A Guardsman with the 1st Battalion, James died on 26 January 1944, aged 36. James was born at Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in 1908, a son of James and Rosana McGale. In 1937 James was living in London and he married Violet Mary Goddard, their marriage was registered in the Southwark district. Violet was born at Kessingland. Violet remarried in 1944 and for a time lived in Canada before returning to live at Somerleyton.   James served with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. His battalion landed at Anzio, Italy, on 22 January 1944. On the night of 25 January the battalion were ordered to make a reconnaissance ‘in force’ towards the Campoleone crossroads and this advance began the next day. James was killed in action during the battle for Campoleone. 

A Driver with 58th (2/1st London) Divisional Train, John died on 13th of July 1916 at the age of 17. John was born at Kirkley in 1899, a son of John Frederick and Mahala Meadows. He was baptised at Geldeston on 17 September 1899. In 1901 his family lived at Carlton Road, Pakefield. Later his family lived at Willow Cottage Carlton Colville Lowestoft.John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number T/1978. He was posted to the 58th (2/1st London) Divisional Train. Details of John’s death were reported in the Thetford and Watton Times, of 22 July 1916, page 1:SOLDIER DROWNED AT WROXHAM BRIDGECORONER’S COMMENTS ON COWARDLY SPECTATORSMr. B. H. Bores conducted an inquest at Wroxham on Friday as to the death of Driver John Meadows, of the A.S.C.Captain Reginald Victor John Young, of the A.S.C., identified the body as that of John Meadows, a driver in the A.S.C., aged 17 years. It was deceased’s duty to bring horses to the watering place at the bridge at Hoveton St. John. That was considered to be a reasonably safe place for the purpose, and no accident had happened there before, so far as witness knew. Francis Goddard Wallington, staff-sergeant in the A.S.C., spoke to helping to recover the body just below the bridge. It was about an hour after the accident. Artificial respiration was tried without result. Driver Charles Ralph Montague, of the A.S.C., described the accident, which he witnessed. On Thursday afternoon, a little before 5 o’clock, he had been watering two horses at Hoveton Bridge. Deceased came with two horses to water. He rode the near side horse and got the animals a little further in the stream than witness had. The horse deceased was riding gave a lurch and fell, and dragged the rider and the other horse with it. They were all carried down the stream together. There was a crowd on the bridge. Witness saw a man in a boat trying to save the deceased, who was on the horse’s back going under the bridge. The horse seemed to get entangled in the rope, and the fallen horse tried to jump on the back of the other. They then reared in the air, sank, and rose again. Deceased got off his horse and clutched at its head. The horse, however, kicked him in the head and he went down. The horse sank too. The Coroner – It seems to me that the people on the bank stood by and made no serious attempt to this poor fellow.Witness – he sank in no time.The Coroner – There was plenty of time for someone to go after him with a boat.Witness – My pair of horses were jumping because the crowd were yelling and carrying on. I could not leave the horses, or I would have gone after the man.The Coroner – But no one did go in after him? – One man did, but the soldier was drowned by the time he got there.Driver George Phillips, who also witnesses the fatality, gave a different version of it from that of the last witness. Phillips said his impression was that one of the horses got out of their depth and began to swim, and would have swam to the other side had there been a landing there. They swam quietly under the bridge with the rider on his horse. What happened the other side he could not tell. The horses began to struggle. Deceased was still riding his horse, and did not appear to be excited. Witness shouted to him to get off the horses and leave them. Witness ran round the other side of the bridge, but saw nothing of Meadows, only the horses struggling in the water. They went under and came up again four times before they finally disappeared.The Coroner – What efforts were made by the people on the bridge to save Meadows? – A man from the other side of the bridge got out a little way in a boat, but went back again. The Coroner – I cannot understand how with a crowd the man was allowed to drown without anybody making an effort to save him. It seems to me a scandalous piece of business.Witness said that if he had seen Meadows come up he would have dived after him.    The Foreman said it appeared to him that the two horses were joined together, and the trouble only arose when they got muddled with the rope. The deceased was invited to let the horses go, but he did not seem to be concerned about it. He did what he could to save the horses by freeing them from the halter, and in consequence of his pluck got kicked and was drowned. The deceased should be given credit for that conception of his duty, and it must be a consolation to the relatives that he endeavoured to do his duty. Captain J. Godfrey Bune, A.S.C., furnished the following official report of the fatality: “I was informed by a fatigue man attached to the A.S.C. at 4.15 p.m. that a man and two horses were in trouble in the river. I immediately proceeded by motor cycle to Wroxham Bridge, and was informed when I arrived that the man had just gone down. The spot was pointed out to me. I jumped into a boat, closely followed by Staff-Sergeant Wallinton and Staff-Sergeant Cooley. We rowed about over the spot indicated, and bubbles were noticed rising to the surface. We rowed about for a few minutes, hoping to see the man rise. We then demanded drags from the boatmen at Messrs. Loynes’ boatyard, which were forthcoming. Staff-Sergeants Wallington and Cooley, with the aid of Mr. English, a local resident, starting dragging the river, and within ten minutes had found one horse which was brought ashore. After dragging again for about half-an-hour the other horse was found and dragged ashore. Dragging operations were continued, and at 5.20 p.m. the body of Driver Meadows was brought to the surface. Artificial respiration  was immediately resorted to, and I proceeded to fetch a medical officer, who on arrival pronounced life extinct. I beg to draw attention to the two non-commissioned officers, Staff-Sergeants Wallington and Cooley, for the prompt action they took for the recovery of the deceased and the two horses. I would also add the names of Driver Davenport and Driver Williamson, for the prompt assistance and intelligence displayed in the action they took. George Cox, a boatman, assisted in dragging operations.”The Coroner – There is no question whatever that this man died from an accident on account of his horses slipping into the river, and the trouble afterwards arose. The only thang that troubles my mind, as it must trouble yours, is that all the people standing about after the accident made no effort to save the drowning man. I am very much grieved to think that this was the case in the county of Norfolk – the place where I live. I cannot but believe that if the slightest effort had been made that the unfortunate soldier might have been saved. That, however, is not the point. It is your duty to say he was accidentally drowned.A verdict of “Accidentally drowned” was returned.  Note: Commonwealth War Graves gives his unit as 4th Provisional Brigade Train. The details here come from his entry in the Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects. John’s father also served in the Army and was wounded in 1917. 

A Mate with Trawler Boy Sam (Lowestoft), William died on 12th of May 1916 at the age of 36. William was born at Lowestoft on 6 May 1880, a son of Alfred and Jane Hannah Meadows. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 June 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 6 Clapham Road, Lowestoft. William attended Clapham Road School before, on 14 November 1887, becoming a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. By 1891 his family’s address was 228 Clapham Road. Later his mother lived at 4 Osborne Street, Lowestoft.In early 1901 William married Lucy Maria Botson. They lived at 3 Erskine Place, Factory Street, Lowestoft, and William was a fisherman. By 1911 their address was 16 Edinburgh Road, and later they lived at 49 Worthing Road, Lowestoft. William was the Mate on the sailing trawler Boy Sam, LT 1014. The trawler sailed from Lowestoft on 12 May 1916, intending to fish at Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 19 May 1916, but did not return. One website suggests that the Boy Sam was with the trawler Boy Percy and that both of them were scuttled by the German submarine UB-29 and that all of the crews took to lifeboats and were then lost at sea. However, the loss of the Boy Percy took place off Southwold. This is not consonant with the Boy Sam heading for Haisborough Sands. William's brother in law, James Gower, died in 1917 in the loss of the trawler Reliance.

A Private with the 13th Battalion, Albert died on 15th of March 1917 at the age of 32. Albert was born at Norwich on 9 April 1884, a son of James Goddard and Susan Meek. He was baptised at Thorpe Hamlet on 7 May 1884. In 1891 his family lived at Cavalry Street, Norwich. By 1901 they were living at Eden Street, Lowestoft, and Albert’s father was a manager at Lowestoft Gas Works, and Albert worked as a hairdresser. Later his parents lived at 1 Gas Hill, Norwich. By 1911 Albert, and his brother Frederick, were living at 89 Whapload Road, and Albert was a hairdresser. Albert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, service number SD/5645. Albert served with the 13th (Service) Battalion (3rd South Down). He may have enlisted as early as 1914, but certainly did not serve overseas before 1916. Albert was wounded in early 1917 (possibly at the Battalion Headquarters, near Ypres, on January 30). He was evacuated to England and posted to the strength of the Depot. Albert died of wounds at a Military Hospital, in Dover, on 15 March. His death was registered in the Dover district. He was buried at Earlham Cemetery, Norwich, on 22 March 1917. For reasons unknown, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission recorded his name on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres. Technically this distinction should have been reserved for those who were missing on the Somme battlefields and there is no explanation why this error has occurred.  His online CWGC entry can be found here: https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/906547

A Second Hand with Trawler Ivy (Lowestoft), Arthur died on 17th of December 1914 at the age of 46. Arthur was born at Hastings in 1868, a son of Eli Henry and Emma Melhuish. In 1871 his family lived at 8 Irchester Street, Ramsgate. By 1881 they were living at 72 Milton Road, Margate.On 17 October 1881 Arthur began a seven year merchant navy apprenticeship with G. L. Cladingbowl of Ramsgate.On 30 March 1890 Arthur married Hannah Riseborough at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Arthur was a fisherman living at 331 Raglan Street, and Hannah at 167 High Street. In 1901 they lived at 80 Avondale Road and Arthur had a shop as a general dealer. By 1911 they were living at 58 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft. Arthur served as Second Hand on the Ivy. An eye-witness, the Skipper of the trawler Sis, saw the Ivy about 52 miles east by north of Lowestoft when an explosion was heard and the smack was enveloped in smoke. The Sis sailed to the spot, but no wreckage was found, nor any sign of the five crew. It was supposed that the Ivy had struck a mine. Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)Note: Commonwealth War Graves records incorrectly give his middle name as Edward

A Private with 14 Light Armoured Motor Battery, Alfred died on 4th of June 1920 at the age of 20. Alfred was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Alfred and Martha Mercer. In 1901 his family lived at 19 Princes Road, and this was still their address in 1911. Alfred enlisted in the Army around August 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21191. About February 1916 he was posted to the France. At some point in 1916 he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 3707, and was posted to 51 Company.   On 11 October 1916 Alfred was admitted to 51 Field Ambulance to be treated for diarrhoea. The next day he joined a divisional rest camp.By May 1917 Alfred was serving with 123 Company. On 3 May 1917 Alfred was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance with scabies. He was transferred, via 138 Ambulance Train, to 50 Casualty Clearing Station, arriving there on 4 May. He returned to duty on 11 May. On 26 December 1917 Alfred was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance, from 140 Field Ambulance, suffering from diarrhoea. On 30 December he was transferred to 39 Casualty Clearing Station. He was transferred to a sick convoy on 3 January 1918. By March 1918 Alfred had returned to serve with 123 Company. On 4 March he was travelling on Troop Train No 82 when it was partially derailed at Modane, near St. Michel. Two men were killed and eleven, including Alfred, were injured. In 1920 Alfred served with the 14th Light Armoured Motor Battery (LAMB) of the Machine Gun Corps. On 4 June 1920 an insurrection began at Tel Afar, thirty miles west of Mosul. Two Rolls-Royce armoured cars and four Ford vans from the 14th LAMB were sent to Tel Afar. The vehicles were surrounded in narrow streets and their crews killed. Alfred was among those killed at Tel Afar. Although Commonwealth War Graves records, and some other sources, state that Alfred, and his 14 LAMB colleagues died on 5 June 1920, there is no doubt that they were killed in the incident on 4 June.  

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Charles died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 22. Charles was born at Chelmsford in 1893, a son of Charles Thomas and Nelly Jane Metcalf. In 1901 his family lived at 119 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 7 Raglan Street and Charles was a billiard maker. Later his parents lived at 223 London Road South.Charles attended Oulton School and, from 1 September 1903 to 5 February 1904, was a pupil at Saint John's School, before attending Saint Andrew's School. Charles volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Lowestoft in August 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France on 31 August 1915 with the 9th Battalion.On 30 October 1915 the Lowestoft Journal published a letter that Charles had sent to his parents, under the title: Letter from Lowestoft Lads Abroad – Why do they hand back?Writing from “Somewhere in France” Private Metcalf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf, London Road South, says:-I have just heard of the bad success of the recruiting meeting at Lowestoft. We cannot understand out here why they are hanging back. After all a Tommy’s life out here is not so bad, and we always have the feeling that we have done the right thing. I don’t suppose the people at home can realise the conditions we are fighting on here. The infantry, after being in the trenches for about twelve days, are relieved by a fresh batch and have 14 days’ rest in small villages ranging from about four to five miles behind our trenches, and every arrangement is being made for the amusement of them while they are resting. They have just opened a cinema, which is run completely by the officers of our Division. It is a fine, big place, holding about four to five thousand, and it is full every night. Troops billeted over two miles away are conveyed to and from the cinema in motor transports, and it is fine to watch them coming up all full of Tommies who are out for any amusement they can get. Some of them have only been out of the trenches the day beforehand, and jump at the chance of something to relieve the monotony. It seems hard to believe, but this is the truth, that the cinema is only four and a half miles away from the German trenches, and while you are inside enjoying yourself you can hear the roar of the guns. Then some witty person says, “Hello! There’s a souvenir for someone.” That reminds me of a Scotchman who was telling us of his chum being killed by a shell dropping right on top of him. We could not help laughing when he said, “Hey, mon, he had it all to himsel”. That’s the way of them out here, they make a joke of the most serious incident. I have been in the Army now for 14 months, and can honestly say I have never regretted the day when I joined. Of course I would rather be at home, but my conscience would not let me, and I cannot think how young healthy fellows can walk about. No doubt when we come home they will come up to you and want to shake hands and say how pleased they are to see you and all the rest of it; but I am sure we would be more pleased to see them out here. Well, I hope you will find room for this in your paper, as they are quite a number of Suffolk fellows in our Division, and no doubt it will please their people to see they are not having at all a bad time.     On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Charles was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September.  

