A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Clement died on 25th of March 1918 at the age of 24. Clement was born at Lowestoft on 24 November 1893, a son of Clement Frederick and Celia Emily Sendall, and his family lived at 62 Cambridge Road. He was baptised at Christ Church on 8 April 1894. In 1901 his family lived at 47 Mariners Street. By 1911 they were living at 14 Ipswich Road, and Clement was a grocer’s apprentice. Later his parents lived at Park Estate, Oulton Broad.Clement enlisted in the Army at Peterborough. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 23397. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in France, and joined B Company and was in V Platoon.  On 23 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion marched to Licourt and then moved to positions on the west bank of the river, with D Company at Cizancourt, and A Company at Epenancourt. On 24 March 23 Brigade, on the battalion’s right, were attacked and driven back, leaving the battalion’s right flank in danger. The infantry action continued throughout the day, until about 5 p.m., and later the battalion were reinforced by the 5th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. The battalion created a defensive flank toward the Sherwood Foresters and the line to the north, but there was an unavoidable gap in the battalion’s line. During the night of 24/25 March the enemy attacked on the right causing the battalion to withdraw. A Company held their position until nearly surrounded and had to fight their way back. This rearguard action allowed the rest of the battalion to make an orderly withdrawal on the railway embankment, near Marchelepot. Later a further withdrawal was made to Ablaincourt. Clement was reported missing on 25 March and in subsequent months enquiries were made with the Red Cross. Later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on, or since, 25 March 1918.  

A Deck Hand, James died on 21st May 1947 at the age of 67.James was born at Chedgrave on 9th March 1880, a son of Daniel and Mary Sergeant. In 1881 his family lived at The Street, Chedgrave. By 1901 his family were living at The Pits, Chedgrave, and James worked as an agricultural labourer. In 1903 James married Kate Mary Vann and by 1911 they were living at 3a Carlton Road, Pakefield. It seems that James became a fisherman before 1911. In 1917 James and Kate were living at Bolton Street, Brixham. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve, as a Deck Hand, on 7th August 1917, service number 17572 D.A. James served on the requisitioned trawlers Zaria and Flowers O'Noray and was discharged on 28th April 1919 and he, and Kate, returned to Lowestoft. By 1927 James and Kate were living at Highbank, London Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft. In 1947 James was a Deck Hand on the Trawler Bucentaur. On 21st May 1947 the Bucentaur was involved with a collision with the American merchant/troopship Wilson Victory, sailing from Bremerhaven (for details see Wood v. United States, 125 F. Supp. 42 (S.D.N.Y. 1954) :: Justia ).The Bucentaur was lost with all hands.   

A Leading Seaman, Arthur died on 30th January 1943 aged 24.Arthur was born at Lowestoft in 1919, a son of Arthur George and Ada P. Sewell. In 1921 his family lived at 44 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft. By 1939 his family lived at Wrights Cottages, High Street, Kessingland.In January 1943 Arthur was serving with the corvette H.M.S. Samphire. On 30 January 1943 the Samphire was escorting convoy TE-14 as part of the North Africa campaign. When off Bougie, Algeria, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Platino with the loss of 44 lives. 

A Boy Cook with H.M. Trawler John Pascoe, Frederick died on 28th of October 1917 at the age of 17. Frederick was born at Flixton on 11 March 1900, a son of Robert and Mary Ann Sexbury. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Flixton. By 1911 they were living at Saint Mary’s Terrace, Flixton Road, Bungay. Later his parents lived at 23 Ipswich Road, Lowestoft, then 62 High Street, and then 44 Princes Road. From 8 April 1907 to 18 April 1913 Robert was a pupil at Bungay Boys School. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich on 28 August 1915. He was only fifteen years old, but claimed to be 19. At the time he was living at Mile End, Mettingham Road, Bungay, and working as a grocer’s assistant. Frederick joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 19995. In February 1916 Frederick contacted his family telling them that he was due to be posted to France. On 5 February 1916 his mother wrote to the Army stating ‘I greatly object to his going being underage have forwarded birth certificate to certify age’. Once Frederick’s real age was made known to his battalion officers he was honourably discharged, on 21 February 1916, ‘having made a mis-statement as to his age on attestation.’ Frederick joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 23 May 1917. He served with H.M.S. Kingfisher, until 5 June 1917, when he joined H.M.S. Vivid. From 24 July 1917 he was with H.M.S. Pekin and, on 6 august 1917 he joined the trawler John Pascoe. Frederick developed tubercular meningitis and he died, from this condition, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Truro. Note: Frederick’s surname has variant spellings including Sexbury, Sexburry, and Sexbery.   

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leslie died on 4th of October 1941 aged 21. Leslie was born at Beccles in 1920, a son of Florence Emly Sexton. In 1921 Leslie was staying with Edward and Alice Rouse at 39 Alexandra Road, Beccles, and his mother, and two older brothers, lived at Manor Farm, Ellingham. Leslie’s mother died in 1926, and Leslie became the foster-son of his aunt Mildred Jane Searles. In 1939 his family home was at 26 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft. Leslie joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937 to train as a pilot. In October 1941 Leslie was serving with 220 Squadron. On 4 October 1941 he was a member of the crew of a Hudson III aircraft, number V9066 NR-V, that flew from Wick, Caithness, on a patrol off the Norwegian Coast. The aircraft was presumed to have been lost over the North Sea.   WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Mechanician 1st Class with H.M.S. Earraid, Robert died on 22 July 1946 at the age of 26. Robert was born at Kessingland on 28 December 1919, a son of Robert and Ellen (Ellie) Shade. In 1921 his family lived near Boundary Farm, Mutford. Robert’s mother died in 1934 and in 1946 his father lived at The Crown Inn, Mutford. Robert served with the Isles Class Trawler H.M.S. Earriad (T 297). Note: the Royal Navy War Graves Roll shows him 'with' H.M.S. Drake, this is because H.M.S. Drake was the accounting base for H.M.S. Earraid. In 1945 Robert married Ellen Wright: this registered at Barrow-in-Furness. They lived at 33 Farm Street, Barrow-in-Furness. Robert died from ‘Lymphosarcoma of jejunum’ at Whittingham Emergency Hospital, Preston, Lancashire.   

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Lindsell. Arthur died on 3rd of September 1914 at the age of 51. Arthur was born at Gisleham in 1863, a son of Shadrach William and Mary Ann Sharman. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Gisleham, on 31 January 1864. In 1871 his family lived at Gisleham. By 1881 Arthur was a fisherman working on the trawler Blue Bell of Lowestoft. On 26 December 1887 Arthur married Alice Patrick at Saint Andrew's Church, Mutford. Arthur was a fisherman and they both lived at Mutford. By 1891 their home was at Hulver Road, Mutford, and they were still living at Hulver Road in 1911.  Arthur was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand in 1910. Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and served on the steam drifter Lindsell. The Lindsell struck a mine thirty miles off the East Coast, near the Humber, and sank with the loss of five crew, including Arthur. The survivors were rescued by H.M.S. Speedy but 15 minutes later the Speedy also struck a mine and sank.   Arthur's son William was killed in 1916 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. His son Cecil was killed in 1918 whilst serving with the trawler Elise. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Lindsell. Bertie died on 3rd of September 1914 at the age of 27.Bertie was born at Carlton Colville in 1887, a son of Edward James and Amelia Sharman. In 1891 his family lived at Bell Corner, Calrton Colville, and in 1901 their address was Bell Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Peacock Terrace, Carlton Colville, and Bertie was a stoker on a steam drifter. On 16 October 1912 Bertie married Mabel Frances Grimwood at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. Bertie was working as a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. By 1914 they were living at Peacock Terrace, Carlton Colville, and later Mabel lived at 1 Gordon Terrace, Kirkley, and then 638 London Road, Lowestoft.Bertie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914 and served on the steam drifter Lindsell. The Lindsell struck a mine thirty miles off the East Coast, near the Humber, and sank with the loss of five crew, including Bertie. The survivors were rescued by H.M.S. Speedy but 15 minutes later the Speedy also struck a mine and sank.   Bertie's brother Herbert served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918.

A Seaman with H.M. Trawler Elise., Cecil died on 22nd of September 1918 at the age of 22. Cecil was born at Mutford on 1 April 1896, a son of Arthur and Alice Sharman. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Mutford, on 1 May 1898. In 1901 his family lived at Hulver Road, Mutford, and this was still the family address in 1911. The 1911 Census shows William working as a cow boy. Cecil joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 January 1915. He served on the trawler Lord de Ramsey until 15 August 1915. He joined the trawler Elise on 10 July 1916. Cecil was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 6 April 1918) for services in the Auxiliary Patrol during 1917.On 22 September 1918 the Elise was escorting a convoy two miles off Saint Mary's Lighthouse, Blyth, when the vessel was sunk by submarine U-34. All of the crew were killed. Cecil's father was killed in 1914 in the loss of the drifter Lindsell. His brother William died in 1916 while serving with the Suffolk Regiment. 

A Chief Engineman with H.M. Trawler Hayburn Wyke. Harry died on 2nd of January 1945 at the age of 46.Harry was born at Lowestoft on 3 August 1897 (hence was actually 48 when he died), a son of John Edward James and Mary Anne Sharman. Between 1901 and 1911 Harry's family lived at 4 Wilde's Score, Lowestoft, and the 1911 Census shows Harry working as a Telegraph Boy. During the First World War both Harry, his father, and his brother, also called John Edward James, all served with the Royal Naval Reserve. Harry joined on 2 March 1915 and initially served as a Deck Hand. For a time Harry and his father both served on the requisitioned trawler 'Bon Espoir'. From 1 September 1915 Harry served on board H.M. Trawler 'Manzanita'. On 28 January 1916 Harry was confirmed in the rate of Engineman. Harry was serving on the Manzanita on 6 September when the vessel ran aground on the Ugenti Rocks, near Bari, and was written off as a wreck. Thereafter Harry served with the drifters on the Otranto Barrage: effectively a naval blockade of the Strait of Otranto. On 14/15 May 1917 the Austro-Hungarian navy raided the barrage. By this time Harry and his father were both serving on different trawlers but both were, according to their service records, 'Noted for Services.' This led to Harry's father being Mentioned in Despatches. In 1918 Harry's brother was also Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. In 1918 Harry married Dorothy Marion Rivett at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 12 October 1918. The marriage register shows his address as 47 Reeve Street, and gives his occupation as 'Patrolling R.N.R.' In 1920 Harry and Dorothy were living at 269 Raglan Street and in 1921 at 15 Haward Street. For a time, in 1923, Harry and Dorothy lived at Cleethorpes, but soon returned to Lowestoft. By 1939 they were living at 83 Kirkley Gardens.Harry joined the Navy on 23 March 1940 and served with the Patrol Service. In May 1940 he was an Engineman on the requisitioned trawler Boy Roy. The Boy Roy helped in the Dunkirk. On 28 May the 'Boy Roy' was bombed in an air raid and had to be beached and abandoned in Dunkirk Harbour. Harry was noted for his service at Dunkirk and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (London Gazette 16/08/1940).

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Halcyon II, Herbert died on 5th of December 1918 aged 23. Herbert was born at Carlton Colville on 9 July 1895, a son of Edward James and Amelia Sharman. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 25 August 1895. In 1901 they lived at Bell Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Peacock Terrace, Carlton Colville, and Herbert was a grocer’s errand boy. In late 1917 Herbert married Daisy Vera Baker: this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1918 Daisy was living at 3 Heath Terrace, Kessingland. In 1919 Daisy married Alfred Folkard. Herbert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 4 October 1917. On 21 November 1917 he joined the trawler Henry Gratton and on 25 January 1918 he joined the trawler, Sylvia. On 27 July 1918 he was drafted to H.M.S. Halcyon II.   Died at the Cottage Hospital, Lowestoft, from pneumonia. Herbert’s brother Bertie served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1914. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Thomas died on 3rd of July 1916 at the age of 27. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1889, a son of Thomas Edward and Mary Jane Sharman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 26 May 1889. In 1891 his family lived at 104 Cambridge Road and this was still their home in 1901. Later his parents lived at 84 Park Road. On 19 March 1911 Thomas married Florence Jane Storey at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Thomas was a plumber living at 84 Park Road and Florence lived at Battery Green. In 1911 they lived at 1 Park Holm Terrace, High Street, and later Florence lived at 3 Park Holm Terrace.Thomas volunteered to join the Army. He enlisted at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 14462. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and landed in France with the Battalion on 31 August 1915. At some point he was posted to the 7th Battalion. On 3 July 1916 the 7th Battalion took part in a frontal attack on the village of Ovillers, in the Somme region of France. Although initially successful the attack faulted because, when in the village, German troops were able to infiltrate the successive lines of the British attack and inflicted heavy casualties. The 7th Battalion lost 21 officers, and 458 men, killed wounded or missing, but some of those missing did return to the battalion in the following days.Thomas was among those killed in action on 3 July 1916.

A Private with 2nd Bn., William died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 20. William was born at Mutford on 24 September 1895, a son of Arthur and Alice Sharman. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Mutford, on 3 November 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Hulver Road, Mutford, and this was still the family address in 1911. The 1911 Census shows William working as a cow boy. William volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. On 26 January 1915 he arrived in France to serve with the 2nd Battalion. William was wounded, probably at Ypres in April 1915, and his name appears in the official casualty list dated 10 May 1915.On 2 March 1916 the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment were involved in an attack at The Bluff, near St. Eloi, south-east of Ypres. This attack was judged to be very successful and and of the enemy tranches were taken and three enemy machine guns captures and 49 prisoners taken. However, the 2nd Battalion suffered loses, including William.  William's father was killed in 1914 in the loss of the drifter Lindsell. His brother Cecil died in 1917 while serving on the trawler Elise. 

