Formerly a Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Stanley died on 13th of January 1920 at the age of 23. Stanley was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Thomas Sidney and Elizabeth Rix. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 21 July 1897 and his family lived at 78 Tennyson Road. This was still the family home in 1911 when Stanley worked as a doctor’s errand boy. Later his parents lived at 62 Saint Peter’s Street. Stanley enlisted in the 1/4th Suffolk Regiment on 22 May 1913. He was mobilized when the war began. He arrived in France, with the battalion on 8 November 1914. Stanley was wounded at Nueve Chapelle in March 1915, possibly on the 12th, and treated at Bingham Hospital. Stanley was discharged, because of his wounds, on 18 January 1916 and he was awarded the Silver War Badge.Stanley died from tuberculosis which, according to his pension record card, was the result of a gunshot wound and thus attributable to his war service. 

A Civilian, Frank died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 19. Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1922, a son of Sydney Alfred and Jessie May Roach. By 1939 his family were living at 71 Wollaston Road.Frank served with the Home Guard.On the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. Frank, his parents, Sydney and Jessie, William and Georgina Powell, and their son William, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road. A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. Frank's cousin Henry died in 1944.

A Chief Engineman with H.M. Motor Minesweeper 101. Henry died on 29th of November 1944 at the age of 32.Henry was born at Lowestoft on 6 October 1912, a son of Henry Ashley Roach and Harriet Elizabeth Roach. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 November 1912, and his family lived at 8 The Hemplands. By 1921 his family were living at 20 Melbourne Road, Lowestoft, and by 1944 at 5 Alexandra Road.A file at the National Archives (ADM 199/165) shows that Henry's ship, H.M.M. Minesweeper 101, was clearing a minefield near Salonika, Greece, when, near sunset, on 29 November 1944, it set off a mine and was blown up. A large explosion occurred under the starboard of the ship and the ship completely disintegrated (this class of minesweeper was made of wood). Fifteen men were killed, including Henry, and there were three survivors. It may have been a contact mine that caused the explosion.  Henry's uncle Sydney, aunt Jessie, and cousin Frank, were killed in an air raid at Lowestoft in 1941.

A Civilian, Jessie died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 48. Jessie was born at Lowestoft on 13 March 1893, a daughter of George and Susan Ann Smith. She was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 May 1893 and her family lived at 35 Edinburgh Road. Jessie married Sydney Road at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 18 December 1917. At that time he was a soldier on active service, and Jessie lived at 16 Queens Road. In 1921 Jessie and Sydney were living with Jessie's mother, and siblings, at 16 Queens Road, and Sydney worked as a general labourer for Lowestoft Corporation. By 1939 Jessie and Sydney were living at 71 Wollaston Road.On the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. Jessie, Sydney, their nineteen year old son Frank, William and Georgina Powell, and their son William, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road. A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. 

A Civilian, Sydney died on 10th of August 1941 at the age of 49. Sydney was born at Lowestoft on 12 March 1892, a son of James and Martha Ashley Roach. Sydney's family lived at 71 Wollaston Road. In 1911 Sydney was employed as a domestic groom.Sydney was working as a groom, for Lilian Boswell at Tudor Lodge, Lowestoft, when he volunteered to join the Army. He attested and joined the Suffolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 9 September 1914, number 12648. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and served in France from 30 August 1915. Sydney married Jessie May Smith at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 18 December 1917. At that time he was a soldier on active service, and Jessie lived at 16 Queens Road. Sydney returned to France on 5 February 1918, to join the 11th Battalion. He was captured by the Germans on 13 April 1918 and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner. He was repatriated to Hull on 3 December 1918. He was demobilized on 7 March 1919 and his intended address was 16 Queens Road, Lowestoft. In 1921 Sydney and Jessie were living with Jessie's mother, and siblings, at 16 Queens Road, and Sydney worked as a general labourer for Lowestoft Corporation. By 1939 Sydney and Jessie were living at 71 Wollaston Road and Sydney worked as a chauffeur. On the night of 9-10 August 1941 an air raid took place at Lowestoft. Sydney, Jessie, their nineteen year old son Frank, William and Georgina Powell, and their son William, took shelter in a double Anderson shelter at the end of the garden of 71 Wollaston Road. A high explosive bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing everyone inside. Sydney's nephew Henry died in 1944.

A Private with 1st Battalion. Walter died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 37.Walter was born at Lowestoft on 11 June 1880, a son of William and Susan Roach. In 1881 his family lived at 27 North Raglan Street. From 19 March 1888 Walter attended Saint Margaret's Boys' School. In 1901 his family lived at 128 Raglan Street, and Walter worked as a baker. Walter married Elizabeth Cooper at Beccles parish church on 22 May 1904. By 1911 they were living at 64 Stanley Street and Walter had a bakery business at Acorn Stores, Stanley Street. Later they lived at 61 Stanley Street, Lowestoft.Walter enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment, at Bury St. Edmunds, on 21 July 1916. He served with the 1st Battalion in France from 22 November 1916. During March 1917 he was attached to 251 Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, but returned to the 1st Battalion. On 11 May 1917 the 1st Battalion were in the vicinity of Farbus Wood. The battalion war diary records that during that day the enemy shelled the battalion's lines with 8" and 5.9" guns. There were very few duds and good spreading bursts. The artillery fire meant that very little movement was possible, but during the night they were able to provide working parties for forward areas. Two men were killed and another four wounded.   Walter was killed in action on 11 May 1917. He was buried at Farbus Wood, around five miles north-north-east of Arras. Walter's personal effects, including a pipe and tobacco pouch, a copper horse shoe, three rings, and a lucky chain, were sent to Elizabeth. In 1919 Walter's body was exhumed from his isolated grave and he was reburied at Bois-Carre British Cemetery. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Bernard died on 8th of September 1941 aged 20.Bernard was born at Lowestoft on 11 March 1921, a son of Percival Walter and Eliza A. E. Robbens. In 1939 his family lived at 29 Beresford Road, Lowestoft.Bernard served with Bomber Command and was based at Driffield, Yorkshire. He was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. In August 1941 Bernard was serving with 104 Squadron and was one of the crew of Wellington W5477. The Aircraft Accidents in Yorkshire gives the following account:Wellington W5477 at Driffied airfieldPrior to this incident the crew of this 104 Squadron aircraft had flown an operational flight on the night of 22nd / 23rd August 1941 and had landed at Martlesham Heath. During the late morning of 23rd August 1941 the aircraft was in the process of returning to Driffield airfield, it was entering the circuit of Driffield airfield and the crew were intent on making an approach to land. The aircraft approached the airfield the crew lowered the undercarriage but as soon as it was lowered the aircraft began to rapidly loose height. The pilot also noticed that another Wellington was landing in front of their aircraft so could not turn to make a hurried landing. In trying to work out why the aircraft was loosing height it was found that the port engine not operating at full power so the pilot applied maximum power to that engine but could not hold the port wing level. The pilot also attempted to put the port propeller into full fine pitch. The aircraft should have flown a clockwise circuit of the airfield to attempt another approach to land but because the port wing was dropping and the port engine was probably failing the pilot quite rightly considered flying a circuit in this direction was a bad idea. This circuit would tend to put the port wing lower to make the turn and with the failing port engine this could drag the aircraft towards the ground port wing first. Instead of flying a clockwise circuit the pilot turned the aircraft from the north-east side of the airfield, across the northern end and towards the north-west side but it continued to loose height until the pilot was left with no option but to crash land at 11.45hrs. It was found that although the cockpit propeller settings showed the port propeller to be in full fine pitch the actual propeller was completely the opposite and in full coarse pitch so full power applied to the port engine would still have little effect in holding the aircraft level. All on board were injured to some degree but the pilot was found not to blame.Wellington W5477 was built to contract B.71441/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Weybridge and was received by 38 MU on 3rd April 1941. After a short period of storage it was taken on charge by 104 Squadron based at Driffield on 9th August 1941. As a result of the incident on 23rd August 1941 Cat.E/FA damage was recorded and the aircraft was written off. It was struck off charge on 4th September 1941.See Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire. (yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk)Three others of the crew of W5477 flew with Bernard in Wellington W5362 EP-J and were killed with him on 8 September 1941: Pilot - Sergeant Richardson; Observer - Sergeant Mountier; Air Gunner - Sergeant Craig. WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Sapper with 135 Mechanical Equipment Company, Eric died on 15th of April 1943 at the age of 19. Eris was born at Lowestoft on 3 June 1923, a son of Herbert George and Ethel May Robbens. On 8 July 1923 he was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, and his family lived at Kemps (Camps) Heath. In 1939 his family lived at 76 Bridge Road, Oulton, Lowestoft, and Eric was a factory hand at a box factory.Eric enlisted in the Roya Engineers on 26 June 1942. He joined 135 Mechanical Equipment Company on 14 August 1942 and embarked, wit his unit, for North Africa, on 26 November 1942 and arrived there on 12 December 1942.  Eric died as the result of an accident while on duty. 

A Gunner with 58 Medium Regiment, Peter died on 29th of May 1940 at the age of 19. Peter was born at Lowestoft in 1920, a son of Bertie James William Robbens and of Ethel May Robbens. In 1921 his family lived at 6 Kirkley Park Road, Lowestoft. Later his parents lived at Kempton Lodge, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft.Peter enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1939. After training in Hampshire his regiment went to France in January 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force. In May they served with 50th Division, at Aix Noulette, France, and then with 3 Corps at Oudenarde, Belgium. On 25 May they were at Wervicq, France. On 26 May they were ordered to destroy their remaining guns and withdraw to Dunkirk. Peter was reported missing in action on 27 May 1940. Royal Artillery casualty cards show that he died 'at sea, France' on 29 May 1940. From this was can infer that he got to Dunkirk and was evacuated but the vessel that he was on, details not known, was sunk. 

A Private with 6th Bn., William died on 18th of September 1918 at the age of 32. William was born at Lowestoft on 17 August 1886, a son of James and Louisa Maria Robbens. On 10 September 1886 he was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, and his family lived at 40 Clemence Street. In 1891 his family lived at 42 Clemence Street, Lowestoft. By 1901 they were living at 13 Sandringham Road, and William was a cycle maker's apprentice. In 1911 they lived at 64 Tonning Street, Lowestoft, and William was a fish worker/curer. Note: in some sources his surname is given as Robbins. In 1916 William married Gertrude May Hall of 41 Suffolk Street, Norwich. Gertrude died in 1920. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number T/26551, and went to France. Late he was transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 58312, and was posted to the 6th Battalion.  On 17 September 1918 the 6th Battalion were in positions at the railway cutting east of St. Emile. On the 18th the Battalion took part in an attack on Ronnsoy. During the attack it was difficult for the companies to keep direction and attacking companies were in position before part of the barrage lifted. The barrage was not particularly dense and did not knock out a number of machine-guns. During the night the Battalion made several unsuccessful attempts to take May Copse.  Two officers and 37 men, including William, were killed in the attack.William was buried at map reference D.23.c.5.5. and later reburied at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension. 

A Sergeant 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Ernest died on 13th august 1915 at the age of 35. Ernest was born at Ipswich in 1881, a son of Charles King and Emma Roberts. He was baptised at Saint Helen's Church, Ipswich, on 7th August 1881 and his family lived at 39 Wells Street, Ipswich. By 1891 his family were living at 132 Woodhouse Street, Ipswich. Later his parents lived at 249 Foxhall Road, Ipswich.Ernest worked in insurance and by 1907 he was an insurance agent. He married Ethel Rose Edwards, of Urchfont, Wiltshire, at Urchfont parish church on 19 June 1907. By 1911 Ernest and Ethel were living at 749 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, and Ernest was an insurance agent with Prudential Assurance. Subsequently they moved to Lowestoft and Ernest worked as an insurance superintendent. Ernest was living at 35 John Street when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 4 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. Ernest was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 10 February 1915 and Sergeant on 30 July 1915. Ernest 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. Ernest was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'Probate records show Ernest and Ethel's address as 35 John Street, Lowestoft. After Ernest's death Ethel returned to Urchfont, Wiltshire. 

A Mate with H.M. Armed Fishing Smack Ivanhoe, Benjamin died on 9th of January 1919 at the age of 26. It is believed that Benjamin was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Henry and Emily Robinson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 12 February 1892, and his family lived at 20 Alma Road. Benjamin’s father died in 1894 and in 1901 his family lived at Laundry Lane. In 1911 Benjamin lived with his sister Nellie Wood, and her husband William, at 4 Mummery’s Buildings, Saint Peter’s Street, and Benjamin was a fisherman. Later his sister lived at 4 Princes Road.  During the First World War Benjamin agreed to serve with government vessel under a T.124 agreement, technically this meant he was part of the Mercantile Marine Reserve. In this role he served as the Mate of the Ivanhoe, and armed fishing smack. The following notice, that explains what happened to Benjamin, appeared in the Guardian, 24 January 1919, page 7:FEARED LOSS OF PADSTOW FISHING SMACKGreat anxiety was felt at Padstow when it became known that the armed motor fishing boat “Ivanhoe” had failed to return from the fishing grounds. The vessel left the port on Wednesday morning, the 8th, and was last seen in the heavy gale on Thursday, 9th, by the skipper of the “Hepetica”. It is feared that she was swamped by the heavy seas and all the hands lost. 

A Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 3rd of August 1944 aged 24. George was born at Snettisham, Norfolk, in 1920, a son of George Thomas and Flora Robinson. In 1921 his family lived at Station Road, Snettisham, and this was still their home in 1939. In early 1944 George married Betty Lilian Pratt, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Betty’s family lived at 634 London Road.George served in north-west Europe with the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards. The 2nd Battalion, which was an armoured unit and part of the Guards Armoured Division, landed in France on 2 July 1944. On 3 August the battalion engaged seven or eight German Tiger tanks during an advance to Le Busq. George was reported missing believed killed during this advance and later presumed to have been killed in action that day. 

A Private with the 25th Battalion, Henry died in 1921 at the age of 22. Henry was born at Lowestoft in 1899, a son of George Henry and Eliza Robinson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 August 1899, and his family lived at 22 Mariners Street and this was still their home in 1901.By 1917 Henry was living at 13 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, with his uncle and aunt John and Alice Gross. Henry was working as a clerk when he joined the Army at Bury Saint Edmunds on 2 August 1917. He joined the Training Reserve and was posted to the 25th Battalion. He served until 10 October 1917 when he was discharged medically unfit.  Henry had attended a medical board on 9 September 1917 and he was found to have pulmonary tuberculosis. They judged that this did not result from, nor was it aggravated by, his military service. They also concluded that his capacity for work was not diminished by his military service. He was not awarded a pension but did received a gratuity of £12-10. Henry returned to civilian life and in 1921 was living at 13 Salisbury Road and working as a stenciller for Messrs. C. and E. Morton Preserved Provision Manufacturers at their Belvedere Road premises on South Wharf.   Henry died during the third quarter of 1921. Henry's uncle, John Gross, died in 1918 in the loss of the S.S. Sixty-Six.

