A Private with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 13th of July 1916 at the age of 18. George was born at Bow, London, on 8 October 1897, a son of George Samuel and Kate Pittman. He was baptised at Bow Road Methodist Church on 19 December 1897 and his family lived at 41 Alfred Street, Bow. By 1901 George’s mother had died. In 1902 George’s father married Eliza Louise Clarke and by 1911 they were living at 21 Royal Avenue, Lowestoft. In 1911 George lived with his uncle and aunt, James and Daisy Anderson, at 77 Ranelegh Road, East Ham. George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at the City of London. He joined the 10th Hussars, service number 15254. He was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment and joined the 10th Battalion in Gallipoli on 9 September 1915. At some point he became unwell and was granted a sick furlough, it seems that, thereafter, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and served with that battalion in France. On 10 July 1916 the 2nd Battalion came out of the line and were camped at Mailly-Maillet Wood. During the night of 13-14 July, Captain Arnell and 28 men attempted a raid on an enemy trench near Beaumont-Hamel. The trench was heavily held and the raiding party were spotted when getting through the wire and fired on, and bombed. The party had to retire after 15 minutes leaving Captain Arnell and two men missing and two wounded.It seems that George was one of the men missing during that raid and it was not until 1917 that it was concluded that he had been killed in action. 

A Rifleman with the 16th Battalion, Herbert died on 2nd of June 1916 at the age of 19.Herbert was born at Kirkley on 30 March 1897, a son of Edward and Harriet Plant. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 30 April 1897, and his family lived at 25 Lawson Road, and this would be Herbert’s home for the rest of his life. In 1911 Herbert worked as an office boy at an electricians. Herbert was working as a fitter working for J.W. Brooke, Engineers, Lowestoft, when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 25 September 1914. He joined his unit, the 16th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps, at Denham, on 5 October 1915. He arrived in France, with the Battalion, on 16 November 1915 and served with C Company. On 9 May 1916 the Battalion were in positions at Auchy Left. The Battalion’s War Diary states that on 13 May the sector was very quiet, but one Lance Sergeant and one Rifleman were wounded. On that day Herbert received multiple shrapnel wounds to his legs, arms and back and he was admitted to 19 Field Ambulance. On 16 May he was transferred to the West Riding Casualty Clearing Station and then to the 2nd Stationary Hospital at Abbeville, where he died on 25 September.  

A Private with 11th Company, Frederick died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 26. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 1 March 1890, a son of Ernest and Caroline Pluck. In 1891 his family lived at Lake Lothing Terrace, 2 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. By 18918 his family were living at 12 Beckham Road and this was Frederick’s home for the rest of his life. Frederick attended Hervey Street School and, on 7 February 1898, became a pupil at Saint John’s School. On 4 February 1904 he joined Roman Hill School. Frederick began working for the Great Eastern Railway in 1908. Initially he was a greaser. In 1909 he became a cleaner and, from July 1912, an assistant fireman. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 18937. In 1916 he went to France and was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 8991, and joined 11 Company. On 1 July 1916 11 Company provided machine-gun support for the attack of 11th Brigade 4 Division on the Redan Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel, Somme. Frederick’s company lost three officers killed, one died of wounds, and seven other ranks killed, 63 wounded, and nine missing.Frederick was reported wounded and missing on 1 July. His body was found, possibly as early as May 1917, and he was buried at Serre No 2 Cemetery.Frederick's brother-in-law, Edward Albrow, died in an air raid in 1943.

A Civilian, Arthur died on 16th of February 1941 aged 28. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 21 May 1912, a son of Arthur and Alice Pointer. In 1921 his family lived at 2 Roman Road.On 7 July 1935 Arthur married Jessamine Elizabeth Treloar at Saint Margaret’s Church. Arthur was an electrician living at 6 Seago Street, and Jessamine was a beatster living at 8 Princes Road. By 1939 they were living at 105 Wollaston Road, and Arthur worked as a builder’s labourer. In early 1941 Arthur and Jessamine were living at 10 Princes Road, and Arthur was again an electrician. Later Jessamine remarried. Arthur was injured at the Quayside during an air raid and he died the same day at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.Arthur was buried at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery on 22 February 1941. Arthur's wife's aunt, Florence Treloar, died in an air raid in May 1941.

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Leonard died on 23rd of September 1918 aged 19.Leonard was born at King's Lynn in 1899, a son of Herbert and Elizabeth Pointer. In 1901 his family lived at Kimberley Place, Victoria Avenue, Hunstanton. In 1911 his family were living at 13 Milton Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 12 Surrey Street.Leonard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and served with The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France. Leonard died of wounds but is unclear when and how he was wounded. The War Diary for the 1st Battalion shows that they were at Manancourt and began operations towards Epehy on 21 September 1918. 

A Boy 1st Class with H.M.S. Clan McNaughton, William died on 3rd of February 1915 at the age of 16. William was born at Lowestoft on 7 September 1898, a son of William Arthur and Florence Pollard of 48 Stevens Street, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 10 May 1907. William had been working as an errand boy when he joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 20 January 1914. He was advanced to Boy 1st Class on 4 September 1914. William joined H.M.S. Clan McNaughton on 11 December 1914.The Clan McNaughton was lost during a severe gale off the north-west coast or Ireland. All 317 men on board were lost. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Ernest died on 20th of November 1917 at the age of 19. Ernest was born at Ramsgate, Kent, in 1898, a son of Robert and Harriett Poole. In 1901 his family lived at 3, The Coastguard Station, Saint Lawrence Intra, Ramsgate. By 1911 Ernest’s family had moved to Lowestoft and were living at 14 Sandringham Road. Ernest’s father died in 1919 and later his mother lived at 243 Raglan Street.Ernest enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 39786, and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France. Ernest was then transferred to the Essex Regiment, service number 41854, and posted to the 9th Battalion. There is no record of when, where, or how, Ernest was wounded, but the 9th Battalion War Diary shows that on 17 November 1917 the battalion were at Fins Peiziere in readiness for an attack on the Hindenburg Line on 20 November. It is possible that he was wounded during this attack. Ernest is buried at Tincourt which was the base for a number of Casualty Clearing Stations, and it is likely that he had been evacuated there for treatment and succumbed to his wounds on 20 November. Ernest’s father served in the Merchant Navy and joined the Royal Navy in 1894 and served with the Coastguard. He was discharged, with a pension in 1911, but was recalled for service in August 1914. He was demobilized on 6 May 1919, and died on 6 June 1919 from influenza.  

A Lance Sergeant with the 14th Battalion, Ernest died on 13th of October 1918 aged 24. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Henry and Phoebe Pope. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 31 August 1894 and his family lived at 59 Edinburgh Road and this was still their home in 1901. Later his family lived at 57 Saint Margaret’s Road. In 1911 Ernest worked on the trawler Ocean’s Gift, LT 387, at Newlyn.   Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in September 1914. He joined the Essex Regiment, service number 14648, and was posted to the 10th Battalion arriving in France with his battalion on 26 July 1915. In July 1916 Ernest was attached to A Company 10th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. Ernest received a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was admitted to 34 Casualty Clearing Station on 29 July 1916. The next day he was evacuated via No 16 Ambulance Train. Once recovered Ernest was transferred to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, service number 55877, and was posted to France to serve with the 14th Battalion. He was wounded in 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 2 October 1917. Ernest was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, London Gazette 2 December 1919, and the citation explains what happened to Ernest:During the attack near Northo wood, near Villers Guislain, on the 8th October, 1918, he, finding the left flank of his company held up by a hostile machine gun, crawled up to the wire which surrounded the post and captured the crew of four men, the light machine gun, and an anti-tank rifle. His most gallant action enabled his company to continue the attack. He was afterwards killed on 13 October 1918. In fact, Ernest was wounded and taken to 129 Field Ambulance, where he died of wounds. Initially he was buried at Clary German Cemetery and by 1922 had been reburied at Honnechy British Cemetery. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Edinburgh Castle, George died on 3rd of July 1917 at the age of 20. George was born at Lowestoft on 23 November 1897, a son of William Charles and Selina Maria Poppy. In 1901 his family lived at 5 White Horse Street. By 1911 they were living at 8 Cambridge Road and George was as apprentice shipwright, and in August 1914 at 16 Edinburgh Road. Later his parents lived at 7 Albany Road. On 12 August 1914 George joined the Royal Naval Reserve and he added two years to his age. His service record shows that he had over two years sea service. George served on the Armed Merchant Cruiser H.M.S. Edinburgh Castle.On 3 July 1917 the Edinburgh Castle was in the River Plate and taking on coal from the Collier Mokta. George fell between the two vessels and accidentally drowned. 

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Harry died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 19. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 13 November 1895, a son of Herbert Harry and Alice Poppy. In 1901 his family lived at 89 Arnold Street, Lowestoft. Harry attended Church Road School and then, from 20 April 1909, he attended Lowestoft School of Science. By 1911 Harry's family were living 127 High Street, Lowestoft, and Harry worked as a grocer's assistant (possible with his father). Harry was living at 127 High Street when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 9 February 1915. He served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. Harry 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. Harry was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'After the war Harry's family lived at Ingle Nook, Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Arthur died on 4th of October 1915 at the age of 18. Arthur was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of George and Emily Porter. In 1901 his family lived at 81 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. Arthur volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 7th battalion on 30 May 1915. In late September 1915 the 7th Battalion moved to front-line trenches at Loos. The battalion was subjected to sporadic enemy shell-fire for most of 2nd October 1915. For most of 3rd October the Battalion was subjected to German shell fire and the area known as the Chalk Pit was particularly targeted. Late on the 3rd the Battalion was relieved by the 9th Battalion Essex Regiment and moved to support trenches. There was light shelling on their position during the 4th, but the 5th and 6th were very quiet.Arthur was killed by enemy shell-fire on the 4th. The following report appeared in the Ipswich Evening Star 1 November 1915, page 1:Mr. and Mrs. George Porter, of Lowestoft, have been notified that their son, Private Arthur Victor Porter, aged eighteen, who was in the Suffolks, has been killed in France. They have received the following letter from Lieutenant Peter Gedge: - “I am writing to express my mots sincere sympathy with you for the loss of your son. He was among the original members of the machine-gun section of this battalion, and in whatever he had to do he always showed efficiency and devotion to duty, setting a splendid example to all around him. He was killed by a shell bursting in a trench, so was spared any suffering. We buried him that night in front of the trench where he fell, and his team marked the grave with a cross. He is a great loss to all the section, and myself. Private Porter, before he enlisted was employed at Messrs. Flood’s, Borough Printing Works, Lowestoft.    

A Private, Charles died on 8th of December 1944 at the age of 30. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 7 April 1914, a son of John and Violet Mabel Porter. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 24 April 1914 and his family lived at 70 Stanley Street. In 1921 his family lived at 12 Minden Road and by 1939 his parents were living at 14 Union Road, Lowestoft.Charles was working as a fish curer when he joined the Army. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Charles was taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. By late 1942 he was confirmed a being a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. Charles worked on the Burma Railway and was at Brankassi Camp when he died. By 1944 the Thai-Burma railway had become an effective supply line for the Japanese Army and the Allies took steps to disrupt the flow of supplies by air raids on the railroad. On 8 December 1944 an air raid on the railway led to bombs being dropped on the nearby prisoner of war camp and several men, including Charles, were killed. (With thanks to Trevor Porter for the information)

A Private with the 7th Battalion, George died on 9th of August 1916 at the age of 23. George was born in 1893, a son of George and Eliza Porter. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Blundeston, on 4 June 1893 and his family lived at Flixton. In 1901 his family lived at Wigg's Cottages, Flixton. In 1911 George was still living with his family at Flixton and he was employed as a domestic gardener. Later his family lived at 53 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft.George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 9120, and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He was already a Lance Corporal when he arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915.On 7 August 1916 the 7th Battalion took over trenches west of Pozieres, including Ration Trench. After repeated attacks the enemy took Ration Trench on 8 August. The next day the Battalion were given the task of attacking Ration Trench in an attempt to retake it from the enemy. George was killed in action on 9 August. 

A Pioneer with 308th Road Construction Company, William died on 13th of February 1917 at the age of 36.William was born at Toft Monks, Suffolk, in 1880, a son of John and Susannah Porter. In 1881 his family lived at Main Road, Toft Monks, and 1891 at Beccles Road, Toft Monks. By 1901 they were living at Sycamore Estate, Carlton Colville, and William was an agricultural labourer. Later his parents lived at Gisleham.  William married Maria Garrod at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville on 5 August 1901. William was a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and William was a coal merchant. Later their address was Stromness, Beccles Road. William was working as a coal merchant when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 19 December 1916. He was called up on 4 January 1917 and joined the Royal Engineers, service number 225371. He was posted to the Road Construction Companies and his service qualification was ‘roadman’. On 4 February 1917 he embarked, for France, to serve with 308 Road Construction Company. Initially he was billeted at No 2 Camp. William was admitted to No 2 General Hospital, Le Havre, on 9 February 1917, to be treated for influenza. He died there, at 7.30 p.m. on 13 February. A post-mortem found that William was a ‘well-nourished’ man and that his cause of death was ‘syncope suddenly supervening on a case of influenza.’William's brother-in-law, Herbert Garrod, served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917.  

A Shoeing Smith with 98th Battery, George died on 2nd of May 1915 at the age of 48. George was born at Knodishall, Suffolk, in 1867, a son of Francis and Elizabeth Potter. In 1871 his family lived Knodishall. In 1881 they were living at Cold Fair Green, Knodishall, and George worked as a blacksmith (as was his father and grandfather).On 22 July 1894 George married Rose Annie Nunn at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. George was a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at Snape Road, Leiston, and George was a horseman on a farm. In 1906 George, and his son Oscar George, lived at Walberswick, and in 1911 George and Oscar were living with George's sister, and family, at 36 Paradise Place, Leiston. By 1914 they were living at Lowestoft, possibly with George's sister, Mahala Read, who lived at 2 Wellington Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft. Mahala was Oscar's guardian.George volunteered and joined the Army. He joined the Royal Field Artillery and was enlisted at Woolwich. He arrived in France on 22 April 1915 and served with 98th Battery. George died of wounds at a military hospital in Boulogne. George's nephew, James Read, was killed at Kut-al-Amarah in 1915 whilst serving with the Norfolk Regiment. 

