A Private with the 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Alfred died on 18th of September 1918 aged 20. Alfred was born at Lowestoft on 29 October 1897, a son of Henry Robert James and Annie Eliza Norman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 26 November 1897 and his family lived at 4 Jacob’s Street. Alfred attended Saint Andrew’s School and, on 19 January 1906, became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. At that time his family lived at 271 Raglan Street. By 1911 his mother had died, his father remarried, and his family lived at 90 Seago Street, and Alfred was a grocer’s errand boy. Later his family lived at 49 Stanford Street.Alfred enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft around June 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 20641. He was posted to the 15th Battalion and arrived in Egypt around August 1917. On 17 March 1918 he was admitted to xx with inflammation of connective tissue in his hands and knees. The next day he was transferred to a Convalescence Depot at Mustapha. His battalion arrived in France on 17 May 1918. On 18 September 1918 the 15th Battalion made an advance from Templeux La Fosse, passing Templeux La Gerard, on the left. By 7.31 a.m. they had taken their objectives, and the attack was deemed to be successful with many Germans surrendering without much resistance other than a machine-gun nests that held out determinedly and held up the advance. Alfred was killed during this attack. 

A Civilian, Caroline died on 9th of April 1941 at the age of 47. Caroline was born at Haughley, near Stowmarket, on 25 December 1893, a daughter of George and Alice Sore. In 1901 she lived with her family at Haughley, and at some point her parents lived at 16 Duke Street, Haughley. Caroline married Henry Francis Norman in 1918.By 1939 Caroline, Henry, and their children, were living at 2 Whitehouse Cottages, Flixton.Caroline was a member of the Civilian Nursing Reserve (C.N.R) and an Ambulance Sister with the Saint John's Ambulance Brigade (S.J.A.B.). Caroline was killed during an air raid. She died at the First Aid Post, Till RoadAt some point Henry lived at Park Hill Cottage Gorleston Road, Lowestoft. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Gordon died on 28th of September 1916 at the age of 27. Gordon was born at Lowestoft in 1888, a son of James George and Margaret Ellen Norman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 15 February 1893, and his family lived at 10 Reeve Street, which was Gordon’s home for the rest of his life.  In February 1907 Gordon joined the Great Eastern Railway as a Deck Hand on the tug Lowestoft. By 1916 he was working for the G.E.R. as a bridgeman at Lowestoft Harbour.  Gordon enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 2 March 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 25104, and was posted to the 8th Battalion in France. On 26 September 1916 the 8th Battalion were involved in an attack on Thiepval and the Schwaben Redoubt. The 8th Battalion were at the vanguard of the attack and had the Schwaben trench as their first objective. The attack was a success and both the first line objective, and the second objective, Zollern trench, were taken. At 1 p.m. the attack was renewed with C and C Companies attacking the Bulgar trench and then the Schwaben Redoubt. The first objective was taken fairly easily but they met stubborn resistance at the Schwaben Redoubt.The Battalion’s sustained over 200 casualties between 26 and 28 September.Gordon was killed in action on 28 September.   Gordon's brother Percival served with the Bedfordshire Regiment and also died in 1916.

A Private with 4th Battalion, Percival died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 29. Percival was born at Kirkley on 8 June 1887, a son of James and Margaret Norman. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 21 November 1888 and his family lived at 59 Reeve Street. By 1901 his family were living at 10 Reeve Street.On 12 January 1908 Percival married Emily Ethel Youngman at Saint Margaret’s Church. Percival was an upholsterer living at 10 Reeve Street, and Emily lived at Thurston Road. By 1911 they were living at 29 Thurston Road, and Percival was a carman working for a house furnisher. Later Emily lived at Harvey Cottages, Thurston Road.Percival enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 29721. In 1916 he went to France to join the 4th Battalion. On 12 November 1916 the 4th Battalion moved into positions between Beaumont-Hamel and the right bank or the River Ancre, in preparation for an attack the following day. At 6.45 a.m. on 13 November the battalion advanced, as part of a brigade attack. There was a string point between the enemy first and second lines. This strongpoint had been passed over by the leading waves of the attack, but the men in the strongpoint were able to fire on the Bedfordshire’s and inflicted heavy casualties. The battalion were able to push on to the enemy second line, and beyond to Station Road. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: nine killed, two woundedOther ranks: 48 killed, nine died of wounds, 108 wounded, 16 missingPercival was killed in action during the attack on 13 November.    Percival's brother Gordon served with the Suffolk Regiment and also died in 1916.

A Civilian, Frederick died on 20th of October 1946 aged 39. Frederick was born at Willesden, London. on 29 January 1907, a son of Henry and May North. In 1911 his family lived at 5A New Buildings, Kingsgate Road, Kilburn. On 4 August 1926 Frederick, who was working as a carman, enlisted in the Army and served with the 11th Hussars before joining the 3rd Hussars in 1927, He joined the Army Reserve on 8 December 1932. On 24 December 1936 Frederick married Elsie Violet Hugman at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Frederick was a chauffeur living at 6 Donglas Road, Kilburn, London, and Elsie lived at 4 Raglan Cottages, Raglan Street. In 1939 they lived at 30 Dunster Gardens, Willesden, London, and Frederick was a chauffeur and he was also a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable. By 1946 Frederick and Elsie were living at 240 London Road South. It appears that Frederick died at his home from injuries that he had received during an air raid during the Second World War. Elsie remarried in 1947. 

A Private with 635th Mechanical Transport Company, Clifford died on 24th of October 1917 at the age of 30. Clifford was born at Lowestoft on 1 May 1887, a son of Frederick and Rosa Agnes Norton. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 20 May 1887 and his family lived at 3 Marsham Place. In 1891 his family lived at 58 Denmark Road, and by 1901 were living at 129 Bevan Street. Later his mother lived at 20 Gordon Road. In 1901 Clifford was a boarding pupil at Lowestoft College, Park Mansions, Lowestoft. By 1907 Clifford had moved to Canada, and settled in Toronto. Clifford returned to Lowestoft before the First World War and set up a fruiterers business at 4 Constitutional Buildings, London Road North. He was well known as a member of the Y.M.C.A. Clifford enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number M2/175859. By May 1917 Clifford was serving overseas. At some point he was posted to 635 Mechanical Transport Company in East Africa. During the war around 4,000 men served with the Army Service Corps in East Africa and around 50% of these became casualties because of tropical disease, particularly malaria. Clifford became ill and died at 19 Stationary Hospital, Kilwa, East Africa (Tanzania). In 1921 details of Clifford’s will, and particularly his bequest to Jessie Youngman, were reported in many British newspapers. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Gambri, Harry died on 18th of January 1918 at the age of 27. Harry was born at Oulton Broad on 25 February 1891, a son of Charles and Georgianna Nunn. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 27 September 1894 and his family lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 his family lived at Bell Road, Calton Colville. In 1911 Harry was working as a drifter fisherman and lived with sister Ellen Garrod and her husband Edward at 84 Stanford Street.In 1912 Harry married Gertrude Ellen Moore: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1917 they were living at The Firs, Oulton Broad.Harry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 August 1917. Prior to this had served with the yacht section, but not further information about this service is known. Harry joined the trawler Gambri on 20 November 1917. On 18 January 1918 the Gambri was patrolling in the English Channel. Off the Royal Sovereign Light Vessel, near Beachy Head, the trawler struck a mine and sank with the loss of all fifteen crew, including Harry. Harry's Brother-in-law, Edward Garrod, was a Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.  

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 27. Herbert was born at Carlton Colville in 1888, a son of John and Elizabeth Honor Nunn. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 28 November 1888. In 1891 his family lived at Bell Corner, Carlton Colville. By 1901 his father had died, and he lived with his mother, and grandparents Shadrack and Mary Sharman, near Low farm, Carlton Colville. He was the half-brother of Bertie Sharman of 1 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.In 1911 Herbert lodged with Jasper Youngs, a baker, at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and Herbert was an assistant baker. Herbert volunteered in October 1914 and enlisted in the Army at Saxmundham.  He joined the Suffolk Regiment. Initially he served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, service number 1564. In 1916 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France and renumbered 43769.   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.  Herbert was killed in action on 13 November. 

A Third Hand with Sailing Trawler Loch Fyne (Lowestoft), James died on 6th of September 1915 at the age of 27.James was born at Lowestoft on 21 December 1888, a son of James Frank and Anna Nunn. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 3 February 1889, and his family lived at 5 Clement Square. In 1891 James and his mother were living with her parents, James and Harriet Long, at Bell Corner, Carlton Colville. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Waverley Cottages, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and this would be James' home for the rest of his life. In 1911 James was working as a fisherman. In 1914 James married Elsie Maud Baldry. In September 1915 James was the Third Hand on the sailing trawler Loch Fyne, LT 1105. The trawler left Lowestoft on 6 September 1915 intending to fish the Leman and Owen Shoals and to return on 15 September. The trawler was not heard of again and there was no sign of the crew. There is no certain answer as to what happened to the Loch Fyne. The trawler's owner thought it had been sunk by a mine, but the Admiralty determined that the Loch Fyne was possibly sunk by a submarine because between 7 and 10 September 1915 six other Lowestoft fishing vessels had been sunk in the Leman and Owen Shoals. All four crew, including James, were lost. Note: Although Commonwealth War Grave records give James' date of death as 6 September 1915, the Loch Fyne was presumed to have been lost between 7 and 10 September 1915. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Jessie died on 3rd of March 1916 at the age of 26.Jessie was born at Mundham, near Loddon, Norfolk, in 1890, a son of Jessie and Eliza Nunn. In 1891 his family lived at Queen Street, Southwold, and his mother was a lodging house keeper. By 1901 they were living at 34 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at St. Aubyn Cottage, Carlton Road, and Jessie was a compositor at a printers. The 1911 Census shows that there was a visitor at their home: Hettie (Harriet) Boyce, a book-binder.On 5 June 1915 Jessie married Harriet Louisa Boyce at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Jessie was a solider, whose home was at 32 Carlton Road, and Harriet lived at 14 Reeve Street.Jessie volunteered and enlisted in the Army, at Ipswich, in October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2406. Jessie joined the 4th Battalion and in early 1916 was posted to France to join the 1/4th Battalion. In late February 1916 the 1/4th Battalion were in trenches near Philosophe. Records shows that Jessie was accidentally killed by a bayonet wound.   Jessie is listed on Saint Margaret’s War Memorial as Charles Nunn. 

A Boy 2nd Class with H.M.S. Ganges, Roy died on 26th of February 1940 aged 16.Roy was born at Lowestoft on 26 January 1924, a son of Nelson and Emilie Nunn. Throughout Roy’s life his family lived at 4 Riverside Road. Roy was still undergoing training at H.M.S. Ganges when he died. He died at the Royal Navy Sick Quarters, Shotley, from acute rheumatic carditis and bilateral lobar pneumonia. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, William died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 29. William was born at Kirkley on 16 October 1887, a son of Walter M. and Maria Louisa Nunn. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 4 May 1890. In 1891 his family lived at 1 Stanley Cottages, Carlton Road, and this was still their address in 1901. In 1911 his family lived at 28 Stanley Cottages and William was a drift net fisherman.On 15 April 1911 William married Rosie May Jones at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. William was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. They lived at 20 Mill Dene Terrace, Kimberley Road, and later Rosie lived at 31A Cleveland Road.William was enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11th January 1915 and he served on board the Drifter 'Gleaner of the Sea'. In 1915 the 'Gleaner of the Sea' was part of the Dover Patrol and the crew had the task of tending the anti-submarine nets. On 24th April 1916 a German submarine, the U-13, became tangled in the drifter's anchor chain. The Skipper, Robert Hurren, attacked the submarine with a 'lance bomb' which exploded and damaged the submarine which was subsequently sunk. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Gleaner of the Sea, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of all hands. For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)William's son, also named William Alfred, died in the air raid on 29 November 1940. 

A civilian working at the C.W.S. Factory, William died at the Lowestoft and Suffolk Hospital on 29th of November 1940 aged 26.William was born at Lowestoft on 10 September 1914, a son of William Alfred and Rosie May Nunn. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 2 October 1914 and his family lived at 20 Kimberley Road. His father served in the Royal Naval Reserve in World War One and died when his ship, the Drifter Gleaner of the Sea, was lost in 1916. In 1921 William’s family lived at 31 Cleveland Road.In 1935 William married Hilda Maude Irene Bessey, this was registered in the Lothingland district. By 1939 they were living at 50 Kirkley Run and William was a fisherman. Later Hilda remarried. In 1940 William worked for the Co-operative Wholesale Society at Waveney Drive. On 29 November he was injured during an air raid and subsequently died at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. Cecil was born at Corton on 24 April 1897, a son of Joseph and Jane Julia Isadore Oakes. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 1 December 1897. In 1901 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. By 1911 his family were living at 5 Heath Cottages, Oulton Broad, and later his parents lived at Gayes Nurseries, 5 Heath Road, Oulton Broad. Before August 1915, Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 18817. Initially he served with the 3rd Battalion and was a qualified signaller. Cecil did not go overseas before 1916. He was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France.  On 24 September 1917 the 1/4th Battalion moved to the eastern edge of Sanctuary Wood. On 26 September the Battalion moved forward to a line from Fitzclarence Farm to Glencorse Wood in readiness for an advance. This was held up and whilst waiting the Battalion suffered heavy casualties through enemy shelling. Heavy shelling, thick mist, and darkness, caused confusion and an organised attack was impossible. The men advances in small groups and by forward rushes. A small group managed to get to the enemy front line and were able to capture two machine-guns and 13 men, who gave valuable information.The Battalion’s casualties were: two officers killed and seven wounded; 43 men killed, 150 wounded, and 63 missing.Cecil was reported missing on 26 September and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. After the war his body was found at map reference J.14.b.0.3. and identified from his identity disc. In 1919 he was reburied at Hooge Crater Cemetery. Cecil's brother, Stanley, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. His nephew, Cecil, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and died in 1946. 

