner. Both A and B Company held on until they were surrounded by large numbers of enemy. Only a few men escaped. At 5 p.m. the battalion began to withdraw, but this was made difficult due to the number of casualties and because they had to withdraw across open country under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire.Victor was reported missing on 22 March 1918 and later concluded to have been killed on that date. 

A Seaman with H.M. Yacht Rosabelle. Ernest died on 11th of December 1941 at the age of 38. Ernest was born at Wrentham on 2 April 1904, a son of Walter and Ethel Elizabeth Love. In 1918 his family were living at Mill Cottages, Ellingham. By 1921 they had moved to 6 Catherine Terrace, London Road, Pakefield, and Ernest was a fisherman. In 1939 his family lived at 12 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a fisherman.The Rosabelle was a patrol yacht. On 11 December 1941, in the Straits of Gibraltar, H. M. S. Lady Shirley was sunk by submarine U-374. H. M. S. Rosabelle attempted to locate the submarine but was also torpedoed and sank. Twenty-nine crew, including Ernest, were killed, and twelve rescued. 

A Sapper with 26th Field Company, Ernest died on 21st of April 1918 at the age of 37. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1881, a son of Robert and Agnes Lowe. In 1891 his family lived at 73 Arnold Street and by 1901 they were living at the High Street and Ernest worked as a house painter. Later his parents lived at 2 Parkholme Terrace, High Street.  On 5 March 1910 Ernest married Clara Gertrude Mewse at Saint Margaret’s Church. Ernest was a painter living at 28 Saint Margaret’s Road, and Clara lived at 7 Walton Road. In 1911 they lived at 243 Raglan Street and later their home was at 87 Saint Margaret’s Road. Ernest enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Gloucestershire Regiment, service number 35444. He was posted to France to service with the 13th Battalion and subsequently he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, service number 187521.  On 18-19 April 1918 26 Field Company moved to Gore defences, near Bethune. During the next two days they were involved in repairing bridges on the canal at Gorre and preparing them with defensive wire. The company’s war diary does not indicate what happened to Ernest but official records state that he was killed in action on 21 April. 

A Private with 6th Bn. John died on 18th of September 1918 at the age of 18. John was born at Blundeston in 1900, a son of Walter and Clara Lown. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Blundeston, on 6 May 1900. In 1901 his family lived at Cottages, Church Path, Blundeston. Later they lived at Flixton Road, Blundeston. John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), service number 27034, before being transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and being posted to the 6th Battalion. The War Diary for the 6th Battalion records no casualties for 18 September 1918 and places the Battalion at Guyencourt before moving forward to assembly positions south-west of Epehy. Details from the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects show that John was accidentally killed on that day.  

A Private with the 12th Battalion, Charles died on 23rd of November 1917 at the age of 27.Charles was born at Lowestoft in 1890, a son of Charles Henry and Elizabeth Loynes. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 11 April 1890 and his family lived at 2 Hervey Street. By 1901 they were living at 33 Trafalgar Street, and in 1911 at 5 Trafalgar Street, and Walter was a railway clerk. Later his parents lived at 104 Beresford Road.Charles enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 24494. He was posted to France to serve with the 12th Battalion. On 23 November 1917 the 12th Battalion were in reserve and given the task of following the 13th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and the 20th Battalion Middlesex Regiment who were to attack enemy positions in front of Bourlon. From 12 noon the different companies of the battalion were sent to various positions to reinforce other battalions in the brigade. The battalion’s casualties for the month of November 1917 were:Officers: one wounded and missing, six woundedOther ranks: killed 25, missing 5, missing believed killed 7, wounded and missing 3, wounded 101Charles was killed in action on 23 November. 

A Shipwright 1st Class with H.M.S. Europa, George died on 25th of November 1945 at the age of 47. George was born at Portsmouth on 5 November 1898, a son of George Frederick and Agnes Luff. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Portsea, on 5 February 1899 and his family lived at 115 Esslemont Road, Portsmouth, and by 1911 they were living at 73 Jubilee Road, Southsea. On 28 July 1913 George joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Shipwright and served throughout the First World War. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1931 and was discharged to a pension in 1938. George married Florence Edith Houston. In 1939 their home was at 11 Saint Margaret Road, Lowestoft. Later Florence lived at Glen Heather, Warren Road, Lowestoft. George was recalled for service on 31 July 1939. On 25 August 1939 he was posted to H. M. S. Pembroke X (at Lowestoft) and from 14 March 1940 at H. M. S. Europa (which was the renamed Pembroke X).George died at the Royal Naval Hospital East Anglia from chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.   

A Deck Hand with sailing trawler Chrysolite (Lowestoft), Frederick died on 4th of July 1917 at the age of 18. Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Robert Willis and Margaret Ellen Lumsdaine. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 25 November 1898 and his family lived at The Beach. His parents married in 1900 and his younger half-siblings all had the surname Willis. In 1901 his family lived at 3 Lincoln’s Buildings, The Beach. By 1911 his family were living at 1 Lincoln’s Buildings, Whapload Road, and later at 194 Clapham Road.On 4 July 1917 the Chrysolite was fishing four nautical miles off Haisbro Lightship. The trawler struck a mine and sank. Five of the crew were killed. Frederick’s brother Robert died in 1917 in the loss of the drifter Reliance. 

A Cook with Steam Drifter Reliance (Lowestoft), Robert died on 7th of October 1917 at the age of 17. Robert was born at Lowestoft in 1900, a son of Robert Willis and Margaret Ellen Lumsdaine. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 28 October 1900 and his family lived at 3 Lincoln’s Buildings, The Beach. His parents married in 1900 and his younger half-siblings all had the surname Willis. By 1911 his family were living at 1 Lincoln’s Buildings, Whapload Road, and later at 194 Clapham Road.In 1917 Robert was a Cook with the Drifter Reliance, LT 694. The Reliance sailed from Lowestoft, on Saturday 29 September, to fish between Wintertons Ridge and Smiths Knoll, and was due to return on Monday 8 October. The Reliance was seen by several boats outside Winterton Ridge during the evening of October 6. A member of the crew of the Lord Roberts, William Westmate, stated at an inquiry that his crew had hauled their nest and gone below when, about five minutes later, they heard an explosion. This was presumed to be the Reliance striking a mine. All ten of the Reliance’s crew were lost. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing IndustryRobert's brother Frederick died in 1917 in the loss of the trawler Chrysolite. 

A Cook with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), George died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 39.George was born at Chediston, Suffolk, in 1876, a son of Samuel and Maryann Lynes In 1881 his family lived at Carlton, Suffolk, and in 1891 at Barsham, Suffolk, and George was an agricultural labourer. Later his parents lived at Mettingham, Suffolk. George was working as a groom when he enlisted in the Army at Bungay on 29 December 1893. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, number R.A. 1682. He served in India from 12 October 1895 to 28 November 1902. He joined the Army Reserve on 21 February 1903 and was discharged on 28 December 1905, on completion of his engagement. On 22 December 1910 George married Celia Maud Clarke at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. George was a fisherman living at 23 Fir Lane, and Celia lived at 2 Water Lane, Lowestoft. In 1915 they lived at 2 Herring Fishery Score, and later Celia lived at 45 East Street, Lowestoft.  George was working as a fisherman when he volunteered and enlisted the Army at Lowestoft on 17 December 1914. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 54841. On 21 December 1914 he was posted to 21st (Reserve) Battery. He was discharged medically unfit, with arteriosclerosis, on 17 April 1915. A medical board determined that he was permanently unfit for military service.  George worked as an Cook on the trawler Incentive. What exactly happened to the Incentive is unclear, but it is assumed that it sank after striking a mine laid in the Dogger Bank area. 

