A Private with the 7th Battalion, John died on 6th of June 1918 at the age of 18. John was born at Lowestoft on 1 August 1899, a son of John William and Alice Emmeline Spooner. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 25 August 1899, and his family lived at Kirkley Run. John attended Kirkley School from 19 June 1900 and then Morton Road School before, on 4 February 1913, joining Saint John’s School for a short time. In 1901 his family lived at Bird’s Lane, Carlton Road. By 1911 they were living at 76 Stanford Street. In 1917 they lived at 1 Avenue Road, Kirkley, and later they lived at 149 The Avenue, South Lowestoft.John was working as a motor driver when he enlisted in the Army at Ipswich on 1 September 1917. Initially he served with the 27th Training Reserve Battalion, number TR/4445. On 12 January 1918 he joined the 51st Graduated Battalion. He was then transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 51614, and joined the 8th Battalion in France on 3 April 1918. On 4 April 1918 he was transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 41114, and joined the 7th Battalion.  On 6 June 1918 the 7th Battalion were at Hill 70. The Battalion’s War Diary for that day states that the Battalion had orders to extend their front line and that the enemy was quiet during the day, but during the night were very active with 7.7 cm and “Minnie” shells on the front company areas. John was killed in action on that day. John’s father, John William, died in 1916 in the loss of the trawler Whooper. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Richard died on 18th of August 1916 at the age of 22.Richard was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Moses and Alice Spoor. In 1901 hi family lived at 76 Queens Road, and by 1911 they were living at 87 Queens Road and Richard worked as a labourer for a steam drifter fishing company.Richard enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3849, 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.  Richard was reported wounded and missing on 18 August 1916 and it was not until September 1917 that it was concluded that he had died of wounds on 18 August. As he was missing, and his fate unknown, he was renumbered, as 201248, in March 1917, but he would never have known or used that service number. Richard’s body was found at map reference 57c.S.4.d.4.8. and his grave had been marked with a cross. In 1920 he was reburied at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery. 

A Private with the 8th Battalion, George died on 12th of October 1917 at the age of 35. It is difficult to say exactly where George was born as three different records state three different places. Also, when George enlisted in the Army he claimed to be 38 years and 7 months old, when in fact he was only 32.We do know that he was a son of James and Sarah Ann Spoore and that he was born around 1882. It is possible that he was born at Wednesfield, Staffordshire. In 1891 George was living with his family at Black Heath, Wenhaston. By 1901 he was living at Stone Cottage, Tonning Street, Lowestoft, and working as a fisherman.George’s Army service papers state that he had served in the Royal Naval Reserve for five years but had been discharged because of rheumatic fever. They also show that he had been at sea for around ten years by the time he enlisted. George was living at 8 Thurston Road and working as a carter, when he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 30 March 1916. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 24873, and the next day he was posted to the 3rd Battalion. On 21 July 1916 George arrived in France and joined 17 Infantry Base Depot. On 30 July 1916 he was posted to the 1st Battalion and joined the battalion the next day.At Loungueval, on 1 August 1916, George received a gunshot wound to his left leg. He was sent to 21 Casualty Clearing Station and, on 3 August, transferred to 1st South African General Hospital, Abbeville. On 6 August George was transferred to the Hospital Ship Panama and evacuated to England and was posted to the strength of the Depot. On 29 June 1917 he joined the 3rd Battalion, and he arrived in France on 30 July 1917 and joined 17 Infantry Base Depot, Calais, on 1 August. He was posted to the 8th Battalion on 22 August 1917. George’s service papers, and other official sources, clearly show that he was killed in action on 12 October 1917 at ‘place unknown’. On that day the 8th battalion were billeted along the bank of the Canal de L’Yser. The battalion war diary mentions no casualties for 12 October, hence what actually happened to George is not known. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Leonard died on 7th of November 1942 aged 23. Leonard was born at Wymondham, Norfolk, on 9 November 1919, a son of Leonard and Janet Decima Spratt. In 1921 his family lived at London Road, Wymondham. His family moved to Kent and Leonard became a pupil at Chatham House School, Ramsgate. In 1939 his family lived at Taklestone (possibly mis-transcribed for Tacolneston), Sussex Gardens, Birchington, Margate, and Leonard was a Post Office Telephone Fitter. In 1941 his parents moved to Brackley Road, Buckingham, where his father ran the Post Office, and in 1943 they moved to Hunstanton, Norfolk. Later they lived at 17 Longden Avenue, Oulton Broad.Leonard enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after August 1940. Leonard was an Observer. In November 1942 he was serving with 10 Operational Training Unit based at Abingdon, Berkshire. On 7 November he was a member of the crew of a Whitley V aircraft, number AD714, that was undertaking night circuit training. The aircraft overshot on approach to Stanton Harcourt and crashed at Northmoor, Oxfordshire. Two of the crew survived.Leonard is buried at Tacolneston, which is where his father’s family came from. Leonard is commemorated on the war memorial at All Saints’ Church, Tacolneston, Norfolk. WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Andrew died on 27th of September 1918 at the age of 19. Andrew was born at Lowestoft on 5 March 1899, a son of Frances Elizabth Spurgeon. In 1901 he lived with his mother and brother at 7 Gun Lane, where his mother was housekeeper for William Andrews, and this was still their home in 1911. Andrew was a pupil at Church Road School and became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School on 29 October 1906. Later his mother lived at 17 Chapel Street, Lowestoft. Andrew enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 49205. He may have been allowed to serve with the Bedfordshire Regiment because his brother Louis was already serving with the regiment. Andrew was posted to the 4th Battalion in France.On 27 September 1918 the 4th Battalion began operations at 5.20 a.m. and crossed the Canal du Nord capturing their objective in the Hindenburg support line. The Battalion’s casualties were:12 other ranks killed and 61 wounded.Andrew was killed in action on 27 September.Andrew's brother Louis served with the 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1916.

A Gunner with V 55th Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, Clifford died on 7th of May 1917 at the age of 21. Clifford was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Evelyn Annie Spurgeon. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 April 1896 and his family lived at 57 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft. (His mother married George Dodd in 1897: she died in 1904). In 1901 he lived with his grandparents, John and Elizabeth Spurgeon, at 57 Edinburgh Road. In 1911 he lived with his widowed grandmother, Elizabeth Spurgeon, and his aunt Florence Spurgeon, at 105 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft, and Clifford worked as a shop assistant in a confectionary shop. Later his grandmother, and aunt, lived at 23 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft.Clifford volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, service number 446, and arrived in France on 18 November 1915. Later he was renumbered 895137. Clifford served with 55th Divisional Ammunition Column attached V/55th Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, part of the 55th Division. The Battery War Diary for 7 May 1917 has:D.T. M.O'p Headquarters (at) Soap Works were shelled as also were the new billets in course of erection.Casualties: 1 O.R. killed; 2 O.R. died of wounds; 4 O.R. wounded.Clifford was killed in action on 7 May. Clifford's aunt Florence, and uncle, George Forder, both died in an air raid in 1941. 

A Civilian, Florence died on 4th of February 1941 at the age of 72. Florence was born at Lowestoft on 22 May 1869, a daughter of John Farrar and Elizabeth Spurgeon. She was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 4 July 1869. In 1871 her family lived at 29 Nelson Square, Whapload Road. By 1881 they were living at 1 Frost's Alley, Lowestoft. In 1891 they lived at Crow's Buildings, Whapload Road, and by 1901 at 57 Edinburgh Road. In 1911 she lived with her widowed mother, Elizabeth Spurgeon, and her nephew Clifford, at 105 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. By 1921 she was living at 23 Saint Peter's Street with he sister Ada Forder and family. Her occupation was described as 'home duties'. In 1939 she was still living with Ada and family at 23 Saint Peter's Street and Florence was an old age pensioner. Florence, and her brother-in-law George Forder, were killed at 23 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft, during an air raid.Her nephew Clifford Spurgeon was killed in action in 1917. 

A Civilian, Iris died on 17th of May 1941 at the age of 21. Iris was born on the 26th January 1920 and was a daughter of Albert and Ellen Maud Spurgeon of 36 Old Nelson Street Lowestoft Suffolk. The 1939 Register shows that Iris worked as a factory hand at a wire factory in Lowestoft and subsequently she went to work at Nuneaton, Warwickshire. During the night of 16-17 May 1941 Nuneaton was very heavily bombed with both incendiary and high explosive bombs and 131 people were killed. The single most devastating incident in that raid was when a bomb destroyed Merrick's Shop, on Queens Road (opposite Marlborough Road). The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records that Iris died at 151 Queens Road it is thought that as only one bomb is recorded as having fallen on Queens Road, then Iris must have been killed by the blast that destroyed Merrick's Shop. (See the Nuneaton and North Warwickshire Family History Society Journal July 2011 at 2011_07_Jul.pdf (nanwfhs.org.uk)See also details of Eileen Bunn, from Lowestoft, who also died at 151 Queens Road, Nuneaton, on that fateful night. 

A Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Louis died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 26. Louis was born at Lowestoft on 25 February 1890, a son of Frances Elizabth Spurgeon. In 1891 he lived with his mother and brother at 7 Gun Lane, where his mother was housekeeper for William Andrews, and this was still their home in 1901. Louis was a pupil at Christ Church School and became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School on 27 April 1896. In 1911 Louis’ family were still at 7 Gun Lane, and Louis worked as a wood sawyer at a saw mill. Later his mother lived at 17 Chapel Street, Lowestoft. Louis enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth around April 1911. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 9771. It seems that Louis was an Army Reserve and was mobilised when the First World War began. He arrived in France on 6 October 1914 to join the 2nd Battalion. Louis was serving with B Company when he was wounded and his name appears in the official list of wounded published on 30 November 1914. Records show that he was admitted to a hospital on 8 February 1915 and discharged on 13 February 1915. This may have been No 1 General Hospital or Bedford Hospital (the transcript is unclear) and it may be that he had been wounded earlier (i.e. in 1914 corresponding with his name being in the official list) or that this was a second wound.     A note in the Lowestoft Journal, 22 January 1916, states that Louis had been brought to the notice of his commanding officer for conspicuous bravery in the field.On 12 October 1916 the 2nd Battalion were engaged in an attack on Grid and Bayonet Trenches. The attack began at 2.05 a.m. and was made in four waves. When they reached a small ridge about 60 yards in front they came under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from Grid Trench and the fire was so great that they were held up due to their heavy casualties. Two companies on the right were able to pass over the southern end of Grid Trench towards Bayonet Trench and they also came under heavy machine-gun fire and were held up. B Company then came up to reinforce the attack and were able to capture 200 yards of Bite Trench. At this point it was decided to dig in to hold the ground gained thus far. The 2nd Battalion were the only battalion on the whole Corps front to gain and hold ground that day. The night passed quietly without counter-attacks and the Battalion were relieved the next day. The Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: 5 killed, 5 woundedOther ranks: 49 killed, 49 missing, 2 wounded and missing, 137 wounded, 2 shell-shock Louis was killed in action on 12 October. Louis' brother Andrew served with the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment and died in 1918. Note: Commonwealth War Graves records show that he was 'Son of Frances E. Spurgeon of 17 Chapel St. Lowestoft and the late William Spurgeon.'

A Trimmer Cook with H.M. Trawler Bracklyn, Percival died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 35. Percival was born at Lowestoft on 28 June 1882, a son of Edward Charles and Elizabeth Martha Stace. In 1891 his family lived at 7 Alexandra Road and by 1901 they were living at 223 London Road and Percival was a domestic gardener. On 8 March 1914 Percival married Caroline Mary Gilson at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Percival was a groom and they both lived at Kirkley. By 1916 they were living at 5 Whitney Road, Pakefield, and later Caroline lived at 65 Carlton Road, Pakefield.Percival joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 9 May 1916 and served on the trawler Bracklyn. On 11 May 1917 the Bracklyn was sunk by a mine off Great Yarmouth. All ten of the crew were killed. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Columbia., Arthur died on 1st of May 1915 at the age of 23. Arthur was born at Pakefield on 10 September 1892, a son of Frederick and Florence Adeline Lilian Stannard. He was baptised at All Saints' Church, Pakefield, on 9 October 1892. Arthur attended Cunningham Infant School from 10 September 1895 and Cunningham Mixed School from 1 June 1899. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Bourne Terrace, Pakefield. By 1914 they were living at 12 Prospect Place, Pakefield. Later Arthur's parents lived at 52 Florence Road, Pakefield.Arthur joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 September 1914. He served on the trawler Columbia. On 1 March 1915 the Columbia was sunk by a German torpedo boat near Oostende, Belgium, in an action known as the Battle of Noorhinder Bank. The Columbia was sunk by a German torpedo. There is some conjecture about what happened to the crew: some sources suggest that survivors from the Columbia were picked up by German ships, but lost when these German ships were themselves sunk. One member of the Columbia's crew, Deck Hand Thomas Gale, is known to have survived. Co-incidentally the British officer in overall charge of the trawlers at the Battle of Noorhinder Bank, was Lieutenant Sir James Domville. 

A Warrant Telegraphist with H.M.S. Champagne, Charles died on 9th of October 1917 at the age of 23. Charles was born at East Bergholt, Suffolk, on 4 December 1893, a son of George and Susannah Stannard. In 1901 Charles’ family lived at The Police Station, Tavern Street, Stowmarket, where his father was a police inspector. By 1911 they were living at 33 Cobbold Street, Ipswich. Later they lived at 57 Levington Road, Ipswich, before moving to 29 Carlton Road, Pakefield.Charles attended Stowmarket Secondary School and the Municipal School, Ipswich. In 1911 Charles worked as a Post Office clerk and in 1915 he became a certified wireless operator. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve in April 1915, and, on 19 June 1915, he was appointed Temporary Warrant Telegraphist. Charles was sent to Marconi House for instruction in the use of the 5 k.w. wireless. From 4 February 1916 he was based at Devonport and detailed for service on ships of the 10th Cruiser Squadron while awaiting the commissioning of H.M.S. Avenger. It seems that he spent some time on board the armed merchant cruiser H.M.S. Armadale Castle. The Avenger was commissioned on 14 March 1916 and Charles was still serving on the Avenger when it was torpedoed and sunk on 14 June 1917. In July 1917 Charles joined H.M.S. Champagne.   On 9 October 1917 H.M.S. Champagne was sailing eight miles south-west of the Calf of Man. At 6.10 p.m. a torpedo struck the ship in the engine room on the starboard. The explosion stopped all of the ship’s main engines. It was expected that the ship would stay afloat for some time, but a second torpedo struck the ship on the port side and the order to abandon ship was given. A gun-crew remained on board and tried to engage with the submarine, but a third torpedo struck the ship, which broke in two. Five officers and 53 ratings were killed. Captain Percy Brown wrote to Charles’ parents:Mr. Stannard lost his life through devotion to duty. He and the other Warrant Telegraphist (who also lost his life) remained at their post, trying to make the wireless work, to send out a call for help, after I gave the order to abandon the ship. No man can die a finer death. I have reported his conduct to the Admiralty.Engineering Lieutenant E. Roeford also wrote to Charles’ parents:He died a gallant death doing his duty to the end, and I am proud to think I have sailed with such a gallant officer, for he has kept up the tradition of the Navy, and also that gallant tradition which Marconi men have made for themselves. 

