A Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion, Arthur died on 25th of April 1918 at the age of 29. Arthur was born at Sutton, Surrey, in 1890, a son of Thomas and Honor Birdseye. In 1891 his family lived at Simplemarsh Road, Chertsey, Surrey. By 1901 they had moved to Lowestoft and lived at 155 London Road. In 1911 the family lived at Sunny Dean, North Cliff, and Arthur was a fish salesman’s clerk.  In 1915 Artur married Hilda F. Knights: this was registered in the Plomesgate district. Their home was at Oak Cottage, Somerleyton, and later Hilda lived at 38 Marine Parade.  Arthur served with the 1/6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 387. His service number suggests that he was a pre-war territorial soldier. Arthur attended an Officer Cadet Battalion before being commissioned in the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) on 28 May 1917. He arrived in France on 31 December 1917. Arthur served with D Company 2nd Battalion Machine Gun Corps, he appears to have joined the battalion in late March or early April 1918. Arthur was wounded at Bertrencourt on 23 April and died at one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Doullens. 

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Capel, Thomas died on 26th of December 1944 aged 22. Thomas was born at Lowestoft on 5 October 1922, a son of Thomas Samuel and Nellie Kathleen Bishop. He was baptised at Christ Church, Lowestoft, on 22 October 1922 and his family lived at 102 Saint Peter’s Street. This was still the family home in 1939 when Thomas was a sheet metal worker.In December 1944 Thomas was serving with the frigate H.M.S. Capel. On 26 December the ship was patrolling north-eat of Cherbourg with other escorts. German submarine U-486 fired three torpedoes, one of which hit the Capel, which sank with the loss of 76 crew, including Thomas.  

A Corporal with the 5th Battalion, Thomas died on 26th of June 1918 at the age of 29. Thomas was born at Langholm, Dumfriesshire, in 1889, a son of Thomas and Jane Blacklock. In 1891 his family lived at 3A Eskdaill Street, Langholm, and in 1901 at Skipperscleuch Cottage, Langholm.  Thomas enlisted in the Army at Glasgow. He joined the Lovats Scouts, service number 3137. He served with either the 2/1st or 2/2nd Lovat Scouts and in November 1916 these were merged to form the 1st (Lovats Scouts) Cyclist Regiment based at Lowestoft.On 22 December 1917 Thomas married Eva Blanch Hunt at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Thomas was a serving soldier and they both resided at Kirkley. Their home was at 15 Kirkley Street. Subsequently Thomas was transferred to the Cameron Highlanders and posted to France to join the 5th Battalion. On 25 June 1918 the 5th Battalion moved into front line trenches in the Meteren Sector. During the next few days the battalion sent out patrols, formed working parties and was subject to enemy shelling, but the battalion war diary records no casualties. Thomas was killed in action and is buried at a cemetery near Hazebrouck which suggests either that he was detached from the battalion when he died, perhaps as a messenger or collecting supplies.    Eva moved to 325 Shardon Crescent, Edinburgh, before returning to Lowestoft. In 1920 Eva married Ernest Stevens and later they lived at La Linea, Carlton Road. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Arthur died on 24th of October 1918 aged 22. Arthur was born at Hardley, near Loddon, in 1896, a son of Arthur and Laura Blake. By 1901 his family were living at Park Hill Cottages, Corton. In 1911 their address was 3 Park Hill Cottages, and Arthur was a farm boy. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment and was posted to the 13th Battalion in France. Arthur was wounded twice during 1916 and his name appears in the official casualty list, the War Office Daily List, on 7 September 1916 and 9 November 1916. By October 1918 he was a Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion.From 23 October 1918 the 7th Battalion was involved in fighting near Nivelle. The next day an attack by C and D Companies failed due to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. Artur was killed during the attack. He was one of three men of his battalion buried at map reference 57.A.J.27.d.8.2. After the war all three were buried at Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal Cemetery. Arthur’s brother-in-law, Benjamin Smith, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. 

An Able Seaman with HMS Eaglet, Benjamin died on 9th of November 1918 at aged 29. Benjamin was born at Langley, Norfolk, on 28 November 1888, a son of Jane Blake. In 1891 he lived at Langley with his grandparents Benjamin and Frances Blake. His mother married Stephen Grimson and in 1901 Benjamin lived with them at Toft Monks, Norfolk. In 1911 Benjamin was the Fourth Hand on the trawler Boy Russell, LT 346, at Padstow.   Benjamin joined the Metropolitan Police on 31 March 1913. On 29 July 1914 Benjamin married Florence May Snowling at Saint John’s Church. Benjamin was a policeman, living at 1 Holdernesse Road, Upper Tooting. They lived in Tooting at Glenburnie Road and after Benjamin’s Florence moved to Lowestoft, her hometown, and lived at 53 Lawson Road. In 1922 she married Sidney Howe. During the First World War Benjamin took leave of absence from the Metropolitan Police in order to join the Mercantile Marine. He signed a T.124X agreement which meant that he was able to be drafted to various Merchant Fleet Auxiliary ships. By November 1918 he was serving at H.M.S. Eaglet, a shore establishment at Liverpool. He contracted influenza and died at the Royal Infirmary, Liverpool. He was buried in a family plot at Toft Monks on 17 November.  Benjamin is commemorated on the war memorial at Saint Margaret’s Church.  

A Private with 1/23rd Bn., Cyril died on 16th of September 1916 at the age of 26. Cyril was born at Lowestoft in 1889, a son of Arthur James and Elizabeth Mary Blake. In 1891 his family lived at 4 East Raglan Street, Lowestoft, and by 1901 at 4 Stanley Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 32 Queen's Street, and Cyril worked as a book compositor. Later his mother lived at 62 The Hemplands, Lowestoft.Cyril was working as a compositor when he volunteered and joined the Army at Lowestoft on 9 September 1914. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 12653, an was posted to the 9th Battalion on 22 September 1914. On 30 August 1915 he, along with the rest of the 9th Battalion, embarked for France. Cyril was admitted to a Field Ambulance on 20 October 1915, suffering from diarrhoea. On 30 October 1915 he was admitted to 17 Casualty Clearing Station for treatment but then had to be evacuated to England, viz Hospital Ship Newhaven, on 3 November 1915. He was admitted to the Metropolitan Hospital, London, suffering from debility and influenza and was later found to have colitis. He was posted to the strength of the Depot on 4 November 1915: this an administrative arrangement. Once recovered, posted to the 10th Battalion on 29 January 1916. On 23 June 1916 Cyril was transferred to the 3/23rd Battalion London Regiment, number 6081. He arrived at Havre, France, on 30 June 1916 and was posted to the 16th Battalion London Regiment on 11 July 1916, and joined them in the field on 13 July 1916. He was sent to the Base Depot, Havre, on 23 August 1916 (it is possible that Cyril was sent to the 16th either in error or because of an urgent need for reinforcements and that, later, he was returned to the 23rd). Cyril was posted to the 1/23rd Battalion London Regiment, joining them, in the field, on 3 September 1916, as part of a draft of 37 men.   On 16 September 1916 the 1/23rd Battalion were involved in an attack at High Wood, in the Somme area. The Battalion War Diary has:At 8.55 a.m. the leading platoons extended and moved forward over the crest in a line, the other platoons followed at proper distance. The Battalion reached the crest in four waves, followed by bombers in good order, without casualties. East of High Wood they were subjected to heavy barrage fire.At 10.25 a.m. reports came back that they attack was going well. Battalion was subjected to very heavy machine-gun fire on reaching sunken road. After dark patrols were sent out encountering German posts and patrols and made prisoners, among them an officer. Casualties very heavy, being brought in from sunken road.  The battalion lost 3 officers and 149 men, including Cyril, killed in action on 16 September. 

A Private with Hospital Ship Asturias, Edgar died on 20th of March 1917 at the age of 33. Edgar was born at Lowestoft on 28 April 1884, a son of John and Ann Elizabeth Blake. He was baptised at Saint John's Church on 6 July 1884 and his family lived at West Raglan Street. In 1891 his family lived at 23 West raglan Street. By 1901 his family were living at 51 Maidstone Road.Edgar served with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment. On 3 February 1902 he enlisted, at Norwich, to serve with the 3rd Volunteer Company, Norfolk Regiment, in the Boer War. He served in South Africa from 3 March 1902 to 30 July 1902 and he was discharged on 1 August 1902. Edgar was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal.Edgar began working for the Great Eastern Railway Company on 10 October 1904. In 1911 Edgar's family were living at 4 Maidstone Road, and Edgar worked as a fish checker. On December 1912 Edgar married Mabel May Ward at Wickham Market. Edgar enlisted, at Lowestoft, in September 1914. At that time he was working as a fish loader at the Great Eastern Railway Good Depot, Lowestoft. He served in Gallipoli from 11 July 1915. Edgar was killed during the loss of the Hospital Ship Asturias when it was torpedoed. In total 35 people were killed.  Subsequently Maud lived at Smithdale Terrace, Wickham Market.

A Deck Hand with H.M.S. Blackmorevale, William died on 1st of May 1918 at the age of 30. William was born at Mutford on 11 December 1888, a son of George Edgar and Ellen Blanch. He was baptised at Saint Andrew’s Church, Mutford, on 27 January 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Mill Road, Mutford, and in 1901 at Church Road, Mutford and this was still the family address in 1917. Later his parents lived at Mill Lane, Barnby. William has not been traced in the 1911 Census. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 May 1917. He had previously served with the Yacht Section. William served with H.M.S. Vivid until 24 July 1917 when he joined H.M.S. Pekin. On 6 August 1917 he joined the trawler John Pascoe and then, on 10 April 1918 he joined H.M.S. Gunner and was deployed to the minesweeper H.M.S. Blackmorevale.On 1 May 1918 the Blackmorevale was minesweeping off the Firth of Forth in a minefield area known as Minefield 40. At 2 p.m. the ship struck a mine and the explosion wrecked all of the fore bridge killing all of the officers and men in that part of the ship. The fore stoke hold also began to flood. Two officers and one rating attempted to remove survivors and salve the ship. The aft stoke hold and engine-room were then flooding as well. H.M.S. Holderness had attached two hawsers, but the Blackmorevale listed and at 3.45 p.m. had to be abandoned. Three officers and 23 men, including William, were lost.     

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Percy died on 10th of October 1918 aged 24.Percy was born at Lowestoft on 24 January 1894, a son of Horace William and Victoria Anne Blanchflower. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 20 April 1894, and his family lived at 99 Stanley Street. By 1901 they were living at 34 Denmark Road, which would be the family home for the rest of Percy’s life. Percy was a pupil at Roman Hill School and, on 17 September 1907, became a pupil at Lowestoft School of Science. By 1915 Percy was a bank clerk living at 10 Theatre Street, East Dereham, Norfolk.  Percy attested for the Army at East Dereham on 9 December 1915. He then joined the Army Reserve and was called up on 22 January 1916 and joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 22875, and was posted to the 10th Battalion. On 21 June 1916 he was transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, service number 4679, and was posted to the 2/8th Battalion and joined B Company. In 1917 he was renumbered 302183. Percy was a qualified rifle-bomber and signaller. Percy was posted to France on 23 September 1917 and joined 19 Infantry Base Depot, Etaples, on 24 September. He was posted to the 14th Battalion on 27 September and joined the battalion, to serve with C Company, on 7 October. Percy was granted leave to England from 19 March to 2 April 1918. He joined H Infantry Base Depot on 14 May and a Corps Reinforcement Camp on 25 May. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion on 1 June, one of 91 reinforcements that joined the battalion that day.   On 10 October 1918 the 2nd Battalion moved through Clary to Bertry. The advance went well until they reached the Le Cateau – Cambrai Road when they were subjected to an enemy barrage. Due to lack of support the advance was halted until 8 a.m. and as they advanced again, they were subject to extremely heavy enemy fire which caused many casualties. During the operation the battalion’s casualties were nine officers and 192 other ranks, including Percy who was killed in action. Percy was awarded the Military Medal, London Gazette 11 March 1919, page 3435. In 1919 this medal could not be awarded posthumously, hence Percy had to have been recommended before his death. It is possible that the award was for the battalion attack near Villers-Guislain on 20 to 23 September 1918, or in their advances in the days immediately before his death. Note the Gazette incorrectly gives his battalion as the 8th, but the timing of the award is such that it can only have been made for his service with the 2nd Battalion.     

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, George died on 23rd of February 1941 at the age of 26.George was a son of George Harry and Ethel Bland. George's father served in the Northamptonshire Regiment in the First World War and was killed in action on 22 October 1914. George was born at Colchester on 21 February 1915, some four months after his father's death. George married Ruth Mary Jenner at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 1 June 1937. At that time George was living in Norwich and working as an electrical engineer and Ruth lived at 119 Worthing Road. In 1939 George and Ruth, and their son, lived at 34A Glenmore Gardens, Norwich, and George was an engineer in charge at Rediffusion Radio Services. George was keen on aviation and he gained his Royal Aero Club Aviator's certificate at the Norfolk and Norwich Aero Club on 20 April 1939. For this he flew a De Haviland Gypsy 1 aircraft. George joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve soon after the war began.As a skilled pilot George was selected to become a pilot-instructor and was attached to the 61 Air School of the South African Air Force. George accidentally drowned in Victoria Bay, South Africa. After the war Ruth lived at Oulton Broad.  He was training at No 61 Air School, and drowned accidentally in Victoria Bay, his body being found three days later.  He is buried in George Cemetery. CREDIT:Malcolm Barrass

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, Frederick died on 24th of April 1917 at the age of 33.Frederick was born at Kessingland in 1884, a son of George and Annie Block. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland on 30 March 1884. In 1891 his family lived at 5 Erskine Place, Lowestoft. By 1901 they were living at 187 Clapham Road and Frederick was a butcher's assistant. In 1911 Frederick lodged at 20 Cambridge Terrace, Saint Leonard's Road, Lowestoft, and he worked as a butcher's assistant. Later his parents lived at High Street, Kessingland. On 26 May 1912 Frederick married Edith Mary Buckles at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. Frederick was a butcher and they both lived at 69 London Road. Later they lived at 41 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft.Frederick was enlisted in the Army at Richmond, Yorkshire. Initially he served with the The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), service number G/14409. He was then transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and posted to the 1st Battalion, arriving in France on 4 March 1917. On 22 March 1917 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion.On 23 April 1917 the 2nd Battalion moved into front line trenches at Monchy, near Arras. The next day the Battalion made an attack at the 'Blue Line', leaving the front line Shrapnel Trench at 4 p.m. During the attack the Battalion was subject to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. By 4.45 p.m. the Battalion was very short of ammunition. At 5 p.m. patrols were sent out to establish the whereabouts of nearby units. By 5.30 p.m. reinforcements had to be called for. By 6.10 p.m. the situation had become untenable and orders given that all wounded should be taken back to Shrapnel Trench. At 6.50 p.m. orders were given to retire. During the attack the Battalion suffered 190 casualties. Frederick was reported missing and it was later officially accepted that he had been killed in action on 24 April. Frederick's brother-in-law, Alfred Crowford, died in the loss of the Steam Drifter Reliance in 1917.