A Private with 1st Bn., Herbert died on 3rd of October 1915 at the age of 25. Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 5 July 1890, a son of Edward and Rebecca Robinson. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 6 August 1890, and his family lived at 44 Clemence Street. By 1911 Herbert's father had died and his family lived at 35 Beckham Road. At that time Herbert worked as a brick maker's labourer. Subsequently Herbert's mother lived at 49 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft.Herbert volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Lowestoft. He was posted to the 1st Battalion Suffolk regiment and arrived in France on 12 May 1915. The Battle of Loos began on 25 September 1915. From 1 to 3 October 1915 there was intense fighting on the Hohenzollern Redoubt. At 8.30 p.m. on 2 October the 1st Battalion were ordered to attack, and recapture, the trench known as Little Willie. By 11.50 p.m. only one company had reached the fire trench opposite Little Willie. An attack was made, but failed, with the loss of 7 officers and about 150 men. The Battalion was ordered to make a further attack at 4.30 a.m. but this attack was called off and the Battalion remained in the fire trench until 6 p.m. on 3 October.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Thomas died on 16th of August 1916 at the age of 37.Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 22 November 1878, a son of James and Susan Robinson. In 1881 his family lived at 6 Alice Cottages, High Street, Lowestoft. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 2 October 1881. By 1901 his family were living at 1 Melbourne Road. In 1901 they lived at 43 The Hemplands, and Thomas worked as a furniture porter. By 1911 the family were living at 1 Melbourne Road, again, and Thomas was a fruiterer working on his own account.  Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 26788. William went to France in 1916 to join the 2nd Battalion. On 16 August 1916 the 2nd Battalion were at Guillemont and involved in an attack a feature known as Cochrane Alley where a German block-house was known to be a significant stronghold. The battalion made efforts to take, and hold, part of Cochrane Alley: work significantly hampered by machine-gun fire and enemy snipers. The battalion’s casualties from 16 to 18 August were:Officers: one killed, eight wounded, one missingOther ranks: 39 killed, 151 wounded, 80 missingThomas was killed in action ‘on or since 16 August 1916’.

A Sapper with 51st Broad Gauge Operating Company, Walter died on 26th of October 1918 aged 26. Walter was born at Longside, Aberdeenshire, in 1893, a son of Walter and Jane Robson of Peterhead. In 1901 his family lived at 16 Wallace Street, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. In 1911 they lived at 13 Backgate, Peterhead, and Walter was a labourer. On 3 November 1913 Walter married Ivy Agnes Garrod at Christ Church, Lowestoft. Walter was a carter living at Whapload Road and Ivy lived at Christ Church Square. By 1918 Ivy was living at 44 Whapload Road and in 1920 she married John Maxted.  Walter volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Peterhead. He joined the Gordon Highlanders, service number 2745, and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion and arriving in France with his battalion on 3 May 1915. Walter was awarded the Military medal in 1916, London Gazette 3 June 1916, page 5596. He had originally been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, but this was downgraded for the newly introduced Military Medal. The original recommendation explains the circumstances of Walter’s award:'For distinguished conduct on the night 25/26th March 1916, on the explosion of an enemy mine beneath his company's trenches. He carried out his orders to consolidate the position with great courage under heavy fire, and brought back a wounded man from an exposed position to a place of safety. He also brought back Capt. Robertson whom he found unconscious in the crater, and was also most useful in managing the wounded.'Walter wrote to his parents to tell them of his experience: ‘I was the means of saving 14 men, I saw about 20 Germans trying to kill some of our chaps, who were crying out for help, and when the Huns saw the Sergeant and I coming down the trenches with bombs they took to their heels and ran. Some of them left their rifles, and I have got one and will send it home.’The Sergeant mentioned by Waler was Sergeant Dickie who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his actions that night. Dickie’s award was also downgraded to the Military Medal.  On 27 July 1916 Walter was wounded in the face by shrapnel. In 1917 Walter was still serving with the 1/5th Battalion and he was given the new service number 240766. Subsequently he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, service number 403988, and joined the Railway Operating Division, with new service number WR/175924. By October 1918 he was serving with 51 Broad Gauge (Railway) Operating Company. Walter died from influenza at 30 General Hospital, Calais.

A Trimmer with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), Joseph died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 23. Joseph was born at Liverpool on 2 June 1896, a son of Thomas and Margaret Rodgers. In 1901 his family lived at 66 Beacon Lane, Everton. In 1911 they lived at 24 Calder Street, Liverpool, and Joseph was a grocer’s errand boy. By 1915 they were living at 12 Copeland Street, Liverpool. On 5 August 1917 Joseph married Norah Ethel Poll at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Joseph was an Able Seaman with H.M.S. P. 32, and Norah lived at 22 Duke’s Head Street. Their home was at 17 Arnold Street, Lowestoft. Joseph joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 November 1915. He served as a Seaman, service number 8730A. Joseph served at H.M.S. Victory until 25 December 1915 when he joined H.M.S. Excellent. He joined H.M.S. P. 32, a P-Class patrol boat, on 1 April 1916 and returned to H.M.S. Victory on 1 July 1917, then, on 1 January 1919 he joined H.M.S. Heythrop (under H.M.S. Pekin) and was involved in mine clearance work. He was demobilized on 1 September 1919 but kept up his enrolment with the Royal Naval Reserve and was still engaged with the reserve when he died.  In 1920 Joseph worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew. 

A Private with 6th Bn. Charles died on 3rd of May 1917 at the age of 40. Charles was born at Mendham, Suffolk, in 1876, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Rodwell. In 1881 his family lived at Oulton Road, Oulton, and by 1891 at Gordon Terrace, Oulton Broad, and Charles worked as a bricklayer's boy. In 1901 they lived at Oulton Street and by 1911 Charles' mother had died and his father lived at 15 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad. On 25 December 1896 Charles married Emma Louisa Aldred at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Charles was a labourer and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 their home was at Waveney Cottages, Beccles Road, and Charles worked as a labourer, and by 1911 they were living at 3 Waveney Cottages, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Charles worked as a maltster's labourer. Charles enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and initially served with the 14th (Reserve) Battalion Essex Regiment, service number 31047. Charles was transferred to The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and joined the 6th Battalion in France. On 25 April 1917 the 6th Battalion moved from billets to Arras. On 30 April they moved into front line trenches. A general attack was ordered for 3 May 1917. The Battalion went over the top at 3.00 a.m. and by duck it was ascertained that they had suffered severe casualties amounting to 375 men. Charles was killed in the attack.  His brothers James and John also died.

A Skipper on Sailing Trawler Trevone. James died on 29th January 1917 at the age of 44. James was born at Weybread, Suffolk, in 1874, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Rodwell. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Weybread, on 10 May 1874. In 1881 his family lived at 5 Oulton Road, Oulton, and by 1891 they were living at Gordon Terrace, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and John worked as a shepherd's boy. In 1901 they lived at Oulton Street and by 1911 Charles' mother had died and his father lived at 15 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad. On 25 December 1896 James married Emily Louisa Agus at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. James was a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at 5 Waveney Cottages, and by 1911 they were living at Blackheath Road, Lowestoft. In 1917 James was the Master of the sailing trawler Trevone. On 29 January the Trevone was captured by the German submarine U-55 around 30 miles north-west of Trevose Head.The Benjidog Historical Resources Website has the following: James Rose, second hand, was on the deck of the British sailing trawler Trevone at half-past three in the afternoon of 30th January 1917 when a German submarine suddenly appeared on the surface and opened fire. Her second shot hit the peak halyards and the master and crew immediately took to their boat. They were ordered alongside the submarine and told to board her. In attempting to obey, the master and cook were both washed overboard. These two men could easily have been rescued but the Germans took not the slightest notice of them. The Master was seen hanging on to the submarine's side aft for over 10 minutes but finally disappeared. See: Merchant Navy Memorials Tower Hill (benjidog.co.uk)His brothers Charles and John also died.

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Persistive, John died on 9th of February 1916 at the age of 37. John was born at Corton on 3 September 1878, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Rodwell. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, on 2 August 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 5 Oulton Road, Oulton, and by 1891 they were living at Gordon Terrace, Beccles Road, Carlton Colville, and John worked as a shepherd's boy. In 1901 they lived at Oulton Street and by 1911 Charles' mother had died and his father lived at 15 Marsh Road, Oulton Broad. In 1901 John lodged with George and Louisa Agus at Carlton Road, Carlton Colville, next to Peto's Lodge, and John worked as an agricultural labourer. Shortly afterwards John went to sea.John married Lily Ada Agus, daughter of George and Louisa, at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 25 December 1902. The marriage register shows John's occupation as mariner. By 1911 John and, Ada, and children, were living at 3 Carlton Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and by January 1915 they lived at 56 Morton Road, Kirkley. John was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper on 13 March 1913. John became in Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and was the skipper of the Drifter Persistive. The Persistive was blown up by a mine on 9 February 1916. Seven of the crew were killed and one other severely wounded. In 1920 Ada married George Head and they lived at 2 May Road, Lowestoft.John's brothers Charles and James also died.

A Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Charles died on 22nd of October 1918 aged 23. Charles was born at Gillingham, near Beccles, in 1895, a son of Herbert James and Emma Charlotte Roe. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 16 August 1896, and his family lived at Carlton Colville. By 1901 his family were living at Gate House, Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville. This was still their address in 1911 when Charles worked as a labourer on a farm. Later his parents lived at 118 Old Palace Road, Norwich. In 1912 Charles began work for the Great Eastern Railway Company as a porter based at Wroxham.Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich in 1914: it is thought that he had enlisted in the Regular Army before the war began. Initially he served with the 4th Hussars, service number 19565. He was transferred to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and arrived in Gallipoli on 4 September 1915 to join the 6th Battalion. It seems that he was wounded at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli.At some point Charles was posted to the 1st Battalion and it appears that he arrived in France in March 1916. On 1 July 1916 the 1st Battalion attacked Y Ravine, near Beaumont Hamel, on the Somme. At the start of that day the 1st Battalion numbers 36 officers and 916 other ranks. During the day their casualties were:Officers: six killed, eleven wounded, four missingOther ranks: 50 killed, 265 wounded, 225 missingBy March 1918 Charles was a Sergeant with C Company. On 21 March 1918 the 1st Battalion received orders to man the ‘Battle Zone’ near Hamel, with lines facing the village of Fontaine, in preparation for the expected German attack. The enemy attacked on 22 March causing many casualties. The Battalion received orders to hold their positions and in the ensuing fight groups of men form the Battalion were surrounded and killed or captured. The Battalion’s casualties for 22 March 1918 were:Officers: five killed, one wounded, 15 missingOther ranks: 531 missingOn 23 March the 46 men who had survived the attack joined the Battalion details, which included the transport section, stores, etc., making 100 men, with no officers, under the command of Quartermaster Sergeant Keaney. Charles was one of these men. The unit came under command of an officer of the 9th Battalion and were organised in a defensive flank before moving to Flavy and then going on to reinforce the 9th Battalion. On their way to reinforce the 9th Battalion the advance guard, which according to the Great Eastern Railway Magazine, was being led by Charles, came under sustained rifle and machine-gun fire which caused several casualties and the force had to withdraw to the Flavy-Le Plessis crossroads. For his bravery during this incident Charles was awarded the Military Medal. He would have been presented with the ribbon for his award in May/June 1918 some weeks before the details were published in the London Gazette (See London Gazette 26 August 1918, page 10133 and Great Eastern Railway Magazine October 1919, page 209, which gives the account of the deed for which Charles won the Military Medal).The 1st Battalion War Diary for 14 April 1918 has:At 2.15 a.m. an enemy patrol of six men approached our post at Nobles Farm. The garrison of the post fired on them and cries were heard. It was discovered at daylight that five were killed and it is believed that another was wounded. The N.C.O. in charge of the post Sergeant Roe and Lance Corporal Robertson showed great initiative and by quickly grasping the situation, inflicted casualties on the enemy and obtained a valuable identification.  On 14 October 1918, Charles was in Second Lieutenant Irvine’s platoon. The Battalion launched an attack on pill boxes at Dadizeelehoek and Marcouitch, near Ledeghem. The enemy barrage was particularly intense, and Second Lieutenant Irvine killed, and Charles then took command. The attack proved to be successful, and the Battalion captured 50 machine-guns, one trench mortar and around 200 men. The Battalion’s casualties from 14 to 16 October were one officer killed, one officer wounded, 25 other ranks killed, and 118 wounded.  On 20-21 October 1918 the 1st Battalion made an attack in the vicinity of Straate. The Battalion War Diary has:During this most difficult operation the Battalion advanced a distance of 2,000 yards . . . capturing four villages and about 60 prisoners and a number of machine guns, The operation was rendered more difficult by the fact that a very large track of country had to be covered in the dark by a comparatively small force, and by the shortage of officers. . . Casualties inflicted on the enemy were considerably heavier than our own and they left a lot of dead on the captured ground.During this attack the 1st Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: three woundedOther ranks: 17 killed, 42 wounded, 14 missingCharles was wounded during the attack, with a gunshot wound to his right thigh and a compound fracture. He was taken to 110 Field Ambulance where he died from his wounds on 22 October.  For his gallantry in October 1918 Charles was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. This was noted in the 1st Battalion War Diary of 19 November 1918. The award was published in the London Gazette, 2 December 1919, page 14875, with the following citation: When his platoon officer became a casualty in the early stages of an attack near Ledeghem, on the 14th October 1918, he assumed command and led his men gallantly forward through the hostile barrage under heavy machine-gun fire to their objective, capturing prisoners and several machine-guns. On the night 20th/21st October, during as attack on Straate, his company commander and remaining platoon officer both became casualties. He assumed command of his company and completed the capture of the village. He consolidated under heavy fire and beat off a counter-attack before dawn. He did fine work. The baptism register at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, includes the following marginal notes next to the entry for Charles’ baptism: Charlie joined the Regular Army at the commencement of the War and had he lived would have received a commission. He had won the Military medal for bravery. He lost his life on the Western Front having previously been wounded at Suvla Bay. He was a regular communicant. The Great War: ‘Died for England’ October 24th 1918 Acting Company Sergeant Major 4th Hussars attached to 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.We note that some of the details in the marginal notes are note entirely accurate, they do give a flavour of what the community understood about Charles and must, in part at least, have been based on communications received by his family. Charles' brother, Herbert, died in 1917 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment. With thanks to Gil Bossuyt for identifying the company Charles served with in 1918. 