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Sidney died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 24. Sidney was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Frederick and Fanny Stannard. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 16 December 1892 and his family lived at Sain John’s Road. In 1901 their address was Turner’s Cottages, 6 Saint John’s Road. By 1911 they were living at 23 Saint John's Road and Sidney was an errand boy. Sidney volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 17752, and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France with the battalion on 31 August 1915. On 13 September 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Guinchy on the Somme. At 6.20 a.m. they attacked the German lines and were able to capture two lines of German trenches, however, the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The situation could not be cleared up and so, at 7.30 a.m. A Company made an attack on the German strongpoint known as The Quadrilateral, but they failed to reach their objective due to enemy machine-gun fire. By the end of the day two officers and 15 men had been killed and 10 officers and 185 men wounded. On 15 September the Battalion made an attack on the enemy trenches with a final objective between Lesbouchs and Morval. The Battalion were to advance at 7.50 a.m. There was heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire and half of C Company could not even leave the trench. The rest of the Battalion were held up by heavy machine-gun fire from The Quadrilateral. There were many casualties, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mack. During the day the Battalion lost four officers and 35 men killed, seven officers and 99 men wounded, and two officers and 93 men missing. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects shows that Sidney was killed in action between 13 and 16 September 1916. But the 9th Battalion war diary states that there were no casualties on 16 September. It was not until January 1917 that Sindey’s family received official notification that he had been killed. 

A Private with the 2/6th (Cyclist) Battalion, William died on 27th of July 1916 at the age of 32.William was born at Cookley, Suffolk, in 1884, a son of John and Emily Stannard. In 1891 his family lived at 3 Edinburgh Road. By 1901 they were living at 7 Ipswich Road and William was a journeyman blacksmith.In 1907 William married Lily Emma Field. There wedding seems to have taken place at Frostenden. In 1911 they lived at 41 Sussex Road and William was a tramway motorman for Lowestoft Borough Council. Later Lily lived at 17 Morton Road.William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in October 1914. He served with the 2/6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 1590. He did not serve overseas. William died, at Lincoln Hospital, from pleurisy and pericarditis. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Albert died on 18th of September 1918 aged 29. Albert was born at Saint Ives, Huntingdonshire, on 10 June 1889, a son of William and Emily Starling. In 1891 his family lived at The Railway Station, Saint Mary Stoke, Ipswich. By 1895 they had moved to Ely and lived at The Railway Station, Ely, where is father was the station master. Albert attended Needhams School, Ely, from 14 January 1895. Albert began working for the Great Eastern Railway Company in 1904. In 1911 he lodged at Victoria Street, Ely, and he worked as a railway clerk. On 9 September 1912 Albert married Lilian Elvey Hunt at Saint Matthew’s Church, Ipswich. They lived at Ely. Lilian died in July 1913 and Albert then moved to Lowestoft where he worked as a goods clerk at Lowestoft Central Railway Station. In 1915 Albert married Florence Eliza Mary Jane Pope: this was registered in the Mutford district. Florence came from Littleport. Florence lived at 26 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, before moving to Fodder Fen, Manea, March, Cambridgeshire. She married Harry Bendall in 1922. Albert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1915. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number S2S4/03688, and arrived in France on 18 September 1915. He was transferred to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, service number A/202863. At some point her served with the 1st Battalion. In November 1917 he was part of C Company 17th Battalion and on 17 November 1917 had to receive medical treatment for trench feet. By September 1918 he was serving with the 2nd Battalion. On 18 September 1918 the 2nd Battalion were involved in an attack between the River Omignon, on their left, and the Maissemy – Berthaucort Road, on their right, with Berthaucourt and their final objective. The battalion was held up by machine-gun fire on both flanks but were able to fight their way through Berthaucourt. The battalion’s losses were 25 killed, including Albert, 99 wounded and six missing. 

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Glenprosen, Bertie died on 3rd of November 1916 at the age of 17. Bertie was born at Barsham, near Beccles, on 17 March 1899, a son of Samuel and Emma Eliza Stebbings. In 1901 his family lived at The Cottage, Roos Hall, Barsham. In 1911 his family lived at Oulton Street, Oulton. Later their home was at 8 Meadow Cottages, Oulton, Lowestoft. Bertie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 July 1915, claiming to be two years older than he actually was. He served on the trawler Glenprosen.On 3 November 1916 the Glenprosen was sailing in the North Sea about one nautical mile north-north-east of the Cross Sands Lightship when the trawler struck a mine and sank. Five of the crew, including Bertie, were killed. Bertie's brother Frederick served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service and died in 1940. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Joseph Button. Frederick died on 22nd of October 1940 at the age of 38.Frederick was born at Oulton on 20 February 1903, a son of Samuel and Emma Eliza Stebbings. In 1911 his family lived at Oulton Street, Oulton. Later their home was at 8 Meadow Cottages, Oulton, Lowestoft. Frederick enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 March 1933, and re-enrolled in 1938. In 1933 Frederick worked on the Golden Lion, LT 619. Then he joined the Reed, LT 270, as Chief Engineer. In 1935 he re-joined the Golden Lion, as Engineer, and in 1936 returned to the Reed, again as Chief Engineer. In 1938 and 1939 Frederick worked on the drifter Feaco. Frederick was mobilized and posted to the Royal Naval Patrol Service on 28 September 1939. He served on the 'Suma' in January 1940 before joining the 'Joseph Button' on 31 January 1940.  Frederick was mentioned in despatches 1 January 1941 under the 'general citation' for outstanding zeal and upholding the standards of the Royal Navy.Joseph was serving on the minesweeping trawler when it was mined and sunk 5.75 nautical miles off Aldeburgh. Four of the crew, including Joseph, were killed.  Frederick's brother Bertie served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916.

A Private with 6th Bn. George died on 3rd of July 1916 at the age of 22.George was born at Somerleyton in 1894, a son of Ernest Frederick and Elizabeth Pratt Stebbings. He was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Somerleyton, on 19 August 1894, and his family lived at Somerleyton. By 1901 their home was at Myrtle Cottage, Beccles Road, Lowestoft, and in 1911 their address was 12 Beccles Road, Lowestoft, and George worked as a boot repairer.George joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment, number 9087 (possibly the 6th Cyclist Battalion), and was later transferred to Army Cyclist Corps, number 2870. Subsequently he was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 6th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 6th Battalion on 31 May 1915. Note: he served with Thomas Gowing who also came from Lowestoft. On 3 July 1916 the 6th Battalion were in trenches opposite Ovillers. They attacked the German trenches at 3.15 a.m. Although the men reached the enemy trenches the ground was swept with machine-gun fire and wire had not been cut, both combining to cause many casualties. Of all ranks in the Battalion 25 were killed, 158 wounded, and 121 missing.    Initially George received a battlefield burial at map reference 57.d.X.7.b. and was reburied at Ovillers in 1920. Note some sources, incorrectly, give his date of death as 2 July 1916. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, William died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 19. William was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Henry Herbert and Katherine Stebbings. In 1901 his family lived at 160 Clapham Road, but the 1901 Census shows William staying with his aunt, Ellen Stebbings, at 26 Ferry Lane, Gorleston. In 1911 his family lived at 1 Holly Road, Oulton Broad, and William worked as a house painter, probably with his father. William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 2607, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France and, subsequently he was posted to the 7th Battalion, service number 43059, and served with A Company.  Colonel Murphy’s ‘The History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927’ has the following account of the 7th Battalion’s part in the attack on the front between the Scarpe and Monchy (near Arras), known as the Battle of Arleux, on 28 April 1917, pages 233-4:The battalion, going over the top at 4.35 a.m. to attack the new Blue Line, passed through the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment, who had captured Bayonet trench and also some 150 yards of Rifle trench. They immediately came under a most devastating machine-gun fire from Rouex, which the troops operating on the north side of the river had not yet taken, and suffered very heavy losses. Portions of the various companies managed to reach the first objective but were unable to gain further ground. All the officers except the colonel and the adjutant have been killed or wounded, these small parties returned to the Black Line as soon as it grew dark and at 1 a.m. the battalion, now reduced to 190 effective men, withdrew to the support line. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers three killed, one died of wounds, four woundedOther ranks: 89 killed and an unknown number wounded or missingWilliam was reported wounded and missing on 28 April and later presumed to have died of wounds on that date.Note his names are given as William Frank on all civilian and military records.William's father also served in the Army during World War One.  

A Lance Corporal with the 5th Battalion, John died on 17th of October 1917 at the age of 41. John was born at Lowestoft on 18 October 1877, a son of George Samuel and Clara Steel. In 1881 his family lived at 5 Nelson Street. From 28 March 1887 John attended Saint Margaret’s School. In 1881 his family lived at 52 Mariners Street. By 1891 they were living at 281 Raglan Street, and John worked as a page. On 5 March 1899 John married Flora Thacker at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville. John was a groom, living at Kirkley, and Flora lived at Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at 30 Saint Leonards Road, Kirkley, and John was a domestic groom. By 1911 they were living at 40 Salisbury Road, and John was a carman. John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 34341. Around November 1916 John was transferred to the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and posted to the 3rd Battalion, and, later that month, he was posted to France to join the 5th Battalion. John was wounded, but details of where, when, and how, are not known. He was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations in the Lijssenthoek area, where he died of wounds.  

A Civilian, Alan died on 23rd of January 1942 at the age of 13. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 23 July 1928, a son of James Albert and Dora Vida Sterry. In 1939 his family lived at 55 Stanley Street and Alan was a schoolboy.Alan died at 55 Stanley Street, during an air raid, along with his mother Dora and his grandmother Mary Ann Sterry. 

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Arthur died on 23rd of April 1917 at the age of 38. Arthur was born at Lowestoft in 1879, a son of Alfred and Mary Eliza Sterry. In 1881 his family lived at 6 Stevens Street. Arthur was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 27 October 1882. By 1891 Arthur’s father had died and the family lived at 6 Haward Street. In 1901 Arthur was a fish worker and he lodged with Samuel and Clara Smith at 2 Cook’s Buildings. On 15 December 1906 Arthur married Winnie Mary Annie Edwards at Saint Margaret’s Church. Arthur was a fish packer living at Whapload Road and Winnie lived at Thurston Road. By 1911 they were living at 37 Tennyson Road and Arthur was a fish packer. Later Winnie married Richard Kipps and lived at Hornchurch, Essex. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 6525. He did not serve overseas before 1916. He served with the 1/4th Battalion in France and was a member of A Company. In 1917 he was renumbered 202937.On 23 April 1917 the 1/4th Battalion took part in the assault on the German front and support trenches of the Hindenburg Line near the River Sensee. After an artillery barrage the battalion’s advance began at 4.45 a.m. They faced considerable opposition. By 6.30 a.m. B Company were within 200 yards of their objective, but were held up by granatenwerfer (grenade launcher), rifle and machine-gun fire. They held on until 9.30 a.m. when a German counter-attack forced them to withdraw. C and D Companies, with the support of one tank, were able to reach a sunken road by about 9.30 a.m. They also faced considerable opposition and, from 2 p.m. they were forced back by counter-attacks. The battalion was relived during the night. In the assault they had captured about 650 unwounded prisoners, five machine guns and a trench mortar. The battalion’s casualties were:Officers: one killed, eight woundedOther ranks: 41 killed, 160 wounded, 104 missing   Arthur was reported missing on 23 April and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. 

A Civilian, Dora died on 23rd of January 1942 at the age of 43. Dora was born at Lowestoft on 7 May 1898, a daughter of George William and Sarah Anne Parker. She was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 17 June 1898 and her family lived at 92 Clement Terrace. In 1901 her family lived at 92 Carlton Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1911. From 4 September 1905 Dora was a pupil at Kirkley School. On 13 April 1925 Dora married James Albert Sterry at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. James was a joint maker's assistant living at 23 Trafalgar Street and Dora lived at 63 Crown Street. By 1939 they were living at 55 Stanley Street, LowestoftDora died at 55 Stanley Street, during an air raid, along with her son Alan and her mother-in-law Mary Sterry. 

A Sapper with 208th Field Company, Esmond died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 20. Esmond was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of John and Zillah Sterry. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 6 March 1898, and his family lived at Alma Road. In 1901 their address was 5 Alma Road and this was still their address in 1911. Later his parents lived at 7 Grosvenor Road, Lowestoft.  Esmond enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Engineers, service number 84668. He was posted to France to serve with 208 Field Company. On 15 March 1918 the company were sent the code word ‘Battle’ and were ordered to proceed immediately to Hamelincourt and thence to Boyelles where they were employed in digging trenches in readiness for the expected German attack. This work continued for the next few days and elements of the company were detached to help the Royal Field Artillery to prepare gun positions. At 5 a.m. on 21 March the enemy barrage began and attacks developed throughout the day. During the day the company set demolition charges in the Hindenburg Tunnel at the junctions with the Mars Lane Subway, Bow Lane and Juno Lane. Two Sappers, under Lance Corporal Ward, were detailed to set fire to the Gunners Dump at Ecoust and had set the fire when the Germans entered the village. These three men failed to return and it seems that Esmond was one of the two Sappers. He was reported missing on 21 March 1918 and it was later concluded that he had been killed in action on that date. During 1918 the Red Cross received several enquiries about Esmond. Each time to Red Cross replied stating that they had no record of him as a prisoner of war. 

A Civilian, Mary died on 23rd of January 1942 at the age of 73.Mary was born at Norwich on 16 March 1868, a daughter of John and Ruth Kirby. In 1869 her family spent a month at Saint Andrew's Workhouse, Norwich. By 1871 they were living at John Bull Street, Heigham, Norwich. In 1874 Mary, and her mother and sisters, were again admitted to Saint Andrew's Workhouse. On 14 June 1875 Mary became a pupil at Saint Stephen's School, Norwich. By 1881 her family were living at Shoulder of Mutton Yard, Norwich. On 28May 1898 Mary married James Edward Sterry at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. James was living at 24 Trafalgar Street and Mary lived at 127 Newmarket Road, Norwich.  In 1901 they lived at 24 Trafalgar Street and James was a fish merchant's store keeper. In 1911 their home was 23 Trafalgar Street and this was Mary's home for the rest of her life. James died in 1913.Mary died at 55 Stanley Street, Lowestoft, during an air raid along with her daughter-in-law Dora and grandson Alan.

A Private with the 10th Battalion, Timothy died on 29 June 1916, at the age of 32.Timothy was born at Lowestoft on 15 July 1883, a son of Charles and Jane Sterry. In 1891 his family lived at 213 Clapham Road, Lowestoft, and by 1901 the family home was at 42 Queens Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they had moved to 30 Park Road, Lowestoft. Timothy worked as a fish labourer. Timothy attested at Lowestoft on 28 February 1916 and was immediately placed on the Army Reserve. He was mobilized on 1 April 1916 and on 10 April was posted to the 10th Battalion East Surrey Regiment. On 3 May 1916 he was admitted to Castle Mount Section Hospital, Dover, with tuberculosis. He died in hospital some weeks later. Technically he was discharged from the Army on 9 June 1916, being medically unfit, but was afforded a Commonwealth War Graves headstone. Timothy is remembered on the war memorial at Saint Margaret's Church and the Town Memorial as 'G T Sterry - Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment'. 