A Private with the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Denny died on 16th of September 1918 aged 33. Denny's actual 'birth' name was Daniel. However, when he enlisted the Army recorded his first name as Dennis and Commonwealth War Graves recorded him as Denny. He was born at Lowestoft in 1886, a son of Thomas and Hannah Rebecca Lythaby. Between 1891 and 1918 his family lived at 5 Scarle's Buildings, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. Later his mother lived at 70 Whapload Road, Beach, Lowestoft. In 1901 Denny worked as a bricklayer's labourer.Denny volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15537, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, arriving in France with that battalion on 31 August 1915. At some point he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and, later, to the 15th Battalion. On 16 September 1918 the 15th Battalion were in trenches at Templeux la Fosse. The battalion war diary records that on that day they remained in front line trenches and nothing eventful happened. There is, therefore, no indication of what happened to Denny, but he is recorded as having been killed in action.  

A Private with the 4th Battalion, George died on 17th of July 1943 aged 29. George was born at Kirkley on 14 December 1913, a son of Arthur Samuel and Harriet Mace. In 1921 his family lived at 5 Kendal Road, and this was still the family home in 1939. George was working as a general labourer when he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, and he was posted to the 4th Battalion. In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion, part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division, 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, Nova 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.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 taken prisoner at Singapore and he was among a group of men taken overland, on 17 October 1942, to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. He died at Chungkai from indigestion.  

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Norman died on 12th of May 1941 aged 21. Norman was born at Lowestoft on 3 July 1919, a son of John Paterson and Ann Hood Macmillan. In 1921 their home was at Glenburn, Grand Avenue, Pakefield, and by 1939 his parents were living at Glenburn, Lyncroft Road, Pakefield.In 1939 Norman was a marine insurance clerk living at 40 Willersley Avenue, Sidcup.Norman enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and August 1940. He was an observer. In May 1941 he served with No 17 Operational Training Unit.On 12 May 1941 he was part of the crew of a Blenheim IV aircraft, number V 5391, flying from Upwood, Huntingdonshire. The aircraft was on a low-flying exercise when it was lost over the North Sea.  WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Territorial. Robert died on 27th of October 1917 at the age of 49. Robert was born at Beccles on 14 March 1868, a son of Robert and Mary Maddis. Some sources suggest that he was born at Mutford on 20 May 1875, but these are not corroborated, and Robert appears in the 1871 Census living with his family at Ingate Road, Beccles. Note that his surname is variously given as Maddis and Maddiss. Robert attended Beccles Infant School and, from 20 November 1876 to 31 October 1878, he was a pupil at Beccles Boys School. During this time his family lived at Peddars Lane, Beccles. In 1881 Robert, and his older brother James, were inmate-pupils at Saint John’s Boys School, Bloomfield Street, Ipswich. On 12 November 1883 Robert was bound to W. Rose, of Lowestoft, as an apprentice fisherman for six years. This arrangement was cancelled on 16 December 1886. In 1889 Robert worked on the Lark, of Lowestoft, and, on 12 July 1889, joined the S.S. Aurania, at Liverpool, as a trimmer. In 1901 Robert, his brother George and sister Alice, lived with their aunt and uncle, Sarah and Alfred Youngman, at Mill Road, Mutford, and Robert worked as a fisherman.In 1906 Robert worked on the Nick O Time, of Lowestoft, and, on 4 August 1906, joined the Queen Victoria, at Leith, as an extra hand. In 1911 Robert was an inmate at the Union Workhouse, Oulton Broad. In January 1913 Robert, and two other men, were charged with stealing coal from a drifter. Robert, who had previous convictions, was sent to prison for 21 days. Robert was living at 26 Till Road when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 August 1915. He claimed to be seven years younger than he actually was. He gave his next of kin as his sister Alice, then living at Mutford. Robert served on the requisitioned trawler Territorial. He became unwell and was admitted to the Royal Marine Infirmary, Deal, where he died from hemiplegia and cerebral thrombosis. 

A Sub-Lieutenant with Anson Battalion, Cecil died on 12th of April 1918 at the age of 21. Cecil was born at Lowestoft on 3 January 1897, a son of Frank Cecil and Edith Emily Mary Mallett. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 12 February 1897 and his family lived at 61 Norwich Road. This was still their home in 1901. By 1909 they were living at 14 Beresford Road, and this was still their home in 1911. Later his parents lived at Ardgowan, Yarmouth Road.Cecil attended Church Road School and, on 15 September 1909, became a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science. Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army in December 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 43405. He was posted to France to join the 11th Battalion and was promoted to Lance Corporal. He was discharged from the Army on 26 June 1917 in order to take up a commission. Cecil attended No 8 Officer Cadet Battalion, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire. He was commissioned as a Temporary Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, to serve with the Royal Naval Division, with seniority from 30 May 1917. On 9 July 1917 he joined the 3rd Reserve Battalion at Blandford. He arrived in France on 27 August 1917 and joined a Base Depot at Calais on 1 September 1917. He joined Anson Battalion, in the field, on 17 September. Cecil was detailed to 18 Corps Reinforcement Camp on 22 October 1917 and attended a course of instruction from 22 November to 18 December, when he rejoined his unit. He was granted leave in the U.K. from 30 December 1917 to 13 January 1918.On 6 April 1918 Anson Battalion moved to close support at the Railway Embankment close to Aveluy Wood. The next day they entered the line at Aveluy Wood. Cecil was wounded on 8 April, sustaining contusions to his legs and arms. He was admitted to 5th British Red Cross Hospital, Wimereux, on 11 April, ‘dangerously ill’, and he died there the following day.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/34589394362/

A Private with the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, John died on 5th of September 1918 aged 20.John was born at Lowestoft on 22 June 1898, a son of John and Elizabeth Alice Mallett. Between 1901 and 1911 his family lived at 60 Cambridge Road. John attended Church Road School until 1 February 1905 when he joined Saint Margaret’s School. Later his parents lived at 64 Sussex Road. John enlisted in the Army at Culford, Suffolk. He joined the Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2182, 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 320243. On 7 May 1918 his battalion arrived in France. He was killed in action during the advance to take Larris Trench, and other objectives, near Templeux-la-Fosse, north-east of Peronne.

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Robert died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 38. Robert was born at Kessingland in 1876, a son of Alfred and Charlotte Mallett. His birth was registered as Samuel Robert. Robert was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 26 November 1876. In 1881 his family lived at The Street, Kessingland, and by 1891 they had moved to Church Road, Kessingland. In 1901 Robert was living with his brother, Henry, and family, at 136 Saint Leonard's Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft, and Robert worked as a bricklayer.Robert married Edith Harriett Plant at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 24 December 1903. In 1911 Robert, Edith, and children, were living at 27 Lawson Road, Lowestoft, and Robert worked as a bricklayer. Robert was living at 27 Lawson Road when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 18 February 1915. He served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. Robert embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Robert was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'

A Lieutenant with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, Robert died on 9th of March 1943 aged 39. Robert was born at Kessingland on 9 June 1903, a son of Henry James and Celia Mallett. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 5 July 1903. In 1911 his family lived at Lyndale Cottage, Whites Lane, Kessingland, and this was still the family home in 1921, by which time Robert was working as a carpenter for his father's building company. The family were still living at Lyndale Cottage in 1939, and Robert was a teacher of handicraft woodwork. Robert enlisted in The Queen’s Own (Royal West Surrey Regiment), service number 6100902, on 30 July 1940, and attended 168 Officer cadet Training Unit, Aldershot. On 21 December 1940 Robert was commissioned and became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Indian Army. He was promoted to (W/S) Lieutenant on 21 June 1942. The unit Robert service with, and exactly what happened to him, are not known, but he is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial which lists those who died in the Burma Campaign and have no known grave.  