A Private with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Cecil died on 6 May 1946 at the age of 27. Cecil was born at Carlton Colville in 1919, a son of Rudolph James and Annie Oakes. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 13 July 1919, and his family lived at 13 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. In 1921 his family lived at Shandwick, Chestnut Avenue, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1939 when Cecil was an unemployed barman.   In 1941 Cecil married Kae Eleanor Papworth: this registered in the Hendon district. Kate lived at Upper Holloway, London. Cecil served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, service number 7362156. He died on 6 May 1946. Two of Cecil's uncles died in the First World War: Stanley Llewellyn, who served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916, and Cecil Allerton, who served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Commandant, Stanley died on 2nd of April 1916 at the age of 22. Stanley was born at Corton on 7 October 1893, a son of Joseph and Jane Julia Isadore Oakes. In 1901 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. Later his parents lived at Gayes Nurseries, 5 Heath Road, Oulton Broad. On 31 March 1915 Stanley married Lily May Woods at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Stanley was serving with the Royal Naval Reserve and stated that his home was at Carlton Colville, Lily gave her address as Oulton. Later lily lived at 4 Rock Road Rock Estate, Oulton.In 1911 Stanley was the fourth hand on the trawler Sceptre at Padstow, Cornwall. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 4 April 1912. In 1912 Stanley was a Dech Hand on the trawler Limewold, LT 418. In 1913 he worked on the trawler Ocean Reward, YH 730. Stanley was called out for service on 3 August 1914 and joined Merchant Fleet Auxiliary Peshawar. On 6 July 1915 he was sent to the Trawler Service and drafted to H.M.S. Columbine, a Depot Ship, as an Acting Second Hand. He served with the trawler Commandant.On 2 April 1916 the Commandant, accompanied by the trawler Regal, were minesweeping near the Sunk Light Vessel. One mine was brought to the surface and destroyed and, shortly afterwards, the Commandant struck another mine which exploded. The Commandant was lost: five crew, including Stanley, were killed, and two wounded. Stanley's brother, Cecil, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. His nephew, Cecil, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and died in 1946. 

A Second Engineer with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), James died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 25. James was born at Ellon, Aberdeenshire, on 15 October 1894, a son of William S. and Jeanie Ogilvie. In 1901 his family lived at 17 Harbour Street, Cruden, Aberdeenshire. By 1914 they were living at 8 Strachans Lane, Aberdeen. On 21 May 1918 James married Violet Elizabeth Daisy Church, formerly Prettyman, the widow of Harry Church who had died in the loss of H.M.S. Vanguard in 1917. Their marriage was registered in the Mutford district. In 1918 their home was at 55 Seago Street. Later they lived with Violet’s family at 9 Epsom Terrace, Kirkley Run. Subsequently Violet lived at 22 Carmelite Street, Aberdeen, then 75 Exeter Street, Plymouth, and then at 12 Waterloo Yard, Stonehouse, Plymouth. In 1929 she married William Heggie.  On 25 August 1914 James attested for the Army at Perth. He had been working as a labourer. He joined the Black Watch, service number 3277. He was posted to the 8th Battalion, but was discharged on 16 September 1914, having been found to be medically unfit for further service. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 January 1915 as a Trimmer, service number 1905/TS. He served on the trawler Nellie Reid until 1 February 1917 when he joined the trawler Lord Robert. From 17 February 1917 he was sentenced to eleven days in the cells with the loss of 28 days leave and 15 days pay: the reason is not stated on his service record. He joined the Princess Victoria on 8 March 1917 and on 24 July 1917 he was serving on the Ben Fore when he slipped and broke a finger. On 13 August 1917 he was sentenced to ten days in the cells: the reason is not stated on his service record. He then served at H.M.S. Victory until 10 September 1917 when joined the Aurea. On 29 October 1918 he was advanced to Engineman. From 2 January 1919 he served on the Pavlova and, on 13 March 1919, he joined H.M.S. Boadicea II. James then spent 42 days in Mountjoy Prison, with hard labour, before being discharged and demobilized on 16 May 1919.      In 1920 James worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew. 

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Charles died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 17.Charles was born in Norwich in 1897, a son of Christopher Robert and Emma Oldfield. In 1901 his family lived at Yarmouth Road, Thorpe, Norwich. By 1911 his family were living at Park Hill Road, Oulton, Lowestoft, and Charles worked as a gardener's boy at a nursery (possibly with his father).  Charles was living at The Lodge, Park Hill Road, when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 10 February 1915. He served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. Charles embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Charles was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.' 

A Private with 3rd Bn. Ernest died on 17th of January 1915 at the age of 17. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Louisa Mary Oldman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 21 September 1899 and his mother lived at 3 Wesleyan Chapel Lane. In 1901 his family were living at 1 Wesleyan Chapel Lane. His mother later married William Edmonds and in 1911 Ernest lived with his mother and step-father at 8 White Horse Street. Later his mother lived at 27 Chapel Street Lowestoft.Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He served with the 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Ernest did not serve overseas. He died at Cliff Hospital, Felixstowe. (Possibly recorded on Saint Andrew's and Saint Margaret's War Memorials as Ernest Edmonds)

A Third Hand with Steam Trawler Vessel Lord Haldane (Lowestoft), George died on 7th of November 1940 aged 44. George was born at Lowestoft on 14 February 1896, a son of Leonard and Alice Oldman. In 1901 his family lived at 100 Seago Street. On 9 March 1903 George became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1911 George lived with his grandparents, George and Hannah Howard, at 7 Haward Street. By 1915 George was living at 1 Factory Court, Factory Street. George joined the Royal Navl Reserve on 6 September 1915. He served as a Deck Hand, service number DA 8536. George served with the trawlers Mishe Nahama, Violet II and then the South Tyne. He was demobilised on 24 February 1919. In 1937 George married Wilhelmina Smith. In 1939 they lived at 1 Saint Margaret's Plain, Church Road, and George was a fisherman. In 1940 George was a Third Hand on the trawler Lord Haldane. On 4 November 1940 the Lord Haldane left Milford Haven for the fishing grounds and was last seen on 7 November 1940. Official records state that George was missing, supposed drowned, on 7 November, but other sources suggest that the Lord Haldane was lost on 12 November. The trawler had ten crew, all of whom were lost.   

A Sailor with S.S. Ashcrest (London), Roy died on 9th of December 1940 aged 20. Roy was born at East Ham, London, on 21 September 1920, a son of James Robert and Cissie Olive Oldman. In 1921 his family lived at 115 Central Park Road, East Ham and by 1930 their home was at Saint Peter, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.Roy attended the Gravesend Sea School. From 6 August 1939 Roy worked on the merchant ship Cressington Court. He joined the S.S. Barn Hill on 11 December 1939 and, on 12 June 1940, the S.S. Ashcrest. In December 1940 the Ashcrest was part of convoy SC-13. The ship’s rudder broke and the ship became separated from the convoy and sent a distress signal which alerted a German submarine. Late of 8 December the submarine found, torpedoed, and sank the Ashcrest. All 38 crew, including Roy, were lost.   

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Colleen, Samuel died on 6th of November 1917 at the age of 65. Samuel was either born at Stradbroke or Hoxne, Suffolk, on 18 May 1852, the son of Harriet Alice Hazell. In 1856 his mother married Frederick Oldman and the family lived at Aldeby. In 1861 the family lived at Stanley Hills, Aldeby, and the census shows Samuel as Samuel Oldman. In 1871 they were living at Water Heath, Aldeby, and Samuel, who was working as an agricultural labourer, is listed as Samuel James Hazell. Subsequently Samuel was known as Samuel Hazel Oldman. On 3 January 1886 Samuel married Ellen Knights at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Samuel was a fisherman and they both lived at Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at Woods Loke, Oulton; in 1901 at The Street, Oulton, and by 1911 at 3 Fair View, Beccles Road. Later they lived at 3 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and subsequently Ellen lived at 5 Bridge Road. Samuel joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 February 1915. He gave his date of birth as 18 May 1866. Samuel served on the trawler Barnardo until 5 April 1917 when he was transferred to the strength of H.M.S. Colleen. Samuel contracted pneumonia and died at the Royal Naval Sick Quarters, Berehaven. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Yacht Aelda, William died on 6th of November 1943 at the age of 42. William was born at Lowestoft on 20 February 1901, a son of William James Dixon and Maud Marion Oldman. William was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 13 March 1901, and his family lived at 58 Wollaston Road. By 1911 his family lived at 25 Coronation Terrace, Fir Lane. Later his parents lived at 12 Harrison Road, Oulton Broad. In 1927 William married Nanny Tomlinson: this was registered in the Fylde district. In 1939 they lived at 34 Radcliffe Road, Fleetwood, Lancashire, and William was the Mate on a steam trawler.During World War Two William served at the Second Hand on the armed yacht Aelda. On 6 November 1943 the Aelda collided with the steam drifter Neves at Autbea, Loch Ewe, Ross-shire. Four men, including William, were killed in the collision. An inquest found that the Skipper of the Neve was at fault and he was informed that he had 'incurred their Lordship's displeasure.' 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Ocean Retriever, William died on 16th of September 1918 aged 27. William was born at Oulton on 20 May 1891, a son of Samuel and Ellen Oldman. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Oulton, and by 1914 they were living at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.  On 16 December 1915 William married Ethel Maud Newson at Saint Margaret’s Church. Ethel lived at 41 Oxford Road. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 December 1914 and served on the minesweeping trawler Ocean Retriever. William was accidentally drowned by falling overboard. His body could not be recovered. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Hogue, William died on 22nd of September 1914 at the age of 37. William was born at Somerleyton on 7 February 1877, a son of William James and Harriet Oldman. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Somerleyton, on 11 March 1877. In 1881 his family lived at 22 Brickfields, Somerleyton. By 1901 they were living at 4 Wesleyan Chapel Lane, Lowestoft, and William was working as a cook on a smack. On 1906 William married Maud Florence Burden at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. William was a fisherman living at 3 Wesleyan Chapel Road, and Maud lived at 13 Haward Street. By 1911 they were living at 13 Erskine Place. Later Maud lived at 18 Wellington Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft.In 1910 William worked on the trawlers Nelson, LT 459, and Albion, LT 708; in 1911 on the trawlers Retriever, LT 1076, and Early Blossom, LT 16; in 1912 on the trawlers Forward, LT 722, and Rep O'Day (sic), LT 187; in 1913 he worked on the Boy Jack, LT 945, the Sweet Name, LT 73, and the Boy Walker. He 1914 he worked on trawler LT 187. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 October 1904 (but seems to have had prior service).William was called out for service at the start of the First World War and on 3 August 1914 joined H.M.S. Hogue. On 28 August 1914 H.M.S. Hogue was part of the British naval force at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, but took no active part in the battle. On 22 September H.M.S. Hogue, sailing with sister ships Aboukir and Cressy, were in the Broad Fourteens area of the North Sea when each ship was sunk by torpedoes from German submarine U-9. A total of 377 men, including William, were killed in the loss of the Hogue. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Edmund died on 19th of August 1916 at the age of 20.Edmund was born at Brightlingsea, Essex, in 1896, a son of Edmund and Edith Oliver. he was baptised at All Saints' Church, Brightlingsea, on 19 September 1896. In 1901 his family lived at 36 Upper Park Road, Brightlingsea. By 1911 they were living at 6 Gilpin Terrace, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad, and Edmund was a boat builder's apprentice. Later his family lived at 1 Broad View, 30 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.Edmund enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. Edmund went to France with the 7th Battalion, arriving there on 28 July 1915.On 19 August 1916 the 7th Battalion were in the vicinity of Bois Grenier. The Battalion was diary reads:About 3.15 p.m. our guns opened rapid firing on enemy's front and support lines. Enemy replied with about 12 "pineapples" and 1 heavy mortar afterwards shelling was from WHITE CITY to salient. About three shells fell on 50 support trench.About 5.40 p.m. 1 heavy mortar bomb and about 30 "pineapples" fell on right company's front. Not much damage done. 2 Lieutenant Lebon was slightly wounded in shoulder.Otherwise quiet day and very quiet night. Wet off and on all day. Fresh west wind.We do not know exactly what happened to Edmund, but we know that he was killed in action on 19 August along with two other men of the Battalion.  

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Edward died on 5th of April 1918 at the age of 25. Edward was born at Blundeston in 1892, a son of James and Ellen Jane Osborn. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Blundeston. By 1911 they were living at Ellen Cottages, Blundeston, and Edward was a fisherman.Edward volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. When he enlisted he gave his first name as William. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 12151. He was posted to the 7th Battalion and arrived in France with his battalion on France 30 May 1915. Edward was wounded but there is no official record of where, when, or how this happened. We do know that in early April 1918 the 7th Battalion were in the Henencourt – Millencourt area. Edward was taken to 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens, where he died of wounds on 5 April. 