A Seaman Cook with H.M. Trawler William Wesney. Edmund died on 7th of November 1940 at the age of 28. Edmund was born at Lowestoft on 24 June 1912, a son of Arthur and Ethel Sharpe. Note: the 1921 Census states that he was born at Penzance. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Avondale Road, Lowestoft, and later at 32 Minden Road, Lowestoft. Edmund married Alice Maud Cook at Lowestoft in 1932. By 1939 their home was at 46 Poplar Road, Carlton Colville.Edmund was serving on the minesweeping trawler William Wesney when the vessel struck a mine off Orfordness. Five of the crew, including Edmund, were killed. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, William died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 36. William was born at Lowestoft in 1880, a son of William and Eliza Sharpe. In 1881 his family lived at 1 Whapload Road. By 1901 they were living at 9 Lighthouse Score, Whapload Road, and William was a boat builder’s labourer. Later his family lived at 42 Seago Street. In 1911 Wiliam lodged at 37 Trafalgar Street and he was a fishing industry storekeeper.William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 4389, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, in 1916. On 14 August 1916 the 1/4th Battalion moved into an area of trenches known as Seaforth, Black Watch and Worcester Trenches, near High Wood. At 2.45 p.m. on 18 August the battalion attacked the German trenches opposite their position as part of a brigade assault. D and C Companies reached the German line but had to retire as they had both flanks ‘in the air’ and no reinforcements were forthcoming. Two Lewis rifles (machine-guns) were positioned in the German trench and hostile bombing attacks repulsed. Finally, the men withdrew to Seaforth Trench. In the attack the battalion had three officers killed and three wounded, and 33 other ranks killed, 108 wounded, 17 missing presumed killed and 23 missing.  William was reported missing on 18 August 1916 and it was not until July 1917 that it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 18 August. As he was missing, and his fate unknown, he was renumbered, as 201478, in March 1917, but he would never have known or used that service number. 

A Private with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Gerald died on 26th of June 1943 aged 28. Gerald was born at Minehead, Somerset, on 15 February 1915, a son of Frank and Ethel Annie Shaw. His father was killed in 1917 whilst serving with the Somerset Light Infantry. His family lived at The Shrubbery, White Hart Street, East Harling, Norfolk.  By 1939 his family were living at 12 Whapload Road, Lowestoft, and Gerald worked as a printer's estimating clerk. Later his mother lived at Oulton Broad. Gerald's precise unit is not stated on Commonwealth War Graves or Far East Prisoner of War records, but it is likely that he was in one of the units in 18 Division and that he arrived at Singapore in January 1942.Gerald was taken prisoner at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 and was sent to work on the Burma Railway. He died whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. 

A Stoker 1st Class with H.M.S. Dulverton, John died on 15th of February 1945 aged 29. John was born at Shirebrook, Derbyshire, in 1915, a son of John William and Selina (Lena) Shaw. He was baptised at Shirebrook on 13 October 1915. In 1921 his family lived at 49 Devonshire Street, Shirebrook. John married Dorothy Jackson at Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook, in 1938.At some point Dorothy moved to Lowestoft. She remarried in 1946 and continued to live in the Lowestoft area. Commonwealth War Graves records show that John had served with the destroyer H.M.S. Dulverton. The Dulverton was bombed by German aircraft, off Greece, on 13 November 1943 and was scuttled. John’s name does not appear in the Royal Navy War Graves roll and his death was registered in the Shirebrook district. It seems, therefore, that John was wounded, or injured, in the loss of the Dulverton and discharged from the navy, then dying at Shirebrook in 1945.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Receptive. William died on 3rd of July 1941 at the age of 36.William was born at Lowestoft on 30 May 1905, a son of George Thomas Shaw and Rosanna Shaw. In 1911 his family lived at 6 Factory Court, Factory Street, Lowestoft. By 1921 they were living at 9 Gun Lane, and William worked as a labourer at the Jewson's Saw Mill on Belvedere Road, Lowestoft. In 1935 William married Ellen Victoria Haylock at Lowestoft. In 1939 they lived at 3 Factory Court, Factory Street, Lowestoft, and William worked as a fisherman-stoker.During World War Two William served on the requisitioned drifter Receptive. On 3 July 1941 the drifter was in the Thames Estuary, about two miles north of Sheppey. The drifter detonated a mine, possibly an acoustic mine, and was blown up. Nine men, including William, lost their lives.SEE: RECEPTIVE (wildfire3.com) NOTE: Commonwealth War Graves records give his age as 45. This is not correct. All civil records, including birth indexes, the 1911 and 1921 Censuses and the 1939 Register, show that he was born in 1905. 

A Gunner, William died on 25th of July 1921 at the age of 24. William was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of John Charles and Florence Ellen Shepherd. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 5 November 1897 and his family lived at 8 Hervey Street. By 1901 they were living at 17 Beresford Road, and in 1911 they lived at 19 Royal Avenue.William was a priest of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.In 1917 William married Violet Agnes Harrison, in Norwich. By 1921 they were living at 29 Duoro Street, Norwich, and William worked for J. Harrison and Co., Marine Engineers at the Fisheries Iron Works, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft.William joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 885194. He was wounded (this may have been gas poisoning) in 1918 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 14 June 1918. He served as a Gunner/Fitter. William died at Norwich from gas poisoning, pulmonary tuberculosis, haemoptysis, conditions resulting from his war service. William’s name appears on Saint Margaret's War Memorial.

A Civilian, Douglas died on 10th of April 1941 aged 17. Douglas was born on 29 December 1923, a son of Robert and Kathleen Emma Sherrington. Douglas was probably born at Aldringham with Thorpe, where is father was a Police Constable. By 1939 Douglas’ father had died and his family lived at Denehurst, Park Road, Lowestoft.   Douglas was a member of a First Aid Post and was injured when the First Aid Post at Till Road was bombed on 9 April 1941, he died the next day at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital.

A Seaman Steward with H.M. Trawler Rinovia. Ernest died on 2nd of November 1940 at the age of 23. Ernest was born on 21 May 1917, a son of John William Mayhew and Eva Elizabeth Shillings. In 1939 his family lived at 1 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, and Ernest worked as a general labourer. Later his parents lived at 30 Alma Road, Lowestoft.Ernest served with the Royal Artillery from 1935 to 1938. On 2 November 1940 the Rinovia was on patrol around two miles from the Saint Anthony Lighthouse. The trawler struck a mine and sank. Thirteen of the crew were killed, including Ernest, and one survived.  Ernest was a first cousin, once removed, of James Shillings who died in 1916 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, James died on 13th of April 1916 at the age of 26. James was born at Lowestoft in 1889. When registered his name was given as James Mayhew Shilling, but some sources, especially census records, give his surname as Shillings, however his extant military records give his name as Shilling. He was a son of William John Mayhew and Annie Shillings. In 1891 he was a nurse baby being cared for by Martha Tripp at 16 Chapel Street. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Factory Court, Factory Street. By 1911 they were living at 104 Cambridge Road Lowestoft, and James was a cooper - fish barrel maker. In 1904 James fell into the sea near the Outer Harbour at Lowestoft and was saved by a labourer named James Sykes. James volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 20299. He was posted to the 7th Battalion and arrived in France on 29 December 1915.  It appears that James was wounded when the Battalion were in trenches near Noyelles, but exactly when is not known. Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects states that he died of his wounds on 15 March 1916, but all other sources give the date as 13 April 1916. We do not know exactly where he was when he died, but, given that he is buried at Bethune, he may have been at 33rd Casualty Clearing Station.     James was a first cousin, once removed, of Ernest Shillings who served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service and died in 1940.  

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Vanguard (Lowestoft), died on 24th of October 1917 at the age of 53. Henry was born at Great Yarmouth on 6 July 1864, a son of Henry Charles and Susan Shimmon. He was baptised at Saint Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth, on 10 January 1869. In 1871 his family lived at Row 140, Great Yarmouth. In 1881 Henry was living at Victoria Road, Southwold, with his uncle and aunt, John and Mary Welton, and Henry worked as a twine spinner. On 4 July 1887 Henry attested for the 3rd Battery 3rd Brigade Eastern Division Royal Artillery (Militia) at Halesworth. He was living at Southwold and working, as a rope maker, for Mr. Oldring of Southwold. Henry served with the Militia until May 1890. It seems that by 1891 Henry was working at sea (he may have been working as a steward on a ship at Barry in 1891).Henry married Minnie Elizabeth Holbrook in 1899. In 1901 their home was at 39 Mariners Street, Lowestoft. In 1901 Henry was a member of the crew of the Five Sisters at Devon. In 1911 Henry and Minnie, and children, lived at 68 Hemplands, Lowestoft, and later Minnie lived at 6 Edinburgh Road. On the morning of 24 October 1917 the trawler Vanguard (LT 722) sailed from Lowestoft and went north apparently to fish off Happisburgh. The trawler was never seen again and it was assumed the trawler was lost through enemy action.  See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com) 

A Second Hand, George died on 23rd February 1916 at the age of 16.George was born at Lowestoft, a son of George Edward and Mary Shiplee.  In 1901 his family lived at 6 Fir Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1911 at 5 Sterry's Cottages, London Road, Pakefield.Eventually his mother lived at 2 The Prairie, Lowestoft, before moving to Beccles and then Welling, Kent. George's brother Gordon served in the Royal Naval Reserve, on H.M.S. Majestic, and died of wounds in 1915During the First World War George served as the Cook on the Sailing Trawler 'Guide' of Lowestoft. George, and his father also named George, the Second Hand on the 'Guide', were supposed drowned in the loss of the 'Guide' on 23 February 1916. The Guide left Lowestoft intending to fish in an area thirty miles south-east of Lowestoft and was seen on both 16 and 17 of February. The Guide was due to return on 22 February. The Skipper of the 'Little Boys', fishing twenty-five miles off Southwold reported seeing wreckage including debris bearing the name Guide. It was assumed that the Guide was lost, with all crew, and may have struck a mine. 

A Second Hand, George died on 23rd February 1916 at the age of 49.George was born at Southwold. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Southwold, on 4 March 1866, a son of George and Mary Shiplee. In 1871 his family lived at North Green, Southwold, and by 1881 were living at Southwold Road, Wrentham. George became a fisherman. George married Mary Louise Hammett, of Wrentham, in 1894. By 1901 their home was at 6 Fir Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1911 at 5 Sterry's Cottages, London Road, Pakefield. The 1901 Census shows George as the Third Hand on the ketch 'Trial' and the 1911 Census shows George as an inmate at Lowestoft Hospital. Eventually Mary lived at 2 The Prairie, Lowestoft, before moving to Beccles and then Welling, Kent. George's son Gordon served in the Royal Naval Reserve, on H.M.S. Majestic, and died of wounds in 1915During the First World War George served as the Second Hand on the Sailing Trawler 'Guide' of Lowestoft. George, and his son also named George, the Cook on the 'Guide', were supposed drowned in the loss of the 'Guide' on 23 February 1916. The Guide left Lowestoft intending to fish in an area thirty miles south-east of Lowestoft and was seen on both 16 and 17 of February. The Guide was due to return on 22 February. The Skipper of the 'Little Boys', fishing twenty-five miles off Southwold reported seeing wreckage including debris bearing the name Guide. It was assumed that the Guide was lost, with all crew, and may have struck a mine. 

A Seaman with H.M.S. Majestic, Gordon died on 18th of March 1915 at the age of 19.Gordon was born at Kessingland on 3 March 1896, a son of George Edward and Mary Louise Shiplee.In 1901 his family lived at 6 Fir Lane, Lowestoft, and by 1911 were living at 5 Sterry's Cottages, London Road, Pakefield. After the war his mother lived at 2 The Prairie, Lowestoft, before moving to Beccles, then Welling, Kent. Gordon joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 September 1914 and joined the crew of H.M.S. Majestic on 31 October 1914. On 18 March 1915 H.M.S. Majestic was in the Dardenelles. Gordon was on a boat being brought to the ship from Tenedos Island when the boat was struck by Turkish shellfire. Gordon was severely wounded and taken the the Hospital Ship H.M.S. Soudan where died of his wounds. Gordon's father and brother, George, both died in the loss of the Sailing Trawler 'Guide' on 23 February 1916.