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Henry died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 32. Henry was born at Lowestoft on 26 April 1883, a son of William James and Mary Ann Mewse. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 9 January 1884 and his family lived at Christchurch Square, Lowestoft. By 1901 Henry's father had died and his mother remarried. The 1901 Census shows his family still living at Christchurch Square and Henry working as a cooper. By 1911 Henry was working as a fisherman.  Henry volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France on 31 August 1915 with the 9th Battalion.On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Frederick was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September.  Henry was a brother of William James Mewse of 33 Thurston Road, Lowestoft, and a nephew of George Sharman Mewse of 144 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft. 

An Air Mechanic 1st Class with Air Station (Eastchurch), Robert died on 7th of July 1917 at the age of 33. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 27 April 1884, a son of Robert and Mary Ann Middleton. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 17 March 1889, and his family lived at Marine Parade. In 1901 their home was at 5 Marine Parade, and they still lived at that address in 1911 when Robert worked as a carpenter, joiner and undertaker.  In 1913 Robert married Evelyn Emma Aldous: this was registered in the Wangford district. By 1917 they were living at 23 Sailsbury Road, Kirkley. Later Evelyn lived at May Cottages, Beccles, and, at some point, 250 London Road, Lowestoft.Robert was working as a carpenter when he joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 29 April 1916, service number F/13464. From 1 December 1916 he served with No 3 Wing at Luxeuil, France. From 22 March 1917 he was based at Crystal Palace, and on 1 June 1917 he joined the Air Station at Eastchurch. Robert developed septic poisoning and was taken to the sick quarters at Sheerness, where he died on 7 July 1917.  

A Civilian, Beatrice died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 53. Beatrice was born at Lowestoft on 28 January 1888, a daughter of Thomas W. and Catherine C. Fitt. In 1891 her family lived at 29 Cambridge Road. By 1901 they were living at Victoria Villa, Queens Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Beatrice worked as a dressmaker, on her own account. Beatrice was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 11 December 1912, and her family lived at Hazlemere, Alexandra Road. On 23 January 1918 Beatrice married James Miller at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. They both gave their address as Hazlemere, Alexandra Road, Lowestoft. In 1921 Beatrice and James and lived at 83 Clapham Road, and this was still their home in 1939. Beatrice and James died at 109 Clapham Road during an air raid.

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Douglas died on 5th of October 1943 aged 26.Douglas was born at Lowestoft on 16 July 1917, a son of Herbert and Mary Miller. In 1921 his family lived at 89 Beresford Road. B y 1939 they were living at 133 Saint Peter’s Street and Douglas was a wood machinist’s mate.  Douglas served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed form Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces in Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity.Douglas was taken prisoner at Singapore and, on 8 May 1943, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By October 1943 he was at Kanburi where he died from beriberi and dysentery. He was reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in 1946. 

A Civilian, James died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 58. James was born at Knock, County Down, Ireland, on 22 November 1882, a son of James and Agnes Miller. In 1901 his family lived at Knock Avenue, Pottinger, County Down, and James was a clerk. By 1911 they were living at Kings Road, Pottinger.  On 23 January 1918 James married Beatrice Emma Fitt at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. James was an agent and they both gave their address as Hazlemere, Alexandra Road, Lowestoft. James joined the Royal Air Force on 22 May 1918, service number 188225. He was a Clark (Pay). James did not serve overseas. He joined the G Reserve on 2 March 1919 and was finally discharged on 30 April 1920. In 1921 James and Beatrice lived at 83 Clapham Road, and James was the District Represent and Agent for The Belfast Ropework Company Limited. In 1939 they were still living at 83 Clapham Road and James was a commercial traveller working for a rope and twine merchant.   James and Beatrice died at 109 Clapham Road during an air raid.

A Lance Corporal with the 1/5th Battalion, Maurice died on 16th of August 1917 at the age of 24. Maurice was born at Upper Norwood, London, on 24 April 1893, a son of Alfred James and Alice Ann Miller. In 1901 his family lived at 21 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft. Maurice was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 24 April 1908, and his family lived at Trafalgar House, Milton Road. Later his family lived at 17 Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 Maurice lived, and worked, at 204 Norwood Road, West Norwood, and he worked as a draper’s assistant.  Maurice enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 24832. He was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, service number 9451, and posted to the 1/5th Battalion in France. In 1917 he was renumbered 200983. Between 5 and 20 August 1917 the 1/5th Battalion were in trenches near Neuville Vitasse. The battalion war diary gives no information about the battalion’s activities or casualties during this period. Maurice was killed in action on 16 August along with three other men of the battalion.  

A Civilian, Ellen died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 67. Ellen was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 14 January 1874, a daughter of George and Sarah Oakes. By 1901 her family were living at High Street Corton. On 24 May 1902 Ellen married George Edward Mills. By 1911 they were living at Ethel Cottage, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and in 1921 they lived at the Conservative Club, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, where George was the steward. In 1939 their home was at Red Ridge, 20 Edgerton Road.George died in November 1939 and Ellen then lived at 303 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, but probate records give her address as Crsipin, Dell Road, Oulton Broad.Ellen was injured at London Road North during the Waller Raid and she died at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital. 

A Chief Engineer with Steam Trawler Condor (Scarborough), Frederick died on 29th of May 1915 at the age of 38. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 25 November 1876, a son of William Robert and Esther Mills. In 1881 his family lived at 52 Crown Street, Lowestoft. Frederick attended Clapham Road School and, from 21 April 1884, was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. Sometime after 1884 his family moved to Duke’s Head Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 Frederick’s father had died and his mother had married George Chilvers, and the family were living at 9 Vine Street, Kingston-upon-Hull. By 1901 Frederick’s mother had died and lived with his brother William, and family, at 13 Pleasant Place, Hull. Frederick’s sister, Clara, moved back to Lowestoft, married Frederick Plant, and, in 1911, lived at 2 Volta Terrace, Norwich Road. Frederick married Maud Edith Page, who was from Lowestoft, at Hull in 1904. In 1911 they lived at 4 Deighton Place, Porter Street, Hull. Later Maud lived at 4 Church Street, Scarborough.  In May 1915 Frederick was the Chief Engineer of the trawler Condor. In December 1914 the German light cruiser laid an extremely dense minefield off Scarborough. During the following months, despite efforts to clear the mines, several ships were sunk by these mines. The last vessel thought to have been sunk by these mines was the fishing trawler Condor which sank seven miles north-east of Scarborough with the loss of all nine crew, including Frederick. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, George died on 10th of July 1917 at the age of 28. George was born at Lowestoft on 7 April 1889, a son of James William and Alice Henrietta Mills. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 2 June1889. In 1891 his family lived at 17 Jacobs Street. By 1901 they were living at Woods Loke, Oulton. Later his parents lived at 38 Princes Road before moving to Somerleyton.On 27 May 1912 George married Ellen Sophia Curtis at Saint Philip’s Church, Cambridge. George was a shop assistant and they both lived at 142 Thoday Street, Cambridge, which was George’s home for the rest of his life.George enlisted in the Army at Colchester. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 32893, and was posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. George was transferred to the Border Regiment, service number 28304, and posted to the 11th Battalion in France where he joined 13 Platoon D Company.  On 8 July 1917 the 11th Battalion moved into positions near Neiuport. On 10 July C and D Companies were in the front line and, at 6 a.m., a heavy bombardment of their sector began. Contact between the headquarters and the various companies was lost and by 8.30 a.m. the shelling became heavier. The heavy bombardment continued, with little respite. By 4.05 the front line right sector had been completely wiped out and the second line badly smashed: at this point at least 40 men were known to be casualties. About this time the German troops began to advance on the British lines. At 6.50 p.m. C and D Companies were ordered to hold the front line at all costs. By 7.50 p.m. the Germans had gained a footing the second line and part of the third line. In the evening A Company and men of the Highland Light Infantry were ordered to make a counterattack and then they converged on the Grand Redan with orders to hold that position. The confused situation continued throughout the night, but the 11th Battalion were ordered to re-establish the line. By 3.50 a.m. on the 11 July the battalion has sustained over 350 casualties. George was reported missing on 10 July and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, John died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 25. John was born at Lowestoft on 14 July 1891, a son of Herbert William and Caroline Frances Mills. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, and his family lived at 34 Saint Margaret’s Road. John attended Church Road Board School and, from 1 February 1899, became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1899 his family lived at 23 The Hemplands and by 1901 were living at 283 Raglan Street. In 1911 his family were still living at 283 Raglan Street and John was a drift net fisherman. On 23 February 1916 John married Ethel May Brown at Saint Margaret’s Church. John was an engine driver and they both gave their address as 283 Raglan Street. Later 286 Raglan St. Lowestoft Suffolk.On 13 July 1915 John joined the Royal Naval Reserve. He served with the trawler Herring Seeker and joined the trawler Sir John French on 10 September 1915. On 22 September 1915 he joined the Diadem II and then, in November 1915, the Evening Primrose before, on 22 November 1915, joining the trawler Pelagia. On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.

A Civilian, Mildred died on 13th of January 1942 aged 58. Mildred was born at Kessingland on 30 October 1883, a daughter of Edward and Sarah Catchpole. Mildred was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 30 December 1883. In 1891 her family lived at Church Road, Kessingland, and by 1901 they were living at 42 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft, and Mildred was a drift not repairer. In 1908 Mildred married Arthur Ernest Mills, this was registered in the Mutford district. Arthur was a policeman and in 1911 they lived at The Police Station, Wenhsaton, and by 1921 they were living at The Police Station, Copdock, Suffolk. By 1939 their home was at West Leigh, Kirkley Park Road.Mildred died at 100 London Road North during the Waller Raid. 

A Lance Corporal with the 8th Battalion, Frederick died on 26th of September 1916 at the age of 21. Frederick, who was often known as Fred, was born at Carlton Colville in 1895, a son of James Elizabeth and Eliza Ada Farrants Mingay. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 6 April 1895 and was received into the church on 28 July 1895. Fred’s mother died in 1897 and his father remarried and, by 1901, the family were living at the Sycamore Estate, Oulton Broad. By 1911 the family were living at 15 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. Later his father lived at 17 South Elmham Terrace, before moving to 39 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Fred volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13960. Fred arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 27 July 1915. From 24 September 1916 the 8th Battalion were involved in a Brigade attack intending to drive the enemy off of the Thiepval Spur. The first objective was the Schwaben Trench, the second objective the Zollern Trench, and, the ultimate goal was the Schwaben Redoubt and Midway Line. The battalion moved into position on the 24th and the attack commenced at 12.35 p.m. on the 26th and as soon as the bombardment of the enemy positions commenced the battalion moved off. Within six minutes Joseph Trench had been captured along with a large number of prisoners. Around ten minutes later the first objective had been taken and, within an hour and following the barrage closely, they had taken their second objective. At 2.14 p.m. the advance resumed and at this point they encountered heavy resistance and machine-gun fire from both flanks. By midnight consolidation of the Zollern trench was completed and string points created. The attack was resumed on 28 September. The battalion’s casualties from 24 to 29 September were:Officers: three killed, four woundedOther ranks: 25 killed, 161 wounded, 15 missingFred was killed in action on 26 September. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Ocean Fisher, William died on 16th of June 1918.William was born at Oulton Broad on 6 July 1897, a son of William and Katherine Mingay. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, on 9 September 1897. In 1901 his family lived at South Elmham Terrace, and by 1911 they were living at 83 Kimberley Road. In 1915 William lived at 28 Lorne Road, Kirkley. On 6 September 1917 William married Millie Maud Hartry at Saint Peter’s church, Kirkley. The marriage register states that William was a fisherman and that both William and Millie lived at Kirkley. Later Millie lived at 38 Lovewell Road, Kirkley.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 December 1915. William served with the drifter Ocean Fisher. On 19 January 1918 he qualified as a hydrophone listener. On 16 June 1918 the Ocean Fisher was on minesweeping operations off the Haddock Bank in the North Sea. The drifter brought up a mine in the trawl. The mine exploded, sinking the vessel, with the loss of all nine crew including William.   

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Oceans Gift II, Clement died on 30th of August 1917 at the age of 29. Clement was born at Carlton Colville on 7 February 1888, a son of William and Annie Minister. In 1891 his family lived at Bell Corner, Carlton Colville, and by 1901 they were living at Primrose Cottage, Chapel Road, Carlton Colville. Later his parents lived at Pond Farm, Mutford.On 7 February 1911 Clement married Winifred Maud Castleton at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Clement was a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1915 they lived at 1 Cotmer Road, Carlton Colville. Later Winifred lived at 65 Carlton Road and then at Belvoir Cottages, Carlton Colville. In 1911 Clement was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper.Clement joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915. He served as the Second Hand on the trawler Jessman until July 1917 when he was promoted to Temporary Skipper. On 15 July 1917 he became the Skipper of the drifter Ocean’s Gift II.  On 30 August 1917 the Ocean’s Gift was sailing off the Wash when a fire occurred on board: some sources suggest this was caused by an explosion. Clement was reported missing, feared killed, as a consequence of the fire that destroyed the drifter. Clement's name appears on the war memorial at Saint Margaret's Church. 