A Leading Seaman with H. M. Trawler Bedfordshire (on loan to U.S. Navy), Frederick died on 11th of May 1942 at the age of 31. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 27 July 1910, a son of John and Beatrice Maltby. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 14 October 1912, and his family lived at 11 Meadow Cottages, Oulton. By 1911 his family was living at 39 Park Road, Lowestoft, and by 1939 his parents lived at 15 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. Frederick married Kate Hopkins, at Swansea, in 1935.  Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 21 December 1936. At that time he lived at 6 Morrison Terrace, Saint Thomas', Swansea, and later at 15 Jersey Terrace, Saint Thomas', Swansea. He completed his training at H.M.S. Victory I and H.M.S. Amazon in 1937. From June 1937 to July 1939 he worked on the steam trawler Swansea Castle, first as a Deck Hand and late as Bosun.From 28 August 1939 Frederick served with 'the Royal Navy when called out by proclamation'. Initially he served at H.M.S. Pembroke X (which was in Lowestoft), then with other patrol service vessels before, on 29 February 1941, he joined H.M. Trawler Bedfordshire. Frederick had been advanced to Leading Seaman on 1 April 1940.In March 1942 the Royal Navy sent 24 converted trawlers, including H.M. Trawler Bedfordshire, to work with the United States Navy in carrying out anti-submarine patrol work along the East Coast of the U.S.A. On 10 May 1942 the Bedfordshire, accompanied by H.M. Trawler St. Loman, were sent from the port of Morehead to search for a German submarine thought to be in the vicinity of Ocracoke Island. The submarine, U-558, tried to sink the St. Loman, but missed. Later the submarine fired a torpedo at the Bedfordshire. This missed, but a subsequent torpedo struck and sink the Bedfordshire killing at 37 crew on board, including Frederick.    Later Kate lived at 18 Vale of Neath Road, Swansea. Frederick's brothers George and Montague also died.

A Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant Major) with the 5th Battalion. George died on 6th of August 1943 at the age of 42.George was born at Lowestoft on 10 March 1903, a son of John and Beatrice Maltby. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 5 April 1903, and his family lived at 20 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family was living at 39 Park Road, Lowestoft, and by 1939 his parents lived at 15 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. George married Florence Kathleen Bleakley in 1932, this was registered in the Farnham district. Florence came from Worcestershire and during the Second World War she served with the A.T.S.During the First World War George served with the merchant navy and was awarded the British War Medal and the Mercantile Marine War Medal. After that war he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and in 1921 was at the regimental Depot. George continued to serve with the Suffolk Regiment and by 1937 was a Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion. He saw active service on the North-West Frontier of India in the late 1930s. It seems that as an experienced senior non-commissioned officer George was posted to the 5th Battalion, a territorial battalion of the regiment.      In early 1940 the 5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was based in the North Walsham, The Battalion then moved to Fulborn, Cambridgeshire; Hawick, Scotland; Liverpool; Anglesey; and then Leominster. On 27 October 1941 the Battalion embarked on the S.S. Reina del Pacifico at Liverpool and sailing for Halifax, Nov Scotia. The Battalion changed ship, to the American liner Wakefield, and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941. The Battalion was given three days shore leave.The Battalion was part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division. With the Japanese entry into the war the Battalion was now allocated to the Far East and sailed for India, arriving on 27 December 1941. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. On arrival at Singapore the Battalion deployed to the rubber plantation and then moved to Ponggol Point at the north-east of the island. On 15 February 1942 they were holding positions at Bukit Timah Road near to Raffles College. The Battalion was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. George was captured at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. In 1943 he was officially acknowledged as being a prisoner of war. He died of cholera on 6 August 1943 and was cremated. Official Casualty List 1903 of 6 November 1945 gave confirmation that George had died on that date.  George's brothers Frederick and Montague also died.See also FEPOW

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Fleming. Montague died on 24th of July 1940 at the age of 23. Montague was born at Lowestoft on 14 December 1917, a son of John and Beatrice Maltby. Royal Navy casualty records state that he was born at 14 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 January 1918, and his family lived at 171 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1939 his parents lived at 15 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. Montague married Olive Irene Crisp in early 1939. The 1939 Register shows Olive living at 42 Queens Road, Lowestoft.  Montague was serving on the 'Fleming' when it was attacked and sunk by German aircraft in the Thames Estuary. His brothers Frederick and George also died.

A Corporal with 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Bernard died on 5th of September 1918 aged 20. Bernard was born at Lowestoft on 27 January 1897, a son of Joseph and Eliza Jane Mann. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Raglan Street and in 1911 at 51 Roman Road. Later his parents lived at 103 Clapham Road. Bernard was educated at Lowestoft and subsequently worked in the office of his uncle, Jabez Mann, engineers, at Sevenoaks, Kent. In May 1915 Bernard enlisted in the 10th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, service number 20308. He passed various courses, including one at Chelsea Barracks, and was a Sergeant in England, but went down a rank when he went overseas. He arrived in Egypt in 1917 and was posted to the 15th Battalion, service number 320836. Bernard served in the Palestine campaign and was wounded, when within four miles of the city, in the advance on Jerusalem on 8 December 1917. He was sent to hospital and, once recovered, he rejoined his battalion, but was disappointed at not being part of the guard of honour with his battalion when they entered the city (See also Sevenoaks Chronicle 27 September 1918, page 4). From May 1918 he served in France. He was killed instantaneously by shrapnel in the attack to take Larris Trench and advance toward Templeux-la-Fosse, north-east of Peronne, and buried where he fell. Bernard’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. John Hellen, also of Lowestoft, was in Bernard’s battalion and died at the same place and on the same day as Bernard and was buried in an adjacent grave. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Charles died on 27th of March 1918 at the age of 30. Charles was born at Aldeburgh in 1889, a son of John Edward and Mary Ann Mann. He was baptised at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Aldeburgh, on 4 August 1889. In 1891 his family lived at The Police Station, Aldeburgh. In 1901 his family lived at Portland House, High Street, Aldeburgh, and his father was an Inspector of Police. By 1911 his family were living at The Police Station, Bridge Street, Framlingham, where his father was the Police Superintendent and Charles worked as a brewer's clerk. Later his family lived at 35 Beresford Road, Lowestoft. Charles enlisted in the Army at Colchester. He served with the Grenadier Guards: initially with the 4th Battalion and, later, with the 2nd Battalion. Charles was wounded in 1916 and again in 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty lists, the War Office Daily List, dated 6 November 1916 and 6 September 1917. Each time, once he had recovered, he returned to serve with the 2nd Battalion. Charles was wounded for the third time in 1918. There is no record of when, where, or how he was wounded, but it is likely that it was in connection with the German offensive that began on 21 March, at which time the 2nd Battalion were in Arras. Charles died of wounds at 6 Stationary Hospital, Frevent, France. Charles' brother Frederick died in 1918 while serving with The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

A Private with 7th Bn. Frederick died on 4th of November 1918 at the age of 24. Frederick was born at Aldeburgh in 1894, a son of John Edward and Mary Ann Mann. He was baptised at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Aldeburgh, on 16 March 1894. In 1901 his family lived at Portland House, High Street, Aldeburgh, and his father was an Inspector of Police. By 1911 his family were living at The Police Station, Bridge Street, Framlingham, where his father was the Police Superintendent and Frederick worked as an ironmonger's assistant. Later his family lived at 35 Beresford Road, Lowestoft. Frederick enlisted in the Army at Ipswich in 1915. Initially he joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 265454, and served with the 6th Cyclist Battalion. He was then transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and was posted to the 11th Battalion. He arrived in France in August 1917Frederick served with B Company of the 11th Battalion. On 10 October 1917 he was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance to be treated for scabies and on 11 October he was sent to V Corps Main Dressing Station. Soon afterwards he was admitted to 90 Field Ambulance, again suffering from scabies, and on 14 October 1917 he was sent to 139 Field Ambulance and returned to duty on 15 October 1917. On 27 December 1917 Frederick was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance with diarrhoea and he was sent to 41 Division Rest Station before returning to the Battalion. On 3 January 1918 he was again admitted to 139 Field Ambulance with diarrhoea and, on 7 January was sent to 39 Casualty Clearing Station.On 15 April 1918 Frederick was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance with inflamed connective tissue in his right ankle. He was sent to a Casualty Clearing Station. At some point, thereafter, he was posted to the 7th Battalion.  The entry for 4 November 1918 in the War Diary of the 7th Battalion reads:05.30 Battalion moved off independently by companies via Bousies Wood Farm to concentration area.06.30 Breakfast. Desultory shelling. Three casualties.It seems that Frederick was one of the men killed by shell fire. He was given a battlefield burial at map reference 57A.A2.C.1.9 and his grave marked with a cross. In 1920 he was reburied at Montay Neuvilly Road British Cemetery.     Frederick's brother, Charles, died in 1918 whilst serving with the Grenadier Guards.