A Private with the 16th Battalion, Alfred died on 11th of April 1917 at the age of 31.Alfred was born at Freethorpe, Norfolk, on 11 May 1885, a son of Alfred and Martha Shorten. In 1891 his family lived at Shipdham, Norfolk. By 1901 they were living at Yarmouth Road, Oulton, and Alfred was an agricultural labourer. In 1911 they lived at Park Hill, Oulton, and Alfred was a brickfield labourer. Later his family lived at 24 The Street, Oulton. He was a brother of Hubert Shorten. Alfred moved to Australia in 1912 to work as a farm hand. He settled at Katanning, Western Australia. Alfred attested for the Australian Army at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, on 18 January 1916. He joined the 45th Depot. On 28 March he was posted to the 55th Depot and joined the 14/28th Reinforcements and on 12 April 1916 he joined the 19/16th Reinforcements. He embarked at Freemantle on 9 August 1916 and landed at Plymouth on 25 September 1916.On 21 December 1916 he went to France on the Princess Clementina, sailing from Folkestone, and he joined the 4th Australian Base Depot, at Etaples, on 22 December 1916. Alfred joined the 16th Battalion, in the field, on 2 January 1917. On 11 April 1917 the 16th Battalion, as part of the 4th Australian Brigade, attacked positions on the Hindenburg Line between Bullecourt and Queant. The Brigade reached the second line objectives but then encountered heavy machine-gun fire and were unable to withstand German counter-attacks. The Battalion fell back to their original start line. The battalion’s casualties that day were 17 officers and 623 other ranks.Alfred was reported missing in action on 11 April 1917. A Board of Inquiry, in November 1917, received evidence that he had received a Church of England burial, possibly on 30 October 1917, and it was concluded that he had been killed in action on 11 April. He was buried at map reference 51.B.U.24.A.4.9. along with several unidentified Australian soldiers. Alfred grave was marked with a cross. In 1919 he was reburied at Queant Road. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, Kenneth died on 31st of May 1945 aged 23. Kenneth was born at Lowestoft on 3 December 1921, a son of Benjamin Roberts and Mabel Kezia Shreeve. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 5 March 1922 and his family lived at 37 - 38 Marine Parade and this was still their home in 1939.Kenneth was a motor transport driver. By May 1945 he was serving with 22 Service Flying Training School in Rhodesia. On 31 May he was driving a tractor unit which overturned at a railway crossing at Cwal Umvanu Road, Gwelo, killing Kenneth. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Seaman with H.M.S. Sotra. Stanley died on 29th of January 1942 at the age of 27. Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 23 August 1914, a son of Alfred Laurence and Florence Elizabeth Shreeve. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 11 September 1914 and hos family lived at 35 Haward Street. By 1921 his family lived at 82 Stanford Street. By 1939 they were living at 153 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and Stanley worked as a trawl and drift fisherman.Stanley married Rose Doris Pickess in late 1939 and they lived at 175 Whapload Road, Lowestoft.Stanley served with H.M.S. Sotra, a mine-sweeping trawler. On 29 January 1942 the Sotra was escorting convoy TA-21 off Bargia, Egypt. The Sotra was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-431 and sank. All twenty-two of the crew, including Stanley, were killed. 

A Private with 7th Battalion, Walter died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 19. Walter was born at Plumstead, near Norwich on 2 June 1895, a son of Frederick James and Matilda Shreeve. He was baptised at Postwick on 1 May 1898 and his family lived at Postwick. In 1901 his family lived at Broad Lane, Little Plumstead. In 1911 they were living at Barnham Broom, Norfolk, and Walter worked in a garden. By 1914 his parents were living at Holly Gardens, Somerleyton. Walter was working as a gardener when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth on 18 August 1914. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 12297. On 22 August 1914 he was posted to the 7th Battalion. Walter arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 May 1915. On 12 August 1916 the 7th Battalion were in a trench known as 8th Street, near Pozieres, and making ready for an attack. Walter refused to comply with an order. As a consequence on 15 August he was awarded 10 days Field Punishment Number 1.On 11 October 1916 the 7th Battalion moved into assembly trenches in preparation for an attack on Bayonet and Scabbard Trenches at Flers, the next day. At 2.05 p.m. on 12 October they commenced their attack: they were on the left of the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. The Battalion had advanced about 50 yards when they met machine-gun fire from both flanks and the front. The barbed wire had not been cut and they could not reach the German trenches. The men took cover in shell-holes and laid down sustained rifle fire on the German positions. After dark they attempted to cut through the German wire, but could not make good their attack. The survivors crawled back to the British lines and reformed. Casualties:Officers: four killed, four wounded, two missingOther ranks: 36 killed, 125 wounded, 51 missingWalter was reported missing on 12 October and later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that day.   

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Michaelmas Daisy, Ernest died on 26th of November 1916 at the age of 19.Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 25 December 1896, a son of James William and Rachel Annie Simmons. In 1901 his family lived at 26 Rochester Road, Kirkley. By 1911 his mother had died and his family still lived at Rochester Road. By 1915 heir address was 17 Lorne Road and later his father lived at 69 Lorne Park Road.During World War One Ernest’s father was a Skipper with the Dover Patrol. Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 September 1915 and joined the drifter Michaelmas Daisy, LT 136. Ernest was killed when the drifter was sunk by a mine, in the Adriatic, off Santa Maria di Leuca. All hands were lost. Ernest's half-brother, William, served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and died in 1944.

A Aircraftman 2nd Class, William died on 3rd of May 1944 at the age of 28. William was born at Lowestoft on 26 September 1915, a son of James William and Ethel M. Simmons. In 1921 his family lived at 17 Lorne Road, Lowestoft. On 27 March 1937 William married Mary Rosalind Girling at Saint Mark's Church, Oulton Broad. William was living at 117 Victoria Road and worked as a fitter, Mary lived at 1 Diamond Terrace, Beccles Road. By 1939 they were living at Green Shutters, The Street, Carlton Colville, and William worked at a wire and cable factory. He was serving in the UK but the exact cause of death has yet to be ascertained, his death being registered in Deben.  He is buried in Lowestoft (Kirkley) Cemetery. CREDIT:Malcolm BarrassWilliam's half-brother, Ernest, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916.

A Private with the 1/1st Battalion, Herbert died on 21st of March 1917 at the age of 38. Herbert was born at Langmere, Norfolk, in 1879, a son of Robert Beart and Ellen Simonds. In 1881 they lived at Gissing, Norfolk, and by 1891 the family had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 94 London Road, Kirkley. Later his parents lived at Diss, Norfolk.In 1901 Herbert had a confectionery shop at 17 Saint Peters Street. In 1906 Herbert married Lily Tredgill at Eye, Suffolk. In 1911 their home was at 17 Saint Peters Street where they ran a tobacconist and confectionery shop.  Herbert enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment, service number 7853. Later he was renumbered 329157. He served with the 3/1st Battalion before being posted to France to serve with the 1/1st Battalion. At some point Herbert was attached to the 2nd Entrenching Battalion. No details can be found of when, or how, Herbert was wounded. As Herbert is buried at Vlamertinghe it is likely that he died at one of the Field Ambulances that were in the town in 1917. 

A Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Boy Jack (Lowestoft), Frederick died on 26th of July 1918 at the age of 16. Frederick was born at Lowestoft on 1 August 1901, a son of Frederick John and Emma Simons. Frederick attended Saint Andrews School and, on 24 January 1910, he became a pupil at Saint John’s School. In 1911 his family lived at 48 Haward Street, and later at 69 Queens Road. In 1918 Frederick was a Deck Hand on the trawler Boy Jack. The following report, from The Illustrated Police News, 1 August 1918, page 2 (with additional details from the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 29 July 1918, page 1), gives an account of what happened to the Boy Jack.U BOAT MURDERERSCAPTURED CREWS LEFT TO DROWN That the U boat murderers are outcasts from civilisation is proved again by their deliberate drowning of Lowestoft fishermen on Friday. After looting and sinking two smacks the Huns destroyed the small boats carried by them, took the lifebelts, and took the crews of the smacks aboard the submarine, there they were kept on deck, crowded forward of the conning tower, until the vessel dived suddenly and left them struggling helplessly in the sea. Every circumstance points to this dastardly crime having been premeditated. It was carried through in a spirit of callous levity that accentuated its cold-bloodied brutality. The victims were Thomas Croucher (mate), Frederick Simons  (fourth hand), and Thomas Claxton (cook), of the Boy Jack, of Lowestoft, and Frank Pieters, junior, a Belgian, the 22 year old son of the skipper of the God’s Good Night, a smack owned in Ostend.Harry Howe (skipper) and George Underdown (fourth hand), in describing their experiences with the U boat said:-‘The submarine began by machine-gunning our vessel, the Boy Jack. She came alongside and called us to go to her in our boat. We did so. All of us climbed aboard the U-boat except our skipper, who went back in the boat to the Boy Jack with two Germans. They looted our smack of all food, clothing, rope, buckets, and lifebelts. From our catch they picked out fish and took all into the submarine.   The Germans seemed to be ravenously hungry. While overhauling our vessel they came upon some packets of biscuits. Promptly they tore open these and began eating the contents. They continued ‘scoffing’ biscuits as hard as they could all the time they were loading and unloading the boat. One of the first things they did after getting the stuff on board the submarine was to cook some of the fish and eat it.Some of our crew were only partly dressed. The Germans would not give them the remainder of the clothes, but kept the lot. After sinking our vessel with a bomb they sank our boat. For two hours or more we stood, wet, shivering, and some of us half-clothed, on the forepart of the submarine as she steamed about with water breaking over her. It was about 6.30 when they fell in with the Belgian vessel and they sank her also.’Frank Pieters, the master of the God’s Good Night, said, “Before they sank my ship the Germans took out of her everything they could move. The captain of the submarine himself overturned my small boat and sank it. He produced a chart and asked me to point out where minefields were, but I would not. He also asked to what part of Belgium I belonged. When I replied ‘Ostend’, he said, ‘We come from Zeebrugge.’The submarine was about 90 ft. long. All her crew ere very young. Among them was a boy of about sixteen who was very seasick. The captain was only about twenty-five. As my vessel was sinking from the bomb they exploded in her the Huns took a photograph. Then nudging me they pointed to the sinking vessel and said ‘Look, look’, and laughed in my face. They kept asking questions and laughing.”Two British patrol ships appeared in the offing the Huns, without a word of warning to their victims, shut the conning tower lid and submerged the submarine by driving her forward in the water. All those on deck were thus thrown into the sea. Pieter’s son was drowned while trying to swim by his father’s side. The three men missing from the Boy Jack’s crew were apparently sucked down by the submarine. After struggling for about half an hour in the water the survivors were picked up by the patrol vessels.          

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Dewey, Edward died on 12th of August 1917 at the age of 32. Edeward was born at Lowestoft on 19 October 1880, a son of Mark and Elizabeth Simpson. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 5 December 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 59 Bevan Street and, by 1901, at 28 Beckham Road. In 1901 Edward worked as a fish labourerOn 19 December 1915 Edward married Lucy Emma Barnes. They lived at 20 Beckham Road and by 1916 they were living at 28 Bailsham Road, Lowestoft. Later Lucy lived at 3 Sudbury Cottages, Bevan Street.Edward joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 March 1916 and, from 1 July 1917, served with the drifter Dewey. On 12 August 1917 the Dewey was sailing in the English Channel. The drifter collided with S.S. Glenifer, near the Royal Sovereign Light Vessel (some sources state that the Dewey was ‘run down’) and sank with the loss of ten crew. 

A Private with the 6th Battalion, George died on 19th of January 1942 aged 23. George was born at Hull in 1918, a son of George Alexander Simpson and Elsie Mary Smith. In 1921 his family lived at 16 Suffolk Road, Lowestoft. By 1939 they were living at 139 Saint Peters Street.George served with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. George was reported missing at Yong Peng on 19 January 1942, but the official casualty list 1973, of 30 January 1946, recorded that he was presumed to have been killed in action on 19 January 1942. George's father died during an air raid in 1941.

A Seaman with Schooner Rosa Harriette, Charles died on 9th of November 1918 aged 29. Charles was born at Kirstead, Norfolk, on 5 April 1889, a son of John Amos and Emily Skeet. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Kirstead, on 26 May 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Kirstead. By 1901 they were living at 9 Nut Lane, Morley Saint Peter, Norfolk. In 1912 Charles lived at Mutford and worked on the trawler V.M.G., LT 154. In 1913 he worked on the trawler Young Roland, LT 219, and then rejoined the trawler V.M.G. On 12 May 1913 Charles married Lilian Violet May Plummer at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. Charles was a fisherman and they both lived at Carlton Colville. They lived at 4 Sunnyside Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, before moving to 4 Heath Road, Oulton Broad. In 1914 Charles worked on the trawler Esteem, LT 365. During the war years their home was at 14 South Elmham Terrace, Oulton Road, and later at 6 Strand Cottages, Strand Street. In 1919 Lilian married James Robinson and lived at 1 Mizpah Cottage, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 February 1912. He was called out for service on 10 August 1914. On 30 September 1914 he joined H.M.S. Implacable. In April 1915 the Implacable was one of the ships used to land soldiers at X Beach, Cape Helles, in the opening of the Gallipoli campaign. From 27 April to 10 May Charles was assigned to a beach party, involved in landing, and evacuating, troops at Cape Helles. On 23 March 1916 he was drafted to H.M.S. President III and, at some point, joined the Schooner Rosa Harriette.Charles died at Cardiff from cardiac failure following influenza.