A Lance Corporal with the 6th Battalion, Herbert died on 22nd of March 1944 aged 29. Herbert was born at Wrentham in 1915, a son of Charles and Rose Minister. In 1921 his family lived at Southwold Road, Wrentham. Herbert married Eileen Alice Self in 1941. She lived at Kessingland. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Herbert was reported missing at Singapore on 15 February 1942. Later it was concluded that he had died at some point between 1 January and 30 June 1944, and later still it was found that he had died from malaria on 22 March 1944. Herbert was buried at Chungkai which was a base camp on the Thai-Burma railway and had its own hospital. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Allan died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 22. Allan was born at Kessingland in 1895, a son of Arthur and Ellen Mitchell. In 1901 his family lived at The Beach, Kessingland. In 1911 their home was at Sunnyside, Church Road, Kessingland, and Allan was a junior clerk working for a coal merchant. Later his parents lived at Orient Lodge, Hall Road, Oulton Broad.Allan volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, service number 1874. Later he was posted to the 7th Battalion, in France, with service number 43264, and by April 1917 he was serving with D Company.Colonel Murphy's 'The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927' has the following account of the 7th Battalion's part in the attack on the front between the Scarpe and Monchy (near Arras), known as the Battle of Arleux, on 28 April 1917, pages 233-4:The battalion, going over the top at 4.35 a.m. to attack the new Blue Line, passed through the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment, who had captured Bayonet trench and also some 150 yards of Rifle trench. They immediately came under a most devastating machine-gun fire from Rouex, which the troops operating on the north side of the river had not yet taken, and suffered very heavy losses. Portions of the various companies managed to reach the first objective but were unable to gain further ground. All the officers except the colonel and the adjutant have been killed or wounded, these small parties returned to the Black Line as soon as it grew dark and at 1 a.m. the battalion, now reduced to 190 effective men, withdrew to the support line. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers three killed, one died of wounds, four woundedOther ranks: 89 killed and an unknown number wounded or missingAllan was reported wounded missing on 28 April and later it was presumed that he had been killed in action that day. His body was found at Monchy-le-Preux, map reference H.30.D.5.2 and in 1919 he was reburied at Feuchy Chapel. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Benjamin died on 29th of October 1917 at the age of 38. Benjamin was born at Catton, Norwich in 1879, a son of Benjamin and Agnes Keturch Moates. In 1881 his family lived at Philadelphia Cottages, Norwich, and in 1891 their address was 115 Philadelphia Lane, Norwich. In 1892 Benjamin was summoned for throwing a stone at a neighbour and fined two shillings and six pence. By 1895 the family were living at Haddiscoe. Benjamin was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the Army at Bury Saint Edmunds on 13 November 1895. Benjamin was serving in the 3rd Militia Battalion Suffolk Regiment at the time. Benjamin joined the regular battalions of the Suffolk Regiment. He claimed to be nineteen years old. Benjamin was posted to the 1st Battalion on 7 December 1895, and to the 2nd Battalion on 14 February 1898. From 10 April 1897 he served in Malta. On 27 December 1897 he was imprisoned, for fourteen days, due to misconduct. Benjamin went to India on 15 February 1898, and to the 1st Battalion in South Africa on 14 February 1902, to take part in the latter stages of the Boer War. He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. Benjamin returned to England on 29 September 1902 and was transferred to the Army Reserve on 13 November 1902, being finally discharged on 12 November 1907.    By 1911 Benjamin was living with his widowed mother at 1 Station Cottages Herringfleet, and he worked as a chemical manure labourer at a manure manufacturer. On 11 December 1911Benjamin married Lily Gertrude Woods at Saint Mary’s Church, Ditchingham. Benjamin was a labourer living at Saint Olaves, Herringfleet, and Lily lived at Ditchingham. Later Lily lived at Saint Olaves.Benjamin volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3/10232. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 21 April 1915. Benjamin was wounded, but there is no record of when, how, or where this took place. He was evacuated to Lijssenthoek, which was the base for several Casualty Clearing Stations, and he died of his wounds on 29 October. 

A Second Lieutenant with 13 Squadron, Christopher died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 18. Christopher was born at Hilton, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, on 4 April 1898, a son of Arthur and Lady Gertrude Moncton. Christopher’s maternal grandfather was the 4th Earl of Radnor. He was baptised at Worfield, Shropshire, on 24 April 1898. In 1901 his family lived at Hilton House, Worfield, and, by 1911, were living at Normanston Hall, Beccles Road, Lowestoft. His family also had a house at 29 Queen’s Road, Saint John’s Wood, London.Christopher was educated at Mr. Phillip’s School and Keates House, Eton College. He rowed for Eton at Henley. Christopher left school after the summer term in 1915 in order serve obtain a commission in the Army. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers (Special Reserve), dated 22 September 1915. Christopher was attached to the Royal Flying Corps. He took his aviator’s certificate test in a Maurine Farman biplane at the Military Flying School, Shoreham, on 22 November 1915. He went to France in 1916 to serve with 13 Squadron. At 2.10 p.m. on 1 July 1916 Christopher took off from Savy aerodrome in his BE2c aircraft. He was on a bombing expedition over St. Quentin and was attacked by an enemy aircraft. Christopher was shot in the head and killed.    Killed in action in BE2C, 2648 on the Western Front CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Second Lieutenant with 4th Squadron, Duncan died on 16th of February 1918 at the age of 19. Duncan was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Frank and Jessie Money. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 2 September 1898, and his family lived at 19 Windsor Road. In 1901 his family lived at 198 London Road and, by 1911, at 113 London Road South. Later his parents lived at Redan Road, Ipswich. On 16 November 1914 Gordon enlisted in the 2/6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 1935. He was selected for a commission and joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, service number 6974. Duncan joined No 6 Officer Cadet Battalion on 15 February 1917 and was posted to the School of Military Aviation on 23 March 1917. He was commissioned in the Army as a Second Lieutenant on the General List, on 27 April 1917 (London Gazette 17 May 1917) and joined 48 Reserve Squadron.He became a Flying Officer with the Royal Flying Corps on 7 June 1917 (London Gazette 4 July 1917) and was posted to 37 Training Squadron. He joined the Expeditionary Force, in France, on 20 June 1917 and was posted to 4 Squadron. Duncan was wounded on 6 July 1917.Duncan was reported missing on 16 February 1918. He had been flying a RE8 aircraft which was engaged in combat by Oberleutnant H. Auffahrt of Jasta 29. It seems that Duncan was mortally wounded and his aircraft crashed near Wingles, Bethune, France. Duncan was buried at Bauvin, near Wingles, and, in 1922, exhumed and reburied at Rue Petillon Military Cemetery. Duncan’s father was a Captain and Honorary Major, and was in charge of the detachment of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment which, in 1908, became E Company 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. During World War One his father commanded the Depot of the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment at Ipswich. Killed in action in RE8, B2252 on the Western Front CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Ethel died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 23. Ethel was born at Great Yarmouth on 6 May 1918, a daughter of Thomas W. ands Maud Kate Moore. In 1921 her family lived at 9 Saint George's Road, Great Yarmouth. By 1939 they were living at 123 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Ethel worked as shop assistant.Ethel died at London Road North.

A Private with 10th Bn., Herbert died on 24th of October 1916 at the age of 26. Herbert was born at Brandeston, Suffolk, in 1890, a son of Robert and Harriett Moore.In 1911 his family lived at Verbena Place, London Road, Kessingland, and later his parents lived at The Hermitage, Church Road, Kessingland.Herbert worked as an auxiliary postman.Herbert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He served initially with the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, number 27219, before transfer to the 10th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, service number 42743.On 21 October 1916 the 10th Battalion moved into trenches near Albert. During the 22-23 October they were subject to heavy shelling. The War Diary for 24 October has:Enemy artillery very active but casualties not so heavy - killed 1 other rank, wounded 1 officer and 5 other ranksPercival was the soldier killed on that day. Percival's name is recorded in the General Post Office Memorial Book. See GPO War Heroes

A Civilian, Jacob died on 7th of February 1941 at the age of 58.Jacob was born at Lowestoft on 11 June 1882, a son of John and Mary Ann Moore. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 August 1882. In 1891 his family lived at 15 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft, and this was till their address in 1901 when Jacob worked as a blacksmith. By 1911 Jacob's father had died and his family lived at 56 Haward Street. At this time Jacob worked as a blacksmith's striker for the Great Eastern Railway Company.In 1921 Jacob lived with his sister, Georgina Blythe, and brother-in-law Thomas Blythe, at 92 Queen's Road, Lowestoft, and he worked as a blacksmith with the Great Eastern Railway at the Harbour Works. In 1939 he lived at 33 High Street and was still a railway blacksmith. Late his home was at 93 Denmark Road, Lowestoft. Jacob died at the Harbour Yard during an air raid.

A Guardsman with 6th Bn., John died on 21st of September 1943 at the age of 21. John was born at Lowestoft on 19 January 1922, a son of Allen Edwin and Edith May Moore of Lowestoft Suffolk. In 1939 his family lived at 97 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and John was a draper's shop assistant. John served with the 6th Battalion Grenadier Guards. The Battalion landed at Salerno on 9 September 1943, as part of the second wave and the fought their way through to Battipaglia. On 19 September the Battalion received orders to move to Salerno to relieve the Sherwood Foresters. The Battalion War Diary has:20 September 1445 hoursNo. 4 Company returned and were put in reserve.2000 hoursThe ROYAL ENGINEEERS laid Anti-Personnel mines in front of Company positions. At this time, although we could not see much enemy movement, there was plenty of noise. Rather heavier shelling than we had hitherto experienced and it was quite obvious that the enemy though thin on the ground had a great many automatic weapons.2040 hoursLieutenant BROCKLEBANK No. 2 Company took a patrol out through No. 1 Company lines in order to “brew up” German vehicles in a road 1100 yards in front of our lines. This was one of the only roads which the retreating Germans could use to get onto the main road running North from SALERNO. The Patrol met trouble before they reached the road from a large cemetery which was obviously held by a strong enemy post. The patrol got split but reformed again in No. 1 Company lines and started off again but met with the same result. Lieutenant BROCKLEBANK was very slightly wounded in the arm.September 210820 hoursA Guardsman from No. 2 Company was blown up and killed on is own Company minefield. This was due to sheer stupidity. That warning ought to have been enough, but two men from the M.G. Platoon blew themselves up on the same field.Increased shelling of our positions was noticeable, but did no harm.A Patrol was sent out by No. 3 Company to recce up the road on West side of the river to Map Ref. 653323.The three men who were blown in minefields were John, Guardsman Rynenberg and Guardsman Stretton. All three were buried at map reference 654312 and the reburied at Salerno War Cemetery. John is buried at III.B11; Guardsman Stretton at III.B.9, and Guardsman Rynenberg at III.B.5.

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Fiji, John died on 23rd of May 1941 at the age of 21. John was born at Oulton Broad on 29 March 1920, a son of William Frederick and Harriett Ellen Moore. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 23 May 1920, and his family lived at 1 Gordon Terrace, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. In 1939 his family lived at 2 Railway Cottages, off Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. John served on the light cruiser H.M.S. Fiji. On 22/23 May 1941 the Fiji was sunk, off Crete, by German aircraft. John was one of 241 crew who were killed.John's father had been awarded the Military Medal, and Bar, in World War One whilst serving with the Royal Engineers. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Stanley died on 22nd of February 1918 at the age of 19. Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 19 August 1898, a son of Henry George and Jane Moore. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 14 October 1898, and his family lived at 2 Ivy Terrace, Colville Road. From 10 July 1898 Stanley attended Kirkley School. In 1901 they lived at 7 Ivory Terrace, Colville Road, and later at 6 College Road, Kirkley.Stanley enlisted in the Army at Dover. He joined The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and was posted to the 1st Battalion, in France, before joining the 7th Battalion. German prisoner of war ledgers state that Stanley was wounded and captured at Ypres on 26 October 1917. However, from 14 to 31 October 1917 the Battalion were in rest areas. It is probable that he had actually been wounded, at Poelcapelle, between 10 and 13 October and was captured sometime thereafter. He had been shot in his left chest. By 21 December 1917 he was being held at Linburg. It is not clear where he was being held when he died from his wounds. He is buried at Hamburg Cemetery which was expanded after the First World War by the reburial of British prisoners of war from numerous other POW camps.

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Thomas died on 11th of October 1917 at the age of 30. Thomas was born at Hulver in 1887, a son of George and Amy Louisa Moore. In 1891 his family lived at 98 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. By 1901 Thomas' father had died and his family lived at 37 Crown Street. In 1911 his family lived at 38 Lawson Road and Thomas worked as a machine minder at a printers. Thomas married Florence Martha Smith at Lowestoft in 1916. Their home was at 29 Roman Road, Lowestoft.Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the 1/1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment, service number 7024. Later he was transferred to the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. We do not know exactly when Thomas was wounded but the fact that he is buried at Le Treport suggests that he had been evacuated to, and died at, one of the hospitals there. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Halycon II, Walter died on 21st of October 1918 aged 23. Walter was born at Kirkley on 26 January 1894, a son of Henry and (Elizabeth) Annie Moore. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 14 February 1894. From 29 May 1899 Walter attended Kirkley School and his family lived at Clement Road. In 1901 his family lived at Clement Road and by 1911 they lived at 40 Southwell Road, Lowestoft, and Walter was a general carter.Walter joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 January 1916. He served on the trawler Eager. On 26 December 1917 Walter married Rosa May Wright at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. The marriage register states that Walter was an engineer, and that they both lived at 19 Saint John's Road. Later they lived at 27 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft.Walter died in the Cottage Hospital, Gorleston, from pneumonia. Walter's brother-in-law, Henry Dyer, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. 