A Private with 2nd Battalion, Herbert died on 26th of February 1917 at the age of 23. Herbert was born at Gillingham, near Beccles, on 12 June 1893, a son of Herbert James and Emma Charlotte Roe. He was baptised at Gillingham on 17 September 1893. By 1901 his family were living at Gate House, Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville. This was still their address in 1911 when Herbert worked as a bullock tender on a farm. Later his parents lived at 118 Old Palace Road, Norwich. Herbert was working as a railway porter and shunter when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich on 2 September 1914. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 13987, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He was posted to the 10th Battalion on 21 October 1914. He was a qualified army signaller.Herbert was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 10 October 1915 and embarked at Devonport that day. He arrived at Basrah on 7 January 1916. By this time the 2nd Battalion was besieged at Kut-al-Amarah and he did not join the battalion there. Herbert developed diarrhoea and was admitted to 19 Field Ambulance. He was then found to have dysentery and transferred to D-2 Base General Hospital, on 19 February 1916. On 12 March 1916 he was transferred to 3-A Nase General Hospital at Basra before, on 15 March 1916, being transferred to India for treatment. He arrived at Bombay on 22 March 1916.Once recovered Herbert returned to Mesopotamia. He embarked at Bombay on 27 November 1916 and disembarked at Basra on 5 December 1916.While Herbert had been in India a new 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment had been formed from the members of the old battalion that had not gone into Kut and the reinforcements sent out from the U.K. Herbert joined this ‘new’ 2nd Battalion at Sheikh Said on 15 December 1916.  Herbert was wounded by a gunshot to his head and died of wounds on 26 February 1917. His service papers do not record where this took place, but he is buried at Amara and in early 1917 this was the location of many military hospitals. Herbert’s personal effects, an identity disc, a pocket book, one letter, and five photos, where sent to his family. Herbert’s brother Charles died in 1918 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

A Lance Corporal with the 9th Battalion, Herbert died on 15th of January 1916 at the age of 36. Herbert was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a son of John and Matilda Rogers. In 1881 his family lived at 14 Albert Street, and in 1891 at 30 Edinburgh Road. In 1901 his parents lived at 6 Duke’s Head Street, and later his father lived at 10 Duke's Head Street. Herbert served with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment.Herbert was working as a carpenter when he enlisted in the regular battalions of the Norfolk Regiment, at Norwich, on 21 January 1902, service number 6869. He was immediately posted to the 3rd Volunteer Company, with the rank of Corporal. He departed for South Africa on 3 March 1902, and returned on 30 July 1902. Herbert was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal for his service in the Boer War. He was discharged on 1 August 1902. On 25 May 1905 Herbert married Eliza Durrant at Saint Margaret’s Church. Herbert was a carpenter living at 6 Duke’s Head Street, and Eliza lived at 161 London Road North. In 1911 they lived at 8 Crown Street, Lowestoft, and Herbert was a brewer’s labourer. Herbert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13034. Herbert was posted to the 9th Battalion and arrived in France on 23 September 1915.In mid-January 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Ypres, including the Canal Bank. The Battalion War Diary records that on 15 January two men were killed, including Herbert, and eight men wounded. The other man that died, Private Goodwin, is buried in the grave next to Herbert’s. Herbert's brother-in-law, Leonard Day, served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917.  

A Pioneer with B Special Company, William died on 5th of April 1917 at the age of 19. William was born at Pakefield on 12 July 1897, a son of George and Emily Rolfe. From 12 July 1900 to 7 July 1911 William was a pupil at Cunningham School. In 1901 his family lived at Florence Road, Carlton Colville, and in 1911 at 1 Twyford Cottages, Blackheath Road. In 1915 they lived at 2 Blackheath Road, and later his parents lived at 182 Denmark Road, Lowestoft.William was living at 2 Blackheath Road, Kirkley, and working as a carman, when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 24 February 1915. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 97842. He was posted to the 4th Depot before joining the 4th Reserve Brigade on 10 March 1915. William embarked for France on 4 May 1915. On 10 May 1915 he joined 119th Battery in the field and, on 16 May 1915, was posted to 27th Brigade (Division?) Ammunition Column. William was posted to 5th Divisional Ammunition Column on 21 May 1916. He was posted to A.H.T.D. on 26 May 1916 and, on 29 May 1916, was posted to the Base.William was transferred to the Royal Engineers on 18 July 1916, service number 192775. On 19 July 1916 he joined No 1 Battalion Special Brigade as a Pioneer and was posted to B Special Company.The Special Brigades of the Royal Engineers were responsible for the use of weapons including gas, flame throwers and Livens projectors. In April 1917 William’s unit had two main roles: laying down smokescreens and using trench mortars to deliver ‘lethal bombs’ containing White Star gas.  The B Special Company war diary gives no information about what happened to William, but we do know that he was killed in action and that on 8-9 April his unit were preparing for using smoke projectors in support of 17 Infantry Brigade’s operations and 73 Infantry Brigade’s attack on Bois-en-Hache. 

An Ordnance Artificer 2nd Class with H.M.S. Egret, Harry died on 27th of August 1943 aged 28. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 21 February 1915, a son of Harry James and Bessie Roll. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 April 1915 and his family lived at Hedley House, Beaconsfield Road. In 1921 his family lived at 267 London Road South, and this was Harry’s home for the rest of his life. In August 1943 Harry’s ship, the sloop H.M.S. Egret, was involved in anti-submarine work in the Bay of Biscay. On 27 August the Egret was attacked by German Dornier 217 aircraft carrying Henschel glide bombs. One of the glide bombs, a type of guided missile, hit, and sank the Egret with the loss of 198 men, including Harry. The Egret was the first ship to be sunk by a guided missile.  

A Lance Corporal with 2nd Bn., Ernest died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 21. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 23 November 1894, a son of Joseph and Angetta Roope. In 1901 his family lived at 47 Queen's Road, Lowestoft. From 7 September 1903 Ernest attended Saint Margaret's School. In 1911 his family were still living at 47 Queen's Road and Ernest worked as a butcher's assistant. Ernest volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in late 1914. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, initially with the 4th Battalion, as did his brother Joseph, and had service number 2528. Ernest was posted to the 2nd Battalion, service number 43784, and served with that Battalion in France.  On 26 September 1917 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack at Zonnebeke, east of Ypres. This attack was judged to be a complete success, but one officer and 36 other ranks, including Ernest, were killed. His brother Lewis died in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal Fusiliers and his brother Joseph was killed in an air raid in 1940.

A Civilian, James died on 29th of September 1940 at the age of 54. James was born at Lowestoft on 1 March 1886, a son of Joseph and Angetta Roope. In 1891 his family lived at 47 Queen's Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1901 when James worked as a railway clerk, and in 1911 when James worked as a tram conductor with Lowestoft Borough Council.James served for three years in the Norfolk Volunteers. In 1912 James married Bertha Chapman. They lived at Wellington Cottage, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft. James was working as a stage manager when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 16 November 1914. He served with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 22677, and joined the 2nd Supernumerary Company. On 27 October 1915 and again on 12 February 1916 he signed the agreement to serve overseas: he was based at Lowestoft on these dates. On 19 February 1916 he was transferred to the Cambridgeshire Regiment and joined the 4/1st battalion, service number 4701. James was promoted to Lance Corporal on 29 April 1916. On 30 August 1916 James was transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment, number 5126, and posted to the 1/5th Battalion and he arrived in France the next day. On 19 September 1916 he was posted to the 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. He returned to England on 25 December 1916 (reason unknown). James returned to France on 27 April 1917. On 13 May 1917 he was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, number 245111, and posted to the 20th Battalion as a Private. In late 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal. James was wounded, receiving a gunshot wound to his right leg and shrapnel wound to his neck. He returned to England on 11 April 1918 and was posted to the strength of the Depot. On 30 April 1918 he was discharged, being no longer physically fit for service. His intended place of residence was 19 Cliff Road, Pakefield, and he was awarded a 80% disability pension for 39 weeks. James was awarded the Silver War Badge.In 1921 James and Bertha were still living at 19 Cliff Road, Pakefield, and he was a general labourer for Lowestoft Corporation, but 'out of work.' They were still living at 19 Cliff Road in 1925. Bertha died in 1936. She was living at Chancellor's Park at the time and she was buried at Keymer, Sussex, on 13 May 1936. Bertha had some connection to Hassocks, Sussex (which is near Keymer) and she had moved there temporarily during the First World War whilst James was overseas. In 1939 James lived at 56 London Road North and worked as a garage hand.On 29 September 1940 James was working at the Herring Market when a German Dornier Do. 17 bomber dropped six bombs on the Harbour and Dock area. The office at the Herring Market took a direct hit killing four sailors and four civilian naval employees (It is assumed that Isaac was among the latter). See Anniversary of bombing raid marked by town commemoration | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk)

A Corporal with 4th Bn., Lewis died on 28th of March 1918 at the age of 22.Lewis was born at Lowestoft on 26 February 1896, a son of Joseph and Angetta Roope. In 1901 his family lived at 47 Queen's Road, Lowestoft. From 7 September 1903 Lewis, along with his brother Ernest, attended Saint Margaret's School. In 1911 his family were still living at 47 Queen's Road.Lewis enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He joined the Royal Fusiliers. From 26 July 1916 he served in France with the 4th Battalion. The Battalion War Diary for 28 March 1918 has:About 3 a.m. the Battalion was shelled out of billets. About 8.30 a.m. X Company ordered up in support to the Green Line and Headquarters was ordered up to support line of Green Line. About 9 a.m. Headquarters was established in trench near the Arras - Bapaume Road. About 9 a.m. Z Company under command of Captain A. J. Lord M.C., moved forward from Green Line to support line of first system and came under command of 1st Northumberland Fusiliers. At 9.40 X Company was ordered forward into Green Line to occupy position vacated by Z Company. By the time Z Company reached the support line of first system the enemy was attacking it heavily. The Brigades on both flanks of the 9th Brigade had given way - Captain Lord formed a left defensive flank for the 9th Brigade. The remainder of 1st Northumberland Fusiliers, 13th Kings and our Z Company held this line until about 5 p.m. When the line was no longer tenable they successfully withdrew through the Green Line and reorganized. The Green Line and Neuville Vitasse now became the front line. Before withdrawal through the Green Line one platoon of W had been ordered up on right flank of Battalion and a second platoon on left flank of Battalion. About 7 p.m. the enemy began to enter Neuville Vitasse - 76th Brigade had apparently withdrawn on our left flank leaving it unprotected. The remaining two platoons of W were then ordered up on left flank to try and fill the gaps between our Battalion and 76th Brigade. These two platoons were too late, because the enemy had already entered the village.  Z Company although already having had a hard fight with the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers and 13th Kings and having covered the withdrawal of the remaining positions of these two battalions, was ordered to form a defensive flank west of Neuville Vitasse between our Battalion and 76th Brigade. This company formed the flank in a line of shell-holes and closed the gap made on our left by the withdrawal to the Green Line of 76th Brigade.Casualties: Officers: One killed, four woundedOther ranks: 10 killed, 73 wounded, 3 missing, 3 gassed.Lewis was reported missing on 28 March and later it was presumed that he had been killed on that date. His brother Ernest was killed in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment and his brother Joseph was killed in an air raid in 1940.  

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, David died on 21st of September 1944 aged 38. David was born at Chalfield, Suffolk, on 11 May 1906, a son of John William and Maud Roper. In 1911 his family lived at The Street, North Cove, Suffolk, and by 1921 they were living at 35 Pudding Moor, Beccles, and David worked for H.G. Rose, Corn and Coal Merchants, at Beccles, doing odd-jobs.  On 13 June 1924 David, who worked as a labourer, enlisted in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) at Beccles. He left on 8 December 1925 and then re-enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. Subsequently he joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment.   In 1938 David married Bessie Daisy Grace Dolder, this was registered in the Wainford District of Essex. In 1939 their home was at 31 Bevan Street, Lowestoft, and David was a kitchen porter at a hotel.David served with the 2nd Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment. His battalion was embodied for service on 1 September 1939. On 1 November the battalion was concentrated at Melton Constable, Norfolk, and assigned to 53 Brigade in the 18th Division. In January 1940 the battalion moved to Stiffkey, Norfolk, and then took over coastal defences between King’s Lynn and Cley. In August they moved to the Sheringham area and later in that year they moved inland to Houghton Hall and Raynham. In January 1941 they were sent to Dumfries and in summer 1941 they were on exercises in Yorkshire and Lancashire before deployments to the north west coast and helping to gather the harvest in Leicestershire. On 18 October the battalion sailed from Gourock for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the embarked the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and departed for South Africa. Next the battalion’s ship made for Mombassa and, after three days, left for Singapore, arriving on 13 January 1942. The battalion encamped at the Bukit Timah racecourse but were quickly put into the field, joining the 15th Indian Brigade and moving to Batu Pahat, north Johore, to defend the airfield. Here the battalion sustained its first casualties.Eventually the battalion were in danger of being surrounded at Senggarang and the order was given for the men to try to make their way back to Singapore, some seventy miles away. David managed to get to Singapore but was taken prisoner there, when the city was surrendered, on 15 February 1942. On 22 October 1942, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. Once the Burma Railway had been completed British prisoners of war were taken back to Singapore and then transported by Japanese ships to Burma. These ships were known as ‘Hell Ships’. In July 1944 David was one of the prisoners that embarked the ‘Hell Ship’ Hofuku Maru. The ship left Singapore in a convoy but developed engine problems and had to dock at Manila for repairs. The prisoners were kept on board in appalling conditions. On 20 September the Hofuku Maru set sail for Japan in a convoy with ten other ships. The ships were attacked by carrier borne aircraft of the United States Navy. The Hofuku Maru was torpedoes and sunk. The ship had been carrying 1,289 British and Dutch prisoners, of whom only 242 survived the sinking. 

A Trimmer with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), Albert died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 18. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 26 September 1901, a son of William Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Rose. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 18 October 1901 and his family lived at 46 Raglan Street. Albert was a pupil at Saint Andrew’s School before joining Saint Margaret’s School on 11 January 1909 at which time his family lived at 53 Seago Street. By 1911 they were living at 75 Kimberley Road, and later they lived at 22 Essex Road. In 1920 Albert worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew. 

A Cook with Trawler Boy Sam (Lowestoft), Charles died on 12th of May 1916 at the age of 30.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 4 July 1884, a son of James and Ellen Anne Rose. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 28 August 1884, and his family lived at 5 Barcham Square, Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at 25 Crown Street. Lowestoft, and later at 5 Mummery Cottages, Tennyson Road. From 12 October 1891 Charles was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School, Lowestoft. In 1897 his family lived at 2 Eastern Square. By 1901 they were living at 236 Raglan Street, Lowestoft, and Charles was a smacksman. Later his parents lived at 41 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft.   Charles was the Cook on the sailing trawler Boy Sam, LT 1014. The trawler sailed from Lowestoft on 12 May 1916, intending to fish at Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 19 May 1916, but did not return. One website suggests that the Boy Sam was with the trawler Boy Percy and that both of them were scuttled by the German submarine UB-29 and that all of the crews took to lifeboats and were then lost at sea. However, the loss of the Boy Percy took place off Southwold. This is not consonant with the Boy Sam heading for Haisborough Sands.  Charles’ brother Harry was the Skipper of the Boy Sam. 