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Jack died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 21. Jack was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of John and Alice Skinner. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 13 March 1898 and his family lived at Arnold Street. In 1901 his family lived at Brier House, Police Station Road. By 1911 Jack’s father had died and he lived with his mother, and siblings, at 41 Seago Street. In 1911 his mother married Harry Houghton and later the family lived at 13 Milton Road. Jack enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment, service number 7875 and was posted to the 1/1st Battalion in France. At some point he was transferred to the Lincolnshire Regiment, service number 235214. He was posted to the 8th Battalion, then the 1/4th Battalion, and, by March 1918, was serving with the 2nd Battalion. Jack was wounded in 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 29 August 1917. On 19 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion were at Heudicourt. On 21 March the battalion received orders to man battle positions. C Company was attached to the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, and A, B, and D Companies moved to the ‘Yellow Line’, but the move was hampered by heavy enemy gas shelling and a thick fog. They held their positions throughout the day and repelled repeated enemy attacks. Around 12 noon a party of Germans managed to get around the battalion’s left flank and were engaged by the men of battalion headquarters and men of the Brigade Machine Gun Battalion. About 50 Germans were taken prisoner.   Jack was reported missing on 21 March 1918 and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. The battalion’s casualties from 21 March to 2 April 1918 were:Officers: one died of wounds; three missing; one wounded and missing; eleven woundedOther ranks: 31 killed; 238 missing; 9 wounded and missing; 95 wounded

A Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Stanley died on 23rd September 1944 at the age of 20.Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1922, a son of William and Nellie Norah Skippen. In 1939 his family lived at 2 Osborne Street. By 1946 Samuel’s parents were living at Tile House, Mancetter Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire. Stanley enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after June 1941. By September 1944 Stanley was a Pilot with 252 Squadron based at Gambut, Libya.On 23 September Stanley was flying a Beaufighter TFX, number LZ456, in an attack on the freighter S.S. Orion at Denusa, near the island of Naxos, in the Aegean Sea. Stanley’s aircraft was shot down by flak. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 1st Bn. Arthur died on 4th of May 1917 at the age of 24. Arthur was born at Oulton Broad on 20 December 1892, a son of Robert and Martha Skoulding. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 14 May 1893. In 1901 his family lived at The Gate House, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Arthur's father had died and his family were living at Coldstream Villas, Dell Road, Oulton Broad. On 25 December 1915 Arthur married Mary Rivett at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville. They both lived at Carlton Colville and Arthur worked as a horseman. Their home was at 7 School Road, Oulton Broad.Arthur joined the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Royal Fusiliers, service number 11411. He was then transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 1st Battalion in France. On 22 April 1917 the 1st Battalion were between Fontaine and Croissille Railway Cutting, in the Arras area. One 23 April they made an attack. Arthur served with D Company and was in the first wave of the attack and were to pass through the German front line and take, and hold, the second line. The first wave of the Battalion actually moved past the second German line and was held up by enemy wire while the German's were able to man the parapets of their defences and the Battalion's first wave had to take cover in shell holes while the Germans made a counter-attack which led the the Battalion retiring. The Battalion lost 29 killed, 103 wounded, and 316 missing.Arthur was wounded in both legs and taken prisoner. He was at the Langensalza Hospital when he died form his wounds. Initially he was buried at Langensalza Prisoner of War Cemetery, but, in 1924, was reburied at Niederzwehren. 

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Reginald died on 9th of June 1942 aged 36. Reginald was born at Oulton Broad on 26 March 1906, a son of George Thomas and Minnie Skoulding. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 17 June 1906, and his family lived at Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. By 1911 they were living at The Gate House, Marsh Lane, Carlton Colville, and in 1921 their address was Dunwich Cottages, Carlton Colville, and Reginald was employed miking for Mr. Bond at Rookery Farm, Carlton Colville. On 3 August 1929 Reginald married Doris Rose Mitchell at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. They both lived at Carlton Colville and Reginald was a railway servant. In 1939 they lived at 28 Beech Road, Carlton Colville, and Reginald was a railway carriage cleaner.Reginald served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Munt Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942.The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Reginald, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Reginald, along with other who had been captured, was held at Changi jail, where he died on 9 June 1942. No details of his cause of death are known. He was buried at Changi Cemetery and, in 1946, re-buried at Kranji Military Cemetery.  

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Albert died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 19.Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Mary Sladden. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 17 December 1897 and his family lived at Hilda Villa, Rotterdam Road. In 1901 they lived at Saint Clwyd, Rotterdam Road. By 1911 they were living at 61 Lawson Road.Albert worked for Mr. E.F. Thain, fishmonger, at Lowestoft. Albert volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 15525, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, arriving in France, with the battalion, on 31 August 1915. Albert was wounded and his name appears in the War Office Daily List of 2 June 1916. Subsequently he was posted to the 7th Battalion.Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 7th Battalion’s part in the attack on the front between the Scarpe and Monchy (near Arras), known as the Battle of Arleux, on 28 April 1917, pages 233-4:The battalion, going over the top at 4.35 a.m. to attack the new Blue Line, passed through the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment, who had captured Bayonet trench and also some 150 yards of Rifle trench. They immediately came under a most devastating machine-gun fire from Rouex, which the troops operating on the north side of the river had not yet taken, and suffered very heavy losses. Portions of the various companies managed to reach the first objective but were unable to gain further ground. All the officers except the colonel and the adjutant have been killed or wounded, these small parties returned to the Black Line as soon as it grew dark and at 1 a.m. the battalion, now reduced to 190 effective men, withdrew to the support line. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers three killed, one died of wounds, four woundedOther ranks: 89 killed and an unknown number wounded or missingAlbert killed in action on 28 April.

A Civilian, Alfred died on 13th of January 1942 aged 46. Alfred was born at Hitcham, Buckinghamshire, on 26 March 1895, a son of Edward and Ann Slater. He was baptised at St Mary’s Church on 5 May 1895. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Bath Cottages, Hitcham, and this was still their home in 1911 when Alfred was an outfitter’s apprentice. By 1921 his family were living at Rotherby, Station Estate, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, and Alfred was an outfitters assistant for J. Hatton & Co. Gentleman’s Outfitters at 3 Queens Street, Maidenhead.On 9 June 1924 Alfred married Millbro Ada Roberts at Saint Peter’s Church, Harborne, Birmingham. Alfred was a gentleman’s outfitter living at Rotherby, Station Estate, Burnham, and Millbro lived at 37 Harborne Park Road, Harborne. Alfred and Millbro lived at 37 Harborne Park Road until 1930. In 1939 Alfred was living at 38 Cromwell Road, Colchester, and he was a tailor’s manager. By January 1942 Alfred and Millbro were living at 78 Alexander Road, Lowestoft, and Alfred was the manager of the Fifty Shilling Tailors. Alfred died at London Road North. A report on the Waller Raid mentions what happened to Alfred:Alfred Ernest Slater, the 50 year old Manager of Fifty Shilling Tailors was also killed, but he died shielding the body of his 17 year old assistant, Beryl Bunn who was rescued with injuries to her legs. Mr. Slater was killed by the rubble and debris that fell on top of him. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Sidney died on 12th of April 1917 at the age of 25. Sidney was born at Blundeston in 1892, a son of John and Alice Slater. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 7 February 1892. In 1901 his family lived at Market Lane, Blundeston. By 1911 they were living at Oak Tree House, Blundeston Road, Corton, and Sidney was a gardener. It is likely that he was a market gardener working with his father. Sidney enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 1446687. He was transferred to the Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), service number 5593, and posted to the 2nd Battalion in France. On 11 April 1917 the 2nd Battalion moved to assembly trenches at Souchez in readiness for an attack on Bois-en-Hache. At zero hour, 5 a.m. on 12 April, the battalion attacked the Bois-en-Hache spur. By 6.10 a.m. they had taken their first objective and began consolidation work. Some parties pushed on to the second objective and encountered heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire. At 8.10 a.m. the battalion had taken the enemy front line and were extending their line, but were harassed by snipers, who caused numerous casualties. For the next few hours work was done to create a string point and push advanced posts out in front of the main line. The situation remained unchained for the rest of the day, but the enemy occasionally shelled the battalion’s positions. Sidney was killed in action on 12 April.   

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Eyrie. William died on 2nd of September 1914 at the age of 18. William was born at Blundeston in 1896, a son of Ambrose and Gertrude Slater. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Blundeston, on 1 March 1896. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Blundeston. By 1911 they were living at 129 Rotterdam Road and William worked as a trawler fisherman.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914. 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. Later William's mother lived at 59 Maidstone Road, Lowestoft.Note: all civil and church records and Commonwealth War Graves show William's middle name as John, however, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve his middle name was recorded as George.

Formerly a Royal Artillery Bombardier, attached to 661 Air Observation Post Squadron, Hubert died on 30th of December 1946 at the age of 26. Son of George Cornelius and Isobella Small of Lowestoft; Husband of Phyllis Small of 145 Kimberley Road Lowestoft.Hubert enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1938. The Royal Artillery attestation registers show that he was discharged, medically unfit for further service, on 14 June 1944. Commonwealth War Graves Commission records state that he was attached to 661 Air Observation Squadron when he died. However, 661 A.O.P. Squadron was disbanded in Belgium on 31 October 1945. It is probable, then, that Hubert had been attached to 661 Air Observation Post Squadron of the Royal Air Force before he was discharged from the Army. 

A Private with 1/16th Bn., Kenneth died on 29th of August 1916 at the age of 19.Kenneth was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of William and Margaret Annie Isabel Small. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 26 December 1897 and his family lived at Regent Road, Lowestoft. By 1901 his family were living at 32 Grosvenor Road, Kirkley. In 1911 their home was at 2 and 3 Marine Parade, Lowestoft, and Kenneth was a student. At some point his family moved to 34 Cantley Gardens, Clapham Common.In August 1913 Kenneth was appointed Temporary Boy Clerk with the Post Office.Kenneth was living at Clapham when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Westminster. He joined the 16th London Regiment and served with the 1/16th Battalion in France from 21 September 1915.Pension record card details show that Kenneth was wounded on 1 July 1916, this is confirmed by his name appearing in the War Office Casualty List of 6 August 1916, a list comprised primarily of the names of the men wounded on 1 July 1916. On 1 July the 1/16th Battalion was involved in an attack on Gommecourt. They advanced under machine-gun fire and found that the first two German lines were far more heavily defended than expected. They fought hand-to-hand in the trenches and had to bomb the Germans out of many positions. Casualties for 1 July:Officers killed 2, wounded 9, missing 9Other ranks killed 16, wounded 224, missing 241On 2 July the survivors of the Battalion, 198 in total, marched to Bayonne and were billeted for the night.Kenneth was evacuated to England and admitted to hospital at Manchester where he died from his wounds on 29 August 1916.

Formerly an Engineman with the Royal Naval Reserve, William died on 3rd of July 1917 at the age of 41. William was born at Elvington, Yorkshire, on 9 March 1876, a son of Maria Smallwood. By 1881 he was living with his mother, siblings, and stepfather, at Hadenham, Norfolk. In 1891 he was working as a farm servant at The Farm House, Shipmeadow, Suffolk. (Note in the 1881 and 1891 Censuses his surname is given as Shulver, which was his mother's surname from 1877 onwards). William married Emma Ellen May Freestone at Beccles on 23 December 1900. In 1901 they lived at Ballygate Street, Beccles. By 1911 their home was at 50 Queens Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 William worked as the engineer on the trawler Forbay II and the Census shows him at Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 20 April 1915. From 20 April 1915 to 18 April 1917 William served as the Engineman on the trawler Silvery Harvest. He was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital Plymouth and found to have carcinoma of the stomach. This condition was deemed not to be attributable to his war service, but aggravated by it. He received an immediate medical discharge from the service. William was awarded the Silver War Badge. 

A Gunner with A Battery, 162nd Brigade, Godfrey died on 14th of October 1917 at the age of 36. Godfrey was born at Stoke Newington, London, in 1881, a son of Joseph and Emily Smee. In 1891 his family lived at 162 Boleyn Road, Stoke Newington. In 1901 Godfrey lived with his brother Frederick, and family, at 160 Boleyn Road, and Godfrey was a gold jeweller. On 28 June 1908 Godfrey married Mary Ann Barker at Saint James’ Church, Enfield Highway. Godfrey was a traveller and they both gave their address as Green Street, Enfield Highway. By 1911 they were living at 31 Crickfield Road, Clapton, and Godfrey was a provision traveller. In the 1920s Mary moved to Lowestoft and lived at 392 London Road South.Godfrey enlisted in the Army at Stratford, London. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 208474.   Godfrey served with A Battery of 162 (Camberwell) Brigade. In October 1917 the brigade was based east of Zillebeke, Belgium, with waggon lines at Dickebusch. From 9 October the brigade was in action supporting the attack on Polderhoek Chateau.The brigade war diary does not show what happened to Godfrey, but Godfrey, and three other men of A Battery, were killed in action on 14 October. They are all buried, in adjacent graves, at The Huts Cemetery. 

A Civilian, Alice died on 9th of April 1941 aged 56.Alice was born at Deal, Kent, in 1885, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Alice May. She was baptised at Saint Andrew’s Church, Eastry, Kent, on 13 May 1885. In 1891 her family lived at 6 Bridge Road, Deal. On 1 September 1908 Alice married Philip Wellington Smith at Saint Andrew’s Church, Deal. Philip was serving in the Royal Navy and they both gave their address as 148 Middle Street, Deal. By 1921 Philip had joined the Coastguard and they lived at 8 Alfred Square, Deal. Alice, Philip, and family, moved to Lowestoft and by 1939 were living at the Coastguard House, East Street. Alice, her daughter Kathleen Barnard, her granddaughters, and neighbours, died at 100 Rotterdam Road when their air raid shelter was bombed during an air raid. 

A Deck Hand with Sailing Trawler Young Bert (Lowestoft), Thomas died on 30th of July 1917 aged 45. Arnott was born at Westleton, Suffolk, in 1872 a son of Robert and Hannah Smith. In 1881 his family lived at Mill Hole, Westleton. In 1911 Arnott lived with his wife Julia, formerly Besford. No details of their marriage have been found. They lived at 8 Cumberland Place, Whapload Road, and Arnott was a smacksman. On 30 July 1917 the sailing trawler Young Bert, LT 454, was sunk by submarine UC-63 somewhere in the North Sea. All five crew were killed. 