A Civilian, Georgina died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 50. Georgina was born at Lowestoft, on 2 December 1890, a daughter of George William and Georgina Carr Nobbs. She was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 7 January 1891, and her family lived at Searle's Buildings, The Beach, Lowestoft. By 1901 her family were living at 33 Ravenscroft Road, West Ham, but by 1911 they had returned to Lowestoft at lived at 32 Seago Street. Georgina married William Henry Powell at Lowestoft in 1915. In 1920 they lived at Brixton Hill, London, and by 1921 they were living at 32 Seago Street, Lowestoft. On the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. Georgina and William, their son William, along with Sydney and Jessie Roach, and their son Frank, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road (note that 71 Wollaston Road and 32 Seago Street back on to each other). A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. 

An Aircraft Apprentice with No 1 School of Technical Training, William died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 18. William was born at Lowestoft on 16 January 1923, a son of William Henry and Georgina Honor Powell. In 1939 his family lived at 32 Seago Street, and William worked as an assistant to a coach body maker. He was also an A.R.P. messenger at his works.William was under training with No 1 Wing, No 1 School of Technical Training and was killed whilst at home on leave. CREDIT:Malcolm BarrassOn the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. William and Georgina, their son William, along with Sydney and Jessie Roach, and their son Frank, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road (note that 71 Wollaston Road and 32 Seago Street back on to each other). A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. 

A Civilian, William died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 52. William was born at Clapham, London, on 27 March 1889. William married Georgina Honor Nobbs, at Lowestoft, in 1915, In 1921 William and Georgina were living at 32 Seago Street, and William had his own business as a tennis racket manufacturer, with premises at 155 London Road, Lowestoft.  On the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. William and Georgina, their son William, along with Sydney and Jessie Roach, and their son Frank, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road (note that 71 Wollaston Road and 32 Seago Street back on to each other). A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.L.C.T. 7014, Donald died on 18th of October 1944 at the age of 21. Donald was born at Lowetsoft on 15 May 1923, a son of William James and Ivy Susannah Pratt. In 1921 his family had lived at the rear of 10A Saint John's Road, Lowestoft, and by 1939 had moved to 59 Saint John's Road.Donald was serving on board Landing Craft Tank 7014 when the vessel foundered in a storm, off Land's End. All nine of the crew were killed. See: 9th LCT Flotilla - A Tragedy at Sea (combinedops.com)

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Acasta, Herbert died on 8th of June 1940 at the age of 20. Herbert was born at Oulton Broad on 17 November 1919, a son of Alfred George and Edith Mary Pratt. In 1939 his family lived at 4 Gilpin Terrace, Gilpin Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, and Herbert worked as a boat builder. Herbert served on the destroyer Acasta. The Acasta took part on the Norway Campaign. On 8 June 1940 the Acasta was accompanying the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Glorious when attacked by the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. The Acasta was sunk in the battle, with the immediate or subsequent, loss of 162 men. However, the Acasta had inflicted significant damage to the Scharnhorst. 

A Petty Officer with H.M.S. Gloucester, Sydney died on 22nd of May 1941 aged 33.Sydney was born at Walthamstow on 12 November 1907, a son of Henry and Margaret Press.Sydney joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 10 May 1923. Sydney married Elizabeth Lyons at Saint Luke's Church, Hackney, on 25 December 1928. Sydney was serving on H.M.S. Devonshire and Elizabeth lived at 81 Paragon Road, Hackney. A long serving sailor Sydney was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1940. In 1939 Elizabeth was living at 9 Waterhall Avenue, Chingford. Later she moved to Lowestoft.On 22 May 1941 H.M.S. Gloucester was involved in the Battle of Crete and was attacked and sunk by enemy aircraft. Out of the crew of 802, 722 were lost.  

A Commissioned Gunner with H.M.S. King George V, Gerald died on 10th of February 1919 at the age of 36. Gerald was born at Elmham, Suffolk, on 21 August 1882, a son of James Bingham and Alice M. Pretty. In 1891 his family lived at Edwins Hall, Woodham Ferris, Essex. By 1901 his family home was 11 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later they lived at Walcot Lodge, Bainton, Stamford, Lincolnshire.Gerald joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 20 July 1898, and served on H.M.S. Impregnable. He joined H.M.S. Lion on 28 July 1898 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class on 20 April 1899. He joined H.M.S. Agincourt on 24 November 1899 and H.M.S. Resolution on 10 January 1900 and was advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 21 August 1900. He then went to H.M.S. Duke of Wellington I on 19 January 1901.On 9 February 1901 Gerald joined H.M.S. Bellona. He was advanced to Able Seaman on 13 June 1901. He joined H.M.S. Duke of Wellington on 21 November 1901 and H.M.S. Excellent on 9 February 1902 was rated as Seaman Gunner. He returned to H.M.S. Duke of Wellington on 20 September 1903. On 1 October 1903 he joined H.M.S. Firequeen I and then, on 14 October 1903 joined H.M.S. Apollo and joined H.M.S. Excellent on 11 February 1904. From 1 March 1904 Gerald served with H.M.S. Andromeda. He was advanced to Leading Seaman on 5 February 1905 and Petty Officer 2nd Class on 21 December 1905. He joined H.M.S. Excellent on 17 July 1906. In 1907 he became a navy diver. He joined H.M.S. Terrible on 16 July 1907 and H.M.S. Excellent on 5 May 1908 and H.M.S. Revenge on 14 May 1908. He joined H.M.S. King Edward VII on 27 March 1909. He was advanced to Pettey Officer 1st Class on 4 May 1911. On 1 August 1911 he joined H.M.S. Excellent. In July 1912 he became a Gunlayer 3rd Class and, in September that year, a Gunner’s Mate, and in October 1912 and Gunlayer 1st Class. On 17 August 1913 he joined H.M.S. Vernon. Also in 1913 Gerlad joined the United Service Lodge of Freemasons. On 14 October 1913 Gerald commissioned as an Acting Gunner, and he was confirmed in this rank on 23 October 1914. On 7 January 1914 he joined H.M.S. King George V and served in that battleship throughout World War One and was present at the Battle of Jutland.Gerald contracted pneumonia and was admitted to Granton Royal Naval Hospital, Edinburgh, where he died on 10 February 1919.   

A Private with the 589 Home Service Company, Walter died on 9th of October 1918 aged 40. Walter was born at Herringfleet in 1878, a son of Walter and Eliza Prettyman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Herringfleet, on 13 February 1879. By 1881 his father had died, and his family lived at Sunny Bank Cottage, Herringfleet. In 1891 they lived at Barsham Street, Lowestoft, and Walter was an errand boy. On 2 April 1899 Walter married Sarah Harmer at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Walter was a hawker living at 72 Sturtin Street, and Sarah lived at 26 Factory Street, Lowestoft. In 1900 they lived at Cambridge. By 1901 they were living at 31 West Street, Harwich, and Walter was a quay labourer. By 1905 they were living at Corton, and by 1911 at 3 Bank Court, Saint Peter’s Street, Lowestoft, and Walter was general labourer for a coal shipping firm. This was still their home in 1914 and by 1919 Sarah was living at 16 Saint Margaret’s Road.Walter attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 6 June 1916 and was called up on 31 July 1916. Walter was placed in medical category C ii and was fit for home service only. He joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number 35421, and was posted to the 29th (Works) Battalion on 1 August 1916. His unit became the 5th Labour Battalion in 1917 and Walter was renumbered 158947. His new unit was part of the Labour Corps. On 6 July 1917 he was posted to 399 Home Service Employment Company. On 24 June 1918 Walter was placed in medical category B ii. He was posted to 589 Home Service Employment Company, Woolwich, on 25 June 1918.On 30 September 1918 Walter was admitted to Brook War Hospital, Woolwich, with gastritis and bronchitis. On 8 October he had the symptoms of heart failure, which increased that night, and he died from bronchitis and heart failure the next day.  

A Lance Corporal with the 8th Battalion, Thomas died on 22nd of December 1944 aged 27. Thomas was born at Hollinwood, Oldham, Lancashire, in 1917, a son of Thomas and Annie Price. In 1921 his family lived at 5 Burder Street, Oldham.  In late 1941 Thomas married Audrey Gladys Hammond, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Audrey’s family lived at 9 Essex Road.Thomas enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was later transferred to The Royal Scots. He served in north-west Europe with the 8th Battalion.The 8th Battalion landed at Normandy on 16 June 1944. During 22 December the battalion took over positions north of Blerick and came under mortar and shell-fire throughout the day. Thomas was killed in action. Thomas was buried at Maasbree, to the west of Blerick, and in 1946 was reburied at Vernay. Thomas’ father-in-law, Maurice Hammond, died in 1940 in the loss of the trawler Lord Haldane. 

A Shipwright 1st Class with H.M.S. Pelican, Percival died on 22nd of April 1940 at the age of 34. Percival was born at Lowestoft on 8 November 1904, a son of Joseph and Maria Prior. In 1911 his family lived at Chamberlain's Cottages, Oulton Broad, and by 1921 at Holme Lea, Walmer Road, Lowestoft, and Percival worked as a shipwright's apprentice with W. Warden, Shipwright, at Commercial Road, Lowestoft. In 1929 Percival marries Catherine Jane Gobell Harvey. Their home was at 43 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 Catherine lived at 52 Wolseley Road, Great Yarmouth. Percival served as a Shipwright on H.M.S. Pelican. In April 1940 the Pelican took part in the Norwegian Campaign. On 22 April the ship was sailing to the Romsdal Fjord when it was bombed by a German Ju-87 Stuka, when off Narvik. The ship was hit aft and the bomb set off the ship's depth charges. H.M.S. Jackal came alongside to take of the wounded and the Pelican was then towed to Lerwick by H.M.S. Fleetwood. Fifty-one of the Pelican's crew, including Percival, were killed. Percival's brother, William, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and was accidentally killed in 1915. 

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Halcyon II., William died on 18th of August 1915 at the age of 19.William was born at Gisleham on 30 December 1895, a son of Joseph and Maria Prior. He attended school at Gisleham before, on 17 May 1901, becoming a pupil at Cunningham School. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Carlton Road, Pakefield. In 1911 his family were living at Chamberlain's Cottages, Oulton Broad, and William was a drift net fisherman. Later his parents lived at Home Lea, Walmer Road, Lowestoft. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 March 1915. From March 1915 he served on the trawler Hilda and Ernest. In August 1915 he was at Lowestoft. The Lowestoft Journal, of 21 August 1914, page 4, explains what happened to William:REVOLVER TRAGEDY AT LOWESTOFTSAD DEATH OF R.N.R. MANThe death place at Lowestoft Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, at 1.30, of William Henry Prior, aged 19 years, a Royal Naval Reservist, living at Walmer Road, South Lowestoft. The deceased was on a boat. With him was another Royal Naval Reservist named Arthur Hodson, aged 18. He was handling a revolver, when by some means it went off, the bullet entering Prior's stomach. He was taken to the Hospital, where he received every attention, but death took place as stated.  A report of the inquest appeared in The Diss Express, of 27 August 1915, page 4:REVOLVER TRAGEDY – An inquest was held on Friday on the body of William Henry Prior, aged 16, of Lowestoft, who was shot in the stomach on the previous Wednesday. – George Wilson Crooks, a skipper, said that the deceased and Arthur Hodson, another deck hand, where in the wheel-house, when witness heard the report of a revolver. He at once went to the spot, and saw deceased in a crouching position holding his stomach, and apparently in great pain. Witness sent for a doctor, who ordered his removal to the hospital. Hodson told him that he picked up a revolver from out of the case when it went off, the bullet entering the stomach of the deceased. Witness had no doubt the affair was quite an accident, as the crew were all best of terms. – George Simnet, the mate, said that he was in the wheelhouse helping the deceased and Hodson. They were on the best of terms. In reply to the Coroner, witness said that there was no skylarking going on previous to the accident. – Joseph Prior, father of the deceased, stated that he was satisfied that the affair was purely accidental. Arthur Hodson was warned by the Coroner, and elected to give evidence. He stated that he was in the wheel-house with the deceased at the time of the shooting affair. The deceased got hold of a rifle lying near by and said “How would you like one of these bullets into you?” Witness then took the revolver out of the case and remarked to the deceased, “How would you like one of these into you?” Before he knew what had happened the revolver went off, and the deceased exclaimed “You’ve shot me.” Witness went on to the deck at once, and the skipper sent for the doctor. In reply to the Foreman, Hodson stated that the deceased had the rifle in his hand when he was shot. Lieutenant-Surgeon Mallam deposed to seeing the deceased at 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday. The general condition of the deceased at that time was too bad for an operation. Death was due to gun shot wounds. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death from wounds caused by a revolver.”William's brother Percival served in the Royal Navy and was killed in 1940 on H.M.S. Pelican.  

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Albert died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 21. Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of Harry and Mildred Christianna Proudfoot. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 16 August 1895 and his family lived at 57 Cambridge Road, and this was still the family home in 1911. Later his parents lived at 93 Oxford Road and then at 46 Marine Parade.Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. Initially he served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, service number 2115. In 1916 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France and renumbered 43772.   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.  Albert was reported missing and later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 13 November.

A Private with 3rd Regt. Horace died on 15th of October 1916 at the age of 45. Horace was born in the City of London in 1875, a son of William and Mary Ann Pryke. In 1881 his family lived at 33 Kiver Road, Islington. By 1891 Horace was working as an apprentice draper for Mr. Maw of High Street, Saint Pancras. In 1901 Horace was a draper's assistant living at 482 Holloway Road, Islington, possibly working for his father at his drapers business at 484 Holloway Road. In 1911 Horace's family lived at 172 Green Street, Forest Gate, and later they lived at 111 Sussex Road, Lowestoft and then 80 Sussex Road. Horace was serving in the South African army in early 1916. He embarked at Cape Town on 22 March 1916. He was taken on the strength of the 3rd Battalion on 14 April 1916.   Horace was killed in action at Butte de Warlincourt, Somme, on 15 October 1916. On the 14th October, B Company  of the 3rd South African Infantry took 'The Pimple' and a large part of the German communication trench. B Company was relieved by A Company during the night of the 15-16th October. The casualties of the 3rd South African Infantry were 38 men.