A Stoker with H.M.S. Pembroke, Alfred died on 20th of January 1915 at the age of 19. Alfred was born at Lowestoft on 22 September 1895, a son of George and Martha Osborne. In 1901 his family lived at 3 Nobbs Buildings, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1914. Later they lived at 215 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.Alfred had two years service before he joined the Royal Naval Reserve. Alfred joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 December 1914, number 7275 A. On 8 January 1915 he was found to be medically unfit to serve as a Seaman, but was willing to re-enrol at a Stoker he re-engaged on 18 January 1915. Alfred died at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, from lobar pneumonia. 

A Private with the 1/6th Cyclist Bn., Frederick died on 20th of February 1915 at the age of 22.Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 19 April 1892, a son of William and Mary Ann Osborne of 33 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft. Frederick worked as a waiter at the Imperial Hotel, Lowestoft.He volunteered in October 1914.Frederick died at the Isolation Hospital, Lowestoft, 'of a disease contracted while on active service.'

A Rifleman with 1/12th Bn., William died on 9th of September 1916 at the age of 27.  William was born at Attleborough, Norfolk, on 16 March 1889, a son of William and Mary Ann Osborne. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Attleborough, on 26 May 1889. In 1891 his family lived at 78 New North Road, Attleborough. By 1901 they were living at 25 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, and later at 33 Salisbury Road.William was working as a postman when he joined the Royal Navy, on 5 June 1907, to serve as a Domestic 3rd Class. On 1 October 1907 he became an Officer's Steward 3rd Class and, on 1 October 1908, became an Officer's Cook 2nd Class. On 1 January 1909 he returned to the rate of Officer's Steward 2nd Class. He was discharged on 27 September 1912 at his own request.  In June 1914 William began working for the Great Eastern Railway, as a carriage cleaner, at Lowestoft Central Station. Later he became a porter and worked at Great Yarmouth, South Town, Station.William was living at 25 Coronation Road, Great Yarmouth, and working as a porter for the Great Eastern Railway, when he was attested for the Royal Sussex Regiment, service number G/9284, at Great Yarmouth, on 25 November 1915. He was 'called up' for service on 1 March 1916. He served with the 3rd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment before being transferred, on 19 June 1916, to serve with the 22nd Battalion London Regiment, arriving at Havre, France, on 30 June 1916. William did not join the 22nd Battalion because, on 11 July 1916, he was posted to the 1/12th Battalion London Regiment. The 1/12th Battalion sustained a large number of casualties during their attack on Gommecourt on 1 July 1916 and needed to be reinforced to bring the Battalion back to fighting strength. A draft of 158 men, joined the Battalion, from the Base, on 12 July 1916, and another 126 men on 13 July. William would have been one of these reinforcements. In early August 1916 William suffered from influenza and was treated at a Field Ambulance. In September 1916 the 1/12th Battalion were based on the Somme. On 6 September they marched to the Casement Trenches; on 7 September they relieved the 7th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at Sunken Trench, near Wedge Wood; on 8 September they moved an assembly trench west of Leuze Wood. On 9 September the Battalion, with the 4th London Regiment on their right, made an attack on the German front line between The Quadriliateral and Bouleaux Wood. They were able to hold and consolidate the forward trench, which did not include The Quadrilateral. Two officers and 101 men, including William, were killed in the attack. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Argyllshire. Samuel died on 1st of June 1940 at the age of 41. Samuel was born at Lowestoft on 14 April 1898, a son of Samuel James and Amelia Outlaw. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 November 1898 and his family lived at 36 Mariner's Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 his family lived at 31 Albert Street and by 1911 they had moved to 27 Roman Road, Lowestoft.Samuel joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 20 March 1915, and stated that he was born in 1896, with service number 5093 DA. He served on trawlers Eager and Dreel Castle, and later on the Egmont. He was discharged on 12 May 1919.Samuel married Eleanor Robina Nichols at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 January 1921. Samuel was working as a fisherman and living at 27 Roman Road. Eleanor lived at 2 Clarence Road. Later they lived at 39 Oxford Road. By 1939 they were living at 1 Bishops Buildings, Mariners Street, Lowestoft, and Samuel worked as an engineer on drifters. During World War Two Samuel served on the requisitioned trawler Argyllshire. The Argyllshire was used for minesweeping duties. At 02.45 on 1 June 1940 the Argyllshire was sunk by German motor torpedo boat S-34 off Dunkirk. The Argyllshire was involved in the Dunkirk evacuation at the time. Only five of the crew survived.

A Civilian, Daniel died on 9th of April 1941 aged 57.Daniel was born at Lowestoft on 26 June 1883, a son of James and Christina Overy. In 1891 his family lived at 17 Haward Street, and this was Daniel’s home until he married. In 1901 Daniel worked as a fisherman and by 1911 he was a boiler cleaner for fishing vessels. On 18 March 1913 Daniel married Nellie Charlotte Adams at Saint Margaret’s Church. Daniel was a contractor’s boiler scaler living at 17 Haward Street and Nellie lived at 25 Mariners Street. In 1920 they lived at 73 Raglan Street and Daniel was a labourer and the 1921 Census shows Daniel was a boiler cleaner working on his ‘own account’. In 1939 they were still living at 73 Raglan Street and Daniel was a boiler cleaner (master).  Daniel died at Till Road during an air raid. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 24th of July 1941 at the age of 27. Jack was born at Lowestoft on 29 August 1913, a son of George Edward and Margaret Isabel Overy. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 19 September 1913 and his family lived at 23 Payne Street and this was still their home in 1939. Jack was an Air Gunner. In July 1941 he was flying in a Wellington IC aircraft, number N2747, of No 11 Operational Training Unit based at Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. On 24 July the aircraft was on a night flying exercise when it stalled and crashed at Whaddon ten miles southwest of Cambridge. Jack was the only member of the crew that died in the accident. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Indefatigable, Alfred died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 29. Alfred was born at Pembroke Dock on 16 February 1887, a son of Charles and Margaret Owen. In 1891 his family lived at 8 King Street, Pembroke. By 1901 Alfred’s mother had died and his family lived at 4 King Street, Pembroke, and later his father lived at 3 Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock.   Note Commonwealth War Graves states his father’s name was Thomas: no record has been found that corroborates this.  On 26 December 1912 Alfred married Sarah Francis Mehennet. They lived at Granby Street, Devonport. After Alfred’s death Sarah married Frederick Clarke and they lived at 16 Rant Score, Lowestoft. Alfred was working as a carter when he enlisted in the Royal Navy, as a Stoker 2nd Class, on 22 August 1906. On 17 June 1913 Alfred joined H.M.S. Indefatigable. H.M.S. Indefatigable was sunk during the Battle of Jutland. The Indefatigable engaged the German battlecruiser Von der Tann. The Indefatigable’s rear turret was hit by shells from the Von der Tann and began to sink: a few minutes later more shells caused the ship’s magazines to explode. Alfred was one of 1,016 men who were killed: there were three survivors. 

A Chief Engineer with Steam Trawler Newhaven (Lowestoft), Herbert died on 15th of January 1940 aged 40. Herbet was born at Gisleham on 9 April 1899, a son of Samuel and Mary E. Page. In 1901 his family lived at Covehithe. By 1911 Herbert’s father had died and his family lived at Peasenhall. In 1915 Herbert lived at Littleborough, Wickham Market. On 8 December 1915 Herbert joined the Royal Naval Reserve. He added two years to his age when he enrolled. Herbert was a Deck Hand, service number 9945 DA. He served on the trawler Ocean Reaper until 24 February 1918. On 16 April 1918 he joined the minesweeping trawler Cornstalk. Hebert was demobilised on 12 March 1919 and discharged on 9 April 1919.   On 8 February 1921 Herbert married Flora Harriet Lennox at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Herbert was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1921 they lived at 28 John Street and Herbert was a fisherman working for Bloomfield Fish Sales, and later that year they moved to 24 Bruce Street. By 1939 their home was at Dell View, Colville Road, Oulton Broad.In 1940 Hebert was the Chief Engineer on the trawler Newhaven. The Newhaven was presumed to have been lost, around 18 miles south south-east of Lowestoft, due to a mine explosion.  

A Leading Seaman with H.M. Trawler Laertes. Jack died on 25th of July 1942 at the age of 29. Jack was born at Aldburgh on 8 July 1914, a son of Son of Henry Joseph and Eva Ellen Page. In 1911 his family lived at Oulton Broad, and by 1921 were living at Village Green, Homersfield, Suffolk. By 1939 they were living at 67 Beccles Road, Lowestoft, and Jack worked as a trawler deck hand. Jack married Kathleen Joyce Beamish, at Lowestoft, in 1940. Jack was serving on the Laertes, off Sierra Leone, when it was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-201. Nineteen crew, including Jack, were killed. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Fir, Royal died on 3rd of December 1942 at the age of 42. Royal was born at Lowestoft on 26 November 1900, a son of Charles and Margaret Page. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 11 October 1901, and his family lived at 71 Tonning Street. By 1911 his family were living at 27 Ontario Road, and by 1921 at 10 May Road. Later his parents lived at 2 Simnetts Cottage, Saint Johns Road, Lowestoft.Royal, who was also known as John, was working as an errand boy when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 7 June 1916. He served until 11 September 1919 and during 1919 he worked as an Assistant Cook.In 1921 Royal was working as a Deck Hand with his father who was Skipper of the trawler Glory, LT 1027.Royal was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1928. In early 1939 Royal married Minna Fritze, this was registered in the Maidenhead district. In 1939 Royal and Minna were living at 182 Church Road, Great Yarmouth, and Royal worked as a fisherman. Later Minna lived at Heimat, Yarmouth Road, Ellingham, Norfolk.Royal served with the Royal Naval Reserve as a Seaman, then Second Hand, from 9 January 1941. Royal was Mentioned in Despatches on 1 January 1942. He was promoted to Temporary Acting Skipper on 1 May 1942. He joined the trawler Fir on 13 July 1942.  Royal was serving on the minesweeping trawler Fir when there was an accident with a projector and Royal suffered multiple fatal injuries.  A letter was sent to Minna by Chaplain Alsop R.N.V.R. which stated that: 'There was an accident at one of the guns and a shell was about to explode which would have endangered the lives of several others. You husband immediately took such action as would have avoided this danger and in doing so received injuries from which he died. His captain brought the ship back to port; after doing what he could for him and a doctor went on board. Everything possible was done, but he died on the way to hospital.'See: Ellingham and Kirby Cane photograph archive - Wartime (ellcane-photoarchive.org.uk)  

A Civilian, Victor died on 12th of May 1941 aged 21. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 3 January 1920, a son of James and Florence Page. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 29 January 1920. By 1939 his family were living at 14 May Road and Victor was a drifter fisherman. During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. Victor died at his home during the air raid. 

A Sergeant with the 8th Battalion, Sidney died on 17th of November 1917 at the age of 20. Sidney was born at Lowestoft in late 1896, a son of Ernest Leonard and Ann Painter. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 1 January 1897, and his family lived at 24 Seago Street and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 his family were living at 78 Haward Street, Lowestoft, and Sidney worked as a sail maker.Sidney volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 8th Battalion in France from 25 July 1915. He was wounded and his name appears in the official list of wounded dated 1 September 1915. On 16 November 1917 the 8th Battalion relieved the 12th Battalion Middlesex Regiment and took over front line positions near Boesinghe. The relief was made difficult because of the vert bad condition of the ground. The Battalion War Diary for 17 November 1917 describes the day thus: Battalion in line - quiet day with occasional heavy bursts of shelling. There is no specific record of what happened to Sidney, other than that he was killed in action on 17 November. 