A Seaman with S.S. Tyrhaug, Benjamin died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 26. Benjamin was born at Lowestoft on 11 February 1892, a son of William Henry and Rebecca Smith. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 8 July 1892, and his family lived at 12 Stevens Street. In 1901 their address was 6 Laundry Lane. Benjamin attended Hervey Street Infants School and, from 1 February 1901, was a pupil at Saint John's School, Lowestoft.  By 1907 his family were living at 27 Crown Street, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 63 Tonning Street, Lowestoft. Benjamin married Elizabeth Hannah Blake in late 1911. Benjamin and Elizabeth were living at Park Hill Cottages, Oulton, Lowestoft, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 October 1914. On 23 November 1914 he joined the Armed Merchant Cruiser Otway. On 22 July 1917 the Otway was patrolling off Rockall and, at 10.10 p.m., was eight miles of the Butt of Lewis. At 10.13 p.m. a periscope was sighted and the ship ordered to turn, as it did so a torpedo struck the port propeller and the ship began to flood. Ten men were killed by this initial explosion. Meanwhile the ship's gun crews began firing at the periscope. It was soon established that the ship was going to sink, so it made for the Island of North Rona. At 11 p.m., with the flooding getting worse, the ship was stopped and the order to abandon given. All of the crew, and the wounded, save for Commodore Colomb and two others took to the lifeboats. Later, once the confidential papers had been thrown overboard, a lifeboat went back to get Commodore Colomb and the other two crew. All of the lifeboats stayed together and at 6.15 a.m. the next day they were located by a whaler ten miles west of Sulisker. 51 officer and 315 crew, including Benjamin, were rescued. Benjamin's service record notes that he was slightly wounded on 22 July 1917. For further details see: HMS OTWAY - LOSTINWATERSDEEP.CO.UK  On 1 October 1917 Benjamin joined S. S. Tyrhaug. On 21 March 1918 the Tyrhaug was sailing from Belfast to Falmouth carrying general cargo. Ten miles north-east of the Pendeen lighthouse the ship was sunk by a torpedo from U-103. Benjamin was one of two men killed in the sinking.   Benjamin's brother William was killed in action in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Benjamin is named on Saint Margaret's War Memorial.Benjamin's brother-in-law, Arthur Blake, served with the Royal Sussex Regiment and died in 1918.  

A Private with 9th Bn. Edward died on 28th of December 1916 at the age of 40. Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1876, a son of Simon and Mary Ann Smith. In 1881 his family lived at 4 Bircham Square, East Street. In 1891 they lived at 17 Anguish Street. By 1901 Edward's father had died and his mother had married James Moss and his family lived at 21 Anguish Street. In 1901 Edward was working as a general labourer. By 1911 his family were living at 12 Anguish Street and Edward worked as a fish hawker on his own account.Edward enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and joined the Suffolk Regiment. He served in France with the 4th Battalion, service number 4276, and was subsequently posted to the 9th Battalion, service number 44062. On 26 December 1916 the 9th Battalion moved to Mazingarbe. On 27 December they went into trenches, with the Quarries at the right. The Battalion War Diary entry for 28 December 1916 has 'in trenches' and the entry for 29 December 1916 has 'in trenches - two men killed'. As no men of the Suffolk Regiment died on the 29 December 1916 we can infer that the two men referred to in the War Diary must be Edward and Private Albert Musk.    Note on all official sources both military, and civil, he is Edward Thomas not Thomas Edward as given in some sources.

A Skipper with Steam Trawler Carry On (Lowestoft), Ernest died on 17th of December 1940 aged 49. Ernest was born at Gillingham, Norfolk, on 25 November 1891, a son of James Pye Smith and Ellen Smith. In 1901 his family lived at Frances Terrace, Carlton Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 his were living at 26 Lovewell Road, Kirkley, and by 1915 their home was at 10 Lawson Road.  In January 1914 Ernest was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve, as a Temporary Skipper, number WSA 1011, on 12 January 1915. Throughout the war Ernest was the Skipper of the trawler Roulette. He was demobilised on 15 May 1919. On 19 July 1915 Ernest married Edith Maud Jones at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Ernest was serving with H.M.S. Roulette and Edith lived at Kirkley. By 1923 they were living at 47 Saint John’s Road, and this was still their home in 1939 when Ernest was a fisherman. In 1940 Ernest was the Skipper of the trawler Carry On. The Carry On was used as a barrage balloon drifter in the Thames Estuary. During the night of 12 December 1940 many mines were dropped into the Thames Estuary and the Carry On was immobilised. A few days later the Carry On was given permission to sail to Sheerness, deliberately sailing at low speed to avoid detonating acoustic mines. On 17 December the trawler was blown up by a mine. All seven of the crew were killed.   Ernest’s body was recovered, and he is buried at Normanston Drive Cemetery, Lowestoft. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Datum, Francis died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 22. Francis was born at Corton on 8 November 1893, a son of Arthur and Charlotte Agnes Smith. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 3 December 1893. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Corton. By 1911 they were living at 9 Worthing Road, and Francis was a drift net fisherman. Francis joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and from 16 January 1915 he served on the trawler Coronne (sic) and he joined the Datum on 30 April 1915. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Datum, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of all hands.   For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Lance Corporal with 9th Battalion, Frank died on 13th of September 1916 at the age of 20. Frank was born at Norton Subcourse, near Loddon, on 6 April 1896, a son of George Woods and Emma Esther Smith. In 1901 Frank’s mother died and Frank, and his siblings, were living at The Workhouse, Hales, Norfolk. In 1911 he was a boarder at Heckingham, Norfolk, and he worked as a domestic groom.  Frank volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. The accompanying photograph of Frank was taken at Shoreham on 6 March 1915.On 1915 Frank married Harriet Clarissa Lucy Barrett: this was registered in the Mutford district. Their home was at 9 Kent Road, Lowestoft. Later Harriet lived at 77 Seago Street, Lowestoft, Subsequently Harriet remarried. Frank arrived in France with the 9th Battalion on 31 August 1915. Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 9th Battalion’s attack at The Quadrilateral 13 September 1916:The battalion took part in an attack by the 61st Division on the Quadrilateral., the 71st Brigade being on the left and the 16th on the right. The 9th Battalion attacked with three companies in the front line and one in support, zero being 6.20 a.m. The battalion got through the German out post line quite easily, but on gaining the open ground, which stretched for about four hundred yards to the enemy’s wire, came under a terrific machine-gun fire from the formidable strong point known as the Quadrilateral. Across this bare expanse the men struggled bravely forward. Lieutenant Macdonald with others getting close enough to throw a bomb into the German stronghold before being wounded. No further progress could, however, be made. At 7.30 a.m. another attack, in which A Company participated, was launched; and in the evening a third. Still no entrance could be effected. The battalion therefore, in touch with the units on both flanks, dug itself in on a line about half a mile in front of the jumping off trenches of the morning.  The Battalion’s casualties were: officers 2 killed and 10 wounded; other ranks 15 killed and 185 wounded. Frank was reported missing and his death was presumed to have taken place on, or since, 13 September.  

A Private with 3rd Bn., Frederick died on 4th of November 1918 at the age of 23. Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of Caroline Martha Smith. In 1909 his mother married William Boardley. In 1911 his family lived at 49 Whapload Road, Lowestoft, and Frederick was an errand boy at a drapery. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17185. He was posted to the 1st Battalion and arrived in France on 12 May 1915. Later he was posted to the 4th Battalion. In August 1918 he was serving with the 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment, in England, and on 30 August he was at a Y Scheme Concentration Centre getting ready to return to France. Frederick was then transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and joined the 3rd Battalion in France.  At 6.15 a.m. on 4 November 1918 the 3rd Battalion made an attack on Fontaine au Bois. During the day the Battalion made considerable progress, despite stubborn resistance. The Battalion pushed on and took the village of Les Etoquies. The Battalion captured ten field guns, five machine-guns, transport, including 20 horses and 10 wagons, and took 10 prisoners.The Battalion’s casualties were: One officer and seven other ranks, including Frederick, killed; three officers and 102 other ranks wounded; and 7 other ranks missing. 

A Civilian, George died on 7th of February 1941 aged 55. George was born at Everton, Liverpool, on 4 March 1885, a son of George Main and Jane Isabella Smith. In 1891 his family lived at 26 Newburgh Street, Amble, Northumberland. On 17 November 1908 George was became a Preventative Man with the Customs Service. In 1911 he lodged at 39 Alexandra Road, Grimsby.  In 1914 George married Eliza Elsie Mary Read: this was registered in the Mutford district. From 1915 to 1918 they lived at Hull. In 1921 they lived at 16 Suffolk Road, Lowestoft, and George was a Customs Officer. By 1939 they were living at 139 Saint Peters Street, and George was still a Customs Officer. During the air raid on Lowestoft, on 7 February 1941, the Customs House, at North Quay, was severely damaged and George’s body was found among the debris.  George's son, George, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died at Singapore in 1942.

A Private with the 8th Battalion, George died on 12th of October 1917 at the age of 39. George was born at Ilketshall Saint Andrew, Suffolk, in 1877, a son of  James and Ellen Smith. In 1881 his family lived at Saint Lawrence Road, Ilketshall Saint Andrew. By 1891 they were living at Hulver Street, Henstead, and George was an agricultural labourer. On 1 March 1899 George married Annie Elizabeth Whaley at Saint Mary’s Church, Ellingham, Norfolk. George was a labourer and they both lived at Ellingham. In 1901 their home was at Mill Road, Ellingham, and George was a farm milkman. They lived at Ellingham until 1907, when they moved to Blundeston, and by 1910 they were living at Hopton. In 1911 they lived at Camp Common, Hopton, and George was a cowman on a farm. Later Annie lived at The Bungalow, Roe's Farm, Corton.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft, He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 35004. He went to France to join the 2nd Battalion and later he was posted to the 8th Battalion. On 12 October 1917 the 8th Battalion were involved in an attack near Poelcappelle, Belgium, Between Rose Trench and the Langemarck to Peolcappelle Road the battalion faced a heavy enemy barrage and soon afterwards were subjected to heavy machine-gun fire. The men had to take cover in shell-holes. The valley was found to be impassable, and the attack was abandoned. George was killed in action on 12 October. Forty-six men of the battalion died on 12 October. 

A Trimmer with H.M.S. Ganges II, George died on 30th of November 1918 aged 33. George was born at Corton on 4 November 1885, a son of George and Ellen Smith.On 12 April 1909 George married Clara Daisy Nobbs at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a labourer living at 13 Clarence Road, and Clara lived at 48 Worthing Road. In 1910 they lived at 35 Cambridge Road. In 1911 George was a boat builder’s labourer. By 1916 their home was at 125 Saint Margaret’s Road. Whilst George was serving during the war Clara moved to 44 West Street, Harwich, afterwards she moved back to Lowestoft and lived at 55 Sussex Road and later at 38 Dukes Head Street. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 May 1916 and was drafted to H.M.S. Ganges II which, at that time, was being used as a trawler base. His service record does not give details on any sea-going vessels that he served on, but medal rolls show that he was only awarded the British War Medal indicating that he had accrued 28 days’ mobilised service, but had not served overseas (note: this rule was specific to the Royal Navy and did not apply to the Army).   George died at 44 West Street, Harwich, from influenza and pneumonia. 

A Private with the 1/5th Battalion, Harold died on 19th of April 1917 at the age of 21. Harold was born at Snape, Suffolk, in 1896, a son of Edward and Annie Maria Smith. In 1901 his family lived at Farnham Road, Snape. By 1911 they were living at 3 Sizewell Road, Leiston, and Harold was a brickmaker’s labourer. Later his family lived at 16 Essex Road, Lowestoft.Harold volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Ipswich in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/9029. On 15 September 1914 he arrived in France to join the 2nd Battalion. At some point he was posted to the 7th Battalion. On 16 February 1916 Harold was posted to the 1/5th Battalion, in Egypt, and given service number 3963. In 1917 he was renumbered 241330.On 19 April 1917 the 1/5th Battalion were in the brigade reserve of 163rd Brigade. At 7.15 a.m. the brigade began an attack at Gaza with trenches, known as Tank Redoubt, about 2,000 yards behind the Sheikh Abbas ridge, as their objective. The other battalions of the brigade suffered heavy casualties. At noon the 1/5th Battalion advanced and were able to dig themselves in on a slope on which they found many casualties from the other battalions. They spent the night collecting wounded and because their positions was isolated and unsupported they had to withdraw. PopHarold was reported wounded and missing at Gaza, and it was later concluded that he had been killed inaction on 19 April.  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Harry died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 22. Harry was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Frederick and Ellen Selina Smith. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 3 May 1895. In 1901 his family lived at Horn Hill. By 1911 Harry’s mother had died and his family lived at 2 Florence Terrace, Saint John's Road, and Harry was a general labourer. Harry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3065, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, and arrived in France on 16 April 1915 to join the battalion. On 14 August 1916 the 1/4th Battalion moved into an area of trenches known as Seaforth, Black Watch and Worcester Trenches, near High Wood. At 2.45 p.m. on 18 August the battalion attacked the German trenches opposite their position as part of a brigade assault. D and C Companies reached the German line but had to retire as they had both flanks ‘in the air’ and no reinforcements were forthcoming. Two Lewis rifles (machine-guns) were positioned in the German trench and hostile bombing attacks repulsed. Finally, the men withdrew to Seaforth Trench. In the attack the battalion had three officers killed and three wounded, and 33 other ranks killed, 108 wounded, 17 missing presumed killed and 23 missing.  Harry was killed in action on 18 August. 

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, Henry died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 35. Henry was born at Norwich in 1883, a son of (John) William and Hannah (Anna E) Smith. In 1891 his family lived at 38 Goldsmith Street, Norwich. By 1901 they were living at 13 Willow Lane, Norwich, and Henry worked as a decorator and housepainter.  Henry married Mabel Maria Smith, at Norwich, in 1908. In 1911 Henry and Mabel lived at 9 Saint John Street, Kirkley, Lowestoft, and Henry worked as a sign writer and decorator. At that time John William Fairweather lodged with Henry and Mabel. John Fairweather served with Henry during the First World War but was not on board the Royal Edward when it sank.  Henry was 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. Henry 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. Henry was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'Mabel married John Fairweather in 1917 and they lived at 12 Payne Street, Lowestoft. 