A Gunner with C Reserve Brigade, William died on 14th of April 1916 at the age of 44. William was born at Lowestoft in 1874, a son of John and Frances Moore. In 1881 his family lived at 21 Wildes Score East, Lowestoft. In 1891 he lived with his widowed father at Grecian Villas, 2 Till Road, Lowestoft, and was a labourer in a brickyard.  William was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the Suffolk Artillery (Militia) at Lowestoft on 27 January 1891. After completing his initial training he transferred to the regular army and joined the Royal Artillery on 23 October 1891, service number 87046. William served in India from 13 March 1894 to 3 October 1899. He joined the Army Reserve on 1 April 1902 and was discharged, on completion of his engagement, on 18 October 1903. In 1903 William married Helen Susannah Hood. Helen died in 1909. In 1911 William lived at 14 Denmark Road, Lowestoft, with his son, siblings and aunt Elizabeth Gowing.William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, number 55167, and arrived in France on France 26 November 1915. Willian served with 19th Anti-Aircraft Battery in 24th Brigade. On 6 March 1916 he was admitted to the Australian Hospital, Wimereux, suffering from phthisis and debility. He was evacuated to England. William died, at King George's Hospital, London, from tuberculosis of the lung contracted on active service. 

A Civilian, Audrey died on 13th of January 1942 aged 34. Audrey was born at Lowestoft on 15 December 1907, a daughter of Herbert John and Lucy Emma Moyse. She was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 July 1908, and her family lived at 4 Gordon Terrace, Oulton Road. By 1911 her family were living at 3 Diamond Terrace, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and this was still their home in 1939 when Audrey worked as a kitchen help. Note that Audrey’s family’s address was also known as 75 Beccles Road.In late 1941 Audrey married Robert Morgan, and this was registered in the Lothingland district. Robert was a soldier with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Audrey died at London Road North during the Waller Raid.  

A Civilian, Ernest died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 70. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 22 May 1871, a son of Ephraim and Jane Ann Morling. In 1881 his family lived at 8 Burton Street. By 1891 the family had moved to 297 Raglan Street and Ernest worked as a life insurance agent.Ernest married Ada Maria Riches  in 1900. In 1901 they lived at Wagner House, Nelson Street, and Ernest had his own business as a piano and music seller and piano tuner. By 1911 they were living at Snowdon House, 146, London Road North, and Ernest was a pianoforte and music dealer and piano tuner. The 1921 census shows them living at 23 Old Nelson Street and Ernest is described as a piano and music dealer piano tuner with premises at 149 London Road. Ada died in 1932. The 1939 Census shows Ernest living at 23 Nelson Street and now he is the piano department manager. Later his home was at 45 Gunton Drive. Ernst was killed in the 'Waller Raid', he died at 106 London Road North.He owned Morlings music store, Ernest opened the first store on Old Nelson Street in 1892. The London Road shop was bombed twice in World War II with this second hit in January 1942 killing Ernest, three members of staff and three customers. (Credit:BBC)His son Hugh died while a prisoner in Japanese hands.

A Leading Aircraftman with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Hugh died on 3rd of July 1943 aged 33. Hugh was born at Lowestoft on 24 August 1909, a son of Ernest Jabez and Ada Maria Morling. In 1911 his family lived at Snowdon House, 146, London Road North. By 1921 they were living at 23 Old Nelson Street and later his father lived at 45 Gunton Drive. In 1935 Hugh married Winifred May Gouldby. By 1939 Hugh and Winifred were living at 20 Ipswich Road and Hugh was the director and joint manager of Pearn’s Radio and Music Retailers and Repairers. Hugh enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. Hugh served in the Far East with 307 Air Ministry Experimental Station which was a radar unit. It appears that his unit was providing defence support for Singapore and that Hugh was evacuated to Java before Singapore was captured by the Japanese. Hugh was then, technically, posted to R.A.F. Kluang but, by March 1942, had been evacuated to Java and he was taken prisoner, along with several other men of his unit, at Java on 8 March 1942.  Hugh was held at a camp at Moluccas before being held at Haroekoe (Haruku). He died from bacillary dysentery. Commonwealth War Graves records suggest that he died at Ambon and it appears that he was buried at Cape Marakee, Kario VIII, and that, in 1947, he was re-buried at Ambon War Cemetery. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 73rd Bn. Alexander died on 10th of April 1917 at the age of 20.Alexander was born at Blundeston on 24 December 1896, a son of William and Sarah Jane Morris. In 1891 his family lived at Lound Road, Blundeston. By 1911 his family were living at Caro Villa, Kessingland Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft. Alexander, also known as Alec, was working as a storekeeper, and living at 26 First Avenue, Verdun, Canada, when he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He first enlisted on 12 July 1915 and joined the 60th Battalion, service number 457894. However, he was discharged medically until on 1 September 1915. He enlisted again at Montreal on 22 September 1915. Alexander embarked at Halifax, on R.M.S. Adriatic, on 31 March 1916 and arrived at Liverpool on 9 April 1916. He arrived in France on 13 August 1916. Alexander served with D Company. Alexander was killed in action at trenches west of Givenchy. He was buried half a mile south of Givenchy-en-Gohelle and four mile south-west of Lens. Although Alexander, and other Canadian soldiers, were known to be buried in the cemetery at Givenchy-en-Gohelle, after the war their graves could not be located and so Alexander's name is recorded on the Vimy Memorial.   On Saint Margaret's War Memorial.

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Colleen. Francis died on 29th of November 1915 at the age of 23. Francis was born at Lowestoft on 28 August 1892, a son of Francis and Henrietta Morris. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 14 September 1892, and his family lived at Canary Cottage, Whapload Road, Lowestoft. Francis’ father died in 1909 and the family were living at 176 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 Francis’ father was living at 75 May Road, Lowestoft.Francis joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 September 1915 and, on 14 September 1915 was drafted to H.M.S. Colleen at Queenstown, Ireland.Francis was accidentally drowned at Queenstown on 29 November 1915. His body was recovered on 16 June 1916 and buried at Queenstwon (now known as Cobh, County Cork).

A Private with 9th Bn., John died on 13th of September 1916 at the age of 23. John was born at Dedham, Essex, on 1892, a son of Charles and Alice Morris. He was baptised at Dedham on 4 September 1892. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Laxfield. By 1911 they were living at 1 Love Road, Lowestoft, and John was a carpenter. Later his family lived at 79 Sussex Road, Lowestoft, and afterwards at 27 Culver Road, Wokingham Road, Reading Berkshire. John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and arrived in France, with the Battalion, on 31 August 1915. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 9th Battalion’s attack at The Quadrilateral 13 September 1916:The battalion took part in an attack by the 61st Division on the Quadrilateral., the 71st Brigade being on the left and the 16th on the right. The 9th Battalion attacked with three companies in the front line and one in support, zero being 6.20 a.m. The battalion got through the German out post line quite easily, but on gaining the open ground, which stretched for about four hundred yards to the enemy’s wire, came under a terrific machine-gun fire from the formidable strong point known as the Quadrilateral. Across this bare expanse the men struggled bravely forward. Lieutenant Macdonald with others getting close enough to throw a bomb into the German stronghold before being wounded. No further progress could, however, be made. At 7.30 a.m. another attack, in which A Company participated, was launched; and in the evening a third. Still no entrance could be effected. The battalion therefore, in touch with the units on both flanks, dug itself in on a line about half a mile in front of the jumping off trenches of the morning.  The Battalion’s casualties were: officers 2 killed and 10 wounded; other ranks 15 killed and 185 wounded. John was reported missing. By July 1917 it had been concluded that he had been killed in action. Although some sources seem to suggest he died on 16 September, this was actually the first date after the battle that casualty reports could be compiled, hence the actual date was 13 September. John’s body was found at map reference 57c. T.15.c.a.5. and in 1919 he was reburied at Guards Cemetery.John's brother Robert was killed in action in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Lance Corporal with 1st Bn., Robert died on 25th of May 1915 at the age of 19. Robert was born at Laxfield, Suffolk, on 14 October 1895, a son of Charles and Alice Morris. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Laxfield, on 26 April 1896. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Laxfield. By 1911 they were living at 1 Love Road, Lowestoft, and Robert was a stockbroker’s clerk. Later his family lived at 79 Sussex Road, Lowestoft, and afterwards at 27 Culver Road, Wokingham Road, Reading Berkshire. Robert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 9 May 1915 to join the Battalion and he served with B Company. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 1st Battalion’s attack endeavours on 24 and 25 May 1915, pages 78-79:On 24 May the Battalion fell in and moved towards Ypres. As the main bridge over the canal into Ypres was being heavily shelled 2nd Lieutenant Kemp guided the battalion to a small pontoon bridge which he knew to be intact. After negotiating the bridge successfully, the battalion set of across country at a smart pace and, skirting the pond at Zillebeke, reached Witte Poort Farm at about 5 o’clock in the evening, having sustained a few casualties on the way from artillery fire directed from an observation balloon.In front of the farm ran a sunken road, with a deep ditch bordered by a hedge on the far side; beyond lay a field with a fringe of wood at its lower end in which the Germans were entrenched, their position being only about a hundred yards away. Two companies formed the firing line, with the others following, trickled across the road, the Germans holding their fire as they did so. The battalion, crouching in the ditch with bayonets fixed, now received from Major Maycock the order to charge. Captain Rushbrooke, on the right began pushing his way through the hedge, all the others following suit. Instantly the Germans poured in a most deadly fire, which so thinned the line that the objective was never reached. The order was then given to retire and reform. Shortly afterwards their brigade was ordered to launch another attack: Bellewarde Farm was to be taken at all costs, so at midnight the battalion again moved up to the west side of Witte Port Farm, but not in touch with either of its flank units. The attack was to be launched on a front of about four hundred yards. Two companies were put in the firing line on the extreme right, the other two being in support. Again the order was given to charge, and the battalion led by Major Maycock began to advance, but immediately came under a withering fire as on the previous occasion. Men fell in heaps everywhere, and within a few minutes the advance was definitely held up. The attack as a whole failed. One small point, on the sunken road, was held all day. Heavy shelling also took place on the 25th and during the day two officers and some stragglers returned to battalion headquarters. The battalion now numbered three officers and 181 other ranks.The battalion’s casualties for 25 May were two officers killed, three wounded, and two missing, and, among the other ranks, three killed, 37 wounded, and 91 missing.   Robert was reported missing on 25 May. Enquiries about Robert, made through the Red Cross, continued until 1916. It was concluded that he had been killed in action on 25 May. Robert’s brother, John, was killed in action in 1916 whilst serving with the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Lance Corporal with 1st Bn. Archdale died on 14th of September 1914 at the age of 29. Archdale was born at Henstead in 1885, a son of George and Charlotte Morse. He was baptised at Henstead on 8 February 1885. In 1891 his family lived at Henstead. By 1901 his father had died and his mother remarried and his family lived near the Bell Inn at Carlton Colville and Archdale worked as a general labourer. Later their address was 1 Bell Cottage, Carlton Colville.Archdale enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth on 5 January 1905. He joined the Coldstream Guards. He served with the 1st Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 13 August 1914.On the morning of 14 September 1914 the Battalionm were at Paissy and were ordered to form the advance guard for their division and to march to Cerny via Moulin and Vendresse. When at Cerny they were soon bought into the firing line and were subject to heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from a nearby factory which they succeeded in taking, but with considerable loss. The Battalion remained in action all day and at times were subject to very severe shell fire. The Battalion's loses, all ranks, were 11 killed, 190 wounded, and 163 missing.  Archdale was reported to be missing on 14 September and by March 1916 it had been concluded that he had been killed in action on that date.

A Civilian, Roy died on 10th of April 1941 aged 32. Roy was born at Holt, Norfolk, on 24 June 1908, a son of Charles Palgrave and Alice Sophia Moulton. By 1911 his family were living at 137-138 High Street, Lowestoft, and by 1921 they were living at 72 Carlton Road. On 11 July 1936 Roy married Winifred Alice Ansted at Saint Margaret’s Church. Roy was a joiner living at 8 Windsor Road, and Winifred lived at 2 Station Road. By 1939 they were living at Saint Lucia, Warren Road, and Roy was a carpenter and joiner. Roy was a member of a First Aid Post and was injured when the First Aid Post at Till Road was bombed on 9 April 1941, he died the next day at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.