Formerly a Private with 431 Agricultural Company, Charles died on 16th of April 1920 at the age of 36. Charles was born at Lakenham, Norwich, on 23 April 1883, a son of John and Susannah Palmer. He was baptised at Saint Mark’s Church, Lakenham, on 5 August 1888, and his family lived at 13 Pump Row. In 1891 his family lived at 4 Pump Row. By 1901 Charles’ mother had died and the family lived at 33 Back Trafalgar Opening, Norwich, and Charles worked as a starch labourer. On 26 May 1906 Charles married Lily Fountain at Heigham, Norwich. By 1910 they were living at Carlton Colville and Charles was a milkman. In 1911 their home was at Ship Corner, Carlton Colville, and Charles was a farm labourer, at some point he had also been a cowman. By 1915 they were living at Chapel Cottages, Mutford.Charles was working as a labourer when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 2 October 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21855. Charles was posted to the 10th (Reserve) Battalion on 6 October 1915 and then, on 1 September 1916, joined the 26th Training Reserve Battalion, with service number TR/9/4412. Charles was in medical category B ii, and so was not detailed for overseas service. He was posted to the 2nd (Home Service) Garrison Battalion on 30 December 1916 but was attached to the 3rd Battalion from 4 March 1917 to 11 August 1917. Charles returned to the 2nd (Home Service) Garrison Battalion just as this was being redesignated as the 6th Battalion Royal Defence Corps and so Charles was transferred to this unit with service number 61969. On 8 December 1917 Charles was transferred to the Labour Corps, service number 491655, and posted to 431 Agricultural Company. Charles was discharged on 18 March 1919. His records shows that he tubercular disease and slight epididymitis attributable to his service and he was judged to have a 20% disability. He received a pension of 8/8 per week from 19 March 1919.Charles died at Normanston Hospital, Oulton Broad, from pulmonary tuberculosis connected to his military service. Note: Commonwealth War Graves gives the Royal Defence Corps as Charles' primary regiment, however his service papers are extant an show that he was serving with the Labour Corps for the last fifteen months of his service. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Philip died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 25. Philip was born at Lowestoft on 27 February 1892, a son of Philip Norris and Sarah Elizabeth Palmer. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 27 March 1892, and his family lived at 48 Haward Street. In 1901 his family lived at Barrett’s Buildings, Albert Street. In 1911 they lived at 3 Albany Road and Philip was a tram conductor working for Lowestoft Corporation.    On 22 June 1913 Philip married Dora Whales at Saint Margaret’s Church. Philip was a motorman living at 3 Albany Road and Dora lived at 42 Saint Margaret’s Road. Later Dora lived at 27 Kimberley Road. In 1921 Dora married Jeffrey Waller and they lived at North Street, Great Dunham, King’s Lynn. Philip volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15527, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France with the battalion on 31 August 1915 and served with C Company.  Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 9th Battalion’s involvement in the Battle of Loos from 25 to 27 September 1915, pages 121-122:At 8 p.m. on 25 September the 9th Battalion moved off and began to wend its way, in a double line of platoons, across the battlefield of Loos. A steady advance – not towards the 9th Division as originally intended, but in the direction of Vendin-le-Vieil – was maintained, the battalion passing in turn over its own support line, its own front line, the German front line, and the German support line. About midnight the advance was held up, the battalion digging themselves in between that hour and dawn, with the German support line still behind them. At 5 a.m. they were ordered back to that line.During the forenoon of the 26th an order was received for an attack at 11 a.m. with the 9th Battalion to support the 72nd Brigade, following some 600 yards behind. Unfortunately, however, this order was not received until 11.25 a.m., whereupon Lieutenant-Colonel, passing a message down the line, ordered the battalion to advance immediately. Without hesitation each section mounted the parapet and began pushing forward under heavy artillery fire towards the objective of the previous evening. The advance continued until the leading line reached a point about two hundred yards or so beyond the Hulluch-Lens Road where it was definitely checked. At 5 p.m. the right flank began to give way. For three hours the centre held on to the road, and during that time the flanks advanced and retired twice. Then the left flank, coming under a heavy machine-gun fire from the direction of Hulluch, was forced back. Here most of the 9th Battalion’s casualties occurred.About 2 a.m. on the 27th the battalion was relieved.The Battalion’s casualties were: Officers, one killed, six woundedOther ranks, nine killed, two died of wounds, 81 wounded, 45 missingPhilip was wounded during the battle, receiving a gunshot wound to his right thigh. By 30 September he was at No 2 General Hospital and, on that day, was evacuated to England, viz Hospital Ship Asturias. Philip was wounded for a second time in 1916 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 3 April 1916. 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 Philip 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 7th Battalion, Charles died on 27th of March 1918 at the age of 24. Records indicate that Charles was born at Piccadilly, London, in 1894, a son of Charles and Alice Emma Dickerson-Parker. Charles’ father had served in the Scots Guards and was present at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, thereafter his father was in the Army Reserve for many years until his death in 1895. Charles has not been traced in the 1901 Census, but his mother, and sister Florence, were boarders at Cromer. In 1911 his mother married James Miller at Pakefield and the 1911 Census shows Charles living with his mother, and step-father, at 4 King’s Cottages, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and Charles working as a general labourer. Later his mother lived at 59 Clemence Street.  Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 9175. He was posted to the 7th battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 30 May 1915. By March 1918 Charles was serving with B Company,On 26 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were given the task of protecting the approaches to the town of Albert against the German advance. A Company were to defend the railway cutting area with positions covering the Albert-Millencourt Road and the Albert-Amiens Road. In the next two days the Battalion held the defences but suffered 244 casualties. Charles was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on 26 to 27 March 1918.

A Civilian, Harold died on 1st of August 1940 aged 32.Harold was born at Lowestoft in 1908, a son of George Edgar Rowing and Minnie Lilian Rowing Parker. In 1911 his family lived at 19 May Road and by 1921 their home was at Saint Marguerite, Saint Margaret’s Road. On 28 September 1935 Harold married Nellie Searby at Saint Margaret’s Church. Harold was an engineer’s draughtsman, living at 207 Saint Margaret’s Road, and Nellie was a typist, living at 1 Battery Green Terrace, Battery Green Road. By 1939 they were living at Glencoe, 18 Marlborough Road, Oulton Broad, and Harold was an engineer’s draughtsman.Harold worked for Boulton and Paul at Norwich. At 3.15 p.m. on 1 August 1940 a single German aircraft attacked the Boulton and Paul Riverside Works at Norwich. The aircraft dropped bombs and machine-gunned the streets. Nine people, including Harold, were killed in the attack. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, William died on 23rd of March 1918 at the age of 23. William was born at Thorpe next Norwich on 19 July 1894, a son of Rufus and Violet Parker. He was baptised at Thorpe Saint Andrew on 4 November 1894. In 1901 his family lived at Chapel Lane, Thorpe, Norwich, and this was still their address in 1911 when William was a general labourer. On 23 May 1916 William married Elsie Gertrude Carver at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. William was a baker and they both gave their address as 81 Seago Street. Later Elsie lived at 33 Old Nelson Street. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Fusiliers, service number 33136, and was posted to the 36th (Labour) Battalion and served in France with that battalion. This battalion became 105 Company Labour Corps in May 1917 and so William was transferred to that company and given service number 63183. Subsequently William was transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers, service number 41257, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. The 9th Battalion was disbanded in France on 12 February 1918 and William was posted to the 11th Battalion and served with VII Platoon in B Company.  In March 1918 the 11th Battalion were at Fremicourt. On 21 March a heavy enemy barrage was put down on the Corps front and the battalion were ordered to take up positions behind the Corps line south of the Bapaume to Cambrai Road. During the morning of 22 March there was an enemy bombardment on the Corps line and about 2.15 p.m. they attacked the Corps lines astride the Bapaume-Cambrai Road and broke through the Corps lines. During the day the battalion was not heavily engaged and patrols captured several prisoners, however one officer was killed and eight wounded, and 15 men were killed and 88 wounded. At 5.30 a.m. the enemy, who were massed in the Chavfours Wood Valley, attacked in force. A and B Companies were able to beat off this attack but the battalion on their left broke forcing these companies to retire to south of the Bapaume-Cambrai Road. At 7 a.m. the enemy attacked from Beaumetz and were held by B and C Companies, but the enemy had machine-gunners on high ground and turned the battalion’s right flank, Owing to heavy casualties the battalion were ordered to retire and join a line held by the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry 200 yards to their rear. Later, due to retirement of other units, they were ordered back to the Beugny Line and thence to Fremicourt and Bihucourt. Stragglers were collected and the battalion spent the night at Savoy Camp, Bienvillers. During 23 March the battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two missing, three woundedOther ranks: three killed 35 woundedEighty-eighty men, including William, were reported missing between 22 and 23 March. It was later concluded that William had been killed in action on, or since, 23 March. 

A Civilian, Adelaide died on 18th of February 1942 at the age of 45.Adelaide was born at Oulton Broad on 2 September 1894, a daughter of John and Adelaide Patterson. In 1901 her family lived at 5 Trinity Cottages, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad. By 1911 Adelaide was working in service and she lived at 27 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft.Adelaide married William John Parnell at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 28 June 1925. In the late 1930s they lived at Redenhall. In 1939 Adelaide and William were living at 39 Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth. Both Adelaide and William were killed at 39 Northgate Street during an air raid on 18 February 1942.  Adelaide's brother, William Patterson, died in 1919. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Frank died on 17th of June 1944 aged 20.Frank was born at Lowestoft on 11 May 1924, a son of Russell Martin and Alice Mary Parnell. In 1939 his family lived at 59 Fir Lane and Frank was a coal hawker’s assistant. Frank enlisted in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment and was transferred to the East Surrey Regiment on 21 October 1943 and he served with the 1st Battalion in Italy.  On 17 June 1944 the 1st Battalion advanced towards Ciutta Della Pieve, near Orvieto. The Germans, holding the town, gave stiff resistance using machine-guns, mortars, and a self-propelled gun. The battle continued through the morning and at 9.50 a.m. British tanks arrived to give support and with his support A Company were able to press on with the attack and managed to get into the town. The attack was described as the bitterest fighting that the battalion had to engage in during the Italian campaign and it transpired that they were fighting against German paratroopers who were determined to hold their positions and fight to the last man. The battalion’s casualties were three officers and eleven men killed, including Frank; twenty-four men wounded and five men missing.     

A Civilian, William died on 18th of February 1942 at the age of 41. William was born at Margate on 12 November 1898, a son of William Thomas and Alice Maria Parnell. In 1901 William's family lived at 6 Hazelwood, Ramsgate. By 1911 they were living at 37 Regent Road, Lowestoft. By 1939 William's parents were living at 19 Love Road, Lowestoft. By 1916 William was working as an engineer's pattern maker. In 1918 he served with the 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards.William married Adelaide Emma Patterson at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 28 June 1925. In the late 1930s they lived at Redenhall. In 1939 William and Adelaide were living at 39 Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth, and William worked as a life assurance company district manager. William became an A.R.P. Warden. Both William and Adelaide were killed at 39 Northgate Street during an air raid on 18 February 1942. William's brother-in-law, William Patterson, ded in 1919. 

A Private with the 12th Battalion, Arthur died on 16th of May 1917 at the age of 20. Arthur was born at Bungay in 1897, a son of Peter and Elizabeth Parry. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 36 Norfolk Street and Arthur was a houseboy at a lady’s house. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number 32364. He was posted to France to serve with the 12th Battalion. It is not possible to say when, or how, Arthur was wounded. He was evacuated to No 2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, where he died of wounds on 16 May.  

A Seaman with H.M.S. Formidable, Charles died on 1st of January 1915 at the age of 21. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1893, a son of Walter and Elizabeth Sarah Parsk. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 7 April 1893. Charles' mother died in 1895 and in 1901 he lived with his aunt, Sarah Parsk, at White Cottage, Carlton Colville. By 1911 his father had married Leah Olive Peek, and the family lived at 2 Farrows Yard, Factory Street and Charles was a fisherman. Later his family lived at 4 Epsom Terrace, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft.Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 August 1914. He was drafted to H.M.S. Formidable on 30 September 1914. On 1 January 1915 the Formidable was struck by a torpedo fired by German submarine U-24 when about 37 miles off the Devon coast. The Captain attempted to bring the ship closer to shore but a second torpedo, from U-24, hit the ship. Around 550, including Charles, were killed.See: HMS Formidable (burtonbradstock.org.uk)

A Gunner with 7th Coastal Regiment, Leon died on 5 March 1943, aged 26.Leon was born at Walthamstow on 8 March 1916, a son of Leonard and Dorothy Patin. In 1921 Leon, and his mother, lived with his maternal grandmother, Emily Sheraton, at 67 Holme Road, East Ham. Leon’s mother married Robert Whinney. In 1937 Leon married Dorothy Matilda O’Sullivan, this was registered in the East Ham district. In 1939 they lived with Leon’s mother, and step-father, at 67 Holme Road, East Ham. Later their address was 10 Boleyn Road, East Ham. Dorothy moved to Kessingland and lived at Jasmine House, Market Place, Kessingland. She remarried in 1946 and lived at 26 London Road, Pakefield.Leon was a cable worker when he enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1940 and was posted to the 7th Coastal Regiment. His regiment was formed at Singapore in December 1940 and, in February 1942, manned the heavy guns of the Johore Battery during the Japanese invasion. Leon was captured at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Records show that he sailed from Singapore on the Kenkon Maru 18 October 1942. He was among 600 gunners, and other soldiers, taken to Rabaul. Beyond that no precise details of him are known other than that he was presumed to have died at sea.  

A Drummer with the 8th Bn., Ernest died on 31st of August 1915 at the age of 19. Ernest was born at Oulton Broad in 1896, a son of George and Emma Patterson. In 1901 his family lived at Park Estate, Oulton, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at Edith Cottage, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and Ernest was a baker’s errand boy.   Ernest 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 A Company.On 23 August 1915 the 8th Battalion took over positions close to Bronfay Wood, near Bray. The Battalion War Diary has a very short entry for 31 August:1 man killed (No 14796 [sic] Dmr. Patterson) A Company 

A Rigger with R.F.A. Hughli, William died on 26th of April 1919 at the age of 29. William was born at Oulton, Lowestoft, on 4 August 1888, a son of John and Adelaide Patterson. In 1891 his family lived at Commodore Road, Oulton, and by 1901 they were living at Trinity Cottages, Commodore Road, Oulton, Lowestoft. The 1911 Census shows them at 5 Trinity Cottages, while Commonwealth War Graves records give their address as 1 Trinity Cottages.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 November 1916, to serve as a Deck Hand, number DA 12821. he served on the trawler Strathlochy. On 25 January 1917 William transferred to the Salvage Service, as a Rigger in the Mercantile Marine Reserve. William married Ella May Boyce at Southampton in 1918 (note that the marriage index gives his first names as Thomas William). Ella lived at 21 Stanford Street, Lowestoft.The Hughli was a tug that had been converted to a salvage vessel. On 26 April 1919 the Hughli was sailing from Dover to Ostend with stores and explosives. The ship was lost off Nieupoort, Belgium. There is some ambiguity about the cause of the Hughli's sinking, but, generally, it is felt that the ship was lost in a storm. Twenty-nine, of the thirty-seven crew, were drowned.   William's sister Adelaide Parnell, and her husband William, were killed in an air raid in 1942.