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Cuthbert died on 12th of July 1943 aged 30. Cuthbert was born at Wimbledon, London, on 21 June 1913, a son of The Reverend Baldwyn de Fonmartin and Emily Marion Pugh. He was baptised at Saint Saviour’s Church, Raynes Park, on 20 July 1913 and his family lived at Talbot Road, Wimbledon. In 1921 his family lived at Kings Cottage, Monnington on Wye, Brobury, Herefordshire. By 1934 Cuthbert’s father had become the Rector of Gisleham and his family lived at Gisleham Rectory. On 30 May 1937 Cuthbert married Joan Edith Playle at Birdbrook, Essex. In 1939 they lived at Wye, Louis Close, Old Catton, Norwich, and Cuthbert was an assistant in a provision shop.Cuthbert served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942. The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Cuthbert, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Cuthbert was one of a group of men taken overland, on 19 March 1942, to work on the Burma Railway. Cuthbert died, from cholera, at Kinsayoke Camp. He was reburied at Kanchanaburi Military Cemetery in 1946. Cuthbert’s brother Edward served with the Royal Engineers and was also captured at Singapore and died on the Burma Railway. Cuthbert, and his brother Edward, are commemorated on a special memorial at Gisleham Church. 

A Sergeant with 251 Field Park Company, Edward died on 10th of December 1942 aged 34. Edward was born at Ilford, Essex, on 4 December 1908, a son of The Reverend Baldwyn de Fonmartin and Emily Marion Pugh. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Buckhurst Hill, on 17 January 1909 and his family lived at 5 Stamforth Road, Newbury Park, Ilford. In 1921 his family lived at Kings Cottage, Monnington on Wye, Brobury, Herefordshire. By 1934 Cuthbert’s father had become the Rector of Gisleham and his family lived at Gisleham Rectory. Edward enlisted in the Royal Engineers, at Norwich, on 15 February 1939. On 13 October 1941 Edward was admitted to Wordsley Hospital, Stourbridge, with a lacerated thumb. He returned to duty on 20 October. By late 1941 he was serving with 251 Field Park Company in the 18th Division. Edward’s unit embarked in October 1941 bound for Egypt, but, en route, their destination was changed to India and from there they were sent to Singapore, with various elements arriving in late January and early February 1942. Edward was captured at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. He would, like most of the men of his company, have been held at Changi and sources show that he in one of the groups of prisoners that were taken overland, on 30 October 1942, to work on the Burma Railway. Edward was held at Tonchan Central camp. He had dysentery and seemed to be recovering and was discharged from hospital but died suddenly during the night from cardiac beri-beri and gastritis. He was buried at Tonchan Main Cemetery and re-buried at Kanchanaburi Military Cemetery in 1946.  Edward’s brother Cuthbert served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and was also captured at Singapore and died on the Burma Railway. Edward, and his brother Cuthbert, are commemorated on a special memorial at Gisleham Church. 

A Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 12th of February 1944 aged 26. Jack was born at Lowestoft on 22 December 1917, a son of William and Edith Purdy. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 17 January 1918 and his family lived at 196 Clapham Road. On 23 December 1939 Jack married Patricia Gertrude Harling at Saint John’s Church. Jack was a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force and gave his address as 196 Clapham Road, and Patricia lived at 4 Stanley Street. By 1944 their home was at 85 Waveney Crescent.Jack, who’s service number was 754633, was promoted to Warrant Officer and he was trained as a Pilot. He was appointed Pilot Officer, on probation, with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 16 August 1943. On 12 February 1944 Jack was serving with 137 Squadron and flew Typhoon IB, number MM974 'R', from Lympne, Kent, on a Ramrod mission to Ardouval. The aim was to attack the V-1 missile site. Jack aircraft failed to return, and it is possible that it crashed due to engine failure.  WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, Sarah died on 26th of May 1941 at the age of 54. Sarah was born at Carlton Colville on 28 January 1884, a daughter of Walter and Jane Moore. She was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 9 March 1884 and her family lived at Carlton Colville. Sarah married James Crane Claxton at Saint Peter's Church, Lowestoft, on 12 February 1907. In 1911 they lived at 50 Tonning Street and in 1913 at 19 Rotterdam Road. James died in 1913. Sarah married William Putterford (details unknown). William died in 1935. In 1939 Sarah lived at 24 Till Road. She died at 5 Woods Loke, Oulton, during an air raid.

A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 21st of May 1940 at the age of 28.Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 3 August 1911, a son of James John and Florence Edith Pye. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 18 August 1911 and his family lived at 76 Whapload Road. In 1921 his family lived at 20 Chapel Street. Herbert served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment, service number 5770874, and by April 1940 he was a Corporal. He was due to marry Ada Louisa Reynolds, of 6 Rant Score, and banns were read at Christchurch, Lowestoft, but it seems that the marriage never took place. On 21 May 1940 the 2nd Battalion were holding a position on the River Escaut (also known as the Scheldt), south of Tournai, when they were attacked by German infantry who succeeded in breaking through beyond the company’s right flank. In the ensuing engagement five men of the 2nd Battalion, including Herbert, were killed. Company Sergeant Major Gristock, of the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his part in the action. Herbert’s brother James served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Stoker with H.M.S. Pembroke, James died on 4th of September 1917 at the age of 25.James was born at Lowestoft on 14 August 1892, a son of James John and Florence Edith Pye. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 31 August 1892 and his family lived at East Street. By 1901 his family were living at 1 Whapload Road. By 1911 the family home was 76 Whapload Road, and in the 1920s at 20 Chapel Street.James was living ‘near Wilde’s Score’ when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 February 1912. In 1912 he worked on the trawler Hopeful, LT 975, and then LT 986; in April 1913 with the trawler Comrades, LT 990; in July 1913 trawler LT 423; and in July 1914 the trawler Nancy Runnan.James was called out for service on 18 August 1914. He served with H.M.S. Shannon until 3 July 1917 he was drafted to H.M.S. Pembroke.In September 1917 the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham was full of ratings and overflow accommodation had to be found at the Drill Hall. On 3 September 1917 James was at Chatham Barracks. That night five German Gotha bombers made a raid on the Medway towns, including Chatham. The Drill Hall took a direct hit and over 130 men were killed or wounded. James was wounded and taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, where he died of wounds on 4 September. Ninety-eight of the men, including James, were buried at Gillingham, and others were buried closer to their homes.  James gave his next-of-kin as his friend Violet Randall of Yarmouth Road, Heckingham. James’ brother, Herbert, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died in 1940.

A Private with the 16th Battalion, John died on 7th of October 1918 at the aged 36. John was born at Lowestoft on 6 July 1882, a son of John and Elizabeth Pye. John attended Cunningham’s School before, on 17 March 1890, becoming a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School, and his family lived at 11 Edinburgh Road. In 1891 they lived at 40 Edinburgh Road, and this was still their home in 1901 when John worked as a house painter and plumber. By 1911 both of John’s parents had died and John lived at 40 Edinburgh Road with his sister Christina. John’s brother, Herbert, lived at 56 Tennyson Road.John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 21364. He was transferred to the Manchester Regiment, service number 57357, and posted to France to join the 16th Battalion and he served with A Company. In March 1918 the 16th Battalion were decimated in their defence of Manchester Hill, during which their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Elstob was killed in action and for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The battalion’s lost 600 men in that action.  On 19 April 1918 the remnant of the battalion moved into the front line at Spoil Bank, Ypres. During the morning of 26 April, the Germans over ran the battalion’s front positions and forced the battalion to withdraw. During the attack the battalion lost three killed, 38 wounded, and 195 missing, many of whom were captured. After this action the battalion effectively ceased to function as a fighting unit.     John was taken prisoner at Spoil Bank, Ypres, on 26 April 1918. A Red Cross paper (PA 38083) names him in a list of prisoners held at Friedrichsfeld Prisoner of War Camp. However, John died from dysentery at the German Saxon Field Hospital, based near Hautmont and the circumstances of how he came to be there are not known. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Percy died on 12th of October 1917 at the age of 20. Percy was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of James G. and Bridget A. Pye. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Rant Score East, and by 1911 they were living at 135 Whapload Road, Lowestoft.Percy enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Essex Regiment, number 276396, and was in the 5th Battalion. He was then transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and served with the 3/4th Battalion, number T/273049, before being posted to the 7th Battalion. On 10 October 1917 the 7th Battalion moved to positions at Mon Bulgare Farm. On 11 October they moved off to support the attack of 53 and 54 Brigades, near Poelcappelle, the following day. The attack on the 12th failed. Percy was among those missing and it was concluded that he had died on, or since, 12 October.  

A Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Ernest died on 19th of June 1917 at the age of 21. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of James and Agnes Elizabeth Quantrill. In 1901 his family lived at 6 Water Lane. This was still their home in 1911 when Ernest worked as a housepainter. Later his mother lived at 17 Water Lane. Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1444, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, and then the 2nd Battalion, service number 43781. He is believed to have been in a draft of men that arrived in France on 26 July 1916. Ernest died of wounds on 19 June 1917. There are no specific records of how, or when, he was wounded, but the 2nd Battalion’s war diary records no casualties between 1 and 13 June and it is probable that Ernest was wounded during the 2nd Battalion’s attack on Hook Trench and Long Trench, near Arras, that began on 14 June. Between 14 and 19 June 1917 the 2nd Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six killed, five woundedOther ranks: 56 killed, 183 wounded, 2 missing Ernest's brother John died in an air raid in 1941. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Ocean Fisher, James died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 18. James was born at Poplar, London, on 27 November 1899, note, however, that his Royal Naval Reserve service record states that he was born at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He was a son of George Edward and Rebecca Martha Quantrill. In 1901 his family lived at 170 Manchester Road, Poplar. By 1911 they were living at 17 High Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1915. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.orgJames joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 January 1915 as a Signal Boy, with service number SB 33, and he served with the trawler Ajax II. On 29 October 1916 he joined H.M.S. Halcyon II. On 27 November 1917 he obtained a transfer to serve as a Deck Hand, and was given service number DA 19075. He trained as a hydrophone listener and qualified on 19 January 1918. In 1918 he served with the trawler Ocean Fisher.   On 16 June 1918 the Ocean Fisher was on minesweeping operations off the Haddock Bank in the North Sea. The drifter brought up a mine in the trawl. The mine exploded, sinking the vessel, with the loss of all nine crew including James. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org 

A Civilian, John died on 7th of February 1941 aged 42. John was born at Lowestoft on 25 July 1898, a son of James and Agnes Quantrill. In 1901 his family lived at 6 Water Lane and this was still their home in 1911. By 1921 his family were living at 17 Water Lane and this was John’s home for the rest of his life. In 1928 John married Lilian Winifred Rachael Smith, this was registered in the Mutford district.In 1921 John was a bridgeman for the Great Eastern Railway. By 1939 he was a bridgeman working for the London and North Eastern Railway at the swing bridge at Lowestoft.   John died at the Swing Bridge, Lowestoft, during an air raid. He was buried at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery on 12 February 1941.   John's brother Ernest served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Claude died on 3rd of July 1916 at the age of 19. Claude was born at Lowestoft on 16 March 1897, a son of Jabez and Eliza Quinton. In 1901 his family lived at 200 Denmark Road. Claude was a pupil at Hervey Street School, and attended Saint John’s School from 27 March 1905 to 7 September 1905 when he joined Roman Hill School. In 1911 his family lived at 11 Summer Road.Claude enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 22506, and was posted to the 7th battalion in France. On 3 July 1916 the 7th Battalion took part in a frontal attack on the village of Ovillers, in the Somme region of France. Although initially successful the attack faulted because, when in the village, German troops were able to infiltrate the successive lines of the British attack and inflicted heavy casualties. The 7th Battalion lost 21 officers, and 458 men, killed wounded or missing, but some of those missing did return to the battalion in the following days.Claude was among those missing and later presumed to have died 'on or since 3 July 1916'. Claude initially received a battlefield burial at Map Reference 57d.x.7.d. and later, in 1919, reburied at Ovillers Cemetery. 

A Lance Sergeant with 7th Bn., Albert  died on 13th of October 1915 at the age of 28. Albert was born at Beccles in 1887, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Rackham. In 1891 his family lived at Denmark Road, Beccles. In 1901 their address was 3 Percy Terrace, Denmark Road, Beccles. By 1911 Albert was lodging at 1 Leiston Road, Lowestoft, and he worked as a manufacturer of ‘wearing apparel’. Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 7th battalion on 30 May 1915. He was already an Acting Corporal when he arrived in France and was subsequently promoted to Lance Sergeant. The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:12 October. 5.45 p.m. Parade to take over trenches from 1st Guards Brigade near Hohenzollern Redoubt.13 October. 12 noon. Intense bombardment of German lines by our artillery.2 p.m. Attack commences in accordance with Battalion order.B Company under cover of smoke attacked German trenches . .advancing over fire trench. Owing to smoke lifting and very heavy machine-gun fire . . this attack did not reach its objective but was instrumental in keeping out bomb attacks on (our) sap.Major Currey, 2nd Lieutenants Hartopp and Lee were killed. Lieutenant Daveron wounded and about 70 other ranks killed and wounded. At the same time A Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attack a sap. Great opposition was encountered at first and many casualties occurred. The party eventually rushed the German barrier and proceeded to bomb a trench.The machine-guns were ordered to follow this party and support advance with fire. Captain Cobbold was killed whilst leading the party of Suffolk bombers and 2nd Lieutenant Smith severely wounded.As the Suffolk bombers had become expended when the point G.5.d.10.3 was reached and the attack checked in consequence. O.C. A Company was ordered to consolidate his position on the line gained. At the same time D Company supported the Norfolk bombers in attacking a sap. This attack was temporarily held up by German bombers at their barrier which was eventually rushed by D Company.Captain Henty was wounded and Captain Sorley and Lieutenant Wood killed whilst leading the attack. Lieutenant Deighton then took command and by bombing down the trench drove the enemy back . . when this point was reached it was reported that the bombs had been used up. D was ordered to consolidate this position.As soon as points G.5.d.10.3 and G.6.c.2.1 were reached there were pushed forward 3 Suffolk and 1 Northamptonshire machine-guns with the object of establishing a strong point at G.5.d.9.1 and commanding the approach from the enemy’s trenches which had been closed by us with double stops. This arrangement proved quite satisfactory as by it the German bombers were easily kept at a distance by rifle and machine-gun fire. Casualties: eight officers killed and three wounded. 150 Other Ranks killed and wounded.    Albert’s brother, Herbert John Rackham, served in The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and died in 1918 from influenza and pneumonia.  