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Bertie died on 5th of October 1918 aged 26. Bertie was born at Carlton Colville in 1892, a son of George and Matilda Frances Manning. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 10 September 1893. In 1901 his family lived at Worcester Terrace, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 10 Severn Terrace, Kirkley Run, and Bertie was a labourer.Bertie enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Labour Corps, service number 249256, and served with the 5th Labour Battalion. Bertie was transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment, service number 34269, and posted to France to join the 9th Battalion. On 5 October 1918 the 9th Battalion began an attack on Beaurevoir. Their war diary records that they were held up by machine-gun fire. Bertie was killed in the attack. During the month of October, the battalion lost 69 killed, 361 wounded, and 47 missing. Bertie was buried in a ‘German trench grave’ and his grave marked with a cross. In 1924 he was exhumed and reburied at Beaurevoir British Cemetery. 

A Skipper with H.M. Smack Ethel and Millie, Charles died on 16th of August 1917 at the age of 45. Charles was born at Carlton Colville on 14 April 1874, a son of Johnson and Charlotte Manning. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 31 May 1874. In 1881 his family lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1891 they were living at a cottage near Mutford Bridge, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and Charles was a fisherman. On 28 November 1901 Charles married Emil Jane Cooper at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Charles was a fisherman living at Carlton Colville and Emily lived at 9 Selby Street. Later their home was at 4 Mizpah Cottages, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.In 1906 Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a second hand.Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 May 1915 and served as a Second Hand with the trawler Ocean Foam, YH970. On 18 January 1916 he joined the trawler Nelson, and, on 12 February 1917 he joined the trawler Ethel and Millie as Skipper. The Ethel and Millie, LT 200, was a decoy or Q Ship that was also known as the Boy Alfred and the Ledger. On 15 August 1917 the Ethel and Millie, in the company of the trawler Nelson, under Skipper Thomas Crisp, was fishing off the Humber. About 2.45 p.m. a submarine engaged the Nelson at long range and Charles brought the Ethel and Millie into the engagement and attempted to bring fire on the submarine. However, the Ethel and Millie was severely damaged by shellfire from the submarine. Charles, and the other crew, were forced to take to a lifeboat while the trawler sank.Official records show that initially it was assumed that Charles, and the other crew, had been taken prisoner. This notion was perhaps instigated by reports from the crew of the Nelson who stated that they had seen the Ethel and Millie’s crew on the deck of the German submarine. In September 1917 Charles was officially declared as missing and in March 1918 the admiralty concluded that he had been killed on 16 August 1917. The Royal Navy War Graves register lists Charles and four other crew of the Ethel and Millie and states ‘Presumed to have lost their lives on 16th August 1917 when H.M. Smack Ethel and Millie was sunk by an enemy submarine.'  

A Private with the 7th Battalion, George died on 14th of April 1919 at the age of 29. George was born at Lowestoft on 17 January 1890, a son of John Bryant and Harriet Elizabeth Manning. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Reedham, Norfolk, on 6 April 1890, and his family lived at 61 Tonning Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Gladstone Cottages, Tonning Street. By 1911 his family were living at 9 Kent Road and George worked as a fish merchant’s labourer. In 1917 George married Kate Pearce Doyland: this was registered in the Plomesgate district. Their home was at Hall Lane, Oulton.George volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 9184. He was posted to the 7th Battalion and arrived in France, with his battalion, on 30 May 1915. George was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 30 October 1915. He suffered shell-shock and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 1 February 1916.By August 1916 George was attached to 35 Trench Mortar Battery. George developed inflammation of the connective tissue in his left leg and was admitted to 3 Casualty Clearing Station, at Puchevillers. On 9 August he was transferred to 31 Ambulance Train and went to Rouen, arriving there on 10 August.   By May 1918 George was attached to 36 Trench Mortar Battery. He developed a fever, pyrexia of unknown origin, and was admitted to 36 Field Ambulance. He was transferred to 15 Ambulance Train on 21 May 1918. George was wounded again in 1918 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 23 September 1918.  George died at Lowestoft from ‘sickness.’ On Saint Margaret's War Memorial. 

A Civilian, James died on 7th of February 1942 at the age of 56.James was born at Carlton Colville on 1 March 1885, a son of James and Ellen Manning. James was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 12 April 1885. In 1891 his family lived at ‘Cottage near the Chapel’, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1901 they were living at Coleman’s Cottages, Bridge Road, Carlton Colville, and James was an assistant bridgeman. By 1911 James’ father had died and his family were still living at Coleman’s Cottages and James was a railway bridgeman at Lowestoft Harbour. On 4 February 1913 James married Minnie Jane Boon at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. James was a bridgeman and they both lived at 5 Corporation Cottages, Lowestoft. In 1921 they lived at 27 Kent Road, Lowestoft, and James was a dock gate man for the Great Eastern Railway Company. In 1939 they were still living at 27 Kent Road and James was a leading dock gate man.     James was killed, at the Swing Bridge, Lowestoft Harbour, during an air raid. 

A Private with 129 Coy., Charles died on 27th of October 1917 at the age of 39. Charles was born at Lowestoft in 1878, a son of Edmund and Elizabeth Mantripp. Note that in some records his first name is given as Ramsey, or Ramey, and in others as Raymond. In 1881 his family lived at 22 North Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 23 Jacob's Street. In 1911 they lived at 25 Cathcart Street, Lowestoft, and Charles worked for the Great Eastern Railway Company as a painter plumber. Charles worked with the Great Eastern Railway Company for 20 years and was based at the Lowestoft Harbour Yard. Charles served with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment and, on 4 February 1901, volunteered, at Norwich, to serve for one year in the Army. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, number 6814, and served with the 2nd Volunteer Company. Charles served in South Africa from 16 March 1901 to 27 May 1902. He was discharged on 28 May 1902. Charles was awarded both the Queen's South Africa and the King's South Africa Medals. During the First World War Charles served with the Norfolk Regiment, number 10470. He was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), served number 44963, and posted to France. He joined the 21st Infantry Labour Company, which was formed from men of The Queen's, and given service number 77049. During 1917 the 21st Infantry Labour Company became 129 Company Labour Corps.We do not know when, or how, Charles was wounded, but, based on where he is buried, he died of his wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station at Mendinghem, Belgium.    His brother Ramsey served with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment and died of wounds in 1915. 