A Skipper with the trawler Boy Sam (Lowestoft), Harry died on 12 May 1916 at the age of 32.Harry was born at Lowestoft on 13 November 1881, a son of James and Ellen Anne Rose. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 11 January 1882. In 1884 his family lived at 5 Barcham Square, Lowestoft, and by 1891 at 25 Crown Street, then 5 Mummery Cottages, Tennyson Road. In 1897 they lived at 2 Eastern Square, Lowestoft, and by 1901 at 236 Raglan Street, and Harry was a smacksman. Later his parents lived at 41 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. On 26 July 1908 Harry married Rosina Clara Brown at Saint Mark’s Church, Kennington, London. Harry was a fisherman living at 2 Chapel Street, Lowestoft, and Rosina lived at 61 Saint Agnes Place, Kennington. In 1911 they lived at 25 Till Road, and later at 189 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Harry was the Skipper of the sailing trawler Boy Sam, LT 1014. The trawler sailed from Lowestoft on 12 May 1916, intending to fish at Haisborough Sands. The trawler was due back at Lowestoft on 19 May 1916, but did not return. One website suggests that the Boy Sam was with the trawler Boy Percy and that both of them were scuttled by the German submarine UB-29 and that all of the crews took to lifeboats and were then lost at sea. However, the loss of the Boy Percy took place off Southwold. This is not consonant with the Boy Sam heading for Haisborough Sands.  Harry’s brother Charles was the Cook on the Boy Sam. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Hirose, Harry died on 29th of June 1916 at the age of 36. Harry was born at Lowestoft on 15 July 1879, a son of Charles and Eliza Rose. In 1881 his family lived at 34 Raglan Street, and, by 1891, they were living at 59 Raglan Street. On 12 January 1902 Harry married Kate Ann Brown at Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 4 Kendal Road, Kirkley, and Harry was a steam crane driver for a coal merchant. Harry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 May 1916 and he served with the trawler Hirose. On 29 June 1916 the Hirose was off Aldeburgh and struck a mine, which sank the vessel. Ten crew, including Harry, were killed. In late July 1916 Harry’s body was found, and identified by his identity disc, by the crew of H.M.S. Cynthia: he was then buried at sea. 

A Captain with the 1st Bn. Thomas died on 23rd of August 1914 at the age of 40. Thomas was born at Aldershot on 17 August 1874, a son of Major Thomas Chapel Rose, of the Army Pay Corps, and Mrs. Augusta Decima Rose. Thomas' father died in 1890. In 1891 his family lived at Sunny Side, Severn Bank, Shrewsbury. Thomas' mother's maiden name was Leathes. She had been born at Herringfleet and related to the Leathes-Prior family. By 1911 his mother was living at 383 London Road, Lowestoft. Thomas attended Bedford Grammar School from 1884 to 1890, and was then a pupil at Shrewsbury School.Thomas was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Scots Fusiliers on 7 December 1895; Lieutenant on 6 February 1898.From 1899 he was attached to the West African Frontier Force and served in North Nigeria in the Munshi Expedition of 1900, and was Mentioned in Despatches; in North Nigeria 1900 in the expedition against the Chief of Tawari, again Mentioned in Despatches; in North Nigeria in 1901 in the expedition against the Emir of Yolu.Thomas was promoted Captain on 16 February 1901. He served in the Aro Expedition in Southern Nigeria, 1901-2, and was slightly wounded, and again Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette 12 September 1902). Thomas was involved in the operations against the Okpotos in Bassa Province 1903-4 and was a staff and transport officer. He served with the North Nigeria Regiment from 1907 to 1914. Thomas married Elizabeth Mary Rearden, at London, in 1911. She also lived at 383 London Road, South Lowestoft, and later at Flat 4 Eversfield, Clarence Parade, Southsea. In 1914 Thomas commanded C Company of the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. The Battalion landed at Le Havre on 14 August 1914. On 22 August 1914 the Battalion were at Jemappes, near Mons. The Battalion War Diary for 23 August 1914 has:Germans attacked in force at two left crossings - Royal Scots Fusiliers held on until informed that units on both flanks had withdrawn and about 3 p.m. retired to the north edge of Flameries. Casualties: Captain Traill and Lieutenant Stiven wounded - 50 rank and file killed and wounded. Before retirement all bridges were blown and all boats sunk.5 p.m. Flameries - The Germans followed up our retirement through Mons over a bridge not successfully destroyed and opened fire from the coal dumps south of Flameries. They also had brought artillery close up to the firing line. There had been no time to entrench a position so the Battalion retired to the edge of the town where they were heavily shelled. At dusk the enemy withdrew and the Battalion went into billets. Casualties: Captain Rose and Captain Young wounded and missing - 100 killed and wounded.   Thomas was reported wounded and missing and later concluded to have been killed in action on 23 August. Thomas' body was found by the Graves Registration Unit at map reference Sheet 45 P. 29.c. 50.20 and identified by his label badges. Thomas is buried in a very small cemetery at Flenu: nearly all of the men buried there were from the 1st Battalion and killed on 23 August 1914. 

An Able Seaman with S/V B.H.C. 9, William died on 6th of March 1941 at the age of 44.William was born at Kessingland on 11 August 1896, a son of William and Laura Roth. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 18 October 1896. In 1901 his family lived at Clifton Villa, Kessingland, and the 1911 Census shows them living at Clifton House, Kessingland. They were still living at Clifton House in 1921 and William worked as a fisherman. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 July 1915, number DA 7778. he served as a Deck Hand on requisitioned trawlers including the Pausible (? sic) and the Kipper. He was discharged on 17 June 1919.   William married Millie Madeline Knights in 1929. By 1939 they were living at 1 Geneva Cottages, Kessingland Beach, Suffolk, and William worked as a fisherman.On 22 February 1941 a German parachute mine was dropped and fell into the inner harbour at Falmouth. Efforts were made to detonate the mine, but these did not work. A team of divers, from H.M.S. Vernon, attempted to defuse the mine, but this was extremely difficult and on 6 March 1941 it exploded killing three of the Royal Navy men and three sailors who were supporting the diving team. Alfred was one of the sailors on the diving barge. He was killed by the explosion. Three other men were injured, but survived.Another Lowestoft man, Alfred Marjoram, died as a result of the same incident. See: Service Most Silent - remembering those who died in Falmouth 6th March 1941 | WW2Talk

A Private with 2nd Bn. Albert died on 22nd of October 1916 at the age of 25. Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of James Caleb and Emma Louise Rouse. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 December 1891, and his family lived at 16 Reeve Street. By 1901 they were living at 101 Seago Street and, in 1911, Albert worked as a theatre ticket checker.Around 1912 Albert married Edith. In 1913 they lived at 61 Oxford Road and Albert worked as a cinematographic operator. Later Edith lived at Belvedere Terrace, Wenhaston: she remarried and returned to Lowestoft.Albert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the East Surrey Regiment, service number 19995, before being transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He was posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. On 21 October 1916 the 2nd Battalion took over trenches west of the Messines Road, near Romarin. The Battalion War Diary for 22 October mentions no casualties and so we do not know exactly what happened to Albert. Albert's son Donald was a Far East Prisoner of War during World War Two. Albert's brother-in-law, George Knights, was killed in action in 1914 whilst serving with the Norfolk Regiment. 

A Rifleman with 8th Bn., Harry died on 30th of July 1915 at the age of 23.Harry was born at Croydon on 19 August 1892, a son of Henry Lewin and Ada Rouse. He was baptised at Wortwell, Norfolk, on 14 November 1892. From 6 September 1897 to 9 September 1904 Harry was a pupil at Wortwell School.In 1901 his family lived at The Dove Inn, Dove Street, Wortwell, where is father was the publican. By 1911 Harry’s mother had died and his father was still living at the Dove Inn, Wortwell. Later his father married Alice Valiant, and they lived at River View, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. In 1914 Harry volunteered to join the Army and enlisted at Saint Paul’s Churchyard, London. He joined the Rifle Brigade, possibly because his brother Maurice was already serving with that regiment. He was posted to the 8th Battalion and arrived in France with the Battalion on 19 May 1915. He served with D Company.  On 27 July 1915 the Battalion took over trenches from the 7th Rifle Brigade, at Hooge. The strength of the Battalion was 24 officers and 745 other ranks. D Company moved into position S.3 on the right of Zouave Wood. At about 3.15 a.m. the Germans attacked and because of concerns about a possible attack the whole of the British font line were already ‘standing to.’ The German artillery laid down a heavy bombardment for two or three minutes and this was followed by a dense smoke screen which preceded the use of ‘liquid-fire’. Under cover of the flames German bombers were able to move forward through the ‘Crater’ position, and the centre of the 8th Battalion’s line, and begin throwing hand grenades into the British positions. From the beginning the men in Zouave Wood were subject to violent bombardment and all communication was lost. By 12 noon the only organised Company left was D Company and their Captain was ordered to make a counter-attack on a two platoon front and, at the same time the company were to make a bombing attack up the Strand trench. The Battalion War Diary continues:At 2.45 p.m. exactly the counter-attack started. D Company on the right advanced as if on parade. The enemy’s rifle and machine-gun fire had apparently not been in any way silenced by the bombardment. The whole ground was absolutely swept by bullets. The attack was brought to a complete standstill halfway towards its objective and no reinforcements could reach it. . . The second counter-attack had failed. At 3 p.m. the Battalion was taken out of action and had suffered the following casualties:Officers 6 killed, 3 missing, almost certainly killedOther ranks 80 killed, 237 wounded, 132 missing most of whom were believed to be killedD Company’s other ranks casualties were:27 killed in action, including Harry, 1 died of wounds, 7 wounded and missing, 8 missing, 56 Wounded Harry’s brother Maurice served in the Rifle Brigade from 1913 to 1916, when he was discharged because of wounds. His father served in the Royal Navy from 1873 to 1893 and, age 58, was allowed to join the Army in 1916 and served for two years with the Army Service Corps. 

A Warrant Officer with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Norman died on 24th of March 1945 aged 26. Norman was born at Lowestoft on 8 January 1919, a son of James and Olive Rouse. In 1921 his family lived at 40 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. In 1939 his family lived at 39 Winnipeg Road, Lowestoft, and Norman was a solicitor's clerk. In 1943 Norman married Elizabeth G. Chambers, at Lowestoft, and their home was at 90 Saint Leonards Road, Lowestoft.Norman joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939/1940. Norman was Mentioned in Despatches on 11 June 1942. In March 1945 Norman was serving with 105 Operational Training Unit, based at Bramcote, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. On 24 March he was a member of the crew of a Wellington X bomber, number NC691, which was on a night navigation exercise. The aircraft crashed into the Irish Sea off Haverigg, Cumbria.WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Company Sergeant Major with 12th Field Company, Walter died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 42. Walter was born at Pakefield in 1876, a son of Latha and Eliza Harriet Rouse. In 1881 his family lived at 2 Beanes Cottages, London Road, Pakefield. BY 1891 they were living at 79 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 72 Osborne Street, Lowestoft.Walter married Ellen Mooney at Kilworth, County Cork, on 12 August 1910. After Walter's death Ellen lived at Ballyderowne, Kilworth, County Cork.Walter was working as a bricklayer when he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, at Lowestoft on 22 March 1900, for short service, three years with the Colours and nine with the Reserve. Walter went to South Africa on 15 February 1901 and saw active service in the Boer War, being awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal. He joined 38th Field Company on 1 August 1904 and 12th Field Company on 21 March 1905. Walter returned from South Africa on 16 April 1905.On 31 July 1907 he extended his engagement to complete 12 years with the Colours. On 11 October 1907 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and 2nd Corporal on 1 August 1910. Walter extended his engagement, to complete 21 years with the Colours, on 29 December 1911. He was promoted Corporal on 1 December 1913.Walter arrived in France, with 12 Field Company, on 8 September 1914. On 3 February 1915 he was appointed Acting Sergeant and on 3 May 1915 Acting Company Sergeant Major.Walter was Mentioned in Despatches in 1915 (London Gazette 17 February 1915, page 1658), and again in 1918 (London Gazette 17 May 1918, page 5986). He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette 30 June 1915, page 6399) with the following citation: For conspicuous courage and resource while leading his section. He particularly distinguished himself while employed by night in the construction of breastworks.  On 1 September 1915 Walter was promoted to the substantive rank of Sergeant. The War Diary for 12th Field Company gives the following record of the events of 21 March 1918:Company was ordered to stand to in the Corps Lines in front of Morchies at 5.30 a.m. At 5 a.m. while company was proceeding to Corps Line, enemy opened an intensive barrage all along the line. Major Williamson was killed almost immediately. Lieutenant Chatham attached infantry, also became a casualty. Section officers rallied their men and got them into position in the Corps Line.About 12 noon Captain Langley arrived from transport lines and took over command of the Company. About 6 p.m. Corps Line had become the front line and therefore parties were sent out to close gaps in the wire and later parties of the enemy approaching were driven off with rifle fire.2nd Lieutenant Newcombe was wounded about 3 p.m. and killed while being carried to Dressing Station.About 11 p.m. Corps Line was reorganised and Company was withdrawn into Reserve in Vaux-Beugny Rd (sic) at I.6.a.0.7.Casualties suffered: 2 officers killed, 12 other ranks killed, 30 wounded, 7 missingAttached infantry: one officer missing, 6 other ranks wounded, 12 missing Walter was killed in action on 21 March. Walter's personal possessions, religious medallions, religious leaflet, pocket knife, comb, crucifix, and two brooches, were sent to Ellen. 

A Leading Steward with H.M. Trawler Ullswater. William died on 19th of November 1942 at the age of 29.William was born at Carlton Colville on 1 August 1913, a son of William Arthur and Charlotte (Lottie) Eliza Rouse. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 21 December 1913. His family lived at Carlton Street, Carlton Colville and by 1921 they had moved to 19 Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad.In 1932 William married Christina Elizabeth Beckett and by 1939 they were living at 51 Kimberley Road and William worked as a builder's labourer.William was serving on H. M. Trawler Ullswater when it was torpedoed and sunk by a German motor torpedo boat in the English Channel near the Eddystone Lighthouse. At the time the Ullswater was a convoy escort. All 26 of the crew, including William, were killed.   

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Pelagia, Joseph died on 28th of November 1916 at the age of 19. Colin was born at Rushmere on 24 June 1897, a son of Robert and Ellen Rowland. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Rushmere. In 1911 they were still living at The Street, Rushmere, and Colin was a farm labourer. Later his mother lived at The Tuns Cottages, Rushmere.Colin joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 5 October 1915. He served with the trawler Evening Primrose until 14 October 1915 when he joined the trawler Pelagia.On 28 November 1916 the Pelagia was sailing around one mile south-east of the Nab Light Vessel and struck a mine and sank. All twelve of the crew were killed.Note: although his first name was Colin, he used his middle name, Joseph, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve.