A Sergeant with 15th Battalion, Victor died on 6th of November 1917 at the age of 30. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 10 August 1887, a son of Frederick John Cook Sterry and Mary Ann Sterry. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church on 4 September 1887. In 1891 his family lived at 24 Reeve Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1901 when Victor worked as an errand boy. In 1912 Victor married Lily Evelyn Cook. After Victor's death Lily married Harry Palmer and lived at 63 Worthing Road, Lowestoft.Victor volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France with the 9th Battalion on 31 August 1915: he was already a Corporal at this time. By December 1915 Victor had been promoted to Sergeant. Victor was wounded in late 1915 and, once recovered, returned to the 9th Battalion. He contracted pleurisy and was admitted to 23 General Hospital in May 1916. Once recovered he was posted to the 8th Battalion and then to the 15th Battalion in Palestine. The history of The Loyal Suffolk Hussars, by Margaret Thomas and Nick Sign (Helion and Company, 2012 pp. 137-8) gives the following account of the events of 6 November 1917:On 6 November, XX Corps, which included the 74th Division, of which the Yeomanry (15th Battalion Suffolk Regiment) was a part, was ordered to attack the Sheira positions on a broad front. The 74th were on the right of the line. 'Everything depended on the 74th Division. The advance had to be made over very open country, against strongly held positions, which bristled with machine-guns.' The advance began at 4.30 a.m. and soon came under heavy fire before they were clear of the outpost line, and before it was barely light. Very soon Lieutenants Wood and Boocock had been killed and Lieutenants Linnington and Badger wounded. All the officers of B Company were injured. The Battalion, therefore, had to be reorganised under cover of a ridge, and D Company, in reserve, was now brought up into the line. A and C Companies were also reorganised, moving to the east of Wadi Union. With the help of members of the Machine Gun Corps, the attack was carried out very rapidly , the Turks driven out , and objectives achieved by 8.30 a.m. They were ordered not to advance any further in order to allow the left wing to swing round towards the railway. The Brigade had taken a considerable number of prisoners and a battery of guns. a Turkish counter-attack to recapture these was repelled, being beaten off by fire from the machine and Lewis guns. The action had completely turned the Turkish flank. The Brigade was relieved in the evening.     Nineteen 'other ranks', including Victor, were killed in action during this attack. Victor's brother in law, Henry Briggs, served with the Norfolk Regiment and died in 1918.

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Wilfred died on 7th of February 1916 at the age of 21. Wilfred was born at Lowestoft on 15 August 1894, a son of Thomas John and Jessie Sterry. Wilfred’s mother died in 1897. In 1899 his family lived at 95 George Street, Great Yarmouth. From 29 May 1899 Wilfred attended Northgate Infants School, Great Yarmouth. From 11 November 1900 Wilfred was living in Lowestoft and he attended the Wesleyan School. In 1901 he lived with his grandparents at Enfield House, Trafalgar Street. On 8 February 1904 he became a pupil at Saint John’s School, Lowestoft. By 1911 Wilfred’s father, and step-mother Mary, were living at 4 Suffolk Road, Ipswich. Wilfred was a nephew of Alice Beamish who, in 1911, lived at 63 Trafalgar Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 Wilfred lived with his grandparents, John and Martha Catt, at 31 Borough Road, Ipswich, and Wilfred was a lift attendant. Wilfred volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Ipswich in 1912. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, number 1356, and served with the 1/4th Battalion. Wilfred was mobilized when the war began and he arrived in France with the Battalion on 8 November 1914. It seems that Wilfred was wounded at Loos: the Battalion moved to Loos on 30 January 1916 and was shelled heavily on January 31, February 2nd and 3rd. The nature of his wounds are not known and the various sources offer different reasons for his death, for example shock, as the result of wounds. However, the Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects states that he died from meningitis at the 2nd Western General Hospital, Manchester. An account of Wilfred’s funeral appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times, 14 February 1916, page 8:MILITARY FUNERAL AT LOWESTOFTOn Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a considerable number of people and with full military honours, the funeral of Private Wilfred J. Sterry, 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, aged 21, eldest son of Mr. Thomas J. Sterry, of 67, Finchley Road, Ipswich, took place at Lowestoft Cemetery. The deceased died at the Royal Infirmary, Manchester, of shock, the results of wounds received at Loos. The military attended in considerable numbers, and provided the bearers, firing party, and buglers to sound the “Last Post”.The young soldier, who had been at the front fourteen months, and in the Territorials four years, was a native of Lowestoft, his home when there being with Mr. and Mrs. Beamish, of Trafalgar Street, but he had spent some years at the Orwell Works, Ipswich, where his father had been employed for many years. While at the front the deceased was attached as telegraphist to the Jullunder Brigade of the R.E., and had a narrow escape at Neuve Chapelle, where he was recommended for the D.C.M. for repairing a wire under fire. He received his wound, which has now proved fatal, the day before he was supposed to have leave. Among the mourners were his father and brother (the latter a Corporal in the 4th Suffolks). Mr. Catt and Mrs. Catt (uncle and grandmother), Mr. and Mrs. Connelley (nephew and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. Beamish (uncle and aunt), Miss Sterry, and Mrs. Catt (aunt). Among the floral tributes (in addition to those from the family) was one from Mr. Newman (Dovercourt), and another, under glass, from the workmen in the lawnmower department of the Orwell Works. NOTE: The Jullunder Brigade was actually the infantry formation of which the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was part between November 1914 and November 1915. 

A Private with the 10th Battalion, William died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 19.William was born at Lowestoft in 1897 a son of John William and Esther Susannah Sterry. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 26 March 1897 and his family lived at Whapload Road. In 1901 their address was Robert’s Buildings, Whapload Road. By 1911 they were living at 25 The Hemplands, Lowestoft, and William was an errand boy.William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Essex Regiment and was posted to the 10th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on France 25 July 1915. On the night of 30 June 1916 most of the Battalion were in the trenches of the Carnoy defences. At 7.30 a.m. on 1 July, they went into the attack: 645 men as well as Lewis gun teams. They advanced in support of the 8th Battalion Norfolk Regiment and the 6th Royal Berkshire Regiment and during the day various elements of the Battalion were sent to support these battalions at different points, including the Pommier Line. Between 24 June and 7 July, the Battalion lost 31 officers and men killed, and 167 wounded.  

A Guardsman with the 4th Battalion, Alan died on the 21st of April 1945 aged 20. Alan was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Alfred James and Louise M. Stevens. In 1939 his family lived at Joycot, Saint Peters Road.Alan served with the 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards. This was a tank battalion armed with Churchill Tanks. On 21 April 1945 Alan’s tank was advancing along the main road, north of Hanover, to the Dannenberg ferry. The were five well concealed German 88 guns on the road which hampered the battalion’s advance. Alan’s tank was destroyed by fire from the 88s and Alan and Sergeant Gardner and Lance Corporal Little were killed, and two officers were wounded. These were the 4th Battalion’s last casualties in World War Two.Alan was buried at Ziernen and later reburied at Becklingen War Cemetery. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Kirkland, Herbert died on 20th of August 1917 at the age of 27. Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 31 October 1888, a son of George William and Sarah Stevenson. In 1891 his family lived at Maida Cottage, Burton Street, and in 1901 at 4 Rotterdam Road. By 1911 the family had moved to 3 Primrose Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, and Herbert worked as a general labourer. Also living at 3 Primrose Road was Harriet Sexton who was the house keeper: Harriet was the mother of Dora Sexton. On 31 January 1914 Herbert married Dora Ethel Florence Sexton at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Herbert was a fisherman and they both gave their address as 21 Kent Road. By August 1914 they were living at 16 Kent Road. In 1925 Dora married Robert Kendall at Shotesham. Herbert joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 20 August 1914. Herbert served on the trawler Wild Rose and later, possibly on 10 September 1915, joined the trawler Kirkland. On 20 August 1917 the Kirkland was accompanying the oiler S.S. Kremlin from the west of Shetland to Lerwick on the east of Shetland. Off Fulga Skerry, Papstour, the Kirkland struck a mine and sank almost immediately. Ten of the crew, including Herbert, were killed. Another trawler, the Ethel, was also accompanying the Kremlin and went to the aid of the Kirkland’s crew and rescued one man. A Board of Inquiry criticised the skipper of the Ethel for going to the aid of the Kirkland’s crew because, is doing this he had deserted the convoy in his charge. The Board found that most of the Kirkland’s crew were below deck when the trawler struck the mine and those who were on deck could not swim. 

A Flight Sub Lieutenant with Cranwell Naval Air Station, William died on 8th of November 1916 at the age of 19. William was born at London on 9 April 1897, a son of Joseph Fox Tarratt and Mary Georgina Helen McNeill (or Rogers) of Clarendon Lowestoft. Officially William's full name was William Stewart Tarratt Stewart of Coll. William served with the Royal Naval Air Service from 7 August 1915. William was awarded his Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate after a successful assessment flying a Maurice Farman Biplane at the Central Flying School, Upavon, on 6 October 1915. On 11 November 1915 he was seconded for experimental duties. On 1 April 1916 he was posted to Cranwell Naval Air Station. He was appointed assistant instructor on 31 August 1916.William was flying in an Avro 504B, number 1049, when it crashed and he died from his injuries. William's brother, Duncan Tarratt, served with the Seaforth Highlanders and died in 1917.

A Sergeant with 233rd Machine Gun Company, Cecil died on 2nd of October 1917 at the age of 25. Cecil was born at Wenhaston in 1892, a son of John and Florence Annie Stofer. In 1901 his family lived at Brandeston Road, Earl Soham, Suffolk. By 1911 they were living at 6 Prospect Place, Pakefield, and Cecil was a printer. By 1917 his parents were living at 502 London Road. Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft around September 1915. Cecil joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 20763. He was posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. Cecil was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, service number 5882 and he was posted to France in February 1916 and joined 110 Machine-Gun Company.Cecil was admitted to 2 General Hospital on 11 March 1916 with contusions to his hands. He was discharged to a convalescence camp on 14 March. On 20 March he was re-admitted to 2 General Hospital with strain of the tendons in the third finger of his right hand. He was discharged to a convalescence camp on 28 March. Subsequently Cecil joined 233 Machine Gun Company. The date he joined is not known, but 233 Machine Gun Company did not arrive in France until 13 July 1917. On 24 September 1917 the company were in positions at Potsdam and Vampire Trenches, with a reserve behind Frezenberg Ridge. The company should have moved from Frezenberg to Winnezeele on the night of 30 September, but the relief was delayed and on 1 October four men were wounded and it seems that Cecil was one of these. He was taken to the 3rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, at Remy Sidings, near Lijssenthoek, where he died from his wounds on 2 October. Generally casualties that died at clearing stations were afforded a formal burial and this was probably the case with Cecil but later, and probably in a subsequent battle, his grave was lost.  Note: the medal roll for the British War and Victory medals show a correction to Cecil’s surname and the initials M.M. have been added. This suggests that he had been awarded the Military Medal and a number of secondary sources state this as fact. However, no medal card for an award of the Military Medal and no London Gazette entry for Cecil have been found, hence he may not actually have been awarded the Military Medal.   

A Stoker Petty Officer with H.M.S. Matabele, Thomas died on 17th of January 1942 aged 32. Thomas was born at Murton Colliery, Easington, Durham, on 2 August 1909, a son of Robert and Catherine Stoker. In 1911 his family lived at 37 Stoddart Street, Tyne Docks, South Shields. By 1921 their home was at 9 Thompson Street, Tyne Docks, South Shields.  On 3 August 1938 Thomas married Ivy Maud Chipperfield at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Bethnal Green. Thomas stated that he was a ‘naval rating on the high seas, and Ivy was a clerk living at the Stewart Headlam School. In 1939 Ivy lived with her parents at 12 Colville Road, Oulton Broad. Later Ivy remarried. In January 1942 Thomas was serving with the destroyer H.M.S. Matabele. On 17 January 1942 the Matabele was part of the defensive screen for convoy PQ 8 sailing from Iceland to Murmansk. At 10.21 p.m. the German submarine U-454 fired a torpedo at the Matabele which struck the ship in the stern and caused the ship’s magazine to explore. The Matabele sank within two minutes. Of the ship’s 238 crew only two survived. 

A Petty Officer with S.S. Celtic Prince, Thomas died on 8th of August 1918 aged 25.Thomas was born at Kirkley on 15 December 1892, a son of Thomas and Maggie Stollery. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 24 October 1894. On 1 June 1897 Thomas joined Kirkley School and his family lived at Lorne Cottages. On 13 June 1898 he joined Cunningham School, and his family lived at Pakefield and in 1899 he returned to Kirkley School, and his family lived at Clement Square. In 1901 his family lived at Westleton, Suffolk. Thomas joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 9 February 1912. At that time his family lived at 43 Stanford Street, Lowestoft, and subsequently his father lived at 28 Haward Street, Lowestoft. Thomas was mobilized when the war began and drafted to H.M.S. Formidable. On 1 January 1915 the Formidable was sunk by a German submarine. A total of 547 men were killed in the sinking, but Thomas was one of the 157 men who were rescued. Subsequently Thomas served on H.M.S. Almanzora a Defensively Armed Merchant Ship and then the cargo ship Celtic Prince. A note on his service record has: 'Found drowned at Quebec on 13 August 1918. Last seen alive returning to his ship on 8th idem. Presumed to have fallen overboard either from ship of whilst going aboard.' He was given a combined naval and military funeral and buried at Mount Hermon Cemetery on 15 August 1918. 

A Lance Corporal with 2nd Battalion, Thomas died on 10th of December 1916 at the age of 32. Thomas was born at Great Yarmouth in 1884, a son of William and Elizabeth Stolworthy. In 1891 his family lived at 10 Blinde Middle Street, Great Yarmouth. By 1901 his father had died, and his family lived 5 Trinity Passage, South Gates Road, Great Yarmouth, and Thomas was a tinman at a potted meat preserving factory. On 21 December 1902 Thomas married Jane Maria Peart at Saint Nicholas’ Church, Great Yarmouth. Thomas was a tinsmith living at Exmouth Road and Jane lived at Row 137 ½. By 1911 they were living at 38 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft, and later Jane returned to Great Yarmouth.It seems that Thomas was a member of the National Union of Oddfellows. Thomas volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 16949. Thomas arrived in France on 27 April 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion. It is probable that Thomas was wounded when the 2nd Battalion were in the Serre Sector, possibly on 5 December. While the date on which Thomas was wounded is not known, records show that he received gunshot wounds to his right jaw and left thigh. By 10 December he was at No 20 General Hospital, Camiers, France, where he died from his wounds, and pneumonia.