A Seaman with H.M.S. Macedonia, Alfred died on 16th of May 1917 at the age of 21.Alfred was born at Oulton Broad on 2 January 1895, a son of George and Belinda Paul. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 30 August 1895 and his family lived at The Street, Oulton. By 1901 they were living at 8 Fir Lane, and this would be Alfred's home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Alfred worked at a fish curers. Alfred joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 January 1913. From June 1913 to June 1914 he served on the trawler LT 570.Alfred was called out for service on 3 August 1914 and was drafted to H.M.S. Macedonia, an Armed Merchant Cruiser, and was present at the Battle of the Falklands in 1914. In May 1917 the Macedonia was in the South Atlantic. Alfred was given passage to England on the S. S. Highland Corrie which was sailing from the River Plate to London. On 16 May 1917 the Highland Corrie was four miles south of the Owers Light Vessel and was torpedoed, without warning, and sunk by German submarine U-40. One member of the crew and four passengers, including Alfred, were killed. 

A Civilian, David died on 13th of January 1942 aged 2. David was born at Lowestoft on 8 February 1939, the son of Donald Stephen and Edith Lucy Paul. In 1939 his family lived at 96 Somerton Avenue.On 13 January 1942 David, his mother Edith, and his grandmother Emma Beard, were all killed at London Road North during the Waller Raid. 

A Civilian, Edith died on 13th of January 1942 aged 27. Edith was born at Lowestoft on 31 January 1914, a daughter of Ernest Henry and Emma Beard. Edith was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 22 May 1914 and her family lived at 2 Nelson Road. In 1911 her family lived at 11 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1921 they were living at the rear of 74 High Street. In 1939 Edith’s parents lived at 8 Queens Road.In 1938 Edith married Donald Stephen Paul, this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1939 their home was at 96 Somerton Avenue. On 13 January 1942 Edith, her son David Paul, and her mother, Emma Beard, were all killed at London Road North during the Waller Raid. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Ernest died on 24th of April 1918 at the age of 25. Ernest was born Stotfold, Bedfordshire in 1892, a son of Andrew and Minnie Payne. In 1901 his family lived at The Crofts, Stotfold, and this was still their address in 1911 when Ernest worked as a butcher. Ernest enlisted in the Army at Hitchin. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 240389. He was posted to the 11th Battalion. From January 1917 the 11th Battalion were stationed at Pakefield and it seems that this led to Ernest meeting and marrying Maud Alice Baldry, formerly Bryant. The marriage was registered in the Mutford district. Their home was at 95 Kimberley Road. Ernest was posted to France to serve with the 7th Battalion.  For much of April 1918 the 7th Battalion were in billets at Boutillerie. At 4 a.m. on 24 April they stood to and moved, by stages, into the line. The battalion were ordered to make a counter-attack, at Villers-Bretonneux, at 10 p.m. The night was intensely dark. The battalion moved forward to the assault and encountered slight opposition for the first 1000 yards but the battalion on their right was held up by machine-gun fire. At this stage the reserve company was ordered forward and thus reinforced the assault was continued and reached the final objective in spite of fierce enemy opposition and both flanks being exposed. During 24 – 25 April the battalion’s casualties were:Officers: three killed, seven woundedOther ranks: 13 killed, 105 wounded, 70 missing   Ernest was reported missing on 24 April. Pension record and soldiers’ effects documents show that Ernest might have been killed in action, or died of wounds, or died as a prisoner of war, indicating that at that time no one had any certain knowledge of what had happened to him. By October 1918 it was determined that he was presumed to have died on, or since, 24 April.  

A Private with the 1st Battalion, James died on 11th of July 1944 aged 20.James was born on 18 September 1923, a son of Charles Frederick and Catherine Hunter Payne. His birth was registered in the Woodbridge district and in 1921 his family had lived at 8 Bredfield Street, Woodfield. By 1939 they were living at 42 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, and James worked in the stores at a motor vehicle body builder.James enlisted in the Royal Norfolk Regiment and was then transferred to the East Lancashire Regiment and served with the 1st Battalion in France.On 25 June 1944 the 1st Battalion landed at Normandy. On 10 July the battalion moved to front line positions at Grainville-sur-Odon. From late on 10 July the enemy mortared the battalion’s positions, and this mortar fire continued throughout July 11th. James was killed in action. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Arthur died on 9th of April 1918 at the age of 38. Arthur was born at Lowestoft in 1881, a son of Edward George and Mary Peak. In 1881 he lived with his parents, and paternal grandparents, at 12-13 Raglan Street. By 1891 his family were living at 24-26 Raglan Street. By 1901 Arthur's mother had died and his family lived at Gladstone Villas, rear of Bevan Street, and Arthur worked as a carter. In 1903 Arthur married Mabel Sarah Head, at Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 11 Cathcart Street, and Arthur worked as a fish packer. Later their home was at 52 Haward Street Lowestoft. Arthur enlisted at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment. He served in France with the 12th Battalion before joining the 2nd Battalion and was subsequently transferred to the 11th Battalion.On 5 April 1918 the 11th Battalion occupied billets at Erquinghem, France. The Germans began bombing Erquignhem on 9 April and the battalion immediately moved into front line trenches in anticipation of an attack which came from the direction of Fleurbaux, but was driven back. A second attack from the Feurbaix area took place on 10 April and later that day the battalion were ordered to withdraw to north of the River Lys. A further withdrawal on the 11th was hampered by sniper and machine-gun fire but the battalion reached the Armentieres-Bailleul railway. On the 12th the battalion moved into attack formation about one mile south-east of Bailleul and late in the morning became involved in the fighting. The next day there was a heavy artillery bombardment and the enemy attacked in force from Outerstern and the battalion had to fall back. During the 14th the battalion took up positions near Bailleul railway station and late in the day they were relieved and marched to Meulehook. On the 15th due to enemy advances they were again in the front line. The next day they were patrolling and digging in. During the 17th there was heavy shelling and attempts by the enemy to advance. The battalion were relieved at 2 a.m. on April 18. What precisely happened to Arthur 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 woundedUnusually Arthur is commemorated twice by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and he is listed twice in the publication Soldiers Died in the Great War. The reason for these anomalies is that his battalion, the 11th Suffolk Regiment, was also known as a Cambridge battalion and someone has confused these facts, thus listing him in Soldiers Died both as a solider in the Cambridgeshire Regiment and as a soldier in the 11th Suffolk Regiment. 

A Leading Seaman with H.M. Motor Minesweeper 70. Charles died on 24th of September 1943 at the age of 33.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 11 February 1911, a son of Richard and Alice Pearce. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 March 1911 and his family lived at 4 Lincoln's Buildings, Whapload Road. By 1921 his family were living at 21 Dove Street and Charles attended the Central School. In late 1939 Charles married Marjorie Irene Moxey who lived at 44 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft.Charles was serving on Motor Minesweeper 70 when it was mined and sunk at the Gulf of Taranto. Ten of the crew were killed. 

A Private with the 2/7th Battalion, Arthur died on 29th of July 1916 at the age of 24. Arthur was born at Ashby in 1892, a son of Arthur and Eliza Pearman. In 1901 his family lived at The Dell, Ashby, and this was still their home in 1911, when Arthur was an accountant’s clerk. Arthur attended Somerleyton School and, on 18 September 1906, became a student at Lowestoft School of Science. He was a member of the Somerleyton Methodist Union. Arthur was working for the British Thomson Houston Company, at Rugby, when he enlisted in the Army, at Rugby, Warwickshire. He joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 2991, and was posted to the 2/7th Battalion and arrived in France on 21 May 1916. There is no record available that shows exactly when, and how, Arthur wounded, but it is likely that it was during the attack near Farquissart on 19 July 1916, when the 2/7th Battalion sustained over 300 casualties. Artur was evacuated to England. He died of wounds at the Victoria Hospital, Keighley. A report describing Arthur’s funeral was published in the Bradford Daily Telegraph, Wednesday 2 August 1916, page 5:DOUBLE MILITARY FUNERALNOTABLE KEIGHLEY EVENT – INTERMENT AT MORTON CEMETERYThere was a double military funeral at the new Morton Cemetery this afternoon, this being the second interment event which has taken place since its opening on September 11th last year. The remains were those of Private E.A.M. Michael, of the Australian Imperial Forces, who died in the Morton Banks Military Base Hospital on Monday, and Private Arthur Wm. Pearman of the Warwick Regiment, whose home was at Lowestoft, and who died at the Keighley Victoria Hospital last Sunday. Both were fine young fellows, 23 years of age. Michael was a giant in stature, standing well over six feet. He joined the Army from Fiji, where he was living when war broke out.Pearman’s two sisters both attended the funeral.The interment took place in the same vault in a space which had been specially set apart by the Keighley Rural District Council in the cemetery. The hearse containing the body of Pearman left the Victoria Hospital at 1.15 and proceeded to the Morton Banks Hospital for the remains of the other hero. A firing party and buglers to sound the Last Post were in attendance. A number of the wounded soldiers form the Keighley hospitals were present to pay a last tribute to their departed brothers who have paid the supreme sacrifice for the sake of the Empire.This, by the way, was the first funeral that has taken place in the Keighley district of any soldier who has died from wounds received in action. There have been many military funerals but all have been of men who have died in the course of training, or who have sustained fatal injuries through accidents in this country.The flag at Keighley Town Hall was flown at half mast.      Arthur is commemorated on the Rugby Wesleyan War Memorial and the British Thomson Houston Company War Memorial at Rugby. Arthur’s brother Henry served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Henry died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 18. Henry was born at Ashby in 1897, a son of Arthur and Eliza Pearman. In 1901 his family lived at The Dell, Ashby, and this was still their home in 1911.Henry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in later September/early October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1493, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Harry was posted to the 7th Battalion in France, with service number 43084. The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:10 October 1916Relieved 11th Middlesex in Bulls Runs, near Flers, four companies in front line.12 October 1916Attack to be made on Bayonet Trench and Luisenhoff Farm. Morning very quiet.5 a.m. Battalion lying in shell holes in front ready.10 a.m. Major Henty went forward to advance Battalion Headquarters in Grass Street to receive reports.2 p.m. Zero. Attack started. German barrage very intense. Battalion proceeded in four waves, each company with a platoon front.No definite report until 6 p.m. when Battalion was back in front line having failed to attain objective.B and D Companies gained objective, but were driven out by superior numbers.1st Essex on right gained objective but were unable to hold it, finally and they managed to keep part of it.Battalion withdrew to reserve in Flers Trench. Colonel Murphy, in history of the Suffolk Regiment, felt that the attack failed because the enemy wire had only partially been destroyed and that the British barrage was ineffective.All fifteen officers that went over the top became casualties: eleven killed and four wounded. Ninety two other ranks were killed and, in total, the Battalion had over 500 casualties.  Henry was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on, or since, 12 October. Henry’s brother Arthur served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and died in 1916.  

A Private with the Depot, Albert died on 1st of October 1917 at the age of 21. Albert was born at Somerleyton in 1896, a son of Albert James and Agnes Emma Pearson. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Somerleyton, and in 1911 at the The Green, Somerleyton, and Albert was a farm labourer. By 1917 his parents’ address was 15 The Green, Somerleyton.Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Saxmundham in October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1490, and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Subsequently he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, and then the 7th Battalion, and given the service number 43071.At some point, probably in the autumn of 1917, Albert became unwell, and was evacuated to hospital in England. At this point he was posted to the strength of the Depot. Albert died at Horton War Hospital, Epsom. 

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Attentive III, Arthur died on 5th of November 1917 at the age of 33. Arthur was born at Barsham, Beccles, Suffolk, on 6 July 1884, a son of Harry and Margaret Pearson. In 1891 his family lived at Fox Farm, Willingham, Suffolk, and by 1901 they were living at Flixton Marsh Road, Blundeston, and Arthur was a farm labourer.In 1914 Arthur married Alice Mildred Burgess. They lived at 165 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft.On 24 February 1915 Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve and served on the trawler Brothers. On 16 March 1917 Arthur was admitted to the Royal Naval Infirmary, Deal, to be treated for pulmonary tuberculosis, and he was then on the books of H.M.S. Attentive III. He was invalided from the service on 5 October 1917 and granted a disability pension. Arthur died on 5 November and his cause of death was acute phthisis following gassing, with his condition ‘commencing on (naval) duty’. 

A Private with the 6th Battalion, Artis died on 14th of October 1916 at the age of 21. Artis was born at Blundeston in 1895, a son of Daniel William and Emma Artis Pearson. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 5 May 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Reeves House, Oulton Road, and by 1911 at Meadow Cottage, Oulton Road, and Artis worked as a farm labourer. Artis volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Thirsk. He joined the Yorkshire Regiment, service number 23354. He was posted to the 6th Battalion and arrived at Gallipoli on 21 November 1915 to join the battalion. In July 1916 the battalion moved to France. In early August 1916 Artis was attached to the 13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. On 4 August the 13th Battalion made an attack on Torr Trench, near Contalmaison. The first wave left their trench at 9.16 p.m. and were immediately raked with machine-gun fire from Torr Trench and from behind a barricade in Munster Alley. A smoke baggage brought confusion to the situation and a bombing fight in Torr Trench wages until around 2.15 a.m. A party from the battalion bombed their way up Munster Alley until held by a ‘block’. At this point it was decided not to try a further attack. Reinforcements were sent to Munster Alley, but most became casualties. The fight in Munster Alley continued throughout the night but the battalion held their positions and on the 5th August the battalion was relieved by the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. The battalion’s casualties on 4-5 August were:Officers: three killed, five wounded, one missingOther ranks: 10 killed, 89 wounded, 11 missing, 9 shell-shockArtis was admitted to No 3 Casualty Clearing Station on 5 August 1916 with multiple gunshot wounds. The next day he was evacuated, viz No 16 Ambulance Train. He died of wounds at Saint John’s Hospital, Etaples, on 14 October. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, Ernest died on 5th of February 1917 at the age of 30. Ernest was born at Blundeston in 1886, a son of David and Harriet Pearson. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Blundeston, and by 1901 at Lound Road, Blundeston. In 1911 they were still living at Lound Road and Ernest was a milkman on a farm. Ernest enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 33226. He was posted to France and joined the 8th Battalion. On 2 February 1917 the 8th Battalion moved into tranches opposite the Hohenzollern Redout. During the next three days the battalion was harassed by sniper fire and trench mortar fire. The battalion’s war diary for 5 February notes that the trench mortar fire had ceased, but seven men were wounded, and one man, Ernest, killed.   