A Deck Hand with Drifter Will and Maggie (Lowestoft). William died on 3rd of November 1914 at the age of 23.William was born at Carlton Colville in 1891, a son of Horace and Elizabeth Ann Mower. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 25 October 1891. In 1901 his family lived at Morse's Cottages, Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at Crown Cottages, Carlton Colville, and William worked as a fisherman on a drifter. On 15 December 1912 William married Agnes Elizabeth Block at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. William was a fisherman living at Carlton Colville and Agnes lived at Pakefield. Their home was at Olive Cottages, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. William was a Deck Hand with the drifter 'Will and Maggie'. At 9 p.m. on 3 November 1914 the drifter was fishing about 17 miles off Lowestoft. A mine was brought up in the net and exploded. Six of the crew were killed including William; George and Wilfred Gower; Harry Flowers and Frank Newrick, all from Lowestoft area; and Frederick Steel, from Gorleston. Two other men, Edward Smith and Alfred Leverett, were injured. Two men, Albert Wright and Ernest Coe, survived and were not injured. At the inquest Wright and Coe stated that the mine was caught in the drifter's net and exploded when the net was being hauled in. They added that the drifter's small boat was damaged in the explosion: hence the men who were not killed in the explosion had to survive in the water until rescued. The four survivors were picked up by the trawler Qui Saint and landed at Lowestoft. On 3 November 1914 the Will and Maggie was fishing about 17 miles off Lowestoft. A mine was brought up in the net and exploded, killing six of the crew. The four survivors were picked up by the trawler Qui Saint and landed at Lowestoft. For further details see: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Third Hand with Trawler Excel (Lowestoft), Edward died on 4th of June 1915 at the age of 23.Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Peter and Miriam Moxey. Note that birth registration indexes give his first name as Edwin, but all other documents state Edward.In 1901 his family lived at 14 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. Later his family lived at 4 Claremont Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 Edward was a fisherman and the 1911 Census lists him as an able seaman on the trawler G.V.E. at Padstow.Edward was a Third Hand on the trawler Excel, LT 460. His father was the Skipper and his brother Francis (Frank) the Mate. The last sighting of the Excel was on 4 June 1915 at a position fifty miles south east by east from Lowestoft. It was concluded that the Excel had struck a mine and all four of the trawler's crew lost. 

A Mate with Trawler Excel (Lowestoft), Frank died on 4th of June 1915 at the age of 31. Francis, also known as Frank, was born at Ramsgate in 1883, a son of Peter and Miriam Moxey. By 1891 his family was living at 94 Haward Street, Lowestoft, and in 1901 his family lived at 14 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. Later his family lived at 4 Claremont Road, Lowestoft. By 1901 Francis was working as a fisherman.On 25 December 1909 Francis married Florence Marie Martin at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. They were both living at Kirkley and Francis was a fisherman. By 1911 they were living at 44 John Street, Lowestoft, and later Florence lived at 44 Lovewell Road. Frank was the Mate on the trawler Excel, LT 460. His father was the Skipper and his brother Edward the Third Hand. The last sighting of the Excel was on 4 June 1915 at a position fifty miles south east by east from Lowestoft. It was concluded that the Excel had struck a mine and all four of the trawler's crew lost. 

A Steward with H.M. Trawler Orpheus. Frederick died on 20th of April 1942 at the age of 21.Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 24 May 1920 a son of Fredrick William Edward and Amelia Moxey. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 10 June 1920, and his family lived at 69 Arnold Street. By 1921 they were living at 4 Selby Street. Frederick married Violet May Stone at Lowestoft in 1941, later she lived at Leigh, Lancashire.Frederick died at Princess Royal E.M.S. Hospital, Swansea, from peritonitis following an operation for appendicitis. Frederick's great-uncle, Peter Moxey was also a casualty

A Skipper with Trawler Excel (Lowestoft), Peter died on 4th of June 1915 at the age of 58.Peter was born at Ramsgate in 1854, a son of William Blackler and Joanna (Ann) Moxey. By 1861 Peter's father had died and his family lived at 15 Regent Place, Ramsgate. By 1871 he was working at sea: in 1871 on the 'Frank of Ramsgate'; in 1879 as the Master of the 'Emma' (Ramsgate).On 3 April 1874 Peter married Miriam Ruth Fuggle at Christchurch, Ramsgate.  In 1881 Peter, Miriam, and children, lived at 3 Bell Vue Road, Ramsgate, and Peter was a master-mariner (fisherman). By 1891 his family was living at 94 Haward Street, Lowestoft, In 1901 his family lived at 14 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. Later Miriam lived at 4 Claremont Road, Lowestoft. During his career at sea Peter owner a number of different vessels including the smacks Desire, Chanticlier and Lizzie.Peter was the Skipper of the trawler Excel, LT 460. His son Francis (Frank) the Mate, and his son Edward the Third Hand. The last sighting of the Excel was on 4 June 1915 at a position fifty miles south east by east from Lowestoft. It was concluded that the Excel had struck a mine and all four of the trawler's crew lost. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Dorothy Rose, Albert died on 7th of December 1918 aged 32. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 11 December 1886, a son of George and Sarah Moyse. He was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 12 January 1887 and his family lived at Rant Score East. By 1901 they were living at 9 Anguish Street, and in 1911 at Glencoe Terrace, 303 Raglan Street. On 8 June 1913 Albert married Sarah Boardley at Saint Margaret’s Church. Albert was a fisherman living at 303 Raglan Street, and Sarah lived at 59 Roman Road. In 1915 they lived at 4 Jacob’s Street. By 1918 Sarah was living at 23 Reeve Street. In 1920 she lived at 3 Volta Terrace, Norwich Road; in 1922 at 25 Love Road, and later at 22 Hill Road.  Albert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 July 1915. He served with the trawler Dorothy Rose until 3 December 1918, and it seems that this is when he was admitted to Gunton Cottage Hospital with pneumonia, and he died there on 7 December. 

A Second Engineer Officer with the tug S. S. Aid (London), Bernard died on 29th of November 1940 aged 34.Bernard was born at Kessingland in 1906, a son of Ernest and Blanche Pauline Moyse. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 1 April 1906. In 1911 his family lived at 2 Prospect Place, Kessingland, and this was still their home in 1921 when Bernard was a grocer’s assistant working for Mr. G. Brock at Lowestoft Road, Kessingland. In 1925 Bernard married Martha Elizabeth Catchpole, this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1939 their home was at 1 Woodfield Terrace, Kessingland. Martha remarried in 1942. Bernard died when his tug was attacked and sunk by enemy action about eight miles off Start Point, Devon. Five members of the crew were killed.Bernard's son George served with the South Lancashire Regiment and died in 1945. 

A Leading Cook with H.M. Motor Minesweeper 8. Ernest died on 24th of June 1944 at the age of 29. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 9 October 1914 a son of Ernest Henry and Letitia Moyse. In 1921 his family lived at 8 Jacobs Street, Lowestoft. On 8 October 1938 Ernest married Irene Violet Jackson at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Ernest and Irene were both living at Kirkley and Ernest worked as a labourer. By 1939 they were living at The Nest, Long Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a general labourer. During World War Two Ernest served on Motor Minesweeper number 8. On 24 June 1944 the minesweeper was in the English Channel and struck a mine. All of the crew, including Ernest, were killed. Ernest's brother, Stanley, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died as a prisoner of war in 1943. 

A Signalman with 56 Infantry Brigade, Ernest died on 14 June 1944, aged 19.Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 1 July 1924, a son of John Henry and Millicent Moyse. In 1939 his family lived at Fairfields, London Road, Pakefield, and Ernest was a grocer’s errand boy.  Ernest was a signaller with the 56th Infantry Brigade and would have landed at Normandy on D-Day. On 7 June his unit was involving in liberating Bayeux. Ernest was wounded, date unknown, and died of his wounds on 14 June. He was buried at St. Vigor-le-Grand and in March 1945 he was reburied at Bayeux War Cemetery. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, George died on 11th of April 1945 aged 19.George was born at Kessingland on 13 November 1925, a son of Bernard William and Martha Elizabeth Moyse. In 1939 his family lived at 1 Woodfield Terrace, Kessingland. George’s father died in 1940 when the tug her was serving on was sunk by enemy action and his mother married William A. Sherwood.In March – April 1945 the 1st Battalion were in the eastern border areas of The Netherlands and were dealing with numerous enemy stragglers. On 5 April they were engaged by the enemy at Lingen. George was wounded on 9 April and died from his wounds two days later. 

A Lance Corporal with the 5th Battalion, Stanley died on 3rd of August 1943 aged 27. Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 23 July 1916, a son of Ernest Henry and Letitia Moyse. In 1921 his family lived at 8 Jacobs Street. By 1939 his family were living at 7 Waveney Crescent and Stanley was a general labourer. In early 1940 Stanley married Ellen Margaret Dorothea Dewell, this was registered in the Lothingland district. By 1943 Ellen was living at Council Chambers, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. Stanley served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942.The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Stanley, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Stanley was among a party of men taken overland, on 19 March 1943, to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By August 1943 he was Tarmarkan where he died from indigestion. Stanley was buried at Tarmarkan Main Cemetery and later, in 1946, was reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Stanley’s brother, Ernest, served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service and died in 1944.

A Second Hand with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), Edward died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 36.Edward was born at Lowestoft on 31 October 1878, a son of Edward and Sarah Muirhead. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 September 1881. In 1881 his family lived at 4 North Raglan Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 Edward's father had died, and his mother had married Alexander Penman, and the family lived at 117 Wollaston Road. In 1901 his family lived at 96 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and Edward was a fisherman. On 25 December 1901 Edward married Caroline Beck at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Edward was a fisherman living at 96 Seago Street, and Caroline lived at 263 Raglan Street. In 1911 they lived at 97 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and Edward was a fisherman. Later Caroline lived at 81 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.Edward worked as an Second Hand 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 Skipper with the trawler Fleurette (Lowestoft), Charles died on the 13th February 1917, aged 39.Charles was born at Pakefield in 1878, a son of Edward Emmanuel and Rachel Ann Mullender. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 16 March 1879. In 1881 his family lived at 20 Pakefield Street, and this was still their home in 1891. By 1901 Charles’ family were living at 17 Pakefield Street and Charles was a fisherman. On 22 December 1903 Charles married Alice Maud Baxter at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. Charles was a fisherman living at Pakefield and Alice lived at Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 34 Morton Road and Charles was a fisherman. During the First World War Charles was the Skipper of the trawler Fleurette, LT 312. On 13 February 1917, in rough weather, the Fleurette was stopped by German submarine U-47. The crew were forced to take to their dingy as the submarine intended to sink the trawler. The bad weather prevented the submarine from sinking the Fleurette which eventually came ashore unmanned and none of the five crew were never seen again. Charles' brother, Francis, was the Third Hand with the Fleurette and also died in the loss of the trawler. Charles’ daughter, Muriel, died in 1944 due to a V-2 rocket attack. 

A Third Hand with the trawler Fleurette (Lowestoft), Francis died on the 13th February 1917, aged 44.Francis was born at Pakefield in 1873, a son of Edward Emmanuel and Rachel Ann Mullender. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 20 July 1873. In 1881 his family lived at 20 Pakefield Street, and this was still their home in 1891. By 1901 Frances’ family were living at 17 Pakefield Street and Frances was a fisherman. During the First World War Frances was the Third Hand of the trawler Fleurette, LT 312. On 13 February 1917, in rough weather, the Fleurette was stopped by German submarine U-47. The crew were forced to take to their dingy as the submarine intended to sink the trawler. The bad weather prevented the submarine from sinking the Fleurette which eventually came ashore unmanned and none of the five crew were never seen again. Francis’ brother, Charles, was the Skipper of the Fleurette and also died with the loss of the trawler. His niece, Muriel, died in 1944 due to a V-2 rocket attack. 

A Lance Corporal with 7th Bn., Frederick died on 4th of November 1915 at the age of 30. Frederick was born at Pakefield on 21 February 1885, a son of Henry William and Ellen Mullender. Frederick was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, 10 May 1885. From 17 September 1888 Frederick attended Cunningham School. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Prospect Place, Pakefield. By 1901 they were living at Millers Lane, Pakefield, and Frederick was an apprentice house painter.On 6 September 1908 Frederick married Ethel Maud Manning at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Frederick was working as a painter and living at Pakefield and Ethel lived at 11 Barcham Square, Pakefield. In 1911 they lived at 10 Barcham Square, Lowestoft, and Frederick was a house painter. Later Ethel lived at 13 Wilde Street, Beach, Lowestoft. Walter volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion. Frederick arrived in France on 4 October 1915 to join the Battalion. From 30 October 1915 the 7th Battalion were in support trenches north of Vermelles. They then spent a couple of days in the front line and, on 2 November, returned to the support trenches. During the night of 3-4 November working parties were sent out. The enemy shelled the working parties and the bombardment became particularly intense around 11 p.m. with trench mortar bombs and rifle grenades falling on the Suffolks causing extensive damage to the front trenches and blowing in the Headquarters dug-out. Thirty-eight men became casualties including Walter Coleman and Fred Mullender, both from Lowestoft, who were killed. 

A Cook with Steam Trawler Carry On (Lowestoft), George died on 17th of December 1940 aged 66. George was born at Kirkley on 5 February 1874, a son of Noah and Elizabeth Mullender. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 May 1875. In 1881 his family lived at Pakefield Street. In 1886 George was a pupil at Cunningham’s School. In 1894 George worked on the yacht Kingfisher. The following year George married Claribel Durrant. In 1901 they lived at 23 Pakefield Street and by 1911 their home was at 68 Saint George’s Road, Kirkley, which was still their home in 1939. Later they lived at 50 Heathfield Road, Fleetwood. In 1911 George was the Master of the trawler White Heather, LT 1013. In 1940 George was a Cook with the trawler Carry On. The Carry On was used as a barrage balloon drifter in the Thames Estuary. During the night of 12 December 1940 many mines were dropped into the Thames Estuary and the Carry On was immobilised. A few days later the Carry On was given permission to sail to Sheerness, deliberately sailing at low speed to avoid detonating acoustic mines. On 17 December the trawler was blown up by a mine. All seven of the crew were killed.   