Formerly an Officers Steward 1st Class with H.M.S. Pembroke I, Henry died on 30th of May 1919 at the age of 35. Henry was born at Canterbury on 9 August 1882, a son of Henry Quested and Emma Agnes Stone. In 1891 his family lived at 10 Saint Paul’s Terrace, Canterbury. By 1901 Henry was lodging at 32 Plantation Road, Faversham, and working as a carpenter.  Henry married Lilian Spendler, formerly Absolon, the widow of Edmund Spendler, in 1915: this was registered in the Mutford district. Lilian came from Lowestoft. In 1917 they lived at Rochester, Kent, and by 1919 they were living at 19 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. Note that Commonwealth War Graves records give his wife’s first names as Harriett Elizabeth. It seems that she alternated between using the names Lilian and Harriett.  Henry was working as a carpenter when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Domestic 2nd Class. He joined H.M.S. Resolution on 12 January 1905 and, on 20 March 1906, H.M.S. Venerable. On 22 February 1907 he joined H.M.S. King Edward VII. He was advanced to Domestic 1st Class on 5 March 1907 and re-rated as Officer’s Steward 1st Class on 1 October 1907. He went to H.M.S. Pembroke I on 27 March 1909 and H.M.S. Formidable on 21 April 1909.Henry joined H.M.S. Pembroke I on 3 April 1911 and on 5 April 1911 he was discharged to shore at his own request. He then joined H.M.S. New Zealand on 6 June 1911 and H.M.S. Africa on 24 July 1911. He went to H.M.S. Pembroke I on 25 March 1912, and joined H.M.S. Halcyon on 17 May 1912. His final deployment was to H.M.S. Pembroke I on 15 November 1916. Henry was invalided from the service with a medical condition (this is illegible on his service register entry) on 13 April 1917. He was awarded the Silver War Badge. Henry is believed to have died from phthisis. Note: Commonwealth War Graves records infer that Henry was serving with H.M.S. Halcyon when he died, his service register details show that he had already been discharged and the last ship that he had served with was H.M.S. Pembroke I. Henry’s brother Albert served with the Border Regiment and died in 1915.   

A Trimmer with H.M. Drifter Michaelmas Daisy, Walter died on 26th of November 1916 at the age of 27. Walter was born at Pakefield on 3 June 1889, a son of Arthur and Caroline Louisa Stone. In 1891 his family lived at the Prince of Wales publican house, London Road, where his father was the publican, and this was still their home in 1901. From 21 June 1892 Walter was a pupil at Cunninghams School. In 1902 Walter’s father died and his mother remarried. He gave his next of kin as his sister Hilda Stone of 128 Morton Road Lowestoft. Walter lived at 1 Prospect Place Lowestoft.In 1911 Walter lodged with Charles and Emmeline Lincoln at 13 Prospect Place, Pakefield, and he worked as a painter for a builder and decorator. Charles and Emmeline were the parents of George Lincoln, the Skipper of the Michaelmas Daisy. Walter was still living with the Lincoln family, at 1 Prospect Place, when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 5 October 1915.He served with the drifter Michaelmas Daisy, LT 136. In August 1916 Walter hurt his right knee while getting the ship underway, but he was able to continue serving with the Michaelmas Daisy. Walter was killed when the drifter was sunk by a mine, in the Adriatic, off Santa Maria di Leuca. All hands were lost. 

A Chief Petty Officer with H.M.S. Windemere. William died on 20th of April 1946 at the age of 34.William was born on 9 September 1911, a son of Agnes Storey. William's father was William Gaul and Agnes was his 'unmarried wife' (evidence from 1911 Census and William Gaul's pension record card). William Gaul was killed in action in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. William lived with guardians at Great Yarmouth; first with Mrs. Roshier, at Regent Road, and then, in 1921, with the Thain family at 81 Churchill Road. William married Kathleen Mildred Coleman, at Lowestoft, in 1935. They lived at 12 A Ontario Road, Lowestoft.On 11 January 1934 William joined the Royal Naval Reserve.In 1934 William worked on the trawler 'Lavinia L', LT 1299. He worked on the 'Florence Barnard', LT 783, for a time in 1935 before rejoining the 'Lavinia L'. In 1937 he worked refitting yachts before joining the trawler 'Sussex County', LT 63, and then he joined the 'Rochester', Lt 153, and in 1938 he worked on the 'King Charles', LT 157. In 1939 he worked on the trawler 'Breas', LT 398.William re-enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve during 1939 and was mobilized on 25 August 1939. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. From August to November 1939 he served on the 'British'; from November 1939 to May 1941 on the 'Computator'. On 14 April 1940 he was awarded a 'hurt certificate'. In July 1941 William was awarded his certificate of competency and he was advanced to Second Hand in August 1941 and joined the 'Soranus'; in September 1941 he joined the 'Internos'.William became a Second Hand (Chief Petty Officer) in July 1942 and joined the 'S.T.H.' before joining Motor Mine Sweeper 19 later in that month. In February 1943 he joined the 'Manx Beauty' and from September 1943 the 'Windermere'.On 22 November 1944 William was assessed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, and found to be suffering from chronic catarrhal perceptive deafness and he was invalided from the service on 17 January 1945. also, in 1945, he was awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service Medal.     

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Amy. Jacob died on 11th of April 1917 at the age of 32. Jacob was born at Peckham, London, on 9 June 1884, a son of Thomas and Eliza Stratford. He was baptised at Camden Church, Peckham Road, Camberwell, on 12 October 1884, and his family lived at 2 Lisford Street. In 1891 his family lived at 2 Caln Street, Camberwell. Arthur attended Cator Street School and between 18 November 1893 and 16 December 1897 he attended Arthur Street School: about this time his family lived at 4 Fenham Road.  In 1903 Jacob was found guilty of shop-breaking and sentence to borstal for one year. By 1911 he was working as a fisherman and living with Charles and Eliza Rose of 59 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. Jacob is described as Eliza’s ‘foster son’ and he had an aunt, Mrs. Orange, who lived at 208 Cator Street, Peckham, and it seems that some of his other relatives had moved to Canada.  Jacob joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 March 1916. 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 Jacob, were killed and one man wounded.

A Skipper with Steam Drifter Lily, Joseph died on 7th of October 1914 at the age of 36. Joseph was born at Brixham, Devon, in 1878, a son of James William and Rebecca Strong. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 March 1878. The 1891 Census shows Joseph living at the Merchant Seaman's Orphanage Asylum, Snavesbrook, Essex. Full name Joseph John Honeywell Hoppins Strong.Joseph married Amelia Elizabeth Blowers at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 15 December 1908. At that time he was living at 42 Raglan Street. By 1911 Joseph and Amelia were living at 25 Raglan Street. Joseph was on of the seven man crew of the steam drifter Lily. The Lily was lost on 7 October 1914 with all hands. Official reports concluded that is was supposed that the Lily had struck a mine. On Saint Margaret's War Memorial.

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Clover Bank, Alonzo died on 24th of April 1916 at the age of 52. Alonzo was born at Kessingland on 19 April 1864, a son of George and Sarah Strowger. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 15 May 1864. In 1871 his family lived ‘near the sea’ Kessingland. In 1881 their address was The Beach, Kessingland.In 1892 Alonzo was the Skipper of the trawler Twilight, LT 178, and in 1900 he was the owner of the trawler Renown. On 19 July 1896 Alonzo married Priscilla Jane Haylett at Saint Edmund’s Church, Caister-on-Sea. Alonzo was a fisherman, living at Kessingland, and Priscilla lived at Caister. In 1901 they lived at The Beach, Kessingland, and Alonzo was a fish merchant. By 1904 they were living at Caister-on-Sea.In 1906 Alonzo was the Master of the trawler Boadicea. On 10 June 1910 he was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper. In 1911 the family home was at Clay Road, Caister, and later at Lamorna, Beach Road, Caister. In 1911 Alonzo was the Skipper of the trawler Paradox, YH 710, at Haking, Pembrokeshire.   Alonzo joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and was the Skipper of the drifter Clover Bank. A marginal note on his service record card states ‘Skipper Strowger was in action with an enemy submarine July 1915.’On 24 April 1916 a large flotilla of hips from the Dover Patrol sailed toward the Belgian coast to lay a minefield, and set a net barrage, between Nieuport and the River Scheldt, in order to restrict the movement of German submarines based in that area. They laid a 15 mile section of double mines and 13 miles of mined nets. It seems that a line of nets should have been laid seaward of a line of mines, but were, instead, laid shoreward. The Clover Bank, after shooting her nets, sailed the wrong way and struck one of the British mines. The trawler was lost with all 18 men on board, including Alonzo. On that occasion the Clover Bank was carrying six additional crew.   A report of Alonzo’s death appeared in the Evening Star (Ipswich), 15 May 1916, page 1:A KESSINGLAND HEROAmong the naval losses recorded during the past week occurs the name of Mr. Alonzo Strowger, a native of Kessingland, and formerly of Caister-on-Sea, who had done splendid work since the outbreak of war on one of the fishing boats used for naval purposes, of which he had been skipper. His vessel is supposed to have struck a mine down south. He was one of the best-known East Coast skippers, a fins fisherman, a skilful lifeboatman, and a member of the crew of the famous Caister lifeboat. The deceased was the skipper who was honoured by a visit from His Majesty the King in a southern port after a notable exploit in the channel with which the fate of an enemy submarine is concerned. Mr. Strowger deserves to rank high among the splendid race of fishermen to whom the country and the Navy owe such a great deal.   After Alonzo’s death Priscilla lived at Holmsdale, Caister-on-Sea. There is a plaque in Saint Edmund’s Church, Caister, to Alonzo’s memory, and the large candlesticks at that church are also dedicated to his memory. 

A Volunteer with a Voluntary Aid Detachment, Ethel died on 7th of November 1918 at the age of 33. Ethel was born at Kessingland in 1885, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Cathpole. In 1891 her family lived at Green Lane, Kessingland, and by 1901 they were living at Eddystone House, Church Road, Kessingland. At that time Ethel worked as a net mender.Ethel married Clifford Edward Strowger, at Kessingland, on 27 December 1906 and they lived at Scarboro House Church Road Kessingland.  Ethel was living at Saint John's Road, Poole, when she died. She was buried at Saint Edmund's Churchyard. Kessingland, on 14 November 1918. Ethel's brother Charles served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916.

A Petty Officer with H.M.S. Puckeridge, Frederick died on 13th of December 1941 at the age of 21. Frederick was born at Henley, Oxfordshire, on 24 June 1920, a son of Charles Owen Strudley and Elsie May Blythe Strudley of Marlow Lock House, Mill Road, Marlow. Frederick married Peggy Irene Edith Jackson in 1941, this was registered in the Wycombe district. Commonwealth War Graves records show that Peggy lived at Lowestoft.Frederick served on H.M.S. Puckeridge. On 6 September 1943, forty miles east of Gibraltar, the Puckeridge was sunk by a torpedo fired by submarine U-617. There were 62 men killed and 129, including Frederick, rescued. As the survivor of ship being sunk Frederick would have been given a shore posting for the next three months, which was standard navy practice in World War Two. ** No_address help please **

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Ocean Plough, George died on 27th of August 1916 at the age of 35.George was born at Kessingland on 19 November 1880, a son of George and Mary Ann Studd. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 27 February 1881 and his family lived at The Street, Kessingland. By 1911 their home was at 4 Providence Place, London Road, Kessingland. On 22 November 1904 George married Ella Eliza Knivett at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Mutford. They lived at High Street, Kessingland, and in 1915 their address was Zulu Cottages, Kessingland. In 1911 George was a net-stower on the trawler Launch Out, LT344, at Penzance. George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 May 1915 and served on the trawler Silver King. From 1 November 1915 he served on the trawler Ocean Plough. On several occasions the Ocean Plough attempted to sink enemy submarines by ramming them. On 27 August 1916 the Ocean Plough struck a mine, off Lowestoft. Five of the crew, including George, were killed and one later died from his wounds.  George’s brother William died in 1914 in the loss of the drifter Fraternal.

A Fisherman with Drifter Fraternal (Lowestoft), William died on 3rd of November 1914 at the age of 37. William was born at Kessingland in 1877 a son of George and Mary Ann Studd. In 1881 his family lived at The Street, Kessingland. By 1911 their home was at 4 Providence Place, London Road, Kessingland, and William worked as a fisherman.On 3 November 1914 the Fraternal was fishing is a restricted area about 16 miles nne of Lowestoft and struck a mine. Three members of the crew were killed and survivors were picked up by the Launch Out and the Hasting Castle and taken to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.  For further details see: World War One – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)William’s brother George served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. 

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Henry died on 21st of September 1944 aged 31.Henry was born at Lowestoft on 30 May 1913, a son of George Henry James and Lily Maud Sturley. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 10 July 1913 and his family lived at 2 Excelsior Cottages, Oulton Road. In 1921 their home was at 222 Raglan Street, and this was their home in 1939 when Henry was a saw mill labourer. By 1944 his family were living at 1 Riverside Road.Henry served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed form Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces at Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity. Henry was taken prisoner at Singapore and, on 31 October 1942, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. Once the Burma Railway had been completed British prisoners of war were taken back to Singapore and then transported by Japanese ships to Burma. These ships were known as ‘Hell Ships’. In July 1944 Henry was one of the prisoners that embarked the ‘Hell Ship’ Hofuku Maru. The ship left Singapore in a convoy but developed engine problems and had to dock at Manila for repairs. The prisoners were kept on board in appalling conditions. On 20 September the Hofuku Maru set sail for Japan in a convoy with ten other ships. The ships were attacked by carrier borne aircraft of the United States Navy. The Hofuku Maru was torpedoes and sunk. The ship had been carrying 1,289 British and Dutch prisoners, of whom only 242 survived the sinking. 

A Lance Corporal with the 4th Battalion, Alan died on 12th of September 1943 aged 26. Alan was born at Oulton on 11 July 1917, a son of John R. and Mary Ann Sturman. In 1921 his family lived at Mill Road Mutford, and this was still their address in 1939 when Alan worked as a grocer’s assistant. In early 1941 Alan married Joan Olive Elsey, this was registered in the Wainford district. Joan lived at Hulver and remarried in 1946.Alan served with the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. In autumn 1940 the Battalion was on coastal defence in the Great Yarmouth area and then moved to Brooke, and then Cambridge. In early 1941 the Battalion was sent to Scotland, then Blackburn, and Ross-on-Wye. On 29 October 1941 the Battalion sailed from Liverpool and landed at Bombay on 29 December 1941 as part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division. On 19 January 1942 the Battalion re-embarked for Singapore and landed there on 29 January 1942. On 11 February the Battalion went into action at the racecourse, before falling back to defend the perimeter. On 15 February the British forces in Singapore were forced to surrender and the remaining men of the 4th Battalion went into captivity.Alan was taken prisoner at Singapore and, on 9 May 1943, he was among a party of men taken overland to Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. By September 1943 he was at Tasao where he died from malnutrition, diarrhoea and dysentery. He was buried at Tasao No 2 Cemetery and reburied at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in 1946. 

A Third Hand with Sailing Trawler Boy Percy (Lowestoft). Edward died on 13th of May 1916 at the age of 37. Edward was born at Blundeston in 1880, a son of Edward and Elizabeth Sturman. In 1881 his family lived at High Street, Blundeston. By 1891 they were living at 1 Clement Square, Kirkley, and in 1901 at 26 Lovewell Road, and later at 62, then 60, Lovewell Road. In 1901 Edward was working as a Seaman on the trawler Sarah and Edward.On 25 December 1904 Edward married Rosanna Ethel Welham at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Edward was working as a fisherman, and living at Kirkley, and Rosanna lived at Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 60 Lovewell Road, and later at 14 John Street, Lowestoft. Edward was the Third Hand on the trawler Boy Percy. On 13 May 1916 the sailing trawler Boy Percy, LT 90, sailed from Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. Jan Letten’s website, wrecksite.eu, suggests that the Boy Percy, along with the trawler Boy Sam, were scuttled off Southwold on 17 May 1916. This seems to be based on a report from the German Navy which indicates that the Boy Percy was stopped by submarine UB-29, the crew forced to take to lifeboats and the trawler sunk. The Boy Percy had been due back at Lowestoft on 21/22 May and whatever actually happened none of the crew were seen again.  