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Devon County, Ernest died on 19th of August 1917 at the age of 28. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 16 March 1889, a son George Henry and Eliza Royal. In 1891 his family lived at 42 The Hemplands and by 1901 they were living at 227 Raglan Street. Ernest attended Clapham Road School and, from 2 February 1896, was a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. In 1911 Ernest lived with his sister, Harriet Francis, at 3 Orchard Terrace, and Ernest was a greengrocer’s assistant. By 1915 he was living at 1 Horn Hill Cottages, Lowestoft, with his sister Ethel Abbott.Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915, and he served on the drifter Devon County. On 19 August 1917 Ernest was on leave at Dover. A tramcar taking sightseers to the village of River crashed at Crabbe Hill. There were about 70 people on the tramcar, including Ernest and his fiancée, Miss Hunt of Snargate Street, Dover. Eleven people, including Ernest, were killed and 59, including Miss Hunt, badly injured. An inquiry concluded that the tramcar driver was to blame for the accident has he had not cut off the power when approaching a stop and had not utilised the braking equipment properly, but noted, also, that the tramcar was on a difficult route. Ernest’s body was returned to Lowestoft where he was buried on 25 August 1917. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Cressy, Frederick died on 22nd of September 1914 aged17. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 14 January 1897, a son of Frederick James and Ellen (Nellie) Rudd. In 1901 his family lived at Wood's Loke and by 1915 their home was at 36 Rotterdam Road. Frederick attended Yarmouth Road School, Oulton Broad. In 1914 Frederick worked on the trawler Stowe LT 70.  Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 9 February 1914. Frederick was called out for service at the start of the First World War and on 3 August 1914 joined H.M.S. Cressy. On 28 August 1914 H.M.S. Cressy was part of the British naval force at the Battle of Heligoland Bight, but took no active part in the battle. On 22 September H.M.S. Cressy, sailing with sister ships Aboukir and Hogue, were in the Broad Fourteens area of the North Sea when each ship was sunk by torpedoes from German submarine U-9. A total of 560 men, including Frederick, were killed in the loss of the Cressy. On Saint Margaret's War Memorial (Roll of Honour has 'T. Rudd')Note: on Frederick's Royal Naval Reserve service record he claimed to have been born in 1896. 

A Mate with sailing trawler Chrysolite (Lowestoft), Olley died on 4th of July 1917 at the age of 59. Olley was born at Blundeston in 1858, a son of William and Mary Ann Rudd (formerly Goffin). He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 21 March 1858. In 1861 his family lived at Lound Road, Blundeston, and this was still their address in 1871.On 29 December 1880 Olley married Laura Amelia Grice at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston. Olley was a fisherman and Laura a servant and they both lived at Blundeston. In Olley worked trawler Londesborough at Lowestoft.   In 1891 Olley, Laura, and family, lived at 78 Seago Street, Lowestoft, and Olley was a smacksman. This was still their home in 1901, when Olley worked as a fisherman. By 1911 their home was at 102 Love Road (corner of Seago Street).On 4 July 1917 the Chrysolite was fishing four nautical miles off Haisbro Lightship. The trawler struck a mine and sank. Five of the crew were killed. Olley's son-in-law, John Howes, served with the Norfolk Regiment and died in September 1917. 

A Private with the 18th Battalion, Percy died on 10th of November 1917 at the age of 32.Percy was born at Blundeston on 8 March 1885, a son of John and Mary Ann Rudd. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Blundeston. By 1901 they were living at The Street, Blundeston, and Percy was a bricklayer’s labourer. Later his mother lived at Ocean Cottages, Blundeston. On 22 February 1911 Percy sailed on the Royal George for Halifax, Nova Scotia. On 28 September 1915 Percy attested for the Canadian Army at Saint Catherines. Percy had been working as a carpenter. He joined the 2nd Depot Battalion on the Canadian Mounted Rifles, service number 225636. He embarked the S.S. Olympic on 2 April 1916 and arrived in England on 12 April and was taken on strength of the Canadian Command Depot, Shorncliffe. On 17 September 1916 he was transferred to the 9th Reserve Battalion, at Shorncliffe. He was drafted to France, on 27 September 1916, and joined the 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry on 10 October 1916. On 17 January 1917 Percy received a gunshot wound to his face, which was categorised as ‘slight’. He was admitted to No 4 General Hospital, Camiers, on 21 January 1917. On 29 January 1917 he joined the Base Details at Etaples. He joined the 2nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion on 27 February 1917 and rejoined his unit, in the field, on 7 April 1917. Percy was admitted to No 11 Canadian Field Ambulance, on 26 May 1917, to be treated for scabies, and he rejoined his unit on 11 June 1917.During the night of 8/9 November 1917 the 18th Battalion moved into front line trenches in the Calonne II Sector and held these positions until relived on the night of 12/13 November. The battalion war diary records that due to the weather and shell-fire the front line trenches were in very poor condition and in places water was waist deep. The front line trenches, and nearby country, was subject to frequent barrages and it became extremely difficult to evacuate the wounded.During their tour the battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six wounded, one gassedOther ranks: 45 killed, 60 wounded, 25 gassedThe battalion war diary gives no indication of what exactly happened to Percy, but his service papers note that he was killed in action on 10 November.

A Lance Corporal with 15th (Suffolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Ernest died on 7th of October 1918 aged 19. Ernest was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of Ernest and Harriet Ruffles. In 1901 his family lived at 30 Lovewell Road and by 1911 they were living at 70 Lovewell Road.Ernest enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2300, and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France. Later he was posted to the 15th Battalion, with service number 320306. There is no official record to show when, where, or how, Ernest was wounded, but it is possibly that it was on either 4 or 5 October. He was taken to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations in the Lapugnoy and Lozinghem area, where he died of wounds. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Princess Irene., Arnold died on 27th of May 1915 at the age of 19. Arnold was born at Somerleyton on 11 March 1896, a son of Arthur and Laura Rumsby. In 1901 his family lived at Brickfield Cottages, Somerleyton. By 1911 Arnold's mother had died and his family lived at 1 Station Cottages, Somerleyton, Lowestoft, and Arnold was a bricklayer's labourer. On 19 December 1911 Arnold joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class. When the war began he was serving on H.M.S. Magnificent. On 16 February 1915 the Magnificent was 'paid off' and Arnold was drafted to H.M.S. Princess Irene. In May 1915 the Princess Irene was moored in Saltpath Reach, in the Medway Estuary, between Port Victoria and Sheerness. The ship was being prepared for a mine-laying mission, and this included loading the ship with mines. At 11.37 a.m. the ship exploded catastrophically. 273 crew, including Arnold, were killed, along with another 76 dock workers and two civilians, on shore, who died as a consequence of the explosion. A Court of Inquiry concluded that the mines were being hastily primed by untrained personnel and that a faulty primer caused the explosion. 

A Private with 49th Bn., Arthur died on 3rd of April 1916 at the age of 27. Arthur was born at Oulton Broad on 16 April 1887, a son of William and Sarah Ann Rumsby. In 1891 his family lived at Hern House, Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, and this would be the family home for the rest of Arthur's life. .Before moving to Canada Arthur served for three years with the Lowestoft Volunteers. Note: when Arthur enlisted he gave his first name as Stanley, hence military records list him as Stanley Rumsby rather than Arthur Rumsby. Arthur was working as a bricklayer when attested for the Canadian Infantry at Edmonton, Canada, on 11 January 1915. He joined the 49th Battalion. He sailed from Montreal for England on 3 June 1915 and on 9 October 1915 arrived in France. In April 1916 the 49th Battalion were at Ypres, south of the Ypres-Menin Road. On 3 April 1916 Arthur received gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen and was taken to 10 Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his wounds at 8.15 p.m.Note: most of the records in Arthur's service file state that he died of wounds received in action, but one casualty card suggests that his wounds were accidental. 

A Civilian, Doris died on 12th of May 1941 aged 18. Doris was born at Lowestoft on 4 May 1923, a daughter of John and Mabel Rose Runacres. In 1921 her family lived at 32 Norwich Road and, by 1939, at 18 May Road, and Gladys was a grocer’s assistant.  During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. Doris, her mother and her sister, died at their home, 18 May Road, during the air raid. Her niece Jean was also there and died with them.     

A Civilian, Gladys died on 12th of May 1941 aged 27. Gladys was born at Lowestoft on 22 October 1913, a daughter of John and Mabel Rose Runacres. Gladys was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 14 November 1913, and her family lived at 46 May Road. In 1921 her family lived at 32 Norwich Road and, by 1939, at 18 May Road, and Gladys was a book binder.  During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. Gladys, her mother and her sister, died at their home, 18 May Road, during the air raid. Her niece, Jean, was also there and died with them.    

A Civilian, Mabel died on 12th of May 1941 aged 54. Mabel was born at Peckham, Surrey, on 12 December 1886, a daughter of Daniel and Roseanna Barton. In 1891 her family lived at 6 Brookdale Road, Lewisham. By 1901 Mabel’s father had died and her family had moved to Lowestoft, her mother’s home town, and lived at 38 Raglan Street and Mabel worked as a dressmaker. On 24 November 1906 Mabel married John Runacres at Saint Margaret’s Church. John was a rigger living at 61 Haward Street and Mabel lived at 56 Crown Street. In 1909 they lived at 52 May Road. By 1921 they were living at 32 Norwich Road and by 1939 at 18 May Road.  During the night of 11 to 12 May 1941 an air raid took place and houses on May Road were badly damaged. Alfred J. Turner said that there was a crater in the middle of the road with four houses flattened on one side and the houses on the other side of the road were shattered. He said it was the worst damage that he had seen. Mabel, and two of her children, died at their home, 18 May Road, during the air raid. Her grandaughter Jean was also there and died with them.   

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Wallena. Sidney died on 24th of December 1940 at the age of 28. Sidney was born at Pakefield on 18 August 1914, a son of John and Ellen Rushmere. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Marshalls Buildings, Nelson Road central, Great Yarmouth. Later his parents lived at 8 Crown Street, Lowestoft.Sidney was serving on the minesweeping trawler Wallena when he was accidentally drowned at Granton Harbour, Edinburgh. Sidney's uncle, William Rushmere, was killed in action in 1915 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. 

A Private with 1st Bn, William died on 25th of May 1915 at the age of 33. Son of Charles Rushmere. William was born at Kirkley in 1882, a son of Charles and Caroline Rushmere. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 15 April 1881. His family lived at 22 Lovewell Terrace, Kirkley. By 1891 they were living at 56 Clement Square, Lowestoft, but the 1891 Census shows William and his father at Hoford Barn, West Tilbury (his father was from Tilbury). By 1901 William’s father had died, his family lived at 6 Marine Cottages, Kirkley, and William was a bricklayer. In 1906 William married Ellen May Smith. In 1911 they lived at 6 Church Street, Pakefield, William was a general labourer - bricklayer. In 1917 Ellen married Cyril Wells and they lived at 51 Lorne Road, Lowestoft. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 3 May 1915 to join the Battalion and he served with B Company. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 1st Battalion’s attack endeavours on 24 and 25 May 1915, pages 78-79:On 24 May the Battalion fell in and moved towards Ypres. As the main bridge over the canal into Ypres was being heavily shelled 2nd Lieutenant Kemp guided the battalion to a small pontoon bridge which he knew to be intact. After negotiating the bridge successfully, the battalion set of across country at a smart pace and, skirting the pond at Zillebeke, reached Witte Poort Farm at about 5 o’clock in the evening, having sustained a few casualties on the way from artillery fire directed from an observation balloon.In front of the farm ran a sunken road, with a deep ditch bordered by a hedge on the far side; beyond lay a field with a fringe of wood at its lower end in which the Germans were entrenched, their position being only about a hundred yards away. Two companies formed the firing line, with the others following, trickled across the road, the Germans holding their fire as they did so. The battalion, crouching in the ditch with bayonets fixed, now received from Major Maycock the order to charge. Captain Rushbrooke, on the right began pushing his way through the hedge, all the others following suit. Instantly the Germans poured in a most deadly fire, which so thinned the line that the objective was never reached. The order was then given to retire and reform. Shortly afterwards their brigade was ordered to launch another attack: Bellewarde Farm was to be taken at all costs, so at midnight the battalion again moved up to the west side of Witte Port Farm, but not in touch with either of its flank units. The attack was to be launched on a front of about four hundred yards. Two companies were put in the firing line on the extreme right, the other two being in support. Again the order was given to charge, and the battalion led by Major Maycock began to advance, but immediately came under a withering fire as on the previous occasion. Men fell in heaps everywhere, and within a few minutes the advance was definitely held up. The attack as a whole failed. One small point, on the sunken road, was held all day. Heavy shelling also took place on the 25th and during the day two officers and some stragglers returned to battalion headquarters. The battalion now numbered three officers and 181 other ranks.The battalion’s casualties for 25 May were two officers killed, three wounded, and two missing, and, among the other ranks, three killed, 37 wounded, and 91 missing.    William was reported missing on 25 May. By June it had been presumed that he had been killed in action but enquiries about Frederick, made through the Red Cross, continued until 1916. William’s nephew, Sidney Rushmere, died in 1940 whilst serving with the Royal Naval Reserve. Note: The Commonwealth War Graves website incorrectly gives his service number 16745. 

A Second Lieutenant with 4th Battalion attached to the 11th Battalion, Ernest died on 6th of September 1917 at the age of 20. Ernest was born at Great Yarmouth on 22 June 1897, a son of John Ernest and Caroline Sarah Rushmore. He was baptised at Great Yarmouth on 29 August 1897 and his family lived at Southtown. In 1901 his family lived at 1 Richmond Place, Kirkley. By 1911 the family were living at 12 Grosvenor Road and later at Victoria House, The Esplanade, Lowestoft.Ernest enlisted in the Army and joined the London Regiment, service number 6236. He was posted to the 2/28th Battalion. In March 1916 the 2/28th Battalion became No 15 Officer Cadet Battalion. On 5 September 1916 Ernest, until then an Officer Cadet, was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers (Special Reserve). He was posted to the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion and was then attached to the 11th Battalion in France and joined the battalion, in the field, on 5 July 1917. On 3 September 1917 the 11th Battalion took up positions at Westhoek Ridge, Belgium. The battalion war diary for 6 September has:At about 7 a.m. a minor operation was carried out by Division on our left, which brought down a heavy enemy barrage on the forward slope of Westhoek Ridge, lasting about one and a half hours. Enemy shelling continued throughout the day. Again at 7.30 p.m. the enemy opened a heavy barrage on our front which lasted until 9.15 p.m.Casualties: - 2nd Lt E.R. Rushmore and 13 O.R.s killed in actionBattalion was relieved by Loyal North Lancashire Regiment commencing at 9 p.m.

A Seaman Cook,  with H. M. Trawler Argyllshire. Frederick died on 1st June 1940 at the age of 19.Frederick was born at Pakefield on 3 April 1921, a son of William Warford and Jessie Jean Rushmore. In 1921 his family lived at 37 Pakefield Street, Pakefield, and by 1939 they were living at 17 Prospect Place, Lowestoft.During World War Two Frederick served on the requisitioned trawler Argyllshire. The Argyllshire was used for minesweeping duties. At 02.45 on 1 June 1940 the Argyllshire was sunk by a German E-Boat S-34, a motor torpedo boat, off Dunkirk. The Argyllshire was involved in the Dunkirk evacuation at the time. Only five of the crew survived.