A Lance Corporal with 10th Bn., Percy died on 18th of November 1916 at the age of 32. Percy was born at Gisleham in 1884, a son of Jonah and Elizabeth Block. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 30 August 1885. In 1891 his family lived at Church Road, Kessingland. By 1901 they were living at 5 Maud Terrace, Kessingland, and Percy was a laundry van driver. On 22 April 1905 Percy married Mabel Hurren at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Percy was a conductor and they both lived at Kirkley. By 1911 they lived at 106 Morton Road, Kirkley, and Percy was a tramway conductor for Lowestoft Borough Council.Percy enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Fusiliers and was posted to the 10th Battalion in France. On 16 November 1916 the 10th Battalion were ordered to attack and capture Munich Trench, Frankfurt Trench and Leave Avenue and establish a strong point. Then they were ordered occupy Muck Trench, from Leave Avenue to Railway Avenue with four strong points. During the night of 16/17 November an encounter with the enemy led to six casualties in the Battalion.The 17 November ‘passed without remarkable incident: some enemy shelling’. Reinforcements were sent to the left post in Muck Alley. During the night of 17/18 November the machine-gun team at left post in Muck Trench was knocked out by a shell with the officer in charge and nearly all the men being killed. At 6.10 a.m. on 18 November an attack by 32 Division commenced and all the parties of the Battalion stormed their objectives. All but one made good, but due to 32Division’s lack of progress the Battalion’s parties had to be withdrawn. The Battalion lost five men killed on 17 November (possibly the machine-gun team) and one officer and 19 men killed, including Percy, on 18 November.    

A Third Hand with Fishing Vessel Vanguard (Lowestoft), Edward died on 24th of October 1917 at the age of 36.His given name in Belgium was Eduardus Gustavus Blommaert. Edward was born at Ostend, Belgium, on 8 October 1886, a son of Basilius and Paulina Blommaert. Edward married Malvina Maria Vanloo some time before 1908. It seems that they moved to Britain after the beginning of the First World War and in 1916 Malvina was living at Edmonton, London. Later she lived at 32 Kimberly Road, Lowestoft. On the morning of 24 October 1917 the trawler Vanguard (LT 722) sailed from Lowestoft and went north apparently to fish off Happisburgh. The trawler was never seen again and it was assumed the trawler was lost through enemy action.  See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com) 

A Civilian, Frank died on 29th of September 1940 aged 47. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 3 June 1893, a son of Charles Pendle and Ellen Sarah Bloomfield. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 21 June 1893 and his family lived at 2 Saint George’s Terrace, Beccles Road, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 29 Saint George’s Terrace and Frank was working as a fisherman. In 1939 Frank’s parents lived at 59 Gorleston Road, Oulton. In 1913 Frank was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand. On 29 June 1913 Frank married Isabella Balls at Saint Margaret’s Road. Frank was a fisherman living at 29 Beccles Road, and Isabella lived at 21 Alma Road. By 1915 they were living at 5 Norwich Road and by 1920 they were living at 32 Alma Road which was still their home in 1940. Frank joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 23 February 1915 to serve as a Second Hand, service number SA 1329. From 17 March 1915 he served with the trawler Fennew. In 1917 Frank was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper and he was promoted to Temporary Skipper on 27 December 1917. In 1918 he joined the trawler Vale of Fruin. He was demobilised on 19 June 1919. In 1921 Frank was the Mate on the trawler Margaret Hide, LT 746.  On 29 September 1940 Frank 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 Frank was among the latter). See Anniversary of bombing raid marked by town commemoration | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk)Frank's brother-in-law, Henry Balls, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1917. 

Formerly a Private with the Royal Pioneer Corps, George died on 21 January 1947, aged 45.George was born at Lound in 1901, a son of George and Eleanor Eliza Bloss. He was baptised at Saint John the Baptist Church, Lound, on 29 September 1901. In 1911 they lived at Pond Farm Cottage, Herringfleet. By 1921 George was serving with 29 Battery Royal Garrison Artillery in Germany. Both of George’s parents died in the 1920s and, by 1939, his brother Thomas lived at Park Hill Fram, Oulton.In late 1940 George married Margaret Dingle, this was registered in the Chippenham district. Later Margaret lived at Wilmington, 3 Kirkley Park Road. George enlisted in the Royal Engineers on 9 September 1939 and served with the 7th Railway Labour Company. In October 1939 his unit became the 10th Company Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps (later The Pioneer Corps) and George served in France and was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. George was discharged on 12 January 1943. His death, in 1947, was registered in the North Walsham district. 

A Bombardier with 505th Battery. Dennis died on 23rd of July 1917 at the age of 31.Dennis was born at Gillingham, Suffolk, on 28 February 1887, a son of Robert and Maria Blowers. He was baptised at Gillingham on 3 July 1887 and his family lived at Banningham. In 1891 his family were living in a cottage at Gillingham. From 2 March 1893 Dennis attended Saint Margaret's School, Lowestoft, and his family lived at Cambridge Road. By 1901 his family were living at 16 Cambridge Road, and Dennis worked as an errand boy. In 1911 his family were living at 5 Fir Terrace, Fir Lane, Oulton Broad. Dennis enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft, some time before 1911, and joined the Royal Field Artillery. His older brother Samuel was already serving with the Royal Field Artillery.   From 19 August 1914 Dennis served in France with 15 Brigade Royal Field Artillery. In 1915 Dennis married Florence Mary Jenkerson. Their home was at 44 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft.In July 1917 Dennis served with 505 Battery, 65 Brigade, near Dickebusch, Belgium. The unit war diary gives no indication of what happened to him, but he was killed in action on 23 July. Initially he was buried at map reference I.32.b.8.5. and in 1919 reburied at Perth China Wall Cemetery, Ypres. Dennis' brother Samuel died in 1916.Dennis' brother-in-law, Alfred Jenkerson, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916.  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Edgar died on 19th of July 1918 at the age of 20. Edgar was born at Kessingland in 1898, a son of Robert William and Marina Blowers. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 17 April 1898. In 1901 his family lived at The Beach, Kessingland, and, by 1911, they lived 'near the Blacksmith's Shop, Kessingland.' Later they lived at 3 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland. We don't know exactly when Edgar joined the Army, but he did not service overseas before 1916. His service number and details from medal rolls indicate that initially he served with the Cambridge and Suffolk Reserve Battalion Suffolk Regiment (this is often confused with the Cambridgeshire Regiment which was an entirely different unit) and then, in France/Belgium, with the 8th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. The 8th Battalion was disbanded on 7 February 1918 and, at this point, Edgar was posted to the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment which was a pioneer battalion with the 58th (Second London) Division. On 16 June 1918 the 4th Battalion were at Moillens-au-Bois and the next day moved to trenches at Bois Robert (Bazieux) which battalion Headquarters on Amiens-Albert Road, south of Lavieville. They held these positions for the next few weeks.The battalion war diary states that on 19th July 1918 'two bombs were dropped on battalion headquarters: I other rank killed'.The man killed was Edgar. He was buried nearby at Montigny Communal Cemetery. Edgar had a younger brother, Robert William (Bob), who was lost in the loss of the 'Reclaim' in 1937. (With thanks to Andy Pearce for additional information)  

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Frank died of wounds on 15th of April 1917 at the age of 24. Frank was born at Lowestoft in 1893, a son of Henry John and Alice Edith Blowers. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Mariner's Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 his family lived at 16 Kirkley Street and Frank was a wood sawyer and a saw mill.Frank enlisted in the Army at Ely and served, initially, with the Suffolk Yeomanry, number 1819. Later he was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment, number 5357, and posted to the 1/4th Battalion. he was renumbered to 202169 in 1917. It is not possible to say precisely when, or how, Frank was wounded, but it is possible that he was wounded by shell-fire when the battalion were in the vicinity of the Neuville-Vitasse to Henin-sur-Coseul Road. Given where Frank is buried it is likely that he died of wounds at a casualty clearing station. Frank's father was killed on 23 May 1917 when the trawler 'Tettenhall' was sunk by a mine.  Subsequently Frank's mother lived at 71 Morton Road, Lowestoft. 

A Skipper with Sailing Trawler Guide (Lowestoft), Frederick died on 23rd of February 1916 at the age of 56.Frederick was born at Covehithe in 1859, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Betsey) Blowers. He was baptised at Saint Michael's Church, Benacre, on 13 March 1859. In 1861 his family lived at Covehithe. By 1871 Frederick's father had died and his mother remarried and the family still lived at Covehithe.On 27 May 1872 Frederick began a fishing apprenticeship with M. M. Williams of Lowestoft and in 1875-1876 he served on the trawler Dream. In 1881 he was the Master of the trawler Brothers of Lowestoft. On 22 July 1882 Frederick married Elizabeth Ann Barham at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 67 Wollaston Road and by 1901 at 36 Seago Street, which was still their home in 1911.     In 1901 Frederick was the Master of the Resolute LT 424.  During the First World War, Frederick served as the Skipper of 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 Deck Hand with Fishing Vessel Kincorth (Aberdeen), George died on 10 December 1941 at the age of 38 years.George was born at Pakefield on 8 May 1903, a son of William and Ellen Blowers. George’s father died four months before George’s birth in the loss of the trawler Free Lance. In 1909 George’s mother married John Vincent. In 1911 his family lived at 46 Pakefield Street. In 1921 George’s family lived at 19 Saint Margaret’s Road, Pakefield, and George worked as Colby’s Shipyard, Oulton Broad. On 4 October 1928 George married Gertrude Alice Newberry at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a fisherman living at Pakefield and Gertrude lived at 38 Worthing Road. By 1939 their home was at Joan Villa, 6 Ship Road, Pakefield.In 1941 George was a Deck Hand on the steam trawler Kincorth. On 10 December 1941 the trawler was fishing seven miles east-north-east from Point Lynas, Anglesey, Wales, near Ynys Moelfre. The trawler is believed to have struck a mine and exploded. All ten of the crew, including George, were lost. 

A Private with 7th Bn. George died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 19. George was born at Barnby in 1897, a son of George and Mary Blowers. In 1901 his family lived at Carlton Road, Pakefield. By 1911 they were living at 2 Carlton Terrace, Carlton Road, Pakefield. Later they lived at 3 Rochester Road, Lowestoft.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in early September 1914. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. George went to France with the 7th Battalion, arriving there on 28 July 1915. By 1 July 1916 the 7th Battalion were in positions at Carnoy ready to take part in the Battle of the Somme. The Battalion's War Diary for 1 July 1916 has:7.30 a.m. went over the parapet7.35 a.m. German rifle and machine-gun fire heavy. Heavy hostile shelling of our front-line system.The War Diary shows that at 12.30, despite heavy losses, elements of the Battalion were at, and holding, sections of Montauban Alley, the Pommiers Line, and No 2 Strong Point. The Battalion held their positions until relived on 4 July. George was killed in the attack. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Tettenhall, Henry John died on 23rd of May 1917 at the age of 49. Henry was born at Heigham, Norwich on 3 December 1867, a son of Benjamin and Maria Blowers. In 1871 his family lived at 5 Laundry Lane, Lowestoft, and in 1881 their address was 75 Laundry Road, Lowestoft. On 25 December 1890 Henry married Alice Edith Stout at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley. Both Henry and Alice lived at Kirkley and Henry was working as a fisherman. In 1891 they lived with Alice's parents at 78 Lorne Park Road. By 1901 they were living at 7 Mariner's Street, Lowestoft, and in 1911 at 16 Kirkley Street. Subsequently Alice lived at 71 Morton Road, Lowestoft. Henry joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 July 1915. Henry was killed when the Tettenhall was sunk by a mine off Lowestoft. Six of the crew, including Henry, were killed. Details of Henry's funeral were reported in the Lowestoft Journal, 2 June 1917, page 3:A NAVAL FUNERALOn Tuesday afternoon [May 29] another double naval funeral took place at Kirkley Cemetery, Mr. S. C. Rowe (Missioner at the Sailors and Fishermen’s Bethel) officiating. The deceased were accorded naval honours. The service was an impressive one, and was witnessed by a considerable concourse. The deceased men were George Edward Gladwell, aged 25, late of 63 Carlton Road, Kirkley, married, with one child, and Henry J. Blowers, of Morton Road, aged 50, married with family, two or three of whom are with the Forces. The “Last Post” was sounded at the conclusion of the service, and there were several handsome floral tributes. The coffins were conveyed on gun carriages. Mr. Horace Riches, Raglan Street, was the undertaker.Henry's son Frank died in 1917 whilst serving with the Suffolk Regiment.

An Able Seaman with the tug S. S. Aid (London), Leonard died on 29th of November 1940 at the age of 39. Leonard was born at Kessingland on 22 November 1900, a son of Lewis Charles and Minnie Jane Blowers. He was baptised at Saint Edmunds Church, Kessingland, on 20 January 1901. In 1901 his family lived at High Street, Kessingland. By 1911 they were living at High Path, Beach, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1921 when Leonard worked as a fisherman (either for, or on the, Beamish). During the First World War Leonard served as a Deck Hand with the Fishery Reserve and served on the trawler Advance. Leonard married Pleasance E. Barber in 1925 and by 1939 they were living at 14 Belvedere Place, Kessingland, and Leonard was working in the Mercantile Marine on H.M.M.V. Miss Elaine.  Leonard 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.  

An Air Mechanic 1st Class with H.M.S. President II. Reginald died on 12th of January 1916 at the age of 23. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 15 December 1892, a son of Edward and Mary Blowers. In 1901 his family lived at Brickyard Cottages, Oulton Broad. By 1911 they lived at 1 Stanley Road, Oulton Broad, and Reginald worked as a carpenter. Later his family lived at 5 Sunnyside Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Reginald was working as a carpenter and joiner when he joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 23 November 1914 'for the duration of hostilities.' Reginald died at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, from tuberculosis of the lung. H.M.S. President II was the accounting base for all naval personnel in the London and South East areas. Reginald would have actually served at one of the Air Stations in the London and South-East region.

A Corporal with 2nd Battery, 13th Brigade. Samuel died on 3rd of May 1916 at the age of 31. Samuel was born at Gillingham, Suffolk, in 1884, a son of Robert and Maria Blowers. He was baptised at Gillingham on 3 July 1887 and his family lived at Banningham (he was baptised on the same day as his brother Dennis). In 1891 his family were living in a cottage at Gillingham. By 1901 his family were living at 16 Cambridge Road, and Samuel worked as a bricklayer. In 1911 his family were living at 5 Fir Terrace, Fir Lane, Oulton Broad, and later they lived at Normanston Hall Cottage, Beccles Road, Lowestoft.Samuel enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft, some time before 1911, and joined the Royal Field Artillery. The 1911 Census shows him serving with 44 Battery in India. Samuel arrived in France on 14 October 1914 with 13 Brigade Royal Field Artillery. Samuel was serving with 2 Battery 13 Brigade when he drowned accidentally at Mesopotamia (Iraq).   Samuel's brother Dennis was killed in action 1915 whilst serving with the Royal Field Artillery. 