A Cook with Sailing Trawler Boy Percy (Lowestoft). Robert died on 13th of May 1916 at the age of 17. Robert was born at Corton in 1898, a son of Harry Alfred and Emily Alice Sturman. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 18 November 1898 and his family lived at 27 Arnold Street. In 1901 they lived at 40 Mariners Street. By 1911 Robert's father had died and his family lived at 4 Bixley Place, Kirkley. Later his mother lived at 3 Sparhams Buildings, Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft.Robert was the Cook on the trawler Boy Percy. On 13 May 1916 the sailing trawler Boy Percy, LT 90, sailed from Lowestoft for the fishing grounds. Jan Letten’s website, wrecksite.eu, suggests that the Boy Percy, along with the trawler Boy Sam, were scuttled off Southwold on 17 May 1916. This seems to be based on a report from the German Navy which indicates that the Boy Percy was stopped by submarine UB-29, the crew forced to take to lifeboats and the trawler sunk. The Boy Percy had been due back at Lowestoft on 21/22 May and whatever actually happened none of the crew were seen again.  

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), Alexander died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 39.Alexander, also known as Andrew, was born at Fraserburgh, Scotland, in 1876, a son of John Summers.  On 30 January 1902 Alexander married Ethelwynne Coleman at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. Alexander was a fisherman living at 21 Sandringham Road, and Ethelwynne lived at 9 Stevens Street, Lowestoft. Note the marriage register gives his first name as Andrew. In 1911 they were visiting Ethelwynne's mother at 77 Norwich Road, Lowestoft. Alexander was a drift net fisherman (and note this Census gives his first name as Andrew). In 1915 they lived at 68 Stanley Street, Lowestoft, and later Ethelwynne lived at 36 Denmark Road, Lowestoft. Alexander worked as a Deck Hand on the trawler Incentive. What exactly happened to the Incentive is unclear, but it is assumed that it sank after striking a mine laid in the Dogger Bank area. Alexander's brother-in-law, William Coleman, was killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915. His sister-in-law, Susan Hambly, died in an air raid in 1942. 

A Trooper with the Household Battalion, William died on 14th of October 1917 at the age of 28. William was born at Dudley, Worcestershire, a son of William James and Henrietta Surrell. In 1891 his family lived at 135 Whitehall Road, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, and, by 1901, at 70 Dock Cottages, Poplar, London. Later, and before the First World War, his family moved to King’s Lynn. Subsequently they lived at 19 Sydenham Place, Ottley Road, Bradford. William married Hilda Fanny Colby at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 30 June 1914. William was a railway guard living at Saint Nicholas’, Great Yarmouth.  Hilda’s family home was at 23 Saint Peter’s Road, Kirkley, and while William was away on active service Hilda moved back to live with her family. Later Hilda lived at 4 Harold Road, Lowestoft.William was living at 75 Churchill Road, Great Yarmouth, and working as a railway guard, when he attested for the Army at Great Yarmouth on 11 December 1915. He was held on reserve until he was called up on 20 December 1916. Initially he joined the 2nd Life Guards, but was posted to the Household Battalion (Reserve), at Windsor, on 22 December 1916, with service number 2379. He was posted to the Household Battalion in France on 6 May 1917.On 10 October 1917 the Household Battalion relieved the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment on the right sub-sector of the 12th Brigade’s front line. Due to enemy shelling two companies had to be withdrawn to west of the Poelcappelle-Les Cinq Chemins Road. The battalion were ordered to take part in attack on 12 October and were in their assembly positions by 4 a.m. Shelling on the assembly trenches caused about 50 casualties. At 5.25 a.m. the battalion attacked with a two company front. Owing to the 18th Division being held up at Polecapelle the battalion could not advance beyond their first objective, near Requete Farm. Many of the officers became casualties. At 4p.m. the enemy launched a counter-attack, but this was repulsed. The battalion were relieved later that night. William was wounded on 12 October 1917 and evacuated viz No 29 Ambulance Train to the 2nd Australian General Hospital, Boulogne, where he died of his wounds. Between 10 and 14 October the Household Battalion’s casualties were:Officers: four killed, nine wounded.Other ranks: 348

A Sapper with 208th Field Company, Frank died on 9th of August 1916 at the age of 39. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 4 March 1877, a son of William and Esther Sustins. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 2 September 1877. In 1881 his family lived at 40 Albert Street and by 1891 at 8 Albert Street and Frank worked as an errand boy. By 1901 Frank’s father had died and his family lived at 4 Edinburgh Road and Frank worked as a bricklayer. Later his mother lived at 39 Melbourn Road, 67 Crown Street, and then 7 Avondale Road, Lowestoft.Frank enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Engineers, service number 84855, and initially served as a Pioneer and later as a Sapper. He served with 208 Field Company in France. On 9 August 1916 Frank’s unit were engaged in constructing wire entanglements along the south end of Bazentin le Petit Wood. The Company’s dug-outs were heavily shelled with high-explosive and gas shells. The dug-outs and trenches were also mined. The Company sustained 36 casualties. Frank was buried at map reference 57c.S.13.b.1.2 along with four other men from his unit that had been killed on 9 August. In 1919 he was reburied at Flat Iron Copse Cemetery.  

A Lance Corporal with 6th Battalion, George died on 11th of December 1915 at the age of 27. George was born at Gorleston in 1888, a son of George and Harriet Sutton. In 1891 his family lived at 143 South Quay, Great Yarmouth, and by 1901 at 104 Trafalgar Road West, Great Yarmouth. By 1906 they were living at 9 Church Lane, Gorleston. In 1911 his parents lived at 3 Seamen’s Cottages, Oulton Broad. Later his father lived at 2 Infirmary Court, Saint Margaret’s Plain, Lowestoft.  George was living at Gorleston and working as a fisherman when he enlisted in the Prince of Wales’ Owen Norfolk Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia) at Great Yarmouth on 15 February 1906. On 9 May 1906 he enlisted in the regular army, joining the Rifle Brigade. In 1911 he was serving with the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade at Cairo, Egypt. George was serving with the 4th Battalion in India when the First World War began. He arrived at Le have, France, with his Battalion on 21 December 1914.George returned to England, reason unknown, and was posted to the 6th (Reserve) Battalion Rifle Brigade.George was on furlough and visiting his sister, at Gorleston, when he died, as described in the The Downham Market Gazette 18 December 1915, page 7:LOWESTOFT SOLDIER’S FATAL FURLOUGHAn inquest was held at the Town Hall, Yarmouth, before the Coroner (Mr. J. Tolver Waters), touching the death of Acting Corporal George Henry Sutton (27), of the Rifle Brigade, son of George Kemp Sutton, fisherman, Lowestoft, which occurred at Gorleston on Saturday week. Deceased went to Gorleston for a few days’ furlough on the 8th inst., and stayed with his sister, Mrs. Martin, at 40, Church Road. He was in fairly good health at the time, but on Friday he was taken with violent pains, and Dr. Read was sent for. Seeing that something was seriously the matter with the deceased Dr. Read advised his removal to hospital, but before arrangements could be made to do so he died on Saturday morning.Richendo Martin, wife of Gunner George Martin, R.N., of 40 Church Road, Gorleston, said deceased, who was her brother, had been to the front and came to her home on Wednesday week for a few days furlough. He was in good health on arrival, and made no complaint of anything until Friday afternoon when he had pains in the body. Dr. J. S. Read said he was called to deceased about five o’clock on Friday afternoon. He was then in bed and was suffering from very great pains in the abdomen and was very restless. He tried certain remedies and saw deceased twice later the same night, when the abdominal pains had ceased somewhat. On Saturday morning witness again visited deceased, and then considered it advisable to have him removed to the Great Yarmouth Hospital for an operation. Before this could be done deceased suddenly collapsed, and died about 12.30. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination and found an old standing ulcer of the intestines, and evidence of peritonitis. Death was due to acute peritonitis, following the perforation of an old standing ulcer in the bowel. Witness gathered from deceased that he had had a good deal of gastric trouble. A verdict of “natural causes” was returned. 

A Private with the 6th Battalion, James died on 13th of May 1918 aged 19.James was born at Lowestoft in 1898, a son of William James and Alice Maud Swan. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 4 November 1898 and his family lived at 3 Burcham Square. In 1901 his family were living at 2 Wilde’s Street and in 1911 at 3 Rant Score East. Later his family lived at 3 Reeve Street. James worked as a deck hand, at Lowestoft Harbour, for the Great Eastern Railway Company. James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in February 1917. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 48531. He was transferred to the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number G/25850, and around September 1917 was posted to the 6th Battalion in France. James was wounded in late 1917 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, of 2 January 1918. In March 1918 he was serving with C Company. On 27 March the 6th Battalion were at Aveluy Wood and were attacked by a large force of the enemy, which they repulsed with a counter-attack. The next day another spirited attack had to be dealt with. James received a gunshot wound to the left of his face: this was either on 27 or 28 March. On 29 March he was admitted to the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital, and he was transferred to another medical facility on 2 April.James died of wounds, but it is not clear whether it was his wound in March 1918 that proved fatal, or if he had returned to his battalion and been wounded again. James is buried at Doullens which suggests that he died at one of the medical facilities based there. 

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Q20, Sidney died on 29th of March 1917 at the age of 27. Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 10 May 1890, a son of Thompson and Elizabeth Swan. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 4 June 1890, and his family lived at Canary Cottage, Whapload Road. In 1901 they lived at 2 Cumberland Square. By 1911 they were living at 38 May Road, and Sidney was a fisherman working on drifters.  On 26 November 1914 Sidney married Annie Coleman at Saint Margaret’s Church. Sidney was a fish salesman living at 38 May Road and Annie lived at 110 Beccles Road. By February 1915 they were living at 53 Ipswich Road. Annie died in 1916. Sidney joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 February 1915. He served on the trawler Grace Lilian until 17 January 1917 when he joined H.M.S. Q 20.  H.M.S. Q 20 was a motor lugger, fishing vessel, built in 1908. The vessel also went under a number of different names, including: H.M.S. Bayard, Ledger 898, and Syren. Technically a ‘Q ship’ the lugger was fitted with one 13 pounder and one 3 pounder gun and would be ‘disguised’ until it came upon an enemy submarine, or other boat, at which point the ‘Q ship’ would engage the enemy. On 11 March 1917 the Q 20 engaged two enemy submarines and damaged one of them. On 29 March 1917 the Q 20 was in the English Channel and collided with the S.S. Tainui. The Q 20 sank with the loss of 16 crew. 

A Seaman Cook with H.M. Trawler Fleming., Thomas died on 24th of July 1940 at the age of 60. Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 29 January 1880, a son of Florence Gertrude Swann. In 1882 his mother married Peter Walker and Thomas is shown on the 1891 Census as Thomas Walker living with his family at 79 Seago Street, Lowestoft. Thomas married Lilian Florence Calver at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 9 September 1901. At that time he was working as a drayman and both he, and Lilian, lived at 8 Haward Street. Later they lived at 4 Rant Score and by 1911 they were living at 19 Chapel Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas worked as a brewer's drayman. On 9 January 1906 Thomas enlisted in the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion Norfolk Regiment. At the time he was working at the Young, Preston and Co., Eagle Brewery, Rant Score, Lowestoft. On 16 May 1908 he transferred to service with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 500. He was embodied for service from 5 August 1914 and served in England throughout the First World War. He was promoted to Sergeant (Cook) and renumbered 265095. He was disembodied (discharged) on 7 April 1919 and gave his address as 5 Lincoln's Buildings, Beach, Lowestoft. By 1925 Thomas, and family, were living at 23 Chapel Street, Lowestoft, and Thomas was a potato merchant. This was still their home in 1939 when Thomas worked as a Drifter's Steward. Thomas volunteered to serve with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. Navy records show that he 'lost' five years from his age in order to enlist. Thomas was serving on the 'Fleming' when it was attacked and sunk by German aircraft in the Thames Estuary.   Thomas' brother-in-law, Joseph Ernest Calver, served in the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917.

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Golden Rule, Henry died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 35. Henry was born at Toft Monks, Norfolk, on 2 April 1883, a son of William and Mary Ann Symonds. He was baptised at Toft Monks Parish Church on 30 May 1886. In 1891 his family lived at Church Road, Toft Monks. In 1903 Henry married Marian Ellen Bird, this was registered in the Loddon district. In 1903-4 they lived at Thorpe next Haddiscoe, and in 1908 at Haddiscoe. By 1911 they were living at 14 The Street, Oulton, and henry was a drift-net fisherman. Later Marian lived at 3 Factory Street, Lowestoft.Henry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914. Note: his service record gives his year of birth as 1893. Initially he served with the drifter Eyrie. On 2 September 1914 the Eyrie struck a mine and was lost, but Henry survived this incident. Next he joined the trawler Sussex County. On 16 March 1915 he joined the trawler Brothers and on 10 August 1917 he joined the Golden Rule. Henry was serving on the Golden Rule when he was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."In the action the Golden Rule was badly damaged. 

A Corporal with 3rd Bn. Henry died on 18th of December 1918 at the age of 40. Henry was born at Camberwell, London, in 1879, a son of Edward and Rebecca Talbot. In 1881 his family lived at 185 Mayall Road, Brixton, London. By 1891 his family lived at 20 Saint George's Residences, Brixton.On 30 May 1903 Henry married Martha Fowler at Saint Mary's Church, Wimbledon, and Henry lived at 86 Dundonald Road, Wimbledon, and worked as a plumber, and Martha lived at 10 Leopold Road, Wimbledon. By 1911 they were living at 516 London Road and Henry worked as a house painter. Henry served with the 13th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and was with the Battalion when, on 10 August 1917, it was amalgamated with the 13th Battalion to form the 12th/13th Battalion. Henry was wounded and evacuated to England. He was admitted to a Military Hospital at Huddersfield on 30 October 1917. Subsequently he was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He died at Sunderland from a perforated duodenal ulcer and acute peritonitis. Father of Henry Edward Talbot killed 1940. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Grenade, Henry died on 29th of May 1940 at the age of 34. Henry was born at Wimbledon on 24 July 1905, a son of Henry George and Martha Talbot. On 17 December 1905 he was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon, and hid family lived at 65 Palmerston Road, Wimbledon. In 1911 his family lived at 516 London Road, Lowestoft.Henry joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 24 August 1921. He had been working as a market gardener before he joined the navy. He served continuously with the navy until his death. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal just a few months before he died. On 1 December 1939 Henry was drafted to H.M.S. Grenade. He took part in the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. The Grenade took part in the Dunkirk evacuation by providing cover in the northern part of the Channel but, on 28 May 1940, and rescued 33 men from a sinking coaster. The Grenade made on journey to Dunkirk and on the night of 28-29 May 1940 was bombed by German Stuka aircraft. The explosions set fire to the ship and killed fourteen men, including Henry, and wounded four others. The ship then drifted into the channel of Dunkirk Harbour and later exploded and sank.   Henry's father served with the Northumberland Fusiliers and died in 1918. 

A Civilian, Lilian died on 13th of January 1942 at the age of 57. Lilian was born at Blundeston on 29 February 1884, a daughter of George and Louisa Talbot. She was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 3 August 1884. In 1891 her family lived at High Street, Corton. By 1911 their home was at 7 Crossway Cottages, Corton, and this was Lilian’s home for the rest of her life. In 1921 Lilian was a domestic servant and by 1939 she was working in a restaurant kitchen.Lilian died at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid.