A Lance Corporal with 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, George died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 22.George was born at Kirkley on 6 February 1894, the only Son of George and Anna Mantripp.  In 1901 his family lived at 1 Ben Lomond Terrace, Wilson Road, Lowestoft. From 15 September 1908 George attended the Lowestoft School of Science and the school register gives his family's address as 64 Wilson Road. The 1911 Census shows George's family living at 64 Wilson Road and George's occupation is shown as draper's assistant. Note that this census gives his middle name as Jeremiah. George volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted at Walthamstow, Essex, and presumably he was working there at the time. He served initially with the Suffolk Regiment, number 1868; possibly with the 2/6th Battalion. Later he was transferred to the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, number 5376.The 2/1st battalion landed in France on 24 May 1916 as part of the 184th Brigade in the 61st Division. The battalion had their first experience in the trenches at Faquissart on 11 June 1916 and the battalion suffered its first casualties almost immediately. By mid-July 1916 the Germans had withdrawn personnel from the Faquissart sector in order to reinforce their divisions on the Somme and it was decided that this gave a good prospect for a successful attack. The attack had been scheduled for 16 July but had to be pushed back. On 18 July shells from the British bombardment fell short and 78 men of the 2/1st Battalion were gassed. On 19 July 1916 the 2/1st Battalion were tasked with attacking the trenches from the Faquissart-Trivelet Road to Cordonerie Farm. The bombardment was very intense and within the first few minutes the battalion lost 100 men due to shell-fire: thus only 20 officers and 622 men were available for the attack. The attack met with heavy resistance and few men reached the German lines. The battalion suffered 75% casualties amongst the officers and 49% among the men, including 62 men killed.George was among those killed in action on 19 July 1916. See http://www.lightbobs.com/1916-21st-bucks-fromelles.html for further information about the 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion on 19 July 1916 (link courtesy of Tanya Marshall). After the war George's parents lived at 458 London Road, Lowestoft.     

A Private with 1st Bn., Ramsey died on 7th of May 1915 at the age of 37. Ramsey was born at Lowestoft in 1876, a son of Edmund and Elizabeth Mantripp. Note that in some records his first name is given as Ramsey, or Ramey, and in others as Raymond. In 1881 his family lived at 22 North Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 23 Jacob's Street. On 11 April 1897 Ramsey married Ethel Eva Colby at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Ramsey was a moulder and they both lived at 98 Seago Street. In 1901 they lived at 25 Cathcart Street and Ramsey worked as a moulder. By 1911 they were living at 81 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and Ramsey worked as an iron moulder for Brooke general engineers. Ethel subsequently married Frederick Woolger and lived at 3 Mill Road, Lowestoft. Ramsey volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 6 March 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. We do not know exactly when, or how, Ramsey was wounded, but based on the activities of the 1st Battalion it must have been at Ypres. He died of wounds at 13 General Hospital, Boulogne. Note that Ramsey is remembered on the war memorials at Saint Margaret's and Saint John's Churches, as well as the Town memorial book. Also, in the Town memorial book, there is an entry for E E Woolger that gives Ramsey's service number and regiment: this appears to be an error combining Ethel's initials, and later surname, and Ramsey's military details (there was no E E Woolger). His brother, Charles, died in 1917 whilst serving with the Labour Corps. 

A Mate with M.V. Novio, Alfred died on 14th of March 1941 at the age of 37. Alfred was born in 1903, a son of George and Edith Marjoram. He was baptised at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland, on 17 January 1904. In 1911 his family lived at Gladstone Cottages, London Road, Kessingland. Alfred married Gwendoline Wigg in 1927. In 1939 Alfred, Gwendoline, and children, lived at Davies Cottages, Kessingland, and Alfred was a fisherman.During World War Two Alfred served with the Merchant Navy and was a Mate on the Dutch vessel Novio.Some details of what happened to Alfred are unclear, but the Merchant Navy Seamen's Death records show that he died at the Royal Cornwall Sailors Home and Hospital, Falmouth, from 'septic pneumonia brought about by shock and immersion due to mine explosion.' On 22 February 1941 a German parachute mine was dropped and fell into the inner harbour at Falmouth. Efforts were made to detonate the mine, but these did not work. A team of divers, from H.M.S. Vernon, attempted to defuse the mine, but this was extremely difficult and on 6 March 1941 it exploded killing three of the Royal Navy men and three sailors who were supporting the diving team. Alfred was on the support vessel, the M.V. Novio Magnum, and he was injured and thrown into the sea by the explosion. Three other men were injured, but survived.Alfred was buried at Falmouth Cemetery on 18 March 1941.For further details see: Service Most Silent - remembering those who died in Falmouth 6th March 1941 | WW2TalkWith thanks to Andy Pearce for additional information. 

An Able Seaman of the trawler Quiet Waters, Gordon died on the 4th of January 1940 aged 25.Gordon was born at Kessingland in 1915, a son of Edward W J and Florence Lilian Marjoram. In 1921 his family lived at 2 Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. Later his family lived at 1 Zeederburgh Cottages, Whites Lane, Kessingland. A report in the Sunderland Echo and Shipping Gazette, 6 January 1940, page 3, described the details of Gordon's death:When Gordon Edward Marjoram (25), son of a trawler captain of Kessingland, near Lowestoft, fell into the harbour in the black-out at a South Coast port, he shouted for help and signalled with his electric torch. The torch was still shining when rescuers grasped Marjoram but he was dead. Moored a few yards away was his father's boat, the Quiet Waters.Gordon died at Weymouth, Dorset, and probate records state that he was 'on active service' when he died. He was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 10 January 1940. 

A Regulating Petty Officer, John died on 29th May 1941 at the age of 32.John was born at Lowestoft on 19 May 1909, a son of John William Baker and Ethel Alice Marjoram. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 9 July 1909, and his family lived at 29 Selby Street. In 1911 they lived at 26 Melbourne Road. During World War One, whilst John's father was serving in the Royal Navy, his family moved to Gillingham, Kent, and in 1921 they were living at 17 Paget Row, Gillingham. By 1939 John's parents had returned to Kessingland and lived at 1 Bethel Drive. John was working as an errand boy when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 23 October 1924. On 17 June 1934 John married Eleanor Rose Dredge. This was registered in the Medway district. In 1939 Eleanor lived at 41 Purbeck Road, Chatham. Between 1934 and 1937 John served on H.M.S. Sussex. From 1937 to 1938 he served on H.M.S. Sheffield. At some point he was on active service during the Palestine campaign of 1936-9. John joined H.M.S. Sheffield, for a second time, on 28 August 1939. He was involved in the Norwegian Campaign and, shortly before his death, the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck.  John was killed in a flying accident: as a Regulating Petty Officer he was given the task of collecting the mail for the ship's crew. He was the passenger in a Walrus 1 aircraft from H.M.S. Sheffield that flew over H.M.S. Renown. The aircraft was flipped over by a hot air up-blast from the ship, stalled and crashed onto the quarterdeck of the ship before crashing into the sea. Only John's body was recovered, by the crew of the destroyer H.M.S. Wishart, and take to Gibraltar.  

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Eros. Samuel died on 5th of September 1917 at the age of 31. Samuel was born at Kessingland on 20 September 1885, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Marjoram. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 29 November 1885. In 1891 His family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, and by 1901 at Prospect Cottages, Kessingland, and Samuel was a shoemaker. On 23 September 1909 Samuel married Emily Martha Utting at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland. Samuel was a shoemaker and they both lived at Kessingland. In 1911 they loved at Market Place, Kessingland, and Samuel was a drifter fisherman. By 1916 they were living at Coronation Stores, Kessingland, and later Emily lived at 2 Jubilee Place, Kessingland.Samuel joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 23 October 1916. On 15 March 1917 he joined the trawler Eros. On 5 September 1917 the Eros was sailing south-east of Aldeburgh, off Felixstowe, and was blown up by a mine. Three men were wounded, and Samuel was killed.  

A Private with the 10th Battalion, James died on 30th of September 1944 aged 24. James was born at Brampton, Cumberland, in 1920, a son of John Joseph and Agnes Mark. In 1939 his family lived at High Boothby, Brampton.In 1943 James married Barbara Doreen Capps, of 27 Jacob's Street, at Lowestoft. Barbara remarried in 1962. James enlisted in the Border Regiment and was later transferred to the 10th Battalion Highland Light Infantry. The 10th Battalion landed at Normandy on 18 June 1944. From 21 September 1944 James’ battalion were involved in operations to liberate the town of Best, near Eindhoven, as part of Operation Market Garden. James was killed in action on 30 September and buried at Meerveldhouen. In May 1945 he was reburied at Valkenswaard. 