Private with the 4th Battalion, Stanley died on 12 February 1942 at the age of 24.Stanley was born at Lowestoft on 19 March 1918, a son of Ernest George and Ellen Louisa Blowers. In 1925 his family lived at 25 Raglan Street, and this was still the family home in 1939.Initially Stanley served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, as indicated by his army service number. At some point he was posted/transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 4th Battalion. In autumn 1939 the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment was on guard duty in the Lowestoft area and from July to September 1940 had various local deployments, including guarding Great Yarmouth. The Battalion then moved to Bedfordshire and then Scotland until April 1941. Next the Battalion moved to Bury, Lancashire, and Hereford, before embarking on the S.S. Andes at Liverpool and sailing for Halifax, Nov Scotia. The Battalion changed ship, to the American liner Wakefield, and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941. The Battalion was given three days shore leave.The Battalion was part of 54 Brigade in the 18th (East Anglian) Division. With the Japanese entry into the war the Battalion was now allocated to the Far East and sailed for India, arriving on 5 January 1942. The Battalion had three weeks of training before embarking at Bombay and sailing for Singapore, arriving on 29 January 1942. The Battalion had orders to defend the Golf Course and then fell back to defend the perimeter before the Singapore garrison was forced to surrender on 15 February 1942. Ninety men of the Battalion were killed, or died of wounds, in the defence of Singapore and 865 were taken prisoner.      Stanley was reported as missing on 15 February 1942 and later was presumed to have been killed in action between 5 and 15 February 1942 (date from British Army Casualty List 1915 dated 20 November 1945). Commonwealth War Graves records give the date of his death as 12 February.  (With thanks to Andrew Pearce)

A Lance Corporal with 1st Bn. Victor died on 30th of June 1918 at the age of 22. Victor was born at Kessingland in 1896, a son of Thomas Edward and Mabel Ethel Blowers. He was baptised at Saint Edmund's Church, Kessingland, on 3 May 1896. In 1901 his family were living at The Beach, Kessingland, and this was still their address in 1911, when Victor worked as an errand boy. Later his parents lived at 4 Geneva Cottages, Kessingland. Victor enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft and served, initially, with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 13255. He arrived in France with the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment on 31 August 1915. The 9th Battalion was disbanded in France on 16 February 1918 and Victor was transferred to the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. We do not know what happened to Victor. In June 1918 the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment spent time in training areas and in the front line. The war diary shows no casualties for the period 25 to 30 June. We do know, however, that Victor died of wounds. He is buried at Aire and in 1918 Aire was the location of several hospitals and casualty clearing stations. Victor's sister, Stella Bird, and niece, Margaret Bird, were killed in an air raid in 1942. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter Silver Queen. William died on 15th of February 1918 at the age of 56. William was born at Ellough in October 1861, a son of Charles and Sarah Ann Blowers. In 1871 his family lived at Weston, Suffolk. In 1881 they were living at Green Lane, Weston, and William worked as a fisherman.  In 1884 William married Mary Ann Francis. By 1891 they were living at Gisleham Road, Carlton Colville. In 1901 they lived at 2 Martins Buildings, Wilson Road, Kirkley, and William was a drift net fisherman. By 1911 they were living at 10 Morton Road, Lowestoft, and William was still a drift net fisherman.In 1910 William was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Hand. William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 September 1915. He served with the trawler Territorial until 12 November 1915 when he joined the Silver Queen. William was serving on the Silver Queen and was killed in an event known by some as the ‘Massacre of the Drifters’. Captain Taprell-Dorling, in his book Swept Channels described the event:"On the night of February 14-15 1918, an enemy submarine was reported in the minefield [off Dover] by the drifters, and heavy firing began. The "P" boats, monitors and destroyers on patrol concluded that the firing was at the submarine. They were unaware that a flotilla of German destroyers had steamed through the patrol and were attacking the paddle minesweepers, trawlers and drifters who were burning lights to assist in illuminating the minefield.The trawler James Pond, commanded by Chief Skipper A.E. Berry, D.S.C., R.N.R., was burning her flares near the French coast when he saw three destroyers approaching from the eastward at high speed. Flashing past at very close range, they each fired salvoes. It was impossible to miss. The raiders disappeared into the darkness, to leave the trawler damaged and blazing.The enemy destroyers had not finished. After passing the James Pond they turned sharply to the north-north-west along the line of drifters, firing salvoes into them as they steamed by. These little ships did not hesitate to return the fire with the tiny guns they possessed; but 3 and 6 pounders were nothing of a match for the 4.1's of the enemy. The Christina Craig, Clover Bank, Cosmos. Jeannie Murray, Silver Queen, Veracity and W Elliott, all between 60 and 96 tons, were sunk one after the other. Still more were damaged."

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler New Comet. Clifford died on 20th of January 1917 at the age of 32. Clifford was born at Lowestoft in  on 4 April 1885, a son of John Joseph and Jane Anne (Annie/Anna) Blyth. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 29 April 1885 and his family lived at 3 Strand Cottages. By 1891 his father had died and his family lived at Anguish Street. On 23 February 1908 Clifford married Rose May Carter at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. They were both living at Whapload Road and Clifford worked as a fisherman. In 1911 they lived at 2 Anguish Street and by 1915 at 2 Strand Cottages.Clifford joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 May 1915 and he served on the trawler New Comet. He was killed when the trawler was blown up by a mine at Orford Ness.By 1917 Rose  was living at 2 Fishery Street and later at 31 East Streeet, Lowestoft.Clifford's son James died in 1943 whilst serving with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Kingston Beryl. James died on 25th of December 1943 at the age of 34. James was born at Lowestoft on 22 October 1909, a son of Clifford and Rose May Blyth (note this is verified by Pension Record Card details for his father, but some sources give his father's name as James). In 1911 has family lived at 2 Anguish Street.James' father served in the Royal Naval Reserve was died in 1917. His mother remarried and in 1921 his family lived at 31 East Street, Lowestoft. James married Emma Bagshaw in 1932 and in 1939 they were living at 2 Barcham Street, Lowestoft. During World War Two Emma lived at 39 Sandy Lane, Worksop. James joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 February 1939. During World War Two he served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He served on the Davy from 2 October 1939; Moira, from 28 January 1942; Edinburgh Castle, from 26 March 1942; Runswick Bay, from 9 August 1942; and the Kingston Beryl, from 26 October 1943. James was serving on the minesweeping trawler Runswick bay when the trawler was mined and sunk north-west of Islay, Scotland. All twenty-seven crew were killed. Barcham Street - (lost Street now near Wilde Street)

A Lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, Harold died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. Harold was born at Lowestoft on 29 May 1897, a son of Henry Robert and Agnes M. Boardley. In 1901 his family lived at 186 Denmark Road. From 15 September 1908 Harold attended Lowestoft School of Science, and his family lived at Sunnyhill, The Avenue, Lowestoft. In 1911 Harold was a patient at Lowestoft Sanitorium, Rotterdam Road. Harold was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry on 10 September 1915. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1917. Harold had served with the 8th Battalion in Macedonia. On 13 June 1917 he arrived at London on S.S. Nore. He was then posted to the 7th Battalion in France, joining them on 27 August. At 5.50 a.m. on 26 September the 7th Battalion began an attack at Barastre, Brandhoek, near Ypres. The battalion war diary records that objective were attained and severe fighting ensued. The battalion’s casualties for 26 September were 11 officers and 250 men killed, wounded or missing. Harold was killed in action on 26 September.   In June 1918 a brass tablet, in Harold's memory, was erected at Lowestoft United Methodist Church. Note: Commonwealth War Graves records and Soldiers Died in the Great War incorrectly give Harold’s unit as the 8th Battalion, which is impossible as the 8th were in Salonika when Harold was killed. 

A Sergeant with the 11th Battalion, William died on 11th of November 1918, aged 26.William was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of William James and Lilly Annie Boardley. In 1901 he was living with his maternal grandparents, William and Sarah Beecroft, at 13 Commercial Road, and in 1911 he was also living with his grandparents who had, by then, moved to 19 The Hemplands. William worked as a carter-contractor. Later his mother lived at 51 Old Street, then 104 Beccles Road, and subsequently at 83 Roman Road. William enlisted at in the Army at Samundham. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He had already been promoted Sergeant when he was posted to France to serve with the 11th Battalion. William had pneumonia and, based on where he is buried, is believed to have died at a casualty clearing station William's uncle, William Beecroft, served with the Royal Field Artillery and was killed in 1914.

A Private with the 1st Battalion, Ernest died on 24th of October 1918 aged 38.Ernest was born at Gunton, Lowestoft, on 23 June 1880, a son of George Alfred and Elizabeth Bobbitt. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 October 1880. In 1881 his family lived at Warren House, Gunton, and in 1891 they lived at 9 Wollaston Road. In 1901 they lived at 69 Milton Road, and Ernest was a grocer’s assistant. On 5 February 1908 Ernest married Susannah Fisher at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston. In 1911 they lived at 29 Upland Road, Norwich, and Ernest was a grocer’s assistant. By 1914 they were living at East Rudham. By 1917 Their home was at 44 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft.     Ernest was living at East Rudham, near King’s Lynn, and working as a grocer’s manager, when he attested for the Army, at King’s Lynn, on 20 January 1916. He was placed on the Army Reserve and called up on 26 January 1917. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 235001. Ernest was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, on 17 April 1917. On 14 May 1917 he was transferred to the Northamptonshire Regiment, service number 204774, and, on 10 June 1917, he was posted to the strength of the 4th (Reserve) Battalion but was attached to the 2nd Battalion and served with C Company. In November 1917 Ernest received a shrapnel wound to his left buttock and was evacuated to England on 27 November to undergo treatment at the 2nd Western General Hospital, Manchester. He was discharged from hospital on 15 January 1918 and granted furlough to 25 January, when he joined the 4th (Reserve) Battalion. Ernest returned to France on 12 June and joined the 1st Battalion. There is no precise information to say when, or where, Ernest was wounded, but he received a gunshot wound to his right arm. Based on the battalion’s dispositions, and the fact that Ernest died from his wounds at 5 Casualty Clearing Station, based at Vadencourt, it is likely that he was wounded either in the advance toward Wassigny on 17 October, in which there were 91 other ranks casualties, or the attack toward Catillon, on 23 October, in which 14 men were killed and 55 wounded.  

A Seaman with Steam Drifter Reliance (Lowestoft), William died on 7th of October 1917 at the age of 47. No details of William’s parents, or background before 1902, are known. He may have been born at Lowestoft in 1871. On 21 January 1902 William married Frances Agnes Portle at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. William was a fisherman living at Rotterdam Road and Frances lived at Saint Peter’s Street. Neither of them gave their fathers’ details. In 1911 they lived at 6 High Street and later Frances lived at 40 Crown Street. Frances married James Cross in 1926. In 1917 William was a seaman with the Drifter Reliance, LT 694. The Reliance sailed from Lowestoft, on Saturday 29 September, to fish between Wintertons Ridge and Smiths Knoll, and was due to return on Monday 8 October. The Reliance was seen by several boats outside Winterton Ridge during the evening of October 6. A member of the crew of the Lord Roberts, William Westmate, stated at an inquiry that his crew had hauled their nest and gone below when, about five minutes later, they heard an explosion. This was presumed to be the Reliance striking a mine. All ten of the Reliance’s crew were lost. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry

A Civilian, Trixie died on 6th of March 1941 aged 18. Trixie was born at Lowestoft on 17 October 1922, a daughter of Harry and Maggie Bolton. By 1939 her family were living at 155 The Avenue. In March 1941 Trixie was working at Lowestoft Public Library on Clapham Road. Lowestoft resident Alfred J. Turner mentioned Trixie in an account of the air raid on 6 March 1941. He described her as a ‘very nice little girl, who frequently got my books for me’. When the air raid took place, the librarian moved all of the people in the library to the air raid shelter. Turner adds ‘this little girl was well in front but went to get her hat and coat from another room’ it was at this point that Trixie was killed and the library building was destroyed.  

A Private with the 6th Battalion, John died on 29th of September 1918 aged 38. John was born at Lowestoft on 4 August 1879, a son of John and Emma Mariah Bond. He was baptised at Christ Church on 28 March 1880. In 1881 his family lived at 5 South Arnold Street, and in 1891 at Walton Road which was still their residence in 1901 when John was an apprentice sailmaker.On 14 December 1902 John married Annie Louisa Nunn. John was a sailmaker living at Walton Road and Annie lived at 205 Raglan Street. In 1911 they lived at 48 Salisbury Road and John was a sailmaker. Later Annie lived at 187 Raglan Street.John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in June 1916. He joined the Royal Flying Corps, service number 30123. On 11 January 1918 he was compulsorily transferred to the 3rd Battalion Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number 29948. John was then transferred to the Border Regiment, service number 29612, and posted to the 8th Battalion in France, but it appears that when this battalion was disbanded in France in July 1918 John was transferred back to the Queen’s Own, service number G/31658, and posted to the 6th Battalion. On 29 September 1918 the 6th Battalion attacked Swallow Trench, east of Epehy. They encountered strong resistance and made little progress despite fighting throughout the day, but they renewed the attack the next day and took their objectives. John was one of six men killed, with 31 wounded and six missing.John, Private Webb, and two unknown soldiers, were all buried at map reference 57C.X28.B.4.4. and after the war they were all reburied at Villers Hill. 

An Engineman with H.M. Drifter Uberty. Sidney died on 7th of May 1941 at the age of 33. Sidney was born at Covehithe on 9 July 1907, a son of Alfred Charles and Charlotte Bond. In 1911 his family lived at Model Cottage, Henstead. By 1939 they were living at 11 Poplar Road, Carlton Colville, and Sidney worked as a stoker - herring fisherman. Sidney was serving on the Uberty when the drifter was bombed by German aircraft and sunk just off Lowestoft Harbour and all thirteen of the crew were lost. NOTE: Several sources state that the Uberty was sunk on 8 May 1941, but Commonwealth War Graves states that twelve of the thirteen crew, including William, died on 7 May 1941. 

A Private with 239 General Transport Company, William died on 23rd of November 1942 aged 25. William was born at Carlton Colville on 11 January 1917, a son of Charles Henry and Annie Maria Jane Bond. In 1921 his family lived at 4 Albert Cottages, Victoria Road. By 1939 they were living at 263 Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and William was a press operator.  In 1941 William married Mary E. Fox, this was registered in the Spen Valley district. On 12 November 1942 Bone, Algeria, was occupied by allied forces and soon became a significant supply port. On 23 November 1942 William was accidentally killed near Bone. Initially he was buried at map reference 9.A.2. and in June 1944 he was re-buried at Bone War Cemetery. 

A Civilian, Olive died on 2nd of November 1940 aged 43. Olive was born at High Roding, Essex, in 1897, a daughter of Philip Thomas and Sarah Beadle Bone. In 1901 her family lived at Portland Road, Bishop’s Stortford. By 1911 they were living at Victoria House, Oulton Broad, and Olive was a mother’s help. In 1921 Olive was a patient at Saint Audrey’s Asylum, Melton, near Woodbridge, where she was still a resident in 1939.Olive died as the result of an air raid. Commonwealth War Graves Records state that she was ‘of Lothingland House, Oulton Bridge, Lowestoft’ and that she died at St. Audreys Hospital, Melton. Transcripts of civilian casualty records suggest that she had been injured in an air raid and died later, but give no further details. 

A Civilian, Dorothy died on 13th of January 1942 aged 43.Dorothy was born at Ford, Northumberland on 16 May 1898, a daughter of Reverend Edward Ewer and Florence Annie Ward. In 1901 her family lived at The Parsonage, Etal, Ford, Northumberland, and by 1911 at Mulbarton Rectory, Norfolk.In 1933 Dorothy married Ernest Bonsall, this was registered in the Great Yarmouth district. By 1939 their home was at Glenesk, 17 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and they had a jeweller’s shop at 92 London Road North where Dorothy assisted Ernest in their business. Both Dorothy and Ernest were killed at their shop during the Waller Raid.

A Civilian, Ernest died on 13th of January 1942 aged 62. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 18 September 1879, a son of John and Frances Bonsall. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 30 January 1880 and his family lived at 13 Piere Terrace. By 1891 their home was at 7 Piere Terrace and this was still their home until at least 1911. Ernest became a watchmaker and jeweller, working with his father, and was, later, a clock repairer.In 1933 Ernest married Dorothy M. H. Ward Great Yarmouth. By 1939 their home was at Glenesk, 17 Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and they had a jeweller’s shop at 92 London Road North where Ernest ran the jewellery business and Dorothy was his assistant.Both Dorothy and Ernest were killed at their shop during the Waller Raid. 