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Labrador (Lowestoft), Frederick died on 23rd of January 1915 at the age of 34.Frederick was born at Pakefield on 5 October 1881, a son of William Frederick and Elizabeth Ann Rushmore. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 13 November 1881. Frederick attended Cunningham Infants School from 13 April 1885 and, from 25 June 1888, Cunningham Mixed School. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Beach Street, Pakefield. On 3 January 1910 Frederick married Florence Ethel Taylor at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Frederick was a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 6 Wilson Road, Kirkley, and Frederick was a drift net fisherman. After Frederick's death, Florence remarried and lived at 69 Pakefield Street, Lowestoft.On 23 January 1915 the trawler Labrador, LT 1165, left Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. The trawler was due back in Lowestoft on Sunday 31st. The trawler was not seen again and it was presumed that the trawler had struck a mine and sank with all eight crew. Frederick's brother John died in 1941 in the loss of the Fishing Vessel Westfield. 

A Boatswain with Fishing Vessel Westfield (Milford Haven), John died on 6th of July 1941 at the age of 42. John was born at Pakefield on 7 September 1897, a son of William Frederick and Elizabeth Ann Rushmore. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 9 October 1898. John attended Cunningham Infants School from 2 September 1901 and his family lived at 15 Prospect Place. By 1917 John was living at Woodbine Cottages, Pakefield Street.John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 May 1917. He was demobilized on 5 April 1919. In 1921 John worked as a seaman on trawler LT 1139. On 26 May 1928 John married Ruby Adelaide Rogers at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. John was a fisherman living at Pakefield, and Ruby lived at 8 Duke's Head Street, Lowestoft. After John's death Ruby lived at 69 Pakefield Street, Lowestoft.John worked on the Fishing Vessel Westfield. The Westfield went missing on, or after, 6 July 1941, off Saint Govan's Head, near Lundy Island. It is thought that the vessel was sunk by enemy aircraft. John's brother Frederick died in 1915 in the loss of the trawler Labrador. 

A Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Sphinx, Bert died on 3rd of February 1940 at the age of 22. Bert was born at Lowestoft on 1 March 1917, a son of Bert Edmund and Alice Ellen Elizabeth Ruthen. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 25 March 1917 and his family lived at 85 Arnold Street. By 1921 his family were living at 187 London Road, Lowestoft. Later they lived at 175 High Street, Lowestoft. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Bert served on the minesweeper H.M.S. Sphinx. The Sphinx was minesweeping in the Moray Firth, fifteen miles north of Kinnaird Head, when it was bombed by a German aircraft. Five men were killed in the attack. Attempts were made to save the ship but the Sphinx capsized. A total of 49 crew, including Bert, died. 

A Private with 1st Bn., Abiah died on 25th of April 1915 at the age of 33. Abiah's actual first name was ObadiahAbiah was born at Lowestoft in 1882, a son of (Samuel) Richard and Mary Ann Sabberton. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Stevens Street, Lowestoft, and in 1901 were still living at 7 Stevens Street and Abiah worked as a quay labourer. Between 1899 and 1903 Abiah served in the Suffolk Artillery Militia. On 15 August 1910 Abiah married Mabel Honor Utting at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. Abiah was a labourer living at 53 Stanley Street and Mabel lived at 7 Norwich Road. By 1911 they were living at 61 Trafalgar Street.Around 1901 Abiah began working as a labourer for the Great Eastern Railway Company at the Lowestoft Harbour Works and he continued in this employment until he enlisted. Abiah played football in the Great Eastern Railway team and also took part in tug of war. Abiah volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 23 February 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. On 22 April 1915, at the northern end of the Ypres Salient near St Julien, the French and Canadian troops were subjected to a gas attack. This attack caused the troops to retreat and caused up to 5,000 deaths and 15,000 casualties. The Germans  advanced 3-4 km, broke the Allied lines and threatened Ypres. The 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment moved forward and fought alongside the 1st Canadian Division to counter the German attack. The 1st Battalion was taken out of the line on 24 April and went into reserve near Frezenberg. However, they were immediately ordered to take up a position on the Frezenberg Ridge near the village of Fortuin. They took a position of the left flank of the Canadians. The Battalion was also exposed to a gas attack, suffering a large number of casualties.Abiah was wounded on 24 April 1915 and died of his wounds at hospital in Boulogne the next day. Abiah's brother William died in 1915 in the loss of the trawler Speeton. His brother George died in 1917 whilst serving with Paddle Mine Sweeper Glen Rosa.

A Second Hand with H.M. Paddle Mine Sweeper Glen Rosa, George died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 40.George was born at Lowestoft on 20 September 1877, a son of (Samuel) Richard and Mary Ann Sabberton. By 1881 his family was living at 34 Stevens Street.On 1 March 1899 George married Maud Elizabeth Hammersley at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. George was a fisherman living at 45 Stanley Street, and Maud lived at 10 Searle's Buildings, The Beach. In 1901 they lived with Maud's family at 24 Duke's Head Street and George worked on the trawler Rose Bud, LT 594, at Newlyn. In 1911 their home was at 7 Nobbs Buildings, Whapload Road, and George was a herring fisherman. By July 1915 they were living at 2 Roberts Buildings, The Beach, Lowestoft. Later Maud lived at 27 The Hemplands, Lowestoft.George he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 July 1915. He joined the trawler Dorothy Rose on 26 July 1915. He was drafted to the Glen Rosa on 26 May 1917. George drowned accidentally. He fell overboard from the Glen Rosa when slinging out rope and sank before he could be rescued. George's brother Abiah was killed in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment and his brother William also died in 1915 whilst serving with the trawler Speeton.  

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Speeton., William died on 31st of December 1915 at the age of 49. William was born at Lowestoft on 9 April 1866, a son of (Samuel) Richard and Mary Ann Sabberton. In 1871 his family lived at 22 Clemence Street. By 1881 they were living at 34 Stevens Street and William worked as a mariner. He was a brother of Mrs. Mary Tarrell of 45 Stanley Street Lowestoft. On 3 October 1885 William married Bertha Maria Garvey at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. William was a labourer and they both lived at 6 Ivy Terrace. By 1891 they had moved to Liverpool and lived at 113 Edgeware Street and William worked as a dock labourer. In 1901 they lived at 2 Russell Place, Garston, Lancashire, and William was a general dock labourer. By 1911 they had a home at Beaconsfield Terrace, Garston, but William was working a railway labourer lodging with his brother Samuel at 7 Princess Terrace, Rosamond Street, Hull, when the Census was taken. William was living at 7 Mulberry Terrace, Westbourne Street, Hull, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 September 1915. He joined the trawler Speeton on 2 October 1915. The Speeton was sunk by a mine laid by the German submarine U-7. All eleven of the crew were killed. His son, Ernest Edward, was killed in May 1915 whilst serving in the Australian Army. William's brother Abiah was killed in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment and his brother George died in 1917 whilst serving with Paddle Mine Sweeper Glen Rosa.

A Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 13th of November 1916 at the age of 22. George was born at Stowupland, Suffolk, in 1894, a son of George Henry and Margaret Salter. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Stowupland, on 11 March 1894. In 1901 his family lived at The Police Station, Stowupland. By 1911 his family were living at Diss and by 1915 their home was at 42 Beaconsfield Road,George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17567. He arrived in France on 3 August 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. He was wounded in August/September 1915 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of casualties 11 October 1915. By the summer of 1916 he had been promoted to Corpora. George was wounded in August 1916 and his name appears in the War Office Daily List 26 September 1916.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.  George was killed in action on 13 November.

A Private with 9th Bn., Kenneth died on 21st of February 1916 at the age of 20.Kenneth was born at Holloway, London, on 24 October 1895, the only son of Harry Thomas and Adelaide Samuel. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Grand Parade, Archway Road, Hornsey. By 1911 they were living at 24 Wilton Road, Muswell Hill. In 1916 they lived at 149 Beedell Avenue, Westcliff, and subsequently they lived at 2 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Kenneth was educated at Tollington School, Muswell Hill, London, and subsequently became an Analytical and Metallurgical Chemist. Kenneth volunteered and enlisted in the Army, at Warley, on 31 August 1914. He joined the Royal Fusiliers and served with A Company, 9th Battalion, He arrived in France, with the Battalion, on 1 June 1915. In January 1916 Kenneth spent two weeks in hospital suffering from influenza and returned to duty on 27 January. On 21 February 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near the Hohenzollern Redoubt. Lieutenant W.V.L. Van Someron wrote to Kenneth's family describing what had happened:On the day your son was hit we had 'stood down' about half an hour and your son happened to be one of the day sentries when they started sending these grenades over. One can see them coming towards you, and it speaks very high indeed of your son's courage that he stuck at his post, for, as far as I can make out from the other men in the neighbouring fire bay, your son must have seen the bomb falling in the direction of the bay. I was extremely sorry when the affair occurred, for, quite apart from anything else, your son had been in my platoon right from the start of the formation of the battalion.   Kenneth was wounded in the back and legs by a trench mortar. He died of his wounds at 38th Field Ambulance. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Robert died on 27th of July 1916 at the age of 21. Robert was born at Ludham on 10 May 1895, a son of John and Mary Anne Sands. In 1901 his family lived at the Police Station, Church Plain, Wells-next-Sea, Norfolk. In 1906-1907 Robert attended Reepham School and left when his family moved to Terrington. In 1911 the family lived at the Police Station, Downham Market, as Robert’s father was the Superintendent of Police. While the family lived at Downham Robert was a clothier’s assistant working for Mr. W.P. Wash. Later his parents lived at 33 Beresford Road.Robert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich in September 1914. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 13230. On 1 May 1915 Robert arrived in France to join the 1st Battalion. Robert received a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. He was admitted to No 3 Casualty Clearing Station, Bailleul, on 2 July 1915, and the next day he was transferred to No 14 Ambulance Train. Once recovered he returned to serve with the 1st Battalion. On 26 July 1916 the 1st Battalion moved up to assembly positions in Longueval. En route they were subjected to a heavy enemy barrage of poison gas shells. By 2 a.m. on 27 July they were at Longueval. At 5.10 a.m. a British artillery barrage began, and a German barrage fell on the 1st Battalion at Longueval. The German bombardment continued throughout the day. The battalion were to begin an assault at 7.20 a.m., but many officers and men had either been buried by the barrage or were casualties. Despite the casualties and problems, the battalion was able to make an attack and were able to capture some of the enemy trenches and took four officers and about 150 men prisoner.The battalion’s casualties for 27 July were:Officers: one killed, one missing believed killed, five wounded, three shell-shockOther ranks: 50 killed, 148 wounded, 50 missing believed killed, 5 shell-shock, 4 gassedRobert was killed in action on 27 July.   

A Private with 2/2nd Bn., William died on 15th of September 1917 at the age of 33. William was born at Lowestoft on 19 September 1883, a son of Herbert Johnson Sandwell and Clara Sandwell. he was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 14 October 1883, and his family lived at 57 Bevan Street. By 1891 William's father had died and his mother had married Edward Wren and his family lived at 77 Bevan Street, Lowestoft. By 1901 his family were living at 128 Denmark Road and William was a general labourer. His family were still living at 128 Denmark Road in 1911 and William worked as a smack owner's labourer. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Bedfordshire Regiment, number 240622, and served in France with the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment from 17 July 1917 until 19 August 1917 when he joined the 2/2nd Battalion London Regiment, number 245191. During the night of 12/13 September 1917 the 2/2nd Battalion moved into trenches north-east of Saint Julien, including a small farmstead known as Springfield. On 13 September the Germans made an attack on Springfield, but failed. The Battalion remained in their positions near Saint Julien until relieved during the night of 18/19 September. William was killed in action, near Saint Julien, on 15 September 1917. William's step-brother Clifford Wren died in 1914 whilst serving with the 2/6th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. 

A Lance Corporal with 2nd Battalion, Frank died on 22nd of November 1915 at the age of 25. Frank was born at Kirkley on 1 November 1889, a son of Frederick and Rachel Sanham. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 1 December 1889, and his family lived at 1 Barnham Cottages, Saint John’s Road, Lowestoft. In 1891 his family lived at Turner’s Buildings, 1 Saint John’s Road. From 14 January 1895 Frank attended Kirkley School. By 1901 they were living at 2 Mill Cottages, Mill Road, Lowestoft, and Frank was an errand boy. Later his parents lived at 58 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft. In 1905 Frank’s brother, Frederick, enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment. Frank also enlisted in the Army, at Lowestoft, in late 1907/early 1908. Frank also joined the Norfolk Regiment. In 1911 Frank was serving with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment at Aldershot. It seems that Frank was in India, with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when the First World War began. The Battalion went straight to Mesopotamia and Frank arrived there, with the rest of the Battalion, on 15 November 1914. Frank 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. Frank was reported missing, presumed dead, at Ctesiphon, on 22 November 1915. The Battalion suffered 267 casualties during the Battle of Ctesiphon, around half their fighting strength.  

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Thistle, Charles died on 8th of May 1941 at the age of 57.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 11 September 1883, a son of Charles and Harriet Sansom. He was baptised at Saint John's Church on 15 May 1885 and his family lived at West Raglan Street. In 1891 his family lived at 51 West Raglan Street, and by 1901 at 16 Stanford Street. On 18 October 1906 Charles married Emma Eliza Holland at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Charles was working as a fisherman and lived at 16 Stanford Street. Emma was living at 250 Denmark Road. In 1911 they lived with Emma's family at 250 Denmark Road.In 1907 Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1939 Charles and Emma lived at 27 Corton Road, Lowestoft, and Charles worked as a fisherman.During World War Two Charles served as a Skipper with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, number TS 511 (formerly WS 3394), with seniority from 13 February 1940. He took command of the Girl Pamela on 11 April 1940, and from 19 June 1940 the Young Mon. He served on the Lochinvar from 20 October 1940 and, from 4 December 1940, the Tilly Duff. From 15 February 1941 he was the Skipper of the Thistle. On 8 May 1941 the Thistle struck a mine in the North Sea. Eight crew, including Charles, were killed, and one survived. NOTE: It is thought that during World War One Charles served with the Royal Naval Reserve and became a Skipper in 1918 (number WFS 574) with command of the Chimaera from 3 May 1918. This is noted in the Royal Navy List but needs to be confirmed.

A Skipper with Steam Drifter Reliance (Lowestoft), Albert died on 7th of October 1917 at the age of 35. Albert was born at Redisham, Suffolk, in 1881, a son of Charles and Mary Sarbutt. In 1891 his family lived at Halesworth Road, Redisham. Later his parents lived at Oulton Road, Lowestoft, before moving to Crossway Cottages, Blundeston.In 1901 Albert, who was also known as John, or Jack, was a seaman working on the trawler Forward, LT 708, at Saint Ives, Cornwall. On 26 December 1906 Albert married Eva Mary May Barnes at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Albert was a fisherman living at Church Road and Eva lived at 2 Cathcart Street. In 1911 their home was at Oulton Road, by 1912 they were living at 35 Cambridge Road, and by 1917 at Ellen Cottages, The Street, Blundeston. Later Eva lived at 38 Carrow Road, Norwich.In 1917 Albert was the Skipper of the Drifter Reliance, LT 694. The Reliance sailed from Lowestoft, on Saturday 29 September, to fish between Wintertons Ridge and Smiths Knoll, and was due to return on Monday 8 October. The Reliance was seen by several boats outside Winterton Ridge during the evening of October 6. A member of the crew of the Lord Roberts, William Westmate, stated at an inquiry that his crew had hauled their nest and gone below when, about five minutes later, they heard an explosion. This was presumed to be the Reliance striking a mine. All ten of the Reliance’s crew were lost. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Bredon. Arthur died on 8th of February 1943 at the age of 20. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 22 August 1922, a son of James Robert and Alice Rose Saunders. By 1939 his family were living at Bloodmore Lane, Gisleham, Suffolk.Arthur was serving on the anti-submarine trawler, off the Canary Islands, when it was sunk by a torpedo from submarine U-521. Forty-three of the crew, including Arthur, were killed. 