A Civilian, Muriel died on 19th of December 1944 aged 30. Muriel was born at Lowestoft on 9 August 1914, a daughter of Charles Daniel and Alice Maud Mullender. Muriel’s family lived at 17 Pakefield Street and by 1921 were living at 34 Morton Road which was their home in 1939 when Muriel worked as a beatster. Later her mother lived at 188 Kimberley Road.In 1944 Muriel was working at the Hoffman Works, Chelmsford, Essex. On 19 December 1944 a V-2 Rocket hit the works killing 39 and injuring 148, including Muriel. Muriel died later that day at the Chelmsford and Essex Hospital.Muriel’s father, Charles, and her uncle, Francis, both died in the loss of the trawler Fleurette in 1917. 

A Civilian, Betty died on 12th of May 1943 aged 16.Betty was born at Brightlingsea, Essex, on 3 August 1926, a daughter of Benjamin John and Ethel Mummery, and her family lived at 15 New Street, Brightlingsea. In 1939 her family lived at 322 Raglan Street and Betty was still at school. Betty, and her mother Ethel, died at their home during the Focke-Wulf Raid. 

A Civilian, Ethel died on 12th of May 1943 at the age of 59.Ethel, whose first name was actually Margaret, was born at Lowestoft on 16 July 1883, a daughter of Arthur and Rhoda Caroline Fisk. She was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 8 August 1883 and her family lived at 1 Eastern Square. On 25 June 1889 Ethel became a pupil at Kirkley School and her family lived at 19 Ontario Road. By 1891 her family had moved to Thornaby, Yorkshire, and lived at 9 Eldon Street. In 1901 Ethel’s family lived at 4 Gilpin Street, Stockton-on-Tees and Ethel was in domestic service. Subsequently Ethel returned to Lowestoft. On 25 December 1910 Ethel married Benjamin John Mummery at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. They both stated that they were living at Kirkley and Benjamin was a fisherman. In 1911 they lived at 52 Norwich Road. Between 1918 and 1931 they lived at 15 New Street, Brightlingsea, Essex. By 1939 they had returned to Lowestoft and their home was at 322 Raglan Street. Ethel, and her daughter Betty, died at their home during the Focke-Wulf Raid. 

A Third Mate with S.S. Baku Standard (Swansea), Ivan died on 11th of February 1918 at the age of 19. Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 7 July 1898 a son of John Herbert and Mahala Florence Mummery. In 1901 his family lived at 6 Battery Green Road. Ivan attended Morton Road School before becoming a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science on 14 September 1910. By 1910 his family were living at 25 Kirkley Park Road. Ivan, and all of his brothers and sisters, was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 11 November 1911.By 1915 Oivan was a Mercantile Marine apprentice working on the cargo ship S.S. Coniston. By 1918 Ivan was the Third Mate with the tanker S.S. Baku Standard. During the First World War the Baku Standard was requisitioned by the Admiralty for use as an oiler for the Royal Navy. On 11 February 1918 the Baku Standard was sailing down the east coast of Scotland, near Kinnaird Head, with a cargo of crude oil, when it was torpedoed by German submarine UC-58. All twenty-four men on board the ship, including Ivan, were killed.   

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Agile, Leonard died on 13th of May 1917 at the age of 36. Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 20 April 1881, a son of Edward Keys and Sophia Mummery. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 17 February 1882 and his family lived at Surrey Street. In 1891 his family’s address was 10 Surrey Street and in 1901 their address was Southampton House, Surrey Street North, and Leonard worked as a tailor’s cutter. By 1911 they were living at 26 Surrey Street and Leonard worked as a tailor’s assistant. On 9 June 1913 Leonard married Maud Eliza Claxton at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Leonard was an outfitter, living at Stanley Street, and Maud lived at Wollaston Road. By September 1916 they were living at Golf Bungalow, Walmer Road, Pakefield, and later Maud lived at 70 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft.Leonard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 20 September 1916. By 17 March 1917 he was serving on the trawler Agile.   On 27 April 1917 the Agile struck a mine three miles east of the Sunk Head Light Vessel, Harwich. Three crew were killed, and Leonard was seriously wounded. Leonard had a simple fracture of both bones in one lag, above the ankle, a compound fracture at the patella and a lacerated wound at the knee joint. He was admitted to Shotley Hospital on 28 April and he died of wounds there on 13 May.   Leonard's brother in law, Thomas Claxton, served with the Royal Engineers and died in 1917.

A Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Frederick died on 15th of November 1914 at the age of 34.Frederick was born at Lowestoft in October 1880, a son of William David and Anna Maria Munnings. In 1881 his family lived at 37 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft. Frederick's father died and in 1884 his mother married George Smith. In 1891 his family lived at 111 Saint Peter's Street. Frederick attended Saint John's School and, from 4 May 1891, Saint Margaret's Boys School. Frederick joined the Army at Lowestoft on 16 September 1899, joining the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. The 1901 Census shows Frederick with his regiment and shows that he was a Bugler. Frederick married Elizabeth Barnes at Saint Giles and Saint Mary's Church, Pontefract, on 5 October 1901. Frederick was an accomplished Cornet player and was awarded 36 medals for cornet playing. By 1911 Frederick was an Army reservist and worked as coal miner at Mansfield. Frederick, Elizabeth, and their children, lived at 31, 8th Avenue, Forest Town, Mansfield.Frederick was mobilized when the war began and re-joined his regiment to serve with the 2nd Battalion. He joined the Battalion in Dublin. His Battalion landed in France on 16 August 1914 as part of 13 Brigade 5 Division. Frederick's battalion fought at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 and sustained around 600 casualties.On 26 October 1914 the 2nd Battalion were occupying trenches at Richbourg L'Avoue near Bethune. The Battalion War Diary for 26 October has:'Very heavy shell firing on our trenches today from early morning. D Company's trench was badly broken up for 40 yards. Men were buried alive. . . The shelling consisted chiefly of so called 'Jack Johnsons' the 738 lb Lyddite shell. 17 were killed and about 40 wounded.' Frederick was among the wounded having sustained wounds to his face and head. He was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance and soon transferred to Bethune for treatment. Later he was transferred to Boulogne where he died from his wounds. A brass plaque in Frederick's memory was unveiled at Saint Alban's Church, Forest Town, where he had been a member of the choir.Frederick's step-father and several of his siblings lived at 28 May Road, Lowestoft. His cousin, James Munnings, was the Lowestoft Pilot. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Lichen, Maxwell died on 3rd of September 1918 at the age of 20. Maxwell was born at Lowestoft on 31 August 1898, a son of Isaiah and Annie Elizabeth Munnings. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 23 September 1898. His family lived at 'Truro', Lorne Road, Kirkley. By 1901 they were living at 126 Beaconsfield Road, and by 1911 at 30 Payne Street, Lowestoft. Maxwell joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 September 1916. From 28 February 1918 he served on board the drifter Lichen. On 3 September 1918, an accidental internal explosion took place and Maxwell was killed. 

A Civilian, Geoffrey died on 21st of August 1940 aged 30.Geoffrey was born at Lowestoft on 4 January 1910, a son of Edward Thomas and Harriet Murrills. In 1911 his family lived at 215-217 London Road. On 5 January 1914 Geoffrey became a pupil at Lovewell School. By 1921 his family were living at 21 Salisbury Road and in 1939 Geoffrey, and his widowed mother lived at 566 London Road and Geoffrey worked as a cost clerk at the cable works. Later his mother lived at 9 Higher Drive. Geoffrey was also a fireman with the Auxiliary Fire Service. On 21 August 1940 German aircraft dropped twelve high explosive bombs in the vicinity of Harvey, Wilson and Osborne Shipwrights and Jewson’s Timber Yard at Horn Hill. Geoffrey was killed at Rists Cable Works. In that raid six people, including Geoffrey, were killed and seven injured. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Samuel died on 9th of April 1918 at the age of 20. Samuel was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Thomas John and Elizabeth Sarah Musk. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 20 April 1898, and his family lived at 237 Raglan Street and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 31 Haward Street, and later his parents lived at 16 Marine Parade.Samuel enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 20192, and was posted to the 11th Battalion in France. Samuel was an Army Signaller.  On 5 April 1918 the 11th Battalion occupied billets at Erquinghem, France. The Germans began bombing Erquignhem on 9 April and the battalion immediately moved into front line trenches in anticipation of an attack which came from the direction of Fleurbaux, but was driven back. A second attack from the Feurbaix area took place on 10 April and later that day the battalion were ordered to withdraw to north of the River Lys. A further withdrawal on the 11th was hampered by sniper and machine-gun fire but the battalion reached the Armentieres-Bailleul railway. On the 12th the battalion moved into attack formation about one mile south-east of Bailleul and late in the morning became involved in the fighting. The next day there was a heavy artillery bombardment and the enemy attacked in force from Outerstern and the battalion had to fall back. During the 14th the battalion took up positions near Bailleul railway station and late in the day they were relieved and marched to Meulehook. On the 15th due to enemy advances they were again in the front line. The next day they were patrolling and digging in. During the 17th there was heavy shelling and attempts by the enemy to advance. The battalion were relieved at 2 a.m. on April 18. What precisely happened to Samuel is not known. He was reported missing at some point between 9 April and 19 April 1918 and was later presumed to have been killed in action between those dates. The battalion’s casualties between 9 and 19 April were:Officers: four killed; four died of wounds; five missing, ten woundedOther ranks: 39 killed; three died of wounds; 272 missing; 157 wounded

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Cyril died on 21st of September 1943 aged 25. Cyril was born at Lowestoft on 2 December 1917, a son Florence Jane Muskett. In 1919 Cyril’s mother married Archibald Cecil Brown. In 1921 his family lived at 3 Princes Road. By 1939 his family were living at 24 Fir Lane and Cyril was an omnibus chair maker. When he enlisted, he stated that he was a carpenter. Cyril married Vera Grace Lee in 1940, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Vera lived at 22 Fir Lane. Vera remarried in 1947. Cyril served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed from Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces in Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity.Cyril was taken prisoner at Singapore and, on 31 October 1942, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By September 1943 he was at Chungkai where he died from polyavitaminiosis (vitamin deficiency) and indigestion.  

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Ernest died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 20. Ernest was born at Wilby, Suffolk, in 1896, a son of George and Florence Eliza Mutimer. In 1901 his family lived at Crockrells Road, Wilby, and by 1911 they were living at Hall Cottages, Wilby, and Ernest was a cattle-boy on a farm. Later the family lived at 3 Grove Cottages, Carlton Road, Pakefield, before living at 5 Oakland Terrace, Kessingland. Ernest volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Beccles. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and arrived in France on 23 September 1915 with the 9th Battalion.On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Ernest was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September.  Ernest's brother Nelson served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in a training accident in 1942. 

A Corporal with the 70th Battalion, Nelson died on 1st of May 1942 at the age of 28. Nelson was born at Lowestoft on 18 September 1913, a son of George and Florence Mutimer. In 1921 his family lived at 5 Oakland Terrace, Kessingland.  In 1932 Nelson married Phyllis May Baxter.  In 1939 they lived at Sun-Set, Runce’s Lane, Carlton Colville, and Nelson worked as a sterilizer for a cheese manufacturer. After the war Phyllis married William Martin. Nelson enlisted in the Army and his service number shows that initially he served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment. At some point he was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 70th (Young Solider) Battalion. Nelson’s battalion had the task of training young recruits before they were posted to other battalions for active service.Nelson died in a training accident whilst he was stationed at Ipswich. The details of his inquest were widely reported, including this account from the Birmingham Post, 5 May 1942, page 3:Demonstrating a movement in “unarmed combat”, Corporal Nelson Christopher Mutimer, of Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, dislocated his spine and died. At the inquest a doctor said that the injury was practically the same as resulted from hanging. The Coroner commented that such advanced exercises should be practiced only by men who had reached a certain stage of efficiency. He recorded a “Misadventure” verdict.Nelson's brother Ernest served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Cosmos, James died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 34. James was born at Hulver on 13 April 1883, a son of Robert and Amy Muttitt. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Henstead, on 11 November 1883. In 1891 his family lived at Toad Row, Henstead, and this was still their address in 1901 and 1911. In 1901 James worked on the trawler George at Newlyn, Cornwall. On 2 January 1907 James married Janette Ellen (Jennie) Spooner at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. James was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 298 Raglan Street. In 1911 their home was at Hanbury House, Carlton Road, Pakefield. Janette died in October 1917. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 April 1915 and served with trawler Cosmos. James was serving on the Cosmos when he was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."