A Warrant Officer Class II with 4th Bn., Leonard died on 15th of February 1942 at the age of 35. Leonard was born at Barton Mills, Suffolk, in 1907, a son of Henry Arthur and Elizabeth Smith. In 1911 his family lived at Nene Parade, March. Leonard married Doris Amy Grimmer at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 18 January 1936. They lived at 27 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft.In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was on guard duty in the Lowestoft area and from July to September 1940 had various local deployments, including guarding Great Yarmouth. The Battalion then moved to Bedfordshire and then Scotland until April 1941. Next the Battalion moved to Bury, Lancashire, and Hereford, before embarking on the S.S. Andes at Liverpool and sailing for Halifax, Nov Scotia. The Battalion changed ship, to the American liner Wakefield, and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941. The Battalion was given three days shore leave.The Battalion was part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division. With the Japanese entry into the war the Battalion was now allocated to the Far East and sailed for India, arriving on 5 January 1942. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. The Battalion had orders to defend the Golf Course and then fell back to defend the perimeter before the Singapore garrison was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. Ninety men of the Battalion were killed, or died of wounds, in the defence of Singapore and 865 were taken prisoner.      Leonard was reported as missing on 15 February 1942 and later was presumed to have been killed in action between 11 and 15 February 1942 (date from British Army Casualty List 1832 dated 13 August 1945). Records show that Leonard was buried, by Reverend Cordingley, in the 'garden of a burnt out house - Mount Pleasant Road - map reference 830142 (as was Reginald Lord, also from Lowestoft). In June 1948 his body was exhumed and reburied at Kranji War Cemetery.

A Sergeant with 148 (The Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Patrick died on 24th of July 1943 aged 37. Patrick was born at Druncliff (sic), County Clare, Ireland, on 2 January 1906, a son of Jonathan and Sarah Ann Smith. Patrick’s father had served with the Royal Artillery for 27 years and volunteered to rejoin the artillery in 1914 and served throughout the First World War. In 1911 his family lived at 4 Ashby Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1919.  In 1934 Patrick married Gladys Woodrow Kemp, this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1939 their home was at 13 Grosvenor Road and Patrick was a cinema commissionaire. Patrick was working as a sawyer when he enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Bury St. Edmunds on 4 February 1924. He joined to serve six years with the Colours and six with the Reserve and joined the Army Reserve on 30 April 1930. Patrick was working as a labourer when he again volunteered to serve with the Royal Artillery and during World War Two was posted to 148th (Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment. At the start of World War Two his Regiment was assigned to the 18th (East Anglian) Division. In June 1941 the Regiment was at Rochdale. In December 1941 they arrived in India and by February 1942 at Singapore. Patrick was captured at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. He was in a party of men taken overland from Singapore, on 14 October 1942, to work on the Burma Railway. In July 1943 he was at the Tonchan South camp, and he died form cholera. Patrick was reburied at Kanchanaburi in 1946. 

A Leading Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Cosmos. Percy died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 31. Percy was born at Lowestoft on 21 June 1887, a son of George Henry Brooke and Eliza Smith. (In the 1891 Census Percy is listed as living at 207 Clapham Road, with George and Eliza Smith, but Percy is noted as being a visitor and his surname is given as Brookes). Percy attended Clapham Road School and from 26 February 1892 was a pupil at Saint Margaret's School: at the time his family lived at Clapham Road. On 21 December 1911 Percy married Adaline Woolley at Saint Margaret's Church. They were both living at 3 Beresford Road and Percy worked as a fisherman. By 1915 they were living at 18 Seago Street. Later Adaline lived at 19 Roman Road and eventually she remarried (Manning). Percy joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and he served on the trawler Cosmos. Percy was serving on the Cosmos and was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of February 14-15 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."On 15 February 1918 British drifters of the Dover Patrol attempted to force a German submarine to surface. The drifters were attacked by a force of German destroyers. Nine British drifters, including the Cosmos, were sunk and others badly damaged. Percy was killed during this action. On Saint Margaret's War Memorial (Roll of Honour has Brooksmith)

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Percy died on 23rd of July 1917 at the age of 21. Percy was born at Corton in 1896, a son of Arthur and Elizabeth Smith. In 1901 the family lived at Mill Lane, Corton, and by 1911 at 2 Mill Loke Cottages, Corton, and Percy was an apprentice printer. By 1915 they were living at 2 Briar Cliffe, Corton Road, Lowestoft. Later Percy’s parents lived at Manor Close Cottage, Hopton, and, subsequently at 33 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft.Percy was living at 2 Briar Cliffe, Corton Road, and working as an apprentice printer when he attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 12 December 1915. He was called up on 4 March 1916 and joined the 3/1st Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2424. Percy arrived at Boulogne, France, on 27 August 1916 and the next day joined 15 Infantry Base Depot. Percy was to transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and joined the 1/4th Battalion.  On 7 September 1916 he was transferred to The Queen’s (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number G/18091. His service papers show him being transferred to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion and then being posted, while in France, to the 7th Battalion.Percy was wounded at on 4 October 1916 and rejoined the battalion on 23 October. He was wounded again on 3 May 1917, during the attack on Cherisy, but remained at duty. On 23 July 1917 the 7th Battalion were in front line trenches near Zillebecke, Belgium. During the day the enemy laid an intense bombardment on the battalion’s positions which were badly damaged. Both heigh explosive and gas shells were used. Later in the day the battalion was relieved by the 19th Battalion Liverpool Regiment and heavy shelling took place during the relief.   

A Gunner with 144 Battery, 35 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Ronald died on 10th of June 1943 aged 21. Ronald was born at Carlton Colville on 14 September 1921, a son of James William and Priscilla May Smith. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 16 October 1921 and his family lived at Kirkley Run. By 1939 their home was at 78 Kirkley Run and Ronald was a factory hand. Ronald joined the Royal Artillery in 1941 and served with 35 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Ronald’s regiment embarked the liner Empress of Japan at Greenock on 13 November 1941 and arrived at Durban, South Africa, on 18 December 1941. After shore leave the regiment transferred to the S.S. Narkunda and departed on 24 December, reaching Singapore on 13 January 1942. Ronald’s battery, the 144th, crossed the Johore Causeway into Malaya and fought hard against the numerous attacks from Japanese Zero aircraft. The battery withdrew to Singapore. Ronald, along with the rest of the battery, were captured at Singapore on 15 February 1942 and was held there until 15 October 1942 when he joined a party of men taken overland to work on the Burma Railway. Ronald died from acute enteritis. 

A Civilian, Rosina died on 15th of February 1941 aged 61. Rosina was born at Great Yarmouth on 19 July 1879, a daughter of George Edward and Priscilla Easter. She was baptised at Saint Nicholas’ Church, Great Yarmouth on 25 August 1879, and her family lived at Row 101. By 1881 they were living at Wesleyan Chapel Lane, Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at 48 Mariners Street and by 1898 their home was at 30 Factory Street. Rosina married William Smith at Saint Margaret's Church on 30 January 1898. In 1901 they lived at 26 Factory Street and by 1911 were living at 15 Duke's Head Street, and this was still their home in 1921. By 1939 Rosina and William were living at 58 High Street, and Rosina was an Air Raid Warden. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Both William and Rosina were killed, at 58 High Street, during the air raid on 15th February 1941. They were buried together at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery on 20 February 1941. 

A Boatswain with Steam Trawler Andromache. Thomas died on 12th of April 1917 at the age of 38. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1880, a son of William Henry and Mary Smith. In 1881 his family lived at at 1881 3 Clement Square, and by 1891 at 4 Albany Cottages, Carlton Road, which was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 2 Birds Lane, Kirkley.Thomas worked as a fisherman (possibly with the trawler Cecilia in 1901 or the trawler Elizabeth Swan). Thomas married Emily Atkinson, at Hull, in 1907. In 1911 they lived at 38 Rugby Street, Hull, and later at 4 Burns Grove, Rugby Street, Hull. In April 1917 the trawler Andromache was fishing off Iceland. The trawler was stopped by German submarine U-78 and the Skipper taken prisoner. The rest of the crew were forced to take to the lifeboats and the trawler was scuttled. None of the crewmen were ever seen again. Note that some sources state that this happened on 14 April 1917.  

A Skipper with sailing trawler Chrysolite, Thomas died on 4th of July 1917 at the age of 44. Thomas was born at Corton on 21 December 1872, a son of Samuel and Betsy Smith. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 5 January 1873. In 1881 his family lived at High Street, Corton. In 1891 they were living at 31 Cambridge Road and Thomas was a mariner. In 1898 Thomas married Ellen Margaret Day. In 1901 they lived at 9 Melbourne Road and Thomas was a fisherman. By 1911 their home was at 96 Morton Road.In 1911 Thomas was the master of the trawler Fern at Padstow.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. 

A Private with 2nd Bn., William died on 4th of November 1914 at the age of 38. William was born at Fulham. His service details from the First World War suggest that he was born in 1876, but service papers from his first enlistment in the Army show that he was actually born on 9 January 1873. He was a son of Jemima Smith. William enlisted in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, number 2269, at Fort Royal, Jersey, on 13 January 1888, age 15 years. When he enlisted he stated that he was a musician. From 1888 to 1896 William served as a drummer with the 1st Battalion. William served in the Boer War from December 1899 to January 1901 and was involved in the 'Defence of Kimberley'. In January 1901 he was discharged, having completed his engagement, and his intended place of residence was 81 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. William married Elizabeth Harriet Wood, at Lowestoft, in 1905. In 1911 William, Elizabeth, and children, lived at 12 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft, and William worked as a stoker at the electricity power station.   During the First World War William volunteered to serve in the Army and he joined the Suffolk Regiment, enlisting at Lowestoft. Technically he was a 'Special Reserve' soldier which means that in some records his service number has the prefix '3'. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion and arrived in France on 10 October 1914. He was one of the fifth group of reinforcements posted to the 2nd Battalion. The battalion had been all but wiped out at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 and it took almost two months to bring the battalion to full strength again. From late October 1914 the 2nd Battalion were in trenches near Champigny. The Battalion's War Diary for 4 November 1914 records that three men, including William, were 'killed in trenches'. William has no known grave, but was probably buried close to where he was killed.After the war Elizabeth lived at 35 Stevens Street, Lowestoft.

A Private with 1st Bn., William died on 16th of June 1915 at the age of 32. William was born at Lowestoft in 1885, a son of William Henry and Rebecca Smith. In 1891 his family were living at 3 Lake Lothing Terrace, Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. William was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 8 July 1892, and his family lived at 12 Stevens Street. In 1901 their address was 6 Laundry Lane and William was a fisherman. By 1907 his parents were living at 27 Crown Street, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 63 Tonning Street, Lowestoft. In 1907 William lived at 2 Wood Yard, Boston, Lincolnshire.William was working as a fisherman for the Deep Sea Fishing Company, at Boston, when he enlisted in the 4th (Militia) Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment at Boston on 25 February 1907. On 14 June 1907 he joined the regular battalions of the Regiment at Grantham. In 1911 William was serving with the 1st Battalion at Kirkee, India. William arrived in France on 17 February 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. In June 1915 it became imperative that the British capture the German positions on the Bellewaarde Ridge. These positions allowed the Germans to overlook the British lines. The assaulted was assigned to the 7th and 9th Brigades of the 3rd Division. At the widest point the distance between the opposing lies was around 200 yards, at its narrowest only 50 yards. Because of the possibility of the British troops being subject to enemy bombardment prior to the attack, it was decided to attack at dawn.   Between 6 and 15 June the 1st Battalion, as part of 9th Brigade, underwent training in preparation for the attack. It was anticipated that gas might be used, so the troops were equipped with the new pattern gas helmet. On 15 June the 1st Battalion moved from bivouacs, near Brandhoek, to their assembly point at the southern end of Cambridge Road. They were in position by 1.15 a.m. in the 16th. But have lost four men, wounded, en route. The attack had three objectives: the German front line; the German second line, from Hooge to Bellewaarde Farm; then the trench on the edge of Bellewaarde lake. The vanguard being the first line of 9th Brigade.The British bombardment lasted from 2.3- a.m. to 4.15 a.m.The 1st Battalion were in the second line and moved to reinforce the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers and together they sent bombing parties down the German communication trench driving the enemy into their second line. Attention now turned to the second objective and because the earlier barrage had cut wire and made such an impact, the 1st Battalion were able to take their objective by 4.30 a.m. and with very few casualties. Colonel Boxer then ordered some of the Battalion to move on to the third objective. At this point, due to an inability to communicate with the British artillery, the Battalion came under a British bombardment which was swiftly followed by a German counter-barrage. Here there were many casualties, including Colonel Boxer. By this time the different units of 9th Brigade were mixed up and control became almost impossible. Very heavy fighting continued across the battlefield and, at 7.30 p.m., the Germans launched a counter-attack which was repulsed and the Germans then made two further counter-attacks late in the day. About 9.30 p.m. the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders arrived to relieve the 1st Battalion.On 16 June the 1st Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: two killed three wounded one missingOther ranks: 22 killed, 3 died of wounds, 265 wounded, 76 missingWilliam was reported missing and later it was presumed that he had been killed in action. William's brother, Benjamin, died in 1918 in the loss of S.S. Tyrhaug.