A Private with 9th Battalion, Frederick died on 19th of December 1915 at the age of 26. Frederick was born at Blundeston in 1889, a son of Samuel and Emily Rackham. In 1890 his mother was imprisoned for neglecting her children, but in 1891 Frederick and his brother were living with their mother at High Street, Blundeston. It seems that his parents became estranged and by 1901 Frederick was living at 8 Old Market Place, Lowestoft, with his mother, and siblings, and the census suggests that his mother was married to William Reynolds. In 1911 the family’s address was 8A Old Market Place, and Frederick was a general labourer. Note the 1911 Census shows Frederick’s surname as Reynolds. Later his mother lived at 3 Albany Terrace, Albany Road, Lowestoft. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 August 1915. On 18 December 1915 the Battalion took over front line trenches at St. Jean les Ypres, to the east of the town of Ypres, Belgium.At 5.30 a.m. on 19 December 1915 the Germans made a gas attack on the Battalion’s positions. The gas attack was followed by a heavy bombardment that lasted through the day and into the night. The attack failed. The Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one woundedOther ranks: four killed; one died of wounds; one died of gas poisoning; 40 wounded; 18 suffering from gas poisoning.Frederick was killed in action on 19 December. Initially he was buried at map reference C.27.b.6.5. and in 1919 reburied at White House Farm Cemetery.

A Private with the 9th Battalion, George died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 37. George was born at Lowestoft on 14 January 1881, a son of George Isaac and Pheobe Tripp Rackham. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 6 March 1881. His family lived at 5 Tonning Street. By 1891 they were living at 30 Raglan Street, and this was still their home in 1901 when George worked as a grocer. On 18 August 1901 George married Alice Maud Colman at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was an assistant (grocer) living at 30 Raglan Street, and Alice lived near Albert Street. In 1911 they lived at 6 Saint Margaret’s Plain and George was a grocer’s assistant. Later Alice lived at 12 Winnipeg Road. George enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds on 2 December 1916. He joined the East Surrey Regiment, service number 23476. He was sent to the 3rd Battalion at Dover. On 11 October 1916 he was posted to France to join the 1st Battalion, and, on 15 November 1916, he was posted to the 9th Battalion. On 18 March 1918 the 9th Battalion were at the Vermad rest camp. On 21 March the enemy bombardment commenced at 4.30 a.m. The battalion ‘stood-to’ but the camp was not heavily shelled. However, there were casualties. Shells hit the transport lines killed a few men and horses. At 7.30 a.m. the hut in which the battalion signallers were living was hit, killing two and wounding six. At 10 a.m. the battalion moved forward to man the ridge between Villecholles and Maissemy. About 1 p.m. the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Le Fleming, was killed by a sniper. George was killed in action on 21 March.The battalion’s casualties for March 1918 were:Officers: three killed; nine wounded; 13 missingOther ranks: 23 killed; 152 wounded; 215 missing    

A Private with the 13th Battalion, Gordon died on 7th of April 1943 aged 20. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 11 April 1922, a son of James and Lilian Florence Rackham. In 1939 his family lived at Peacehaven, Normanston Drive, and Gordon was a cycle mechanic. Gordon enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was subsequently transferred to The King’s Regiment (Liverpool). Gordon served with the 13th Battalion which was a ‘Chindit’ unit, and he was part of 7 Column that marched into Burma, crossing the Chindwin River on 13 February 1943 as part of Operation Longcloth. For the next three months they operated in the Burmese jungle cutting Japanese supply lines and harassing the enemy. In late March 1943 Column 7 were on the Hehtin Chaung and a decision was taken that they would head for China, on the way they had to cross the Irrawaddy River which placed them in an area where the Japanese were able to easily reinforce and attack the column.  Gordon was reported missing on 7 April 1943, and it was later concluded that he died of his wounds on that date. It is likely that Gordon died in an area between the Irrawaddy and Shweli Rivers. Of 3,000 men involved in Operation Longcloth almost one third became casualties and of the 2,000 that returned to India around 500 were unfit for further service.  

A Civilian, Henry died on 7th of February 1941 aged 32. Henry was born at Barnby on 14 March 1908, a son Henry Charles and Beatrice Rackham. In 1911 his family lived at 14 Sycamore Avenue, Carlton Colville. In 1921 their address was 37 Sycamore Avenue and later Henry’s parents lived at 56 Sycamore Avenue. In 1933 Henry married Ethel May Moore, of North Cove. In 1939 they lived at 2 Wesleyan Cottages, North Cove, and Henry was a deckhand on the railway engineering maintenance dredger at Lowestoft. Later Ethel’s address was Wesleyan House, The Street, North Cave. Died at Lowestoft Harbour Yard during an air raid.

A Private with 2nd Bn., Godfrey died on 17th of April 1918 at the age of 30. Son of Frank Godfrey and Martha Radford; Husband of Ann Radford of 31 May Rd. Lowestoft.

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Bracklyn, Archibald died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 41. Archibald was born at Milford Haven on 7 August 1875, a son of George and Louisa Catherine Radmore. He was baptised at Hubberston on 3 July 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Hibernia, Point Street, Hubberston, Milford Haven. In 1900 Archibald married Jane Maria Knight, this was registered in the Haverfordwest district. In 1908 Archibald was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. By 1911 Archibald and Jane were living at 76 Harris Street, Fleetwood and by March 1916 their home was at 31 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft. Later Jane returned to Fleetwood and lived at 2 Addision Road. Archibald joined the Royal Naval Reserve, as a Skipper, on 19 October 1914 and from 23 October 1914 he was the Skipper of H.M. Trawler Bracklyn.  On 10 March 1916 the Bracklyn, along with four other ships, ran aground at Corton, in bad weather and had to be towed off the beach.On 11 May 1917 the Bracklyn was sunk by a mine off Great Yarmouth. All ten of the crew were killed. 

A Rifleman with 1/6th Bn., Thomas died on 23rd of July 1917 at the age of 35.Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 13 June 1881, a son of (Arthur) Charles and (Harriet) Rachel Rainbird. he was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 July 1881 and his family lived at 11 Windsor, Mill Road, Lowestoft. In 1891 they were still living at 11 Mill Road. Later his father lived at Heath Farm Lodge, Railway Cottages, Oulton Broad. By 1901 Thomas was lodging at 30-32 London Road, Southwark, and working as a pawnbroker's assistant. On 17 April 1905 Thomas married Kate Everett at Saint George's Church, Camberwell. Thomas was a shop assistant living at 5 Cunard Street, and Kate lived at 75 Gloucester Road. By 1911 they were living at 103 Tooting Bec Road, Upper Tooting, and Thomas was a pawn broker. Later Kate lived at 18 Beechdale Road, Brixton Hill, London. Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lambeth. He joined the London Regiment and served with the 3/6th Battalion, number 6560, before being posted to France. He arrived in France on 25 December 1916 and joined the 1/6th Battalion. In 1917 he was renumbered 323415. On 8 July 1917 the 1/6th Battalion marched from Ontario Camp to relive the 21st London Regiment in a trench position known as Spoilbank. The Battalion War Diary for 23 July 1917 reads:Battalion in the left sub-sector of Spoil Bank Sector. Artillery activity on both sides during the whole 24 hours. At 10 p.m. Battalion carried out a small raid:1. Commanders 2nd Lieutenant A G Sampson and 2nd Lieutenant E P Shepherd2. Composition: Two officers 55 other ranks3. Objective: To raid Oblique Trench and the wood in 05d with a view to securing prisoners, machine-guns and identifications generally.4. ACTIONThe left party commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Sampson attacked Oblique Trench advancing from the left front of our own position. The party crawled out in small groups and took up a position as close to the barrage as possible forming forward into extended order and at zero +5, in the lifting of the barrage, ruched the enemy trench, taking the enemy by surprise. A few showed fight and were killed and in addition several were killed by enemy shell-fire after being captured. A pre-arranged signal was given for the party to return, and also show them the direction of our line.  Oblique Trench was found to be in bad repair, but the wire is still in moderate condition. 29 prisoners were brought in alive, a few of whom were wounded. They belonged to a Bavarian unit recently arrived from Galicia. The success was almost entirely due to the quickness and the resolution with which this party ruched their objective. No machine-guns were located, and in the limited time available it was not possible to make a thorough search. No machine-gun fire was directed at this party. The barrage in front of this party was very uniform; few shells falling short.   Shortly after the assault the enemy returned to his trenches and occupied two or three posts along the line. A N.C.O. was sent out to find out whether the enemy had returned. he located a small post and bombed the enemy out of it. The enemy's artillery fired on his own and our trench during the raid.Five other ranks of this party were wounded.The right party, commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Shepherd, crawled out at zero +5 and took up positions from which to assault the wood in 05d. At zero they moved forward and when half-way across to their objective the barrage lifted. The enemy proved to be on the alert and opened with rifle fire and bombs from the trench running through the wood. The trench was reached by the enemy offered a stubborn resistance, and proved to be in considerable numbers, and when the time came to retire the melee was still in progress. The party was therefore withdrawn without obtaining identifications. The failure of this party to reach their objective on the lifting of the barrage was doubtless the cause of the non-success of this party, the enemy having time to recover all and man his trenches. The casualties of this party were three killed, four wounded.5. RESULT29 prisoners capturedCasualties: 3 killed, nine wounded. Most of the wounded were sleight.Casualties (all day): Captain Gilks and 2nd Lieutenant Sampson were wounded but remained at duty.8 Other ranks killed, 16 Other ranks wounded, 4 Other ranks gassed.      In fact ten men of the Battalion, including Thomas, were killed on 23 July. Note: The Commonwealth War Graves website records incorrectly give Thomas' battalion as the 3/6th London Regiment. His correct battalion, the 1/6th, is confirmed in the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects and the original Commonwealth War Graves paperwork also shows this battalion. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Agile, Ambrose died on 27th of April 1917 at the age of 41. Ambrose was born at Bermondsey, London, on 6 March 1876, a son of Joseph and Sarah Rampling. By 1881 Ambrose’ father had died and his family were living at Morton Road, Kirkley. By 1891 Ambrose’ mother had married Thomas Masterson and the family lived at Morton Cottage, Morton Road, and Ambrose was an apprentice shoemaker. Later his mother lived at 1 Short Street, Kirkley. On 17 April 1897 Ambrose married Bertha Barnes at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Ambrose was a shoemaker living at Sandringham Cottages, Wollaston Road, and Bertha lived at 43 Bevan Street. They lived at 99 Park Road, Lowestoft, and Ambrose had his own boot making business.Ambrose was working as a saddler when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 20 November 1914. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number T5/1451. Ambrose was discharged on 21 November 1914 as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier.’Ambrose joined the Royal Naval Reserve, as a Deck Hand, on 26 November 1914 and he was promoted to Engineman 1 February 1917. Ambrose served on the trawler Agile.  On 27 April 1917 the Agile struck a mine three miles east of the Sunk Head Light Vessel, Harwich. Ambrose was one of three crew who were killed, and one man was seriously wounded.    

A Civilian, Marguerite died on 23rd of January 1942 at the age of 43. Marguerite was born at Lowestoft on 9 September 1898, a daughter of Robert James and Henrietta Gouldby. She was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 November 1898. Throughout her life her family home was at 51 Stanley Street. In 1921 Marguerite worked as a shop assistant at L. Wren & Son Ltd., High Street, Lowestoft. On 25 March 1922 Marguerite married Alec James Rand at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Alec was a hairdresser living at 48 Old Nelson Street, and Marguerite was living at 159 High Street, Lowestoft. In 1939 they lived at 51 Stanley Street with Marguerite's widowed father. Marguerite was killed during and air raid. She died at 51 Stanley Street.Marguerite's brother Frank Gouldby died in 1915 whilst serving with the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Civilian, Edith died on 12th of May 1943 aged 59. Edith was born at King’s Lynn on 1 August 1883, a daughter of John and Georgina Barnaby. In 1891 her family lived at Valingers Place, King’s Lynn and in 1901 their address was 17 Valinger’s Place and Edith was an assistant in a draper’s shop. Edith moved to Lowestoft and in 1911 she lodged at 25 Clapham Road and was the manageress at a confectionery store. On 2 August 1919 Edith married George Thomas Randlesome at Saint Margaret’s Church, King’s Lynn. Edith was living at Saint James’ Street, King’s Lynn, and George, a secretary to an education committee, lived at Lowestoft. In 1921 they lived at 47 Royal Avenue, and this was still their home in 1939.During the Second World War Edith became an Air Raid Warden and was a member of the Women’s Voluntary Service. Edith was at breakfast at her home on the morning of 12 May when an air raid took place, this was a preliminary to the main Focke-Wulf Raid later that day. A bomb was dropped on Belle Vue Park but bounced into Royal Avenue and the explosion destroyed Edith's home. She was buried for several hours before being rescued and later succumbed to her injuries.  Edith’s brother, John, served with the 1/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment and died at Gallipoli in 1915.  

A Commissioned Gunner with the Royal Indian Marine, George died on 30th of November 1916 at the age of 27.George was born at Haddiscoe in 1889, a son Joseph James and Rose Randlesome. In 1891 his family lived 'by the Post Office', Haddiscoe, and by 1901 they were living at 70 Park Road, Rock Estate, Oulton. By 1911 his family lived at 70 Oxford Road Lowestoft.In 1914-1915 George was a quartermaster on transport ships. In 1916 George was attached to the Inland Water Transport, Iraq, also known as the Indus Flotilla. George died form enteritis. He is believed to have died at a hospital in Basra.