A Private with 1st Bn., Bertram died on 21st of April 1915 at the age of 33. Bertram was born at Norwich in 1882, a son of James Clifford and Elizabeth H. Tarbox. In 1891 they lived at 1 Fye Bridge, Norwich. By 1901 they had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 8 York Road, and Bertram worked as a stable assistant/groom. On 17 January 1907 Bertram married Elizabeth Cook at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Bertram was a fisherman living at 61 Wollaston Road, and Elizabeth lived at 51 Reeve Street. By 1911 their home was at 63 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft.In 1910 Bertram worked on the trawler Hilda and was injured and had to be treated at the John Cory Sailors' rest at Milford Haven. Bertram volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft. He enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He arrived in France on 16 January 1915 to join the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion War Diary for April 1915 is incomplete and no details of the Battalion's activities on 21 April however we do know that he was killed in action on 21 April and received a battlefield burial at map reference 28.J.4.b.7.6. which is in the Zonnebeke area. In 1923 he was reburied at Bedford House Cemetery.

A Second Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion, Duncan died on 4th of October 1917 at the age of 19. Duncan was born on 16 July 1898 at Ellary, Argyllshire, a son of Joseph Fox Tarratt, Laird of Ellary, Ardrishaig, and the Isle of Coll, Argyllshire, and Mary Georgina Helen McNeill (or Rogers). In 1901 his family lived at Ellary Man House, South Knapdale, Argyllshire. In 1911 Duncan was a pupil at Evelyn’s School, Hillingdon, Uxbridge. Later his mother lived at of Clarendon, Lowestoft. Duncan’s official name was Duncan MacNeill Fox Tarratt of Coll. Duncan attended Eton College and left in 1915 to become a Gentleman Cadet at the Royal Military College. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Seaforth Highlanders on 16 August 1916. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion and arrived in France on 6 August 1917 and joined the battalion, near Arras, on 10 August and was a member of C Company. On 1 October 1917 C Company moved into the front line and took over Eagle Trench. On 4 October the whole battalion was involved in attack near Poelcapelle. At zero hour, 6 a.m., the leading battalions advanced following a barrage, but found great difficulty in keeping alignment and a number of men walked into their own barrage. The battalion took Kangaroo Trench and captured 25 prisoners, but these were killed by the German counter-barrage. Up to Beek Street the battalion’s casualties were not very heavy, but thereafter they encountered machine-gun fire which caused considerable casualties. At 9.45 a.m. Captain Wood, of C Company, reported that they were held up by machine-gun fire from a farm, and other fire, from places they could not locate, he estimated that he only 30 men unwounded (Captain Wood was later killed in action).Duncan was reported missing on 4 October. Later eye-witness accounts emerged that stated he had been shot through the head while leading his platoon. The battalion’s casualties for 4 October were:Officers: two killed, two died of wounds, seven wounded, two wounded and missing, two missingOther ranks: 23 killed, 228 wounded, 29 wounded and missing, 71 missing  Duncan’s brother William Stewart served with the Royal Naval Air Service and died in 1916. 

A Gunner with 51 (Midland) Medium Regiment, George died on 23rd of June 1944 aged 32. George was born at Tunstall, Staffordshire, on 20 December 1911, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Ann Tatler. In 1921 his family lived at 12 Watergate Street, Tunstall.In 1934 George married Ida Dorothy Jones, this was registered in the Mutford district. By 1939 they were living at 69 Waveney Crescent and George was a salesman. George enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1940 and served with the 51st (Midland) Medium Regiment. George’s regiment arrived in North Africa in December 1942 and then moved to Italy in September 1943. George had heart problems and was treated at hospital near Cairo, Egypt, where he died from aortic incompetence (regurgitation). George's brother-in-law, Eric Jones, served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and died in 1943.  

A Sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, George died on 22nd of July 1917 at the age of 32. George was born at Norwich in 1883, a son of Edward James and Emma Taylor. In 1891 his family lived at 47 Ber Street, Norwich. George was working as a wheelwright when enlisted in the Army, at Norwich, on 19 September 1901. He joined the 13th Hussars, service number 5947. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 8 May 1903, Corporal on 28 February 1904, and Sergeant on 8 September 1904. From 1904 to 1906 he served in India. On 31 January 1906 he was transferred to the 11th Hussars, service number 613. George joined the Army Reserve on 19 September 1909. He was discharged on completion of his engagement on 18 September 1913.   In 1911 George lived with his brother Alfred at 115 High Street, Lowestoft, where Alfred had an outfitter’s business. George assisted Alfred in the business. Also living at 115 High Street were Ellen Bonney and her two daughters, Mary and Ellen Laura. George married Ellen Laura Bonney at Lowestoft in 1914. They lived at 94 Worthing Road and, later, Ellen lived at Etive, 537 London Road. On 6 August 1914 George re-engaged with Section D of the Army Reserve. A note on his pre-World War One service papers shows that he rejoined his regiment on 11 August 1914 and he would have gone with them to France later that month. It is highly likely that George was present at the Battel of Nery on 1 September 1914. George’s name appears in the official casualty list dated 2 October 1914 as having been reported missing on 12 September 1914. It is not clear whether George was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment, or whether he had been discharged from the Hussars and re-enlisted, but we know that by 1917 he was a Sergeant serving with the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 31877. Just after 8 a.m. on 22 July 1917 a formation of 16 German Gotha bombers began attacking Felixstowe and dropped several bombs. One bomb fell on the Ordnance Hotel. A barman was killed and four men of the Suffolk Regiment, including George, were wounded. Soon afterwards George and Private Charles Nash died of their wounds. George’s obituary, and details of his funeral, appear in the Lowestoft Journal 28 July 1917, page 3:OBITUARY: SERGT. G. TAYLORThe funeral of Sergeant G. Taylor, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Taylor, baker, 47 Ber Street, Norwich, husband of Mrs. Taylor 94 Worthing Road, Lowestoft, and brother of Mr. A.E. Taylor, tailor, 115 High Street, took place on Thursday at Lowestoft Cemetery. The deceased solider, who was in the Suffolk Regiment, originally served in the 13th Hussars in India, and was transferred to the 11th Hussars, where he held the position of sergeant. On leaving the Army he was engaged in business with his brother at Lowestoft, and subsequently joined the Suffolk Regiment. He was much respected in the Borough, and as a mark of sympathy all the blinds were drawn in Worthing Road from the time the sergeant was brought home to the hour at which the interment rites ended. The coffing, of polished oak, has a breastplate inscribed:-Sergt. G. Taylor, 3rd Suffolk Regiment, Killed 22nd July 1917, Aged 33.The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and eight sergeants of the Queen’s acted as bearers.The mourners were: The widow, father, mother, Messrs. Arthur Taylor, Herbert Taylor, Alfred Taylor, Frank Taylor (brothers), Mrs. Emma Hurrell and Mrs. Nellie Giles (sisters), Mrs. Alfred Taylor (sister-in-law), and Mrs. Littlewood (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Keable, Mr. E.T. Barnard, Mr. Percival, Mr. Pinder, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick, and Mr. Springfield. Floral tokens were sent as follows:- A cross, inscribed “Dearest, till we are reunited, from your broken hearted wife Nell”; Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Taylor (father and mother); Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Giles. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Hurrell; With deepest sympathy from Allan and Flo; With deepest sympathy from Will; With sincere sympathy from Arthur Littlewood, Alice, and the children; Mr. and Mrs. Symonds, Mr. and Mrs. Stannard and baby; With every regret and sympathy, from Mrs. Thether, Southend-on-Sea, Essex; With deepest sympathy from Frank and Kate; With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Barnard; With deepest sympathy, from Aunt Annie, Uncle and Gladys; With deepest sympathy from Emmie, frank, and Ida; from the officers, warrant officers, and men of the 3rd Battalion Suffolk Regiment; from the sergeants of the 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment; from the sergeant of the 3rd Battalion Essex Regiment; Mr. and Mrs. Nobbs and family; from the neighbours; Auntie Colman and Millie.  Mr. Horace Riches was the undertaker. The Washington car and coaches were supplied by Messrs. W. Gage and Sons.Mrs. G. Taylor wishes to thank the many friends for the kindness and sympathy shown her in her sad bereavement; and also for floral tokens sent. Note: Although George definitely served in France with the 11th Hussars in 1914, his name does not appear to have been entered on the roll for the 1914 (Mons) Star and he cannot be found on any medal roll or medal index card.  

A Private with 13th Bn., Henry died on 16th of August 1917 at the age of 35.  Henry, also known as Harry, was born at Thames Ditton on 23 December 1882, a son of Walter Peter and Mary Ann Taylor. He was baptised at Saint Nicholas' Church, Thames Ditton, on 28 January 1883. Note that his given names were George Henry. In 1891 his family lived at 7 South Bank, Long Ditton, Surrey. By 1901 they had moved to 183 Brompton Cottages, Long Ditton, and Henry worked as a groom - domestic.By 1911 Henry was lodging at 107 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and he worked as a groom and a hotel.On 23 April 1911 Henry married Ellen Maria Allen at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Henry was working as a groom and living at 107 Cambridge Road and Ellen lived at Surbiton, Surrey. Later Ellen lived at 4 Old Market Street, Lowestoft.Henry enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he joined with the Suffolk Regiment, number 34347, and he served in France with the 2nd Battalion. At some point in 1916 or 1917 he was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles and served with the 13th Battalion.On 15 August 1917 the 13th Battalion moved into positions at Weiltje, Belgium, in preparation for an attack. At 4.45 a.m. in 17 August they advanced toward the Black Line and the Steenbeek Valley. They attacked under a heavy enemy barrage. By 6.30 a.m. men on the left of the attack were retiring. At 9.00 the Germans made a counter-attack and men of the 13th began to fall back. Heavy enemy shelling continued into the evening. At 9.50 p.m. the Battalion was relieved. The Battalion suffered 171 casualties during the attack. Henry was reported missing and later in was presumed that he had been killed in action on 16 August.  

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Henry died on 1st of August 1916 at the age of 22. Henry, who was often known as Harry, was born at Stradbroke, Suffolk, in 1893, a son of Henry and Jemima Taylor. In 1901 his family lived at Swan Green Road, Cratfeld, Suffolk. By 1911 they had moved to Burnt Hill Pit, Beccles Road, Oulton Road, Lowestoft, and Henry was a cowman on a farm.Henry volunteered and was enlisted in the Yorkshire Regiment at Thirsk, with service number 14625. He arrived in France, with the 9th Battalion, on 26 August 1915. In early July 1916 the 9th Battalion were involved in an attack on Contalmaison. Late in the month they took over positions at Munster Alley and Gloster Alley trenches. It is not clear precisely when, and how, Henry was wounded. Given that he his buried at Heilly Station Cemetery it is highly likely that he died of wounds at one of the casualty clearings stations that were known to be there in August 1916. 

A Seaman with S.S. Vine Branch, Richard died on 11th of April 1917 at the age of 21. Richard was born at London on 8 April 1896, a son of Richard and Emily Eliza Taylor. Between 6 February 1901 and 25 May 1903 Richard attended Saint Martin-in-the-Fields School, London, and at this time his family lived at the Fire Station, Scotland yard. By 1911 the family had moved to Oulton Broad and lived at 2 Providence Cottages, Commodore Road. By September 1914 they were living at 2 Striving Terrace, Oulton Broad, and later his parents lived at 2 Flegg Villas, Oulton Broad.Richard joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 18 September 1914. He served with various Merchant Fleet Auxiliary and supply ships: Peshawar, to 1 January 1915; Baron Herries, to 25 January 1915; Zaria, to 15 July 1915; and the Polmont, to 2 November 1915. Then he served on Defensively Armed Merchant Ships (DAMS) including the Highland Glen. By April 1917 he was serving on the DAMS ship Vine Branch. On 11 April 1917 the Vine Branch was en route from Valparaiso to Liverpool carrying general cargo, nitrates, and meat. When steaming off south-west Ireland the ship was torpedoed by submarine U-55 and sank. Richard was one of 44 people killed.   

An Fisherman with Steam Drifter Lord Carnarvon (Lowestoft), John died on 19th of November 1914 at the age of 39. John was born at Hindringham, Norfolk, in 1877, a son of Susan Temple. In 1881 he lived with his grandmother, Susan Temple, at Lion Street, Hindringham. By 1891 he was living with his mother, Susan, at Walsingham Road, Hindringham, and John worked as a bricklayer's labourer. On 30 November 1904 John married Emma Horne at Hindringham parish church. John was working as a teamsman and they both lived at Hindringham. By 1911 they were living at Bale Road, Hindringham. In 1914 they were living at Kessingland Road, Pakefield, and by 1916 Emma was living at 20 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft. Emma married John Edward (a.k.a Everett John) Waters in 1917: John Waters died in 1918 in the loss of the Yucea.  John 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 Third Engineer Officer with S.S. Kyleglen (Liverpool), Leonard died on 15th of December 1940 aged 27. Leonard was born at Great Yarmouth on 12 June 1912, a son of Laura Annie Temple. By September 1913, when Leonard’s mother married Daniel Coleman, his family were living at South Quay, Great Yarmouth. By 1921 his family home was at 57 Norwich Road. It appears that by 1939 Leonard’s mother had married Harry Murray and at that time she was still living at 57 Norwich Road, but in 1940 her home was at 27 North Albion Street, Fleetwood. She later returned to live in Lowestoft.  Leonard went to sea aged 15 and, initially, worked on Lowestoft drifters. He then joined the Merchant Navy as an engineer. A note in the Fleetwood Chronicle, 7 March 1941, states that Leonard had sailed to Spain during the Spanish Civil War and had many narrow escapes when his ship was bombed in a Spanish harbour. On 3 March 1938 Leonard joined S. S. Stanhall, and he served with the Scottish Minstrel from 9 September 1938 Scottish Minstrel. On 27 February 1939 Leonard joined the S. S.  Kyleglen.In December 1940 the Kyleglen was part of convoy OB-256. The ship became separated from the convoy and on 14 December, about 300 miles west of Rockall, was struck by torpedo from German submarine U-100. All 36 crew took the lifeboats, but were never seen again.Leonard’s half-brother, Thomas, a fisherman, died in 1941. 

A Deck Hand with Steam Trawler Ladylove (London), Thomas died on 7th of September 1941 aged 38. Thomas was born at Great Yarmouth on 14 May 1903, a son of Thomas James and Laura Annie Temple. Thomas’ father died in 1907. In 1911 his family lived at Row 136, No 10 South Quay, Great Yarmouth. In 1913 Thomas’ mother married Daniel Coleman. By 1921 his family home was at 57 Norwich Road. It appears that by 1939 Thomas’ mother had married Harry Murray and at that time she was still living at 57 Norwich Road, but in 1940 her home was at 27 North Albion Street, Fleetwood. She later returned to live in Lowestoft.  On 25 December 1925 Thomas married Rosetta Alice Gower at Saint Nicholas’ Church, Great Yarmouth. Thomas was a fisherman living at Saint John’s, Lowestoft, and Rosetta lived at Great Yarmouth. In 1939 their home was at 14, Row 12, Great Yarmouth and Thomas was a general labourer and docker. They were twice bombed out at Great Yarmouth and moved to Fleetwood in 1940 and lived at 19 Park Avenue.   Thomas was working as a stevedore when he enlisted in the Royal Engineers (Territorial Army) on 2 June 1939. He was discharged, medically unfit, on 30 December 1939. Subsequently he began working on trawlers at Great Yarmouth and then at Fleetwood where he joined the Ladylove.In August 1941 the Ladylove was fishing south of Iceland. The trawler was sunk by a torpedo fired from the German submarine U-202. All 14 crew were lost. Thomas' half-brother, Leonard, served in the Merchant Navy and died in 1940.