A Second Lieutenant with 19th Reserve Squadron Royal Flying Corps, William died on 13th of May 1917 at the age of 28. William was born at Lowestoft on 16 August 1888, a son of Sidney and Sarah Isabella Smith. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 20 September 1888. In 1891 his family lived at 10 Mariners Street. By 1911 his family were living at 37 High Street, and later they lived at 28 High Street. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org William was living at Bondi, New South Wales, Australia, and working as an estate agent when attested for the Australian Army at Warwick farm Depot, on 14 September 1915. He joined the 20th Battalion, service number 3267 A. He was transferred to the 56th Battalion, in Egypt, on 16 February 1916. His unit arrived at Marseilles, France, on 29 June 1916. On 20 July 1916 he received a gunshot wound to his face. He underwent treatment at the 13th Stationary Hospital, Boulogne. He was discharged to Base Details, Etaples, on 1 August 1916. William was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 13 September 1916. He reverted to Acting Corporal on 7 October 1916, then Private, on 2 November 1916. To Acting Corporal on 13 November 1916 and Private again from 17 November 1916.On 17 November 1916 he went to England for flying instruction and instructed to join the Royal Flying Corps Officer Cadet Battalion at Denham. He was discharged from the Australian Army on 16 March 1917 to take a commission in the British Army.He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps (Special Reserve) (London Gazette 10 April 1917). William passed his aviator’s certificate assessment at the Military Flying School, Ruislip, on 10 May 1917.Initially he served with the 4th Reserve Squadron at Northolt, and, by May 1917, was serving with the 19th Reserve Squadron. William was flying a DH1 aircraft, at Hounslow, which went into a nose dive and crashed: the cause being unknown. William is commemorated on Saint Margaret's War Memorial.Killed in a flying accident in DH1, 4634 CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Civilian, William died on 15th of February 1941, at the age of 63. William was born at Lowestoft on 28 June 1877, a son of Samuel Smith. William worked as a fisherman. William married Rosina Easter at Saint Margaret's Church on 30 January 1898. In 1901 they lived at 26 Factory Street and by 1911 were living at 15 Duke's Head Street, and this was still their home in 1921. By 1939 William and Rosina were living at 58 High Street, Lowestoft. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org Both William and Rosina were killed, at 58 High Street, during the air raid on 15th February 1941. They were buried together at Lowestoft (Normanston Drive) Cemetery on 20 February 1941. 

A Private with the 5th Battalion, Charles died on 14th of October 1943 aged 26.Charles was born at Lowestoft on 13 February 1917, a son of George Valentine and Ethel Honor Snelling. In 1921 his family lived at 310 Raglan Street. By 1939 their home was at 74 Milton Road and Charles was a bricklayer’s labourer.  Charles served with the 5th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In May 1940 the battalion took over coastal defences at Weybourne, Norfolk. Later that year they moved to Holt and then King’s Lynn. In January 1941 they were sent to Scotland for advanced training and in April to Liverpool. In October 1941 they went to Glasgow and on 9 December they embarked the Duchess of Atholl, part of a convoy of ships carrying the 18th Division to Halifax. In Canada they changed ship to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon and then sailed for South Africa. They were due to sail to Bombay on 13 December 1941, but instead were taken to Mombasa. On 28 December they sailed for Singapore, arriving there on 13 January 1942.The battalion underwent some jungle training before moving to reserve positions at Ayer Hitam. The battalion’s first contact with the Japanese took place on 21 January. For the next few days they tried to hold positions, but, on 26 January, they were ordered to engage in a fighting retreat to Singapore. For the next two weeks they were involved in the defence of Singapore but Charles, like many of his battalion was captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. Charles was among a party of men taken overland, on 29 October 1942, to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By August 1943 he was at Chungkai where he died from indigestion. Charles' brother-in-law, Jack Kerrison, served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and died in 1941.

A Petty Officer Steward with H.M.S. Fratton., Victor died on 18th of August 1944 at the age of 24. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 30 January 1920, a son of Ernest Victor and Rose Lilian Snowling. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 22 February 1920 and his family lived at 51 Sussex Road. By 1939 they were living at 32 Kent Road, Lowestoft, and Victor worked as a commercial vehicle builder.Before World War Two the Fratton was a Southern Railways ferry operating between Southampton and Le Havre. The vessel was requisitioned for war service and became H.M.S. Fratton. During the D-Day (Normandy) landings H.M.S. Fratton was used as a Bombardon control ship. The Bombardons were floating steel tanks that acted as a breakwater for the Mulberry Harbour. On 18 August 1944 the ship was at anchor off the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches. An explosion occurred, and it seems that a torpedo struck the aft port side of the ship. The ship sank in minutes. See: Dover Ferry Photos - Featuring the Shipping of the UK and Ireland - Past and Present > TS Fratton – Past and Present (doverferryphotosforums.co.uk)

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Albert died on 15th of October 1918 aged 27. Albert was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of Albert and Louisa Soanes. In 1901 he was living with his grandparents at 92 Bevan Street and he still lived with them, at 92 Bevan Street, in 1911 when he, like his grandfather, worked as a butcher. On 20 October 1913 Albert married Mabel Beatrice Gurney at Saint Margaret's Church. Albert was working as a butcher and living at 7 The Hemplands, and Mabel lived at 1 The Hemplands. Their home was at 8 Haward Street, Lowestoft, where they had a grocery shop.Albert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the East Surrey Regiment and served initially with the 3rd Battalion. He went to France to join the 8th Battalion and was later posted to the 9th Battalion. We do not know when Albert was gassed but he died from the effects of gas. It is possible that he was gassed at Niergnies, on 8 October, or at Saint Aubert, on 14 October, when the battalion war diary records that one man was gassed and one slightly wounded. Albert is buried at Delsaux which, in October 1918, was the base for casualty clearing stations and it is likely that he died at one of them. Albert's brother-in-law, James Gurney, served with the Royal Field Artillery and died in 1918.  

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Orfasy, Alexander died on 22nd of October 1943 at the age of 35.Alexander was born at Beccles on 30 August 1907, a son of Charles Benjamin and Harriet Mary Soanes. By 1911 his family were living at 4 Pretoria Terrace, Hall Road, Oulton Broad. In 1921 they lived at Waveney Cottages, Aldeby. On 11 January 1937 Alexander, also known as Alec, married Ethel Agnes Hooks at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland. Alexander was living at Oulton Broad and working as a fisherman and Ethel lived at Kessingland. In 1939 they lived at 4 Elm Cottages, High Street, Kessingland, and Alexander was a fisherman (weekly articles). Alexander served as a Seaman, and later a Second Hand, with the Royal Naval Reserve from 7 December 1939. He was awarded the Anti-Submarine and Minesweeping Badge in 1941 and his certificate of competency as a Skipper in 1942. he was promoted to Acting Temporary Skipper on 1 March 1943 and served with the Orfasy from that date. Alexander was on board the minesweeping trawler Orfasy when it was sunk by a torpedo from German submarine U-97 about 185 miles south-east of Freetown. All thirty-four crew, including Alexander, where killed. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Smack Ethel and Millie, Arthur died on 16th of August 1917 at the age of 38. Arthur was born at Burgh St. Peter, Norfolk, on 6 January 1879, a son of George and Sarah Soanes. He was baptised at Aldeby, Suffolk, on 20 July 1879. In 1881 his family lived at Beccles Road, Burgh St. Peter. In 1900 Arthur married Florence Humphreys, this registered in the Hackney district. In 1901 they lived at 32 Franklin Street, Tottenham, London, and Arthur worked as a waiter at the Cocoa Rooms a temperance establishment. By 1911 they were living at 67 Lealand Road, Tottenham, and Arthur was an insurance agent. They were still living at Lealand Road in May 1916. By March 1918 Florence was living at 97 Carlton Road, Lowestoft.  Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 May 1916. He served on the trawler North King before joining the Ethel and Millie. The Ethel and Millie, LT 200, was a decoy or Q Ship that was also known as the Boy Alfred and the Ledger. On 15 August 1917 the Ethel and Millie, in the company of the trawler Nelson, under Skipper Thomas Crisp, was fishing off the Humber. About 2.45 p.m. a submarine engaged the Nelson at long range and the skipper brought the Ethel and Millie into the engagement and attempted to bring fire on the submarine. However, the Ethel and Millie was severely damaged by shellfire from the submarine. Arthur, and the other crew, were forced to take to a lifeboat while the trawler sank.Official records show that initially it was assumed that Arthur, and the other crew, had been taken prisoner. This notion was perhaps instigated by reports from the crew of the Nelson who stated that they had seen the Ethel and Millie’s crew on the deck of the German submarine. In September 1917 Arthur was officially declared as missing and in March 1918 the admiralty concluded that he had been killed on 16 August 1917. The Royal Navy War Graves register lists Arthur and four other crew of the Ethel and Millie and states ‘Presumed to have lost their lives on 16th August 1917 when H.M. Smack Ethel and Millie was sunk by an enemy submarine.’  

A Private with 1st Bn., Frederick died on 25th of May 1915 at the age of 20. Frederick was born at Corton in 1894, a son of Charles and Sarah Soanes. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Corton. By 1911 his parents were living at 3 Poplar Cottages, Corton.Frederick 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 18 May 1915 to join the Battalion.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.    Frederick was reported missing on 25 May. By July it had been presumed that he had been killed in action but enquiries about Frederick, made through the Red Cross, continued until 1916. 

A Private with 6th Bn., Harold died on 18th of January 1942 at the age of 23. Harold was born at Lowestoft in 1918 a son of Frederick William and Anna Maria Soanes. His family lived at 66 Albany Cottages, Kirkley. In 1939 his family lived at 88 Kirkley Run. Harold married Rhoda Batty, of Kirkley, in 1940.In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Harold was reported missing at Yong Peng on 18 January 1942 and official casualty list 2035, of 18 June 1945, recorded that he was presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Launch Out. William died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 18. William was born at Lowestoft on 2 September 1898, a son of John and Emma Jane Soanes. In 1901 his family lived at Boardley’s Yard, 1 East Street, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family were living at 6 Spurgeons Score.William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 August 1915. On 17 August 1915 he joined the trawler Orthes as a Deck Hand. On 2 September 1915 he was promoted to Engineman and joined the trawler Launch Out.  In 1916 the Launch Out was part of a fleet of trawlers that maintained the anti-submarine barrage across the Dover Strait. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 German destroyers attacked the barrage with the intent of causing maximum damage to the trawlers. The Launch Out was in the vicinity of the 9 A Buoy, at the southern end of the Sandettie Bank, when attacked. The trawler was sunk. Eight of the nine crew, including John, were killed and the other man later died of his wounds.   For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)

A Civilian, Melina died on 23rd of January 1941 at the age of 62. Melina was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a daughter of William and Clara Hutchins. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 2 February 1879. In 1881 her family lived at 39 Haward Street, and by 1891 at 36 Haward Street. In 1901 her family were living at 68 Tonning Street.In 1902 Melina married Frank Soloman, a railway signalman who was living at Somerleyton. By 1906 their home was at 1 Parkholme Terrace, High Street. In 1911 they lived at 5 Fair View, Beccles Road, and in 1921 at 11 Grove Road. By 1939 Melina and Frank were living with their daughter, Marjorie Bultitude, and her family, at 53 Stanley Street.Melina died at 53 Stanley Street during an air raid. 

A Gunner with 295th Siege Battery, Amos died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 19. Amos was born at Carlton Colville in 1898, a son of John and Sarah Solomon. In 1901 his family lived at Francis Terrace, Carlton Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 3 Dell Road, Oulton Broad. Amos’ mother died in 1913. Amos enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 141850, and was posted to France to serve with 295 Siege Battery.On the night of 21-22 September 1917 295 Siege Battery moved to Armagh Wood and were to provide fire support for the Battle of Polygon Wood. During the morning of 26 September five men were wounded. That afternoon one man was wounded and two killed, namely Amos and Corporal Alfred Charles.   Amos’ half-brother, also called Amos, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died in 1943. 

A Private with 6th Battalion, Amos died on 16th of July 1943 aged 22. Amos was born in Oulton Broad on 21 February 1921, a son of John William and Ethel May Solomon. By 1939 his family were living at 12 Hadenham Terrace, Carlton Colville, and Amos was a carter. When he enlisted, he stated that he was a farm labourer. Later his family lived at 43 Lowestoft Road, Carlton Colville.Amos served with the 6th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire. In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas, and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay, but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Amos was reported missing at Singapore on 15 February 1942. He was taken prisoner and on 7 November 1942 he was in a group of men taken overland to work on the Burma Railway. In July 1943 he was at the Nanchon Yai camp where he died from acute enteritis. In 1946 he was reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. 

A Private with Eastern Command, Charles died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 24.Charles was born at Carlton Colville on 13 October 1893. A son of Charles Napier and Naomi Solomon. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 21 January 1894. In 1901 his family lived ‘near The Ship Inn’, Carlton Colville. In 1911 Charles lodged at Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad, with his sister Gertrude Bunn, and family, and Charles worked as a labourer.  Charles married Elizabeth Jane Lily Woolnough at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, Lowestoft, on 31 March 1913. Charles was a roadman and they both lived at Oulton. Later they lived at 2 Christchurch Square, Whapload Road. In 1919 Elizabeth married William Banham, and lived at 19 Wellington Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft.Charles joined the Army, enlisting at Lowestoft on 5 July 1916. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, number 34771. He was found to have 'disorderly action of the heart' and recommended for discharge. However, from 6 February 1917 he was attached to the Depot, Norfolk Regiment, number 28175, and transferred to the Norfolk Regiment on 3 March 1917. On 25 May 1917 he was transferred to the Labour Corps, with service number 161329, and served with the 5th Labour Battalion. Charles was serving with Eastern Command, Labour Corps, and he developed acute pulmonary-tuberculosis. He was first admitted to hospital on 14 February 1918. Charles died at 12.45 a.m. on 16 June 1918 at the Horton (County of London) War Hospital, Epsom. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Ernest died on 6th of September 1919 at the age of 39.Formerly a Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Ernest died on 6th of September 1919 at the age of 39.Ernest was born at Carlton Colville in 1880, a son of John and Ellen. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 December 1880. In 1891 his family lived at Gisleham Road, Carlton Colville, and in 1901 Mortuway (sic), Carlton Colville, and Ernest was a bricklayer’s labourer. By 1911 the family home was at Gisleham Corner, Carlton Colville, and Ernest was a domestic gardener.Ernest volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment on 1 September 1914, service number 14128. He arrived in France with the 8th Battalion on 25 July 1915. Ernest was wounded and his name appears in the official casualty list dated 3 November 1916. At some point, thereafter, he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion. Ernest was discharged on 20 March 1919. Ernest was buried at Saint Peter’s Churchyard, Carlton Colville, on 9 September 1919. A marginal note in the burial register states that although Ernest had come through the war ‘without practically a scratch now he has been killed at home in a simple accident.’