A Lance Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion. Oliver died on 11th of March 1915 at the age of 28. Oliver was born at Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire, in 1887, a son of William Henry and Hannah Elizabeth Markham. In 1891 his family lived at 49 Post Street, Godmanchester. By 1901 his family were living at 141 High Street, Huntingdon. At some point his parents lived at Letwell House, Godmanchester.  By 1911 Oliver had moved to Lowestoft and lived with his uncle and aunt, Thomas and Emma Curtis, at 116 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. Oliver worked as a plumber and decorator with his uncle Thomas. Oliver enlisted in the 1/4th Suffolk Regiment on 1 September 1914. He landed in France, with the Battalion, on 8 November 1914 and he served with F Company.Oliver wrote a letter to his uncle describing his experiences in December 1914 and the letter was published in the Ipswich Evening Star and Herald on 4 January 1915, page 3. In the letter Oliver described being fired at by snipers and Sergeant Roach, of Lowestoft, and another man being wounded by sniper fire. Oliver continued:'It was a very exciting experience, and one that we may not get again. Out here it was what one of our officers called 'Hell with the lid off'. Well I thought it was hot!'Oliver was wounded at Neuve Chapelle. The Cambridge Independent Press of 26 March 1915, page 6, gave this account. 'News has been received at Godmanchester that Oliver Markham, second son of Mr. W.H. Markham of Godmanchester of the 3rd Battalion (sic) Suffolk Regiment (Territorials), has been wounded at the front. He was in a very fierce engagement, and was shot in the forehead, the missile taking a slanting direction. His brother saw him fall, and states that the doctor said he did not think the wound was dangerous. He is in hospital in France.'By the time this notice was published Oliver had already died of his wounds.     NOTE: Oliver's brother Thomas served with him in the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 2263, and was discharged to a commission in the Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion in October 1915.

A Colour Sergeant with 4th Bn., George died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 40. George was born at Shoreditch, London, a son of Herbert Walter and Mary (Polly) Marler. In 1911 his family lived at 16 Welsh Street, Shoreditch. On 21 July 1919 George enlisted in the Machine Gun Corps, at Stratford, London. Prior to this he worked as a plumber's assistant. On 17 March 1922 he transferred to serve with the Royal Tank Corps. George married Rose Annah (Rosannah) Chase at Romney Marsh on 28 February 1924.  On 30 October 1924 George joined Section B of the Army Reserve and stated that he intended to live at 131 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. George was finally discharged on 20 July 1931. He then, on 14 September 1931 enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Army). In 1939 George, Roseanna, and children, lived at 31 Hill 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.      George was reported as missing on 15 February 1942 and later was presumed to have been killed in action on 14 February 1942 (date from British Army Casualty List 1954 dated 8 January 1946). 

A Flight Sergeant with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Reginald died on 3rd of April 1945 aged 39. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 14 April 1905, a son of Charles Pooley Marshall and Eliza Edith Marshall. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 16 May 1905 and his family lived at 26 Princes Road and this was still their home in 1921, when Reginald worked as a driller for Colby Brothers Boat Builders, at Oulton Broad. His parents were still living at 26 Princes Road in 1939. In 1939 Reginald was living at 278 Saint Osyth Road, Clacton, and he worked as a general labourer. Reginald enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. By April 1945 Reginald was an Air Gunner serving with 196 Squadron based at Shepherds Grove, Suffolk. On 3 April Reginald was a member of the crew of a Stirling IV bomber, number LK193, that was flying to Denmark on a sortie taking supplies to the S.O.E. His aircraft dived into the sea off Cromer, possibly due to engine failure combined with a heavy payload. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Ernest died on 9th of August 1916 at the age of 30. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 30 November 1885, a son of Benjamin and Ellen Martin. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 September 1886. In 1891 his family lived at 217 Clapham Road, but the Census shows that Ernest was a patient at Lowestoft Hospital when the census was taken. From 29 June 1896 Ernest attended Saint Margaret's Boys School. By 1901 the family were living at 200 Clapham Road, and this was still the family home in 1911. On 15 April 1912 Ernest married Grace Wharton at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Ernest was living at 200 Clapham Road and working as a fisherman. Grace lived at 245 Raglan Street.  Ernest and Grace had a home at 32 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft. Ernest volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He served with the Suffolk Regiment and on 11 August 1915 he arrived in France to join the 7th Battalion.On 7 August 1916 the 7th Battalion took over trenches west of Pozieres, including Ration Trench. After repeated attacks the enemy took Ration Trench on 8 August. The next day the Battalion were given the task of attacking Ration Trench in an attempt to retake it from the enemy.  Ernest was reported missing on 9 August and later it was presumed that he had been killed in action on that date. Grace died in 1918 and their two children, Doris and Ernest, lived with a guardian, Mrs. Laura Fisher, at 2 Beccles Road, Lowestoft.

A Deck Hand, Joseph died of wounds on 20th January 1917, at the age of 36.Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 22nd January 1881 and was a son of Samuel and Louisa Martin of 32 Pakefield Street, Kirkley. Joseph was a smacksman/fisherman. Joseph married Susannah Margaret Frances at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1st September 1901. They lived at 29 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft, and later at 30 Jacob's Street. Joseph enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 June 1915.An entry in Joseph's Royal Naval Reserve service record stats that he 'Died of wounds sustained when H.M. Trawler New Comet was blown up at sea on 20 January 1917.'He is buried at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery.Note that his service number is incorrectly recorded on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website: the correct number, from his service record, is 7334/DA. 

A Stoker with H.M. Trawler Sisapon. Joseph died on 12th of June 1940 at the age of 38. Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 9 January 1902, a son of Joseph Henry and Susannah Margaret Martin. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 31 January 1902. His family lived at 29 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft, and later at 30 Jacob's Street. In 1919 Joseph married Hilda May Neave at Lowestoft.In 1939 Joseph and Hilda lived at 23 Cathcart Street, Lowestoft, and Joseph worked as a car battery operative at an electrical engineering works. During World War Two Joseph served on H. M. Trawler Sisapon. On 12 June 1940 the Sisapon struck and mine and sank in the North Sea, off Harwich, with the loss of eleven crew, including Joseph. Joseph's father, also named Joseph Henry, died in 1917 in the loss of H. M. Trawler 'New Comet.'

A Cook with Steam Trawler Labrador (Lowestoft), Samuel died on 23rd of January 1915 at the age of 52. Samuel was born at Pakefield in 1861, a son of Henry Lincoln and Matilda Martin. In 1871 his family lived at 10 Sustins Cottages, High Street, Pakefield. In 1881 they lived at 11 Stone Alley, Pakefield, and Samuel was a fisherman. On 25 December 1889 Samuel married Alice Turner at All Saints' Church, Pakefield. Samuel was a fisherman and lived at Pakefield. Alice lived at Kirkley. In 1891 they lived at 1 Beach Street, Pakefield, and Samuel worked as a fisherman. In 1901 they lived at 27 Pakefield Street and Samuel was a bricklayer's labourer and by 1911 they were living at 77 Saint George's Road, Kirkley. On 23 January 1915 the trawler Labrador, LT 1165, left Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. The trawler was due back in Lowestoft on Sunday 31st. The trawler was not seen again and it was presumed that the trawler had struck a mine and sank with all eight crew. Samuel’s brother-in-law, Samuel Turner, was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Strathrannock, Stephen died on 6th of April 1917 at the age of 25. Stephen was born at Pakefield on 13 February 1892, a son of Robert and Jessie Ann Martin. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 8 May 1892. From 18 March 1895 Stephen was a pupil at Cunningham School. In 1901 his family lived at Cliff Gardens, Pakefield. By 1911 they were living at 9 Beach Street, Pakefield, and Stephen was a herring fisherman. Later his parents lived at 72 Pakefield Street, Kirkley.Stephen joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 January 1917. He served on the trawler Strathrannock.On 5 April 1917 the Strathrannock, along with other trawlers, was minesweeping of Saint Abbs. The next day the minesweepers were sweeping off Saint Abbs Head. Around 11 a.m. the Strathrannock struck a mine and blew up. The explosion split the trawler in two and it sank instantly. All thirteen crew on board, including Stephen, were killed. 