A Second Lieutenant with the 15th Battalion , Charles died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 28.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 30 January 1888, a son of Benjamin and Maria Saunders. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 30 March 1888. In 1891 they lived at 133 High Street, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 28 Lyndhurst Road.In 1911 Charles worked as a bank clerk, for Barclays Bank, at Beccles and lived at Hermon, Waveney Road, Beccles.Charles married Alma Calver in 1915, this registered in the Wangford district. After Charles' death Alma lived in Beccles and then at Kessingland. She married Percy Stannard in 1925. Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, service number 23069. He was already a Lance Corporal when he arrived in France, on 17 July 1915, to join the 6th Battalion. Within months he had been promoted to Acting Sergeant. Charles was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment on 28 November 1915. He was posted to the 13th (Reserve) Battalion. In 1916 he was posted to the 15th (1st Leeds) Battalion. He joined the Battalion, in France, on 19 June 1916 and was posted to D Company for duty. Charles was killed in action on 1 July 1916. The 15th Battalion’s War Diary gives the following details:7.30 a.m. Battle of the Somme commenced.The attack (at Serre) was launched in successive waves. Every wave was met by a very severe sweeping machine-gun fire. There had been an hour’s intense artillery bombardment of the enemy’s front lines and a ten minute intense ‘hurricane’ trench mortar bombardment but when the advance was made the enemy front line was thick with men. . . Large numbers of our men were casualties long before reaching the German wire. Some were reported to be over the front enemy trenches and in their first objective. Our casualties were 24 officers (15 killed) and 504 men (233 killed).A soldier in the 15th Battalion, and survivor of the attack, Private A.V. Pearson, is quoted, in Martin Middlebrook’s book about the First Day of the Somme, as saying:The name of Serre and the date of 1st July is engraved deep in our hearts, along with the faces of our 'Pals', a grand crowd of chaps. We were two years in the making and ten minutes in the destroying.

A Cook with the trawler Speculator. Daniel died on 9th of November 1914 at the age of 41.Daniel was born at Lowestoft in 1873, a son of William and Elizabeth Saunders. In 1881 his family lived at 27 Selby Street and, in 1891, at 8 Selby Street. In 1901 Daniel worked as a trawler fisherman and lived at 60 Stevens Street. By 1909 he was living at Edinburgh Road. In 1914 he lived at Southwell Road.  The trawler Speculator, LT 1050, was last seen between 4 and 5 p.m. on 9 November 1914 fishing in the Yarmouth field near Smith's Knoll. The Skipper of the trawler Achieve reported that he heard an explosion around 8 p.m. that evening and it was presumed that this was the sound of the Speculator being blown up by a mine. The next day wreckage from the Speculator was found. See: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Deck Hand, with the drifter Datum, Frederick died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 22. Frederick was born at Spexhall, Suffolk, on 21 June 1893, a son of John and Rose Saunders. Frederick's mother died when he was a child and he lived with his aunt Annie E. Thompson at 7 Beach Road, Lowestoft. Frederick enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and joined the drifter Datum on 16 January 1915.During the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Datum was sunk by German destroyers. Frederick and all of the other members of the crew were lost.For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Gunner with 24th Siege Battery, George died on 22nd of September 1918 aged 40. George was born at Panxworth by Ranworth, Norfolk, on 10 May 1878, a son of William and Mary Saunders. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Beighton, on 25 July 1880 and his family lived at Beighton. On 16 October 1888 George became a pupil at Ranworth School. In 1891 his family lived at The Meadow, Ranworth, Norfolk. By 1901 they were living at The Marshes, Flixton, and George worked in a blacksmith’s shop. Later his family lived at 72 Kemps Heath, Oulton. On 13 August 1901 George married Ruth Agnes Coleby at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, and in 1911 they lived at 3 Mill Cottages, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and George was a blacksmith’s striker. George was a petroleum spirit worked when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 25 November 1915. He was placed on the Army Reserve and called up on 8 July 1916. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A.), service number 102213, and was posted to 1 Depot. On 19 July he was posted to the Tynemouth R.G.A., and on 26 August to 217 Siege Battery. George had influenza and was admitted to 3 New Zealand Hospital, Codford, on 28 December and discharged on 18 January 1917 and was based at Portsmouth. He joined the Wessex R.G.A. on 10 February (possibly 378 Siege Battery). On 9 July he was posted to No 1 R.G.A. Depot. George was then posted to France, to serve with 268 Siege Battery, and arrived on 24 July 1917. On 3 September he received a shrapnel wound to his left thigh and admitted to 92 Field Ambulance before being sent to 39 Casualty Clearing Station. On 5 September he was transferred, via 33 Ambulance Train, to a General Hospital at Wimereux. He was evacuated to England on 9 September and admitted to Bath War Hospital the next day. He was discharged on 23 October. On 2 November 1917 he joined the Command Depot at Ripon. George returned to France on 5 February 1918 and joined 24 Siege Battery on 13 February. He was injured on 27 March but remained at duty. There is no war diary for George’s battery and no indication of what precisely happened to him other than that he was killed in action. He was buried at map reference 66c.X.9.d.5.6. and huis grave marked with a cross. Later he was reburied at Savy. In February 1919 Ruth wrote to the Army asking for socks and other items she knew had been bought by George for their son to be forwarded. The Army had no record of these items. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Bracklyn, John died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 32. John was born at Lowestoft on 17 January 1885, a son of Aldous Ward and Sarah Elizabeth Saunders. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 25 February 1885, and his family lived at Anguish Street. By 1901 his family was living at 2 Wellington Cottages and in 1911 they lived at 2 Herring Fishery Score. It is possible that in 1901 John was working on the trawler Smiling Morn, LT 768.    On 28 December 1909 John married Mildred Cook at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. John was a fisherman living at 17 May Road and Mildred lived at 150 Saint Peter’s Street. By 1915 they were living at 39 Edinburgh Road and later Mildred lived at 38 Cambridge Road.John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 June 1915 and served on the 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. John’s brother Joseph was killed in the loss of the trawler Derwent in 1920.  

A Cook with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), Joseph died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 21. Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 16 March 1899, a son of Aldous Ward and Sarah Elizabeth Saunders. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Wellington Cottages. By 1911 they were living at 2 Herring Fishery Score, and in 1916 they lived at 6 Maltster’s Score. In 1919 Joseph married Lilian Ethel Prettyman: this was registered in the Mutford district. Their home was at 2 Wells Yard, Saint Peter’s Street. In 1922 Lilian married Edward Godbold. Joseph joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 February 1915, service number 11494/DA. He served as a Boy on the trawler Renovate until 5 June 1915 when he joined the Veracity. On 16 March 1916 he joined the Asimo II and he was advanced to Deck Hand. He joined the trawler Dreel Castle on 24 December 1916 and was with H.M.S. White Oak from 19 February 1917. From 21 January 1918 he was with H.M.S. Attentive II, and he joined H.M.S. Halcyon II on 20 February 1918. He then went to the trawler Admire on 16 March 1918. He was demobilized on 3 April 1919. In 1920 Joseph worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew.  Joseph’s brother John served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Kenneth died on 9th of October 1943 aged 20. It seems that Kenneth was born at Huntingdon on 2 September 1923, a son of John William and Isobel Clara Saunders. In 1939 his family lived at 36 Monckton Avenue, and Kenneth was an apprentice electrician.Kenneth enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1941. By October 1943 he was an Air Bomber serving with 106 Squadron based at Syerston, Nottinghamshire. On 9 October Kenneth was a member of the crew of a Lancaster I bomber, number W4242 ZN-A, that was shot down by a night fighter, near Rodewald, about 23 miles north-west of their target Hanover. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 11th Bn. Robert died on 23rd of September 1917 at the age of 20. Robert was born at Lowestoft on 2 February 1897, a son of Robert Heslop and Elizabeth Saunders. In 1901 his family lived at of 77 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and this was Robert's home throughout his life. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 21 September 1902.Robert joined the Army at Lowestoft in March 1916. He joined The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and in September 1916 was posted to the 11th Battalion in France and served with C Company.On 8 February 1917 he was admitted to 139 Field Ambulance with bronchitis and was transferred to 41 Divisional Rest Station.We do not know where, or when, Robert was wounded, but he died of his wounds and, based on where he is buried it is likely that he died at a Casualty Clearing Station.

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Vigorous. Samuel died on 18th of October 1918 at the age of 19. Samuel was born at Lowestoft on 9 April 1897, a son of William John and Eliza Saunders. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 5 May 1899 and his family lived at Malsters Score. By 1901 they were living at 3 Spurgeon's Score and by 1911 at 1 Florence Terrace, Saint John's Road. By 1915 their home was at 12 Raglan Street. Samuel joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 31 August 1915 and served on the trawler Daily Bread. On 26 November 1915 he joined the Eskburn. He joined the Reward on 12 May 1916. he then joined the Satellite, on 6 October 1917; the Samuel Spencer on 31 December 1917.Samuel contracted influenza and was admitted to the Royal Naval Sick Quarters at Larne (H.M.S. Vigorous) on 11 October 1918. He then developed pneumonia which proved fatal. 

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Phillip died on 25th of February 1944 aged 24. Phillip was born at the Isle of Wight in 1920, a son of Sidney Phillip and Evelyn Beatrice Savage. Phillip’s father died in 1926 and, by 1939, his mother was living at 25 West Road, Caister-on-Sea. Phillip’s uncle, Herbert James Savage, lived at White House Farm, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Phillip enlisted in the Royal Artillery, service number 877898, in 1938 and served with 73 Anti-Aircraft Regiment. On 8 July 1941 he transferred to the Royal Air Force. By February 1944 he was a Navigator serving with 100 Squadron based at Waltham, Lincolnshire. On 25 February Phillip was a member of the crew of a Lancaster III bomber, number ED815 HW-P, on a raid to Schweinfurt. Phillip’s aircraft crashed. Two of the crew survived and were captured. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 8th Bn. George died on 14th of April 1917 at the age of 33. George was born at Lowestoft in 1884, a son of William and Jane Savory. In 1891 his family lived at 123 Wollaston Road and this was still their home in 1901. On 19 July 1903 George married Mary Ann Grimble at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 24 Marine Parade, Lowestoft, with George's parents, and George worked as a bricklayer. Mary died in 1912. George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and served, initially, with the Royal West Kent Regiment, service number G/16657. George was then transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 6th Battalion in France and he later joined the 8th Battalion.  About 2.30 a.m. on 14 April 1917 the 8th Battalion received orders to move through Corporal Trench, by the Grenay-Lens Railway to the objectives: Cowden Trench and Fosse 12. During the day the Battalion sustained 25 casualties, including George.

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Hector died on 25th of October 1942 at the age of 22. Hector was born at Antingham, Norfolk, in 1920, a son of William John and Honoria Hannah Say. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Antingham, on 13 June 1920. In 1921 his family lived at Southrepps Road, Antingham. By 1939 his family were living at 44 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.Hector enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, but was later transferred to the East Yorkshire Regiment. Hector was wounded at El Alamein on 25 October 1942 and died of his wounds the same day. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Elfin, Charles died on 16th of May 1943 aged 25. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 25 February 1918, a son of Sidney George and Mabel Dorothy Sayer. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 7 April 1918 and his family lived at 67 Roman Road. By 1921 his family were living at 87 Queen’s Road. Later his parents lived at Newlyn, Cornwall.Charles married Evelyn Jessie Lee in early 1943. She lived at 52 Kirkley Run.Charles joined the Royal Navy in 1933. In May 1943 he was serving at H.M.S. Elfin, the submarine base, at Blyth, Northumberland. On 16 May 1943 Charles was on guard duty. Toward the end of his duty, he took his own life and an inquest concluded that he had died from a self-inflicted bullet wound whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed. No one at the inquest could offer any reason why Charles would take his own life.Note that Commonwealth War Graves records state that he served with H.M.S. Dolphin, whereas the Royal Navy War Graves records shown that he was serving with H.M.S. Elfin and died at Blyth. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Frank died on 27th of March 1918 at the age of 25. Frank, otherwise known as Francis, was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of Francis Robert and Marie Elsie Sayer. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 13 August 1897 and his family lived at 4 Battery Green Road. By 1911 his family were living at Saint Margaret’s, The Marina, and Frank was a fish merchant’s clerk, possibly working for his father. Later his family lived at 94 Clapham Road, and his brother John lived at 19 The Esplanade. Frank was already serving with the Territorial Force when the First World War began. He was a member of the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 1272. He did not go overseas before 1916. Frank was posted to the 7th Battalion in France with service number 43211.    On 26 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were given the task of protecting the approaches to the town of Albert against the German advance. A Company were to defend the railway cutting area with positions covering the Albert-Millencourt Road and the Albert-Amiens Road. In the next two days the Battalion held the defences but suffered 244 casualties. Frank was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on 26 to 27 March 1918.Frank's brother Walter served in the Mercantile Marine and died in 1918. 

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Gabir, Frederick died on 24th of May 1918 at the age of 34. Frederick was born at Carlton Colville on 19 March 1884, a son of Charles and Alice Sayer. His family has not been traced in the 1891 Census, but in 1901 they were living at 7 Victoria Road, Carlton Colville, and Frederick, like his father, was a wherryman. On 13 September 1908 Frederick married Maria May Breach at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frederick was a fisherman and they both lived at Whapload Road. In 1911 their home was at 2 Swiss Cottage, Whapload Road. Frederick was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1912. By 1915 they were living at 59 Trafalgar Street. Later Maria lived at 130 Denmark Road, and subsequently she lived at 5 Sunshine Terrace, Oulton Broad.Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 23 September 1915. Initially he served as a Deck Hand with the trawler Avon. He was promoted to Second Hand on 15 June 1916 and joined the trawler Mana Prince. The Mana Prince has not been traced, but may be an alternative name for the Q-Ship Mana, also known as the Goblin. On 17 February 1917 he joined Q 23, also known as the Result, and on 3 March 1917 he joined the trawler Victoria Regina. Frederick was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, London Gazette 29 June 1917, for his work in minesweeping operations between 1 July 1916 and 31 March 1917. On 11 June 1917 Frederick was promoted to Temporary Skipper. He joined the minesweeping trawler North King on 8 July 1917, and the Garnet on 1 October 1917. Frederick joined the trawler Desiree on 1 November 1917, and, on 1 January 1918, he joined the trawler Thomas Ansell. Frederick took command of the trawler Gabir on 1 March 1918. On 24 May 1918 the Gabir was patrolling off Pakefield and struck a mine. Frederick, and another man, were killed in the explosion and three seriously injured.  Frederick’s brother-in-law, John Breach, served in the Suffolk Regimen and died in 1914. 