A Seaman with H.M. Drifter Star of Buchan., Percy died on 20th of October 1915 at the age of 20. Percy was born at Carlton Colville on 18 June 1895, a son of Albert and Alice Solomon.He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 29 September 1895, and his family lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 his family lived ‘near Low Farm’ Calton Colville. By 1911 they were living at Highlands Farm, Mutford.  Percy joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 December 1914. From 14 December 1914 he served on the trawler Star of Buchan. On 20 October 1915 the Star of Buchan was off the Nab lightvessel when it struck a mine and was blown up. Seven crew, including Percy, were killed. 

A Corporal with A Company, 8th Bn. Thomas died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 24. Thomas was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Richard and Rosina Songhurst. In 1901 his family lived at 29 Stanford Street and this was still their home in 1911 when Thomas worked as a brewery labourer. On 19 January 1913 Thomas married Elizabeth Brown at Saint Margaret's Church. Thomas was a labourer living at 29 Stanford Street, and Elizabeth lived at 2 Saint Margaret's Plain. Thomas volunteered and he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served in France with the 8th Battalion from 25 July 1915. By mid-1917 he was a Corporal with A Company. On 11 May 1917 the 8th Battalion moved from support trenches at the Hindenburg Line to reserve positions: A Company at Earl's Court; B and C Companies at Grey Trench; and D Company in the Hindenburg Support Trench. The battalion's war diary does not record details of any casualties for 11 May but medical admission records show that Thomas received shrapnel wounds to his back and abdomen. He was admitted to 55 Field Ambulance where he died from his wounds.Later Elizabeth lived at 23 High Street, Dunbar.Thomas and Elizabeth's son, also named Thomas James, was born at Lowestoft in 1913. During World War Two he served in the Royal Navy and died in the loss of submarine H.M.S. Simoom in 1943. 

A Corporal with the 3rd Battalion, Reginald died on 12th of September 1917 at the age of 28. Reginald was born at Oulton on 29 April 1889, a son of James and Kate E. Spalding. He was baptised at Saint Michael’s Church, Oulton, on 26 May 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Woods Loke, Oulton. Reginald attended Hervery Street School before, on 1 Jun 1896, becoming a pupil at Saint John’s School. At this time his family lived at 49 Clemence Street, and this was still their home in 1909. Later his parents lived at 13 Avondale Road and then 13 Clemence Street before, in 1921 emigrating to Canada and living at 96 Warden Street, Mimico, Ontario.Reginald was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the 19th Hussars, at Great Yarmouth, on 9 January 1909. He enlisted to serve seven years with the Colours and five with the Reserve. He joined his regiment at Norwich on 8 January. Reginald was absent from his regiment for seven days in June 1910 and deserted in July 1910. He was apprehended and tried by Court Martial and sent to prison for seven weeks, before being discharged. Reginald then moved to Canada, arriving at Saint John, New Brunswick, on 25 November 1910. Reginald was working a labourer when he enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcarrier, Quebec, on 22 September 1914, service number 9250. He joined the 3rd Battalion Canadian Infantry. Reginald’s unit sailed for England on 3 October 1914. His unit arrived at Saint Nazaire on 11 February 1915. Reginald was admitted to 1st Canadian Field Ambulance on 9 November 1915 with a tonsillar abscess. He was granted nine days leave of absence, in the field, from 22 November 1915. At Wulveringhem, on 23 February 1916, Reginald received a gunshot wound to his left foot. He was admitted No 8 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, on 24 February, and transferred to England on 1 March. He was admitted to the County of London War Hospital, Epsom, on 2 March, and transferred to Monks Horton Convalescence Hospital on 13 April. He was transferred to the Canadian Convalescence Hospital, Epsom, on 19 April. Reginald was transferred to 12th Reserve Battalion, at Shorncliffe, and taken on strength on 18 May. He was granted leave from 28 to 31 May. Reginald arrived in France on 6 June 1916, and joined the 3rd Battalion, in the field, on 8 June 1916. He was promoted Sergeant on 10 October 1916, but was convicted of drunkenness by a Court Martial and, on 9 January 1917, reduced to Corporal. Reginald was awarded the Military Medal. This was announced in battalion orders in June 1917 but not published in the London Gazette until 18 July 1917. The citation, which is not reproduced in the London Gazette, reads:This N.C.O. while in charge of a fighting patrol on the night of April 24/25th 1917, near Willerval, covered all ground to enemy’s wire, on several occasions machine gun fire being opened on his patrol. In spite of this he kept his party intact and brought back much valuable information. Also, on the night of April 25/26th while in charge of an advanced outpost he showed great coolness under enemy shell fire. On 7 September 1917 the 3rd Battalion moved from brigade reserve at Cite St. Pierre to the front line in the left section of the Canadian Corps front. On 11 September the 3rd Battalion sent out a working party to construct a new trench in no man’s land. This party was machine gunned on two occasions and attacked with trench mortars and retired. A second attempt was made to do the work, but again they were attacked and the enemy fire extended to the Canadian’s lines as it seemed the enemy thought the working party was an attack on their trenches. Only four men were wounded, including Reginald who received shrapnel wounds to his left arm and fracture of his left leg. He was admitted to 1st Canadian Field Ambulance, where he died of wounds on 12 September.    

An Engineer with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), Doctor died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 31. Doctor was born at Wenhaston in 1880, a son of Charles and Honor Spall. In 1881 his family lived at Black Heath, Wenhaston. By 1891 they were living at Friston. In 1901 they were living at Saint Clere Cottage, East Tilbury, and Doctor worked as an under-gardener domestic. By 1911 Doctor was working as a fisherman and he lodged at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. In 1912 Doctor married Barbara Sinclair. He was living at Carlton Colville and she was from Lerwick, Scotland. By 1914 their home was at 28 Millsdene Terrace, Kimberley Road, Lowestoft.Doctor worked as a fisherman on the steam drifter Lord Carnarvon, LT 1197. The drifter sailed from Lowestoft on 18 November 1914. An explosion was heard during the evening, but next morning there was no sigh of the drifter. Wreckage was later washed ashore at Gorleston and Southwold. It seems that the Lord Carnarvon was sunk by a mine, most probably when sailing off Gorleston. All ten of the crew were killed. See: Lowestoft – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Archie died on 3rd of August 1942 aged 22. Archie was born at Lowestoft on 1 May 1920, a son of Henry Charles and Laura Jane Sparham. In 1921 his family lived at 14 Suffolk Road and by 1939 they were living at 31 Windsor Road and Archie was a timber merchant’s clerk. Probate record give Archie’s address as Ferndale, Walmer Road.  Archie joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after April 1940. Archie was a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner. In August 1942 he was serving with 58 Squadron. On 3 August 1942 Archie was part of the crew of a Whitley VII aircraft, number Z9518, on a transit flight from Saint Eval, Cornwall. The aircraft stalled and spun into the ground while attempting an overshoot at Wick.  WITH THANKS TO:Malcolm Barrass

A Second Engineer with Steam Trawler Labrador (Lowestoft), Harry died on 23rd of January 1915 at the age of 25.Harry was born at Hales, Norfolk, on 27 Mat 1890, a son of Alfred and Emily Sparkes. He was baptised at Heckingham, Norfolk, on 22 June 1890 and his family lived at Heckingham. In 1891 his family were living at Yarmouth Road, Hales. By 1901 they had moved to 6 Carlton Road, Carlton Colville, and this was still their home in 1911 when Harry worked as a herring fisherman. On 18 August 1912 Harry married Bessie Simmons at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Harry was working as a fisherman and they both lived at Kirkley. After Harry's death Bessie lived at 1 Wycombe Terrace, Saint Georges Road, Kirkley, Lowestoft. She remarried in 1921. 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. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Frederick died on 14th of June 1917 at the age of 39. Frederick was born at Lowestoft in 1878, a son of Henry A. and Harriet Sparrow. In 1881 his family lived at 2 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at 5 Ingate Road, Beccles. By 1901 they were living at 233 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and Frederick was a coach trimmer, and this was still their home in 1911 and Frederick was still working as a coach trimmer.Frederick enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 4272. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in France, and renumbered 40894. Frederick died of wounds on 14 June 1917. There are no specific records of how, or when, he was wounded, but the 2nd Battalion’s war diary records no casualties between 1 and 13 June and it is possible that Frederick was wounded during the 2nd Battalion’s attack on Hook Trench and Long Trench, near Arras, that began on 14 June. Between 14 and 19 June 1917 the 2nd Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: six killed, five woundedOther ranks: 56 killed, 183 wounded, 2 missing 

A Second Hand with H.M.S. Victory, George died on 24th of November 1918 at the age of 34. George was born at Lowestoft on 3 October 1884, a son of Frederick George and Hannah Jane Sparrow. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 4 July 1886. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Sunrise Cottages, Whapload Road. Later they lived at 112 Beccles Road. In 1908 George was the skipper of the trawler John and Emma, LT 204. On 1 January 1909 George married Elizabeth Caroline Hickleton at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. George was a fisherman living at 112 Beccles Road and Elizabeth lived at London Road South. Elizabeth was George’s cousin. By 1911 their home was at 20 Princes Road.George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 August 1917, and had prior service in the Royal Naval Reserve. He served with the trawler depot H.M.S. Idaho, at Milford Haven. On 1 January 1918 he joined the trawler Magnet III. In November 1918 he weas admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, where, on 24 November, he died from asthma and bronchitis aggravated by his naval service.  

A Deck Hand with the steam trawler William Humphries, George died on 21st November 1939 aged 27.George was born at Gisleham in 1912, a son of George and Maud Elizabeth Spillings. In 1921 his family lived at Black Street, Gisleham. By 1939 his parents were living at 4 Mill Villas, Gisleham. George was a fisherman and in 1939 he lived at 29 Poulton Road, Fleetwood. In 1939 George was a Deck Hand on the steam trawler William Humphries. On 21 November 1939 the vessel, along with another trawler, the Sulby, was fishing about 75 miles north-west of Rathlin when confronted by the German submarine U-33. The submarine fired on the trawler, whose crew took to their lifeboat. The crew of the Sulby saw the men in the lifeboat but beyond that nothing is known of what happened to them and they were all reported missing, presumed drowned.  Note: There are conflicting reports concerning the date on which the trawler William Humphries was sunk. Commonwealth War Graves gives the date as 20 November and this is the date shown on the grave of the trawler's Skipper Charles Bridge. Merchant Navy casualty cards state that the trawler was lost 'on or about 20 November'. Here the date is shown as 21 November. One source for this date is the log of submarine U-33, but beyond this there are eye-witness accounts from the survivors of the trawler Sulby.  With thanks to Andy Pearce

A Third Hand with Steam Trawler Exeter (Lowestoft), David died on 29th of March 1941 aged 39. David was born at Kessingland on 5 August 1901, a son of David George and Ellen Spindler. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 7 September 1902. In 1911 his family lived at Oakland Terrace, Kessingland. On 16 January 1923 David married Ethel Ruth Howlett at Saint Margaret’s Church. David was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 77 Seago Street. By 1939 they were living at 34 Notley Road and David was a general labourer. In 1941 David was the Third Hand on the trawler Exeter and he lodged at 35 Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. On 29 March 1941 the Exeter was fishing five miles south of the Ballycotton Light Vessel when it was bombed and sunk by German aircraft with the loss of all nine crew. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Amy, Arthur died on 11th of April 1917 at the age of 18. Arthur was born at Hedenham, Norfolk, on 13 June 1899, a son of Charles and Eliza Spink. He was baptised at Hedenham on 24 September 1899. In 1901they lived at a cottage at Station Road, Tivetshall Saint Margaret, Norfolk. By 1907 Arthur’s mother had died and his father had married Harriet Hext. In 1911 they lived at Geldeston Road, Gillingham. Later his parents lived at Holy Farm Lane Mutford. In January 1914 Arthur was in trouble for ‘singing an obscene song on the highway at Mutford’. Arthur, and his friend William Rusted, were each fined five shillings.   Arthur added two years to his age when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 July 1915. From 10 November 1916 he served on the trawler Amy. On 11 April 1917 the Amy was sailing off Le Havre, possibly minesweeping, when the trawler struck a mine and sank. Nine crew, including Arthur, were killed and one man wounded. Note the Navy paid separation allowance to his friend Maria Rusted of 4 Duke's Head Street, Lowestoft: Maria was the mother of William Rusted.

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Whooper, John died on 30th of June 1916 at the age of 38. John was born at Lowestoft on 30 September 1878, a son of William Griffiths and Mary Ann Spooner. In 1881 his family lived at 7 Arnold Road, Lowestoft, and by 1891 they were living at County Villas, 5 Regent Road. On 24 November 1895 John married Alice Emmeline Grimble at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. John was a baker and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at Bird’s Lane, Carlton Road. By 1911 they were living at 76 Stanford Street. In 1915 they lived at 1 Avenue Road, Kirkley, and later Alice lived at 149 The Avenue, South Lowestoft.John stated that he was ten years younger when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 October August 1915. He served as a Deck Hand on the trawler Craik. He was advanced to Second Hand, on 2 March 1916 and, on 3 March 1916, joined the trawler Whooper. He died when the trawler was blown up by a mine off Lowestoft. John’s son, John Alfred, died in 1918 serving with the Northamptonshire Regiment.