A Private with 3rd Battalion, Birkwood died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 20. Birkwood was born at Corton on 16 December 1897, a son of George William and Alice Margaret Boon. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 6 February 1898. In 1901 his family lived at Church Lane, Corton, and by 1911 they were living at Sandpit Cottage, Corton.Birkwood enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Rifle Brigade, service number S/29495 and was posted to the 3rd Battalion in France, joining VII Platoon in B Company. On 12 March 1918 the 3rd Battalion moved to the Vadencourt Sector. Orders were received on 20 March that they should prepare for an enemy attack the next day. At 4.40 a.m. on 21 March the enemy bombardment began along the British front line and Vadencourt was heavily shelled. The men wore gas masks for several hours. All telephone lines were destroyed in the bombardment and communication between the battalion headquarters and the front line positions was lost and could not be re-established. A thick white mist hampered visibility, and, at headquarters, all documents were destroyed as it appeared that the headquarters would be captured. The enemy took Dragoon Post and all of the front line except Cookers Quarry which was held by C Company who made a splendid fight and held on until almost surrounded. The battalion, fighting against great odds, fell back gradually to Small Foot Wood where they remained for the night.The battalion’s casualties from 21 March to 5 April 1918 were:Officers: seven killed; four missing; one wounded and missing; eleven woundedOther ranks: 34 killed, 116 missing; 14 wounded and missing; 246 wounded   Birkwood was reported missing on 21 March. Red Cross records show that by 10 April he had died was buried on that date, by German infantry, somewhere between Caulaincourt and Pontru. It took many months for this information to be made known to the British authorities and official confirmation of his death was not published until January 1919. 

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Recompense., George died on 28th of March 1916 at the age of 45.George was a son of William and Maria Boon. He was born at Mutford on 1 April 1866. In 1871 his family lived 'near Mutford Corner', and in 1881 at Mutford. On 30 December 1890 George married Maria Ann Elizabeth Batchelor at Mutford Church. They both lived at Mutford and George was a market gardener.  In 1891 they lived at Shrub Villa, Hulver Road, Mutford. In 1901 they were still living at Hulver Road, and George worked as a market gardener. They were still living at Hulver Road in 1911, and George was still working as a market gardener.  George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 30 March 1915.George was serving on the 'Recompense' when he washed overboard and drowned, off Dungeoness. In 1919 Maria, also known as 'Lizzie', lived at Shrub Villa, Hulver Road, Mutford.  George's son Surtees died in 1944.

A Seaman Cook with H.M. Trawler Edwardian, Roy died on 11th of August 1940 at the age of 22. Roy was born at Pakefield on 17 February 1918, a son of William H. G. and Lily Selina Boon. By 1921 his family was living at 14 Wellington Road, Pakefield. This was still their home in 1939 and, at that time, Roy worked as an aluminium moulder and fixer.During World War Two Roy served on H. M. Trawler Edwardian. On 11 August 1940 the Edwardian, a minesweeping trawler, was in the Thames Estuary. A large formation of German aircraft attacked Convoy FN 49 and then began attacking the ships, including the Edwardian, in the Thames Estuary. The crew of the Edwardian, along with the crew of H. M. Trawler Peter Carey, fought back and together shot down four enemy aircraft. The Edwardian was bombed and three men, including Roy, were killed, and three others wounded. (Co-incidentally the skipper of the Peter Carey was Ernest George Catchpole of 67 Carlton Road, Lowestoft). See: EDWARDIAN (wildfire3.com)  Roy received a posthumous 'Mention in Despatches' (London Gazette 4 October 1940), 'For good services in H.M. Trawlers when attacked by enemy aircraft.' This was an award for his service on 11 August 1940. 

A Second Engineer with the trawler Strathmaree, Surtees died on 28th of January 1944 at the age of 47. Surtees was born at Mutford on 4 September 1897, a son of  George William and Maria Ann Elizabeth Boon. He was baptised at Saint Andrew's Church, Mutford, on 21 September 1897. In 1901 his family lived at Hulver Road, Mutford. They were still living at Hulver Road in 1911 when Surtess worked as a gardener. During World War One Surtees' father died while serving with the Royal Naval Reserve. Surtees joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 1 January 1915, number A 7287. From 24 May 1917 he served with the monitor H.M.S. M.26 as part of the Dover Patrol. He was demobilized on 29 January 1919. On 5 August 1918 Surtees married Fanny Helen Blaxford at Saint Lawrence's Church, New Brentford. The marriage register states that he was a Seaman in the R.N.R. and gave his address as H.M.S. Monitor 26. Fanny lived at 11 High Street, New Brentford. By 1939 they were living at 4 Bungalow, Hulver Road, Mutford, and Surtees worked as a farm labourer. In 1942 Surtees was a member of the crew of the trawler Strathmaree (number 137149), and served as a Second Engineer.  Surtees died of heart failure. He is remembered on the War Memorial at Mutford as one of the 'men who fell in World War Two'. He was also known as George Surtees Boon and this is a photo of him on the Strathmaree taken in September 1943 he is far right. CREDIT: Leo Whisstock

A Deck Hand with H.M. Drifter Piscatorial II, Cecil died on 28th of December 1917 at the age of 19. Cecil was born at Lowestoft on 7 June 1898, a son of Samuel John and Emma Jane Boor. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 August 1898 and his family lived at 16 Queens Road. In 1901 his family lived at 7 Edinburgh Road and by 1911 at 68 Worthing Road. By 1916 his parents were living at 46 Saint Margaret’s Road, and later at 119 Saint Margaret’s Road.Cecil joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 3 July 1916. He served with the trawler Fisher Queen and, on 22 September 1917, joined the Piscatorial II. On 28 December 1917 the Piscatorial II was patrolling in the English Channel, about seven miles south-west of Brighton, and struck a mine. The drifter sank with the loss of all ten crew, including Cecil.  

A Seaman with H.M. Drifter Star of Buchan., Frank died on 20th of October 1915 at the age of 25. Frank was born at Lowestoft on 28 February 1890, a son of Edgar and Elizabeth Boore. In 1891 his family lived at 103 Bevan Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their home in 1914.Frank worked at sea before the First World War. On 17 August 1913 Frank married Ellen Grummit, at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft.   Frank joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 December 1914. From 14 December 1914 he served on the trawler Star of Buchan. On 20 October 1915 the Star of Buchan was off the Nab lightvessel when it struck a mine and was blown up. Seven crew, including Frank, were killed. At the time of his death frank was engaged to Lily (surname unknown). Note: some online transcripts suggest that Frank married Ellen Grummit at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, in August 1913. However, there is no evidence that the marriage ever took place: Ellen did get married, but in London in late 1913, and Frank was unmarried when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve.

A Private with the 7th Battalion, William died on 19th of July 1918 at the age of 24. William was born at Lowestoft in 1894, a son of Julius John and Elizabeth Ann Borrett. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 October 1894, and his family lived at Fern Cottage, Rotterdam Road. In 1901 his family lived at 55 Stanley Street and, by 1911, at 69 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft, and William worked as a market gardener.William was working as an engineer's fitter for Elliott and Garrod Ltd. of Lowestoft, when enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 7 September 1914. He joined The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and was sent, initially, to the Depot and, on 10 September, joined the 7th Battalion. He was on one of a number of Lowestoft men who had volunteered to join the Army and who enlisted into 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 7th Battalion was part of the 18th (Eastern) Division and was based in the Colchester area during the first few months of its formation. William arrived in France with the 7th Battalion on 28 July 1915. On 22 October 1916 the 7th Battalion moved from Albert to take over the Fabec and High trenches. The Battalion War Diary for 26 October 1916 has:Heavy shelling of our front and support lines from 5 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. Damage to trenches slight, Casualties slight.12.00 noon three other ranks killed, eight wounded, four shell-shock.12.05 orders received from 55 Infantry Brigade. 7th Royal West Kent Regiment will relieve 7th Buffs as soon as possible. 7th Buffs on relief will move to Albert.4 p.m. Situation normal throughout day. Enemy shelling very will. 10.30 p.m. Relief of 7th Buffs by 7th Royal West Kent Regiment complete.  On 26 October William received significant wounds to his right arm and face. His right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder joint. William returned to England on 6 November 1916 and was posted to the strength of the Depot while he underwent hospital treatment. An Army Medical Board at King George's Hospital, London, 19 February 1917 concluded that he was no longer physically fit for service and he was discharged on 12 March 1917 with a pension of 25 shillings per week. He was awarded the Silver War Badge. William died at Lowestoft on 19 July 1918 from enteric fever: his family felt this was connected, in some way, to his military service. Note that William's service number is incorrectly shown on some records as having a GS prefix. William's service papers survive and can be found in WO 364. 

A Chief Officer with S. S. Cortes, Jack died on 26th of September 1941 at the age of 31. Jack was born at Brighton on 25 July 1909, a son of Vernon John Henry and Ellen Mary Ann Bosdet. His family had a home at 15 Carlton Mansions, Holmfield Road, London, and later lived at Oulton Broad. Jack's father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve. Jack began his career in the Merchant Navy in 1924 as an apprentice/cadet.Jack joined the S. S. Cortes on 3 February 1941 and was killed when the Cortes was sunk by enemy action. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Jack died on 5th of October 1944 aged 22. Jack was born at Croydon, Surrey, on 14 April 1922, a son of John William and of Lilian Gertrude Boutle. In 1939 his family lived at 1 Union Place and Jack was a fruiterer’s shop assistant. Jack enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after June 1940. By October 1944 Jack was a Flight-Engineers with 101 Squadron, based at Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire.On 5 October he was a member of the crew of a Lancaster I bomber, number LL758 SR-A, that was part of an ABC, or Airborne Cigar, raid to Saarbrucken. ABC sorties used electronic counter-measures to jam German VHF radio signals. Jack’s aircraft crashed near Trembleur, five miles north-east of Herstal, and all of the crew were killed.For more information see "Belgians Remember Them": The Airmen fallen in action in WW2 in Belgium - (belgians-remember-them.eu)WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Skipper with Sailing Trawler Young Bert (Lowestoft), Edward died on 30th of July 1917 aged 45. Edward was born at Blundeston in 1871, a son of John and Lucy Bowler. In 1881 his family lived at Market Lane, Blundeston. By 1891 they were living at High Street, Blundeston, and Edward was a fisherman. Later his family lived at Lound Road, Blundeston. In 1896 Edward was the Mate on the trawler Sunrise. On 30 July 1917 the sailing trawler Young Bert, LT 454, was sunk by submarine UC-63 somewhere in the North Sea. All five crew were killed. 

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Allan died on 8th of December 1943 aged 22. Allan was born at Lowestoft on 9 October 1921, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Ann Boyce. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 11 December 1921 and his family lived at 61 Sussex Road. By 1939 his family were living at 45 London Road South and Allan was a printer’s apprentice. Allan enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and August 1940. By December 1943 Allan serving at Camp Geck, Iceland, On 8 December 1943 he was involved in a road traffic accident on the Reykjavik to Keflavik road. He was seriously injured and died at the American Hospital at Camp Dailey.  See also Air Forces WW2 Casualty : Corporal A J BOYCE (939509), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve [RAFCommands]WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Deck Hand with H.M. Trawler Tettenhall, Augustus died on 23rd of May 1917 at the age of 24. Augustus was born at Lowestoft on 30 August 1891, a son of George William and Lavinia Ann Boyce. His family lived at 8 Church Road. From 1 February 1898 Augustus attended Saint Margaret's School. By 1901 Augustus' father had died and his family lived at Chain Cottages, 8 Church Road. By 1911 his family were living at 4 Fir Terrace, Oulton, and later his mother lived at 79 Lawson Road, Kirkley.On 11 November 1915 Augustus married Emily Elizabeth Tripp at Saint John's Church. He was a sailor, and gave his address as 79 Lawson Road, and Emily lived at 171 Raglan Street. Augustus joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 17 November 1915. He died when the Tettenhall struck a mine off Lowestoft. Six of the crew, including Augustus, were killed.Emily lived at Ivy Farm, Gillingham, and later remarried (Mummery) and lived at 31 Tennyson Road and then 107 Clapham Road. His brother George was killed in 1918 while serving with The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, George died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 28. George was born at Lowestoft on 9 June 1890, a son of George William and Lavinia Ann Boyce. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 28 September 1890 and his family lived at 8 Church Road. By 1901 George's father had died and his family lived at Chain Cottages, 8 Church Road. By 1911 his family were living at 4 Fir Terrace, Oulton, and later his mother lived at 79 Lawson Road, Kirkley.George enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Middlesex Regiment, number 26922. Subsequently he was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and was posted to the 7th Battalion. On 21 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were in the Vendeuil Sector and there was a heavy bombardment of the forward area, Liez Village with Vieville, Vivier Quenet and Verger Woods being heavily gassed. As dawn broke it became clear that the Battalion had been outflanked on both sides. With support from artillery and 150 dismounted cavalrymen the battalion were able to hold their positions. George was one of seventeen men of the Battalion killed on that day.  George's brother, Augustus, died in 1917 when his trawler was sunk by a mine.

An Able Seaman with Hood Battalion, Jack died on 8th of October 1918 aged 19.Jack was born at Blundeston on 4 December 1898, a son of John and Emma Boyce. He was baptised at Saint Mary’s Church, Blundeston, on 5 February 1899. In 1901 his family lived at Lound Road, Blundeston, and by 1911 at The Hole, Ashby. In 1916 the family’s address was the Dell, Ashby, and Jack was a farm labourer.Jack attested for the Army Reserve on 4 December 1916 but was called up to serve with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 9 March 1917 and actually joined the Royal Naval Division which was designated to fight on land but was made up of naval personnel. From 10 March 1917 Jack was attached to ‘A’ Reserve Battalion, at Blandford, as an Ordinary Seaman. On 19 October 1917 he was advanced to Able Seaman and served with the 2nd Reserve Battalion at Blandford. Jack was drafted to France to join Howe Battalion on 31 December 1917. On 11 January 1918 he was admitted to 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens, with a severely sprained left ankle and, on 13 January, he was transferred to 1 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples. On 27 January he joined 6 Convalescence Depot, Etaples, and on 2 February 15 Convalescence Depot at Trouville. On 1 March he joined the Base Depot, Calais, and on 3 March the Light Infantry Base Depot, Calais, and was posted to Hood Battalion on 5 March, joining then in the field on 13 March. Between 16 and 25 March he was attached to 189 Light Trench Mortar Battery.  Jack contracted rose measles and was admitted to a Field Ambulance on 5 May and was transferred to 25 Stationary Hospital, Rouen, on 15 May. Jack was discharged to duty on 24 May and joined ‘L’ Infantry Base Depot on 26 May. Jack rejoined Hood Battalion on 6 June. He was sent to a Field Ambulance on 14 July, reason unknown, and joined the Divisional Wing on 26 July, rejoining his battalion on 28 July. He was admitted to a Field Ambulance again on 15 September and rejoined Hood Battalion on 19 September. There is no record of when, where, or how, Jack, was wounded, but the battalion war diary shows that his battalion arrived at Noyelles on 7 October and began operations nearby, at Niergnies, the next day and the battalion’s casualties were eleven killed, 89 wounded, one gassed and five missing. It seems that Jack was wounded in the attack and then taken to 148 (Royal Naval) Field Ambulance, at Noyelles, where he died of wounds. 

A Gunner with 270th Brigade, Sidney died on 2nd of November 1917 at the age of 22. Sidney was born at Lowestoft in 1895, the only son of Charles Matthew and Emmeline Boyce. In 1901 his family lived at Norwich Road, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they were living at 13 Stanley Street and Sidney was an apprentice printing compositor. Sidney volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force), service number 1002. Sidney served with IV East Anglian Brigade, which was part of the divisional artillery of 54 (East Anglian) Division, and he arrived in France with the Brigade on France 17 November 1915. His brigade was attached to 33 Division until January 1916 when it was sent to Alexandria to rejoin 54 Division and his unit arrived in Egypt in February 1916 and became part of the Suez Defences. On 29 May 1916 his unit was redesigned as 273 Brigade and, on 29 December 1916 it was reorganised and became 270 Brigade. In early 1917 Sideny was given the service number 885289.His unit was in action during the Third Battle of Gaza, and during this engagement Sidney was killed in action. 

A Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion, Kenneth died on 30th of June 1915 at the age of 24.Kenneth was born at Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, in 1891, a son of Alexander Gaviller Boyd and Charlotte Christian Boyd. By 1901 his family were living at Stronsay, Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft. Kenneth was working as a 'city whare-houseman' for Messrs. Boyd & Co., London, when he volunteered to join the Honourable Artillery Company on 24 July 1911. At the time he was living at 35 Mount Pleasant, Upper Clapton. He volunteered to serve for four years in the Territorial Force. He was mobilized on 5 August 1914. Kenneth was promoted to Lance Corporal on 7 November 1914. He arrived in France on 28 December 1914 and joined the Battalion at Kemmel on 13 January 1915. In June 1915 the Battalion moved to Ypres. Kenneth was killed in action near Hooge.  His brother Stewart Augustine Boyd also fell.

A Private with 5th Coy., Stewart died on 5th of May 1917 at the age of 33. Stewart was born at Broxbourne, Ware, Hertfordshire, in 1883, a son of Alexander Gaviller and Charlotte Christian Boyd. In 1891 his family lived at The Lawn, High Road, Broxbourne. In 1901 Stewart was a pupil at a private school at 13 Bracondale, Norwich, and his parents were living at Stronsay, Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 Stewart was working as an electrical tester, working for Sunderland Corporation, and living at 9 Shakespeare Terrace, Sunderland. Stewart then worked for Lowestoft Corporation Electrical Lighting Company before moving to Australia. He lived at 77 Mary Street, Leichhardt, New South Wales. Stewart enlisted in the 4th Reinforcements of the 18th Battalion Australian Infantry at Liverpool, New South Wales, on 8 July 1915. On 30 September 1915 he embarked at Sydney on H.M.A.T. Argyllshire.  On 10 January 1916 Stewart was taken on strength of the 18th Battalion Australian Infantry at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt. On 18 March 1916 his unit embarked at Alexandria and arrived at Marseilles on 25 March 1916.Stewart received a shrapnel wound to his face on 26 August 1916 and was sent to hospital. He returned to duty on 31 August 1916. On 10 December he was absent without leave for one hour and was awarded 24 hours Field Punishment No 2 as a consequence. On 11 January 1917 Stewart was admitted to hospital to be treated for scabies. He returned to duty on 2 February 1917and, that day, was transferred to serve with 5 Company Australian Machine Gun Corps. He was killed in action on 5 May 1917. Stewart's personal effects, one pair of boot laces, a money belt, a belt, a handkerchief, a brush, a jug purse, a book of views, postcards, two books, two booklets, a balaclava, two rubber stamps, curios, a metal bracelet and a flag, were sent to his father.  His brother Kenneth Seymour Boyd also fell.

A Private with the 1/7th Battalion, Fredrick died on 28th of August 1917 at the age of 35. Frederick, sometimes known as Fred, was born at Thurlton, Norfolk, in 1879, a son of William and Matu Ann (Maria) Brabben. He was baptised at Thurlton on 26 May 1879 and his family lived at Thurlton. In 1891 his family lived at Reedham Road, Loddon. Later his parents lived at Thorpe, Haddiscoe, Norfolk.In 1911 Frederick lived at 5 Hall Lane, Hardley, Loddon, and he worked as a horse man.  Frederick enlisted in the Army at Loddon, Norfolk. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3699, and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion.On 17 May 1916 Frederick married Adelaide Lay at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Frederick was a soldier and they both gave their address as Kirkley. Later Adelaide lived at 4 Walmer Road, Kirkley.Frederick was posted to France and transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 300006. He was posted to the 1/7th Battalion. On 16 August 1917 the 1/7th Battalion were in positions at Canal Bank, near Ypres. On 27 August they attacked and captured Springfield Farm. Later that day A and B Companies were relieved and moved to Poperinghe and on 28 August C and D Companies were relieved and moved to Poperinghe.There is no official record of what happened to Frederick. He was reported to have been wounded and, later, it was determined that he had been killed in action on 28 August.  

A Private with the 11th Battalion. Albert died on 28th of April 1917 at the age of 27. Albert was born at Lowestoft on 7 May 1889, a son of George and Ann Elizabeth Bradbury: his father was a fish merchant. Albert was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 June 1889.  In 1891 Albert's family lived at High Street, Llanstadwell. By 1901 they were living at 32 Milton Road, Lowestoft, and later his parents' address would be Tweedside, Milton Road. In 1911 Albert was living with his parents and working as a clerk in the family business and later he became a fish merchant.Before the First World War Albert served for 18 months with the Royal Field Artillery Volunteers. Albert enlisted in the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 2003, at Saxmundham, on 24 November 1914. He was discharged, medically unfit, three days later.   Some time later Albert enlisted in the Army again, at Lowestoft, and again joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, number 2168. Later he was posted to serve with the 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, number 43424. On 26 April 1917 the 11th Battalion were at the railway cutting south-west of Fampoux. On 27 April they received orders to prepare for an attack on Rouex the next morning. By 3 a.m. on the 28th they were in position and at 4.25 a.m. a barrage commenced with the battalion beginning the attack at 4.27 a.m. By 5 a.m. the attack was both held up and driven back by heavy machine-gun fire from a trench that had been missed by the preliminary barrage. About half of the battalion had returned to the front line trench and at 9.45 a.m. the Germans made a counter-attack from the direction of Rouex and were able to capture Mount Pleasant Wood and a communication trench called Ceylon Trench. The battalion held the front line and by 10 a.m. had recaptured Ceylon Trench and Mount Pleasant Wood. Next the battalion were moved into support line trenches while the British heavy artillery laid down a bombardment on the Chemical Works at Rouex. Late in the day the battalion returned to the front line trenches.  Albert was killed in action on 28 April. Albert's brother George Hartley Bradbury died in 1921 as a result of wounds sustained in the war. 

A Lieutenant with the 1/5th Battalion. George died on 18th of February 1921 and the age of 35.George was born at Llanstadwell, Pembroke, in 1886 (note some sources state that he was born at Lowestoft but his Army enlistment, civil registration, and various census returns state Llanstadwell). He was a son of George and Ann Elizabeth Bradbury: his father was a fish merchant. In 1891 George's family lived at High Street, Llanstadwell. By 1901 they were living at 32 Milton Road, Lowestoft, and later his parents' address would be Tweedside, Milton Road. In 1911 George was living with his grandmother, Eliza Hartley, at 5 High Street, Neyland, Pembroke. George married Marion Alexander at West U.F. Church, Fraserburgh, on 5 October 1912. Marion's father was the Burgh Surveyor at Fraserburgh. After George's father died, he took charge of the family business' branches in the north of Scotland. George and Marion lived at 'Belmont', Strichen Road, Fraserburgh. George enlisted in the Army, at Milford Haven, on 11 December 1915. He stated that he was a fish merchant. He was commissioned in the York and Lancaster Regiment in August 1917 and served in France, with the 1/5th Battalion, from 6 December 1917. At the beginning of the German offensive in March 1918 George was in Paris at a school of instruction. He returned to his battalion and, on 11 April 1918, received severe gunshot wounds to his limbs. On 11 April George's battalion were ordered to make at attack near Steenwerk. In the attack the battalion lost 17 officers, killed or wounded, and sustained over 200 casualties among the other ranks: effectively the battalion lost over half its men.  George was sent to hospital at Etaples and was there when the hospital was bombed. Later he was transferred to England and underwent treatment at the Duchess of Westminster Hospital, Guy's Hospital and at a hospital in Brighton. Such was the nature of his wounds that George was unable to leave hospital and had to undergo 23 operations. He was allowed home, to visit his family at Fraserburgh, but was suddenly taken ill and removed to a nursing home in Aberdeen where he died. His body was taken to the railway station at Aberdeen by a detachment of men from the Gordon Highlanders accompanied by their pipers who played 'The Flowers of the Forest.' Marion died in 1927. George's brother Albert also died in the war. 

A Deck hand with HM Drifter Datum, Charles William died on 26th of October 1916 at the age of 20. Charles was born on 5 March 1896, a son of Samuel George and Lucy Ann Brady. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 1 April 1896, and his family lived at 5 Wesley Street, and this was still their home in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 1 Bishop’s Building, Mariners Street. Later Charles’ family lived at 21 Chapel Street. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 January 1915 and from 16 January 1915 he served on the trawler Datum. On the night of 26-27 October 1916 the Datum, along with several other Lowestoft trawlers in the Dover Patrol, was attacked by German destroyers and sank with the loss of all hands.   For details of the attack on the Dover Barrage see: The German attack on the 'Dover Barrage' 26th/27th October 1916 (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk)Charles' brother Henry served in the Royal Artillery and died in 1945. Charles' sister-in-law Daisy and his nephew Ivan died in an air raid in 1941. 

A Civilian, Daisy died on 26th of May 1941 aged 37. Daisy was born at Lowestoft on 6 February 1905, a daughter of William Francis and Harriet Carron. She was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 16 June 1905 and her family lived at Wood’s Loke. In 1911 her family lived at 4 Boggis Cottages, Wood’s Loke. In 1921 her family were living at 4 Wood’s Loke and Daisy was a beatster working for Offord and Geddes, net makers. On 17 August 1926 Maude married Albert Edgar Brady at Saint Margaret’s Church. Albert was an engine greaser living at 94 Seago Street and Maude was living at94 Stanley Street. The 1939 Register shows Daisy living at 190 Waveney Drive. The cottages at Wood’s Loke were seen as a place of safety and several people from the town moved there. On 26 May 1941 an enemy aircraft, while being harassed by anti-aircraft fire, discarded its bombs in the Wood’s Loke area which damaged the cottages and caused many casualties. Daisy, and her son Ivan, were at her parents’ home, 4 Woods Loke, with her mother Harriet and sister Lily: they were all killed there during the air raid. Two of Daisy's brothers-in-law died in war service: Charles Brady in 1916 and Henry Brady in 1945. 

Henry was born at Lowestoft on 11 February 1905, a son of Samuel George and Lucy Ann Brady. In 1911 his family lived at 1 Bishop’s Buildings, Mariners Street, and later at 21 Chapel Street. In 1921 his family lived at 94 Seago Street. On 5 September 1931 Henry married Florence Kathleen Saunder at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Henry was a barman living at 94 Seago Street and Florence lived at 43 Norwich Road. In 1939 they lived at 94 Seago Street and Herny was a casual Post Office worker. Later Florence lived at 5 Payne Street. Henry enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1941. On 13 November 1941 his battery embarked on the ‘Empress of Japan’ and they arrived at Durban on 8 December 1941. They left Durban, on the ship Narkunda, on 24 December and arrived at Singapore on 13 January 1942. The battery were then taken to Nee-Soon, Malaya, and used their Bofors guns to combat the aerial attacks, particularly the Zero aircraft being used to bomb and strafe the British and Indian troops. The battery withdrew to Singapore. Henry was captured at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner in Japanese hands. Henry was held at Camp 4, Kanburi (Kanchanburi), Thailand, and would have worked on the Burma Railway.  Henry died at the India Base General Hospital, India, on 25 October 1945, from pulmonary tuberculosis. It is possible that he had been admitted to the hospital on 2 September 1945. Henry's brother Charles served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. Henry's sister-in-law Daisy and his nephew Ivan died in an air raid in 1941. 

A Civilian, Ivan died on 26th of May 1941 aged 5. Ivan was born at Lowestoft in 1935, a son of Albert Edgar and Daisy Maudie Brady.The cottages at Wood’s Loke were seen as a place of safety and several people from the town moved there. On 26 May 1941 an enemy aircraft, while being harassed by anti-aircraft fire, discarded its bombs in the Wood’s Loke area which damaged the cottages and caused many casualties. Ivan, and his mother Daisy, were at his grandparents’ home, 4 Woods Loke, with his grandmother Harriet and his aunt Lily, and they were all killed there during the air raid. Two of Ivan's uncles died on war service: Charles Brady in 1916 and Henry Brady in 1945. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Leonard died on 30th of November 1917 at the age of 22. Leonard was born at Beccles on 9 January 1895, a son of William and Caroline Brady. Note some sources state that he was born at Kirkley but on two consecutive censuses his family recorded his place of birth as Beccles. Leonard was a pupil at Kirkley School from 31 August 1898 and throughout his life his family lived at 22 Saint Leonard’s Road. In 1911 Leonard was a grocer’s errand boy. Leonard volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth in August 1914. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 12112. Leonard was an army signaller. Leonard was posted to the 7th battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 30 May 1915. Leonard contracted scabies and was admitted to 4 Stationary Hospital on 13 October 1915 for treatment. He was discharged to duty on 22 November 1915. In 1917 Leonard suffered a laceration wound to his right knee and was admitted to the Convalescence Depot at Rouen on 12 April 1917. On 20 November 1917 the 7th Battalion had a support role in the 12th Division on the Hindenburg Main Line. From 22 to 29 November, they held front line trenches. About 7 a.m. on 30 November the enemy launched a very heavy barrage on the battalion’s positions and about 7.40 a.m. attacked, en mass, from Gonnelieu and Banteaux. The battalion was attacked from the front and the right flank. The battalion’s machine gunners killed many of the attackers but by shear weight of numbers the Germans were able to overrun the battalion’s positions and forced them back to Bleak Trench and a strong point on the battalion’s left front. Many men were surrounded and forced to surrender. By 10 a.m. only one battalion officer was left and he, along with the remainder of the battalion, attached themselves to the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The battalion’s casualties for 30 November were:    Officers: two killed, one missing, five wounded and missing, eight wounded, one shell-shockOther ranks: 27 killed, 204 missing, 13 wounded and missing, 89 woundedLeonard was reported missing on 30 November. By September 1918 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on, or since, that date.  Leonard’s brother Victor died as the result of an air raid in 1942. 

A Civilian, Victor died on 6th of November 1942 at the age of 45. Victor was born at Lowestoft on 10 October 1897, a son of William and Caroline Brady. In 1901 Victor’s family lived at 22 Saint Leonard’s Road, and this was still their home in 1911. From 15 April 1901 Victor attended Kirkley School. Victor joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 13 January 1915, service number SB/31, and served on the trawler Alfred. On 10 October 1915 his rating changed to Deck Hand and his service number changed to DA/9906. In 1917 he served with the trawler Saxon and in January 1918 the trawler Cardinal. Later he served with the drifter Dreel Castle. Victor was demobilized on 18 June 1919.  On 20 June 1920 Victor married Rosa Lily Burwood at Saint Margaret’s Church. Victor was a maltster living at 22 Saint Leonard’s Road and Rosa lived at 6 Saint Margaret’s Plain. Rosa’s father Samuel Robert Burwood, and her brother, Samuel Burwood, had both served in the Royal Naval Reserve and had both been killed. In 1921 they lived at 22 Saint Leonard’s Road and Victor was a malt roaster working for Swannell & Sons Maltsters at Oulton Broad. In 1939 they were still living at 22 Saint Leonard’s Road and Victor was a malt roaster. Later Rosa lived at 32 Salisbury Road. On 6 November 1942 bombs were dropped on the Maltings and Robinson’s Boat Yard at Oulton Broad. Victor was injured in the attack and died the same day at the Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital. 