A Gunner with 317 Battery, 36 Searchlight Regiment, Arthur died on 18th of February 1941 aged 20. Arthur was born at Pakefield on 11 November 1920, a son of Arthur Henry and Elizabeth Alice Thacker. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 12 December 1920. By 1939 his family were living at 92 Long Road. We know from his service number that Arthur joined the Royal Engineers, and it is likely that he served with the 36th (Middlesex) Anti-Aircraft Battalion Royal Engineers which, in January 1940, became the 36th Searchlight Regiment Royal Artillery. By February 1941his unit was based in the Ely area. The precise details of what happened to Arthur are unclear. He was reported missing from his unit and initially declared a deserter. However, he was found drowned in the River Ouse. Official casualty list 511 of 12 May 1941 states that he died as the result of an accident. An inquest, held at Ely, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure. 

A Civilian, Bertie died on 29th of September 1940 aged 56. Bertie was born at Kessingland on 8 February 1884, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann Thacker. In 1891 his family lived at Kessingland. Bertie married Clarinda Eliza Blowers at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 2 May 1906. Bertie was a fisherman and they both lived at Kessingland. In 1911 they lived at Verbena Place, London Road, Kessingland, and Bertie was a fisherman. This was still their home in 1918.  Bertie joined the Royal Naval Reserve, to serve as a Deck Hand, on 6 June 1918, service number DA 20466. It appears that, prior to this, he had been serving with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, possible in the Yacht Section with service number Y 15789. He served with the trawler Nightfall before joining the trawler Regain. Bertie was demobilised on 27 January 1919. By 1939 Bertie and Clarinda were living at Dene Lodge, Whapload Road, and Bertie worked as a fishing boat store.On 29 September 1940 Bertie was working at the Herring Market when a German Dornier Do. 17 bomber dropped six bombs on the Harbour and Dock area. The office at the Herring Market took a direct hit killing four sailors and four civilian naval employees (It is assumed that Bertie was among the latter). See Anniversary of bombing raid marked by town commemoration | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk)Bertie was buried at Saint Edmund’s Churchyard, Kessingland, on 3 October 1940. 

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Cosmos, George died on 14th of February 1918 at the age of 44. Daniel was born at Wrentham, a son of Daniel and Caroline Thacker. When he joined the Royal Naval Reserve George’s date of birth was recorded as 18 November 1872, but his birth was not registered until 1873. In 1881 his family lived at Church Road, Wrentham. By 1894 they were living at Lowestoft. In 1901 the family home was at Carlton Road and in 1911 they lived at Eddystone Villa, Kirkley Run.On 12 January 1902 George married Elizabeth Susannah Reynolds at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a fisherman living at Kirkley Run, and Elizabeth lived at Whapload Road. The 1911 Census shows Elizabeth as a visitor staying at 3 Art Gallery Terrace, Newlyn. Between 1912 and 1918 their home was at 26 Worthing Road. Later Elizabeth lived at 13 Worthing Road. George was awarded his Certificate of Competency as a Skipper in 1910. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve, as a Temporary Skipper, on 3 April 1915 and was the Skipper of the requisitioned drifter Cosmos. George was Mentioned in Despatches in 1916 for services in the Auxiliary Patrol between 1 January 1915 and 1 January 1916 (London Gazette 14 July 1916). George 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 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."George’s brother Stanley served in the Middlesex Regiment and died in 1917. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Loch Ard, Raymond died on 10th of September 1917 at the age of 29. Raymond was born at Kessingland on 11 April 1888, a son of John and Emily Thacker. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 25 November 1888. In 1891 his family lived at Elm Cottages, London Road, Kessingland. His mother died in 1896 and his father remarried in 1898. By 1911 his father was living at 11 Elm Cottages, Kessingland.  On 22 November 1908 Raymond married Isabella Stewart Souter at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Raymond was a seaman and they both resided at Rotterdam Road. They moved to Aberdeen, where Raymond worked for the Don Fishing Company, and by July 1914 they were living at 143 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen. It seems that for a time, during the war, Isabella lived at 40 Lorne Park Road, and then 4 Sunnyside Cottage, The Avenue, Kirkley, before returning to Aberdeen Raymond joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 24 July 1914. On 5 August 1914 he joined the requisitioned trawler Aboyne. From 1 May to 30 September 1916 he served on the requisitioned trawler Gunner, a decoy or ‘Q-Ship’. On 1 October 1916 he was drafted back to the requisitioned trawler Loch Ard. On 10 September 1917 the Loch Ard was mined and sank off Lowestoft. Five of the crew, including Raymond, were lost.

A Cook with the tug S.S. Aid (London), Samuel died on 29th November 1940 aged 21.Samuel was born at Kessingland on 19 August 1918, a son of Alfred William and Mary Anne Thacker. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 15 December 1918 and his family lived at Brooklands, Kessingland Beach. In 1921 his family lived at 2 Shelter Cottages, Kessingland. By 1939 Samuel was a fisherman and he lived with his widowed mother The Sailor’s Home, Kessingland, fisherman. Later his mother lived at 1 Shelter Cottages Kessingland.Samuel died when his tug was attacked and sunk by enemy action about eight miles off Start Point, Devon. Five members of the crew were killed.  

A Lance Corporal with the 11th Battalion, Stanley died on 18th of May 1917 at the age of 22.Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 21 August 1894, a son of Daniel and Caroline Eliza Thacker. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 12 October 1894, and his family lived at Carlton Colville. From 31 August 1898 Stanley attended Kirkley School and his family lived at Kirkley Run. In 1901 their home was at Carlton Road. By 1911 they were living at Eddystone Villa, Kirkley Run.Stanley enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Fusiliers, service number 2618. Stanley was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment, service number G/50092, and joined the 11th Battalion. There is no information available to explain when, or how, Stanley was wounded. He died of his wounds at 2nd General Hospital, Le Treport. Stanley’s brother Daniel served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. 

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Prize., Tom died on 14th of August 1917 at the age of 19. Thomas, also known as Tom, was born at Gisleham on 9 March 1898, a son of Thomas George Howell and Anna Jane Thacker. he was baptised at Rushmere on 1 may 1898, and his family lived at Gisleham. Later his family lived at Back, White Horse Corner, Carlton Colville.Tom joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 July 1915 and served on the trawler Pilot Star. At some point he joined the 'Q Ship' H.M.S. Prize (this date is note shown on his service record). 

Formerly a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve, Victor died on 22 March 1922 at the age of 24.Victor was born at Rushmere on 13 August 1897, a son of Charles and Blanche Thacker. In 1901 his family lived at Toad Row, Henstead. By 1911 they were living at 4 Flora Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and this was still their home in 1921. Victor joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 15 March 1917, as a Deck Hand. He served at Chatham and, on 4 June 1917 joined H.M.S. Acteon. On 28 March 1919 he joined H.M.S. Pembroke 1. He was invalided from the service on 23 April 1919 due to pulmonary tuberculosis, attributable to his service, and he was granted a pension of 27/6 per week and his pension continued until his death, from tuberculosis, on 22 March 1922. Victor’s brother William died in 1939 in the loss of the trawler William Humphries. 

A Cook with the steam trawler William Humphries, William died on 21st November 1939 at the age of 34.William was born at Pakefield on 15 June 1905, a son of Charles Henry and Blanche Anne Thacker. In 1911 his family lived at 4 Flora Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield, and this was still their home in 1921. In 1921 William was the Cook on the W. J. Gearing’s trawler D.J.G., LT 260, based at Lowestoft.  On 19 November 1930 William married Florence Sarah Boothroyd at the Wesleyan Methodist Mission Hall, Fleetwood. William was a fisherman living at 20 Wolsley Road, Fleetwood, and Florence lived at 130 Darbishire Road (sic), Fleetwood. In 1939 their home was at 17 Milton Street, Fleetwood.In 1939 William was the Cook 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.  William's brother Victor served in the Royal Naval Reserve in World War One and died in 1922 from pulmonary tuberculosis attributable to his war service. 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 Fireman and Trimmer with S.S. Wayfarer (Liverpool), Frederick died on 19th of August 1944 at the age of 28.Frederick was born at Hull on 13 August 1916, a son of Ellerby and Mary Ann Tharratt (Note CWGC gives his parents as Mr and Mrs Joseph Tharrat: information here from Frederick' baptism record). He was baptised at Saint Paul's Church, Sculcoates, on 27 August 1916 and his family lived at 3 Peck's Terrace, Rodney Street. In 1940 Frederick married Ethel May Webb at Ipswich and she lived at 44 Shakespeare Road, Whitton, Ipswich.Frederick served on a number of ships during the war including 'U.S.A.T. Geo. W. Goethals' and the 'Port Adelaide'. He was a member of the crew of the S.S. Wayfarer when the ship was sunk on 19 August 1944 and Frederick was missing supposed drowned in the loss of the vessel.Subsequently Ethel married Norman Riches and lived at 41 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

A Corporal with the 4th Battalion, Robert died on 18th of July 1918 at the age of 38. Robert was born at Bridgewater, Somerset, in 1880, a son of George Alfred and Mary Jane Thaxton. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Bridgwater, on 4 July 1880. By 1881 his family had moved to Norwich and were living at 2 Magpie Road. In 1891 they lived at 26 Starling Place, Coburg Street, and Robert was a news boy.  Robert was working as a labourer and living at 4 Starling Road, Norwich, when he joined the Imperial Yeomanry, at Norwich, on 14 January 1902. He served with 159 Company, 36 Battalion, and had service number 41566. He served in South Africa from 26May 1902 to 2 January 1903 and he was discharged on 13 January 1903. On 28 June 1904 Robert married Edith Clara Eliza Baker at Saint Peter Mancroft, Norwich. Robert was a tramways inspector living at Starling Place, Norwich, and Edith lived at Gilberts Yard, Pitt Street, Norwich. By 1911 they were living at 24 Norfolk Street, and Robert was a tramway motor-man working for Lowestoft Borough Council. Later Edith lived at 1 Volta Terrace, Norwich Road. Robert enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Bedfordshire Regiment, service number 30494. Later he was transferred to the South Wales Borderers, service number 45556, and was posted to the 4th Battalion in Mesopotamia.  Robert died from heat prostration (heat stroke) at 39th Field Ambulance, Mesopotamia. 

A Private with 2nd Battalion, Sydney died on 2nd of March 1916 at the age of 34. Sydney was born in Birmingham in 1882 (note, according to Commonwealth War Graves he was born in 1876 but there are no civil records that support that conclusion). By 1891 he was living in Norwich and the 1891 Census shows him living with Harriet Swetnam, and her daughter Caroline, at 101 Unthank Road, the details of these circumstances are not known.In his teens Sydney served in the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment and on 19 September 1899 he enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion Norfolk Regiment at Norwich, service number 4285. At that time he was working as groom, for Mr. De Caux, of South Heigham, and gave his address as 15 King's Square, Globe Street, Union Place, Norwich. Sydney was 'embodied', which meant that he was called for full-time service, on 25 January 1900, and he saw active service in the Boer War. Sydney was awarded both the Queen's and King's South Africa Medals. Sydney was disembodied on 11 April 1902 and he continued to serve with the militia until 4 September 1906 and this might indicate when he, and Alice, moved to Lowestoft.      Sydney married Alice Mary Rowe at Norwich in 1903. In 1911 Sydney and Alice lived at 3 Ontario Road, Lowestoft, and Sydney worked as a hotel porter. Sydney volunteered to join the Army and he enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment. He joined as a 'special reserve' soldier hence his service number has the prefix '3'. On 10 October 1914 he arrived in France to serve with the 2nd Battalion. 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 Sydney.  Alice married Henry Dyer in 1918 and they lived at 5 Hervey Street, Lowestoft. 

A Private with 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station, William died on 13th August 1915 at the age of 33.William was born at Saint Ives, Cornwall, in 1882, a son of William and Sarah Jane Thomas. He was baptised at Saint Ives on 18 October 1882. By 1891 his family were living at 26 Beaconsfield Road, Kirkley. By 1901 they had moved to 59 Beaconsfield Road and William became a gasfitter's apprentice.  By 1911 his family had moved to 32 Salisbury Road, Lowestoft, and William worked as a gas fitter. William was living at 32 Salisbury Road when he volunteered and he joined the Army on 9 February 1915. he served with the local territorial unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps which became part of the 54th (1/1st East Anglian) Casualty Clearing Station. William 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. William was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'During the First World War William's family moved to Devonport and lived at 80 Admiralty Street, Keyham, Devonport.

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Willing Boys, Chester died on 27th of November 1942 at the age of 37.Chester was born at Kessingland on 8 July 1905, a son of Alexander John and Jane Elizabeth Thompson. In 1911 his family lived at 3 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield, and, by 1921 they were living at 10 Lovewell Road and this was still the family home in 1939. By 1921 Chester was working as a fisherman. In 1931 Chester was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1938 he worked as the Second Hand on the trawler Ocean Lifebuoy and then joined the Kite. In 1939 he worked on the trawler Ellesmere before joining the Biaren (sic). In 1924 Chester married Winifred Eva Irene Mitchell. They lived at 18 Laundry Lane. Laundry Lane was later renamed Eastern Way.  Chester served as a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, seniority 21 December 1937. He was mobilized on 25 August 1939 and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. On 27 August 1939 he took command of the Runswick Bay. He joined the Saint Melante on 15 September 1939 and the Darnett Mess on 19 November 1939. From 17 May 1941 he joined Kos IX and on 28 October 1941 took command of the Contender. He joined the Icicle on 20 November 1941 and took command on 23 November 1941. Chester joined the Willing Boys on 1 August 1942 and took command on 3 August 1942. On 27 November 1942 the minesweeping trawler Willing Boys was sweeping for mines about four miles south of Dover. The trawler was attacked by two enemy fighter aircraft. The ship sustained superficial damage but Chester was killed and one crewman was wounded. Chester's brother George served with the Royal Naval Reserve as the Skipper of the trawler Loch Doon and died in 1939. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Golden Gain, George died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 23. George was born at Pakefield on 23 January 1895, a son of William and Emma Thompson. He was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Pakefield, on 10 March 1895. In 1901 his family lived at 8 Prospect Place, Pakefield. From 3 June 1901 George was a pupil at Cunningham School. By 1911 his family were living at 1 Beach Street, Pakefield. In 1917 George married Bertha Mary Simmonds, at Dover. Bertha lived at 31 Carlton Road, Lowestoft, and then at 132 Clarendon Street, Dover. In late 1918 she married Edwin Chapman, at Dover, and then lived at 4 Wycombe Terrace, Saint Georges Road, Lowestoft.  George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 26 January 1915. Initially he served on the trawler Silver Queen before joining the Golden Gain. George was serving on the Golden Gain and was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of 14-15 February 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."Nine British drifters were sunk and others, including the Golden Gain, badly damaged. George was the only member of his crew killed during this action.   