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Frederick died on 14th of February 1945 aged 20. Frederick was born on 9 March 1924, his birth was registered in the Mutford district. He was a son of Frederick James and Jessie Frances Pearson. In 1939 his family lived at Elm Farm, Jay Lane, Lound, and Frederick was a carpenter’s apprentice.  Frederick married Eileen Joan Reynolds in 1943, this was registered in the Bromley district. Frederick served in north-west Europe with the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry. Frederick’s battalion were involved in Operation Veritable, the advance through the Reichswald Forest, that began on 8 February 1945. On 14 February his unit were progressing south of the Cleve-Calcar axis with Moyland Castle as a divisional objective. The fighting in this area was particularly difficult. The forest made the use of armoured support impossible at times and the men often had to engage in hand-to-hand fighting. Generally, men were buried where they fell. Frederick was killed in action on 14 February and was buried at Bedburg, Germany. In 1947 he was reburied at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. 

A Civilian, Jean died on 12th of May 1941 aged 3. Jean was born at Lowestoft on 2 October 1937, a daughter of William E. and Irene M. Pearson, nee Runacres. In 1939 her family lived at 68 Somerton Avenue. During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. During that raid Jean was with her grandmother, Mabel Runacres, and her two aunts, Gladys and Doris Runacres, at 18 May Road and they were all killed. 

A Joiner 5th Class with H.M.S. Thracian, Montague died on 12th of October 1942 at the age of 24. Montague was born at Blundeston on 6 June 1918, a son of David Samuel and Alberta Clara Pearson. In 1921 his family lived at The Street, Blundeston. By 1939 Montague’s father had died and Montague lived with his mother at the Street, Blundeston, and Montague worked as a woodworker at Eastern Coach Works. Montague served in the Royal Navy and was drafted to the destroyer H.M.S. Thracian. In November 1941 the Thracian deployed at Hong Kong in preparation for war service and began work laying mines. In the first few weeks of December 1941 the ship was constantly engaged dealing with the looming Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. On 16 December the ship engaged with several smaller vessels and sank them, but by this time the ship had major structural damaged and needed to be docked, however the Hong Kong dock gates had been damaged in air raids, so it was decided to abandon the ship. On 17 December the ship’s crew left the ship and the next day they joined with Canadian Army units in the defence of Hong Kong, technically part of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. Montague was attached to the Canadian Grenadiers. He was wounded on 20 December. On 25 December he was captured at the Chinese School University Compound. Montague was then held at Shamashuipo Camp, Hong Kong, where he died from nasal diphtheria on 12 October 1942. Initially Montague was buried at Argyle Street Cemetery and in 1947 he was reburied at Sai Wan Military Cemetery. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Dennis died on 12th of November 1944 aged 19. Dennis was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Walter and Georgina Peck. Throughout his life Dennis’ family lived at 30 Lovewell Road.The 1st Battalion landed at Normandy on 24 June. In early August the battalion were at Gouvry and Dennis was wounded on 2 August. On 10 November the battalion was relieved and moved back to a rest camp on the Maastricht Canal. Dennis was accidentally killed, presumably while he was at the rest camp.  

An Able Seaman with H.M. Submarine P.39, Gordon died on 8th of May 1942 aged 29. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 25 March 1913, a son of William Samuel and Matilda Susan Peck. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 25 April 1913 and his family lived at 54 Kent Road, which would be Gordon’s home address for the rest of his life. Gordon joined the Royal Navy on 25 March 1931. By 1934 he was a trained operator of torpedoes. Gordon joined the submarine service on 5 October 1936 and was drafted to H.M.S. Dolphin. Subsequently he served with H.M.S. Oxley and H.M.S. Spearfish. On 10 July 1937 he joined H.M.S. Proteus and was at Hong Kong in 1940 and in 1941 at Malta. In May 1941 Gordon attended a course at H.M.S. Vernon and was advanced to Leading Torpedo Operator before being drafted to H.M. Submarine P.39. The P.39 was badly damaged in an air raid on 26 March 1942. Many of the crew, including Gordon, returned to Malta and were being transported to Gibraltar, from Valetta, Malta, on H.M.S. Olympus when the submarine struck a mine. The crew made their way on deck. Attempts to signal their position failed and the submarine sank about seven miles off Malta. Eighty-nine men, including Gordon, died, but nine did survive. The loss of the Olympus has been described as the biggest British submarine tragedy of World War Two. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler William Stephen. James died on 25th of October 1943 at the age of 36. James was born at Penzance, Cornwall, on 29 August 1907, a son of James and Elizabeth Kate Peck. By 1911 his family were living at High Street, Kessingland. By 1921 his family were living at 61 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 60 Waveney Crescent.  James served with the Royal Naval Reserve from 31 March 1932. He worked on the trawler Constant Friend, LT 1172, and from late 1932 with the trawler Watchman. In 1932 James was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1939 he was an extra Skipper with the fishing trawler Watchman. From 21 November 1940 James served as a Seaman with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He was granted a 'hurt certificate' on 1 December 1941. James was advanced to Second Hand (Chief Petty Officer) on 22 January 1942 and received his Anti-Submarine and Minesweeping Badge on 6 May 1942.James was promoted to Acting Temporary Skipper on 1 May 1942 and from 17 September 1942 served with the Trawler William Stephen. On 25 October 1943 the William Stephen was attacked and sunk by German motor torpedo boats off Cromer. Note: The correct name of the trawler was William Stephen (pennant FY 806) not William Stephens as shown in some records. 

A Sergeant with 500 Squadron, Alan died on 30th of August 1941 at the age of 20. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 24 September 1920, a son of Albert John and Valerie Rhoda Peek. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 15 October 1920. His family lived at Wycombe Terrace, Saint Georges Road, Lowestoft, for all of Alan's life. Alan served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He was based at Bircham Newton with 500 Squadron. He was killed whilst flying in Blenheim IV, V5525 MK B of No 500 Sqn, which was shot down by flak during a raid on Schiphol.  He is buried in Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery. CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Trimmer with Steam Trawler Labrador (Lowestoft), Emmanuel died on 23rd of January 1915 at the age of 17.Emmanuel was born at Kirkley in 1897, a son of Stephen George and Isabell Susan Peek. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 7 December 1897 and his family lived at 96 Pakefield Street. In 1901 they lived at 13 Lorne Road, and by 1911 their home was at 5 Lorne Road, Kirkley.On 23 January 1915 the trawler Labrador, LT 1165, left Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. The trawler was due back in Lowestoft on Sunday 31st. The trawler was not seen again and it was presumed that the trawler had struck a mine and sank with all eight crew. Emmanuel's father also died in the loss of the Labrador. 

A Private with 1st Bn., George died on 18th of June 1915 aged 31. George was born at Lowestoft on 2 August 1883, a son of James Charles and Mary Ann Peek. In 1891 his family lived at Dove Street, Lowestoft. George attended Clapham Road School and, from 8 September 1891 was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School. In 1901 they lived at Wood's Buildings, Dove Street, and George was a labourer at the fish market. Later his parents lived at 9 Eastern Square, Whapload Road.George married Jane Ann Colquhoun in 1911: this was registered in the Tynemouth district. In 1911 they lived at 40 Northumberland Street, North Shields, and George was a fishworker. Later Jane lived at 4 Prospect Terrace, North Shields.George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at North Shields. He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 16923. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 17 February 1915. He served with Y Company. On 15 June 1915 the Battalion paraded and marched to Railway Wood, near Ypres, in preparation for an attack the following day. On 16 June the British artillery bombardment began at 2.50 a.m. and continued until 4.15 a.m. In response the Germans fired shrapnel, high explosive and gas shells toward Railway Wood. At 4.15 a.m. the attack began and the German front line trench was soon taken. The Battalion suffered rather heavily, but many prisoners were taken. The Battalion, after a short rest, made for the second line of German trenches. W and Y Company went to the left and had to bomb their way along the trench and the fighting was severe. Eventually the Battalion was outflanked, on both sides, and retired to the German front line trench that they had taken earlier in the day.  On that day the Battalion had over 650 casualties. In Y Company ten men were killed, 52 wounded, including George, and 57 missing. George was taken to 9 Field Ambulance, where he died of his wounds. George was buried at Asylum British Cemetery, near Ypres. By 1924 he had been reburied at Bedford House Cemetery.  

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Girl Gracie, Leonard died on 14th of September 1918 at the age of 29. Leonard was born at Lowestoft on 1 May 1889, a son of Benjamin William and Jane Elizabeth Peek. Leonard was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 22 May 1889. His family lived at 2 Tethey Place, West Raglan Street. In 1891 their address was 63 West Raglan Street. In 1901 his family lived at 130 Saint Leonard's Road, Kirkley, and by 1911 at 22 Beaconsfield Road.On 26 December 1912 Leonard married Violet Beatrice Woolner at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Leonard was a fisherman living at 22 Beaconsfield Head, Kirkley, and Violet lived at 62 Cambridge Road. Later their address was 66 Worthing Road, Lowestoft.Leonard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 September 1915 and served with the drifter Girl Gracie. He was reported missing in connection with the loss of his drifter in the Adriatic on 15 May 1917 in the Battle of the Strait of Otranto. By August 1917 he was reported to be a prisoner of war in Austria.Leonard died from pneumonia and typhus at Feldbach Lager, Striermark, Austria. 

A Skipper with Steam Trawler Labrador (Lowestoft), Stephen died on 23rd of January 1915 at the age of 42. Son of Emmanuel and Mary Ann Elizabeth Peek. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 7 December 1873. In 1881 he lived with his grandmother at 9 Barn Lane, Pakefield.   On 7 April 1896 Stephen married Isabell Susan Haylock at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Stephen was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. In 1901 they lived at 13 Lorne Road, and Stephen was a fisherman, and by 1911 their home was at 5 Lorne Road, Kirkley.On 23 January 1915 the trawler Labrador, LT 1165, left Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. The trawler was due back in Lowestoft on Sunday 31st. The trawler was not seen again and it was presumed that the trawler had struck a mine and sank with all eight crew. On 1 February 1915 the Grimsby trawler Kestrel recovered a body. The physical description and the fact that the body had 'Welcome LT 713' a tattooed on the left arm, meant that it was identified as Stephen's body. Stephen's son, Emmanuel Stephen, also died in the loss of the Labrador. 

A Master with the tug S. S. Aid (London). William died on 29th of November 1940 at the age of 25. William was born at Lowestoft on 1 September 1914, a son of William Henry Peek and of Elizabeth Charlotte Peek. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 30 October 1914 and his family lived at 12 John Street, Lowestoft. Later his family lived at Kendal House, Kendal Road, Lowestoft.William married Gertrude Muriel Littlewood, of Great Yarmouth, at Great Yarmouth in 1937. In December 1938 William was the Mate of the Lowestoft trawler Adele, fishing in the Irish Sea, when a radio message was broadcast, via the shipping forecast, to say that his wife Gertrude, who was in hospital and in labour, was gravely ill. The trawler immediately headed for Milford Haven, where it arrived twelve hours later. A taxi rushed him to Swansea so that he could take the train for Lowestoft, but, sadly, he arrived too late. See: Dundee Evening Telegraph 30 December 1938, page 1 and other national newspapers. William 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.  

A Mate with Steam Drifter W. A. Massey (Lowestoft), William died on 11th of March 1918 aged 34. William was born at Pakefield on 10 July 1883, a son of William and Elizabeth Peek. William was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 12 August 1883. On 31 August 1886 William became a pupil at Cunningham School and his family lived at Pakefield Street. In 1891 his family lived at 10 Beach Street, Pakefield. On 3 January 1911 William married Rachel Aldred at Saint Mary’s Church, Aldeby. William was a fisherman living at Pakefield and Rachel was a domestic servant living at Aldeby. By 1918 their home was at 16 Coronation Terrace, Pakefield. Later Rahcel lived with her parents at Money Farm, Aldeby. On 11 March 1918 the trawler W.A. Massey, LT 1090, was sunk by a mine when fishing about five miles west of Craeg a Mhail, Handa Island, Scotland. The trawler Rose was fishing nearby and reported the loss. 

A Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Frederick died on 27th of March 1918 at the age of 31. Frederick was born at Aylsham on 20 November 1886, a son of Alfred Charles and Clara Sophia Pegg. He was baptised at Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Aylsham, on 14 February 1887. His family lived at Hangate Street, Aylsham. In 1901 Frederick worked as an errand boy. In 1911 Frederick lived with his brother Ernest at 24 Carlton Road, Lowestoft, and worked with his brother as a tailor’s assistant. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 12967. He was posted to the 8th Battalion in France on 29 December 1915 and by February 1917 was serving with C Company. Frederick received an accidental gunshot wound to his left leg and thigh and was admitted to 18 General Hospital on 19 February 1917. The next day he was evacuated to England by hospital ship. The 8th Battalion was disbanded in France on 7 February 1918 and it seems that this is when Frederick was posted to the 7th Battalion and he joined IV Platoon, A Company.On 26 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were given the task of protecting the approaches to the town of Albert against the German advance. A Company were to defend the railway cutting area with positions covering the Albert-Millencourt Road and the Albert-Amiens Road. In the next two days the Battalion held the defences but suffered 244 casualties. Frederick was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on 26 to 27 March 1918.

A Private with the 15th Hussars. Reginald died on 1st of November 1914 at the age of 28. Reginald was born at Little Chishall, Essex, in 1886, a son of Joseph and Sarah Pegram. By 1891 his family were living at High Street, Great Chishall, Royston, and by 1901 at Barley Road, Great Chishall. In 1901 Frederick was an apprentice French polisher and living with his great-aunt, Harriet Pegram, at Barkway Street, Royston. He was apprenticed at Messrs. Abbott & Son, Royston. Reginald was working as a French polisher when he joined the Army, at Chishall, Cambridgeshire, on 2 July 1906. He joined the 15th Hussars and in 1911 was serving with his regiment in Egypt. In 1913 he joined the Army Reserve.Reginald was working as an insurance agent, and living at 80 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft, when the First World War began. He was mobilized and re-joined his regiment. He arrived in France, with his Regiment, on 16 August 1914. Reginald was a despatch-rider. While details of what happened to Reginald are unclear we know that by 1 November 1914 the 15th Hussars were often fighting in a dismounted role. He was buried, along with five other men of his Regiment, at map reference 28.J.7.s.2.5. All had been killed on 1 November 1914. In 1926 Reginald, and the other men, were reburied at Railway Dugouts Cemetery. 

A Blacksmith 3rd Class with H.M.S. Princess Beatrix, Percy died on 26th of August 1944 aged 47. Percy was born at Camborne, Cornwall, on 24 June 1897, a son of Isreal and Mary Pellew. In 1901 his family lived at Vynyan Street, Camborne, and in 1911 their address was 11 Vynyan Street, Camborne. In 1919 Percy married Edith Mary Brown, this was registered in the Mutford district. Their home was at 10 Yeovil Road.Percy was working as a Smith’s Mate when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 26 March 1913. From 25 June 1914 until 25 July 1916, he served with H.M.S. Ajax and was present at the Battle of Jutland. On 17 March 1920 Percy took a free discharged from the Royal Navy and he joined the Royal Naval Reserve the next day.   Percy was mobilised for service during the Second World War. He took part in the Dunkirk evacuation, the Dieppe and Narvik raids, and the landings at Salerno. His last ship was H.M.S. Princess Beatrix. Percy died at 94 general Hospital, Algiers, from a cerebral abscess following an operation. A notice in the Cornish Post and Mining News, 8 September 1944, page 5, states that he died after a long illness patiently borne.  

A Petty Officer with H.M.S. Lynx. Walter died on 19th of April 1944 at the age of 32. Walter was born at Lowestoft on 30 October 1911, a son of Reuben Knowles Perring and Ethel Maud Perring. In 1914 his family lived at 42 Haward Street, Lowestoft, and by 1921 at 62 Stanford Street.  Walter's father died in 1921 and during the 1920s his mother moved to 23 Minden Road, and this was still her home in 1939. On 23 December 1935 Walter married Margaret Pickess at Christchurch, Lowestoft. Walter was working as a fisherman and lived at 23 Minden Road. Margaret was a fishworker living at 18 Strand Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 Margaret was living at 8 Strand Street, Lowestoft. During the Second World War Walter served with H.M.S. Lynx which was the name given to the Royal Naval Patrol Service headquarters at Dover. Royal Navy registers of deaths show that on 20 April 1944 Walter drowned at Great Yarmouth as a result of accidentally falling overboard. It seems, therefore, that Walter was at Great Yarmouth with one of the ships that came under the administrative command of H.M.S. Lynx. Commonwealth War Graves records state that Walter died 'between 19 and 20 April'. 

A Captain with C Company, 10th Battalion, Harry died on 13th of April 1917 at the age of 29. Harry was born at Lowestoft in 1888, a son of Frank and Mary Lorina Peskett. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Shadinfield, on 8 January 1888. In 1891 his family lived at 148 London Road, Lowestoft. Harry’s mother died when Harry was quite young and his father remarried. By 1901 the family were living at 3 High Street, Lowestoft. From 1902 Harry was a pupil at Ipswich School. Harry moved to Argentina and was a farmer. At the outbreak of World War One he was an employee of estancia “La Ventura”, Pasman. Harry returned to England and arrived at Liverpool on 3 October 1914, in order to enlist. He was a member of the League of Fontiersmen and many members were commissioned in the Army in the early stages of World War One. In November 1914 Harry was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He served with the 10th Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion in late July 1915. Harry was slightly wounded on 12 July 1916. On 16 July the 10th Battalion were ordered to proceed to the Chalk Pit in order to support the 111th Brigade attack at Pozieres. The attack began at 9 a.m. but the brigade failed to attain their objectives. At 4 p.m. the attack was resumed, and the 10th Battalion formed the fourth wave of the advance. Again, the objective was not taken, and the battalion suffered about 40 casualties including Harry, who was wounded and evacuated for treatment. On 23 November 1916, having recovered, Harry rejoined the 10th Battalion.  In January 1917 Harry was promoted to Captain and he served with C Company. On 9 April 1917 the 10th Battalion moved to positions west of Arras in preparation for the forthcoming attack. The 10th Battalion’s War Diary gives the following details for 11 April 1917:During the night, orders were received that the Loyal North Lancashires were to continue the advance and attack at 05:00hrs going through East Lancs and attacking the trenches, having as our objective the ‘Green Line’ and in particular the wood in 0.8 Central. (5 a.m.) The Battalion having previously got into position for such advance, almost immediately came into full view of the enemy and was met with very heavy machine gun and shell fire. (5.30 a.m.) We received orders not to advance until barrage opened. By this time, we had carried by assault, the enemy trench in front (east of Sunken Road) and were establishing ourselves in shell holes 100 yards further east. It was at this time that Captain Peskett, 2nd Lieutenant Ibbotson and 2nd Lieutenant Goodman were killed.The battalion’s losses in that attack were estimated at 60% of their fighting strength. In fact, Harry had been wounded and he succumbed to his wounds on 13 April. Given where Harry is buried it is likely that he was at 8 Casualty Clearing Station when he died. The Lowestoft Journal, 28 April 1917, page 3, published a letter sent to his family from the Colonel of the regiment:“It is with heartfelt sympathy that I write to condole with you upon the loss of your dear son Captain H. St. H. Peskett. You will be mourning the loss of your beloved son, we will mourn the loss of a trusted and beloved fellow officer. His loss is being felt by all ranks with whom he was not only respected and admired but loved. He met his death in a glorious manner, having been wounded when cheering and leading his men during a most critical part of the fight. If he had lived I intended recommending him for the Military Cross, a decoration he richly deserved. He was a charming fellow, and his men adored him, and would have followed him anywhere. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your sad loss, and all my officers join with me in such.”   Harry is remembered on the war memorials at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, and at Ipswich School. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Martin died on 12 June 1940, and the age of 21.Martin, whose middle name was Leslie, is named on the Blundeston War Memorial as L. Peters.He was born at Blundeston in 1918, a son of George Martin and Phyllis Peters (nee Horn). His mother was a daughter of James and Edith Horn of The Street, Blundeston, and his father came from Rishton, Lancashire. Martin's father was serving in the Army when he was born and once his father was demobilized the family settled at 2 Plough Cottages, Blundeston. By 1921 his parents were living at Rishton and it seems that Martin lived with his grandparents at Blundeston. It is unclear whether Martin went to live at Rishton, or not, but he was living in Suffolk when he enlisted. Martin served with the 7th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. This battalion went to France in November 1939 as a pioneer battalion. In May 1940 the battalion joined the 51st (Highland) Division. By 10 June 1940 the Division was to be evacuated from France. Ideally this would have happened through Le Havre but because of the overwhelming German attack a decision was taken to evacuate through St. Valery-en-Caux and the Division formed a defensive perimeter. For an eye-witness account of what happened to the 7th Battalion see:‘D’ Coy 7th Royal Norfolk | Account | 51st Highland Division Website (51hd.co.uk) The situation was untenable and the Germans forced a surrender on 12 June 1940. Only 31 men of the 7th Battalion escaped capture or death. Commonwealth War Graves records show that Martin was killed in action on 12 June 1940 buried, with seven other soldiers of the 7th Battalion who had also been killed that day, at Saint Riquier-es-Plains Temporary Burial Ground. In 1947 all of the men were exhumed and reburied at Le Havre. 

A Leading Seaman with H.M.S. Grenville, Stanley died on 19th of January 1940 aged 30. Stanley was born at Andover, Hampshire, on 22 February 1909, a son of Divers and Elizabeth Peters. In 1911 his family were resident at the Andover Union Workhouse. By 1921 both of Stanley’s parents had died and Stanley attended the Watts Naval Training School at North Elmham, Norfolk. On 10 April 1937 Stanley married Florence Lily Earl Catchpole at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Stanley was serving with H.M.S. Neptune and Florence lived at 35 Oxford Road and was in domestic service. In 1939 Florence lived with her parents at 35 Oxford Road. Stanley joined the Royal Navy on 9 March 1925 as a Boy 2nd Class. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 22 February 1927, and Able Seaman on 22 August 1928. Stanley continued serving throughout the 1930s. On 26 July 1938 he was drafted to H.M.S. Grenville at Malta. He was advanced to Acting Leading Seaman on 21 July 1939. In January 1940 the Grenville was involved in work to intercept enemy shipping off the Dutch and German North Sea coasts. On 19 January, whilst returning from one of these patrols, when about 23 miles east of the Kentish Knock Light Vessel, the ship struck a mine and sank with the loss of 77 crew including Stanley.  

A Civilian, Elsie died on 13th of January 1942 aged 19. Elsie was born at Lowestoft on 14 June 1922, a daughter of William and Elsie May Petherick. In 1939 her family lived at 4 The Prairie and Elsie was a waitress at a restaurant. Later her parents lived at Lilac Cottage, Wenhaston, Halesworth. Elsie died at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Christopher died on 24th of April 1918 at the age of 22. Christopher was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1896, a son of Richard Samuel and Margaret Hannah Coker Phillips. In 1901 his family lived at 87 Vine Street, Wallsend. In 1902 Richard’s father died and subsequently his mother married Robert Taylor. In 1911 the family lived at 17 Ontario Road, Lowestoft, and Christopher was an oilman’s assistant. Later his family lived at 11 Norfolk Street.Christopher was working as a hawker when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 2 March 1916. He was called up on 30 October 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 19883. On 17 November 1916 he joined the 24th Provisional Battalion. He was transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment on 24 May 1917. On 8 August 1917 he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, service number 266038, and arrived in France on 9 August 1917, joining 37th Infantry Base Depot. He was then posted to the 10th Battalion and joined the battalion on 26 August 1917. On 10 February 1918 the 10th Battalion was disbanded and on 20 February 1918 Christopher was posted to the 20th Entrenching Battalion. On 6 April 1918 Christopher was transferred to the West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 72465, and joined the 2nd Battalion. On 23 April 1918 the 2nd Battalion took over positions just south of Villers-Bretonneux. At 3.30 a.m. on the 24th a heavy bombardment started, including a large number of gas shells. The bombardment slackened and parties of Germans were see taking up assembly positions and these were immediately fired on by the battalion. Low visibility caused by morning mist was compounded by smoke and about 7 a.m. three German tanks appeared and approached the battalion’s lines, accompanied by small parties of infantry. The rifle fire of the battalion had no effect on the tanks which closed on the battalion’s lines and the German infantry were able to occupy the position. D Company held the line until the right flank was turned, when the fell back to the battalion headquarters position. By this time the Germans had forced a gap between the battalion and the 2/4th London Regiment. By 8.40 p.m. about 80 men were holding the headquarters position and they were reinforced by another 60 men. A German tank and enemy snipers were able to bring enfilade fire on the right and further withdrawal was necessary. From 9.15 the remnant of the battalion began working westward and gained touch with the 2nd East Lancashire Regiment and formed a defensive flank, but heavy machine-gun fire caused many casualties, and the line was forced back. The remaining men were running out of ammunition and were ordered back to the reserve line. About 1 a.m. on the 25th the battalion was reorganised, numbering about 80 men and three officers. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed, three wounded, eleven missing.Other ranks: 18 killed, 3 died of wounds, 180 wounded, 203 missing.  Christopher was reported missing on 24 April. Later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on, or since, that date. Christopher’s brother Richard served with the Royal Sussex Regiment and died in 1916. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Victory II, Frederick died on 20th of September 1918 at the age of 31. Frederick was born at Wick, Littlehampton, Sussex, on 7 June 1887, a son of William George and Mary Jane Phillips. He was baptised at Lyminster on 7 August 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Ascolan Street, Battersea. By 1901 Frederick was a ‘fishing boy’ lodging at the Smack Boys’ Home, 11 Grove Road, Lowestoft.  On 9 February 1908 Frederick married Violet Daisy Clark at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frederick was a trawlerman living at 7 Melbourne Road and Violet at 5 Melbourne Road. By 1911 they were living at 3 Melbourne Road, and Frederick worked as a fisherman. By 1918 Violet was living at 51 Meyrick Road, Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth, and later she lived at 77 Winstanley Road, Portsmouth, but, by 1921, had returned to Lowestoft and again lived at 3 Melbourne Road. Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 February 1915. He served on the trawler Star of Thule. On 16 September he was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital Haslar, and was then on the roll of H.M.S. Victory II, where he died from pneumonia.  Note: In some records Frederick has the additional middle name George. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Richard died on 9th of September 1916 at the age of 22. Richard was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1893, a son of Richard Samuel and Margaret Hannah Coker Phillips. In 1901 his family lived at 87 Vine Street, Wallsend. In 1902 Richard’s father died and subsequently his mother married Robert Taylor. In 1911 the family lived at 17 Ontario Road, Lowestoft, and Richard was a painter working for a building company. Later his family lived at 11 Norfolk Street.Richard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, service number G/11271. In 1916 he was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion. On 9 September 1916 the 2nd Battalion, with one battalion each from the 1st and 3rd Brigades, were ordered to attack and capture the German trench in High Wood and to the east. At 4.45 p.m. the battalion advanced with their objective being a portion of Wood Lane trench. The battalion advanced against heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. C Company, in particular, suffered heavily due to machine-gun fire. A Company managed to advance beyond the objective. The advance of the Northamptons, on the left flank, had not gone well, leaving the battalion’s left flank exposed and so a defensive flank was dug connecting the captured line with the original front line. By dark the area was being consolidated. Several prisoners were captured and one Maxim gun. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six killed, four woundedOther ranks: 43 killed, 146 wounded, 59 missing, 4 wounded and missingRichard was reported missing on 9 September and in 1917 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date. Richard’s body was found at map reference 57.c.S10.b.85.95. he was identified by items of uniform, some of which were stamped with his service number. By January 1936 he had been reburied at London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval. Richard's brother Christopher served with the West Yorkshire Regiment and died in 1918. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Falstaff, Benjamin died on 18th of December 1918 at the age of 26.Benjamin was born at Oulton on 10 August 1892, a son of John and Ellen Pitchers. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 18 September 1892. In 1901 his family lived at Moyse Road, Oulton. In 1911 the family home was at 2 Rock Road, Rock Estate, Oulton. Benjamin joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 May 1915. He served with H.M. Trawler Sapphire and, on 11 July 1916, joined H.M. Trawler Cheltenham. On 30 April 1917 he joined the trawler Doncaster, and then, on 12 October 1917, the Falstaff.   On 12 August 1915 Benjamin married Ruth Florence Baker at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Benjamin was working on minesweepers and gave his address as Oulton Rock Estate. Ruth lived at 13 Thurston Road, Lowestoft. Benjamin contracted pneumonia and died, at Syra, on 18 December 1918. He was buried at Syra, probably at the Syra British Consular Cemetery, and in 1921 exhumed and reburied at Syra New British Cemetery.Benjamin’s uncle was the Skipper of the Queen Bee and died in 1916.   