A Sergeant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, James died on 30th of May 1943 aged 21. James was born at Poplar, London, in 1922, a son of James Alfred and Kate Kathleen Bramble.James married Edna Lilian Maud Bramble, in the Wells district, in early 1943. They had a home at Home Farm, Upper Coxley, Wells, Somerset. Edna later lived at Lowestoft where she remarried and lived at 44 Elmhurst Avenue.James joined the air force in 1938. James was an Air-Gunner serving with 218 Squadron based at Downham Market, Norfolk. On 30 May 1943 James was a member of the crew of a Stirling III aircraft, number BK688 HA-A, in a bombing raid on Wuppertal. James' aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Schaffen Airfield north-east of Diest. All of the crew were killed. See also: "Belgians Remember Them": The Airmen fallen during WW2 in Belgium-Province of Vlaams Brabant- (belgians-remember-them.eu)WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass

A Private with 8th Battalion, Robert died on 1st of July 1916 at the age of 25. Robert was born at Runham Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth, on 16 October 1890, a son of William George and Mary Elizabeth Brand. Note that on his service papers and in Soldiers Died in the Great War his place of birth is given as Neepsend, Sheffield. Robert was baptised at Great Yarmouth on 21 December 1890. In 1901 his family lived at 9 Saloon Street, Runham Vauxhall, and this was still their him in 1911 when Robert worked as a beer bottler. On 5 October 1911 Robert married Edith May Mallows at Great Yarmouth. By 1914 they were living at 44 Forder Street, Sheffield. In 1916 Edith lived at The Hills, Bradwell, Derbyshire. In 1917 she married Fritz Harry Taylor and at some point she lived at Ardwick, Manchester, and at South Lopham, near Thetford, before living at Sprat’s Water Gate House, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft.Robert was a labourer living at 44 Forder Street, Sheffield, when he enlisted in the York and Lancaster Regiment at Sheffield on 3 September 1914. He has service number 12505. He was posted to the 8th Battalion on 12 September 1914. Robert arrived in France with the Battalion on 27 August 1915. On 1 July 1916 the 8th Battalion made an assault on the German lines near Ovillers, Somme. Early in the assault many men were killed, or wounded, by heavy machine-gun fire, but the assault continued and the Battalion was able to take, and hold, the German front line trenches and around 70 men managed to reach as far as the German third line trenches. Of 700 men that went into the attack over 600 became casualties. Robert was among those killed in action that day. 

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Sidney died on 27th of September 1916 at the age of 26. Sidney was born at Lowestoft on 2 April 1891, a son of Robert William and Kate Eliza Brand. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 May 1891 and his family lived at Laundry Lane. In 1911 they were still living at Laundry Lane and Sidney was a farm labourer. Later his parents lived at 7 Waveney Terrace, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad.Sidney was working as a butcher when he attested for the Army, at Bury St. Edmunds. He was called up on 26 May 1916. He joined the 3/1st Suffolk Yeomanry, service number 2657. He was transferred to the Suffolk Regiment and posted to the 1/4th Battalion, in France, on 27 August 1916. On 7 September 1916 he was transferred to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number G/18099, and was immediately posted to the 7th Battalion.   The 7th Battalion War Diary for October 1916 cannot be traced, hence, other than that he was killed in action, no further details of what happened to Sidney are known. 

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Charles died on 24th of November 1917 at the age of 33. Charles was born at Kirkley on 24 October 1884, a son of Charles and Ellen Mary Branwhite. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 16 January 1885 and his family lived qt 13 Kirkley Villas. In 1891 his family lived at 3 Gordon Road. Charles’ mother died at Lowestoft in 1892 and his father moved to Ipswich, where he died in 1897. Charles was educated at the Grammar School, Stamford, Lincolnshire.In March 1906 Charles moved to Canada to work as a farmer and he served in a local militia. On 22 March 1915 Charles attested for the Canadian Army at Vancouver. He joined the 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles, service number 11187. Charles arrived in England on 25 July 1916. On 13 October 1916 he was at Shorncliffe and was transferred to the 7th Battalion Canadian Infantry, in France, with service number 116137. He joined the battalion, in the field, on 31 October 1916. On 8 February 1917 Charles was ‘Placed under stoppage of pay to make good the value of one small box respirator (gas-mask), lost by neglect, value five dollars.’ On 25 August 1917 Charles was appointed Lance Corporal and was later an Acting Corporal. Charles was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 13 March 1918). The citation is found in the Canadian Army archive and reads:For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during our operations of Passchendaele Ridge, November 10th and 11th 1917. During the attack a few of our men had got in advance of their Company and were cut off from the rest by rifle and machine-gun fire. This N.C.O. made his way to them and, though painfully wounded, took command and engaged the enemy string point with rifle and rifle grenade fire, thus allowing the rest of the company to come up. Afterwards he rendered good assistance in capturing the strong point. All the other N.C.O.s of his platoon having become casualties, he refused to leave the line until after consolidation, when he was sent back. His courage, and most marked devotion to duty, though wounded, set a splendid example to all.  Charles had been shot in the leg during the attack and was evacuated to hospital. On 14 November 1917 admitted to 26 General Hospital, Etaples, by which time he was dangerously ill. He died of wounds, at the hospital, on 24 November. Charles’ name is recoded on the war memorial at Stamford School Chapel. 

A Civilian, George died on 27th of August 1940 aged 44. George was born at Lowestoft on 6 November 1895, a son of George and Louisa Breach. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 22 December 1895, and his family lived at 22 Clapham Road. In 1901 his family lived at Hastings House, Whapload Road, and this was still their home in 1911. By 1917 the family home was at Hollinghurst, High Street.During World War One George volunteered to join the Army. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 43151. He was posted to France on 23 June 1916 to join the 7th Battalion and he was promoted to Corporal. George passed his selection for officer training and was posted to England on 16 March 1917. On 22 March 1917 George married Olive Honor S. James at Saint Margaret’s Church. George then joined an officer cadet battalion and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) on 26 September 1917. He arrived in France on 8 January 1918 to join the 1/7th (Robin Hood) Battalion and he served with B Company.   By 20 March 1918 the 7th Battalion were in the Noreuil Sector. On 21 March the enemy put down a heavy barrage on their front-line positions. The barrage lasted several hours and cut all battalion communications lines, and many men were wounded. By 10 a.m. the enemy had turned the flanks either side of the battalion and were able to surround the battalion’s position. George was taken prisoner. The battalion recorded twenty-three officers and 614 men ‘missing’ on 21 March. George was held at Karlsruhe, Germany, and was repatriated on 30 November 1918 and was demobilised on 29 January 1919. For a time in 1919 it seems that he, and Olive, lived at The Turnpike, Blofield. In 1921 they lived at 5 Royal Avenue and George was a fishing boat owner, being a partner in Hutchings & Breach, boat owners.In 1939 George and Olive lived at 181 High Street. The 1939 register describes George as a ‘fish salesman now working as a net rigger.’ Later Olive lived at 18 Ipswich Road.On 21 August 1940 German aircraft dropped twelve high explosive bombs in the vicinity of Harvey, Wilson and Osborne Shipwrights and Jewson’s Timber Yard at Horn Hill. In that raid six people were killed. George, who was at Saint John’s Road, and was one of seven people injured during the raid. He died from his injuries, at Lowestoft and North Suffolk Hospital, on 27 August. 

A Private with the 5th Dragoon Guards, John died on 11th of June 1915 at the age of 36. John was born at Lowestoft on 5 April 1879, a son of William and Sarah Breach. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 7 December 1879. In 1881 his family lived at 48 Haward Street, Lowestoft. By 1891 they were living at 22 Lorne Park Road, Kirkley. John attended Lowestoft board and technical schools. John enlisted in the Army, at Ipswich, on 16 April 1898. He joined the 7th Dragoon Guards, number 5002, and saw active service in the Boer War, being awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal. On 23 October 1902 he transferred to the 5th Dragoon Guards in India. By March 1910 he had joined the Army Reserve. John married Agnes Maud Hadenham at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 28 March 1910 and the register shows that John worked as an insurance agent. In 1911 John and Agnes lived at 3 Rosebud Terrace, Kirkley Run, Oulton Broad, and John worked as a farm bailiff. On 12 April 1912 John and Agnes set sail for Montreal and John became a farmer. With the outbreak of the First World War John was recalled to the Army and came back to the U.K. His regiment, the 5th Dragoon Guards, was already in France and he was sent to join them, arriving in France on 29 November 1914.Cavalry regiments, such at the 5th Dragoon Guards, often had to fight dismounted in trenches, and it was in this capacity that John was serving when he was wounded at Hill 60 (in the Ypres area). John was evacuated to Boulogne where he succumbed to his wounds at the 13th General Hospital.Agnes settled in Ipswich and lived at 7 Kitchener Road. A note in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour states:Private Breach was a life-long abstainer, a keen footballer, and an expert cricketer, and held several good conduct medals. His three brothers are all now (1916) on active service. 

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, John died on 26th of August 1914 at the age of 30. John was born at Lowestoft on 30 July 1884, a son of Henry (Harry) and Maria Breach. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church in 1884. In 1891 his family lived at 18 Haward Street and in 1901 at the Waggon and Horses Public House, Rant Score East, and John was a general labourer. Later his parents lived at 2 Cooks Buildings, Whapload Road. John enlisted in the Suffolk Regiment in 1905 and in 1911 was serving with D and E Company of the 1st Battalion at Mustapha Barracks, Alexandria, Egypt. He would have joined the Army Reserve around 1912. John married Elizabeth Eva Monk at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 28 February 1914 and at that time he was working as a carter. Later Elizabeth lived at St. Laurence, Bungay. John would have been mobilized when the war began. As the 1st Battalion was in Sudan, John was posted to the 2nd Battalion and arrived in France, with the battalion, on 15 August 1914. The battalion strength on 15 August 1914 was 25 officers and 971 men.On 26 August 1914 the 2nd Battalion were at Le Cateau and had to hold the right of the British position in order to allow the general retreat of the army. The 2nd Battalion played an important role in the battle: they held their position throughout the day and under withering fire from German artillery and machine guns. Eventually they were surrounded and the remnant of the battalion captured: but they had done what was vital - they held the position. At roll call the next day there were only 2 officers and 111 men left, but another 90 stragglers joined during the day: in total the battalion lost 22 officers and around 750 men at Le Cateau.John was initially reported wounded and missing and later confirmed to have been killed in action at Le Cateau. John's brother-in-law, Frederick Sayer, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1918. John's cousin, Robert Breach, served with the Norfolk Regiment and died in 1918. Note: in Soldiers Died in the Great War and Commonwealth War Graves his middle name is given as Thomas. This is incorrect and his correct surname is verified by birth, baptism, census, marriage and other military records including pension record cards and medal rolls. 

A Private with the 6th Battalion, Richard died on 20 October 1943 at the age of 25.Richard was born at Lowestoft on 9 October 1918, a son of Ernest Edward and Syrena Breach. A note in prisoner of war records suggests that Richard was born at 19 Saint Aubyns Road, Pakefield. In 1921 his family lived at 12 Carlton Road, and this was still their home when Richard’s father died in 1934. In autumn 1939 Richard married Florence Marjorie Poll at Lowestoft. The 1939 Register shows Florence living at 22 Duke’s Head Street, and this was still her home in 1945. Later Florence married Alan Grint.Richard was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the Army. He joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment, service number 5776156, and was posted to the 6th Battalion. In late 1939 the 6th Battalion was stationed at Sheringham and in spring 1940 guarded the coast from Sheringham to Overstrand. In August 1940 the Battalion moved to Holt and later in the year they moved to Weybourne, and then Swaffham.The 6th Battalion was part of the 18th (East Anglian) Division and in January 1941 the Division moved to Scotland until April when they moved to Hartford and in August to Knowsley Park, Lancashire.In October the Division received orders that they were to go overseas, and the 6th Battalion embarked on the S.S. Duchess of Atholl, at Gourouk, and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 October 1941. The Battalion, being part of the 53rd Brigade, was transferred to S.S. Mount Vernon and sailed for Trinidad and then Cape Town, arriving on 9 December 1941 and three days shore leave was granted.On 13 December 1941 they sailed for Bombay, but orders came redirecting them to Mombassa and then Singapore, where they disembarked on 13 January 1942. From 16 January they were involved in the battle to save Malaya. Richard was reported missing at Singapore on 15 February 1942. A note in prisoner of war records states ‘overland 19 March 1943’ which may indicate that he left Singapore, by land, on that date. Richard died from ‘indigestion’. Richard was buried at Chungkai which was a base camp on the Thai-Burma railway and had its own hospital. With thanks to Trevor Faulkner. 

A Sergeant with the 9th Battalion, Robert died on 14th of October 1918 aged 33. Robert was born at Lowestoft in 1885. Robert’s militia service papers show that his mother’s first name was Sarah, and she is believed to be Sarah Ann Breach, the sister of Henry Breach. In 1891 Robert was a boarder with Sarah Prettyman, and family, at 1 Hall Lane. By 1901 Robert was living with his uncle and aunt, Henry and Maria Breach, at the Waggon and Horses Public House, Rant Score East, and Robert was a joiner’s apprentice. Note the 1901 Census clearly states that Robert was Henry’s nephew. By 1901 Robert’s mother was living at the County Asylum at Melton, Suffolk. Later Henry and Maria lived at 2 Cooks Buildings, Whapload Road, and after Henry’s death Maria lived at 5 Sunshine Terrace, Oulton Broad.Robert was working as a carpenter, and serving with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, when he attested for the 4th Militia Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Lowestoft, on 18 October 1905. He joined the regular battalions of the Norfolk Regiment on 6 December 1905. It is not clear whether Robert was still serving when the First World War began, or whether he was an Army Reserve, whichever the case he arrived in France, with the 1st Battalion, on 16 August 1914 and was a Lance Corporal. By December 1914 Robert had been promoted to Sergeant. In December 1914 he developed bronchitis and was admitted to 4 Stationary Hospital on 24 December and he was discharged to duty on 31 December.  In late April 1915 the 1st Battalion were in trenches near Hill 60, Belgium. On 28 April 1915 Robert, who was serving with D Company, was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance having received a bullet wound to his nose. On 28 April he was transferred to 8 Casualty Clearing Station. Once recovered he returned to the 1st Battalion. Between 1 and 13 July 1915 the battalion were still near Hill 60. On 11 July 1915 Robert was admitted to 14 Field Ambulance to be treated for a bullet wound to his head. He was transferred to a Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul, and the next day was evacuated, by Ambulance Train No 1, for further treatment. Once recovered Robert was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in Mesopotamia. Robert was wounded, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left humerus, and he was evacuated to England and admitted Queen Alexandra’s Military Hospital, Millbank, on 12 June 1916. He was discharged to furlough on 4 July 1916. Later he joined the 9th Battalion. Robert was awarded the cross of the Russian Order of Saint George, 4th Class. His award was published in the London Gazette of 15 May, 1917, page 4727. This gazette was entirely made up of awards to men who had served with Indian Expeditionary Force D in Mesopotamia, which indicates that Robert's award was for his service with the 2nd Battalion.  On 8 October 1918 the 9th Battalion began an attack at Brancourt, they were relieved on 10 October, but the next day took part in an attack east of Bellevue Ridge. The battalion’s casualties during this period were 69 killed and around 295 wounded. It seems that Robert was wounded during one of these attacks and he was evacuated to one of the medical facilities in the Vadencourt area where he died of wounds.Robert’s cousin, John Breach, served with the Suffolk Regiment and died in 1914.