A Second Mate with S.S. Mesopotamia, Walter died on 30th of November 1918 at the age of 23. Walter was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Francis Robert and Marie Elsie Sayer. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 13 August 1897 and his family lived at 4 Battery Green Road. By 1911 his family were living at Saint Margaret’s, The Marina, and Walter was a boarder at Framlingham College. Later his family lived at 94 Clapham Road, and his brother, John, lived at 19 The Esplanade. In 1915 Walter was an apprentice in the Mercantile Marine and he served on S.S. Inveresk. By 1918 Walter was the Second Mate on the troopship S.S. Mesopotamia. Officially records show that Walter was accidentally shot and killed. This may have been connected to the fact that the S.S. Mesopotamia was a troopship.  Walter's brother Frank served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1918. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Albert died on 16th of August 1916 at the age of 26. Albert was born at Oulton in 1890, a son of William John and Isabella Scarle. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 14 September 1890. In 1891 his family lived near Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, and by 1901 at Main Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and Albert was an apprentice carpenter. Late his parents’ address was Foxboro House, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.Albert enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 24713. Albert went to France in 1916 to join the 2nd Battalion. On 16 August 1916 the 2nd Battalion were at Guillemont and involved in an attack a feature known as Cochrane Alley where a German block-house was known to be a significant stronghold. The battalion made efforts to take, and hold, part of Cochrane Alley: work significantly hampered by machine-gun fire and enemy snipers. The battalion’s casualties from 16 to 18 August were:Officers: one killed, eight wounded, one missingOther ranks: 39 killed, 151 wounded, 80 missingAlbert was killed in action ‘on or since 16 August 1916’.

A Sapper with 103rd Field Company, Clifford died on 28th of May 1917 at the age of 26.Clifford was born at Oulton in 1891, a son of William John and Isabella Scarle. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 8 November 1891. In 1891 his family lived near Saint Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad, and by 1901 at Main Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, and Clifford was an apprentice plumber and painter. By 1916 his parents’ address was Foxboro House, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.Clifford was working as a plumber when he attested for the Army at Great Yarmouth on 22 November 1915. He was mobilized on 4 April 1916 and joined the Royal Engineers, service number 166366. His military trade was plumber and he was assessed as ‘skilled’. Clifford arrived in France on 10 November 1916 and joined the Royal Engineers General Base Depot. On 8 January 1917 he joined no 1 Reinforcement Company and then, on 4 May 1917, he joined 103 Field Company.  From 12 May 1917 103 Field Company were at Steenvoorde, Belgium, and were working for X Corps. On 28 May Clifford and 2nd Corporal Williams were both killed by shell fire. Both Clifford and 2nd Corporal Williams are buried next to each other.  

A Gunner with 435 Battery, 131 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Edward died on 20th of August 1943 aged 28. Edward was born at Stowmarket on 13 May 1915 a son of Fredrick and Florence Scarles. In 1921 his family lived at 45 Upper Cliff Road, Gorleston. Later his parents lived 75 Beresford Road, Lowestoft, before moving to Salisbury, Wiltshire.  On 20 December 1934 Edward married Eileen Elizabeth Mary Cheek at Saint Margaret’s Church. Edward was an insurance agent living at 72 Love Road, and Eileen lived at 29 Queens Road. In 1939 they lived at 5 Sussex Road and Edward was an invoice typist. Edward enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1940 and was posted to 85 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment on 18 October 1941. Subsequently he joined 131 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. In August 1943 Edward’s regiment were giving anti-aircraft cover along the Kent coast. Edward died as the result of an accident, the details of which are unknown. 

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Eyrie. Thomas died on 2nd of September 1914 at the age of 48. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1865. No details of his parents have been found. In 1871 he was a pauper inmate at the Oulton 'House of Industry'. By 1880 Thomas was working at sea and in 1880-1881 he served on the sailing trawler Strive. On 29 October 1889 Thomas married Elizabeth Hale at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Thomas was a fisherman and they both lived at 70 London Road. By 1900 they were living at 35 Wollaston Road, and by 1914 at 62 Norwich Road, Lowestoft. Thomas was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1891. Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 as a Warrant Skipper. He died when H. M. Drifter Eyrie struck a mine in the North Sea. The Irish Times of Thursday 3 September 1914, page 6, has:BLOWN UP BY MINESNews reached Lowestoft yesterday that the steam drifter Eyrie has been blown up by a sunken mine in the North Sea. Of the crew of eleven six were drowned. The disaster happened early yesterday, the vessel sinking in three minutes. The drowned included Thomas Scarll, William Slater, and Robert Burch, all belonging to Lowestoft. The Eyrie recently saved the crew of a Danish steamer sunk by a mine in the vicinity. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Golden Rule, Herbert died on 26th of February 1918 at the age of 31. Herbert was born at Badingham, Suffolk, on 17 June 1886, a son of John and Mary Ann Scoggins. In 1891 his family lived at Pound Green, Badingham, and by 1901 they were living ‘near the Hall’, Knodishall, Suffolk, and Herbert was a stable lad-groom. Herbert married Edith Bunn in early 1914. They lived at Tunns Cottages, Black Street, Rushmere.Herbert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 February 1915 and served on the trawler Golden Rule. Herbert was serving on the Golden Rule and was wounded in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."Nine British drifters were sunk and others, including the Golden Rule, badly damaged. Herbert was one of three members of his crew that became casualties. Herbert died at the Royal Naval Infirmary, Deal, on the night of 26-27 February 1918, from wounds sustained in action on 15 February 1918.  

A Private with 2nd Bn., Clifford died on 22nd of January 1916 at the age of 21.Clifford was born at Benacre in 1894, a son of Isaac and Annie Maria Scott. In 1901 his family lived at The Turnpike, Shadingfield. By 1911 they were living at Meadows Cottages, Flixton, near Lowestoft, and Clifford was a yard boy on a farm. Later his family lived at 43 Kimberley Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft.Clifford enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment at Great Yarmouth in March 1914. He did not immediately go overseas when the First World War began, rather he arrived in France on 3 December 1914 to join the 2nd Battalion. Clifford was a 'bomber' (a trained bomb - or hand grenade thrower).  At 2 a.m. on 22 January 1916 the Germans exploded a mine beneath the 'Bluff' trenches, close to the Ypres-Comine Canal, held by the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment. The explosion created a crater 60 by 40 yards wide and 40 yards deep. About 100 men were killed, buried alive, or injured by the explosion. The Germans did not follow up the explosion with an attack, but hampered rescue efforts with rifle fire. Clifford was among those killed at that time.In 1924 Clifford's body was found at Map Reference 28.0.4.a.60.95 and identified from his identity disc. He was reburied at Poelcapelle British Cemetery. 

A Private with 6th Bn., William died on 22nd of August 1917 at the age of 38. William was born at Camberwell, London, in 1877, a son of Allan and Maria Scowen. In 1881 his family lived at 3 John Street, Camberwell. By 1891 William was working as a pawnbroker’s warehouse-boy and lodging with his employer, Walter Blackall, at 241 Walworth Road, Newington, London. In 1902 William married Beatrice Lily Gower. Beatrice, who was sometimes known as Lily, came from Beccles. By 1911 William and Lily were the proprietors of the Marlboro' Commercial Hotel dining rooms at 12 Pier Terrace, Lowestoft. By 1918 Beatrice was also running the Khaki Cafe, New Market, Beccles. Later Beatrice lived at 8 Pier Terrace.  William enlisted in the Army at Lambeth. Initially he served with the East Surrey Regiment, service number G/23448. He was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry, number 27360, and posted to the 6th Battalion in France.  On 21 August 1917 the 6th Battalion attacked the German positions in the vicinity of Inverness Copse. They had a number of strong points to deal with and faced sustained machine-gun fire. They were engaged in heavy fighting around Herenthage Chateau and took around 130 prisoners, but the Battalion lost many officers and the attack faltered through lack of leadership. Reinforcements were sent, in small numbers, but this did not help. About 2 p.m. on the 22nd the Germans, possibly 1,000 in number, grouped in preparation to make a counter-attack. This was checked by British artillery and machine-gun fire. At dawn on the 24th the Battalion was still holding on to Inverness Copse and the Germans counter-attacked in large numbers. Again, the attacked was checked by machine-gun fire. Later in the morning operational control was handed over to the Officer Commanding the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The Battalion’s casualties from 21 to 24 August 1917 were:Officers: 6 killed, 2 wounded and missing, 9 woundedOther Ranks: 42 killed, 74 missing, 209 wounded  William was missing, presumed to have been killed in action on the 22nd August, and Beatrice received official notification to this effect in July 1918. In 1920 William's body was found at map reference Sheet 28 N.E. J.14.c.5.5. He was identified from an identity disc that had his name and East Surrey Regiment details. Subsequently he was reburied at Tyne Cot. 

A Cable Hand with His Majesty's Telegraph Ship Monarch, Harry died on 8th of September 1915 aged 56.Harry was born at Wheatacre in 1859, a son of William and Joanna Seago. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Wheatacre, on 17 July 1859. In 1861 his family lived at The Railway Gate House, Aldeby. This was still their home in 1871 when the eleven year old Harry is recorded as working as an agricultural labourer. By 1881 Harry was working as a fisherman and living at Coleman Square, Lowestoft. On 6 October 1881 Harry married Maria Ellen Burwood at Saint Margaret’s Church. Harry was a fisherman and they both gave their address as ‘Beach, Lowestoft’. By 1891 they were living at East Street, and this was still their address in 1901 and throughout this time Harry worked as a fisherman. In 1911 their home was at 36 Rotterdam Road and Harry worked as a Cable Hand with the cable-laying ship Monarch. Later Maria lived at 23 Princes Road. The Monarch’s crew list for the first half of 1915 shows that Harry was not serving with the ship at that time, but he, and several other Lowestoft men, signed on to serve with the Monarch during the second half of 1915. Harry was working as a Cable Hand on the Monarch when, on 8 September 1915, the ship, sailing 2.5 nautical miles south-west of Folkestone, struck a mine. Three crew, including Harry, were killed.  With thanks to Andy Pearce.

A Sergeant with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Leslie died on 16th of June 1945 at the age of 28.Leslie was born at Brampton, Huntingdonshire, on 27 December 1917, a son of George and Agnes Seaman. In 1921 his family lived at Brampton, Huntingdonshire. By 1939 they were living at 2 Council Houses, High Road, Saint Neots, and Leslie worked as a radio service engineer.Leslie married Phyllis Victorine May Murkett in 1940: this was registered in the Saint Neots district. They lived at Buckden, Huntingdonshire. Note that although Leslie and his family, and Phyllis, lived in Huntingdonshire, Phyllis later moved to Lowestoft. She remarried and lived at 3 Neptune Street.Leslie was accidentally killed. He is named on the war memorial at Buckden. 

A Private with 7th Bn. Thomas died on 29th of August 1915 at the age of 25. Thomas was born at Kirkley in 1890, a son of George and Sarah Ann Secret. His mother died soon after Thomas was born.  The 1891 Census shows Thomas with his uncle and aunt, William and Ellen Secret, at 29 Lorne Road. By 1901 he had become William and Ellen's adopted son and they lived at 43 Windsor Road. However, by 1911, he was living with his biological father and his step-mother, Charlotte, at 82 Saint Leonard's Road and working as a house painter. Later his father lived at 9 Payne Street, Lowestoft.Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. Thomas went to France with the 7th Battalion, arriving there on 28 July 1915.The entry in the 7th Battalion War Diary for 29/30 August 1915 has:Received news of blowing of mine in Sector D 3 29/8. Three men killed, five men wounded, all attached to 178 Tunnelling Company.  Thomas was one of the three men killed in the mine explosion. 

A Private with 11th Bn., Charles died on 3rd of October 1916 at the age of 21. Son of Cornelius William and Edith Seeley of The Lodge Waveney Hill Oulton Broad; Lowestoft Suffolk. Charles arrived in France with the 11th Battalion Essex Regiment on 30 August 1915. Charles' battalion served in the Ypres area before being transferred to the Somme region in August 1916. On the evening of 21 September 1916 the 11th Battalion relieved the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards in trenches near Mealte. During the next eight days they were involved in attack that moved the British line forward toward the village of Les Boeufs, which was taken by the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on 25 September. This period was judged to be a very successful time for the 11th Essex as they took about 200 prisoners and captured 12 trench mortars. However they suffered the loss of 21 men killed and 113 wounded before they moved to billets on 29 September.Charles was among the wounded. He was taken to the 56th (1/1st South Midland) Casualty Clearing Station, at Dernancourt, where he died on 3 October 1916.     

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Royal Oak, Ernest died on 14th of October 1939 aged 21. Ernest was born at Penzance, Cornwall, in 1918, a son of Ernest John and Elizabeth Seeley. In 1921 his family lived at 9 Hall Lane, Lowestoft. Later his family lived at 24 Oulton Street. Ernest was a short-service rating in the Royal Navy, intending to serve seven years with the navy and then five with the reserve, when the Second World War began.On 14 October 1939 the Royal Oak was moored at Scapa Flow. A German submarine avoided the anti-submarine measures and was able to torpedo and sink the ship. Of 1,234 crew 835, including Ernest, were killed or subsequently died of injuries.  

An Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. Collingwood, Harry died on 18th of June 1943 at the age of 19. Harry was born at Oulton Broad on 30 August 1923, a son of Frederick George and Annie Elizabeth Susan Segasby. In 1939 his family lived at 50 Notley Road Lowestoft.On 18 June 1943 a German bomber dropped two bombs on the Royal Navy training establishment H.M.S. Collingwood. One drop fell on the playing field, but the other hit an accommodation block killing 33 men, including Harry, and injuring 38 others. Harry, like the other sailors killed, had only been in the navy for a couple of weeks. 

A Civilian, Edith died on 12th of May 1943 aged 59. Edith was born at Bedminster, Somerset, on 12 August 1883, a daughter of Thomas B and Clara Ann Thorn. In 1891 her family lived at 184 Coronation Road, Bedminster. By 1901 their home was at 18 Church Road, Bristol, and Edith was a boot shop assistant. In 1911 Edith’s family lived at 43 Kingston Road, Southville, Bristol.On 6 July 1913 Edith married John Selwyn at Saint John’s Church, Bedminster, Bristol. John was a shop keeper and they both gave their address as 95 Clarence Road, Bedminster. John served with the Worcestershire Regiment during the First World War. While John was overseas Edith lived at 62 Mina Road, Bristol, but when John was discharged from the Army, in July 1919, he stated that he would be living at his father’s house, Yew Tree House, Ashleworth, near Gloucester. It seems that from that time onwards Edith and John did not live together and in 1921, when the Census shows Edith as a visitor, with Edith Ward, at 17 Saint Quentin Avenue, Kensington, London, Edith described herself as a widow, even though John was still alive and did not die until after 1939.It appears that Edith lived in London during the 1920s and 1930s and that she did not move to the Lowestoft area until 1938/1939. The 1939 Register shows her living at 4 Corton Road.Edith died at 4 Corton Road during the Focke-Wulf Raid.