A Lance Corporal with 1/7th Bn., Bramwell Robert Henry died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 27.Bramwell was born at Norwich in 1890, a son of William and Elizabeth Myhill. In 1891 his family lived at 40 Essex Street, Heigham, Norwich, and by 1901 his family at 195 Heigham Grove, Norwich. In 1911 Bramwell lodged at 35 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft, and worked as a clerk in a grocer's store. On 12 April 1915 Bramwell married Dorothy Christine Bird at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Bramwell was as assistant secretary living and 35 Grosvenor Road and Dorothy lived at 'Denecot', Dene Road, Lowestoft. Later her address was 4 Dene Road, Lowestoft.Bramwell enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the 25th London Regiment (Cyclists), service number 3657. He was then posted to the 1/7th Battalion London Regiment, service number 8303, and arrived in France on 25 October 1916. In 1917 he was renumbered 354420. On 7 June 1917 the Battalion took part in the attack on the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge. The Battalion left the assembly trenches at 3.10 a.m. and crossed the wire without difficulty. All of the German trenches were captured without serious opposition and with only 'moderate' casualties. later in the morning they faced serious opposition at White Chateau. With the support of trench mortars and artillery they were able to take the chateau and captured 80 prisoners, 3 machine-guns and other equipment. On that the day the Battalion's casualties were:Officers: 1 killed, 12 woundedOther ranks: 63 killed, 263 wounded, and 13 missingTotal: 362 Bramwell was killed in action on 7 June 1917. He and 21 other men of the Battalion were buried at map reference 28/04.C.24. In 1919 they were exhumed and reburied at Voormezeele. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Reginald died on 11th of April 1943 aged 21. Reginald was born at West Ham in 1921, a son of William John Nason and Maud Mary Nason. In 1921 his family lived at 90 Pond Road, West Ham, and by 1939 his parents were living at 654 Longbridge Road, Barking.Reginald married Gladys Ivy Pavelin, in the Ilford district, in 1940, and she later lived at Gisleham, Suffolk. Gladys remarried in 1944 and in 1945 was living at The Street, Lound. Reginald worked as an agent before he enlisted. Reginald was an Air Gunner. In April 1943 he served with 35 Squadron based at Graveley, Huntingdonshire.  On 11 April Reginald was part of the crew of a Halifax II bomber, number DT806 TL-Z, which took off on a bombing raid to Frankfurt. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter over France and crashed at Fleigneux. Three of the aircraft’s crew survived one evaded capture.  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 4th Battalion, John died on 12th of February 1942 aged 22.John was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1919, a son of John Charles and Lilian May Nathan. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 January 1920 and his family lived at 71 Beresford Road. By 1939 his parents were living at 6 Suffolk Road.John served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed from Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity. John was official reported as missing on 15 February 1942. Official Casualty List 1985, of 13 February 1946, shows that John was officially recorded as having been killed in action on 12 February 1942. Eye-witnesses reported that he was last seen on 12 February 1942, at Bukit Timah, walking toward the racecourse area. 

A Private with 1/4th Bn., William died on 19th of April 1917 at the age of 26. William was born at Stibbard, Norfolk, on 10 June 1891, a son of Henry and Sarah Ann Neale. He was baptised at Stibbard parish church on 12 July 1891, and his family lived at Stibbard. In 1901 his family was still living at Stibbard, but by 1911 they were living at Holkham, near Wells, and William was a farm labourer. William was still living at Holkham when he volunteered and enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment, at Norwich, on 15 September 1914. Initially his service number was 2896. On 30 October 1915 William married Florence Edith Lawrence, whose mother lived at 18 Nelson Terrace, Pakefield. They were married at Holy Trinity Church, Dalston, London. On 16 March 1916 William was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, then serving in Egypt. In 1917 he was renumbered 200539. On 19 April 1917 the 1/4th Battalion were involved in the Battle of Gaza. William was reported missing and later noted as being killed in action on that date. He was buried at Tank Redoubt and later reburied at Gaza War Cemetery. Subsequently Florence lived at 38 Marine Parade Lowestoft.

A Private with the 16th Battalion, George died on 31st of March 1919 at the age of 20. George was born at Lowestoft on 20 April 1899, a son of John and Alice Neeve. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 3 October 1900 and his family lived at Whapload Road. In 1901 his family lived at Coleman Square, Whapload Road, and by 1911 they were living at 38 Whapload Road.George joined the Army. He served with the Rifle Brigade, service number 45847, and was posted to the 11th Battalion in France. He was then transferred to the King’s Royal Rife Corps, service number 64243, and posted to the 16th Battalion. George died from Illness while on leave in Liverpool.  George’s brother John served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 16th of August 1916 at the age of 37. George’s first names were Philip George, but in all of his military service he used George as his first name. He was born at Lowestoft on 1 June 1879, a son of William George and Louisa Neeve. In 1881 his family lived at 14 Dove Street. George was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 August 1886. George attended Arnold Street School until 13 December 1886, when he became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. He left school on 2 June 1893 to work as a shop boy. In 1898 George worked as a labourer for Mr. Hills at the Thames Iron Works, Canning Town. In 1911 his family lived at Marine Cottages, 5 East Street, and George was a shrimping fisherman. On 21 July 1899 George enlisted in the Norfolk Artillery (Militia) at Lowestoft. On 11 January 1900 he joined the regular battalions of the Suffolk Regiment, service number 5469. On 1 July 1901 he joined the 9th Provisional Battalion and, on 30 September 1901, joined the Mounted Infantry in South Africa. He saw active service in the Boer War and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He was posted to the 1st Battalion on 11 January 1902 and the 2nd Battalion on 22 September 1902. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 10 January 1908 and was discharged on completion of his engagement on 10 January 1912.    George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft soon after the war began. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/9127 and arrived in France on 15 September 1914 to join the 2nd Battalion. On 16 August 1916 the 2nd Battalion were at Guillemont and involved in an attack a feature known as Cochrane Alley where a German block-house was known to be a significant stronghold. The battalion made efforts to take, and hold, part of Cochrane Alley: work significantly hampered by machine-gun fire and enemy snipers. The battalion’s casualties from 16 to 18 August were:Officers: one killed, eight wounded, one missingOther ranks: 39 killed, 151 wounded, 80 missingGeorge was killed in action on 16 August 1916.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Launch Out, John died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 27. John was born at Lowestoft on 26 March 1889, a son of John and Alice Neeve. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 24 April 1889, and his family lived at Coleman Square, Whapload Road, and this was still their address in 1901, but John lived with his grandparents, John and Martha Neeve, also at Coleman Square. In 1911 John was still living with his grandparents, now at Swatman’s Cottage, Whapload Road, and he worked as a herring fisherman. By 1911 his parents were living at 38 Whapload Road.On 30 December 1912 John married Ethel May Suckling at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. John was a fisherman and they were both resident at 5 Sussex Road. By 1915 they were living at 33 Cambridge Road. Later Ethel lived at 29 Nelson Road, Gorleston.John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 September 1915 and 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 John, 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)John’s brother George served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and died in 1919. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, John died on 26th of January 1916 at the age of 31. John was born at Lowestoft in 1885, a son of John James and Mary Ann Nelson. In 1891 his family lived at 25 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 they were living at 49 Mariners Street, and John was an errand boy. By 1911 John’s mother had died and he lived with his father at 8 Factory Street and he worked as a furniture carter. Later his father lived at 1 Bemmints Buildings, Saint Peters Street, Lowestoft. John volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 8th Battalion, arriving in France, with the Battalion, on 25 July 1915.  In January 1916 the 8th Battalion were at Albert, France. We do not know exactly when John was wounded, but it is most likely that he was wounded by enemy shelling. He was taken to 54 Field Ambulance where he died from his wounds. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, John died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 36.John was born at Lowestoft in 1881, a son of Daniel John and Mary Ann Nethersell. In 1881 his family lived at 22 Commercial Road and by 1892, when John’s mother died, they were living at Kent House, The Beach, Lowestoft. In 1901 John lived with his aunt, Emma Capps, at 93 London Road, and he worked as a grocer’s assistant.On 11 March 1905 John married Ethel Laura Elsegood at Saint Margaret’s Church. John was a grocer’s assistant living at London Road and Ethel lived at 35 Old Nelson Street. By 1911 they were living at 7 Sussex Road and John was a grocer’s assistant at a retail grocery. Later Ethel lived at 6 Sussex Road.John joined the Army and served initially with the East Surrey Regiment, service number 23462. He was posted to the 11th (Reserve) Battalion and then the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. He was then transferred to the Border Regiment, service number 28340, and posted to the 7th Battalion in France. He joined A Company and was a member of III Platoon. At 4.45 a.m. on 23 April 1917 the 7th Battalion began an attack on Bayonet Trench, and Rifle Trench, north of Monchy-le-Preux. Immediately the battalion faced an artillery barrage and enfilade machine-gun fire. Much of the enemy wire had not been cut. At the north of Bayonet Trench attacks from one of the Staffordshire Regiments were repulsed, but the 7th Battalion men were able to fight their way into and along the south end of the trench and were able to make an attempt to capture Rifle Trench. The battalion was not able to consolidate its position, but parties of men held on, in shell-holes, until they were withdrawn later that day. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed, three wounded, 10 missingOther ranks: 11 killed, four died of wounds, two died of wounds – gas, 179 wounded, 4 wounded - gas poisoning, 204 missing John was reported missing on 23 April, and he was later presumed to have been killed in action on that date.  

A Private with D Company, 8th Bn., Percy died on 25th of September 1915 at the age of 18. Percy was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Charles and Jane Neve. In 1901 his family lived at Bishops Buildings, Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 Percy’s father had died and his family lived at 3 Mariners Street, Lowestoft, and Percy was a butcher’s boy. Percy's mother later remarried at lived at 15 Albany Road, Lowestoft. Percy volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 8th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 25 July 1915. He served with D Company.On 17 September 1915 the 8th Battalion were in positions near Albert.The Battalion War Diary has a very short entry for 25 September:Casualties for the day 2 other ranks killed 2 woundedPercy was one of the men killed in action on 25 September.   Percy's brother William served with the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and was killed in action in July 1916. 

A Sergeant with 1/4th Bn., William died on 20th of July 1916 at the age of 23. William was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Charles and Jane Neve. In 1901 his family lived at Bishops Buildings, Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 William’s father had died and his family lived at 3 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. His mother remarried and, later, lived at 15 Albany Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 William worked on the trawler All's Well, LT 751, at the Isles of Scilly. In late 1912 William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 1/4th Battalion (Territorial Force). He was mobilized when the war began. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 8 November 1915. The 1/4th Battalion War Diary has the following entry for 20 July 1916:The battalion were relieved by the L.N.Lanc 56th Infantry Brigade, and returned to Shell Valley where improvements to trenches were continued. At 7 a.m. instructions were received to move to a position in the vicinity of the Cemetery in support of the 19th Infantry Brigade in an attack on High Wood and a German trench north of same. D Company was first sent forward, the remaining companies taking shelter and digging in. D Company with 2nd Argylls attempted to take a German string point, but this effort was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, and the Company returned to await darkness. At about 4.30 p.m. A and B Companies under Lieutenant Brown, were sent forward, but they also were compelled to retire. The Battalion's casualties were one officer killed, and three officers wounded, and 32 other ranks killed.William's brother, Percy, was killed in action in 1915 whilst serving with the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Naniwa (Cardiff), Arthur died on 16th of February 1941 aged 19. Arthur was born at Henstead, Suffolk, on 7 July 1921, a son of Benjamin Philip and Bessie Mabel Newrick. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 12 August 1921 and his family lived at 4 Freemantle Road. By 1939 his family home was at 130 Kimberley Road. In 1941 Arthur lodged at 30 Margaret Street, Cardiff.On 16 February 1941 the Naniwa was sunk by enemy aircraft and all five crew, including Arthur, were lost.   

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 27th of September 1918 at the age of 24. Arthur was born at Gisleham on 25 September 1894, a son of Arthur and Mary Ann Newrick. He was baptised at Mutford on 11 November 1894. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Mutford. By 1911 they were living at Mill Road, Mutford, and Arthur was a miller’s carter.Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15447, and on 26 January 1915 arrived in France to join the 2nd Battalion.  On 27 September 1918 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack at Flesquieres. In order to make the attack they had to cross the dry bed of the Canal du Nord. They moved off just before 4 a.m. to cross the canal and as they were doing so a barrage caught two of the companies causing a number of casualties. At zero hour, 5.20 a.m., they advanced on Flesquieres and quickly took the village, capturing large numbers of prisoners and guns. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one killed, one died of wounds, five woundedOther ranks: 12 killed, 132 wounded, 10 missingArthur was killed in action on 27 September. He was buried at map reference 57.c.K.20.a.1.7. and his grave marked by a regimental cross. In 1920 his body was exhumed and buried at Hermies Hill British Cemetery.  