A Gunner with 96th Siege Battery, Sidney died on 27th of September 1917 at the age of 41. Sidney was born at Kennington in 1876, a son of Jethro and Emma J. Marwood. In 1881 his family lived at 3 Clayton Terrace, White Horse Street, Lambeth. By 1891 Sidney’s father had died and Sidney lived with his mother at Saint George’s Mansions, Drake Street, Holborn, and Sidney worked as a junior clerk in an export department. In 1901 Sidney lodged at 2 Lansdown Terrace, Weston, Somerset, and he worked as a clerk. On 12 October 1902 Sidney married Martha Blades at Christ Church, Crouch End. Sidney was a clerk living at 14 Spencer Road, Tottenham Lane, and Martha lived at 36 Avenue Road, Crouch End. By 1911 they were living at 96 Seymour Road, Harringay, and Sidney worked as a shipping clerk for a publisher. Later they lived at 99 Wightman Road, Harringay. After Sidney’s death Martha lived at Homefield, Kessingland.Sidney enlisted in the Army at Harringay. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 111378. He was posted to serve with 96th Siege Battery in France. The Historical Record of 96th Siege Battery R.G.A. has the following report of the events pertaining to Sidney’s death:A reluctant return was made to Lievin on the 25th (September 1917), the contrast between pretty village scenes and ugly ruins not being much appreciated. The Battery was so frequently shelled at Lievin that the occasions have not been recorded, but on the evening of September 27th, from about 7.30 p.m. till 9 p.m., a stream of 5.9 in(ch), was poured into the position, the principle gun to suffer being No. 2. Sergeant Weatherbourn, Bombardier Swainston and Gunner Marwood were killed during this bombardment, the cellar which they occupied being blown in. Sidney and Sergeant Weatherbourn and Bombardier Swainston are buried in adjacent graves at Aix-Noulette. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 2nd of September 1918 aged 36. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 14 September 1884, a son of Arthur and Charlotte Britteon Mason. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 January 1885. In 1891 his family lived at 16 Laundry Lane. In 1901 they lived at 71 Norwich Road and Arthur may have been a trawl fisherman. Later his mother lived at 58 May Road. On 30 October 1910 Arthur married Alice Maude Landles at Walworth, Surrey. Alice came from Lowestoft. In 1911 they lodged at 25 Beaconsfield Street, Chester, and Arthur was a photographer’s assistant. Later Alice lived at 58 Gladstone Road, Chester. Arthur attested for the Army on 9 December 1915, and he joined the Army Reserve. He was called up on 7 June 1916 and joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, service number 42719. Arthur was transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was posted to the 5th Battalion, service number 235450. About August 1917 he was posted to the 19th Battalion in France. Artur was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 8 November 1917. On 17 December 1917 Arthur was admitted to 2 General Hospital to be treated for an old chest injury and the same day he was evacuated to England by the Hospital Ship Essequito. Once recovered he was posted to the 2/8th Battalion in France and this battalion was reduced to a cadre in April 1918 and it is likely that this is when Arthur was posted to the 2nd Battalion.  On 2 September 1918 the 2nd Battalion were in the Remy Sector. At 5 a.m. they began an attack with the Drocourt-Queant line as their objective: this was taken by noon. Arthur was killed in action. Arthur’s brother Stanley served with the Liverpool Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Private with the 1/10th Battalion, Stanley died on 2nd of December 1917 at the age of 20.Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 20 April 1897, a son of Arthur William and Charlotte Britteon Mason. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, and his family lived at 71 Norwich Road. Stanley attended Hervey Street School and then, on 1 February 1905, joined Saint John's School before, on 5 May 1905, joining Roman Hill School. By 1911 Stanley's father had died and his family were living at 58 May Road and Stanley worked as a stationer's errand boy. By mid-1914 Stanley was living at Chester. Stanley was working as a photographer's assistant when, on 27 August 1914, he enlisted in the Army at Chester. he claimed to be nineteen years and four months old. He joined the Cheshire Regiment, service number 11581, but was discharged, medically unfit, on 15 September 1914 (His Cheshire Regiment service papers survive in WO 364). Later Stanley enlisted in the Liverpool Regiment, at Chester. He served with the 1/10th Battalion. In November 1917 his Battalion occupied trenches near Epehy and, on 30th November, had to withstand an overwhelming German attack in the Pigeon Quarry, Kildare Post and Limerick Post areas. In consequence the Battalion suffered 522 casualties, including 444 missing.Stanley was reported missing and his name is in the official list of casualties that names all of the men of the 1/10th Battalion known to be missing on 30 November 1917. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that he died of his wounds whilst in German hands. He is buried in a cemetery that was in a village occupied by the Germans until October 1918 and was known to be a German Hospital centre. Stanley's brother Arthur served with the Lancashire Fusiliers and died in 1918. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler James Green, William died on 11th of July 1918 at the age of 42.William was born at Lowestoft on 8 April 1876, a son of William and Emma Garner Mason. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 7 May 1876. In 1881 his family lived near Pond Farm, Paston, Norfolk. By 1891 William’s father had died and William, and his mother, lived 4 Dove Street with William’s grandfather Nathan Garner. In 1901 William lodged at 235 Raglan Street and he worked as a fish packer. In 1911 William was still a fish packer and he was lodging at 4 Quay Street, Penzance. By 1915 William was living at 110 Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth. The Royal Navy war graves roll shows his next of kin as his uncle Richard Garner of 6 Gun Lane, Lowestoft. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915 and served on the trawler Hope before joining the Siver Spray. He joined the trawler Friendly Star on 15 July 1915 and the Condor on 5 November 1915. On 26 November 1915 he went to the trawler Good Friend but found himself in trouble for disobeying orders, on 1 December 1915, and interfering with the Military Police: for which he was punished by seven days extra work, stoppage of pay and leave. In early 1916 he joined the trawler Treasure. Between 26 April 1917 and 6 March 1918 he was drafted to H.M.S. Pembroke 1, and on 6 March 1918 he joined the trawler James Green.   William accidentally fell overboard and was drowned. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, William Henry died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 28. William was born at Lowestoft on 21 January 1889, a son of Frederick and Annie Maria Masterson. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 28 July 1889, and his family lived at 4 London Road, Kirkley, and this was still their home in 1891. By 1901 they were living at 164 London Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when William worked as a tailor, probably with his father. On 5 September 1915 William married Kathleen Marion Reynolds at Christchurch, Lowestoft. William was a tailor living at 164 London Road and Kathleen at Dene Lodge, Whapload Road. Later Kathleen lived at The Elms, Gordon Road. William enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 34577, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. He served with W Company.By 23 April 1917 the 2nd Battalion were in Corps reserve at Arras. The next day they moved to Shrapnel and Pick trenches. These trenches had been heavily shelled rendered useless. The battalion war diary states that on 28 April two officers were wounded, one man killed, four men wounded, and one man reported missing. William was reported missing on 28 April. His body was found at map reference 51.B.0.9d.1.7. By 1920 he had been buried at Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery.