A Private with 3rd/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance, Samuel died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 23.Samuel was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Henry and Annie E. Pike. In 1901 his family lived at 139 London Road, Lowestoft (Note that on the 1901 Census Samuel is shown as Edward A. Pike. We know that the entry is for the correct family because of the details of his parents and siblings).By 1911 Samuel was living in Cambridge and working as a shop assistant, furnishing and drapery, at Eaden, Lilley and Co. of 35 Bridge Street. Samuel rowed for Lilley's in local competitions and regattas (See Cambridge Independent Press 10 September 1915).Samuel was enlisted at Ipswich, probably in early 1915. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and underwent a course of instruction at the 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge. Although technically part of the 3/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance (his parent unit) he was posted to serve with the 1/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance and because of this he embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Samuel was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'

A Civilian, Emily died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 51. Emily was born at Carlton Colville on 25 February 1890, a daughter of Christopher and Sarah Sadler. She was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 8 June 1890. In 1891 her family lived at Ivy Farm, Carlton Colville, and this was still their home in 1901. In 1911 Emily worked as a parlourmaid for Reverend Pearson, and family, at The Rectory, Castle Camps, Cambridgeshire. In 1921 she lived with her parents at Camden House, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad. In the summer of 1921 Emily married Edward Pinkney.In 1939 Emily and Edward lived at 36 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. Edward died in autumn 1940. Emily died at London Road North during the Waller Raid on 13 January 1942. Emily’s nephew, Robert James Hines, served with the Worcestershire Regiment and died in 1917. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Yucca, Francis died on 24th of May 1918 aged 23.Francis was born at Willingham, Suffolk, on 4 October 1894, a son of William and Eliza Pinkney. He was baptised at Sotterley, Suffolk, on 27 January 1895. By 1901 his family were living at 5 New Road, Carlton Colville, and in 1911 they were living at 8 Wellington Road, Pakefield, and Francis was a fisherman-cook.On 8 September 1914 Francis joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Deck Hand. From 29 September 1914 he served on the trawler North Star. He was promoted to Engineman on 13 February 1915 and joined the trawler Northman. He joined H.M.S. Victory on 3 April 1917 and H.M.S. Halcyon II on 15 May 1917. Halcyon II was an administrative depot for minesweeping trawlers and Francis actually served on board the trawler Yucca. By 1918 his family were living at 19 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft. On 24 May 1918 the Yucca struck a mine, off Lowestoft, and sank with the loss of seven members of crew, including Francis. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Persistive, Frederick died on 9th of February 1916 at the age of 42. Frederick was born at Shadingfield, Suffolk, on 5 February 1874, a son of Edward and Maria Pinkney. (Note that this is the date of birth given on his Royal Naval Reserve service sheet).  In 1901 Frederick lodged with Charles and Alice Woolnough, at March Lane, Mutford, and he worked as a fisherman. Frederick married Lilian Trewerne at Madron parish church, Cornwall, on 29 December 1902. (This information is taken directly from the Madron marriage register, but note some transcribed sources state that they were married at 'Suffolk' on 21 December 1907).In 1911 Frederick and Lilian lived at 2 Saint John's Place, Penzance. By January 1915 Frederick and Lilian were living at 7 Lincoln's Buildings, Beach, Lowestoft. Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and joined the crew of the Drifter Persistive. The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and one other severely wounded. Lilian lived at 28 Tethers Place, Lowestoft, then, in 1920, at 7 Mariners Street, and then at Wooden Cottage Rochester Road, South Lowestoft.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Jewel. James died on 18th of May 1941 at the age of 40. James was born at Shadingfield, Suffolk, on 3 April 1901, a son of John and Sarah Pinkney. he was baptised at Shadingfield parish church on 19 May 1901. In 1911 his family lived at Hulver Street, Wrentham. In 1921 James' family still lived at Hulver Street, and Hames worked as a fisherman. During 1921 James married Gladys May Rouse. In 1939 James and Gladys lived at 2 Gisleham Corner, Carlton Colville, and James worked as a fisherman (engineer).During World War two James served on the requisitioned trawler Jewel. On 18 May 1940 the Jewel was involved in minesweeping work and was sunk by a mine in Belfast Lough. All of the crew, including James, were killed.

An Able Seaman with Drake Battalion, Walter died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 19. Walter was born at Lowestoft on 29 November 1899, a son of Walter and Emily Piper. In 1901 his family lived at Bishop’s Buildings, Mariners Street. By 1911 they were living at 1 Infirmary Court, Saint Margaret’s Plain.Walter joined the Great Eastern Railway at Lowestoft on 19 July 1915. He was a cleaner, and later acting fireman.  Walter attested for the Army on 25 October 1916 and was placed on the Army Reserve. He was called up on 16 April 1917, but instead of joining the Army he was enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He joined ‘A’ Reserve Battalion Royal Naval Division, at Blandford, on 17 April 1917. He was rated Able Seaman on 1 February 1918. Walter was drafted to France on 4 February 1918. He joined the Royal Naval Division Depot Battalion on 14 February and Drake Battalion on 20 February. Walter was a Lewis gunner. In mid-February 1918 the Royal Naval Division moved to positions on Flesquieres Ridge. On 6 March 1918 Drake Battalion were relieved by Hawke Battalion. The headquarters, A and B Companies, moved to Trescault Camp, and C and D Companies moved to Westwood Camp. On 12 March 1918 a heavy enemy gas bombardment took place all along Trescault Valley and continued for five hours. The headquarters, A and C Companies were all gassed. Twenty-one officers and 392 men were gassed. Walter suffered gas poisoning on 12 March and was evacuated to 16 General Hospital at Le Treport. A telegram sent from the hospital on 17 March said that he was dangerously ill. Walter died of wounds, gas, on 21 March. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Jessie Nutten, Oscar died on 4th of September 1916 at the age of 32. Oscar was born at Oulton Broad on 26 February 1884, a son of John and Laura Pitcher. From 14 March 1887 Oscar attended Cunningham School. In 1891 his family lived at 94 Pakefield Street, Kirkley. In 1901 Oscar was the fourth hand on the trawler Admiral, LT 349, at Pembroke Dock. Oscar was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1904. In 1905 Oscar married Kate Florence Ince. By 1915 they were living at 6 Payne Street and later Kate lived at 5 Coronation Terrace, Pakefield.Oscar joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 May 1915 and served as Second Hand with the trawler Jessie Nutten. Oscar was promoted to Skipper on 24 July 1916. On 4 September 1916 the Jessie Nutten was sailing off Lowestoft and struck a mine and sank. Five of the crew, including Oscar, were killed. 

A Skipper with Sailing Trawler Queen Bee (Lowestoft), Charles died on 4th of July 1916 at the age of 51. Charles was born at Carlton Colville in 1860, a son of Robert and Lydia Pitchers. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 7 April 1861. In 1861 his family lived at Railway Gate House, Carlton Colville, and this was still their home in 1871. In 1891 they lived at Hall Cottage, Oulton. Later Charles’ father, and his son Charles Henry, lived at 2 Rock Dene, Moyes Road, Rock Estate, Oulton Broad Lowestoft.In 1881 Charles was an ordinary seaman on the trawler Florence and Mary.  On 13 October 1885, Charles married Ellen Agnes Horn at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton. Charles was a fisherman and they both lived at Oulton. Ellen died in 1891. Charles was the Skipper of the sailing trawler Queen Bee, LT 114. At about 5.30 p.m. on 4 July 1916 the Queen Bee was fishing about 28 miles north. East. From Scarborough. As they were preparing to shoot their nets a German submarine, UB-23, approaching and fired a shell which struck the Queen Bee’s rigging with fragments hitting Charles and two other members of the crew. Five other shots were fired and the crew took to their small boat. The crew were taken on board the submarine while the Germans placed charges on the trawler, which they subsequently detonated. Charles, and the other men, received medical attention, and were then put back in their boat. The submarine towed the boat for over two hours before casting it adrift. Charles died about midnight and it was another 24 hours before the men were rescued by the Hartlepool drifter Smiling Morn (the Smiling Morn was itself sunk by a submarine in August 1916). Charles’ nephew, Benjamin Pitchers, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. Note: some sources give Charles' surname as Pitcher. When he married he used the surname Pitchers and his children used Pitchers as well.  

A Private with 101 Company Labour Corps, Edward died on 14th of May 1918 at the age of 27. Edward was born at Lowestoft on 16 May 1890, a son of Robert I. and Elizabeth Mary Pitchers. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 2 November 1890 and his family lived at 2 Belvedere Road. On 1 July 1895 Edward became a pupil at Kirkley School. By 1901 his family were living at 4 Junction Passge, Denmark Road, and this was still their address in 1911 when Edward was a bill poster. Later his parents lived at 23 Windsor Road. Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 25591. He was then transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, to serve in France, and posted to the 34th Battalion with service number 16947, and this is the number and regiment shown on his headstone. However, the 34th Battalion became the 101st Company, Labour Corps, and Edward was thus transferred to this unit and had the service number 60446.On 14 May 1918 the 101st Company were making and repairing road when the Germans launched a gas attack and Edward would have received gas/shell wounds. He was evacuated to Rouen where he died. The gas attack on 14 May resulted in the greatest loss of life to any Labour Corps unit in the whole of the First World War.  

An Acting Commissioned Gunner with H.M.S. Raglan, Arthur died on 20th of January 1918 at the age of 26. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1891, a son of Arthur Henry and Agnes Marr Pitt. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 16 December 1891 and his family lived at 4 Spurgeon Score. In 1901 their address was 5 Spurgeon Score and later they lived at 10 Spurgeon Score, High Street, Lowestoft.Arthur was working as a fish labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 30 March 1909. He then served continuously with the navy until his death. By November 1914 he had been promoted to Petty Officer and on 7 June 1917 he became an Acting Commissioned Gunner. An assessment by his commanding officer, in late 1917, states: Zealous and with experience will make a very good Warrant Officer . . . Great ability on electrical work and searchlight control. Smart and good mannered. Energetic. Good command of men.Arthur was on board H.M.S. Raglan when it, and other ships in its Squadron, were attacked by the battlecruiser Goeben and the cruiser Breslau in the Battle of Imbros. The Raglan was severely damaged and sunk and 127 members of the crew, including Arthur, were killed. A Court-martial inquiry took place on 31 January 1918 and the conduct of the crew, under overwhelming odds, was recognised to have been exemplary.