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Crownsin, Ernest died on 4th of May 1916 at the age of 28. Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 28 May 1892, a son of Samuel Benjamin Wicks and Eleanor Jane Breeze. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 17 July 1892 and his family lived at 57 Queens Road, and this was still their address in 1901. By 1911 they were living at 18 Essex Road.On 20 January 1914 Ernest married Alice Beatrice Putford at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, Ernest was a fisherman living at 18 Essex Road, and Alice lived at 7 Stanford Street. Their home was at 18 Sandringham Road.  Ernest joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 20 August 1915. He served on the trawler Eileen Emma, LT 342, before joining the Armed Boarding Steamer H.M.S. Stephen Furness. On 23 October 1915 he joined the trawler Crownsin. On 4 May 1916 the Crownsin struck a mine, off Malta, and exploded. All eleven crew, including Ernest, were killed.

A Second Lieutenant attached to the 2/5th Battalion, Basil died on 3rd of May 1917 at the age of 26. Basil was born at Lowestoft on 3 April 1891, a son of Arthur and Ruth Brewster. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 27 April 1891, and his family lived at 32 Clapham Road. In 1901 his family lived at Waverley House, 110 Raglan Street.Basil volunteered and enlisted in the Army. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 2197, and was posted to the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Basil was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 2/6th Norfolk Regiment on 4 August 1915. In 1917 Basil was attached to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and he arrived in France on 14 January 1917 with the 2/5th Battalion. On 1 February 1917, as Bus, Somme, Basil and nine men of the battalion were attached to 97th Brigade to spend 24 hours in the trenches. On 4 February Basil and nine N.C.O.s began a course at the Divisional School, and he re-joined the battalion on 28 February. On 2 May 1917 nineteen officers and 589 men of the battalion arrived at St. Leger in readiness for an attack at Bullecourt. The attack began with an artillery barrage at 3.45 a.m. on 3 May. Smoke from the barrage and the general darkness made it difficult for the men to keep direction and when they reached the enemy front line there was considerable confusion. The troops details to take the first objective were held up by machine-gun fire. They were rallied by Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, and they tried to take the objective by sheer weight of numbers. By this time nearly all of the officers had become casualties, and the attack began disorganised with only small parties reaching the enemy’s front line: these were held up by wire that had not been cut. At 8.45 a.m. a second attack was organised, but this was again held up by enemy machine-gun fire. The men were able to take to shell holes and held these throughout the day. At 8 p.m. they were ordered to withdraw.The battalion’s casualties were:   Officers: three killed, seven wounded, one missingOther ranks: 35 killed, 156 wounded, 16 wounded and missing, 53 missingBasil was killed in action on 3 May, but as he had been reported wounded and missing it was not until June 1918 that he was officially presumed to have died 'on or since' that date. 

A Lance Corporal with 47th (Oldham) Regiment, Clifford died on 27th of October 1942 at the age of 35. Clifford was born at Ipswich on 14 July 1907, a son of Herbert Walter and Ethel May Brewster. In 1911 his family lived at 26 Norwich Road, Ipswich. Clifford was educated at Mrs. Goves School, Berners Street, Ipswich. From 16 September 1914 to 24 July 1919 Clifford attended Northgate Grammar School, Ipswich, and was then a pupil at Woodbridge Grammar School. By 1929 Clifford, and his parents, were living at Bridge Street, Loddon. Clifford married Doris May Littlewood in 1930, this was registered in the Loddon district. By 1939 they were living at 28-30 Carlton Road, Lowestoft, and Clifford was a wine and spirit merchant’s manager and a Special Constable. Clifford joined the Army and served with the 47th (Oldham) Royal Tank Regiment. His unit arrived at Suez on 9 July 1942. Due to shortages the unit had to give up their tanks for use by other regiments. In September 1942 the regiment moved to Fayid and was equipped with Sherman and Crusader tanks in readiness for the Battle of El Alamein. On 21 October 1942 they moved to the assembly area and on 23 October moved off, following the ‘Boat Track’ through minefields, to join the battle. On the morning of 27 October, the regiment were heavily engaged in fighting at Outpost Snipe and 25 German tanks attempted to ambush the regiment. Soon the regiment was reduced to eleven tanks and, by 9 a.m., was ordered to retire. Clifford was killed in action at El Alamein on 27 October. After losses at EL Alamein the 47th Regiment was disbanded.

A Private with 7th Battalion, William died on 8th of November 1915 at the age of 26.William was born at Pakefield on 25 April 1889, a son of Mary Ann Bridge. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 7 July 1889 and his family lived at 4 Bourne Terrace, Alexandra Road, Kirkley. In 1891 he lived with his grandparents, Henry and Harriet Bridge, at Bourne Terrace, 4 Alexandra Road. From 26 June 1893 William was a pupil at Cunningham School.  By 1901 William’s mother had married William Beamish, and the family lived at Florence Road, Pakefield. His mother died in 1905. William volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 7th Battalion, arriving in France on 4 October 1915 to join the Battalion. Military records show that William was killed in action on 8 November 1915, however the 7th Battalion War Diary does not mention any casualties for the period 5 to 15 November 1915 and during that time the Battalion were in a rest area.Also, memorial notice, placed in the Thetford and Watton Times, 28 October 1916, page 3, by ‘Ruth’, states that William was killed in action on 31 October 1915. On that date the Battalion were in front line trenches, including Big Willie and Crown Trench, and they were attacked with ‘large torpedoes and minenwerfers.’From the records available it is not possible to say whether William was killed on 31 October or 8 November, but, based on information that must have been sent to his relatives, and reproduced in the memorial notice, it is most likely that it was on 31 October.   William’s legatees were his mother’s sister, Annie Pointer, of 16 Prospect Place, Lowestoft, and Miss Esther Ruth Last. 

A Corporal with the 1/5th Battalion, Henry died on 4th of January 1918 at the age of 33. Henry was born at Wrentham, Suffolk, in 1884, a son of Henry William and Sarah Anne Briggs. In 1891 his family lived at London Road, Wrentham, and this was still their address in 1901 when Henry worked as a rural postman. On 21 December 1909 Henry married Louisa May Ellen Sterry at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Henry was a gardener living at South Park, Reigate, Surrey, and Louisa lived at 24 Reeve Street, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 62 Priory Road, South Park, Reigate, and Henry was a domestic gardener. While Henry was in the Army Louisa returned to Lowestoft to live with her family at 24 Reeve Street. Later Louisa lived at 108 Saint Peter’s Street and by 1939 was living at Staines.Henry volunteered and had enlisted in the Army by May 1915. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion, service number 4266. Soldiers Died in the Great War states that he enlisted at East Dereham, but that was a ‘catch all’ location used on many records of men of the 1/5th Battalion. Henry died not go overseas before 1916 and he was already a Corporal when he went to join the battalion. From early 1916 the 1/5th Battalion were in Egypt and thereafter they moved to Palestine. During 1917 he was renumbered 240901.There is no information about the circumstances, but Henry was captured by the Turkish and held as a prisoner of war. The Register of Soldiers’ Effects states that he died at Bo-rear Negde (sic) ‘in Turkish hands’. No other details are known.  Henry’s brother in law, Victor Sterry, served with the Suffolk Regiment, and died in 1917. 

An Acting Farrier Sergeant with B Battery 223rd Brigade, died on 13th of February 1919 at the age of 43. Herbert, who was often known as Lewis, was born at Marlesford, Suffolk, in 1876, a son of Frederick and Betsy Briggs. In 1881 his family lived at Black Street, Gisleham, and they were still living at Black Street in 1891. On 24 November 1899 Herbert married Alice Louisa Cole at Benacre Parish Church. Alice was living at Benacre and Herbert at Gisleham. In 1901 they lived at 2 Sandy Lane, Gisleham, and Herbert was a blacksmith. In 1911 they lived at Cooper’s Cottages, Gisleham, and Herbert was a cowman on a farm. For about thirteen years, until 1915, Herbert worked for Mr. Smith at The Hollies, Gisleham, and his work included the duties of a shoeing smith. Herbert was working as a shoeing smith when he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 27 October 1915. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number TS/9216. Herbert was rejected for military service as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier’. Later Herbert joined the Army for a second time. He joined the Royal Horse Artillery (Territorial Force), service number 638. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant before being posted to France. He may have served with the 2/1st (Somerset) Brigade.At some point he was transferred to the Royal Field Artillery, service number 620321, and joined B Battery, 223 Brigade. At the end of the war Herbert was an Acting Farrier Sergeant. Herbert died from pneumonia contracted on active service.

A Private with the 9th Battalion, James died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 19. James was born at Saint Andrews, Suffolk, in 1896, a son of James and Mary Briggs. In 1901 his family lived at The Street, Rumburgh. By 1911 they were living at wood Farm, Redisham, and James was a stockman on the farm. Later his parents lived at Epsom Terrace, 10 Kirkley Run, Lowestoft. James volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1915. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3838. He was posted to the 9th Battalion, in France, and renumbered 43962. James served with the battalion's machine-gun section. From 10 October 1916 the 9th Battalion were in front line trenches near Bernafay Wood, on the Somme. The Battalion's War Diary gives no description of what happened on 12 October, but notes that 13 other ranks were killed and 34 wounded. James was among those killed in action on 12 October.  A Lieutenant form his company wrote to his parents:He was one of my most efficient gunners, and we shall all miss him very much, as he was so cheerful at all times. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your sad loss.' (See Lowestoft Journal 11 November 1916, page 4). 

A Lance Bombardier with 75 (Shropshire Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, John died on 9th of August 1941 at the age of 24. John was born in 1917, a son of Samuel George and Fanny Briggs. In 1921 his family lived at The Street, Hulver, and by 1939 they were living near the Post Office at Hulver, Beccles.John married Beryl Olive Shipley in 1940. She lived at 'Penwood', Rushmere Road, Carlton Colville. Beryl remarried in 1944.John died, at Bruith, Breconshire, as the result of an accident. 

A Stoker with H.M.S. Hindustan, Charles died on 3rd of February 1916 at the age of 20. Charles was born at Spexhall, Suffolk, on 17 April 1895, a son of Samuel and Martha Brighton. In 1901 his family lived ‘near the school’ at Spexhall. In 1911 his family lived at Beccles Road, Barnby, and Charles was a fisherman. Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 30 January 1914. Before the Forst World War began Charles worked as a Stoker on the trawler LT 986. When the war began, he was called out for service and, on 3 august 1914, sent to North Shields. On 13 August 1914 he was drafted to H.M.S. Hindustan. In January 1915 Charles was serving with the Hindustan when the ship was involved in the Battle of Dogger Bank. On 3 February 1916 fell overboard and was drowned. 

A Civilian, Dorothy died on 29th of April 1942 at the age of 32.Dorothy was born at Lowestoft on 25 February 1910, a daughter of John Thomas and Ada Elizabeth Day. She was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 10 April 1910, and her family lived at Ethel Cottage, Nelson Road. In 1911 her family’s address was 1 Nelson Road, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1921.On 26 October 1932, Dorothy married Herbert Brighton, at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Dorothy was living at 59 Saint John’s Road, and Herbert was a motor mechanic living at Rye Mile, Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford.  In 1939 Dorothy and Herbert were living at 16 Ethel Road, Thorpe, Norwich. Dorothy and Herbert both died at the Ethel Road Air Raid Shelter during an air raid on 29 April 1942. 

A Civilian, Herbert died on 29 April 1942, at the age of 35.Herbert was born at Lowestoft on 14 September 1906, a son of Levi Herbert and Ellen Jane Elizabeth Brighton. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 14 October 1906, and his family lived at 41 Lorne Road, Kirkley, and this was still their home in 1911. Herbert became a pupil at Lovewell School on 24 April 1911.In 1921 his family were still living at 41 Lorne Road and Herbert was an office boy for the United Automobile Company (Motor Bus Services) at Laundry Lane, Lowestoft. By 1939 his parents were living at 33 Saint Peter’s Road, Lowestoft, and later they moved to 9 Beatrice Road, Thorpe, Norwich.On 26 October 1932, Herbert married Dorothy Alice Day, at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Herbert was a motor mechanic living at Rye Mile, Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford, and Dorothy was living at 59 Saint John’s Road, Lowestoft.  In 1939 Herbert and Dorothy were living at 16 Ethel Road, Norwich. Herbert served in the Home Guard. Dorothy and Herbert both died at the Ethel Road Air Raid Shelter during an air raid on 29 April 1942. 

A Stoker with Steam Trawler Incentive (Lowestoft), Edward died on 28th of May 1915 at the age of 33. Edward was born at Mutford in 1882, a son of Thomas and Christina Brinded. In 1887 his family lived at Burlingham. Edward's mother died in 1887 and his father married Mary A. Lubbock in 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Bakers Road, Halvergate, Norfolk. By 1901 his family were living at Farm House, Geldeston, and Edward worked on the farm for his father. In 1907 Edward married Florence Howlett. In 1911 Edward and Florence lived with her father at Dunburgh Hill, Gillingham, near Beccles, and Edward was a wood sawyer for a carpenter and wheelwright. Later they lived at 96 Carlton Road, Lowestoft. Edward worked as an Stoker 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. Edward's brother Thomas was killed at Gaza in 1917 whilst serving with the 1/4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. 