A Private with 7th Bn., Alfred died on 26th of September 1915 at the age of 21. Note: Some records give Alfred's first name as Albert. These include Commonwealth War Graves, Soldiers Died in the Great War and some Census returns. However, when he was born he was registered as Alfred, he was baptised as Alfred and when he enlisted in the Army he gave his first name as Alfred (see service papers at WO 363).Alfred was born at Barnby on 8 February 1894, a son of Robert and late Sarah Eliza Raven. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Barnby, on 20 May 1894. In 1901 they lived 'near Ivy Farm', Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Alfred's mother had died and his father married Harriet. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad.In 1911 Alfred was living at 39 Sheepwash Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, and Albert worked as a pony driver in a coal mine. He lodged with Ethel and Harry Worrall. Ethel was born at Oulton Broad and her maiden name was Baldry. Also living with them was Ethel's brother Arthur who was the same age as Alfred and also a pony driver. Alfred volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Mansfield on 25 September 1914. At the time he was living at Mansfield and working as a coal-miner (loader). He joined the Leicestershire Regiment, number 12675. On 5 September 1914 he was posted to the 7th Battalion. On 29 July 1915 Alfred, along with the other men of the 7th Battalion embarked the S.S. Onward at Folkestone and sailed to Boulogne. From 4 to 14 August 1915 the men were sent, half a battalion at a time, on attachment to other units in the Locre, Belgium area to learn the routine of occupying trenches. Alfred was awarded one day's Field Punishment No 1 on 4 September 1915. This would have been at Bienvillers while the Battalion were in trenches. We do not know exactly when Alfred was wounded, but the Battalion War Diary states that, from 11 September to 17 September, while in trenches at Bienvillers, they had four men wounded on the 12th; one man wounded on the 14th; and three men wounded on the 16th. Then, from 18 to 23 September 1915, while they were in billets at Bienvillers, they had one man killed, one who died of wounds, and six wounded while digging. Given that they had no casualties after 23 September and that Alfred is buried at Bienvillers, it can be inferred that he was wounded at Bienvillers at some point between 11 and 23 September 1915. When Alfred made his will his sole legatee was Ethel Worrall and so when Alfred died it was Ethel, rather than Alfred's father or siblings, that the Army contacted. The Army sent Alfred's personal effects to Ethel. These included: one identity disc, four photos, two letters, a pipe and tobacco. Alfred's brother Christopher died in 1915 and his brother Thomas died in 1924 as a result of his war service.

A Fourth Hand with the trawler Fleurette (Lowestoft), Benjamin died on the 13th February 1917, aged 45.Benjamin was born at Kirkley in 1872, a son of Edmund and Mary Ann Raven. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 25 March 1874. In 1881 his family lived at Pakefield Street. In 1891 his family lived at 11 A Beach Street, Pakefield, and by 1901 at 18 Pakefield Street, and Benjamin was a trawlerman. In 1911 Benjamin was the Third Hand on the trawler Purple Heather of which his brother Arthur was the skipper. Later his brother lived at 5 Rectory Road, Lowestoft. During the First World War Benjamin was the Fourth Hand with the trawler Fleurette, LT 312. On 13 February 1917, in rough weather, the Fleurette was stopped by German submarine U-47. The crew were forced to take to their dingy as the submarine intended to sink the trawler. The bad weather prevented the submarine from sinking the Fleurette which eventually came ashore unmanned and none of the five crew were never seen again. 

A Seaman with H.M. Drifter Ocean Retriever. Charles died on 22nd of September 1943 at the age of 39. Charles was born at Mutford on 10 February 1904, a son of Alfred and Louisa Raven. In 1911 his family lived at Beccles Road, Mutford. In 1921 Charles lived at Beccles Road with his widowed mother and he was an unemployed shipyard worker. In 1929 Charles married Ethel May Rivett at Mutford. In 1939 they were living at Tunns Cottages, Rushmere, Suffolk, and Charles worked as a drift-net fisherman. Charles was serving on H. M. Drifter Ocean Retriever when it detonated a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary. All eleven crew were killed.

A Private with 1st Bn., Christopher died on 8th of September 1915 at the age of 20. Christopher was born at Carlton Colville in 1895, a son of Robert and late Sarah Eliza Raven. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 29 September 1895. In 1901 they lived 'near Ivy Farm', Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Cristopher's mother had died and his father married Harriet. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Christopher was a general labourer.Christopher volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with a Lancer regiment, service number 7165, before being transferred to the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and embarked for Gallipoli on 17 July 1915. He joined the Battalion at Cape Helles on 31 July 1915. On 20 August they moved to Suvla Bay to take part in the attack at Scimitar Hill the following day. The Battalion strength at the beginning of 21 August was 717: at the end of the day only 300 men were left, 82 had been killed and the rest wound. While we do not know exactly when Christopher was wounded, it is probable that it was during the Battle of Scimitar Hill. Christopher was evacuated to Egypt and he died of wounds at Cairo. Christopher's brother Alfred died in 1915 and his brother Thomas died in 1924 as a result of his war service.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Kaphreda., Ernest died on 8th of June 1916 at the age of 50. Ernest was born at Wrentham on 16 April 1866, a son of William and Sarah Raven. He was baptised at Wrentham on 15 May 1866. In 1871 his family lived at Southwold Road, Wrentham. In 1881 they lived at Guyall (sic) Lane, Wrentham, and Ernest was an agricultural labourer. By 1891 they were living at High Street, Wrentham, and Ernest was a miller's labourer. Ernest married Jane Lines in 1892. In 1901 they lived at 4 Aston Cottages, Carlton Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a fish carter. By 1911 they were living at 5 Beach Stone Place, Pakefield, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a jobbing gardener. Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 May 1915. He served on the trawler Rodosto before joining the Kaphreda. The Kaphreda, a minesweeping trawler, was mined and sunk near the Corton light vessel, off Lowestoft. All nine crew were killed. 

A Sergeant with 51st Battalion. Mark died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 24. Mark was born at Mutford on 22 June 1893, a son of Alfred and Louisa Raven. He was baptised at Mutford on 20 August 1893. By 1901 has family were living at Beccles Road, Mutford. Mark enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and initially served with the Suffolk Regiment with service number 14361.By 25 April 1917 Mark was a Corporal serving with 50 Company Machine Gun Corps. He was wounded on 25 April 1917 and admitted to 51 Field Ambulance with shrapnel wound to his right thigh. From there he was transferred to a Casualty Clearing Station. By March 1918 Mark was a Sergeant serving with 51st Battalion Machine Gun Corps, part of the 51st (Highland) Division.   In early March 1918 the Battalion was concentrated at Fremicourt, near Bapaume. From 13 to 21 March the Battalion made preparations for the expected German attack. Their 58 machine-guns, and 8 guns from the 25th Battalion Machine Gun Corps were distributed, in pairs, along the entire 51st Division front. The German bombardment began at 5 a.m. on 21 March and the left of the Division was heavily engaged and during the night the right flank of the Division was withdrawn and the 13 guns on this flank successfully withdrawn. A fighting withdrawal continued during 21 March into the 22nd. In that 24 hours the Division lost 39 machine-guns. There are no daily casualty reports for the Battalion, but between 21 and 26 March their losses were:Officers: 7 wounded 13 missingOther ranks: 17 killed; 95 wounded and 168 missing  It seems that Mark was initially reported missing and later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 21 March 1918. Note: Commonwealth War Graves website incorrectly states that Mark served with 51st Company, however the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects clearly shows his unit as the 51st Battalion (these were two entirely different units). Mark's brother Charles was killed in World War Two.

Formerly a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery, Thomas died on 2nd of February 1924 at the age of 32.Thomas was born at Earsham, Norfolk, on 12 July 1891, a son of Robert and late Sarah Eliza Raven. He was baptised at Earsham, on 11 April 1892. In 1901 they lived 'near Ivy Farm', Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Thomas' mother had died and his father married Harriet. In 1911 his family lived at 7 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Thomas worked as a scavenger.Note: some record transcripts state that the was born at Barnby. Thomas enlisted in the Army around May 1918 and went to France about August 1918. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 209426. He served with 38th Siege Battery. On 17 November 1918 he was admitted to 136 Field Ambulance, suffering from influenza. He returned to duty on 27 November 1918.After the war Thomas was discharged from the Army and he worked as a scavenger for Lowestoft Corporation, based at Rotterdam Road. He became unwell and the 1921 Census shows him as an in-patient at the East Suffolk County Council Hospital, Normanston, Lowestoft. His illness was attributable to his war service and he was awarded a pension of 40 shillings per week from 14 November 1921. This high level of pension indicates that Thomas was severely incapacitated by his illness.  Thomas was buried at Saint Peter's Churchyard, Carlton Colville, on 7 February 1924. In note in the burial register states 'Died from a disease contracted in the Great War'.Thomas' brothers Alfred and Christopher both died in 1915. 

A Civilian, Lily died on 2nd of July 1944 at the age of 40. Lily was born at Sustead, Norfolk, on 28 August 1904, a daughter of Ernest Henry and Florence Maud Gooch. In 1911 her family lived at 195 Saint James' Street, Coltishall. The 1921 Census shows Lily as a visitor staying with her grandmother, Sarah Ann Gooch, at Aldborough, Norfolk. By 1921 Lily's parents were living at Bridge Road, Ludham, and by 1939 they had moved to Blacksmith's Loke, Hopton. Subsequently they lived at 2 Widow's Cottages, Somerleyton. On 23 May 1931 Lily married Frank Charles Ray at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Albury, Surrey. They were both living at Albury and Frank was a railway signalman. By 1939 they were living at 1 Halton Gardens, Mitcham, Surrey. Later they lived at 37 Trenholme Road, Penge. At 09.28 a.m. on 2 July 1944 a V-1 Rocket struck Trenholme Road, Penge. Twenty-one houses were destroyed in Trenholme Road and 300 more houses in the local area were damaged. Lily was at 37 Trenholme Road at the time and was one of eleven people killed by the rocket.See: FlyingBombsandRockets,V1 & V2 Dulwich E21 & SE22Lily's brother Arthur died in 1940 whilst serving in Egypt. Her brother died in the loss of the submarine Triad in 1940. 

A Private with the 1/8th Battalion, George died on 2nd of December 1917 at the age of 19. George was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Robert William and Bessie Rayner. From 3 June 1901 George attended Kirkley School and his family lived at Southwell Road. By 1911 his family were living at 34 Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, and later their address was 7 Epsom Terrace, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the London Regiment and arrived in France on 5 November 1917. Commonwealth War Graves records state that George was serving with the 10th Battalion London Regiment when he died. In fact the 10th Battalion did not exist as an entity at that time. The 1/10th Battalion London Regiment did not serve in France and George could only have served with the 2/10th Battalion. However, on the date that he was reported to have been killed in action the 2/10th Battalion were in rest camps: hence he could not have been serving with the Battalion at that time. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects states that George was serving with the 8th Battalion London Regiment at the time he was killed. In December 1917 there were two battalion of the 8th London Regiment in France, the 1/8th and the 2/8th. The 2/8th Battalion was in rest camps in late November and early December and suffered no casualties on 2 December 1917, however the 1/8th Battalion took an active part in the Battle of Cambrai from 30 November 1917 onwards. We can infer, therefore, based on the evidence from the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects and relevant War Diaries that George was serving with the 1/8th Battalion London Regiment when he was killed. At 8.10 p.m. on 2 December 1917 the 1/8th Battalion made an attack to clear a sunken road on the right of Bourlon Wood. The Battalion War Diary has:The attack was entirely successful. No organised enemy line was encountered, although there was some fighting with parties of the enemy who were in shell holes. . . the enemy appears to have been taken entirely by surprise . . We advanced about 300 to 400 yards and captured 30 prisoners and 9 machine guns. Our casualties were two officers and 30 other ranks.Eleven of the other ranks were killed, including George. George was initially reported missing and it was not until November 1918 that it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 2 December 1917.George's brother-in-law, Bertie Allen, died in 1916 in the loss of the drifter Kent County.

A Second Lieutenant with C Battery, 91 Brigade, James died on 10th of May 1918 at the age of 22. James was born at Tottenham, London, on 23 April 1896, a son of James Elijah and Annie Louisa Rayner. James’ father died just a few weeks after James was born. In 1901 James and his sister were boarders with a trained sick nurse at 57 New Southwater Road, Hastings, and his mother worked as a cook at Streatham, London. In 1911 James was a boarder living at 117 Osborne Road, Acton, and he worked as a clothier-shop assistant: at this time his mother was working as a cook and living at North End, Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft. In late 1911 his mother married Jonathan Hitcham and they lived at 36 Crown Street.  James volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the 12th Lancers, service number L/5614, and was posted to France on 7 October 1915. In 1917 James joined an Officer Cadet Unit and on 21 July 1917 he took up a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery (Special Reserve) and was posted to the 6th (Reserve) Regiment. James was then posted to France, as a Temporary Lieutenant, and was posted to C Battery 91 Brigade. In April 1918 91 Brigade were in positions in the vicinity of Villers-Bretonneux. Early in the morning of 24 April 91 Brigade’s positions were subjected to heavy enemy shelling, including high explosive and gas. The batteries were able to maintain steady fire, but had to wear gas masks for much of the time. All telephone communication was cut early in the barrage and runners had to be used to convey messages. By 9 a.m. the Germans had captured Villers-Bretonneux. At 6.30 p.m. the batteries had to take up new positions so that they could provide support for a planned counter-attack. The Brigade war diary records that the fighting on 24 April was the most severe and it was the hardest and most tiring fighting they had experienced. James was wounded on 24 April. He was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Vignacourt where he died of wounds.   James was awarded the Military Cross. In 1918 this medal could not be awarded posthumously, but the circumstances of the award may be connected to the events of 24 April 1918. The citation for his award was published in the London Gazette, 16 September 1918, as reads:For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His gallantry and confidence inspired the men of his battery, which was in action in a most exposed position. He afterwards relieved another officer as forward observation officer in a very exposed position. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Percival died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 29. Percival was born at Lowestoft in 1887, a son of George and Elizabeth Rayner. In 1891 his family lived at 22 West Bevan Street. By 1901 they were living at 22 Norwich Road. On 23 July 1910 Percival married Amy Marie Martin at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Percival was a sawyer living at 24 Kent Road, and Amy lived at 142 Denmark Road. In 1911 they lived at 66 Bevan Street and Percival was a sawyer at a saw mill. Later Amy lived at 142 Denmark Road. Percival volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2153, and served, initially, with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He was posted to the 7th Battalion, in France, and renumbered as 43140.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.  Percival was killed in action on 12 October. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Sturgess died on 13th of July 1943 aged 32. Sturgess was born at Briston, near Melton Constable, Norfolk, on 29 September 1911, a son of William Herbert and Mildred Rayner. In 1921 his family lived at Briston.In 1935 Sturgess married Grace Maud Ebbage, this was registered in the Erpingham district. In 1939 they lived at ‘Dawn’, 19 Highland Way, Oulton Broad, and Sturgess was a coach painter and member of the Auxiliary Fire Service. Sturgess joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. In July 1943 he was an Air Gunner serving with 50 Squadron based at Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire.On 13 June 1943 Sturgess was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number DV-156, that was lost without trace during a raid to Turin, Italy. 