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Lock Doon, George died on 25 December 1939 at the age of 31.George was born at Kessingland on 5 September 1908, a son of Alexander John and Jane Elizabeth Thompson. In 1911 his family lived at 3 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield, and, by 1921 they were living at 10 Lovewell Road and this was still the family home in 1939. George was awarded his Certificate of Competency as a Skipper in 1931. From 29 September 1931 to 27 February 1932, when he was invalided, George served with the Royal Naval Reserve as a Second Hand.  George married Roberta Oaten Pink, at Fleetwood, on 10 May 1932. In January 1939 George and Roberta were living at 73 Stratford Road, Milford Haven, in June 1939 they moved to 7 Commercial Terrace, Padstow. In 1942 Roberta married Henry Chesterton.  George was appointed Probationary Skipper in the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 January 1939, number WS 2866. George underwent training at H.M.S. Drake from 11 October 1939 to 25 October 1939, when he transferred to H.M.S. Boscowan for further instruction. On 7 November 1939 he was sent to H.M.S. Pembroke X (later called H.M.S. Europa) at Sparrows Nest, Lowestoft, and on 19 November he took command of the anti-submarine trawler Loch Doon. On 25 December 1939 the Loch Doon was patrolling off Blyth, Northumberland, and struck a mine that had been laid a few days earlier by submarine U-22. Note some sources state that the trawler was torpedoed by U-22. George, and the other fifteen crew, were all killed. George was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches for mine-sweeping (London Gazette 12 April 1940). George’s brother Chester served with the Royal Naval Reserve, as the Skipper of the trawler Willing Boys, and died in 1942. With thanks to Trevor Faulknor.

A Corporal with 1st Battalion, George died on 25th of May 1940 aged 26. George was born at Lowestoft on 12 March 1914, a son of Harry and Georgeanna Thompson. He was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 10 May 1914 and his family lived at 112 Carlton Road and this was still their home in 1921. By 1939 his family were living at 98 Blackheath Road, Kirkley.George served with the Suffolk Regiment as part of the British Expeditionary Force that went to France in late 1939. His battalion was part of the 3rd Division commanded by Major-General Bernard Montgomery.The 1st Battalion were part of the fighting retreat to Dunkirk and the official casualty list states that George died of his wounds on 25 May 1940. 

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Robert died on 23rd of November 1944 aged 21. Robert was born on 24 March 1923, a son of Albert Edward and Edith Ada Thompson. In 1939 his family lived at Raveningham Road, Stockton, Loddon, and Robert worked on a farm. Subsequently his family lived at Blundeston.Robert served with the 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment in north-west Europe. His battalion landed at Normandy on D-Day. On 23 November the battalion advanced to woods north of Oostrum and sent out patrols toward Wanssum. Robert was killed in action. ** No_address help please **

A Fourth Hand with the trawler Guide, William died on 23rd February 1916 at the age of 15.William was born at Pakefield on 24 September 1900, a son of Walter William and Agnes Emily Thompson. He was baptised at All Saints' and Saint Margaret's Church, Pakefield, on 11 November 1900. William's family lived at 1 Florence Road, Pakefield, and this was still their home in 1911. From 9 May 1904 William attended Cunningham Infants School. During the First World War, William served as the Fourth Hand on the Lowestoft based trawler 'Guide'. 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 Skipper with H. M. Drifter James and Walter, William died on 7th of March 1919 at the age of 44.William was born at Hardley, Norfolk, on 10 November 1876, a son Daniel and Mary Ann Thorpe. He was baptised at Hardingham, Norfolk, on 11 February 1877. In 1881 his family lived at Langley, Norfolk. By 1891 they were living at Cassings (sic) Cottage, Carlton Colville. On 26 December 1903 William married Maria Rosetta Balls at Aldeby Parish Church, Norfolk. William was a fisherman living at Carlton Colville and Maria lived at Aldeby. By 1905 they were living at Burgh St. Peter, Norfolk, and in 1911 they lived at Aldeby. Subsequently their home was at 9 Dell Road, Oulton Broad.William was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1911. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a temporary Skipper on 8 May 1916, service number WSA 2086. He served on the Hired Drifter James and Walter that was being used as a minesweeper. William contracted pneumonia and he died at his home. He was buried at Saint Peter’s Churchyard, Carlton Colville, on 11 March 1919.   

A Civilian, Olive died on 13th of January 1942 aged 20. Olive was born at Carlton Colville on 16 May 1921, a daughter of James and Marion Victoria Thrower. She was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 26 June 1921 and her family lived at Todd’s Cottages, Carlton Colville. Later her family lived at Sandy Lane, Gisleham. Olive died at Waller’s Restaurant, 90 London Road North, during the Waller Raid. 

A Corporal with the 1/4th Battalion, John died on 1st of November 1916 at the age of 20. John was born at Lowestoft in 1897, a son of Stephen and Phoebe Thurling. His family lived at 2 Jacob’s Street and this was John’s home for all of his life. In 1911 he worked as an iron moulder’s labourer with a motor engineer.Before the Forst World War he began working with the Great Eastern Railway at Lowestoft. He was, for a time, a labourer, and later an assistant horse-truck driver. John volunteered and enlisted in the 1/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment on 2 April 1913. He had service number 1632 and served with E Company at Lowestoft. John was mobilized when the First World War began. However, he was found to be medically unfit and discharged on 25 November 1914.John joined the Army for a second time and joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3095. In 1916 he was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France.  In late October 1916 the 1/4th Battalion moved into trenches east of Les Boeufs. On 1 November 1916 a party of A Company attacked the enemy position on the right of their front line, in conjunction with an attack made by their Brigade. An enemy machine-gun, that was not dealt with during the preliminary bombardment, caused several casualties and the party had to fall back.One officer and five men, including John, were killed, and twelve men were wounded. 

A Private attached to 4 Field Survey Company, Master died on 26th of July 1919 at the age of 26.It seems that he preferred to use his middle name, George, as his first name and so appears on several records as George Thurston. He was born in 1893, a son of William J. and Jessie Thurston. In 1901 his family lived at 13 Beresford Road and by 1911 were living at 8 Grove Road and Master worked as a painter and plumber for a builder. When Master enlisted, in January 1915, his family were living at 57 Arnold Street, and Master worked as a painter and carter. Before the First World War Master had served with the 3rd East Anglian Howitzer Brigade (Territorial Force) for four years. Master arrived in France on 9 August 1915 and he was a horse transport Driver attached to 142 Field Ambulance. He was granted a furlough from 28 January to 11 February 1918. Master married Edith Annie Taylor at Mutford Register Office on 7 February 1918 and they had a home at 84 Tonning Street Lowestoft. Later Edith lived at 135 Brunswick Road, Poplar, London. In late 1918/early 1919 Master served with the 3rd Mobile Repair Unit attached to 4 Field Survey Company Royal Engineers. On 5 May 1919 master was arrested for drunkenness and he struck a military policeman: for these offences he was given 28 days Field Punishment Number 2.  On 25 July 1919 Master and Lance Corporal Floyd arrived at Cologne from the Wahn Survey detachment, in order to get ready to be discharged. Master, Lance Corporal Floyd, and two other men, then went out for a few drinks, before returning to their billet. Master’s room was in an upper storey of the building. Around 1 a.m. on 26 July Master was seen moving around the barrack room. He returned to his bed, which was next to a window, and was seen to have his knee on the ledge. Around 1.15 a.m. on 26 July Master was found on the ground having fallen out of the window. Master was taken to 64 Casualty Clearing Station but died before arrival. It appears that he died from a broken neck. Listed on Saint Margaret's War Memorial (Roll of Honour has initials M G)

A Trumpeter with A Squadron, 1/1st Essex Yeomanry, Arthur died on 11th of April 1917 at the age of 26. Arthur was born at Lowestoft on 25 July 1890, a son of Thomas W. and Lucy Elizabeth Tibbenham. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 14 September 1890 and his family lived at 14 New Nelson Street. By 1901 they were living at 12 Trafalgar Street. Later his parents lived at 132 Carlton Road. In 1911 Arthur was living at Fernbank, East Runton, Norfolk, and working as a grocer’s assistant. Subsequently he lived at Bungay.Arthur enlisted in the Army at Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. He joined the Essex Yeomanry, service number 2029. He was posted to the 1/1st in France and served with A Squadron. In 1917 he was renumbered 80797. On 11 April 1917 the 1/1st Essex Yeomanry advanced, on horseback, over open ground, to occupy high ground near Monchy-le Preux. The leading squadrons came under heavy machine-gun fire as well as an artillery barrage and suffered many casualties. The remaining men pressed on a held Monchy for the next 18 hours, despite numerous counter-attacks. The Essex Yeomanry’s casualties were:Officers: 13 killed, 13 woundedOther ranks: 18 killed, 94 wounded, 10 missingHorses: 300 killedArthur was reported to be wounded and missing on 11 April and later it was concluded that he had been killed in action on that date.   

A Private with 256 Mechanical Transport Company, William died on 17th of February 1919 at the age of 33. William was born at Kessingland in 1886, a son of Henry and Edith Tillett. In 1891 his family lived at Wesley House, High Street, Kessingland, and this was still their home in 1911 when William worked as a fisherman.On 12 July 1915 William married Henrietta Hebbron at Saint Andrews Church, Bishop Auckland. They lived at 14 Waldron Street, Bishop Auckland. Later Henrietta lived at 159 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, before moving to 38 Annesley Park, Dublin.William was working as a motor driver, when he attested for the Army at Bishop Auckland on 8 December 1915. He then joined the Army Reserve and was called up on 31 January 1917 to join the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) with service number M/286321. He was an army lorry driver and passed his army test on 3 February 1917. William disembarked at Rouen on 23 April 1917 and joined 915 Mechanical Transport (MT) Company and was attached to 58 Auxiliary Petrol Company. He was posted to 1 Base Mechanical Transport Depot on 4 June 1917 and joined 9 Corps Supply Column on 9 June. He was then posted to 717 MT Company on 11 June 1917. In October 1917 he was fined three days’ pay for driving a lorry on a non-lorry route. On 22 December 1917 he joined 584 MT Company and on 29 December 403 MT Company. William was granted leave from 23 January to 5 February 1918 and then he joined 256 MT Company. He joined 611 MT Company on 24 March and returned to 256 MT Company on 17 June. William was granted a furlough to England from 6 February 1919. He was admitted to Fulham Military Hospital on 14 February, with influenza. His condition deteriorated and he died at 10.45 p.m. on 17 February.

An Able Seaman with M.V. Stork (London), Frank died on 23rd of August 1941 aged 35. Frank was born at Margate on 21 June 1906, a son of Frederick Whiting and Charlotte Timms. In 1914 his family lived at 2 Addington Street, Margate, and by 1919 their home was at 10 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft. In 1939 Frank’s father lived at 59 Maidstone Road.Frank married Irene Ellen Pinkney at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 December 1932. They were living at 14 Saint John's Road, and Frank worked as a fisherman. In 1940 their home was at 40 Caunce (sic) Street, Blackpool. After Frank's death Irene lived at Lowestoft. On 29 June 1939 frank was working on the S.S. Stork as an Able Seaman. On 23 August 1941 the Stork was sailing northwest of Lisbon, Portugal, as part of convoy OG-71, and was hit by a torpedo from German submarine U-201. The Stork sank with the loss of 19 crew including Frank. 

A Private with 1st Battalion, Alexander died on 4th of November 1914 at the age of 18. Alexander was born on 11 April 1896, a son of Robert John and Ada Violet Gertrude Timoney. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 1 May 1896 and his family lived at 92 Saint Leonard's Road. By 1901 his family were living at 135 London Road and, subsequently, at 14 Halcyon Crescent Lowestoft.Alexander was working as an engineer when he volunteered to join the Army. He enlisted at Kirkley on 12 February 1913, joining the Norfolk Regiment with service number 8844. Alexander was following in his father's footsteps as Robert had served in the Royal Artillery for 16 years. Alexander would have completed his initial training at the Regimental Depot at Norwich before being posted to the 1st Battalion at Belfast. His Battalion was mobilized on 4 August 1914 and they landed at Le Havre on 16 August 1914 as part of 15 Brigade 5 Division. Alexander served with C Company. On 24 August the 1st Battalion were involved in the Battle of Mons and they had to form the rearguard to cover their Division's retreat. In a letter to his parents, printed after his death, Alexander wrote about that battle: 'The odds were so much against us that we were forced to retire. Our Captain, who was a brave man, held our company still on the line, with a Brigade of German infantry, about 4,000 men, within 300 yards of our position. Then we got the order to open fire, but when we got on top of the bank the hails of bullets was so great that we had to scramble down the bank again and retire for our lives. . . How we ever got out of it I don't know properly. . . We have been in action four times since then.' (Lowestoft Journal 5 December 1914 page 5)On 3 November 1914 the 1st Battalion were in trenches at Festubert alongside soldiers from the 8th Gurkha Rifles. The Battalion War Diary for 4 November 1914 reads: 'Trouble form German bombs and mines. Captain Buchanan, 8th Gurkhas killed, Lieutenant Boosey and 2nd Lieutenant Papworth wounded.'  Four 'other ranks', including Alexander, were killed in action on 4 November 1914. None of them are buried in marked graves and all are commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.

A Third Hand with Steam Trawler Bass Rock (Aberdeen), John died on 24th of September 1940 aged 36. John was born at Lowestoft on 8 January 1904, a son of Maurice and Mary Jane Tobutt. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 1 July 1904 and his family lived at 21 Kimberley Road. John had a twin brother, Benjamin. By 1911 his family were living at 5 Chapel Street and this was still their home in 1921 when John was a fisherman working for Leonard Tripp of Old Chapel Street. In 1926 John married Florence Louisa King. This was registered in the Mutford district. By 1939 their home was at 1 Well Yard, Saint Peter’s Street, and in 1940 at 2 Minden Road. In 1940 John was the Third Hand on the trawler Bass Rock. On 24 September the Bass Rock was sailing off Old Head of Kinsale and was bombed and sunk by enemy aircraft. All four crew, including John, were lost. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Harry died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 23. Harry was born at Kirkley on 23 February 1893, a son of Robert Charles and Amelia Todd. His given names were Cuthbert Harry, but in many records, including military ones, he is shown as Harry Cuthbert. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 9 April 1893. In 1901 his family lived at 389 London Road. In 1911 they were still living at 389 London Road and Harry was a bricklayer, possibly working with his father.  Harry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1075, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Harry was posted to the 4th Battalion in France, and was then posted to the 7th Battalion, with service number 43006.  The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:10 October 1916Relieved 11th Middlesex in Bulls Runs, near Flers, four companies in front line.12 October 1916Attack to be made on Bayonet Trench and Luisenhoff Farm. Morning very quiet.5 a.m. Battalion lying in shell holes in front ready.10 a.m. Major Henty went forward to advance Battalion Headquarters in Grass Street to receive reports.2 p.m. Zero. Attack started. German barrage very intense. Battalion proceeded in four waves, each company with a platoon front.No definite report until 6 p.m. when Battalion was back in front line having failed to attain objective.B and D Companies gained objective, but were driven out by superior numbers.1st Essex on right gained objective but were unable to hold it, finally and they managed to keep part of it.Battalion withdrew to reserve in Flers Trench. Colonel Murphy, in history of the Suffolk Regiment, felt that the attack failed because the enemy wire had only partially been destroyed and that the British barrage was ineffective.All fifteen officers that went over the top became casualties: eleven killed and four wounded. Ninety two other ranks were killed and, in total, the Battalion had over 500 casualties.  Harry was reported missing and later presumed to have died on or since 12 October.