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Boy Roy, George died on 9th of May 1916 at the age of 24. George was born at Norwich on 12 December 1891, a son of William and Harriet Brinded. In 1901 his family lived at 149 Saint Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft, and by 1911 they lived at 74 Saint Margarets Road, and George worked as an engine cleaner with the Great Eastern Railway.George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 25 October 1915 and served on the trawler Boy Roy. An article in the East Anglian Daily Times, 11 May 1916, page 3, explains what happened to George:.GUN TRAGEDY ON BOARD SHIPTHE SECOND ENGINEER KILLEDOn Wednesday afternoon Mr. L.H. Vulliamy held an inquest at Lowestoft concerning the death of George Brinded, aged 24, second engineer on a patrol boat, who met his death on Tuesday.William Brinded, foreman on the G.E.R., living at 74 Saint Margaret’s Road, identified as that of his son. John Gillett, first engineer, said that on Tuesday, about 4.30 a.m., he had just come on deck from the engine-room, when he heard a report, as he thought, in the engine-room, and asked a comrade what it was. He replied that the report was in the cabin. He at once went down and saw the deceased lying practically doubled up on the floor of the cabin. Deceased was bleeding from the back, and he could see a wound through his clothes. William John Belton was in the cabin with the deceased, and said: “He is shot”. Witness believed death occurred within three minutes. Belton said he afterwards went with the deceased into the cabin to lie down till ordered to sea. He saw a rifle in the bunk, and was about to place it on the table, but whilst bringing it round it exploded and hit deceased in the chest.By a Juror: There was no argument; the men had only been below about one minute.Another Juror: They were quite friendly? – Oh, yes, laughing and joking a minute before – the best of friends, both ashore, and afloat.William George Groom, the skipper, said he left the vessel about 2 p.m. on May 8th. He was in the cabin just before leaving, but saw no rifle lying about. William John Bolton, a deck hand, said he went on board to await orders. He removed a rifle from the bunk, and was lying it on the table, with the barrel pointing towards the deceased, when it suddenly went off. He did not know if the raised edge of the table touched the trigger. Deceased exclaimed. “Oh! Oh! I’m shot.” He then fell to the cabin floor. Witness seemed stunned, and could not call for help. Immediately afterwards the first engineer came down and lifted the deceased on to the locker. Witness noticed a lot of blood coming from his chest and the skipper went for a doctor. Witness and deceased were schoolboys together and had never quarrelled. They were the best of pals, both afloat and ashore. Witness did not know the rifle was loaded.Staff-surgeon Guy Leslie Buckeridge said he found a wound in the chest and another just below the spine, where the bullet passed through. Death was due to haemorrhage and shock from the bullet wound.The Coroner said there was no doubt as to the cause of death, and it would be for the Jury to say whether anyone was criminally responsible. In that case there would have to be a verdict of manslaughter. On the other hand, they had the evidence of Belton that he did not know the rifle was loaded. It was therefore clear that the trigger must have caught against something, causing the weapon to go off. Belton might have acted incautiously, or with carelessness, but it did not amount to anything further. However, it was highly desirable that steps should be taken to minimise, as far as possible, the danger of a similar occurrence in the future. The Jury found a verdict of “accidental death.” And exonerated Belton from any blame. They also felt that loaded firearms should not be left as the evidence had proved this gun was left. The Coroner undertook to convey the expression of the Jury to the proper quarter. Regret was also expressed on behalf of Belton at the sad occurrence. A further report, in the East Anglian Daily Times, 13 May 1916, page 8, described his funeral:NAVAL FUNERAL AT LOWESTOFTOn Friday afternoon the funeral took place at Lowestoft Cemetery, with naval honours, of George Brinded, aged 24, second engineer of one of H.M. patrol boats, the victim of the shooting tragedy at Lowestoft last Tuesday. There was a large concourse, mostly ladies. The coffin was conveyed upon a gun-carriage drawn by a naval contingent, under Lieutenant R. Cook, and followed by a still larger number of members of the R.N.R.The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, and almost hidden by floral tokens. The Reverend C. Tindall, one of the curates of Saint Margaret’s, officiated. The mourners included the deceased’s parents and Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Turrell. Among those present were Councillor A. Jenner, J.P., Mr. J.C. Cooper, and Mr. Block (secretary), representing the Loyal “Wingfield” Lodge of Oddfellows (of which the deceased was a member). Brinded was an acting fireman on the G.E.R. before joining the Navy, and a number of his old railway chums attended, including Mr. William Moore (representing the engineering department), Driver Stantin, Pluck, Hammond, and W. Godfrey, Firemen Dow, Gardiner, and Brown, F. Pluck (storekeeper), Messrs Woods, Robinson, Jeffries, Brown and Sterry (cleaners), while the mechanical staff was represented by Messrs. G. Leverick, Hillyer, and Knights. The bearers were members of the deceased’s crew; the coffin was of English elm, with plate inscribed: - “George Brinded, died May 9th, 1916, aged 24 years”, and after the committal the “Last Post” was sounded by a bugler from H.M.S. Halcyon. The floral tributes were numerous and handsome, and included five under glass. In addition to those sent by the family, they were sent by:- Mr. and Mrs. Ellis (Norwich), the skippers of H.M. drifters at Lowestoft (two under glass), the locomotive department of the railway (under glass), Mr. and Mrs. Baldry, Councillor and Mrs. A. Jenner, Frank and Frederick Pluck, skipper and crew of the Rob Roy, members of the G.E.R. “Help Yourself Society”, Mr. and Mrs. Bagge, S. Capps, Ernie and Mabel Plant, Mr. and Mrs. Belton and son, and others. Mr. Horace Riches, Raglan Street, was undertaker.   

A Private with 1/4th Bn., Thomas died on 2nd of November 1917 at the age of 38. Thomas was born at Mutford in 1879, a son of Thomas and Christina Brinded. In 1881 his family lived at Mutford and in 1887 they lived at Burlingham. Thomas' mother died in 1887 and his father married Mary A. Lubbock in 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Bakers Road, Halvergate, Norfolk. By 1901 his family were living at Farm House, Geldeston, and Thomas worked on the farm for his father. In 1904 Thomas married Agnes Head at Geldeston. In 1907 they lived at Geldeston. By 1911 they were living at 'back of the Chapel', Horham, near Eye, Suffolk, and Thomas was a farm labourer. Between 1912 and 1915 they lived at Dennington, Suffolk, and by 1917 at 44 Whapload Road, Lowestoft.  Thomas enlisted in the Army at Framlingham, Suffolk. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 203908, and was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in Palestine. From 27 October 1917 the 1/4th Battalion were involved in the Third Battle of Gaza, which lasted until 7 November 1917 (the capture of Gaza taking six days from 1 to 7 November). While no records state exactly where, or how, Thomas died, we can infer that his death occurred in the vicinity of Gaza. Thomas' brother Edward died in the loss of the Incentive in 1915. 

A Private with the 11th Battalion, Charles died on 22nd of March 1918 at the age of 23. Charles was born at Lowestoft on 9 November 1894, a son of Charles Alfred and Clara Elizabeth Brittain. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 5 December 1894, and his family lived at 29 Queens Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 they lived at 10 Princes Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 2 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, and Charles was an iron monger’s assistant. Later his parents lived at Tresco, Corton Road, Lowestoft, and, at some point, Penderalis, Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft. Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Charles was posted to the 7th Battalion, with service number 43176, and arrived in France in August 1916. He developed seborrhea and was sent to England, arriving at the County of Middlesex War Hospital, Napsbury, on 8 April 1917 for treatment. He was discharged on 26 April 1917 and went on furlough. Subsequently he was posted to the 9th Battalion before joining the 11th Battalion. (The 9th Battalion was disbanded in France and he may have been in the draft sent from the 9th to the 11th battalion on 5 February 1918). Charles was attached to the 101st Light Trench Mortar Battery of 101 Brigade which gave support to the 11th Battalion and the other battalions in the Brigade. On 21 March 1918 Charles unit were to provide support to the Brigade, near Croiselles, in the anticipated German attack. Four guns on the right fired continuously during the 21st and were eventually all destroyed, the surviving men of their gun crews joining the 15th Royal Scots as riflemen. The four guns on the right maintained fire throughout the 21st but the next day three guns were destroyed and the officer commanding ordered the remaining gun to be spiked and the surviving men to join the 11th Battalion as riflemen. Charles was reported missing and later presumed to have died on 22 March.  His brother John served with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and died in 1916.

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, John died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 21.John was born at Lowestoft in 1896, a son of Charles Alfred and Clara Elizabeth Brittain. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 11 November 1896, and his family lived at 29 Queens Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 they lived at 10 Princes Road, Lowestoft. John attended Church Road Board School. By 1911 they were living at 2 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, and Charles was a net mender. Later his parents lived at Tresco, Corton Road, Lowestoft, and, at some point, Penderalis, Yarmouth Road, Lowestoft.John enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. This was in, or before, October 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1270 and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Later he was posted to the 7th Battalion in France, service number 43152.   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.  John was reported missing and his death was presumed to have taken place on or since 12 October. John's brother Charles served with the 11th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and died in 1918. 

A Net Stower with the Steam Drifter Lily. Richard Charles died on 7th of October 1914 at the age of 39. Richard was born at Lowestoft on 8 February 1875, a son of Joseph and Mary Ann Britteon. Note in some sources his surname is given as Britton or Brittion. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 April 1875. In 1881 his family lived at 24 Bevan Street and by 1891 at 10 Raglan Street. Richard, like his father before him became a fisherman.Richard married Ellen Jackson at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 12 July 1896. At that time Richard was living at 6 Long Row, Clapham Road, Lowestoft. In 1901 Richard and Ellen were living at Raglan Cottages, 2 Raglan Street, and by 1911 at 2 Turners Cottages, Saint John's Road, Lowestoft.Richard 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. 

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Ocean Fisher, Frank died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 32.  Frank was born at Dublin on 6 April 1886, a son of William and Annie Broad. His father was a career soldier. In 1891 his family lived at The Barracks, Heston, Middlesex, and by 1901 they were living at Canterbury. Frank has not been traced in the 1901 Census. It is possible, though not confirmed, that Frank was a fisherman working of the trawler A.J.W., at Ramsgate, in 1904 and noted for having tried to rescue a colleague, and being badly burned, when the trawler caught fire. Frank was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1907. In 1911 Frank lodged at 33 Wilde’s Score, Lowestoft, and he worked as a fisherman. On 22 March 1913 Frank married Ann Maria Turrell at Saint Margaret’s Church. Frank was a fisherman living at 18 Haward Street and Ann lived at 26 Haward Street. In 1914 they lived at 171 Whapload Road. Later Ann lived at 23 Worthing Road.Frank joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 4 August 1915, as a Second Hand, and served on the trawler Glory. On 22 August 1915 he joined the trawler Retriever and on 24 September 1915 he was promoted to Temporary Skipper. Frank served with the trawler Kent County from 16 July 1916, and he joined the trawler Emperor on 30 November 1916. He served as the Skipper of the Ocean Fisher from 22 December 1916. Frank was Mentioned in Despatches on 27 June 1917 for his services in the Auxiliary Patrol during 1916. On 16 June 1918 the Ocean Fisher was on minesweeping operations off the Haddock Bank in the North Sea. The drifter brought up a mine in the trawl. The mine exploded, sinking the vessel, with the loss of all nine crew including Frank. Note Commonwealth War Graves records give Frank’s date of death as 19 June, while all official records, including his record of service, correctly give the date as 16 June. 

A Private with 53 Protection Company, Arthur died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 51. Arthur was born at Kessingland on 15 September 1866, a son of William and Anna Maria Brock. He was baptised at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland, on 25 November 1866. In 1871 his family lived ‘by the Turnpike’, Kessingland, and in 1881 at The Street, Kessingland.In early 1891 Arthur married Anna Louisa Hitcham: this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1891 they lived at Mill Villa, London Road, Pakefield, and Arthur worked as a painter, possibly with his father and brother. In 1901 they lived at Beach Street, Pakefield, and Arthur was a house painter. By 1911 they were living at 1 Kendal Road, Kirkley, and Arthur was a house painter. Arthur enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 23309. Arthur did not serve overseas and in the summer of 1916, he was transferred to the Royal Defence Corps, service number 28798, and was posted to 53 Protection Company, part of the Eastern Command. Arthur died at the Military Hospital, Colchester, from carcinoma venbucult of the liver. 

A Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Victory II, Albert died on 25th of May 1918 at the age of 26.Albert was born at Ashby, Suffolk, on 14 February 1891, a son of Benjamin and Martha Brown. Albert was baptised at Saint Mary's Church, Ashby, on 20 September 1891. In 1891 his family lived near The Hall, Ashby. In 1901 his family lived at Herringfleet Road, Herringfleet. By 1911 their home was at White House Cottage, Herringfleet, and later they lived at 4 Widows Cottages, The Street, Somerleyton.Albert was a farm worker when he joined the Royal Navy, as a Stoker 2nd Class, on 28 December 1909. From 9 September 1913 to 14 August 1916 and 1 October 1916 to 31 March 1917 Albert served with H.M.S. Hazard. From 1 April 1917 to 12 November 1917 he served with H.M.S. Arrogant. The Hazard and the Arrogant were both depot ships for submarines.A note in his service record states 'For service in land operations'. From 13 November 1917 he was on the roll of H.M.S. Victory II which was the training depot for the Royal Naval Division which was the Royal Navy's land based infantry division. He died, from gastro-enteritis, at No 81 Hospital, Marseilles. His brother William was killed in 1915 while serving with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. 

A Second Hand with H.M. Drifter George V, Alfred died on 3rd June of 1917 at the age of 34.Alfred was born at Sotterley, on 18 August 1882, a son of Amos and Ellen Brown. In 1891 his family were living at 2 Kiln Road, Sotterly, but by 1901 they had moved to London Road, Kessingland, and Alfred had begun work as a fisherman.In 1901 Alfred married Mary Eliza Beamish. By 1911 they were living at 4 Witley Road, Pakefield. Later they lived at Carlton Road but it seems that after Mary's death, in 1914, Alfred and children went to live with his parents who were now living at Russell Cottages, Kessingland.Alfred remarried and his second wife lived at Dover. Alfred joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 27 January 1915 and was a Second Hand on H.M. Trawler 'George V'. Alfred died when the trawler was sunk by a mine on 3 June 1917. Eight of the crew were killed and one wounded. Alfred's brother-in-law, Ernest Beamish, served in the Royal Naval Reserve, and died in 1915. His brother-in-law, Thomas Read, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917. 

A Private with 9th Battalion, Augustus died on 30th of December 1915 at the age of 33.Augustus was born at Lowestoft on 20 June 1882, a son of Robert and Harriet Brown. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 August 1882. In 1891 his family lived at the German Gardens Inn, 173 High Street, Lowestoft, and his mother was a beer-house keeper. By 1901 Augustus’ father had died and his family lived at Jubilee Stores Public House, High Street, Lowestoft, and his mother was the proprietress. At this time Augustus was an apprentice upholsterer. See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.orgOn 24 December 1905 Augustus married Alice Emily Sarbutt at Saint Margaret’s Church, Lowestoft. Augustus was an upholsterer living at High Street, Lowestoft, and Alice lived at Oulton Road, Lowestoft. In 1911 they lived at 37 Edinburgh Road, Lowestoft, and Augustus was a furniture upholsterer. Later Alice lived at Snowling Cottage, Kirby Street, Lowestoft. Frederick volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment and was posted to the 9th Battalion. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 30 August 1915. In December 1915 the 9th Battalion spent several days in front line trenches as St. Jean-les-Ypres, Belgium. It was probably during this time that Augustus was wounded. He was taken to Lijssenthoek, which was the base for many Casualty Clearing Stations, where he died from his wounds.   Augustus is named on Saint Margaret's War Memorial. The Roll of Honour gives his initials as A H. 

A Private with 7th Bn., Frederick died on 3rd of August 1917 at the age of 23. Frederick was born at Chelsfield, Kent, on 14 March 1894, a son of Frederick Arthur and Florence Ellen Brown of 6 Wellington Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft. Frederick was educated at Farnborough and later at Morton Road School. Frederick married Hilda Boyce at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 2 November 1915. At that time he was working as a plumber at Blackheath, Kent. Frederick enlisted at Bromley, Kent, on 20 January 1916 and he arrived in France in May 1916. Frederick was serving with D Company of the 8th Battalion when he received a gunshot wound to his left upper arm and he was admitted to hospital on 28 June 1916. Once recovered Frederick was posted to the 7th Battalion. At some point Frederick was wounded again: the War Diary for the 7th Battalion gives a details list of men killed and wounded in the period 6 July to 27 July 1917 and Frederick is not names in the list, so it is possible that he was wounded before July 1917. Frederick would have been taken to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations in the Lijssenthoek area, where he died from his wounds.  By 1917 Hilda was living at 6 Wellington Road, Pakefield.  

A Second Hand with Sailing Trawler Loch Fyne (Lowestoft), George died on 6th of September 1915. George was born at Lowestoft on 17 November 1878, a son of William and Elizabeth Brown. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 20 March 1889. In 1881 his family lived at 44 Stevens Street, Lowestoft, and by 1891 they were living at 16 Stevens Street.  On 13 October 1904 George married Edith Mary Womack at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft. George was a fisherman and they both lived at 22 Commercial Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 they were living at 63 Norwich Road, Lowestoft, and George was a trawler fisherman. In September 1915 George was the Second Hand on the sailing trawler Loch Fyne, LT 1105. The trawler left Lowestoft on 6 September 1915 intending to fish the Leman and Owen Shoals and to return on 15 September. The trawler was not heard of again and there was no sign of the crew. There is no certain answer as to what happened to the Loch Fyne. The trawler's owner thought it had been sunk by a mine, but the Admiralty determined that the Loch Fyne was possibly sunk by a submarine because between 7 and 10 September 1915 six other Lowestoft fishing vessels had been sunk in the Leman and Owen Shoals.All four crew, including George, were lost.Note: Although Commonwealth War Grave records give George's date of death as 6 September 1915, the Loch Fyne was presumed to have been lost between 7 and 10 September 1915. See: 1914 – 1918 Lowestoft Fisherman: killed by enemy action – History of Lowestoft's Fishing Industry (wordpress.com)