A Warrant Officer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Albert died on 19th of April 1945 aged 28. Albert was born at Uggeshall, Suffolk, on 14 August 1916, a son of Charles and Harriet Read. In 1921 their home was at Blyford, Suffolk. In 1939 Albert lived at 215 Gorleston Road, Carlton Colville, and was a motor mechanic. On 8 April 1939 he married Cissie Ella May Hawkes at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. By 1945 their home was at Souter Cottages, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. Cissie remarried in 1949.Albert enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940 and served as a flight mechanic before aircrew training. By April 1943 Albert was a Flight Engineer with 76 Squadron based at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. On 16 April he was a member of the crew of a Halifax II bomber, number JB899, that was shot down during a raid on Pilson. Albert was captured and by April 1945 was being held a Stalag 357. On 19 April 1945 Albert and other prisoners of war were on a forced march and were at Gresse when their column was strafed by Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft and Albert was wounded and died later died in hospital. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Corporal with 2/25th Bn., Arthur died on 3rd of November 1918 at the age of 25. Arthur was born at Bethnal Green on 26 December 1892, a son of Walter John and Rosetta Read. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Bethnal Green, on 28 January 1893 and his family lived at 108 Corfield Street. In 1901 his family lived at 80 Cyprus Street, Bethnal Green. By 1911 they were living at 30 Mendip Houses, Bethnal Green, and Arthur was a shorthand clerk and typist for a general merchant.Arthur enlisted in the Army at Ashford, Kent. he joined the London Regiment and was posted to the 2/25th Battalion. He did not serve overseas.   On 9 April 1917 Arthur married Elsie Catchpole at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Arthur was a soldier , based at Aldeburgh, and Elsie lived at Kirkley. Their home was at South Leman, London Road South, Lowestoft. After Arthur's death Elsie married Herbert Perry and lived at of 16 John Street, Lowestoft.Arthur died at 335 Field Ambulance, Yoxford, Suffolk, from influenza and pneumonia contracted 'on active service'.Arthur's brother-in-law, Hedley Catchpole, was killed in action in 1916 while serving with the Suffolk Regiment. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Dennis died on 28th of June 1944 aged 21. Dennis was born at Lowestoft on 19 June 1923, a son of William E. and Harriet E. Read. In 1939 his family lived at 125 Fir Lane, and Dennis was a painter’s assistant. Dennis served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment before being transferred to the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. He was posted to Italy to join the 2nd Battalion. In June 1944 the Allies liberated Assisi and then pushed on toward the Gustav Line which was heavily held by the Germans. Dennis was killed in action near Assisi. 

A Private with 10th Bn. Ernest died on 24th of July 1917 at the age of 36. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1881, a son of Samuel and Maria Read. In 1891 his family lived at 89 London Road, Lowestoft. His parents later lived at 6 Morton Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 Ernest worked as a draper's assistant at Benjamin Parker's drapery shop, 86 High Street, Lowestoft, and this is also where he lodged. Ernest married Margaret Ellen Riches in 1907. In 1911 they lived at 25 Rochester Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest was a draper's assistant. Later they lived at 20 Morton Road. After Ernest's death Margaret lived at Lower Harleston, Northampton.Ernest enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the 11th Battalion Norfolk Regiment, service number 290713, and later he was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 10th Battalion in France. On 18 July 1917 the 10th Battalion moved to a camp at Westoutre, Belgium. An attack training practice took place between 19 and 24 July and during the practice seven men were killed and six wounded. Ernest was wounded: sustaining a gunshot wound and a compound fracture to a femur. He was taken to No 11 Casualty Clearing Station, at Godewaersvelde, where he died from his wounds. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Carnarvon, Herbert died on 17th of July 1916 at the age of 18. Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 2 July 1898, a son of James and Mary Read. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 21 September 1898 and his family lived at 7 Old Market Street. By 1911 they were living at Brickyard Cottages, Oulton Broad.Herbert worked in the merchant navy before he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 November 1914. He served on the trawler Clifton. On 7 August 1915 he joined the trawler Ardent and, from 14 August 1915, he served on H.M.S. Carnarvon. Herbert accidentally drowned while bathing in Bermuda. 

A Sapper with 253 Field Company, James died on 3rd of July 1944 aged 26. James was born at Pakefield on 28 August 1917, a son of James and Marion Elizabeth Read. James’ father had died in July 1917. James was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 14 October 1917 and his family lived at Kirkley. In 1921 his family lived at 43 William Street. By 1939 they lived at 4 Wilson Road and James was a bricklayer. James enlisted in the Army on 14 May 1942 and joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was transferred to the Royal Engineers and joined 3 Division on 5 August 1942, being posted to 253 Field Company on 26 October 1942. James embarked, for Normandy on 3 June 1944 and, as part of 3 Division. On 6 June James’ unit landed at Red Beach near Hermanville.  No details are known of how, or when, James was wounded, but from 1 July his unit were involved in laying minefields and seven men were wounded on 1 July and a further three wounded on 3 July, these due to mortar fire during minelaying operations. It is possible that James was among those wounded in early July. James died of his wounds on 3 July 1944. 

A Private with 2nd Battalion, James died on 16th of December 1915 at the age of 33.James was born at All Saints’, South Elmham, Suffolk, in late 1881, a son of William and Mary Ann Read. His birth was registered in the Wangford district of Suffolk.Note that when James enlisted in the Militia he stated that he was born at Rumburgh, near Halesworth, and later, when he enlisted in the regular army, he stated that he was born at Lowestoft.  James’ mother died in 1884 and, in 1886, his father married Mahala Potter, sister of George Potter. In 1891 the family lived at Long Lane, Heveningham, Suffolk. By 1900 they were living at Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, and in 1901 at Carlton Road, Pakefield.James was working as a labourer for Mr. Westmore, at Lowestoft, when he enlisted in the 4th (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, on 13 February 1900. His service number was 4302. James was embodied for full time service from 1 May 1900 to 17 July 1901. He was discharged, time expired, on 11 February 1906.Between 1904-1906 James worked as a net ropeman and net stower for Mr. Gilby at London Road, Lowestoft. At some point, possibly 1907-1909, he was a farm worker for Mr. William Cook, of Elm Tree Farm, Carlton Colville. James was working as a carter when he attested for the Norfolk Regiment, at Great Yarmouth, on 4 March 1909, to serve seven years with the Colours and five with the Reserve. In 1911 James was serving with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment at Belgaum, India. James was in India, with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when the First World War began. The Battalion went straight to Mesopotamia and James arrived there, with the rest of the Battalion, on 15 November 1914. James served with A Company.  James would have been present at the Battle of Shaiba in April 1915. On 21 November 1915 the 2nd Battalion were in a night march moving into position ready for an attack at Ctesiphon at dawn on 22 November 1915. The Battalion suffered 267 casualties during the Battle of Ctesiphon, around half their fighting strength.  On 29 November 1915 the British, including the 2nd Norfolks, were ordered to retreat to Kut-al-Amarah. The forced march lasted 46 hours and they managed to reach Kut on 3 December 1915. From 7 December the British and Indian Army garrison was besieged by the Turkish Army. Less than 90 of the Norfolks men survived the siege at Kut.James was killed in action at Kut-al-Amarah on 16 December 1915. James’ uncle, George Potter, served with the Royal Field Artillery and died of wounds in 1915. 

A Lance Corporal with the 5th Battalion, Kenneth died on 17th of August 1943 aged 23. Kenneth was born at Leiston on 19 December 1919, a son of Leonard and Dorothy Grace Read. In 1921 his family lived at 11 Station Road, Carlton, Nottingham. By 1939 they were living at 17 Minden Road, Lowestoft, and Kenneth was a grocery provision salesman. Kenneth served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942.The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Kenneth, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Kenneth was among a party of men taken overland, on 19 March 1943, to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By August 1943 he was at Takanoon where he died from indigestion. He was buried at Takanoon and then reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in 1946. 

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Vitality, Thomas died on 20th of October 1917 at the age of 30. Thomas was born at Covehithe, Suffolk, on 4 November 1886, a son of James Martin Read and Jane Read. In 1891 his family lived near the Coastguard Station, Covehithe and they were still living at Covehithe in 1901. On 26 October 1910 Thomas married Alice Maud Beamish at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland. Thomas was fisherman, living at Kessingland, and Alice lived at 16 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland. In 1911 their home was with Edward and Miranda Taylor, at 10 Elms Cottages, London Road, Kessingland. Miranda was Alice’s sister. By 1914 Thomas and Alice’s home was at 4 Elms Cottages, Kessingland, and later Alice lived at Russell Cottages, Kessingland.On 7 November 1914 Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He was working as a fisherman at the time. Thomas joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 50221, and was posted to No 4 Depot at Great Yarmouth. On 7 June 1915 he was transferred to the York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 20467. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion. On 27 October 1915 he was deprived ten days’ pay for absence. Thomas was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in France, on 23 February 1916. Thomas was suffering from rheumatism, and he returned to England and was posted to the strength of the Depot on 28 July 1916. Thomas was admitted to 5th Northern General Hospital, Leicester, for treatment. Onn 30 September 1916 he was posted to the 3rd Battalion.On 13 February 1917 Thomas was discharged from the Army and allowed to enlist in the Trawler Section of the Royal Naval Reserve, the next day. Thomas served on the requisitioned trawler Vitality, which was used as a minesweeper. On 20 October 1917 the Vitality, along with five other minesweepers, was clearing a field of mines laid off Orford Ness. During the morning five mines had been swept and disposed of. Around 1.50 p.m., as the Vitality was positioning to begin a new sweep with its partner the Craigmore, two large explosions occurred beneath the stern of the Vitality. The ship broke up and sank. Thomas, and other man, were killed in the loss of the Vitality.Thomas’ body was recovered, and he was buried at Saint Edmunds Churchyard, Kessingland, on 25 October 1917.  Thomas’ brother-in-law, Ernest Beamish, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1915. His brother-in-law, Alfred Brown, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.  

A Private with 31 General Hospital, Walter died on 14th of December 1942 at the age of 28. Walter was born at Corton on 27 April 1914, a son of James and Amelia Read. In 1921 his family lived at The Smithy, Corton. In 1939 his family lived at The Forge, Gorleston Road, Corton, and Walter was a milk retailer.In 1940 Walter married Ruth Kathleen Bullen. This was registered in the Lothingland district. By late 1942 their address was 1 Crossways Cottages, Corton. Walter is believed to have served with 31 General Hospital at Oued Athmenia, Algeria. Casualty records show that Walter ‘died’ which means he died from sickness or disease. He was buried at Oued Athmenia Civil Cemetery, and, in 1944, re-buried at Bougie (Le Reunion) War Cemetery. Walter's brother-in-law, Frank Bullen, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died in 1944.

A Private with 3rd Bn., William died on 7th of November 1918 at the age of 22. William was born at Carlton Colville in 1896, a son of George and Elizabeth Read. In 1901 his family lived at Hillary Cottages, Main Road, Carlton Colville. In 1911 their home was at 3 Ormesby Villas, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and later they lived at 3 Olive Cottages, Carlton Colville. In 1911 William was at sea and on board the trawler Eclipse, LT 684, at Padstow. His father was the Skipper of the Eclipse. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 16548. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 3 May 1915. Later he was posted to the 4th Battalion. In August 1918 he was serving with the 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment, in England, and on 30 August he was at a Y Scheme Concentration Centre getting ready to return to France. William was then transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and joined the 3rd Battalion in France.  William died of wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station at Premont. We do not know exactly when he was wounded, but the 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers moved into the vicinity of Le Cateau on 30 October 1918 and it is most likely that William was wounded between 30 October and 7 November 1918. During this period the Battalion was involved in a successful attack on Fontaine-au-Bois.  

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Remarko, Arthur died on 3rd of December 1916 at the age of 29. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 3 May 1886, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann Redgrave. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 7 July 1886, and his family lived at Lighthouse Hill. In 1901 his family lived at 5 Factory Court, Factory Street. Later his family lived at 2 Factory Street. From around 1908 Arthur lived with Hilda Lawrence at 27 Mariners Street. In 1915 they lived at 27 Factory Street and, later, Hilda lived at 83 Seago Street. Hilda was Arthur’s ‘unmarried wife’.  Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 May 1915. From 4 June 1915 he served as a Trimmer on the trawler Loch Morar. On 28 February 1916 he was promoted to Engineman and joined the trawler Remarko.On 3 December 1916 the Remarko sailed from Great Yarmouth to sweep and area off Lowestoft for mines. The trawler passed the East Cross Buoy and detonated a mine. The trawler sank rapidly and nine crew, including Arthur, are known to have been killed and one man survived. 

A Civilian, Eleanor died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 60. Eleanor was born at Lowestoft on 29 September 1880, a daughter of Edmund and Ann M. Redgrave. In 1881 her family lived at 22 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at Sudbury Cottages, 1 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. By 1901 her family were living at 12 Sandringham Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 her family were still at 12 Sandringham Road and Eleanor was a factory hand at a provision exporters. In 1921 Eleanor, and her daughters, lived with her sister, Susanna Draper, and family, at 26 St Leonards Road, and Eleanor worked as a packer at C. E. Morton’s Food Preserving Factory, Belvedere Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 Eleanor, and her daughters, were still living with her sister at 26 St. Leonard’s Road, and Eleanor was a food packer in a canning factory.    Eleanor, along with her daughters, Lily Redgrave and Beatrice Harvey, died at 26 Saint Leonards Road during an air raid. Her sister Susannah was also with them and died in the raid. Eleanor's brother Frederick was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. Her brother James was killed in action in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment. 