A Chief Stoker with H.M.S. Oakley, Henry died on 26th of January 1944 aged 41. Henry was born at Deptford, London, on 23 January 1903, a son of Henry Jeremiah and Florence May. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Deptford, on 18 February 1903 and his family lived at 30 Nelson Street, Deptford. By 1911 they were living at 111 Dale Road, Canning Town. On 19 April 1930 Henry married Lily Louise Savidge at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Henry was a Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Whitshed and Lily lived at 52 Maidstone Road. In 1939 Lily lived with her parents at 52 Maidstone Road and by 1944 she lived at 40 Maidstone Road. Henry was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, to serve as a Stoker, on 19 February 1923. In 1937 Henry was advanced to Chief Stoker and in 1938 he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. In 1939-1940 he served with the destroyer H.M.S. Vidette and by January 1944 he was serving with the destroyer H.M.S. Oakley. On 12 December 1943 the Oakley struck a submerged wreck at the entrance to Taranto Harbour which damaged the ship’s hull and propellers. The ship was the brought into Taranto docks for repairs. In an accident, on 26 January 1944, Henry fell into the dry dock at Taranto and suffered multiple head and spine injuries which proved fatal. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Ivor died on 20th of February 1944 aged 21. Ivor was born at Lowestoft on 3 June 1922, a son of Henry Stephen and Gertrude Ellen May May. In 1939 his family lived at 28 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft.Ivor was appointed temporary Postman - Messenger, at Lowestoft, in December 1938. In January 1941 he was appointed Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist at Lowestoft. Ivor joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. In February 1944 he was a Navigator and with 640 Squadron based at R.A.F. Leconfield. On 20 February he was a member of the crew of a Halifax III bomber, number LV422 C8-R, that took part in a raid on Leipzig. The aircraft crashed at Gohre, near Stendal, thirty-eight miles north of Magdeburg. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm BarrassIvor's name is recorded in the General Post Office Memorial Book. See GPO War Heroes

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 15th of July 1916 at the age of 21. John was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of James George and Mary Ann May. In 1901 his family lived at 56 Milton Road. By 1911 his father had died and his family lived at 75 Milton Road and John worked as a butcher’s boy. Later his mother lived at 194 Raglan Street. John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in April 1913. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 1/4th Battalion. It seems that John arrived in France between 22 November and 31 December 1914.On 14 July 1916 the 1/4th Battalion moved to a position east of Fricourt and readiness for an attack on Switch Trench the next day. On the 15th the battalion supported the 1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment in the attack. Eventually they took, and held, a line immediately in front of Bezantin-le-Petit. The battalion’s casualties were very heavy with five officers killed and eleven wounded, and 23 other ranks killed, 146 wounded and 17 missing.John was killed in action on 15 July. 

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leonard died on 25th of June 1944 aged 29. Leonard was born at Oulton Broad on 31 July 1914, a son of Leonard and Edith Emma Mayhew. In 1921 his family lived at 31 Sycamore Avenue. On 6 January 1935 Leonard married Margaret Caroline Beamish at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton Broad. Leonard was a waterman living at 68 Sycamore Avenue and Margaret was a cook living at Hall Road. By 1939 they were living at Llanberis, Broad Road, and Leonard was a yacht steward. Margaret remarried in 1947. Leonard enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and February 1940. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 14 January 1944.In June 1944 Leonard was a Flight Engineer serving with 97 Squadron, based at Coningsby, Lincolnshire. On 25 June Leonard was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number NE124 OF-J, that took part in a raid on a Noball (V-1 Rocket) site at Prouville. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Marles-sur-Canche. Four of the crew survived and one evaded capture. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Sidney died on 31st of July 1917 at the age of 32.Sidney was born at Norwich in 1886, a son of James and Rosa Mayhew. In 1891 his family lived at 11 Caernarvon Road, Norwich. By 1901 they were living at 14 New Market Street, Heigham, Norwich, and Sidney was a printer’s clerk. In 1911 they lived at 60 Newmarket Street, Norwich, and Sidney worked as an accountant’s clerk. In late 1911 Sidney married Alberta Mary Ann Beckett and they settled in Lowestoft. By 1917 Alberta was living at 162 High Street, Lowestoft, and later she lived at St Elmo, Carlton Road. Sidney enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment, service number 7932. Sidney was posted to France to join the 1/1st Battalion and in early 1917 he was renumbered 329228. On 31 July 1917 the 1/1 Battalion began their advance as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. At 5.30 a.m. the battalion advanced and by 6.00 a.m. reached Wilson’s Farm and came under shell fire. At 6.15 a.m. they reached Boundary Road. By 7.45 a.m. they had reached Bellevue Farm and despite enemy shelling they had only sustained eight casualties. At 8.55 a.m. the advance resumed and about 9.15 a.m. the enemy shelling became much heavier. At 10 a.m. they reached Corner Cot under a very heavy high explosive barrage: at this point casualties numbered about 35. At 10.25 they crossed over the Hanebeek and now came under rifle fire. By 11 a.m. they were consolidating their positions, which included Border House. At 11.20 a.m. neighbouring battalions were seen to be retiring and, at 11.35 a.m., the battalion were ordered to make an attack to relieve the pressure on nearby units at St. Julien. The enemy counter-attacked ay 12.12 p.m. and this was repelled but was followed be another attack at 12.40 p.m. and at 1.15 p.m. a further enemy attack was made. The battalion was now running short of small arms ammunition. By this point the battalion’s casualties numbered about 10 officers and 135 men. Before 2 p.m. protective machine-gun and artillery barrages were laid down ahead of the battalion’s positions. At 4.10 p.m. and further enemy advance threatened to envelope the battalion and a hostile barrage was laid down. The battalion continued to hold their positions and by 6.15 p.m. the battalion’s losses were around 16 officers and 250 men. The situation was exacerbated because the British artillery were also firing on the battalion’s positions. Between 7 and 8 p.m. the battalion withdrew. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six killed, two died of wounds, ten woundedOther ranks: 30 killed, 26 missing, 2 wounded and missing, 215 woundedSidney was reported missing on 31 July and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

A Private with 164th Company, Louis died on 1st of August 1917 at the age of 38. Louis was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a son of Thomas and Mary Maynard. In 1881 his family lived at 4 Nelson Street and by 1891 at West Bevan Street. In the family lived at 67 Norwich Road and Louis was a footman. Later his family lived at 57 Lorne Park Road. In 1911 Louis was working as a domestic coachman for Annie Hammond and lived at 17 Westgate, Bury St. Edmunds. Louis was working as a footman when he enlisted in the Army at Horsham on 8 January 1916. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, service number 3928, and was posted to the 4th Battalion. He arrived at Boulogne on 12 July 1916 and on 13 July joined 40 Infantry Base Depot. On 1 September 1916 Louis was posted to the 12th Battalion, with service number G/17878.On 3 September, at Mesnil, Louis received a shrapnel wound to his right arm and was admitted to 1/3 (Midland) Field Ambulance. He returned to duty with the 12th Battalion on 8 September. On 1 November Louis was admitted to 134 Field Ambulance, and then 90 Field Ambulance, with myalgia. He was posted to 116 Machine Gun Company on 10 December 1916. Louis was admitted to 46 Casualty Clearing Station 30 December 1916 with inflammation of connective tissue in his right foot. On 30 January 1917 Louis was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 73157, and joined 116 Company. Louis was admitted to 133 Field Ambulance, and then 17 Casualty Clearing Station, on 6 March 1917 to be treated for an ingrowing toenail. On 9 March he joined the Convalescence Camp at Boulogne and, on 26 March, joined the Base at Camiers. Louis rejoined 116 Company on 18 April and on 31 May joined 164 Company. On 31 July 1917 164 Company were to give support to the various units of 55 Division in their attack as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. The company headquarters were to be based at Wieljte and the company’s objectives included harassing ‘the enemy by direct fire whenever possible, with particular reference to the Hanebeeke, Abraham Heights and Passchendaele Ridge.’ During the day the various sections of the company pushed forward to the Green Line, but counter-attacks compelled them to withdraw to the Black Line, which they held until relieved in the early hours of 1 August. Louis was reported missing on 1 August. Later it was concluded that he died ‘on or after 1 August 1916, in action or of wounds.’