A Fisherman with Drifter Will and Maggie (Lowestoft), Frank died on 3rd of November 1914 at the age of 17. Frank was born at Carlton Colville in 1897, a son of George and Griselda Newrick. Frank was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 12 September 1897. In 1901 his family lived at 25 South Elmham Terrace. In 1911 Frank lived with his sister, Emma Fisher, at South Elmham Terrace. Frank was a fisherman with the drifter 'Will and Maggie'. At 9 p.m. on 3 November 1914 the drifter was fishing about 17 miles off Lowestoft. A mine was brought up in the net and exploded. Six of the crew were killed including Frank; George and Wilfred Gower; William Mower, and Harry Flowers, all from Lowestoft area; and Frederick Steel, from Gorleston. Two other men, Edward Smith and Alfred Leverett, were injured. Two men, Albert Wright and Ernest Coe, survived and were not injured. At the inquest Wright and Coe stated that the mine was caught in the drifter's net and exploded when the net was being hauled in. They added that the drifter's small boat was damaged in the explosion: hence the men who were not killed in the explosion had to survive in the water until rescued. The four survivors were picked up by the trawler Qui Saint and landed at Lowestoft. For further details see: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)Frank's nephew, William Newrick, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, William died on 18th of February 1917 at the age of 24. William was born at Lowestoft on 16 June 1893, a son of John and Mary Ann Newrick. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 4 July 1893, and his family lived at 15 Saint Margaret’s Plain. By 1901 his family were living at Potts Cottages, Oulton Road, and by 1911 at 3 College Cottages, Oulton Road, and William worked as a domestic gardener. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2531, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. In 1916 he was posted toe the 2nd Battalion, in France, and renumbered 43770.  Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Serre on 13 November 1916:At 5 a.m. the first wave floundered forward into No Man’s Land – in reality, a sea of mud in which movement was barely possible. Three quarters of an hour later the attack began. The mist which hung about the low ground thickened as the smoke of the barrage increased, making direction extremely difficult to maintain. Within a very short time all the officers in the leading companies had fallen, and owing to lack of leaders no real progress was made. In spite of the atrocious weather conditions prevailing, portions of the leading Suffolk companies actually reached the German second line. But all was in vain, and the battalion having been reorganised in its original front line, remained there for the rest of the day, marching back to Courcelles the next morning. Their casualties numbered 272, including eleven officers.  William was taken prisoner of 13 November. By February 1917 he was at a German military hospital, near Cambrai, where he died on 18 February. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Jeannie Murray, William died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 18. William was born at Oulton Broad on 8 June 1899, a son of Ruth Newrick. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, on 17 September 1899. In 1901 William lived with his grandmother Griselda at South Elmham Terrace, Carlton Colville. In late 1899 William’s mother married George Jolly and by 1911 the family were living at 3 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. In 1918 their home was at 52 Camole Cottage (sic), Oulton Broad, and later William’s mother lived at The Bungalow, School Road, Oulton Broad.William joined the Roya Naval Reserve on 5 March 1915, service number SB 51, and served on the trawler Reward. On 25 June 1915 he joined the Jeannie Murray. William changed his service rate, on 8 June 1917, and was renumbered as DA 16437. William was serving on the Jeannie Murray and was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."William’s body was recovered and he was buried at Saint Peter’s Churchyard, Carlton Colville, on 21 February 1918. William's uncle Frank, a fisherman, died in the loss of the trawler Will and Maggie in 1914.

A Civilian, Frederick died on 12th of May 1943 at the age of 57. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 10 July 1885, a son of Joseph and Emma Newson. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Stevens Street. By 1901 Frederick’s father had died, his family still lived at 2 Stevens Street and Frederick was a boilermaker with the Great Eastern Railway. On 11 November 1905 Frederick married Anna Rhoda Newson at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Frederick was working with ships and they both gave their place of residence as Kirkley. Anna died in 1912. By 1913 Frederick was working on the railways and he was a member of the National Union of Railwaymen from 1913 to 1929.In 1915 Frederick married Alice Maud Emily Tuttle and by 1920 they were living at 25 Mariners Street and Frederick was a labourer for the Great Eastern Railway at the Harbour Works, Lowestoft. In 1939 Frederick and Alice were still living at 25 Mariners Street and in the 1939 Register Frederick is described as an invalid. Frederick died at the High Street during the Focke-Wulf Raid.

A Lance Corporal with the 6th Battalion, Jack died on 10th of September 1944 aged 21. Jack was born at Carlton Colville on 7 November 1922, a son of Harry Stanley and Constance Mary Newson. In 1939 his family lived at Grove Farm, Grove Road, Carlton Colville, and Jack was a farmer and market grower assisting his father at their farm. On 10 September the battalion were south of Geel, and plans were developed during the day to attack and take Geel. The battalion were heavily engaged all day and the battalion’s casualties were one officer and 30 men killed, six officers and 67 men wounds, of whom four later died, and 42 men missing. Jack was reported missing and later found to have been killed in action. Initially he was buried at Tongerloo, near Geel, and, in 1945, he was reburied at Geel War Cemetery.  

An Able Seaman with S.S. Moortoft (Middlesbrough), Joseph died on 3rd of December 1939 aged 22. Joseph was born at Lowestoft in 1916, a son of Joseph William and Lilian Rose Newson. In 1921 his family lived at 16 Clemence Street, and this was still their home in 1939.In 1939 Joseph was an Able Seaman working on the S.S. Moortoft, a steam cargo ship. Joseph, and the twelve other crew, were missing, presumed drowned, on 3 December when the Moortoft disappeared in the North Sea. The cause of the ship's loss remains unknown. 

A Mate with Steam Trawler Ranter (North Shields), Robert died on 12th of December 1917 at the age of 61. Robert was born at Lowestoft in 1856, a son of Benjamin and Priscilla Newson. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 4 July 1858. In 1861 his family lived at South Union Place, Kirkley. By 1871 they were living at 22 Stevens Street, and Robert was a fisherman. Later Robert’s parents lived at 31 Southwell Road. In April 1872 Robert worked on the ship Sarapto (sic) out of Blythe. On returning from Russia Robert was found to have swollen glands and was admitted to the Dreadnought Seaman’s Hospital to convalesce.    In 1880 Robert married Margaret Agnes McGregor. In 1881 they lived at 3 Halls Quay, North Shields, and Robert was a fisherman. By 1891 they were living at 43 Tyne Street, North Shields, and Robert worked as a fisherman. By 1896 they were living at 40 Bell Street, North Quay, North Shields, and this was still their home in 1901. Later their home was at 44 Borough Road, North Shields. Margaret died in 1905. By 1911 Robert, and children, were living at 35 Last Street, North Shields, and was still a fisherman.  On 1917 Robert was working as the Mate on the trawler Ranter. On 12 December the Ranter, and five other trawlers, were fishing together, when the Ranter was attacked by three German destroyers. The Master, Francis Blanchflower, reported, at an inquest, that the Germans had fired at his vessel as hard as ever they could and that four of his crew of eight had been killed. The Master added that he had no gun on board and that no assistance was rendered to him by the Germans. Robert was one of the men killed.  During World War One three of Robert’s sons served with the Royal Naval Reserve and another served with the Royal Field Artillery.

A Civilian, Wilfred died on 7th of February 1941 at the age of 43. Wilfred was born at Kirkley on 27 December 1896, a son of James and Elizabeth Newson. Wilfred was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 5 January 1900 and his family lived at 5 Beaconsfield Road. From 7 May 1900 Wilfred attended Kirkley School. In 1901 his family lived at 35 Beaconsfield Road. By 1911 they were living at 52 Pakefield Street, Kirkley, and Wilfred was a norsel maker in the fishing industry. In 1921 they lived at 8 Sandringham Road and Wilfred was a labourer working for the Great Eastern Railway at the Harbour Works, Lowestoft (Note: in the 1921 his first name is given as William). Later his mother lived at 19 Union Road.   On 27 February 1926 Wilfred married Muriel Alderton at Saint Margaret’s Church. Wilfred was a labourer living at 8 Sandringham Road, and Muriel lived at 1 Blackheath Road. In 1928 Wilfred worked as striker for the London and North Eastern Railway Company (L.N.E.R.). By 1939 they were living at 18 John Street, and Wilfred was a motor engineer working for the L.N.E.R.Wilfred died at the Harbour Yard, Lowestoft, during an air raid. 

A Leading Aircraftman with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leslie died on 23rd of March 1944 aged 32. Leslie was born at Lowestoft on 29 December 1911, a son of Alfred and Agnes Nicholls of Cyprus Cottages, Camps Heath.In 1938 Leslie married Lilian Mercy Kent. In 1939 they lived at 44 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, and Leslie was a civilian high-frequency direction finding wireless operator working for the Royal Air Force at Felixstowe. Leslie joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after October 1941. In March 1944 he was serving with 24 Air-Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit. On 23 March Leslie was serving on board Air-Sea Rescue launch HSL 2706 carrying our rescue duties off the Ditch coast. The launch was attacked by two United States Army Air Force P-47 fighters, of 356 Fighter Group, in a friendly-fire incident. The launch sank and Leslie was killed. Two other crew were rescued. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Peter died on 27th of February 1941 aged 3. Peter was born at Lowestoft on 27 March 1937, a son of Ronald George and Mildred Hazel Nicholls. In 1939 they lived at 486 London Road South and his grandparents, James and Clara Taylor, lived at 82 Lorne Park Road. Peter died at 82 Lorne Park Road during an air raid. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Maida, Victor died on 16th of March 1940 at the age of 36. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 25 May 1903, a son of Charles and Harriet Nicholls. In 1911 his family lived at 17 Beckham Road, Lowestoft. By 1921 they were living at 86 Worthing Road and Victor worked as a plumber's mate for Mr. Fuller, plumber and painter, of Oulton Broad. Victor married Blanche Marion Harwood at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 28 March 1929. At that time Victor was living at 66 Sussex Road, and working as an engineer, and Marion worked as a beatster and lived at 100 Oxford Road. By 1939 they were living at 104 Beccles Road, Oulton, Lowestoft, and Victor was a chief engineer on a steam trawler.During the Second World War Victor served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service and was an engineman on H.M. Drfiter Maida. The Maida was used in minesweeping duties and was sunk by a mine off Margate, ten miles east of North Foreland. Six of the crew, including Victor, were killed and six rescued by the minesweeping drifter Mare. 

An Air Mechanic 2nd Class serving with 58 Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, at the Base at Suez, Edward died from accidental injuries on 7th of May 1917 at the age of 20. Edward was born at Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, on 10 November 1896, a son of Edward Charles and Mary Ann Nichols. He was baptised at Thorpe Hamlet on 26 May 1897 and his family lived at Carrow Road, Norwich. In 1901 his family lived at Chaney Lane, Tacolneston, and by 1911 at 79 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft.Edward was an engineer's apprentice, living at 79 Rotterdam Road, when he attested for the 3rd (East Anglian) Howitzer Battery, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force), at Lowestoft on 15 July 1912, service number 708. He was embodied for service on 5 August 1914. He served in France from 16 November 1915 and, on 1 March 1916, arrived in Egypt. Later his number became 885122. Edward was transferred to the 58th Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, service number 78321. Edward was in his hut when, on 5 June 1917, and aeroplane crashed into the hut and Edward was injured. He died from his injuries at hospital in Suez (as noted in the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects).Note: Edward has two different entries in Commonwealth War Graves records, one for the Jerusalem Memorial and one for the Suez Memorial. The confusion arises because he is shown in various records with his two different service numbers. 

A Leading Telegraphist with H.M.S. Firedrake, John died on 17th of December 1942 at the age of 40.John was born at Kessingland on 18 December 1901, a son of George and Anne Phoebe Nichols. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 16 February 1902. In 1911 his family lived at Field Lane, Kessingland and in 1921 his parents lived at White House Corner, Carlton Colville.By August 1917 John was working as a porter for the Great Eastern Railway Company.On 25 June 1918 John joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class and served in the navy continually until his death. From 1936 to 1939 he was seconded to the Royal New Zealand Navy. John was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1935. He joined H.M.S. Renown on 29 August 1939. On 23 December 1926 John married Dora Kathleen Spalding at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Dorothy was living at Carlton Colville. John gave his occupation as Royal Navy and his address as Belton. By 1939 their home was at Portchester, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville.From early 1942 H.M.S. Firedrake was an Atlantic Convoy escort ship. On 16 December 1942 the Firedrake was escorting Convoy ON 153 and was sunk by a torpedo fired by the German submarine U-211. There were 26 survivors, but 140 crew, including John, were killed.  

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Arthur died on 8th of August 1918 at the age of 21. Arthur was born at Letheringsett, Norfolk, on 26 May 1897, a son of Benjamin Lewis and Ann Emma Nobes. He was baptised at Saint Andrew’s Church, Letheringsett, on 20 June 1897. By 1901 his family were living at Ebenezer Terrace, Norwich Road, Wymondham. His family moved to Somerleyton and lived at Church Farm. Arthur attended Somerleyton School, and, on 12 October 1904, he became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School, Lowestoft. In 1911 his family lived at Whitton Farm Cottage, Carlton Colville. Later his family lived at 9, The Green, Woodbastwick, and his father subsequently returned to the Lowestoft area and lived at 2 Ship Cottages, Carlton Colville.  Arthur joined the Great Eastern Railway in May 1912, and he worked as a goods clerk at Lowestoft Central Station. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 26 May 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 20327. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and arrived in France on 22 December 1915. Arthur was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 27 August 1916. Once recovered he was posted to the 9th Battalion, and he served with C Company. Arthur was suspected of having diptheria and he joined 31 Ambulance Train on 30 August 1917 and arrived at Etaples later that day for treatment. Subsequently he was posted to the 7th Battalion in April 1918. On 9 May 1918, 11 officers and 408 men of the 7th Battalion transferred to the 1/1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment. Arthur was wounded again, and his name appears in the War Office Daily List dated 12 August 1918. The Great Eastern Railway magazine, May 1919, states that he had been wounded at ‘Windy Corner’, Givenchy, (possibly in 1916?) and was later gassed. Arthur was a Lewis Gunner and was the No 1 in his section when he was killed. At 4.20 a.m. on 8 August a barrage began and at 6.20 a.m. A and B Companies began an assault on a trench to the west of Morlancourt. Initially it was reported that the objectives had been taken, but soon afterwards both companies were back in the old front line having sustained heavy casualties. At 10.15 a.m. C and D Companies were ordered to assemble in order to make afresh attack. A supportive barrage was laid down at 12.15 p.m. and C and D Companies left their assembly positions. At 12.28 the attacking waves charged the position and at 12.35 the second wave advanced to the second objective. From the two objectives 316 prisoners were captured along with 14 machine-guns and 10 trench mortars. By 12.50 the battalion were able to begin consolidation work.The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed, three woundedOther ranks: 16 killed, 167 woundedArthur was killed in action on 8 August.