A Private with 2nd Bn., Frederick died on 18th of June 1917 at the age of 39. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 11 October 1878, a son of Edmund and Ann M. Redgrave. James was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 November 1878. In 1881 his family lived at 22 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. In 1891 his family lived Sudbury Cottages, 1 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. By 1901 his family were living at 12 Sandringham Road, Lowestoft, and Frederick was a fish packer. On 5 January 1902 Frederick married May Florence Page at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, Frederick was a fish curer living at 12 Sandringham Road, and May lived at 66 Tennyson Road. In 1911 they lived at 12 Stanford Street and Frederick was a fish curer. Frederick enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. On 1 June 1917 the 2nd Battalion moved from Denier to Arras. On June 12 they took over trenches near Monchy-le-Preux and during the night of the 13th moved to positions in readiness for an attack on Infantry Hill. The attack began at 7.30 a.m. on the 14th. Within an hour the trench system of Infantry Hill was in British hands. Later in the day the Germans laid down a barrage and made a counter-attack, but the Battalion held their positions. Another attack, on the 18th, led to the Battalion sustaining heavy casualties in the Hook and Long trenches. The Battalion's casualties for 12 to 19 June 1917 were: Officers: six killed, six woundedOther ranks: 56 killed, 183 wounded, 2 missingFrederick was killed in action during the battle at Infantry Hill. Frederick's brother, James, was killed in action in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment. His sister Eleanor, and nieces Lily Redgrave and Beatrice Harvey, were all killed in an air raid in 1941. 

A Private with 6th Bn., James died on 9th of April 1918 at the age of 34. James was born at Lowestoft on 31 January 1884, a son of Edmund and Ann M. Redgrave. James was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 21 June 1884. In 1891 his family lived Sudbury Cottages, 1 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 12 Sandringham Road and James was a fish packer.At some point James had served with the Suffolk Regiment. James was working as a fish packer (casemaker) and living at 12 Sandringham Road when he attested for the Army, at Bury St. Edmunds, on 7 April 1916. He joined The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), number G/10597, and was posted to the 12 (Reserve) Battalion on 11 April 1916. From 1 September 1916 the 12th Battalion became the 97th Training Reserve Battalion, and James was given the service number TR/10/32222.James was transferred to the Royal West Kent Regiment, number G/17502, and being posted to France on 23 September 1916. He joined an Infantry Base Depot before being posted to the 1st Battalion. On 5 October 1916 he joined the Battalion, in the field, and was posted to B Company.  On 26 November 1916 James was wounded, but remained at duty. The 1st Battalion War Diary has the following entry for 26 November:The enemy shelled Bethune. We retaliated by two intense bombardments of the enemy's front line, from 1 to 1.15 p.m. and from 2.15 to 2.30. Our trench mortars also fired about 1,000 rounds. The enemy's reply was weal except his trench mortars which were active. Weather fine. Casualties: Two other ranks wounded - shell shock. On 14 August 1917, near Arloux (sic), James received a bullet wound to his left thigh. This was termed a 'flesh wound.' He was evacuated to England viz S. S. Aberdonian on 22 August 1917. On 24 August 1917 he arrived at 3rd Scottish General Hospital, and posted to the strength of the Depot. On 6 September 1917 his wound had 'nearly healed' and he was transferred to an auxiliary hospital. James was granted furlough from 27 October 1917 to 5 November 1917. Then, from 6 November 1917, he served with the 3rd Battalion.  Interestingly there is no mention in the War Diary of James, or anyone else, being wounded on 14 April. All that the War Diary records for that are are instructions for the Battalion to pack up and march to Villers au Bois. However, there are two sets of service papers for James which both clearly state where and when he was wounded.  On 11 December 1917 James arrived at a Base Depot in France. On 13 December 1917 he was posted to 6th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment and joined the Battalion on 16 December 1917, joining A Company.  On 6 April 1918 the 6th Battalion entered trenches south of Bouzincourt. The War Diary for 9 April has:Enemy opened a heavy bombardment on our positions at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m. the fire grew more intense, it slackened at 8.30 a.m. and died away about 9 a.m. No infantry action followed. Our artillery replied vigorously. Much hostile aerial activity. Eight other ranks killed; one officer and fifteen other ranks wounded. James was killed in action on 9 April. His personnel effects, an identity disc, photos, wallet, and memorial card, were sent to his sister Susanna Draper.   In 1920 Miss Christina Aberdena (Dena) Neeve, of 5 East Street, Lowestoft, wrote to the War Department to ask for a copy of James' will. James' brother, Frederick, was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. His sister Eleanor, and twin nieces, Lily Redgrave and Beatrice Harvey, were all killed during an air raid in 1941. 

A Civilian, Lily died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 24. Lily was born at Lowestoft on 23 May 1917, a daughter of Eleanor Gertrude Redgrave, and twin sister of Beatrice May Redgrave (later Harvey). In 1921 her family lived at 26 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft, and this was her home for the rest of her life. In 1939 she worked as a food packer at the Co-op Wholesale Society (C.W.S.) canning factory on Waveney Drive. Lily, along with her mother, and sister Beatrice Harvey, died at 26 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft, during an air raid. Lily is commemorated on the Co-operative Wholesale Society Factories war memorial at Lowestoft.Lily's uncle Frederick Redgrave was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment and her uncle James Redgrave was killed in action of 1918 whilst serving with the Royal West Kent Regiment. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, James died on 27th of October 1918 aged 22.James was born at Lound in 1896, a son of Henry William and Alice Maria Reeder. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Lound, on 7 February 1897, and his family lived at Lound. In 1901 his family lived at 23 The Street, Lound. In 1911 their address was The Street, Lound, and James worked as a farm boy.James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 23469. He was posted to the 7th Battalion in France. James was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, dated 22 December 1917. Once recovered he was posted to the 11th Battalion. On 27 October the battalion were ordered to advance and ascertain the enemy strength on the River Rhonelle and they found many of the enemy, particularly on the north bank. Enemy machine-gun fire caused many casualties. An enemy counter-attack had to be dealt with by British artillery support and there was heavy gas shelling during the night.     James was killed during the attack. He was buried at Le Pauvret near the south bank of the River Rhonelle, south of Maresches, map reference 51.A.L.31.a.6.5. During battlefield clearance in 1920 James was exhumed and reburied at Fontaine-au-Bois, around ten miles further south. Note: medal related sources states that James served with the 12th Battalion. There is no tangible evidence for this and, based on the geographical references to where he was buried, he could not have been with the 12th battalion when he died. 

A Private with 6th Bn. John died on 27th of January 1942 at the age of 29. John was born at Hopton on 12 June 1913, a son of Alfred and Rose Elizabeth Reeder. By 1939 his family were living at Blacksmith Loke, Hopton, and John worked as a postman.In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. John was reported missing at the Fall of Singapore, but it was later concluded, in official casualty list 1988 of 16 February 1946, that he had been killed in action at Singapore on 27 January 1942. 

A Seaman with H.M. Yacht Rosabelle. Ernest died on 11th of December 1941 at the age of 20. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 5 August 1921, a son of Ernest Edward and Maud Eliza Reeman. By 1939 his family were living at 15 Love Road, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a fisherman.The Rosabelle was a patrol yacht. On 11 December 1941, in the Straits of Gibraltar, H. M. S. Lady Shirley was sunk by submarine U-374. H. M. S. Rosabelle attempted to locate the submarine but was also torpedoed and sank. Twenty-nine crew, including Ernest, were killed, and twelve rescued. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died between 10 May and 26 June 1940, aged 27. Arthur was born at Pakefield in 1913, a son of Jack and Sarah Florence Reeve. In 1921 his family lived at 2 Wellington Road, Pakefield. By 1939 his widowed mother lived at 22 Edgerton Road. Arthur joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment and served in the 1st Battalion in India and saw active service on the North-West Frontier and was awarded the India General Service Medal. By 1939 Arthur had joined the Army Reserve. Recalled for service on the outbreak of World War Two Arthur was posted to the 2nd Battalion. In May 1940 the 2nd Battalion held the line of the La Bassee Canal, France, to cover the general retreat to Dunkirk. It is not possible to say exactly what happened to Arthur. Official casualty list 243, dated 28 June 1940, shows Arthur as one of several men from his battalion who were missing on ‘date not recorded’: two of these men were killed in the massacre at Le Paradis. Casualty list 433, dated 8 February 1941, states that Arthur was ‘killed in action’ at some point between 10 May and 26 June 1940’. 

A Lance Sergeant with 25th Bomb Disposal Company, George died on 22nd of September 1944 aged 29. George was born at Lowestoft on 9 January 1915, a son of John Henry and Emily Reeve. In 1921 his family lived at 17 Coronation Terrace, Fir Lane. On 2 May 1936 George married Hilda Annie Williams at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a bricklayer living at 17 Fir Lane and Hilda a hairdresser living at 125 Saint Peter’s Street. In 1939 they lived at Green Gates, Somerleyton Road. During the war Hilda lived with her parents at 28 Saint Margaret’s Road, and later she moved to 82 Chapelfield Road, Norwich. George enlisted in the Royal Engineers, at Ipswich, on 9 January 1940 and was sent to the Construction Centre at Clacton. He was posted to 678 Construction Company and served with the British Expeditionary Force, in France, from 2 February 1940, George would have been evacuated, possibly as part of the Dunkirk evacuation.On 3 May 1941 he was posted to 109 Bomb Disposal Section, and he joined 27 Bomb Disposal Company on 6 May 1942. He served with 1 Bomb Disposal Group from 13 August 1943 and 25 Bomb Disposal Company from 14 September 1943. From 1941 to 1943 George was serving with units based in Northern Ireland.  George embarked for France, with 25 Bomb Disposal Company, on 9 August 1944 and disembarked on 13 August. On 22 September George, and two other men from his unit, were killed in an ‘explosive accident’. A Board of Inquiry concluded that none of the men were to blame for the accident. George’s father-in-law, John Williams, died in 1940 in the loss of the trawler Lord Haldane. 

A Private with 7th Battalion, Leslie died on 3rd of May 1917 at the age of 28. Leslie was born at Lowestoft in 1889, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Reeve. In 1891 his family lived at 3 The Prairie, Lowestoft. By 1901 his father had died, and his family lived at 49 Nelson Street. By 1911 they were living at 1 Freemantle Road, and Leslie, with his brother Kingsley had their own tobacconist business. Later Leslie’s mother lived at 'Jerningham', Warren Road, Corton Road, Lowestoft and the late Thomas ReeveLeslie enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 31176, and was posted to the 7th Battalion in France and joined B Company. On 3 May 1917 the 7th Battalion took part in the 18th Division attack at Cherisy. The attack was due to commence at 3.45 a.m., but was delayed until 4.15 a.m. as it was not light enough to make the attack. The preliminary barrage was not regular and the battalion left their trenches before zero hour and lost direction and could hardly see each other. The attack was further confused by the regiment on the battalion’s left losing direction. A British tank became lost and came through the battalion’s lines, adding to the confusion and some elements of the battalion returned to their start line. The battalion had to be reorganised and began their attack again. The battalion was held up at Fontaine Trench because the wire was deep and undamaged, and the trench strongly defended. At this time, they came under heavy machine-gun fire from nearby trenches. Small groups were able to push forward to the junction of Fontaine and Wood trenches. By 10 a.m. the battalion was in front of Fontaine Trench with their right facing Wood Trench. About 11.30 a.m. the unites either side of the battalion began retiring and some of the men also retired leaving about a company strength in shell holes in front of Fontaine and Wood trenches. At 7.15 p.m. a new barrage commenced and the 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment began an attack on the battalion’s frontage, but this was strongly resisted and all fell back to the original front line and the battalion was relieved during the night.   The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: five killed, one died of wounds, eight woundedOther ranks: 19 killed, 6 died of wounds, 162 wounded, 3 missing and wounded, 4 missing believed killedLeslie was reported missing on 3 May and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

A Skipper with Sailing Trawler True Vine (Lowestoft). Samuel died on 30th of November 1915 at the age of 37. Samuel was born at Lowestoft in 1878, a son of John and Martha Reeve. In 1881 his family lived at Seamans Road, Hopton. By 1891 Samuel's father had died and his mother had married Thomas Carsey and the family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. On 28 November 1901 Samuel married Frances Mary Seeley at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, Lowestoft. Samuel was a fisherman and they both lived at Oulton. In 1911 they lived at 3 Oulton Street, Lowestoft, and later Frances lived at 31 Oulton Road, Lowestoft.From around 1905 Samuel's fishing work took him to Padstow. In 1911 he was the Mate on the trawler Drake. In 1915 Samuel was the Skipper of the sailing trawler True Vine, LT 52. On 30 November 1915 the True Vine was seen, by the Skipper of the trawler Comrade, fishing about 27 miles north by east from Lowestoft. This was the last sighting of the trawler and it was presumed that the True Vine struck a mine and was lost with all hands on that day, or soon afterwards. Among the crew was the Mate, Harry Carsey, who was Samuel's half-brother. Note: In some sources Samuel's surname is mis-transcribed as ReevesSee: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)The Crew of the True Vine lost 30 November 1915REEVE, Samuel, Skipper, age 37, lived LowestoftCARSEY, Harry, Mate, age 26, lived LowestoftTHOMSON, Thomas Hoy, Third Hand, age 55, lived Great YarmouthLEWELL, Harry, Fourth Hand, age 17, lived LowestoftCHASTON, Edward William, Cook, age 16, lived North Cove 

A Civilian, Jean died on 23rd of January 1942 aged 6. Jean was born at Cambridge on 17 January 1936, the daughter of Megan Remblance. In 1939 Jean lived with Alfred and Alice Reynolds at 10 Stevens Street. Later her home was at 31 Till Road. Jean died at 31 Till Road during an air raid.

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Frank died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 18.Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Walter and Harriett Reynolds. In 1901 his family lived at Wards Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 13 Clapham Road, Lowestoft. Frank enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Lowestoft on 9 February 1915. Frank 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. Frank was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'See Royal Edward Sinking. During the latter stages of the war Frank's parents lived at 17 Clapham Road and, later, at Eastnook Cottage, Pakefield. Frank's brother Harry Reynolds was also killed in World War One. Note: some sources state that his unit was the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Field Ambulance, however his service papers only mention him as belonging to Casualty Clearing Station. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, George died on 13th of September 1917 at the age of 29. George was born at Aldeby, Norfolk, on 10 September 1887, a son of Frederick and Harriet Reynolds. He was baptised at Aldeby on 9 October 1887. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Aldeby. By 1901 they were living at 85 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft, and this was still the family home in 1911. On 7 May 1911 George married Catherine Mary Clarke at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. George was a carter living at 85 Saint Margaret’s Road, and Catherine lived at 168 Clapham Road. By 1917 Catherine was living at 32 Till Road. George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. Initially he served with the 1/6th (Cyclist) Battalion (service number not known), then he was posted to the 7th Battalion, in France, with service number 43207, and subsequently he was posted to the 11th Battalion.On 11 September 1917 the 11th Battalion took over positions in trenches near Roisel. The battalion war diary has the following detail for 12 to 15 September:Work consisted for the most part in repairing Farm Trench, captured the day before and badly knocked about. The enemy was very active with pineapples (hand grenades) and trench mortars hindering progress. He also shelled lines of approach continuously making carrying a difficult task.  The following account, giving details of what happened to George, appeared in the Lowestoft Journal, 27 October 1917, page 3:PRIVATE GEORGE REYNOLDSPrivate George Reynolds, 11th Suffolks, formerly of the 1/6th Suffolk Cyclists, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Reynolds, 85, Saint Margaret’s Road, has been killed in action in France. His parents (to whom much sympathy has been extended) have received the following letter from his Commanding Officer, Captain A. J. Thirtle, of Lowestoft: - “I feel that I must send you my sympathy for the loss of your son on September 13th. When I joined this Battalion in August his Platoon officer told me that Private Reynolds was one of his best and most reliable men, who belonged to Lowestoft, and would like to see me, so he was the first Lowestoft man I spoke to. He was very well and cheery, having just come safely through a successful fight on August 26th. I soon found that he was spoken well of by both officers and men. In fact, wherever the boys from the old town find themselves they always earn a good name. On the night he was killed I was in the same line of trenches, and know that he, with his four comrades, was killed instantaneously by the same shell, so he did not suffer a moment’s pain. Your son was on sentry duty, and actually died at his post. He was buried with his comrades in a British cemetery behind the front line, the service being conducted by the chaplain. Such men are badly missed and hard to replace, both in the Army and at home.”George and his colleagues that were killed in 13 September: Lance Corporal Cornwall and Privates Wright, Butcher and Chamberlain, are buried in adjacent graves at Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension.  

A Lance Corporal with 51st Bn., Harry died on 24th of April 1918 at the age of 26. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 1 July 1891, a son of Walter and Harriett Reynolds. In 1901 his family lived at Wards Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft. Harry attended Lowestoft School of Art and he left to become a dentist's apprentice and his Australian Army service papers show that he had served an apprenticeship with 'Targitt' (sic) at Lowestoft. In 1911 his family lived at 13 Clapham Road and Harry was a dentist mechanic. On 12 December 1912 Harry and his brother Herbert sailed from London for Australia. Harry enlisted in the Australian Army at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, on 21 July 1915. His papers state that he was a dental operator but had been a 'pearler'. On 16 August 1915 he was posted to the 28th Battalion Australian Infantry and embarked at Freemantle on 1 October 1915 and although not stated in his service papers it is likely that he went to Gallipoli. The 28th Battalion left Gallipoli in December 1915 and Harry's papers show that on 12 January 1916 he went to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis with pyrexia (fever). On 2 April 1916 Harry was posted to the 51st Battalion Australian Infantry and he arrived in England on 16 June 1916 and France on 17 July 1916. Harry was given leave to England from 11 September to 23 September 1917. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 9 March 1918. During the night of 24 April 1918 the 51st Battalion were involved in a successful attack on the village if Villers-Bretonneux and Harry was killed in action. A note in his service record states that no specific details of where he died could be added other than Villers-Bretonneux.At the time Harry enlisted his parents were living at 17 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at Eastnook Cottage, Pakefield.Harry's brother Frank Reynolds was also killed in World War One. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Porpoise, James died on 31st of May 1916 at the age of 32. James was born at Raveningham on 1 April 1882, a son of John and Hannah Reynolds. In 1891 his family lived at Lowestoft Road, Flixton, and by 1901 they were living at Sunny Bank, Herringfleet Road, Herringfleet. In 1911 their address was 12 Sunny Bank Cottages, Herringfleet Road, Herringfleet.  James joined the Royal Navy on 24 February 1898 and served continually in the Royal Navy until his death at the Battle of Jutland. He was drafted to H.M.S. Porpoise on 1 January 1915. During the Battle of Jutland H.M.S. Porpoise was part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla. During the battle the ships of the flotilla had several engagements with the German Fleet. Around ten minutes past midnight on 1 June the Porpoise was second in line behind H.M.S. Fortune. The Fortune was sunk and the Porpoise hit by two shells which caused considerable damage. Two of the crew were killed, including James, and two others injured. 

A Second Lieutenant with the 4th Battalion, John died on 7th of August 1915 at the age of 28. John was born at Keswick, Norwich, on 5 April 1887, a son of John William and Agnes Lucy Reynolds. He was baptised at Intwood, with Keswick, on 3 May 1887, and his family lived at Keswick. In 1891 his family lived at The Farm House, Mill Road, Keswick. By 1901 their home was The Poplars, London Road, Lowestoft. John was educated at Marlborough and Trinity College, Cambridge. He was placed First Class in the Historical Tripos and won the Lightfoot Scholarship. In 1909 he became a Lecturer in History at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and was elected to a Fellowship in 1910. John founded the Confratimas Historica (History Society) when he became a Fellow. John volunteered and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the York and Lancaster Regiment on 21 October 1914. He joined the 1/4th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 13 March 1915. On 2 August 1915 the Battalion moved to the canal area near Ypres, in the vicinity of Talana Farm. The Battalion War Diary for 7 August 1915 has:Enemy shelled most of the day from 10 a.m. on west bank of canal. Casualties: 2nd Lieutenant J. W. Reynolds was killed by a bullet at 12.30 p.m. Eight others wounded. Some bombing by both sides enemy was (illegible word) jumped throwing bombs 100 yards away. Fine day.Gol look of dry rot frames up to front line (meaning unknown). John’s obituary appeared in The Cambridge Independent Press 13 August 1915, page 8, and included this: He soon showed that he was gifted with remarkable powers as a teacher; his pupils developed greatly under his guidance, and he succeeded in stimulating in most of them some of his own enthusiasm for historical study. After the outbreak of war the history students at the college, almost without exception, offered themselves for military service, and Mr. Reynolds himself, after a period of training at Pembroke, obtained a commission in the York and Lancaster Regiment. His battalion went to the Front several months ago, and has seen a good deal of fighting.Mr. Reynolds was a charming companion, and had many friends in Cambridge. His pupils were much attached to him, and his work was highly appreciated by his college. Like many other young Fellows of colleges, his chief interests were intellectual, and it was only in obedience to a string sense of duty that he left the work he loved in order to serve the country as a soldier in its time of need. He will be sorely missed.   

A Driver with A/16 Brigade, John died on 31st of March 1918 at the age of 24. John was born at Oulton in 1894, a son of John and Mary Ann Reynolds. In 1901 his family lived at 271 Raglan Street, and this was till their home in 1911. By 1911 John was working as a fisherman and worked with his father who was the Skipper of the fishing trawler Crystal. Later his family lived at 29 Haward Street, Lowestoft.John volunteered and enlisted at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Horse Artillery and went to France on 13 March 1915.No war diary can be found for John's unit and so specific details of what happened to him are not known, but the Register of Soldiers Effects shows that he was killed in action on 31 March. 

An Engineman with H.M.S. Queen. Sidney died on 5th of October 1918 at the age of 28. Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 7 July 1890, a son of George Henry and Elizabeth Reynolds. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 25 July 1890 and his family lived at 23 High Street and this was still thier home in 1891. By 1901 they were living at the Heart of England Public House, Whapload Road, where is father was the publican. In 1911 the family home was at 22 Whapload Road. On 15 December 1912 Sidney married Margaret Jane Watson at Saint Margaret's Church. Sidney was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 15 Queens Road, Lowestoft. Later Margaret lived at 37 Worthing Road.Sidney joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 July 1915. He served on the trawler Boy Eddie and later with the trawler Burd. It seems that Sidney became unwell in late September 1918. He was at No 3 Rest Camp Farenza, Italy, when he died, from bronchial pneumonia, at 11.15 p.m. on 5 October 1918.Sidney's Royal Naval Reserve record shows him 'late of H.M.S. Queen' which would have been the ship through which Sidney's pay and victualling requirements were administered. 

Formerly a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve, George died on 17th of November 1918 at the age of 55.George was born at Driffield, Yorkshire, on 2 May 1863, a son of Richard and Mary Richardson. In 1871 his family lived at Haughton Terrace, Hunslet, Leeds. On 4 June 1892 George married Hannah Charles at Saint Matthias' Church, Burley, Leeds. George was a tanner living at 11 Cardigan Avenue, Leeds, and Hannah lived at 7 Cardigan Avenue. By 1901 they were living at 39 Quadrant Street, Leeds, and George was still a tanner. In 1911 George was still working as a tanner and the family were living at 11 Cross Cardigan Terrace, Leeds. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 August 1914 and served as a Deck Hand with the trawler Earl Essex. He stated that his address was 35 Forceman Street, Grimsby. George became unwell and was sent to H.M.S. Victory on 17 October 1917 and admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital Hasler. He was invalided from the service on 3 January 1918. George was granted a disability pension and awarded the Silver War Badge. George had mania and cardio-vascular dementia that was attributable to his war service. His death was registered in the Woodbridge district and he is believed to have died at the Suffolk County Asylum.By January 1918 Hannah was living at 1 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft.

A Fitter Gunner with 354 Siege Battery, Jack died on 19th of October 1918 aged 20.John was born at Oulton in 1898, a son of Fred John and Minnie Florence Richardson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 8 June 1898, and his family lived at Oulton. In 1901 his family lived with his grandparents, Robert and Mary Kemp, at Boat Yard House, Oulton. By 1911 they were living at 1 York Villas, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, and John was a newsagent’s errand boy. This was still their home in 1916, when John was an engineering apprentice. John attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 20 May 1916 and joined the Army Reserve. He was called up on 18 April 1918 and joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 255054. He was transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery on 10 May 1918, service number 220221, and appointed Fitter Gunner the same day. He joined the Central Siege School, Lydd, Kent, on 14 May. John was posted to France on 21 July 1918 and, on 22 August 1918, joined 24 Siege Battery. On 23 September 1918 he was posted to 354 Siege Battery. On 19 October 1918 354 Siege Battery moved to map reference 57.B.X.21.D.9.5. There is no detail in the unit war diary to show precisely what happened to John but he was killed in action. He was buried at map reference 57.B.X.21.D.5. In 1920 he was exhumed and reburied at Busigny Communal Cemetery. Note: some sources state that John was serving with 24 Siege Battery when he died, but his service papers survive and clearly show that he had been posted to 354 Siege Battery. 

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Laertes, Charles died on 25th of July 1942 aged 18. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 24 September 1923. By 1939 his father had died, and his family lived at 1 Factory Street and Charles was a fisherman.   Charles was serving on the Laertes, off Sierra Leone, when it was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-201. Nineteen crew, including Charles, were killed. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Harry died on 15th of November 1916 at the age of 33.Harry was born at Hardley, Norfolk, on 22 October 1883, a son of Harry and Esther Riches. He was baptised at Hardley on 25 November 1883. In 1891 his family lived at The Street, Hardley, and in 1901 they lived at Valley Farm, South Elmham, and Henry was a farm labourer. By 1911 they were living at Primrose Cottage, Carlton Colville, and Henry worked as a coal porter.In 1912 Harry married Mabel Christine Pearson at Mutford. In 1917 Mabel lived at White House Farm Cottages, Oulton Broad, and later at 7 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad. In 1922 she married Arthur Thacker.  Harry enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 31980. In 1916 he went to France to join the 2nd Battalion. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 2nd Battalion’s attack at Serre on 13 November 1916:At 5 a.m. the first wave floundered forward into No Man’s Land – in reality, a sea of mud in which movement was barely possible. Three quarters of an hour later the attack began. The mist which hung about the low ground thickened as the smoke of the barrage increased, making direction extremely difficult to maintain. Within a very short time all the officers in the leading companies had fallen, and owing to lack of leaders no real progress was made. In spite of the atrocious weather conditions prevailing, portions of the leading Suffolk companies actually reached the German second line. But all was in vain, and the battalion having been reorganised in its original front line, remained there for the rest of the day, marching back to Courcelles the next morning. Their casualties numbered 272, including eleven officers.  It seems that Harry was among those wounded on 13 November. He died from his wounds at No 26 General Hospital, Etaples, on 15 November. 

A Private with the 17th Battalion, Joseph died on 4th of December 1917 at the age of 34. Joseph was born at Kirkley in 1883, a son of George Newark and Elizabeth Rivett. In 1891 his family lived at 5 Lovewell Road and this was still the family home in 1901 when Joseph was a carpenter, probably working with his father. On 2 March 1905 Joseph married Edith Warford at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield. Joseph was a carpenter living at Kirkley and Edith lived at Pakefield. In 1911 they lived at 33 Lorne Road, and Joseph was a carpenter.Joseph enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Middlesex Regiment, service number G/46450. He was posted to the 17th Battalion in France. From 30 November to 3 December 1917 the 17th Battalion were involved in operations south of Moevres and had two withstand three enemy counter-attacks. The first attack came about 10 a.m. on 30 November. A counter-attack, led by Captain McReady-Diarmid, regained the situation. About 8 a.m. on 1 December the enemy made a number of bombing attacks and the enemy advanced about 300 yards before being held by A Company’s Lewis Guns. Again a counter-attack led by Captain McReady-Diarmid saved the situation. On 2 December the Battalion suffered due to heavy shelling which caused a number of casualties. The Battalion was relieved during the night of 3-4 December.The casualties during the period 26 November to 3 December were:Officers: 2 killed, 1 wounded and missing, 4 woundedOther ranks: 40 killed, 2 missing, 138 wounded.Although some records state that Joseph was killed in action on 4 December 1917, in fact the Battalion recorded no casualties that day. Joseph's brother-in-law, William Baker, served with the 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1916.